Krug named publisher of Pioneer Press

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Chris Krug

Updated: February 21, 2012 1:08PM

A suburban community journalism veteran has taken over the role of vice president and publisher of Pioneer Press’ 32 weekly publications and websites.

Chris Krug, 44, of Cary, will lead Sun-Times Media’s Glenview-based editorial and advertising departments.

“Pioneer has an outstanding reputation in the market for being community focused and for providing top quality news and advertising content,” Krug said Monday on his first official day. “I’m excited to be part of it.”

Most recently, Krug oversaw Shaw Media’s operations in Lake County. He was responsible for publishing the Lake County Journal, Great Lakes Bulletin and Lake County magazine. The last seven years also included stints as executive editor of the Northwest Herald and vice president of Shaw’s suburban operations.

Krug pledged that Pioneer Press readers can continue to expect “high quality, elegantly designed and thoughtfully composed newspapers week after week.

“The kind of information and content that is indispensable to their lives,” he added. “Our biggest responsibility here is to serve the communities that are a part of Pioneer and we take on that challenge with a great deal of enthusiasm.”

While committed to Pioneer Press’ digital and Internet presence, Krug expressed fondness for the newsroom’s attention to unrivaled community-focused coverage.

“Pioneer has done micro journalism for years,” he said. “That’s its niche and it’s very good in that space and it will continue to be great in the years to come.”

The hire comes two months after a local investment group acquired Pioneer Press’ parent company, Sun-Times Media. The buyers include new chairman Michael Ferro Jr., of Merrick Ventures LLC. Timothy Knight was tabbed to run the company as chief executive.

The investors created a new company name Wrapports LLC, mixing old media — the “wrapping” of a newspaper — with the rapport promised by new technology.

CONTRIBUTED: Sun-Times Media Wire