A letter from our publisher
Today our former CEO goes on trial at the Dirksen Federal Courthouse for multiple counts of corporate fraud.
Conrad Black, who until late 2003 was CEO of the company that operates the Chicago Sun-Times, faces charges, which if proved, could send him to prison for the rest of his life.
Among his chief accusers will be David Radler -- who was, until 3½ years ago, publisher of this paper. Mr. Radler has pled guilty to corporate fraud and will likely spend more than two years in prison. Three other executives from Mr. Black's fallen empire, including Mark Kipnis, the Chicago-based former chief counsel of our company, also face charges.
Although Mr. Black was an infrequent visitor and cuts a minor figure in Chicago, he is reckoned a celebrity of sorts in London, New York and Toronto. His trial will be attended by a significant contingent of international media.
The witness list is impressive and guarantees heavy coverage in many media. We may see former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger called to testify. Former Illinois Gov. James Thompson will almost certainly appear for the prosecution.
These events stir strong feelings in those of us who lived through the trying years of Black's control at the Sun-Times' parent company. While our talented staff made valiant efforts to improve the quality of the paper, far too little was done by our parent firm to invest in a unique community enterprise experiencing intense competition in a challenging industry.
Despite feelings of resentment that are still quite inflamed in some quarters, our coverage of Mr. Black's trial will be founded on the presumption that he and his colleagues are innocent until they are proven guilty. We will cover this trial as we do any other -- intelligently, accurately and above all fairly. The interests of our readers in the unbiased and unvarnished truth will be uppermost in our fact gathering and presentation.
But whatever the outcome of this complex proceeding, we at the Sun-Times are focused firmly on the promise of the future, not the shortcomings of the past. Our job is to be Chicago's best source for news and opinion. For several years now that goal has guided all our investments and commitments.
The future of the Chicago Sun-Times newspaper and the unique electronic media extensions that are proliferating from it is extremely bright. We want to thank you today for your continued readership and support.
John Cruickshank