Tribune Publishing (TPCO) 10-Q5 Aug 162016 Q2 Quarterly reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - shares	Jun. 26, 2016	Aug. 03, 2016
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	tronc, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1,593,195
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-25
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jun. 26, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		36,413,585

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS) (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 26, 2016	Jun. 28, 2015	Jun. 26, 2016	Jun. 28, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 404,501	$ 412,021	$ 802,720	$ 810,295
Operating expenses:
Compensation	150,493	156,384	312,593	305,615
Newsprint and ink	26,095	31,444	52,073	62,739
Outside services	122,964	123,549	250,673	245,795
Other operating expenses	76,317	75,878	148,530	147,775
Depreciation and amortization	14,300	13,149	28,424	25,858
Total operating expenses	390,169	400,404	792,293	787,782
Income from operations	14,332	11,617	10,427	22,513
Gain (loss) on equity investments, net	(168)	50	(297)	(7)
Interest expense, net	(6,699)	(6,331)	(13,443)	(12,198)
Reorganization items, net	(49)	(252)	(143)	(853)
Income (loss) before income taxes	7,416	5,084	(3,456)	9,455
Income tax expense (benefit)	3,360	1,686	(1,049)	3,542
Net income (loss)	$ 4,056	$ 3,398	$ (2,407)	$ 5,913
Net income (loss) per common share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.12	$ 0.13	$ (0.08)	$ 0.23
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.12	$ 0.13	$ (0.08)	$ 0.23
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	32,975	25,910	31,155	25,702
Diluted (in shares)	33,028	26,034	31,155	25,912
Dividends declared per common share: (in dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 0.175	$ 0	$ 0.35

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 26, 2016	Jun. 28, 2015	Jun. 26, 2016	Jun. 28, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 4,056	$ 3,398	$ (2,407)	$ 5,913
Unrecognized benefit plan gains (losses):
Amortization of actuarial losses (gains) to periodic pension cost during the period, net of taxes of $344, ($517), $255 and ($805), respectively	529	(794)	392	(1,234)
Foreign currency translation	1	(17)	1	(39)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	530	(811)	393	(1,273)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 4,586	$ 2,587	$ (2,014)	$ 4,640

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COM4

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 26, 2016	Jun. 28, 2015	Jun. 26, 2016	Jun. 28, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Amortization of actuarial losses (gains) to periodic pension cost during the period, net of taxes of $344, ($517), $255 and ($805), respectively	$ 344	$ (517)	$ 255	$ (805)

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Un

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 26, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Current assets
Cash	$ 169,695	$ 40,832
Accounts receivable (net of allowances of $17,196 and $17,590)	191,978	240,813
Inventories	15,582	13,688
Prepaid expenses and other	15,627	16,824
Total current assets	392,882	312,157
Property, plant and equipment
Machinery, equipment and furniture	240,976	240,393
Buildings and leasehold improvements	12,074	7,377
Property, plant and equipment, gross	253,050	247,770
Accumulated depreciation	(123,515)	(108,393)
Property, plant and equipment, net, excluding construction in progress	129,535	139,377
Advance payments on property, plant and equipment	4,542	5,162
Property, plant and equipment, net	134,077	144,539
Other assets
Goodwill	116,331	123,992
Intangible assets, net	138,176	133,862
Investments	3,946	3,677
Deferred income taxes	71,828	81,540
Restricted cash	17,007	17,003
Other long-term assets	15,825	16,196
Total other assets	363,113	376,270
Total assets	890,072	832,966
Current liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt	22,245	21,826
Accounts payable	69,742	80,881
Employee compensation and benefits	82,236	97,717
Deferred revenue	83,096	81,682
Other current liabilities	17,871	31,324
Total current liabilities	275,190	313,430
Non-current liabilities
Long-term debt	358,547	367,847
Deferred revenue	6,039	6,960
Pension and postretirement benefits payable	99,208	109,159
Other obligations	51,716	49,968
Total non-current liabilities	515,510	533,934
Stockholders’ equity (deficit)
Preferred stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 30,000 shares; no shares issued or outstanding at June 26, 2016 and December 27, 2015	0	0
Common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 300,000 shares, 36,535 shares issued and 36,414 shares outstanding at June 26, 2016; 26,357 shares issued and 26,236 shares outstanding at December 27, 2015	365	264
Additional paid-in capital	134,816	19,251
Accumulated deficit	(30,928)	(28,639)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(3,513)	(3,906)
Treasury stock, at cost - 121 shares at June 26, 2016 and December 27, 2015	(1,368)	(1,368)
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)	99,372	(14,398)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 890,072	$ 832,966

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (U6

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 26, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowances for doubtful accounts	$ 17,196	$ 17,590
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	30,000,000	30,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	300,000,000	300,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	36,535,000	26,357,000
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	36,414,000	26,236,000
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)	121,000	121,000

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUIT

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY (DEFICIT) (Unaudited) - 6 months ended Jun. 26, 2016 - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid in Capital	Accumulated Deficit	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Treasury Stock
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 27, 2015	$ (14,398)	$ 264	$ 19,251	$ (28,639)	$ (3,906)	$ (1,368)
Balance at beginning of period (n share) at Dec. 27, 2015		26,356,947
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Comprehensive income (loss)	(2,014)			(2,407)	393
Dividends declared to common stockholders	118			118
Issuance of stock from restricted stock unit conversions		$ 2	(2)
Issuance of stock from restricted stock unit conversions (in shares)		257,395
Issuance of common stock	113,320	$ 99	113,221
Issuance of common stock (in shares)		9,920,000
Excess tax expense from long-term incentive plan	(653)		(653)
Share-based compensation	3,819		3,819
Withholding for taxes on restricted stock unit conversions	(820)		(820)
Balance at end of period at Jun. 26, 2016	$ 99,372	$ 365	$ 134,816	$ (30,928)	$ (3,513)	$ (1,368)
Balance at end of the period (in shares) at Jun. 26, 2016		36,534,342

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 26, 2016	Jun. 28, 2015
Operating Activities
Net income (loss)	$ (2,407)	$ 5,913
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	28,424	25,858
Allowance for bad debt	6,154	3,784
Stock compensation expense	3,819	3,001
Withholding for taxes on RSU vesting	(820)	(1,821)
Gain on postretirement plan amendment	0	(7,799)
Other non-cash	1,507	(26)
Changes in working capital items, excluding acquisitions:
Accounts receivable, net	42,696	34,118
Prepaid expenses, inventories and other current assets	6,257	18,449
Accounts payable, employee compensation and benefits, deferred revenue and other current liabilities	(43,129)	(49,465)
Pension contribution	(6,900)	0
Non-current deferred revenue	(921)	(903)
Deferred income taxes	9,456	7,841
Postretirement medical, life and other benefits	(778)	(1,329)
Other, net	0	1,108
Net cash provided by operating activities	43,358	38,729
Investing Activities
Capital expenditures	(9,799)	(19,824)
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired	0	67,669
Other, net	(1,762)	(527)
Net cash used for investing activities	(11,561)	(88,020)
Financing Activities
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	113,320	0
Proceeds from issuance of debt	0	68,950
Payment of debt issuance costs	0	(1,991)
Repayment of long-term debt	(10,545)	(8,750)
Net proceeds from revolving debt	0	10,000
Repayment of revolving debt	0	(10,000)
Dividends paid to common stockholders	(4,868)	(4,842)
Repayments of capital lease obligations	(188)	0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	0	260
Excess tax benefits (expense) realized from exercise of stock-based awards	(653)	715
Net cash provided by financing activities	97,066	54,342
Net increase in cash	128,863	5,051
Cash, beginning of period	40,832	36,675
Cash, end of period	$ 169,695	$ 41,726

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BAS

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION	6 Months Ended
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION	Jun. 26, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION	DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION Description of Business —tronc, Inc., formerly Tribune Publishing Company, and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company” or “tronc”) comprise a diversified media and marketing-solutions company that delivers innovative experiences for audiences and advertisers across all platforms. The Company’s diverse portfolio of iconic news and information brands includes 11 award-winning major daily titles, more than 60 digital properties and more than 180 verticals in markets including Los Angeles; San Diego; Chicago; South Florida; Orlando; Baltimore; Carroll County and Annapolis, Md.; Hartford, Conn.; Allentown, Pa., and Newport News, Va. tronc also offers an array of customized marketing solutions, and operates a number of niche products, including Hoy and El Sentinel , making tronc the country’s largest Spanish-language publisher. Fiscal Periods —The Company’s fiscal year ends on the last Sunday in December. Fiscal year 2016 ends on December 25, 2016 and fiscal year 2015 ended on December 27, 2015; both fiscal years are 52-week years with 13 weeks in each quarter. Basis of Presentation —T he accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements and notes of the Company have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles ( “U.S. GAAP ”). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates. In the opinion of management, the financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position of tronc as of June 26, 2016 and December 27, 2015, the results of operations for the three and six months ended June 26, 2016 and June 28, 2015 and the cash flows for the six months ended June 26, 2016 and June 28, 2015 . This includes all normal and recurring adjustments and elimination of intercompany transactions. Results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current period classifications. The year-end Consolidated Balance Sheet was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP. The Company assesses its operating segments in accordance with ASC Topic 280, “Segment Reporting.” In the three months ended June 26, 2016, the Company realigned under its new management team into two distinct segments, troncM and troncX. troncM is comprised of the Company’s media groups excluding their digital revenues and related digital expenses, except digital subscription revenues when sold with a print subscription. troncX includes the Company’s digital revenues and related digital expenses from local websites and mobile applications, digital only subscriptions, as well as Tribune Content Agency (“TCA”) and Forsalebyowner.com (“FSBO”). The segregation of the digital business in troncX has triggered an evaluation of the Company’s operating and reportable segments. Prior to the second quarter of fiscal 2016, tronc was managed by its chief operating decision maker, as defined by ASC Topic 280, as one business and one reportable segment. Beginning with the second quarter of fiscal 2016, tronc began managing its business as two distinct segments and, accordingly, has revised its segment reporting to two reportable segments. The prior periods have been restated to reflect the change in reportable segments. See Note 17 for additional information on segment reporting. New Accounting Standards —In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-09, Topic 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation . This standard makes several modifications to Topic 718 related to the accounting for forfeitures, employer tax withholding on share-based compensation and the financial statement presentation of excess tax benefits or deficiencies. ASU 2016-09 also clarifies the statement of cash flows presentation for certain components of share-based awards. The standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, although early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing how the adoption of this standard will impact the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Topic 842, Leases . This standard will require the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities by lessees for operating leases. This ASU is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently in the process of assessing the impact of ASU 2016-02 on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, Topic 330, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory. This ASU requires an entity to measure inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value, which consists of the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable cost of completion, disposal, and transportation. This ASU is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The guidance is to be applied prospectively. The Company adopted the standard in the first quarter of 2016. The adoption of this standard had no effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-05, Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement , which provides guidance to customers about whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, the customer should account for the software license element of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If the arrangement does not include a software license, the customer should account for a cloud computing arrangement as a service contract. This ASU is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company adopted the standard as of the first quarter of 2016 and is applying the standard prospectively. The adoption of this standard had no effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , concerning revenue recognition. The new standard supersedes a majority of existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP, and requires a company to recognize revenue when it transfers goods or services to a customer in an amount that reflects the consideration to which a company expects to be entitled. Companies may need to use more judgment and make more estimates while recognizing revenue, which could result in additional disclosures to the financial statements. ASU 2014-09 allows for either a “full retrospective” adoption or a “modified retrospective” adoption. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14 to defer the effective date of ASU 2014-09 to reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and to permit companies to voluntarily adopt the new standard as of the original effective date. The Company expects to adopt this standard on January 1, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the revenue recognition impact this guidance will have once implemented and the implementation approach to be used.

PROCEEDINGS UNDER CHAPTER 11

PROCEEDINGS UNDER CHAPTER 11	6 Months Ended
PROCEEDINGS UNDER CHAPTER 11	Jun. 26, 2016
Reorganizations [Abstract]
PROCEEDINGS UNDER CHAPTER 11	PROCEEDINGS UNDER CHAPTER 11 Chapter 11 Reorganization —On December 8, 2008, Tribune Media Company, formerly Tribune Company (“TCO”) and 110 of its direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries (each a “Debtor” and, collectively, the “Debtors”), filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 (“Chapter 11”) of title 11 of the United States Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “Bankruptcy Court”). A joint plan of reorganization for the Debtors (the “Plan”) became effective and the Debtors emerged from Chapter 11 on December 31, 2012 (the “Effective Date”). Certain of the legal entities included in the Consolidated Financial Statements of tronc were Debtors or, as a result of the restructuring transactions undertaken pursuant to the Plan, are successor legal entities to legal entities that were Debtors (collectively, the “tronc Debtors”). On April 12, 2012, the Debtors, the official committee of unsecured creditors and creditors under certain TCO prepetition debt facilities filed the Plan with the Bankruptcy Court. On July 23, 2012, the Bankruptcy Court issued the Confirmation Order. Several notices of appeal of the Confirmation Order were filed. The appellants sought, among other relief, to overturn the Confirmation Order and certain prior orders of the Bankruptcy Court, including the settlement of certain claims and causes of action related to the Leveraged ESOP Transactions that was embodied in the Plan. There is currently no stay of the Confirmation Order in place pending resolution of the confirmation-related appeals. In January 2013, TCO filed a motion before the Delaware District Court to dismiss the appeals as equitably moot, based on the substantial consummation of the Plan. On June 18, 2014, the Delaware District Court entered an order granting in part and denying in part the motion to dismiss. On July 16, 2014, notices of appeal of the Delaware District Court’s order were filed with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit by Aurelius, Law Debenture, and Deutsche Bank. On August 19, 2015, the Third Circuit affirmed the Delaware District Court’s dismissal of Aurelius’s appeal of the Confirmation Order. The Third Circuit, however, reversed the Delaware District Court’s dismissal of Law Debenture’s and Deutsche Bank’s appeals of the Confirmation Order, and remanded those appeals for further proceedings on the merits. On September 11, 2015, the Third Circuit denied Aurelius’s petition for en banc review of the court’s decision and on January 11, 2016, Aurelius filed a petition for writ of certiorari to the U.S. Supreme Court. That petition was denied on March 31, 2016. Prior to December 27, 2015, the Chapter 11 estates of 96 of the Debtors were closed by a final decree issued by the Bankruptcy Court. On May 11, 2016, the Chapter 11 estates of 8 more of the Debtors were closed by a final decree issued by the Bankruptcy Court. The remainder of the Debtors’ Chapter 11 cases, including one of the tronc Debtors’ case, continue to be jointly administered under the caption “In re: Tribune Media Company, et al.,” Case No 08-13141. Reorganization Items, Net —Reorganization items, net, generally includes provisions and adjustments to reflect the carrying value of certain prepetition liabilities at their estimated allowable claim amounts and, pursuant to ASC Topic 852, “Reorganizations,” is reported separately in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). Reorganization items, net, may also include professional advisory fees and other costs directly associated with the Debtors’ Chapter 11 cases. Specifically identifiable reorganization provisions, adjustments and other costs directly related to the Company have been included in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) for the three and six months ended June 26, 2016 and June 28, 2015 and consisted of the following (in thousands): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 26, 2016 June 28, 2015 June 26, 2016 June 28, 2015 Reorganization costs, net: Contract rejections and claim settlements — (15 ) — (15 ) Other, net (49 ) (237 ) (143 ) (838 ) Total reorganization costs, net $ (49 ) $ (252 ) $ (143 ) $ (853 ) The Company expects to incur certain expenses pertaining to the Chapter 11 proceedings throughout 2016 and potentially in future periods. These expenses are expected to consist primarily of other costs related to the implementation of the Plan and the resolution of unresolved claims.

CHANGES IN OPERATIONS

CHANGES IN OPERATIONS	6 Months Ended
CHANGES IN OPERATIONS	Jun. 26, 2016
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
CHANGES IN OPERATIONS	CHANGES IN OPERATIONS Employee Reductions— In the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company offered an Employee Voluntary Separation Program ( “ EVSP ” ), which provided enhanced separation benefits to eligible non-union employees with more than one year of service. The Company is funding the EVSP ratably over the payout period through salary continuation instead of lump sum severance payments. The salary continuation started in the fourth quarter of 2015 and continues through the first half of 2018. For the three and six months ended June 26, 2016 , the Company recorded an additional charge of $1.5 million and $8.9 million , respectively, for related severance, benefits and taxes in connection with the EVSP. During the first quarter of 2016, the Company began the process to outsource its information technology function (“ITO”). The Company recorded a pretax charge of $1.6 million and $2.9 million for the three and six months ended June 26, 2016 , respectively, for severance, benefits and taxes in connection with the ITO, and expects a total estimated cost of $6.7 million . In addition to the ITO, the Company implemented additional reductions of 53 and 112 positions in the three and six months ended June 26, 2016 , respectively, and recorded a pretax charge related to these reductions and executive separations of $2.3 million and $8.9 million , respectively. The Company identified reductions in its staffing levels of 296 and 274 in the three and six months ended June 28, 2015 , respectively. Of these reductions, 186 are related to the San Diego acquisition described in Note 5 as the Company consolidated many of those positions into its current operating structure. The Company recorded pretax charges related to these reductions of $4.1 million and $3.4 million for the three and six months ended June 28, 2015 , respectively. A summary of the activity with respect to tronc’s severance accrual for the six months ended June 26, 2016 is as follows (in thousands): Balance at December 27, 2015 $ 43,737 Provision 20,716 Payments (32,296 ) Balance at June 26, 2016 $ 32,157 Charges for severance and related expenses are included in compensation expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss).

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	6 Months Ended
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	Jun. 26, 2016
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Aircraft Dry Sublease The Company’s subsidiary, Tribune Publishing Company, LLC (“TPC”), entered into an Aircraft Dry Sublease Agreement, which became effective as of February 4, 2016, with Merrick Ventures, LLC (“Merrick Ventures”). Michael W. Ferro, Jr., the non-executive Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors, is chairman and chief executive officer of Merrick Ventures. Under the agreement, TPC has subleased on a non-exclusive basis, a Bombardier aircraft leased by Merrick Ventures, at a cost, including TPC’s proportionate share of the insurance premiums and maintenance expenses, of $8,500 per flight hour flown. TPC also is responsible for charges attributable to the operation of the aircraft by TPC during the lease term. The initial term of the sublease is one year , which term automatically will be renewed on an annual basis. Either party may terminate the agreement upon 30 days written notice to the other. During the three and six months ended June 26, 2016 , the Company incurred $1.0 million and $1.3 million , respectively, related to the aircraft sublease. As of June 26, 2016 , $0.4 million of such costs has been reimbursed to Merrick Ventures and $0.1 million has been paid to an outside party. Aggrego Agreement On March 2, 2016, the Company entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Aggrego Services, LLC (“Aggrego”) to place widgets on our publication websites which link to related content on Aggrego’s websites, and to allocate a defined percentage of the revenue received from advertising relating to such content to the Company. The Company paid Aggrego $0.4 million at inception of the agreement. Wrapports, LLC owns over 50% of Aggrego. Mr. Ferro, through Merrick Ventures, was a significant interest holder and served as non-executive chairman of Wrapports, LLC. On March 10, 2016, Merrick Media, LLC and Merrick Ventures divested their ownership interests in Wrapports, LLC. As a result, the agreement with Aggrego is not considered a related party transaction after March 10, 2016. See Note 8 for more information related to this agreement.

ACQUISITIONS

ACQUISITIONS	6 Months Ended
ACQUISITIONS	Jun. 26, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
ACQUISITIONS	ACQUISITIONS The San Diego Union-Tribune On May 21, 2015 , the Company completed the acquisition of MLIM, LLC (“MLIM”), the indirect owner of The San Diego Union-Tribune (f/k/a the U-T San Diego ) and nine community weeklies and related digital properties in San Diego County, California, pursuant to the Membership Interest Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”), dated May 7, 2015, among the Company, MLIM Holdings, LLC, the Papa Doug Trust under the agreement dated January 11, 2010, Douglas F. Manchester and Douglas W. Manchester, and MLIM, as amended effective May 21, 2015. As of the closing of the transaction, the Company acquired 100% of the equity interests in MLIM. The results of operations of The San Diego Union-Tribune have been included in the consolidated financial statements since the closing date of the acquisition. The allocation of the purchase price is based upon fair values. The inputs for fair value are level 3. The determination of the fair value of the intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed has been completed and the final allocation of the purchase price is as follows (in thousands): Consideration Consideration for acquisition, less cash acquired and working capital adjustments $ 78,864 Less: Shares issued for acquisition (11,039 ) Cash consideration for acquisition $ 67,825 Allocated Fair Value of Acquired Assets and Assumed Liabilities Accounts receivable and other current assets $ 12,408 Property, plant and equipment 1,869 Intangible assets subject to amortization: Subscriber relationships (useful life of 3 to 9 years) 17,320 Advertiser relationships (useful life of 3 to 8 years) 15,571 Other customer relationships (useful life of 1 year) 432 Mastheads and intangible assets not subject to amortization 31,204 Deferred taxes 34,156 Other long-term assets 10,799 Accounts payable and other current liabilities (20,808 ) Pension and postemployment benefits liability (85,389 ) Other long-term liabilities (13,026 ) Total identifiable net assets (liabilities) 4,536 Goodwill 74,328 Total net assets acquired 78,864 In the three months ended June 26, 2016 , the Company completed the determination of the fair value of the intangible assets and liabilities. As a result, the fair value for the intangible assets for subscriber relationships was increased by $8.0 million from the original value of $9.3 million to $17.3 million . A corresponding decrease in goodwill was also recorded, adjusting goodwill from the original value of $82.3 million to $74.3 million . The cumulative impact of the change on amortization expense is not material. Other In June 2016, the Company purchased the Pacific Magazine for approximately $0.6 million , and has classified $0.3 million of this purchase as an intangible asset.

INVENTORIES

INVENTORIES	6 Months Ended
INVENTORIES	Jun. 26, 2016
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
INVENTORIES	INVENTORIES Inventories consisted of the following (in thousands): As of June 26, 2016 December 27, 2015 Newsprint $ 15,220 $ 13,301 Supplies and other 362 387 Total inventories $ 15,582 $ 13,688 Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value determined using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) basis for all inventories.

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE A

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	6 Months Ended
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	Jun. 26, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic No. 350, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other” (“ASC Topic 350”), the Company conducts an annual impairment review of its goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets. The impairment review compares reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible estimated fair values to book values and must be performed annually or more frequently if significant changes in circumstances (“triggering events”) indicate that an asset might be impaired. In the three months ended June 26, 2016, the Company realigned under its new management team into two distinct segments: troncM and troncX. See Note 17 for a description of the re-segmentation. As part of the re-segmentation, the Company determined that the nine media groups and the four digital businesses are the reporting units at which goodwill will be evaluated. The re-segmentation of the digital business in troncX is considered a triggering event and as part of the re-segmentation, in the second quarter of 2016, the Company performed an interim assessment of the carrying value of its individual ASC Topic 350 reporting units as of immediately before and immediately after the re-segmentation. T he calculated fair value was determined using an average of the discounted cash flow method and the market comparable method, applying equal weight to both. The calculated fair value uses level 3 inputs. Estimates of fair value are subjective in nature, involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and are made at a specific point in time. Thus, changes in key assumptions from period to period could significantly affect the estimates of fair value. Significant assumptions used in the fair value estimates include projected revenues and related growth rates over time (the perpetuity growth rates used ranged from (0.3)% to 2.5% ), forecasted revenue growth rates (forecasted revenue growth ranged from ( 4.4% ) to 3.3% ), projected operating cash flow margins, estimated tax rates, depreciation expense, capital expenditures, required working capital needs, and an appropriate risk-adjusted weighted-average cost of capital (the weighted average cost of capital used for troncM was 10.0% and for troncX was 12.0% ). Based on the assessments performed, the estimated fair value of all of the Company’s reporting units exceeded their carrying amounts by a significant amount. Goodwill and other intangible assets at June 26, 2016 and December 27, 2015 consisted of the following (in thousands): June 26, 2016 December 27, 2015 Gross Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Amount Gross Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Amount Intangible assets subject to amortization Subscribers (useful life of 2 to 10 years) $ 25,814 $ (5,312 ) $ 20,502 $ 17,819 $ (4,081 ) $ 13,738 Advertiser relationships (useful life of 2 to 13 years) 44,271 (9,885 ) 34,386 43,937 (7,863 ) 36,074 Affiliate agreements (useful life of 4 years) 11,929 (10,438 ) 1,491 12,361 (9,415 ) 2,946 Tradenames (useful life of 20 years) 15,100 (1,439 ) 13,661 15,100 (1,063 ) 14,037 Other (useful life of 1 to 20 years) 5,540 (1,708 ) 3,832 5,540 (1,477 ) 4,063 Total intangible assets subject to amortization $ 102,654 $ (28,782 ) $ 73,872 $ 94,757 $ (23,899 ) $ 70,858 Goodwill and other intangible assets not subject to amortization Goodwill 116,331 123,992 Newspaper mastheads and other intangible assets not subject to amortization 64,304 63,004 Total goodwill and other intangible assets $ 254,507 $ 257,854 The changes in the carrying amounts of intangible assets not subject to amortization during the six months ended June 26, 2016 were as follows (in thousands): Other intangible assets not subject to amortization Balance at December 27, 2015 $ 63,004 Purchases 1,300 Balance at June 26, 2016 $ 64,304 In February 2016, the Company purchased the domain name LA.com for $1.2 million and has classified this purchase as an indefinite-lived intangible asset.

INVESTMENTS

INVESTMENTS	6 Months Ended
INVESTMENTS	Jun. 26, 2016
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
INVESTMENTS	INVESTMENTS Investments consist of equity method investments in private companies totaling $3.9 million and $3.7 million at June 26, 2016 and December 27, 2015 , respectively: % Owned Company June 26, 2016 December 27, 2015 CIPS Marketing Group, Inc. 50 % 50 % Homefinder.com, LLC 33 % 33 % Nucleus Marketing Solutions, LLC 25 % — % Contend, LLC — % 20 % Jean Knows Cars, LLC 20 % 20 % Matter Ventures Fund II 15 % 15 % The Company utilizes the services of CIPS Marketing Group, Inc. for local marketing efforts such as distribution, door-to-door marketing and total market coverage. During the three and six month periods ended June 26, 2016 , the Company recorded $0.3 million and $0.5 million , respectively, in revenue and $2.8 million and $5.8 million , respectively, in other operating expenses related to such marketing services. During the three and six month periods ended June 28, 2015 , the Company recorded $0.2 million and $0.5 million , respectively, in revenue and $2.7 million and $5.4 million , respectively, in other operating expenses related to such marketing services. In February 2016, Homefinder.com LLC (“Homefinder”) sold substantially all of its operating assets and liabilities, excluding cash, to Placester, Inc. (“Placester”) for stock representing 0.75% of outstanding Placester stock. Homefinder is in the process of winding down its operations. Once complete, Homefinder will distribute the Placester stock and remaining cash to the owners of Homefinder in proportion to their ownership interests. In April 2016, tronc, along with other leading media companies McClatchy, Gannett and Hearst, formed Nucleus Marketing Solutions, LLC (“Nucleus”). This premier network will connect national advertisers to highly engaged audiences across existing and emerging digital platforms. Nucleus will work with its marketing partners to address their goals by offering integrated services across all platforms. The Company owns 25% of Nucleus and funded its initial investment of $1.8 million in the second quarter of 2016. The Company’s interest in Nucleus is recorded as an equity investment. In March 2016, Contend, LLC (“Contend”) exercised its option to repurchase its Class A units from the Company. The Company received $1.2 million for the units and recorded a gain of $0.4 million on the transaction. Also in March 2016, the Company determined the recorded value of Jean Knows Cars, LLC was impaired and recorded a $0.4 million allowance against the investment. As discussed in Note 4 , on March 2, 2016, the Company entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Aggrego (the “Aggrego Agreement”). In connection with the Aggrego Agreement, Aggrego granted the Company a warrant that gives the Company the right to purchase 1,039,474 Class Q Common Units of Aggrego for an exercise price of $1.00 per unit. The exercise period of the warrant is from July 31, 2016 to July 31, 2018 . In the event the Company had terminated the Aggrego Agreement without cause prior to July 31, 2016 , the warrant would have terminated.

DEBT

DEBT	6 Months Ended
DEBT	Jun. 26, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
DEBT	DEBT At June 26, 2016 , the Company had $390.2 million in variable-rate debt outstanding under the Term Loan Credit Agreement, as defined below. The weighted average interest rate for the variable-rate debt is 5.75% . At June 26, 2016 , the fair value of borrowings outstanding under the Term Loan Credit Agreement was estimated to be $382.4 million based on Level 2 inputs, because the fair value for these instruments is determined using observable inputs in non-active markets. Level 2 inputs include quoted market prices in markets that are not active; quoted prices of assets or liabilities with similar attributes in active markets; or valuation models whose inputs are observable or unobservable but corroborated by market data. Senior Term Facility On August 4, 2014, the Company entered into a credit agreement (as amended, amended and restated or supplemented, the “Term Loan Credit Agreement”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent (in such capacity, the “Term Collateral Agent”), and the lenders party thereto (the “Senior Term Facility”). The Senior Term Facility originally provided for secured loans (the “Term Loans”) in the aggregate principal amount of $350.0 million . The Senior Term Facility initially provided that it could be expanded by an amount up to (i) the greater of $100.0 million and an amount as will not cause the net senior secured leverage ratio after giving effect to such incurrence to exceed 2 :1 plus (ii) an amount equal to all voluntary prepayments of the term loans borrowed under the Senior Term Facility, subject to certain conditions. In 2015, $70 million of the expansion was drawn for the acquisition of The San Diego Union-Tribune. As of June 26, 2016 , total principal outstanding under the Term Loans was $390.2 million . The Term Loans bear interest at a variable interest rate based on either LIBOR or a base rate, in either case plus an applicable margin. The Term Loans amortize in equal quarterly installments equal to 1.25% of principal amounts borrowed against the Senior Term Facility with the balance payable on the maturity date, August 4, 2021. The Company is the borrower under the Senior Term Facility and each of the Company’s wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions (the “Subsidiary Guarantors”), guarantee the payment obligations under the Senior Term Facility. The Senior Term Facility contains a number of covenants that, among other things, limit the ability of the Company and its restricted subsidiaries to: incur more indebtedness; pay dividends; redeem stock or make other distributions in respect of equity; make investments; and certain other usual and customary covenants. As of June 26, 2016 , the unamortized balance of the original issue discount was $3.4 million and the unamortized balance of the debt issuance costs associated with the Term Loans was $8.3 million . As of June 26, 2016 , the Company was in compliance with the covenants of the Senior Term Facility. Senior ABL Facility On August 4, 2014, the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors entered into a credit agreement (the “ABL Credit Agreement”) with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, collateral agent (in such capacity, the “ABL Collateral Agent”), swing line lender and letter of credit issuer and the lenders party thereto (the “Senior ABL Facility”). The Senior ABL Facility will mature on August 4, 2019. The Senior ABL Facility provides for senior secured revolving loans and letters of credit of up to a maximum aggregate principal amount of $140.0 million . Up to $75.0 million of availability under the Senior ABL Facility is available for letters of credit and up to $15.0 million of availability under the Senior ABL Facility is available for swing line loans. The Senior ABL Facility also permits the Company to increase the commitments under the Senior ABL Facility by up to $75.0 million . The Senior ABL Facility bears interest at a variable interest rate based on either LIBOR or a base rate, in either case plus an applicable margin. tronc, Inc. and the Subsidiary Guarantors are the borrowers under the Senior ABL Facility. tronc, Inc. and the Subsidiary Guarantors guarantee the payment obligations under the Senior ABL Facility. The Senior ABL Facility contains a number of covenants that, among other things, limit the ability of tronc and its restricted subsidiaries to: incur more indebtedness; pay dividends; redeem stock or make other distributions in respect of equity; make investments; and certain other usual and customary covenants. Customary fees are payable in respect of the Senior ABL Facility, including commitment fees of 0.25% and letter of credit fees. As of June 26, 2016 , there were no borrowings under the Senior ABL Facility and $23.5 million of the Senior ABL Facility availability supported outstanding undrawn letters of credit in the same amount. Letter of Credit Agreement On August 4, 2014, the Company and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as letter of credit issuer (the “L/C Issuer”) entered into a letter of credit agreement (the “Letter of Credit Agreement”). The Letter of Credit Agreement provides for the issuance of standby letters of credit of up to a maximum aggregate principal face of $30.0 million . The Letter of Credit Agreement permits the Company, at the sole discretion of L/C Issuer, to request an increase of the amount available to be issued under the Letter of Credit Agreement up to an aggregate maximum face amount of $50.0 million . The Letter of Credit Agreement is scheduled to terminate on August 4, 2019. As of June 26, 2016 , the Company’s outstanding undrawn letter of credit was $17.0 million against the Letter of Credit Agreement. This letter of credit is collateralized with $17.0 million of cash held in a specified cash collateral account. The specified cash account is required to remain as long as the undrawn letter of credit remains outstanding and is recorded in restricted cash in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Capital Leases The Company has capital leases on technology licenses and trucks. The total balance outstanding as of June 26, 2016 for capital leases was $2.4 million , of which $1.2 million is in short-term debt.

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	6 Months Ended
INCOME TAXES	Jun. 26, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES For the three and six months ended June 26, 2016 , the Company recorded income tax expense of $3.4 million and an income tax benefit of $1.0 million , respectively. The effective tax rate on pretax income was 45.3% and 30.4% in the three and six months ended June 26, 2016 , respectively. For the three and six months ended June 26, 2016 , the rate differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to state income taxes, net of federal benefit and nondeductible expenses. For the three and six months ended June 28, 2015 , the Company recorded income tax expense of $1.7 million and $3.5 million , respectively. The effective tax rate on pretax income was 33.2% and 37.5% in the three and six months ended June 28, 2015 , respectively. During the three months ended June 28, 2015, the Company increased the estimated deferred tax rate on net deferred tax assets from 39.5% to 40.0% , which resulted in a decrease in the current period income tax expense of $0.5 million . For the three and six months ended June 28, 2015, the rate differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to state income taxes, net of federal benefit, nondeductible expenses and the domestic production activities deduction, as well as a change in the deferred tax rate that was applied to non-current deferred tax assets and liabilities.

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMEN

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS	6 Months Ended
PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS	Jun. 26, 2016
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS	PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS Multiemployer Pension Plans —The Company contributes to a number of multiemployer defined benefit pension plans under the terms of collective-bargaining agreements that cover its union-represented employees. Defined Benefit Plans —As part of the acquisition of The San Diego Union-Tribune in May 2015, the Company became the sponsor of a single-employer defined benefit plan, The San Diego Union-Tribune, LLC Retirement Plan (the “San Diego Pension Plan”). The San Diego Pension Plan provides benefits to certain current and former employees of The San Diego Union-Tribune. Future benefits under the San Diego Pension Plan have been frozen since January 1, 2009. The Company contributed $6.9 million to the San Diego Pension Plan in the first six months of 2016 and expects to contribute an additional $3.9 million to the San Diego Pension Plan during the remaining half of 2016. The components of net periodic benefit credit for the Company’s defined benefit plan were as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 26, 2016 June 26, 2016 Interest cost $ 1,875 $ 3,750 Expected return on assets (2,450 ) (4,900 ) Net periodic benefit credit $ (575 ) $ (1,150 ) Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions —The Company provides postretirement health care to retirees pursuant to a number of benefit plans. There is some variation in the provisions of these plans, including different provisions for lifetime maximums, prescription drug coverage and certain other benefits. In the first quarter of 2015, the Company notified plan members that the Company was no longer going to offer a life insurance benefit effective December 27, 2015. The impact of this plan modification was to reduce the postretirement medical, life and other benefits liability by $7.8 million and to recognize a gain of the same amount to compensation expense. The components of net periodic benefit credit for the Company’s postretirement health care and life insurance plans were as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 26, 2016 June 28, 2015 June 26, 2016 June 28, 2015 Service cost $ 10 $ 65 $ 19 $ 132 Interest cost 71 164 141 391 Amortization of prior service credits 922 (701 ) 744 (1,402 ) Amortization of (gain) loss (49 ) (609 ) (97 ) (636 ) 954 (1,081 ) 807 (1,515 ) Curtailment gain — — — (7,799 ) Net periodic benefit cost (credit) after curtailment gain $ 954 $ (1,081 ) $ 807 $ (9,314 )

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	6 Months Ended
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	Jun. 26, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION The tronc, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan, as amended (the “ Equity Plan”), provides for the granting of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units (“RSU”), performance share units, restricted and unrestricted stock awards, dividend equivalents and cash awards. Stock-based compensation expense under the Equity Plan totaled $2.2 million and $1.5 million during the three months ended June 26, 2016 and June 28, 2015 , respectively. S tock-based compensation expense under the Equity Plan totaled $3.8 million and $3.0 million during the six months ended June 26, 2016 and June 28, 2015 , respectively. In the six months ended June 26, 2016 , no options were granted and 147,872 RSUs were granted under the Equity Plan. The weighted average grant date fair value of the RSUs granted during 2016 was $11.42 . As of June 26, 2016 , the Company has $0.8 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested options, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.15 years . Additionally, as of June 26, 2016 , the Company has $8.2 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested RSUs, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.75 years .

EARNINGS PER SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	6 Months Ended
EARNINGS PER SHARE	Jun. 26, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
EARNINGS PER SHARE	EARNINGS PER SHARE Basic earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net income attributable to tronc common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Diluted earnings per common share is similarly calculated, except that the calculation includes the dilutive effect of the assumed issuance of common shares under equity-based compensation plans, except where the inclusion of such common shares would have an anti-dilutive impact. For the three and six months ended June 26, 2016 and June 28, 2015 , basic and diluted earnings per common share were as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 26, 2016 June 28, 2015 June 26, 2016 June 28, 2015 Income (Loss) - Numerator: Net income (loss) available to tronc stockholders plus assumed conversions $ 4,056 $ 3,398 $ (2,407 ) $ 5,913 Shares - Denominator: Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (basic) 32,975 25,910 31,155 25,702 Dilutive effect of employee stock options and RSUs 53 124 — 210 Adjusted weighted average shares outstanding (diluted) 33,028 26,034 31,155 25,912 Net income (loss) per common share: Basic $ 0.12 $ 0.13 $ (0.08 ) $ 0.23 Diluted $ 0.12 $ 0.13 $ (0.08 ) $ 0.23 Potential dilutive common shares were anti-dilutive as a result of the Company’s net loss for the six months ended June 26, 2016 . As a result, basic weighted average shares were used in the calculations of basic net earnings per share and diluted earnings per share for that period. The number of stock options that were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would result in an anti-dilutive effect on per share amounts was 817,481 and 898,396 for the three and six months ended June 26, 2016 , respectively. The number of RSUs that were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would result in an anti-dilutive effect on per share amounts was 404,618 and 601,935 for the three and six months ended June 26, 2016 , respectively.

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	6 Months Ended
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	Jun. 26, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Shareholder Rights Agreement On May 9, 2016, the Board of Directors of the Company adopted a limited duration Shareholder Rights Plan (“Rights Plan”). Under the terms of the Rights Plan, except in certain situations, the rights will be exercisable 10 days from the public announcement that a person or group has acquired 20% or more of the common stock of tronc, Inc. or has commenced a tender offer which would result in the ownership of 20% or more of tronc’s common stock. If the rights become exercisable and a person or group acquires 20% or more of tronc’s common stock, each holder of a right, other than the person triggering the rights, will be entitled to receive upon exercise of a right that number of shares of tronc’s common stock having a market value of two times the exercise price of the right. The Rights Plan will expire in one year. The Board of Directors declared a distribution of one preferred share purchase right (a “Right,” and collectively, the “Rights”) for each outstanding share of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company, to purchase from the Company one one-thousandth of a share of Series A Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company (the “Preferred Stock”) at a price of $75.00 per one one-thousandth of a share of Preferred Stock (the “Exercise Price”), subject to adjustment as provided in the Shareholder Rights Agreement (as described below). The distribution was made to stockholders of record at the close of business on May 19, 2016 (the “Record Date”). The description and terms of the Rights are set forth in a rights agreement, dated as of May 9, 2016, as the same may be amended from time to time (the “Shareholder Rights Agreement”), by and between the Company and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as rights agent (the “Rights Agent”). Private Placements Nant Capital, LLC On June 1, 2016, the Company completed a $70.5 million private placement, pursuant to which the Company sold to Nant Capital, LLC (“Nant Capital”) 4,700,000 unregistered shares of the Company’s common stock at a purchase price of $15.00 per share. The Company intends to use the $70.4 million net proceeds from the sale to further execute on its growth strategy, including acquisitions and digital initiatives. The shares of common stock acquired by Nant Capital (the “Nant Shares”) are subject to certain lockup provisions that, subject to the terms and conditions set out in the purchase agreement dated May 22, 2016, among the Company, Nant Capital and Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong (the “Nant Purchase Agreement”) prohibit certain transfers of the Nant Shares for the first three years following the date of issuance and, thereafter, any transfers of the Nant Shares that would result in a transfer of more than 25% of the Nant Shares in any 12-month period. The purchase agreement also includes covenants prohibiting the transfer of shares of the Company’s common stock if the transfer would result in a person beneficially owning more than 4.9% of the Company’s then-outstanding shares of common stock following the transfer, as well as transfers to a material competitor of the Company in any of the Company’s then-existing primary geographical markets. Nant Capital and Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, and their respective affiliates, are also prohibited from acquiring additional equity of the Company if the acquisition could result in their beneficial ownership of more than 25% of the Company’s then-outstanding shares of common stock. In connection with the private placement, Dr. Soon-Shiong was elected to fill a newly-created position on the Company’s Board of Directors and was named non-executive Vice Chairman of the Board as of the date of the Company’s 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders on June 2, 2016. The Company granted Dr. Soon-Shiong the right to designate a replacement individual for election as a director at each annual and special meeting of the Company’s stockholders at which directors are to be elected as part of the slate of nominees recommended by the Board, subject to the reasonable prior approval of the Board’s Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, in the event that Dr. Soon-Shiong is unable to continue to serve as a director. Nant Capital’s right to appoint a replacement director representative will expire upon the occurrence of either (a) the termination of the voting covenants described in the purchase agreement or (b) at such time as Nant Capital, Dr. Soon-Shiong and their respective affiliates no longer beneficially own at least 75% of the shares originally acquired through the Nant Purchase Agreement. Additionally, in connection with the private placement, the Company entered into a registration rights agreement (the “Nant Rights Agreement”) with Nant Capital. Pursuant to the Nant Rights Agreement, Nant Capital will be entitled to certain registration rights under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), with respect to the Nant Shares. The Nant Rights Agreement provides that the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause a registration statement with respect to the Nant Shares to be declared effective no later than the earlier to occur (a) three years after the consummation of the private placement transaction contemplated by the Nant Purchase Agreement and (b) 60 days after the termination of the voting covenants of the Nant Purchase Agreement as described above. The Company will pay all of its own costs and expenses, including all fees and expenses of counsel for the Company, relating to the Nant Rights Agreement. California Capital Equity, LLC (“CalCap”) directly owns all of the equity interests of Nant Capital and CalCap may be deemed to have beneficial ownership of the shares held by Nant Capital. Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong directly owns all of the equity interests of CalCap and may be deemed to beneficially own, and share voting power and investment power with Nant Capital over all shares of tronc common stock beneficially owned by Nant Capital. Dr. Soon-Shiong directly owns 410,557 shares of tronc common stock and beneficially owns 14.03% of tronc common stock as of June 26, 2016. Merrick Media, LLC On February 3, 2016, the Company completed a $44.4 million private placement, pursuant to which the Company sold to Merrick Media, LLC (“Merrick Media”) 5,220,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at a purchase price of $8.50 per share. The Company intends to use the $42.9 million net proceeds from the sale to execute further on its growth strategy, including acquisitions and digital initiatives. The shares of common stock acquired by Merrick Media (the “Merrick Shares”) are subject to certain lockup provisions that, subject to the terms and conditions set out in the purchase agreement dated February 3, 2016 among the Company, Merrick Media and Mr. Ferro (the “Merrick Purchase Agreement”), prohibit certain transfers of the Shares for the first three years following the date of issuance and, thereafter, any transfers of the Merrick Shares that would result in a transfer of more than 25% of the Merrick Shares purchased under the Merrick Purchase Agreement in any 12-month period. The Merrick Purchase Agreement also includes covenants prohibiting the transfer of the Merrick Shares if the transfer would result in a person beneficially owning more than 4.9% of the Company’s then-outstanding shares of common stock following the transfer, as well as transfers to a material competitor of the Company in any of the then-existing primary geographical markets. Merrick Media and Mr. Ferro and their respective affiliates, are also prohibited from acquiring additional equity if the acquisition could result in their beneficial ownership of more than 25% of the Company’s then-outstanding shares of common stock. In connection with the private placement, Mr. Ferro was elected to fill a newly-created position on the Company’s Board of Directors and was named non-executive Chairman of the Board. The Company granted Merrick Media the right to designate a replacement individual for election as a director at each annual and special meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected as part of the slate of nominees recommended by the Board of Directors, subject to the reasonable prior approval of the Board’s Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, in the event that Mr. Ferro is unable to continue to serve as a director. Merrick Media’s right to appoint a replacement director representative will expire either (a) on the date that Mr. Ferro or his replacement is not nominated for reelection as a director, is removed as a director, or is not reelected as a director if the Company has not recommended his or his replacement’s reelection or (b) at such time as Merrick Media, Mr. Ferro and their respective affiliates no longer beneficially own at least 75% of the shares originally acquired pursuant to the Merrick Purchase Agreement. Additionally, in connection with the private placement, the Company entered into a registration rights agreement (the “Merrick Rights Agreement”) with Merrick Media. Pursuant to the Merrick Rights Agreement, Merrick Media will be entitled to certain registration rights under the Securities Act, with respect to the Merrick Shares. The Merrick Rights Agreement provides that the Company will use its reasonable best efforts to cause a registration statement with respect to the Merrick Shares to be declared effective no later than the earlier of (a) three years after the consummation of the private placement transaction contemplated by the Merrick Purchase Agreement and (b) 60 days after the termination of the voting covenants of the Merrick Purchase Agreement as described above. The Company will pay all of its own costs and expenses, including all fees and expenses of counsel for the Company, relating to the Merrick Rights Agreement. Mr. Ferro is the manager of Merrick Venture Management, LLC, which is the sole manager of Merrick Media. Because Merrick Venture Management, LLC serves as the sole manager of Merrick Media, Mr. Ferro may be deemed to indirectly control all of the shares of the Company’s common stock owned by Merrick Media. Dividends On February 11, 2016, the Company paid a dividend of $0.175 per share on common stock outstanding, to stockholders of record on January 11, 2016. In February 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors suspended the payment of cash dividends on the Company’s outstanding common stock. Any future determination to declare and pay dividends will be made at the discretion of the Board of Directors, after taking into account the Company’s financial results, capital requirements and other factors it may deem relevant. Name Change and Stock Exchange Listing The Company transferred its stock exchange listing from the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) to The Nasdaq Global Select Market (“Nasdaq”) and changed its corporate name to tronc, Inc. The Common Shares of the Company ceased trading on the NYSE on June 17, 2016 at the end of the day and began trading the morning of June 20, 2016 on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “TRNC.”

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	6 Months Ended
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	Jun. 26, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME The following table sets forth the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax where applicable (in thousands): June 26, 2016 December 27, 2015 Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax: Pension and other postretirement costs $ (3,479 ) $ (3,871 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments (34 ) (35 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (3,513 ) $ (3,906 ) The following table presents the amounts and line items in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) where adjustments reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were recorded during the three and six months ended June 26, 2016 and June 28, 2015 (in thousands): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Components June 26, 2016 June 28, 2015 June 26, 2016 June 28, 2015 Affected Line Items in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) Pension and postretirement benefit adjustments: Prior service cost recognized $ 922 $ (702 ) $ 744 $ (1,403 ) Compensation Amortization of actuarial gains (49 ) (609 ) (97 ) (636 ) Compensation Total before taxes 873 (1,311 ) 647 (2,039 ) Tax effect 344 (517 ) 255 (805 ) Income tax expense (benefit) Total reclassifications for the period $ 529 $ (794 ) $ 392 $ (1,234 )

CONTINGENCIES

CONTINGENCIES	6 Months Ended
CONTINGENCIES	Jun. 26, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
CONTINGENCIES	CONTINGENCIES Legal Proceedings The Company is subject to various legal proceedings and claims that have arisen in the ordinary course of business. The legal entities comprising our operations are defendants from time to time in actions for matters arising out of their business operations. In addition, the legal entities comprising our operations are involved from time to time as parties in various regulatory, environmental and other proceedings with governmental authorities and administrative agencies. Stockholder Derivative Lawsuits On June 1, 2016, Capital Structures Realty Advisors LLC, which purports to be a stockholder in the Company, filed a derivative lawsuit in the Delaware Court of Chancery against the members of the Company’s Board of Directors as of June 1, 2016, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong and Nant Capital, LLC (“Nant Capital”). The complaint has named the Company as a nominal defendant. The complaint alleges in relevant part that the Board breached its fiduciary duties by “refusing to negotiate with Gannett in good faith” and by “going forward with the stock sale” to Dr. Soon-Shiong and Nant Capital. The complaint further alleges that Nant Capital and Dr. Soon-Shiong aided and abetted the Board’s breaches of fiduciary duty. On June 6, 2016, a second derivative complaint was filed in the Delaware Court of Chancery by Monroe County Employees Retirement System, which purports to be a stockholder in the Company. On June 15, 2016, a third, mirror image, derivative complaint was filed in the Delaware Court of Chancery on behalf of an individual named John Solak, who purports to be a stockholder in the Company. All three cases were consolidated on June 17, 2016, under the caption In re Tribune Publishing Co. Stockholder Litigation, Consolidated C.A. No. 12401-VCS. On June 20, 2016, a fourth, mirror image derivative complaint was filed in the Delaware Court of Chancery on behalf of an individual named B.W. Tomasino, who purports to be a stockholder in the Company. That case was consolidated with the other three derivative cases on July 7, 2016. The plaintiffs seek equitable and injunctive relief, including, without limitation, rescission of the stock sale to Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong and Nant Capital, implementation of a special committee to consider Gannett and any other offer for the Company, money damages, and costs and disbursements, and such other relief deemed just and proper. The consolidated case is pending before Vice Chancellor Slights. Pursuant to a scheduling stipulation between the parties, which has been approved by the court, plaintiffs will have until September 6, 2016 to file a consolidated complaint. The defendants will have 30 days from the date of the consolidated complaint to move, answer or otherwise respond to the complaint. The defendants deny any and all allegations of wrongdoing and intend to defend vigorously against the lawsuits. Due to the inherent uncertainty in litigation, however, the Company can provide no assurance as to the outcome of the matter or reasonably estimate a range of possible loss at this time. Additionally, the Company maintains liability insurance for its directors and officers, which we expect to provide coverage for this litigation; however, there can be no guarantees as to coverage or whether any such policies will be adequate to cover all costs associated with this litigation.

SEGMENT INFORMATION

SEGMENT INFORMATION	6 Months Ended
SEGMENT INFORMATION	Jun. 26, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
SEGMENT INFORMATION	SEGMENT INFORMATION The Company’s business segments are based on the organization structure used by management for making operating and investment decisions and for assessing performance. Beginning in the second quarter of fiscal 2016, the operating segments consist of troncM and troncX. troncM is comprised of the Company’s media groups excluding their digital revenues and related digital expenses, except digital subscription revenues when sold with a print subscription. troncX includes the Company’s digital revenues and related digital expenses from local websites and mobile applications, digital only subscriptions, as well as Tribune Content Agency (“TCA”) and Forsalebyowner.com (“FSBO”). Assets are not presented to or used by management at a segment level for making operating and investment decisions and therefore are not reported. The prior periods have been restated to reflect the change in reportable segments. The Company measures segment profit using income from operations, which is defined as income from operations before net interest expense, gain on investment transactions, reorganization items and income taxes. Operating revenues and income (loss) from operations by operating segment were as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 26, 2016 June 28, 2015 June 26, 2016 June 28, 2015 Operating revenues: troncM $ 344,370 $ 354,796 $ 687,432 $ 699,090 troncX $ 61,531 $ 59,164 $ 118,791 $ 115,368 Corporate and eliminations $ (1,400 ) $ (1,939 ) $ (3,503 ) $ (4,163 ) $ 404,501 $ 412,021 $ 802,720 $ 810,295 Income (loss) from operations: troncM $ 28,003 $ 20,345 $ 48,181 $ 38,256 troncX $ 6,225 $ 10,123 $ 11,872 $ 18,251 Corporate and eliminations (19,896 ) (18,851 ) (49,626 ) (33,994 ) Income from operations $ 14,332 $ 11,617 $ 10,427 $ 22,513 Gain (loss) on equity investments, net (168 ) 50 (297 ) (7 ) Interest expense, net (6,699 ) (6,331 ) (13,443 ) (12,198 ) Reorganization items, net (49 ) (252 ) (143 ) (853 ) Income (loss) before income taxes $ 7,416 $ 5,084 $ (3,456 ) $ 9,455 The above operating revenues and operating results are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full fiscal year.

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMAT

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION	6 Months Ended
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION	Jun. 26, 2016
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION	SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION Supplemental cash flow information for each of the periods presented is as follows (in thousands): Six months ended June 26, June 28, Cash paid during the period for: Interest $ 11,879 $ 10,454 Income taxes, net of refunds (260 ) 13,529 Non-cash items in investing activities: Additions to property plant and equipment under capital leases (728 ) — Non-cash items in financing activities: Shares issued for acquisitions — 11,039 New capital leases 728 —

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND B27

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 26, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Fiscal Periods	Fiscal Periods —The Company’s fiscal year ends on the last Sunday in December. Fiscal year 2016 ends on December 25, 2016 and fiscal year 2015 ended on December 27, 2015; both fiscal years are 52-week years with 13 weeks in each quarter.
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation —T he accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements and notes of the Company have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles ( “U.S. GAAP ”). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates. In the opinion of management, the financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position of tronc as of June 26, 2016 and December 27, 2015, the results of operations for the three and six months ended June 26, 2016 and June 28, 2015 and the cash flows for the six months ended June 26, 2016 and June 28, 2015 . This includes all normal and recurring adjustments and elimination of intercompany transactions. Results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current period classifications. The year-end Consolidated Balance Sheet was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP. The Company assesses its operating segments in accordance with ASC Topic 280, “Segment Reporting.” In the three months ended June 26, 2016, the Company realigned under its new management team into two distinct segments, troncM and troncX. troncM is comprised of the Company’s media groups excluding their digital revenues and related digital expenses, except digital subscription revenues when sold with a print subscription. troncX includes the Company’s digital revenues and related digital expenses from local websites and mobile applications, digital only subscriptions, as well as Tribune Content Agency (“TCA”) and Forsalebyowner.com (“FSBO”). The segregation of the digital business in troncX has triggered an evaluation of the Company’s operating and reportable segments. Prior to the second quarter of fiscal 2016, tronc was managed by its chief operating decision maker, as defined by ASC Topic 280, as one business and one reportable segment. Beginning with the second quarter of fiscal 2016, tronc began managing its business as two distinct segments and, accordingly, has revised its segment reporting to two reportable segments. The prior periods have been restated to reflect the change in reportable segments. See Note 17 for additional information on segment reporting.
New Accounting Standards	New Accounting Standards —In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-09, Topic 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation . This standard makes several modifications to Topic 718 related to the accounting for forfeitures, employer tax withholding on share-based compensation and the financial statement presentation of excess tax benefits or deficiencies. ASU 2016-09 also clarifies the statement of cash flows presentation for certain components of share-based awards. The standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, although early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing how the adoption of this standard will impact the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Topic 842, Leases . This standard will require the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities by lessees for operating leases. This ASU is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently in the process of assessing the impact of ASU 2016-02 on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, Topic 330, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory. This ASU requires an entity to measure inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value, which consists of the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable cost of completion, disposal, and transportation. This ASU is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The guidance is to be applied prospectively. The Company adopted the standard in the first quarter of 2016. The adoption of this standard had no effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-05, Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement , which provides guidance to customers about whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, the customer should account for the software license element of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If the arrangement does not include a software license, the customer should account for a cloud computing arrangement as a service contract. This ASU is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company adopted the standard as of the first quarter of 2016 and is applying the standard prospectively. The adoption of this standard had no effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , concerning revenue recognition. The new standard supersedes a majority of existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP, and requires a company to recognize revenue when it transfers goods or services to a customer in an amount that reflects the consideration to which a company expects to be entitled. Companies may need to use more judgment and make more estimates while recognizing revenue, which could result in additional disclosures to the financial statements. ASU 2014-09 allows for either a “full retrospective” adoption or a “modified retrospective” adoption. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14 to defer the effective date of ASU 2014-09 to reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and to permit companies to voluntarily adopt the new standard as of the original effective date. The Company expects to adopt this standard on January 1, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the revenue recognition impact this guidance will have once implemented and the implementation approach to be used.

PROCEEDINGS UNDER CHAPTER 11 (T

PROCEEDINGS UNDER CHAPTER 11 (Tables)	6 Months Ended
PROCEEDINGS UNDER CHAPTER 11 (Tables)	Jun. 26, 2016
Reorganizations [Abstract]
Schedule of specifically identifiable reorganization provisions, adjustments and other costs	Specifically identifiable reorganization provisions, adjustments and other costs directly related to the Company have been included in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) for the three and six months ended June 26, 2016 and June 28, 2015 and consisted of the following (in thousands): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 26, 2016 June 28, 2015 June 26, 2016 June 28, 2015 Reorganization costs, net: Contract rejections and claim settlements — (15 ) — (15 ) Other, net (49 ) (237 ) (143 ) (838 ) Total reorganization costs, net $ (49 ) $ (252 ) $ (143 ) $ (853 )

CHANGES IN OPERATIONS (Tables)

CHANGES IN OPERATIONS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
CHANGES IN OPERATIONS (Tables)	Jun. 26, 2016
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Summary of severance accrual activity	A summary of the activity with respect to tronc’s severance accrual for the six months ended June 26, 2016 is as follows (in thousands): Balance at December 27, 2015 $ 43,737 Provision 20,716 Payments (32,296 ) Balance at June 26, 2016 $ 32,157

ACQUISITIONS (Tables)

ACQUISITIONS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
ACQUISITIONS (Tables)	Jun. 26, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]	Consideration Consideration for acquisition, less cash acquired and working capital adjustments $ 78,864 Less: Shares issued for acquisition (11,039 ) Cash consideration for acquisition $ 67,825 Allocated Fair Value of Acquired Assets and Assumed Liabilities Accounts receivable and other current assets $ 12,408 Property, plant and equipment 1,869 Intangible assets subject to amortization: Subscriber relationships (useful life of 3 to 9 years) 17,320 Advertiser relationships (useful life of 3 to 8 years) 15,571 Other customer relationships (useful life of 1 year) 432 Mastheads and intangible assets not subject to amortization 31,204 Deferred taxes 34,156 Other long-term assets 10,799 Accounts payable and other current liabilities (20,808 ) Pension and postemployment benefits liability (85,389 ) Other long-term liabilities (13,026 ) Total identifiable net assets (liabilities) 4,536 Goodwill 74,328 Total net assets acquired 78,864

INVENTORIES (Tables)

INVENTORIES (Tables)	6 Months Ended
INVENTORIES (Tables)	Jun. 26, 2016
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of inventory	Inventories consisted of the following (in thousands): As of June 26, 2016 December 27, 2015 Newsprint $ 15,220 $ 13,301 Supplies and other 362 387 Total inventories $ 15,582 $ 13,688

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE32

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	Jun. 26, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of goodwill, other intangible assets and intangible liabilities	Goodwill and other intangible assets at June 26, 2016 and December 27, 2015 consisted of the following (in thousands): June 26, 2016 December 27, 2015 Gross Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Amount Gross Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Amount Intangible assets subject to amortization Subscribers (useful life of 2 to 10 years) $ 25,814 $ (5,312 ) $ 20,502 $ 17,819 $ (4,081 ) $ 13,738 Advertiser relationships (useful life of 2 to 13 years) 44,271 (9,885 ) 34,386 43,937 (7,863 ) 36,074 Affiliate agreements (useful life of 4 years) 11,929 (10,438 ) 1,491 12,361 (9,415 ) 2,946 Tradenames (useful life of 20 years) 15,100 (1,439 ) 13,661 15,100 (1,063 ) 14,037 Other (useful life of 1 to 20 years) 5,540 (1,708 ) 3,832 5,540 (1,477 ) 4,063 Total intangible assets subject to amortization $ 102,654 $ (28,782 ) $ 73,872 $ 94,757 $ (23,899 ) $ 70,858 Goodwill and other intangible assets not subject to amortization Goodwill 116,331 123,992 Newspaper mastheads and other intangible assets not subject to amortization 64,304 63,004 Total goodwill and other intangible assets $ 254,507 $ 257,854
Schedule of Goodwill
Schedule of changes in carrying amounts of goodwill and intangible assets not subject to amortization	The changes in the carrying amounts of intangible assets not subject to amortization during the six months ended June 26, 2016 were as follows (in thousands): Other intangible assets not subject to amortization Balance at December 27, 2015 $ 63,004 Purchases 1,300 Balance at June 26, 2016 $ 64,304

INVESTMENTS (Tables)

INVESTMENTS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
INVESTMENTS (Tables)	Jun. 26, 2016
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Schedule of equity method investments in private companies	Investments consist of equity method investments in private companies totaling $3.9 million and $3.7 million at June 26, 2016 and December 27, 2015 , respectively: % Owned Company June 26, 2016 December 27, 2015 CIPS Marketing Group, Inc. 50 % 50 % Homefinder.com, LLC 33 % 33 % Nucleus Marketing Solutions, LLC 25 % — % Contend, LLC — % 20 % Jean Knows Cars, LLC 20 % 20 % Matter Ventures Fund II 15 % 15 %

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM34

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Tables)	Jun. 26, 2016
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of defined benefit plans net periodic benefit credit	The components of net periodic benefit credit for the Company’s defined benefit plan were as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 26, 2016 June 26, 2016 Interest cost $ 1,875 $ 3,750 Expected return on assets (2,450 ) (4,900 ) Net periodic benefit credit $ (575 ) $ (1,150 )
Schedule of components of net periodic benefit cost	The components of net periodic benefit credit for the Company’s postretirement health care and life insurance plans were as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 26, 2016 June 28, 2015 June 26, 2016 June 28, 2015 Service cost $ 10 $ 65 $ 19 $ 132 Interest cost 71 164 141 391 Amortization of prior service credits 922 (701 ) 744 (1,402 ) Amortization of (gain) loss (49 ) (609 ) (97 ) (636 ) 954 (1,081 ) 807 (1,515 ) Curtailment gain — — — (7,799 ) Net periodic benefit cost (credit) after curtailment gain $ 954 $ (1,081 ) $ 807 $ (9,314 )

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	6 Months Ended
EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	Jun. 26, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of basic and diluted earnings per common share	For the three and six months ended June 26, 2016 and June 28, 2015 , basic and diluted earnings per common share were as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 26, 2016 June 28, 2015 June 26, 2016 June 28, 2015 Income (Loss) - Numerator: Net income (loss) available to tronc stockholders plus assumed conversions $ 4,056 $ 3,398 $ (2,407 ) $ 5,913 Shares - Denominator: Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (basic) 32,975 25,910 31,155 25,702 Dilutive effect of employee stock options and RSUs 53 124 — 210 Adjusted weighted average shares outstanding (diluted) 33,028 26,034 31,155 25,912 Net income (loss) per common share: Basic $ 0.12 $ 0.13 $ (0.08 ) $ 0.23 Diluted $ 0.12 $ 0.13 $ (0.08 ) $ 0.23

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI36

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Tables)	6 Months Ended
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Tables)	Jun. 26, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	The following table sets forth the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax where applicable (in thousands): June 26, 2016 December 27, 2015 Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax: Pension and other postretirement costs $ (3,479 ) $ (3,871 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments (34 ) (35 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (3,513 ) $ (3,906 )
Schedule of reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	The following table presents the amounts and line items in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) where adjustments reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were recorded during the three and six months ended June 26, 2016 and June 28, 2015 (in thousands): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Components June 26, 2016 June 28, 2015 June 26, 2016 June 28, 2015 Affected Line Items in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) Pension and postretirement benefit adjustments: Prior service cost recognized $ 922 $ (702 ) $ 744 $ (1,403 ) Compensation Amortization of actuarial gains (49 ) (609 ) (97 ) (636 ) Compensation Total before taxes 873 (1,311 ) 647 (2,039 ) Tax effect 344 (517 ) 255 (805 ) Income tax expense (benefit) Total reclassifications for the period $ 529 $ (794 ) $ 392 $ (1,234 )

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	6 Months Ended
SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	Jun. 26, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Operating revenue and income (loss) from operations by operating segment	Operating revenues and income (loss) from operations by operating segment were as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 26, 2016 June 28, 2015 June 26, 2016 June 28, 2015 Operating revenues: troncM $ 344,370 $ 354,796 $ 687,432 $ 699,090 troncX $ 61,531 $ 59,164 $ 118,791 $ 115,368 Corporate and eliminations $ (1,400 ) $ (1,939 ) $ (3,503 ) $ (4,163 ) $ 404,501 $ 412,021 $ 802,720 $ 810,295 Income (loss) from operations: troncM $ 28,003 $ 20,345 $ 48,181 $ 38,256 troncX $ 6,225 $ 10,123 $ 11,872 $ 18,251 Corporate and eliminations (19,896 ) (18,851 ) (49,626 ) (33,994 ) Income from operations $ 14,332 $ 11,617 $ 10,427 $ 22,513 Gain (loss) on equity investments, net (168 ) 50 (297 ) (7 ) Interest expense, net (6,699 ) (6,331 ) (13,443 ) (12,198 ) Reorganization items, net (49 ) (252 ) (143 ) (853 ) Income (loss) before income taxes $ 7,416 $ 5,084 $ (3,456 ) $ 9,455

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORM38

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Tables)	6 Months Ended
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Tables)	Jun. 26, 2016
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Schedule of supplemental cash flow information	Supplemental cash flow information for each of the periods presented is as follows (in thousands): Six months ended June 26, June 28, Cash paid during the period for: Interest $ 11,879 $ 10,454 Income taxes, net of refunds (260 ) 13,529 Non-cash items in investing activities: Additions to property plant and equipment under capital leases (728 ) — Non-cash items in financing activities: Shares issued for acquisitions — 11,039 New capital leases 728 —

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND B39

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION - Textual (Details)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 26, 2016segment	Mar. 27, 2016segment	Jun. 26, 2016segment	Jun. 26, 2016daily_newspaper	Jun. 26, 2016digital_newspaper	Jun. 26, 2016business	Jun. 26, 2016vertical
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of daily newspaper titles owned \| daily_newspaper				11
Number of digital property brands owned (more than 60) \| digital_newspaper					60
Number of vertical sales markets owned (more than 180) \| vertical							180
Number of operating segments			1			2
Number of reporting segments \| segment	2	1

PROCEEDINGS UNDER CHAPTER 11 -

PROCEEDINGS UNDER CHAPTER 11 - Textual (Details)	Dec. 08, 2008subsidiary	May 11, 2016claim	Dec. 26, 2015claim
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries \| subsidiary	110
In re: Tribune Media Company, et al
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of claims closed by Bankruptcy Court		8	96
In re: Tribune Media Company, et al \| tronc [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Jointly administered claim		1

PROCEEDINGS UNDER CHAPTER 11 41

PROCEEDINGS UNDER CHAPTER 11 - Reorganization Items (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 26, 2016	Jun. 28, 2015	Jun. 26, 2016	Jun. 28, 2015
Reorganization costs, net:
Contract rejections and claim settlements	$ 0	$ (15)	$ 0	$ (15)
Other, net	(49)	(237)	(143)	(838)
Total reorganization costs, net	$ (49)	$ (252)	$ (143)	$ (853)

CHANGES IN OPERATIONS - Textual

CHANGES IN OPERATIONS - Textual (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
CHANGES IN OPERATIONS - Textual (Details) $ in Thousands	Jun. 26, 2016USD ($)position	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 28, 2015USD ($)employee	Jun. 26, 2016USD ($)position	Jun. 28, 2015USD ($)employee
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Reductions in staffing levels in operations \| employee			296		274
Severance Accrual [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period				$ 43,737
Provision				20,716
Payments				(32,296)
Balance at end of period	$ 32,157	$ 43,737		32,157
San Diego Union Tribune
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Reductions in staffing levels in operations \| employee			186
Severance Accrual [Roll Forward]
Provision			$ 4,100		$ 3,400
Employee Voluntary Separation Program
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Benefit requisite service period (more than one year)		1 year
Severance Accrual [Roll Forward]
Provision	1,500			8,900
Information Technology Outsource
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring total estimated cost	6,700			6,700
Severance Accrual [Roll Forward]
Provision	$ 1,600			$ 2,900
Additional Restructuring
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Reductions in staffing levels in operations \| position	53			112
Severance Accrual [Roll Forward]
Provision	$ 2,300			$ 8,900

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - A

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - Aircraft Dry Sublease Textual (Details) - Aircraft Dry Sublease Agreement - Tribune Publishing Company, LLC	Feb. 04, 2016$ / h	Jun. 26, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 26, 2016USD ($)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Operating leases, rent expense			$ 100,000
Merrick Ventures, LLC
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Sublease, aircraft, price per flight hour \| $ / h	8,500
Initial sublease term	1 year
Lease agreement, written termination period	30 days
Payments under aircraft sublease		$ 1,000,000	1,300,000
Reimbursement of lease expense			$ 400,000

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS -44

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - Aggrego Agreement Textual (Details) - Aggrego Services, LLC $ in Millions	Mar. 02, 2016USD ($)
Wrapports, LLC
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ownership percentage (over 50 percent)	50.00%
Initial Payment to Related Party Under Memorandum of Understanding
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Agreement amount paid	$ 0.4

ACQUISITIONS - Textual (Detail

ACQUISITIONS - Textual (Details) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
ACQUISITIONS - Textual (Details) $ in Thousands	Jun. 26, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 26, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 27, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)	May 21, 2015weekly_newspaper
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 116,331	$ 116,331		$ 123,992
San Diego Union Tribune
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of businesses in operations, weekly titles \| weekly_newspaper					9
Business acquisition, percentage of voting interests acquired					100.00%
Goodwill	74,328	74,328	$ 82,300
Pacific Magazine
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	300	300
Business combination, consideration transferred	600
Subscriber Relationships \| San Diego Union Tribune
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business combination, fair value adjustment, intangibles		8,000
Business combination, intangible assets acquired	$ 17,320	$ 17,320	$ 9,300

ACQUISITIONS - Acquired Assets

ACQUISITIONS - Acquired Assets and Assumed Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 26, 2016	Jun. 26, 2016	Mar. 27, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 116,331	$ 116,331		$ 123,992
San Diego Union Tribune
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Consideration for acquisition, less cash acquired and working capital adjustments	78,864
Less: Shares issued for acquisition	(11,039)
Cash consideration for acquisition	67,825
Accounts receivable and other current assets	12,408	12,408
Property, plant and equipment	1,869	1,869
Mastheads and intangible assets not subject to amortization	31,204	31,204
Deferred taxes	34,156	34,156
Other long-term assets	10,799	10,799
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	(20,808)	(20,808)
Pension and postemployment benefits liability	(85,389)	(85,389)
Other long-term liabilities	(13,026)	(13,026)
Total identifiable net assets (liabilities)	4,536	4,536
Goodwill	74,328	74,328	$ 82,300
Total net assets acquired	78,864	78,864
Subscriber Relationships \| San Diego Union Tribune
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets subject to amortization:	17,320	17,320	$ 9,300
Advertiser Relationships \| San Diego Union Tribune
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets subject to amortization:	15,571	$ 15,571
Customer Relationships
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life		1 year
Customer Relationships \| San Diego Union Tribune
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets subject to amortization:	$ 432	$ 432
Minimum \| Subscriber Relationships
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life		3 years
Minimum \| Advertiser Relationships
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life		3 years
Maximum \| Subscriber Relationships
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life		9 years
Maximum \| Advertiser Relationships
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life		8 years

INVENTORIES - Summary of Invent

INVENTORIES - Summary of Inventory (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 26, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Newsprint	$ 15,220	$ 13,301
Supplies and other	362	387
Total inventories	$ 15,582	$ 13,688

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE48

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Summary of Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Jun. 26, 2016USD ($)business	Jun. 26, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 26, 2016USD ($)segment	Jun. 26, 2016USD ($)business	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Number of operating segments			1	2
Intangible assets subject to amortization
Gross Amount	$ 102,654	$ 102,654	$ 102,654	$ 102,654	$ 94,757
Accumulated Amortization	(28,782)	(28,782)	(28,782)	(28,782)	(23,899)
Net Amount	73,872	73,872	73,872	73,872	70,858
Goodwill and other intangible assets not subject to amortization
Goodwill	116,331	116,331	116,331	116,331	123,992
Newspaper mastheads and other intangible assets not subject to amortization	64,304	64,304	64,304	64,304	63,004
Total goodwill and other intangible assets	$ 254,507	254,507	254,507	254,507	257,854
Minimum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Long-term revenue growth rate	(0.30%)
Maximum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Long-term revenue growth rate	2.50%
Subscribers
Intangible assets subject to amortization
Gross Amount	$ 25,814	25,814	25,814	25,814	17,819
Accumulated Amortization	(5,312)	(5,312)	(5,312)	(5,312)	(4,081)
Net Amount	20,502	$ 20,502	20,502	20,502	$ 13,738
Subscribers \| Minimum
Intangible assets subject to amortization
Useful life		2 years			2 years
Subscribers \| Maximum
Intangible assets subject to amortization
Useful life		10 years			10 years
Advertiser relationships
Intangible assets subject to amortization
Gross Amount	44,271	$ 44,271	44,271	44,271	$ 43,937
Accumulated Amortization	(9,885)	(9,885)	(9,885)	(9,885)	(7,863)
Net Amount	34,386	$ 34,386	34,386	34,386	$ 36,074
Advertiser relationships \| Minimum
Intangible assets subject to amortization
Useful life		2 years			2 years
Advertiser relationships \| Maximum
Intangible assets subject to amortization
Useful life		13 years			13 years
Affiliate agreements
Intangible assets subject to amortization
Gross Amount	11,929	$ 11,929	11,929	11,929	$ 12,361
Accumulated Amortization	(10,438)	(10,438)	(10,438)	(10,438)	(9,415)
Net Amount	1,491	$ 1,491	1,491	1,491	$ 2,946
Useful life		4 years			4 years
Tradenames
Intangible assets subject to amortization
Gross Amount	15,100	$ 15,100	15,100	15,100	$ 15,100
Accumulated Amortization	(1,439)	(1,439)	(1,439)	(1,439)	(1,063)
Net Amount	13,661	$ 13,661	13,661	13,661	$ 14,037
Useful life		20 years			20 years
Other
Intangible assets subject to amortization
Gross Amount	5,540	$ 5,540	5,540	5,540	$ 5,540
Accumulated Amortization	(1,708)	(1,708)	(1,708)	(1,708)	(1,477)
Net Amount	$ 3,832	$ 3,832	3,832	3,832	$ 4,063
Other \| Minimum
Intangible assets subject to amortization
Useful life		1 year			1 year
Other \| Maximum
Intangible assets subject to amortization
Useful life		20 years			20 years
troncM
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Risk-adjusted weighted average cost of capital ratio	10.00%
Goodwill and other intangible assets not subject to amortization
Goodwill	$ 112,413	$ 112,413	112,413	112,413	$ 118,457
troncM \| Media Groups
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Number of reporting units \| business	9
troncX
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Risk-adjusted weighted average cost of capital ratio	12.00%
Goodwill and other intangible assets not subject to amortization
Goodwill	$ 3,918	$ 3,918	$ 3,918	$ 3,918	$ 5,535
troncX \| Digital Businesses
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Number of reporting units \| business	4
Goodwill \| Minimum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Forecasted revenue growth rate	4.40%
Goodwill \| Maximum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Forecasted revenue growth rate	3.30%

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE49

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Changes in Carrying Amounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2016	Jun. 26, 2016
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period		$ 123,992
Goodwill transferred in segment change		0
Adjustment for acquisitions		(7,995)
Purchases		334
Balance at end of period		116,331
Other intangible assets not subject to amortization
Balance at beginning of period		63,004
Purchases		1,300
Balance at end of period		64,304
LA.com Domain Name
Other intangible assets not subject to amortization
Purchases	$ 1,200
troncM
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period		118,457
Goodwill transferred in segment change		1,617
Adjustment for acquisitions		(7,995)
Purchases		334
Balance at end of period		112,413
troncX
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period		5,535
Goodwill transferred in segment change		(1,617)
Adjustment for acquisitions		0
Purchases		0
Balance at end of period		$ 3,918

INVESTMENTS - Textual (Details)

INVESTMENTS - Textual (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2016	Jun. 26, 2016	Jun. 28, 2015	Jun. 26, 2016	Jun. 28, 2015	Apr. 30, 2016	Mar. 02, 2016	Feb. 29, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investments		$ 3,946		$ 3,946					$ 3,677
Memorandum of Understanding \| Aggrego Services, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of warrants rights (in shares)							1,039,474
Exercise price of warrants (in dollars per share).							$ 1
Placester, Inc \| Homefinder.com, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Stock representing ownership percentage								0.75%
CIPS Marketing Group, Inc.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage		50.00%		50.00%					50.00%
Nucleus Marketing Solutions, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage		25.00%		25.00%		25.00%			0.00%
Equity method investment						$ 1,800
Contend, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage		0.00%		0.00%					20.00%
Proceeds from sale of investment	$ 1,200
Gain on sale of investments	400
Jean Knows Cars, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage		20.00%		20.00%					20.00%
Impairment losses on investments	$ 400
Equity Method Investments \| CIPS Marketing Group, Inc.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Other revenue		$ 300	$ 200	$ 500	$ 500
Equity Method Investments \| Other Operating Expense \| CIPS Marketing Group, Inc.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Marketing expense		$ 2,800	$ 2,700	$ 5,800	$ 5,400

INVESTMENTS - Schedule of Equit

INVESTMENTS - Schedule of Equity Method Investments Ownership Percentages	Jun. 26, 2016	Apr. 30, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
CIPS Marketing Group, Inc.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	50.00%		50.00%
Nucleus Marketing Solutions, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	25.00%	25.00%	0.00%
Homefinder.com, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	33.00%		33.00%
Contend, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	0.00%		20.00%
Jean Knows Cars, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	20.00%		20.00%
Matter Ventures Fund II
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	15.00%		15.00%

DEBT - Textual (Details)

DEBT - Textual (Details)	Aug. 04, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 26, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 28, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance of debt		$ 0	$ 10,000,000
Capital leases balance		2,400,000
Current portion of capital leases		1,200,000
Senior Term Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Principal amount		$ 390,200,000
Weighted average interest rate (as a percent)		5.75%
Fair value outstanding		$ 382,400,000
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 350,000,000
Potential increase in borrowing capacity	$ 100,000,000
Senior secured leverage ratio	2
Proceeds from issuance of debt				$ 70,000,000
Amount outstanding		390,200,000
Percentage of principal balance	1.25%
Unamortized balance of the discount		3,400,000
Unamortized debt issuance costs		8,300,000
Senior ABL Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Principal amount	$ 140,000,000
Potential increase in borrowing capacity	15,000,000
Amount outstanding		0
Senior ABL Facility \| Financial Standby Letter of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Supported outstanding undrawn letters of credit		23,500,000
Senior ABL Facility \| Letter of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Potential increase in borrowing capacity	$ 75,000,000
Commitment fee (as a percent)	0.25%
Letter of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Principal amount	$ 30,000,000
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 50,000,000
Undrawn letter of credit		17,000,000
Cash and cash collateral, noncurrent		$ 17,000,000

INCOME TAXES - Textual (Details

INCOME TAXES - Textual (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
INCOME TAXES - Textual (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 26, 2016	Mar. 27, 2016	Jun. 28, 2015	Jun. 26, 2016	Jun. 28, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ 3,360		$ 1,686	$ (1,049)	$ 3,542
Effective tax rate (as a percent)	45.30%		33.20%	30.40%	37.50%
U.S. federal statutory rate (as a percent)	35.00%		35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Estimated deferred tax rate on net deferred tax assets	40.00%	39.50%
Income tax expense (benefit), adjustment of deferred tax assets tax rate	$ 500

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM54

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - Textual (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 26, 2016	Jun. 28, 2015	Jun. 26, 2016	Jun. 28, 2015
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Pension contribution			$ (6,900)	$ 0
Expected future contributions for rest of current year			3,900
Other Postretirement Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Curtailment gain	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ (7,799)

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM55

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - Components of Defined Benefit Plan (Details) - Pension Plan - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 26, 2016	Jun. 26, 2016
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Interest cost	$ 1,875	$ 3,750
Expected return on assets	(2,450)	(4,900)
Net periodic benefit credit	$ (575)	$ (1,150)

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM56

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - Components of Postretirement Health Care and Life Insurance Plans (Details) - Other Postretirement Plans - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 26, 2016	Jun. 28, 2015	Jun. 26, 2016	Jun. 28, 2015
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 10	$ 65	$ 19	$ 132
Interest cost	71	164	141	391
Amortization of prior service credits	922	(701)	744	(1,402)
Amortization of (gain) loss	(49)	(609)	(97)	(636)
Defined benefit plan, net periodic benefit cost excluding curtailment	954	(1,081)	807	(1,515)
Curtailment gain	0	0	0	(7,799)
Net periodic benefit credit	$ 954	$ (1,081)	$ 807	$ (9,314)

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Text

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Textual (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 26, 2016	Jun. 28, 2015	Jun. 26, 2016	Jun. 28, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 2.2	$ 1.5	$ 3.8	$ 3
Option
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Costs not yet recognized	0.8		$ 0.8
Costs not yet recognized, period for recognition			2 years 1 month 24 days
RSU
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Costs not yet recognized	$ 8.2		$ 8.2
Costs not yet recognized, period for recognition			1 year 9 months
Tronc Equity Plan \| Option
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options granted (in shares)			0
Tronc Equity Plan \| RSU
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
RSU grants in period (in shares)			147,872
RSU weighted average market date value (dollars per share)			$ 11.42

EARNINGS PER SHARE - Textual (

EARNINGS PER SHARE - Textual (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
EARNINGS PER SHARE - Textual (Details) - shares	Jun. 26, 2016	Jun. 26, 2016
Option
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of EPS (in shares)	817,481	898,396
RSU
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of EPS (in shares)	404,618	601,935

EARNINGS PER SHARE - Basic and

EARNINGS PER SHARE - Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 26, 2016	Jun. 28, 2015	Jun. 26, 2016	Jun. 28, 2015
Income (Loss) - Numerator:
Net income (loss) available to tronc stockholders plus assumed conversions	$ 4,056	$ 3,398	$ (2,407)	$ 5,913
Shares - Denominator:
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (basic) (in shares)	32,975	25,910	31,155	25,702
Dilutive effect of employee stock options and RSUs (in shares)	53	124	0	210
Adjusted weighted average shares outstanding (diluted) (in shares)	33,028	26,034	31,155	25,912
Net income (loss) per common share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.12	$ 0.13	$ (0.08)	$ 0.23
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.12	$ 0.13	$ (0.08)	$ 0.23

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - Textual

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - Textual (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Jun. 01, 2016	May 22, 2016	May 09, 2016	Feb. 11, 2016	Feb. 03, 2016	Jun. 26, 2016	Jun. 28, 2015	Dec. 27, 2015
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)						$ 0.01		$ 0.01
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)						$ 0.01		$ 0.01
Proceeds from issuance of private placement						$ 113,320	$ 0
Common stock, dividends, per share, cash paid (in dollars per share)				$ 0.175
Private Placement \| Nant Rights Purchase Agreement \| Beneficial Owner
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Period of prohibited transfers	3 years
Percentage of shares purchased in any 12-month period		25.00%
Percentage of individual ownership (more than)		4.90%
Percentage of ownership of outstanding shares		25.00%
Percentage of shares originally acquired (more than)		75.00%
Private Placement \| Nant Rights Purchase Agreement \| Nant Capital \| Beneficial Owner
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock issued for private placement agreement	$ 70,500
Issuance of stock in the distribution (in shares)	4,700,000
Shares issued, price per share (in dollars per share)	$ 15
Proceeds from issuance of private placement	$ 70,400
Period of prohibited transfers	3 years
Period after termination of voting covenants	60 days
Private Placement \| Nant Rights Purchase Agreement \| Dr. Soon-Shiong \| Beneficial Owner
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Beneficial ownership by related party, common shares owned (in shares)	410,557
Beneficial ownership by related party, percentage of common stock owned	14.03%
Private Placement \| Merrick Shares Purchase Agreement \| Merrick Media, LLC
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance of private placement	$ 42,900
Percentage of shares originally acquired (more than)		75.00%
Private Placement \| Merrick Shares Purchase Agreement \| Merrick Media, LLC \| Affiliated Entity
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock issued for private placement agreement					$ 44,400
Issuance of stock in the distribution (in shares)					5,220,000
Shares issued, price per share (in dollars per share)					$ 8.50
Period of prohibited transfers					3 years
Percentage of shares purchased in any 12-month period					25.00%
Percentage of individual ownership (more than)					4.90%
Percentage of ownership of outstanding shares					25.00%
Period after termination of voting covenants					60 days
Rights Plan
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Voting rights, exercise period			10 days
Tender offer, percentage ownership after transaction (more than)s			20.00%
Multiplier of exercise price of rights			200.00%
Term of award			P1Y
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)			$ 0.01
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)			$ 0.01
Rights Plan \| Series A Preferred Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares called by each right			0.001
Rights Plan \| Preferred Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock distribution declared ratio			1
Exercise price of rights (in dollars per right).			$ 75

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI61

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 26, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ 99,372	$ (14,398)
Pension and other postretirement costs
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(3,479)	(3,871)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(34)	(35)
AOCI
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ (3,513)	$ (3,906)

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI62

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - Reclassifications (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 26, 2016	Jun. 28, 2015	Jun. 26, 2016	Jun. 28, 2015
Pension and postretirement benefit adjustments
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Pension and post retirement benefits adjustments, total before tax	$ 873	$ (1,311)	$ 647	$ (2,039)
Tax effect	344	(517)	255	(805)
Total reclassifications for the period	529	(794)	392	(1,234)
Prior service cost recognized
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Pension and post retirement benefits adjustments, total before tax	922	(702)	744	(1,403)
Amortization of actuarial gains
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Pension and post retirement benefits adjustments, total before tax	$ (49)	$ (609)	$ (97)	$ (636)

CONTINGENCIES - Textual (Detai

CONTINGENCIES - Textual (Details) - Tribune Publishing Co. Stockholder Litigation	Jun. 01, 2016claim
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency, new claims filed, number of cases consolidated into one case	3
Loss contingency, period for defendants to respond to claim	30 days

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Operating

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Operating Revenue and Income (Loss) from Operations by Operating Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 26, 2016	Jun. 28, 2015	Jun. 26, 2016	Jun. 28, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 404,501	$ 412,021	$ 802,720	$ 810,295
Income (loss) from operations:	14,332	11,617	10,427	22,513
Gain (loss) on equity investments, net	(168)	50	(297)	(7)
Interest expense, net	(6,699)	(6,331)	(13,443)	(12,198)
Reorganization items, net	(49)	(252)	(143)	(853)
Income (loss) before income taxes	7,416	5,084	(3,456)	9,455
Operating Segments \| troncM
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	344,370	354,796	687,432	699,090
Income (loss) from operations:	28,003	20,345	48,181	38,256
Operating Segments \| troncX
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	61,531	59,164	118,791	115,368
Income (loss) from operations:	6,225	10,123	11,872	18,251
Corporate and eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	(1,400)	(1,939)	(3,503)	(4,163)
Income (loss) from operations:	$ (19,896)	$ (18,851)	$ (49,626)	$ (33,994)

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORM65

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION - Summary of Supplemental Cash Flow (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 26, 2016	Jun. 28, 2015
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	$ 11,879	$ 10,454
Income taxes, net of refunds	(260)	13,529
Non-cash items in investing activities:
Additions to property plant and equipment under capital leases	(728)	0
Non-cash items in financing activities:
Shares issued for acquisitions	0	11,039
New capital leases	$ 728	$ 0