The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the largest newspaper in the city, is set to cease operations on May 3. Block Communications, Inc., which owns the paper, made this announcement on Wednesday, highlighting a significant financial loss exceeding $350 million over the past two decades.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Closure Announcement
In a heartfelt statement, the Block family expressed regret for the effects of this decision on Pittsburgh and its surrounding communities. They emphasized their pride in the Post-Gazette’s nearly century-long service to the area.
Financial Struggles and Legal Battles
- Date of Closure: May 3
- Financial Losses: Over $350 million in 20 years
A recent legal defeat against the union representing the newspaper’s journalists accelerated the decision to shut down. Employees were informed of the closure during a Zoom meeting, where a pre-recorded video was used, leaving no chance for direct company interaction.
Union Strikes and Contracts
The Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh represents the affected journalists, who have been on strike for over three years due to claims of unfair labor practices. In November 2025, a ruling from the U.S. 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals ordered the Post-Gazette to reinstate terms from a contract that had been invalidated by Block Communications.
Following the court’s decision, the U.S. Supreme Court denied a request by Block Communications to delay compliance with the ruling. This meant the company needed to reinstate health care benefits and return to negotiations for a new union contract.
- Legal Outcomes:
- U.S. Supreme Court denied stay on contract enforcement
- Required to negotiate new union contract
Andrew Goldstein, the president of the Newspaper Guild, criticized the company, stating that instead of complying with legal obligations, Block Communications opted to close the newspaper. He affirmed the commitment of Post-Gazette journalists to quality journalism and their pursuit of methods to ensure its continuation in Pittsburgh.
Community Impact
Local leaders, including Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato, expressed their concern regarding the closure. Innamorato termed it a “major loss” for the region, emphasizing the importance of dependable news sources in an age of rampant misinformation.
- Key Concerns:
- Access to trustworthy information
- Impact on the local news environment
The announcement comes shortly after another closure, the Pittsburgh City Paper, which is also owned by Block Communications. This raises questions about possible alternatives for sustaining local news coverage and the future of journalism in Pittsburgh.
This situation is developing and will continue to be updated as more information becomes available.
