Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Sold to Nonprofit Media Group

The iconic newspaper will transition to a primarily digital model under new ownership.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 4:04pm

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A high-contrast, photorealistic studio still life depicting a stack of weathered Pittsburgh Post-Gazette newspapers, symbolizing the challenges facing local journalism as it transitions to digital platforms.The sale of the iconic Pittsburgh Post-Gazette to a nonprofit media group signals a shift in the local news landscape, as traditional print models adapt to the digital age.Today in Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, one of the nation's oldest regional newspapers, has been purchased by the Venetoulis Institute for Local Journalism, a nonprofit digital media outlet. The sale comes after the paper's previous owner, Block Communications, announced the Post-Gazette would cease operations in May 2026 due to over $350 million in losses over the past 20 years. Under the new ownership, the newspaper will shift to a primarily digital format while continuing a reduced print edition on Thursdays and Sundays.

Why it matters

The sale of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette represents a significant shift in the local media landscape, as one of Western Pennsylvania's most prominent news sources transitions to a nonprofit model focused on digital journalism. This move reflects broader industry trends as traditional print newspapers struggle to adapt to the digital age, raising questions about the future of local news coverage and the role of nonprofit media outlets in sustaining community-focused reporting.

The details

The Venetoulis Institute for Local Journalism, a nonprofit digital media company, has purchased the assets of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette from its previous owner, Toledo-based Block Communications. While the sale price was not disclosed, the institute's chairman, Stewart Bainum, indicated that the Post-Gazette's current business model 'does not support the size of the size of the current newsroom,' suggesting potential staff reductions. The newspaper will shift to a primarily digital format, while continuing to publish a print edition on Thursdays and Sundays.

  • On January 7, 2026, Block Communications announced the Post-Gazette would publish its last print and digital editions and cease operations on May 3, 2026.
  • On April 14, 2026, the Venetoulis Institute for Local Journalism announced an agreement to acquire the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, effective May 4, 2026.

The players

Block Communications

The previous owner of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, a Toledo-based media company that announced the newspaper would cease operations due to over $350 million in losses over the past 20 years.

Venetoulis Institute for Local Journalism

A nonprofit digital media outlet that has purchased the assets of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, with the goal of transitioning the newspaper to a primarily digital model while maintaining a reduced print edition.

Stewart Bainum

The chairman of the Venetoulis Institute for Local Journalism, who indicated that the Post-Gazette's current business model 'does not support the size of the size of the current newsroom,' suggesting potential staff reductions.

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What they’re saying

“This move reinforces our commitment to create a vibrant, trustworthy, and sustainable model for local journalism.”

— Venetoulis

“The paper's current business model 'does not support the size of the size of the current newsroom.'”

— Stewart Bainum, Chairman, Venetoulis Institute for Local Journalism

What’s next

The Venetoulis Institute for Local Journalism plans to officially take over the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on May 4, 2026, at which point the newspaper will transition to a primarily digital format while maintaining a reduced print edition on Thursdays and Sundays.

The takeaway

The sale of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette to the Venetoulis Institute for Local Journalism represents a significant shift in the local media landscape, as one of Western Pennsylvania's most prominent news sources moves to a nonprofit digital model. This transition reflects the broader challenges facing traditional print newspapers and the growing role of nonprofit organizations in sustaining community-focused journalism.