RSJ alum helps to restart the Canadian Jewish News

Bryan Borzykowski, a Ryerson School of Journalism class of 2004 grad, is assisting in reviving the Canadian Jewish News (CJN) (external link) . 

The CJN closed down (external link)  in April 2020 because of declining advertising revenues. The news outlet said it was struggling before COVID-19, and it was unable to survive in an environment of almost complete economic shutdown. This follows an earlier, short-lived suspension (external link)  of operations and restructuring in 2013.

The Canadian Jewish Record, a temporary news outlet, confirmed the CJN would restart in January. 

Borzykowski serves as the president of the board at the CJN. He said when the news outlet closed down, there was no more voice for Jewish Canadians. 

“We found there was an opportunity to do something a bit different,” he said. “The void was felt without the Canadian Jewish News. People missed it.” 

He said it was amazing that it could be restarted in eight months. By talking with Yoni Goldstein, the editor-in-chief at the CJN, they put together a plan to restart. 

Borzykowski will be helping the CJN take a modern approach by having it rely on more multimedia. There will be more podcasts, and it will focus on the digital experience. The news outlet will produce a few online magazines. 

The CJN will try to cover issues more culturally relevant to a younger audience. There is a younger generation of Jews that he is hoping to reach. 

Borzykowski said the RSJ prepared him to be president of the CJN board because it taught him the fundamentals of what makes great journalism. He credits the school with practical learning experiences that he found useful, including what one needs to understand in order to build a brand and create a website. 

While the CJN will seek advertising, as a recognized Canadian journalism organization, it may now do fundraising. The revived news outlet is also looking at a more robust subscription system. 

After the news of the restart was posted online, Borzykowski said the reception was great. He appreciates the chance to give back to journalism and the Jewish community. Although there is plenty of work ahead, he finds it exciting. 

Borzykowski said the CJN needs to exist because there are plenty of stories happening in the Jewish community that will not be reported elsewhere. 

“A vibrant Jewish community needs a publication that people can connect with,” he said.