Another U.S. Newspaper Print Edition Bites the Dust
Founded in 1811; surrendering to the internet in 2016.
That dreaded bit of newsroom terminology—“digital-only”—has reared its ugly head once more. This time via a report by Christopher Ayers, a producer of the Pittsburgh local edition of NPR’s Morning Edition.
Right after Thanksgiving, on Wednesday Nov. 30, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, a newspaper founded in 1811, will put out its final Pittsburgh paper edition. From the Ayers piece:
[Parent company] Trib Total Media completed its second round of employee buyouts last week. Officials said Wednesday 95 staffers with five years or more experience accepted. An additional 106 full- and part-time employees are being laid off.
“We had hoped that the moves we made last fall would be enough to stabilize our financial position, but it simply wasn’t enough,” president and CEO Jennifer Bertetto said. “Like other news organizations, our company faces an intense financial reality that compelled us to make additional changes. These changes, although difficult, are necessary to ensure our long term viability. I am incredibly confident in the direction our organization is heading.”
The minor, related good news is that Trib Live says it plans to increase staff serving its sister Pennsylvania daily newspapers Westmoreland and the Valley News Dispatch.
Correction:
The original version of this post incorrectly listed Friday Sept. 30 as the final date of print publication. FishbowlNY apologizes for the error.
H/T: Jim Romenesko; image via: newseum.org
