By , JTNews Correspondent
Joel Magalnick, who has been editor of JTNews since 2003, was named publisher this week by the JTNews board. He served as acting publisher since May 2012 following the departure of former longtime publisher Karen Chachkes. He will maintain the role of editor as well.
“I’m gratified that the board has put the trust of this community institution in my hands, particularly given the fragile financial state of newspapers as a whole,” Magalnick said.
JTNews board chair Peter Horvitz cited Magalnick’s handling of the paper’s finances during a difficult year.
“Joel has always been a good editor, but in the last year he has shown impressive growth as a publisher and has been instrumental in the turnaround of JT News’ financial performance,” Horvitz said. “He deserves much praise for his accomplishments and we’re delighted with his leadership of JTNews.”
Shelley Bensussen, board chair of the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle, which owns JTNews, agreed.
“Joel has done an excellent job managing the paper through a difficult year, with a transition in leadership at JTNews, and in a marketplace where print media is being challenged every day,” she said. “He has demonstrated that he has the mix of leadership and editorial skills to take on the key position of publisher.”
The appointment took effect May 7.