PRESS RELEASE
Mike Bencivenga, a three-time Emmy Award-winning editor and producer at WABC’s Eyewitness News, will address the New Canaan Men’s Club on March 14 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 111 Oenoke Ridge. His presentation will explore how television news has evolved over the past 40 years, examining changes in newsroom operations, reporting styles, and the industry’s adaptation to digital platforms.
The Men’s Club meeting begins at 10 a.m., with Bencivenga scheduled to speak at approximately 10:40 a.m. His discussion will draw on his decades-long experience at one of the nation’s top local news stations, where he witnessed firsthand the transition from film to digital broadcasting, the rise of 24-hour news cycles, and the impact of social media on journalism.
Bencivenga has received numerous accolades for his work, including the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award, named after the legendary CBS correspondent who reported from London rooftops during World War II. His expertise spans investigative journalism, live breaking news coverage, and in-depth storytelling, making him a respected figure in broadcast journalism.
Beyond television news, Bencivenga has built a distinguished career as a writer and director in theater and film. He started in entertainment writing sketch comedy and performing improv in theaters across the country. His play Billy & Ray, which tells the story of how director Billy Wilder and mystery novelist Raymond Chandler collaborated to write the screenplay for Double Indemnity, won the Keith Hedrick Prize for Best Play in New York. The production later enjoyed critically acclaimed, sold-out runs in both Los Angeles and New York.
His experience in both journalism and entertainment provides a unique perspective on storytelling, whether in the newsroom or on stage. At the Men’s Club meeting, Bencivenga is expected to offer insights into the challenges and opportunities that have shaped television news, from ethical dilemmas in reporting to the evolving expectations of audiences in a digital age.
The New Canaan Men’s Club welcomes new members aged 55 and older. The club hosts weekly meetings featuring guest speakers from various fields, fostering intellectual engagement and camaraderie among members. Those interested in joining can email ncmens@ncmens.org for more information.
