Sharon Whalen has been named publisher of Illinois Times, the capital
city’s weekly newspaper. The announcement was made by Fletcher Farrar, president
of Central Illinois Communications, the newspaper’s parent company. Whalen has
served as associate publisher since July 2002 and has been responsible for operations
since that time.
“The new title gives Sharon the recognition she deserves for the success the paper has seen over the last 18 months,” Farrar said. Along with significant changes in editorial policy and design, Whalen has overseen the paper’s steady growth in advertising and circulation. The 28-year-old weekly publication has an audited circulation of 30,000 and is distributed free each Thursday in Springfield and 14 nearby communities.
Farrar also announced that stock in the company has been transferred to Whalen, so she becomes a part-owner of the newspaper. Previously the sole owners were Farrar and his wife, Mary Jessup.
“I am pleased to have Sharon Whalen as my business partner,” Farrar said. “Her dedication and energy, along with her years of experience in the weekly newspaper business, will bring us continued success. She not only understands how to serve advertisers and keep the business side running, she also has a passion for the news and editorial side of our business. The combination serves our readers and customers well.”
“I’m so happy to be back in Springfield and am very proud of our efforts with Illinois Times,” Whalen said. “This newspaper has had an extraordinary impact on so many lives throughout its history; I feel very fortunate to play a part in its future. 2003 was a challenging year for many businesses, which makes our growth that much sweeter. I’m blessed with a talented and dedicated staff, a job I love, and now am a partner with my good friends Bud and Mary. It doesn’t get much better than this.”
Whalen, a native of Columbus, Ohio, studied journalism at The Ohio State University. She began her newspaper career with Illinois Times in 1979 and served as ad director and general manager until 1990. From 1991 until her return to Springfield she held management positions with weekly newspapers in Santa Fe and Colorado Springs, served as vice president of business development with Thomson Newspapers in central Ohio, and owned a consulting firm in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Over the last 18 months, Illinois Times moved to new offices, debuted a new Web site (www.illinoistimes.com), and recently completed a redesign. The newspaper has 13 full-time staff members and also employs dozens of freelance contributors. Along with the weekly newspaper it also publishes an annual visitor guide and the monthly Capital City Coupon Connection.
Whalen can be reached at swhalen@illinoistimes.com.
This article appears in Jan 8-14, 2004.
