Nonprofit News Bridges Void Left by Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Closure

The recent closure of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, one of the oldest newspapers in the United States, has highlighted a troubling trend in local journalism. After a court ruled against the paper in a labor dispute, the family-owned company decided to cease publication. This development adds to the growing number of newspapers that have shut down, with over 3,500 having closed since 2005. On average, two newspapers stop serving their communities every week.

The implications of losing local news outlets are significant. Communities experience diminished civic engagement, heightened corruption, increased governmental waste, and worsened political division. Local identities suffer when communities are disconnected from the news that matters most to them. Despite these challenges, the demise of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette does not signify the end of local news coverage in Pittsburgh.

Nonprofit News Organizations Filling the Gap

In response to the crisis within the newspaper industry, a wave of nonprofit local news organizations has emerged. Cities like Lafayette, Louisiana, New Bedford, Massachusetts, and Chicago are among those seeing growth in nonprofit journalism. These organizations often rely on funding from philanthropic institutions, local businesses, donations, and reader support rather than traditional advertising revenue.

New Journalism Models

This nonprofit model treats local journalism as a vital public good, akin to community resources such as museums or food banks. Many of these nonprofit newsrooms have been established in recent years and primarily operate online and through email to reach audiences effectively.

• Mississippi Today (2016) exposed misappropriated welfare funds.
• Mirror Indy reported on systemic abuse at a mental health facility in Indiana.
• Boyle Heights Beat addressed polling center shortages ahead of the 2025 election.
• The City revealed corrupt practices in the New York administration.

Recent statistics indicate a substantial growth in local nonprofit news outlets, doubling from 2017 to 2022, as reported by the Institute for Nonprofit News. VTDigger, a Vermont nonprofit, now serves 500,000 monthly visitors from a state of just over 600,000 people, with an operating budget of $3 million funded through various sources. In contrast, the Baltimore Banner reported over $13 million in revenue in 2024, highlighting the potential viability of such organizations.

Partnerships and Legislative Support

Many nonprofit newsrooms collaborate with established media companies, allowing them to distribute their content via legacy newspapers. Some traditional outlets, like The Salt Lake Tribune, have even transformed into nonprofit entities. The nonprofit journalism sector has garnered bipartisan support, with lawmakers on both sides of the political spectrum recognizing the value of organizations such as The Texas Tribune.

Despite this growth, nonprofit journalism has not yet replaced the full depth of coverage lost with each closed newspaper. As evidence, the Institute for Nonprofit News reports that its members employ over 3,000 journalists—far below the 45,000 reporting jobs lost since 2005.

The Future of Local Journalism in Pittsburgh

While the closure of a prominent newspaper like the Post-Gazette is disheartening, there are reasons for optimism in Pittsburgh. The city has a strong philanthropic community known for supporting organizations that enhance public life. Local entities like Spotlight PA, Public Source, and WESA have begun to fill the gaps left by the Post-Gazette.

The establishment of a Press Forward chapter in the city reflects an acknowledgment that Pittsburgh possesses the necessary elements to maintain a thriving local journalism scene. The landscape of news may be changing, but the commitment to local reporting remains robust.

Efforts to revive local journalism in Pittsburgh and elsewhere require investment, community support, and time. Although the closure of the Post-Gazette marks the end of an era, it may also signal the beginning of a new chapter in local news coverage.