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Chronicle changes its name

Written by Russ Jones

Wednesday, 13 August 2008

After ten years publishing under the masthead of The Wichita Chronicle and later The Chronicle Christian Newspaper, the newspaper will change its name. Effective September 1, 2008 the paper will operate as the Christian Press.

Nearly a year ago the law firm of Vaughn, Winton & Clark of Edmond, Oklahoma, who represent the Church of Christ denominational newspaper The Christian Chronicle, requested The Chronicle Christian Newspaper to cease and desist under its current name. Attorneys claim The Chronicle Christian Newspaper name violates federal trademark law protecting the Oklahoma based denominational newspaper’s identity.

“Though the owners of the trademark have no objection to your use of the name The Chronicle, the owners do object to the use of the words Chronicle and Christian together for the designation of a religious news publication because of the confusion created and infringement on the registered trademark,” said Matthew Winton of Vaughn, Winton and Clark.

Publishers Russ and Jackie Jones retained the services of Wichita based Martin, Pringle, Oliver, Wallace and Bauer in their defense. The paper’s defense pointed out differences between a denominational publication and the efforts of The Chronicle to reach a broader Christian market.

“Your client’s newspaper publication is intended to reach its specific membership, those who are members of the Church of Christ,” attorney Lora Jennings wrote in a letter. “My client’s monthly publication reaches a wholly separate audience.”

The Jones’ say after spending much time, energy and money defending the name it was time to move on.

“We’ve prayed this through and there comes a time when fighting isn’t beneficial,” said co-publisher Russ Jones. “There are experiences and interactions on this earth I won’t ever really understand. It is only a name – there are many good names.”

Changing the name became easier when a Christian psychiatrist from Nigeria donated a domain name said co-publisher Jackie Jones. Dr. Aderemi Dozeman, who lives in Hines, Georgia, was given ChristianPress.com a few years ago, but never developed a website or established a business. Upon meeting through email and talking over the telephone, Dozeman says he sensed God wanting him to entrust the name to the Joneses.

“I'm beginning to think you are the partner we're supposed to work,” said Dozeman. “And we have a miracle in the making.”

BIG Picture Media Group, Inc., the parent company of The Chronicle, took over the web domain two weeks ago. The Joneses say readers will still find solid Christian reporting in both the printed editions and online.

“Although traumatic, sometimes there is a need for new beginnings,” said Jackie Jones. “With this name I believe we are opening new doors while nurture existing relationships. With the way this name has come about I feel it is a true blessing.”

The online edition of The Chronicle Christian Newspaper (thechronicleonline.net) is currently ranked 2.9 million in traffic compared to all websites on the World Wide Wed. Russ Jones believes web traffic can only get better.

“A domain like ChristianPress.com is far easier to brand and market than our current name,” said Jones. “I’m excited for the potential to grow an already increasing readership. Besides that – at this time there are no other papers named, Christian Press. It clearly says who we are and what we do.”