For a century, the New York newspaper “Novoe Russkoe Slovo” stood as a vital conduit of information. Catering to immigrants who had settled in America, it not only provided insights about their distant homeland but also illuminated the lives of their fellow countrymen in their new surroundings. In the present day, a dedicated group of enthusiasts has taken on the task of resurrecting this distinctive publication. We engaged in a conversation with the project’s leader, Yury Mosha, a prominent businessman and public figure addressing the concerns of the Russian-speaking community in the USA.
The final edition of “Novoe Russkoe Slovo” rolled off the presses in 2010. So, what prompts the decision to breathe life back into it?
The renaissance of “Novoe Russkoe Slovo” stemmed predominantly from my personal aspiration. As far back as 2011, shortly after relocating to New York, the concept of launching a newspaper began to take shape. Today, after a span of 12 years, that very notion has become a reality. A particularly judicious move was the revival of the existing publication—already established over a century—which garnered recognition not just within America but also across other nations. This approach seemed more fitting than crafting a new entity.
Another pivotal catalyst worth noting is the information void that has emerged in the United States. Prior to the resurgence of “Novoe Russkoe Slovo,” the primary news outlet catering to the Russian-speaking population of America was ForumDaily, which essentially held a monopoly. Effectively steering media can prove profitable when managed astutely. I, personally, have invested in this venture and perceive promising horizons for its growth.
It’s essential to underscore that “Novoe Russkoe Slovo” remains an autonomous publication. Our focus extends to immigrants from various nations such as Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, and others where Russian is spoken.
Who is collaborating in the newspaper’s revival alongside you?
I’m working in tandem with a group of kindred spirits who contribute their expertise to the publication. This assemblage encompasses editors, journalists, designers, and advertisers—a collective of professionals eager to elevate the newspaper to its former glory, with some contributing at a nominal fee and others even volunteering their efforts.
Why opt for an online format in reviving “Novoe Russkoe Slovo”? Are there inklings of a print revival?
The prevailing sentiment today is that “print is in decline.” A cursory glance at established publications like The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal, which witness a steady decline in circulation annually, underscores the diminishing relevance of print media. Numerous American and European media outlets have forsaken print entirely, transitioning to the online realm.
The landscape has evolved. A photo of the New York subway from the 1980s would reveal passengers engrossed in newspapers. In contrast, modern individuals are firmly gripped by their phones. Furthermore, the exorbitant cost of printing a newspaper and the intricate layout process ought not to be overlooked. In the contemporary context, these elements don’t justify the expense, hence the decision to forgo a print version of “Novoe Russkoe Slovo.”
Over the years, luminaries like Sergey Dovlatov, Vyacheslav Zavalishin, Mikhail Epstein, and other globally recognized journalists and authors have contributed to “Novoe Russkoe Slovo.” Who populates its pages presently?
Indeed, across its century-long existence, the newspaper has showcased the contributions of numerous notable figures, underscoring our rich heritage. Recently, we introduced a “Archive” section housing digitized excerpts from previous editions, spanning back to the publication’s inception. “Novoe Russkoe Slovo” presently boasts a roster of accomplished authors, many of whom hold stature within the realm of international journalism. We acquire distinctive original content from them, tailored either for our publication or from their personal blogs on platforms like Telegram. Moreover, the newspaper perpetually welcomes novel ideas. The contact details featured on the main website facilitate the submission of articles by journalists who explore topics related to the USA, immigrant lives, and the Russian-speaking community in America. The cream of these submissions is published. Every author, irrespective of their location, can contribute to “Novoe Russkoe Slovo.”
What’s the current size of the newspaper’s editorial team?
At present, the publication is staffed by over 20 journalists, alongside a substantial contingent of freelance contributors.
On average, how many monthly visitors does the website attract?
Presently, the website witnesses a moderate influx of traffic—roughly 15,000 readers per month. However, the project remains in its nascent stage, with promotional initiatives still in their infancy. Recently, we embarked on a crowdfunding endeavor to secure patrons whose funds will be funneled into marketing initiatives. Consequently, the website’s traffic could potentially swell to 100,000 or even 200,000 monthly visits.
The editorial team at “Novoe Russkoe Slovo” is actively developing a marketing division and is currently soliciting applications from specialists in the field. Exploring remote collaboration options is also under consideration.
Which subjects pique the readers’ interest the most?
Foremost among the topics is New York. A substantial number of Russian-speaking U.S. citizens and immigrants call this city home, and they’re understandably invested in matters of social and political significance within the metropolis. Even individuals residing outside the state evince a keen interest in this theme. Additionally, articles covering crime chronicles and political analyses conventionally enjoy widespread popularity.
What ambitions do the project leaders harbor for the future?
Foremost among our ambitions is to elevate “Novoe Russkoe Slovo” to the apex of Russian-language media within the USA. We’re also intent on resurrecting an alliance of Russian-language publications that will unite outlets across America, Europe, Asia, and beyond—each disseminating content in the Russian language. The purpose of this consortium will be to facilitate dialogues on issues and challenges that span across a broader spectrum of endeavors.
