The news arrived like a funeral notice: long-time political reporter Mary Jo Pitzl; Elvia Díaz, the first Latina to serve as editor for the paper’s editorial page; and more than half of the opinions desk, including columnists Laurie Roberts, E.J. Montini and Phil Boas have all accepted buyouts from The Arizona Republic. In one devastating sweep, Arizona has lost decades of institutional knowledge and the voices that have shaped political discourse in our state.
This isn’t just a business story about corporate restructuring; it’s a tragedy for democracy itself. Multiple top reporters are leaving The Arizona Republic and it’s unclear how many more will follow after Gannett issued buyout offers in newsrooms across the country. Each departure represents not just a person, but an irreplaceable repository of sources, relationships, and deep understanding of Arizona’s political landscape.
Mary Jo Pitzl didn’t just cover politics; she was Arizona political journalism, chronicling the state’s evolution through decades of growth and change. Laurie Roberts and E.J. Montini weren’t merely columnists; they were the conscience of the community, holding power accountable with wit and wisdom earned through years in the trenches. Elvia Díaz’s voice brought a crucial perspective as the first Latina editorial page editor, representing communities often overlooked in political discourse. Phil Boas was the last stridently conservative yet thoughtful voice.
What’s most heartbreaking is the timing. As Arizona grapples with rapid demographic shifts, water crises, and political polarization, we’re losing exactly the kind of experienced journalists who could guide public understanding of these complex issues. Corporate bean-counters see expenses to cut; Arizonans are losing watchdogs, storytellers, and advocates for transparency.
The fourth estate isn’t just weakened…in Arizona, it’s being systematically dismantled. And democracy grows dimmer with each byline that disappears.