Tim McNulty, a former journalist and mayoral press secretary whose career was marked by both professional success and ethical controversy, has died at the age of 54.
McNulty’s career in journalism spanned 18 years, during which he served as a politics reporter for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette from 1996 to 2014. He gained prominence for his in-depth coverage of City Hall and became a well-known figure in Pittsburgh’s media scene. During his years at the Post-Gazette, he was seen as a beacon of journalistic integrity. His writing solidified him as an undisputed powerhouse in the field, a reputation he maintained for nearly three decades.
In March 2014, McNulty took on the role of Director of Communications for Mayor Bill Peduto. Shortly after, in 2016, he was diagnosed with cancer. He held the position for seven years until his resignation when his unethical conduct came to light.
During the 2020 George Floyd protests, it was uncovered that McNulty had refused to acknowledge several BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and new media outlets. In extreme cases, he denied access and sought retribution against journalists who wrote unfavorably about the Peduto administration. This exclusionary practice had spanned his career as a government official.
In 2021, McNulty resigned in disgrace when multiple news outlets informed the City of Pittsburgh of their intent to sue over numerous First Amendment violations. The ensuing controversy revealed further allegations of his abuse of power. Colleagues allege that as press secretary, he conspired with former Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh president Michael Fuoco to give the PG unrivaled access over other publications while also helping to cover up Fuoco’s sexual misconduct for years.
McNulty avoided cameras, evaded accountability, and never publicly addressed the allegations. Ultimately, McNulty’s actions divided Pittsburgh’s media community. Older journalists consider him a vanguard, while younger journalists believe he betrayed the industry and the city itself.
Following his government service, McNulty joined the Pittsburgh Penguins as Vice President of Public Affairs, a role he maintained until his death. Despite illness and controversies, Tim McNulty exerted a significant influence, having shaped both journalism and public affairs in Pittsburgh.
Full disclosure: As a journalist affected by McNulty’s actions and involved in investigating him, I made a promise to McNulty after his resignation. He asked me to drop further investigations due to his advancing cancer. I agreed on the condition that I would end his obituary with two words. He agreed.
On behalf of the marginalized communities and young journalists he robbed of a voice, let me put this feeling into words: Good riddance.