CHRISTIANSEN TO RETIRE; CHICAGO TRIBUNE LAUNCHES SEARCH FOR THEATER AND ARTS CRITIC
CHICAGO, May 4, 2001 – Richard Christiansen, chief critic for the Chicago Tribune and a preeminent voice in American journalism for four decades, has announced that he will retire in early 2002.
Christiansen has been chief critic for the Chicago Tribune since 1991, covering theater, dance and the arts and chronicling the evolution of Chicago theater into a position of national and international acclaim. He started as a critic at the Chicago Tribune in 1978. He began reviewing the arts in 1962 for the Chicago Daily News.
“Richard is viewed by many as the dean of American theater critics and has been a uniquely lyrical, creative and authoritative commentator on the cultural landscape of Chicago and the nation,” said Mary Elson, associate managing editor for features at the newspaper. “That voice will be missed and we are eager to find a new critic who will continue to distinguish the beat and to work with Richard during the fall season.”
Those interested in applying for the critic position at the Chicago Tribune can forward a resume and any other pertinent information to Elson at melson@tribune.com. She can be contacted at 312-222-4423.
“This is one of the top arts review positions in the nation,” Elson said. “We are launching a comprehensive search for a person who can lead and expand our reputation as a premier publication for theater, dance and arts coverage and criticism in the United States.”
Chicago Tribune, which has published continuously since June 10, 1847, is one of nation’s largest newspapers with daily circulation of more than 675,000 and Sunday circulation greater than 1,000,000. Chicago Tribune is at the forefront of providing its readers with the best in original content in the newspaper and on the Internet (chicagotribune.com) and is part of Tribune (NYSE: TRB), a leading media company with operations in television and radio broadcasting, publishing and interactive ventures.
