As reported by Claire Meadows on the Society of Editors website:
The statements said: “Despite the heroic efforts of the editorial and production team at the newspaper, it has become clear that the Jewish Chronicle/Jewish News will not be able to survive the impact of the current coronavirus epidemic in its current form.”
The statement confirmed that the liquidation is expected to be finalised in the coming 2 to 3 weeks and every effort will be made to ensure that both titles continue to be published during this period.
The news was confirmed by Jewish Chronicle Editor Stephen Pollard on Twitter who said that every effort was being made to produce the paper as normal amid the uncertainty.
He said: “Devastating news for us at Jewish Chronicle and Jewish News. I won’t be saying anything beyond confirming that the paper will be out as usual next week, and we have every intention of avoiding any interruption.”
Both tiles are actively working with the Kessler Foundation, owner of the Jewish Chronicle, to secure a future for both papers they confirmed.
The news comes as a significant number of UK news publishers have been forced to furlough staff due to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on advertising revenues and distribution.
The Jewish Chronicle and Jewish News announced in February that they planned to merge both businesses and “unite under a charitable trust to secure the financial future of both newspapers”.
A joint statement at the time read: “Despite the loyal support of readers and advertisers, both papers have recognised the trends affecting the newspaper industry and have taken this step to secure their futures.
“The community would be better served by bringing the two operations together to ensure that the high level of independent quality journalism and community news that the UK Jewish community has come to expect from these cherished newspapers has a sustainable future.”
