Gannett (GCI) 10-K 2 Mar 20 2019 FY Annual report Financial data

Cover Page

Cover Page - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Feb. 26, 2020	Jun. 28, 2019
Cover page.
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-36097
Entity Registrant Name	GANNETT CO., INC.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	38-3910250
Entity Address, Address Line One	7950 Jones Branch Drive,
Entity Address, City or Town	McLean,
Entity Address, State or Province	VA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	22107-0910
City Area Code	703
Local Phone Number	854-6000
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Public Float			$ 554,534,789
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		131,005,654
Documents Incorporated by Reference	The definitive proxy statement relating to the registrant's Annual Meeting of Stockholders for 2020 is incorporated by reference in Part III to the extent described therein.
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2019
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	GCI
Entity Central Index Key	0001579684

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 156,042	$ 48,651
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $19,923 and $8,042 at December 31, 2019 and December 30, 2018, respectively	438,523	174,274
Inventories	55,090	25,022
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	129,460	49,662
Total current assets	779,115	297,609
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $277,291 and $219,256 at December 31, 2019 and December 30, 2018, respectively	815,807	339,608
Operating lease assets	309,112
Goodwill	914,331	310,737
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $145,773 and $101,543 at December 31, 2019 and December 30, 2018, respectively	1,012,564	486,054
Deferred tax assets	76,297
Other assets	112,876	9,856
Total assets	4,020,102	1,443,864
Current liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt	3,300	12,395
Accounts payable	146,995	16,612
Accrued expenses	306,633	109,597
Deferred revenue	218,823	105,187
Other current liabilities	42,702	4,053
Total current liabilities	718,453	247,844
Long-term debt	1,636,335	428,180
Convertible debt	3,300	0
Deferred tax liabilities	9,052	8,282
Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations	235,906	24,326
Long-term operating lease liabilities	297,662
Other long-term liabilities	136,188	16,462
Total noncurrent liabilities	2,318,443	477,250
Total liabilities	3,036,896	725,094
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	1,850	1,547
Commitments and contingent liabilities (see Note 12)
Equity
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 2,000,000,000 shares authorized;129,386,258 shares issued and 128,991,544 shares outstanding at December 31, 2019; 60,508,249 shares issued and 60,306,286 shares outstanding at December 30, 2018	1,294	605
Treasury stock, at cost, 394,714 and 201,963 shares at December 31, 2019 and December 30, 2018, respectively	(2,876)	(1,873)
Additional paid-in capital	1,090,694	721,605
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	(115,958)	3,767
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income)	8,202	(6,881)
Total equity	981,356	717,223
Total liabilities and equity	$ 4,020,102	$ 1,443,864

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Trade receivables, allowance for doubtful receivables	$ 19,923	$ 8,042
Accumulated depreciation on property, plant and equipment	277,291	219,256
Definite-lived intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$ 145,773	$ 101,543
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, Authorized (in shares)	2,000,000,000	2,000,000,000
Common stock, Issued (in shares)	129,386,258	60,508,249
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	128,991,544	60,306,286
Treasury stock (in shares)	394,714	201,963

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Operating revenues:
Total operating revenues	$ 1,867,909	$ 1,526,024	$ 1,342,004
Operating expenses:
Operating costs	1,079,593	865,234	742,822
Selling, general and administrative expenses	606,917	502,631	447,133
Depreciation and amortization	111,882	84,791	74,394
Integration and reorganization costs	47,401	15,011	8,903
Acquisition costs	60,618	2,651	1,975
Impairment of long-lived assets	3,009	1,538	7,142
Goodwill and mastheads impairment	100,743	0	27,448
Net (gain) loss on sale or disposal of assets	4,723	(3,971)	(1,649)
Total operating expenses	2,014,886	1,467,885	1,308,168
Operating income (loss)	(146,977)	58,139	33,836
Non-operating (income) expense:
Interest expense	63,660	36,072	30,476
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	6,058	2,886	4,767
Other (income) expense	(9,511)	(838)	(973)
Non-operating expense	60,207	38,120	34,270
Income (loss) before income taxes	(207,184)	20,019	(434)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	(85,994)	1,912	481
Net income (loss)	(121,190)	18,107	(915)
Net loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	(1,348)	(89)	0
Net income (loss) attributable to Gannett	$ (119,842)	$ 18,196	$ (915)
Earnings (loss) per share attributable to Gannett - basic (in dollars per share)	$ (1.77)	$ 0.31	$ (0.02)
Earnings (loss) per share attributable to Gannett - diluted (in dollars per share)	(1.77)	0.31	(0.02)
Dividends declared per share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.52	$ 1.49	$ 1.42
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	$ 7,266	$ 0	$ 0
Pension and other postretirement benefit items:
Net actuarial (loss) gain	12,534	(1,509)	(1,530)
Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain)	86	89	46
Other	305	0	0
Total pension and other postretirement benefit items	12,925	(1,420)	(1,484)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax	20,191	(1,420)	(1,484)
Income tax effect related to components of other comprehensive income (loss)	(5,108)	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	15,083	(1,420)	(1,484)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(106,107)	16,687	(2,399)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	(1,348)	(89)	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Gannett	(104,759)	16,776	(2,399)
Advertising and marketing services
Operating revenues:
Total operating revenues	952,644	786,577	726,004
Circulation
Operating revenues:
Total operating revenues	704,842	574,963	474,324
Commercial printing and other
Operating revenues:
Total operating revenues	$ 210,423	$ 164,484	$ 141,676

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Operating activities
Net income (loss)	$ (121,190)	$ 18,107	$ (915)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to operating cash flows:
Depreciation and amortization	111,882	84,791	74,394
Facility consolidation costs	148	0	0
Stock-based compensation - equity awards	11,324	3,156	3,135
Non-cash interest expense	3,851	1,996	2,339
Non-cash acquisition related costs	26,411	0	0
(Benefit) provision for deferred income taxes	(87,765)	202	294
Net (gain) loss on sale or disposal of assets	4,723	(3,971)	(1,649)
Non-cash charge to investments	0	505	250
Non-cash loss on early extinguishment of debt	6,058	2,886	2,344
Impairment of long-lived assets	3,009	1,538	7,142
Goodwill and mastheads impairment	100,743	0	27,448
Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations	(100,452)	(2,575)	(1,963)
Change in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivables, net	12,608	15	4,981
Inventory	5,150	(4,336)	1,073
Prepaid expenses	7,016	3,338	(3,538)
Accounts payable	3,958	(2,530)	(3,996)
Accrued expenses	40,353	8,019	6,645
Deferred revenue	(8,326)	(7,642)	(4,607)
Other assets and liabilities	6,034	6,060	(2,871)
Net cash provided by operating activities	25,535	109,559	110,506
Investing activities
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(796,502)	(204,877)	(164,155)
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment	(13,978)	(11,639)	(11,090)
Proceeds from sale of publications, real estate and other assets	27,486	15,040	14,972
Change in other investing activities	(2,066)	0	0
Net cash used for investing activities	(785,060)	(201,476)	(160,273)
Financing activities
Payments of debt issuance costs	(121,223)	(800)	(3,576)
Borrowings under term loans	1,792,000	79,675	20,000
Borrowings under revolving credit facility	153,900	20,000	0
Repayments under term loans	(481,058)	(3,093)	(14,443)
Repayments under revolving credit facility	(153,900)	(20,000)	0
Repayments of convertible debt	(197,950)	0	0
Payment of offering costs	0	(369)	(431)
Issuance of common stock, net of underwriters' discount	0	111,099	0
Purchase of treasury stock	(1,002)	(792)	(664)
Repurchase of common stock	0	0	(5,001)
Payments of dividends	(91,936)	(87,195)	(75,608)
Changes in other financing activities	82	0	0
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities	898,913	98,525	(79,723)
Effect of currency exchange rate change	(3,494)	0	0
Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	135,894	6,608	(129,490)
Balance of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of year	52,770	46,162	175,652
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of year	$ 188,664	$ 52,770	$ 46,162

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUI

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	Treasury stock	Legacy Gannett	Legacy GannettCommon stock	Legacy GannettAdditional Paid-in Capital	Fortress	FortressCommon stock	FortressAdditional Paid-in Capital
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 25, 2016		53,543,226				46,438
Beginning Balance at Dec. 25, 2016	$ 754,973	$ 531	$ 742,543	$ (3,977)	$ 16,293	$ (417)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	(915)				(915)
Restricted share grants (in shares)		202,758
Restricted share grants	225	$ 7	218
Other comprehensive income, net of income taxes	(1,484)			(1,484)
Non-cash compensation expense	3,135		3,135
Offering costs	(111)		(111)
Exercise of stock options (in shares)		12,989
Purchase of treasury stock (in shares)						44,004
Purchase of treasury stock	(664)					$ (664)
Restricted share forfeiture (in shares)						50,530
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)		(391,120)
Repurchase of common stock	(5,001)	$ (4)	(4,997)
Dividends declared	(75,765)		(57,620)		(18,145)
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017		53,367,853				140,972
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	674,393	$ 534	683,168	(5,461)	(2,767)	$ (1,081)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	18,196				18,196
Restricted share grants (in shares)		240,396
Restricted share grants	225	$ 2	223
Other comprehensive income, net of income taxes	(1,420)			(1,420)
Non-cash compensation expense	3,156		3,156
Purchase of treasury stock (in shares)						46,237
Purchase of treasury stock	(792)					$ (792)
Restricted share forfeiture (in shares)						14,754
Dividends declared	(87,254)		(75,592)		(11,662)
Issuance of common stock (in shares)		6,900,000
Issuance of common stock	110,719	$ 69	110,650
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 30, 2018		60,508,249				201,963
Ending Balance at Dec. 30, 2018	717,223	$ 605	721,605	(6,881)	3,767	$ (1,873)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	(119,842)				(119,842)
Restricted share grants (in shares)		300,952
Restricted share grants		$ 3	(3)
Other comprehensive income, net of income taxes	15,083			15,083
Non-cash compensation expense	11,324		11,324
Purchase of treasury stock (in shares)						68,150
Purchase of treasury stock	$ (1,002)					$ (1,002)
Restricted share forfeiture (in shares)						124,601
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)	0
Dividends declared	$ (91,838)		(91,838)
Issuance of common stock (in shares)								62,389,894			4,205,607
Issuance of common stock							$ 423,856	$ 624	$ 423,232	$ 26,411	$ 42	$ 26,369
Restricted stock awards settled (in shares)		1,981,556
Restricted stock awards settled	(442)	$ 20	(462)
Restricted share forfeiture	50		51			$ (1)
Other activity	416		416
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019		129,386,258				394,714
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 981,356	$ 1,294	$ 1,090,694	$ 8,202	$ (115,958)	$ (2,876)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQ_2

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax	$ 5,108	$ 0	$ 0

Description of business, basis

Description of business, basis of presentation, and summary of significant accounting policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Description of business, basis of presentation, and summary of significant accounting policies	Description of business: Gannett Co., Inc. ("Gannett", "we", "us", "our", or "the Company") is an innovative, digitally focused media and marketing solutions company committed to fostering the communities in our network and helping them build relationships with their local businesses. On November 19, 2019 , New Media Investment Group Inc. ("New Media") completed their acquisition of Gannett ("Legacy Gannett"), which retained the name Gannett Co., Inc. and trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “GCI”. Our current portfolio of media assets includes USA TODAY, local media organizations in 46 states in the U.S. and Guam, and Newsquest (a wholly owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom (U.K.) with more than 140 local media brands. Gannett also owns the digital marketing services companies ReachLocal, Inc. ("ReachLocal"), UpCurve, Inc. ("UpCurve"), and WordStream, Inc. ("WordStream") and runs the largest media-owned events business in the U.S. Through USA TODAY, our local property network, and Newsquest, Gannett delivers high-quality, trusted content where and when consumers want to engage on virtually any device or platform. Additionally, the Company has strong relationships with thousands of local and national businesses in both our U.S. and U.K. markets due to our large local and national sales forces and a robust advertising and marketing solutions product suite. The Company reports in two operating segments, Publishing and Marketing Solutions , plus a corporate and other category. A full description of our segments is included in Note 14 - Segment reporting of the notes to the consolidated financial statements. Basis of presentation and consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Gannett and its subsidiaries, which includes approximately six weeks of revenues and expenses for Legacy Gannett. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The Company consolidates entities that it controls due to ownership of a majority voting interest. Use of estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Examples of significant estimates include pension and postretirement benefit obligation assumptions, income taxes, leases, self-insurance liabilities, goodwill impairment analysis, stock-based compensation, and valuation of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Fiscal year: Starting in 2019 and subsequent to our acquisition of Legacy Gannett, our fiscal year coincides with the Gregorian calendar. In 2018 and prior, our fiscal years ended on the last Sunday of the calendar year. Our fiscal year for 2018 was a 52-week year ending on December 30, 2018 . Our fiscal year 2017 was a 53-week year ending on December 31, 2017 . Newspaper industry: The newspaper industry and the Company have experienced declining same-store revenue and profitability over the past several years. As a result, the Company has implemented, and continues to implement, plans to reduce costs and preserve cash flow. These actions include cost-reduction programs and the sale of non-core assets. The Company believes these initiatives along with cash provided by operating activities will provide it with the financial resources necessary to invest in the business and provide sufficient cash flow to enable the Company to meet its commitments. However, the Company did recognize goodwill and mastheads impairments during 2019 and 2017 . Refer to Note 6 — Goodwill and other intangible assets for further discussion. Reclassifications: Certain amounts in prior period consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Advertising and marketing services revenues: Pursuant to our acquisition of Legacy Gannett, we realigned the presentation of marketing services revenues generated by our UpCurve subsidiary from other revenues to advertising and marketing services revenue on the Consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) . As a result of this updated presentation, advertising and marketing services revenues increased and other revenues decreased $58.2 million and $42.0 million for 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Operating revenues, net income, retained earnings, and earnings per share remained unchanged. Segment presentation: In connection with our Legacy Gannett acquisition and as noted above, we reorganized our reportable segments to include (1) Publishing , which consists of our portfolio of regional, national, and international newspaper publishers and (2) Marketing Solutions , which is comprised of our marketing solutions subsidiaries ReachLocal, UpCurve and WordStream. In addition to these operating segments, we have a corporate category that includes activities not directly attributable to a specific segment. This category primarily consists of broad corporate functions and includes legal, human resources, accounting, analytics, finance, and marketing as well as activities and costs not directly attributable to a particular segment and other general business costs. Accounts receivable: Accounts receivable are stated at amounts due from customers, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts is based upon several factors including the length of time the receivables are past due, historical payment trends and current economic factors. The Company generally does not require collateral. Inventories: Inventory consists principally of newsprint, which is valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method. Property, plant, and equipment, software development costs, and depreciation: Property, plant, and equipment are recorded at cost or at fair value for property, plant and equipment related to acquired businesses. Routine maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is calculated under the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives, principally up to 40 years for buildings and improvements, up to 30 years for machinery and equipment, and up to 10 years for furniture, fixtures and computer software. Leasehold improvements are amortized under the straight-line method over the shorter of the lease term or estimated useful life of the asset. We capitalize costs to develop software for internal use when it is determined the development efforts will result in new or additional functionality or new products. Costs incurred prior to meeting these criteria and costs associated with ongoing maintenance are expensed as incurred and included in Operating costs , in addition to amortization of capitalized software development costs, in the accompanying Consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) . We monitor our existing capitalized software costs and reduce their carrying value as a result of releases rendering previous features or functions obsolete. Software development costs are evaluated for impairment in accordance with our policy for finite-lived intangible assets and other long-lived assets. Costs capitalized as internal use software are amortized on a straight-line basis over an estimated useful life of 3 to 5 years . A breakout of property, plant and equipment and software is presented below: In thousands December 31, 2019 December 30, 2018 Land $ 105,805 $ 39,036 Buildings and improvements 416,537 204,753 Machinery and equipment 474,418 274,748 Furniture, fixtures, and computer software 82,651 35,679 Construction in progress 13,687 4,648 Total 1,093,098 558,864 Less: accumulated depreciation (277,291 ) (219,256 ) Net property, plant and equipment $ 815,807 $ 339,608 Depreciation expense was $67.2 million , $50.8 million , and $50.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 , December 30, 2018 , and December 31, 2017 , respectively. Business combinations: The Company accounts for acquisitions in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 805 " Business Combinations " ("ASC 805"), which provides guidance for recognition and measurement of identifiable assets and goodwill acquired, liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree at fair value. In a business combination, the assets acquired, liabilities assumed and noncontrolling interest in the acquiree are recorded as of the date of acquisition at their respective fair values with limited exceptions. Any excess of the purchase price (consideration transferred) over the estimated fair values of net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred. The operating results of the acquired business are reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements after the date of the acquisition. Goodwill, intangible, and long-lived assets: Intangible assets consist of non-compete agreements, advertiser, subscriber and customer relationships, mastheads, trade names, publication rights and acquired technology. Goodwill is not amortized pursuant to ASC Topic 350 “ Intangibles – Goodwill and Other ” (“ASC 350”). Mastheads are not amortized because it has been determined that the useful lives of such mastheads are indefinite. Intangible assets that have definite useful lives are amortized over those useful lives and are evaluated for impairment as described above. In accordance with ASC 350, goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are typically tested for impairment annually or when events indicate that an impairment could exist which may include an economic downturn in a market, a change in the assessment of future operations or a decline in the Company’s stock price. As required by ASC 350, the Company performs its impairment analysis on each of its reporting units. The Company has the option to qualitatively assess whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If the Company elects to perform a qualitative assessment and concludes it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, no further assessment of that reporting unit’s goodwill is necessary; otherwise goodwill must be tested for impairment. The reporting units have discrete financial information which are regularly reviewed by management. The fair value of the applicable reporting unit is compared to its carrying value. Calculating the fair value of a reporting unit requires significant estimates and assumptions by the Company. The Company estimates fair value by applying third-party market value indicators to projected cash flows and/or projected earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA). In applying this methodology, the Company relies on a number of factors, including current operating results and cash flows, expected future operating results and cash flows, future business plans, and market data. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds the estimate of fair value, the Company calculates the impairment as the excess of the carrying value of goodwill over its estimated fair value. For indefinite-lived intangible assets, we perform an impairment test annually or more often if circumstances dictate. Intangible assets that have definite useful lives are amortized over those useful lives and are evaluated for impairment. Prior to the acquisition of Legacy Gannett, the Company performed its annual impairment assessment on the last day of its fiscal second quarter. As a result of the acquisition of Legacy Gannett in 2019, the Company changed its reporting units. Due to the change in reporting units, goodwill and intangibles were tested for impairment immediately before and immediately after the acquisition. Refer to Note 6 — Goodwill and other intangible assets for additional information on the impairment testing of goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets. The Company accounts for long-lived assets in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 360, “ Property, Plant and Equipment ” (“ASC 360”). The Company assesses the recoverability of its long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and finite lived intangible assets, whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the assets, or related group of assets, may not be fully recoverable. Impairment indicators include significant under performance relative to historical or projected future operating losses, significant changes in the manner of use of the acquired assets or the strategy for the Company’s overall business, and significant negative industry or economic trends. The assessment of recoverability is based on management’s estimates by comparing the sum of the estimated undiscounted cash flows generated by the underlying asset, or other appropriate grouping of assets, to its carrying value to determine whether an impairment existed at its lowest level of identifiable cash flows. If the carrying amount of the asset is greater than the expected undiscounted cash flows to be generated by such asset, an impairment is recognized to the extent the carrying value of such asset exceeds its fair value. Equity investments: The Company uses the equity method of accounting for investments over which it exercises significant influence but does not control. The Company's share of net earnings or losses from equity method investments is included in Other (income) expense in the Consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) . Equity method investments are reviewed for impairment by comparing their fair value to their respective carrying amounts. With respect to private company investments, the Company makes its estimate of fair value by considering available information, that may include recent investee equity transactions, discounted cash flow analyses, estimates based on comparable public company operating multiples and, in certain situations, balance sheet liquidation values. If the fair value of the investment has dropped below the carrying amount, management considers several factors when determining whether an other-than-temporary decline in market value has occurred, including the length of time and extent to which the market value has been below cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer of the security, the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value and other factors influencing the fair market value, such as general market conditions. The Company accounts for non-marketable investments over which the Company does not have the ability to exercise significant influence at cost less any impairment. Equity securities without a readily determinable fair value are accounted for at cost, adjusted for impairments and observable price changes in orderly transactions. Redeemable noncontrolling interests: The Company accounts for redeemable noncontrolling interests in accordance with ASC 480-10-S99-3A, “Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity” (“ASC 480-10-S99-3A”), because their exercise is outside the control of the Company. The redeemable noncontrolling interests recorded at fair value are put arrangements held by the noncontrolling interests in one of the Company’s majority-owned subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2019 , the redeemable noncontrolling interests are not exercisable. Revenue recognition: Revenues are recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. Revenues are recognized as performance obligations that are satisfied either at a point in time, such as when an advertisement is published, or over time, such as customer subscriptions. The Company’s Consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) presents revenues disaggregated by revenue type. Sales taxes and other usage-based taxes are excluded from revenues. For further details surrounding our major revenue streams and specific recognition principles, refer to Note 2 — Revenues . Income taxes: Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. See Note 10 — Income taxes for further discussion. We also evaluate any uncertain tax positions and recognize a liability for the tax benefit associated with an uncertain tax position if it is more likely than not that the tax position will not be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities upon consideration of the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such positions are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. We record a liability for uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Any change in judgment related to the expected ultimate resolution of uncertain tax positions is recognized in earnings in the period in which such change occurs. Fair value of financial instruments: The carrying value of the Company’s cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued expenses approximate fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments. An estimate of the fair value of the Company’s debt is disclosed in Note 7 — Indebtedness . For further details surrounding our policies on fair value measurement including the fair values of our pension plan assets, refer to Note 13 — Fair value measurement . Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash: Cash equivalents represent highly liquid certificates of deposit which have original maturities of three months or less. Restricted cash is held as cash collateral for certain business operations. Restricted cash primarily consists of funding for letters of credit, cash held in an irrevocable grantor trust for our deferred compensation plans and cash held with banking institutions for insurance plans. The following table presents a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash: In thousands December 31, 2019 December 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Cash and cash equivalents $ 156,042 $ 48,651 $ 43,056 Restricted cash included in prepaid expenses and other current assets 10,800 4,119 3,106 Restricted cash included in other assets 21,822 — — Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 188,664 $ 52,770 $ 46,162 Deferred financing costs: Deferred financing costs consist of costs incurred in connection with debt financings and are recorded as a contra-liability in long-term debt. Such costs are amortized using the effective interest method over the estimated remaining term of the debt. This amortization represents a component of interest expense. Advertising costs: Advertising costs are expensed in the period incurred. The Company incurred total advertising expenses for the years ended December 31, 2019 , December 30, 2018 , and December 31, 2017 of $26.8 million , $18.2 million , and $14.6 million , respectively. Earnings (loss) per share: Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed as net income (loss) available to common stockholders divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur from the issuance of common shares upon conversion of common stock equivalents. Stock-based employee compensation: ASC Topic 718, “ Compensation – Stock Compensation ” requires that all share-based payments to employees and the board of directors, including grants of stock options and restricted stock, be recognized in the consolidated financial statements over the service period (generally the vesting period) based on fair values measured on grant dates, less forfeitures. Pension and postretirement liabilities: ASC Topic 715, “ Compensation – Retirement Benefits ” requires recognition of an asset or liability in the consolidated balance sheet reflecting the funded status of pension and other postretirement benefit plans such as retiree health and life, with current-year changes in the funded status recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income. For the year ended December 31, 2019 , net actuarial gains of $7.4 million , net of taxes of $5.1 million were recognized in other comprehensive loss. A net actuarial loss of $1.5 million after valuation allowances was recognized in other comprehensive loss for both years ended December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 . See Note 8 — Retirement plans and Note 9 — Postretirement benefits other than pension for further details. Self-insurance liability accruals: The Company maintains self-insured medical and workers’ compensation programs. The Company purchases stop loss coverage from third parties which limits our exposure to large claims. The Company records a liability for healthcare and workers’ compensation costs during the period in which they occur, including an estimate of incurred but not reported claims. Concentration of risk: Due to the distributed nature of our operations, we are not subject to significant concentrations of risk relating to customers, products, or geographic locations. Our foreign revenues, principally from businesses in the U.K. and ReachLocal international operations, totaled approximately $31.8 million in 2019 . Our long-lived assets in foreign countries, principally in the U.K. and ReachLocal international operations, totaled approximately $361.9 million at December 31, 2019 . Leases: We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in Operating lease assets , Other current liabilities , and Long-term operating lease liabilities on our Consolidated balance sheets . Operating lease right-of-use (ROU) assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. The rates implicit within the Company's leases are generally not determinable; therefore, the Company uses judgment to determine the incremental borrowing rate used to calculate the present value of lease payments. The incremental borrowing rate for each lease is primarily based on publicly available information for companies within the same industry and with similar credit profiles and adjusted for the impact of collateralization, the lease term, and other specific terms included in the Company’s lease arrangements. ROU assets are assessed for impairment in accordance with the Company’s accounting policy for long-lived assets. Our lease terms include options to extend or terminate. The period which is subject to an option to extend the lease is included in the lease term if it is reasonably certain that the option will be exercised. The period which is subject to an option to terminate the lease is included if it is reasonably certain that the option will not be exercised. Lease expense for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For certain equipment leases, we apply a portfolio approach to account for the operating lease ROU assets and liabilities. Accrued expenses: A breakout of accrued expenses is presented below: In thousands December 31, 2019 December 30, 2018 Compensation $ 131,006 $ 30,922 Taxes (primarily property and sales taxes) 18,073 4,466 Benefits 33,070 8,273 Interest 23,602 3,240 Other 100,882 62,696 Total accrued liabilities $ 306,633 $ 109,597 Loss contingencies: We are subject to various legal proceedings, claims, and regulatory matters, the outcomes of which are subject to significant uncertainty. We determine whether to disclose or accrue for loss contingencies based on an assessment of whether the risk of loss is remote, reasonably possible, or probable and whether it can be reasonably estimated. We accrue for loss contingencies when such amounts are probable and reasonably estimable. If a contingent liability is only reasonably possible, we will disclose the potential range of the loss if material and estimable. Foreign currency translation: The statements of income of foreign operations have been translated to U.S. dollars using the average currency exchange rates in effect during the relevant period. The balance sheets have been translated using the currency exchange rates as of the end of the accounting period. The impact of currency exchange rate changes on the translation of the balance sheets are included in Comprehensive income (loss) in the Consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) and are classified as Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income) in the Consolidated balance sheets and Consolidated statements of equity . Supplementary cash flow information: Supplementary cash flow information, including non-cash investing and financing activities, are as follows: In thousands December 31, 2019 December 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Cash paid for taxes, net of refunds $ 1,192 $ 1,272 $ 52 Cash paid for interest $ 40,208 $ 31,178 $ 33,626 Accrued capital expenditures $ 2,227 $ 69 $ 72 Common stock issued in exchange for Legacy Gannett shares $ 391,809 $ — $ — New accounting pronouncements adopted: The following are new accounting pronouncements which we have adopted in fiscal year 2019 : Leases: On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASU 2016-02: Leases (Topic 842), the FASB's new leasing standard. We utilized the modified retrospective transition method by recognizing a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. We also elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard, which allows us to carry forward 1) our historical lease classification, 2) our assessment on whether a contract is or contains a lease, and 3) our treatment of initial direct costs for any leases that exist prior to adoption of the new standard. We have also elected to combine lease and non-lease components and to keep leases with an initial term of 12 months or less off the balance sheet and recognize the associated lease payments in the consolidated statements of income on a straight-line basis over the lease term. We did not elect to apply the hindsight practical expedient when determining the lease term and assessing impairment of right-of-use assets. Operating lease right-of-use (ROU) assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. The rates implicit within the company's leases are generally not determinable; therefore, the company uses judgment to determine the incremental borrowing rate used to calculate the present value of lease payments. The incremental borrowing rate for each lease is primarily based on publicly available information for companies within the same industry and with similar credit profiles and adjusted for the impact of collateralization, the lease term, and other specific terms included in the company’s lease arrangements. Based on the present value of the lease payments for the remaining lease term of the Company's existing leases, we recognized net right-of-use assets of approximately $102.5 million and lease liabilities for operating leases of approximately $109.2 million on January 1, 2019. The standard did not materially impact our Consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) or Consolidated statements of cash flow . Refer to Note 3 — Leases for further details on the Company's leases. Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income: In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, “Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“AOCI”)”. This ASU provides entities the option to reclassify tax effects to retained earnings from AOCI which are impacted by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”). The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 but early adoption is permitted. The Company elected not to reclassify stranded tax effects from AOCI to retained earnings, as historically we maintained a full valuation allowance for tax benefits related to AOCI. Therefore, resulting impact of adopting this guidance was not material to our consolidated financial results. Compensation—Stock Compensation: In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-07: Compensation - Stock compensation (Topic 718) - Improvements to non-employee share-based payment accounting. This standard contained new guidance which expanded the scope of share based compensation accounting by applying, with limited exceptions, the specific requirements of employee stock compensation to the accounting for non-employee awards granted in exchange for goods and services. Adopting this guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements . New accounting pronouncements not yet adopted: The following are new accounting pronouncements that we are evaluating for future impacts on our financial position: Intangibles—Internal-Use Software: In August 2018 , the FASB issued ASU 2018-15: Intangibles - Goodwill and other - Internal-use software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer's accounting for implementation costs incurred in a cloud computing arrangement that is a service contract. This new guidance aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software and hosting arrangements that include an internal-use software license. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption of the amendments is permitted, including adoption in any interim period. We are evaluating the provisions of the updated guidance and assessing the impact on our consolidated financial statements . Fair Value Measurement—Disclosure Framework: In August 2018 , the FASB issued ASU 2018-13: Fair value measurement (Topic 820) - Disclosure framework - Changes to the disclosure requirements for fair value measurement. This new guidance changes disclosure requirements related to fair value measurements as part of the disclosure framework project. The disclosure framework project aims to improve the effectiveness of disclosures in the notes to the financial statements by focusing on requirements that clearly communicate the most important information to users of the financial statements. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. We do not expect the adoption to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements . Financial Instruments—Credit Losses: In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13: Financial instruments - Credit losses (Topic 326) - Measurement of credit losses on financial instruments, which contains new guidance amending the principles around the recognition of credit losses by mandating entities incorporate an estimate of current expected credit losses when determining the value of certain assets. The guidance also amends reporting around allowances for credit losses on available-for-sale marketable securities. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. We do not expect the adoption to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements . Compensation—Retirement Plans: In August 2018 , the FASB issued ASU 2018-14: Compensation - retirement benefits - Defined benefit plans - General (Subtopic 715-20)

Revenues

Revenues	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenues	NOTE 2 — Revenues Adoption of ASC Topic 606, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" On January 1, 2018 , the Company adopted ASC Topic 606 using the modified retrospective method applied to those contracts which were not completed as of January 1, 2018 . Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under ASC Topic 606, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the previously applicable accounting standards under ASC Topic 605. The adoption of ASC Topic 606 resulted in no change to accumulated deficit as of January 1, 2018 . Revenue and expenses related to certain license agreements and recognized during the year ended December 30, 2018 decreased by $5.9 million as a result of applying ASC Topic 606. The following table presents our revenues disaggregated by source: In thousands Fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 December 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (1) Print advertising $ 689,595 $ 625,065 $ 598,273 Digital advertising and marketing services 263,049 161,512 127,731 Total advertising and marketing services 952,644 786,577 726,004 Circulation 704,842 574,963 474,324 Other 210,423 164,484 141,676 Total revenues $ 1,867,909 $ 1,526,024 $ 1,342,004 (1) Prior period amounts have not been adjusted under the modified retrospective method. Revenues generated from international operations comprised 2% of our 2019 revenues, which consists of approximately six weeks of operations from Legacy Gannett. Summary of Accounting Policies for Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition Revenues are recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. Revenues are recognized as performance obligations that are satisfied either at a point in time, such as when an advertisement is published, or over time, such as customer subscriptions. The Company’s Consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) presents revenues disaggregated by revenue type. Sales taxes and other usage-based taxes are excluded from revenues. Advertising and Marketing Services Revenues The Company generates advertising revenues primarily by delivering advertising in its national publication, USA TODAY, and in its local publications including newspapers and websites. Advertising revenues are categorized as local retail, local classified, online and national. Revenue is recognized upon publication of the advertisement. For online marketing products provided by our Marketing Solutions segment, we enter into agreements for products in which our clients typically pay in advance and on a monthly basis. These prepayments include all charges for the included technology and any media services, management, third-party content, and other costs and fees, all of which are accounted for as a single performance obligation. Revenue is then recognized as we purchase and deliver media on behalf of the customer and perform other marketing-related services. For our advertising and marketing services revenues, we evaluate whether we are the principal (i.e., report revenues on a gross basis) or agent (i.e., report revenues on a net basis) by performing analyses regarding whether we control the provision of specified goods or services before they are transferred to our customers. We report advertising and marketing services revenues gross when we control advertising inventory before it is transferred to the customer. Our control is evidenced by us being primarily responsible or sharing responsibility for the fulfillment of services and maintaining control over transaction pricing. Certain customers may receive credits, which are accounted for as a separate performance obligation. We estimate these amounts based on the expected amount to be provided to customers and reduce revenues recognized. We recognize revenue when the performance obligation is satisfied. Circulation Revenues Circulation revenues are derived from print and digital subscriptions as well as single copy sales at retail stores, vending racks and boxes. Circulation revenues from subscribers are generally billed to customers at the beginning of the subscription period and are typically recognized over the subscription period as the performance obligations are delivered. The term of customer subscriptions normally ranges from three to twelve months . Circulation revenues from single-copy income are recognized based on the date of publication, net of provisions for related returns. Commercial Printing and Other Revenues The Company provides commercial printing services to third parties as a means to generate incremental revenue and utilize excess printing capacity. These customers consist primarily of other publishers that do not have their own printing presses and do not compete with other Gannett publications. The Company also prints other commercial materials, including flyers, business cards and invitations. Revenue is generally recognized upon delivery. Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable are stated at amounts due from customers, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts is based upon several factors including the length of time the receivables are past due, historical payment trends, and current economic factors. The Company recorded bad debt expense of $9.7 million , $7.7 million and $5.6 million during the years ended December 31, 2019 , December 30, 2018 , and December 31, 2017 , respectively. Practical Expedients and Exemptions The Company expenses sales commissions or other costs to obtain contracts when incurred because the amortization period is generally one year or less. These costs are recorded within Selling, general and administrative expenses . The Company does not disclose unsatisfied performance obligations for (i) contracts with an original expected length of one year or less and (ii) contracts for which the Company recognizes revenue at the amount to which the Company has the right to invoice for services performed. Deferred revenue: The Company records deferred revenues when cash payments are received in advance of the Company’s performance. The most significant unsatisfied performance obligation is the delivery of publications to subscription customers. The Company expects to recognize the revenue related to unsatisfied performance obligations over the next three to twelve months in accordance with the terms of the subscriptions. The Company's payment terms vary by the type and location of the customer and the products or services offered. The period between invoicing and when payment is due is not significant. For certain products or services and customer types, the Company requires payment before the products or services are delivered to the customer. The following table presents changes in the deferred revenue balance for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019 by type of revenue: in thousands Year ended December 31, 2019 Advertising, Marketing Services, and Other Circulation Total Beginning balance $ 22,542 $ 82,645 $ 105,187 Acquired deferred revenue 42,369 95,341 137,710 Cash receipts 128,504 529,004 657,508 Revenue recognized (125,971 ) (555,611 ) (681,582 ) Ending balance $ 67,444 $ 151,379 $ 218,823 The company’s primary source of deferred revenue is from circulation subscriptions paid in advance of the service provided. The majority of our subscription customers are billed and pay on monthly terms. The remaining deferred revenue balance relates to advertising and other revenue. The $113.6 million increase in deferred revenue as compared to the year ended December 30, 2018 is primarily due to acquired deferred revenue from the acquisition of Legacy Gannett.

Leases Leases

Leases Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	NOTE 3 — Leases We lease certain real estate, vehicles, and equipment. Our leases have remaining lease terms of 1 to 15 years, some of which may include options to extend the leases, and some of which may include options to terminate the leases. The exercise of lease renewal options is at our sole discretion. The depreciable lives of assets and leasehold improvements are limited by the expected lease term unless there is a transfer of title or purchase option reasonably certain of exercise. As of December 31, 2019 , our Consolidated balance sheets include $309.1 million of operating lease right-to use assets, $40.0 million of short-term operating lease liabilities included in Other current liabilities, and $297.7 million of long-term operating lease liabilities. The components of lease expense for 2019 were as follows: In thousands 2019 Operating lease cost (a) $ 38,985 Short-term lease cost, excluding expenses relating to leases with a lease term of one month or less 5,086 Net lease cost $ 44,071 (a) Includes variable lease costs of $8.4 million and sublease income of $2.5 million for 2019 . Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable leases as of December 31, 2019 are as follows: In thousands Year Ending December 31, (a) 2020 76,339 2021 76,569 2022 69,230 2023 57,142 2024 50,564 Thereafter 233,615 Total future minimum lease payments 563,459 Less: Imputed interest 225,759 Total $ 337,700 (a) Operating lease payments exclude $8.4 million of legally binding minimum lease payments for leases signed but not yet commenced. Other information related to leases for 2019 were as follows: In thousands, except lease term and discount rate 2019 Supplemental information Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities $ 35,837 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease obligations 28,545 Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years) 8.3 Weighted-average discount rate 12.4 %

Acquisitions and dispositions

Acquisitions and dispositions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions and dispositions	NOTE 4 — Acquisitions and dispositions Acquisitions 2019 Acquisitions The Company acquired substantially all the assets, properties, and business of Legacy Gannett on November 19, 2019 . The acquisition, which included the USA TODAY NETWORK (made up of USA TODAY ("USAT") and 109 local media organizations in 46 states in the U.S. and Guam, including digital sites and affiliates), ReachLocal, Inc. ("ReachLocal"), a marketing solutions company, and Newsquest (a wholly owned subsidiary of Legacy Gannett operating in the United Kingdom with more than 140 local media brands), was completed for an aggregate purchase price of $1.3 billion . The acquisition was financed from the new Apollo term loan facility as described in Note 7 — Indebtedness and the issuance of common stock to Legacy Gannett shareholders as described in Note 11 — Supplemental equity information . The rationale for the acquisition was primarily the attractive nature of the various publications, businesses, and digital platforms as well as the estimated cash flows and cost-saving and revenue-generating opportunities. The allocation of the purchase price is preliminary pending the finalization of the fair value of the acquired net assets and liabilities assumed, deferred income taxes, and assumed income and non-income based tax liabilities. The following table summarizes the preliminary determination of fair values of the assets and liabilities for the Legacy Gannett acquisition: in thousands Cash and restricted cash acquired $ 149,452 Current assets 383,965 Other assets 97,459 Property, plant and equipment 536,511 Operating lease assets 200,550 Developed technology 47,770 Advertiser relationships 272,740 Subscriber relationships 104,490 Customer relationships 63,820 Trade names 16,470 Mastheads 97,340 Goodwill 644,766 Total assets 2,615,333 Current liabilities assumed 513,752 Long-term liabilities assumed 787,019 Total liabilities 1,300,771 Net assets $ 1,314,562 Outside of the Legacy Gannett acquisition, the Company also acquired substantially all the assets, properties and business of certain publications and businesses in 2019 , which included 11 daily newspapers, 11 weekly publications, nine shoppers, a remnant advertising agency, five events production businesses, and a business community and networking platform for an aggregate purchase price of $46.6 million including estimated working capital. The acquisitions were financed from cash on hand. The rationale for the acquisitions was primarily the attractive nature, as applicable, of the various publications, businesses, and digital platforms as well as the estimated cash flows and cost-saving and revenue-generating opportunities available. The following table summarizes the preliminary determination of fair values of the assets and liabilities for the aforementioned acquisitions: in thousands Cash acquired $ 323 Current assets 9,320 Other assets 950 Property, plant and equipment 20,492 Non-compete agreements 280 Advertiser relationships 2,357 Subscriber relationships 1,457 Customer relationships 1,323 Software 140 Trade names 299 Mastheads 2,896 Goodwill 20,850 Total assets 60,687 Current liabilities assumed 11,961 Long-term liabilities assumed 463 Total liabilities 12,424 Minority interest 1,651 Net assets $ 46,612 The Company obtained third party independent valuations or performed similar calculations internally to assist in the determination of the fair values of certain assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Three basic approaches were used to determine value: the cost approach (used for equipment where an active secondary market is not available, building improvements, and software), the direct sales comparison (market) approach (used for land and equipment where an active secondary market is available) and the income approach (used for intangible assets). The weighted average amortization periods for recently acquired amortizable intangible assets are equal to or similar to the periods presented in Note 6 — Goodwill and other intangible assets . The Company expensed $60.6 million of acquisition-related costs during the year ended December 31, 2019 . For tax purposes, the amount of goodwill that is expected to be deductible is $17.0 million and is related to 2019 acquisitions other than Legacy Gannett. Refer to allocation of goodwill by segment in Note 6 — Goodwill and other intangible assets . 2018 Acquisitions The Company acquired substantially all the assets, properties and business of certain publications and businesses on November 16, 2018 , November 14, 2018 , October 1, 2018 , August 15, 2018 , July 2, 2018 , June 18, 2018 , June 4, 2018 , May 11, 2018 , May 1, 2018 , April 2, 2018 , March 31, 2018 , March 6, 2018 , February 28, 2018 , February 23, 2018 , and February 7, 2018 (“ 2018 Acquisitions”), which included seven business publications, eight daily newspapers, 16 weekly publications, one shopper, a print facility, an events production business, cloud services, and digital platforms and related domains for an aggregate purchase price of $205.8 million , including working capital and contingent consideration. The acquisitions were financed from cash on hand. The rationale for the acquisitions was primarily the attractive nature, as applicable, of the various publications, businesses, and digital platforms as well as the estimated cash flows and cost-saving and revenue-generating opportunities available. In the August 15, 2018 acquisition, the Company acquired an 80% equity interest in the acquiree, and the minority equity owners retained a 20% interest, which has been classified as noncontrolling interest in the accompanying financial statements. Noncontrolling interests with embedded redemption features, such as put rights, that are not solely within the control of the Company are considered redeemable noncontrolling interests and are presented outside of stockholders’ equity on the Company's Consolidated balance sheets . At any time following the second anniversary of the closing of the acquisition, the minority equity owners shall have the right to sell all but not less than all of their shares at fair market value. Certain of the Company's 2018 Acquisitions include contingent consideration arrangements, which are primarily payable to the sellers based on the passage of time or as a component of earnings above an agreed-upon target and are recorded at estimated fair value. As of December 31, 2019 , the Company has a liability for contingent consideration of $1.1 million . The Company accounted for the 2018 Acquisitions using the acquisition method of accounting for those acquisitions determined to meet the definition of a business. The net assets, including goodwill, have been recorded in the Consolidated balance sheets at their fair values in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 805, “Business Combinations” (“ASC 805”). The 2018 Acquisitions that were determined to be asset acquisitions were measured at the fair value of the consideration transferred on the acquisition date. Intangible assets acquired in an asset acquisition have been recognized in accordance with ASC 350 “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other”. Goodwill is not recognized in an asset acquisition. The following table summarizes the determination of fair values of the assets and liabilities for the 2018 Acquisitions: in thousands Cash acquired $ 1,688 Current assets 29,169 Other assets 447 Property, plant and equipment 18,340 Non-compete agreements 370 Advertiser relationships 51,395 Subscriber relationships 36,115 Customer relationships 14,063 Trade names 1,810 Mastheads 13,678 Goodwill 72,879 Total assets 239,954 Current liabilities assumed 32,441 Long-term liabilities assumed 92 Total liabilities 32,533 Redeemable noncontrolling interest 1,636 Net assets $ 205,785 The Company obtained third party independent valuations or performed similar calculations internally to assist in the determination of the fair values of certain assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Three basic approaches were used to determine value: the cost approach (used for equipment where an active secondary market is not available, building improvements, and software), the direct sales comparison (market) approach (used for land and equipment where an active secondary market is available) and the income approach (used for intangible assets). The weighted average amortization periods for recently acquired amortizable intangible assets are equal to or similar to the periods presented in Note 6 — Goodwill and other intangible assets . The Company expensed $2.7 million of acquisition-related costs for the 2018 Acquisitions during the year ended December 30, 2018 . For tax purposes, the amount of goodwill that is expected to be deductible is $72.0 million , excluding goodwill attributable to the 20% noncontrolling interest. Refer to allocation of goodwill by segment in Note 6 — Goodwill and other intangible assets . Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the consideration transferred over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired and represents future economic benefits expected to arise from other intangible assets acquired that do not qualify for separate recognition, including assembled workforce and non-contractual relationships as well as expected future synergies. 2017 Acquisitions The Company acquired substantially all the assets, properties and business of certain publications and businesses on November 6, 2017 , October 30, 2017 , October 2, 2017 , July 6, 2017 , June 30, 2017 , February 10, 2017 , and January 31, 2017 (“ 2017 Acquisitions”), which included four business publications, 22 daily newspapers, 34 weekly publications, 24 shoppers, two customer relationship management solutions providers, a social media app, and an event production business for an aggregate purchase price of $165.1 million , including working capital. The acquisitions were financed from cash on hand. The rationale for the acquisitions was primarily due to the attractive nature, as applicable, of the newspaper assets and event production business, and cash flows combined with cost-saving and revenue-generating opportunities available. The Company accounted for the 2017 Acquisitions under the acquisition method of accounting. The net assets, including goodwill, have been recorded in the Consolidated balance sheets at their fair values in accordance with ASC 805. The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets and liabilities for the 2017 Acquisitions: in thousands Current assets $ 20,870 Other assets 108 Property, plant and equipment 49,883 Noncompete agreements 532 Advertiser relationships 34,077 Subscriber relationships 26,926 Customer relationships 5,638 Software 704 Mastheads 9,902 Goodwill 37,652 Total assets 186,292 Current liabilities assumed 21,100 Long-term liabilities assumed 139 Total liabilities 21,239 Net assets $ 165,053 The Company obtained third party independent valuations or performed similar calculations internally to assist in the determination of the fair values of certain assets acquired and liabilities assumed, using the same three approaches that were used to determine value in 2018 : the cost approach (used for equipment where an active secondary market is not available, building improvements, and software), the direct sales comparison (market) approach (used for land and equipment where an active secondary market is available) and the income approach (used for intangible assets). The weighted average amortization periods for recently acquired amortizable intangible assets are in line with those listed in Note 6 — Goodwill and other intangible assets . The Company expensed $2.0 million of acquisition-related costs for the 2017 Acquisitions during the year ended December 31, 2017 . For tax purposes, the amount of goodwill that is expected to be deductible is $37.7 million . Refer to allocation of goodwill by segment in Note 6 — Goodwill and other intangible assets Dispositions On May 11, 2018 , the Company completed its sale of certain publications and related assets in Alaska for approximately $2.4 million , including working capital. As a result, a nominal pre-tax gain, net of selling expenses, is included in Net (gain) loss on sale or disposal of assets on the Consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) during the year ended December 30, 2018 . On February 27, 2018 , the Company sold a parcel of land and a building located in Framingham, Massachusetts for a sale price of $9.3 million and recognized a pre-tax gain of approximately $3.3 million , net of selling expenses, which is included in Net (gain) loss on sale or disposal of assets on the Consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) during the year ended December 30, 2018 . On June 2, 2017 , we completed the sale of the Mail Tribune, located in Medford, Oregon, for approximately $14.7 million , including working capital. As a result, a pre-tax gain of approximately $5.4 million , net of selling expenses, is included in Net (gain) loss on sale or disposal of assets on the Consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) during the year ended December 31, 2017 . Pro forma information The following table sets forth unaudited pro forma results of operations assuming the Legacy Gannett acquisition, along with transactions necessary to finance the acquisitions, occurred at the beginning of 2019 and 2018 : Unaudited in thousands (except per share amounts) 2019 2018 Total revenues $ 4,177,583 $ 4,440,491 Net loss $ (292,395 ) $ (169,617 ) Earnings per share - diluted $ (2.27 ) $ (1.31 ) This pro forma financial information is based on historical results of operations, adjusted for the allocation of the purchase price and other acquisition accounting adjustments, and is not necessarily indicative of what our results would have been had we operated the businesses since the beginning of the periods presented. The pro forma adjustments reflect depreciation expense and amortization of intangibles related to the fair value adjustments of the assets acquired, additional interest expense related to the financing of the transactions, the elimination of acquisition-related costs, and the related tax effects of the adjustments.

Integration and reorganization

Integration and reorganization costs and long-lived asset impairments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Integration and reorganization costs and long-lived asset impairments	NOTE 5 — Integration and reorganization costs and long-lived asset impairments Over the past several years, in furtherance of the Company’s cost-reduction and cash-preservation plans outlined in Note 1 — Description of business, basis of presentation, and summary of significant accounting policies , the Company has engaged in a series of individual restructuring programs designed primarily to right-size the Company’s employee base, consolidate facilities, and improve operations, including those of recently acquired entities. These initiatives impact all of the Company’s geographic regions and are often influenced by the terms of union contracts within the region. All costs related to these programs, which primarily include severance expense, are accrued at the time of the program announcement or over the remaining service period. Severance-related expenses: We recorded expenses for severance and related costs by segment as follows: in thousands 2019 2018 2017 Severance and Related Costs Publishing $ 19,556 $ 11,678 $ 6,703 Marketing Solutions 1,916 — 512 Corporate and other 19,080 262 445 Total $ 40,552 $ 11,940 $ 7,660 A rollforward of the accrued severance and related costs included in accrued expenses on the balance sheet for the years ended December 31, 2019 and December 30, 2018 is outlined below: in thousands Severance and Related Costs Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 717 Restructuring provision included in integration and reorganization costs 11,940 Cash payments (10,103 ) Balance at December 31, 2018 2,554 Acquired restructuring provision balances 692 Restructuring provision included in integration and reorganization costs 40,552 Cash payments (13,013 ) Balance at December 31, 2019 $ 30,785 The restructuring reserve balance is expected to be paid out over the next twelve months. Facility consolidation and other restructuring-related expenses: We recorded facility consolidation charges and other restructuring-related costs by segment as follows: in thousands 2019 2018 2017 Facility Consolidation and Other Restructuring-Related Charges Publishing $ 1,780 $ 2,809 $ 1,243 Marketing Solutions 21 — — Corporate and other 5,048 262 — Total $ 6,849 $ 3,071 $ 1,243 Long-lived asset impairment charges and accelerated depreciation: As part of ongoing cost efficiency programs, the Company has ceased a number of print operations. Pursuant to these actions, we recorded long-lived asset impairment charges by segment as follows: In thousands 2019 2018 2017 Publishing $ 3,009 $ 1,538 $ 7,042 Corporate and other — — 100 Total $ 3,009 $ 1,538 $ 7,142 In addition to the long-lived asset impairment charges outlined above, we also recorded accelerated depreciation of $7.9 million , $3.6 million , and $2.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 , December 30, 2018 , and December 31, 2017 , respectively. These expenses, which were recorded as a component of Depreciation and amortization on the Consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) , were incurred at the Publishing segment.

Goodwill and other intangible a

Goodwill and other intangible assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and other intangible assets	NOTE 6 — Goodwill and other intangible assets Goodwill and intangible assets consisted of the following: in thousands December 31, 2019 Gross Accumulated Net Amortized intangible assets: Advertiser relationships $ 534,161 $ 75,363 $ 458,798 Customer relationships 109,674 14,303 95,371 Subscriber relationships 259,391 44,878 214,513 Other intangible assets 76,552 11,229 65,323 Total $ 979,778 $ 145,773 $ 834,005 Nonamortized intangible assets: Goodwill $ 914,331 Mastheads 178,559 Total $ 1,092,890 December 30, 2018 Gross Accumulated Net Amortized intangible assets: Advertiser relationships $ 260,142 $ 53,477 $ 206,665 Customer relationships 44,630 8,704 35,926 Subscriber relationships 153,923 31,560 122,363 Other intangible assets 13,046 7,802 5,244 Total $ 471,741 $ 101,543 $ 370,198 Nonamortized intangible assets: Goodwill $ 310,737 Mastheads 115,856 Total $ 426,593 As of December 31, 2019 , the weighted average amortization periods for amortizable intangible assets are 11.1 years for advertiser relationships, 9.8 years for customer relationships, 10.5 years for subscriber relationships, and 4.6 years for other intangible assets. The weighted average amortization period in total for all amortizable intangible assets is 10.3 years . Amortization expense was $44.7 million , $34.0 million , and $24.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 , December 30, 2018 , and December 31, 2017 , respectively. Estimated future amortization expense as of December 31, 2019 , is as follows: In thousands 2020 $ 110,136 2021 109,854 2022 108,179 2023 102,994 2024 101,026 Thereafter 301,816 Total $ 834,005 The balances and changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment are as follows: in thousands Publishing Marketing Solutions Consolidated Balance at December 31, 2017, net of accumulated impairment losses of $25,641: $ 208,828 $ 27,727 $ 236,555 Goodwill acquired in business combinations 71,011 2,715 73,726 Measurement period adjustments 456 — 456 Balance at December 30, 2018, net of accumulated impairment losses of $25,641: $ 280,295 $ 30,442 $ 310,737 Goodwill acquired in business combinations 498,061 167,555 665,616 Goodwill impairment (62,280 ) — (62,280 ) Goodwill related to divestitures (42 ) — (42 ) Measurement period adjustments (852 ) — (852 ) Foreign currency exchange rate changes 1,152 — 1,152 Balance at December 31, 2019, net of accumulated impairment losses of $87,921: $ 716,334 $ 197,997 $ 914,331 Historically, the Company’s annual impairment assessment is made on the last day of its fiscal second quarter. In 2019, the Company performed an additional assessment during the fourth quarter as a result of the acquisition of Legacy Gannett and the related restructuring of its reporting units. The Company performed its 2019 annual assessment for possible impairment of the carrying value of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles as of June 30, 2019. The fair values of the Company’s reporting units, including Newspapers and BridgeTower, which include newspaper mastheads, were estimated using the expected present value of future cash flows, recent industry multiples and using estimates, judgments and assumptions that management believes were appropriate in the circumstances. The estimates and judgments used in the assessment included multiples for EBITDA, the weighted average cost of capital, and the terminal growth rate. The Company determined the future cash flow and industry multiple analyses provided the best estimate of the fair value of its reporting units. Key assumptions in the impairment analysis include revenue and EBITDA projections, discount rates, long-term growth rates, and the effective tax rate the Company determined to be appropriate. Revenue projections reflected slight declines in the current and next year, and revenues were expected to moderate to a terminal growth rate of 0.5% . The fair value of the Newspaper reporting unit exceeded the carrying value by less than 10% . The total Company’s estimate of reporting unit fair values was reconciled to its then market capitalization (based upon the stock market price and fair value of debt) plus an estimated control premium. The Company used a “relief from royalty” approach, a discounted cash flow model, to determine the fair value of its indefinite-lived intangible assets. The estimated fair value equaled or exceeded carrying value for the masthead units of accounting, including east, central, west and BridgeTower. The fair value of mastheads exceeded carrying value by less than 10% for the central and east regions. Key assumptions within the masthead analysis included revenue projections, discount rates, royalty rates, long-term growth rates and the effective tax rate that the Company determined to be appropriate. Revenue projections reflected declines in the current and next year, and revenues were expected to moderate to a terminal growth rate of 0.5% . After the completion of its acquisition of Legacy Gannett, the Company reorganized its reporting units to align with its new segment structure. Due to the change in the composition of the reporting units, the Company performed additional impairment tests for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets before and after the reorganization. Similar methodologies and assumptions were utilized for the post-reorganization impairment assessment, as described above. Fair values of the reporting units were determined to be greater than the carrying value of the reporting units, and the estimated fair value exceeded carrying value for all mastheads. In the analysis performed before the reorganization, the fair value of the Newspapers reporting unit did not exceed the carrying value. The primary factors impacting the decrease in fair value were the Company’s third and fourth quarter financial performance and its declining stock price, which was, in part, related to the announcement of the Company’s acquisition of Legacy Gannett. As a result, the Company recorded a goodwill impairment of $62.3 million within the Newspapers reporting unit. In addition, the fair value of the mastheads in the east, central, west and BridgeTower regions did not exceed carrying value and accordingly the Company recorded an impairment of $38.4 million . Key assumptions within the impairment analyses included revenue and EBITDA projections, discount rates, royalty rates, long-term growth rates, and the effective tax rate that the Company considers appropriate. Revenue projections reflected continued declines in early years, which are expected to moderate to a terminal rate of loss of 1% with in the Newspapers reporting unit. EBITDA projections as a percentage of revenue show improvement over the next couple of years, largely due to continued expense reductions, and are expected to stabilize to an average rate of approximately 17% in the outer years. Discount rates were 20% , royalty rates ranged from 1.25% to 1.50% , and the effective tax rate was 27% . The Company considered the impairment of goodwill and mastheads in Newspapers to be a potential indicator of impairment under ASC 360. The Company determined the long-lived asset groups were the same as its units of accounting. The Company performed an analysis of its undiscounted cash flows in the east, central and west regions to determine if there was an impairment of long-lived assets. The sum of undiscounted cash flows over the primary asset’s weighted-average remaining useful life exceeded the group’s carrying value, so no impairment was recorded. There were no indicators of impairment on the long-lived asset group for BridgeTower. Subsequent to the acquisition of Legacy Gannett and management restructuring, the Company’s reporting units are Domestic Publishing, Newsquest and Marketing Solutions. The Legacy New Media units of accounting (east, central, west and BridgeTower) were reviewed for impairment and the Company concluded no impairment indicators were present. The fair values for Domestic Publishing and Marketing Solutions goodwill are greater than the carrying values; however, the difference between the two values is less than 10% . There is no headroom for Newsquest. For Domestic Publishing, the revenue projections mirrored the Legacy New Media analysis and were increased by the revenues expected to be earned by the Legacy Gannett business. They reflected continued declines in early years and that revenues are expected to moderate to a terminal rate of loss of 0.5% . EBITDA projections as a percentage of revenue show improvement over the next couple of years, largely due to expected synergies, facility consolidation and continued expense reductions, and then average to a rate of approximately 22% in the outer years. Discount rates were 21% , and the effective tax rate was 27% . For Marketing Solutions, revenues are expected to increase at a rate of approximately 7% to 10% for several years. The terminal growth rate is 3% . EBITDA projections as a percentage of revenue show improvement over the next couple of years and then average to approximately 12% to 13% beyond that. Discount rates were 21% , and the effective tax rate was 27% . Since there were no changes to the Newsquest reporting unit as a result of the acquisition, the fair value of Newsquest was derived from the analysis performed for the purchase price allocation. As of December 31, 2019 , the Company performed a review of potential impairment indicators, noting its financial results and forecast had not changed materially since the assessment due to restructuring, and it was determined no indicators of impairment were present. As of December 30, 2018 , the Company had performed a review of potential impairment indicators, noting its financial results and forecast had not changed materially since the annual impairment assessment, and it was determined no indicators of impairment were present. The newspaper industry and the Company have experienced declining same-store revenue and profitability over the past several years. Should general economic, market or business conditions decline and have a negative impact on estimates of future cash flow and market transaction multiples, the Company may be required to record additional impairment charges in the future.

Indebtedness

Indebtedness	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Indebtedness	NOTE 7 — Indebtedness Apollo Term Loan In November 2019 , pursuant to the acquisition of Legacy Gannett, the Company entered into a five -year, senior-secured term loan facility with Apollo Capital Management, L.P. ("Apollo") in an aggregate principal amount of approximately $1.8 billion . The term loan facility, which matures on November 19, 2024 , generally bears interest at the rate of 11.5% per annum. Origination fees totaled 6.5% of the total principal amount of the financing at closing. Pursuant to the agreement, Apollo has the right to designate two individuals to attend Board of Directors meetings as non-fiduciary and non-voting observers and participants. In addition, the Company's total gross leverage ratio, defined generally as the ratio of consolidated debt to EBITDA, cannot exceed 4.00 :1.00 as of the origination date, gradually decreasing to an upper threshold of 3.00 :1.00. If the total gross leverage ratio exceeds the aforementioned thresholds, Apollo has the right to appoint up to two voting directors. In connection with the Apollo term loan facility, the Company incurred approximately $4.9 million of fees and expenses, which were capitalized in deferred financing costs and will be amortized over the term of the term loan facility using the effective interest method. In addition, the Company recognized $116.6 million of lender fees, which are capitalized and will also be amortized over the term of the term loan facility. The Company is permitted to prepay the principal of the term loan facility, in whole or in part, at par plus accrued and unpaid interest, without any prepayment premium or penalty. The term loan facility is guaranteed by the wholly-owned material subsidiaries of the Company, and all obligations of the Company and its subsidiary guarantors are or will be secured by first priority liens on certain material real property, equity interests, land, buildings, and fixtures. The term loan facility contains customary representations and warranties, affirmative covenants, and negative covenants applicable to the Company and its subsidiaries, including, among other things, restrictions on indebtedness, liens, investments, fundamental changes, dispositions, dividends and other distributions, capital expenditures, and events of default. The Company used the proceeds of the term loan facility to (i) partially fund the acquisition of Legacy Gannett, (ii) repay, prepay, repurchase, redeem, or otherwise discharge in full each of the existing financing facilities (as defined in the agreement and discussed in part below), and (iii) pay fees and expenses incurred to obtain the term loan facility. As of December 31, 2019 , the Company is in compliance with all of the covenants and obligations under the Apollo term loan facility. As of December 31, 2019 , the Company had $1.8 billion in aggregate principal outstanding under the term loan facility, $4.7 million of deferred financing costs, and $111.8 million of capitalized lender fees. During the year ended December 31, 2019 , the Company recorded $23.5 million in interest expense. Amortization of deferred financing costs totaled $2.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 . The effective interest rate is 13.2% . New Media Credit Agreement Prior to the acquisition of Legacy Gannett, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary New Media Holdings II LLC (the “New Media Borrower”) maintained secured credit facilities (the “Credit Facilities”) under an agreement (the “New Media Credit Agreement”) with a syndication of lenders, including a term loan facility and a revolving credit facility. The term loan facility was scheduled to expire on July 14, 2022 and the revolving credit facility was scheduled to expire on July 14, 2021 . Maximum borrowings under the revolving credit facility, including letters of credit, totaled $40.0 million . The New Media Credit Agreement contained customary representations and warranties and affirmative covenants and negative covenants applicable to Holdings I, the New Media Borrower, and the New Media Borrower's subsidiaries, including, among other things, restrictions on indebtedness, liens, investments, fundamental changes, dispositions, dividends and other distributions, and events of default. The New Media Credit Agreement also contained a financial covenant requiring Holdings I, the New Media Borrower, and the New Media Borrower’s subsidiaries to maintain a maximum total leverage ratio of 3.25 :1.00. Pursuant to the acquisition of Legacy Gannett in November 2019 and the origination of the Apollo term loan facility, all outstanding secured term facilities, incremental facilities, revolving credit facilities, and incremental term loans under the New Media Credit Agreement were paid in full or terminated. Furthermore, all guarantees and security interests in respect of the New Media Credit Agreement were released. As a result, the Company recognized a loss on extinguishment of debt of $3.7 million . Advantage Credit Agreements In connection with the purchase of the assets of Halifax Media in 2015 , the Company assumed obligations of Halifax Media including the amount owing ( $8.0 million at that time) under the credit agreement dated June 18, 2013 between Halifax Alabama, LLC and Southeast Community Development Fund V, LLC. This debt bore interest at an annual rate of 2% and was repaid in full on April 1, 2019 . Convertible debt On April 9, 2018 , Legacy Gannett completed an offering of 4.75% convertible senior notes, with an initial offering size of $175.0 million aggregate principal amount. As part of the offering, the initial purchaser of the notes exercised its option to purchase an additional $26.3 million aggregate principal amount of notes, resulting in total aggregate principal of $201.3 million and net proceeds of approximately $195.3 million . Interest on the notes is payable semi-annually in arrears. The notes mature on April 15, 2024 with our earliest redemption date being April 15, 2022 . The stated conversion rate of the notes is 82.4572 shares per $1,000 in principal or approximately $12.13 per share. Upon conversion, we have the option to settle in cash, shares of our common stock, or a combination of the two. Additionally, holders may convert the notes at their option prior to January 15, 2024 only if one or more of the following conditions are present: (1) if, during any 20 of the 30 trading days immediately preceding a quarter end, our common stock trading price is 130% of the stated conversion price, (2) if, during the 5 business day period after any 10 consecutive trading day period, the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of notes is less than 98% of the product of (a) the last reported sale price of the Company's common stock and (b) the conversion rate on each such trading day, or (3) a qualified change in control event occurs. Depending on the nature of the triggering event, the conversion rate may also be subject to adjustment. The Company's acquisition of Legacy Gannett constituted a Fundamental Change and Make-Whole Fundamental Change under the terms of the indenture governing the notes. At the acquisition date, the Company delivered to noteholders a notice offering the right to surrender all or a portion of their notes for cash on December 31, 2019 . Holders were required to surrender their notes by December 30, 2019 and in return, the Company redeemed the notes for either (1) cash at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest from October 15, 2019 to December 29, 2019 (2) converted equity plus cash at the stated conversion rate of 82.4572 shares per $1,000 in principal, comprised of 0.5427 shares of Parent common stock, plus $6.25 of cash. On December 31, 2019 , we completed the redemption of $198.0 million in aggregate principal in exchange for cash. The $3.3 million principal value of the notes is reported as convertible debt in the Consolidated balance sheets . The effective interest rate on the notes was 6.05% as of December 31, 2019 . During the year ended December 31, 2019 , the Company recorded $1.3 million in interest expense, of which $1.1 million is cash interest paid on aforementioned redemption.

Retirement plans

Retirement plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Retirement plans	NOTE 8 — Retirement plans Defined benefit plans The Company maintains a number of defined benefit pension plans which cover certain employees. The Company uses the accrued benefit actuarial method and best estimate assumptions to determine pension costs, liabilities, and other pension information for defined benefit plans. In connection with the acquisition of Legacy Gannett, the Company assumed the assets and obligations of four defined benefit plans: the Gannett Retirement Plan ("GRP"), the Newsquest and Romanes Pension Schemes in the U.K. ("U.K. Pension Plans"), the Newspaper Guild of Detroit Pension Plan, the 2015 SERP, and a supplemental non-qualified retirement plan assumed pursuant to Legacy Gannett's acquisition of JMG (JMG Plan). Upon the change in control, all of the Gannett SERP benefits accrued as of the date of acquisition are to be paid out as a lump sum within 45 days following the transaction. As of December 31, 2019 , the Company has paid $87.8 million of these lump sum payouts. Additionally, the George W. Prescott Company pension plan was assumed in the Enterprise News Media, LLC acquisition in 2006. This plan was amended to freeze all future benefit accruals by December 31, 2008 , except for a select group of union employees whose benefits were frozen during 2009 . The Times Publishing Company pension plan, another defined benefit plan assumed pursuant to an acquisition, was frozen prior to the acquisition. The following table provides a reconciliation of benefit obligations, plan assets, and funded status, along with the related amounts in the consolidated balance sheets, of the Company’s pension plans as of December 31, 2019 and December 30, 2018 : in thousands Year Ended December 31, 2019 December 30, 2018 Change in projected benefit obligation: Projected benefit obligation at beginning of period $ 74,190 $ 82,344 Service cost 999 606 Interest cost 12,408 2,775 Actuarial (gain) loss 3,701 (6,228 ) Foreign currency translation 11,812 — Benefits and expenses paid (111,842 ) (5,307 ) Acquisitions 2,981,914 — Projected benefit obligation at end of period $ 2,973,182 $ 74,190 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period $ 54,035 $ 61,539 Actual return on plan assets 38,054 (3,648 ) Employer contributions 91,466 1,451 Acquisitions 2,771,796 — Benefits paid (111,022 ) (4,705 ) Foreign currency translation 12,787 — Expenses paid (820 ) (602 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of period $ 2,856,296 $ 54,035 Reconciliation of funded status: Benefit obligation at end of period $ (2,973,182 ) $ (74,190 ) Fair value of assets at end of period 2,856,296 54,035 Funded status (116,886 ) (20,155 ) Unrecognized actuarial (gain) loss (4,527 ) 7,986 Net accrued benefit cost $ (121,413 ) $ (12,169 ) Balance sheet presentation: Other assets $ 58,818 $ — Accrued expenses 6,771 — Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations 168,933 20,155 Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income 4,527 (7,986 ) Net accrued benefit cost $ (121,413 ) $ (12,169 ) The following table presents information for our retirement plans for which accumulated benefits exceed assets: in thousands December 31, December 30, Accumulated benefit obligation $ 2,039,075 $ 74,190 Fair value of plan assets $ 1,865,123 $ 54,035 The following table presents information for our retirement plans for which assets exceed accumulated benefits: in thousands December 31, December 30, Accumulated benefit obligation $ 932,357 $ — Fair value of plan assets $ 991,173 $ — The following table presents information for our retirement plans for which projected benefit obligations exceed assets: in thousands December 31, December 30, Projected benefit obligation $ 2,040,825 $ 74,190 Fair value of plan assets $ 1,865,123 $ 54,035 The following table presents information for our retirement plans for which assets exceed projected benefit obligations: in thousands December 31, December 30, Projected benefit obligation $ 932,357 $ — Fair value of plan assets $ 991,173 $ — The funded status (on a projected benefit obligation basis) of our plans at December 31, 2019 is as follows: in thousands Fair Value of Plan Assets Benefit Obligation Funded Status GRP $ 1,705,225 $ 1,842,480 $ (137,255 ) George W. Prescott Pension Plan 20,079 25,499 (5,420 ) Times Publishing Company Pension Plan 36,693 49,830 (13,137 ) SERP — 7,360 (7,360 ) U.K. Pension Plans 991,175 932,357 58,818 Newspaper Guild of Detroit Plan 103,124 113,189 (10,065 ) JMG Plan — 2,467 (2,467 ) Total $ 2,856,296 $ 2,973,182 $ (116,886 ) The following table provides the components of net periodic benefit cost and other changes in plan assets recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) of the Company’s pension plans for the years ended December 31, 2019 , December 30, 2018 , and December 31, 2017 : in thousands Year Ended December 31, 2019 December 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Components of net periodic benefit cost: Operating expenses: Service cost $ 999 $ 606 $ 630 Non-operating expenses: Interest cost 12,408 2,775 3,143 Expected return on plan assets (22,303 ) (4,452 ) (4,157 ) Amortization of unrecognized loss (gain) 158 113 194 Other adjustment 305 — — Total non-operating expenses included in Other (income) expense (9,432 ) (1,564 ) (820 ) Net periodic expense (benefit) $ (8,433 ) $ (958 ) $ (190 ) Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income: Net actuarial loss (gain) $ (12,050 ) $ 1,872 $ 1,618 Amortization of net actuarial (loss) gain (158 ) (113 ) (194 ) Other adjustment (305 ) — — Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) $ (12,513 ) $ 1,759 $ 1,424 The following assumptions were used in connection with the Company’s actuarial valuation of its defined benefit plans obligation: December 31, 2019 December 30, 2018 Weighted average discount rate 2.9 % 4.1 % Rate of increase in future compensation levels (1) 2.0 % — Weighted average expected return on assets 7.0 % 7.5 % (1) Relates only to the GRP, SERP and Newspaper Guild of Detroit Pension Plans. The following assumptions were used to calculate the net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s defined benefit pension plans: Year Ended December 31, 2019 December 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Weighted average discount rate 3.1 % 3.5 % 4.1 % Rate of increase in future compensation levels (1) 2.0 % — — Weighted average expected return on assets 6.1 % 7.5 % 7.5 % (1) Relates only to the GRP, SERP and Newspaper Guild of Detroit Pension Plans. To determine the expected long-term rate of return on pension plan assets, the Company considers the current and expected asset allocations as well as historical and expected returns on various categories of plan assets, input from the actuaries and investment consultants, and long-term inflation assumptions. The expected allocation of pension plan assets is based on a diversified portfolio consisting of domestic and international equity securities and fixed income securities. This expected return is then applied to the fair value of plan assets. The Company amortizes experience gains and losses, including the effects of changes in actuarial assumptions and plan provisions, over a period equal to the average future service of plan participants or over the average remaining life expectancy of inactive participants. The fiduciaries of the pension plans set investment policies and strategies for the pension trusts. Objectives include preserving the funded status of the plan and balancing risk against return. The weighted average target asset allocation of our plans for 2020 and allocations at the end of 2019 and 2018, by asset category, are presented in the table below: Target Allocation Allocation of Plan Assets 2020 2019 2018 Equity securities 35% 39% 63% Debt securities 47% 46% 35% Alternative investments (a) 18% 15% 2% Total 100% 100% 100% (a) Alternative investments include real estate, private equity and hedge funds. The aggregate amount of net actuarial gain related to the Company’s pension plans recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income as of December 31, 2019 was $12.1 million , of which $107,000 is expected to be amortized in 2020 . Cash flows: We expect to make the following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service. The amounts below represent the benefit payments for our pension plans. in thousands Pension 2020 $ 202,994 2021 $ 193,282 2022 $ 190,764 2023 $ 188,713 2024 $ 175,235 2025 - 2029 $ 826,289 The amounts above exclude the participants' share of the benefit cost. We expect no subsidy benefits for 2020 and beyond. Employer contributions, for the Company's defined benefit pension plans, expected to be paid during the year ended December 31, 2020 is $61.2 million . Multiemployer plans that provide pension benefits The Company is a participant in six multiemployer pension plans covering certain employees with collective bargaining agreements (“CBAs”). Three of these multiemployer pension plans were assumed in connection with the acquisition of Legacy Gannett. The risks of participating in these multiemployer plans are different from single-employer plans in the following aspects: • The Company plays no part in the management of plan investments or any other aspect of plan administration. • Assets contributed to the multiemployer plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers. • If a participating employer stops contributing to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be borne by the remaining participating employers. • If the Company chooses to stop participating in some of its multiemployer plans, the Company may be required to pay those plans an amount based on the unfunded status of the plan, referred to as withdrawal liability. The Company’s participation in these plans for the year ended December 31, 2019 is outlined in the table below. The “EIN/Pension Plan Number” column provides the Employee Identification Number (EIN) and the three-digit plan number. Unless otherwise noted, the two most recent Pension Protection Act (PPA) zone statuses available are for the plans for the years ended 2019 and 2018 , respectively. The zone status is based on information the Company received from the plan and is certified by the plan’s actuary. Among other factors, plans in the red zone are generally less than 65% funded; plans in the orange zone are both a) less than 80% funded and b) have an accumulated/expected funding deficiency in any of the next six plan years, net of any amortization extensions; plans in the yellow zone meet either one of the criteria mentioned in the orange zone; and plans in the green zone are at least 80% funded. The “FIP/RP Status Pending/Implemented” column indicates plans for which a financial improvement plan (FIP) or a rehabilitation plan (RP) is either pending or has been implemented. The last column lists the expiration date(s) of the collective-bargaining agreement(s) to which the plans are subject. The Company makes all required contributions to these plans as determined under the respective CBAs. For each of the plans listed below, the Company’s contribution represented less than 5% of total contributions to the plan. Multiemployer Pension Plans EIN Number/ Zone Status FIP/RP Status Contributions (in thousands) Surcharge Imposed Expiration Dates of CBAs Pension Plan Name Plan Number 2019 2018 2019 2018 2017 CWA/ITU Negotiated Pension Plan 13-6212879/001 Red Red Implemented $ 51 $ 9 $ 10 No Under negotiation GCIU—Employer Retirement Benefit Plan (a) 91-6024903/001 Red Red Implemented 75 78 84 Yes 1/5/2022 The Newspaper Guild International Pension Plan (a) 52-1082662/001 Red Red Implemented 31 19 36 No Under negotiation and June 8, 2019 IAM National Pension Plan (a) (b) 51-6031295/002 Red Green Implemented 11 — — Yes 1/7/2022 Teamsters Pension Trust Fund of Philadelphia and Vicinity (a) 23-1511735/001 Yellow Yellow Implemented 139 — — N/A (c) Central Pension Fund of the International Union of Operating Engineers and Participating Employers (a) 36-6052390/001 Green as of Jan. 31, 2019 Green as of Jan. 31, 2018 N/A 6 — — N/A 1/10/2022 Total $ 313 $ 106 $ 130 (a) This plan has elected to utilize special amortization provisions provided under the Preservation of Access to Care for Medicare Beneficiaries and Pension Relief Act of 2010. (b) The trustees of this plan have voluntarily elected to put the fund in critical status to strengthen its funding position. (c) In February 2018, an interim agreement was executed to maintain the terms and contributions of the plan past the expiration date of 12/31/2017. This agreement is subject to additional negotiation. The Company assumed three multiemployer plan withdrawal liabilities in an acquisition in 2019 . The liability at the acquisition date was estimated to be approximately $40.8 million , excluding interest. The penalties are payable over twenty years . The total unpaid balance for the Company's withdrawal liabilities as of December 31, 2019 is approximately $41.8 million . Defined contribution plans The Company sponsors the New Media Investment Group Inc. Retirement Savings Plan (the “New Media 401(k) Plan”), which is intended to be a qualified defined contribution plan with a cash or deferred arrangement under Section 401(k) of the Code. In general, eligible employees of the Company and participating affiliates who satisfy minimum age and service requirements are eligible to participate. Eligible employees can contribute amounts up to 100% of their eligible compensation to the New Media 401(k) Plan, subject to IRS limitations. The New Media 401(k) Plan also provides for discretionary matching and non-elective contributions that can be made in separate amounts among different allocation groups. For the years ended December 31, 2019 , December 30, 2018 , and December 31, 2017 , the Company’s matching contributions to the New Media 401(k) Plan were $4.9 million , $4.0 million , and $3.4 million , respectively. The Company did not make non-elective contributions for the reported years. In connection with the acquisition of Legacy Gannett, the Company assumed the Gannett Co., Inc. 401(k) Savings Plan (the "Gannett 401(k) Plan"). The Gannett 401(k) Plan will continue to cover Legacy Gannett employees until it is merged with the New Media 401(k) Plan. With respect to the Gannett 401(k) Plan, employees are immediately eligible to participate while employees covered under collective bargaining agreements are eligible to participate only if participation has been bargained. Employees can elect to save up to 75% of compensation on a pre-tax basis subject to certain limits. For most participants, the plan's matching formula is 100% of the first 4% of employee contributions and 50% on the next 2% of employee contributions. The Company’s matching contributions to the Gannett 401(k) Plan were immaterial for the year ended December 31, 2019 . Deferred compensation plans The Company maintains two non-qualified deferred compensation plans for certain of its employees. The Company maintains the GateHouse Media, Inc. Publishers’ Deferred Compensation Plan (“Publishers' Plan”), a non-qualified deferred compensation plan for the benefit of certain designated publishers of the Company’s newspapers. Under the Publishers' Plan, the Company credits an amount to a bookkeeping account established for each participating publisher pursuant to a pre-determined formula, which is based upon the gross operating profits of each such publisher’s newspaper. The bookkeeping account is credited with earnings and losses based upon the investment choices selected by the participant. The amounts credited to the bookkeeping account on behalf of each participating publisher vest on an installment basis over a period of 15 years. A participating publisher forfeits all amounts under the Publishers' Plan in the event that the publisher’s employment with the Company is terminated for “cause”, as defined in the Publishers' Plan. Amounts credited to a participating publisher’s bookkeeping account are distributable upon termination of the publisher’s employment with the Company and will be made in a lump sum or installments as elected by the publisher. The Publishers' Plan was frozen effective as of December 31, 2006 , and all accrued benefits of participants under the terms of the Publishers' Plan became 100% vested. The Company also maintains the GateHouse Media, Inc. Executive Benefit Plan (“Executive Benefit Plan”), a non-qualified deferred compensation plan for the benefit of certain key employees of the Company. Under the Executive Benefit Plan, the Company credits an amount, determined at the Company’s sole discretion, to a bookkeeping account established for each participating key employee. The bookkeeping account is credited with earnings and losses based upon the investment choices selected by the participant. The amounts credited to the bookkeeping account on behalf of each participating key employee vest on an installment basis over a period of 5 years. A participating key employee forfeits all amounts under the Executive Benefit Plan in the event that the key employee’s employment with the Company is terminated for “cause”, as defined in the Executive Benefit Plan. Amounts credited to a participating key employee’s bookkeeping account are distributable upon termination of the key employee’s employment with the Company and will be made in a lump sum or installments as elected by the key employee. The Executive Benefit Plan was frozen effective as of December 31, 2006 , and all accrued benefits of participants under the terms of the Executive Benefit Plan became 100% vested. NOTE 9 — Postretirement benefits other than pension As a result of acquisitions, the Company maintains several postretirement medical and life insurance plans which cover certain employees. We provide health care and life insurance benefits to certain retired employees who meet age and service requirements. Most of our retirees contribute to the cost of these benefits and retiree contributions are increased as actual benefit costs increase. The George W. Prescott Company postretirement medical and life insurance plan had its benefits frozen in 2008 , and the plan was amended to limit future benefits to a select group of active employees under the Enterprise News Media, LLC postretirement medical and life insurance plan. Benefits under the postretirement medical and life insurance plan assumed with the Copley Press, Inc. acquisition are only available to Brush-Moore employees hired before January 1, 1976 . The cost of providing retiree health care and life insurance benefits is actuarially determined. Our policy is to fund benefits as claims and premiums are paid. We use a December 31 measurement date for these plans. The following table provides a reconciliation of benefit obligations, plan assets and funded status, along with the related amounts in the consolidated balance sheets of the Company’s postretirement medical and life insurance plans as of December 31, 2019 and December 30, 2018 : in thousands December 31, 2019 December 30, 2018 Change in projected benefit obligation: Projected benefit obligation at beginning of period $ 4,330 $ 4,835 Service cost 17 7 Interest cost 419 153 Actuarial gain (484 ) (363 ) Benefits and expenses paid (1,117 ) (500 ) Acquisitions 70,325 — Participant contributions 200 221 Employer implicit subsidy fulfilled (23 ) (23 ) Projected benefit obligation at end of period $ 73,667 $ 4,330 Change in plan assets: Employer contributions $ 844 $ — Participant contributions 164 — Benefits paid (1,008 ) — Fair value of plan assets at end of period $ — $ — Reconciliation of funded status: Benefit obligation at end of period $ (73,667 ) $ (4,330 ) Funded status (73,667 ) (4,330 ) Unrecognized actuarial gain (1,518 ) (1,105 ) Net accrued benefit cost $ (75,185 ) $ (5,435 ) Balance sheet presentation: Accrued expenses $ 6,694 $ 355 Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations 66,973 3,975 Accumulated other comprehensive income 1,518 1,105 Net accrued benefit cost $ 75,185 $ 5,435 The following table provides the components of net periodic benefit cost and other changes in plan assets recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) of the Company’s postretirement medical and life insurance plans for the years ended December 31, 2019 , December 30, 2018 , and December 31, 2017 : in thousands December 31, 2019 December 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Components of net periodic benefit cost: Operating expenses: Service cost $ 17 $ 7 $ 11 Non-operating expenses: Interest cost 419 153 189 Expected return on plan assets — — — Amortization of unrecognized gain (72 ) (24 ) (148 ) Total non-operating expense 347 129 41 Net periodic expense $ 364 $ 136 $ 52 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss): Net actuarial gain $ (484 ) $ (363 ) $ (88 ) Amortization of net actuarial gain 72 24 148 Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) $ (412 ) $ (339 ) $ 60 The following assumptions were used in connection with the Company’s actuarial valuation of its postretirement plans obligation: December 31, 2019 December 30, 2018 Weighted average discount rate 3.3 % 4.0 % Rate of increase in future compensation levels (1) 2.0 — Current year medical trend 5.9 % 6.2 % Ultimate year medical trend 4.5 % 4.5 % Year of ultimate trend 2034 2034 (1) Relates only to the Legacy Gannett postretirement plans. The following assumptions were used to calculate the net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s postretirement plans: December 31, 2019 December 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Weighted average discount rate 3.3 % 3.3 % 3.9 % Rate of increase in future compensation levels (1) 2.0 — — Current year medical trend 6.1 % 6.4 % 6.7 % Ultimate year medical trend 4.5 % 4.5 % 4.5 % Year of ultimate trend 2035 2026 2026 (1) Relates only to the Legacy Gannett postretirement plans. The following table summarizes the effect of a 1% change in the assumed health care cost trend rates would have on the amounts reported related to Legacy New Media: 2019 2018 Effect of 1% increase in health care cost trend rates Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation $ 4,431 $ 4,617 Dollar change $ 307 $ 287 Percent change 7.5 % 6.6 % Effect of 1% decrease in health care cost trend rates Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation $ 3,858 $ 4,082 Dollar change $ (265 ) $ (248 ) Percent change (6.4 )% (5.7 )% Assumed health care cost trend rates have an effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. The effect of a 1% change in the health care cost trend rate would have no impact on the 2019 postretirement benefit obligation and would result in no measurable change in the aggregate service and interest components of the 2019 expense for the Legacy Gannett postretirement plans. Cash flows: We expect to make the following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service. The amounts below represent the benefit payments for our postretirement plans. In thousands Postretirement 2020 $ 6,695 2021 $ 6,372 2022 $ 6,071 2023 $ 5,762 2024 $ 5,475 2025 - 2029 $ 23,181 The amounts above exclude the participants' share of the benefit cost. Furthermore, the postretirement plans are not funded, and we expect no subsidy benefits for 2020 and beyond. Employer contributions, for the Company's postretirement medical and life insurance plans, expected to be paid during the year ended December 31, 2020 is $6.7 million .

Postretirement benefits other t

Postretirement benefits other than pensions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Postretirement benefits other than pensions	NOTE 8 — Retirement plans Defined benefit plans The Company maintains a number of defined benefit pension plans which cover certain employees. The Company uses the accrued benefit actuarial method and best estimate assumptions to determine pension costs, liabilities, and other pension information for defined benefit plans. In connection with the acquisition of Legacy Gannett, the Company assumed the assets and obligations of four defined benefit plans: the Gannett Retirement Plan ("GRP"), the Newsquest and Romanes Pension Schemes in the U.K. ("U.K. Pension Plans"), the Newspaper Guild of Detroit Pension Plan, the 2015 SERP, and a supplemental non-qualified retirement plan assumed pursuant to Legacy Gannett's acquisition of JMG (JMG Plan). Upon the change in control, all of the Gannett SERP benefits accrued as of the date of acquisition are to be paid out as a lump sum within 45 days following the transaction. As of December 31, 2019 , the Company has paid $87.8 million of these lump sum payouts. Additionally, the George W. Prescott Company pension plan was assumed in the Enterprise News Media, LLC acquisition in 2006. This plan was amended to freeze all future benefit accruals by December 31, 2008 , except for a select group of union employees whose benefits were frozen during 2009 . The Times Publishing Company pension plan, another defined benefit plan assumed pursuant to an acquisition, was frozen prior to the acquisition. The following table provides a reconciliation of benefit obligations, plan assets, and funded status, along with the related amounts in the consolidated balance sheets, of the Company’s pension plans as of December 31, 2019 and December 30, 2018 : in thousands Year Ended December 31, 2019 December 30, 2018 Change in projected benefit obligation: Projected benefit obligation at beginning of period $ 74,190 $ 82,344 Service cost 999 606 Interest cost 12,408 2,775 Actuarial (gain) loss 3,701 (6,228 ) Foreign currency translation 11,812 — Benefits and expenses paid (111,842 ) (5,307 ) Acquisitions 2,981,914 — Projected benefit obligation at end of period $ 2,973,182 $ 74,190 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period $ 54,035 $ 61,539 Actual return on plan assets 38,054 (3,648 ) Employer contributions 91,466 1,451 Acquisitions 2,771,796 — Benefits paid (111,022 ) (4,705 ) Foreign currency translation 12,787 — Expenses paid (820 ) (602 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of period $ 2,856,296 $ 54,035 Reconciliation of funded status: Benefit obligation at end of period $ (2,973,182 ) $ (74,190 ) Fair value of assets at end of period 2,856,296 54,035 Funded status (116,886 ) (20,155 ) Unrecognized actuarial (gain) loss (4,527 ) 7,986 Net accrued benefit cost $ (121,413 ) $ (12,169 ) Balance sheet presentation: Other assets $ 58,818 $ — Accrued expenses 6,771 — Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations 168,933 20,155 Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income 4,527 (7,986 ) Net accrued benefit cost $ (121,413 ) $ (12,169 ) The following table presents information for our retirement plans for which accumulated benefits exceed assets: in thousands December 31, December 30, Accumulated benefit obligation $ 2,039,075 $ 74,190 Fair value of plan assets $ 1,865,123 $ 54,035 The following table presents information for our retirement plans for which assets exceed accumulated benefits: in thousands December 31, December 30, Accumulated benefit obligation $ 932,357 $ — Fair value of plan assets $ 991,173 $ — The following table presents information for our retirement plans for which projected benefit obligations exceed assets: in thousands December 31, December 30, Projected benefit obligation $ 2,040,825 $ 74,190 Fair value of plan assets $ 1,865,123 $ 54,035 The following table presents information for our retirement plans for which assets exceed projected benefit obligations: in thousands December 31, December 30, Projected benefit obligation $ 932,357 $ — Fair value of plan assets $ 991,173 $ — The funded status (on a projected benefit obligation basis) of our plans at December 31, 2019 is as follows: in thousands Fair Value of Plan Assets Benefit Obligation Funded Status GRP $ 1,705,225 $ 1,842,480 $ (137,255 ) George W. Prescott Pension Plan 20,079 25,499 (5,420 ) Times Publishing Company Pension Plan 36,693 49,830 (13,137 ) SERP — 7,360 (7,360 ) U.K. Pension Plans 991,175 932,357 58,818 Newspaper Guild of Detroit Plan 103,124 113,189 (10,065 ) JMG Plan — 2,467 (2,467 ) Total $ 2,856,296 $ 2,973,182 $ (116,886 ) The following table provides the components of net periodic benefit cost and other changes in plan assets recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) of the Company’s pension plans for the years ended December 31, 2019 , December 30, 2018 , and December 31, 2017 : in thousands Year Ended December 31, 2019 December 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Components of net periodic benefit cost: Operating expenses: Service cost $ 999 $ 606 $ 630 Non-operating expenses: Interest cost 12,408 2,775 3,143 Expected return on plan assets (22,303 ) (4,452 ) (4,157 ) Amortization of unrecognized loss (gain) 158 113 194 Other adjustment 305 — — Total non-operating expenses included in Other (income) expense (9,432 ) (1,564 ) (820 ) Net periodic expense (benefit) $ (8,433 ) $ (958 ) $ (190 ) Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income: Net actuarial loss (gain) $ (12,050 ) $ 1,872 $ 1,618 Amortization of net actuarial (loss) gain (158 ) (113 ) (194 ) Other adjustment (305 ) — — Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) $ (12,513 ) $ 1,759 $ 1,424 The following assumptions were used in connection with the Company’s actuarial valuation of its defined benefit plans obligation: December 31, 2019 December 30, 2018 Weighted average discount rate 2.9 % 4.1 % Rate of increase in future compensation levels (1) 2.0 % — Weighted average expected return on assets 7.0 % 7.5 % (1) Relates only to the GRP, SERP and Newspaper Guild of Detroit Pension Plans. The following assumptions were used to calculate the net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s defined benefit pension plans: Year Ended December 31, 2019 December 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Weighted average discount rate 3.1 % 3.5 % 4.1 % Rate of increase in future compensation levels (1) 2.0 % — — Weighted average expected return on assets 6.1 % 7.5 % 7.5 % (1) Relates only to the GRP, SERP and Newspaper Guild of Detroit Pension Plans. To determine the expected long-term rate of return on pension plan assets, the Company considers the current and expected asset allocations as well as historical and expected returns on various categories of plan assets, input from the actuaries and investment consultants, and long-term inflation assumptions. The expected allocation of pension plan assets is based on a diversified portfolio consisting of domestic and international equity securities and fixed income securities. This expected return is then applied to the fair value of plan assets. The Company amortizes experience gains and losses, including the effects of changes in actuarial assumptions and plan provisions, over a period equal to the average future service of plan participants or over the average remaining life expectancy of inactive participants. The fiduciaries of the pension plans set investment policies and strategies for the pension trusts. Objectives include preserving the funded status of the plan and balancing risk against return. The weighted average target asset allocation of our plans for 2020 and allocations at the end of 2019 and 2018, by asset category, are presented in the table below: Target Allocation Allocation of Plan Assets 2020 2019 2018 Equity securities 35% 39% 63% Debt securities 47% 46% 35% Alternative investments (a) 18% 15% 2% Total 100% 100% 100% (a) Alternative investments include real estate, private equity and hedge funds. The aggregate amount of net actuarial gain related to the Company’s pension plans recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income as of December 31, 2019 was $12.1 million , of which $107,000 is expected to be amortized in 2020 . Cash flows: We expect to make the following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service. The amounts below represent the benefit payments for our pension plans. in thousands Pension 2020 $ 202,994 2021 $ 193,282 2022 $ 190,764 2023 $ 188,713 2024 $ 175,235 2025 - 2029 $ 826,289 The amounts above exclude the participants' share of the benefit cost. We expect no subsidy benefits for 2020 and beyond. Employer contributions, for the Company's defined benefit pension plans, expected to be paid during the year ended December 31, 2020 is $61.2 million . Multiemployer plans that provide pension benefits The Company is a participant in six multiemployer pension plans covering certain employees with collective bargaining agreements (“CBAs”). Three of these multiemployer pension plans were assumed in connection with the acquisition of Legacy Gannett. The risks of participating in these multiemployer plans are different from single-employer plans in the following aspects: • The Company plays no part in the management of plan investments or any other aspect of plan administration. • Assets contributed to the multiemployer plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers. • If a participating employer stops contributing to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be borne by the remaining participating employers. • If the Company chooses to stop participating in some of its multiemployer plans, the Company may be required to pay those plans an amount based on the unfunded status of the plan, referred to as withdrawal liability. The Company’s participation in these plans for the year ended December 31, 2019 is outlined in the table below. The “EIN/Pension Plan Number” column provides the Employee Identification Number (EIN) and the three-digit plan number. Unless otherwise noted, the two most recent Pension Protection Act (PPA) zone statuses available are for the plans for the years ended 2019 and 2018 , respectively. The zone status is based on information the Company received from the plan and is certified by the plan’s actuary. Among other factors, plans in the red zone are generally less than 65% funded; plans in the orange zone are both a) less than 80% funded and b) have an accumulated/expected funding deficiency in any of the next six plan years, net of any amortization extensions; plans in the yellow zone meet either one of the criteria mentioned in the orange zone; and plans in the green zone are at least 80% funded. The “FIP/RP Status Pending/Implemented” column indicates plans for which a financial improvement plan (FIP) or a rehabilitation plan (RP) is either pending or has been implemented. The last column lists the expiration date(s) of the collective-bargaining agreement(s) to which the plans are subject. The Company makes all required contributions to these plans as determined under the respective CBAs. For each of the plans listed below, the Company’s contribution represented less than 5% of total contributions to the plan. Multiemployer Pension Plans EIN Number/ Zone Status FIP/RP Status Contributions (in thousands) Surcharge Imposed Expiration Dates of CBAs Pension Plan Name Plan Number 2019 2018 2019 2018 2017 CWA/ITU Negotiated Pension Plan 13-6212879/001 Red Red Implemented $ 51 $ 9 $ 10 No Under negotiation GCIU—Employer Retirement Benefit Plan (a) 91-6024903/001 Red Red Implemented 75 78 84 Yes 1/5/2022 The Newspaper Guild International Pension Plan (a) 52-1082662/001 Red Red Implemented 31 19 36 No Under negotiation and June 8, 2019 IAM National Pension Plan (a) (b) 51-6031295/002 Red Green Implemented 11 — — Yes 1/7/2022 Teamsters Pension Trust Fund of Philadelphia and Vicinity (a) 23-1511735/001 Yellow Yellow Implemented 139 — — N/A (c) Central Pension Fund of the International Union of Operating Engineers and Participating Employers (a) 36-6052390/001 Green as of Jan. 31, 2019 Green as of Jan. 31, 2018 N/A 6 — — N/A 1/10/2022 Total $ 313 $ 106 $ 130 (a) This plan has elected to utilize special amortization provisions provided under the Preservation of Access to Care for Medicare Beneficiaries and Pension Relief Act of 2010. (b) The trustees of this plan have voluntarily elected to put the fund in critical status to strengthen its funding position. (c) In February 2018, an interim agreement was executed to maintain the terms and contributions of the plan past the expiration date of 12/31/2017. This agreement is subject to additional negotiation. The Company assumed three multiemployer plan withdrawal liabilities in an acquisition in 2019 . The liability at the acquisition date was estimated to be approximately $40.8 million , excluding interest. The penalties are payable over twenty years . The total unpaid balance for the Company's withdrawal liabilities as of December 31, 2019 is approximately $41.8 million . Defined contribution plans The Company sponsors the New Media Investment Group Inc. Retirement Savings Plan (the “New Media 401(k) Plan”), which is intended to be a qualified defined contribution plan with a cash or deferred arrangement under Section 401(k) of the Code. In general, eligible employees of the Company and participating affiliates who satisfy minimum age and service requirements are eligible to participate. Eligible employees can contribute amounts up to 100% of their eligible compensation to the New Media 401(k) Plan, subject to IRS limitations. The New Media 401(k) Plan also provides for discretionary matching and non-elective contributions that can be made in separate amounts among different allocation groups. For the years ended December 31, 2019 , December 30, 2018 , and December 31, 2017 , the Company’s matching contributions to the New Media 401(k) Plan were $4.9 million , $4.0 million , and $3.4 million , respectively. The Company did not make non-elective contributions for the reported years. In connection with the acquisition of Legacy Gannett, the Company assumed the Gannett Co., Inc. 401(k) Savings Plan (the "Gannett 401(k) Plan"). The Gannett 401(k) Plan will continue to cover Legacy Gannett employees until it is merged with the New Media 401(k) Plan. With respect to the Gannett 401(k) Plan, employees are immediately eligible to participate while employees covered under collective bargaining agreements are eligible to participate only if participation has been bargained. Employees can elect to save up to 75% of compensation on a pre-tax basis subject to certain limits. For most participants, the plan's matching formula is 100% of the first 4% of employee contributions and 50% on the next 2% of employee contributions. The Company’s matching contributions to the Gannett 401(k) Plan were immaterial for the year ended December 31, 2019 . Deferred compensation plans The Company maintains two non-qualified deferred compensation plans for certain of its employees. The Company maintains the GateHouse Media, Inc. Publishers’ Deferred Compensation Plan (“Publishers' Plan”), a non-qualified deferred compensation plan for the benefit of certain designated publishers of the Company’s newspapers. Under the Publishers' Plan, the Company credits an amount to a bookkeeping account established for each participating publisher pursuant to a pre-determined formula, which is based upon the gross operating profits of each such publisher’s newspaper. The bookkeeping account is credited with earnings and losses based upon the investment choices selected by the participant. The amounts credited to the bookkeeping account on behalf of each participating publisher vest on an installment basis over a period of 15 years. A participating publisher forfeits all amounts under the Publishers' Plan in the event that the publisher’s employment with the Company is terminated for “cause”, as defined in the Publishers' Plan. Amounts credited to a participating publisher’s bookkeeping account are distributable upon termination of the publisher’s employment with the Company and will be made in a lump sum or installments as elected by the publisher. The Publishers' Plan was frozen effective as of December 31, 2006 , and all accrued benefits of participants under the terms of the Publishers' Plan became 100% vested. The Company also maintains the GateHouse Media, Inc. Executive Benefit Plan (“Executive Benefit Plan”), a non-qualified deferred compensation plan for the benefit of certain key employees of the Company. Under the Executive Benefit Plan, the Company credits an amount, determined at the Company’s sole discretion, to a bookkeeping account established for each participating key employee. The bookkeeping account is credited with earnings and losses based upon the investment choices selected by the participant. The amounts credited to the bookkeeping account on behalf of each participating key employee vest on an installment basis over a period of 5 years. A participating key employee forfeits all amounts under the Executive Benefit Plan in the event that the key employee’s employment with the Company is terminated for “cause”, as defined in the Executive Benefit Plan. Amounts credited to a participating key employee’s bookkeeping account are distributable upon termination of the key employee’s employment with the Company and will be made in a lump sum or installments as elected by the key employee. The Executive Benefit Plan was frozen effective as of December 31, 2006 , and all accrued benefits of participants under the terms of the Executive Benefit Plan became 100% vested. NOTE 9 — Postretirement benefits other than pension As a result of acquisitions, the Company maintains several postretirement medical and life insurance plans which cover certain employees. We provide health care and life insurance benefits to certain retired employees who meet age and service requirements. Most of our retirees contribute to the cost of these benefits and retiree contributions are increased as actual benefit costs increase. The George W. Prescott Company postretirement medical and life insurance plan had its benefits frozen in 2008 , and the plan was amended to limit future benefits to a select group of active employees under the Enterprise News Media, LLC postretirement medical and life insurance plan. Benefits under the postretirement medical and life insurance plan assumed with the Copley Press, Inc. acquisition are only available to Brush-Moore employees hired before January 1, 1976 . The cost of providing retiree health care and life insurance benefits is actuarially determined. Our policy is to fund benefits as claims and premiums are paid. We use a December 31 measurement date for these plans. The following table provides a reconciliation of benefit obligations, plan assets and funded status, along with the related amounts in the consolidated balance sheets of the Company’s postretirement medical and life insurance plans as of December 31, 2019 and December 30, 2018 : in thousands December 31, 2019 December 30, 2018 Change in projected benefit obligation: Projected benefit obligation at beginning of period $ 4,330 $ 4,835 Service cost 17 7 Interest cost 419 153 Actuarial gain (484 ) (363 ) Benefits and expenses paid (1,117 ) (500 ) Acquisitions 70,325 — Participant contributions 200 221 Employer implicit subsidy fulfilled (23 ) (23 ) Projected benefit obligation at end of period $ 73,667 $ 4,330 Change in plan assets: Employer contributions $ 844 $ — Participant contributions 164 — Benefits paid (1,008 ) — Fair value of plan assets at end of period $ — $ — Reconciliation of funded status: Benefit obligation at end of period $ (73,667 ) $ (4,330 ) Funded status (73,667 ) (4,330 ) Unrecognized actuarial gain (1,518 ) (1,105 ) Net accrued benefit cost $ (75,185 ) $ (5,435 ) Balance sheet presentation: Accrued expenses $ 6,694 $ 355 Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations 66,973 3,975 Accumulated other comprehensive income 1,518 1,105 Net accrued benefit cost $ 75,185 $ 5,435 The following table provides the components of net periodic benefit cost and other changes in plan assets recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) of the Company’s postretirement medical and life insurance plans for the years ended December 31, 2019 , December 30, 2018 , and December 31, 2017 : in thousands December 31, 2019 December 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Components of net periodic benefit cost: Operating expenses: Service cost $ 17 $ 7 $ 11 Non-operating expenses: Interest cost 419 153 189 Expected return on plan assets — — — Amortization of unrecognized gain (72 ) (24 ) (148 ) Total non-operating expense 347 129 41 Net periodic expense $ 364 $ 136 $ 52 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss): Net actuarial gain $ (484 ) $ (363 ) $ (88 ) Amortization of net actuarial gain 72 24 148 Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) $ (412 ) $ (339 ) $ 60 The following assumptions were used in connection with the Company’s actuarial valuation of its postretirement plans obligation: December 31, 2019 December 30, 2018 Weighted average discount rate 3.3 % 4.0 % Rate of increase in future compensation levels (1) 2.0 — Current year medical trend 5.9 % 6.2 % Ultimate year medical trend 4.5 % 4.5 % Year of ultimate trend 2034 2034 (1) Relates only to the Legacy Gannett postretirement plans. The following assumptions were used to calculate the net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s postretirement plans: December 31, 2019 December 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Weighted average discount rate 3.3 % 3.3 % 3.9 % Rate of increase in future compensation levels (1) 2.0 — — Current year medical trend 6.1 % 6.4 % 6.7 % Ultimate year medical trend 4.5 % 4.5 % 4.5 % Year of ultimate trend 2035 2026 2026 (1) Relates only to the Legacy Gannett postretirement plans. The following table summarizes the effect of a 1% change in the assumed health care cost trend rates would have on the amounts reported related to Legacy New Media: 2019 2018 Effect of 1% increase in health care cost trend rates Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation $ 4,431 $ 4,617 Dollar change $ 307 $ 287 Percent change 7.5 % 6.6 % Effect of 1% decrease in health care cost trend rates Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation $ 3,858 $ 4,082 Dollar change $ (265 ) $ (248 ) Percent change (6.4 )% (5.7 )% Assumed health care cost trend rates have an effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. The effect of a 1% change in the health care cost trend rate would have no impact on the 2019 postretirement benefit obligation and would result in no measurable change in the aggregate service and interest components of the 2019 expense for the Legacy Gannett postretirement plans. Cash flows: We expect to make the following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service. The amounts below represent the benefit payments for our postretirement plans. In thousands Postretirement 2020 $ 6,695 2021 $ 6,372 2022 $ 6,071 2023 $ 5,762 2024 $ 5,475 2025 - 2029 $ 23,181 The amounts above exclude the participants' share of the benefit cost. Furthermore, the postretirement plans are not funded, and we expect no subsidy benefits for 2020 and beyond. Employer contributions, for the Company's postretirement medical and life insurance plans, expected to be paid during the year ended December 31, 2020 is $6.7 million .

Income taxes

Income taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income taxes	NOTE 10 — Income taxes Income tax expense (benefit) on income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes for the periods shown below consisted of: In thousands Current Deferred Total Year Ended December 31, 2019: U.S. Federal $ 113 $ (85,144 ) $ (85,031 ) State and local 1,725 (2,833 ) (1,108 ) Foreign (68 ) 213 145 Total $ 1,770 $ (87,764 ) $ (85,994 ) Year Ended December 30, 2018: U.S. Federal $ — $ (2,690 ) $ (2,690 ) State and local 1,679 2,923 4,602 Total $ 1,679 $ 233 $ 1,912 Year Ended December 31, 2017: U.S. Federal $ — $ (617 ) $ (617 ) State and local 1,003 95 1,098 Total $ 1,003 $ (522 ) $ 481 The components of net income (loss) before income taxes consist of the following: In thousands 2019 2018 2017 Domestic $ (206,270 ) $ 20,019 $ (434 ) Foreign (914 ) — — Total $ (207,184 ) $ 20,019 $ (434 ) The provision for income taxes varies from the U.S. federal statutory tax rate as a result of the following differences: December 31, 2019 December 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 U.S. statutory tax rate 21.0 21.0 34.0 Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from: State/other income taxes, net of federal benefit 0.7 21.1 (266.0 ) Change in valuation allowance 22.6 (13.4 ) (612.9 ) Non-deductible meals, entertainment, and other expenses (0.8 ) 5.0 (232.6 ) Transaction costs (2.0 ) — — Tax effects of 2017 legislation — (24.1 ) 966.5 Effective tax rate 41.5 9.6 *** *** Indicates a percentage that is not meaningful. The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as of December 31, 2019 and December 30, 2018 are presented below (a) : In thousands December 31, 2019 December 30, 2018 Deferred tax liabilities: Fixed assets $ (30,246 ) $ (16,642 ) Right of use asset (83,588 ) — Definite and indefinite lived intangible assets (85,528 ) (13,714 ) Total deferred tax liabilities $ (199,362 ) $ (30,356 ) Deferred tax assets: Accrued compensation costs 32,719 2,185 Accrued expenses 16,717 5,697 Disallowed interest 11,247 — Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations 56,611 3,122 Partnership investments including impairments 7,971 994 Loss carryforwards 189,912 71,431 Lease liabilities 85,177 — Other 25,073 3,324 Total deferred tax assets $ 425,427 $ 86,753 Less: Valuation allowance (158,820 ) (64,679 ) Total net deferred tax assets $ 266,607 $ 22,074 Noncurrent net deferred tax assets/(liabilities) $ 67,245 $ (8,282 ) (a) We changed the presentation of the components of the deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets as we believe the new presentation reflects better the deferred tax assets/(liabilities) at December 31, 2019 , after the acquisition of Legacy Gannett. This reclassification is not material as the changes do not impact the 2018 financial statements nor the total net deferred tax assets/(liabilities) previously reported. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considered whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. During the year ended December 31, 2019 , the Company released $46.9 million of valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets. The Company considered all available evidence, both positive and negative, to determine whether, based on the weight of that evidence, a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets was needed. The Company reached the conclusion it was appropriate to release valuation allowance reserves against a significant portion of its federal deferred tax assets in light of strong positive evidence. We relied on evidence shown by reversing taxable temporary differences, as well as expectation of future taxable income from the acquisition of Legacy Gannett, which has a history of profitability. The Company continues to maintain its existing valuation allowance against net deferred tax assets in many of its state and foreign jurisdictions as it is not believed to be more likely than not that its deferred tax assets will be realized in such jurisdictions. The following table summarizes the activity related to our valuation allowance for deferred tax assets for the year ended December 31, 2019 : In thousands Balance at Beginning of Period Additions / (Reductions) Charged to Expenses Additions / (Reductions for Acquisitions / Dispositions Other Additions to / (Deductions from) Reserves Foreign Currency Translation Balance at End of Period $ 64,679 $ (28,017 ) $ 121,572 $ — $ 586 $ 158,820 The aforementioned valuation allowance relates to unamortizable intangible assets, state and foreign net operating losses and other tax attributes that are deemed unrealizable as of December 31, 2019 . At December 31, 2019 , the Company had approximately $435.0 million of U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards, $52.0 million of U.S. federal disallowed business interest expense carryforwards, $989.6 million of apportioned state net operating loss carryforwards, and $233.6 million of foreign net operating loss carryforwards which are available to offset future taxable income. Additionally, the Company had $6.5 million of other business tax credits, $2.4 million of foreign tax credits, $5.8 million of state credits, and $31 million of foreign capital loss carryforwards. The federal tax loss carryforwards begin to expire in 2030 through 2037 and state loss carryforwards begin to expire in 2020 . A portion of the operating losses are subject to the limitations of Internal Revenue Code Section 382. This section provides limitations on the availability of net operating losses to offset current taxable income if significant ownership changes have occurred for federal tax purposes. The following table summarizes the activity related to unrecognized tax benefits, excluding the federal tax benefit of state tax deductions: In thousands 2019 2018 2017 Change in unrecognized tax benefits Balance at beginning of year $ 1,190 $ 1,160 $ 1,176 Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 658 — — Additions for tax positions of prior years — 30 — Reductions for tax positions or prior years (352 ) — (16 ) Increase due to current year business acquisitions 32,578 — — Balance at end of year $ 34,074 $ 1,190 $ 1,160 At December 31, 2019 , the Company’s uncertain tax positions of $32.4 million , if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate. Included in the 2019 increase to unrecognized tax benefits is $31.1 million related to tax positions acquired through the acquisition of Legacy Gannett. It is reasonably possible that further adjustments to our unrecognized tax benefits may be made within the next twelve months due to audit settlements and regulatory interpretations of existing tax laws. At this time, an estimate of potential change to the amount of unrecognized tax benefits cannot be made. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. At December 31, 2019 and December 30, 2018 , the accrual for uncertain tax positions included $1.9 million and $0.3 million of interest and penalties, respectively. The increase in cumulative accrued interest and penalties was mainly a result of the acquisition of Legacy Gannett.

Supplemental equity information

Supplemental equity information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Shareholders' Equity and Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Supplemental equity information	NOTE 11 — Supplemental equity information Earnings (loss) per share The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share: Year Ended in thousands, except share data December 31, 2019 December 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Net income (loss) attributable to Gannett $ (119,842 ) $ 18,196 $ (915 ) Basic weighted average shares outstanding 67,671,398 58,013,617 53,010,421 Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options and restricted stock grants — 384,530 — Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 67,671,398 58,398,147 53,010,421 Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to Gannett $ (1.77 ) $ 0.31 $ (0.02 ) Diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to Gannett $ (1.77 ) $ 0.31 $ (0.02 ) The Company excluded the following securities from the computation of diluted income per share because their effect would have been antidilutive: Year Ended in thousands, except share data December 31, 2019 December 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Stock warrants 1,362,479 1,362,479 1,362,479 Stock options 2,904,811 700,000 2,214,811 Restricted stock grants 9,494,161 — 342,264 Equity activity In connection with the consummation of the acquisition of Legacy Gannett on November 19, 2019 , each share of Legacy Gannett common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the acquisition date was converted automatically into 0.5427 of a fully paid and non-assessable share of parent common stock. As a result, approximately 62.4 million shares of parent common stock were issued to former holders of Legacy Gannett common stock at the acquisition date, including shares issued to satisfy outstanding equity-based awards that were accelerated and converted into the acquisition consideration. During April 2018 , the Company completed the sale of 6.9 million shares of the Company's common stock, including 25,000 shares of the Company's common stock sold to an officer of the Company. The estimated net proceeds of the sale were approximately $110.7 million . For the purpose of compensating the Manager for its successful efforts in raising capital for the Company, in connection with this offering, the Company granted options to the Manager to purchase 0.7 million shares of the Company’s common stock at a price of $16.45 , which had an aggregate fair value of approximately $1.4 million as of the grant date. The assumptions used in an option valuation model to value the options were a 2.8% risk-free rate, a 8.0% dividend yield, 28.1% volatility, and an expected life of 10 years. In 2018 , the Company issued 13,008 shares of its common stock to its Non-Officer Directors to settle a liability of $0.2 million for 2017 services. Share repurchase program On May 17, 2017 , the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $100.0 million of the Company's common stock ("Share Repurchase Program") over the next twelve months. The Board of Directors has authorized extensions of the Share Repurchase Program through May 19, 2020 . Under the Share Repurchase Program, the Company may purchase its shares from time to time in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, subject to restrictions in our credit facility. No shares were repurchased under the program during 2019 . Manager stock options and warrants Pursuant to the anti-dilution provisions of the Incentive Plan, the exercise price on the 862,500 options granted to the Manager in 2016 were equitably adjusted in 2018 from $16.00 to $13.24 as a result of return of capital distributions. Pursuant to the anti-dilution provisions of the Incentive Plan, the exercise price on the 700,000 options granted to the Manager in 2015 were equitably adjusted in 2018 from $20.36 to $18.94 as a result of return of capital distributions. Pursuant to the anti-dilution provisions of the Incentive Plan, the exercise price on the 652,311 remaining options granted to the Manager in 2014 were equitably adjusted in 2018 from $14.37 to $12.95 as a result of return of capital distributions. In addition to the above stock options, the Company has issued warrants collectively representing the right to acquire common stock at a future date. At origination, these warrants, which have a strike price of $46.35 , collectively represented approximately 5% of common stock outstanding. As of December 31, 2019 , the warrants are equal to approximately 1% of common stock outstanding. In connection with the acquisition of Legacy Gannett, the Company issued shares of its common stock as consideration for the acquisition. For the purpose of compensating the Manager for its successful efforts in facilitating the acquisition, the Company granted options to the Manager to purchase 3,163,264 shares of the Company’s common stock at a price of 15.50 , which had an aggregate fair value of approximately $0.3 million as of the grant date. The assumptions used in the Black-Scholes model to value the options were: a 1.7% risk-free rate, a 15.6% dividend yield, 37.8% volatility and an expected life of 10 years . The fair value of the options issued as compensation to the Manager was recorded as an increase in equity with an offsetting reduction in capital. The following table includes additional information regarding the Manager stock options: in thousands, except share data Number of Options Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted-Average Exercise Price Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value ($000) Outstanding at December 31, 2017 2,214,811 $ 4.08 $ 16.90 7.7 $ 2,245 Granted 690,000 $ 2.04 $ 16.45 Outstanding at December 30, 2018 2,904,811 $ 3.59 $ 15.31 7.3 $ — Granted 3,163,264 $ 0.11 $ 15.50 Outstanding at December 31, 2019 6,068,075 $ 1.78 $ 14.70 8.2 $ — Exercisable at December 31, 2019 2,780,253 $ — $ 13.79 6.3 $ — Stock compensation The Company recognized compensation cost for share-based payments of $11.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 , $3.2 million for the year ended December 30, 2018 , and $3.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 . The total compensation cost not yet recognized related to non-vested awards as of December 31, 2019 was $4.2 million , which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.8 years through October 2022 . Restricted stock grants (“RSGs”) On February 3, 2014 , the Board of Directors of legacy New Media (the "Board" or "Board of Directors") adopted the New Media Investment Group Inc. Nonqualified Stock Option and Incentive Award Plan (the “Incentive Plan”) that authorized up to 15.0 million shares that may be granted under the Incentive Plan. On the same date, the Board adopted a form of the New Media Investment Group Inc. Non-Officer Director Restricted Stock Grant Agreement (the “Form Grant Agreement”) to govern the terms of awards of restricted stock (“New Media Restricted Stock”) granted under the Incentive Plan to directors who are not officers or employees of New Media (the “Non-Officer Directors”). On February 24, 2015 , the Board adopted a form of the New Media Investment Group Inc. Employee Restricted Stock Grant Agreement (the “Form Employee Grant Agreement”) to govern the terms of awards of New Media Restricted Stock granted under the Incentive Plan to employees of New Media and its subsidiaries (the “Employees”). Both the Form Grant Agreement and the Form Employee Grant Agreement provide for the grant of New Media Restricted Stock that vests in equal annual installments on each of the first, second, and third anniversaries of the grant date, subject to continued service, and immediate vesting in full upon death or disability. If service terminates for any other reason, all unvested shares of New Media Restricted Stock are forfeited. During the period prior to the lapse and removal of the vesting restrictions, a grantee of a RSG will have all the rights of a stockholder, including without limitation, the right to vote and the right to receive all dividends or other distributions. Any dividends or other distributions that are declared with respect to the shares of New Media Restricted Stock will be paid at the time such shares vest. The value of the RSGs on the date of issuance is recognized in selling, general, and administrative expense over the vesting period with a corresponding increase to additional paid-in-capital. The following table outlines RSG activity specific to Legacy Gannett for the year ended December 31, 2019 : Year Ended December 31, 2019 in thousands, except per share data Number Weighted- Unvested at beginning of year — $ — Granted 10,465,778 6.28 Vested (3,080,766 ) 6.28 Forfeited (16,580 ) 6.28 Unvested at end of year 7,368,432 $ 6.28 Legacy New Media RSG activity was as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2019 December 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 in thousands, except per share data Number of RSGs Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value Number of RSGs Weighted- Number of RSGs Weighted- Unvested at beginning of year 384,471 $ 16.11 342,264 $ 16.86 335,593 $ 18.18 Granted 300,952 13.62 227,388 16.43 186,153 15.85 Vested (273,845 ) 15.45 (170,422 ) 18.01 (128,952 ) 18.87 Forfeited (94,489 ) 15.12 (14,759 ) 16.55 (50,530 ) 16.80 Unvested at end of year 317,089 $ 14.61 384,471 $ 16.11 342,264 $ 16.86 As of December 31, 2019 , the aggregate intrinsic value of unvested RSGs was $49.0 million . In connection with our acquisition of Legacy Gannett, we assumed management of the Gannett Co. Inc. 2015 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan. Pursuant to a Form S-8 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 20, 2019 , we registered 16.4 million shares of common stock under this plan and two other plans assumed pursuant to the acquisition. Of this total, approximately 10.5 million shares of Legacy Gannett common stock under the Gannett Co. Inc. 2015 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan which were outstanding immediately prior to the acquisition were registered for issuance. When these outstanding shares vest, the payment of shares will occur under the Legacy Gannett Omnibus Plan and not the New Media Incentive Plan. Accumulated other comprehensive loss The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component for the years ended December 31, 2019 and December 30, 2018 are outlined below. in thousands Retirement Plans Foreign Currency Translation Total Balance at December 25, 2016 $ (3,977 ) $ — $ (3,977 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (1,530 ) — (1,530 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (1) 46 — 46 Net current period other comprehensive loss, net of taxes (1,484 ) — (1,484 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ (5,461 ) $ — $ (5,461 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (1,509 ) — (1,509 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (1) 89 — 89 Net current period other comprehensive loss, net of taxes (1,420 ) — (1,420 ) Balance at December 30, 2018 $ (6,881 ) $ — $ (6,881 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications 7,731 7,266 14,997 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (1) 86 — 86 Net current period other comprehensive loss, net of taxes 7,817 7,266 15,083 Balance at December 31, 2019 $ 936 $ 7,266 $ 8,202 (1) This accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) component is included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. See Note 8 — Retirement plans and Note 9 — Postretirement benefits other than pension . Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to net income (loss) during the years ended December 31, 2019 , December 30, 2018 , and December 31, 2017 were not material. Dividends During the year ended December 31, 2019 , the Company paid dividends of $1.52 per share of Common Stock. During the year ended December 30, 2018 , the Company paid dividends of $1.49 per share of Common Stock. During the year ended December 31, 2017 , the Company paid dividends of $1.42 per share of Common Stock.

Commitments, contingencies and

Commitments, contingencies and other matters	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments, contingencies and other matters	NOTE 12 — Commitments, contingencies, and other matters The Company is and may become involved from time to time in legal proceedings in the ordinary course of its business, including but not limited to with respect to such matters as libel, invasion of privacy, intellectual property infringement, wrongful termination actions, complaints alleging employment discrimination, and regulatory investigations and inquiries. In addition, the Company is involved from time to time in governmental and administrative proceedings concerning employment, labor, environmental, and other claims. Insurance coverage mitigates potential loss for certain of these matters. Historically, such claims and proceedings have not had a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or financial position. Equity purchase arrangements that are exercisable by the counterparty to the agreement and that are outside the sole control of the Company are accounted for in accordance with ASC 480-10-S99-3A and are classified as Redeemable noncontrolling interests in the Consolidated balance sheets . Other than the arrangements classified as Redeemable noncontrolling interests , the Company is also a party to contingent consideration arrangements primarily payable based on the passage of time or as a component of earnings above an agreed-upon target. Litigation in connection with the Legacy Gannett acquisition: Following the August 5, 2019 announcement of the company's pending acquisition of Legacy Gannett, a total of six lawsuits were filed in various jurisdictions: Stein v. Gannett Co. Inc, et al. , filed on September 11, 2019 (D. Del.), Scarantino v. Gannett Co. Inc., et al. , filed on September 16, 2019 (D. Del.), Humbert v. Gannett Co. Inc., et al. , filed on September 30, 2019 (S.D.N.Y.), Steiner v. Gannett Co. Inc., et al. , filed on October 2, 2019 (D. Del.), Litwin v. Gannett Co. Inc., et al. , filed on October 17, 2019 (S.D.N.Y.), and Johnson v. Gannett Co., Inc., et al. , filed on October 23, 2019 (D. Del.). The plaintiffs in each action allege, among other things, the company and individual defendants violated Section 14(a) and Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act by providing inadequate disclosure regarding the proposed acquisition either in the registration statement on Form S-4 filed by New Media with the SEC or in the definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A filed by the company with the SEC. The plaintiffs variously sought, among other things, to enjoin or rescind the acquisition, an award of damages in the event the acquisition is consummated, and an award of costs and attorney’s fees; plaintiffs in Scarantino and Steiner also seek class action certification. All of the lawsuits have been voluntarily dismissed. Environmental contingency: We assumed responsibility for certain environmental contingencies in connection with our acquisition of Legacy Gannett. More specifically, in March 2011 , the Advertiser Company (Advertiser), a subsidiary that publishes the Montgomery Advertiser , was notified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that it had been identified as a potentially responsible party (PRP) for the investigation and remediation of groundwater contamination in downtown Montgomery, AL. The Advertiser is a member of the Downtown Environmental Alliance, which has agreed to jointly fund and conduct all required investigation and remediation. In 2016 , the Advertiser and other members of the Downtown Environmental Alliance reached a settlement with the U.S. EPA regarding the costs the U.S. EPA spent to investigate the site. The U.S. EPA has transferred responsibility for oversight of the site to the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, which has approved the work plan for the additional site investigation that is currently underway. The Advertiser's final costs cannot be determined until the investigation is complete, a determination is made on whether any remediation is necessary, and contributions from other PRPs are finalized. Other litigation: We are defendants in judicial and administrative proceedings involving matters incidental to our business. Although the Company is unable to predict with certainty the eventual outcome of any litigation, regulatory investigation or inquiry, in the opinion of management, the Company does not expect its current and any threatened legal proceedings to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial position or consolidated results of operations. Given the inherent unpredictability of these types of proceedings, however, it is possible that future adverse outcomes could have a material effect on the Company’s financial results. Rent expense: Total rent expense was $44.2 million in 2019 , $32.8 million in 2018 , and $27.2 million in 2017 . Purchase obligations: We have future expected purchase obligations of $496.3 million related to wire services, interactive marketing agreements, professional services, paper distribution agreements, printing contracts, and other legally binding commitments. Amounts which we are liable for under purchase orders outstanding at December 31, 2019 are reflected in the Consolidated balance sheets as Accounts payable and are excluded from the amounts referred to above. Self-insurance: We are self-insured for most of our employee medical coverage and for our casualty, general liability, and libel coverage (subject to a cap above which third party insurance is in place). The liabilities, which are reflected in Accounts payable and Other long-term liabilities in the Consolidated balance sheets , are established on an actuarial basis with the advice of consulting actuaries and totaled $65.4 million and $11.7 million as of December 31, 2019 and December 30, 2018

Fair value measurement

Fair value measurement	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value measurement	NOTE 13 — Fair value measurement Fair value measurement The Company measures and records in the accompanying consolidated financial statements certain assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis. ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy for those instruments measured at fair value that distinguishes between assumptions based on market data (observable inputs) and the Company’s own assumptions (unobservable inputs). These inputs are prioritized as follows: • Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; • Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities or market corroborated inputs; and • Level 3: Unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data and which require the Company to develop their own assumptions about how market participants price the asset or liability. The valuation techniques that may be used to measure fair value are as follows: • Market approach—Uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities; • Income approach—Uses valuation techniques to convert future amounts to a single present amount based on current market expectation about those future amounts; • Cost approach—Based on the amount that currently would be required to replace the service capacity of an asset (replacement cost). As of December 31, 2019 and December 30, 2018 , assets and liabilities recorded at fair value and measured on a recurring basis primarily consist of pension plan assets. As permitted by U.S. GAAP, we use net asset values as a practical expedient to determine the fair value of certain investments. These investments measured at net asset value have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The Term Loan Facility is recorded at carrying value, which approximates fair value, in the Consolidated balance sheets and is classified as Level 3. The amounts presented in the table below are intended to permit reconciliation to the amounts presented in the Consolidated balance sheets . The following tables set forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, the December 31 measurement date fair values of our pension plans assets relating to the George W. Prescott Company pension plan, the Times Publishing Company pension plan, the GRP, the U.K. Pension Plans, and the Newspaper Guild of Detroit Pension Plan: Pension Plan Assets/Liabilities In thousands Fair value measurement as of December 31, 2019 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 27,884 $ 4,003 $ — $ 31,887 Corporate common stock 537,295 — — 537,295 Real estate — — 99,223 99,223 Interest in common/collective trusts: Equities 19,191 249,890 — 269,081 Fixed income 12,435 506,586 — 519,021 Partnership/joint venture interests — — 149,018 149,018 Hedge funds — — 123,126 123,126 Derivative contracts — — 5 5 Total assets at fair value excluding those measured at net asset value $ 596,805 $ 760,479 $ 371,372 $ 1,728,656 Instruments measured at net asset value using the practical expedient: Real estate funds 10,966 Interest in common/collective trusts: Equities 314,955 Fixed income 766,512 Partnership/joint venture interests 37,145 Other 1,202 Total assets at fair value $ 2,859,436 Liabilities: Derivative liabilities $ (634 ) $ (498 ) $ (2,008 ) $ (3,140 ) Total liabilities at fair value $ (634 ) $ (498 ) $ (2,008 ) $ (3,140 ) In thousands Fair value measurement as of December 30, 2018 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ 780 $ — $ 780 Interest in registered investment companies — Equities 18,746 — — 18,746 Fixed income 14,074 — — 14,074 Total assets at fair value excluding those measured at net asset value $ 32,820 $ 780 $ — $ 33,600 Instruments measured at net asset value using the practical expedient: Interest in registered investment companies Equities 15,104 Fixed income 4,357 Other 974 Total assets at fair value $ 54,035 Valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities measured at fair value are as follows: • Corporate stock is valued primarily at the closing price reported on the active market on which the individual securities are traded. • Investments in direct real estate have been valued by an independent qualified valuation professional in the U.K. using a valuation approach that capitalizes any current or future income streams at an appropriate multiplier. Investments in real estate funds are mainly valued utilizing the net asset valuations provided by the underlying private investment companies or through proprietary models with varying degrees of complexity. • Interests in common/collective trusts and interests in 103-12 investments are primarily equity and fixed income investments valued either through the use of a net asset value as provided monthly by the fund family or fund company or through proprietary models with varying degrees of complexity. Shares in the common/collective trusts are generally redeemable upon request. • Interests in registered investment companies are primarily valued using the published net asset values as quoted through publicly available pricing sources or through proprietary models with varying degrees of complexity. Additionally, the interests are redeemable on request. • Investments in partnerships and joint venture interests classified in Level 3 are valued based on an assessment of each underlying investment, considering items such as expected cash flows, changes in market outlook, and subsequent rounds of financing. These investments are included in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy because exit prices tend to be unobservable and reliance is placed on the above methods. Most of the partnerships are general leveraged buyout funds, others include a venture capital fund, a fund formed to invest in special credit opportunities, an infrastructure fund and a real estate fund. Interest in partnership investments could be sold on the secondary market but cannot be redeemed. Instead, distributions are received as the underlying assets of the funds are liquidated. There are $7.0 million in unfunded commitments related to partnership/joint venture interests. One of the Plan's investments in partnerships and joint venture interests represents a limited partnership commingled fund valued using the net asset value as reported by the fund manager. • Investments in hedge funds consist of investments that were formed to invest in mortgage and trading opportunities and are valued at the net asset value as reported by the fund managers. Additionally, there is an investment that consists of a fund of hedge funds whose strategy is to produce a return uncorrelated with market movements. This fund is classified as a Level 3 because its valuation is derived from unobservable inputs and a proprietary assessment of the underlying investments. Shares in the hedge funds are generally redeemable twice a year or on the last business day of each quarter with at least 60 days written notice subject to a potential 5% holdback. • Derivatives primarily consist of forward and swap contracts. Forward contracts are valued at the spot rate, plus or minus forward points between the valuation date and maturity date. Swaps are valued at the mid-evaluation price using discounted cash flow models. Items in Level 3 are valued based on the market values of other securities for which they represent a synthetic combination. We review appraised values, audited financial statements and additional information to evaluate fair value estimates from our investment managers or fund administrator. The following tables set forth a summary of changes in the fair value of our pension plan assets and liabilities that are categorized as Level 3: Level 3 Pension Plan Assets/Liabilities In thousands For the year ended December 31, 2019 Actual Return on Plan Assets Balance at Beginning of Year Level 3 Assets Acquired Relating to Assets Still Held at Report Date Relating to Assets Sold During the Period Purchases Sales Settlements Balance at End of Year Assets: Real estate $ — $ 109,047 $ (1,324 ) $ 2,911 $ — $ (11,411 ) $ — $ 99,223 Partnership/joint venture interests — 147,225 3,185 — 133 — (1,525 ) 149,018 Hedge funds — 121,588 1,538 — — — — 123,126 Derivative contracts — 4 1 — — — — 5 Total $ — $ 377,864 $ 3,400 $ 2,911 $ 133 $ (11,411 ) $ (1,525 ) $ 371,372 Liabilities: Derivative liabilities $ — $ 2,008 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 2,008 There were no Level 3 assets held for the year ended December 30, 2018 . There were no transfers between Levels 1 and 2 for the years ended December 31, 2019 and December 30, 2018 . Certain assets are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis; that is, the instruments are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments only in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment). Our assets that are measured on a nonrecurring basis are assets held for sale (Level 3), which are evaluated by using executed purchase agreements, letters of intent or third party valuation analyses when certain circumstances arise. The non-financial assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis in the accompanying Consolidated balance sheets are for Assets held for sale at December 31, 2019 and December 30, 2018 of $25.5 million and $1.9 million , respectively.

Segment reporting

Segment reporting	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment reporting	NOTE 14 — Segment reporting We define our reportable segments based on the way the Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM), currently the Chief Executive Officer of our operating subsidiary, manages the operations for purposes of allocating resources and assessing performance. Our reportable segments include the following: • Publishing , which consists of our portfolio of local, regional, national, and international newspaper publishers. The results of this segment include local, classified, and national advertising revenues consisting of both print and digital advertising, circulation revenues from the distribution of our publications on our digital platforms, home delivery of our publications, single copy sales, and other revenues from commercial printing and distribution arrangements. The Publishing reportable segment is an aggregation of two operating segments: Domestic Publishing and the U.K. • Marketing Solutions , which is comprised of our digital marketing solutions subsidiaries ReachLocal and UpCurve. The results of this segment include advertising and marketing services revenues through multiple services including search advertising, display advertising, search optimization, social media, website development, web presence products, and software-as-a-service solutions. In addition to the above operating segments, we have a corporate and other category that includes activities not directly attributable to a specific segment. This category primarily consists of broad corporate functions and includes legal, human resources, accounting, finance, and marketing as well as other general business costs. In the ordinary course of business, our reportable segments enter into transactions with one another. While intersegment transactions are treated like third-party transactions to determine segment performance, the revenues and expenses recognized by the segment that is the counterparty to the transaction are eliminated in consolidation and do not affect consolidated results. The CODM uses adjusted EBITDA to evaluate the performance of the segments and allocate resources. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial performance measure we believe offers a useful view of the overall operation of our businesses and may be different than similarly-titled non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies. We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Gannett before (1) income tax expense (benefit), (2) interest expense, (3) gains or losses on early extinguishment of debt, (4) non-operating items, primarily pension costs, (5) depreciation and amortization, (6) integration and reorganization costs, (7) impairment of long-lived assets, (8) goodwill and intangible impairments, (9) net loss (gain) on sale or disposal of assets, (10) non-cash compensation, (11) acquisition costs, and (12) certain other non-recurring charges. Management considers adjusted EBITDA to be the appropriate metric to evaluate and compare the ongoing operating performance of our segments on a consistent basis across reporting periods as it eliminates the effect of items which we do not believe are indicative of each segment's core operating performance. The following table presents our segment information: in thousands Publishing Marketing Solutions Corporate and Other Intersegment Eliminations Consolidated 2019 Advertising and marketing services - external sales $ 819,046 $ 131,003 $ 2,595 $ — $ 952,644 Advertising and marketing services - intersegment sales 78,539 — — (78,539 ) — Circulation 704,811 — 31 — 704,842 Commercial printing and other 190,256 18,239 1,928 — 210,423 Total revenues $ 1,792,652 $ 149,242 $ 4,554 $ (78,539 ) $ 1,867,909 Adjusted EBITDA $ 268,916 $ (3,279 ) $ (41,766 ) $ — $ 223,871 2018 Advertising and marketing services - external sales $ 704,945 $ 80,086 $ 1,546 $ — $ 786,577 Advertising and marketing services - intersegment sales 68,089 — — (68,089 ) — Circulation 574,961 — 2 — 574,963 Commercial printing and other 147,129 15,785 1,570 — 164,484 Total revenues $ 1,495,124 $ 95,871 $ 3,118 $ (68,089 ) $ 1,526,024 Adjusted EBITDA $ 220,415 $ (6,404 ) $ (33,718 ) $ — $ 180,293 2017 Advertising and marketing services - external sales $ 666,907 $ 58,102 $ 995 $ — $ 726,004 Advertising and marketing services - intersegment sales 47,221 — — (47,221 ) — Circulation 474,320 — 4 — 474,324 Commercial printing and other 126,562 13,172 1,942 — 141,676 Total revenues $ 1,315,010 $ 71,274 $ 2,941 $ (47,221 ) $ 1,342,004 Adjusted EBITDA $ 216,482 $ (11,463 ) $ (39,728 ) $ — $ 165,291 The following table presents our reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to net income: 2019 2018 2017 in thousands Net income (loss) attributable to Gannett (GAAP basis) $ (119,842 ) $ 18,196 $ (915 ) Income tax expense (benefit) (85,994 ) 1,912 481 Interest expense 63,660 36,072 30,476 Loss on early extinguishment of debt 6,058 2,886 4,767 Other non-operating items, net (9,511 ) (1,554 ) (776 ) Depreciation and amortization 111,882 84,791 74,394 Integration and reorganization costs 47,401 15,011 8,903 Acquisition costs 60,618 2,651 1,975 Impairment of long-lived assets 3,009 1,538 7,142 Goodwill and mastheads impairment 100,743 — 27,448 Net (gain) loss on sale or disposal of assets 4,723 (3,971 ) (1,649 ) Non-cash compensation 11,324 3,156 3,135 Other items 29,800 19,605 9,910 Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP basis) $ 223,871 $ 180,293 $ 165,291 Asset information by segment is not a key measure of performance used by the CODM. Accordingly, we have not disclosed asset information by segment. Additionally, equity income in unconsolidated investees, net, interest expense, other non-operating items, net, and provision for income taxes, as reported in the consolidated financial statements , are not part of operating income and are primarily recorded at the corporate level.

Quarterly statements of income

Quarterly statements of income (unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly statements of income (unaudited)	NOTE 15 — Quarterly statements of income (unaudited) Selected unaudited financial data for each quarter of the last two fiscal years is presented as follows: in thousands, except per share amounts Quarter Ended March 31 June 30 September 29 December 31 Year Ended December 31, 2019 Revenues $ 387,599 $ 404,387 $ 376,649 $ 699,274 Operating income (loss) (1,435 ) 12,173 (1,942 ) (155,773 ) Income (loss) before income taxes (11,309 ) 2,272 (11,742 ) (186,405 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Gannett * (9,106 ) 2,815 (18,463 ) (95,088 ) Earnings (loss) per share - Basic (0.15 ) 0.05 (0.31 ) (1.05 ) Earnings (loss) per share - Diluted (0.15 ) 0.05 (0.31 ) (1.05 ) * Net income (loss) figures per the table above were impacted by the following: • Net loss for the first quarter of 2019 includes integration and reorganization costs of $4.1 million , acquisition costs of $0.8 million , and impairment of long-lived assets of $1.2 million . • Net loss for the second quarter of 2019 includes integration and reorganization costs of $3.2 million , acquisition costs of $2.4 million , and impairment of long-lived assets of $1.3 million . • Net income for the third quarter of 2019 includes integration and reorganization costs of $2.2 million , and acquisition costs of $12.2 million . • Net loss for the fourth quarter of 2019 includes integration and reorganization costs of $37.9 million , acquisition costs of $45.3 million , goodwill and mastheads impairment of $100.7 million , and impairment of long-lived assets of $0.5 million . in thousands, except per share amounts Quarter Ended April 1 July 1 September 30 December 30 Year Ended December 30, 2018 Revenues $ 340,765 $ 388,801 $ 380,419 $ 416,039 Operating income (loss) 7,051 23,314 2,570 25,204 Income (loss) before income taxes (781 ) 14,652 (6,112 ) 12,260 Net income (loss) attributable to Gannett * (665 ) 11,706 (6,105 ) 13,260 Earnings (loss) per share - Basic (0.01 ) 0.20 (0.10 ) 0.22 Earnings (loss) per share - Diluted (0.01 ) 0.20 (0.10 ) 0.22 * Net income (loss) figures per the table above were impacted by the following: • Net loss for the first quarter of 2018 includes integration and reorganization costs of $2.4 million and acquisition costs of $0.6 million . • Net income for the second quarter of 2018 includes integration and reorganization costs of $1.7 million and acquisition costs of $0.7 million . • Net loss for the third quarter of 2018 includes integration and reorganization costs of $9.1 million , acquisition costs of $0.6 million , and impairment of long-lived assets of $1.1 million . • Net income for the fourth quarter of 2018 includes integration and reorganization costs of $1.8 million , acquisition costs of $0.8 million , and impairment of long-lived assets of $0.4 million .

Related party transactions Rela

Related party transactions Related party transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related party transactions	NOTE 16 — Related party transactions As of December 31, 2019 , the Company's manager, FIG LLC (the "Manager"), which is an affiliate of Fortress Investment Group LLC ("Fortress"), and its affiliates owned approximately 4% of the Company’s outstanding stock and approximately 40% of the Company’s outstanding warrants. The Manager or its affiliates hold 6,068,075 stock options of the Company’s stock as of December 31, 2019 . During the years ended December 31, 2019 , December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , Fortress and its affiliates were paid $1.0 million , $1.0 million , and $1.0 million in dividends, respectively. The Company's Chief Executive Officer is an employee of Fortress (or one of its affiliates), and his salary is paid by Fortress (or one of its affiliates). Amended and Restated Management Agreement On November 26, 2013 , New Media entered into a management agreement (as amended and restated, "the Management Agreement") with FIG LLC ("the Manager"), an affiliate of Fortress, pursuant to which the Manager managed the operations of New Media. New Media paid the Manager an annual management fee equal to 1.50% of New Media’s Total Equity (as defined in the Management Agreement), and the Manager was eligible to receive incentive compensation. On August 5, 2019 , in connection with the execution of the Legacy Gannett acquisition agreement, the Company and the Manager entered into the Amended and Restated Management and Advisory Agreement (the “Amended Management Agreement”). Effective upon the consummation of the acquisition on November 19, 2019 , the Amended Management Agreement replaced the Management Agreement. The Amended Management Agreement (i) establishes a termination date for the Manager’s services of December 31, 2021 , in lieu of annual renewals of the term; (ii) reduces the “incentive fee” payable under the Amended Management Agreement from 25% to 17.5% for the remainder of the term; (iii) reduces by 50% the number of options that would otherwise be issuable in connection with the issuance of shares as consideration for the acquisition, and imposes a premium on the exercise price; (iv) eliminates the Manager’s right to receive options in connection with future equity raises by the Company; and (v) eliminates certain payments otherwise due at or after the end of the term of the prior management agreement. In connection with entering into the Amended Management Agreement and the occurrence of the consummation of the acquisition, the Company issued to the Manager 4,205,607 shares of Company Common Stock and granted to the Manager options to acquire 3,163,264 shares of Company Common Stock. The Manager is restricted from selling the issued shares until the expiration of the Amended Management Agreement, or otherwise upon a change in control and certain other extraordinary events. The options will have an exercise price of $15.50 and become exercisable upon the first trading day immediately following the first 20 consecutive trading day period in which the closing price of the Company Common Stock (on its principal U.S. national securities exchange) is at or above $20 per share (subject to adjustment) and also upon a change in control and certain other extraordinary events. Upon expiration of the term of the Amended Management Agreement, the Manager will cease providing external management services to the Company, and the Manager will no longer be the employer of the person serving in the role of Chief Executive Officer of the consolidated company. The following table provides the management and incentive fees recognized and paid to the Manager for the years ended December 31, 2019 , December 30, 2018 , and December 31, 2017 : Year Ended In thousands December 31, 2019 December 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Management fee expense $ 10,992 $ 10,674 $ 10,622 Incentive fee expense 4,067 11,143 11,654 Management fees paid 11,078 9,619 11,349 Incentive fees paid 6,675 14,129 9,195 Reimbursement for expenses 2,905 2,501 1,567 The Company had an outstanding liability for all Management Agreement related fees of $6.5 million and $10.7 million at December 31, 2019 and December 30, 2018 , respectively, included in accrued expenses.

Description of business, basi_2

Description of business, basis of presentation, and summary of significant accounting policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Description of business and Basis of presentation and consolidation	Description of business: Gannett Co., Inc. ("Gannett", "we", "us", "our", or "the Company") is an innovative, digitally focused media and marketing solutions company committed to fostering the communities in our network and helping them build relationships with their local businesses. On November 19, 2019 , New Media Investment Group Inc. ("New Media") completed their acquisition of Gannett ("Legacy Gannett"), which retained the name Gannett Co., Inc. and trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “GCI”. Our current portfolio of media assets includes USA TODAY, local media organizations in 46 states in the U.S. and Guam, and Newsquest (a wholly owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom (U.K.) with more than 140 local media brands. Gannett also owns the digital marketing services companies ReachLocal, Inc. ("ReachLocal"), UpCurve, Inc. ("UpCurve"), and WordStream, Inc. ("WordStream") and runs the largest media-owned events business in the U.S. Through USA TODAY, our local property network, and Newsquest, Gannett delivers high-quality, trusted content where and when consumers want to engage on virtually any device or platform. Additionally, the Company has strong relationships with thousands of local and national businesses in both our U.S. and U.K. markets due to our large local and national sales forces and a robust advertising and marketing solutions product suite. The Company reports in two operating segments, Publishing and Marketing Solutions , plus a corporate and other category. A full description of our segments is included in Note 14 - Segment reporting of the notes to the consolidated financial statements. Basis of presentation and consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Gannett and its subsidiaries, which includes approximately six weeks of revenues and expenses for Legacy Gannett. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The Company consolidates entities that it controls due to ownership of a majority voting interest.
Use of estimates	Use of estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Examples of significant estimates include pension and postretirement benefit obligation assumptions, income taxes, leases, self-insurance liabilities, goodwill impairment analysis, stock-based compensation, and valuation of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Fiscal year	Fiscal year: Starting in 2019 and subsequent to our acquisition of Legacy Gannett, our fiscal year coincides with the Gregorian calendar. In 2018 and prior, our fiscal years ended on the last Sunday of the calendar year. Our fiscal year for 2018 was a 52-week year ending on December 30, 2018 . Our fiscal year 2017 was a 53-week year ending on December 31, 2017 .
Newspaper industry and Advertising and marketing services revenues, and Revenue recognition	Advertising and marketing services revenues: Pursuant to our acquisition of Legacy Gannett, we realigned the presentation of marketing services revenues generated by our UpCurve subsidiary from other revenues to advertising and marketing services revenue on the Consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) Revenue recognition: Revenues are recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. Revenues are recognized as performance obligations that are satisfied either at a point in time, such as when an advertisement is published, or over time, such as customer subscriptions. The Company’s Consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) Newspaper industry: The newspaper industry and the Company have experienced declining same-store revenue and profitability over the past several years. As a result, the Company has implemented, and continues to implement, plans to reduce costs and preserve cash flow. These actions include cost-reduction programs and the sale of non-core assets. The Company believes these initiatives along with cash provided by operating activities will provide it with the financial resources necessary to invest in the business and provide sufficient cash flow to enable the Company to meet its commitments. However, the Company did recognize goodwill and mastheads impairments during 2019 and 2017
Reclassifications	Reclassifications: Certain amounts in prior period consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
Segment presentation	Segment presentation: In connection with our Legacy Gannett acquisition and as noted above, we reorganized our reportable segments to include (1) Publishing , which consists of our portfolio of regional, national, and international newspaper publishers and (2) Marketing Solutions , which is comprised of our marketing solutions subsidiaries ReachLocal, UpCurve and WordStream. In addition to these operating segments, we have a corporate category that includes activities not directly attributable to a specific segment. This category primarily consists of broad corporate functions and includes legal, human resources, accounting, analytics, finance, and marketing as well as activities and costs not directly attributable to a particular segment and other general business costs.
Accounts receivable	Accounts receivable: Accounts receivable are stated at amounts due from customers, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts is based upon several factors including the length of time the receivables are past due, historical payment trends and current economic factors. The Company generally does not require collateral.
Inventories	Inventories: Inventory consists principally of newsprint, which is valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method.
Property, plant, and equipment, software development costs, and depreciation	Property, plant, and equipment, software development costs, and depreciation: Property, plant, and equipment are recorded at cost or at fair value for property, plant and equipment related to acquired businesses. Routine maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is calculated under the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives, principally up to 40 years for buildings and improvements, up to 30 years for machinery and equipment, and up to 10 years for furniture, fixtures and computer software. Leasehold improvements are amortized under the straight-line method over the shorter of the lease term or estimated useful life of the asset. We capitalize costs to develop software for internal use when it is determined the development efforts will result in new or additional functionality or new products. Costs incurred prior to meeting these criteria and costs associated with ongoing maintenance are expensed as incurred and included in Operating costs , in addition to amortization of capitalized software development costs, in the accompanying Consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) . We monitor our existing capitalized software costs and reduce their carrying value as a result of releases rendering previous features or functions obsolete. Software development costs are evaluated for impairment in accordance with our policy for finite-lived intangible assets and other long-lived assets. Costs capitalized as internal use software are amortized on a straight-line basis over an estimated useful life of 3 to 5 years .
Business combinations	Business combinations: The Company accounts for acquisitions in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 805 " Business Combinations " ("ASC 805"), which provides guidance for recognition and measurement of identifiable assets and goodwill acquired, liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree at fair value. In a business combination, the assets acquired, liabilities assumed and noncontrolling interest in the acquiree are recorded as of the date of acquisition at their respective fair values with limited exceptions. Any excess of the purchase price (consideration transferred) over the estimated fair values of net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred. The operating results of the acquired business are reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements after the date of the acquisition.
Goodwill, intangible assets, and long-lived assets	Goodwill, intangible, and long-lived assets: Intangible assets consist of non-compete agreements, advertiser, subscriber and customer relationships, mastheads, trade names, publication rights and acquired technology. Goodwill is not amortized pursuant to ASC Topic 350 “ Intangibles – Goodwill and Other ” (“ASC 350”). Mastheads are not amortized because it has been determined that the useful lives of such mastheads are indefinite. Intangible assets that have definite useful lives are amortized over those useful lives and are evaluated for impairment as described above. In accordance with ASC 350, goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are typically tested for impairment annually or when events indicate that an impairment could exist which may include an economic downturn in a market, a change in the assessment of future operations or a decline in the Company’s stock price. As required by ASC 350, the Company performs its impairment analysis on each of its reporting units. The Company has the option to qualitatively assess whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If the Company elects to perform a qualitative assessment and concludes it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, no further assessment of that reporting unit’s goodwill is necessary; otherwise goodwill must be tested for impairment. The reporting units have discrete financial information which are regularly reviewed by management. The fair value of the applicable reporting unit is compared to its carrying value. Calculating the fair value of a reporting unit requires significant estimates and assumptions by the Company. The Company estimates fair value by applying third-party market value indicators to projected cash flows and/or projected earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA). In applying this methodology, the Company relies on a number of factors, including current operating results and cash flows, expected future operating results and cash flows, future business plans, and market data. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds the estimate of fair value, the Company calculates the impairment as the excess of the carrying value of goodwill over its estimated fair value. For indefinite-lived intangible assets, we perform an impairment test annually or more often if circumstances dictate. Intangible assets that have definite useful lives are amortized over those useful lives and are evaluated for impairment. Prior to the acquisition of Legacy Gannett, the Company performed its annual impairment assessment on the last day of its fiscal second quarter. As a result of the acquisition of Legacy Gannett in 2019, the Company changed its reporting units. Due to the change in reporting units, goodwill and intangibles were tested for impairment immediately before and immediately after the acquisition. Refer to Note 6 — Goodwill and other intangible assets for additional information on the impairment testing of goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets. The Company accounts for long-lived assets in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 360, “ Property, Plant and Equipment ” (“ASC 360”). The Company assesses the recoverability of its long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and finite lived intangible assets, whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the assets, or related group of assets, may not be fully recoverable. Impairment indicators include significant under performance relative to historical or projected future operating losses, significant changes in the manner of use of the acquired assets or the strategy for the Company’s overall business, and significant negative industry or economic trends. The assessment of recoverability is based on management’s estimates by comparing the sum of the estimated undiscounted cash flows generated by the underlying asset, or other appropriate grouping of assets, to its carrying value to determine whether an impairment existed at its lowest level of identifiable cash flows. If the carrying amount of the asset is greater than the expected undiscounted cash flows to be generated by such asset, an impairment is recognized to the extent the carrying value of such asset exceeds its fair value.
Equity investments	Equity investments: The Company uses the equity method of accounting for investments over which it exercises significant influence but does not control. The Company's share of net earnings or losses from equity method investments is included in Other (income) expense in the Consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) . Equity method investments are reviewed for impairment by comparing their fair value to their respective carrying amounts. With respect to private company investments, the Company makes its estimate of fair value by considering available information, that may include recent investee equity transactions, discounted cash flow analyses, estimates based on comparable public company operating multiples and, in certain situations, balance sheet liquidation values. If the fair value of the investment has dropped below the carrying amount, management considers several factors when determining whether an other-than-temporary decline in market value has occurred, including the length of time and extent to which the market value has been below cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer of the security, the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value and other factors influencing the fair market value, such as general market conditions. The Company accounts for non-marketable investments over which the Company does not have the ability to exercise significant influence at cost less any impairment. Equity securities without a readily determinable fair value are accounted for at cost, adjusted for impairments and observable price changes in orderly transactions.
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	Redeemable noncontrolling interests:
Income taxes	Income taxes: Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. See Note 10 — Income taxes for further discussion. We also evaluate any uncertain tax positions and recognize a liability for the tax benefit associated with an uncertain tax position if it is more likely than not that the tax position will not be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities upon consideration of the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such positions are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. We record a liability for uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Any change in judgment related to the expected ultimate resolution of uncertain tax positions is recognized in earnings in the period in which such change occurs.
Fair value of financial instruments	Fair value of financial instruments:
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash: Cash equivalents represent highly liquid certificates of deposit which have original maturities of three months or less. Restricted cash is held as cash collateral for certain business operations. Restricted cash primarily consists of funding for letters of credit, cash held in an irrevocable grantor trust for our deferred compensation plans and cash held with banking institutions for insurance plans.
Deferred financing costs	Deferred financing costs: Deferred financing costs consist of costs incurred in connection with debt financings and are recorded as a contra-liability in long-term debt. Such costs are amortized using the effective interest method over the estimated remaining term of the debt. This amortization represents a component of interest expense.
Advertising costs	Advertising costs:
Earnings (loss) per share	Earnings (loss) per share: Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed as net income (loss) available to common stockholders divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur from the issuance of common shares upon conversion of common stock equivalents.
Stock-based employee compensation	Stock-based employee compensation: ASC Topic 718, “ Compensation – Stock Compensation ” requires that all share-based payments to employees and the board of directors, including grants of stock options and restricted stock, be recognized in the consolidated financial statements over the service period (generally the vesting period) based on fair values measured on grant dates, less forfeitures.
Pension and postretirement liabilities	Pension and postretirement liabilities: ASC Topic 715, “ Compensation – Retirement Benefits
Self-insurance liability accruals	Self-insurance liability accruals: The Company maintains self-insured medical and workers’ compensation programs. The Company purchases stop loss coverage from third parties which limits our exposure to large claims. The Company records a liability for healthcare and workers’ compensation costs during the period in which they occur, including an estimate of incurred but not reported claims.
Concentration of risk	Concentration of risk:
Leases	Leases: We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in Operating lease assets , Other current liabilities , and Long-term operating lease liabilities on our Consolidated balance sheets . Operating lease right-of-use (ROU) assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. The rates implicit within the Company's leases are generally not determinable; therefore, the Company uses judgment to determine the incremental borrowing rate used to calculate the present value of lease payments. The incremental borrowing rate for each lease is primarily based on publicly available information for companies within the same industry and with similar credit profiles and adjusted for the impact of collateralization, the lease term, and other specific terms included in the Company’s lease arrangements. ROU assets are assessed for impairment in accordance with the Company’s accounting policy for long-lived assets. Our lease terms include options to extend or terminate. The period which is subject to an option to extend the lease is included in the lease term if it is reasonably certain that the option will be exercised. The period which is subject to an option to terminate the lease is included if it is reasonably certain that the option will not be exercised. Lease expense for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For certain equipment leases, we apply a portfolio approach to account for the operating lease ROU assets and liabilities.
Loss contingencies	Loss contingencies: We are subject to various legal proceedings, claims, and regulatory matters, the outcomes of which are subject to significant uncertainty. We determine whether to disclose or accrue for loss contingencies based on an assessment of whether the risk of loss is remote, reasonably possible, or probable and whether it can be reasonably estimated. We accrue for loss contingencies when such amounts are probable and reasonably estimable. If a contingent liability is only reasonably possible, we will disclose the potential range of the loss if material and estimable.
Foreign currency translation	Foreign currency translation: The statements of income of foreign operations have been translated to U.S. dollars using the average currency exchange rates in effect during the relevant period. The balance sheets have been translated using the currency exchange rates as of the end of the accounting period. The impact of currency exchange rate changes on the translation of the balance sheets are included in Comprehensive income (loss) in the Consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) and are classified as Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income) in the Consolidated balance sheets and Consolidated statements of equity .
New accounting pronouncement	New accounting pronouncements adopted: The following are new accounting pronouncements which we have adopted in fiscal year 2019 : Leases: On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASU 2016-02: Leases (Topic 842), the FASB's new leasing standard. We utilized the modified retrospective transition method by recognizing a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. We also elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard, which allows us to carry forward 1) our historical lease classification, 2) our assessment on whether a contract is or contains a lease, and 3) our treatment of initial direct costs for any leases that exist prior to adoption of the new standard. We have also elected to combine lease and non-lease components and to keep leases with an initial term of 12 months or less off the balance sheet and recognize the associated lease payments in the consolidated statements of income on a straight-line basis over the lease term. We did not elect to apply the hindsight practical expedient when determining the lease term and assessing impairment of right-of-use assets. Operating lease right-of-use (ROU) assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. The rates implicit within the company's leases are generally not determinable; therefore, the company uses judgment to determine the incremental borrowing rate used to calculate the present value of lease payments. The incremental borrowing rate for each lease is primarily based on publicly available information for companies within the same industry and with similar credit profiles and adjusted for the impact of collateralization, the lease term, and other specific terms included in the company’s lease arrangements. Based on the present value of the lease payments for the remaining lease term of the Company's existing leases, we recognized net right-of-use assets of approximately $102.5 million and lease liabilities for operating leases of approximately $109.2 million on January 1, 2019. The standard did not materially impact our Consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) or Consolidated statements of cash flow . Refer to Note 3 — Leases for further details on the Company's leases. Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income: In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, “Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“AOCI”)”. This ASU provides entities the option to reclassify tax effects to retained earnings from AOCI which are impacted by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”). The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 but early adoption is permitted. The Company elected not to reclassify stranded tax effects from AOCI to retained earnings, as historically we maintained a full valuation allowance for tax benefits related to AOCI. Therefore, resulting impact of adopting this guidance was not material to our consolidated financial results. Compensation—Stock Compensation: In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-07: Compensation - Stock compensation (Topic 718) - Improvements to non-employee share-based payment accounting. This standard contained new guidance which expanded the scope of share based compensation accounting by applying, with limited exceptions, the specific requirements of employee stock compensation to the accounting for non-employee awards granted in exchange for goods and services. Adopting this guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements . New accounting pronouncements not yet adopted: The following are new accounting pronouncements that we are evaluating for future impacts on our financial position: Intangibles—Internal-Use Software: In August 2018 , the FASB issued ASU 2018-15: Intangibles - Goodwill and other - Internal-use software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer's accounting for implementation costs incurred in a cloud computing arrangement that is a service contract. This new guidance aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software and hosting arrangements that include an internal-use software license. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption of the amendments is permitted, including adoption in any interim period. We are evaluating the provisions of the updated guidance and assessing the impact on our consolidated financial statements . Fair Value Measurement—Disclosure Framework: In August 2018 , the FASB issued ASU 2018-13: Fair value measurement (Topic 820) - Disclosure framework - Changes to the disclosure requirements for fair value measurement. This new guidance changes disclosure requirements related to fair value measurements as part of the disclosure framework project. The disclosure framework project aims to improve the effectiveness of disclosures in the notes to the financial statements by focusing on requirements that clearly communicate the most important information to users of the financial statements. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. We do not expect the adoption to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements . Financial Instruments—Credit Losses: In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13: Financial instruments - Credit losses (Topic 326) - Measurement of credit losses on financial instruments, which contains new guidance amending the principles around the recognition of credit losses by mandating entities incorporate an estimate of current expected credit losses when determining the value of certain assets. The guidance also amends reporting around allowances for credit losses on available-for-sale marketable securities. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. We do not expect the adoption to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements . Compensation—Retirement Plans: In August 2018 , the FASB issued ASU 2018-14: Compensation - retirement benefits - Defined benefit plans - General (Subtopic 715-20) - Disclosure framework - Changes to the disclosure requirements for defined benefit plans. This new guidance changes disclosures related to defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans as part of the disclosure framework project. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. We are evaluating the provisions of the updated guidance and assessing the impact on our consolidated financial statements .

Description of business, basi_3

Description of business, basis of presentation, and summary of significant accounting policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	A breakout of property, plant and equipment and software is presented below: In thousands December 31, 2019 December 30, 2018 Land $ 105,805 $ 39,036 Buildings and improvements 416,537 204,753 Machinery and equipment 474,418 274,748 Furniture, fixtures, and computer software 82,651 35,679 Construction in progress 13,687 4,648 Total 1,093,098 558,864 Less: accumulated depreciation (277,291 ) (219,256 ) Net property, plant and equipment $ 815,807 $ 339,608
Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents	The following table presents a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash: In thousands December 31, 2019 December 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Cash and cash equivalents $ 156,042 $ 48,651 $ 43,056 Restricted cash included in prepaid expenses and other current assets 10,800 4,119 3,106 Restricted cash included in other assets 21,822 — — Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 188,664 $ 52,770 $ 46,162
Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents	The following table presents a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash: In thousands December 31, 2019 December 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Cash and cash equivalents $ 156,042 $ 48,651 $ 43,056 Restricted cash included in prepaid expenses and other current assets 10,800 4,119 3,106 Restricted cash included in other assets 21,822 — — Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 188,664 $ 52,770 $ 46,162
Schedule of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	A breakout of accrued expenses is presented below: In thousands December 31, 2019 December 30, 2018 Compensation $ 131,006 $ 30,922 Taxes (primarily property and sales taxes) 18,073 4,466 Benefits 33,070 8,273 Interest 23,602 3,240 Other 100,882 62,696 Total accrued liabilities $ 306,633 $ 109,597
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures	Supplementary cash flow information, including non-cash investing and financing activities, are as follows: In thousands December 31, 2019 December 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Cash paid for taxes, net of refunds $ 1,192 $ 1,272 $ 52 Cash paid for interest $ 40,208 $ 31,178 $ 33,626 Accrued capital expenditures $ 2,227 $ 69 $ 72 Common stock issued in exchange for Legacy Gannett shares $ 391,809 $ — $ —

Revenues (Tables)

Revenues (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Disaggregation of Revenue	The following table presents our revenues disaggregated by source: In thousands Fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 December 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (1) Print advertising $ 689,595 $ 625,065 $ 598,273 Digital advertising and marketing services 263,049 161,512 127,731 Total advertising and marketing services 952,644 786,577 726,004 Circulation 704,842 574,963 474,324 Other 210,423 164,484 141,676 Total revenues $ 1,867,909 $ 1,526,024 $ 1,342,004 (1) Prior period amounts have not been adjusted under the modified retrospective method.
Deferred Revenue, by Arrangement, Disclosure	The following table presents changes in the deferred revenue balance for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019 by type of revenue: in thousands Year ended December 31, 2019 Advertising, Marketing Services, and Other Circulation Total Beginning balance $ 22,542 $ 82,645 $ 105,187 Acquired deferred revenue 42,369 95,341 137,710 Cash receipts 128,504 529,004 657,508 Revenue recognized (125,971 ) (555,611 ) (681,582 ) Ending balance $ 67,444 $ 151,379 $ 218,823

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Lease, Cost	The components of lease expense for 2019 were as follows: In thousands 2019 Operating lease cost (a) $ 38,985 Short-term lease cost, excluding expenses relating to leases with a lease term of one month or less 5,086 Net lease cost $ 44,071 (a) Includes variable lease costs of $8.4 million and sublease income of $2.5 million for 2019 Other information related to leases for 2019 were as follows: In thousands, except lease term and discount rate 2019 Supplemental information Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities $ 35,837 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease obligations 28,545 Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years) 8.3 Weighted-average discount rate 12.4 %
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity	Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable leases as of December 31, 2019 are as follows: In thousands Year Ending December 31, (a) 2020 76,339 2021 76,569 2022 69,230 2023 57,142 2024 50,564 Thereafter 233,615 Total future minimum lease payments 563,459 Less: Imputed interest 225,759 Total $ 337,700 (a) Operating lease payments exclude $8.4 million of legally binding minimum lease payments for leases signed but not yet commenced.

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The following table summarizes the determination of fair values of the assets and liabilities for the 2018 Acquisitions: in thousands Cash acquired $ 1,688 Current assets 29,169 Other assets 447 Property, plant and equipment 18,340 Non-compete agreements 370 Advertiser relationships 51,395 Subscriber relationships 36,115 Customer relationships 14,063 Trade names 1,810 Mastheads 13,678 Goodwill 72,879 Total assets 239,954 Current liabilities assumed 32,441 Long-term liabilities assumed 92 Total liabilities 32,533 Redeemable noncontrolling interest 1,636 Net assets $ 205,785 The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets and liabilities for the 2017 Acquisitions: in thousands Current assets $ 20,870 Other assets 108 Property, plant and equipment 49,883 Noncompete agreements 532 Advertiser relationships 34,077 Subscriber relationships 26,926 Customer relationships 5,638 Software 704 Mastheads 9,902 Goodwill 37,652 Total assets 186,292 Current liabilities assumed 21,100 Long-term liabilities assumed 139 Total liabilities 21,239 Net assets $ 165,053 The following table summarizes the preliminary determination of fair values of the assets and liabilities for the aforementioned acquisitions: in thousands Cash acquired $ 323 Current assets 9,320 Other assets 950 Property, plant and equipment 20,492 Non-compete agreements 280 Advertiser relationships 2,357 Subscriber relationships 1,457 Customer relationships 1,323 Software 140 Trade names 299 Mastheads 2,896 Goodwill 20,850 Total assets 60,687 Current liabilities assumed 11,961 Long-term liabilities assumed 463 Total liabilities 12,424 Minority interest 1,651 Net assets $ 46,612 in thousands Cash and restricted cash acquired $ 149,452 Current assets 383,965 Other assets 97,459 Property, plant and equipment 536,511 Operating lease assets 200,550 Developed technology 47,770 Advertiser relationships 272,740 Subscriber relationships 104,490 Customer relationships 63,820 Trade names 16,470 Mastheads 97,340 Goodwill 644,766 Total assets 2,615,333 Current liabilities assumed 513,752 Long-term liabilities assumed 787,019 Total liabilities 1,300,771 Net assets $ 1,314,562
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information	The following table sets forth unaudited pro forma results of operations assuming the Legacy Gannett acquisition, along with transactions necessary to finance the acquisitions, occurred at the beginning of 2019 and 2018 : Unaudited in thousands (except per share amounts) 2019 2018 Total revenues $ 4,177,583 $ 4,440,491 Net loss $ (292,395 ) $ (169,617 ) Earnings per share - diluted $ (2.27 ) $ (1.31 )

Integration and reorganizatio_2

Integration and reorganization costs and long-lived asset impairments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and Related Costs	We recorded expenses for severance and related costs by segment as follows: in thousands 2019 2018 2017 Severance and Related Costs Publishing $ 19,556 $ 11,678 $ 6,703 Marketing Solutions 1,916 — 512 Corporate and other 19,080 262 445 Total $ 40,552 $ 11,940 $ 7,660 A rollforward of the accrued severance and related costs included in accrued expenses on the balance sheet for the years ended December 31, 2019 and December 30, 2018 is outlined below: in thousands Severance and Related Costs Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 717 Restructuring provision included in integration and reorganization costs 11,940 Cash payments (10,103 ) Balance at December 31, 2018 2,554 Acquired restructuring provision balances 692 Restructuring provision included in integration and reorganization costs 40,552 Cash payments (13,013 ) Balance at December 31, 2019 $ 30,785 In thousands 2019 2018 2017 Publishing $ 3,009 $ 1,538 $ 7,042 Corporate and other — — 100 Total $ 3,009 $ 1,538 $ 7,142 in thousands 2019 2018 2017 Facility Consolidation and Other Restructuring-Related Charges Publishing $ 1,780 $ 2,809 $ 1,243 Marketing Solutions 21 — — Corporate and other 5,048 262 — Total $ 6,849 $ 3,071 $ 1,243

Goodwill and other intangible_2

Goodwill and other intangible assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill, Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, and Amortizable Intangible Assets	Goodwill and intangible assets consisted of the following: in thousands December 31, 2019 Gross Accumulated Net Amortized intangible assets: Advertiser relationships $ 534,161 $ 75,363 $ 458,798 Customer relationships 109,674 14,303 95,371 Subscriber relationships 259,391 44,878 214,513 Other intangible assets 76,552 11,229 65,323 Total $ 979,778 $ 145,773 $ 834,005 Nonamortized intangible assets: Goodwill $ 914,331 Mastheads 178,559 Total $ 1,092,890 December 30, 2018 Gross Accumulated Net Amortized intangible assets: Advertiser relationships $ 260,142 $ 53,477 $ 206,665 Customer relationships 44,630 8,704 35,926 Subscriber relationships 153,923 31,560 122,363 Other intangible assets 13,046 7,802 5,244 Total $ 471,741 $ 101,543 $ 370,198 Nonamortized intangible assets: Goodwill $ 310,737 Mastheads 115,856 Total $ 426,593
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense	Estimated future amortization expense as of December 31, 2019 , is as follows: In thousands 2020 $ 110,136 2021 109,854 2022 108,179 2023 102,994 2024 101,026 Thereafter 301,816 Total $ 834,005
Summary of the Change in Net Goodwill	The balances and changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment are as follows: in thousands Publishing Marketing Solutions Consolidated Balance at December 31, 2017, net of accumulated impairment losses of $25,641: $ 208,828 $ 27,727 $ 236,555 Goodwill acquired in business combinations 71,011 2,715 73,726 Measurement period adjustments 456 — 456 Balance at December 30, 2018, net of accumulated impairment losses of $25,641: $ 280,295 $ 30,442 $ 310,737 Goodwill acquired in business combinations 498,061 167,555 665,616 Goodwill impairment (62,280 ) — (62,280 ) Goodwill related to divestitures (42 ) — (42 ) Measurement period adjustments (852 ) — (852 ) Foreign currency exchange rate changes 1,152 — 1,152 Balance at December 31, 2019, net of accumulated impairment losses of $87,921: $ 716,334 $ 197,997 $ 914,331

Retirement plans (Tables)

Retirement plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Schedule Changes In Projected Benefit Obligations Amounts Recognized In Other Comprehensive Income Loss	The following table provides a reconciliation of benefit obligations, plan assets, and funded status, along with the related amounts in the consolidated balance sheets, of the Company’s pension plans as of December 31, 2019 and December 30, 2018 : in thousands Year Ended December 31, 2019 December 30, 2018 Change in projected benefit obligation: Projected benefit obligation at beginning of period $ 74,190 $ 82,344 Service cost 999 606 Interest cost 12,408 2,775 Actuarial (gain) loss 3,701 (6,228 ) Foreign currency translation 11,812 — Benefits and expenses paid (111,842 ) (5,307 ) Acquisitions 2,981,914 — Projected benefit obligation at end of period $ 2,973,182 $ 74,190 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period $ 54,035 $ 61,539 Actual return on plan assets 38,054 (3,648 ) Employer contributions 91,466 1,451 Acquisitions 2,771,796 — Benefits paid (111,022 ) (4,705 ) Foreign currency translation 12,787 — Expenses paid (820 ) (602 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of period $ 2,856,296 $ 54,035 Reconciliation of funded status: Benefit obligation at end of period $ (2,973,182 ) $ (74,190 ) Fair value of assets at end of period 2,856,296 54,035 Funded status (116,886 ) (20,155 ) Unrecognized actuarial (gain) loss (4,527 ) 7,986 Net accrued benefit cost $ (121,413 ) $ (12,169 ) Balance sheet presentation: Other assets $ 58,818 $ — Accrued expenses 6,771 — Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations 168,933 20,155 Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income 4,527 (7,986 ) Net accrued benefit cost $ (121,413 ) $ (12,169 )
Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets	The following table presents information for our retirement plans for which accumulated benefits exceed assets: in thousands December 31, December 30, Accumulated benefit obligation $ 2,039,075 $ 74,190 Fair value of plan assets $ 1,865,123 $ 54,035
Schedule of Fair Value of Plan Assets in Excess of Accumulated Benefit Obligations	The following table presents information for our retirement plans for which assets exceed accumulated benefits: in thousands December 31, December 30, Accumulated benefit obligation $ 932,357 $ — Fair value of plan assets $ 991,173 $ —
Schedule of Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets	The following table presents information for our retirement plans for which projected benefit obligations exceed assets: in thousands December 31, December 30, Projected benefit obligation $ 2,040,825 $ 74,190 Fair value of plan assets $ 1,865,123 $ 54,035 The following table provides a reconciliation of benefit obligations, plan assets and funded status, along with the related amounts in the consolidated balance sheets of the Company’s postretirement medical and life insurance plans as of December 31, 2019 and December 30, 2018 : in thousands December 31, 2019 December 30, 2018 Change in projected benefit obligation: Projected benefit obligation at beginning of period $ 4,330 $ 4,835 Service cost 17 7 Interest cost 419 153 Actuarial gain (484 ) (363 ) Benefits and expenses paid (1,117 ) (500 ) Acquisitions 70,325 — Participant contributions 200 221 Employer implicit subsidy fulfilled (23 ) (23 ) Projected benefit obligation at end of period $ 73,667 $ 4,330 Change in plan assets: Employer contributions $ 844 $ — Participant contributions 164 — Benefits paid (1,008 ) — Fair value of plan assets at end of period $ — $ — Reconciliation of funded status: Benefit obligation at end of period $ (73,667 ) $ (4,330 ) Funded status (73,667 ) (4,330 ) Unrecognized actuarial gain (1,518 ) (1,105 ) Net accrued benefit cost $ (75,185 ) $ (5,435 ) Balance sheet presentation: Accrued expenses $ 6,694 $ 355 Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations 66,973 3,975 Accumulated other comprehensive income 1,518 1,105 Net accrued benefit cost $ 75,185 $ 5,435
Schedule of Fair Value of Plan Assets in Excess of Benefit Obligations	The following table presents information for our retirement plans for which assets exceed projected benefit obligations: in thousands December 31, December 30, Projected benefit obligation $ 932,357 $ — Fair value of plan assets $ 991,173 $ —
Schedule of Net Funded Status	The funded status (on a projected benefit obligation basis) of our plans at December 31, 2019 is as follows: in thousands Fair Value of Plan Assets Benefit Obligation Funded Status GRP $ 1,705,225 $ 1,842,480 $ (137,255 ) George W. Prescott Pension Plan 20,079 25,499 (5,420 ) Times Publishing Company Pension Plan 36,693 49,830 (13,137 ) SERP — 7,360 (7,360 ) U.K. Pension Plans 991,175 932,357 58,818 Newspaper Guild of Detroit Plan 103,124 113,189 (10,065 ) JMG Plan — 2,467 (2,467 ) Total $ 2,856,296 $ 2,973,182 $ (116,886 )
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The following table provides the components of net periodic benefit cost and other changes in plan assets recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) of the Company’s pension plans for the years ended December 31, 2019 , December 30, 2018 , and December 31, 2017 : in thousands Year Ended December 31, 2019 December 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Components of net periodic benefit cost: Operating expenses: Service cost $ 999 $ 606 $ 630 Non-operating expenses: Interest cost 12,408 2,775 3,143 Expected return on plan assets (22,303 ) (4,452 ) (4,157 ) Amortization of unrecognized loss (gain) 158 113 194 Other adjustment 305 — — Total non-operating expenses included in Other (income) expense (9,432 ) (1,564 ) (820 ) Net periodic expense (benefit) $ (8,433 ) $ (958 ) $ (190 ) Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income: Net actuarial loss (gain) $ (12,050 ) $ 1,872 $ 1,618 Amortization of net actuarial (loss) gain (158 ) (113 ) (194 ) Other adjustment (305 ) — — Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) $ (12,513 ) $ 1,759 $ 1,424 The following table provides the components of net periodic benefit cost and other changes in plan assets recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) of the Company’s postretirement medical and life insurance plans for the years ended December 31, 2019 , December 30, 2018 , and December 31, 2017 : in thousands December 31, 2019 December 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Components of net periodic benefit cost: Operating expenses: Service cost $ 17 $ 7 $ 11 Non-operating expenses: Interest cost 419 153 189 Expected return on plan assets — — — Amortization of unrecognized gain (72 ) (24 ) (148 ) Total non-operating expense 347 129 41 Net periodic expense $ 364 $ 136 $ 52 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss): Net actuarial gain $ (484 ) $ (363 ) $ (88 ) Amortization of net actuarial gain 72 24 148 Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) $ (412 ) $ (339 ) $ 60
Schedule of Assumptions Used	The following assumptions were used in connection with the Company’s actuarial valuation of its defined benefit plans obligation: December 31, 2019 December 30, 2018 Weighted average discount rate 2.9 % 4.1 % Rate of increase in future compensation levels (1) 2.0 % — Weighted average expected return on assets 7.0 % 7.5 % (1) Relates only to the GRP, SERP and Newspaper Guild of Detroit Pension Plans. The following assumptions were used to calculate the net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s defined benefit pension plans: Year Ended December 31, 2019 December 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Weighted average discount rate 3.1 % 3.5 % 4.1 % Rate of increase in future compensation levels (1) 2.0 % — — Weighted average expected return on assets 6.1 % 7.5 % 7.5 % (1) Relates only to the GRP, SERP and Newspaper Guild of Detroit Pension Plans. The following assumptions were used in connection with the Company’s actuarial valuation of its postretirement plans obligation: December 31, 2019 December 30, 2018 Weighted average discount rate 3.3 % 4.0 % Rate of increase in future compensation levels (1) 2.0 — Current year medical trend 5.9 % 6.2 % Ultimate year medical trend 4.5 % 4.5 % Year of ultimate trend 2034 2034 (1) Relates only to the Legacy Gannett postretirement plans. The following assumptions were used to calculate the net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s postretirement plans: December 31, 2019 December 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Weighted average discount rate 3.3 % 3.3 % 3.9 % Rate of increase in future compensation levels (1) 2.0 — — Current year medical trend 6.1 % 6.4 % 6.7 % Ultimate year medical trend 4.5 % 4.5 % 4.5 % Year of ultimate trend 2035 2026 2026 (1) Relates only to the Legacy Gannett postretirement plans.
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets	The weighted average target asset allocation of our plans for 2020 and allocations at the end of 2019 and 2018, by asset category, are presented in the table below: Target Allocation Allocation of Plan Assets 2020 2019 2018 Equity securities 35% 39% 63% Debt securities 47% 46% 35% Alternative investments (a) 18% 15% 2% Total 100% 100% 100% (a) Alternative investments include real estate, private equity and hedge funds. The following tables set forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, the December 31 measurement date fair values of our pension plans assets relating to the George W. Prescott Company pension plan, the Times Publishing Company pension plan, the GRP, the U.K. Pension Plans, and the Newspaper Guild of Detroit Pension Plan: Pension Plan Assets/Liabilities In thousands Fair value measurement as of December 31, 2019 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 27,884 $ 4,003 $ — $ 31,887 Corporate common stock 537,295 — — 537,295 Real estate — — 99,223 99,223 Interest in common/collective trusts: Equities 19,191 249,890 — 269,081 Fixed income 12,435 506,586 — 519,021 Partnership/joint venture interests — — 149,018 149,018 Hedge funds — — 123,126 123,126 Derivative contracts — — 5 5 Total assets at fair value excluding those measured at net asset value $ 596,805 $ 760,479 $ 371,372 $ 1,728,656 Instruments measured at net asset value using the practical expedient: Real estate funds 10,966 Interest in common/collective trusts: Equities 314,955 Fixed income 766,512 Partnership/joint venture interests 37,145 Other 1,202 Total assets at fair value $ 2,859,436 Liabilities: Derivative liabilities $ (634 ) $ (498 ) $ (2,008 ) $ (3,140 ) Total liabilities at fair value $ (634 ) $ (498 ) $ (2,008 ) $ (3,140 ) In thousands Fair value measurement as of December 30, 2018 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ 780 $ — $ 780 Interest in registered investment companies — Equities 18,746 — — 18,746 Fixed income 14,074 — — 14,074 Total assets at fair value excluding those measured at net asset value $ 32,820 $ 780 $ — $ 33,600 Instruments measured at net asset value using the practical expedient: Interest in registered investment companies Equities 15,104 Fixed income 4,357 Other 974 Total assets at fair value $ 54,035
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments	We expect to make the following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service. The amounts below represent the benefit payments for our pension plans. in thousands Pension 2020 $ 202,994 2021 $ 193,282 2022 $ 190,764 2023 $ 188,713 2024 $ 175,235 2025 - 2029 $ 826,289 Cash flows: We expect to make the following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service. The amounts below represent the benefit payments for our postretirement plans. In thousands Postretirement 2020 $ 6,695 2021 $ 6,372 2022 $ 6,071 2023 $ 5,762 2024 $ 5,475 2025 - 2029 $ 23,181
Multiemployer Pension Plans Table	The Company’s participation in these plans for the year ended December 31, 2019 is outlined in the table below. The “EIN/Pension Plan Number” column provides the Employee Identification Number (EIN) and the three-digit plan number. Unless otherwise noted, the two most recent Pension Protection Act (PPA) zone statuses available are for the plans for the years ended 2019 and 2018 , respectively. The zone status is based on information the Company received from the plan and is certified by the plan’s actuary. Among other factors, plans in the red zone are generally less than 65% funded; plans in the orange zone are both a) less than 80% funded and b) have an accumulated/expected funding deficiency in any of the next six plan years, net of any amortization extensions; plans in the yellow zone meet either one of the criteria mentioned in the orange zone; and plans in the green zone are at least 80% funded. The “FIP/RP Status Pending/Implemented” column indicates plans for which a financial improvement plan (FIP) or a rehabilitation plan (RP) is either pending or has been implemented. The last column lists the expiration date(s) of the collective-bargaining agreement(s) to which the plans are subject. The Company makes all required contributions to these plans as determined under the respective CBAs. For each of the plans listed below, the Company’s contribution represented less than 5% of total contributions to the plan. Multiemployer Pension Plans EIN Number/ Zone Status FIP/RP Status Contributions (in thousands) Surcharge Imposed Expiration Dates of CBAs Pension Plan Name Plan Number 2019 2018 2019 2018 2017 CWA/ITU Negotiated Pension Plan 13-6212879/001 Red Red Implemented $ 51 $ 9 $ 10 No Under negotiation GCIU—Employer Retirement Benefit Plan (a) 91-6024903/001 Red Red Implemented 75 78 84 Yes 1/5/2022 The Newspaper Guild International Pension Plan (a) 52-1082662/001 Red Red Implemented 31 19 36 No Under negotiation and June 8, 2019 IAM National Pension Plan (a) (b) 51-6031295/002 Red Green Implemented 11 — — Yes 1/7/2022 Teamsters Pension Trust Fund of Philadelphia and Vicinity (a) 23-1511735/001 Yellow Yellow Implemented 139 — — N/A (c) Central Pension Fund of the International Union of Operating Engineers and Participating Employers (a) 36-6052390/001 Green as of Jan. 31, 2019 Green as of Jan. 31, 2018 N/A 6 — — N/A 1/10/2022 Total $ 313 $ 106 $ 130 (a) This plan has elected to utilize special amortization provisions provided under the Preservation of Access to Care for Medicare Beneficiaries and Pension Relief Act of 2010. (b) The trustees of this plan have voluntarily elected to put the fund in critical status to strengthen its funding position. (c) In February 2018, an interim agreement was executed to maintain the terms and contributions of the plan past the expiration date of 12/31/2017. This agreement is subject to additional negotiation.

Postretirement benefits other_2

Postretirement benefits other than pensions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Schedule of Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets	The following table presents information for our retirement plans for which projected benefit obligations exceed assets: in thousands December 31, December 30, Projected benefit obligation $ 2,040,825 $ 74,190 Fair value of plan assets $ 1,865,123 $ 54,035 The following table provides a reconciliation of benefit obligations, plan assets and funded status, along with the related amounts in the consolidated balance sheets of the Company’s postretirement medical and life insurance plans as of December 31, 2019 and December 30, 2018 : in thousands December 31, 2019 December 30, 2018 Change in projected benefit obligation: Projected benefit obligation at beginning of period $ 4,330 $ 4,835 Service cost 17 7 Interest cost 419 153 Actuarial gain (484 ) (363 ) Benefits and expenses paid (1,117 ) (500 ) Acquisitions 70,325 — Participant contributions 200 221 Employer implicit subsidy fulfilled (23 ) (23 ) Projected benefit obligation at end of period $ 73,667 $ 4,330 Change in plan assets: Employer contributions $ 844 $ — Participant contributions 164 — Benefits paid (1,008 ) — Fair value of plan assets at end of period $ — $ — Reconciliation of funded status: Benefit obligation at end of period $ (73,667 ) $ (4,330 ) Funded status (73,667 ) (4,330 ) Unrecognized actuarial gain (1,518 ) (1,105 ) Net accrued benefit cost $ (75,185 ) $ (5,435 ) Balance sheet presentation: Accrued expenses $ 6,694 $ 355 Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations 66,973 3,975 Accumulated other comprehensive income 1,518 1,105 Net accrued benefit cost $ 75,185 $ 5,435
Schedle of Benefit Costs	The following table provides the components of net periodic benefit cost and other changes in plan assets recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) of the Company’s pension plans for the years ended December 31, 2019 , December 30, 2018 , and December 31, 2017 : in thousands Year Ended December 31, 2019 December 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Components of net periodic benefit cost: Operating expenses: Service cost $ 999 $ 606 $ 630 Non-operating expenses: Interest cost 12,408 2,775 3,143 Expected return on plan assets (22,303 ) (4,452 ) (4,157 ) Amortization of unrecognized loss (gain) 158 113 194 Other adjustment 305 — — Total non-operating expenses included in Other (income) expense (9,432 ) (1,564 ) (820 ) Net periodic expense (benefit) $ (8,433 ) $ (958 ) $ (190 ) Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income: Net actuarial loss (gain) $ (12,050 ) $ 1,872 $ 1,618 Amortization of net actuarial (loss) gain (158 ) (113 ) (194 ) Other adjustment (305 ) — — Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) $ (12,513 ) $ 1,759 $ 1,424 The following table provides the components of net periodic benefit cost and other changes in plan assets recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) of the Company’s postretirement medical and life insurance plans for the years ended December 31, 2019 , December 30, 2018 , and December 31, 2017 : in thousands December 31, 2019 December 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Components of net periodic benefit cost: Operating expenses: Service cost $ 17 $ 7 $ 11 Non-operating expenses: Interest cost 419 153 189 Expected return on plan assets — — — Amortization of unrecognized gain (72 ) (24 ) (148 ) Total non-operating expense 347 129 41 Net periodic expense $ 364 $ 136 $ 52 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss): Net actuarial gain $ (484 ) $ (363 ) $ (88 ) Amortization of net actuarial gain 72 24 148 Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) $ (412 ) $ (339 ) $ 60
Assumptions Used to Determine Defined Benefit Plans Costs	The following assumptions were used in connection with the Company’s actuarial valuation of its defined benefit plans obligation: December 31, 2019 December 30, 2018 Weighted average discount rate 2.9 % 4.1 % Rate of increase in future compensation levels (1) 2.0 % — Weighted average expected return on assets 7.0 % 7.5 % (1) Relates only to the GRP, SERP and Newspaper Guild of Detroit Pension Plans. The following assumptions were used to calculate the net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s defined benefit pension plans: Year Ended December 31, 2019 December 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Weighted average discount rate 3.1 % 3.5 % 4.1 % Rate of increase in future compensation levels (1) 2.0 % — — Weighted average expected return on assets 6.1 % 7.5 % 7.5 % (1) Relates only to the GRP, SERP and Newspaper Guild of Detroit Pension Plans. The following assumptions were used in connection with the Company’s actuarial valuation of its postretirement plans obligation: December 31, 2019 December 30, 2018 Weighted average discount rate 3.3 % 4.0 % Rate of increase in future compensation levels (1) 2.0 — Current year medical trend 5.9 % 6.2 % Ultimate year medical trend 4.5 % 4.5 % Year of ultimate trend 2034 2034 (1) Relates only to the Legacy Gannett postretirement plans. The following assumptions were used to calculate the net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s postretirement plans: December 31, 2019 December 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Weighted average discount rate 3.3 % 3.3 % 3.9 % Rate of increase in future compensation levels (1) 2.0 — — Current year medical trend 6.1 % 6.4 % 6.7 % Ultimate year medical trend 4.5 % 4.5 % 4.5 % Year of ultimate trend 2035 2026 2026 (1) Relates only to the Legacy Gannett postretirement plans.
Schedule of Effect of One-Percentage-Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates	The following table summarizes the effect of a 1% change in the assumed health care cost trend rates would have on the amounts reported related to Legacy New Media: 2019 2018 Effect of 1% increase in health care cost trend rates Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation $ 4,431 $ 4,617 Dollar change $ 307 $ 287 Percent change 7.5 % 6.6 % Effect of 1% decrease in health care cost trend rates Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation $ 3,858 $ 4,082 Dollar change $ (265 ) $ (248 ) Percent change (6.4 )% (5.7 )%
Estimated Benefit Payments	We expect to make the following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service. The amounts below represent the benefit payments for our pension plans. in thousands Pension 2020 $ 202,994 2021 $ 193,282 2022 $ 190,764 2023 $ 188,713 2024 $ 175,235 2025 - 2029 $ 826,289 Cash flows: We expect to make the following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service. The amounts below represent the benefit payments for our postretirement plans. In thousands Postretirement 2020 $ 6,695 2021 $ 6,372 2022 $ 6,071 2023 $ 5,762 2024 $ 5,475 2025 - 2029 $ 23,181

Income taxes (Tables)

Income taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes on Income from Continuing Operations	Income tax expense (benefit) on income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes for the periods shown below consisted of: In thousands Current Deferred Total Year Ended December 31, 2019: U.S. Federal $ 113 $ (85,144 ) $ (85,031 ) State and local 1,725 (2,833 ) (1,108 ) Foreign (68 ) 213 145 Total $ 1,770 $ (87,764 ) $ (85,994 ) Year Ended December 30, 2018: U.S. Federal $ — $ (2,690 ) $ (2,690 ) State and local 1,679 2,923 4,602 Total $ 1,679 $ 233 $ 1,912 Year Ended December 31, 2017: U.S. Federal $ — $ (617 ) $ (617 ) State and local 1,003 95 1,098 Total $ 1,003 $ (522 ) $ 481 The components of net income (loss) before income taxes consist of the following: In thousands 2019 2018 2017 Domestic $ (206,270 ) $ 20,019 $ (434 ) Foreign (914 ) — — Total $ (207,184 ) $ 20,019 $ (434 )
Reconciliation of Effective Tax Rate	The provision for income taxes varies from the U.S. federal statutory tax rate as a result of the following differences: December 31, 2019 December 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 U.S. statutory tax rate 21.0 21.0 34.0 Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from: State/other income taxes, net of federal benefit 0.7 21.1 (266.0 ) Change in valuation allowance 22.6 (13.4 ) (612.9 ) Non-deductible meals, entertainment, and other expenses (0.8 ) 5.0 (232.6 ) Transaction costs (2.0 ) — — Tax effects of 2017 legislation — (24.1 ) 966.5 Effective tax rate 41.5 9.6 *** *** Indicates a percentage that is not meaningful.
Deferred Tax Liabilities and Assets	The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as of December 31, 2019 and December 30, 2018 are presented below (a) : In thousands December 31, 2019 December 30, 2018 Deferred tax liabilities: Fixed assets $ (30,246 ) $ (16,642 ) Right of use asset (83,588 ) — Definite and indefinite lived intangible assets (85,528 ) (13,714 ) Total deferred tax liabilities $ (199,362 ) $ (30,356 ) Deferred tax assets: Accrued compensation costs 32,719 2,185 Accrued expenses 16,717 5,697 Disallowed interest 11,247 — Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations 56,611 3,122 Partnership investments including impairments 7,971 994 Loss carryforwards 189,912 71,431 Lease liabilities 85,177 — Other 25,073 3,324 Total deferred tax assets $ 425,427 $ 86,753 Less: Valuation allowance (158,820 ) (64,679 ) Total net deferred tax assets $ 266,607 $ 22,074 Noncurrent net deferred tax assets/(liabilities) $ 67,245 $ (8,282 ) (a) We changed the presentation of the components of the deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets as we believe the new presentation reflects better the deferred tax assets/(liabilities) at December 31, 2019 , after the acquisition of Legacy Gannett. This reclassification is not material as the changes do not impact the 2018 financial statements nor the total net deferred tax assets/(liabilities) previously reported.
Summary of Valuation Allowance	The following table summarizes the activity related to our valuation allowance for deferred tax assets for the year ended December 31, 2019 : In thousands Balance at Beginning of Period Additions / (Reductions) Charged to Expenses Additions / (Reductions for Acquisitions / Dispositions Other Additions to / (Deductions from) Reserves Foreign Currency Translation Balance at End of Period $ 64,679 $ (28,017 ) $ 121,572 $ — $ 586 $ 158,820
Summary of Activity Related to Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Federal Tax Benefit of State Tax Deductions	The following table summarizes the activity related to unrecognized tax benefits, excluding the federal tax benefit of state tax deductions: In thousands 2019 2018 2017 Change in unrecognized tax benefits Balance at beginning of year $ 1,190 $ 1,160 $ 1,176 Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 658 — — Additions for tax positions of prior years — 30 — Reductions for tax positions or prior years (352 ) — (16 ) Increase due to current year business acquisitions 32,578 — — Balance at end of year $ 34,074 $ 1,190 $ 1,160

Supplemental equity informati_2

Supplemental equity information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Shareholders' Equity and Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Basic and Diluted)	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share: Year Ended in thousands, except share data December 31, 2019 December 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Net income (loss) attributable to Gannett $ (119,842 ) $ 18,196 $ (915 ) Basic weighted average shares outstanding 67,671,398 58,013,617 53,010,421 Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options and restricted stock grants — 384,530 — Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 67,671,398 58,398,147 53,010,421 Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to Gannett $ (1.77 ) $ 0.31 $ (0.02 ) Diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to Gannett $ (1.77 ) $ 0.31 $ (0.02 )
Schedule of Securities from Computation of Diluted Income Per Share	The Company excluded the following securities from the computation of diluted income per share because their effect would have been antidilutive: Year Ended in thousands, except share data December 31, 2019 December 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Stock warrants 1,362,479 1,362,479 1,362,479 Stock options 2,904,811 700,000 2,214,811 Restricted stock grants 9,494,161 — 342,264
Summary of Manager Stock Options	The following table includes additional information regarding the Manager stock options: in thousands, except share data Number of Options Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted-Average Exercise Price Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value ($000) Outstanding at December 31, 2017 2,214,811 $ 4.08 $ 16.90 7.7 $ 2,245 Granted 690,000 $ 2.04 $ 16.45 Outstanding at December 30, 2018 2,904,811 $ 3.59 $ 15.31 7.3 $ — Granted 3,163,264 $ 0.11 $ 15.50 Outstanding at December 31, 2019 6,068,075 $ 1.78 $ 14.70 8.2 $ — Exercisable at December 31, 2019 2,780,253 $ — $ 13.79 6.3 $ —
Schedule of Nonvested RSG Cost	Legacy New Media RSG activity was as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2019 December 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 in thousands, except per share data Number of RSGs Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value Number of RSGs Weighted- Number of RSGs Weighted- Unvested at beginning of year 384,471 $ 16.11 342,264 $ 16.86 335,593 $ 18.18 Granted 300,952 13.62 227,388 16.43 186,153 15.85 Vested (273,845 ) 15.45 (170,422 ) 18.01 (128,952 ) 18.87 Forfeited (94,489 ) 15.12 (14,759 ) 16.55 (50,530 ) 16.80 Unvested at end of year 317,089 $ 14.61 384,471 $ 16.11 342,264 $ 16.86
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component for the years ended December 31, 2019 and December 30, 2018 are outlined below. in thousands Retirement Plans Foreign Currency Translation Total Balance at December 25, 2016 $ (3,977 ) $ — $ (3,977 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (1,530 ) — (1,530 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (1) 46 — 46 Net current period other comprehensive loss, net of taxes (1,484 ) — (1,484 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ (5,461 ) $ — $ (5,461 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (1,509 ) — (1,509 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (1) 89 — 89 Net current period other comprehensive loss, net of taxes (1,420 ) — (1,420 ) Balance at December 30, 2018 $ (6,881 ) $ — $ (6,881 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications 7,731 7,266 14,997 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (1) 86 — 86 Net current period other comprehensive loss, net of taxes 7,817 7,266 15,083 Balance at December 31, 2019 $ 936 $ 7,266 $ 8,202 (1) This accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) component is included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. See Note 8 — Retirement plans and Note 9 — Postretirement benefits other than pension .

Fair value measurement (Tables)

Fair value measurement (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets by Level within Fair Value Hierarchy	The weighted average target asset allocation of our plans for 2020 and allocations at the end of 2019 and 2018, by asset category, are presented in the table below: Target Allocation Allocation of Plan Assets 2020 2019 2018 Equity securities 35% 39% 63% Debt securities 47% 46% 35% Alternative investments (a) 18% 15% 2% Total 100% 100% 100% (a) Alternative investments include real estate, private equity and hedge funds. The following tables set forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, the December 31 measurement date fair values of our pension plans assets relating to the George W. Prescott Company pension plan, the Times Publishing Company pension plan, the GRP, the U.K. Pension Plans, and the Newspaper Guild of Detroit Pension Plan: Pension Plan Assets/Liabilities In thousands Fair value measurement as of December 31, 2019 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 27,884 $ 4,003 $ — $ 31,887 Corporate common stock 537,295 — — 537,295 Real estate — — 99,223 99,223 Interest in common/collective trusts: Equities 19,191 249,890 — 269,081 Fixed income 12,435 506,586 — 519,021 Partnership/joint venture interests — — 149,018 149,018 Hedge funds — — 123,126 123,126 Derivative contracts — — 5 5 Total assets at fair value excluding those measured at net asset value $ 596,805 $ 760,479 $ 371,372 $ 1,728,656 Instruments measured at net asset value using the practical expedient: Real estate funds 10,966 Interest in common/collective trusts: Equities 314,955 Fixed income 766,512 Partnership/joint venture interests 37,145 Other 1,202 Total assets at fair value $ 2,859,436 Liabilities: Derivative liabilities $ (634 ) $ (498 ) $ (2,008 ) $ (3,140 ) Total liabilities at fair value $ (634 ) $ (498 ) $ (2,008 ) $ (3,140 ) In thousands Fair value measurement as of December 30, 2018 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ 780 $ — $ 780 Interest in registered investment companies — Equities 18,746 — — 18,746 Fixed income 14,074 — — 14,074 Total assets at fair value excluding those measured at net asset value $ 32,820 $ 780 $ — $ 33,600 Instruments measured at net asset value using the practical expedient: Interest in registered investment companies Equities 15,104 Fixed income 4,357 Other 974 Total assets at fair value $ 54,035
Schedule of Changes in Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets and Liabilities, Categorized as Level 3	The following tables set forth a summary of changes in the fair value of our pension plan assets and liabilities that are categorized as Level 3: Level 3 Pension Plan Assets/Liabilities In thousands For the year ended December 31, 2019 Actual Return on Plan Assets Balance at Beginning of Year Level 3 Assets Acquired Relating to Assets Still Held at Report Date Relating to Assets Sold During the Period Purchases Sales Settlements Balance at End of Year Assets: Real estate $ — $ 109,047 $ (1,324 ) $ 2,911 $ — $ (11,411 ) $ — $ 99,223 Partnership/joint venture interests — 147,225 3,185 — 133 — (1,525 ) 149,018 Hedge funds — 121,588 1,538 — — — — 123,126 Derivative contracts — 4 1 — — — — 5 Total $ — $ 377,864 $ 3,400 $ 2,911 $ 133 $ (11,411 ) $ (1,525 ) $ 371,372 Liabilities: Derivative liabilities $ — $ 2,008 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 2,008

Segment reporting (Tables)

Segment reporting (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	The following table presents our segment information: in thousands Publishing Marketing Solutions Corporate and Other Intersegment Eliminations Consolidated 2019 Advertising and marketing services - external sales $ 819,046 $ 131,003 $ 2,595 $ — $ 952,644 Advertising and marketing services - intersegment sales 78,539 — — (78,539 ) — Circulation 704,811 — 31 — 704,842 Commercial printing and other 190,256 18,239 1,928 — 210,423 Total revenues $ 1,792,652 $ 149,242 $ 4,554 $ (78,539 ) $ 1,867,909 Adjusted EBITDA $ 268,916 $ (3,279 ) $ (41,766 ) $ — $ 223,871 2018 Advertising and marketing services - external sales $ 704,945 $ 80,086 $ 1,546 $ — $ 786,577 Advertising and marketing services - intersegment sales 68,089 — — (68,089 ) — Circulation 574,961 — 2 — 574,963 Commercial printing and other 147,129 15,785 1,570 — 164,484 Total revenues $ 1,495,124 $ 95,871 $ 3,118 $ (68,089 ) $ 1,526,024 Adjusted EBITDA $ 220,415 $ (6,404 ) $ (33,718 ) $ — $ 180,293 2017 Advertising and marketing services - external sales $ 666,907 $ 58,102 $ 995 $ — $ 726,004 Advertising and marketing services - intersegment sales 47,221 — — (47,221 ) — Circulation 474,320 — 4 — 474,324 Commercial printing and other 126,562 13,172 1,942 — 141,676 Total revenues $ 1,315,010 $ 71,274 $ 2,941 $ (47,221 ) $ 1,342,004 Adjusted EBITDA $ 216,482 $ (11,463 ) $ (39,728 ) $ — $ 165,291 The following table presents our reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to net income: 2019 2018 2017 in thousands Net income (loss) attributable to Gannett (GAAP basis) $ (119,842 ) $ 18,196 $ (915 ) Income tax expense (benefit) (85,994 ) 1,912 481 Interest expense 63,660 36,072 30,476 Loss on early extinguishment of debt 6,058 2,886 4,767 Other non-operating items, net (9,511 ) (1,554 ) (776 ) Depreciation and amortization 111,882 84,791 74,394 Integration and reorganization costs 47,401 15,011 8,903 Acquisition costs 60,618 2,651 1,975 Impairment of long-lived assets 3,009 1,538 7,142 Goodwill and mastheads impairment 100,743 — 27,448 Net (gain) loss on sale or disposal of assets 4,723 (3,971 ) (1,649 ) Non-cash compensation 11,324 3,156 3,135 Other items 29,800 19,605 9,910 Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP basis) $ 223,871 $ 180,293 $ 165,291

Quarterly statement of income (

Quarterly statement of income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information	Selected unaudited financial data for each quarter of the last two fiscal years is presented as follows: in thousands, except per share amounts Quarter Ended March 31 June 30 September 29 December 31 Year Ended December 31, 2019 Revenues $ 387,599 $ 404,387 $ 376,649 $ 699,274 Operating income (loss) (1,435 ) 12,173 (1,942 ) (155,773 ) Income (loss) before income taxes (11,309 ) 2,272 (11,742 ) (186,405 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Gannett * (9,106 ) 2,815 (18,463 ) (95,088 ) Earnings (loss) per share - Basic (0.15 ) 0.05 (0.31 ) (1.05 ) Earnings (loss) per share - Diluted (0.15 ) 0.05 (0.31 ) (1.05 ) * Net income (loss) figures per the table above were impacted by the following: • Net loss for the first quarter of 2019 includes integration and reorganization costs of $4.1 million , acquisition costs of $0.8 million , and impairment of long-lived assets of $1.2 million . • Net loss for the second quarter of 2019 includes integration and reorganization costs of $3.2 million , acquisition costs of $2.4 million , and impairment of long-lived assets of $1.3 million . • Net income for the third quarter of 2019 includes integration and reorganization costs of $2.2 million , and acquisition costs of $12.2 million . • Net loss for the fourth quarter of 2019 includes integration and reorganization costs of $37.9 million , acquisition costs of $45.3 million , goodwill and mastheads impairment of $100.7 million , and impairment of long-lived assets of $0.5 million . in thousands, except per share amounts Quarter Ended April 1 July 1 September 30 December 30 Year Ended December 30, 2018 Revenues $ 340,765 $ 388,801 $ 380,419 $ 416,039 Operating income (loss) 7,051 23,314 2,570 25,204 Income (loss) before income taxes (781 ) 14,652 (6,112 ) 12,260 Net income (loss) attributable to Gannett * (665 ) 11,706 (6,105 ) 13,260 Earnings (loss) per share - Basic (0.01 ) 0.20 (0.10 ) 0.22 Earnings (loss) per share - Diluted (0.01 ) 0.20 (0.10 ) 0.22 * Net income (loss) figures per the table above were impacted by the following: • Net loss for the first quarter of 2018 includes integration and reorganization costs of $2.4 million and acquisition costs of $0.6 million . • Net income for the second quarter of 2018 includes integration and reorganization costs of $1.7 million and acquisition costs of $0.7 million . • Net loss for the third quarter of 2018 includes integration and reorganization costs of $9.1 million , acquisition costs of $0.6 million , and impairment of long-lived assets of $1.1 million . • Net income for the fourth quarter of 2018 includes integration and reorganization costs of $1.8 million , acquisition costs of $0.8 million , and impairment of long-lived assets of $0.4 million .

Related party transactions (Tab

Related party transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Schedule of Related Party Transactions	The following table provides the management and incentive fees recognized and paid to the Manager for the years ended December 31, 2019 , December 30, 2018 , and December 31, 2017 : Year Ended In thousands December 31, 2019 December 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Management fee expense $ 10,992 $ 10,674 $ 10,622 Incentive fee expense 4,067 11,143 11,654 Management fees paid 11,078 9,619 11,349 Incentive fees paid 6,675 14,129 9,195 Reimbursement for expenses 2,905 2,501 1,567

Description of business, basi_4

Description of business, basis of presentation, and summary of significant accounting policies - Narrative (Detail) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)brandstate	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)brandsegmentstate	Dec. 30, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2019USD ($)
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of states in which entity operates | state	46								46
Number of operating segments | segment									2
Increase (decrease) in advertising, marketing and other revenue	$ (699,274)	$ (376,649)	$ (404,387)	$ (387,599)	$ (416,039)	$ (380,419)	$ (388,801)	$ (340,765)	$ (1,867,909)	$ (1,526,024)	$ (1,342,004)
Depreciation expense									67,200	50,800	50,400
Advertising expense									26,800	18,200	14,600
Net actuarial gain (loss)									7,400	(1,500)	(1,500)
Net actuarial loss, tax									5,100
Operating lease assets	309,112								309,112			$ 102,500
Operating lease liability	$ 337,700								$ 337,700			$ 109,200
Building and Building Improvements
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life									40 years
Machinery and Equipment
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life									30 years
Furniture, fixtures, and computer software
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life									10 years
Software | Minimum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life									3 years
Software | Maximum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life									5 years
UNITED KINGDOM
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of media brands (more than) | brand	140								140
UK And ReachLocal
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) in advertising, marketing and other revenue									$ (31,800)
Long-lived assets	$ 361,900								361,900
Advertising and marketing services
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) in advertising, marketing and other revenue									$ (952,644)	(786,577)	(726,004)
Advertising and marketing services | Restatement Adjustment
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) in advertising, marketing and other revenue										$ 58,200	$ 42,000

Description of business, basi_5

Description of business, basis of presentation, and summary of significant accounting policies - Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment	$ 1,093,098	$ 558,864
Accumulated depreciation	(277,291)	(219,256)
Net property, plant and equipment	815,807	339,608
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment	105,805	39,036
Buildings and improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment	416,537	204,753
Machinery and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment	474,418	274,748
Furniture, fixtures, and computer software
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment	82,651	35,679
Construction in progress
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment	$ 13,687	$ 4,648

Description of business, basi_6

Description of business, basis of presentation, and summary of significant accounting policies - Reconciliation of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 25, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 156,042	$ 48,651	$ 43,056
Restricted cash included in prepaid expenses and other current assets	10,800	4,119	3,106
Restricted cash included in other assets	21,822	0	0
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	$ 188,664	$ 52,770	$ 46,162	$ 175,652

Description of business, basi_7

Description of business, basis of presentation, and summary of significant accounting policies - Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Compensation	$ 131,006	$ 30,922
Taxes (primarily property and sales taxes)	18,073	4,466
Benefits	33,070	8,273
Interest	23,602	3,240
Other	100,882	62,696
Total accrued liabilities	$ 306,633	$ 109,597

Description of business, basi_8

Description of business, basis of presentation, and summary of significant accounting policies - Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Cash paid for taxes, net of refunds	$ 1,192	$ 1,272	$ 52
Cash paid for interest	40,208	31,178	33,626
Accrued capital expenditures	2,227	69	72
Common stock issued in exchange for Legacy Gannett shares	$ 391,809	$ 0	$ 0

Revenues - Narrative (Details)

Revenues - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) in revenues	$ (699,274)	$ (376,649)	$ (404,387)	$ (387,599)	$ (416,039)	$ (380,419)	$ (388,801)	$ (340,765)	$ (1,867,909)	$ (1,526,024)	$ (1,342,004)
Bad debt expense									9,700	7,700	5,600
Increase in deferred revenue									$ (8,326)	(7,642)	$ (4,607)
Minimum
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Subscription period									1 month
Customer Subscription | Minimum
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Contract term									3 months
Customer Subscription | Maximum
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Contract term									12 months
Revenue Benchmark | Geographic Concentration Risk | International
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Revenue, percentage									2.00%
Restatement Adjustment | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 | License Agreements
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) in revenues										$ 5,900
Legacy Gannett
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Increase in deferred revenue									$ 113,600

Revenues - Disaggregation of Re

Revenues - Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 699,274	$ 376,649	$ 404,387	$ 387,599	$ 416,039	$ 380,419	$ 388,801	$ 340,765	$ 1,867,909	$ 1,526,024	$ 1,342,004
Print advertising
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues									689,595	625,065	598,273
Digital advertising and marketing services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues									263,049	161,512	127,731
Total advertising and marketing services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues									952,644	786,577	726,004
Circulation
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues									704,842	574,963	474,324
Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues									$ 210,423	$ 164,484	$ 141,676

Revenues Revenues - Performance

Revenues Revenues - Performance Obligations (Details) - Customer Subscription - Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2020-01-01	Dec. 31, 2019
Minimum
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Expected timing of satisfaction	3 months
Maximum
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Expected timing of satisfaction	12 months

Revenues - Deferred Revenue (De

Revenues - Deferred Revenue (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Movement in Deferred Revenue [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 105,187
Acquired deferred revenue	137,710
Cash receipts	657,508
Revenue recognized	(681,582)
Ending balance	218,823
Advertising, Marketing Services, and Other
Movement in Deferred Revenue [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	22,542
Acquired deferred revenue	42,369
Cash receipts	128,504
Revenue recognized	(125,971)
Ending balance	67,444
Circulation
Movement in Deferred Revenue [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	82,645
Acquired deferred revenue	95,341
Cash receipts	529,004
Revenue recognized	(555,611)
Ending balance	$ 151,379

Leases Narrative (Details)

Leases Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating lease assets	$ 309,112	$ 102,500
Current operating lease liability	40,000
Long-term operating lease liabilities	$ 297,662
Minimum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Remaining lease term	1 year
Maximum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Remaining lease term	15 years

Leases Components Of Leases Exp

Leases Components Of Leases Expenses (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease cost	$ 38,985
Short-term lease cost, excluding expenses relating to leases with a lease term of one month or less	5,086
Net lease cost	44,071
Variable lease, cost	8,400
Sublease Income	$ 2,500

Leases Future Minimum Lease pay

Leases Future Minimum Lease payments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
2020	$ 76,339
2021	76,569
2022	69,230
2023	57,142
2024	50,564
Thereafter	233,615
Total future minimum lease payments	563,459
Less: Imputed interest	225,759
Total	337,700	$ 109,200
Lease not yet commenced	$ 8,400

Leases Other Information (Detai

Leases Other Information (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Supplemental information
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities	$ 35,837
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease obligations	$ 28,545
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years)	8 years 3 months 18 days
Weighted-average discount rate	12.40%

Acquisitions - Narrative (Detai

Acquisitions - Narrative (Detail) $ in Thousands	Nov. 19, 2019USD ($)brandorganizationstate	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)publicationagencybusinessnewspaperstate	Dec. 30, 2018USD ($)publicationfacilitynewspaper	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)shopperpublicationprovidernewspaper	Aug. 15, 2018
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of states in which entity operates | state		46
Acquisition costs		$ 60,618	$ 2,651	$ 1,975
Contingent consideration payable		1,100
Gannet Co., Inc
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of media organizations | organization	109
Number of states in which entity operates | state	46
Number of media brands | brand	140
Acquisition, transaction value	$ 1,300,000
Certain Publications and Businesses
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition, transaction value		$ 46,600	$ 205,800	$ 165,100
Number of daily newspapers | newspaper		11	8	22
Number of weekly publications | publication		11	16	34
Number of shoppers, a remnant advertising agency | agency		9
Number of events production businesses | business		5
Acquisition costs			$ 2,700	$ 2,000
Goodwill expected to be deductible			$ 72,000	$ 37,700
Number of business publications | publication			7	4
Number of shoppers, a print facility | facility			1
Number of shoppers | shopper				24
Number of customer relationship management providers | provider				2
August 15, 2018 Acquisition
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Interest acquired (as a percent)					80.00%
Ownership interest acquired, noncontrolling interest side		20.00%			20.00%
Publishing
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill expected to be deductible		$ 17,000

Acquisitions - Acquired Assets

Acquisitions - Acquired Assets and Liabilities Assumed (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Nov. 19, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 914,331		$ 310,737	$ 236,555
Gannet Co., Inc
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash and restricted cash acquired		$ 149,452
Current assets		383,965
Other current assets		97,459
Plant, property and equipment		536,511
Operating lease assets		200,550
Goodwill		644,766
Total assets acquired		2,615,333
Current liabilities		513,752
Noncurrent liabilities		787,019
Total liabilities assumed		1,300,771
Net assets		1,314,562
Certain Publications and Businesses
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash and restricted cash acquired	323		1,688
Current assets	9,320		29,169	20,870
Other current assets	950		447	108
Plant, property and equipment	20,492		18,340	49,883
Goodwill	20,850		72,879	37,652
Total assets acquired	60,687		239,954	186,292
Current liabilities	11,961		32,441	21,100
Noncurrent liabilities	463		92	139
Total liabilities assumed	12,424		32,533	21,239
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	1,651		1,636
Net assets	46,612		205,785	165,053
Developed technology | Gannet Co., Inc
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite lived intangible assets		47,770
Noncompete agreements | Certain Publications and Businesses
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite lived intangible assets	280		370	532
Advertiser relationships | Gannet Co., Inc
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite lived intangible assets		272,740
Advertiser relationships | Certain Publications and Businesses
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite lived intangible assets	2,357		51,395	34,077
Subscriber relationships | Gannet Co., Inc
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite lived intangible assets		104,490
Subscriber relationships | Certain Publications and Businesses
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite lived intangible assets	1,457		36,115	26,926
Customer relationships | Gannet Co., Inc
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite lived intangible assets		63,820
Customer relationships | Certain Publications and Businesses
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite lived intangible assets	1,323		14,063	5,638
Software | Certain Publications and Businesses
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite lived intangible assets	140
Trade names | Gannet Co., Inc
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Indefinite lived intangible assets		16,470
Trade names | Certain Publications and Businesses
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Indefinite lived intangible assets	299		1,810	704
Mastheads | Gannet Co., Inc
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Indefinite lived intangible assets		$ 97,340
Mastheads | Certain Publications and Businesses
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Indefinite lived intangible assets	$ 2,896		$ 13,678	$ 9,902

Acquisitions and dispositions -

Acquisitions and dispositions - Dispositions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May 11, 2018	Feb. 27, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Net gain (loss) on sale or disposal of assets			$ (4,723)	$ 3,971	$ 1,649
Certain Publications And Related Assets
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of property	$ 2,400
Land and Building
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of property		$ 9,300
Net gain (loss) on sale or disposal of assets		3,300
Mail Tribune
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of property		14,700
Net gain (loss) on sale or disposal of assets		$ 5,400

Acquisitions and dispositions_2

Acquisitions and dispositions - Pro Forma Information (Details) - Gannet Co., Inc - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 4,177,583	$ 4,440,491
Net loss	$ (292,395)	$ (169,617)
Earnings per share - diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (2.27)	$ (1.31)

Integration and reorganizatio_3

Integration and reorganization costs and long-lived asset impairments Integration and reorganization costs and long-lived asset impairments - Severance-related Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs	$ 37,900	$ 2,200	$ 3,200	$ 4,100	$ 1,800	$ 9,100	$ 1,700	$ 2,400	$ 47,401	$ 15,011	$ 8,903
Employee Severance
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs									40,552	11,940	7,660
Operating Segments | Publishing | Employee Severance
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs									19,556	11,678	6,703
Operating Segments | Marketing Solutions | Employee Severance
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs									1,916	0	512
Corporate and other | Employee Severance
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs									$ 19,080	$ 262	$ 445

Integration and reorganizatio_4

Integration and reorganization costs and long-lived asset impairments - Severance-related Liabilities Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring costs	$ 37,900	$ 2,200	$ 3,200	$ 4,100	$ 1,800	$ 9,100	$ 1,700	$ 2,400	$ 47,401	$ 15,011	$ 8,903
Employee Severance
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period				$ 2,554				$ 717	2,554	717
Acquired restructuring provision balances									692
Restructuring costs									40,552	11,940	7,660
Cash payments									(13,013)	(10,103)
Balance, end of period	$ 30,785				$ 2,554				$ 30,785	$ 2,554	$ 717

Integration and reorganizatio_5

Integration and reorganization costs and long-lived asset impairments Integration and reorganization costs and long-lived asset impairments - Facility Consolidation Charges (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Consolidation charges and other restructuring-related costs	$ 37,900	$ 2,200	$ 3,200	$ 4,100	$ 1,800	$ 9,100	$ 1,700	$ 2,400	$ 47,401	$ 15,011	$ 8,903
Facility Closing
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Consolidation charges and other restructuring-related costs									6,849	3,071	1,243
Operating Segments | Publishing | Facility Closing
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Consolidation charges and other restructuring-related costs									1,780	2,809	1,243
Operating Segments | Marketing Solutions | Facility Closing
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Consolidation charges and other restructuring-related costs									21	0	0
Corporate and other | Facility Closing
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Consolidation charges and other restructuring-related costs									$ 5,048	$ 262	$ 0

Integration and reorganizatio_6

Integration and reorganization costs and long-lived asset impairments Integration and reorganization costs and long-lived asset impairments - Impairment Charges (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended					12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Asset impairment charge	$ 500	$ 1,300	$ 1,200	$ 400	$ 1,100	$ 3,009	$ 1,538	$ 7,142
Operating Segments | Publishing
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Asset impairment charge						3,009	1,538	7,042
Corporate and other
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Asset impairment charge						$ 0	$ 0	$ 100

Integration and reorganizatio_7

Integration and reorganization costs and long-lived asset impairments - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Publishing
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Accelerated depreciation	$ 7.9	$ 3.6	$ 2.4

Goodwill and other intangible_3

Goodwill and other intangible assets - Schedule of Intangible Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 979,778	$ 471,741
Accumulated Amortization	(145,773)	(101,543)
Net Carrying Amount	834,005	370,198
Goodwill	914,331	310,737
Total	1,092,890	426,593
Mastheads
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Nonamortized intangible assets	178,559	115,856
Advertiser relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	534,161	260,142
Accumulated Amortization	(75,363)	(53,477)
Net Carrying Amount	458,798	206,665
Customer relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	109,674	44,630
Accumulated Amortization	(14,303)	(8,704)
Net Carrying Amount	95,371	35,926
Subscriber relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	259,391	153,923
Accumulated Amortization	(44,878)	(31,560)
Net Carrying Amount	214,513	122,363
Other intangible assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	76,552	13,046
Accumulated Amortization	(11,229)	(7,802)
Net Carrying Amount	$ 65,323	$ 5,244

Goodwill and other intangible_4

Goodwill and other intangible assets - Narrative (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2019
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average useful life	10 years 3 months 18 days
Amortization	$ 44,700	$ 34,000	$ 24,000
Excess of fair value of reporting unit over carrying value, percent (less than)				10.00%
Goodwill impairment	$ 62,280
Effective tax rate (as a percent)	41.50%	9.60%
Advertiser relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average useful life	11 years 1 month 6 days
Customer relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average useful life	9 years 9 months 18 days
Subscriber relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average useful life	10 years 6 months
Other intangible assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average useful life	4 years 7 months 6 days
Terminal rate of loss/revenue growth
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Reporting unit, measurement input				0.005
Newspaper Reporting Unit | Legacy Gannett
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment	$ 62,300
Impairment charges	$ 38,400
Effective tax rate (as a percent)	27.00%
Newspaper Reporting Unit | Terminal rate of loss/revenue growth | Legacy Gannett
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Reporting unit, measurement input	0.01
Newspaper Reporting Unit | EBITDA projections as a percent of revenue | Legacy Gannett
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Reporting unit, measurement input	0.17
Newspaper Reporting Unit | Discount rate | Legacy Gannett
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Reporting unit, measurement input	0.20
Newspaper Reporting Unit | Royalty rate | Legacy Gannett | Minimum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Reporting unit, measurement input	0.0125
Newspaper Reporting Unit | Royalty rate | Legacy Gannett | Maximum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Reporting unit, measurement input	0.0150
Legacy New Media Unit | Legacy Gannett
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Excess of fair value of reporting unit over carrying value, percent (less than)	10.00%
Effective tax rate (as a percent)	27.00%
Legacy New Media Unit | Terminal rate of loss/revenue growth | Legacy Gannett
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Reporting unit, measurement input	0.005
Legacy New Media Unit | EBITDA projections as a percent of revenue | Legacy Gannett
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Reporting unit, measurement input	0.22
Legacy New Media Unit | Discount rate | Legacy Gannett
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Reporting unit, measurement input	0.21
Marketing Solutions | Legacy Gannett
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Effective tax rate (as a percent)	27.00%
Marketing Solutions | Terminal rate of loss/revenue growth | Legacy Gannett
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Reporting unit, measurement input	0.03
Marketing Solutions | Terminal rate of loss/revenue growth | Legacy Gannett | Minimum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Reporting unit, measurement input	0.07
Marketing Solutions | Terminal rate of loss/revenue growth | Legacy Gannett | Maximum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Reporting unit, measurement input	0.10
Marketing Solutions | EBITDA projections as a percent of revenue | Legacy Gannett | Minimum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Reporting unit, measurement input	0.12
Marketing Solutions | EBITDA projections as a percent of revenue | Legacy Gannett | Maximum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Reporting unit, measurement input	0.13
Marketing Solutions | Discount rate | Legacy Gannett
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Reporting unit, measurement input	0.21

Goodwill and other intangible_5

Goodwill and other intangible assets - Future Annual Amortization Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2020	$ 110,136
2021	109,854
2022	108,179
2023	102,994
2024	101,026
Thereafter	301,816
Net Carrying Amount	$ 834,005	$ 370,198

Goodwill and other intangible_6

Goodwill and other intangible assets - Change in Goodwill (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 310,737	$ 236,555
Goodwill acquired in business combinations	665,616	73,726
Measurement period adjustments	(852)	456
Impairment loss	(62,280)
Goodwill related to divestitures	(42)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	1,152
Ending Balance	914,331	310,737
Goodwill accumulated impairment losses	87,921	25,641	$ 25,641
Publishing
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	280,295	208,828
Goodwill acquired in business combinations	498,061	71,011
Measurement period adjustments	(852)	456
Impairment loss	(62,280)
Goodwill related to divestitures	(42)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	1,152
Ending Balance	716,334	280,295
Marketing Solutions
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	30,442	27,727
Goodwill acquired in business combinations	167,555	2,715
Measurement period adjustments	0	0
Impairment loss	0
Goodwill related to divestitures	0
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	0
Ending Balance	$ 197,997	$ 30,442

Indebtedness Debt - Apollo Term

Indebtedness Debt - Apollo Term Loan (Details) $ in Thousands	Apr. 01, 2019	Nov. 30, 2019USD ($)DirectorsIndividuals	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	2.00%
Interest expense			$ 63,660	$ 36,072	$ 30,476
Apollo Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior-secured term loan		5 years
Aggregate principal amount		$ 1,800,000	$ 1,800,000
Interest rate		11.50%	13.20%
Origination fees		6.50%
Number of individuals | Individuals		2
Debt to EBITDA ratio, maximum		4
Debt to EBITDA ratio, final		3
Number of directors | Directors		2
Deferred financing costs		$ 4,900	$ 4,700
Original issue discount		$ 116,600
Debt fees expense			111,800
Interest expense			23,500
Amortization of deferred financing costs			$ 2,600

Indebtedness New Media Credit A

Indebtedness New Media Credit Agreement (Details) $ in Thousands	Apr. 01, 2019	Nov. 30, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Loss on extinguishment of debt			$ 6,058	$ 2,886	$ 4,767
Interest rate	2.00%
Halifax Media
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of debt						$ 8,000
New Media Credit Agreement | Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity			$ 40,000
Total leverage ratio, not to exceed			3.25
Loss on extinguishment of debt		$ 3,700

Debt - Convertible Debt (Detail

Debt - Convertible Debt (Details)	Apr. 09, 2018USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Apr. 30, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)trading_day	Dec. 30, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Net proceeds from debt		$ 110,700,000
Cash paid for interest			$ 40,208,000	$ 31,178,000	$ 33,626,000
Convertible Debt | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Convertible senior notes, interest rate (as a percent)	4.75%
Aggregate principal amount of debt	$ 175,000,000
Option to purchase additional principal amount of notes	26,300,000
Total aggregate principal amount	201,300,000		$ 3,300,000
Net proceeds from debt	$ 195,300,000
Stated conversion rate	0.0824572
Stated conversion price (in usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 12.13
Repurchase price			100.00%
Redemption value			$ 198,000,000
Effective interest rate on liability component of notes			6.05%
Interest expense			$ 1,300,000
Cash paid for interest			$ 1,100,000
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Ratio, In shares | shares	0.0005427000
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Ratio, Amount	$ 0.00625000
Scenario One | Convertible Debt | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Threshold trading days | trading_day			20
Threshold percentage of stock price trigger			130.00%
Scenario Two | Convertible Debt | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Threshold percentage of stock price trigger			98.00%
Consecutive trading day period			10 days

Retirement plans - Narrative (

Retirement plans - Narrative (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Nov. 19, 2019USD ($)plan	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)plan	Dec. 30, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Target Allocation	100.00%			100.00%
Number of multiemployer pension plans | plan				6
Fair Value of Plan Assets	$ 2,859,436			$ 2,859,436	$ 54,035
Number of multiemployer plan withdrawal liabilities assumed | plan				3
Other current and non-current liabilities, withdrawal liabilities for multi-employer pension plans	41,800	$ 40,800		$ 41,800
Penalties amortization period				20 years
Number of deferred compensation plans | plan				2
Retirement Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Employer contributions expected to be paid during the year ending December 31, 2020	61,200			$ 61,200
Accrued benefits payment				111,842	5,307
Benefit Obligation	2,973,182			2,973,182	74,190	$ 82,344
Fair Value of Plan Assets	2,856,296			2,856,296	54,035	61,539
George W. Prescott Pension Plan | Retirement Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Benefit Obligation	25,499			25,499
Fair Value of Plan Assets	20,079			20,079
Times Publishing Company Pension Plan | Retirement Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Benefit Obligation	49,830			49,830
Fair Value of Plan Assets	36,693			$ 36,693
New Media Plan
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Maximum annual contributions per employee, percent				100.00%
Compensation expense related to 401(k) contributions				$ 4,900	$ 4,000	$ 3,400
GRP
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Maximum annual contributions per employee, percent				75.00%
Amortization of unrecognized loss (gain)
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Amortization from other comprehensive gain				$ 12,100
Forecast | Amortization of unrecognized loss (gain)
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Amortization from other comprehensive gain			$ 107
Deferred Profit Sharing
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Vesting period in years				15 years
Vested Percent				100.00%
Executive Deferral Deferred Compensation Plan
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Vesting period in years				5 years
Vested Percent				100.00%
Legacy Gannett
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Number of defined benefit plans | plan		4
Benefit payment term		45 days
Accrued benefits payment	$ 87,800
First 4% of employee contributions | GRP
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Employer matching contribution, percent of match				100.00%
Contributions per employee subject to employer match (as a percent)				4.00%
Next 2% of employee contributions | GRP
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Employer matching contribution, percent of match				50.00%
Contributions per employee subject to employer match (as a percent)				2.00%

Retirement plans - Reconciliat

Retirement plans - Reconciliation of Benefit Obligations, Plan Assets and Funded Status (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$ 54,035
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	2,859,436	$ 54,035
Reconciliation of funded status:
Fair value of assets at end of period	54,035	54,035		$ 2,859,436	$ 54,035
Retirement Plans
Change in benefit obligations
Benefit obligations at beginning of year	74,190	82,344
Service cost	999	606	$ 630
Interest cost	12,408	2,775	3,143
Actuarial gain	3,701	(6,228)
Foreign currency translation	11,812	0
Benefits and expenses paid	(111,842)	(5,307)
Acquisitions	2,981,914	0
Benefit obligations at end of year	2,973,182	74,190	82,344
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	54,035	61,539
Actual return on plan assets	38,054	(3,648)
Employer contributions	91,466	1,451
Acquisitions	2,771,796	0
Gross benefits paid	(111,022)	(4,705)
Foreign currency translation	12,787	0
Expenses paid	(820)	(602)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	2,856,296	54,035	61,539
Reconciliation of funded status:
Benefit obligation at end of period	(2,973,182)	(74,190)	(82,344)	(2,973,182)	(74,190)
Fair value of assets at end of period	$ 2,856,296	$ 54,035	$ 61,539	2,856,296	54,035
Funded status				(116,886)	(20,155)
Unrecognized actuarial (gain) loss				(4,527)	7,986
Balance sheet presentation:
Other assets				58,818	0
Accrued expenses				6,771	0
Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations				168,933	20,155
Accumulated other comprehensive income				4,527	(7,986)
Net accrued benefit cost				$ (121,413)	$ (12,169)

Retirement plans - Retirement P

Retirement plans - Retirement Plans (Details) - Retirement Plans - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018
Accumulated Benefits Exceed Assets
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 2,039,075	$ 74,190
Fair value of plan assets	1,865,123	54,035
Assets Exceed Accumulated Benefits
Accumulated benefit obligation	932,357	0
Fair value of plan assets	991,173	0
Projected Benefit Obligations Exceed Assets
Projected benefit obligation	$ 2,040,825	$ 74,190

Retirement plans - Funded Stat

Retirement plans - Funded Status of Principal Retirement Plans (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	$ 2,859,436	$ 54,035
Retirement Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	2,856,296	54,035	$ 61,539
Benefit Obligation	2,973,182	74,190	$ 82,344
Funded Status	(116,886)	$ (20,155)
GRP | Retirement Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	1,705,225
Benefit Obligation	1,842,480
Funded Status	(137,255)
George W. Prescott Pension Plan | Retirement Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Funded Status	(5,420)
Times Publishing Company Pension Plan | Retirement Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Funded Status	(13,137)
SERP | Retirement Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	0
Benefit Obligation	7,360
Funded Status	(7,360)
U.K. Pension Plans | Retirement Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	991,175
Benefit Obligation	932,357
Funded Status	58,818
Newspaper Guild of Detroit Plan | Retirement Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	103,124
Benefit Obligation	113,189
Funded Status	(10,065)
JMG Plan | Retirement Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	0
Benefit Obligation	2,467
Funded Status	$ (2,467)

Retirement plans - Pension Cos

Retirement plans - Pension Costs (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss):
Net actuarial gain	$ (12,534)	$ 1,509	$ 1,530
Amortization of net actuarial gain	(86)	(89)	(46)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	(12,925)	1,420	1,484
Retirement Plans
Operating expenses:
Service cost	999	606	630
Non-operating expenses:
Interest cost on benefit obligation	12,408	2,775	3,143
Expected return on plan assets	(22,303)	(4,452)	(4,157)
Amortization of unrecognized loss (gain)	158	113	194
Other adjustment	305	0	0
Total non-operating expense	(9,432)	(1,564)	(820)
Net periodic expense	(8,433)	(958)	(190)
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss):
Net actuarial gain	(12,050)	1,872	1,618
Amortization of net actuarial gain	(158)	(113)	(194)
Other adjustment	(305)	0	0
Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	$ (12,513)	$ 1,759	$ 1,424

Retirement plans - Assumptions

Retirement plans - Assumptions Used to Determine Defined Benefit Plans Costs (Detail) - Retirement Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Weighted average discount rate	2.90%	4.10%
Rate of increase in future compensation levels	2.00%	0.00%
Weighted average expected return on assets	7.00%	7.50%

Retirement plans - Assumptio_2

Retirement plans - Assumptions Used to Determine Pension Year-End Benefit Obligations (Detail) - Retirement Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Weighted average discount rate	3.10%	3.50%	4.10%
Rate of increase in future compensation levels	2.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Weighted average expected return on assets	6.10%	7.50%	7.50%

Retirement plans - Asset Alloca

Retirement plans - Asset Allocation and Target Allocations by Asset Category (Details)	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Target Allocation	100.00%
Allocation of Plan Assets	100.00%	100.00%
Retirement Plans | Equity securities
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Target Allocation	35.00%
Allocation of Plan Assets	39.00%	63.00%
Retirement Plans | Debt securities
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Target Allocation	47.00%
Allocation of Plan Assets	46.00%	35.00%
Retirement Plans | Alternative investments
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Target Allocation	18.00%
Allocation of Plan Assets	15.00%	2.00%

Retirement plans - Estimated B

Retirement plans - Estimated Benefit Payments (Detail) - Retirement Plans $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
2020	$ 202,994
2021	193,282
2022	190,764
2023	188,713
2024	175,235
2025 - 2029	$ 826,289

Retirement plans - Multi-Emplo

Retirement plans - Multi-Employer Pension Plans (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Contributions	$ 313	$ 106	$ 130
CWA/ITU Negotiated Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Contributions	51	9	10
GCIU—Employer Retirement Benefit Plan
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Contributions	75	78	84
Newspaper Guild of Detroit Plan
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Contributions	31	19	36
IAM National Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Contributions	11	0	0
Teamsters Pension Trust Fund of Philadelphia and Vicinity
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Contributions	139	0	0
Central Pension Fund of the International Union of Operating Engineers and Participating Employers
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Contributions	$ 6	$ 0	$ 0

Postretirement benefits other_3

Postretirement benefits other than pensions - Reconciliation of Benefit Obligations and Funded Status (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$ 2,859,436	$ 54,035
Other Postretirement Benefits Plan
Change in benefit obligations
Benefit obligations at beginning of year	4,330	4,835
Service cost	17	7	$ 11
Interest cost	419	153	189
Actuarial gain	(484)	(363)
Benefits and expenses paid	(1,117)	(500)
Acquisitions	70,325	0
Participant contributions	200	221
Employer implicit subsidy fulfilled	(23)	(23)
Benefit obligations at end of year	73,667	4,330	4,835
Change in plan assets
Employer contributions	844	0
Participant contributions	164	0
Gross benefits paid	(1,008)	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
Reconciliation of funded status:
Benefit obligation at end of period	(73,667)	(4,835)	(4,835)	$ (73,667)	$ (4,330)
Funded status				(73,667)	(4,330)
Unrecognized actuarial gain				(1,518)	(1,105)
Balance sheet presentation:
Accrued expenses				6,694	355
Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations				66,973	3,975
Accumulated other comprehensive income				1,518	1,105
Net accrued benefit cost				75,185	5,435
Retirement Plans
Change in benefit obligations
Benefit obligations at beginning of year	74,190	82,344
Service cost	999	606	630
Interest cost	12,408	2,775	3,143
Actuarial gain	3,701	(6,228)
Benefits and expenses paid	(111,842)	(5,307)
Acquisitions	2,981,914	0
Benefit obligations at end of year	2,973,182	74,190	82,344
Change in plan assets
Employer contributions	91,466	1,451
Gross benefits paid	(111,022)	(4,705)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	2,856,296	54,035	61,539
Reconciliation of funded status:
Benefit obligation at end of period	$ (2,973,182)	$ (74,190)	$ (82,344)	(2,973,182)	(74,190)
Funded status				(116,886)	(20,155)
Unrecognized actuarial gain				(4,527)	7,986
Balance sheet presentation:
Accrued expenses				6,771	0
Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations				168,933	20,155
Accumulated other comprehensive income				4,527	(7,986)
Net accrued benefit cost				$ 121,413	$ 12,169

Postretirement benefits other_4

Postretirement benefits other than pensions - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss):
Net actuarial gain	$ (12,534)	$ 1,509	$ 1,530
Amortization of net actuarial gain	(86)	(89)	(46)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	(12,925)	1,420	1,484
Other Postretirement Benefits Plan
Operating expenses:
Service cost	17	7	11
Non-operating expenses:
Interest cost	419	153	189
Expected return on plan assets	0	0	0
Amortization of unrecognized gain	(72)	(24)	(148)
Total non-operating expense	347	129	41
Net periodic expense	364	136	52
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss):
Net actuarial gain	(484)	(363)	(88)
Amortization of net actuarial gain	72	24	148
Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	(412)	(339)	60
Retirement Plans
Operating expenses:
Service cost	999	606	630
Non-operating expenses:
Interest cost	12,408	2,775	3,143
Expected return on plan assets	(22,303)	(4,452)	(4,157)
Total non-operating expense	(9,432)	(1,564)	(820)
Net periodic expense	(8,433)	(958)	(190)
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss):
Net actuarial gain	(12,050)	1,872	1,618
Amortization of net actuarial gain	(158)	(113)	(194)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	$ (12,513)	$ 1,759	$ 1,424

Postretirement benefits other_5

Postretirement benefits other than pensions - Assumptions Used To Calculate Actuarial Valuation (Detail) - Other Postretirement Benefits Plan	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Weighted average discount rate	3.30%	4.00%
Rate of increase in future compensation levels	2.00%	0.00%
Current year medical trend	5.90%	6.20%
Ultimate year medical trend	4.50%	4.50%

Postretirement benefits other_6

Postretirement benefits other than pensions - Assumptions Used to Calculate Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Detail) - Other Postretirement Benefits Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Weighted average discount rate	3.30%	3.30%	3.90%
Rate of increase in future compensation levels	2.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Current year medical trend	6.10%	6.40%	6.70%
Ultimate year medical trend	4.50%	4.50%	4.50%

Postretirement benefits other_7

Postretirement benefits other than pensions - Schedule Of 1% Change in Health Care Cost Trend Rates (Details) - Other Postretirement Benefits Plan - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018
Effect of 1% increase in health care cost trend rates
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	$ 4,431	$ 4,617
Dollar change	$ 307	$ 287
Percent change	7.50%	6.60%
Effect of 1% decrease in health care cost trend rates
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	$ 3,858	$ 4,082
Dollar change	$ (265)	$ (248)
Percent change	(6.40%)	(5.70%)

Postretirement benefits other_8

Postretirement benefits other than pensions - Expected Benefit Payments and Subsidy Benefits (Detail) - Other Postretirement Benefits Plan $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2020	$ 6,695
2021	6,372
2022	6,071
2023	5,762
2024	5,475
2025 - 2029	23,181
Employer contributions expected to be paid during the year ending December 31, 2020	$ 6,700

Income taxes - Provision (Bene

Income taxes - Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes on Income from Continuing Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current
U.S. Federal	$ 113	$ 0	$ 0
State and local	1,725	1,679	1,003
Foreign	(68)
Total	1,770	1,679	1,003
Deferred
U.S. Federal	(85,144)	(2,690)	(617)
State and local	(2,833)	2,923	95
Foreign	213
Total	(87,764)	233	(522)
Total
U.S. Federal	(85,031)	(2,690)	(617)
State and local	(1,108)	4,602	1,098
Foreign	145
Total	$ (85,994)	$ 1,912	$ 481

Income taxes - Components of I

Income taxes - Components of Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Gannett Co., Inc. Before Income Taxes (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Domestic	$ (206,270)	$ 20,019	$ (434)
Foreign	(914)	0	0
Total	$ (207,184)	$ 20,019	$ (434)

Income taxes - Reconciliation o

Income taxes - Reconciliation of Effective Tax Rate (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
U.S. statutory tax rate	21.00%	21.00%	34.00%
Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from:
State/other income taxes, net of federal benefit	0.70%	21.10%	(266.00%)
Change in valuation allowance	22.60%	(13.40%)	(612.90%)
Non-deductible meals, entertainment, and other expenses	(0.80%)	5.00%	(232.60%)
Transaction costs	(2.00%)	0.00%	0.00%
Tax effects of 2017 legislation	0.00%	(24.10%)	966.50%
Effective tax rate	41.50%	9.60%

Income taxes - Deferred Tax Li

Income taxes - Deferred Tax Liabilities and Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018
Deferred tax liabilities:
Fixed assets	$ (30,246)	$ (16,642)
Right of use asset	(83,588)
Definite and indefinite lived intangible assets	(85,528)	(13,714)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(199,362)	(30,356)
Total deferred tax liabilities
Accrued compensation costs	32,719	2,185
Accrued expenses	16,717	5,697
Disallowed interest	11,247	0
Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations	56,611	3,122
Partnership investments including impairments	7,971	994
Loss carryforwards	189,912	71,431
Lease liabilities	85,177
Other	25,073	3,324
Total deferred tax assets	425,427	86,753
Less: Valuation allowance	(158,820)	(64,679)
Total net deferred tax assets	266,607	22,074
Noncurrent net deferred tax assets/(liabilities)	$ 67,245
Noncurrent net deferred tax assets/(liabilities)		$ (8,282)

Income taxes - Narrative (Deta

Income taxes - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 25, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Unrecognized tax benefits	$ 34,074	$ 1,190	$ 1,160	$ 1,176
Valuation allowance decrease	46,900
Loss carryforwards	435,000
Disallowed business interest expense carryforwards	52,000
State net operating loss carryforwards	989,600
Foreign net operating loss carryforwards	233,600
General business tax credit	6,500
Foreign tax credits	2,400
State credits	5,800
Capital loss carryforwards	31,000
Uncertain tax positions	32,400
Increased unrecognized tax benefits	31,100
Interest and penalties included in uncertain tax position accrual	$ 1,900	$ 300

Income taxes - Summary of Valu

Income taxes - Summary of Valuation Allowance (Details) - Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	$ 64,679
Additions / (Reductions) Charged to Expenses	(28,017)
Additions/(Reductions) for Acquisitions/Dispositions	121,572
Other Additions to / (Deductions from) Reserves	0
Foreign Currency Translation	586
Balance at End of Period	$ 158,820

Income taxes - Summary of Acti

Income taxes - Summary of Activity Related to Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Federal Tax Benefit of State Tax Deductions (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 1,190	$ 1,160	$ 1,176
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	658	0	0
Additions for tax positions of prior years	0	30	0
Reductions for tax positions or prior years	(352)	0	(16)
Increase due to current year business acquisitions	32,578	0	0
Balance at end of year	$ 34,074	$ 1,190	$ 1,160

Supplemental equity informati_3

Supplemental equity information - Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Basic and Diluted) (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Shareholders' Equity and Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Net income (loss)									$ (119,842)	$ 18,196	$ (915)
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)									67,671,398	58,013,617	53,010,421
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options and restricted stock grants (in shares)									0	384,530	0
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)									67,671,398	58,398,147	53,010,421
Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to Gannett (in dollars per share)	$ (1.05)	$ (0.31)	$ 0.05	$ (0.15)	$ 0.22	$ (0.10)	$ 0.20	$ (0.01)	$ (1.77)	$ 0.31	$ (0.02)
Diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to Gannett (in dollars per share)	$ (1.05)	$ (0.31)	$ 0.05	$ (0.15)	$ 0.22	$ (0.10)	$ 0.20	$ (0.01)	$ (1.77)	$ 0.31	$ (0.02)

Supplemental equity informati_4

Supplemental equity information - Computation of Diluted Income Per Share (Detail) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Stock warrants
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Computation of diluted income per share (in shares)	1,362,479	1,362,479	1,362,479
Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Computation of diluted income per share (in shares)	2,904,811	700,000	2,214,811
Restricted stock grants
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Computation of diluted income per share (in shares)	9,494,161	0	342,264

Supplemental equity informati_5

Supplemental equity information - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Nov. 19, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Nov. 30, 2019	May 17, 2017	Feb. 03, 2014
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Sale of common stock (in shares)		6,900,000
Estimated net proceeds		$ 110.7
Risk-free interest rate		2.80%
Dividend yield			8.00%
Expected volatility			28.10%
Expected term			10 years
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)			0
Share-based compensation cost			$ 11.3	$ 3.2	$ 3.1
Unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation			$ 4.2
Weighted average period			1 year 9 months 18 days
Dividends paid (in dollars per share)			$ 1.52	$ 1.49	$ 1.42
Restricted Stock Grants (RSGs)
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Number of shares of common stock received for each RSG granted (in shares)								15,000,000
Aggregate intrinsic value of unvested			$ 49
Share Repurchase Program
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Shares authorized for repurchase (in shares, up to)							100,000,000
2015 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Shares registered for issuance (in shares)						16,400,000
Officer
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Sale of common stock (in shares)		25,000
Stock options granted (in shares)		700,000
Sale of stock price per share (in dollars per share)		$ 16.45
Aggregate intrinsic value		$ 1.4
Non-Officer Directors | 2017 services
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Shares issued (in shares)				13,008
Settlement liabilities				$ 0.2
Manager
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Warrants strike price per share (in dollars per share)	$ 46.35
Warrants, percent of common stock outstanding	5.00%		1.00%
Manager | 2016 Options
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Stock options granted (in shares)				862,500
Option to purchase shares of common stock, price per share (in dollars per share)				$ 13.24
Manager | 2015 Options
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Stock options granted (in shares)				700,000
Option to purchase shares of common stock, price per share (in dollars per share)				$ 18.94
Manager | 2014 Options
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Stock options granted (in shares)				652,311
Option to purchase shares of common stock, price per share (in dollars per share)				$ 12.95
Legacy Gannett
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Concersion of common stock (in dollars per share)	$ 0.5427
Issuance of common stock (in shares)	62,400,000
Legacy Gannett | 2015 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Shares registered for issuance (in shares)						10,500,000
Legacy Gannett | Manager
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Stock options granted (in shares)	3,163,264
Stock price (in dollars per share)	$ 15.50
Risk-free interest rate	1.70%
Dividend yield	15.60%
Expected volatility	37.80%
Expected term	10 years
Fair value of options granted	$ 0.3
Previously Reported | Manager | 2016 Options
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Option to purchase shares of common stock, price per share (in dollars per share)				16
Previously Reported | Manager | 2015 Options
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Option to purchase shares of common stock, price per share (in dollars per share)				20.36
Previously Reported | Manager | 2014 Options
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Option to purchase shares of common stock, price per share (in dollars per share)				$ 14.37

Supplemental equity informati_6

Supplemental equity information - Summary of Stock-Option Awards (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Number of Options
Outstanding beginning (in shares)	2,904,811	2,214,811
Granted (in shares)	3,163,264	690,000
Outstanding ending (in shares)	6,068,075	2,904,811	2,214,811
Exercisable at December 31, 2019 (in shares)	2,780,253
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding beginning (in dollars per shares)	$ 3.59	$ 4.08
Granted (in dollars per shares)	0.11	2.04
Outstanding ending (in dollars per shares)	1.78	3.59	$ 4.08
Exercisable at December 31, 2019 (in dollars per share)	0
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Outstanding beginning (in dollars per shares)	15.31	16.90
Granted (in dollars per shares)	15.50	16.45
Outstanding ending (in dollars per shares)	14.70	$ 15.31	$ 16.90
Exercisable at December 31, 2019 (in dollars per shares)	$ 13.79
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)	8 years 2 months 12 days	7 years 3 months 18 days	7 years 8 months 12 days
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years), Exercisable	6 years 3 months 18 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value ($000)
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 0	$ 0	$ 2,245
Exercisable at December 31, 2019	$ 0

Supplemental equity informati_7

Supplemental equity information - Restricted Stock Grants (Details) - Restricted Stock Grants (RSGs) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Number of RSGs
Outstanding and Unvested at beginning of year (in shares)	384,471	342,264	335,593
Granted (in shares)	300,952	227,388	186,153
Vested (in shares)	(273,845)	(170,422)	(128,952)
Forfeited (in shares)	(94,489)	(14,759)	(50,530)
Outstanding and Unvested at end of year (in shares)	317,089	384,471	342,264
Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding and Unvested at beginning (in dollars per shares)	$ 16.11	$ 16.86	$ 18.18
Granted (in dollars per share)	13.62	16.43	15.85
Vested (in dollars per shares)	15.45	18.01	18.87
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	15.12	16.55	16.80
Outstanding and Unvested at end of year (in dollars per shares)	$ 14.61	$ 16.11	$ 16.86
Legacy Gannett
Number of RSGs
Outstanding and Unvested at beginning of year (in shares)	0
Granted (in shares)	10,465,778
Vested (in shares)	(3,080,766)
Forfeited (in shares)	(16,580)
Outstanding and Unvested at end of year (in shares)	7,368,432	0
Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding and Unvested at beginning (in dollars per shares)	$ 0
Granted (in dollars per share)	6.28
Vested (in dollars per shares)	6.28
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	6.28
Outstanding and Unvested at end of year (in dollars per shares)	$ 6.28	$ 0

Supplemental equity informati_8

Supplemental equity information - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 717,223	$ 674,393	$ 754,973
Ending Balance	981,356	717,223	674,393
Retirement Plans
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(6,881)	(5,461)	(3,977)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	7,731	(1,509)	(1,530)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	86	89	46
Net current period other comprehensive loss, net of taxes	7,817	(1,420)	(1,484)
Ending Balance	936	(6,881)	(5,461)
Foreign Currency Translation
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	7,266	0	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	0	0
Net current period other comprehensive loss, net of taxes	7,266	0	0
Ending Balance	7,266	0	0
Total
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(6,881)	(5,461)	(3,977)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	14,997	(1,509)	(1,530)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	86	89	46
Net current period other comprehensive loss, net of taxes	15,083	(1,420)	(1,484)
Ending Balance	$ 8,202	$ (6,881)	$ (5,461)

Commitments, contingencies an_2

Commitments, contingencies and other matters (Detail) $ in Millions	Aug. 05, 2019lawsuit	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of lawsuits | lawsuit	6
Rent expense		$ 44.2
Rent expense			$ 32.8	$ 27.2
Self insurance liabilities		65.4	$ 11.7
Printing Contracts and Others
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Purchase commitments under contract		$ 496.3

Fair value measurement - Narrat

Fair value measurement - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Hedge funds redemption period	60 days
Hedge funds redemption potential holdback percentage	5.00%
Level 3
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Unfunded commitments related to partnership/joint venture interests	$ 7
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Assets held for sale	$ 25.5	$ 1.9

Fair value measurement - Fair V

Fair value measurement - Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets by Level within Fair Value Hierarchy (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	$ 2,859,436	$ 54,035
Liabilities	(3,140)
Derivative liabilities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities	(3,140)
Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	596,805	32,820
Liabilities	(634)
Level 1 | Derivative liabilities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities	(634)
Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	760,479	780
Liabilities	(498)
Level 2 | Derivative liabilities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities	(498)
Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	371,372	0
Liabilities	(2,008)
Level 3 | Derivative liabilities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities	(2,008)	0
Total
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	1,728,656	33,600
Cash and cash equivalents | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	27,884	0
Cash and cash equivalents | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	4,003	780
Cash and cash equivalents | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents | Total
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	31,887	780
Corporate common stock | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	537,295
Corporate common stock | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	0
Corporate common stock | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	0
Corporate common stock | Total
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	537,295
Real estate | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	0
Real estate | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	0
Real estate | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	99,223	0
Real estate | Total
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	99,223
Real estate | Instruments measured at net asset value using the practical expedient:
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	10,966
Equities | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	19,191
Equities | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	249,890
Equities | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	0
Equities | Total
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	269,081
Equities | Instruments measured at net asset value using the practical expedient:
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	314,955
Instruments measured at net asset value using the practical expedient		15,104
Fixed income | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	12,435
Fixed income | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	506,586
Fixed income | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	0
Fixed income | Total
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	519,021
Fixed income | Instruments measured at net asset value using the practical expedient:
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	766,512
Instruments measured at net asset value using the practical expedient		4,357
Interest in registered investment companies, Equities | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets		18,746
Interest in registered investment companies, Equities | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets		0
Interest in registered investment companies, Equities | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets		0
Interest in registered investment companies, Equities | Total
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets		18,746
Interest in registered investment companies, Fixed Income | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets		14,074
Interest in registered investment companies, Fixed Income | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets		0
Interest in registered investment companies, Fixed Income | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets		0
Interest in registered investment companies, Fixed Income | Total
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets		14,074
Partnership/joint venture interests | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	0
Partnership/joint venture interests | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	0
Partnership/joint venture interests | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	149,018	0
Partnership/joint venture interests | Total
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	149,018
Partnership/joint venture interests | Instruments measured at net asset value using the practical expedient:
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	37,145
Hedge funds | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	0
Hedge funds | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	0
Hedge funds | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	123,126	0
Hedge funds | Total
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	123,126
Derivative contracts | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	0
Derivative contracts | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	0
Derivative contracts | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	5	0
Derivative contracts | Total
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	5
Other | Instruments measured at net asset value using the practical expedient:
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	$ 1,202
Instruments measured at net asset value using the practical expedient		$ 974

Fair value measurement - Summar

Fair value measurement - Summary of Changes in Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets and Liabilities Categorized as Level 3 (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Fair Value, Assets (Liabilities) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$ 54,035
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	2,859,436
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at End of Year	3,140
Derivative liabilities
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at End of Year	3,140
Level 3
Fair Value, Assets (Liabilities) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Actual Return on Plan Assets, Level 3 Assets Acquired	377,864
Actual Return on Plan Assets Relating to Assets Still Held at Report Date	3,400
Actual Return On Plan Assets Relating to Assets Sold During the Period	2,911
Purchases	133
Sales	(11,411)
Settlements	(1,525)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	371,372
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at End of Year	2,008
Level 3 | Derivative liabilities
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Year	0
Actual Return on Plan Assets, Level 3 Assets Acquired	2,008
Actual Return on Plan Assets, Relating to Assets Still Held at Report Date	0
Actual Return on Plan Assets, Relating to Assets Sold During the Period	0
Purchases	0
Sales	0
Settlements	0
Balance at End of Year	2,008
Real estate | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets (Liabilities) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Actual Return on Plan Assets, Level 3 Assets Acquired	109,047
Actual Return on Plan Assets Relating to Assets Still Held at Report Date	(1,324)
Actual Return On Plan Assets Relating to Assets Sold During the Period	2,911
Purchases	0
Sales	(11,411)
Settlements	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	99,223
Partnership/joint venture interests | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets (Liabilities) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Actual Return on Plan Assets, Level 3 Assets Acquired	147,225
Actual Return on Plan Assets Relating to Assets Still Held at Report Date	3,185
Actual Return On Plan Assets Relating to Assets Sold During the Period	0
Purchases	133
Sales	0
Settlements	(1,525)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	149,018
Hedge funds | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets (Liabilities) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Actual Return on Plan Assets, Level 3 Assets Acquired	121,588
Actual Return on Plan Assets Relating to Assets Still Held at Report Date	1,538
Actual Return On Plan Assets Relating to Assets Sold During the Period	0
Purchases	0
Sales	0
Settlements	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	123,126
Derivative contracts | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets (Liabilities) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Actual Return on Plan Assets, Level 3 Assets Acquired	4
Actual Return on Plan Assets Relating to Assets Still Held at Report Date	1
Actual Return On Plan Assets Relating to Assets Sold During the Period	0
Purchases	0
Sales	0
Settlements	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$ 5

Segment reporting (Details)

Segment reporting (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)segment	Dec. 30, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of operating segments | segment									2
Total revenues	$ 699,274	$ 376,649	$ 404,387	$ 387,599	$ 416,039	$ 380,419	$ 388,801	$ 340,765	$ 1,867,909	$ 1,526,024	$ 1,342,004
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP basis)									$ 223,871	180,293	165,291
Publishing
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of operating segments | segment									2
Operating Segments | Publishing
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues									$ 1,792,652	1,495,124	1,315,010
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP basis)									268,916	220,415	216,482
Operating Segments | Marketing Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues									149,242	95,871	71,274
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP basis)									(3,279)	(6,404)	(11,463)
Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues									4,554	3,118	2,941
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP basis)									(41,766)	(33,718)	(39,728)
Intersegment Eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues									(78,539)	(68,089)	(47,221)
Advertising and marketing services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues									952,644	786,577	726,004
Advertising and marketing services | Operating Segments | Publishing
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues									819,046	704,945	666,907
Advertising and marketing services | Operating Segments | Marketing Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues									131,003	80,086	58,102
Advertising and marketing services | Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues									2,595	1,546	995
Advertising and marketing services | Intersegment Eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues									(78,539)	(68,089)	(47,221)
Advertising and marketing services | Intersegment Eliminations | Publishing
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues									78,539	68,089	47,221
Advertising and marketing services | Intersegment Eliminations | Marketing Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues									0	0	0
Circulation
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues									704,842	574,963	474,324
Circulation | Operating Segments | Publishing
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues									704,811	574,961	474,320
Circulation | Operating Segments | Marketing Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues									0	0	0
Circulation | Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues									31	2	4
Commercial printing and other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues									210,423	164,484	141,676
Commercial printing and other | Operating Segments | Publishing
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues									190,256	147,129	126,562
Commercial printing and other | Operating Segments | Marketing Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues									18,239	15,785	13,172
Commercial printing and other | Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues									1,928	1,570	1,942
Commercial printing and other | Intersegment Eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues									$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Segment reporting - Reconciliat

Segment reporting - Reconciliation of EBITDA to Operating Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Net income (loss) attributable to Gannett (GAAP basis)									$ (119,842)	$ 18,196	$ (915)
Income tax expense (benefit)									(85,994)	1,912	481
Interest expense									63,660	36,072	30,476
Loss on early extinguishment of debt									6,058	2,886	4,767
Other non-operating items, net									(9,511)	(1,554)	(776)
Depreciation and amortization									111,882	84,791	74,394
Integration and reorganization costs	$ 37,900	$ 2,200	$ 3,200	$ 4,100	$ 1,800	$ 9,100	$ 1,700	$ 2,400	47,401	15,011	8,903
Acquisition costs									60,618	2,651	1,975
Impairment of long-lived assets	500		$ 1,300	$ 1,200	$ 400	$ 1,100			3,009	1,538	7,142
Goodwill and mastheads impairment	$ 100,700								100,743	0	27,448
Net (gain) loss on sale or disposal of assets									4,723	(3,971)	(1,649)
Non-cash compensation									11,324	3,156	3,135
Other items									29,800	19,605	9,910
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP basis)									$ 223,871	$ 180,293	$ 165,291

Quarterly statement of income_2

Quarterly statement of income (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 699,274	$ 376,649	$ 404,387	$ 387,599	$ 416,039	$ 380,419	$ 388,801	$ 340,765	$ 1,867,909	$ 1,526,024	$ 1,342,004
Operating income (loss)	(155,773)	(1,942)	12,173	(1,435)	25,204	2,570	23,314	7,051	(146,977)	58,139	33,836
Income (loss) before income taxes	(186,405)	(11,742)	2,272	(11,309)	12,260	(6,112)	14,652	(781)	(207,184)	20,019	(434)
Net income (loss) attributable to Gannett	$ (95,088)	$ (18,463)	$ 2,815	$ (9,106)	$ 13,260	$ (6,105)	$ 11,706	$ (665)	$ (121,190)	$ 18,107	$ (915)
Earnings (loss) per share-Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (1.05)	$ (0.31)	$ 0.05	$ (0.15)	$ 0.22	$ (0.10)	$ 0.20	$ (0.01)	$ (1.77)	$ 0.31	$ (0.02)
Earnings (loss) per share-Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (1.05)	$ (0.31)	$ 0.05	$ (0.15)	$ 0.22	$ (0.10)	$ 0.20	$ (0.01)	$ (1.77)	$ 0.31	$ (0.02)
Integration and reorganization costs	$ 37,900	$ 2,200	$ 3,200	$ 4,100	$ 1,800	$ 9,100	$ 1,700	$ 2,400	$ 47,401	$ 15,011	$ 8,903
Impairment of long-lived assets	500		1,300	1,200	400	1,100			3,009	1,538	7,142
Acquisition costs	45,300	$ 12,200	$ 2,400	$ 800	$ 800	$ 600	$ 700	$ 600
Goodwill and mastheads impairment	$ 100,700								$ 100,743	$ 0	$ 27,448

Related party transactions - Na

Related party transactions - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Nov. 19, 2019	Nov. 18, 2019	Nov. 26, 2013	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Due from (to) related party				$ 6.5	$ 10.7
New Media | FIG LLC
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Annual management fee			1.50%
Incentive fee percent	17.50%	25.00%
Reduction in number of options issuable	50.00%
Manager | New Media | FIG LLC
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Shares issued to management (in shares)	4,205,607
Manager | Option | New Media | FIG LLC
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Stock options granted (in shares)	3,163,264
Stock price (in dollars per share)	$ 15.50
Consecutive trading days with certain price triggering vesting	20 days
Price of stock triggering option vesting (in dollars per share)	$ 20
Fortress Investment Group LLC
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Affiliates ownership				4.00%
Outstanding warrants				40.00%
Number of stock options				6,068,075
Dividends				$ 1	$ 1	$ 1

Related party transactions Re_2

Related party transactions Related party transactions - Management and Incentive Fees (Details) - FIG LLC - New Media - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Reimbursement for expenses	$ 2,905	$ 2,501	$ 1,567
Management Fee
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party expense	10,992	10,674	10,622
Fees paid	11,078	9,619	11,349
Incentive Fee
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party expense	4,067	11,143	11,654
Fees paid	$ 6,675	$ 14,129	$ 9,195

Uncategorized Items - gci-20191

Label	Element	Value
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	$ 117,000
Retained Earnings [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	$ 117,000