Media News Daily: Top Stories for 04/16/2026

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Sold to Nonprofit, Shutdown Averted

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette will remain in operation after its parent company, Block Communications Inc., sold the publication to the Venetoulis Institute for Local Journalism. The nonprofit, backed by Baltimore Banner publisher Stewart Bainum Jr., will take control on May 4 and maintain the paper’s name and print schedule. The sale follows financial struggles, with over $350 million in losses reported over two decades, and comes after a prolonged labor dispute and legal challenges. While the newsroom will remain in Pittsburgh, some operations will be consolidated. Read More (The Hill Rating)

FTC Probe of Media Matters Raises First Amendment Concerns

The Federal Trade Commission’s investigation into Media Matters for America is facing criticism as a potential violation of free speech protections. The probe, initiated under FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson, seeks internal documents related to alleged advertiser boycotts targeting the social platform X. Media Matters argues the investigation is retaliatory, stemming from its reporting on ads appearing next to extremist content. A federal judge previously blocked the probe, citing likely unconstitutional motives, and the case is now under appeal. Critics warn the investigation could have a chilling effect on journalism and advocacy, while the FTC maintains it is examining possible antitrust violations. Read More (Reason Rating)

Cato Institute Rebuts Trump’s Use of Its Immigration Data

The Cato Institute pushed back against President Trump’s claim that its research supports his administration’s border policies as historically successful. Trump cited a sharp decline in legal asylum entries, but Cato’s Director of Immigration Studies, David Bier, clarified that the data reflects reductions in lawful immigration rather than illegal crossings. Bier argued that legal pathways had been functioning effectively and that cuts across multiple visa categories indicate a broader reduction in immigration overall. He also rejected Trump’s assertion of institutional bias, stating that Cato evaluates policies consistently across administrations. Read More (The Hill Rating)