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It’s no surprise that the media business has changed dramatically in recent years. At the Forward, we have been working for years to shift to digital, and to create a first-rate news organization that fits the times. We’re truly the Jewish “Daily” Forward in ways we’ve never been – with record web audience, a strong following on social media and a steady stream of reporting that breaks first online.

The Forward has been aggressive about positioning ourselves for the future. Last year we unveiled our new brand. Over the last six months, we have undertaken a thoughtful, forward-looking internal process to determine how best to ensure our sustainability in the current media climate.

This week we shared with our newsroom and staff the results of this process: a strategy for growth that will set us on a strong course for the years to come. The repositioning is guided by three principles:

1. Embracing a Digital Future: The Forward is moving aggressively to embrace the future of journalism. We’re becoming “digital first,” and making the changes necessary to be a nimble, first rate 21st century media organization with an engaged and growing audience.

2. Re-investing Our Resources: This means we are tightening our belt in some areas of our organization and reinvesting meaningfully in others. We are investing in digital journalism and retooling our approach to fundraising, subscription marketing, and advertising.
3. Honoring Our Mission: Our mission remains entirely unchanged. We are resolutely committed to being the leading voice for progressive Jews, in this generation and those to come. We’re taking the long view. We believe that by embracing new digital platforms and new skills today, we will be best positioned to achieve our mission tomorrow.

Our new strategy involves some changes to our staff. We’re shifting some roles; , making a number of new hires, and there are some people who are leaving the organization. Our longtime Forverts Editor, Boris Sandler, announced his retirement this week, and will be replaced by Rukhl Schaechter.

As part of our new strategy, we invite you to partner with us in new and deeper ways. Your thoughts and feedback are essential as we introduce a wider array of digital offerings and new voices. And your financial support is critical to our success. Our plan is premised on philanthropy as a primary driver of revenue at the Forward, so we’ll be providing more meaningful and more frequent opportunities for you to express your generosity. As always, we are grateful for your partnership and support as the Forward moves forward.

I wanted you to hear about these shifts from me first, and see them in context. The Forward is a strong, thriving organization with a proud tradition of independent Jewish journalism, a growing circle of supporters, and a bright future. And we look forward to serving you, our readers, with outstanding and rigorous journalism, as we have for nearly 119 years.

This is a moment of great uncertainty. Here’s what you can do about it.

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