For over 100 years, “Novoe Russkoe Slovo” served as a crucial information source for immigrants in America, sharing both updates about Russia and stories of their life in the US. Recently, a team led by businessman Yury Mosha has undertaken the revival of this iconic publication.
“Novoe Russkoe Slovo” last printed in 2010. Why the decision to rejuvenate it now?
The rebirth of “Novoe Russkoe Slovo” was largely driven by my vision. The idea of starting a newspaper began forming in 2011 when I moved to New York. Reviving a publication with over a century’s legacy seemed more meaningful than creating a new one. Moreover, a gap in information sources for the Russian-speaking audience in the US was evident, with ForumDaily being the primary outlet. Recognizing the potential, I invested in this project, envisioning substantial growth.
It’s vital to note that “Novoe Russkoe Slovo” is independent and caters to immigrants from Russian-speaking countries, including Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia.
Who’s part of this revival mission with you?
I’m accompanied by a passionate team comprising editors, journalists, designers, and advertisers, all committed to restoring the newspaper’s prestige.
Why choose digital over print for this relaunch?
The general sentiment is that print media is waning. Major newspapers experience a drop in print circulation, emphasizing the growing preference for digital. The current scenario showcases people glued to their mobile devices, making online a strategic choice. Additionally, the high costs and complexities of print don’t justify its revival.
Historically, notable personalities contributed to “Novoe Russkoe Slovo”. Who writes for it now?
Throughout its history, many luminaries have been part of our newspaper. We’ve recently added an “Archive” section with digitized older articles. Today, we feature content from internationally recognized authors, often custom-made for us or sourced from personal blogs. We’re open to contributions; our website allows writers to submit their works focusing on the US, immigrant experiences, and the Russian-speaking community.
How big is your editorial team now?
Currently, over 20 journalists are on board, along with numerous freelancers.
How’s the website’s traffic?
We currently have about 15,000 monthly readers. We’re in the early phases, with marketing efforts just starting. A recent crowdfunding campaign aims to boost these efforts, potentially increasing visits to 100,000-200,000 a month. We’re also actively building our marketing team and exploring remote work opportunities.
Which topics are readers most drawn to?
New York is a dominant theme, given the city’s sizable Russian-speaking population. Crime stories and political analyses also attract a broad readership.
What’s your vision for the future?
Our primary goal is to make “Novoe Russkoe Slovo” the top Russian-language media in the US. We also aim to establish a global network of Russian-language publications, fostering discussions on wider-reaching issues.
The revival of “Novoe Russkoe Slovo” under Yury Mosha’s leadership signifies a crucial renaissance in Russian-language media in the United States. The decision to resurrect the publication stems from a deeply rooted vision of preserving and expanding a century-old legacy. As this revival continues to gather momentum, backed by a dedicated and passionate team, “Novoe Russkoe Slovo” is poised to become a flagship Russian-language publication in the US.
