Schneps Media has named Daniel Sarko the new publisher of Metro Philadelphia. A veteran in the newspaper industry with decades of experience, he will be replacing longtime Metro publisher Susan Peiffer, who resigned earlier this month to join a D.C.-based media company.
Sarko joins the Philly team from the New York Daily News, where he worked as Vice President, Sales and Business Development. His extensive experience in media includes stints with The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Baltimore Sun, The Morning Call and Philly.com to name a few.
“We are thrilled to have Dan lead our Philadelphia team. He comes with a wealth of knowledge, experience and passion for local news and advertising,” said Joshua Schneps, CEO and Co-Publisher of Schneps Media.
“Our commitment to the Philadelphia communities is now stronger than ever as we are surviving COVID and thriving further with our new leadership with the incomparable Dan Sarko,” added Vicki Schneps, President and Publisher of Schneps Media.
A native of Coopersburg, Pennsylvania, Sarko has demonstrated the ability to lead both national and local news organizations on a variety of platforms. He joins Metro more than one year into the coronavirus pandemic that has forced media outlets to pivot their advertising strategies and event planning.
“My main goal is to right the ship back to where it was pre-COVID, back to the levels of audience and ad revenue that we had before March of 2020,” Sarko explained. “Also, engaging deeper with the community, participating with the boards and civic events we engage in.
“We’ve all had a quiet 12 months not being able to engage with one another actually in the community,” he added. “That’s going to be a big piece moving forward— allowing us to get back to those events. Events are a huge initiative for us. Events allow us to engage our audience and meet the needs of our business customers.”
Sarko’s immediate goals include building a sustainable business model, growing digitally as well as Metro’s print organization, and supporting the needs of the Philadelphia community both in advertising as well as providing local, credible news to Metro readers.
“Local journalism is why I stayed in this industry as long as I have—it’s just so important,” he said. “Having the ability to inform, educate, making readers aware of things happening in their community. It’s an essential piece in everyone’s day. It’s a crutch to our community.”
