Zucker Publishing Collection

This digital collection contains seven newspaper tabloid titles (178 editions) of the “Youth Alternatives Press,” “Youth Awareness Press,” “Tucson Teen,” “Magazine,” and “Entertainment Magazine” published between 1978 and 1994 in Tucson, Arizona through several Tucson organizations, under creation and direction of Robert E. Zucker. Editions of “Tucson Chronicles” and “Arizona Bookshelf” were produced as promotional products for published books.

The first two newspaper editions were published as “Youth Alternatives” in the summer and fall of 1978 through the Tucson YWCA’s Teen Outreach Program. They were funded in part by the United Way of Greater Tucson with support from C.E.T.A. (Comprehensive Employment Training Act). The program provided dozens of high school students with hands-on newspaper reporting experience. Up to 20,000 free copies were distributed through Tucson schools, public libraries, and dozens of locations where teenagers congregated. The success of the first two editions enabled funding to be secured for several more years.

The “Youth Awareness Press” title was adopted in 1978 and published through 1981. The teen newspaper program continued to be sponsored through the YWCA of Tucson, under the direction of Robert Zucker, with grants from the United Way of Greater Tucson, C.E.T.A., Pima Co. Juvenile Justice Collaboration (L.E.A.A. funds), City of Tucson Dept. of Human & Community Development and the Gannett Foundation. The newspaper published monthly with up to 20,000 copies distributed in schools, libraries, recreation centers, and teen gathering locations. Hundreds of junior high and high school students participated as staff members, many received school internship credits until funding concluded in 1981.

After funding ended for the youth newspaper program, Southwest Alternatives Institute, Inc. (SAI), a Tucson non-profit 501-3c organization, published the “Tucson Teen” title between June 1981 and September 1990. Some supplemental funding was granted by City of Tucson Dept. of Human and Community Development, Arizona State Dept. of Corrections, Tucson Press Club, City of Tucson Community Relations Dept., and the Tucson Business Industry Education Council. Local advertising provided most of the revenues. Journalism opportunities for hundreds of students continued through internships from several school districts and community organizations, such as the Tucson Urban League and Tucson Job Corps. Satellite newspaper offices were set up in junior and senior high school campuses so students could directly participate in the publishing process.

The “Magazine” title published between September 1982 and March 1985 as a separate monthly tabloid with a wider distribution into the community and emphasis on entertainment and culture for all ages. The newspaper, also published through SAI, Inc. and directed by Robert Zucker, was supported through private sector advertising, donations, fundraising events, and a grant through the Tucson Cable Administrator's Office.

The “Entertainment Magazine” title was adopted in place of “Magazine” in April 1985 and published through October 1994 with expanded coverage of local and national music, film, arts, and other entertainment. The newspaper ceased the print edition before the first Internet web site was launched in 1995. “Entertainment Magazine On Line” went online in January 1995 as one of the first newspapers in Arizona to launch a web site. The Internet attracted a national, and  international audience. Sections were also included for the digital version of “Tucson Teen” called “Teen On Line.” Other related domains include: entertainmentmagazine.net, entertainmentmagazine.org, entertainmentmagazine.us, azentertain.com, tucsonentertain.com, tucsonchronicles.com, and robert-zucker.com

“Tucson Chronicles” was published as a single edition in 2015 to promote the book “Treasures of the Santa Catalina Mountains.” The “Arizona Bookshelf” tabloid was published in 2017 to highlight all of the books published through BZB Publishing.