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Observer (American Digital Media Company)

Publishing2 min readAugust 15, 2026
Key Takeaways & Facts
  • The New York Observer was established on September 22, 1987, by Arthur L. Carter.
  • The publication was traditionally recognized for its distinctive salmon-colored newsprint.
  • Jared Kushner purchased the newspaper in July 2006.
  • The print edition ceased publication on November 9, 2016, transitioning entirely to a digital platform.

Observer, originally published as The New York Observer, is a digital media publication established in New York City in 1987. The outlet focuses primarily on culture, real estate, media, politics, and the entertainment and publishing industries.

Building entrance associated with The New York Observer
Building entrance associated with The New York Observer.

History

The publication was founded by Arthur L. Carter, a former investment banker, and launched on September 22, 1987, as a weekly alternative newspaper in New York City. The name had previously been used by an earlier weekly religious paper founded in 1823 by Sidney E. Morse.

For much of its print history, the paper was visually distinct for its salmon-colored newsprint and sketch illustrations, leading writer Henry Rollins to describe it as "the curiously pink newspaper." In 2014, the publication switched to regular white newsprint for its final two years in print.

In July 2006, Jared Kushner purchased the publication. The print edition ended with the issue published on November 9, 2016, following which the organization transitioned into an online-only format under the name Observer, operated by Observer Media.

Ownership and Leadership

The newspaper was founded by Arthur L. Carter, who owned it until selling the publication to Jared Kushner in 2006 for just under $10 million. In January 2017, following his appointment as a senior advisor to President Donald Trump, Kushner transferred his stake to a family trust, and his brother-in-law, Joseph Meyer, took over as publisher.

Editorial and Political Stance

During the 2016 United States presidential primaries, the publication endorsed Donald Trump, whose daughter Ivanka Trump is married to Jared Kushner. The endorsement was not renewed after Trump secured the Republican nomination.

Frequently Asked Questions

The New York Observer was first published on September 22, 1987.

References (10)

  1. [1]

    McAlone, Nathan (January 9, 2017). "Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner will step down as publisher of the Observer, and have no 'ownership stake'". Business Insider.

    Source Link
  2. [2]

    Neyfakh, Leon (November 5, 2009). "Kyle Pope Is the Next Editor of The Observer". New York Observer. ISSN 1052-2948. Archived from the original on March 21, 2011.

    Source Link
  3. [3]

    The Wall Street Journal, November 14, 2016, p. B5

  4. [4]

    Calderone, Michael (November 2, 2016). "Donald Trump Will Not Get His Son-In-Law's Paper's Endorsement". The Huffington Post.

    Source Link
  5. [5]

    Pompeo, Joe (March 18, 2014). "Observer C.E.O. touts gains ahead of relaunch". Capital New York. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved February 27, 2015. Tomorrow, newsstand readers and subscribers will get a look at the Observer's relaunched print product, which is a smaller, tabloid‑format, saddle‑stapled publication that will trade in its distinctive salmon hue for white paper.

    Source Link
  6. [6]

    "In the Republican Primary: Donald Trump for President". The New York Observer. April 12, 2016.

    Source Link
  7. [7]

    "Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner will step down as publisher of the Observer, and have no 'ownership stake'". Business Insider. Retrieved January 24, 2017.

    Source Link
  8. [8]

    Stoeffel, Kat (April 12, 2017). "What Should Happen to Jared Kushner's New York Observer? Media Pros Offer Advice". The Hollywood Reporter.

    Source Link
  9. [9]

    Grynbaum, Michael M. (November 11, 2016). "New York Observer Ending Print Edition". The New York Times.

    Source Link
  10. [10]

    Diamond, Jeremy (June 20, 2016). "Who is Jared Kushner?". CNN.

    Source Link
Topics:#Observer#The New York Observer#Jared Kushner#Arthur L. Carter#Observer Media#New York City media
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