The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, founded in 1786, will shut down on May 3, its owners announced Wednesday.
Block Communications Inc. has hemorrhaged over $350 million in cash while owning the newspaper over the past two decades, the outlet reported. The firm asserted that it could not sustain such significant cash losses.
BREAKING: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette announces it is shutting down on May 3. pic.twitter.com/Zxyf3kjsyE
— Brian Rittmeyer (@BCRittmeyer) January 7, 2026
“Recent court decisions would require the Post-Gazette to operate under a 2014 labor contract that imposes on the Post-Gazette outdated and inflexible operational practices unsuited for today’s local journalism,” Block Communications said in a press release, according to CBS Pittsburgh.
“We deeply regret the impact this decision will have on Pittsburgh and the surrounding region,” it added. “The Block family is proud of the service the Post-Gazette has provided to Pittsburgh for nearly a century and will exit with their dignity intact.”
The Post-Gazette maintains an average paid circulation of over 83,000 and has received awards for its coverage, according to its website. It offers print editions throughout the Pittsburgh area on Thursdays and Sundays and publishes online content every day.
The Post-Gazette’s sister newspaper, the Toledo Blade, will reportedly not be affected by the closure.
Prior to Block Communications’ closure announcement, Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected the Post-Gazette publisher PG Publishing Co.’s request to block a temporary injunction, according to Bloomberg Law. The injunction, issued by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, mandates the newspaper modify its health insurance coverage for union workers.
Post-Gazette editor Brandon McGinley wrote in an Aug. 30 op-ed that former Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign had continuously blocked access for the outlet’s reporters and photographers at its events, reportedly due to labor action within the company.
“Denying access to disfavored press as a favor to political allies, however, just further institutionalizes the new normal, where the application of all principles depends on whether you’re a friend or an enemy,” McGinley wrote. “Today, the Harris-[Tim] Walz campaign considers the Post-Gazette to be its enemy, and it denies us the rights accorded to others. Tomorrow, who’s next?”
Shanghai-based media company Haixun Press placed articles on over 30 American news websites to promote China, including the Post-Gazette, according to a 2023 report by cybersecurity firm Mandiant.
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