Irvin J. Borowsky

Infobox Officeholder
name = Irvin J. Borowsky


imagesize = 120 × 156 pixels
birth_date = birth date|1924|11|23|mf=y
birth_place = Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
residence = Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
nationality = American
occupation = Publisher, Philanthropist
religion = Jewish

Irvin J. Borowsky (November 23, 1924) is an American publisher and philanthropist. Borowsky created "TV Digest", the nation's first television program listing, which was sold to Walter Annenberg and became part of "TV Guide". [Staff. [http://www.jewishexponent.com/article/14773/ "'Wall Street Journal' Story Lauds Local Man: Irvin Borowsky"] , "The Jewish Exponent", December 6, 2007. Accessed October 1, 2008.]

Early life

Irvin J. Borowsky was born in 1924 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the youngest of the nine children of Emma and Samuel Borowsky. His parents had emigrated from Poland to the United States where Samuel Borowsky became a supplier of flour and related products for bakeries. At twelve years old, the young Borowsky answered an ad in "Popular Mechanics" for a five dollar printing press. The press came with a package of type, ink and instructions. It changed his life. At the time of his father’s death, Borowsky was fourteen years old and was operating his own printing business which he named City Wide Press.

Business life

At the end of World War II, Borowsky, now a master printer, founded Foster Manufacturing Company to provide custom storage equipment to printers and newspapers throughout the nation. He redesigned the ad makeup departments for the "Washington Post", "Boston Herald", "Cleveland Plain Dealer", "Philadelphia Inquirer" and many other newspapers farming out the construction of his specially designed steel equipment. In 1948, recognizing the power and potential of the television industry which was just emerging, he started a weekly TV magazine which in time became "TV Guide". With his Foster Manufacturing Company providing funds, he bought large presses to accommodate the magazine format and the first editions of the magazine were printed - a major event for this new TV field.

While in his early twenties, he moved his companies to a location that accommodated all three enterprises. City Wide Press, Foster Manufacturing, and TV Digest were now efficiently housed under one roof.

His innovations in the publishing and printing industries are legendary…creative and groundbreaking.
* Borowsky was the first to present movies on television - a shocking concept at the time
* He was the first to introduce the marketing of magazines at checkout counters in supermarkets – an all new, innovative approach to the public
* His redesign of numerous newspaper composition departments produced major efficiencies which were adopted by newspapers worldwide

After selling his TV magazine to Walter Annenberg in 1953, Borowsky founded the North American Publishing Company (NAPCO) which became a highly successful publisher of magazines nationwide. Beginning with Printing Impressions, now the leading publication for the printing and graphic arts industries, Borowsky expanded NAPCO by creating new magazines as well as purchasing and restructuring other publications. His first acquisition was Audio magazine. Within 18 months his stable of magazines included Sailing Word, Target Marketing, Magazine and Book Seller, American School and University, American Import/Export Management, In Plant Reproductions, Custom House Guide, Package Printing, and more.

In 1975 Borowsky purchased CUE, the beloved magazine of New York events and entertainment. Calling him a “rebuilder of magazines” Business Week further made note of the fact that Borowsky spent “a fortune” to get CUE in shape. Borowsky moved CUE magazine to new spaces at 55th Street and Madison Avenue and North American Publishing Company became a significant presence in New York City. By this time, NAPCO was producing 24 different magazines each month.

By 1980, he sold several of his magazines: CUE to Rupert Murdoch, Sailing World to the New York Times, and Audio to CBS. His son, Ned, was appointed president of NAPCO and Borowsky announced that he would concentrate his time and resources on philanthropy and social issues.

Philanthropy and later life

In addition to his publishing activities, Borowsky has always been immersed in philanthropy plus community services and support. In 1992, he organized and led 700 Evangelical Christians on a tour that explored cherished early Christian shrines as well as contemporary economic and political issues with leaders from the sciences, technologies, agronomics and education.

In 1982, Borowsky founded the American Interfaith Institute to join Jews and Christians in common cause; to remove anti-Semitic language and incorrect translations of specific passages of the New Testament, thus building understanding, acceptance and relationships among Christians and Jews. Working closely with the scholars and translators of the American Bible Society, Borowsky was able to see the fulfillment of a key goal of the Institute when the American Bible Society published the Contemporary English Version (CEV), the first New Testament that does not hold Jews responsible for the crucifixion. Under the aegis of Borowsky, the American Interfaith Institute has developed a distinguished Scholars’ Board [http://www.americaninterfaith.org/scholars.htm] who guide the work and outreach of the organization within a framework of symposia, research, publishing and distribution of teaching materials for professors of religion . Now in its 26th year, the Institute continues its initiative with vigor and commitment.

As a member of both the American Academy of Religion and the Society of Biblical Literature, Borowsky has lectured worldwide on issues of diversity, faith and cooperation.

In 2000, Borowsky founded the National Liberty Museum which has welcomed over 400,000 visitors from throughout the world. They come to participate in the museum’s unique programs and exhibitions that address freedom, peace and conflict resolution; to celebrate the diverse heritage and tradition that gives the nation strength and purpose. The Teacher Training Programs and the Education Center of the museum have received plaudits from throughout the educational community and is approved by the Pennsylvania and New Jersey Departments of Education. The contemporary art that is incorporated into every exhibit symbolizes the “art of liberty” and has been noted as one of the most original and effective teaching models in the nation.

Borowsky’s philanthropic outreach reflects his personal interest in art, education and social services. His Board affiliations include the Salvation Army, the University of the Arts (as Vice Chairman), the Jewish Community Centers and more. He is the major funder of the National Liberty Museum and serves as Chairman of that institution, which he founded. His contributions connect him to libraries, schools and the arts. He is the recipient of numerous awards.

Personal life

Borowsky and his wife have visited 61 countries to meet with theologians from diverse religions and to acquire key contemporary art. Their significant collection, which focuses on the paintings of Marc Chagall, bronzes by renowned 20th century artists and masters of studio glass art is highly respected worldwide.

Borowsky’s first marriage which ended in divorce produced 4 children: Scott, Gwen, Ned, Ted. He married his second wife, Laurie Wagman in 1979. Including his wife’s daughters from her first marriage, they have 6 married children and 13 grandchildren.

References

External links

* [http://www.libertymuseum.org National Liberty Museum]
* [http://www.americaninterfaith.org American Interfaith Institute]
* [http://www.napco.com North American Publishing Company]