Sun-Times Media names Chicago Sun-Times publisher John Barron as group publisher

Sun-Times Media names John Barron group publisher

CHICAGO — Sun-Times Media Group, which was recently sold out of bankruptcy to an investor group, said Friday it named John Barron to the newly created group publisher position and as senior vice president of news and editorial operations.

The owner of the Chicago Sun-Times and dozens of suburban publications said Friday that Barron also will remain publisher of the Chicago Sun-Times and Pioneer Press newspapers.

He will report to Sun-Times Media president and chief operating officer Rick Surkamer.

The company named Fred Lebolt as senior vice president of news operations. He will be responsible for moving the company onto a single operating platform and focusing on integrating its print and Web operations. Lebolt will report to Barron.

Lebolt had been the president and publisher of Sun-Times Media’s suburban news unit. His old post is being split between advertising vice presidents Jerry Alger and Robert Wall.

Alger was named publisher of the SouthtownStar, while Wall was named publisher of Sun-Times Media’s west region. Both will keep their advertising posts as well.

Alger and Wall will report to Barron and Post-Tribune publisher Lisa Tatina for their publishing roles and to senior vice president of advertising and marketing Barbara Swanson for their advertising duties.