Who we are.

Alter Communications began in 1919 when David Alter started the Baltimore Jewish Times and we’ve been publishing every Friday since then. In 1972 Charles “Chuck” Buerger had the vision to make the sleepy weekly into the “Newsweek of Jewish journalism.” Buerger succeeded and created the country’s finest Jewish newsweekly.

In 1989, the company launched Style magazine, published 7 times a year, covering home design, fashion, food, and regional travel. It is Baltimore’s premier lifestyle publication, providing information for smart living in Baltimore.

Moving towards its vision to become an integrated regional media company, Alter Communications purchased its first magazine, Chesapeake Life, in February 2001. The magazine had been in existence since 1996, focusing on how to take advantage of the many wonderful things the Chesapeake region has to offer. From regional travel to great places to eat, this magazine has become the ultimate guide for life around the Chesapeake, published 7 times a year.

In April 2002, Alter Communications launched its full-service custom publishing division.  Alter Custom Media’s core strength is the ability to use a dedicated staff, as well as Alter’s many magazine resources, to create and manage publications (both print and web-based) for its clients. Expert custom media services include: publication and web design, production, circulation management, content generation, editing, and cost-effective printing.  Alter Custom Media has quickly gained a reputation for producing outstanding custom publications.

Our Mission

Alter Communications aspires to communicate news, information and opinion to the communities we serve that is useful, engaging, enjoyable and unique. We strive to reflect the full range of diverse viewpoints, while also advocating positions that strengthen those communities.