Informer is changing owners in 2027. Thomas Hunt, who began producing the highly respected crime history journal in 2008, has signed an agreement to transfer INFORMER to a publishing group headed by J. Michael Niotta effective the first of January 2027.
The announcement is bittersweet, as Thomas Hunt’s contributions to the field of crime studies, and his critical editorship of Informer, will be sorely missed by writers and readers alike. The Las Vegas issue, Informer‘s 35th, will be the last to be published by Mr. Hunt, but this is not the end of Informer as we know it.
Earlier this year, Hunt approached Dr. J. Michael Niotta, an author-historian and the great-grandson of Los Angeles mobster Jack Dragna, with an offer he couldn’t refuse: take over Informer and continue the legacy. Rather than go it alone, Dr. Niotta has compiled an all-star group of officers who have the energy and desire to preserve and present this fascinating, yet overlooked, area of study, with the rigor Informer has come to stand for in the genre.
Crime—-and efforts to combat it—-have always shaped human society. This often unseen aspect of our ancestors’ lives continues to fascinate, and the demand for original, true stories has never been higher. Informer is uniquely positioned to deliver the best crime history in 2027 and beyond.
Niotta has Hunt’s complete confidence in this venture. “J. Michael feels as strongly about seeing Informer through as I do,” Hunt said.
Niotta plans to release the 36th issue of Informer in the spring of 2027. “I’m thrilled to carry on the tradition of excellence Informer has come to stand for,” he said.
Hunt will continue to be affiliated with Informer as a fact checker. Other familiar writers from past issues of Informer are expected to continue writing for the crime and law enforcement history journal.
The new owners of Informer, doing business as Informer Journal & Press will be:
J. Michael Niotta, PhD, Publisher and Editor in Chief. J. Michael is an author-historian and a retired service member who has delivered programs for the The Mob Museum in Las Vegas and appeared on Showtime, Paramount+, and the History and Travel Channels.
Scott Deitche, Finance Director. Scott is an author specializing in organized crime. His books include Cigar City Mafia: A Complete History of the Tampa Underworld and Garden State Gangland: The Rise of the Mob in New Jersey. Scott is also on The Mob Museum’s Advisory Council.
Larry Henry, Managing Editor. Larry is a veteran print and broadcast journalist who has served as legislative reporter at the Reno Gazette-Journal, political editor at the Las Vegas Sun and managing editor at KFSM-TV Channel 5, the CBS affiliate in Northwest Arkansas. He is also on The Mob Museum’s Advisory Council.
Craig Johnson II, Art Director. Craig is a New York City-based illustrator, designer, writer, and crime historian, and a graduate of the Minneapolis College of Art and Design.
Justin Cascio, Marketing Chief. Justin is a regular contributor to Informer , creator of the popular Mafia Genealogy website, and author of two books on the history of the Mafia.
Informer has earned a reputation for trusted, informative, and accessible crime and law enforcement history. The officers of Informer Journal & Press are committed to clearing the bar Thomas Hunt has set for us: Informer holds the highest standard in Mafia publishing.
The print publishing world is in an increasingly challenging marketplace. The new ownership team plans to meet this opportunity by increasing Informer‘s reach. We’re continuing to welcome a wide array of contributors, while planning a more demanding publication schedule. Prospective contributors to the upcoming Johnny Roselli and The Mob and the Military issues should watch this space for a call for submissions from Larry Henry, or email him directly at submissions @ informerjournal.com.
Leave a Reply