Murray was born on March 28, 1929, and from an early age, he found fascination with the stories that lived within each piece of printed news—a sentiment deeply rooted in the warm breakfasts at home, where his father’s newspaper unfolded each morning, sharing the world over a cup of coffee. These sacred moments sparked in him the flame of curiosity and a commitment to his community.
As time marched on, Murray understood the changing landscape of media; he foresaw the community’s connection slipping through the cracks as television flickered and pixels filled the void once held by printed stories. He knew that local newspapers served as public servants, acting as the backbone of towns, fostering unity and belonging.
With a heart full of purpose, Murray embarked on a journey that would reshape his community. His first acquisition, the Delphos Herald, was born not from a desire for profit but out of love for the town and its people. Over the decades, he expanded his vision, purchasing newspapers well beyond Ohio, creating a network that served diverse communities across the Midwest. Under his leadership, the Cohen family of newspapers became a beacon of hope, reminding residents that their stories mattered.
His oldest daughter, Roberta, grew up in the shadows of this vibrant newspaper legacy, absorbing her father’s values and the significance of community journalism. As Murray began to transition into his later years, Roberta took on more responsibilities, blending her modern ideas with the cherished traditions her father had established. She infused the publications with fresh energy while ensuring the essence of what made them vital to their communities remained intact.
“Murray, why newspapers?” a curious friend once asked him, puzzled.
Murray would smile, his eyes bright with passion. “Because stories matter. They bind us, inform us, and remind us that we’re all in this together.”
As he transitioned, a proud Murray witnessed Roberta step up, bringing a tech-savvy approach to the family business while maintaining the core values. He knew that with her leadership, local journalism would continue to thrive even as the industry faced unprecedented challenges.
However, as digital options blossomed and news consumption evolved, Murray felt a pang of sadness watching local newspapers struggle for relevance in an increasingly screen-focused world. Determined to adapt without sacrificing tradition, he continued to mentor Roberta, guiding her as she transformed not just the Delphos Herald but other publications into vibrant hubs for information and community engagement.
Roberta inspired renewed interest in local news, crafting initiatives that encouraged neighborhoods to engage with their newspapers once again. They understood that while technology could deliver information swiftly, cold screens could never replicate the warmth of receiving news at your doorstep. For every coupon clipped and every local event advertisement printed, bonds were nurtured—a steadfast commitment to keep local businesses thriving and rewarding loyalty among neighbors.
Murray, who served as president of the National Newspaper Association, became a champion for local journalism throughout his life. He understood that integrity, value, and community connections defined a successful publication—not merely the dollars earned.
In 2021, just shy of his 93rd birthday, Murray Cohen passed away, leaving behind a legacy that transcended the printed word. He had ignited a movement that revitalized local journalism, blending traditional print with the advantages of modern technology. It wasn’t just about survival; it was about embracing the stories of everyday people—births, deaths, triumphs, and tragedies—and ensuring they were told.
Following his passing, Roberta continued the mission, embodying his spirit and dedication to local journalism. Under her leadership, the Cohen family newspapers became part of a community effort to ensure their survival and relevance in a changing world. In a strategic move that honored her father’s legacy, she played a crucial role in the successful sale of the Cohen newspaper group to CherryRoad Media, which acquired the Northwestern Ohio cluster of titles, including the Delphos Herald. https://www.nna.org/cherryroad-media-acquires-8-newspapers-and-printing-operation-from-delphos-herald-inc
CherryRoad Media, known for its commitment to local journalism and community-driven initiatives, saw great potential in the publications Murray had nurtured, vowing to continue his vision while also expanding their reach. Under their stewardship, the newspapers would not only survive but thrive, reinforcing the essence of community connection that Murray had championed throughout his life.
She also worked to transition the Cohen family newspapers to Multi Media Channels (MMC), an entity known for its commitment to local journalism and community engagement. This acquisition included properties outside of Ohio, such as The Vilas County News Review, The Three Lakes News, and The Northwoods Trader in Eagle River; the Iron County Reporter and The Reporter Shoppers’ Guide in Iron River, Michigan; along with The Central Wisconsin Resorter and the Waushara Argus in Wautoma.
Roberta expressed her confidence in MMC, stating, “Family-held Multi Media Channels, led by the Wood family, is well-suited to take over the reins immediately and continue my family’s legacy.” She emphasized her father’s pride in these newspapers, which he frequently visited and cherished for their dedication to community journalism.
MMC CEO Patrick Wood echoed her sentiments, ensuring that they would uphold the high standards of journalistic integrity and customer service set by the Cohen family, enriching the lives of communities with strong reporting on local news and sports. “We appreciate the support we have had from our financial partner, Nicolet National Bank,” said financial consultant Thomas Wood, underlining the collaborative approach to strengthening local journalism. https://www.hubcitytimes.com/stories/mmc-acquires-delphos-herald-media-properties,15358?
As Murray had once walked through towns with a newspaper under his arm, greeting neighbors and asking what stories they wanted to see next, the spirit of community journalism lived on in Roberta and the new stewardship of her father’s legacy.
Murray Cohen’s story is not just found in the success of his newspaper group but in the warmth of the communities he nurtured—his unwavering belief that a story told is a connection made. In an age where headlines flash across screens in an instant but meaningful connections often slip away, he left us with a profound lesson: Every story, every local event, every shared experience, is a thread woven into the very fabric of community life. As we carry forward the stories yet to be told, let us remember the heartbeat: echoing in our neighborhoods, reminding us that the true essence of journalism lies not just in conveying facts but in fostering a shared sense of belonging, a love for our hometowns, and the indelible spirit of those who believe in the power of connection.
A community newspaper is more than a vehicle to earn revenue for its owners. They are, in my view, their public servant, a backbone support for smaller communities, a beacon of light, drawing all those who reside home. I learned these enduring truths during my time in the industry at the Delphos Herald, balancing college and pondering where my next steps would lead after passing the CPA exam. Murray never seemed to have any grass underneath his feet; he was always on the go, tirelessly searching for other ‘family members’—the newest creation of his heart and mind, Eagle Print—who could find their voice in the pages he so cherished. Murray’s vision taught us that the stories we share are not merely for the passing moment; they are the legacy of our shared humanity, a reminder that each heartbeat in our community echoes not just within our own chests but resonates with and sustains all who call it home.
Community Profiles series – Ben Rayman