Chicago Sun-Times Kicks Off Ground-Breaking Series Today on Chicago Violence and Our Children

Business Wire, August 5, 2008

"They Are Being Robbed Of Their Childhood," One Principal Tells The Sun-Times

CHICAGO -- An urban war is robbing Chicago's boys and girls of their childhood.

As part of an ambitious project to better understand the effects of the street violence plaguing the city, the Chicago Sun-Times conducted an unprecedented survey of nearly 500 students at three public elementary schools. To supplement the effort, the newspaper interviewed Chicago Public School children and examined their artwork and school projects.

In a series beginning today titled "Schooled in Fear," the Chicago Sun-Times will tell the story of the toll of violence through the eyes and ears of those who know best: the children themselves.

The results of the survey were startling and sobering, suggesting that the effects of violence reach far beyond the 36 CPS students killed since September, 2007, when the school year began.

* Half of fifth- through eighth-graders know a friend or relative who has been shot at.

* More than a third know a friend or relative who has been shot to death.

* Half of all middle grade students said their "greatest fear" was gun-related.

* "They are being robbed of their childhood," one principal said.

Written by education reporter Rosalind Rossi and staff reporter Art Golab, the three-part series will explore the academic, social, behavioral and emotional repercussions of living in what experts liken to a war zone.

"Chicago has become a dangerous place for our children. What Chicago Sun-Times reporters uncovered in the series was shocking and saddening," said Michael Cooke, Chicago Sun-Times Editor in Chief. "The city needs to read itO and act."

About Sun-Times Media Group

Sun-Times Media Group, Inc. (OTCBB:SUTM) is dedicated to being the premier source of local news and information for the greater Chicago area. Its media properties include the Chicago Sun-Times and Suntimes.com as well as newspapers and Web sites serving more than 200 communities across Chicago. Further information can be found at www.thesuntimesgroup.com.