Off the Grid: Copple exits Sun-Times

Brandon Copple

Brandon Copple

In what appears to be the final nail in the coffin of Grid, veteran Chicago journalist Brandon Copple is out as general manager of the Sun-Times’ digital and print business news venture.

Jim Kirk, publisher and editor-in-chief of the Sun-Times, confirmed Monday that Copple has left the company to pursue other opportunities.

“Brandon came here with some great new content ideas across different areas,” Kirk said in a statement. “Grid content continues in the form of the Grid 12 business report in the paper as well as our early morning newsletter roundup. Brandon was a terrific colleague and friend and we wish him nothing but the best.”

Grid ceased publication of its weekly print magazine months ago, and its website soon is expected to redirect readers to the main Sun-Times website.

Copple joined Wrapports LLC, parent company of the Sun-Times, in September 2012 from Groupon, where he had been managing editor of the daily deals website. He previously was managing editor of Crain’s Chicago Business from 2004 to 2010.

In addition to launching Grid, Copple also was hired to develop other new media products for Wrapports.

Grid debuted last January amid “soaring ambitions” as a key to Wrapports’ digital strategy. Billed as “an interactive hub — a gathering place where the city’s professionals and business owners take names and swap ideas,” it never caught on with advertisers.