Congratulations to Schneps Media as they make a dramatic expansion on Long Island by acquiring the historic and longstanding Anton Papers and the in-quality and in-depth local reporting Blank Slate Media.
This new powerhouse weekly local news expansion is happening at a time when local news and reporting are under threat. We welcome the Schneps Family and thank them for committing to the important function of in-depth local news.
All news outlets and especially local news have lost dramatic revenues while advertisers have moved to social media. The politicization of the news coverage and the cries of “fake news” have undermined the public trust in all media.
The 24-hour news cycle has prioritized speed, scoops and “breaking news” instead of the essential in-depth, nuts-and-bolts reporting that citizens rely upon from the Fourth Estate. The economics, the loss of faith, the lack of time to invest in reporting and now the onset of artificial intelligence have all created a local news crisis.
Enter Schneps Media into the fray.
The Schneps team has proven that they know how to make the economics work by adding special events, printing and sweat equity to be successful in a challenging environment.
They refuse to be politicized and by maintaining key editorial leaders like Steve Blank with a proven independent streak and Angela Anton and her team to keep local networks vibrant, this new venture promises in-depth local reporting.
Most importantly, these local papers promise to take the time and invest the resources to provide in-depth coverage of local events, town halls, sports, cultural celebrations, and all of the types of news that are necessary for an informed local citizenry that can stay active and involved in our local communities.
Freedom of the press, an engaged Fourth Estate, and community members who are educated in local affairs are essential to our democracy.
When leaving the Constitutional Convention at Independence Hall in Philadelphia almost 250 years ago, Benjamin Franklin was asked by a respected local woman “what have you created Mr. Franklin?” Benjamin Franklin responded, “A Republic, Madame, if we can keep it.”
Keeping our republic and our democracy requires an engaged, active and educated citizenry.
Local news and reporting are essential to that function. Thank you, the Schneps Media, for making this significant investment and commitment to this important function and our community, and a special thank you for being great at it!
U.S. Rep Tom Souzzi
3rd Congressional District
