The Villages Daily Sun, the tenth-largest daily printed newspaper in America, has named Dan Sprung as publisher.
Sprung, who has served as the newspaper’s general manager since 2020, succeeds Philip J. Markward, who is assuming an executive consultant role after 29 years at the newspaper’s helm.
“We are excited and blessed to be led by such a quality person, who has not only a stellar professional reputation in our industry but a passion and love for our community,” said Markward. “His energy and focus on The Villages and its residents, as well as his focus on local journalism will be critical as he directs the Daily Sun in the years ahead.”
Sprung previously served as the newspaper’s director of marketing and publishing for 19 years.
Under the leadership of Markward and Sprung, the Daily Sun has dominated national print quality competitions, consistently won industry honors for its advertising products and been named a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize.
“I believe we’ve been successful for three reasons,” said Markward. “First and foremost, we do the right thing. Second, we work hard every day, no matter the circumstances we face. And third, we adhere to a simple rule I’ve lived by my entire career: We don’t print or broadcast anything that would embarrass our mothers. I’m proud of these high standards, and I know that Dan is, too.”
In April 2021, the first edition of the Daily Sun rolled off the press at a new printing facility at the Gov. Rick Scott Industrial Park — the first of its kind built in the U.S. in a decade.
“The model works,” said Mark Morse, The Villages president and CEO, while waving a copy of the newspaper at his annual address to residents in 2022.
Sprung takes on an essential role in light of the newspaper’s continued growth, said Markward.
“Dan has been an essential contributor to the improvement and growth of the newspaper and our affiliated media products to meet the expectation of our readers and the advertisers that place their messages in our products,” Markward said. “We are fortunate to have such talent as Dan.”
“We want to continue earning the right of being invited into the homes of our readers every day,” Sprung said. “Our goal is to serve you, the readers, with quality content and the highest level of customer service. We’re also committed to providing our advertisers with the most cost-effective way to give our readers as many educated choices as possible.”
