Sun-Times Media Re-Imagines The Weekly Paper, Transforming 32 Suburban Publications

Online, August 24, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Sun-Times Media today unveiled the new Pioneer Press with robust local content and bold design features that reflect the vibrancy of Chicago's active suburban communities. The Pioneer Press encompasses 32 local weekly newspapers, serving 85% of the most affluent zip codes in the Chicago DMA, with titles including Evanston Review, Lake Forester, Winnetka Talk, The Doings and more. The new Pioneer Press was developed with collaborative input from residents and readers, with a focus on what a local newspaper should provide for the area it serves.

Today's redesigned publications will reach hundreds of thousands in the Chicago suburbs. This is the first phase of an initiative to reconnect readers with the publication's local brands. Online and mobile presence for each title will re-launch in the coming weeks.

"For the past six months- through focus groups, hundreds of street interviews and direct contact with our readers-we have been in an open dialogue with our readers in an attempt to create the best possible local news experience for you," said Chris Krug, publisher of Pioneer Press, in a note to readers. "The format and design that we unveiled today is born of those conversations, and intended to better reflect the vibrancy of your hometown."

Today the Pioneer Press unveils several new sections and columns:

Go: Go is a guide to the local and regional events that are happening this weekend and in the weeks ahead. Go is designed as a pullout so that it's convenient to carry anywhere. The section delivers ideas and suggestions to readers about where to have fun.

Go Calendar: Based on reader feedback, Go includes a calendar of events such as movies, concerts, plays, festivals and more. An age-appropriate key helps readers find an event for everyone in the family.

The Inside Guide: The Inside Guide is a deep index that allows readers to easily find the content they want to read first through a color-coded approach to chaptering.

Bolder Visuals: The new Pioneer Press includes more photos and color, capturing the spirit of the 32 vibrant local communities. Each title will carry a new logo and a more modern design.