It is no secret that in today’s modern world most people would prefer to receive their news from online sites rather than newspapers. You are able to access more relevant information for free and there is less likelihood of receiving outdated information because of frequent updating of many news sites. Even television and radio have lost out to the web in terms of reporting breaking news. Therefore it is no surprise the Internet continues to capture an ever growing portion of readers, through both websites and the various social media networks.

However, the online media world continues to struggle with defining, and executing, a profitable business model. And, it remains to be seen how paid sites by publications including The New York Times and The Boston Globe will fare when they are launched in 2011.

The North American Jewish media world is not immune to these same issues. And with the added challenge of most publications dependent to some extent on financial support from the shrinking federation system, the questions are many, the answers few.

Tomorrow we will begin a mini-series where we will look at the viability of business models currently in place, and being discussed, by our major communal publications. A number of editors and publishers have shared their thoughts with us and we will be bringing you a unique and independent perspective on what is transpiring across the North American Jewish media landscape.

For us at eJewish Philanthropy, by being a part of, yet apart from, the more established media landscape, we’ve had this opportunity to look from the outside in. We encourage our readers to join in the dialogue and comment on the various posts.

So, check in tomorrow when Bob Goldfarb begins the conversation with his post, Jewish Media Now.