Pittsburgh Post-Gazette to Shut Down

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, a publication in operation since 1786, will cease operations on May 3, as announced by its owners on Wednesday.

Block Communications Inc. reported losing over $350 million during its 20-year ownership of the newspaper, leading them to conclude that these financial deficits were unsustainable. They haven’t held back in emphasizing the burden of ongoing losses.

The company stated in a press release, “A recent court decision mandates that the Post-Gazette adhere to a 2014 labor agreement, which enforces outdated and rigid operating methods that don’t fit the current landscape of local journalism.” They also expressed regret over the repercussions this decision would have on Pittsburgh and its neighboring areas, insisting that the Block family is proud of the service the paper has provided for nearly a century.

Currently, the Post-Gazette has an average paid circulation of 83,000 and has received accolades for its journalistic work. They print editions every Thursday and Sunday, and maintain a daily online presence.

Interestingly, the closure does not affect the Post-Gazette’s sister publication, the Toledo Blade.

Before this announcement, the Supreme Court had recently declined to block a request concerning the newspaper’s publisher, PG Publishing Co., regarding a preliminary injunction that was ordered by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. This injunction mandates changes to the health insurance coverage for its employees.

In an editorial from August 30, Post-Gazette editor Brandon McGinley criticized the lack of access for reporters and photographers during Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign events due to labor protests, hinting that it raises concerns about press freedom.

There’s also a wrinkle involving the Post-Gazette’s ownership, as it’s reportedly published by Shanghai-based media company Hai Chun Shimbun, according to a 2023 report from a cybersecurity firm.