By Matt Sepic, KWMU
St. Louis – Webster University is handing control of the St. Louis Journalism Review back to its first publisher.
Webster has owned the monthly magazine since 1995. It has also subsidized the Review because its advertising income does not cover all operating costs; the publication, which covers local media, is the only one of its kind in the country.
University officials had wanted to eliminate printing and mailing expenses by having the magazine publish only on the internet. But instead, Webster will hand the Review back to founder Charles Klotzer.
Editor Ed Bishop said Klotzer will continue printing the magazine, although Bishop said he favors doing just an online version.
"Printing is more expensive than the web," Bishop said. "I think with going to the web you gain two things; you gain a broader and younger audience, and you cut your cost of production."
Klotzer said an internet-only publication would make the magazine just one among many websites.
Bishop said he will step down after a new editor is hired, but he will remain involved with the Review.