The Tampa Tribune today unveiled a daily St. Petersburg edition called the St. Petersburg Tribune.
In addition to the new printed edition, there is now a new Internet component as well (www2.tbo.com/pinellas/).
The move is the first indication that the Tampa Media Company, the recently formed company created by the Los Angeles-based Revolution Capital Group which purchased the Tribune from Media General last October, is serious about putting more resources into the paper, which has been riven with financial losses over the past five years.
At the time of that purchase, Robert Loring, the founder and managing partner of Revolution Capital Group, told the Tribune that "We are definitely in this for the long haul," adding that "We don't flip businesses."
The Tribune has laid off hundreds of staffers in recent years. One of those let go after decades at the paper, former movie critic Bob Ross, bitterly questioned the move, writing on his Facebook page, "Are they going to hire any real journalists, perhaps some of the hundreds laid off since 2007? I'm guessing the bright new owners will opt instead for a massive 'internship' program. That means no paycheck, kids."
In fact, the Tribune has hired some real journalists, including former CL contributor and WMNF reporter Kate Bradshaw.
