Tribune Publishing (TPCO) 10-Q 7 Nov 19 2019 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019	Nov. 05, 2019
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Tribune Publishing Company
Entity Central Index Key	0001593195
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-29
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Small Business	false
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 29, 2019
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		36,023,145

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Income Statement [Abstract]
Operating revenues	$ 236,027	$ 255,770	$ 730,879	$ 747,173
Operating expenses:
Compensation	83,066	107,762	276,583	324,982
Newsprint and ink	12,613	16,980	43,834	48,348
Outside services	77,549	81,572	241,787	262,372
Other operating expenses	42,163	47,270	123,604	116,220
Depreciation and amortization	11,261	12,179	34,993	37,567
Total operating expenses	226,652	265,763	720,801	789,489
Income (loss) from operations	9,375	(9,993)	10,078	(42,316)
Interest income (expense), net	(57)	303	478	(11,673)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	0	0	0	(7,666)
Loss on equity investments, net	(2,213)	(434)	(3,255)	(1,828)
Other income (expense), net	248	3,640	265	10,943
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	7,353	(6,484)	7,566	(52,540)
Income tax expense (benefit)	480	(5,835)	63	(8,719)
Net income (loss) from continuing operations	6,873	(649)	7,503	(43,821)
Plus: Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes	(12,848)	(3,586)	(13,570)	290,665
Net income (loss)	(5,975)	(4,235)	(6,067)	246,844
Less: Income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,150	(239)	3,037	471
Net income (loss) attributable to Tribune common stockholders	$ (7,125)	$ (3,996)	$ (9,104)	$ 246,373
Net income (loss) from continuing operations available to Tribune common stockholders, per common share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.25)	$ (0.01)	$ (0.29)	$ (1.26)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	(0.25)	(0.01)	(0.29)	(1.26)
Net income (loss) available to Tribune common stockholders, per common share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	(0.61)	(0.11)	(0.67)	7.01
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.61)	$ (0.11)	$ (0.67)	$ 7.01
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	35,863	35,409	35,734	35,166
Diluted (in shares)	35,863	35,409	35,734	35,166

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (5,975)	$ (4,235)	$ (6,067)	$ 246,844
Comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes:
Amortization of items to periodic pension cost during the period, net of taxes of ($22), ($916), ($68) and ($2,746), respectively	(60)	(2,376)	(178)	(7,128)
Foreign currency translation	(4)	(6)	(16)	(11)
Comprehensive loss recognized in continuing operations, net of taxes	(64)	(2,382)	(194)	(7,139)
Accumulated other comprehensive income recognized in discontinued operations, net of taxes of $9,702	0	0	0	25,397
Comprehensive income (loss)	(6,039)	(6,617)	(6,261)	265,102
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	1,150	(239)	3,037	471
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Tribune common stockholders	$ (7,189)	$ (6,378)	$ (9,298)	$ 264,631

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CO_2

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Tax effect	$ (22)	$ (916)	$ (68)	$ (2,746)
Tax effect attributable to discontinued operations				$ 9,702

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 29, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018
Current assets
Cash	$ 56,526	$ 97,560
Accounts receivable, (net of allowances of $9,872 and $11,458)	103,713	145,463
Inventories	5,682	9,587
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	21,535	18,197
Total current assets	187,456	270,807
Property, plant and equipment
Machinery, equipment and furniture	127,874	124,243
Buildings and leasehold improvements	86,396	82,399
Property, plant and equipment, gross	214,270	206,642
Accumulated depreciation	(89,504)	(74,013)
Property, plant and equipment, net, excluding advance payments	124,766	132,629
Advance payments on property, plant and equipment	2,186	12,334
Property, plant and equipment, net	126,952	144,963
Other assets
Goodwill	132,172	132,146
Intangible assets, net	70,960	77,229
Software, net	23,066	27,117
Lease right-of-use asset	102,071
Restricted cash	37,290	43,947
Deferred income taxes	7,105	2,414
Other long-term assets	14,604	28,004
Total other assets	387,268	310,857
Total assets	701,676	726,627
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	40,962	70,555
Employee compensation and benefits	32,954	61,001
Deferred revenue	44,438	51,114
Current portion of long-term lease liability	25,120
Current portion of long-term debt	100	405
Other current liabilities	41,293	21,203
Liabilities associated with discontinued operations	0	6,249
Total current liabilities	184,867	210,527
Non-current liabilities
Long term lease liability	102,430
Workers’ compensation, general liability and auto insurance payable	26,895	30,606
Pension and postretirement benefits payable	17,419	20,150
Deferred rent	0	25,424
Long-term debt	6,777	6,799
Other obligations	7,861	20,053
Total non-current liabilities	161,382	103,032
Noncontrolling interest	54,246	39,756
Stockholders’ equity
Preferred stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 30,000 shares; no shares issued or outstanding at September 29, 2019 and December 30, 2018	0	0
Common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 300,000 shares, 37,907 shares issued and 35,953 shares outstanding at September 29, 2019; 37,551 shares issued and 35,597 shares outstanding at December 30, 2018	379	376
Additional paid-in capital	176,227	166,668
Retained earnings	150,902	232,401
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(167)	27
Treasury stock, at cost - 1,954 shares at September 29, 2019 and December 30, 2018	(26,160)	(26,160)
Total stockholders’ equity	301,181	373,312
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 701,676	$ 726,627

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANC_2

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Sep. 29, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowances for doubtful accounts	$ 9,872	$ 11,458
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	30,000	30,000
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	300,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	37,907	37,551
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	35,953	35,597
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)	1,954	1,954

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUIT

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid in Capital	Retained Earnings	AOCI	Treasury Stock	Previously Reported	Previously ReportedCommon Stock	Previously ReportedAdditional Paid in Capital	Previously ReportedRetained Earnings	Previously ReportedAOCI	Previously ReportedTreasury Stock	Restatement Adjustment	Restatement AdjustmentRetained Earnings
Balance at beginning of period (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017		37,551
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 69,162	$ 376	$ 150,229	$ (16,390)	$ (13,527)	$ (51,526)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to controlling interests	(17,004)			(14,627)	(2,377)
AOCI recognized in discontinued operations	108				108
Issuance of stock from treasury for acquisition	34,595		9,229			25,366
Issuance of stock from restricted stock and restricted stock unit (RSU) conversions (in shares)		122
Issuance of stock from restricted stock and restricted stock unit (“RSU”) conversions		$ 1	(1)
Exercise of stock options (in shares)		7
Exercise of stock options	133		133
Stock-based compensation	2,447		2,447
Withholding for taxes on RSU conversions	(943)		(943)
Forfeited restricted stock (in shares)		(450)
Forfeited restricted stock		$ (5)	5
Balance at end of the period (in shares) at Apr. 01, 2018		37,230
Balance at end of period at Apr. 01, 2018	88,498	$ 372	161,099	(31,017)	(15,796)	(26,160)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to controlling interests	262,469			264,849	(2,380)
AOCI recognized in discontinued operations	25,289				25,289
Issuance of stock from restricted stock and restricted stock unit (RSU) conversions (in shares)		12
Exercise of stock options	1		1
Stock-based compensation	2,748		2,748
Withholding for taxes on RSU conversions	(119)		(119)
Balance at end of the period (in shares) at Jul. 01, 2018		37,242
Balance at end of period at Jul. 01, 2018	378,886	$ 372	163,729	233,832	7,113	(26,160)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to controlling interests	(6,231)			(3,849)	(2,382)
Issuance of stock from restricted stock and restricted stock unit (RSU) conversions (in shares)		205
Issuance of stock from restricted stock and restricted stock unit (“RSU”) conversions		$ 2	(2)
Stock-based compensation	2,982		2,982
Withholding for taxes on RSU conversions	(2,044)		(2,044)
Balance at end of the period (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2018		37,447
Balance at end of period at Sep. 30, 2018	373,593	$ 374	164,665	229,983	4,731	(26,160)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Adjusted beginning balance	371,525	$ 376	166,668	230,614	27	(26,160)
Balance at beginning of period (in shares) at Dec. 30, 2018		37,551
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 30, 2018	373,312				27		$ 373,312	$ 376	$ 166,668	$ 232,401	$ 27	$ (26,160)
Balance at beginning of period (Accounting Standards Update 2016-02) at Dec. 30, 2018													$ (1,787)	$ (1,787)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to controlling interests	(4,736)			(4,675)	(61)
Issuance of stock from restricted stock and restricted stock unit (RSU) conversions (in shares)		67
Stock-based compensation	5,737		5,737
Withholding for taxes on RSU conversions	(13)		(13)
Balance at end of the period (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2019		37,618
Balance at end of period at Mar. 31, 2019	372,513	$ 376	172,392	225,939	(34)	(26,160)
Balance at beginning of period (in shares) at Dec. 30, 2018		37,551
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 30, 2018	373,312				27		$ 373,312	$ 376	$ 166,668	$ 232,401	$ 27	$ (26,160)
Balance at beginning of period (Accounting Standards Update 2016-02) at Dec. 30, 2018													$ (1,787)	$ (1,787)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Dividends to common stockholders	(5,100)
Balance at end of the period (in shares) at Sep. 29, 2019		37,906
Balance at end of period at Sep. 29, 2019	301,181	$ 379	176,227	150,902	(167)	(26,160)
Balance at beginning of period (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2019		37,618
Balance at beginning of period at Mar. 31, 2019	372,513	$ 376	172,392	225,939	(34)	(26,160)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to controlling interests	2,627			2,696	(69)
Dividends to common stockholders	(55,755)			(55,755)
Issuance of stock from restricted stock and restricted stock unit (RSU) conversions (in shares)		68
Issuance of stock from restricted stock and restricted stock unit (“RSU”) conversions		$ 1	(1)
Stock-based compensation	2,914		2,914
Balance at end of the period (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2019		37,686
Balance at end of period at Jun. 30, 2019	322,299	$ 377	175,305	172,880	(103)	(26,160)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to controlling interests	(7,189)			(7,125)	(64)
Issuance of stock from restricted stock and restricted stock unit (RSU) conversions (in shares)		220
Issuance of stock from restricted stock and restricted stock unit (“RSU”) conversions		$ 2	(2)
Stock-based compensation	2,449		2,449
Withholding for taxes on RSU conversions	(1,525)		(1,525)
Noncontrolling interest carrying value adjustment	(14,853)			(14,853)
Balance at end of the period (in shares) at Sep. 29, 2019		37,906
Balance at end of period at Sep. 29, 2019	$ 301,181	$ 379	$ 176,227	$ 150,902	$ (167)	$ (26,160)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Operating Activities From Continuing Operations
Net income (loss) from continuing operations	$ 7,503	$ (43,821)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	34,993	37,567
Stock compensation expense	11,100	7,513
Loss on equity investments, net	3,255	1,828
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	0	7,666
Deferred income taxes	(3,896)	3,818
Defined benefit plan contribution	(1,929)	(3,419)
Postretirement medical, life and other benefits	(1,047)	(12,615)
Changes in working capital items, excluding effects from acquisitions:
Accounts receivable, net	41,601	2,045
Prepaid expenses, inventories and other current assets	(12,808)	14,084
Accounts payable, employee compensation and benefits, deferred revenue and other current liabilities	(46,289)	(22,700)
Other, net	(530)	742
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities	31,953	(7,292)
Investing Activities From Continuing Operations
Capital expenditures	(13,866)	(48,956)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	0	(70,999)
Other, net	(718)	(2,207)
Net cash used for investing activities	(14,584)	(122,162)
Financing Activities From Continuing Operations
Dividends paid to Tribune common stockholders	(53,846)	0
Repayments of capital lease obligations	(305)
Repayments of capital lease obligations		0
Repayments of long-term debt	0	(353,253)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest	(3,400)	(2,000)
Withholding for taxes on RSU vesting	(1,538)	(3,106)
Other	0	(151)
Net cash used for financing activities	(59,089)	(358,510)
Decrease in cash attributable to continuing operations	(41,720)	(487,964)
Cash flows used for operating activities from discontinued operations, net	(5,971)	(47,071)
Cash flows provided by investing activities from discontinued operations, net	0	491,504
Cash flows used for financing activities from discontinued operations, net	0	(291)
Increase (decrease) in cash attributable to discontinued operations	(5,971)	444,142
Net decrease in cash	(47,691)	(43,822)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period	141,507	185,351
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period	$ 93,816	$ 141,529

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BAS

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION	NOTE 1: DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION Description of Business —Tribune Publishing Company, formerly tronc. Inc., was formed as a Delaware corporation on November 21, 2013. Tribune Publishing Company together with its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company” or “Tribune”) is a media company rooted in award-winning journalism. Headquartered in Chicago, the Company operates local media businesses in eight markets with titles including the Chicago Tribune, New York Daily News, The Baltimore Sun, Orlando Sentinel, South Florida’s Sun Sentinel , Virginia’s Daily Press and The Virginian-Pilot , The Morning Call of Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, and the Hartford Courant. Tribune also operates Tribune Content Agency (“TCA”) and is a majority owner in BestReviews LLC (“BestReviews”). On May 28, 2018 , the Company acquired Virginian-Pilot Media Companies, LLC, owner of The Virginian-Pilot, a daily newspaper based in Norfolk, Virginia, and associated businesses (“Virginian-Pilot”). See Note 6 for further information on this acquisition. On May 23, 2018 , the Company completed the sale of substantially all of the assets of forsalebyowner.com and on June 18, 2018 , the Company completed the sale of the Los Angeles Times , The San Diego Union-Tribune and various other titles of the Company’s California properties (“California Properties”) . See Note 7 for more information on the dispositions and related discontinued operations. Tribune’s continuing legacy of brands, including The Virginian-Pilot, have earned a combined 61 Pulitzer Prizes and are committed to informing, inspiring and engaging local communities. Tribune’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 2019 ends on December 29, 2019 and fiscal year 2018 ended on December 30, 2018 . Fiscal year 2019 and 2018 are 52-week years with 13 weeks in each quarter. Basis of Presentation —T he accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements and notes of the Company have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles ( “ U.S. GAAP ”). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates. In the opinion of management, the financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position of Tribune as of September 29, 2019 and December 30, 2018 and the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 29, 2019 and September 30, 2018 , respectively, and the cash flows for the nine months ended September 29, 2019 and September 30, 2018 , respectively. 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. The year-end Consolidated Balance Sheet was derived from audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP . Effective as of the sale dates, the operations of the California Properties and forsalebyowner.com qualify as discontinued operations. Accordingly, results of these operations for all periods presented have been reflected as discontinued operations in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements . Additionally, assets and liabilities related to the divested properties are classified as such in all periods in the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets. Unless otherwise noted, amounts and disclosures throughout these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements relate to continuing operations and exclude all discontinued operations related to the California Properties and forsalebyowner.com. Accounting standards adopted in 2019 —In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“ FASB ”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ ASU ”) 2018-15, Subtopic 350-40, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software; Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract (“ ASU 2018-15”). ASU 2018-15 aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal use software license). ASU 2018-15 can be applied either retrospectively or prospectively. ASU 2018-15 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in any interim period. The Company adopted this standard effective the beginning of fiscal year 2019 and will apply the provisions of the standard prospectively. The adoption had no material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements . In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Topic 220, Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“ ASU 2018-02”) . ASU 2018-02 amends ASC 220, Income Statement — Reporting Comprehensive Income, to “allow a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.” In addition, under the ASU , an entity will be required to provide certain disclosures regarding stranded tax effects. ASU 2018-02 is effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted this standard effective the beginning of fiscal year 2019 and adoption had no material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements . In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Topic 842, Leases (“ASC 842”), which requires lessees to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities for operating leases. The Company adopted this standard effective December 31, 2018 using the modified retrospective transition method whereby the Company applied the new standard at the adoption date and recognized a cumulative-effect adjustment of $1.8 million , net of tax of $0.7 million , to reduce the opening balance of retained earnings in the first quarter of 2019, primarily due to lease impairments determined during the adoption. The Company has elected the practical expedients which allow the Company to forgo reassessing whether existing contracts are or contain leases, forgo reassessing the classification of existing leases, forgo reassessing initial direct costs of existing leases at the initial application date and to combine lease and nonlease components. Additionally, the Company did not consider any leases with original lease terms less than one year. See Note 2 for additional disclosures related to the Company’s leases. Accounting standards not yet adopted —In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Topic 326, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (“ ASU 2016-13”). ASU 2016-13 changes the impairment model for most financial assets and will require the use of an “expected loss” model for instruments measured as amortized cost. This pronouncement is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company expects to adopt the standard effective December 30, 2019. The Company is assessing the impact of this new standard on the Company’s future reported results and operating and accounting processes and systems.

LEASES

LEASES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
LEASES	NOTE 2: LEASES Tribune’s leased facilities total approximately 4.0 million square feet in the aggregate. The Company currently has leased newspaper production facilities in Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, however Tribune owns substantially all of the production equipment. For printing plants, the initial lease term is 10 years with two options to renew for additional 10 year terms. For distribution facilities, the initial lease term is generally five years , with options to renew either two or three additional five year terms. Our corporate headquarters are located at 160 N. Stetson Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. The lease is for approximately 137,000 square feet with a 10 year and 11 month term for one floor and a 12 year term for four floors, expiring in 2028 and 2030 , respectively. The Company has rent escalations, rent holidays and leasehold improvement incentives which are included in the determination of the right-of-use asset (“ ROU ”) and the lease liabilities. Tribune subleases certain facilities that total approximately 0.1 million square feet in aggregate. The terms of these subleases are from five to seven years and expire between 2019 and 2023 . Tribune determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in lease ROU assets, current portion of long-term lease liabilities, and long-term lease liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Finance leases are included in property, plant and equipment, current portion of long-term debt and long-term debt on the consolidated balance sheets. Amortization of the operating leases ROU assets is included in other operating expenses. Amortization of finance leases is included in depreciation expense. Sublease income is included as an offset to lease expense in other operating expenses. Operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, Tribune uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of future payments. The recorded operating lease ROU asset on the balance sheet reflects lease payments made to date and excludes lease incentives and initial direct costs incurred. The lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the option will be exercised. Lease expense for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Certain lease agreements have lease and non-lease components, which are generally accounted for together. Below is a summary of information related to the Company’s leases for the three and nine months ended September 29, 2019 (in thousands) : Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 29, 2019 September 29, 2019 Lease cost: Finance lease cost Amortization of right-of-use assets $ 78 $ 235 Interest on lease liabilities 26 78 Operating lease cost 7,314 21,560 Short-term lease cost 113 692 Variable lease cost 1,833 5,403 Sublease income (864 ) (2,436 ) Total lease cost $ 8,500 $ 25,532 Below is a summary of the supplemental cash flow information related to leases for the nine months ended September 29, 2019 (in thousands) : Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows used for operating leases $ 22,289 Operating cash flows used for finance leases $ 109 Financing cash flows used for finance leases $ 305 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities $ 2,930 Weighted average remaining lease term - finance leases (in years) 2.1 Weighted average remaining lease term - operating leases (in years) 6.1 Weighted average discount rate - finance leases 5.75 % Weighted average discount rate - operating leases 4.75 % Future minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating lease arrangements having initial terms of one year or more as of September 29, 2019 are as follows (in thousands) : Operating Leases Finance Leases Subleases 9/30/2019 - 9/27/2020 $ 30,656 $ 100 $ 2,873 9/28/2020 - 9/26/2021 28,199 6,942 2,300 9/27/2021 - 9/25/2022 25,767 — 1,645 9/26/2022 - 9/24/2023 19,796 — 1,625 9/25/2023 - 9/29/2024 9,480 — 391 Thereafter 34,804 — — Total future lease payments 148,702 7,042 8,834 Less imputed interest 21,152 165 — Net future minimum lease payments $ 127,550 $ 6,877 $ 8,834 NOTE 2: LEASES Tribune’s leased facilities total approximately 4.0 million square feet in the aggregate. The Company currently has leased newspaper production facilities in Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, however Tribune owns substantially all of the production equipment. For printing plants, the initial lease term is 10 years with two options to renew for additional 10 year terms. For distribution facilities, the initial lease term is generally five years , with options to renew either two or three additional five year terms. Our corporate headquarters are located at 160 N. Stetson Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. The lease is for approximately 137,000 square feet with a 10 year and 11 month term for one floor and a 12 year term for four floors, expiring in 2028 and 2030 , respectively. The Company has rent escalations, rent holidays and leasehold improvement incentives which are included in the determination of the right-of-use asset (“ ROU ”) and the lease liabilities. Tribune subleases certain facilities that total approximately 0.1 million square feet in aggregate. The terms of these subleases are from five to seven years and expire between 2019 and 2023 . Tribune determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in lease ROU assets, current portion of long-term lease liabilities, and long-term lease liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Finance leases are included in property, plant and equipment, current portion of long-term debt and long-term debt on the consolidated balance sheets. Amortization of the operating leases ROU assets is included in other operating expenses. Amortization of finance leases is included in depreciation expense. Sublease income is included as an offset to lease expense in other operating expenses. Operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, Tribune uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of future payments. The recorded operating lease ROU asset on the balance sheet reflects lease payments made to date and excludes lease incentives and initial direct costs incurred. The lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the option will be exercised. Lease expense for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Certain lease agreements have lease and non-lease components, which are generally accounted for together. Below is a summary of information related to the Company’s leases for the three and nine months ended September 29, 2019 (in thousands) : Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 29, 2019 September 29, 2019 Lease cost: Finance lease cost Amortization of right-of-use assets $ 78 $ 235 Interest on lease liabilities 26 78 Operating lease cost 7,314 21,560 Short-term lease cost 113 692 Variable lease cost 1,833 5,403 Sublease income (864 ) (2,436 ) Total lease cost $ 8,500 $ 25,532 Below is a summary of the supplemental cash flow information related to leases for the nine months ended September 29, 2019 (in thousands) : Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows used for operating leases $ 22,289 Operating cash flows used for finance leases $ 109 Financing cash flows used for finance leases $ 305 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities $ 2,930 Weighted average remaining lease term - finance leases (in years) 2.1 Weighted average remaining lease term - operating leases (in years) 6.1 Weighted average discount rate - finance leases 5.75 % Weighted average discount rate - operating leases 4.75 % Future minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating lease arrangements having initial terms of one year or more as of September 29, 2019 are as follows (in thousands) : Operating Leases Finance Leases Subleases 9/30/2019 - 9/27/2020 $ 30,656 $ 100 $ 2,873 9/28/2020 - 9/26/2021 28,199 6,942 2,300 9/27/2021 - 9/25/2022 25,767 — 1,645 9/26/2022 - 9/24/2023 19,796 — 1,625 9/25/2023 - 9/29/2024 9,480 — 391 Thereafter 34,804 — — Total future lease payments 148,702 7,042 8,834 Less imputed interest 21,152 165 — Net future minimum lease payments $ 127,550 $ 6,877 $ 8,834
LEASES	NOTE 2: LEASES Tribune’s leased facilities total approximately 4.0 million square feet in the aggregate. The Company currently has leased newspaper production facilities in Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, however Tribune owns substantially all of the production equipment. For printing plants, the initial lease term is 10 years with two options to renew for additional 10 year terms. For distribution facilities, the initial lease term is generally five years , with options to renew either two or three additional five year terms. Our corporate headquarters are located at 160 N. Stetson Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. The lease is for approximately 137,000 square feet with a 10 year and 11 month term for one floor and a 12 year term for four floors, expiring in 2028 and 2030 , respectively. The Company has rent escalations, rent holidays and leasehold improvement incentives which are included in the determination of the right-of-use asset (“ ROU ”) and the lease liabilities. Tribune subleases certain facilities that total approximately 0.1 million square feet in aggregate. The terms of these subleases are from five to seven years and expire between 2019 and 2023 . Tribune determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in lease ROU assets, current portion of long-term lease liabilities, and long-term lease liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Finance leases are included in property, plant and equipment, current portion of long-term debt and long-term debt on the consolidated balance sheets. Amortization of the operating leases ROU assets is included in other operating expenses. Amortization of finance leases is included in depreciation expense. Sublease income is included as an offset to lease expense in other operating expenses. Operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, Tribune uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of future payments. The recorded operating lease ROU asset on the balance sheet reflects lease payments made to date and excludes lease incentives and initial direct costs incurred. The lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the option will be exercised. Lease expense for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Certain lease agreements have lease and non-lease components, which are generally accounted for together. Below is a summary of information related to the Company’s leases for the three and nine months ended September 29, 2019 (in thousands) : Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 29, 2019 September 29, 2019 Lease cost: Finance lease cost Amortization of right-of-use assets $ 78 $ 235 Interest on lease liabilities 26 78 Operating lease cost 7,314 21,560 Short-term lease cost 113 692 Variable lease cost 1,833 5,403 Sublease income (864 ) (2,436 ) Total lease cost $ 8,500 $ 25,532 Below is a summary of the supplemental cash flow information related to leases for the nine months ended September 29, 2019 (in thousands) : Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows used for operating leases $ 22,289 Operating cash flows used for finance leases $ 109 Financing cash flows used for finance leases $ 305 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities $ 2,930 Weighted average remaining lease term - finance leases (in years) 2.1 Weighted average remaining lease term - operating leases (in years) 6.1 Weighted average discount rate - finance leases 5.75 % Weighted average discount rate - operating leases 4.75 % Future minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating lease arrangements having initial terms of one year or more as of September 29, 2019 are as follows (in thousands) : Operating Leases Finance Leases Subleases 9/30/2019 - 9/27/2020 $ 30,656 $ 100 $ 2,873 9/28/2020 - 9/26/2021 28,199 6,942 2,300 9/27/2021 - 9/25/2022 25,767 — 1,645 9/26/2022 - 9/24/2023 19,796 — 1,625 9/25/2023 - 9/29/2024 9,480 — 391 Thereafter 34,804 — — Total future lease payments 148,702 7,042 8,834 Less imputed interest 21,152 165 — Net future minimum lease payments $ 127,550 $ 6,877 $ 8,834
LEASES	NOTE 2: LEASES Tribune’s leased facilities total approximately 4.0 million square feet in the aggregate. The Company currently has leased newspaper production facilities in Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, however Tribune owns substantially all of the production equipment. For printing plants, the initial lease term is 10 years with two options to renew for additional 10 year terms. For distribution facilities, the initial lease term is generally five years , with options to renew either two or three additional five year terms. Our corporate headquarters are located at 160 N. Stetson Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. The lease is for approximately 137,000 square feet with a 10 year and 11 month term for one floor and a 12 year term for four floors, expiring in 2028 and 2030 , respectively. The Company has rent escalations, rent holidays and leasehold improvement incentives which are included in the determination of the right-of-use asset (“ ROU ”) and the lease liabilities. Tribune subleases certain facilities that total approximately 0.1 million square feet in aggregate. The terms of these subleases are from five to seven years and expire between 2019 and 2023 . Tribune determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in lease ROU assets, current portion of long-term lease liabilities, and long-term lease liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Finance leases are included in property, plant and equipment, current portion of long-term debt and long-term debt on the consolidated balance sheets. Amortization of the operating leases ROU assets is included in other operating expenses. Amortization of finance leases is included in depreciation expense. Sublease income is included as an offset to lease expense in other operating expenses. Operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, Tribune uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of future payments. The recorded operating lease ROU asset on the balance sheet reflects lease payments made to date and excludes lease incentives and initial direct costs incurred. The lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the option will be exercised. Lease expense for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Certain lease agreements have lease and non-lease components, which are generally accounted for together. Below is a summary of information related to the Company’s leases for the three and nine months ended September 29, 2019 (in thousands) : Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 29, 2019 September 29, 2019 Lease cost: Finance lease cost Amortization of right-of-use assets $ 78 $ 235 Interest on lease liabilities 26 78 Operating lease cost 7,314 21,560 Short-term lease cost 113 692 Variable lease cost 1,833 5,403 Sublease income (864 ) (2,436 ) Total lease cost $ 8,500 $ 25,532 Below is a summary of the supplemental cash flow information related to leases for the nine months ended September 29, 2019 (in thousands) : Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows used for operating leases $ 22,289 Operating cash flows used for finance leases $ 109 Financing cash flows used for finance leases $ 305 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities $ 2,930 Weighted average remaining lease term - finance leases (in years) 2.1 Weighted average remaining lease term - operating leases (in years) 6.1 Weighted average discount rate - finance leases 5.75 % Weighted average discount rate - operating leases 4.75 % Future minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating lease arrangements having initial terms of one year or more as of September 29, 2019 are as follows (in thousands) : Operating Leases Finance Leases Subleases 9/30/2019 - 9/27/2020 $ 30,656 $ 100 $ 2,873 9/28/2020 - 9/26/2021 28,199 6,942 2,300 9/27/2021 - 9/25/2022 25,767 — 1,645 9/26/2022 - 9/24/2023 19,796 — 1,625 9/25/2023 - 9/29/2024 9,480 — 391 Thereafter 34,804 — — Total future lease payments 148,702 7,042 8,834 Less imputed interest 21,152 165 — Net future minimum lease payments $ 127,550 $ 6,877 $ 8,834

REVENUE RECOGNITION

REVENUE RECOGNITION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
REVENUE RECOGNITION	NOTE 3: REVENUE RECOGNITION Revenues are recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for goods or services. Revenues are recognized as performance obligations are satisfied at either a point in time, such as when an advertisement is published, or over time, such as content licensing. The Company receives a significant portion of the payments from its subscribers in advance of the delivery of the content both either in print or digitally. These up-front payments and fees are recorded as deferred revenue upon receipt and generally require deferral of revenue recognition to a future period until the Company performs its obligations under the subscription agreement. The deferred revenue is recognized as revenue as the content is delivered. The deferred revenue is considered a contract liability under ASC 606. Amounts are recorded as accounts receivable when the Company’s right to consideration is unconditional. Therefore, the Company has no contract assets as defined under ASC 606. As of December 30, 2018 , the Company had a contract liabilities balance of $54.0 million, of which $44.0 million has been recognized as revenue in the nine months ended September 29, 2019 . As of the adoption of ASC 606 on January 1, 2018, the Company had a contract liabilities balance of $55.1 million, of which $45.6 million was recognized as revenue in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 . The Company’s revenues disaggregated by type of revenue and segment are presented in Note 17 . The Company generally expenses sales commissions when incurred because the amortization period would have been one year or less. These costs are recorded within cost of sales. Additionally, the Company does not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations because the vast majority of contracts have original expected lengths of one year or less and payment terms are generally short-term in nature unless a customer is in bankruptcy.

CHANGES IN OPERATIONS

CHANGES IN OPERATIONS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
CHANGES IN OPERATIONS	NOTE 4: CHANGES IN OPERATIONS The Company continually assesses its operations in an effort to identify opportunities to enhance operational efficiencies and reduce expenses. In the past these activities have included, and could include in the future, outsourcing of various functions or operations, abandonment of leased space and other activities which may result in changes to employee headcount. The discussion and amounts below represent activity in the Company’s continuing operations and exclude any amounts in the Company’s assets, liabilities or operations from discontinued operations. During the nine months ended September 29, 2019 , the Company implemented reductions in staffing levels in its operations of 118 positions for which the Company recorded pretax charges related to these reductions and executive separations totaling $7.6 million . The pretax charges related to the reductions during the three months ended September 29, 2019 totaled $0.9 million. The reductions for the nine months ended September 29, 2019 , include 23 positions related to the voluntary severance incentive plan initiated in the fourth quarter of 2018 . The related salary continuation payments began during the first quarter of 2019 and are expected to continue through the first quarter of 2020 . Included in the 2019 severance charge is approximately $4.0 million related to the separation of the Company’s CEO and two senior executives in the digital operations in the first quarter of 2019. Each of these employees had employment contracts which provided for immediate payout of any contractual compensation under the employment agreement in the event of separation. These employment agreements were amended to permit payment of the severance as salary continuation over the remainder of 2019, during which time equity-based awards would continue to vest. The severance payments to these executives, including compensation and medical benefits, if any, were accrued in the first quarter of 2019. Additionally, as a result of the separation, the Company recognized accelerated stock-based compensation expense in the first quarter of 2019 of $1.5 million . In July 2018, the Company implemented reductions in staffing levels of 178 positions of which approximately 50% were at the New York Daily News . The Company recorded pretax charges related to these reductions totaling $4.6 million . In addition to the initiatives in July 2018, t he Company implemented additional reductions of 52 and 339 positions during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , respectively, and recorded pretax charges related to these reductions of $3.5 million and $14.3 million, respectively. A summary of the activity with respect to the Company’s severance accrual for the nine months ended September 29, 2019 is as follows (in thousands) : Balance at December 30, 2018 $ 28,845 Provision 7,574 Payments (31,261 ) Balance at September 29, 2019 $ 5,158 Charges for severance and related expenses are included in compensation expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) . On July 23, 2019, the Company entered into an agreement to sell real property located in Norfolk, Virginia for a sales price of $9.5 million . The sale is dependent on the purchaser obtaining the required certificates and the purchaser’s determination of feasibility. Such determination must be made by March 5, 2020. Should the certificates not be acquired or the property not be feasible for the purchaser’s purposes, the purchaser can elect to terminate the agreement.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	NOTE 5: RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Transition Services Agreement with NantMedia Holdings, LLC In connection with the closing of the sale of the California Properties, the Company entered into a transition services agreement (“ TSA ”) with NantMedia Holdings, LLC (“NantMedia”), providing for up to twelve months of transition services between the parties at negotiated rates approximating cost. On January 17, 2019 , this agreement was amended to extend the date of transition services to June 30, 2020 . Either party may discontinue all or a portion of the services being provided to such party by providing 60 days advance notice. See Note 7 for additional information on the sale of the California Properties. As the operational transition continues, there are certain costs that the Company paid on behalf of NantMedia due to commingled contracts and processes. Such costs include newsprint, rent, benefits, and other operating activities. The TSA provides for reimbursement to the Company for such charges until the contracts and processes can be separated. Additionally, the Company receives some revenue payments related to commingled revenue contracts that include the California Properties. These payments are reimbursed to NantMedia. A summary of the activity with respect to the TSA for the three and nine months ended September 29, 2019 is as follows (in thousands) : Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 Accounts receivable from NantMedia beginning balance $ 8,967 $ 12,521 $ 17,909 $ — Revenue for TSA services 4,061 8,618 17,014 9,799 Reimbursable costs 9,123 23,495 38,801 35,523 Amounts received for TSA services (5,467 ) (5,189 ) (17,870 ) (5,189 ) Amounts received for reimbursable costs (9,694 ) (8,339 ) (49,706 ) (8,339 ) Amounts reimbursed to Nant for amounts collected from third parties under commingled revenue contracts 4,104 2,898 17,180 2,898 Amounts collected from third parties under commingled revenue contracts (3,307 ) (5,093 ) (15,541 ) (5,781 ) Accounts receivable from NantMedia balance as of September 29, 2019 (1) $ 7,787 $ 28,911 $ 7,787 $ 28,911 (1) The accounts receivable from NantMedia balance as of September 29, 2019 consists of $7.3 million of charges which had been billed and $0.5 million of charges which had not been billed as of that date. Merrick Consulting Agreement On December 20, 2017 , the Company entered into a Consulting Agreement with Merrick Ventures LLC (“Merrick Ventures”) and solely for certain sections thereof, Michael W. Ferro, Jr. and Merrick Media, LLC (“Merrick Media”). At the time the agreement was signed, Mr. Ferro was also Chairman of Tribune’s Board of Directors and, together with Merrick Ventures and Merrick Media, a significant stockholder. The Consulting Agreement provided for the engagement of Merrick Ventures on a non-exclusive basis to provide certain management expertise and technical services for an annual fee of $5.0 million in cash, payable in advance on the first business day of each calendar year. The Consulting Agreement provided for a rolling three -year term, with the initial term continuing through December 31, 2020. The Company made the initial $5.0 million payment in early January 2018 . On March 18, 2018, Mr. Ferro retired from the Company’s Board. As Mr. Ferro was no longer actively engaged in the business and the Company remained contractually committed for the future payments due under the Consulting Agreement, the Company recognized expense for the full $15.0 million due under the Consulting Agreement in outside services in the first quarter of 2018. In the second quarter of fiscal year 2018, the Company amended the Consulting Agreement. The amendment reduced the total fees due under the Consulting Agreement by $2.5 million (from $15.0 million to $12.5 million ) and allows the Company to engage Merrick Ventures as its advisor, if it so chooses, but at no additional cost to the Company. If so engaged, the Company would indemnify Merrick Ventures if the Company requests it to meet with third parties. In June 2018, the Company paid the remaining $7.5 million in fees due under the amended Consulting Agreement in connection with the execution of the amendment. The Company recognized a credit of $2.5 million for the reduction in fees due under the Consulting Agreement in outside services in the second quarter of 2018. The non-compete covenants and amended Securities Purchase Agreement terms contained in the Consulting Agreement were not altered by the amendment and remain in place through December 31, 2020 .

ACQUISITION

ACQUISITION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Business Combinations [Abstract]
ACQUISITION	NOTE 6: ACQUISITION Virginian-Pilot On May 28, 2018 , the Company acquired Virginian-Pilot Media Companies, LLC (“Virginian-Pilot”), the owner of The Virginian-Pilot daily newspaper based in Norfolk, Virginia, pursuant to a Securities Purchase Agreement, for a cash purchase price of $34.0 million less a post-close working capital adjustment of $0.1 million from the seller. During the first quarter of 2019, the Company completed the determination of the fair value of the assets acquired, including intangible assets and liabilities assumed. There were no adjustments to the allocation of the purchase price which is as follows (in thousands) : Consideration Cash consideration for acquisition $ 33,912 Total consideration 33,912 Allocated Fair Value of acquired Assets and Assumed Liabilities Accounts receivable and other current assets 8,257 Property, plant and equipment 29,843 Mastheads 4,700 Intangible assets subject to amortization 1,300 Accounts payable and other current liabilities (10,749 ) Other long-term obligations (68 ) Total identifiable assets, net 33,283 Goodwill 629 Total net assets acquired $ 33,912

DISPOSITIONS AND DISCONTINUED O

DISPOSITIONS AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
DISPOSITIONS AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	NOTE 7: DISPOSITIONS AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS On February 7, 2018 , the Company entered into a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement (“ MIPA ”) by and between the Company and Nant Capital, LLC (“Nant Capital”) pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell the California Properties to Nant Capital for an aggregate purchase price of $500.0 million in cash, plus the assumption of unfunded pension liabilities related to the San Diego Pension Plan, less a post-closing working capital adjustment to the buyer of $9.7 million (the "Nant Transaction"). The Nant Transaction closed on June 18, 2018 and resulted in a pre-tax gain of $404.8 million . As part of the Nant Transaction, the Company provided Nant Capital indemnification with respect to certain legal matters which were at various states of adjudication at the date of the sale. On August 19, 2019, the Los Angeles Times received an unfavorable jury verdict of $15.5 million in an indemnified employment litigation matter. Included in other operating expenses within discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended September 29, 2019 , the Company recorded litigation reserves of $17.0 million and $18.0 million , respectively, associated with the verdict, legal fees and other indemnified legal matters. The Company plans to appeal the verdict. As of September 29, 2019 , the Company has fully reserved for the unfavorable verdict. On May 23, 2018 , the Company sold substantially all of the assets of forsalebyowner.com in an asset sale for $2.5 million , less a post-closing working capital payment to the buyer of $0.1 million , plus an advertising sales commitment of $4.5 million over a term of two years. The forsalebyowner.com balances are reflected as related to discontinued operations on the consolidated balance sheets for all periods presented and the results of operations are included in discontinued operations for all periods presented. Discontinued Operations Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations for the respective transaction dates, included in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) are comprised of the following (in thousands) : Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 Operating revenues $ — $ 11 $ — $ 211,511 Operating expenses: Compensation — 3 — 58,839 Newsprint and ink — 3 — 14,376 Outside services 845 57 845 61,711 Other operating expenses 16,950 474 17,950 57,224 Depreciation and amortization — — — 3,530 Total operating expenses 17,795 537 18,795 195,680 Income (loss) from operations (17,795 ) (526 ) (18,795 ) 15,831 Gain (loss) on sale — (3,151 ) — 406,183 Interest expense, net — — — (52 ) Other income, net — — — 1,338 Income tax (expense) benefit 4,947 91 5,225 (132,635 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax $ (12,848 ) $ (3,586 ) $ (13,570 ) $ 290,665 Discontinued operations by segment are presented below (in thousands) : Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 Operating revenues M $ — $ (25 ) $ — $ 185,811 X — 36 — 25,638 Corporate and Eliminations — — — 62 $ — $ 11 $ — $ 211,511 Income (loss) from operations M $ (17,795 ) $ (350 ) $ (18,795 ) $ 9,997 X — (171 ) — 5,795 Corporate and Eliminations — (5 ) — 39 $ (17,795 ) $ (526 ) $ (18,795 ) $ 15,831 Depreciation and amortization M $ — $ — $ — $ 3,426 X — — — 104 $ — $ — $ — $ 3,530 The following table presents the aggregate carrying amounts of assets and liabilities related to discontinued operations in the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets (in thousands) : September 29, 2019 December 30, 2018 Carrying amount of liabilities associated with discontinued operations: Income tax payable — 6,249 Total liabilities associated with discontinued operations $ — $ 6,249

INVENTORIES

INVENTORIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
INVENTORIES	NOTE 8: INVENTORIES Inventories consisted of the following (in thousands) : September 29, 2019 December 30, 2018 Newsprint $ 5,329 $ 9,273 Supplies and other 353 314 Total inventories $ 5,682 $ 9,587 Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value determined using the first-in, first-out basis for all inventories.

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE A

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	NOTE 9: GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS Goodwill and other intangible assets at September 29, 2019 and December 30, 2018 , consisted of the following (in thousands) : September 29, 2019 December 30, 2018 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) $ 7,312 $ (5,409 ) $ 1,903 $ 7,312 $ (4,730 ) $ 2,582 Advertiser relationships (useful life of 2 to 13 years) 27,648 (14,374 ) 13,274 27,648 (12,497 ) 15,151 Trade names (useful life of 20 years) 15,100 (3,904 ) 11,196 15,100 (3,343 ) 11,757 Other (useful life of 1 to 20 years) 16,181 (6,420 ) 9,761 17,744 (4,831 ) 12,913 Total intangible assets subject to amortization $ 66,241 $ (30,107 ) 36,134 $ 67,804 $ (25,401 ) 42,403 Software (useful life 2 to 10 years) $ 143,689 $ (120,623 ) 23,066 $ 136,005 $ (108,888 ) 27,117 Goodwill and other intangible assets not subject to amortization Goodwill 132,172 132,146 Newspaper mastheads and other 34,826 34,826 Total goodwill and other intangible assets $ 226,198 $ 236,492

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	NOTE 10: INCOME TAXES For the three and nine months ended September 29, 2019 , the Company recorded income tax expense related to continuing operations of $0.5 million and $0.1 million , respectively. The effective tax rate on pretax income was 6.5% and 0.8% in the three and nine months ended September 29, 2019 , respectively. During the three months ended September 29, 2019 , the Company recorded a discrete item which resulted in a tax benefit of $1.5 million relating to an adjustment in state tax expense for the treatment of the Nant Transaction gain for state apportionment in selected states. For the three and nine months ended September 29, 2019 , the rate also differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% primarily due to state income taxes, net of federal benefit, income from noncontrolling interest, tax expense related to vesting of stock compensation, and nondeductible expenses. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , the Company recorded an income tax benefit related to continuing operations of $5.8 million and $8.7 million , respectively. The effective tax rate on pretax income from continuing operations was 90.0% and 16.6% in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , the rate differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% primarily due to a year-to-date true-up that increased the income tax benefit for the quarter by $4.3 million to the estimated annual tax provision. The rate also differs due to state income taxes, net of federal benefit, and nondeductible expenses. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , the rate differs from the U.S. federal tax rate of 21% primarily due to state income taxes, net of federal benefit, and nondeductible expenses. In the case of a pretax loss, the unfavorable permanent differences, such as non-deductible meals and entertainment expense, have the effect of decreasing the tax benefit which, in turn, decreases the effective tax rate. Also, in periods in which income (loss) before income taxes is close to break-even, permanent differences and changes in estimate tend to have a greater impact on the effective tax rate.

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMEN

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS	NOTE 11: 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. During the nine months ended September 29, 2019 , the Company made contributions totaling $11.0 million to the Chicago Newspaper Publishers Drivers’ Union Pension Plan (the “Drivers’ Plan”), pursuant to its amended rehabilitation plan. The Company expects to contribute an additional $0.7 million during the remainder of 2019 . These payments are expensed when due to be paid. Defined Benefit Plans The Company is the sponsor of a single-employer defined benefit plan, the Daily News Retirement Plan (the “NYDN Pension Plan”). The NYDN Pension Plan provides benefits to certain current and former employees of the New York Daily News . As of March 31, 2018, future benefits under the NYDN Pension Plan were frozen and no new participants are permitted after that time. The Company contributed $1.9 million to the NYDN Pension Plan in the nine months ended September 29, 2019 . The Company expects to contribute $0.6 million to the NYDN Pension Plan during the remainder of 2019 . The components of net periodic benefit for the NYDN Pension Plan are as follows (in thousands) : Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Affected Line Items in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 Service Cost $ — $ — $ — $ 72 Compensation Interest cost 878 818 2,637 2,454 Other income (expense), net Expected return on assets (1,052 ) (1,167 ) (3,159 ) (3,500 ) Other income (expense), net Net periodic benefit $ (174 ) $ (349 ) $ (522 ) $ (974 ) 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 are as follows (in thousands) : Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Affected Line Items in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 Service Cost $ 5 $ 3 $ 13 $ 10 Compensation Interest cost 10 9 29 26 Other income (expense), net Amortization of prior service credits (82 ) (2,634 ) (246 ) (7,901 ) Other income (expense), net Amortization of actuarial gains — (658 ) — (1,973 ) Other income (expense), net Net periodic benefit $ (67 ) $ (3,280 ) $ (204 ) $ (9,838 )

NONCONTROLLING INTEREST

NONCONTROLLING INTEREST	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
NONCONTROLLING INTEREST	NOTE 12: NONCONTROLLING INTEREST The noncontrolling interest represents the 40% membership interest in BestReviews not owned by the Company. In connection with acquisition of BestReviews, the Company and the seller entered into an amended and restated limited liability company agreement of BestReviews (the “LLC Agreement”). Subject to the terms of the LLC Agreement, the Company currently has the right, which began six months after the closing date of the acquisition, to purchase all (but not less than all) of the remaining 40% of the membership interests of BestReviews (the “Call Option”). In addition, beginning six months after closing date of the acquisition, the Company is entitled to exercise a one-time right to purchase 25% of the units of membership interest of BestReviews retained by the seller with terms identical to those applicable to the Call Option. The seller also has the right, beginning three years after closing date of the acquisition, to cause the Company to purchase all (but not less than all) of the remaining 40% of the membership interests of BestReviews (the “Put Option”) at a purchase price to be determined in the same manner as if the Call Option was exercised. The noncontrolling interest is presented between liabilities and stockholders’ equity within the Company’s consolidated condensed balance sheets because the Put Option described above could, upon exercise, require the Company, under certain circumstances, to pay cash to purchase the noncontrolling interest. Each quarter, the carrying value of noncontrolling interest is adjusted to the amount the Company would be required to pay the noncontrolling interest holders as if the Put Option had been exercised as of the balance sheet date, with an offsetting adjustment to stockholders’ equity. Adjustments to increase (decrease) the carrying value of noncontrolling interest also reduce (increase) the amount of net income or loss attributable to Tribune common stockholders for purposes of determining both basic and diluted earnings per share. During the three months ended September 29, 2019 , the Company recorded a carrying value adjustment of $14.9 million . In the nine months ended September 29, 2019 , BestReviews declared dividends of $8.5 million to its stockholders. The Company’s portion of these dividends was $5.1 million and the noncontrolling stockholders’ portion was $3.4 million . A summary of the activity with respect to noncontrolling interest for the nine months ended September 29, 2019 is as follows (in thousands) : Balance at December 30, 2018 $ 39,756 Dividends declared and paid to noncontrolling interest (3,400 ) Carrying value adjustment 14,853 Income attributable to noncontrolling interest 3,037 Balance at September 29, 2019 $ 54,246

EARNINGS PER SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
EARNINGS PER SHARE	NOTE 13: EARNINGS PER SHARE Basic earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) attributable to Tribune 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. In accordance with ASC 260-10-55, net loss from continuing operations is the control number in determining whether potential common shares are dilutive. In periods where there is a loss from continuing operations, all potential common shares are considered anti-dilutive. For the three and nine months ended September 29, 2019 and September 30, 2018 , basic and diluted earnings per common share were as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts) : Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 Income (loss) - Numerator: Net income (loss) from continuing operations $ 6,873 $ (649 ) $ 7,503 $ (43,821 ) Less: Income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest 1,150 (239 ) 3,037 471 Less: Noncontrolling interest carrying value adjustment 14,853 — 14,853 — Net income (loss) from continuing operations available to Tribune common stockholders, before discontinued operations (9,130 ) (410 ) (10,387 ) (44,292 ) Plus: Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes (12,848 ) (3,586 ) (13,570 ) 290,665 Net income (loss) attributable to Tribune common stockholders $ (21,978 ) $ (3,996 ) $ (23,957 ) $ 246,373 Shares - Denominator: Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (basic) 35,863 35,409 35,734 35,166 Dilutive effect of employee stock options and RSUs — — — — Adjusted weighted average shares outstanding (diluted) 35,863 35,409 35,734 35,166 Net income (loss) attributable to Tribune per common share - Basic Continuing operations $ (0.25 ) $ (0.01 ) $ (0.29 ) $ (1.26 ) Discontinued operations (0.36 ) (0.10 ) (0.38 ) 8.27 Net income (loss) attributable to Tribune per common share - Basic $ (0.61 ) $ (0.11 ) $ (0.67 ) $ 7.01 Net income (loss) attributable to Tribune per common share - Diluted Income (loss) per share from continuing operations $ (0.25 ) $ (0.01 ) $ (0.29 ) $ (1.26 ) Earnings per share from discontinued operations (0.36 ) (0.10 ) (0.38 ) 8.27 Net income (loss) attributable to Tribune per common share - Diluted $ (0.61 ) $ (0.11 ) $ (0.67 ) $ 7.01 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 858,219 and 902,664 for the three and nine months ended September 29, 2019 , 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 924,887 for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 . 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 1,099,943 and 1,221,963 for the three and nine months ended September 29, 2019 , 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 1,437,363 for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 .

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Equity [Abstract]
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	NOTE 14: STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Dividends On May 29, 2019 , the Board of Directors declared a special cash dividend of $1.50 per share of common stock outstanding. The cash dividend of $53.8 million was paid on July 2, 2019 , to shareholders of record as of June 12, 2019 . Additionally, the Company accrued dividend equivalents of $1.9 million for RSUs outstanding as of the record date. Stock Repurchases On March 13, 2019 , the Board of Directors authorized $25.0 million to be used for stock repurchases for 24 months from the date of authorization. No repurchases were made in the nine months ended September 29, 2019 . 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 at the time the agreement was signed. The Amendment increased from 25% to 30% the maximum percentage of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock that Merrick Media and its affiliates may acquire. This restriction expires 30 days after the expiration of the Consulting Agreement with Merrick Ventures described in Note 5 . 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 9,071,529 shares of Tribune common stock, which represented 25.2% of Tribune common stock as of September 29, 2019 . 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 Tribune common stock, which represented 24.3% of the outstanding shares of Tribune common stock as of September 29, 2019 . 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 Tribune common stock beneficially owned by Nant Capital. Under the Securities Purchase Agreement dated May 22, 2016, among the Company, Nant Capital and Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong (“Nant Purchase Agreement”), 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. This prohibition expired on June 1, 2019. The Nant Purchase Agreement also includes covenants perpetually prohibiting the transfer of shares of the Company’s common stock if the transfer would result in a person beneficially owning more than 4.9% of the Company’s then-outstanding shares of common stock following the transfer, as well as transfers to a material competitor of the Company in any of the Company’s then-existing primary geographical markets. On January 17, 2019, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, NantMedia Holdings, LLC and Nant Capital entered into a Standstill and Voting Agreement (“Standstill Agreement”) with the Company. The Standstill Agreement provides that until June 30, 2020, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, Nant Media, and Nant Capital will not (a) make or participate in any solicitation of proxies to vote, or seek to advise or knowingly influence any person with respect to the voting of any voting securities of the Company, (b) join or participate in a “group” (as defined in the rules of the SEC) in connection with any securities of the Company or (c) seek to control or knowingly influence the management, board of directors or policies of the Company. Furthermore, under the Standstill Agreement, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, Nant Media and Nant Capital will, until June 30, 2020, vote their shares of common stock (a) in favor of each nominee or director designated by the Nominating and Governance Committee of the Board of Directors at each election of directors and (b) in accordance with the Board’s recommendations on any change of control transaction involving the Company at or above a minimum purchase price. The Company recorded a charge to non-operating expense during the nine months ended September 29, 2019 for $0.5 million related to the Standstill Agreement.

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Equity [Abstract]
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	NOTE 15: 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 30, 2018 $ (39 ) $ 303 $ (237 ) $ 27 Amounts reclassified from AOCI — (178 ) — (178 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments (16 ) — — (16 ) Balance at September 29, 2019 $ (55 ) $ 125 $ (237 ) $ (167 ) 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 nine months ended September 29, 2019 and September 30, 2018 (in thousands) : Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Affected Line Items in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components Pension and postretirement benefit adjustments: Amortization of prior service credits $ (82 ) $ (2,634 ) $ (246 ) $ (7,901 ) Other income, net Amortization of actuarial gains — (658 ) — (1,973 ) Other income, net Total before taxes (82 ) (3,292 ) (246 ) (9,874 ) Tax effect (22 ) (916 ) (68 ) (2,746 ) Income tax benefit Total reclassifications for the period $ (60 ) $ (2,376 ) $ (178 ) $ (7,128 )

CONTINGENCIES

CONTINGENCIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
CONTINGENCIES	NOTE 16: 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.

SEGMENT INFORMATION

SEGMENT INFORMATION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
SEGMENT INFORMATION	NOTE 17: 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. Segment M 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. Segment X includes the Company’s digital revenues and related digital expenses from local Tribune websites, third party websites, mobile applications, digital only subscriptions, TCA and BestReviews. The Company determined that the disposition of the California Properties and forsalebyowner.com did not result in changes to the Company’s segments. 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 (loss) from operations, which is defined as income (loss) from operations before net interest expense, gain on investment transactions, reorganization items and income taxes. Disaggregated operating revenues and income (loss) from continuing operations by operating segment for the three months ended September 29, 2019 and September 30, 2018 , respectively, were as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands) : Three Months Ended M X Corporate and Eliminations Consolidated (Print) (Digital) Sep 29, 2019 Sep 30, 2018 Sep 29, 2019 Sep 30, 2018 Sep 29, 2019 Sep 30, 2018 Sep 29, 2019 Sep 30, 2018 Advertising $ 71,376 $ 83,990 $ 21,843 $ 25,748 $ (1 ) $ 40 $ 93,218 $ 109,778 Circulation 82,992 87,644 — — — (6 ) 82,992 87,638 Commercial print and delivery 22,404 24,445 — — — — 22,404 24,445 Direct mail 8,853 8,608 — — — — 8,853 8,608 Content syndication and other 2,003 2,698 22,978 15,329 3,579 7,274 28,560 25,301 Other 33,260 35,751 22,978 15,329 3,579 7,274 59,817 58,354 Operating revenues 187,628 207,385 44,821 41,077 3,578 7,308 236,027 255,770 Operating expenses 171,009 210,640 41,696 37,380 13,947 17,743 226,652 265,763 Income (loss) from operations $ 16,619 $ (3,255 ) $ 3,125 $ 3,697 $ (10,369 ) $ (10,435 ) 9,375 (9,993 ) Interest income (expense), net (57 ) 303 Loss on equity investments, net (2,213 ) (434 ) Other income (expense), net 248 3,640 Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes $ 7,353 $ (6,484 ) Depreciation and amortization $ 5,002 $ 4,151 $ 2,683 $ 4,274 $ 3,576 $ 3,754 $ 11,261 $ 12,179 Disaggregated operating revenues and income (loss) from continuing operations by operating segment for the nine months ended September 29, 2019 and September 30, 2018 , respectively, were as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands) : Nine Months Ended M X Corporate and Eliminations Consolidated (Print) (Digital) Sep 29, 2019 Sep 30, 2018 Sep 29, 2019 Sep 30, 2018 Sep 29, 2019 Sep 30, 2018 Sep 29, 2019 Sep 30, 2018 Advertising $ 227,135 $ 254,532 $ 66,399 $ 71,785 $ 4 $ 40 $ 293,538 $ 326,357 Circulation 254,471 260,886 — — — (6 ) 254,471 260,880 Commercial print and delivery 70,765 77,234 — — — — 70,765 77,234 Direct mail 26,431 24,236 — — — — 26,431 24,236 Content syndication and other 6,651 7,005 63,071 44,404 15,952 7,057 85,674 58,466 Other 103,847 108,475 63,071 44,404 15,952 7,057 182,870 159,936 Operating revenues 585,453 623,893 129,470 116,189 15,956 7,091 730,879 747,173 Operating expenses 543,383 619,461 122,109 109,548 55,309 60,480 720,801 789,489 Income (loss) from operations $ 42,070 $ 4,432 $ 7,361 $ 6,641 $ (39,353 ) $ (53,389 ) 10,078 (42,316 ) Interest income (expense), net 478 (11,673 ) Loss on early extinguishment of debt — (7,666 ) Loss on equity investments, net (3,255 ) (1,828 ) Other income (expense), net 265 10,943 Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes $ 7,566 $ (52,540 ) Depreciation and amortization $ 16,229 $ 12,113 $ 7,248 $ 13,328 $ 11,516 $ 12,126 $ 34,993 $ 37,567 The operating revenues and operating results from continuing operations presented above are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full fiscal year.

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMAT

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION	NOTE 18: SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION Supplemental cash flow information for each of the periods presented is as follows (in thousands) : Nine Months Ended September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 Cash paid during the period for: Interest $ — $ 10,489 Income taxes, net of refunds 8,176 3,405 Non-cash items in investing activities: Issuance of stock from treasury for acquisition — 34,595 The Company established restricted cash to collateralize outstanding letters of credit related to workers compensation obligations. The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash as reported within the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets that sum to the cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands) : September 29, 2019 December 30, 2018 Cash $ 56,526 $ 97,560 Restricted cash 37,290 43,947 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows $ 93,816 $ 141,507

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND B_2

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
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 2019 ends on December 29, 2019 and fiscal year 2018 ended on December 30, 2018 . Fiscal year 2019 and 2018 are 52-week years with 13 weeks in each quarter.
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation —T he accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements and notes of the Company have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles ( “ U.S. GAAP ”). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates. In the opinion of management, the financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position of Tribune as of September 29, 2019 and December 30, 2018 and the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 29, 2019 and September 30, 2018 , respectively, and the cash flows for the nine months ended September 29, 2019 and September 30, 2018 , respectively. 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. The year-end Consolidated Balance Sheet was derived from audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP . Effective as of the sale dates, the operations of the California Properties and forsalebyowner.com qualify as discontinued operations. Accordingly, results of these operations for all periods presented have been reflected as discontinued operations in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements . Additionally, assets and liabilities related to the divested properties are classified as such in all periods in the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets. Unless otherwise noted, amounts and disclosures throughout these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements relate to continuing operations and exclude all discontinued operations related to the California Properties and forsalebyowner.com.
New Accounting Standards	Accounting standards adopted in 2019 —In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“ FASB ”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ ASU ”) 2018-15, Subtopic 350-40, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software; Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract (“ ASU 2018-15”). ASU 2018-15 aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal use software license). ASU 2018-15 can be applied either retrospectively or prospectively. ASU 2018-15 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in any interim period. The Company adopted this standard effective the beginning of fiscal year 2019 and will apply the provisions of the standard prospectively. The adoption had no material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements . In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Topic 220, Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“ ASU 2018-02”) . ASU 2018-02 amends ASC 220, Income Statement — Reporting Comprehensive Income, to “allow a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.” In addition, under the ASU , an entity will be required to provide certain disclosures regarding stranded tax effects. ASU 2018-02 is effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted this standard effective the beginning of fiscal year 2019 and adoption had no material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements . In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Topic 842, Leases (“ASC 842”), which requires lessees to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities for operating leases. The Company adopted this standard effective December 31, 2018 using the modified retrospective transition method whereby the Company applied the new standard at the adoption date and recognized a cumulative-effect adjustment of $1.8 million , net of tax of $0.7 million , to reduce the opening balance of retained earnings in the first quarter of 2019, primarily due to lease impairments determined during the adoption. The Company has elected the practical expedients which allow the Company to forgo reassessing whether existing contracts are or contain leases, forgo reassessing the classification of existing leases, forgo reassessing initial direct costs of existing leases at the initial application date and to combine lease and nonlease components. Additionally, the Company did not consider any leases with original lease terms less than one year. See Note 2 for additional disclosures related to the Company’s leases. Accounting standards not yet adopted —In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Topic 326, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (“ ASU 2016-13”). ASU 2016-13 changes the impairment model for most financial assets and will require the use of an “expected loss” model for instruments measured as amortized cost. This pronouncement is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company expects to adopt the standard effective December 30, 2019. The Company is assessing the impact of this new standard on the Company’s future reported results and operating and accounting processes and systems.
Revenue Recognition	Revenues are recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for goods or services. Revenues are recognized as performance obligations are satisfied at either a point in time, such as when an advertisement is published, or over time, such as content licensing.

LEASES (Tables)

LEASES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Summary of Lease Cost and Supplemental Cash Flow Information	Below is a summary of information related to the Company’s leases for the three and nine months ended September 29, 2019 (in thousands) : Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 29, 2019 September 29, 2019 Lease cost: Finance lease cost Amortization of right-of-use assets $ 78 $ 235 Interest on lease liabilities 26 78 Operating lease cost 7,314 21,560 Short-term lease cost 113 692 Variable lease cost 1,833 5,403 Sublease income (864 ) (2,436 ) Total lease cost $ 8,500 $ 25,532 Below is a summary of the supplemental cash flow information related to leases for the nine months ended September 29, 2019 (in thousands) : Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows used for operating leases $ 22,289 Operating cash flows used for finance leases $ 109 Financing cash flows used for finance leases $ 305 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities $ 2,930 Weighted average remaining lease term - finance leases (in years) 2.1 Weighted average remaining lease term - operating leases (in years) 6.1 Weighted average discount rate - finance leases 5.75 % Weighted average discount rate - operating leases 4.75 %
Future Minimum Lease Payments, Operating	Future minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating lease arrangements having initial terms of one year or more as of September 29, 2019 are as follows (in thousands) : Operating Leases Finance Leases Subleases 9/30/2019 - 9/27/2020 $ 30,656 $ 100 $ 2,873 9/28/2020 - 9/26/2021 28,199 6,942 2,300 9/27/2021 - 9/25/2022 25,767 — 1,645 9/26/2022 - 9/24/2023 19,796 — 1,625 9/25/2023 - 9/29/2024 9,480 — 391 Thereafter 34,804 — — Total future lease payments 148,702 7,042 8,834 Less imputed interest 21,152 165 — Net future minimum lease payments $ 127,550 $ 6,877 $ 8,834
Future Minimum Lease Payments, Finance	Future minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating lease arrangements having initial terms of one year or more as of September 29, 2019 are as follows (in thousands) : Operating Leases Finance Leases Subleases 9/30/2019 - 9/27/2020 $ 30,656 $ 100 $ 2,873 9/28/2020 - 9/26/2021 28,199 6,942 2,300 9/27/2021 - 9/25/2022 25,767 — 1,645 9/26/2022 - 9/24/2023 19,796 — 1,625 9/25/2023 - 9/29/2024 9,480 — 391 Thereafter 34,804 — — Total future lease payments 148,702 7,042 8,834 Less imputed interest 21,152 165 — Net future minimum lease payments $ 127,550 $ 6,877 $ 8,834
Future Minimum Lease Payments, Sublease	Future minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating lease arrangements having initial terms of one year or more as of September 29, 2019 are as follows (in thousands) : Operating Leases Finance Leases Subleases 9/30/2019 - 9/27/2020 $ 30,656 $ 100 $ 2,873 9/28/2020 - 9/26/2021 28,199 6,942 2,300 9/27/2021 - 9/25/2022 25,767 — 1,645 9/26/2022 - 9/24/2023 19,796 — 1,625 9/25/2023 - 9/29/2024 9,480 — 391 Thereafter 34,804 — — Total future lease payments 148,702 7,042 8,834 Less imputed interest 21,152 165 — Net future minimum lease payments $ 127,550 $ 6,877 $ 8,834

CHANGES IN OPERATIONS (Tables)

CHANGES IN OPERATIONS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Summary of Severance Accrual Activity	A summary of the activity with respect to the Company’s severance accrual for the nine months ended September 29, 2019 is as follows (in thousands) : Balance at December 30, 2018 $ 28,845 Provision 7,574 Payments (31,261 ) Balance at September 29, 2019 $ 5,158

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Tab

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Schedule of Related Party Transactions	A summary of the activity with respect to the TSA for the three and nine months ended September 29, 2019 is as follows (in thousands) : Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 Accounts receivable from NantMedia beginning balance $ 8,967 $ 12,521 $ 17,909 $ — Revenue for TSA services 4,061 8,618 17,014 9,799 Reimbursable costs 9,123 23,495 38,801 35,523 Amounts received for TSA services (5,467 ) (5,189 ) (17,870 ) (5,189 ) Amounts received for reimbursable costs (9,694 ) (8,339 ) (49,706 ) (8,339 ) Amounts reimbursed to Nant for amounts collected from third parties under commingled revenue contracts 4,104 2,898 17,180 2,898 Amounts collected from third parties under commingled revenue contracts (3,307 ) (5,093 ) (15,541 ) (5,781 ) Accounts receivable from NantMedia balance as of September 29, 2019 (1) $ 7,787 $ 28,911 $ 7,787 $ 28,911 (1) The accounts receivable from NantMedia balance as of September 29, 2019 consists of $7.3 million of charges which had been billed and $0.5 million of charges which had not been billed as of that date.

ACQUISITION (Tables)

ACQUISITION (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation	There were no adjustments to the allocation of the purchase price which is as follows (in thousands) : Consideration Cash consideration for acquisition $ 33,912 Total consideration 33,912 Allocated Fair Value of acquired Assets and Assumed Liabilities Accounts receivable and other current assets 8,257 Property, plant and equipment 29,843 Mastheads 4,700 Intangible assets subject to amortization 1,300 Accounts payable and other current liabilities (10,749 ) Other long-term obligations (68 ) Total identifiable assets, net 33,283 Goodwill 629 Total net assets acquired $ 33,912

DISPOSITIONS AND DISCONTINUED_2

DISPOSITIONS AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations by Segment	Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations for the respective transaction dates, included in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) are comprised of the following (in thousands) : Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 Operating revenues $ — $ 11 $ — $ 211,511 Operating expenses: Compensation — 3 — 58,839 Newsprint and ink — 3 — 14,376 Outside services 845 57 845 61,711 Other operating expenses 16,950 474 17,950 57,224 Depreciation and amortization — — — 3,530 Total operating expenses 17,795 537 18,795 195,680 Income (loss) from operations (17,795 ) (526 ) (18,795 ) 15,831 Gain (loss) on sale — (3,151 ) — 406,183 Interest expense, net — — — (52 ) Other income, net — — — 1,338 Income tax (expense) benefit 4,947 91 5,225 (132,635 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax $ (12,848 ) $ (3,586 ) $ (13,570 ) $ 290,665 Discontinued operations by segment are presented below (in thousands) : Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 Operating revenues M $ — $ (25 ) $ — $ 185,811 X — 36 — 25,638 Corporate and Eliminations — — — 62 $ — $ 11 $ — $ 211,511 Income (loss) from operations M $ (17,795 ) $ (350 ) $ (18,795 ) $ 9,997 X — (171 ) — 5,795 Corporate and Eliminations — (5 ) — 39 $ (17,795 ) $ (526 ) $ (18,795 ) $ 15,831 Depreciation and amortization M $ — $ — $ — $ 3,426 X — — — 104 $ — $ — $ — $ 3,530
Aggregate Carrying Amounts of Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale	The following table presents the aggregate carrying amounts of assets and liabilities related to discontinued operations in the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets (in thousands) : September 29, 2019 December 30, 2018 Carrying amount of liabilities associated with discontinued operations: Income tax payable — 6,249 Total liabilities associated with discontinued operations $ — $ 6,249

INVENTORIES (Tables)

INVENTORIES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Inventories	Inventories consisted of the following (in thousands) : September 29, 2019 December 30, 2018 Newsprint $ 5,329 $ 9,273 Supplies and other 353 314 Total inventories $ 5,682 $ 9,587

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE_2

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and other intangible assets at September 29, 2019 and December 30, 2018 , consisted of the following (in thousands) : September 29, 2019 December 30, 2018 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) $ 7,312 $ (5,409 ) $ 1,903 $ 7,312 $ (4,730 ) $ 2,582 Advertiser relationships (useful life of 2 to 13 years) 27,648 (14,374 ) 13,274 27,648 (12,497 ) 15,151 Trade names (useful life of 20 years) 15,100 (3,904 ) 11,196 15,100 (3,343 ) 11,757 Other (useful life of 1 to 20 years) 16,181 (6,420 ) 9,761 17,744 (4,831 ) 12,913 Total intangible assets subject to amortization $ 66,241 $ (30,107 ) 36,134 $ 67,804 $ (25,401 ) 42,403 Software (useful life 2 to 10 years) $ 143,689 $ (120,623 ) 23,066 $ 136,005 $ (108,888 ) 27,117 Goodwill and other intangible assets not subject to amortization Goodwill 132,172 132,146 Newspaper mastheads and other 34,826 34,826 Total goodwill and other intangible assets $ 226,198 $ 236,492

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM_2

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Net Periodic Benefit for NYDN Pension Plan	The components of net periodic benefit for the NYDN Pension Plan are as follows (in thousands) : Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Affected Line Items in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 Service Cost $ — $ — $ — $ 72 Compensation Interest cost 878 818 2,637 2,454 Other income (expense), net Expected return on assets (1,052 ) (1,167 ) (3,159 ) (3,500 ) Other income (expense), net Net periodic benefit $ (174 ) $ (349 ) $ (522 ) $ (974 )
Schedule of Components of Net Periodic Benefit Credit for Postretirement Health Care and Life Insurance Plans	The components of net periodic benefit credit for the Company’s postretirement health care and life insurance plans are as follows (in thousands) : Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Affected Line Items in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 Service Cost $ 5 $ 3 $ 13 $ 10 Compensation Interest cost 10 9 29 26 Other income (expense), net Amortization of prior service credits (82 ) (2,634 ) (246 ) (7,901 ) Other income (expense), net Amortization of actuarial gains — (658 ) — (1,973 ) Other income (expense), net Net periodic benefit $ (67 ) $ (3,280 ) $ (204 ) $ (9,838 )

NONCONTROLLING INTEREST (Tables

NONCONTROLLING INTEREST (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Noncontrolling Interest Activity	A summary of the activity with respect to noncontrolling interest for the nine months ended September 29, 2019 is as follows (in thousands) : Balance at December 30, 2018 $ 39,756 Dividends declared and paid to noncontrolling interest (3,400 ) Carrying value adjustment 14,853 Income attributable to noncontrolling interest 3,037 Balance at September 29, 2019 $ 54,246

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share	For the three and nine months ended September 29, 2019 and September 30, 2018 , basic and diluted earnings per common share were as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts) : Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 Income (loss) - Numerator: Net income (loss) from continuing operations $ 6,873 $ (649 ) $ 7,503 $ (43,821 ) Less: Income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest 1,150 (239 ) 3,037 471 Less: Noncontrolling interest carrying value adjustment 14,853 — 14,853 — Net income (loss) from continuing operations available to Tribune common stockholders, before discontinued operations (9,130 ) (410 ) (10,387 ) (44,292 ) Plus: Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes (12,848 ) (3,586 ) (13,570 ) 290,665 Net income (loss) attributable to Tribune common stockholders $ (21,978 ) $ (3,996 ) $ (23,957 ) $ 246,373 Shares - Denominator: Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (basic) 35,863 35,409 35,734 35,166 Dilutive effect of employee stock options and RSUs — — — — Adjusted weighted average shares outstanding (diluted) 35,863 35,409 35,734 35,166 Net income (loss) attributable to Tribune per common share - Basic Continuing operations $ (0.25 ) $ (0.01 ) $ (0.29 ) $ (1.26 ) Discontinued operations (0.36 ) (0.10 ) (0.38 ) 8.27 Net income (loss) attributable to Tribune per common share - Basic $ (0.61 ) $ (0.11 ) $ (0.67 ) $ 7.01 Net income (loss) attributable to Tribune per common share - Diluted Income (loss) per share from continuing operations $ (0.25 ) $ (0.01 ) $ (0.29 ) $ (1.26 ) Earnings per share from discontinued operations (0.36 ) (0.10 ) (0.38 ) 8.27 Net income (loss) attributable to Tribune per common share - Diluted $ (0.61 ) $ (0.11 ) $ (0.67 ) $ 7.01

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI_2

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
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 30, 2018 $ (39 ) $ 303 $ (237 ) $ 27 Amounts reclassified from AOCI — (178 ) — (178 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments (16 ) — — (16 ) Balance at September 29, 2019 $ (55 ) $ 125 $ (237 ) $ (167 )
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 nine months ended September 29, 2019 and September 30, 2018 (in thousands) : Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Affected Line Items in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components Pension and postretirement benefit adjustments: Amortization of prior service credits $ (82 ) $ (2,634 ) $ (246 ) $ (7,901 ) Other income, net Amortization of actuarial gains — (658 ) — (1,973 ) Other income, net Total before taxes (82 ) (3,292 ) (246 ) (9,874 ) Tax effect (22 ) (916 ) (68 ) (2,746 ) Income tax benefit Total reclassifications for the period $ (60 ) $ (2,376 ) $ (178 ) $ (7,128 )

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Operating Revenues and Income (Loss) from Operations by Operating Segment	Disaggregated operating revenues and income (loss) from continuing operations by operating segment for the three months ended September 29, 2019 and September 30, 2018 , respectively, were as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands) : Three Months Ended M X Corporate and Eliminations Consolidated (Print) (Digital) Sep 29, 2019 Sep 30, 2018 Sep 29, 2019 Sep 30, 2018 Sep 29, 2019 Sep 30, 2018 Sep 29, 2019 Sep 30, 2018 Advertising $ 71,376 $ 83,990 $ 21,843 $ 25,748 $ (1 ) $ 40 $ 93,218 $ 109,778 Circulation 82,992 87,644 — — — (6 ) 82,992 87,638 Commercial print and delivery 22,404 24,445 — — — — 22,404 24,445 Direct mail 8,853 8,608 — — — — 8,853 8,608 Content syndication and other 2,003 2,698 22,978 15,329 3,579 7,274 28,560 25,301 Other 33,260 35,751 22,978 15,329 3,579 7,274 59,817 58,354 Operating revenues 187,628 207,385 44,821 41,077 3,578 7,308 236,027 255,770 Operating expenses 171,009 210,640 41,696 37,380 13,947 17,743 226,652 265,763 Income (loss) from operations $ 16,619 $ (3,255 ) $ 3,125 $ 3,697 $ (10,369 ) $ (10,435 ) 9,375 (9,993 ) Interest income (expense), net (57 ) 303 Loss on equity investments, net (2,213 ) (434 ) Other income (expense), net 248 3,640 Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes $ 7,353 $ (6,484 ) Depreciation and amortization $ 5,002 $ 4,151 $ 2,683 $ 4,274 $ 3,576 $ 3,754 $ 11,261 $ 12,179 Disaggregated operating revenues and income (loss) from continuing operations by operating segment for the nine months ended September 29, 2019 and September 30, 2018 , respectively, were as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands) : Nine Months Ended M X Corporate and Eliminations Consolidated (Print) (Digital) Sep 29, 2019 Sep 30, 2018 Sep 29, 2019 Sep 30, 2018 Sep 29, 2019 Sep 30, 2018 Sep 29, 2019 Sep 30, 2018 Advertising $ 227,135 $ 254,532 $ 66,399 $ 71,785 $ 4 $ 40 $ 293,538 $ 326,357 Circulation 254,471 260,886 — — — (6 ) 254,471 260,880 Commercial print and delivery 70,765 77,234 — — — — 70,765 77,234 Direct mail 26,431 24,236 — — — — 26,431 24,236 Content syndication and other 6,651 7,005 63,071 44,404 15,952 7,057 85,674 58,466 Other 103,847 108,475 63,071 44,404 15,952 7,057 182,870 159,936 Operating revenues 585,453 623,893 129,470 116,189 15,956 7,091 730,879 747,173 Operating expenses 543,383 619,461 122,109 109,548 55,309 60,480 720,801 789,489 Income (loss) from operations $ 42,070 $ 4,432 $ 7,361 $ 6,641 $ (39,353 ) $ (53,389 ) 10,078 (42,316 ) Interest income (expense), net 478 (11,673 ) Loss on early extinguishment of debt — (7,666 ) Loss on equity investments, net (3,255 ) (1,828 ) Other income (expense), net 265 10,943 Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes $ 7,566 $ (52,540 ) Depreciation and amortization $ 16,229 $ 12,113 $ 7,248 $ 13,328 $ 11,516 $ 12,126 $ 34,993 $ 37,567

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORM_2

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019
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) : Nine Months Ended September 29, 2019 September 30, 2018 Cash paid during the period for: Interest $ — $ 10,489 Income taxes, net of refunds 8,176 3,405 Non-cash items in investing activities: Issuance of stock from treasury for acquisition — 34,595
Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents	The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash as reported within the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets that sum to the cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands) : September 29, 2019 December 30, 2018 Cash $ 56,526 $ 97,560 Restricted cash 37,290 43,947 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows $ 93,816 $ 141,507
Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents	The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash as reported within the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets that sum to the cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands) : September 29, 2019 December 30, 2018 Cash $ 56,526 $ 97,560 Restricted cash 37,290 43,947 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows $ 93,816 $ 141,507

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND B_3

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION - (Details) $ in Millions	Jan. 01, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 29, 2019pulitzer_prizemarket
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Number of markets | market		8
Number of Pulitzer Prizes | pulitzer_prize		61
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 | Restatement Adjustment | Retained Earnings
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative-effect adjustment, lease standard adoption, net of tax	$ (1.8)
Cumulative-effect adjustment, lease standard adoption, tax	$ 0.7

LEASES (Details)

LEASES (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019ft²renewal_option
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Square footage rented | ft²	4,000,000
Sublease facility, square footage | ft²	100,000
Printing Plants
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Initial lease term (in years)	10 years
Number of renewal options | renewal_option	2
Renewal term (in years)	10 years
Distribution Facilities
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Initial lease term (in years)	5 years
Renewal term (in years)	5 years
Corporate Headquarters
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Square footage rented | ft²	137,000
Corporate Headquarters, One Floor
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Initial lease term (in years)	10 years 11 months
Corporate Headquarters, Four Floors
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Initial lease term (in years)	12 years
Minimum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Term of sublease contract	5 years
Minimum | Distribution Facilities
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Number of renewal options | renewal_option	2
Maximum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Term of sublease contract	7 years
Maximum | Distribution Facilities
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Number of renewal options | renewal_option	3

LEASES - Summary of Lease Cost

LEASES - Summary of Lease Cost and Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 29, 2019USD ($)
Finance lease cost
Amortization of right-of-use assets	$ 78	$ 235
Interest on lease liabilities	26	78
Operating lease cost	7,314	21,560
Short-term lease cost	113	692
Variable lease cost	1,833	5,403
Sublease income	(864)	(2,436)
Total lease cost	$ 8,500	25,532
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows used for operating leases		22,289
Operating cash flows used for finance leases		109
Financing cash flows used for finance leases		305
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities		$ 2,930
Weighted average remaining lease term - finance leases (in years)	2 years 1 month 19 days	2 years 1 month 19 days
Weighted average remaining lease term - operating leases (in years)	6 years 1 month 19 days	6 years 1 month 19 days
Weighted average discount rate - finance leases	5.75%	5.75%
Weighted average discount rate - operating leases	4.75%	4.75%

LEASES - Future Minimum Lease P

LEASES - Future Minimum Lease Payments (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 29, 2019USD ($)
Operating Leases
9/30/2019 - 9/27/2020	$ 30,656
9/28/2020 - 9/26/2021	28,199
9/27/2021 - 9/25/2022	25,767
9/26/2022 - 9/24/2023	19,796
9/25/2023 - 9/29/2024	9,480
Thereafter	34,804
Total future lease payments	148,702
Less imputed interest	21,152
Net future minimum lease payments	127,550
Finance Leases
9/30/2019 - 9/27/2020	100
9/28/2020 - 9/26/2021	6,942
9/27/2021 - 9/25/2022	0
9/26/2022 - 9/24/2023	0
9/25/2023 - 9/29/2024	0
Thereafter	0
Total future lease payments	7,042
Less imputed interest	165
Net future minimum lease payments	6,877
Subleases
9/30/2019 - 9/27/2020	2,873
9/28/2020 - 9/26/2021	2,300
9/27/2021 - 9/25/2022	1,645
9/26/2022 - 9/24/2023	1,625
9/25/2023 - 9/29/2024	391
Thereafter	0
Total future lease payments	$ 8,834

REVENUE RECOGNITION - (Details)

REVENUE RECOGNITION - (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 30, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Deferred revenue			$ 54	$ 55.1
Contract liabilities recognized as revenue	$ 44	$ 45.6

CHANGES IN OPERATIONS - (Detail

CHANGES IN OPERATIONS - (Details) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2018position	Sep. 29, 2019USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)employee	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)position	Sep. 29, 2019USD ($)position	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)position	Jul. 23, 2019USD ($)
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Reductions in staffing levels in operations | position					118
Document Fiscal Year Focus					2019
Restructuring charges		$ 900			$ 7,574
Additional Restructuring
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Reductions in staffing levels in operations | position				52		339
Restructuring charges				$ 3,500		$ 14,300
M&D Severance Incentive Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Reductions in staffing levels in operations | position					23
Separation of CEO and Executives
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges					$ 4,000
Stock based compensation for shares which would best during salary continuation period			$ 1,500
Employee Severance
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Reductions in staffing levels in operations | position	178
Restructuring charges				$ 4,600
Percentage of positions eliminated	50.00%
Senior Executive | Separation of CEO and Executives
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Reductions in staffing levels in operations | employee			2
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale or Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Sales price for sale of real estate property							$ 9,500

CHANGES IN OPERATIONS - Summary

CHANGES IN OPERATIONS - Summary of Severance Accrual Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 29, 2019
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period		$ 28,845
Provision	$ 900	7,574
Payments		(31,261)
Balance at end of period	$ 5,158	$ 5,158

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - Tr

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - Transition Services Agreement (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 18, 2018	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Summary of Activity in the Transition Services Agreement [Roll Forward]
Revenue for TSA services		$ 236,027	$ 255,770	$ 730,879	$ 747,173
Transaction Services Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Transition services agreement, term	12 months
Notice period to discontinue transition services agreement	60 days
Nant Media
Summary of Activity in the Transition Services Agreement [Roll Forward]
Charges which have been billed		7,300		7,300
Charges which have not been billed		500		500
Nant Media | Transaction Services Agreement
Summary of Activity in the Transition Services Agreement [Roll Forward]
Accounts receivable from NantMedia beginning balance		8,967	12,521	17,909	0
Accounts receivable from NantMedia balance as of September 29, 2019		7,787	28,911	7,787	28,911
Nant Media | Revenue for TSA services
Summary of Activity in the Transition Services Agreement [Roll Forward]
Revenue for TSA services		4,061	8,618	17,014	9,799
Nant Media | Reimbursable costs
Summary of Activity in the Transition Services Agreement [Roll Forward]
Amount of related party transaction		9,123	23,495	38,801	35,523
Nant Media | Amounts received for TSA services
Summary of Activity in the Transition Services Agreement [Roll Forward]
Amount of related party transaction		(5,467)	(5,189)	(17,870)	(5,189)
Nant Media | Amounts received for reimbursable costs
Summary of Activity in the Transition Services Agreement [Roll Forward]
Amount of related party transaction		(9,694)	(8,339)	(49,706)	(8,339)
Nant Media | Amounts reimbursed to Nant for amounts collected from third parties under commingled revenue contracts
Summary of Activity in the Transition Services Agreement [Roll Forward]
Amount of related party transaction		4,104	2,898	17,180	2,898
Nant Media | Amounts collected from third parties under commingled revenue contracts
Summary of Activity in the Transition Services Agreement [Roll Forward]
Amount of related party transaction		$ (3,307)	$ (5,093)	$ (15,541)	$ (5,781)

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - Me

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - Merrick Consulting Agreement (Details) - Merrick Ventures, LLC - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 20, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jul. 01, 2018	Apr. 01, 2018
Tribune Publishing Company, LLC
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Amount of related party transaction	$ 5
Related party expense		$ 7.5	$ 12.5	$ 15
Decrease in expenses from transactions with related party			$ 2.5
Private Placement | Affiliated Entity | Merrick Shares purchase agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Sale of stock, lock-up period	3 years

ACQUISITION (Details)

ACQUISITION (Details) - Virginian-Pilot $ in Millions	May 28, 2018USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash purchase price	$ 34
Post-closing working capital adjustment	$ 0.1

ACQUISITION - Schedule of Virgi

ACQUISITION - Schedule of Virginian-Pilot Acquisition (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May 28, 2018	Sep. 29, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill		$ 132,172	$ 132,146
Virginian-Pilot
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash consideration for acquisition	$ 33,912
Total consideration	33,912
Accounts receivable and other current assets	8,257
Property, plant and equipment	29,843
Mastheads	4,700
Intangible assets subject to amortization	1,300
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	(10,749)
Other long term obligations	(68)
Total identifiable assets, net	33,283
Goodwill	629
Total net assets acquired	$ 33,912

DISPOSITIONS AND DISCONTINUED_3

DISPOSITIONS AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Details) - Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 19, 2019	Jun. 18, 2018	May 23, 2018	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 29, 2019
California Properties
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Aggregate purchase price		$ 500
Post closing working capital payment		9.7
Gain (loss) on sale		$ 404.8
Litigation reserve	$ 15.5			$ 17	$ 18
Forsalebyowner.com
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Aggregate purchase price			$ 2.5
Post closing working capital payment			0.1
Advertising sales commitment received			$ 4.5
Term of advertising sales commitment			2 years

DISPOSITIONS AND DISCONTINUED_4

DISPOSITIONS AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS - Earnings from Discontinued Operations (Details) - Discontinued Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Operating revenues	$ 0	$ 11	$ 0	$ 211,511
Operating expenses:
Compensation	0	3	0	58,839
Newsprint and ink	0	3	0	14,376
Outside services	845	57	845	61,711
Other operating expenses		474		57,224
Litigation reserve	16,950		17,950
Depreciation and amortization	0	0	0	3,530
Total operating expenses	17,795	537	18,795	195,680
Income (loss) from operations	(17,795)	(526)	(18,795)	15,831
Gain (loss) on sale	0	(3,151)	0	406,183
Interest expense, net	0	0	0	(52)
Other income, net	0	0	0	1,338
Income tax (expense) benefit	4,947	91	5,225	(132,635)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	$ (12,848)	$ (3,586)	$ (13,570)	$ 290,665

DISPOSITIONS AND DISCONTINUED_5

DISPOSITIONS AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS - Discontinued Operations by Segment (Details) - Discontinued Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues	$ 0	$ 11	$ 0	$ 211,511
Income (loss) from operations	(17,795)	(526)	(18,795)	15,831
Depreciation and amortization	0	0	0	3,530
Operating Segments | M
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues	0	(25)	0	185,811
Income (loss) from operations	(17,795)	(350)	(18,795)	9,997
Depreciation and amortization	0	0	0	3,426
Operating Segments | X
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues	0	36	0	25,638
Income (loss) from operations	0	(171)	0	5,795
Depreciation and amortization	0	0	0	104
Corporate and Eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues	0	0	0	62
Income (loss) from operations	$ 0	$ (5)	$ 0	$ 39

DISPOSITIONS AND DISCONTINUED_6

DISPOSITIONS AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS - Assets and Liabilities Associated with Discontinued Operations (Details) - Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 29, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018
Carrying amount of liabilities associated with discontinued operations:
Income tax payable	$ 0	$ 6,249
Total liabilities associated with discontinued operations	$ 0	$ 6,249

INVENTORIES - Summary of Invent

INVENTORIES - Summary of Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 29, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Newsprint	$ 5,329	$ 9,273
Supplies and other	353	314
Total inventories	$ 5,682	$ 9,587

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE_3

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Summary of Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018
Intangible assets subject to amortization:
Gross Amount	$ 66,241	$ 67,804
Accumulated Amortization	(30,107)	(25,401)
Net Amount	36,134	42,403
Software
Net Amount	23,066	27,117
Goodwill and other intangible assets not subject to amortization
Goodwill	132,172	132,146
Newspaper mastheads and other	34,826	34,826
Total goodwill and other intangible assets	226,198	236,492
Subscribers
Intangible assets subject to amortization:
Gross Amount	7,312	7,312
Accumulated Amortization	(5,409)	(4,730)
Net Amount	$ 1,903	$ 2,582
Subscribers | Minimum
Goodwill and other intangible assets not subject to amortization
Useful life	2 years	2 years
Subscribers | Maximum
Goodwill and other intangible assets not subject to amortization
Useful life	10 years	10 years
Advertiser relationships
Intangible assets subject to amortization:
Gross Amount	$ 27,648	$ 27,648
Accumulated Amortization	(14,374)	(12,497)
Net Amount	$ 13,274	$ 15,151
Advertiser relationships | Minimum
Goodwill and other intangible assets not subject to amortization
Useful life	2 years	2 years
Advertiser relationships | Maximum
Goodwill and other intangible assets not subject to amortization
Useful life	13 years	13 years
Tradenames
Intangible assets subject to amortization:
Gross Amount	$ 15,100	$ 15,100
Accumulated Amortization	(3,904)	(3,343)
Net Amount	$ 11,196	$ 11,757
Goodwill and other intangible assets not subject to amortization
Useful life	20 years	20 years
Other
Intangible assets subject to amortization:
Gross Amount	$ 16,181	$ 17,744
Accumulated Amortization	(6,420)	(4,831)
Net Amount	$ 9,761	$ 12,913
Other | Minimum
Goodwill and other intangible assets not subject to amortization
Useful life	1 year	1 year
Other | Maximum
Goodwill and other intangible assets not subject to amortization
Useful life	20 years	20 years
Software
Software
Gross Amount	$ 143,689	$ 136,005
Accumulated Amortization	(120,623)	(108,888)
Net Amount	$ 23,066	$ 27,117
Software | Minimum
Goodwill and other intangible assets not subject to amortization
Useful life	2 years	2 years
Software | Maximum
Goodwill and other intangible assets not subject to amortization
Useful life	10 years	10 years

INCOME TAXES - (Details)

INCOME TAXES - (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ 480	$ (5,835)	$ 63	$ (8,719)
Effective tax rate on pretax income, percent	6.50%	90.00%	0.80%	16.60%
Discrete income tax benefit relating to an adjustment in state tax expense for the treatment of the Nant Transaction	$ 1,500
Increase in tax benefit as a result of changes to estimated annual tax provision		$ 4,300

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM_3

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension contribution	$ 1,929	$ 3,419
Pension Plan | NYDN Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension contribution	1,900
Expected future contributions for rest of current year	600
Chicago Newspaper Publishers Drivers' Union Pension Plan | Multiemployer Plans, Pension
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Contributions made by the Company to multiemployer pension plan	11,000
Expected future contribution to multiemployer plan	$ 700

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM_4

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - Components of Defined Benefit Plan (Details) - Pension Plan - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Service Cost	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 72
Interest cost	878	818	2,637	2,454
Expected return on assets	(1,052)	(1,167)	(3,159)	(3,500)
Net periodic benefit	$ (174)	$ (349)	$ (522)	$ (974)

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM_5

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Credit for Postretirement Health Care and Life Insurance Plans (Details) - Other Postretirement Plans - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Service Cost	$ 5	$ 3	$ 13	$ 10
Interest cost	10	9	29	26
Amortization of prior service credits	(82)	(2,634)	(246)	(7,901)
Amortization of actuarial gains	0	(658)	0	(1,973)
Net periodic benefit	$ (67)	$ (3,280)	$ (204)	$ (9,838)

NONCONTROLLING INTEREST (Detail

NONCONTROLLING INTEREST (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	40.00%			40.00%
Right to purchase membership units (percentage)				25.00%
Carrying value adjustment	$ 14,853		$ 0	$ 14,853	$ 0
Dividends declared		$ 55,755		5,100
Noncontrolling shareholders' portion of dividends declared				3,400
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Noncontrolling interests, beginning balance				39,756
Dividends declared and paid to noncontrolling interest				(3,400)
Carrying value adjustment	14,853		$ 0	14,853	$ 0
Income attributable to noncontrolling interest				3,037
Noncontrolling interests, ending balance	$ 54,246			54,246
BestReviews LLC
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Dividends declared				$ 8,500

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		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Income (loss) - Numerator:
Net income (loss) from continuing operations	$ 6,873	$ (649)	$ 7,503	$ (43,821)
Less: Income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,150	(239)	3,037	471
Less: Noncontrolling interest carrying value adjustment	14,853	0	14,853	0
Net income (loss) from continuing operations available to Tribune common stockholders, before discontinued operations	(9,130)	(410)	(10,387)	(44,292)
Plus: Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes	(12,848)	(3,586)	(13,570)	290,665
Net income (loss) attributable to Tribune common stockholders	$ (21,978)	$ (3,996)	$ (23,957)	$ 246,373
Shares - Denominator:
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (basic) (in shares)	35,863	35,409	35,734	35,166
Dilutive effect of employee stock options and RSUs (in shares)	0	0	0	0
Adjusted weighted average shares outstanding (diluted) (in shares)	35,863	35,409	35,734	35,166
Net income (loss) attributable to Tribune per common share - Basic
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ (0.25)	$ (0.01)	$ (0.29)	$ (1.26)
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	(0.36)	(0.10)	(0.38)	8.27
Net income (loss) attributable to Tribune per common share - Basic (in dollars per share)	(0.61)	(0.11)	(0.67)	7.01
Net income (loss) attributable to Tribune per common share - Diluted
Income (loss) per share from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	(0.25)	(0.01)	(0.29)	(1.26)
Earnings per share from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	(0.36)	(0.10)	(0.38)	8.27
Net income (loss) attributable to Tribune per common share - Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.61)	$ (0.11)	$ (0.67)	$ 7.01

EARNINGS PER SHARE - (Details)

EARNINGS PER SHARE - (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Option
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of EPS (in shares)	858,219	924,887	902,664	924,887
RSU
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of EPS (in shares)	1,099,943	1,437,363	1,221,963	1,437,363

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - (Details

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - (Details) - USD ($)	Jul. 02, 2019	Jun. 12, 2019	May 29, 2019	Mar. 13, 2019	Mar. 23, 2017	Mar. 22, 2017	May 22, 2016	Sep. 29, 2019
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Special cash dividend declared (in usd per share)			$ 1.5
Cash dividend paid	$ 53,800,000
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount				$ 25,000,000				$ 0
Charge to non-operating expense								$ 500,000
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)								9,071,529
Beneficial ownership by related party, percentage of common stock owned								25.20%
Private Placement | Nant Rights Purchase Agreement | Beneficial Owner
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership of outstanding shares							25.00%
Maximum percentage of shares allowed to be held after transfer							4.90%
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
Beneficial ownership by related party, percentage of common stock owned								24.30%
RSU
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Accrued dividend equivalents for RSUs		$ 1,900,000

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI_3

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 322,299	$ 378,886	$ 373,312	$ 69,162
Amounts reclassified from AOCI			(178)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(4)	(6)	(16)	(11)
Balance at end of period	301,181	373,593	301,181	373,593
Foreign Currency
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period			(39)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI			0
Foreign currency translation adjustments			(16)
Balance at end of period	(55)		(55)
OPEB/Pension | Other Postretirement Plans
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period			303
Amounts reclassified from AOCI			(178)
Foreign currency translation adjustments			0
Balance at end of period	125		125
OPEB/Pension | Pension Plan
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period			(237)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI			0
Foreign currency translation adjustments			0
Balance at end of period	(237)		(237)
AOCI
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	(103)	7,113	27	(13,527)
Balance at end of period	$ (167)	$ 4,731	$ (167)	$ 4,731

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI_4

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - Reclassifications (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Pension and postretirement benefit adjustments	$ (83,066)	$ (107,762)	$ (276,583)	$ (324,982)
Tax effect	480	(5,835)	63	(8,719)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total reclassifications for the period	(60)	(2,376)	(178)	(7,128)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Amortization of prior service credits
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Pension and postretirement benefit adjustments	(82)	(2,634)	(246)	(7,901)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Amortization of actuarial gains
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Pension and postretirement benefit adjustments	0	(658)	0	(1,973)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Accumulated defined benefit plans adjustment attributable to parent
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total before taxes	(82)	(3,292)	(246)	(9,874)
Tax effect	$ (22)	$ (916)	$ (68)	$ (2,746)

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Operating

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Operating Revenues and Income (Loss) from Operations by Operating Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues	$ 236,027	$ 255,770	$ 730,879	$ 747,173
Operating expenses	226,652	265,763	720,801	789,489
Income (loss) from operations	9,375	(9,993)	10,078	(42,316)
Interest income (expense), net	(57)	303	478	(11,673)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	0	0	0	(7,666)
Loss on equity investments, net	(2,213)	(434)	(3,255)	(1,828)
Other income (expense), net	248	3,640	265	10,943
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	7,353	(6,484)	7,566	(52,540)
Depreciation and amortization	11,261	12,179	34,993	37,567
Operating Segments | M (Print)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues	187,628	207,385	585,453	623,893
Operating expenses	171,009	210,640	543,383	619,461
Income (loss) from operations	16,619	(3,255)	42,070	4,432
Depreciation and amortization	5,002	4,151	16,229	12,113
Operating Segments | X (Digital)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues	44,821	41,077	129,470	116,189
Operating expenses	41,696	37,380	122,109	109,548
Income (loss) from operations	3,125	3,697	7,361	6,641
Depreciation and amortization	2,683	4,274	7,248	13,328
Corporate and eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues	3,578	7,308	15,956	7,091
Operating expenses	13,947	17,743	55,309	60,480
Income (loss) from operations	(10,369)	(10,435)	(39,353)	(53,389)
Depreciation and amortization	3,576	3,754	11,516	12,126
Advertising
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues	93,218	109,778	293,538	326,357
Advertising | Operating Segments | M (Print)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues	71,376	83,990	227,135	254,532
Advertising | Operating Segments | X (Digital)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues	21,843	25,748	66,399	71,785
Advertising | Corporate and eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues	(1)	40	4	40
Circulation
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues	82,992	87,638	254,471	260,880
Circulation | Operating Segments | M (Print)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues	82,992	87,644	254,471	260,886
Circulation | Operating Segments | X (Digital)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Circulation | Corporate and eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues	0	(6)	0	(6)
Commercial print and delivery
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues	22,404	24,445	70,765	77,234
Commercial print and delivery | Operating Segments | M (Print)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues	22,404	24,445	70,765	77,234
Commercial print and delivery | Operating Segments | X (Digital)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Commercial print and delivery | Corporate and eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Direct mail
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues	8,853	8,608	26,431	24,236
Direct mail | Operating Segments | M (Print)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues	8,853	8,608	26,431	24,236
Direct mail | Operating Segments | X (Digital)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Direct mail | Corporate and eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Content syndication and other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues	28,560	25,301	85,674	58,466
Content syndication and other | Operating Segments | M (Print)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues	2,003	2,698	6,651	7,005
Content syndication and other | Operating Segments | X (Digital)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues	22,978	15,329	63,071	44,404
Content syndication and other | Corporate and eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues	3,579	7,274	15,952	7,057
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues	59,817	58,354	182,870	159,936
Other | Operating Segments | M (Print)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues	33,260	35,751	103,847	108,475
Other | Operating Segments | X (Digital)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues	22,978	15,329	63,071	44,404
Other | Corporate and eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues	$ 3,579	$ 7,274	$ 15,952	$ 7,057

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORM_3

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION - Summary of Supplemental Cash Flow (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	$ 0	$ 10,489
Income taxes, net of refunds	8,176	3,405
Non-cash items in investing activities:
Issuance of stock from treasury for acquisition	$ 0	$ 34,595

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORM_4

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION - Reconciliation of Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 29, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Cash	$ 56,526	$ 97,560
Restricted cash	37,290	43,947
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows	$ 93,816	$ 141,507	$ 141,529	$ 185,351