Melissa Bell, the CEO of Chicago Public Media, on Monday announced major leadership changes atop the organization that runs the Chicago Sun-Times and public radio station WBEZ.
Tracy Brown has been named chief partnerships officer, Bell said. Brown joined WBEZ in 2019 and later became chief content officer, where she has overseen the merger of the newspaper and radio station. Bell said Brown “will lead our efforts to develop creative, collaborative approaches that extend our editorial impact.”
Her duties will include building partnerships with other newsrooms, corporate sponsors and community organizations “as well as cultivating new relationships with supporters of independent journalism,” Bell said.
Jennifer Kho, the Sun-Times executive editor since 2022, will serve as interim editor in chief for Chicago Public Media, a new role overseeing the content produced by both the Sun-Times and WBEZ. There will be a full search for the permanent editor in chief position. Kho is expected to be a candidate for the permanent post.
“Jenn’s leadership of the Sun-Times has been steady and inspiring, and her deep passion for journalism — paired with a relentless drive to expand its reach and deliver on our mission — makes her the ideal person to step into this role,” Bell said.
Meanwhile, Gilbert Bailon, who joined WBEZ as executive editor in the fall of 2023, will take on a new role as executive editor, news platforms.
The role, Bell said, will ensure “our journalism reaches the right audiences on the right platforms across print, radio and digital. Bailon “knows the ins and outs of making a print paper and running a radio newsroom and has some of the best news judgment in any room he’s in,” Bell said.
The company said the leadership changes are designed to strengthen strategic direction, foster collaboration and support its focus on digital growth.
“This is a pivotal moment for Chicago Public Media, and these leadership changes reflect our commitment to deepening our service to the people of Chicago through ambitious journalism, bold experimentation and greater collaboration across our platforms,” Bell said. “Tracy, Jenn, and Gilbert each bring vision, integrity and a passion for public service journalism. Together, they are shaping a future for our organization that is rooted in community, guided by editorial excellence and ready to meet audiences wherever they are.”
