The Long Island Press earned 12 awards at the2025 New York Press Association Better Newspaper Contest, highlighted by award-winning reporting on public corruption, local tragedy and community storytelling, as Schneps Media publications collectively led all group and chain newspapers in total contest points.
Vicki Schneps, founder of Schneps Media, said the recognition reflects the organization’s long-standing commitment to community journalism.
“I feel joy and pride at the fabulous success of my staff,” she said. “It was always my dream to strive for excellence in covering the communities we serve, and from day one our theme was, ‘We’re all about you.’ We have carried that through, and people have made us successful because they know we are loyal to the quality, fairness and depth of our coverage, and always looking to be better.”
The Long Island Press Reporter Nicole Formisano captured first place in News Story, Division 4, for reporting on the fallout surrounding the prosecution of former U.S. Rep. George Santos. Judges praised the reporting as a strong example of investigative journalism that effectively used legal tools to uncover key details.
The Press also won first place in Feature Story-News, Division 6, for coverage of the aftermath of a deadly fire at a cat sanctuary, written by Isabella Reilly.
Across both entries, the NYPA judges recognized strong narrative reporting and sourcing.
“These honors from the New York Press Association reflect the passion, creativity, and commitment of our entire team,” said Joshua Schneps, CEO of Schneps Media. “Being recognized at the highest level in New York State reinforces our mission to deliver trusted local journalism that informs and connects the communities we serve.”
The Long Island Press also placed second for Best Overall Digital Platform, recognizing its online presence and audience engagement.
Across the broader Schneps Community News Group, reporter Isabella Gallo earned two first-place awards for work published in sister publications.
Gallo won Education Story, Division 1, for the New Hyde Park-Floral Park Herald Courier for a story involving a teen detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. She also won News Story, Division 2, for the Port Washington News for coverage of a Mineola school’s video program.
Source: LI Press
