Bruce Sagan, Influential Publisher and Arts Advocate, Passes at 96

Bruce Sagan, a prominent figure in Chicago journalism and the arts, 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 was well-known for his ownership of the Hyde Park Herald and the Southtown Economist, as well as for receiving the National Medal of the Arts.

Born in Summit, New Jersey, in 1929 to Jewish immigrants from what is now western Ukraine, Sagan began his career in journalism at the young age of 24. He purchased the Hyde Park Herald in 1953 as it faced closure, revitalizing it with a focus on pressing local issues like housing segregation and urban development. He later acquired the Southtown Economist in 1958 and expanded it significantly over the following decades.

Sagan’s innovative approach to newspaper publishing included the adoption of offset printing techniques and four-color presses. He established a successful commercial printing operation that served notable publications, including the Chicago Defender and the Midwest editions of the New York Times. Under his stewardship, the Hyde Park Herald became not just a source of local news but also a platform for community engagement and activism.

Legacy in Journalism and the Arts

Throughout his career, Sagan was recognized for his commitment to journalism and the arts. He played a crucial role in bringing the Joffrey Ballet from New York to Chicago in 1995, demonstrating his passion for the performing arts. His dedication to cultural initiatives earned him respect and admiration within the community. Political strategist David Axelrod, who began his career as a columnist at the Hyde Park Herald, described Sagan as “a remarkable man” with a vision for the future of journalism.

Sagan’s influence extended beyond publishing; he was active in various civic roles, including serving as the public interest director of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago from 1963 to 1970. He chaired the Illinois Housing Development Authority from 1973 to 1977, where he advocated for affordable housing solutions during a challenging period for federal funding. His efforts helped shape housing policies that benefited numerous communities.

Sagan’s passion for the arts was evident in his numerous board appointments, including his role with the Illinois Arts Council, where he served as chairman from 1974 to 1977. He was instrumental in fundraising efforts for the Steppenwolf Theatre Company, contributing to the establishment of a new 515-seat theater.

Personal Life and Community Impact

Sagan’s personal life was characterized by his commitment to community. He was known for his trademark cardigan and bow tie, embodying a warm and approachable demeanor. His second wife, Bette Cerf Hill, shared his passion for the arts and community development, co-founding the Printers Row Lit Fest in 1985. Together, they contributed to various cultural initiatives that enhanced Chicago’s vibrant arts scene.

In 2022, Sagan merged the Hyde Park Herald with the nonprofit South Side Weekly, a move aimed at sustaining community journalism in the face of declining resources. He expressed concern about the challenges facing newspapers, stating, “The existence of South Side Weekly and the Herald… offers an opportunity now to be taken that could lead to some understanding of a new economic structure for this kind of journalism.”

Sagan’s legacy will endure through his contributions to both journalism and the arts, as well as through the community he served. He is survived by his sons Paul and Alex, his wife Hill, three stepdaughters, 12 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. The family has not yet announced funeral arrangements.