Dan Rattiner speaks with Victoria Schneps, president and co-publisher of Schneps Media
Nov 17, 2022
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Victoria Schneps, president and co-publisher of Schneps Media, built her media empire from a single publication into 80 outlets across major cities. In this conversation, she shares the emotional journey of advocating for her daughter with disabilities, which sparked significant reform. She reflects on local journalism's evolution while recalling the challenges of starting a newspaper. The discussion also touches on community growth and the pressing need for affordable housing, revealing how businesses are adapting to address these issues.
Victoria Schneps highlights her journey in media transformation, emphasizing the importance of community narratives in shaping cultural identity.
The episode discusses advocacy for individuals with disabilities, showcasing the role of media in raising awareness and driving significant social change.
Deep dives
Development of a Media Empire
The episode highlights the evolution of the media landscape in the Hamptons, tracing its transformation from a quaint locale into a thriving hub for celebrities and artists. The host, a seasoned figure in local publishing, recounts how his experience led to the founding of Dan's Papers, which has expanded to include numerous publications across New York City and beyond. Through interviews with influential locals, the podcast emphasizes the importance of community narratives in shaping regional identity and culture. It also underscores the growing influence of local media in bringing awareness to community issues and developments.
Personal Journey and Advocacy
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to a guest's compelling journey through parenting a child with special needs, which ignited her passion for advocacy and community service. She shares her relentless pursuit of care and educational opportunities for her daughter, advocating for funding and resources that ultimately led to impactful changes in service for people with developmental disabilities. The story illustrates the profound impact of media, specifically through a partnership with journalist Geraldo Rivera, which brought public attention to critical issues at Willowbrook State School. This advocacy not only contributed to closing Willowbrook but also paved the way for the establishment of group homes and services for those with disabilities.
Community Growth and Challenges
The discussion also delves into the challenges and opportunities surrounding growth in the Hamptons and nearby areas. The podcast emphasizes the necessity for towns to evolve by developing new projects that generate jobs and contribute to the local economy. In particular, the emergence of affordable housing is presented as a critical area of focus, as community leaders and developers face pushback from residents while striving to meet the needs of increasingly diverse populations. The conversation shifts to an expansion into Palm Beach County, illustrating how similar trends and community dynamics extend beyond the Hamptons, enhancing the ongoing narrative of growth and adaptation in these vibrant locales.
Episode 106: This week on the “Dan’s Talks” podcast, Dan speaks with Victoria Schneps, president and co-publisher of Schneps Media. She began her media empire with a single paper, The Queens Courier, in 1985 and has steadily grown Schneps Media to encompass 80 publications across New York City, Long Island, Palm Beach and Philadelphia. She also founded Life’s WORC to support people with intellectual disabilities and autism.
Find the “Dan’s Talks” podcast at DansPapers.com/podcast.
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