Sun-Times Ending Last of Chicago’s Afternoon Editions
The Chicago Sun-Times announced Wednesday that it will discontinue its two afternoon editions after Jan. 31, leaving Chicago without a late-afternoon newspaper for the first time this century.
“It’s an economic move,” said Publisher Robert E. Page of the decision to drop the “Latest Markets” and “Final Markets” editions. “It is no longer cost-justifiable to continue an afternoon newspaper.”
The end of the two editions matches a decision by the rival Chicago Tribune, which eliminated its afternoon “Green Streak” edition on Aug. 18.
Combined circulation of the two Sun-Times afternoon editions had fallen to 22,000 by the beginning of this year, down from a circulation of 45,000 less than five years ago, Page said.
“There is a lack of enthusiasm in the marketplace for an afternoon paper,” Page said. “This is an ‘early commute’ town. People are home by 5 o’clock, and even the TV news now comes on at 4 p.m. in Chicago.”
He refused to discuss any specific jobs that might be eliminated by the move.
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