Thursday, January 8, 2009

Mike Schroeder Rides to the Rescue of Connecticut Newspapers

Mike Schroeder, a longtime colleague of mine from Newsday, rode into New Britain this week on a Calvary charge to save a chain of Connecticut newspapers that was days away from closing its doors. Schroeder, the owner of Central Connecticut Communications, has entered into a letter of intent to buy the Bristol Press, the New Britain Herald and three weeklies from the Journal Register Co.

He's one of the top journalists I have ever met. He brings a level of excitement in the newsroom few other executives can. He's not afraid to take risks when necessary, he'll roll up his sleeves with his staff, and he certainly can breathe life into a news organization that was close to shutting its doors.

Details of the purchase plan have not been released, but finalization of the acquisition is expected in two weeks, according to a report in the New Haven Register.

Schroeder was publisher of the free daily newspaper BostonNOW, and previously held editorial and management positions at Newsday, ranging from copy editor to chief of staff.

"We look forward to building upon the rich history of these properties as local businesspeople,” Schroeder told the Register. “We plan to work with current staff, readers and advertisers to produce papers, Web sites and other media that successfully educate, inform and entertain the communities they serve.”

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