In a time when the fate of local journalism is in itself in the news, Bruce Putterman, CEO and Publisher of The Connecticut Mirror, a non-profit, digital news publication, will be the guest speaker at the New Canaan Men’s Club, Friday, Jan. 7, at 10 a.m. in a talk that will touch on the role of local news reporting and describe the publication’s coverage of Connecticut issues.
With the rise in Covid-19 infections, the Men’s Club will be conducting its upcoming meetings on Zoom for the foreseeable future, rather than at Morrill Hall in St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. The plan is to continue to monitor developments so the club can return to in-person meetings as soon as possible.
Putterman is responsible for overseeing the Mirror’s business operations, strategic direction, product innovation, reader engagement and product innovation, was named to his position in 2017. Prior to that, he owned and operated a management consulting practice in West Hartford, providing strategic planning and marketing services to more than 50 non-profits. Earlier in his career, he worked at several well-known advertising agencies, both in New York and Connecticut.
While a select number of major newspapers are enjoying a resurgence in subscribership, much of it having moved online, smaller, local newspapers have been struggling. Many major outlets have been acquired by hedge funds and private equity, leading to consolidation and staff reductions.
The Connecticut Mirror, as a digital news service, covers Connecticut and local news, public policy issues, politics, the General Assembly and the executive agencies. Launched in 2009 by the Connecticut News Project, Inc., the Mirror has grown in readership and has added reporters in keeping with its wider reach.
In West Hartford, Putterman served on the Board of Education for 12 years, three of those years as its chairman.
He graduated from Cornell University with a B.A. and went on to earn his M.B.A. at the Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management. His interest in journalism was fostered during his time in college when he worked in commercial radio and television news.
The Men’s club has openings for new members. For further information about joining, men 55-years old and above may email ncmens@ncmens.club.