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In last print edition, Pittsburgh Trib editor says 'journalism isn't dead' | TribLIVE.com
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In last print edition, Pittsburgh Trib editor says 'journalism isn't dead'

Luis Fábregas
ptr11302016frontpage

THIS COLUMN APPEARED IN THE FINAL PRINT EDITION OF THE PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW

We're ready for a new chapter.

You are holding the last print edition of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

Over the past 24 years, you've allowed us to come into your homes with hard-hitting news, compelling stories and a unique perspective on Western Pennsylvania.

That doesn't end today.

Our commitment to journalism and original reporting prevails as we emphasize our digital content. We are prepared to bring you news and information when you want it and where you want it, whether it's on your smartphone, tablet or desktop.

TribLIVE.com draws more than 140 million unique page views a year. Some of our online stories attract hundreds of thousands of readers — more than a story ever does in newspaper form. This should surprise no one: We live in a digital society in which we expect to learn what's happening in our communities — and the world — in real time.

As we move forward, we are buoyed by years of meticulous and courageous reporting. We've brought you powerful stories and images from war-torn Iraq, the terror-stricken streets of New York City and the polio-ravaged towns of northern India.

Our reporters have exposed corrupt lawmakers, malicious computer attackers and costly, unnecessary medical procedures. They've interviewed U.S. presidents, Pulitzer Prize-winning writers and Oscar-winning movie stars. They've talked to victims of crimes, terminally ill patients and grieving families. Sometimes they cried with them because, hard as you try, it's often impossible to not show compassion.

It's been an amazing ride. We've celebrated Super Bowl titles and Stanley Cup championships and, gulp, chronicled the highs and lows of the Pirates' return to the playoffs.

We are proud to have constantly challenged government, businesses and nonprofits to show accountability without spin. We have asked tough questions so we could bring you answers. We have fought misinformation and bogus explanations.

That will not change.

What will change is how we deliver that information. But I promise you, it will be more accessible and more engaging. Our content will be more focused on areas that have defined us: politics, health care, technology and crime, to name a few.

We will bring you original stories that you won't find elsewhere. Our team of reporters in Allegheny County will have the support of expanded newsrooms in Greensburg and Tarentum. Our print products in those markets will continue to serve tens of thousands of readers.

Our team of journalists will use tools that now define a new era in our field: videos, interactive graphics and social media. They're very much aware that journalism is in the midst of an evolution and, contrary to naysayers, journalism isn't dead.

I've worked in this newsroom for almost 20 years. In my days as a reporter, I covered Pittsburgh Mayor Bob O'Connor's cancer battle, the G20 summit in 2009 and the deadly shooting at Western Psych in 2012. I've written about premature babies and questionable liver transplants. I've been able to do so because this company has vision, courage and a lot of heart.

That does not end today.

In the last 20 years, I've learned the benefit of working for a company that values substance and demands transparency. Today, more than ever, I am grateful for the privilege of seeking justice for those who lack a voice.

Tomorrow, when you read us online, rest assured that we intend to be the voice of you, our readers.