First, let us be clear, the Tampa Tribune (Media General) is in a death-match with the Tampa Bay Times (formerly Saint Petersburg Times) in one of the few multi-newspaper metropolitan markets left outside NYC and Chicago.
Poynter Institute is named for the former owner and long-time publisher of the St. Petersburg Times, Nelson Poynter, whose father purchased the newspaper in the 1910s. He established the non-profit Institute as a school of journalism and then bequeathed the newspaper to it in his will. Also note that the parent of the Tampa Tribune, Media General, was just purchased by the “Sage of Omaha”, Warren Buffett.
That being said, the local nickname for the former St.Pete Times has been “Suncoast Pravda” for its enduringly and persistent liberal viewpoint. So, from a personal viewpoint, I weep no tears for Poynter.
I didn’t know they changed the name. I remember bumperstickers “The St Pete Times is widely RED” from 40 years ago when I lived there. Glad to see they are in trouble.