Harold Myra Biography
Harold Lawrence Myra is an American journalist and publishing executive. He was the chief executive of Christianity Today for 32 years. He worked as the editor for Christianity Today before he edited the magazine Campus Life. He is also the author, co-author, or editor of multiple books in a variety of genres, including speculative fiction, children’s books, and non-fiction.
In 1961, Myra joined Youth For Christ Magazine as an associate editor shortly after he graduated from college. He was appointed the editor of the publication in 1965. After some time Youth For Christ Magazine was changed to Campus Life. Harold quickly improved the art direction and diversified the subject coverage of the magazine for a more professional-looking publication with four-color covers and more photographs. During his time as their editor, the magazine shifted from being primarily a house organ for the Youth For Christ organization to a general interest teen magazine for Christians. Through the years Campus Life became a major advertising venue for Christian Colleges. During Myra’s tenure, the circulation grew from 30,000 to 160,000.
In 1975, when Myra was 35 years old, he moved from Campus Life to become the president and publisher of Christianity Today, which had come close to bankruptcy in the early 1970s after an unsuccessful venture into book publishing. Just within three years, Harold had led the magazine to become a profitable enterprise. He made certain changes in the magazine such as raising subscription prices, cutting unpaid circulation, and moving the headquarters of the publication from Washington, D.C. to Carol Stream, Illinois.
Harold thought that the health of the magazine depended on the effective functioning of three key areas of operation: editorial, circulation, and advertising. Beginning in 1980, Christianity Today expanded its stable of publications by founding or acquiring other magazines, growing to a “family” of as many as 13 periodicals. The magazine also experimented with other media, including a subscription service of sermons delivered on audio cassettes. In the mid-1990s, Christianity Today launched its online presence as a content provider for America Online. Harold Myra retired from Christianity Today in 2007. Lyle Schaller whos an author, workshop leader, and speaker called CTI under Myra’s leadership “one of the most remarkable success stories in American Christianity during the second half of the 20th century”.
Harold Myra Education
Myra attended East Stroudsburg State College where he got his Bachelor of Science from. He later joined John Wesley College and after graduating he joined Biola University.
Harold Myra Age
Harold Myra, a Journalist and publishing executive was born in the year 1939. There are no more details about the date and month that he was born. He is about 80 years old as of 2019. Myra is best known for serving as the president and publisher of Christianity Today for 32 years.
Harold Myra Family
Myra was born and raised in Camden, New Jersey, United States. He was born to his parents John Samuel and Esther (Christensen) Myra. There is no much information about his family and siblings.
Harold Myra Wife
Myra is married to his wife Jeanette Austin but there is no information about when they got married. The two share six children; Michelle Myra, Gregory Myra, Todd Myra, Lindsey Myra, Rick Myra, and Joshua Myra.
Harold Myra Books
Myra is the author of several novels, multiple children’s books, poetry and nonfiction.
- The Leadership Secrets of Billy Graham: 2005
- Married And Still Loving It: The Joys and Challenges of the Second Half Gary Chapman: 2016
- Is there a place I can scream? Harold Myra: 1975
- Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled: 40 Daily Meditations on Jesus and Prayer Harold Myra: 2018
- Sync Or Swim: A Fable About Workplace Communication and Coming Together in a Crisis Gary Chapman: 2014
- The One Year Book of Encouragement: 365 Days of Inspiration and Wisdom for Your Spiritual Journey Harold Myra: 2010
- Halloween, is it for real? Harold Myra: 1982
- Thanksgiving, What Makes It Special? Harold Myra: 2002
- Surprised by children Harold Myra: 2001
- My Christmas Collection: Three Favorite Stories Harold Myra: 2006
- Santa, are you for real?: 1977
- Easter bunny, are you for real?: 1979