Banner parent organization acquires Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Venetoulis Institute for Local Journalism and Block Communications, Inc., announced that they have reached an agreement for Venetoulis to acquire the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, one of the nation’s oldest regional newspapers.

The transaction, approved by the boards of both organizations, is expected to take effect on May 4. According to the announcement, the agreement reflects a shared commitment to sustaining local journalism in Pittsburgh.

“For nearly a century, the Block family has been dedicated to public service in Pittsburgh,” said Stewart Bainum Jr., founder of the Venetoulis Institute. “We are honored that they trust us to continue this work.”

Block Communications has operated the publication since 1927. The Venetoulis Institute launched The Baltimore Banner in June 2022.

“The Block family has worked to find the best possible source for responsible local journalism for the Pittsburgh region and we believe we have succeeded,” said Karen Johnese, chairperson of Block Communications, Inc. “We are excited to hand our treasured paper over to such a committed and creative organization. We trust in their integrity and care for our community.”

Under the agreement, the Post-Gazette will remain a publication serving Western Pennsylvania, with the newsroom and local business leadership based in Pittsburgh. Other functions, including technology and business operations will be combined with Venetoulis Institute teams to support long-term sustainability across both organizations. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

“Local journalism is essential to a strong community, but across the country the business model has been under severe strain,” Bainum said. “We believe there is a path forward — one that combines great journalism with a diversified business model built on scale and exceptional talent.”

Following the acquisition, David Shribman, the former executive editor of the Post-Gazette from 2003 to 2019, will join the Venetoulis board of directors. Shribman, a distinguished journalist who previously served as assistant managing editor of the Boston Globe and politics correspondent at The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times, brings strong ties to the Pittsburgh community and deep connections to Post-Gazette newsroom.

Founded in 1786, the Post-Gazette has earned national recognition for its reporting, including a Pulitzer Prize for coverage of the 2018 Tree of Life synagogue shooting. Block Communications will work closely with the Venetoulis Institute to support a smooth transition while it continues operating its other media properties, including The Blade, its daily newspaper based in Toledo, Ohio.