Sun-Times executive editor leaving to lead California local news startup
Chris Fusco, the top editor at the Chicago Sun-Times for the past three years, said Wednesday he is leaving the publication to begin work at a media startup in California that aims to rejuvenate local news.
Fusco will become the founding executive editor at Lookout Local, a venture of media analyst and writer
Ken Doctor. Starting in October, he will work in Santa Cruz, California, where Doctor is testing a digital model for journalism he hopes to bring to markets lacking traditional news sources.
A native of Alsip and a 20-year veteran of the Sun-Times, Fusco has led the publication since 2017, when it transitioned to a new ownership group with a significant presence of organized labor. The group’s successful bid foiled a takeover attempt by owners of the Chicago Tribune that media experts believed would have led to the demise of the Sun-Times. Fusco was elevated to executive editor this year in recognition of an increased role in business operations.
In a message to staffers, Fusco, 47, said the paper will continue in capable hands and with owners committed to independent journalism, despite business challenges.
He recalled his nervousness when he first joined a staff of storied names. “I trusted so many of you, and you trusted me back, first as a co-worker, then as a manager,” Fusco said. “Working together, our newspaper has turned the corner, looming as large as ever in the competition’s rearview mirror.’’
Managing Editor Steve Warmbir will be interim editor-in-chief of the Sun-Times. “Like me, he’s a firm believer in building a more diverse newsroom that creates opportunities and paths forward for people of color and young journalists. I am eager to see how all your fine work continues to develop under his watch,” Fusco said.
Among those he thanked were Jorge Ramirez, board chairman of Sun-Times Media; lead investor Michael Sacks, and Robert Reiter Jr., president of the Chicago Federation of Labor, who has been a top adviser in business matters.
Fusco also praised company CEO Nykia Wright. “In the past two years, Nykia has put us on a path toward sustainability . . . We’ve been a great team,” he said.
Wright said, “Every person, no matter who they are and what organization they work for, assumes an implicit oath to leave the organization stronger than they found it. Chris has done that; he deserves high marks and high praise.’’