BlueLena is thrilled to announce a new key hire to its strategy and consulting practice serving independent and local news media publishers.
Trudi Hargis joins BlueLena as Publisher Success Manager, helping independent journalism organizations adopt new tools and develop strategies to grow their audiences, revenue and impact. With more than 12 years of experience in digital strategy for print, broadcast and online media, Trudi has worked with news organizations across the country to build sustainable products that serve their communities.
Before joining BlueLena, Trudi led data-driven digital audience development efforts at RebelMouse and Nexstar Media Group, partnering with clients and newsrooms to optimize website performance and implement best practices. At Hearst’s Times Union, she managed website, newsletter and audience initiatives, collaborating closely with editorial, product and marketing teams to drive digital transformation and grow subscriptions.
Trudi graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in newspaper journalism. She lives in upstate New York with her husband and two children.
“Trudi is a rockstar with a long track record of rolling up her sleeves and digging into audience development for local newsrooms across the nation, serving as an extension of their teams,” said Chief Strategy Officer Ned Berke. “She brings valuable, unique perspective that will complement and expand on the work we’re able to do today to bring greater impact, revenue and sustainability to local newsrooms – and give them the resources they need to service communities on the ground.”
About BlueLena:
BlueLena was founded by an experienced team of publishers, journalists and newsmedia marketing executives to create a sustainable future for independent local media. We do so by deploying world class technology, and delivering the strategic expertise and professional services to build and support subscription, membership and donation models for long-term success.
Since our founding in early 2020, we have quickly grown to support leading community-based media brands across the United States and internationally.
Our 250+ member publishing consortium represents a diverse mix of non-profit and for profit newsrooms, digital and print publications, as well as established and new media brands. Our clients represent membership with LION Publishers (LION), the Institute for Nonprofit News (INN), the Association of Alternative Newsmedia (AAN), the Local Media Association (LMA), the National Newspaper Publisher Association aka “The Black Press of America” (NNPA), and the National Association of Hispanic Publishers (NAHP). BlueLena is founder-funded and backed by investment from Automattic, Local Media Association and Old Town Media.