Chris Krug to lead Franklin Center and Watchdog.org

CHICAGO, April 17, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Veteran newsroom leader Chris Krug has been named President of the Franklin Center for Government & Public Integrity and its journalism project Watchdog.org.

"The journalistic mission and value of the Franklin Center and Watchdog.org are more important now than ever in today's changing media landscape," Krug said. "This is an exciting time to grow the Watchdog.org brand and expand its critical role in keeping government accountable and citizens informed."

Krug brings to the Franklin Center more than 25 years experience in the media industry. He currently leads the Illinois News Network as Publisher and General Manager, a role which he will continue as he takes the helm at the Franklin Center.

Krug is former publisher of the suburban Chicago Pioneer Press newspaper chain. Prior to his tenure as a vice president at Sun-Times Media Network and oversight of Pioneer, he was responsible for all news operations and managed properties in the suburbs as a vice president for Shaw Suburban Media in the greater Chicago area. In 2008, the Local Media Association honored Krug as national editor of the year, and his newsrooms have received hundreds of regional, state and national awards for work in print, video and on digital pure-plays. Krug also is the former president of the Illinois Associated Press Editors Association. 

The Franklin Center for Government & Public Integrity and Watchdog.org are committed to creating non-partisan journalism focused on restoring oversight of state governments and holding politicians and bureaucrats at all levels accountable for their handling of taxpayer dollars. Reporting by the Franklin Center has uncovered significant misconduct, whistleblower retaliation, a university admission scandal, and has driven legislative action.

CONTACT: Laurel Patrick, Ph. (571) 385-0771

SOURCE The Franklin Center