Mid-Hudson News Publisher Mike Martucci announced on Tuesday that respected journalist Justin Rodriguez has been named Editorial Development Director of the Hudson Valley’s preeminent online news source.
Rodriguez was a well-known sports reporter at the Times Herald-Record in Middletown for nearly two decades (1996-2015), winning numerous Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE) state and national awards. For the last nine years, he has served as Orange County’s Assistant to the County Executive for Communications and Media Relations.
“Justin will lead the development of new content in our daily paper to increase the offerings to our ever-growing readership,” said Martucci. “I have an aggressive growth plan for Mid-Hudson News and it will be built in part around Justin’s experience and strengths.”
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. Today, Gross serves as the company’s Managing Editor and oversees daily operations.
“Justin was one of the most respected journalists in the Hudson Valley and distinguished himself further with his impressive work as Orange County Government’s press secretary for nearly a decade,” said Gross. “He is talented, hard-working and well-liked and respected by his peers. Justin’s addition will ensure that Mid-Hudson News continues the highest level of journalistic excellence that it has been known for nearly 25 years. I look forward to working with him and know that Justin will be a great asset to Mid-Hudson News.”
During his time at the Times Herald-Record, Rodriguez covered everything from Army football to local sports and sports-related controversies. He distinguished himself as an investigative reporter and as the face of Varsity845’s coverage of high school athletics in the Hudson Valley.
Rodriguez’s duties with Orange County Government included handling public and media relations and social media for all county departments, while serving as the county’s Public Information Officer for the Emergency Operations Center.
Rodriguez’s duties will include writing and editing stories, including community-centered features, developing content for social media, and creating new offerings for Mid-Hudson News’ readers.
“I look forward to working with the talented Mid-Hudson News team, which is a leader in covering the important news, trends, and issues that interest our dedicated readers,” Rodriguez said. “My commitment to readers is that I will report the facts, no matter where they lead, while further developing our content and increasing Mid-Hudson News’ reach. I am excited to work in this role with so many people throughout the region that I have developed relationships with over the years and am eager to build many new ones.”
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.
Martucci, a former New York State Senator and lifelong Orange County resident, purchased Mid-Hudson News in January of 2023.
