Local efforts to save the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette from closure have stalled, with at least one prospective buyer citing the owner's refusal to engage in discussions.
The newspaper, owned by Block Communications, is set to publish its final edition and cease operations on May 3, 2026—less than three months from now. This would leave Pittsburgh as the only major U.S. city without a daily newspaper, ending a publication with roots dating back to 1786 and nearly 240 years of continuous operation.
The shutdown announcement came on January 7, 2026, just hours after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to stay a lower-court ruling unfavorable to the company. Block Communications cited massive financial losses—more than $350 million over the past 20 years—as the primary reason, stating that ongoing cash drains from local journalism pressures were no longer sustainable.
Since the closure news broke, multiple groups have expressed interest in acquiring and continuing the Post-Gazette. One prominent effort is led by local figure Acklin, who has gathered private investors and discussed plans with Pittsburgh's nonprofit foundations to buy and operate the paper under a restructured model, potentially with philanthropic support similar to successful newspaper rescues in other cities.
However, these initiatives have hit a significant roadblock. Prospective buyers report frustration over Block Communications' apparent unwillingness to negotiate, respond to inquiries, or provide information on liabilities, debts, or sale terms. Acklin described the lack of an "open and transparent process" as a major barrier, with the owners showing no interest in exploring a sale despite public interest in preserving the outlet.
Block Communications, a family-owned company based in Toledo, Ohio, that also publishes The Blade there, has not publicly commented on sale discussions or responded to recent media inquiries about buyer outreach.