In 1979 I completed my master’s thesis at the University of Missouri School of Journalism, my topic: “The Jewish Press: Journalism Versus Religion.” Editors from around the country responded to my survey, which focused on what was more important, religion or journalism? I won’t go into my entire thesis, but I will say that even 41 years ago, the majority of the Jewish community newspapers were either community owned or organization sponsored. Only one-third were actually independent newspapers. The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle was one of these few independent papers.
In fact, one of my respondents was Milton Firestone, then editor of The Chronicle. Although I never freelanced for The Chronicle, when he was alive, I did speak to him as I worked on my thesis. I think he would be happy to know that The Chronicle did survive to its 100 anniversary, and will survive, even in a different ownership.
In his time, he had no idea about the internet, Facebook and the advent of online publications. But he was still worried. My Question 27 asked: Are you concerned or unconcerned about the possible demise of your publication? Why or why not? His answer: He was concerned. Why: “There is little new talent interested in producing a publication. Also, young people may not want to read it.”
I am glad that talented people still work on the paper and that people still want to read it. I hope this new arrangement will allow it to survive for another 100 years or more.
Ellen R. Portnoy
Overland Park, Kansas
