Media & Entertainment
Cleveland Jewish News Navigates a Changing Media Landscape with New Leadership and Bold Vision
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Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, August 21st 2025 at 14:41 GMT by Cleveland Jewish News🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
The Cleveland Jewish News (CJN) is entering a new era, marked by significant leadership changes and an ambitious plan for future growth dubbed "Media That Matters." Following a period of uncertainty after the departure of former editor-publisher Aaron Levy, the CJN has appointed David Wunsch as its new editor-publisher, signaling a renewed commitment to both traditional print journalism and digital innovation. This shift aims to solidify the CJN’s position as a vital resource for the Jewish community in Cleveland and beyond.
The "Media That Matters" initiative represents more than just a name; it's a strategic roadmap designed to address the challenges facing local news organizations in an increasingly fragmented media landscape. The plan acknowledges the decline of traditional advertising revenue, the rise of social media as a primary news source, and the need for sustainable funding models. It’s built around three core pillars: community engagement, digital transformation, and financial stability.
Community Engagement at the Forefront: Wunsch emphasizes that the CJN's success hinges on its connection to the Jewish community it serves. This means actively seeking out stories that resonate with readers, highlighting local events and initiatives, and providing a platform for diverse voices within the community. The plan calls for increased outreach through town halls, surveys, and direct engagement with community leaders and members. A key component is fostering a sense of ownership among readers – encouraging them to contribute content, share their perspectives, and become active participants in shaping the CJN’s coverage. This echoes the sentiment expressed by board member Sarah Abramson, who stressed the importance of listening to and responding to the needs of the community.
Embracing Digital Transformation: Recognizing that most news consumption now occurs online, the "Media That Matters" plan prioritizes a significant digital overhaul. This includes redesigning the CJN website for improved user experience and mobile accessibility, expanding its social media presence, and exploring new content formats like podcasts and video series. The goal is to create a dynamic online platform that attracts younger audiences and provides convenient access to news and information. The plan also acknowledges the need to adapt to evolving algorithms and search engine optimization (SEO) practices to ensure visibility in an increasingly competitive digital environment. This aligns with industry trends, as highlighted by Nieman Lab’s reporting on the challenges and opportunities facing local news organizations online.
Building Financial Stability: The CJN faces the same financial pressures plaguing many local media outlets. The "Media That Matters" plan addresses this through a multi-pronged approach focusing on diversifying revenue streams. While traditional advertising remains important, the initiative seeks to expand fundraising efforts, explore membership models, and pursue grant opportunities. This includes cultivating relationships with major donors and foundations committed to supporting Jewish journalism. The CJN is also exploring partnerships with other organizations to share resources and reduce operational costs. The board’s decision to appoint Wunsch, who has experience in both media and business development, underscores the importance of financial sustainability in the plan's success.
Wunsch's Vision & Experience: David Wunsch brings a unique blend of journalistic expertise and business acumen to his new role. He previously served as editor-in-chief of the Baltimore Jewish Times and held leadership positions at various media organizations. His experience navigating the challenges facing Jewish publications makes him well-suited to lead the CJN through this period of transformation. He emphasizes a collaborative approach, working closely with staff, board members, and community stakeholders to implement the "Media That Matters" plan effectively.
Looking Ahead: The transition period following Levy’s departure presented challenges for the CJN, but the appointment of Wunsch and the unveiling of “Media That Matters” signal a renewed sense of optimism and purpose. While the path forward will undoubtedly require hard work and adaptation, the CJN's commitment to community engagement, digital innovation, and financial stability positions it for continued relevance and impact in the years to come. The success of this plan hinges on the active participation and support of the Cleveland Jewish community – a community that clearly values having a dedicated voice and platform for its stories and perspectives. The CJN’s future is not just about surviving; it's about thriving as a vital pillar of the Cleveland Jewish community, connecting people, informing conversations, and celebrating shared heritage. [ https://www.clevelandjewishnews.com/news/local_news/editor-publisher-names-cjpc-to-editor-publisher-the-2025-media-that-matters/article_4521d67c-d2d2-4631-bc41-2798579c5f12.html ]
