TORONTO – John Cruickshank, currently publisher of the Chicago Sun-Times and chief operating officer of the Chicago Sun-Times Media Group, has been named publisher of CBC News.
He is expected to take up his new position within the next three weeks.
The announcement was made today by executive vice-president of CBC Television Richard Stursberg, and vice-president of CBC Radio, Jane Chalmers,. The newly created position will report to both senior executives.
“We are thrilled to welcome John to lead our news organization,” Stursberg said in the press release. “He has enjoyed a distinguished career as a journalist, first in Canada and most recently in the United States. He will be assuming leadership of the country’s most important news organization in an exciting time.”
He replaces, kind of, Tony Burman, who announced his departure from the CBC in June after 35 years. Burman’s title, however, was editor in chief.
“John’s journalistic experience and values are a superb fit for CBC News,” added Chalmers said. “He has been a significant presence in Canadian journalism across the country throughout the course of his career, and we look forward to bringing his insight and skill to CBC News.” 
Cruickshank (pictured) has been with the Sun-Times organization since 2000. From 1995-2000, he was editor of the Vancouver Sun. Prior to that, he was with The Globe and Mail from 1981-95, from 1992-95 as managing editor. He also worked at the Montreal Gazette and the Kingston Whig-Standard. Throughout his career, he has covered provincial, national and international affairs, including Quebec’s first referendum and major political developments elsewhere in Canada and the United States.
“I am thrilled to join one of the best news teams in the world,” Cruickshank said in the release. “I think CBC News is uniquely positioned to build on its role as facilitator of a national discussion; to continue to set the standard and to raise the bar for journalistic discourse in the country.”
