Journalism, Media & Entrepreneurial Leadership

The Register-Star and a Lifetime of Journalism

In 1954, immediately following his discharge from the Army, Ray returned to Hudson and entered the family business, becoming General Manager of the Hudson Register-Star, the city’s daily newspaper. Six years later, in 1960, he assumed the role of Publisher, a position he would hold until 1985, when he sold the paper.

Under Ray’s leadership, the Register-Star evolved into a modern, respected, and financially stable newspaper while maintaining its independence and editorial integrity. He believed deeply that a daily newspaper was not merely a business, but a civic trust — responsible for informing the public accurately, fostering community dialogue, and holding institutions accountable.

Ray’s influence extended statewide and nationally. He was an active member of the New York State Publishers Association, an organization comprising every daily newspaper in New York State. In 1969 and 1970, Ray served as President of the Association, becoming the youngest publisher ever to hold that position — a testament to the respect he commanded among his peers.

He was also twice elected President of the New York State Associated Dailies, a trade organization representing independent and family-owned daily newspapers across the state, serving in 1973 and again in 1985. These leadership roles placed Ray at the center of critical debates about press freedom, economics, and the future of local journalism.

For many years Ray served on various committees of the American Newspaper Publishers Association, an organization representing all daily newspapers in the USA.

Expansion into Other Media and Related Businesses

Ray Kennedy’s entrepreneurial instincts extended well beyond Hudson. In 1968, he purchased the Chatham (NY) Courier, a weekly newspaper, serving as its Chairman until its sale in 1985.

In parallel, he served as Chairman of Chatham Holdings, an international newsprint brokerage, providing newspapers with sourcing and logistics expertise during a period when newsprint supply and pricing were increasingly global. This role further broadened his understanding of the newspaper industry’s international dimensions.

Kendell Holdings and a Defining Business Partnership

In 1985, Ray Kennedy formed Kendell Holdings with his long-time friend, business partner, and protégé, Paul Zindell. This partnership marked a significant transition from traditional newspaper publishing into diversified investment and entrepreneurial activity.

Through Kendell Holdings, Ray and Paul invested in:

  • Startup software companies

  • Medical and professional newsletters

  • Newspaper wire services

  • Daily and weekly newspapers in Florida

These ventures reflected Ray’s enduring belief in the value of information — whether delivered through print, emerging technologies, or specialized publications.

Kendell Communications and West Coast Expansion

In 1989, Ray Kennedy and Paul Zindell co-founded Kendell Communications in San Diego, California, extending their media operations to the West Coast.

Kendell Communications owned and operated:

  • Daily and weekly newspapers in the San Diego region

  • A monthly senior-focused newsmagazine, which grew to become the largest privately owned senior publication in the United States

  • A large newspaper printing plant in San Diego, supporting both in-house publications and commercial clients

In addition to media operations, Kendell Communications made equity investments in both private and publicly traded companies. By the late 1990s, all Kendell Communications assets were successfully sold to various buyers, concluding a major chapter of Ray’s entrepreneurial career.