The first job I ever held was being a paperboy for the Post-Gazette, so I’ve always had a strong tie to that newspaper.
It’s not good to see that they’re cutting the print version another two days. Western Pennsylvania is an older demographic, so one would think there’s a little more appetite for a paper product.
But, unfortunately, what’s happening in the industry is not an unexpected transition, as fewer people buy the newsprint version and more look toward digital. The big question is whether their digital reach can expand to cover the losses, and that’s something only time will tell.
Through all the ups and downs of what’s happened at Post-Gazette – from management changes and the morale standpoint – their editorial product is still very good. We’ll have to see whether they can maintain the quality of their news product without the daily newsprint version. I certainly hope that they can continue their viability and their core mission of covering what’s happening in Western Pennsylvania.
It’s a challenging time for newspapers. The Philadelphia Inquirer is controlled by a non-profit ownership, and they just had buyouts. I don’t think anyone has found the formula.
And hey, here’s looking out for those newspaper boys and girls – if they still even exist.
For more on the closure read this article from Next Pittsburgh.
