It’s an honor to tell the stories of the Long Island Press bicentennial, according to Victoria Schneps-Yunis, the founder of Schneps Media — the parent company of the Long Island Press — who relaunched the publication in 2017. Throughout its history, the newspaper has gone through an array of name changes, moved offices a few times, and shifted its editorial focus to keep up with the times. Schneps-Yunis shared her thoughts on what it means to lead the paper during its celebration, being the first woman to own the news outlet in its storied history, and what’s next for the Press.
How did you get into the news business? Fighting for my daughter, who was brain damaged at birth, I saw the power of the press when Geraldo Rivera exposed the conditions at the Willowbrook State School where she lived.
How does it feel to celebrate the bicentennial of the Long Island Press? Proud, proud, and prouder. It proves the power of the printed word. And now we have our digital and online versions.
The paper has changed hands more than a dozen times over the years, but you’re the first woman to own it. What does that mean to you? I’m laughing because I never pay attention to those things. It shows that a woman can do whatever a man can do. In all these years in business, I’ve never made a point of being a woman — I’m just a businesswoman.
What is your vision for the Press? To carry on the tradition of celebrating Long Island.
What would readers be surprised to learn about you? My mantra in life is to never give up and to reach for the stars one day at a time.
What’s next for the Press? To carry on the great tradition!
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