I’m hoping that people in Chicago might have a better way of contacting editorial at the Chicago Defender than their contact page. I’ve tried the form, the email, Facebook messaging, and not heard back a word, not even go away, you bother me. I don’t know where the phone number goes, and I’d prefer not to cold call an operator.
Do you know someone or know someone who knows someone? The subject I want to discuss, BTW, is about their history. I’m a legit credentialed historian, so I’m not trying to sell anything or pitch some crackpot notion.
I’m pretty sure you’ll get an employee if you call 312-225-3766.
The website says that 312-225-3766 is a direct number to the desk of Dyanna Knight Lewis, Regional Vice President for Real Times Media (the parent corporation). She was promoted to that position in October of this year, and you can read about her from the story they ran. The same phone number is given at the end of their 2020 mediakit, which makes me more confident it leads to her desk.
A New York Times story from last year says the mighty Defender had shrunk down to ten full-time employees in 2015, which was before they killed the print edition. I’m guessing they relied on lots of part-timers or interns. With the pandemic, maybe there isn’t anybody checking the forms or emails or Facebook. The Illinois Department of State lists their corporation as “not in good standing”, for whatever that’s worth.
You can always try mailing them at 4445 S. King Drive. Or you could visit if that’s an option.
Or, take a look at this story they ran to celebrate the last print edition. If you can’t get through to anybody, and you’re really desperate, they took photos of all the staff with captions including their names.
In particular, Ms. Tia Carol Jones is listed as managing editor. This is probably her blog’s contact page.
If you are looking at the history I suggest you contact previous editors and publishers and other staff. For example did you see this article:
" To talk about the paper’s history, I recently spoke by phone with Glenn Reedus, a former executive editor and managing editor at the Defender who has worked in local journalism for many years."