New York, NY (March 20, 2007) — New York Observer Publisher Jared Kushner announced today the naming of Robert G. Sommer as President of the Observer Media Group. The Group is comprised of the New York Observer and the political website, politicsnj.com.

Sommer will oversee the day-to-day activities of the media properties. As part of his new role, his responsibilities will include seeking creative partnerships, and overseeing advertising sales, circulation and all business aspects of the operations.

Read by an audience of influential New Yorkers in the media, real estate, politics and business industries, the New York Observer was recently redesigned and expanded. It was reintroduced as a larger, tabloid size newspaper with more editorial content, marking the most sweeping change in the paper's 20-year history. Politicsnj.com is the dominant political website in New Jersey.

"I'm happy to welcome Bob to the Observer team," said Kushner. "I firmly believe in the Observer as a great business, and this appointment further shows our commitment to the brand. Bob will be instrumental in solidifying the future of our media properties and further expanding our portfolio."

"I was honored by Jared's invitation to join him in this great venture," said Sommer. "I look forward to building a business in media, having helped establish one of the country's biggest communications firms. The Observer is a great brand, and I'm looking forward to working with his talented team of professionals to further develop high-quality media products and help take the Observer to a new level."

Sommer comes to the Observer Media Group from MWW, one of the country's largest public relations firms, which he helped build and where he led the nationally recognized public affairs practice.

Prior to joining MWW, Mr. Sommer served as a key member of the U.S. House of Representatives Commerce Committee staff, and helped draft legislation that preserved the Amtrak rail system and served as speechwriter. Sommer is a Trustee of the Public Affairs Council and the New Jersey Public Policy Institute and an Adjunct Professor at the Bloustein School of Public Policy, Rutgers University. Named as one of New Jersey's 50 Most Interesting People by NJ Monthly magazine, Sommer is a Leadership New Jersey graduate.