Last Friday the Reader said hello to the Chicago Newspaper Guild, which this paper’s editorial employees certified by a vote of 19-0. On Monday the Reader began saying good-bye to editor Mara Shalhoup.
“There’s a time in life—and if you live in Chicago, that time is January—when the possibility of a new adventure becomes irresistible,” she told her staff. “I love this city. I love working with all of you. I love the Reader. I also love exploring places I never imagined I’d be able to go. That’s the reason I came here four years ago. And it’s the reason I’m leaving now.”
Sun-Times editor and publisher Jim Kirk commented today, “We thank Mara for her many accomplishments during her four years as the editor of the Reader. Among her many successes, she led the Reader through a digital redesign that resulted in tremendous audience growth across our digital platforms. Her commitment to the editorial integrity and heritage of the Reader was evident throughout her tenure and helped the Reader win numerous prestigious awards from various organizations. We wish her nothing but the best as she goes on to lead LA Weekly. They are lucky to have her.”
Correction: This post has been amended to correctly reflect the details of the sale in the 90s of the LA Weekly and the merger, more recently, of the New Times and Village Voice Media chains.
