Pros
-Reporters and lower editors are genuinely nice people -The Trib's hyperlocal news coverage and online presence are both strong
Cons
-Top editors are unprofessional and lack clear vision for the paper -Employees receive minimal vacation / sick days... You start with 10 days (vacation + sick) that don't go into effect until 3 months into your employment. No exceptions for severe illness -Hours are chaotic (Frequent weekend and late night shifts) -One of the offices is in a basement with no windows -Pay is poor -Quota is ridiculous and places unnecessary stress on employers -Reporters who aren't favored by top editors are moved around frequently -Top editors do not invest in younger reporters, making it difficult to grow as a journalist or writer -Favoritism is shown toward the Pittsburgh / Tarentum reporters... and more resources are poured into these offices... despite the fact that the paper originated in Greensburg and the highest readership remains in Westmoreland County -Business model is dependent on a large sum of money willed by the former owner. That money won't last forever! -Current business model also requires hyperlocal coverage of specific townships/boroughs. The Trib is trying to do this and compete with the Post-Gazette in broader, regional coverage — all with a much smaller staff. The paper is spread much too thin, and the content and workers suffer as a result