Tribune Publishing (TPCO) 10-Q 3 Aug 17 2017 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2017	Jul. 31, 2017
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	tronc, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1,593,195
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jun. 25, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		32,893,263

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS) (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2017	Jun. 26, 2016	Jun. 25, 2017	Jun. 26, 2016
Income Statement [Abstract]
Operating revenues	$ 369,791	$ 404,501	$ 735,907	$ 802,720
Operating expenses:
Compensation	126,897	150,493	259,614	312,593
Newsprint and ink	22,848	26,095	46,372	52,073
Outside services	114,879	122,964	229,189	250,673
Other operating expenses	72,041	76,317	141,928	148,530
Depreciation and amortization	14,660	14,300	27,838	28,424
Total operating expenses	351,325	390,169	704,941	792,293
Income from operations	18,466	14,332	30,966	10,427
Interest expense, net	(6,404)	(6,699)	(12,881)	(13,443)
Premium on stock buyback	0	0	(6,031)	0
Loss on equity investments, net	(584)	(168)	(1,272)	(297)
Reorganization items, net	0	(49)	0	(143)
Income (loss) before income taxes	11,478	7,416	10,782	(3,456)
Income tax expense (benefit)	4,637	3,360	6,930	(1,049)
Net income (loss)	$ 6,841	$ 4,056	$ 3,852	$ (2,407)
Net income (loss) per common share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.21	$ 0.12	$ 0.11	$ (0.08)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.21	$ 0.12	$ 0.11	$ (0.08)
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	32,825	32,975	34,566	31,155
Diluted (in shares)	33,029	33,028	34,794	31,155

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2017	Jun. 26, 2016	Jun. 25, 2017	Jun. 26, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 6,841	$ 4,056	$ 3,852	$ (2,407)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes:
Amortization of actuarial (gains) losses and prior service costs to periodic pension cost during the period, net of taxes of ($118), $344, ($252) and $255, respectively	(171)	529	(375)	392
Foreign currency translation	1	1	1	1
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	(170)	530	(374)	393
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 6,671	$ 4,586	$ 3,478	$ (2,014)

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Un

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 25, 2017	Dec. 25, 2016
Current assets
Cash	$ 174,200	$ 198,349
Accounts receivable (net of allowances of $18,961 and $17,230)	159,230	195,519
Inventories	6,719	10,950
Prepaid expenses and other	17,683	18,863
Total current assets	357,832	423,681
Property, plant and equipment
Machinery, equipment and furniture	110,455	123,530
Buildings and leasehold improvements	14,245	13,388
Property, plant and equipment, gross	124,700	136,918
Accumulated depreciation	(66,249)	(70,082)
Property, plant and equipment, net, excluding advance payments	58,451	66,836
Advance payments on property, plant and equipment	2,014	1,030
Property, plant and equipment, net	60,465	67,866
Other assets
Goodwill	122,631	122,469
Intangible assets, net	127,003	132,161
Software, net	49,683	54,565
Deferred income taxes	53,656	63,977
Other long-term assets	24,421	24,047
Total other assets	377,394	397,219
Total assets	795,691	888,766
Current liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt	21,845	21,617
Accounts payable	62,456	70,148
Employee compensation and benefits	46,474	72,311
Deferred revenue	78,806	82,778
Other current liabilities	18,581	18,033
Total current liabilities	228,162	264,887
Non-current liabilities
Long-term debt	340,109	349,128
Deferred revenue	3,988	4,938
Pension and postretirement benefits payable	96,377	101,674
Other obligations	62,205	60,258
Total non-current liabilities	502,679	515,998
Stockholders’ equity
Preferred stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 30,000 shares; no shares issued or outstanding at June 25, 2017 and December 25, 2016	0	0
Common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 300,000 shares, 36,730 shares issued and 32,863 shares outstanding at June 25, 2017; 36,549 shares issued and 36,428 shares outstanding at December 25, 2016	367	365
Additional paid-in capital	143,270	139,623
Accumulated deficit	(18,073)	(21,925)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(9,188)	(8,814)
Treasury stock, at cost - 3,867 and 121 shares at June 25, 2017 and December 25, 2016	(51,526)	(1,368)
Total stockholders’ equity	64,850	107,881
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 795,691	$ 888,766

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (U5

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 25, 2017	Dec. 25, 2016
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowances for doubtful accounts	$ 18,961	$ 17,230
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)	36,730,000	36,549,000
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	32,863,000	36,428,000
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)	3,867,000	121,000

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUIT

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY (DEFICIT) (Unaudited) - 6 months ended Jun. 25, 2017 - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid in Capital	Accumulated Deficit	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Treasury Stock
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 25, 2016	$ 107,881	$ 365	$ 139,623	$ (21,925)	$ (8,814)	$ (1,368)
Balance at beginning of period (in shares) at Dec. 25, 2016		36,549
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Comprehensive income (loss)	3,478			3,852	(374)
Issuance of stock from restricted stock unit conversions		$ 2	(2)
Issuance of stock from restricted stock unit conversions (in shares)		174
Exercise of stock options	95		95
Exercise of stock options (in shares)		7
Stock-based compensation	4,450		4,450
Withholding for taxes on restricted stock unit conversions	(896)		(896)
Purchase of treasury stock	(50,158)					(50,158)
Balance at end of period at Jun. 25, 2017	$ 64,850	$ 367	$ 143,270	$ (18,073)	$ (9,188)	$ (51,526)
Balance at end of the period (in shares) at Jun. 25, 2017		36,730

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2017	Jun. 26, 2016
Operating Activities
Net income (loss)	$ 3,852	$ (2,407)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	27,838	28,424
Allowance for bad debt	6,990	6,154
Stock compensation expense	4,397	3,819
Excess tax benefits (expense) realized from exercise of stock-based awards	0	(653)
Loss on equity investments, net	1,272	297
Deferred income taxes	10,572	9,456
Non-current deferred revenue	(951)	(921)
Premium on stock buyback	6,031	0
Other non-cash items	5,549	391
Pension contribution	(4,600)	(6,900)
Postretirement medical, life and other benefits	(1,324)	(778)
Changes in working capital items, excluding acquisitions:
Accounts receivable, net	29,182	42,696
Prepaid expenses, inventories and other current assets	(3,176)	6,257
Accounts payable, employee compensation and benefits, deferred revenue and other current liabilities	(29,222)	(43,129)
Other, net	(1,511)	819
Net cash provided by operating activities	54,899	43,525
Investing Activities
Capital expenditures	(9,628)	(9,799)
Other, net	(1,481)	(1,762)
Net cash used for investing activities	(11,109)	(11,561)
Financing Activities
Purchase of treasury stock	(56,189)	0
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	0	113,320
Repayment of long-term debt	(10,545)	(10,545)
Dividends paid to common stockholders	(145)	(4,868)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	95	0
Repayments of capital lease obligations	(259)	(188)
Withholding for taxes on RSU vesting	(896)	(820)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities	(67,939)	96,899
Net increase (decrease) in cash	(24,149)	128,863
Cash, beginning of period	198,349	40,832
Cash, end of period	$ 174,200	$ 169,695

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BAS

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2017
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., and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company” or “tronc”) is a media company rooted in award-winning journalism. Headquartered in Chicago, tronc operates newsrooms in nine markets with titles including Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, The Baltimore Sun, Orlando Sentinel, South Florida’s Sun Sentinel , Newport News, Virginia’s Daily Press , Allentown, Pennsylvania’s The Morning Call, Hartford Courant and The San Diego Union Tribune . tronc’s legacy of brands has earned a combined 94 Pulitzer Prizes and is committed to informing, inspiring and engaging local communities. tronc’s brands create and distribute content across its media portfolio, offering integrated marketing, media, and business services to consumers and advertisers, including digital solutions and advertising opportunities. Fiscal Periods —The Company’s fiscal year ends on the last Sunday in December. Fiscal year 2017 ends on December 31, 2017 and fiscal year 2016 ended on December 25, 2016. Fiscal year 2017 is a 53-week year with 13 weeks in the first through third quarters and 14 weeks in the fourth quarter. Fiscal year 2016 was a 52-week year 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 25, 2017 and December 25, 2016 and the results of operations for the three and six months ended June 25, 2017 and June 26, 2016 , and the cash flows for the six months ended June 25, 2017 . 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’s presentation. 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.” The Company is managed by its chief operating decision maker, as defined by ASC Topic 280, in two reportable 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 bundled with a print subscription. troncX includes the Company’s digital revenues and related digital expenses from local tronc websites, third party websites, mobile applications, digital only subscriptions, Tribune Content Agency (“TCA”), forsalebyowner.com and Motiv8. See Note 13 for additional segment information. New Accounting Standards —In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2017-07, Topic 715, Compensation - Retirement Benefits; Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost . ASU 2017-07 requires the disaggregation of the service cost component from other components of net periodic benefit cost, clarifies how to present the service cost component and other components of net benefit costs in the financial statements and allows only the service cost component of net benefit costs to be eligible for capitalization. ASU 2017-07 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating how the adoption of this standard will impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Topic 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other; Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment , which eliminates Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test standardizing the impairment assessment to measure a reporting unit’s carrying value against its fair value and eliminate the calculation of an implied fair value of goodwill. ASU 2017-04 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2020 and should be applied prospectively. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating how the adoption of this standard will impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Topic 805, Clarifying the Definition of a Business , which establishes criteria to determine when an integrated set of assets and activities is not a business. ASU 2017-01 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and should be applied prospectively. The Company plans to adopt this standard as of the first quarter of 2018 and is currently evaluating how the adoption of this standard will impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Topic 230, Statement of Cash Flows , which clarifies how companies present and classify restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-18 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating how the adoption of this standard will impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Topic 230, Statement of Cash Flows , which clarifies how companies present and classify certain cash receipts and cash payments in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-15 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating how the adoption of this standard will impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Topic 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation; Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting , which 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 Company adopted this ASU as of the beginning of fiscal 2017. As part of the adoption, the Company made an accounting policy election to recognize forfeitures as they occur which had no effect on the Company’s financial statements. The Company has elected to present the cash flow statement changes retrospectively and the prior period has been adjusted to present excess tax benefits of $0.7 million as part of cash flows from operating activities and the cash paid by the Company for withholding shares from stock awards of $0.8 million as part of cash flows from financing activities. The other portions of ASU 2016-09 either were not applicable or had no effect on the financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Topic 842, Leases , which requires lessees to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities for operating leases. ASU 2016-02 is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating how the adoption of this standard will impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers and issued subsequent amendments to the initial guidance in August 2015, March 2016, April 2016, May 2016, and December 2016 within ASU 2015-14, ASU 2016-08, ASU 2016-10, ASU 2016-12 and ASU 2016-20, respectively. 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. The amended effective date of ASU 2014-09 is for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Companies are permitted to voluntarily adopt the new standard as of the original effective date which was reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company expects to adopt this standard on January 1, 2018 utilizing the modified retrospective method. During 2016, the Company initiated efforts to assess the impact of this new standard on the Company’s future reported results, operating and accounting processes and systems. The Company has continued these efforts in 2017. The Company expects adoption of the standard will not significantly impact reported results for print advertising and circulation and digital circulation. The new standard is expected to result in the Company recording digital advertising revenue placed on non-tronc websites net of the cost of the third-party website as the Company may be acting as an agent as defined under the new standard. Currently, such revenues are generally recorded gross. The expected impact of such a change would be to decrease revenues and the related costs by $50.0 million to $60.0 million annually compared to the current year. The new standard is not expected to significantly impact revenues related to commercial printing and delivery services provided to other newspapers, direct mail advertising and services and other related activities.

CHANGES IN OPERATIONS

CHANGES IN OPERATIONS	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2017
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 payments started in the fourth quarter of 2015 and continue through the first half of 2018. The Company recorded a charge of $0.1 million and $0.3 million for the three and six months ended June 25, 2017 , respectively, for related severance, benefits and taxes in connection with the EVSP compared to $1.5 million and $8.9 million recorded for the three and six months ended June 26, 2016 , respectively. During the first quarter of 2016, the Company began the process to outsource its information technology function (“ITO”), which was substantially completed by the end of 2016. The related salary continuation payments started in the first quarter of 2016 and continue through the third quarter of 2018. The Company recorded a pretax charge of $0.1 million for the six months ended June 25, 2017 for severance, benefits and taxes in connection with the ITO, compared to a charge of $1.6 million and $2.9 million for the three and six months ended June 26, 2016 , respectively. The charge for the three months ended June 25, 2017 was immaterial. During the second quarter of 2017, the Company contracted with a third party to outsource the printing, packaging and delivery of the Orlando Sentinel . The services are expected to be fully transitioned to the third party by the third quarter of 2017. The change in operations resulted in staff reductions of 112 positions and a pretax charge related to those reductions of $2.3 million for the three and six months ended June 25, 2017 . The related salary continuation payments are expected to start in the third quarter of 2017 and continue through the fourth quarter of 2018. Additionally during the second quarter of 2017, the Company offered an enhanced severance benefits to certain eligible non-union employees of the Los Angeles Times with a length of service with the organization of over 15 years. This offering is expected to result in staff reductions of 25 positions with a total charge of $2.9 million to be recognized primarily in the third quarter of 2017. The related salary continuation payments are expected to start in the third quarter of 2017 and continue through the fourth quarter of 2018. In addition to the actions listed above, the Company implemented additional reductions of 52 and 125 positions in the three and six months ended June 25, 2017 , respectively, and recorded pretax charges related to these reductions of $1.3 million and $3.2 million , respectively. For the three and six months ended June 26, 2016 , the Company implemented additional reductions of 53 and 112 positions, respectively, and recorded a pretax charge related to these reductions and executive separations of $2.3 million and $8.9 million , respectively. A summary of the activity with respect to the Company’s severance accrual for the six months ended June 25, 2017 is as follows (in thousands): Balance at December 25, 2016 $ 11,640 Provision 5,884 Payments (9,314 ) Balance at June 25, 2017 $ 8,210 Charges for severance and related expenses are included in compensation expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) . Lease Abandonment— In the first quarter of 2017, the Company permanently vacated approximately 15,000 sq. ft. of office space in San Diego and took a charge of $2.0 million related to the abandonment. In the second quarter of 2017, the Company permanently vacated approximately 33,629 sq. ft. of office space in the Chicago area, 30,000 sq. ft. of office space in South Florida, and 11,614 sq. ft. of office space in Los Angeles and took a charge of $1.4 million , $0.6 million , and $0.3 million , respectively, related to the abandonments. A summary of the activity with respect to the Company’s lease abandonment accrual for the six months ended June 25, 2017 is as follows (in thousands): Balance at December 25, 2016 $ 6,694 Provision 4,324 Payments and other (2,690 ) Balance at June 25, 2017 $ 8,328 These charges are included in other operating expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) . Other Charges — Additionally, as a result of the printing, packaging and delivery outsourcing in Orlando discussed above, certain assets required to print and package the Orlando Sentinel will no longer be used as of the transition date. The first piece of equipment was idled June 12, 2017. As a result, the company recognized $1.9 million in accelerated depreciation in the three and six months ended June 25, 2017 . These charges are included in depreciation and amortization expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) .

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2017
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Aircraft Dry Sublease In 2016, one of the Company’s subsidiaries, Tribune Publishing Company, LLC (“TPC”), entered into an Aircraft Dry Sublease Agreement 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 25, 2017 , the Company incurred $0.6 million and $1.3 million , respectively, related to the aircraft sublease. During the three months ended June 25, 2017 , the Company paid $0.4 million to Merrick Ventures and $0.1 million to an outside party for pilot services. During the six months ended June 25, 2017 , the Company paid $1.0 million to Merrick Ventures and $0.2 million to an outside party for pilot services. 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. For both the three and six months ended June 26, 2016 , the Company paid $0.4 million to Merrick Ventures and $0.1 million to an outside party for pilot services. Event tickets In April 2017, the Company acquired Merrick Ventures’ interest and obligations in connection with the license of a suite and tickets to certain sporting events. The aggregate cost of the suite and tickets is expected to approximate $0.3 million annually. During the first quarter of 2017, the Company paid Merrick Ventures $0.2 million for the face value of the suite and tickets for events in the fourth quarter of 2016 and the first and second quarters of 2017. The suite and tickets are utilized in the Company’s sales and marketing efforts and for other corporate purposes. CIPS Marketing Group Inc. The Company utilizes the services of CIPS Marketing Group, Inc. (“CIPS”) for local marketing efforts such as distribution, door-to-door marketing and total market coverage. The Company owns 50% of CIPS, which is recorded as an equity investment. During the three and six months ended June 25, 2017 , the Company recorded $0.2 million and $0.5 million , respectively, in revenue and $2.2 million and $3.8 million , respectively, in other operating expenses related to such marketing services. During the three and six months 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. In July 2017, the Company sold its interest in CIPS for approximately $7.5 million and entered into a long-term agreement with the buyer to utilize CIPS for certain distribution efforts. Nucleus Marketing Solutions, LLC In April 2016, tronc, along with other leading media companies McClatchy, Gannett and Hearst, formed Nucleus Marketing Solutions, LLC (“Nucleus”). This network connects national advertisers to audiences across existing and emerging print and digital platforms. Nucleus works with its marketing partners to address their goals by offering integrated services across all platforms. The Company owned 25% of Nucleus as of June 25, 2017 . The Company’s interest in Nucleus is recorded as an equity method investment. During the three and six months ended June 25, 2017 , the Company recorded $1.6 million and $3.6 million , respectively, on a net basis for revenue related to the Nucleus agreement.

INVENTORIES

INVENTORIES	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2017
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
INVENTORIES	INVENTORIES Inventories consisted of the following (in thousands): As of June 25, 2017 December 25, 2016 Newsprint $ 6,351 $ 10,462 Supplies and other 368 488 Total inventories $ 6,719 $ 10,950 Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or 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
	Jun. 25, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS Goodwill and other intangible assets at June 25, 2017 and December 25, 2016 consisted of the following (in thousands): June 25, 2017 December 25, 2016 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) $ 24,632 $ (7,530 ) $ 17,102 $ 25,814 $ (7,229 ) $ 18,585 Advertiser relationships (useful life of 2 to 13 years) 42,587 (13,291 ) 29,296 44,271 (11,883 ) 32,388 Tradenames (useful life of 20 years) 15,100 (2,192 ) 12,908 15,100 (1,816 ) 13,284 Other (useful life of 1 to 20 years) 5,379 (2,011 ) 3,368 5,540 (1,940 ) 3,600 Total intangible assets subject to amortization $ 87,698 $ (25,024 ) 62,674 $ 90,725 $ (22,868 ) 67,857 Software (useful life of 2 to 10 years) $ 128,836 $ (79,153 ) 49,683 $ 125,780 $ (71,215 ) 54,565 Goodwill and other intangible assets not subject to amortization Goodwill 122,631 122,469 Newspaper mastheads and other intangible assets not subject to amortization 64,329 64,304 Total goodwill and other intangible assets $ 299,317 $ 309,195

DEBT

DEBT	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
DEBT	DEBT At June 25, 2017 , the Company had $369.1 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 25, 2017 , the fair value of borrowings outstanding under the Term Loan Credit Agreement was estimated to be $369.1 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 25, 2017 , total principal outstanding under the Term Loans was $369.1 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 25, 2017 , $21.1 million of the principal balance is included in current liabilities, the unamortized balance of the discount was $2.8 million and the unamortized balance of the fees associated with the Term Loans was $6.7 million . As of June 25, 2017 , 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 25, 2017 , there were no borrowings under the Senior ABL Facility and $34.7 million of the Senior ABL Facility availability supported outstanding undrawn letters of credit in the same amount. Capital Leases The Company has capital leases on technology licenses and trucks. The total balance outstanding as of June 25, 2017 for capital leases was $2.3 million , of which $0.8 million is in short-term debt.

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES For the three and six months ended June 25, 2017 , the Company recorded income tax expense of $4.6 million and $6.9 million , respectively. The effective tax rate on pretax income was 40.4% and 64.3% in the three and six months ended June 25, 2017 , respectively. For the three months ended June 25, 2017 , 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 and the domestic production activities deduction. For the six months ended June 25, 2017 , the rate differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to the fact that the $6.0 million premium on stock buyback is a nondeductible permanent difference for the calculation of income taxes. The rate also differs due to state income taxes, net of federal benefit, and nondeductible expenses and the domestic production activities deduction. 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, nondeductible expenses and the domestic production activities deduction.

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMEN

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2017
Retirement Benefits [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 The Company is 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 $4.6 million to the San Diego Pension Plan in the first half of 2017 and expects to contribute an additional $8.7 million to the San Diego Pension Plan during the remainder of 2017. 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 25, 2017 June 26, 2016 June 25, 2017 June 26, 2016 Interest cost $ 2,200 $ 1,875 $ 4,400 $ 3,750 Expected return on assets (2,400 ) (2,450 ) (4,750 ) (4,900 ) Amortization of actuarial loss $ 50 $ — $ 50 $ — Net periodic benefit $ (150 ) $ (575 ) $ (300 ) $ (1,150 ) Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions The Company provides postretirement health care to retirees pursuant to a number of benefit plans. The plans are frozen for new non-union employees. There is some variation in the provisions of these plans, including different provisions for lifetime maximums, prescription drug coverage and certain other benefits. 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 25, 2017 June 26, 2016 June 25, 2017 June 26, 2016 Service cost $ 3 $ 10 $ 6 $ 19 Interest cost 55 71 110 141 Amortization of prior service credits (292 ) 922 (584 ) 744 Amortization of gain (47 ) (49 ) (93 ) (97 ) Net periodic (benefit) expense $ (281 ) $ 954 $ (561 ) $ 807

EARNINGS PER SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2017
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 25, 2017 and June 26, 2016 , basic and diluted earnings per common share were as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 25, 2017 June 26, 2016 June 25, 2017 June 26, 2016 Income (Loss) - Numerator: Net income (loss) available to tronc stockholders plus assumed conversions $ 6,841 $ 4,056 $ 3,852 $ (2,407 ) Shares - Denominator: Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (basic) 32,825 32,975 34,566 31,155 Dilutive effect of employee stock options and RSUs 204 53 228 — Adjusted weighted average shares outstanding (diluted) 33,029 33,028 34,794 31,155 Net income (loss) per common share: Basic $ 0.21 $ 0.12 $ 0.11 $ (0.08 ) Diluted $ 0.21 $ 0.12 $ 0.11 $ (0.08 ) 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 836,843 and 883,359 for the three and six months ended June 25, 2017 , 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 558,761 and 297,592 for the three and six months ended June 25, 2017 , respectively. 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
	Jun. 25, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Stock Purchases On March 23, 2017, the Company entered into a purchase agreement with investment funds associated with Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. (“Oaktree”), pursuant to which the Company acquired 3,745,947 shares of the Company’s common stock for $15.00 per share or a total purchase price of $56.2 million . In the event that the Company undergoes a change of control on or before March 23, 2018, or enters into a definitive agreement concerning a change of control on or before March 23, 2018, whereby the transaction is ultimately consummated and the consideration per share payable to stockholders is greater than $15.00 per share, the Company will pay Oaktree additional consideration per share equal to the difference between the consideration per share payable to the Company’s stockholders in such change of control transaction and $15.00 . The purchase agreement contains a “standstill” covenant prohibiting Oaktree from acquiring, directly or indirectly, any of the Company’s common stock, soliciting proxies to vote shares of the Company’s common stock or taking certain actions with respect to any business combination, asset acquisition or disposition or similar transaction involving the Company through March 22, 2019 (the “Standstill Period”). The parties also agreed to a mutual non-disparagement covenant applicable during the Standstill Period and to a mutual release of claims. On March 22, 2017, the Company’s stock price closed at $13.39 . The $6.0 million difference between the aggregate purchase price and the fair value of the acquired stock at the transaction date was expensed as a premium on stock buyback in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). The Company has not recorded any amount associated with its agreement to pay Oaktree additional consideration because management concluded the fair value of such obligation is not material. ln the event the fair value of the Company's obligation becomes material in a future period, the Company would record additional premium on stock buyback in the Consolidated Statement of Income (Loss). Significant Shareholders Merrick Media, LLC On March 23, 2017, the Company entered into Amendment No. 1 (the “Amendment”) to the Securities Purchase Agreement dated February 3, 2016 among the Company, Merrick Media, LLC (“Merrick Media”) and Michael W. Ferro, Jr., the Company’s non-executive Chairman of the Board. The Amendment increases from 25% to 30% the maximum percentage of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock that Merrick Media and its affiliates may acquire . 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. Mr. Ferro, together with his affiliated entities, beneficially owned 9,047,788 shares of tronc common stock, which represented 27.5% of tronc common stock, as of June 25, 2017 . Nant Capital, LLC Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, a former director of the Company, together with Nant Capital, LLC (“Nant Capital”), beneficially own 8,743,619 shares of tronc common stock, which represented 26.6% of the outstanding shares of tronc common stock as of June 25, 2017 . 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. 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. Under the purchase agreement dated May 22, 2016, among the Company, Nant Capital and Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, Nant Capital and Dr. Soon-Shiong and their respective affiliates are prohibited, without the prior written approval of the Board of Directors, 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. Nant Capital, Dr. Soon-Shiong and their respective affiliates reached this maximum percentage and therefore any additional purchases of the Company’s common stock will require prior written approval of the Board.

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) The following table sets forth the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax where applicable (in thousands): Foreign Currency OPEB Pension Total Balance at December 25, 2016 $ (32 ) $ 6,374 $ (15,156 ) $ (8,814 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 1 — $ — 1 Amounts reclassified from AOCI — (409 ) $ 34 (375 ) Balance at June 25, 2017 (31 ) 5,965 (15,122 ) (9,188 ) 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 25, 2017 and June 26, 2016 (in thousands): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Components June 25, 2017 June 26, 2016 June 25, 2017 June 26, 2016 Affected Line Items in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) Pension and postretirement benefit adjustments: Prior service cost recognized $ (292 ) $ 922 $ (584 ) $ 744 Compensation Amortization of actuarial losses 3 (49 ) (43 ) (97 ) Compensation Total before taxes (289 ) 873 (627 ) 647 Tax effect (118 ) 344 (252 ) 255 Income tax expense (benefit) Total reclassifications for the period $ (171 ) $ 529 $ (375 ) $ 392

CONTINGENCIES

CONTINGENCIES	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2017
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 (together with Dr. Soon-Shiong, the “Nant Defendants”). The complaint has named the Company as a nominal defendant (together with the Company’s Board of Directors, the “Tronc Defendants”). 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 the Nant Defendants. The complaint further alleges that the Nant Defendants 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 the Nant Defendants, 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. On September 2, 2016, plaintiffs filed a consolidated complaint. The defendants filed motions to dismiss on October 3, 2016. The Tronc Defendants and Nant Defendants each filed a brief in support of their respective motions to dismiss under seal on December 21, 2016, redacted versions of which were made public on December 29, 2016. On January 4, 2017, plaintiffs filed a motion to strike all exhibits to the Tronc Defendants’ brief filed in support of their motion to dismiss as well as all references to those exhibits, and separately filed a motion to stay further briefing on the motions to dismiss pending the resolution of plaintiffs’ motion to strike. The motion to stay was granted by the court. The Tronc Defendants’ opposition to the motion to strike was filed on January 26, 2017, and plaintiffs’ reply to that opposition was filed on February 2, 2017. On March 3, 2017, the Court heard argument on the motion to strike, which was granted in part and denied in part. The Court further lifted the stay on briefing for the motions to dismiss and ordered the Tronc Defendants to file a revised brief in support of their motion to dismiss, which eliminates reference to certain documents appended as exhibits to the Tronc Defendants’ December 21, 2016 brief in support of their motion to dismiss. Additionally, the Court ordered the parties to discuss a new scheduling stipulation for the timing of briefing on the motions to dismiss. The parties agreed that the Tronc Defendants would submit their revised brief in support of their motion to dismiss on March 29, 2017, that plaintiffs would file their opposition to the defendants’ motions to dismiss by May 15, 2017, and that defendants would file their reply briefs by June 5, 2017. The Tronc Defendants subsequently filed their revised brief in support of their motion to dismiss on March 29, 2017. On May 15, 2017, the plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed the consolidated complaint without prejudice. Tribune Company Bankruptcy On December 31, 2012, Tribune Media Company, formerly Tribune Company, and 110 of its direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, the “Debtors”) that had filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of title 11 of the United States Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware on December 8, 2008 (or on October 12, 2009, in the case of Tribune CNLBC, LLC) emerged from Chapter 11. Certain of the legal entities included in the Consolidated Financial Statements of tronc were Debtors or, as a result of the restructuring transactions undertaken at the time of the Debtors’ emergence, are successor legal entities to legal entities that were Debtors (“tronc Debtors”). Notices of appeal of the Bankruptcy Court’s order confirming the Plan (the “Confirmation Order”) were filed by (i) Aurelius Capital Management L.P. on behalf of its managed entities that were holders of Tribune Company’s senior notes and Exchangeable Subordinated Debentures due 2029 (“PHONES”), (ii) Law Debenture Trust Company of New York (“Law Debenture”) and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (“Deutsche Bank”), each successor trustees under the respective indentures for Tribune Company’s senior notes; (iii) Wilmington Trust Company, as successor indenture trustee for the PHONES, and (iv) EGI-TRB, L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company wholly-owned by Sam Investment Trust (a trust established for the benefit of Samuel Zell and his family) (the “Zell Entity”). The appellants sought, among other relief, to overturn the Confirmation Order and certain prior orders of the Bankruptcy Court embodied in the Plan, including the settlement of certain claims and causes of action related to the series of transactions (collectively, the “Leveraged ESOP Transactions”) consummated by Tribune Company, the Tribune Company employee stock ownership plan, the Zell Entity and Samuel Zell in 2007. As of June 25, 2017, each of the Confirmation Order appeals have been dismissed or otherwise resolved by a final order, with the exception of the appeals of Law Debenture and Deutsche Bank, which remain pending before the U. S. District Court for the District of Delaware. There is no stay of the Confirmation Order in place pending resolution of the confirmation related appeals. As of August 12, 2016, the Bankruptcy Court had entered final decrees collectively closing 106 of the Debtors’ Chapter 11 cases, including the last one of the tronc Debtors’ cases. The remaining Chapter 11 cases relate to Debtors and successor legal entities that are subsidiaries of Tribune Media Company. These cases have not yet been closed by the Bankruptcy Court, and certain claims asserted against various of the Debtors (including certain of the tronc Debtors) in the Chapter 11 cases remain unresolved. The remaining Chapter 11 cases continue to be administered under the caption “In re: Tribune Media Company, et al.,” Case No 08-13141.

SEGMENT INFORMATION

SEGMENT INFORMATION	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2017
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 bundled with a print subscription. troncX includes the Company’s digital revenues and related digital expenses from local tronc websites, third party websites, mobile applications, digital only subscriptions, TCA, forsalebyowner.com and Motiv8. 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 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 25, 2017 June 26, 2016 June 25, 2017 June 26, 2016 Operating revenues: troncM $ 312,438 $ 344,370 $ 623,950 $ 687,432 troncX 58,242 61,531 113,681 118,791 Corporate and eliminations (889 ) (1,400 ) (1,724 ) (3,503 ) $ 369,791 $ 404,501 $ 735,907 $ 802,720 Income (loss) from operations: troncM $ 21,758 $ 28,003 $ 41,511 $ 48,181 troncX 8,404 6,225 12,553 11,872 Corporate and eliminations (11,696 ) (19,896 ) (23,098 ) (49,626 ) Income (loss) from operations $ 18,466 $ 14,332 $ 30,966 $ 10,427 Interest expense, net (6,404 ) (6,699 ) (12,881 ) (13,443 ) Premium on stock buyback — — (6,031 ) — Loss on equity investments, net (584 ) (168 ) (1,272 ) (297 ) Reorganization items, net — (49 ) — (143 ) Income (loss) before income taxes $ 11,478 $ 7,416 $ 10,782 $ (3,456 ) Depreciation and amortization troncM $ 6,888 $ 5,562 $ 12,595 $ 11,311 troncX $ 3,579 $ 2,803 $ 6,816 $ 5,633 Corporate and eliminations 4,193 5,935 8,427 11,480 $ 14,660 $ 14,300 $ 27,838 $ 28,424 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
	Jun. 25, 2017
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 25, June 26, Cash paid during the period for: Interest $ 11,325 $ 11,879 Income taxes, net of refunds 113 (260 ) Non-cash items in investing activities: Additions to property plant and equipment under capital leases (890 ) (728 ) Non-cash items in financing activities: New capital leases 890 728

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND B22

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2017
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 2017 ends on December 31, 2017 and fiscal year 2016 ended on December 25, 2016. Fiscal year 2017 is a 53-week year with 13 weeks in the first through third quarters and 14 weeks in the fourth quarter. Fiscal year 2016 was a 52-week year 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 25, 2017 and December 25, 2016 and the results of operations for the three and six months ended June 25, 2017 and June 26, 2016 , and the cash flows for the six months ended June 25, 2017 . 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’s presentation. 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.” The Company is managed by its chief operating decision maker, as defined by ASC Topic 280, in two reportable 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 bundled with a print subscription. troncX includes the Company’s digital revenues and related digital expenses from local tronc websites, third party websites, mobile applications, digital only subscriptions, Tribune Content Agency (“TCA”), forsalebyowner.com and Motiv8. See Note 13 for additional segment information.
New Accounting Standards	New Accounting Standards —In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2017-07, Topic 715, Compensation - Retirement Benefits; Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost . ASU 2017-07 requires the disaggregation of the service cost component from other components of net periodic benefit cost, clarifies how to present the service cost component and other components of net benefit costs in the financial statements and allows only the service cost component of net benefit costs to be eligible for capitalization. ASU 2017-07 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating how the adoption of this standard will impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Topic 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other; Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment , which eliminates Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test standardizing the impairment assessment to measure a reporting unit’s carrying value against its fair value and eliminate the calculation of an implied fair value of goodwill. ASU 2017-04 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2020 and should be applied prospectively. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating how the adoption of this standard will impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Topic 805, Clarifying the Definition of a Business , which establishes criteria to determine when an integrated set of assets and activities is not a business. ASU 2017-01 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and should be applied prospectively. The Company plans to adopt this standard as of the first quarter of 2018 and is currently evaluating how the adoption of this standard will impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Topic 230, Statement of Cash Flows , which clarifies how companies present and classify restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-18 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating how the adoption of this standard will impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Topic 230, Statement of Cash Flows , which clarifies how companies present and classify certain cash receipts and cash payments in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-15 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating how the adoption of this standard will impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Topic 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation; Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting , which 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 Company adopted this ASU as of the beginning of fiscal 2017. As part of the adoption, the Company made an accounting policy election to recognize forfeitures as they occur which had no effect on the Company’s financial statements. The Company has elected to present the cash flow statement changes retrospectively and the prior period has been adjusted to present excess tax benefits of $0.7 million as part of cash flows from operating activities and the cash paid by the Company for withholding shares from stock awards of $0.8 million as part of cash flows from financing activities. The other portions of ASU 2016-09 either were not applicable or had no effect on the financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Topic 842, Leases , which requires lessees to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities for operating leases. ASU 2016-02 is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating how the adoption of this standard will impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers and issued subsequent amendments to the initial guidance in August 2015, March 2016, April 2016, May 2016, and December 2016 within ASU 2015-14, ASU 2016-08, ASU 2016-10, ASU 2016-12 and ASU 2016-20, respectively. 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. The amended effective date of ASU 2014-09 is for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Companies are permitted to voluntarily adopt the new standard as of the original effective date which was reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company expects to adopt this standard on January 1, 2018 utilizing the modified retrospective method. During 2016, the Company initiated efforts to assess the impact of this new standard on the Company’s future reported results, operating and accounting processes and systems. The Company has continued these efforts in 2017. The Company expects adoption of the standard will not significantly impact reported results for print advertising and circulation and digital circulation. The new standard is expected to result in the Company recording digital advertising revenue placed on non-tronc websites net of the cost of the third-party website as the Company may be acting as an agent as defined under the new standard. Currently, such revenues are generally recorded gross. The expected impact of such a change would be to decrease revenues and the related costs by $50.0 million to $60.0 million annually compared to the current year. The new standard is not expected to significantly impact revenues related to commercial printing and delivery services provided to other newspapers, direct mail advertising and services and other related activities.

CHANGES IN OPERATIONS (Tables)

CHANGES IN OPERATIONS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2017
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Summary of lease abandonment accrual activity	A summary of the activity with respect to the Company’s severance accrual for the six months ended June 25, 2017 is as follows (in thousands): Balance at December 25, 2016 $ 11,640 Provision 5,884 Payments (9,314 ) Balance at June 25, 2017 $ 8,210 A summary of the activity with respect to the Company’s lease abandonment accrual for the six months ended June 25, 2017 is as follows (in thousands): Balance at December 25, 2016 $ 6,694 Provision 4,324 Payments and other (2,690 ) Balance at June 25, 2017 $ 8,328

INVENTORIES (Tables)

INVENTORIES (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2017
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of inventory	Inventories consisted of the following (in thousands): As of June 25, 2017 December 25, 2016 Newsprint $ 6,351 $ 10,462 Supplies and other 368 488 Total inventories $ 6,719 $ 10,950

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE25

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of goodwill, other intangible assets	Goodwill and other intangible assets at June 25, 2017 and December 25, 2016 consisted of the following (in thousands): June 25, 2017 December 25, 2016 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) $ 24,632 $ (7,530 ) $ 17,102 $ 25,814 $ (7,229 ) $ 18,585 Advertiser relationships (useful life of 2 to 13 years) 42,587 (13,291 ) 29,296 44,271 (11,883 ) 32,388 Tradenames (useful life of 20 years) 15,100 (2,192 ) 12,908 15,100 (1,816 ) 13,284 Other (useful life of 1 to 20 years) 5,379 (2,011 ) 3,368 5,540 (1,940 ) 3,600 Total intangible assets subject to amortization $ 87,698 $ (25,024 ) 62,674 $ 90,725 $ (22,868 ) 67,857 Software (useful life of 2 to 10 years) $ 128,836 $ (79,153 ) 49,683 $ 125,780 $ (71,215 ) 54,565 Goodwill and other intangible assets not subject to amortization Goodwill 122,631 122,469 Newspaper mastheads and other intangible assets not subject to amortization 64,329 64,304 Total goodwill and other intangible assets $ 299,317 $ 309,195

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM26

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2017
Retirement Benefits [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 25, 2017 June 26, 2016 June 25, 2017 June 26, 2016 Interest cost $ 2,200 $ 1,875 $ 4,400 $ 3,750 Expected return on assets (2,400 ) (2,450 ) (4,750 ) (4,900 ) Amortization of actuarial loss $ 50 $ — $ 50 $ — Net periodic benefit $ (150 ) $ (575 ) $ (300 ) $ (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 25, 2017 June 26, 2016 June 25, 2017 June 26, 2016 Service cost $ 3 $ 10 $ 6 $ 19 Interest cost 55 71 110 141 Amortization of prior service credits (292 ) 922 (584 ) 744 Amortization of gain (47 ) (49 ) (93 ) (97 ) Net periodic (benefit) expense $ (281 ) $ 954 $ (561 ) $ 807

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of basic and diluted earnings per common share	For the three and six months ended June 25, 2017 and June 26, 2016 , basic and diluted earnings per common share were as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 25, 2017 June 26, 2016 June 25, 2017 June 26, 2016 Income (Loss) - Numerator: Net income (loss) available to tronc stockholders plus assumed conversions $ 6,841 $ 4,056 $ 3,852 $ (2,407 ) Shares - Denominator: Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (basic) 32,825 32,975 34,566 31,155 Dilutive effect of employee stock options and RSUs 204 53 228 — Adjusted weighted average shares outstanding (diluted) 33,029 33,028 34,794 31,155 Net income (loss) per common share: Basic $ 0.21 $ 0.12 $ 0.11 $ (0.08 ) Diluted $ 0.21 $ 0.12 $ 0.11 $ (0.08 )

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI28

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2017
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): Foreign Currency OPEB Pension Total Balance at December 25, 2016 $ (32 ) $ 6,374 $ (15,156 ) $ (8,814 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 1 — $ — 1 Amounts reclassified from AOCI — (409 ) $ 34 (375 ) Balance at June 25, 2017 (31 ) 5,965 (15,122 ) (9,188 )
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 25, 2017 and June 26, 2016 (in thousands): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Components June 25, 2017 June 26, 2016 June 25, 2017 June 26, 2016 Affected Line Items in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) Pension and postretirement benefit adjustments: Prior service cost recognized $ (292 ) $ 922 $ (584 ) $ 744 Compensation Amortization of actuarial losses 3 (49 ) (43 ) (97 ) Compensation Total before taxes (289 ) 873 (627 ) 647 Tax effect (118 ) 344 (252 ) 255 Income tax expense (benefit) Total reclassifications for the period $ (171 ) $ 529 $ (375 ) $ 392

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2017
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 25, 2017 June 26, 2016 June 25, 2017 June 26, 2016 Operating revenues: troncM $ 312,438 $ 344,370 $ 623,950 $ 687,432 troncX 58,242 61,531 113,681 118,791 Corporate and eliminations (889 ) (1,400 ) (1,724 ) (3,503 ) $ 369,791 $ 404,501 $ 735,907 $ 802,720 Income (loss) from operations: troncM $ 21,758 $ 28,003 $ 41,511 $ 48,181 troncX 8,404 6,225 12,553 11,872 Corporate and eliminations (11,696 ) (19,896 ) (23,098 ) (49,626 ) Income (loss) from operations $ 18,466 $ 14,332 $ 30,966 $ 10,427 Interest expense, net (6,404 ) (6,699 ) (12,881 ) (13,443 ) Premium on stock buyback — — (6,031 ) — Loss on equity investments, net (584 ) (168 ) (1,272 ) (297 ) Reorganization items, net — (49 ) — (143 ) Income (loss) before income taxes $ 11,478 $ 7,416 $ 10,782 $ (3,456 ) Depreciation and amortization troncM $ 6,888 $ 5,562 $ 12,595 $ 11,311 troncX $ 3,579 $ 2,803 $ 6,816 $ 5,633 Corporate and eliminations 4,193 5,935 8,427 11,480 $ 14,660 $ 14,300 $ 27,838 $ 28,424

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORM30

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2017
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 25, June 26, Cash paid during the period for: Interest $ 11,325 $ 11,879 Income taxes, net of refunds 113 (260 ) Non-cash items in investing activities: Additions to property plant and equipment under capital leases (890 ) (728 ) Non-cash items in financing activities: New capital leases 890 728

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND B31

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION - Textual (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 26, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 25, 2017USD ($)pulitzer_prizemarket	Jun. 26, 2016USD ($)
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Number of vertical sales markets owned | market			9
Number of Pulitzer Prizes | pulitzer_prize			94
Excess tax benefits (expense) realized from exercise of stock-based awards			$ 0	$ 653
Withholding for taxes on RSU vesting			896	820
Operating revenues	$ (369,791)	$ (404,501)	(735,907)	(802,720)
Operating expenses	$ (72,041)	$ (76,317)	(141,928)	(148,530)
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Excess tax benefits (expense) realized from exercise of stock-based awards				700
Withholding for taxes on RSU vesting				$ 800
Minimum | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 | Pro Forma
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Operating revenues			50,000
Operating expenses			50,000
Maximum | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 | Pro Forma
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Operating revenues			60,000
Operating expenses			$ 60,000

CHANGES IN OPERATIONS - Textual

CHANGES IN OPERATIONS - Textual (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2017USD ($)ft²position	Mar. 26, 2017USD ($)ft²	Jun. 26, 2016USD ($)position	Dec. 27, 2015	Jun. 25, 2017USD ($)ft²position	Jun. 26, 2016USD ($)position
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges					$ 5,884
Contract termination | Property subject to operating lease
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		$ 2,000			4,324
Area of vacated office space | ft²		15,000
Employee voluntary separation program
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Benefit requisite service period (more than one year)				1 year
Restructuring charges	$ 100		$ 1,500		300	$ 8,900
Information technology outsource
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges			1,600		100	2,900
Printing, packaging, and delivery outsource
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 2,300				$ 2,300
Reductions in staffing levels in operations | position	112				112
Accelerated depreciation	$ 1,900				$ 1,900
Los Angeles Times enhanced severance benefit
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Benefit requisite service period (more than one year)	15 years
Reductions in staffing levels in operations | position	25
Expected restructuring charges	$ 2,900				2,900
Additional restructuring
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 1,300		$ 2,300		$ 3,200	$ 8,900
Reductions in staffing levels in operations | position	52		53		125	112
Chicago area office space | Contract termination | Property subject to operating lease
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 1,400
Area of vacated office space | ft²	33,629				33,629
South Florida office space | Contract termination | Property subject to operating lease
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 600
Area of vacated office space | ft²	30,000				30,000
Los Angeles office space | Contract termination | Property subject to operating lease
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 300
Area of vacated office space | ft²	11,614				11,614

CHANGES IN OPERATIONS - Summary

CHANGES IN OPERATIONS - Summary of Severance Accrual (Details) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2017USD ($)
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 11,640
Provision	5,884
Payments	(9,314)
Balance at end of period	$ 8,210

CHANGES IN OPERATIONS - Summa34

CHANGES IN OPERATIONS - Summary of Lease Abandonment Accrual Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 26, 2017	Jun. 25, 2017
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 11,640	$ 11,640
Provision		5,884
Amortization		(9,314)
Balance at end of period		8,210
Property subject to operating lease | Contract termination
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	6,694	6,694
Provision	$ 2,000	4,324
Amortization		(2,690)
Balance at end of period		$ 8,328

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - A

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - Aircraft Dry Sublease Textual (Details) - Tribune Publishing Company, LLC $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 25, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 26, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 25, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 26, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 25, 2016$ / h
Merrick Ventures, LLC
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Payments under aircraft sublease	$ 0.3
Aircraft Dry sublease agreement | 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		$ 0.6	$ 1	$ 1.3	$ 1.3
Reimbursement of lease expense		0.4	0.4	1	0.4
Aircraft Dry sublease agreement | Third-Party Pilot Service
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Reimbursement of lease expense		$ 0.1	$ 0.1	$ 0.2	$ 0.1

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - Ev

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - Event Tickets (Details) - Merrick Ventures, LLC - Tribune Publishing Company, LLC - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017	Mar. 26, 2017
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Approximate annual cost of tickets	$ 0.3
Payments for tickets at face value		$ 0.2

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - CI

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - CIPS Marketing Group (Details) - CIPS Marketing Group, Inc. - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2017	Jun. 25, 2017	Jun. 26, 2016	Jun. 25, 2017	Jun. 26, 2016
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage		50.00%		50.00%
Equity method investments
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Other revenue		$ 0.2	$ 0.3	$ 0.5	$ 0.5
Other operating expense | Equity method investments
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Marketing expense		$ 2.2	$ 2.8	$ 3.8	$ 5.8
Subsequent Event
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of equity method investments	$ 7.5

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - Nu

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - Nucleus Marketing Solutions, LLC (Details)	Jun. 25, 2017
Nucleus Marketing Solutions, LLC
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	25.00%

INVENTORIES - Summary of Invent

INVENTORIES - Summary of Inventory (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 25, 2017	Dec. 25, 2016
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Newsprint	$ 6,351	$ 10,462
Supplies and other	368	488
Total inventories	$ 6,719	$ 10,950

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE40

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Summary of Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2017	Dec. 25, 2016
Intangible assets subject to amortization
Gross Amount	$ 87,698	$ 90,725
Accumulated Amortization	(25,024)	(22,868)
Net Amount	62,674	67,857
Software
Net Amount	49,683	54,565
Goodwill and other intangible assets not subject to amortization
Goodwill	122,631	122,469
Newspaper mastheads and other intangible assets not subject to amortization	64,329	64,304
Total goodwill and other intangible assets	299,317	309,195
Subscribers
Intangible assets subject to amortization
Gross Amount	24,632	25,814
Accumulated Amortization	(7,530)	(7,229)
Net Amount	$ 17,102	$ 18,585
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	$ 42,587	$ 44,271
Accumulated Amortization	(13,291)	(11,883)
Net Amount	$ 29,296	$ 32,388
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
Tradenames
Intangible assets subject to amortization
Gross Amount	$ 15,100	$ 15,100
Accumulated Amortization	(2,192)	(1,816)
Net Amount	$ 12,908	$ 13,284
Useful life	20 years	20 years
Other
Intangible assets subject to amortization
Gross Amount	$ 5,379	$ 5,540
Accumulated Amortization	(2,011)	(1,940)
Net Amount	$ 3,368	$ 3,600
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
Software
Software
Gross Amount	$ 128,836	$ 125,780
Accumulated Amortization	(79,153)	(71,215)
Net Amount	$ 49,683	$ 54,565
Software | Minimum
Intangible assets subject to amortization
Useful life	2 years	2 years
Software | Maximum
Intangible assets subject to amortization
Useful life	10 years	10 years

DEBT - Textual (Details)

DEBT - Textual (Details)	Aug. 04, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 25, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 25, 2016USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Principal balance			$ 21,845,000	$ 21,617,000
Capital leases balance			2,300,000
Current portion of capital leases			800,000
Senior term facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Principal amount			$ 369,100,000
Weighted average interest rate (as a percent)			5.75%
Fair value outstanding			$ 369,100,000
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			369,100,000
Percentage of principal balance	1.25%
Principal balance			21,100,000
Unamortized balance of the discount			2,800,000
Unamortized debt issuance costs			6,700,000
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			$ 34,700,000
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%

INCOME TAXES - Textual (Details

INCOME TAXES - Textual (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2017	Jun. 26, 2016	Jun. 25, 2017	Jun. 26, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ 4,637	$ 3,360	$ 6,930	$ (1,049)
Effective tax rate on pretax income, percent	40.40%	45.30%	64.30%	30.40%
U.S. federal statutory rate, percent		35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Premium on stock buyback	$ 0	$ 0	$ 6,031	$ 0

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM43

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - Textual (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2017	Jun. 26, 2016
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Pension contribution	$ 4,600	$ 6,900
Expected future contributions for rest of current year	$ 8,700

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM44

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - Components of Defined Benefit Plan (Details) - Pension plan - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2017	Jun. 26, 2016	Jun. 25, 2017	Jun. 26, 2016
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Interest cost	$ 2,200	$ 1,875	$ 4,400	$ 3,750
Expected return on assets	(2,400)	(2,450)	(4,750)	(4,900)
Amortization of actuarial loss	50	0	50	0
Net periodic benefit	$ (150)	$ (575)	$ (300)	$ (1,150)

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM45

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. 25, 2017	Jun. 26, 2016	Jun. 25, 2017	Jun. 26, 2016
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 3	$ 10	$ 6	$ 19
Interest cost	55	71	110	141
Amortization of prior service credits	(292)	922	(584)	744
Amortization of gain	(47)	(49)	(93)	(97)
Net periodic (benefit) expense	$ (281)	$ 954	$ (561)	$ 807

EARNINGS PER SHARE - Textual (

EARNINGS PER SHARE - Textual (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2017	Jun. 26, 2016	Jun. 25, 2017	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)	836,843	817,481	883,359	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)	558,761	404,618	297,592	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. 25, 2017	Jun. 26, 2016	Jun. 25, 2017	Jun. 26, 2016
Income (Loss) - Numerator:
Net income (loss) available to tronc stockholders plus assumed conversions	$ 6,841	$ 4,056	$ 3,852	$ (2,407)
Shares - Denominator:
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (basic) (in shares)	32,825	32,975	34,566	31,155
Dilutive effect of employee stock options and RSUs (in shares)	204	53	228	0
Adjusted weighted average shares outstanding (diluted) (in shares)	33,029	33,028	34,794	31,155
Net income (loss) per common share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.21	$ 0.12	$ 0.11	$ (0.08)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.21	$ 0.12	$ 0.11	$ (0.08)

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - Textual

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - Textual (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Mar. 23, 2017	Mar. 22, 2017	May 22, 2016	Jun. 25, 2017	Jun. 26, 2016	Jun. 25, 2017	Jun. 26, 2016
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Company's closing price of stock (in dollars per share)		$ 13.39
Premium on stock buyback				$ 0	$ 0	$ 6,031	$ 0
Oaktree Capital
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program, number of shares authorized to be repurchased	3,745,947
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 15
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount	$ 56,200
Private placement | Merrick Shares purchase agreement | Merrick Media, LLC | Affiliated entity
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership of outstanding shares	30.00%	25.00%
Private placement | Merrick Shares purchase agreement | Mr. Ferro | Beneficial owner
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Beneficial ownership by related party, common shares owned (in shares)				9,047,788		9,047,788
Beneficial ownership by related party, percentage of common stock owned				27.50%		27.50%
Private placement | Nant Rights purchase agreement | Beneficial owner
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership of outstanding shares			25.00%
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)				8,743,619		8,743,619
Beneficial ownership by related party, percentage of common stock owned				26.60%		26.60%

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI49

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2017	Jun. 26, 2016	Jun. 25, 2017	Jun. 26, 2016
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period			$ 107,881
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications			1
Amounts reclassified from AOCI			(375)
Balance at end of period	$ 64,850		64,850
Foreign Currency
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period			(32)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications			1
Amounts reclassified from AOCI			0
Balance at end of period	(31)		(31)
OPEB/Pension
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(171)	$ 529	(375)	$ 392
AOCI
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period			(8,814)
Balance at end of period	(9,188)		(9,188)
Other postretirement plans | OPEB/Pension
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period			6,374
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications			0
Amounts reclassified from AOCI			(409)
Balance at end of period	5,965		5,965
Pension plan | OPEB/Pension
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period			(15,156)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications			0
Amounts reclassified from AOCI			34
Balance at end of period	$ (15,122)		$ (15,122)

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI50

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - Reclassifications (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2017	Jun. 26, 2016	Jun. 25, 2017	Jun. 26, 2016
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total reclassifications for the period			$ (375)
Prior service cost recognized
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Pension and post retirement benefits adjustments, total before tax	$ (292)	$ 922	(584)	$ 744
Amortization of actuarial losses
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Pension and post retirement benefits adjustments, total before tax	3	(49)	(43)	(97)
OPEB/Pension
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Pension and post retirement benefits adjustments, total before tax	(289)	873	(627)	647
Tax effect	(118)	344	(252)	255
Total reclassifications for the period	$ (171)	$ 529	$ (375)	$ 392

CONTINGENCIES - Textual (Detai

CONTINGENCIES - Textual (Details)	Aug. 12, 2016Chapter_11_case	Jun. 01, 2016claim	Dec. 31, 2012subsidiary
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of wholly-owned subsidiaries | subsidiary			110
Number of Chapter 11 cases | Chapter_11_case	106
Tribune Publishing Co. stockholder litigation
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of cases consolidated into one case | claim		3

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. 25, 2017	Jun. 26, 2016	Jun. 25, 2017	Jun. 26, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues	$ 369,791	$ 404,501	$ 735,907	$ 802,720
Income (loss) from operations	18,466	14,332	30,966	10,427
Interest expense, net	(6,404)	(6,699)	(12,881)	(13,443)
Premium on stock buyback	0	0	(6,031)	0
Loss on equity investments, net	(584)	(168)	(1,272)	(297)
Reorganization items, net	0	(49)	0	(143)
Income (loss) before income taxes	11,478	7,416	10,782	(3,456)
Depreciation and amortization	14,660	14,300	27,838	28,424
Operating segments | troncM
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues	312,438	344,370	623,950	687,432
Income (loss) from operations	21,758	28,003	41,511	48,181
Depreciation and amortization	6,888	5,562	12,595	11,311
Operating segments | troncX
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues	58,242	61,531	113,681	118,791
Income (loss) from operations	8,404	6,225	12,553	11,872
Depreciation and amortization	3,579	2,803	6,816	5,633
Corporate and eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues	(889)	(1,400)	(1,724)	(3,503)
Income (loss) from operations	(11,696)	(19,896)	(23,098)	(49,626)
Depreciation and amortization	$ 4,193	$ 5,935	$ 8,427	$ 11,480

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORM53

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION - Summary of Supplemental Cash Flow (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2017	Jun. 26, 2016
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	$ 11,325	$ 11,879
Income taxes, net of refunds	113	(260)
Non-cash items in investing activities:
Additions to property plant and equipment under capital leases	(890)	(728)
Non-cash items in financing activities:
New capital leases	$ 890	$ 728