Publisher aspirations: Janet Dugo

Janet Dugo has been involved in New York Women in Communications, Inc. since 2000. She is a successful publisher for Staten Island Business Trends, a local Staten Island, NY-based newspaper. Dugo didn’t study journalism in college, but with a keen eye for details she rose to the top in media. This inspiring woman was able to pursue her dream career and balance a family.

Q: Did you grow up in Staten Island?
“No, I am not a ‘Staten Island girl.’ I actually grew up in Brooklyn. Then, in my teens I moved to New Jersey and then back to New York. So, I guess you could say I am a ‘New York girl.’”

Q: How did you become publisher of Staten Island Business Trends?
“I knew I wanted to get back to New York. I was an administrative assistant on Wall Street and worked my way up to vice president director of marketing. In 2003 and 2004 I decided to move closer to home. The (Staten Island) community newspaper always caught my eye. I became a marketing consultant [at the paper and] while there I did sales. The sales department groomed me to be a publisher.”

Q: What is a typical day for a publisher?
“It varies. I have a routine: billing, deliveries and gearing up for the next edition. I spend time out in the community and at business events. Sometimes I’ll give feedback to the editorial team and review press releases. I prepare proposals for advertising. Meeting with the clients, I ask them ‘What are you trying to accomplish?’ We have a wonderful creative team. It is a load of stuff, but you have to pay attention to the details.”

Q: Monthly, 5,000 copies of Staten Island Business Trends reach various key business and community leaders in Staten Island. Who are some of your clients and how do they react to the newspaper?
“My motto is not ‘Breaking News,’ it is ‘News You Can Use.’ Staten Island Business Trends catches trends in the local economy and presents opportunity. NASCAR was going to build a track which led to controversy in the local community. Staten Island Business Trends’ take on it was, ‘Are there ways local businesses can benefit?’ Subscribers give good feedback; it is kind of a one-stop shop. We touch on things our clients need. Most of our clients want to know what the other folks are doing.”

Q: Our economy is shaky. How has this affected the newspaper or any of the subscribers? Are there more articles giving advice to businesses going through a recession?
“The slowing economy has affected everyone. Even before the most recent downturn, we ran articles about trade shows and ways to improve your business. As for subscribers, volume is not specifically what we’re looking for. We have a niche market, and we’re looking to help our clients.”

Q: What advice would you give to NYWIC students who would like to become publishers or enter the world of communications?
“Oh gosh. Getting internships and getting exposed to the real world, which will open doors to get in. Also, work hard. I never dreamed I’d be a publisher! When you see an opportunity, grab it. Stay motivated.”

~Sable Fields
sfields234@aol.com
The New School University ‘09
Cinema and Media Studies