In yet another blow to the Jewish media industry, BabagaNewz, a Jewish learning supplement and classroom magazine, will cease its print edition and maintain only an online presence.

The magazine, published monthly during the academic year, received several awards from the American Jewish Press Association. 

The news came November 6, when Amir Cohen, CEO of the not-for-profit organization JFL Media, which publishes BabagaNewz as well as other niche Jewish periodicals and Web sites, informed staff members that the organization had to cut nine jobs in order to reduce costs.

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According to Cohen, finances alone did not drive the move; the print edition’s closing was more of an effort to keep up with Web-driven content. He did, however, acknowledge that the economy played a role.

“It’s not big news anymore that publications decide to focus either only on or significantly on a digital future,” he told The Shmooze. “We know that that’s where the news is going, let alone the world that is dedicated to middle-school-aged kids.

“The tough part is that you sit across from nine people who have done a good job, and you have unfortunate news to share with them that had nothing to do with what they did. It’s not the easiest thing to do.”

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