Sun-Times publisher to run CBC News

John Cruickshank is leaving as publisher of the Chicago Sun-Times and chief operating officer of parent Sun-Times Media Group to run the Canadian Broadcasting Corp.'s news division.

The Canada native's departure to become publisher of CBC News was announced Wednesday by the Chicago newspaper company, which owns the Sun-Times and dozens of smaller area papers. He will replace Tony Burman, who retired as editor-in-chief of CBC News in July.

"John led this company through very difficult times and repeatedly asserted its integrity, assuring its future as a highly respected news organization," said Chief Executive Cyrus Freidheim of Sun-Times Media Group. "He has made solid progress in implementing our turnaround plan, and while his presence will be sorely missed, the pieces are in place to ensure we will not miss a beat."

Cruickshank has been publisher of the Chicago daily since 2003 after being vice president of editorial for the previous three years.

He earlier was editor-in-chief of The Vancouver Sun and managing editor at The Globe and Mail in Toronto, which he joined as a reporter in 1981.

Sun-Times Media Group and its flagship are undergoing an overhaul that many observers think will lead to the sale of the Chicago paper.

"It is tough to leave this revitalized organization and the excellent people here," Cruickshank said. "This was a difficult decision, but one I am excited about."