They will be the third generation of the Lieberman family to take the helm of the company. Their grandfather, “Irv” began ownership of the weekly newspaper in 1970, and after succeeding him, Randy elevated the readership of the Chester County Press by combining a print version with a strong online and social media presence that often provides exclusive coverage of breaking news, politics, business, education and the ever-changing cultural scene of the southern Chester County community.

In addition to 52 weekly editions of the Press, the company also annually publishes 37 magazines annually that include Cecil County Life, Chadds Ford Life, Greenville & Hockessin Life, Kennett Square Life, Landenberg Life, Middletown Life and Newark Life, as well as several business chamber publications and event-based supplements.

“Succeeding our father was not so much of a choice as it was a duty for Avery and me, to continue the legacy that our Pop-Pop started and our father continued,” Lieberman said. “To be a part of a newspaper that has sustained the matriculation of news – both in print and on line -- is an honor for us.

“There are not a lot of independently-owned newspapers and magazines left, and we felt as though we owe it to the residents of southern Chester County to continue to deliver locally focused journalism.”

Eaton said that while the Press has covered major news stories in recent years – that include the escape and capture of Danilo Cavalcante and the embezzlement investigation and sentencing of former Kennett Township Manager Lisa Moore – it has also become a key source for community news of other kinds such as coverage of school sports – and coverage and sponsorship of public events like the annual Mushroom Festival and the Kennett Run.

“That’s why people continue to turn to the Press, because it’s hyper local and trains its eye on the accomplishments of the communities it serves,” she said. 

While Lieberman and Eaton said that the management of the media company will continue to evolve, it will do so on the foundational principles and accomplishments made by their grandfather and father.

“The legacy that my grandfather left was his obligation to protect the First Amendment which is paramount to what the Press stands for,” Lieberman said. “Irv’s dedication to investigative journalism was no doubt a burden to many local politicians back in the day, but it is that very freedom that assures that our elected officials serve us and not the other way around. 

“My father had a talent for bringing the focus to the smaller communities in the area through our ‘Life’ magazines – publications that highlight their rich history and reflects many of the gifts that these residents are very proud of.”

Perhaps the most important measure of success for the Chester County Press, Eaton said, has been its service as a local voice that encourages its readers to actively engage in the communities they live in. 

“Through the mission and the pages of the Press, my father instilled the belief that being involved is one of the most important roles of a community member, because that’s how decisions are made,” she said. “He always said that you can’t complain if you’re not knowledgeable, and you can’t create action if you’re not involved.”

“Locally owned newspapers are truly a treasure and the fact that we are still here is a testament to the truth that we remain engaged in and by the communities we serve,” Lieberman added. “Both Avery and I want to acknowledge the dedication and passion of the staff here who have helped maneuver the Press and its magazines through the challenges of the industry.”

To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email [email protected].