What is the Future of Local News in Pittsburgh?
By The Pittsburgh Public Press • Published: January 22, 2026
A special event brings together media leaders to discuss the critical juncture for journalism in the Steel City.
As Pittsburgh's media landscape undergoes its most significant shift in centuries, a group of the region's most influential media leaders will gather this month to answer a pressing question: What is the future of local news?
On Thursday, January 29, the nonprofit organization Pittsburgh Tomorrow will host a special edition of "The Pittsburgh Tomorrow Intersection" at the Senator John Heinz History Center.
The event, titled "The Future of Pittsburgh Journalism," arrives at a critical juncture for the city. With the recent shuttering of the 239-year-old Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and the weekly alternative Pittsburgh City Paper, the region faces a potential vacuum in local accountability and civic storytelling. The evening aims to address whether Pittsburgh is on a path to becoming one of the largest American cities without a traditional daily newspaper—and what that means for democracy.
A Powerhouse Panel
The discussion will be moderated by Doug Heuck, CEO of Pittsburgh Tomorrow and publisher of Pittsburgh Quarterly. The panel features a "who's who" of regional media leadership, representing a rare gathering of cross-platform competitors.
Following the order of the official event listing, the panelists include:
- Brandon McGinley, Editorial Page Editor, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
- Ali Trachta, Editor-in-Chief, Pittsburgh City Paper
- Evan Rosenberg, Publisher and Market President, Pittsburgh Business Times
- Rod Doss, Editor and Publisher, New Pittsburgh Courier
- Andrew Conte, Managing Director, Center for Media Innovation at Point Park University
- Terry O'Reilly, President and CEO, Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting Corporation
- Luis Fabregas, Executive Editor, Trib Total Media
- Megan Harris, Executive Producer, City Cast Pittsburgh
Event Details
The evening is designed not just as a debate for industry insiders, but as a public forum for civic, business, and community leaders to discuss how to build a sustainable media ecosystem.
- When: Thursday, January 29 | 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
- Where: Senator John Heinz History Center (5th Floor), 1212 Smallman St.
- Schedule:
- 5:30 PM: Doors Open
- 6:00 PM: Panel begins
- 7:15 PM: Reception begins (Food and beverage provided by The Fluted Mushroom)
- 8:30 PM: Event concludes
- Tickets: $20 (Includes admission plus food and beverage).
The event is presented in partnership with the Senator John Heinz History Center and the United States Steel Corporation. Those interested in attending can register and purchase tickets through the official Luma event page.