Story perspectives

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Sold to Venetoulis Institute, Ensures Continuation

4/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette will be sold to the Venetoulis Institute for Local Journalism, effective May 4, ensuring its continued operation after a planned closure.
The sale follows a tumultuous period marked by a lengthy strike and financial struggles.
Venetoulis, which also operates the Baltimore Banner, aims to revitalize local journalism in Western Pennsylvania.
Former Post-Gazette executive editor David Shribman will join the Venetoulis board.
The Block family, which owned the paper for nearly a century, expressed confidence in the new ownership despite unresolved financial obligations to staff.

History

Historical Context

The 2008 financial crisis triggered a 25% decline in U.S. daily newspaper circulation by 2018, severely impacting the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, owned by the Block family since 1927. Amid financial struggles and a lengthy strike, the Venetoulis Institute for Local Journalism acquired the paper, reflecting a growing trend of nonprofit ownership aimed at revitalizing local journalism in Western Pennsylvania.

1 of 2

Story summary

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette will be sold to the Venetoulis Institute for Local Journalism, effective May 4, ensuring its continued operation after a planned closure.
The sale follows a tumultuous period marked by a lengthy strike and financial struggles.
Venetoulis, which also operates the Baltimore Banner, aims to revitalize local journalism in Western Pennsylvania.
Former Post-Gazette executive editor David Shribman will join the Venetoulis board.
The Block family, which owned the paper for nearly a century, expressed confidence in the new ownership despite unresolved financial obligations to staff.

1 / 2