Fred Drasner, former co-publisher of the Daily News, has died, sources close to the situation told amNewYork.
Fred Drasner , a powerful figure in NYC’s media world who served as co-publisher of the Daily News , died on Saturday at age 83, amNewYork has learned. Drasner’s career was highlighted by a series of high-profile acquisitions across news publishing, tech, and sports.
His most defining role began in 1993 when he led the acquisition of the Daily News, where he remained the tabloid paper’s co-owner, CEO and co-publisher until 2004. A public obituary on Dignity Memorialshowing him talking—emitting a classic New York accent— and walking the streets of the city, browsing fruit stands, playing stickball, all while sharply criticizing a certain ““The Daily News. It’s the most New York you can get,” Drasner says with pride at the end of the message. At the Daily News, Drasner navigated the print publication through the infamous dot-com bubble of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Previously, he hadIn 2004, upon Drasner’s departure from the Daily News to an advisory role, his longtime associate and fellow media mogul, Mort Zuckerman , praised his dedication and zest for publishing. “I have met no one who can match his enthusiasm, skill and knowledge in the magazine and newspaper world,” Zuckerman said in a New York Times article. “I am grateful Fred has agreed to continue to provide his wise counsel to the company.” Martin Dunn, former editor-in-chief at the major daily, described Drasner as a memorable person: a hard businessman with an underlying sympathetic nature. “He was a great character,” Dunn shared. “He was a tough businessman. He loved to portray a very gruff exterior. He could be very tough, but underneath it all, he had a sympathetic character.” It suited Drasner to be “the voice” of the iconic newspaper, Dunn said, adding that he enjoyed being part of its leadership team. “He was one of the last executives who really understood printing, distribution, and editorial,” Dunn said. “He was a guy who loved the rough-and-tumble of keeping the printers on board. He loved doing deals. He loved doing deals with advertisers, paper manufacturers, and transportation companies. Fred was the ultimate deal maker.”In 1985, Drasner started Applied Graphics Technologies, took it public in 1996 , and served as its chairman and CEO from 1985 until its sale in 2003. He was also a co-owner of the NFL’sDrasner’s career legacy is one of a talented, versatile deal-maker and venture capitalist who shaped major institutions from the pages of an iconic publication to chairing the boards of software companies. To New Yorkers, he is perhaps best remembered for leading the paper, making sure it was stocked in newsstands and delivered on time to doorsteps, and ensuring its dedicated team of reporters continued to deliver the daily news.Drasner is survived by his wife, Lora Drasner; his brother, Ken Drasner; and his daughters, Johanna Haban and Amanda Drasner. He is also survived by his dog, Windsor.Barbara Russo-Lennon is the transit reporter at amNewYork. She covers news about NYC’s public transportation system, roads, waterways and other topics related to transit in the Big Apple.Catherine Nolan dies at age 67 after long cancer battleof the Daily News, dies at age 84New York City’s first Trans Art Fest showcases, connects and empowers trans artistsJuan Soto injury: Mets place star on 10-day IL, will miss 2-3 weeks Pete DeBoer: Mathieu Darche sold me on the Islanders job, ‘really excited’ to work with Matthew Schaefer New York City’s first Trans Art Fest showcases, connects and empowers trans artistsWhat’s new At Yankee Stadium in 2026? From Sushi to Chicken Drumstrick Ice Cream, here’s what to look forward toBrooklyn double shooting: One man dead and 2nd in critical condition, person of interest questionedBrooklyn Paper
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