NewsBeat

October 2019 NewsBeat 23 Schneps Media has expanded yet again S By JUDY PATRICK — Executive VP of Editorial Development, NYPA chneps Media, with 70 community newspapers, websites and magazines across the boroughs of New York City as well as on Long Island and in Westcestcher County, has expanded yet again. Schneps acquired amNewYork, a free weekday tabloid and website aimed at New York City commuters, from Newsday Media Group in October. The price has not been disclosed. Vicki Schneps, who launched her first newspaper in 1985 out of her Queens living room, said Schneps has grown as opportunities have presented themselves. "Our mission is to be a grassroots news organization," she said, later adding: "For us it's about telling the stories of the people who live in the neighborhoods." She and her son Josh are co-owners and co- publishers of the company, which last year acquired both the Community News Group and NYC Community Media. "We'll continue to grow and we'll continue to look for opportunities. If you don't grow, you die," Josh The company's weekly print circulation is now about 300,000; the amNewYork acquisition adds another 150,000 daily to the number. That puts Schneps' circulation above the combined circulation in the city of the New York Post, The Daily News and the New York Times, Josh Schneps said. The added reach in Manhattan from amNewYork is especially valuable for the opportunities it offers to expand relationships with existing advertisers as well as to reach new advertisers, Schneps said. "We're excited about the future of local media," he said. The editorial plan for amNewYork is to continue to focus on local news. "That's what we do best," Schneps said. Robert Pozarycki, editor- in-chief of the Queens Courier, has been named editor of the daily, which will have dedicated editorial team of eight. That's smaller than the paper had under Newsday ownership, with Newsday offering severance packages to affected employees before the sale. Content from some of Schneps' weekly papers will also be used in amNewYork when it makes sense, Josh Schneps said. For Schneps, planning strategically as well as diversifying have been keys to the company's success. Another key: Being willing to invest in your business, he said, even when it entails taking risks. Vicki Schneps said it's important to reach out to people on the platforms they use, like websites and podcasts. "We just immediately embraced [digital] as part of our coverage," she said. "You've got to be multi-platform - newspapers, websites, podcasts," Vicki Schneps said. "You can't depend on only one revenue stream." Podcasts are relatively new territory for Schneps. With amNewYork, Schneps plans to expand its current lineup of five podcast offerings, which includes Vicki Schneps' own "Power Women" podcast. Expect to see event expansion. Schneps produces over a hundred events a year. While there's no one key to success in this realm, Schneps has benefitted from its 20 years of experience as well as its variety, Josh Schneps said. Its event portfolio includes health expos, networking and award dinners, food festivals, business conferences, custom events and home shows. Overall, Schneps employs about 200 people fulltime, including 40 editorial employees. Vicki Schneps discovered the power of journalism as a parent. The first of her four children, a daughter, was suffered brain damage at birth and finding good services for her was incredibly difficult in 1970. She eventually found the care her daughter at the Willowbrook State School on Staten Island. But when New York state reduced funding for the center, the level of care dropped dramatically. Vicki Schneps was among the outraged parents picketing to draw attention to the deteriorating conditions. To this day, Willowbrook is notorious for the poor treatment its residents received and its eventual shutdown credited in part to media exposes by journalist Geraldo Rivera as well as a federal lawsuit. Rivera's work detailing the problems at Willowbrook is legendary. Less well-known is the prominent role played by Vicki Schneps, who Rivera turned to as a spokesperson during his work. While Willowbrook was closed, Schneps stay involved. In 1971, Schneps founded a non- profit organization, known today as Life's WORC, to provide support for people with developmental disabilities and autism. Nearly 50 years later, Schneps and Rivera continue to advocate together on behalf of people with developmental disabilities. The press' contributions to bringing Willowbrook's problems to light stuck with Schneps. That's the prime reason she gives for why, in 1985, she started The Queens Courier from her living room. "My degree was in teaching and I had three other children, but I had always kept the power of the press effecting change in my mind," she said. In the ensuing years, Vicki Schneps has grown from one media outlet to 70. She describes the growth not as a grand vision but as organic. "People would come to us," she said, "because they wanted to trust their paper to someone who had a passion for community journalism." "But I'll tell you that my greatest acquisition has always been the people," she said. "It's all about the people you surround yourself with and making sure they get the benefits they need."

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