Esteemed Publisher Bruce Sagan Passes Away at 96, Leaving Legacy

Bruce Sagan, a prominent figure in Chicago journalism and owner of the Hyde Park Herald, passed away on September 21, 2023, at his home in Streeterville. He was 96 years old. His son, Paul Sagan, confirmed that his father succumbed to a brief illness related to cancer. Sagan’s legacy spans over seven decades in the world of publishing, where he earned recognition not only for his work in journalism but also for his contributions to the arts.

Born in Summit, New Jersey, in 1929 to Jewish immigrants from what is now western Ukraine, Sagan entered the journalism field at a young age. He purchased the Hyde Park Herald in 1953 when he was just 24 years old, revitalizing the newspaper during a challenging period. This community paper became a platform for discussing pressing social issues, including racial segregation and urban renewal. Sagan later expanded his influence by acquiring the Southtown Economist group of newspapers in 1958, which he sold in 1987 after three decades of ownership.

Innovative Leadership and Community Impact

Sagan was known for his innovative approach to newspaper publishing, introducing offset printing and four-color presses to enhance the quality of community journalism. His commitment to social issues earned him respect in the industry. Former Hyde Park Herald editor Gabriel Piemonte noted Sagan’s genuine interest in local affairs, saying, “He never lost that real affection for Hyde Park.”

Bill Gerstein, a former business owner in Hyde Park, praised Sagan’s editorial vision, emphasizing that he made the Hyde Park Herald a vital source of information. “He ran it as this neighborhood newspaper that everybody in Hyde Park had to read to know what was going on,” Gerstein remarked.

Sagan’s influence extended beyond journalism into civic involvement. He served as the public interest director of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago from 1963 to 1970 and chaired the Illinois Housing Development Authority during a critical period for affordable housing. His efforts contributed to the development of thousands of moderate-income housing units in Illinois.

A Champion of the Arts

Sagan’s passion for the arts was evident throughout his life. He played a significant role in bringing the Joffrey Ballet from New York to Chicago in 1995 and served as vice president and president of its board. His advocacy for the arts also included positions on various boards, such as the Illinois Arts Council and the Steppenwolf Theatre Company.

In 2024, he was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Joe Biden, recognizing his dedication to cultural initiatives. Sagan’s ability to bridge the gap between journalism and the arts was noted in his approach to community engagement, stating in a 1996 interview, “Artists are forever taking risks… No matter what the detours, find a way to get to your goal.”

Sagan’s later years saw him merge the Hyde Park Herald with the nonprofit South Side Weekly, a move he believed would strengthen community journalism amid changing media landscapes. “The Hyde Park Herald… was losing revenue and losing circulation,” he explained in a 2022 interview.

Sagan’s contributions to journalism, community service, and the arts have left an indelible mark on Chicago. He is survived by his second wife, Bette Cerf Hill, and a family that includes two sons, three stepdaughters, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Plans for a memorial service have yet to be announced.

As a pioneer in journalism and an advocate for the arts, Bruce Sagan’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations in Chicago and beyond.