OPINION – Leo Noé: We need a loud, proud voice more than ever

I’m immensely proud of the positive impact Jewish News has on our community and in the corridors of power.

I never intended to own a newspaper. Circumstances put me in this position. However, the longer I’ve been chairman the more I’ve come to treasure the special place Jewish News has in the community’s heart and the pioneering projects that set it apart.

Barely a week goes by without Jewish News enriching our community. This week alone the newspaper held the Jewish Schools Awards with Partnerships For Jewish Schools and co-hosted the only Jewish hustings of the Labour leadership election.

I was exceptionally proud of last month’s powerful commemorative edition to mark the 75th anniversary of the Holocaust, featuring portraits of survivors taken by the Duchess of Cambridge.

Jewish News has accomplished so much thanks to the energy and ideas of co-publishers Richard Ferrer and Justin Cohen, but there is still much more to do.

• Jewish News and Jewish Chronicle to merge 

The media industry is rapidly moving away from print, yet newspapers will continue to have a crucial role in our community for years to come. That is why the Jewish News board and I are determined to safeguard our newspaper’s future so it can continue to find new and exciting ways to engage with readers.

After many months of discussions, we have decided the most effective way to achieve this goal, while maintaining a quality, entirely independent news organisation, is to join forces with the Jewish Chronicle.

A merged business will unite the very best of both operations to create a modern 21st century print, digital and events company.  This dynamic new organisation will combine the 179-year storied history and heritage of the Jewish Chronicle with the big-hearted personality innovation of Jewish News.

British Jews need a loud and proud voice today more than ever, so this new media brand will have the community’s back, while building a reputation for breaking agenda-setting exclusives of local, national and international importance. It will also deliver impactful campaigns and engaging events that get everyone talking.

This is an exciting new chapter for Jewish News, Jewish Chronicle and our Jewish community. A merger secures the future of both titles, while creating an ambitious new media brand underpinned by a shared sense of purpose and commitment to our community.

We’re delighted to invite you, the readers, to join us on this important journey.

• Leo Noé is Executive Chairman & founder of the Noé group