Miller era begins at the Record

A new era begins for the Waterbury Record and Stowe Reporter on Jan. 1, when Robert Miller becomes majority owner of the publishing company.

Miller, who has broad experience in magazine publishing, acquired majority ownership from Biddle Duke, who has owned and operated the company for the past 17 years.

Miller outlined his intentions in a question-and-answer session.

What got you interested in the Stowe Reporter, Waterbury Record and Stowe Guide and Magazine?

I’m currently an investor and partner in a similar community newspaper group, The San Clemente Times in California. I was a founding investor in it about 10 years ago when my then-editorial director at Miller Publishing Group, Norb Garrett (now my partner), left to start it.

I love this business and I love my partner and we truly believe in the value and importance of community publishing. So when Biddle and I first talked about my possibly becoming his partner in the Stowe Reporter over a year ago, it just all made sense.

How much time will you spend in Stowe?

I’m planning on spending about 20 percent of my business time in Stowe throughout the next year. It’s my experience in running businesses that you’re more informed if you spend time in the market and have real face time with the managers who run the business.

But, overwhelmingly, the most important thing that I can do is choose the right people to run things. I am thrilled that Greg (Popa) has agreed to become publisher; that Tom (Kearney) is editor; and that Biddle is staying on as a partner (and friend).

There’s a lot of gloom-and-doom talk about American journalism. Why make an investment like this at this time?

There’s no question that many forms of traditional journalism are under severe threat. However, I love community journalism and believe that it represents an opportunity. And Warren Buffet, who we’d all agree is a pretty savvy investor, seems to agree with me (or rather, I seem to agree with him).

What’s your philosophy on community journalism? How do you expect the business to operate?

My philosophy is pretty much thoroughly explained in the way that the Stowe Reporter has conducted itself over the last 30 years.

You’ve flown in the stratosphere of magazine journalism — Sports Illustrated, Time, People, Fortune, Vibe, Tennis and so on. What lessons from that experience will carry over to the business in Stowe?

Stay alert; stay connected to your reader; don’t be afraid of change. But, at the end of the day, don’t ever jeopardize your editorial integrity and independence.

How do you think the businesses will change on your watch?

There’s no question that we’ll continue to devote resources to digital and mobile, as clearly readers are consuming content there (but there’ll be no diminishment of resources to print). Beyond that, we’ll continue to identify ways for us to create content that resonates with our community and connect with local businesses and do what we do best — great journalism.

What other business interests do you have?

I have several other investments, all in the niche/enthusiast media sector. And I’m actively involved in two nonprofit organizations: Freedom Institute and Commonsense Media.

What’s your approach to leading and managing people?

Hire the right people and trust them to do their best work. I also understand that great ideas come from anywhere in an organization.

What do you do when you’re not working?

I am passionate about my family, sports and I also love music and traveling. I ran Sports Illustrated for three years early on in my 23-year career at Time Inc. and follow baseball and football most closely. A San Francisco native, I’m naturally a huge San Francisco 49ers and San Francisco Giants fan. Other than that, I read a ton.

Do you ski? Will we see you on the slopes at Stowe Mountain Resort?

I do. And you will! I grew up skiing and then gave it up for about 20 years. I got back on skis a few years ago up in Stowe and my love of the sport has returned. Stowe is a terrific mountain and a great community.