New media platform focusing on Jewish issues launches

There’s a new media platform that offers audiences “independent reporting and analysis of Jewish issues” – The Jewish Independent.

The announcement:

A new media platform dedicated to providing independent reporting and analysis of Jewish issues has launched in Australia.

The Jewish Independent unveiled its offering today, at a time of increasing need for independent journalism on issues of Jewish interest. In the wake of the October 7 Hamas massacre in Israel and with rising antisemitism in Australia and internationally, the platform aims to reflect a community that is more complex, diverse, and multi-faceted than is often understood.

Founded and published by Uri Windt, The Jewish Independent is a not-for-profit platform which aims to promote intelligent and rational discussion about Israel and the Jewish world.

Editor Deborah Stone said in an age of media polarisation, The Jewish Independent is committed to building conversations that seed understanding and seek peaceful solutions.

“The October 7 massacre, Israel’s War against Hamas, and the global rise of antisemitism and Islamophobia have exposed deep fissures in our society. The Jewish Independent will be a platform for respectful debate,” she said.

“Australian Jews are searching for analysis and ideas that reflect their values and go beyond the slogans and stereotypes.”

Stone said during the past decade, media and society has changed at a rapid and turbulent pace.

“Trust in institutions and traditional sources of information has declined, political opinion is more polarised, and the capacity for civil debate has been undermined. Media committed to respectful, independent journalism is essential to maintaining social cohesion and a healthy multicultural society.”

The Jewish Independent offers readers a website, bi-weekly e-publication, public events, programs, and research projects promising to grapple with issues and provide a platform for diverse conversations about the Australian Jewish community, the Jewish world, and Israel. It grows out of Plus61J Media, a media outlet established nine years ago to broaden the conversation in the Jewish community.

The new platform was created in collaboration with award-winning, independent creative team, Your Creative Agency, and led by creative director, James Lim. The creative agency specialises in impact-led strategy, technology builds, and communication design for clients that are focused on being leaders in ESG metrics and enacting social justice.

According to managing director, Lauren Crystal, the project involved an extensive qualitative research phase that identified a brand strategy that calls for being bold in both verbal and visual identity.

“At a time where online media platforms are often mistrusted and competing with social media, the project really relooks at what a media platform can be to community – thoughtful, safe and a representation of the integrity of the journalism,” Crystal said.

Former Fairfax editor and contributor to The Jewish Independent, Michael Gawenda said there is a need for journalism that is not agenda-driven, and that publishes a wide range of views and commentary with fairness and integrity.

“Journalism is in a crisis. The old ethics seem to no longer apply. That’s why media platforms like The Jewish Independent are more important than ever—because they maintain old ethical principles of fairness, objectivity and publishing a wide range of views.”

Gawenda said the quality of The Jewish Independent’s journalism meant the platform should reach a wider audience.

“Despite the fact that The Jewish Independent was created as a platform for the issues affecting the Jews of Australia, there is no doubt that the reportage will be of interest to the broader Australian community.”

Source: Narrative

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topics Deborah Stone James Lim Lauren Crystal The Jewish Independent Your Creative Agency

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