Sun-Times, parent company will be under new management

The Chicago Sun-Times and its struggling parent company will undergo a series of leadership shake-ups come the end of the month.

The Sun-Times announced Wednesday that Editor-in-Chief Michael Cooke is leaving to become editor of the Toronto Star, Canada's largest newspaper. He begins his new post March 1.

His departure coincides with the resignation of Cyrus Freidheim, chief executive officer and chairman of Sun-Times Media Group Inc., the newspaper's parent company.

The media group has selected Jeremy Halbreich, former president and general manager of The Dallas Morning News, to replace Freidheim. There's no immediate word on a replacement for Cooke.

Cooke previously worked at the Star and also is a former editor-in-chief of the New York Daily News. He's been editor of all Sun-Times News Group newspapers since September 2006.

"I love the Chicago Sun-Times and this city. Both have been extraordinarily kind to me and my family," Cooke said. "However, the opportunity to edit Canada's biggest newspaper, the Toronto Star, is irresistible. "

The company's current managers will stay in place to give them "the time and resources to charge ahead," Halbreich said.

Officials have also named the company's current general manager, John Barron, as publisher and Rick Surkamer as president and chief operating officer.

Sun-Times Media publishes the Chicago Sun-Times and area community papers.

The company has made cuts due to declining advertising revenue. Last month, it closed 12 weekly newspapers and asked union employees to take cuts in compensation.