Martucci takes the helm of Mid-Hudson News

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Michael Martucci
Hank Gross

MIDDLETOWN – Mid-Hudson News, the Hudson Valley’s preeminent online news source, has been purchased by lifelong Orange County resident Mike Martucci, who recently served one term as a New York State Senator in the region. By trade, Martucci is a successful small business owner and entrepreneur who, before his run for office, made a name for himself as one of the nation’s largest school bus operators. Beyond his acquisition, Martucci will serve day-to-day in the role of publisher.

“Of all the investments I have made during my business career, this is the one I am most excited about,” said Martucci. “During my time in Albany, I saw how critical it is to keep the public informed in a fair and honest manner. No other news outlet has done that more consistently or closer to home than Mid-Hudson News.”

Mid-Hudson News was founded and has been shepherded by long-time regional journalist Hank Gross, whose 53-year career spans radio, television, and print news coverage. Gross created MidHudsonNews.com in January 2000 while maintaining his presence providing local radio news coverage. He will be staying on board as the publication’s editor.

“I have dedicated my entire career to keeping the public informed about what is happening in its backyard and the halls of power,” said Hank Gross. “Whether newspaper, radio, TV or online through Mid-Hudson News, I have provided coverage that is well-respected in the region, and beyond, for its concision and impartiality. I am confident in Mike Martucci’s new ownership and look forward to continuing this essential work as editor.”

With half a million unique readers every month and high trust ratings across every demographic, Mid-Hudson News has proven to be a leader in the industry, breaking major regional news stories for over two decades.

While the core business of Mid-Hudson News has been and will continue to be highly successful, Martucci plans to modernize and transform the operations. Expansion of its footprint and coverage, and new products and features, such as podcasts and live news, are all under consideration.

“My goal is to continue the balanced local news coverage that Hank and his team have presented to the public all these years,” said Martucci. “The plan is not to change our content but to take the platform to the next level while keeping the same team in place and staying true to its original mission.”

As part of the growth pattern, Martucci has established new offices in the City of Poughkeepsie and the Village of Maybrook. “That is only the beginning,” Martucci said. “We plan to grow our presence within the Hudson Valley and beyond, as well as seek new opportunities in the rapidly changing and dynamic media environment.”

While change can often bring with it uncertainty, many area leaders have given Martucci’s acquisition of Mid-Hudson News their stamps of approval, including politicians of both major parties.

“I have seen firsthand Mike Martucci’s ability to stand independently for the things that matter most to his Orange County neighbors. That is a big part of why his ownership of Mid-Hudson News makes so much sense for our current moment: Mike is once again putting his neighbors’ needs first by investing in a longstanding source for local news to help keep them engaged and informed. Mike has always been willing to put partisan politics aside to deliver for Orange County, and I am confident he will bring this same collaborative energy to Mid-Hudson News,” said NYS Senator James Skoufis (D, 42nd District).

“Mid-Hudson News is a daily read for me. They have and will continue to be a premiere source of local news for the Hudson Valley,” said U.S. Congressman Marc Molinaro (R, 19th District).

“Now more than ever, it is important to have local news that is timely, relevant, credible, and free of bias. On behalf of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce, I could not be more delighted to learn that the ownership of this community staple is remaining within our community and in trusted hands,” said Orange County Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Heather Bell-Meyer.

“I am happy to see Mid-Hudson News continue its long history of keeping residents of the Hudson Valley informed on the issues affecting our communities. I have worked with Hank Gross for years, and I believe Mike Martucci will be a true asset to the company. I am looking forward to their continued success and engaging with my good friend Mike!” said NYS Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther (D, 100th District).

Since Martucci’s acquisition of Mid-Hudson News its operations and daily news coverage have continued uninterrupted. It can be found online at MidHudsonNews.com and on every major social media platform.




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