Eisendrath, unions still in running to buy Sun-Times, Reader

Chicago Sun-Times

At least two other bidders — including a group headed by former Chicago Alderman Edwin Eisendrath — are still in competition with Chicago Tribune owner tronc to buy the Chicago Sun-Times and the Chicago Reader, according to multiple sources.

With backing from the Chicago Federation of Labor, Eisendrath submitted a preliminary letter of intent to bid for the two publications before the 5 p.m. Monday deadline set by the U.S. Department of Justice Antitrust Division. Continue reading

Robservations: Justin Breen leaves DNAinfo for ‘new adventure’

Justin Breen (Photo: Colin Boyle)

Robservations on the media beat:

Justin Breen has resigned as senior editor of DNAinfo Chicago to start his own communications and public relations business. “I’m thankful for being able to use the skills I acquired at DNAinfo Chicago to help people grow their businesses as I expand my own brand – BrEpic Communications LLC,” Breen said. “I’m looking forward to seeing where this new adventure takes me.” A graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and former sports editor and assistant managing editor of the The Times of Northwest Indiana, Breen was the third employee hired by DNAinfo in 2012. "Justin helped get DNAinfo Chicago off the ground and really made a tremendous impact as an editor and writer,” said managing editor Shamus Toomey. “His insatiable curiosity led him to so many interesting, inspiring and fun stories around Chicago's neighborhoods. We'll miss him but wish him the best in his new effort." Continue reading

Eisendrath, Ritchie poised to bid for Sun-Times, Reader

Chicago Sun-Times

Hoping to thwart Chicago Tribune owner tronc, a former Chicago alderman and a suburban hedge fund manager are expected to step up with competing bids for the Chicago Sun-Times and the Chicago Reader, according to multiple sources.

Monday is the last day prospective bidders may provide an initial offer, according to an agreement between the U.S. Department of Justice Antitrust Division and Wrapports Holdings LLC, parent company of the two publications. If an acceptable offer is not received by 5 p.m., the daily Sun-Times and the weekly Reader are on track to be sold to tronc, which signed a letter of intent last month. Continue reading

Robservations: Did Ebony skip town without paying writers?

Ebony

Robservations on the media beat:

Adrienne Samuels Gibbs

Ebony magazine has moved its editorial operations to Los Angeles, but it’s left some very unhappy writers back in Chicago. The African-American lifestyle monthly is under fire in published reports and on social media for not paying freelancers for their work, some of it dating back years. With as many as 30 contributors believed to be waiting for payment, many have taken to invoking the hashtag “#EbonyOwes” on Twitter. In response, Ebony has blocked some of them from its account. Adrienne Samuels Gibbs, a former senior editor, said she was never paid for her June cover story on Chance the Rapper, and Ebony still owes her “more than half” for her work as managing editor on the previous issue. Tiffany Walden, co-founder and editor-in-chief of The TRiiBE, has not been paid for her work on two earlier issues, according to Gibbs. Michael Gibson, chairman of Ebony Media, did not respond to a request for comment. Last month he told the Chicago Tribune the magazine was "100 percent committed to getting those people paid." Gibson’s CVG Group acquired Ebony in 2016 from Chicago-based Johnson Publishing. Continue reading