Business journal returns as Web only publication

The Pocono Business Journal, which folded its print edition two months, has returned under new owners and as a Website-only publication.

Wayne Witkowski of the Pocono Record writes, “Trump Media Inc., owned by Jason Trump of East Stroudsburg, purchased the branding and assets from former publisher and owner Marynell Strunk, who launched the publication five years ago. Starting Monday, it will be available as an online entity, not in print form at this time, with the same name and Web site addresses of www.pbjonline.com as well as www.poconobusinessjournal.com.

“Strunk cited a tougher economic climate and the shrinking print industry as well as rising postal costs when she ceased publication on Feb. 5.

“Debbie Burke, editor of Pocono Business Journal when it was a monthly mail subscription to many businesses in the four-county region of Monroe, Pike, Carbon and Wayne, has returned in the same role. The publication, which was headquartered in Smithfield Township, blended hard news announcements of hirings, promotions and awards with columns, in-depth features and investigative enterprising stories. Trump said he plans to continue that approach. He said four columnists have returned, and he expects more.

“Burke said that even after the publication folded, it still received many submissions from companies, and Trump said he had gotten feedback from disappointed businesspeople.”

Read more here.