We’re Number 1 in New York!

Schneps Media — the parent company with over 100 media outlets across New York City, Long Island, The Hamptons, Fire Island, Great South Bay, Westchester and Rockland Counties, Philadelphia and southern Florida — can proudly proclaim itself as the best local news organization in the Empire State after achieving the highest point total in the 2023 New York Press Association Better Newspaper Contest.

The annual awards, presented during the New York Press Association’s Spring Conference in Saratoga Springs on April 26-27, recognize outstanding, high-quality local journalism produced by community newspapers throughout the Empire State.

Schneps Media newspapers and websites achieved 440 points during the contest, the most of any news group in New York state. Two of its newspapers ranked among the top five in total contest points: Dan’s Papers, serving the Hamptons (125) and amNewYork Metro, New York City’s free daily newspaper (110).

Of particular note, Schneps Media secured a combined 36 first-, second- and third-place awards and 13 honorable mentions — reflecting the high-quality work of its team of editors, reporters, photographers, graphic designers and salespeople.

One of the highest honors went to Kirstyn Brendlen, digital editor of The Brooklyn Paper, who was named NYPA Writer of the Year. She won the top honors after winning second place the previous two years. The judges said Brendlen’s “style of writing makes you feel a part of each of her stories,” and offers “a nice mix of investigative journalism and thought-provoking questions.”

“I am incredibly proud of our team for these awards and recognition by our media peers,” said Joshua Schneps, CEO of Schneps Media.

“To be number 1 in New York state is a great testament to the talent, hard work and dedication of our staff,” added Victoria Schneps, President of Schneps Media.

For more information, visit schnepsmedia.com.

The full list of Schneps Media entrants who earned Better Newspaper Contest awards for 2023 follows:

 

First place

Writer of the Year: Kirstyn Brendlen, Brooklyn Paper

Judges’ remarks: “Great stories. Kirstyn’s style of writing makes you feel a part of each of her stories. Her story spotlighting memory loss was very informative, inspirational and heart-warming. The article titled, ‘A fire and a foreclosure’ raises eyebrows about the building going down in flames that was facing financial jeopardy. Very well done job of reporting and writing. In all five articles, Kirstyn demonstrates a nice mix of investigative journalism and thought-provoking questions.”

Coverage of Local Government, Division 2: Ben Brachfeld, amNewYork Metro

Judges’ remarks: “Great image that really supplement and bring the story to life. The overall design and readability is well-executed, and topics are relevant, interesting and attention-grabbing.”

Spot News Photos, Division 2: Lloyd Mitchell, Brooklyn Paper

Judges’ remarks: “Great shot.”

Spot News Photos, Division 3: Dean Moses, amNewYork Metro

Judges’ remarks: “These photos are captivating and entice me to want to read the story.”

News Story, Division 3: Gabriele Holtermann, Bay News/Brooklyn Graphic

Judges’ remarks: “Really well-written feature on a beloved institution. Quote at the end was a perfect wrap to the story. Well done!”

Best News or Feature Series, Division 2: Michael Dorgan, Iryna Shkurhan and Ethan Stark-Miller, amNewYork Metro

Judges’ remarks: “An eye-opening series that examines not only the bureaucratic struggles migrants must navigate, but also the harrowing experiences they endure in their quest for a better life.”

Best Distinguished Coverage of Diversity: Dan’s Papers

Judges’ remarks: “This innovative way of using a platform to tell stories by Shinnecock Voices is fresh and relevant, taking on topics of climate, conservation and gentrification. Bravo for amplifying underrepresented voices!”

Best Column, Division 3: ET Rodriguez, Bronx Times/Bronx Times Reporter

Judges’ remarks: “Very interesting columns. Well-written, informative, and entertaining.”

Best Feature Story, Division 4: Ximena Del Cerro, Brooklyn Paper

Judges’ remarks: “The rainbow coalition is sweeter than ever.”

Best Feature Story, Division 5: Mayra Kalaora, Bronx Times

Judges’ remarks: “Feel good story all the way around.”

Best Online Breaking News: Kirstyn Brendlen, Adam Daly, Isabel Song Beer and Jada Camille, The Brooklyn Paper

Judge’s remarks: “This entry provides thorough information about the weather event with good background context to help readers conceptualize the event. The inclusion of inline photos and an embedded tweet are nice additions to the coverage that help break up text and visually show the reality of the situation in a way that words sometimes cannot.”

Best Special Section – Advertising: Brienne Doskoez, Long Island Press

Judges’ remarks: “Very consistent in content, layout, design, color usage and information.”

Best Large Space Ad, Division 2: Elizabeth Aloni, Dan’s Papers

Judges’ remarks:

Advertising Excellence: Dan’s Papers, Stephanie Bitis and Marcos Ramos

Judge’s remarks: “Beautiful entries.”

 

Second place

Best News Website: amNewYork Metro

            “This is a creative and dynamic website with a bold design. The inclusion of videos and inline photos in stories adds depth to the reader’s experience.”

Investigative/In-Depth Reporting, Division 2: Timothy Bolger, Dan’s Papers

Coverage of Business, Financial & Economic News: Claude Solnik, James Bernstein and Bernadette Starzee, Dan’s Papers

Spot News Coverage, Division 3: Dean Moses and Christian Murray, amNewYork Metro

News Story, Division 3: Camille Botello, Bronx Times/Bronx Times Reporter

Best News or Feature Series, Division 2: Timothy Bolger and Michael Malaszczyk, Long Island Press

Best Newsletter: Emily Davenport, Dylan Christie, Bobby Hankinson and Rick McGuire, amNewYork Metro/What is New York

Best Media Kit/Sales Collateral: Stephanie Bitis and Brienne Doskoez, Dan’s Papers

Best Editorial, Division 2: Robert Pozarycki, amNewYork Metro

Best Distinguished Coverage of Diversity: David Taylor, Dan’s Papers

 

Third place

Best Front Page: Gay City News, Matt Tracy, Donna Aceto and Leah Mitch

Coverage of Education, Division 1: The Brooklyn Paper

Coverage of the Arts, Division 2: Camille Botello, Bronx Times/Bronx Times Reporter

Coverage of Crime/Police/Courts, Division 2: Timothy Bolger, Long Island Press

Headline Writing: Aidan Graham, Kirstyn Brendlen and Leah Mitch, Bay News/Brooklyn Graphic

Spot News Photos, Division 3: Dean Moses, amNewYork Metro

News Story, Division 3: Emily Swanson, Bronx Times/Bronx Times Reporter

Best News or Feature Series, Division 2: Timothy Bolger, Claud Solnik and James Bernstein, Long Island Press

Best Special Section Cover, Division 2: Luis Matos, amNewYork Metro

Feature Story, Division 5: Jada Camille, Bay News/Brooklyn Graphic

Picture Story, Division 2: Dean Moses, The Villager

Best Personality Profile: Kevin Redding, Dan’s Papers

 

Honorable mentions

Best Front Page: Brooklyn Paper, Aidan Graham, Kirstyn Brendlen and Leah Mitch

Investigative Reporting: Kirstyn Brendlen, Brooklyn Paper

Coverage of Business, Financial & Economic News: Joey Macellaro, Skylar Epstein and Shoshanna McCollum, Fire Island News

Headline Writing: Leah Mitch, Meaghan McGoldrick O’Neil and Robert Pozarycki, The Villager

Sports Feature, Division 3: Camille Botello, Bronx Times/Bronx Times Reporter

Spot News Coverage, Division 2: Kirstyn Brendlen and Lloyd Mitchell, The Brooklyn Paper

News Story, Division 3: Isabel Song Beer, The Brooklyn Paper

Feature Story, Division 5: Adam Daly, Bay News/Brooklyn Graphic

Best news or Feature Series, Division 2: The Brooklyn Paper

Picture Story, Division 2: Dean Moses, The Villager

Spot News Photos, Division 2: Lloyd Mitchell, The Brooklyn Paper
Spot News Photos, Division 3: Donna Aceto, Gay City News

Best Video: Dylan Christie, amNewYork Metro