Steven Blank, the editor and publisher of the Blank Slate Media community newspapers, was one of eight “Good Guys” honored on Saturday at the Center for the Women of New York’s 27th annual luncheon at Douglaston Manor.
Blank, the former owner and publisher of the Queens-based TimesLedger community newspapers, was selected for the award for his support of the center’s mission to achieve equal rights for women, officials said.
“I was very honored to receive the award,” Blank said. “The Center for the Women of New York has been at the forefront in affording women equal opportunity over the past 27 years with no sign of slowing. Their recognition of what I have done in support of their work means a lot to me.
The organization recognized Queens borough President Melinda Katz and NY1 anchor Cheryl Wills as its “Women of Distinction” and presented seven other ladies with “Women in Leadership” awards.
Rep. Joe Crowley, chairman of the Queens Democratic party, was also among the men honored with a “Good Guy” award.
A silent auction and raffles were also held during the luncheon.
Blank owned the TimesLedger Newspapers from 1989 to 2006, when he sold the company to NewsCorp, and continued on as editor and publisher until 2008.
During Blank’s time there, the company expanded from two newspapers covering Little Neck and Bayside to 16 publications throughout the borough that won more than 200 awards for reporting excellence.
In 2010, Blank purchased the Great Neck News, New Hyde Park Herald Courier and Williston Times from Litmor Publications.
Blank Slate Media in 2013 opened the Manhasset Times and Roslyn Times, expanding its coverage across Long Island’s historic Gold Coast.
