Doug Hardy
March 15, 2024
CT News Junkie’s co-owner, editor leaves journalism after 23 years; co-owner acquires business
Contributed
Christine Stuart purchased CT News Junkie in 2006 and served as its editor and co-owner until Thursday.
News veteran Christine Stuart, who was both co-owner and editor of the political news website CT News Junkie, announced Friday morning that she is leaving the industry.
In a note to readers, Stuart said she was incredibly proud of her 23-year career. She began her journalism career as an intern at the Hartford Courant, worked at the Hartford Advocate as a listings editor, then as a reporter at The Journal Inquirer in Manchester for four years.
She also had a stint as a television reporter at NBC Connecticut.
Stuart purchased CT News Junkie in early 2006.
Stuart and her business partner and ex-husband, Doug Hardy, built CT News Junkie over 18 years into one of the most popular news websites in Connecticut. Hardy was co-owner and business manager.
Now, he is the full owner.
Stuart confirmed Friday that Hardy purchased her share of the business, Dig and Scoop LLC, and now owns 100% of it. She declined to state the purchase price.
Stuart was removed as a partner in the LLC at 4:03 p.m. Thursday, according to a state business filing.
Stuart told the Hartford Business Journal she will announce her new job soon.
She is optimistic about CT News Junkie’s future, saying she knows Hardy “will succeed at ushering in a new group of reporters to do the important work of bringing Connecticut residents the truth about their government.”
“A true visionary in the field of independent journalism, I can’t thank him enough for all the ways in which he helped grow the site’s traffic and revenue over the years,” Stuart wrote. “There is no one more dedicated to the cause of independent journalism than Doug.”
Stuart also made a point of thanking her supporters and fans.
"Huge thanks for everyone over the past 23 years who shared their stories with me," she posted on Facebook. "Hopefully I made a difference or simply made you think about something in a different way. It's time for a new chapter."
Stuart’s full message is available here: https://ctnewsjunkie.com/2024/03/15/veteran-journalist-bids-farewell-passing-the-torch-to-new-generation-at-ctnewsjunkie-com.
Hardy, who will continue as publisher and interim editor, said it is an exciting new chapter for the company.
"We have two new freelance reporters working with us as well as two interns from the University of Connecticut. We are going to continue covering politics and public policy here at the state Capitol because the decisions made here impact every resident in some way," Hardy said.
"I am grateful for having had the opportunity to work with her (Christine) building this company and wish her well in her new career," he added. "The transition requires a lot of behind-the-scenes work but I plan to continue the mission of providing public service journalism going forward as publisher of the site and interim editor."
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