Chicago Sun-Times Announces It Has Extended Employment Contract of Prominent Sports Columnist Jay Mariotti

Business Wire, June 17, 2008

CHICAGO -- The Chicago Sun-Times announced today that it is extending the contract of award-winning columnist Jay Mariotti, one of the country's most prominent sports commentators. The announcement was made by Sun-Times Editor-in-Chief Michael Cooke. Mr. Mariotti's contract with the newspaper will now continue through May, 2011.

Mr. Mariotti will regularly write columns for the Chicago Sun-Times and continue traveling to major national and international sporting events and covering the thriving Chicago sports scene.

"The Sun-Times sports franchise is a robust, influential brand locally and nationally. It's the one place for independent, politically unimpeded sports commentary in Chicago," Mr. Mariotti said. "The Sun-Times provides for a strong base from which to connect with readers while I continue my television work and branch into other broadcast and Web ventures."

Mr. Mariotti is a daily panelist on the popular television program, "Around The Horn," broadcast Monday through Friday at 5:00 p.m. (ET)/4:00 p.m. (CT) on ESPN, since the show's inception six years ago. He is Chicago's longest-running featured sports columnist, having started his column at the Sun-Times in 1991.

"Chicago is a die-hard sports town, and Jay is a focal point of our strong, award-winning team that produces simply the best sports news in print and online anywhere," said Mr. Cooke. "We are excited to continue working with Jay, and for him to continue to pull no punches when it comes to his exceptional sports commentary."

About the Chicago Sun-Times

The Chicago Sun-Times is owned by Sun-Times Media Group, Inc. (OTCBB:SUTM), which 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.