Chicago Public Media Acquires Sun-Times As A Non-Profit Partner

CHICAGO — A deal that will partner two of Chicago’s most familiar media organizations was finalized on Tuesday in a move that the two outlets believe will “grow and strengthen local journalism” in the city by creating a powerful local news one-two punch.

Officials with Chicago Public Media announced it has acquired the Chicago Sun-Times, which will join forces with WBEZ, the award-winning public news radio station. The deal is officially expected to close on Jan. 31, the two outlets announced in a joint statement.

“This is an important step to grow and strengthen local journalism in Chicago,” Matt Moog, CEO of Chicago Public Media, said in a statement, according to WBEZ.

“A vibrant local news ecosystem is fundamental to a healthy democracy, informed citizens, and engaged communities. Together WBEZ and the Chicago Sun-Times aim to tell the stories that matter, serve more Chicagoans with our unbiased, fact-based journalism, and connect Chicagoans more deeply to each other and to their communities.”

As part of the deal, the Sun-Times will join Chicago Public Media as a not-for-profit subsidiary, the organization said.

The Sun-Times, known for its gritty, tabloid style of news, will get its own non-profit board, with Moog getting a seat, as well as current Chicago Public Media board directors Adrienne King of Bain & Company and Lerry Knox of Sovereign Infrastructure Group, WBEZ reported. The board will also include Kristen Mack of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and Aretae Ortiz Wyler, who is the chief operating officer of The Atlantic, as independent board members, Chicago Public Media announced.

Both outlets will maintain their own newsrooms and staffs and will maintain their own editorial independence, the Sun-Times and WBEZ said. Both newsrooms will also hire their own editor-in-chief, which is a new position for both organizations.

“For the Sun-Times, it actually means longevity,” Sun-Times Nykia Wright said of the deal, according to WBEZ. “When we think about the most prominent news organizations, most people naturally think about the coasts, and this gives the Midwest, specifically Chicago, an opportunity to show that news can be strong in local communities.”

The Sun-Times will continue to operate out of its West Loop office while WBEZ will continue to run its daily operations and broadcasting from Navy Pier.

Officials from both organizations declined to specify how much Chicago Public Media agreed to pay to acquire the Sun-Times.