Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Saved by Nonprofit Sale After Nearly Closing
Historic Pittsburgh newspaper finds new life under nonprofit ownership after nearly shuttering following lengthy labor dispute.
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA — The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette will continue operations after being sold to the nonprofit Venetoulis Institute, following an announcement earlier this year that the historic newspaper would cease publication in May.
The Venetoulis Institute, which operates the Pulitzer Prize-winning Baltimore Banner serving the Maryland metropolitan area since 2022, purchased the paper from Block Communications Inc., ending nearly a century of Block family ownership.
New Ownership Committed to Local Journalism
“We are committed to working with exceptional journalists, along with civic and business leaders across the region, to build a new future for local journalism in Western Pennsylvania,” said Bob Cohn, CEO of the Venetoulis Institute. “We are clear-eyed about the task ahead. We have learned in Maryland that this work takes time, discipline and investment.”
The Post-Gazette, founded in the 18th century, holds the distinction of being the oldest newspaper west of the Allegheny Mountains. The sale concludes the Block family’s ownership, most recently under siblings Allan and John Robinson Block.
End of Long-Running Labor Dispute
The newspaper faced significant challenges in recent years, including a prolonged labor dispute. Post-Gazette editorial staff went on strike in October 2022 after working without a union contract for five years, citing imposed terms that raised health care costs and cut benefits.
Enough newsroom staff remained to continue publishing during the three-year strike. The union eventually prevailed in court, having their last negotiated contract reinstated. When the U.S. Supreme Court denied Block Communications’ request to stay the lower court decision in January, the company announced plans to shutter the paper.
“The Block family has worked to find the best possible source for responsible local journalism for the Pittsburgh region and we believe we have succeeded,” said Karen Johnese, chairperson of Block Communications, Inc. “We are excited to hand our treasured paper over to such a committed and creative organization. We trust in their integrity and care for our community.”
Continuing Operations in Print and Digital
Under the new ownership, the Post-Gazette will maintain both its print and online operations. The sale represents a lifeline for Western Pennsylvania’s newspaper of record, which had faced an uncertain future after the prolonged legal battle over labor contracts.
Allan Block declined to comment on the sale. The Venetoulis Institute’s successful operation of the Baltimore Banner, which has earned recognition including a Pulitzer Prize, provides a model for the Post-Gazette’s transition to nonprofit journalism.
The acquisition allows the historic publication to continue serving the Pittsburgh region while adapting to the evolving nature of local news under nonprofit management.
