Gannett 10-Q 2 Nov 17 2017 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017	Oct. 27, 2017
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Gannett Co., Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1,635,718
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 24, 2017
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding		111,768,945
Trading Symbol	GCI

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 24, 2017	Dec. 25, 2016
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 109,961	$ 114,324
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $9,400 and $10,317	325,361	358,041
Other current assets	138,732	131,141
Total current assets	574,054	603,506
Property, plant and equipment, at cost net of accumulated depreciation of $1,478,392 and $1,481,897	963,768	1,087,701
Goodwill	737,840	698,288
Intangible assets, net	153,035	154,644
Deferred income taxes	221,386	218,232
Investments and other assets	67,376	82,310
Total assets	2,717,459	2,844,681
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	390,356	438,724
Deferred income	135,822	133,263
Total current liabilities	526,178	571,987
Income taxes	30,395	25,467
Postretirement medical and life insurance liabilities	82,191	90,134
Pension liabilities	677,949	739,262
Long-term portion of revolving credit facility	375,000	400,000
Other noncurrent liabilities	162,077	161,070
Total liabilities	1,853,790	1,987,920
Equity
Preferred stock of $0.01 par value per share, 5,000,000 shares authorized, none issued	0	0
Common stock of $0.01 par value per share, 500,000,000 shares authorized, 117,497,254 shares issued at September 24, 2017 and 116,624,726 shares issued at December 25, 2016	1,175	1,166
Treasury stock at cost, 5,750,000 shares at September 24, 2017 and 3,750,000 shares at December 25, 2016	(50,046)	(32,667)
Additional paid-in capital	1,781,946	1,769,905
Retained earnings (deficit)	(32,680)	1,269
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(836,726)	(882,912)
Total equity	863,669	856,761
Total liabilities and equity	$ 2,717,459	$ 2,844,681

Condensed Consolidated Balance3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 24, 2017	Dec. 25, 2016
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable	$ 9,400	$ 10,317
Accumulated depreciation	$ 1,478,392	$ 1,481,897
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, authorized shares	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, issued shares	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, authorized shares	500,000,000	500,000,000
Common stock, issued shares	117,497,254	116,624,726
Treasury stock, shares	5,750,000	3,750,000

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016
Operating revenues:
Advertising	$ 420,793	$ 429,053	$ 1,301,522	$ 1,190,108
Circulation	264,413	285,583	821,375	835,872
Other	59,068	57,685	169,341	154,500
Total operating revenues	744,274	772,321	2,292,238	2,180,480
Operating expenses:
Cost of sales and operating expenses	476,526	516,236	1,470,558	1,419,016
Selling, general and administrative expenses	203,995	217,609	627,113	586,100
Depreciation	41,128	30,638	124,260	83,889
Amortization	8,658	5,003	24,193	7,961
Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges	2,189	28,673	22,799	33,160
Total operating expenses	732,496	798,159	2,268,923	2,130,126
Operating income (loss)	11,778	(25,838)	23,315	50,354
Non-operating expenses:
Interest expense	(4,613)	(3,652)	(12,322)	(8,509)
Other non-operating items, net (see Note 1)	(922)	(3,694)	(10,110)	(9,572)
Total non-operating expenses	(5,535)	(7,346)	(22,432)	(18,081)
Income (loss) before income taxes	6,243	(33,184)	883	32,273
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	(16,801)	(9,223)	(19,595)	4,157
Net income (loss)	$ 23,044	$ (23,961)	$ 20,478	$ 28,116
Earnings (loss) per share – basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.20	$ (0.21)	$ 0.18	$ 0.24
Earnings (loss) per share – diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.20	$ (0.21)	$ 0.18	$ 0.24

Condensed Consolidated Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 23,044	$ (23,961)	$ 20,478	$ 28,116
Other comprehensive income, before tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	30,718	(23,367)	44,675	(62,440)
Pension and other postretirement benefit items:
Amortization of prior service credit, net	756	470	2,267	1,539
Amortization of actuarial loss	18,222	16,025	54,445	47,212
Other	(27,582)	17,723	(43,307)	48,246
Pension and other postretirement benefit items	(8,604)	34,218	13,405	96,997
Other comprehensive income, before tax	22,114	10,851	58,080	34,557
Income tax effect related to components of other comprehensive income	(1,514)	(8,965)	(11,894)	(25,937)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	20,600	1,886	46,186	8,620
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 43,644	$ (22,075)	$ 66,664	$ 36,736

Condensed Consolidated Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016
Operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 20,478	$ 28,116
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flow from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	148,453	91,850
Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges	22,799	33,160
Pension and other postretirement expenses, net of contributions	(36,360)	(79,729)
Equity (income) loss in unconsolidated investees, net	1,384	(844)
Stock-based compensation	14,897	14,986
Change in other assets and liabilities, net	(7,960)	30,432
Net cash provided by operating activities	163,691	117,971
Investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(46,884)	(45,001)
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(36,540)	(462,379)
Payments for investments	(2,709)	(12,402)
Proceeds from sale of certain assets	17,293	16,998
Changes in other investing activities	1,277	167
Net cash used for investing activities	(67,563)	(502,617)
Financing activities:
Dividends paid	(54,427)	(74,437)
Cost of common shares repurchased	(17,379)	0
Proceeds from issuance of common stock upon settlement of stock awards	612	480
Payments for employee taxes withheld from stock awards	(3,903)	(3,521)
Proceeds from borrowings under revolving credit agreement	35,000	455,000
Repayments of borrowings under revolving credit agreement	(60,000)	(70,000)
Changes in other financing activities	(511)	(124)
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities	(100,608)	307,398
Effect of currency exchange rates change on cash	117	(2,647)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(4,363)	(79,895)
Balance of cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	114,324	196,696
Balance of cash and cash equivalents at end of period	109,961	116,801
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash paid for taxes, net of refunds	(15,554)	25,236
Cash paid for interest	12,056	7,821
Non-cash investing activities:
Accrued capital expenditures	$ 307	$ 1,643

Basis of presentation and summa

Basis of presentation and summary of significant accounting policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of presentation and summary of significant accounting policies	NOTE 1 — Basis of presentation and summary of significant accounting policies Description of business: Gannett Co., Inc. (Gannett, our, us, and we) is a next-generation media company that empowers communities to connect, act, and thrive. Gannett owns ReachLocal, Inc. (an international digital marketing solutions company that recently acquired SweetIQ Analytics Corp. (SweetIQ), the USA TODAY NETWORK (made up of USA TODAY and 109 local media organizations in 34 states in the U.S. and Guam), and Newsquest (a wholly owned subsidiary with more than 160 local media brands in the U.K.). Gannett delivers high-quality, trusted content where and when consumers want to engage with it on virtually any device or platform and helps clients connect with the consumers they seek to help grow their businesses. Basis of presentation: The condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited; however, in the opinion of management, they contain all the adjustments (consisting of those of a normal recurring nature) considered necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the periods presented in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) applicable to interim periods. All intercompany accounts have been eliminated in consolidation. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 25, 2016 . Use of estimates: The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates, judgments, and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates and judgments inherent in the preparation of financial statements include the accounting for income taxes, pension and other post-employment benefits, allowances for doubtful accounts, equity-based compensation, depreciation and amortization, business combinations, litigation matters, contingencies, and the valuation of long-lived and intangible assets. New accounting pronouncements adopted: The following are new accounting pronouncements that we adopted in the first nine months of 2017 : Inventory: We adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) guidance that requires entities using the first-in, first-out inventory costing method to subsequently value inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value is defined as the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. The impact of adopting this guidance was not material to our consolidated financial results. Compensation—Retirement Benefits: We early adopted FASB guidance requiring changes to the presentation of net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit costs. Specifically, this guidance requires entities to classify the service cost component of the net benefit cost in the same income statement line item as other employee compensation costs while all other components of net benefit cost must be presented as non-operating items. The guidance further requires such classification changes to be retrospectively applied beginning in the interim period in which the guidance is adopted. As a result of adopting this guidance, for the three and nine months ended September 25, 2016 , total operating expenses decreased $2.8 million and $7.5 million , respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 25, 2016 , cost of sales decreased $1.7 million and $5.1 million , respectively, while selling, general, and administrative expenses decreased $1.1 million and $2.4 million , respectively. Net income, retained earnings, and earnings per share remained unchanged. New accounting pronouncements not yet adopted: The following are new accounting pronouncements that we are evaluating for future impacts on our financial position: Revenue from Contracts with Customers : In August 2014, the FASB issued a new revenue standard, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers," which prescribes a single comprehensive model for entities to use in the accounting of revenue arising from contracts with customers. The new guidance will supersede virtually all existing revenue guidance under U.S. GAAP and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. The core principle contemplated by this new standard is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount reflecting the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. New disclosures about the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers are also required. In April and May 2016, the FASB also issued clarifying updates to the new standard specifically to address certain core principles including the identification of performance obligations, licensing guidance, the assessment of the collectability criterion, the presentation of taxes collected from customers, non-cash considerations, contract modifications, and completed contracts at transition. We currently anticipate adopting the new revenue recognition standard using the modified retrospective approach in the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2018. This approach consists of recognizing the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard as an adjustment to opening retained earnings. As part of the modified retrospective approach, we will also amend our disclosures to reflect results under "legacy GAAP" for the initial year of adoption. To date, we have made progress in our assessment of the impact of adopting this new guidance, and steps towards implementation have been taken. Our approach to implementation has consisted of (1) performing a bottoms-up analysis of the impact of the standard on our portfolio of contracts, (2) reviewing our current accounting policies and practices to identify potential differences that would result from applying the requirements of the new standard to our existing revenue contracts, and (3) meeting with key stakeholders across the organization to discuss the impact of the standard on our existing contracts. We expect material impacts to the content and structure of our financial statements in the form of enhanced disclosures. Our preliminary evaluation and conclusions are subject to change as our assessment continues to progress. Our full evaluation is expected to be completed and finalized during the fourth quarter of 2017 . Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities : In January 2016, the FASB issued guidance which revises the classification and measurement of investments in equity securities and the presentation of certain fair value changes in financial liabilities measured at fair value. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. We are currently evaluating the provisions of the updated guidance and assessing the impact on our consolidated financial statements. Leases: In February 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance modifying lease accounting for both lessees and lessors to increase transparency and comparability. Lessees are required to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities for those leases classified as operating leases under previous accounting standards and to disclose key information about leasing arrangements. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the provisions of the updated guidance and assessing the impact on our consolidated financial statements. Cash and Cash Equivalents, including Statement of Cash Flows and Restricted Cash : In November 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance requiring entities to explain, in their statements of cash flows, the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as "restricted cash" or "restricted cash equivalents." As a result, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents must now be included within the total of cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning and end of period totals shown on the statement of cash flows. This guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the provisions of this update and assessing the impact on our consolidated financial statements. Intangibles—Goodwill and Other : In January 2017, the FASB issued new guidance which simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill. The guidance permits an entity to perform its goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and recognizing an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, with such losses not exceeding the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the provisions of the updated guidance and assessing the impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	NOTE 2 — Acquisitions SweetIQ: In April 2017 , our ReachLocal subsidiary completed the acquisition of SweetIQ for approximately $31.7 million , net of cash acquired. SweetIQ has a platform that provides services which enable customers to launch and execute marketing campaigns to convert online searches to in-store foot traffic. SweetIQ's customers include businesses with multi-location brands and agencies that target local marketing. The allocation of the purchase price is preliminary pending the finalization of the fair value of the acquired net assets and liabilities assumed, deferred income taxes, and assumed income and non-income based tax liabilities. As of the acquisition date, the purchase price was assigned to the acquired assets and assumed liabilities as follows: goodwill of $20.5 million , intangible assets of $15.2 million , noncurrent assets of $0.6 million , noncurrent liabilities of $3.5 million , and positive net working capital of $0.3 million . Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the consideration transferred over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired and represents the future economic benefits expected to arise from other intangible assets acquired that do not qualify for separate recognition, including assembled workforce and non-contractual relationships as well as expected future synergies. Goodwill associated with the acquisition of SweetIQ is allocated to the ReachLocal segment. We do not expect the purchase price allocated to goodwill and intangibles to be deductible for tax purposes. ReachLocal: In August 2016 , we completed the acquisition of 100% of the outstanding common stock of ReachLocal for approximately $162.5 million , net of cash acquired. ReachLocal offers online marketing, digital advertising, software-as-a-service, and web presence products and solutions to local businesses. It delivers its suite of products and solutions to local businesses through its proprietary technology platform, its direct inside and outside sales force, and select third-party agencies and resellers. The allocation of the purchase price was based upon estimated fair values. The determination of the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed has been completed and the final allocation of the purchase price is as follows: In thousands Cash acquired $ 13,195 Other current assets 14,612 Property, plant and equipment 13,486 Intangible assets 88,500 Goodwill 120,165 Other noncurrent assets 9,852 Total assets acquired 259,810 Current liabilities 63,005 Noncurrent liabilities 21,062 Total liabilities assumed 84,067 Net assets acquired $ 175,743 Acquired property, plant, and equipment is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the assets' respective estimated remaining useful lives. Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the consideration transferred over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired and represents the future economic benefits expected to arise from other intangible assets acquired that do not qualify for separate recognition, including assembled workforce and non-contractual relationships as well as expected future synergies. Goodwill associated with the acquisition of ReachLocal is allocated entirely to the ReachLocal segment. We do not expect the purchase price allocated to goodwill and trade names to be deductible for tax purposes. ReachLocal, including SweetIQ, is a separate segment, and its results of operations are provided in Note 11 — Segment reporting . Assets of North Jersey Media Group: In July 2016 , we completed the acquisition of certain assets of North Jersey Media Group, Inc. (NJMG) for approximately $38.6 million . NJMG is a media company with print and digital publishing operations serving primarily the northern New Jersey market. Its brands include such established names as The Record (Bergen County) and The Herald . The allocation of the purchase price was based upon estimated fair values. The determination of the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed has been completed and the final allocation of the purchase price is as follows: property, plant, and equipment of $26.0 million , goodwill of $7.4 million , intangible assets of $7.2 million , noncurrent assets of $1.0 million , noncurrent liabilities of $0.3 million , and negative net working capital of $1.7 million . Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the consideration transferred over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired and represents the future economic benefits expected to arise from other intangible assets acquired that do not qualify for separate recognition, including assembled workforce and non-contractual relationships as well as expected future synergies. Any goodwill recognized related to the acquisition of NJMG is allocated to the publishing segment. We do not expect the purchase price allocated to goodwill and trade names to be deductible for tax purposes. Journal Media Group: In April 2016 , we completed the acquisition of 100% of the outstanding common stock of Journal Media Group, Inc. (JMG) for approximately $260.6 million , net of cash acquired. Further, approximately $2.3 million of the purchase price paid was treated as post-acquisition expense for accounting purposes. JMG is a media company with print and digital publishing operations serving 15 U.S. markets in nine states, including the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Knoxville News Sentinel, and The Commercial Appeal in Memphis . The acquisition expanded our print and digital publishing operations domestically. The allocation of the purchase price was based upon estimated fair values. The determination of the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed has been completed and the final allocation of the purchase price is as follows: In thousands Cash acquired $ 36,825 Other current assets 54,571 Property, plant and equipment 264,357 Intangible assets 42,880 Goodwill 25,258 Other noncurrent assets 3,825 Total assets acquired 427,716 Current liabilities 71,519 Noncurrent liabilities 61,151 Total liabilities assumed 132,670 Net assets acquired $ 295,046 Acquired property, plant, and equipment is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the assets' respective estimated remaining useful lives. Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the consideration transferred over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired and represents the future economic benefits expected to arise from other intangible assets acquired that do not qualify for separate recognition, including assembled workforce and non-contractual relationships as well as expected future synergies. Any goodwill recognized related to the acquisition of JMG was allocated to the publishing segment. The purchase price allocated to goodwill and mastheads was not deductible for tax purposes. JMG revenues were $84.5 million and $281.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 24, 2017 , respectively. JMG was integrated into our publishing segment and, as a result, it is not practicable to determine standalone earnings for 2017 . Other: During the three and nine months ended September 24, 2017 , we completed other immaterial acquisitions. Pro forma information: The following table sets forth unaudited pro forma results of operations assuming the ReachLocal, NJMG, and JMG acquisitions, along with transactions necessary to finance the acquisitions, occurred at the beginning of 2016: Nine months ended In thousands; unaudited September 25, 2016 Total revenues $ 2,546,953 Net loss $ (2,795 ) Loss per share - diluted $ (0.02 ) This pro forma financial information is based on historical results of operations, adjusted for the allocation of the purchase price and other acquisition accounting adjustments, and is not necessarily indicative of what our results would have been had we operated the businesses from the beginning of the period presented. The pro forma adjustments reflect depreciation expense and amortization of intangibles related to the fair value adjustments of the assets acquired, additional interest expense related to the financing of the transactions, the elimination of acquisition-related costs, and the related tax effects of the adjustments.

Restructuring activities

Restructuring activities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring activities and asset impairment charges	NOTE 3 — Restructuring activities and asset impairment charges Over the past several years, we have engaged in a series of individual restructuring programs designed to right size our employee base, consolidate facilities, and improve operations, including those of recently acquired entities. Severance-related expenses: We recorded severance-related expenses of $4.5 million in costs of sales and operating expenses and $0.6 million in selling, general, and administrative expenses for the three months ended September 24, 2017 . The majority of these expenses were related to the publishing segment. We recorded severance-related expenses of $4.1 million in costs of sales and operating expenses and $1.0 million in selling, general, and administrative expenses during the three months ended September 25, 2016 . These expenses were related to the publishing segment. We recorded severance-related expenses of $17.9 million in costs of sales and operating expenses and $7.5 million in selling, general, and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 24, 2017 . Of these expenses, $21.2 million related to the publishing segment and $3.7 million related to corporate and other. The remainder is captured within our ReachLocal segment. We recorded severance-related expenses of $22.1 million in costs of sales and operating expenses and $4.7 million in selling, general, and administrative expenses during the nine months ended September 25, 2016 . These expenses were related to the publishing segment. The activity and balance of severance-related liabilities are as follows: In thousands Severance Activities Balance at December 25, 2016 $ 18,651 Expense 25,382 Payments (35,411 ) Balance at September 24, 2017 $ 8,622 Facility consolidation and impairment charges: Facility consolidation and other cost savings plans led us to recognize asset impairment charges, shutdown costs, and charges associated with revising the useful lives of certain assets over a shortened period. As part of our plans, we are selling certain assets which we have classified as held-for-sale and for which we have reduced the carrying values to equal the fair values less costs to dispose. We recorded pre-tax charges for facility consolidations and asset impairments of $2.2 million and $28.7 million for the three months ended September 24, 2017 and September 25, 2016 , respectively. In addition, we incurred accelerated depreciation of $14.1 million for the three months ended September 24, 2017 , which is included in depreciation expense. No accelerated deprecation was incurred for the three months ended September 25, 2016 . These expenses were related to the publishing segment. We recorded pre-tax charges for facility consolidations and asset impairments of $22.8 million and $33.2 million for the nine months ended September 24, 2017 and September 25, 2016 , respectively. In addition, we incurred accelerated depreciation of $37.6 million for the nine months ended September 24, 2017 , which is included in depreciation expense. No accelerated deprecation was incurred for the nine months ended September 25, 2016 . These expenses were related to the publishing segment.

Revolving credit facility

Revolving credit facility	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Revolving credit facility	NOTE 4 — Revolving credit facility We maintain a secured revolving credit facility pursuant to which we may borrow up to an aggregate principal amount of $500 million (Credit Facility). Under the Credit Facility, we may borrow at an applicable margin above the Eurodollar base rate (LIBOR loan) or the higher of the Prime Rate, the Federal Funds Effective Rate plus 0.50% , or the one month LIBOR rate plus 1.00% (ABR loan). The applicable margin is determined based on our total leverage ratio but differs between LIBOR loans and ABR loans. For LIBOR-based borrowing, the margin varies from 2.00% to 2.50% . For ABR-based borrowing, the margin varies from 1.00% to 1.50% . Up to $50 million of the Credit Facility is available for issuance of letters of credit. The Credit Facility matures on June 29, 2020. Customary fees are payable related to the Credit Facility, including commitment fees on the undrawn commitments of between 0.30% and 0.40% per annum, payable quarterly in arrears, based on our total leverage ratio. Borrowings under the Credit Facility are guaranteed by our wholly-owned material domestic subsidiaries. All obligations of Gannett and each subsidiary guarantor under the Credit Facility are or will be secured by first priority security interests in our equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, fixtures, general intangibles and other personal property, mortgages on certain material real property, and pledges of the capital stock of each subsidiary guarantor. Under the Credit Facility, our consolidated interest coverage ratio cannot be less than 3.00 :1.00, and our total leverage ratio cannot exceed 3.00 :1.00, in each case as of the last day of the test period consisting of the last four consecutive fiscal quarters. We were in compliance with all financial covenants under the Credit Facility as of September 24, 2017 . The Credit Facility also contains a number of covenants that, among other things, limit or restrict our ability, subject to certain exceptions, to: (i) permit certain liens on current or future assets, (ii) enter into certain corporate transactions, (iii) incur additional indebtedness, (iv) make certain payments or declare certain dividends or distributions, (v) dispose of certain property, (vi) make certain investments, (vii) prepay or amend the terms of other indebtedness, or (viii) enter into certain transactions with our affiliates. We were in compliance with these covenants as of September 24, 2017 . As of September 24, 2017 , we had $375.0 million in outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility and $11.9 million of letters of credit outstanding, leaving $113.1 million of availability.

Pensions and other postretireme

Pensions and other postretirement benefit plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Pensions and other postretirement benefit plans	NOTE 5 — Pensions and other postretirement benefit plans We, along with our subsidiaries, have various defined benefit retirement plans, including plans established under collective bargaining agreements. Our retirement plans include the Gannett Retirement Plan (GRP), Newsquest and Romanes Pension Schemes in the U.K. (U.K. Pension Plans), and other defined benefit contribution plans. We also provide health care and life insurance benefits to certain retired employees who meet age and service requirements. Retirement plan costs include the following components: In thousands Three months ended September 24, 2017 September 25, 2016 Pension Postretirement Pension Postretirement Operating expenses: Service cost-benefits earned during the period $ 610 $ 83 $ 818 $ 49 Non-operating expenses: Interest cost on benefit obligation 27,935 902 30,853 964 Expected return on plan assets (42,657 ) — (45,560 ) — Amortization of prior service cost 1,668 (912 ) 1,668 (1,198 ) Amortization of actuarial loss 18,197 25 15,823 202 Total non-operating expenses (credit) 5,143 15 2,784 (32 ) Total expense for retirement plans $ 5,753 $ 98 $ 3,602 $ 17 Nine months ended September 24, 2017 September 25, 2016 Pension Postretirement Pension Postretirement Operating expenses: Service cost-benefits earned during the period $ 1,830 $ 161 $ 2,446 $ 146 Non-operating expenses: Interest cost on benefit obligation 83,309 2,706 94,571 2,838 Expected return on plan assets (127,035 ) — (138,708 ) — Amortization of prior service cost 5,003 (2,736 ) 4,997 (3,458 ) Amortization of actuarial loss 54,368 77 46,946 266 Total non-operating expenses (credit) 15,645 47 7,806 (354 ) Total expense (credit) for retirement plans $ 17,475 $ 208 $ 10,252 $ (208 ) Pursuant to our adoption of new guidance surrounding the presentation of net periodic benefit costs as discussed in Note 1 — Basis of presentation and summary of significant accounting policies , net periodic benefit costs other than service costs are now included in the Other non-operating items, net line in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). During the nine months ended September 24, 2017 , we contributed $47.2 million and $6.9 million to our pension and other postretirement plans, respectively. We expect to contribute approximately $25.0 million to the GRP in each of the fiscal years 2018 through 2020 and $15.0 million in 2021. We also expect to contribute approximately £15.0 million per year to the U.K. Pension Plans from 2017 through 2022.

Income taxes

Income taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income taxes	NOTE 6 — Income taxes There was a tax benefit for the three and nine months ended September 24, 2017 of $16.8 million and $19.6 million , respectively. During the three months ended September 24, 2017 , we made an election to treat one of our ReachLocal international subsidiaries as a disregarded entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes, which resulted in a worthless stock and debt deduction. As a result of this election, we incurred a tax loss that resulted in a $20.1 million tax benefit, net of reserve of $14.7 million for uncertain tax positions. We expect our domestic operations to generate sufficient taxable income to fully utilize the tax benefit of the loss. This tax loss may be subject to audit and future adjustment by the IRS, which could result in a reversal of none, part, or all of the income tax benefit or could result in a benefit higher than the net amount recorded. If the IRS rejects or reduces the amount of the income tax benefit related to the worthless stock and debt deduction, we may have to pay additional cash income taxes, which could adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows. We cannot guarantee what the ultimate outcome or amount of the benefit we receive, if any, will be. Our effective income tax rates for the three and nine months ended September 24, 2017 are not meaningful. Our effective tax rates for the three and nine months ended September 25, 2016 were 27.8% and 12.9% , respectively. Our quarterly effective tax rate is calculated in part based on the full year forecasted income, over 50% of which is expected to be generated in foreign jurisdictions where the income tax rate is lower than in the U.S. This is similar to full year 2016 , where the ratio of income earned in foreign jurisdictions to domestic income was higher than in 2014 and 2015 . The lower domestic income is attributable to higher expenses domestically for corporate expenses related to public company costs, restructuring charges and asset impairments as compared with foreign jurisdictions. The recent changes in the mix of income generated from lower tax rate foreign jurisdictions relative to U.S. domestic income have had the effect of decreasing our tax expense. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate was approximately $28.5 million and $17.3 million as of September 24, 2017 and December 25, 2016 , respectively. The amount of accrued interest and penalties payable related to unrecognized tax benefits was $0.9 million and $3.8 million as of September 24, 2017 and December 25, 2016 , respectively. It is reasonably possible that the amount of unrecognized benefits with respect to certain of our unrecognized tax positions will increase or decrease within the next 12 months. These changes may be the result of settlement of ongoing audits, lapses of statutes of limitations, or other regulatory developments. At this time, we estimate the amount of gross unrecognized tax positions may be reduced by approximately $2.8 million within the next 12 months primarily due to lapses of statutes of limitations and settlements of ongoing audits in various jurisdictions.

Supplemental equity information

Supplemental equity information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Supplemental equity information	NOTE 7 — Supplemental equity information The following table summarizes equity account activity: In thousands Nine months ended September 24, 2017 September 25, 2016 Balance at beginning of period $ 856,761 $ 1,058,576 Comprehensive income: Net income 20,478 28,116 Other comprehensive income 46,186 8,620 Total comprehensive income 66,664 36,736 Dividends declared (54,427 ) (55,936 ) Stock-based compensation 14,897 14,986 Other activity (20,226 ) 19,544 Balance at end of period $ 863,669 $ 1,073,906 The following table summarizes the components of, and the changes in, accumulated other comprehensive loss (net of tax): In thousands Retirement Plans Foreign Currency Translation Total Balance at December 25, 2016 $ (1,183,196 ) $ 300,284 $ (882,912 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (34,980 ) 44,675 9,695 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 36,491 — 36,491 Other comprehensive income 1,511 44,675 46,186 Balance at September 24, 2017 $ (1,181,685 ) $ 344,959 $ (836,726 ) Balance at December 27, 2015 $ (1,058,234 ) $ 384,810 $ (673,424 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 39,751 (62,440 ) (22,689 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 31,309 — 31,309 Other comprehensive income (loss) 71,060 (62,440 ) 8,620 Balance at September 25, 2016 $ (987,174 ) $ 322,370 $ (664,804 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss components are included in computing net periodic postretirement costs as outlined in Note 5 — Pensions and other postretirement benefit plans . Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss related to these postretirement plans include the following: In thousands Three months ended Nine months ended September 24, 2017 September 25, 2016 September 24, 2017 September 25, 2016 Amortization of prior service credit, net $ 756 $ 470 $ 2,267 $ 1,539 Amortization of actuarial loss 18,222 16,025 54,445 47,212 Total reclassifications, before tax 18,978 16,495 56,712 48,751 Income tax effect (6,755 ) (5,936 ) (20,221 ) (17,442 ) Total reclassifications, net of tax $ 12,223 $ 10,559 $ 36,491 $ 31,309 In July 2015 , our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program authorizing us to repurchase shares with an aggregate value of up to $150 million over a three-year period. Shares may be repurchased at management's discretion, either in the open market or in privately negotiated block transactions. Management's decision to repurchase shares depends on several factors, including share price and other corporate liquidity requirements. During the three months ended September 24, 2017 , we repurchased two million shares at a cost of $17.4 million . As of September 24, 2017 , there was $100.0 million in availability to repurchase shares under the share repurchase program.

Fair value measurement

Fair value measurement	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value measurement	NOTE 8 — Fair value measurement We measure and record certain assets and liabilities at fair value. A fair value measurement is determined based on market assumptions that a market participant would use in pricing an asset or liability. A three-tiered hierarchy draws distinctions between market participant assumptions based on (i) observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets (Level 1), (ii) inputs other than quoted active markets that are observable either directly or indirectly (Level 2) and (iii) unobservable inputs that require use of our own estimates and assumptions through present value and other valuation techniques in determination of fair value (Level 3). As of September 24, 2017 and December 25, 2016 , assets and liabilities measured or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis primarily consist of pension plan assets and our revolving credit facility. As permitted by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, the pension plans use net asset values as a practical expedient to determine the fair value of certain investments. These investments measured at net asset value have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The carrying value of our revolving credit facility approximates the fair value and is classified as Level 3. We also have certain assets requiring fair value measurement on a non-recurring basis. Our assets measured on a non-recurring basis are assets held for sale, which are classified as Level 3 assets and evaluated using executed purchase agreements or third party valuation analyses when certain circumstances arise. Assets held for sale totaled $22.5 million and $4.5 million as of September 24, 2017 and December 25, 2016 , respectively.

Commitments, contingencies and

Commitments, contingencies and other matters	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments, contingencies and other matters	NOTE 9 — Commitments, contingencies and other matters Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) litigation: In January 2014, a class action lawsuit was filed against Gannett in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey (Casagrand et al v. Gannett Co., Inc., et al). The suit claims various violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) arising from allegedly improper telemarketing calls made to consumers by one of our vendors. The plaintiffs sought to certify a class that would include all telemarketing calls made by the vendor or us. The TCPA provides for statutory damages of $500 per violation ( $1,500 for willful violations). In April 2016, we agreed to settle all claims raised. The settlements are reflected in our financial statements as of September 24, 2017 , and were not material to our results of operations, financial position, or cash flows. Environmental contingency: In 2011, the Advertiser Company (Advertiser), a subsidiary that publishes the Montgomery Advertiser, was notified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that it had been identified as a potentially responsible party (PRP) for the investigation and remediation of groundwater contamination in downtown Montgomery, Alabama. The Advertiser is a member of the Downtown Environmental Alliance, which has agreed to jointly fund and conduct all required investigation and remediation. In 2015, the Advertiser and other members of the Downtown Environmental Alliance reached a settlement with the U.S. EPA regarding the costs the U.S. EPA spent to investigate the site. The U.S. EPA has transferred responsibility for oversight of the site to the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, which has approved the work plan for the additional site investigation that is currently underway. The Advertiser's final costs cannot be determined until the investigation is complete, a determination is made on whether any remediation is necessary, and contributions from other PRPs are finalized. Other litigation: We are defendants in judicial and administrative proceedings involving matters incidental to our business. While the ultimate results of these proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, we expect the ultimate resolution of all pending or threatened claims and litigation will not have a material effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

Earnings (loss) per share

Earnings (loss) per share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings (loss) per share	NOTE 10 — Earnings (loss) per share The following table is a reconciliation of weighted average number of shares outstanding used to compute basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share (EPS): In thousands, except per share data Three months ended Nine months ended September 24, 2017 September 25, 2016 September 24, 2017 September 25, 2016 Net income (loss) $ 23,044 $ (23,961 ) $ 20,478 $ 28,116 Weighted average number of shares outstanding - basic 113,253 116,556 113,467 116,461 Effect of dilutive securities Restricted stock units 1,657 — 1,418 1,506 Performance share units 757 — 643 916 Stock options 107 — 127 266 Weighted average number of shares outstanding - diluted 115,774 116,556 115,655 119,149 Earnings (loss) per share - basic $ 0.20 $ (0.21 ) $ 0.18 $ 0.24 Earnings (loss) per share - diluted $ 0.20 $ (0.21 ) $ 0.18 $ 0.24 For the three and nine months ended September 24, 2017 , approximately 428,000 and 862,000 outstanding common stock equivalents, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because their effect would have been anti-dilutive. For the three months ended September 25, 2016 , all outstanding common stock equivalents were excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share because their effect would have been anti-dilutive due to the net loss for the period. Approximately 281,000 shares were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS for the nine months ended September 25, 2016 because their effect would have been anti-dilutive. On July 20, 2017 , we declared a dividend of $0.16 per share of common stock, which was paid on September 18, 2017 , to shareholders of record as of the close of business on September 1, 2017 . Furthermore, on October 18, 2017 , we declared a dividend of $0.16 per share of common stock, payable on December 26, 2017 , to shareholders of record as of the close of business on December 12, 2017 .

Segment reporting

Segment reporting	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment reporting	NOTE 11 — Segment reporting We define our reportable segments based on the way the chief operating decision maker (CODM), currently the Chief Executive Officer, manages the operations for purposes of allocating resources and assessing performance. We classify our operations into two reportable segments as follows: • Publishing, which consists of our portfolio of local, regional, national, and international newspaper publishers. The results of this segment include retail, classified, and national advertising revenues consisting of both print and digital advertising, circulation revenues from the distribution of our publications on our digital platforms, home delivery of our publications, single copy sales, and other revenues from commercial printing and distribution arrangements. The publishing reportable segment is an aggregation of two operating segments: Domestic Publishing and the U.K. • ReachLocal, which consists of our ReachLocal digital marketing solutions subsidiaries and SweetIQ. The results of this segment include advertising revenues from our search and display services and other revenues related to web presence and software solutions provided by ReachLocal. In addition to the above operating segments, we have a corporate and other category that includes activities not directly attributable to a specific segment. This category primarily consists of broad corporate functions and includes legal, human resources, accounting, finance, and marketing as well as activities such as tax settlements and other general business costs. In the ordinary course of business, our reportable segments enter into transactions with one another. While intersegment transactions are treated like third-party transactions to determine segment performance, the revenues and expenses recognized by the segment that is the counterparty to the transaction are eliminated in consolidation and do not affect consolidated results. The CODM uses adjusted EBITDA to evaluate the performance of the segments and allocate resources. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial performance measure we believe offers a useful view of the overall operation of our businesses and may be different than similarly-titled non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income before (1) income taxes, (2) interest expense, (3) equity income, (4) other non-operating items, (5) severance-related charges, (6) acquisition-related expenses (including integration expenses), (7) facility consolidation and asset impairment charges, (8) other items (including certain business transformation costs, litigation expenses, multi-employer pension withdrawals and gains or losses on certain investments), (9) depreciation, and (10) amortization. When adjusted EBITDA is discussed in this report, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is net income. Management considers adjusted EBITDA to be the appropriate metric to evaluate and compare the ongoing operating performance of our segments on a consistent basis across reporting periods as it eliminates the effect of items which we do not believe are indicative of each segment's core operating performance. The following tables present our segment information: In thousands Publishing ReachLocal Corporate and Other Intersegment Eliminations Consolidated Three months ended September 24, 2017 Advertising - external sales $ 337,802 $ 82,991 $ — $ — $ 420,793 Advertising - intersegment sales 9,904 — — (9,904 ) — Circulation 264,413 — — — 264,413 Other - external sales 46,904 10,826 1,338 — 59,068 Other - intersegment sales 1,315 — — (1,315 ) — Total revenues $ 660,338 $ 93,817 $ 1,338 $ (11,219 ) $ 744,274 Adjusted EBITDA $ 87,451 $ 5,229 $ (18,827 ) $ — $ 73,853 Three months ended September 25, 2016 Advertising $ 397,214 $ 31,839 $ — $ — $ 429,053 Circulation 285,583 — — — 285,583 Other 53,773 3,138 774 — 57,685 Total revenues $ 736,570 $ 34,977 $ 774 $ — $ 772,321 Adjusted EBITDA $ 86,371 $ (6,744 ) $ (21,598 ) $ — $ 58,029 In thousands Publishing ReachLocal Corporate and Other Intersegment Eliminations Consolidated Nine months ended September 24, 2017 Advertising - external sales $ 1,071,888 $ 229,686 $ (52 ) $ — $ 1,301,522 Advertising - intersegment sales 13,863 — — (13,863 ) — Circulation 821,375 — — — 821,375 Other - external sales 138,320 27,622 3,399 — 169,341 Other - intersegment sales 1,996 — — (1,996 ) — Total revenues $ 2,047,442 $ 257,308 $ 3,347 $ (15,859 ) $ 2,292,238 Adjusted EBITDA $ 283,235 $ 9,592 $ (65,639 ) $ — $ 227,188 Nine months ended September 25, 2016 Advertising $ 1,158,269 $ 31,839 $ — $ — $ 1,190,108 Circulation 835,872 — — — 835,872 Other 148,480 3,138 2,882 — 154,500 Total revenues $ 2,142,621 $ 34,977 $ 2,882 $ — $ 2,180,480 Adjusted EBITDA $ 298,161 $ (6,744 ) $ (61,367 ) $ — $ 230,050 Pursuant to our adoption of new guidance surrounding the presentation of net periodic benefit costs as discussed in Note 1 — Basis of presentation and summary of significant accounting policies , net periodic benefit costs other than service costs are now included in the Other non-operating items, net line in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). As a result of adopting this guidance, adjusted EBITDA increased $2.8 million and $7.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 25, 2016 , respectively. We changed certain corporate allocations at the beginning of fiscal year 2017 and retrospectively applied that change. The following table presents our reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to net income: In thousands Three months ended Nine months ended September 24, 2017 September 25, 2016 September 24, 2017 September 25, 2016 Net income (loss) (GAAP basis) $ 23,044 $ (23,961 ) $ 20,478 $ 28,116 Provision (benefit) for income taxes (16,801 ) (9,223 ) (19,595 ) 4,157 Interest expense 4,613 3,652 12,322 8,509 Other non-operating items, net 922 3,694 10,110 9,572 Operating income (loss) (GAAP basis) 11,778 (25,838 ) 23,315 50,354 Severance-related charges 5,117 5,137 25,382 26,831 Acquisition-related expenses 2,059 14,416 4,652 29,055 Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges 2,189 28,673 22,799 33,160 Other items 2,924 — 2,587 (1,200 ) Depreciation 41,128 30,638 124,260 83,889 Amortization 8,658 5,003 24,193 7,961 Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP basis) $ 73,853 $ 58,029 $ 227,188 $ 230,050 Asset information by segment is not a key measure of performance used by the CODM. Accordingly, we have not disclosed asset information by segment. Additionally, equity income in unconsolidated investees, net, interest expense, other non-operating items, net, and provision for income taxes, as reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements, are not part of operating income and are primarily recorded at the corporate level.

Basis of presentation and sum18

Basis of presentation and summary of significant accounting policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of presentation: The condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited; however, in the opinion of management, they contain all the adjustments (consisting of those of a normal recurring nature) considered necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the periods presented in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) applicable to interim periods. All intercompany accounts have been eliminated in consolidation. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 25, 2016 .
Use of Estimates	Use of estimates: The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates, judgments, and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates and judgments inherent in the preparation of financial statements include the accounting for income taxes, pension and other post-employment benefits, allowances for doubtful accounts, equity-based compensation, depreciation and amortization, business combinations, litigation matters, contingencies, and the valuation of long-lived and intangible assets.
Recent Accounting Standards	New accounting pronouncements adopted: The following are new accounting pronouncements that we adopted in the first nine months of 2017 : Inventory: We adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) guidance that requires entities using the first-in, first-out inventory costing method to subsequently value inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value is defined as the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. The impact of adopting this guidance was not material to our consolidated financial results. Compensation—Retirement Benefits: We early adopted FASB guidance requiring changes to the presentation of net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit costs. Specifically, this guidance requires entities to classify the service cost component of the net benefit cost in the same income statement line item as other employee compensation costs while all other components of net benefit cost must be presented as non-operating items. The guidance further requires such classification changes to be retrospectively applied beginning in the interim period in which the guidance is adopted. As a result of adopting this guidance, for the three and nine months ended September 25, 2016 , total operating expenses decreased $2.8 million and $7.5 million , respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 25, 2016 , cost of sales decreased $1.7 million and $5.1 million , respectively, while selling, general, and administrative expenses decreased $1.1 million and $2.4 million , respectively. Net income, retained earnings, and earnings per share remained unchanged. New accounting pronouncements not yet adopted: The following are new accounting pronouncements that we are evaluating for future impacts on our financial position: Revenue from Contracts with Customers : In August 2014, the FASB issued a new revenue standard, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers," which prescribes a single comprehensive model for entities to use in the accounting of revenue arising from contracts with customers. The new guidance will supersede virtually all existing revenue guidance under U.S. GAAP and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. The core principle contemplated by this new standard is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount reflecting the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. New disclosures about the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers are also required. In April and May 2016, the FASB also issued clarifying updates to the new standard specifically to address certain core principles including the identification of performance obligations, licensing guidance, the assessment of the collectability criterion, the presentation of taxes collected from customers, non-cash considerations, contract modifications, and completed contracts at transition. We currently anticipate adopting the new revenue recognition standard using the modified retrospective approach in the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2018. This approach consists of recognizing the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard as an adjustment to opening retained earnings. As part of the modified retrospective approach, we will also amend our disclosures to reflect results under "legacy GAAP" for the initial year of adoption. To date, we have made progress in our assessment of the impact of adopting this new guidance, and steps towards implementation have been taken. Our approach to implementation has consisted of (1) performing a bottoms-up analysis of the impact of the standard on our portfolio of contracts, (2) reviewing our current accounting policies and practices to identify potential differences that would result from applying the requirements of the new standard to our existing revenue contracts, and (3) meeting with key stakeholders across the organization to discuss the impact of the standard on our existing contracts. We expect material impacts to the content and structure of our financial statements in the form of enhanced disclosures. Our preliminary evaluation and conclusions are subject to change as our assessment continues to progress. Our full evaluation is expected to be completed and finalized during the fourth quarter of 2017 . Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities : In January 2016, the FASB issued guidance which revises the classification and measurement of investments in equity securities and the presentation of certain fair value changes in financial liabilities measured at fair value. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. We are currently evaluating the provisions of the updated guidance and assessing the impact on our consolidated financial statements. Leases: In February 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance modifying lease accounting for both lessees and lessors to increase transparency and comparability. Lessees are required to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities for those leases classified as operating leases under previous accounting standards and to disclose key information about leasing arrangements. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the provisions of the updated guidance and assessing the impact on our consolidated financial statements. Cash and Cash Equivalents, including Statement of Cash Flows and Restricted Cash : In November 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance requiring entities to explain, in their statements of cash flows, the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as "restricted cash" or "restricted cash equivalents." As a result, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents must now be included within the total of cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning and end of period totals shown on the statement of cash flows. This guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the provisions of this update and assessing the impact on our consolidated financial statements. Intangibles—Goodwill and Other : In January 2017, the FASB issued new guidance which simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill. The guidance permits an entity to perform its goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and recognizing an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, with such losses not exceeding the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the provisions of the updated guidance and assessing the impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The determination of the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed has been completed and the final allocation of the purchase price is as follows: In thousands Cash acquired $ 13,195 Other current assets 14,612 Property, plant and equipment 13,486 Intangible assets 88,500 Goodwill 120,165 Other noncurrent assets 9,852 Total assets acquired 259,810 Current liabilities 63,005 Noncurrent liabilities 21,062 Total liabilities assumed 84,067 Net assets acquired $ 175,743 The determination of the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed has been completed and the final allocation of the purchase price is as follows: In thousands Cash acquired $ 36,825 Other current assets 54,571 Property, plant and equipment 264,357 Intangible assets 42,880 Goodwill 25,258 Other noncurrent assets 3,825 Total assets acquired 427,716 Current liabilities 71,519 Noncurrent liabilities 61,151 Total liabilities assumed 132,670 Net assets acquired $ 295,046
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information	The following table sets forth unaudited pro forma results of operations assuming the ReachLocal, NJMG, and JMG acquisitions, along with transactions necessary to finance the acquisitions, occurred at the beginning of 2016: Nine months ended In thousands; unaudited September 25, 2016 Total revenues $ 2,546,953 Net loss $ (2,795 ) Loss per share - diluted $ (0.02 )

Restructuring activities and as

Restructuring activities and asset impairment charges (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and Related Costs	The activity and balance of severance-related liabilities are as follows: In thousands Severance Activities Balance at December 25, 2016 $ 18,651 Expense 25,382 Payments (35,411 ) Balance at September 24, 2017 $ 8,622

Pensions and other postretire21

Pensions and other postretirement benefit plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Benefit costs	Retirement plan costs include the following components: In thousands Three months ended September 24, 2017 September 25, 2016 Pension Postretirement Pension Postretirement Operating expenses: Service cost-benefits earned during the period $ 610 $ 83 $ 818 $ 49 Non-operating expenses: Interest cost on benefit obligation 27,935 902 30,853 964 Expected return on plan assets (42,657 ) — (45,560 ) — Amortization of prior service cost 1,668 (912 ) 1,668 (1,198 ) Amortization of actuarial loss 18,197 25 15,823 202 Total non-operating expenses (credit) 5,143 15 2,784 (32 ) Total expense for retirement plans $ 5,753 $ 98 $ 3,602 $ 17 Nine months ended September 24, 2017 September 25, 2016 Pension Postretirement Pension Postretirement Operating expenses: Service cost-benefits earned during the period $ 1,830 $ 161 $ 2,446 $ 146 Non-operating expenses: Interest cost on benefit obligation 83,309 2,706 94,571 2,838 Expected return on plan assets (127,035 ) — (138,708 ) — Amortization of prior service cost 5,003 (2,736 ) 4,997 (3,458 ) Amortization of actuarial loss 54,368 77 46,946 266 Total non-operating expenses (credit) 15,645 47 7,806 (354 ) Total expense (credit) for retirement plans $ 17,475 $ 208 $ 10,252 $ (208 )

Supplemental equity informati22

Supplemental equity information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Equity	The following table summarizes equity account activity: In thousands Nine months ended September 24, 2017 September 25, 2016 Balance at beginning of period $ 856,761 $ 1,058,576 Comprehensive income: Net income 20,478 28,116 Other comprehensive income 46,186 8,620 Total comprehensive income 66,664 36,736 Dividends declared (54,427 ) (55,936 ) Stock-based compensation 14,897 14,986 Other activity (20,226 ) 19,544 Balance at end of period $ 863,669 $ 1,073,906
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The following table summarizes the components of, and the changes in, accumulated other comprehensive loss (net of tax): In thousands Retirement Plans Foreign Currency Translation Total Balance at December 25, 2016 $ (1,183,196 ) $ 300,284 $ (882,912 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (34,980 ) 44,675 9,695 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 36,491 — 36,491 Other comprehensive income 1,511 44,675 46,186 Balance at September 24, 2017 $ (1,181,685 ) $ 344,959 $ (836,726 ) Balance at December 27, 2015 $ (1,058,234 ) $ 384,810 $ (673,424 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 39,751 (62,440 ) (22,689 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 31,309 — 31,309 Other comprehensive income (loss) 71,060 (62,440 ) 8,620 Balance at September 25, 2016 $ (987,174 ) $ 322,370 $ (664,804 )
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss related to these postretirement plans include the following: In thousands Three months ended Nine months ended September 24, 2017 September 25, 2016 September 24, 2017 September 25, 2016 Amortization of prior service credit, net $ 756 $ 470 $ 2,267 $ 1,539 Amortization of actuarial loss 18,222 16,025 54,445 47,212 Total reclassifications, before tax 18,978 16,495 56,712 48,751 Income tax effect (6,755 ) (5,936 ) (20,221 ) (17,442 ) Total reclassifications, net of tax $ 12,223 $ 10,559 $ 36,491 $ 31,309

Earnings (loss) per share (Tabl

Earnings (loss) per share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	The following table is a reconciliation of weighted average number of shares outstanding used to compute basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share (EPS): In thousands, except per share data Three months ended Nine months ended September 24, 2017 September 25, 2016 September 24, 2017 September 25, 2016 Net income (loss) $ 23,044 $ (23,961 ) $ 20,478 $ 28,116 Weighted average number of shares outstanding - basic 113,253 116,556 113,467 116,461 Effect of dilutive securities Restricted stock units 1,657 — 1,418 1,506 Performance share units 757 — 643 916 Stock options 107 — 127 266 Weighted average number of shares outstanding - diluted 115,774 116,556 115,655 119,149 Earnings (loss) per share - basic $ 0.20 $ (0.21 ) $ 0.18 $ 0.24 Earnings (loss) per share - diluted $ 0.20 $ (0.21 ) $ 0.18 $ 0.24

Segment reporting (Tables)

Segment reporting (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	The following tables present our segment information: In thousands Publishing ReachLocal Corporate and Other Intersegment Eliminations Consolidated Three months ended September 24, 2017 Advertising - external sales $ 337,802 $ 82,991 $ — $ — $ 420,793 Advertising - intersegment sales 9,904 — — (9,904 ) — Circulation 264,413 — — — 264,413 Other - external sales 46,904 10,826 1,338 — 59,068 Other - intersegment sales 1,315 — — (1,315 ) — Total revenues $ 660,338 $ 93,817 $ 1,338 $ (11,219 ) $ 744,274 Adjusted EBITDA $ 87,451 $ 5,229 $ (18,827 ) $ — $ 73,853 Three months ended September 25, 2016 Advertising $ 397,214 $ 31,839 $ — $ — $ 429,053 Circulation 285,583 — — — 285,583 Other 53,773 3,138 774 — 57,685 Total revenues $ 736,570 $ 34,977 $ 774 $ — $ 772,321 Adjusted EBITDA $ 86,371 $ (6,744 ) $ (21,598 ) $ — $ 58,029 In thousands Publishing ReachLocal Corporate and Other Intersegment Eliminations Consolidated Nine months ended September 24, 2017 Advertising - external sales $ 1,071,888 $ 229,686 $ (52 ) $ — $ 1,301,522 Advertising - intersegment sales 13,863 — — (13,863 ) — Circulation 821,375 — — — 821,375 Other - external sales 138,320 27,622 3,399 — 169,341 Other - intersegment sales 1,996 — — (1,996 ) — Total revenues $ 2,047,442 $ 257,308 $ 3,347 $ (15,859 ) $ 2,292,238 Adjusted EBITDA $ 283,235 $ 9,592 $ (65,639 ) $ — $ 227,188 Nine months ended September 25, 2016 Advertising $ 1,158,269 $ 31,839 $ — $ — $ 1,190,108 Circulation 835,872 — — — 835,872 Other 148,480 3,138 2,882 — 154,500 Total revenues $ 2,142,621 $ 34,977 $ 2,882 $ — $ 2,180,480 Adjusted EBITDA $ 298,161 $ (6,744 ) $ (61,367 ) $ — $ 230,050 Pursuant to our adoption of new guidance surrounding the presentation of net periodic benefit costs as discussed in Note 1 — Basis of presentation and summary of significant accounting policies , net periodic benefit costs other than service costs are now included in the Other non-operating items, net line in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). As a result of adopting this guidance, adjusted EBITDA increased $2.8 million and $7.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 25, 2016 , respectively. We changed certain corporate allocations at the beginning of fiscal year 2017 and retrospectively applied that change. The following table presents our reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to net income: In thousands Three months ended Nine months ended September 24, 2017 September 25, 2016 September 24, 2017 September 25, 2016 Net income (loss) (GAAP basis) $ 23,044 $ (23,961 ) $ 20,478 $ 28,116 Provision (benefit) for income taxes (16,801 ) (9,223 ) (19,595 ) 4,157 Interest expense 4,613 3,652 12,322 8,509 Other non-operating items, net 922 3,694 10,110 9,572 Operating income (loss) (GAAP basis) 11,778 (25,838 ) 23,315 50,354 Severance-related charges 5,117 5,137 25,382 26,831 Acquisition-related expenses 2,059 14,416 4,652 29,055 Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges 2,189 28,673 22,799 33,160 Other items 2,924 — 2,587 (1,200 ) Depreciation 41,128 30,638 124,260 83,889 Amortization 8,658 5,003 24,193 7,961 Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP basis) $ 73,853 $ 58,029 $ 227,188 $ 230,050

Basis of presentation and sum25

Basis of presentation and summary of significant accounting policies (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017USD ($)brandorganizationstate	Sep. 25, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 24, 2017USD ($)brandorganizationstate	Sep. 25, 2016USD ($)
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Total operating expenses	$ 732,496	$ 798,159	$ 2,268,923	$ 2,130,126
Cost of sales and operating expenses	476,526	516,236	1,470,558	1,419,016
Selling, general and administrative expenses	$ 203,995	217,609	$ 627,113	586,100
U.S. [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of media organizations | organization	109		109
Number of states in which entity operates | state	34		34
U.K. [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of media brands, more than | brand	160		160
Accounting Standards Update 2017-06 | New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption, Effect
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Total operating expenses		(2,800)		(7,500)
Cost of sales and operating expenses		(1,700)		(5,100)
Selling, general and administrative expenses		$ (1,100)		$ (2,400)

Acquisitions - Narrative (Detai

Acquisitions - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended				3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2016USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2016USD ($)marketstate	Sep. 24, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 24, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 25, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 25, 2016USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired						$ 36,540	$ 462,379
Goodwill					$ 737,840	737,840		$ 698,288
ReachLocal, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired		$ 162,500
Goodwill		120,165
Intangible assets		88,500
Noncurrent liabilities		$ 21,062
Interest acquired (as a percent)		100.00%
Property, plant and equipment		$ 13,486
Other noncurrent assets		$ 9,852
North Jersey Media Group, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill			$ 7,400
Intangible assets			7,200
Noncurrent liabilities			300
Acquisition, transaction value			38,600
Property, plant and equipment			26,000
Other noncurrent assets			1,000
Net working capital			$ 1,700
Journal Media Group, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired				$ 260,600
Goodwill				25,258
Intangible assets				42,880
Noncurrent liabilities				$ 61,151
Interest acquired (as a percent)				100.00%
Property, plant and equipment				$ 264,357
Other noncurrent assets				3,825
Non-cash consideration				$ 2,300
Number of domestic markets print and digital publishing combined operations serve | market				15
Number of states in which entity operates | state				9
Revenue since acquisition date					$ 84,500	$ 281,200
ReachLocal, Inc. [Member] | SweetIQ Analytics Corp. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired	$ 31,700
Goodwill	20,500
Intangible assets	15,200
Noncurrent assets	600
Noncurrent liabilities	3,500
Net working capital loss	$ 300

Acquisitions - Schedule of Asse

Acquisitions - Schedule of Assets Acquired, Liabilities Assumed (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 24, 2017	Dec. 25, 2016	Aug. 31, 2016	Apr. 30, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 737,840	$ 698,288
ReachLocal, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash acquired			$ 13,195
Other current assets			14,612
Property, plant and equipment			13,486
Intangible assets			88,500
Goodwill			120,165
Other noncurrent assets			9,852
Total assets acquired			259,810
Current liabilities			63,005
Noncurrent liabilities			21,062
Total liabilities assumed			84,067
Net assets acquired			$ 175,743
Journal Media Group, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash acquired				$ 36,825
Other current assets				54,571
Property, plant and equipment				264,357
Intangible assets				42,880
Goodwill				25,258
Other noncurrent assets				3,825
Total assets acquired				427,716
Current liabilities				71,519
Noncurrent liabilities				61,151
Total liabilities assumed				132,670
Net assets acquired				$ 295,046

Acquisitions - Pro Forma Inform

Acquisitions - Pro Forma Information (Details) - Journal Media Group, Inc. [Member] $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017USD ($)$ / shares
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 2,546,953
Net loss	$ (2,795)
Loss per share - diluted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ (0.02)

Restructuring activities and 29

Restructuring activities and asset impairment charges - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016
Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges			$ 25,382,000
Facility Closing [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Asset impairment and other charges, pre-tax amount	$ 2,200,000	$ 28,700,000	22,800,000	$ 33,200,000
Accelerated depreciation	14,052,000	0	37,631,000	0
Cost of Sales [Member] | Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	4,500,000	4,100,000	17,900,000	22,100,000
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] | Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 600,000	$ 1,000,000	7,500,000	$ 4,700,000
Corporate [Member] | Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges			3,700,000
Publishing [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges			$ 21,200,000

Restructuring activities and 30

Restructuring activities and asset impairment charges - Restructuring Reserve (Details) - Severance [Member] $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017USD ($)
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 18,651
Expense	25,382
Payments	(35,411)
Ending balance	$ 8,622

Revolving credit facility - Nar

Revolving credit facility - Narrative (Details) - Line of Credit [Member]	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017USD ($)
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Outstanding amount	$ 375,000,000
Remaining borrowing capacity	113,100,000
Letter of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	50,000,000
Outstanding amount	11,900,000
Credit Facility [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 500,000,000
Consolidated interest coverage ratio, not to be less than	3
Total leverage ratio, not to exceed	3
Federal Funds Rate [Member] | Credit Facility [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis point spread on variable rate (as a percent)	0.50%
LIBOR [Member] | Credit Facility [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis point spread on variable rate (as a percent)	1.00%
Minimum [Member] | Credit Facility [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Commitment fee on undrawn commitments (as a percent)	0.30%
Minimum [Member] | LIBOR [Member] | Credit Facility [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis point spread on variable rate (as a percent)	2.00%
Minimum [Member] | ABR [Member] | Credit Facility [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis point spread on variable rate (as a percent)	1.00%
Maximum [Member] | Credit Facility [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Commitment fee on undrawn commitments (as a percent)	0.40%
Maximum [Member] | LIBOR [Member] | Credit Facility [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis point spread on variable rate (as a percent)	2.50%
Maximum [Member] | ABR [Member] | Credit Facility [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis point spread on variable rate (as a percent)	1.50%

Pensions and other postretire32

Pensions and other postretirement benefit plans - Retirement Plan Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016
Pension Plans [Member]
Company's pension costs
Total expense for retirement plans	$ 5,753	$ 3,602	$ 17,475	$ 10,252
Post-retirement Benefits Other Than Pension [Member]
Company's pension costs
Total expense for retirement plans	98	17	208	(208)
Operating Expense [Member] | Pension Plans [Member]
Company's pension costs
Service cost-benefits earned during the period	610	818	1,830	2,446
Operating Expense [Member] | Post-retirement Benefits Other Than Pension [Member]
Company's pension costs
Service cost-benefits earned during the period	83	49	161	146
Non-Operating Expense (Credit) [Member] | Pension Plans [Member]
Company's pension costs
Interest cost on benefit obligation	27,935	30,853	83,309	94,571
Expected return on plan assets	(42,657)	(45,560)	(127,035)	(138,708)
Amortization of prior service cost	1,668	1,668	5,003	4,997
Amortization of actuarial loss	18,197	15,823	54,368	46,946
Total expense for retirement plans	5,143	2,784	15,645	7,806
Non-Operating Expense (Credit) [Member] | Post-retirement Benefits Other Than Pension [Member]
Company's pension costs
Interest cost on benefit obligation	902	964	2,706	2,838
Expected return on plan assets	0	0	0	0
Amortization of prior service cost	(912)	(1,198)	(2,736)	(3,458)
Amortization of actuarial loss	25	202	77	266
Total expense for retirement plans	$ 15	$ (32)	$ 47	$ (354)

Pensions and other postretire33

Pensions and other postretirement benefit plans - Narrative (Details) - 9 months ended Sep. 24, 2017 £ in Millions, $ in Millions	USD ($)	GBP (£)	USD ($)
Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Contribution to the defined benefit plans | $	$ 47.2
Pension Plans [Member] | Gannett Retirement Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated future employer contributions in 2018 | $			$ 25
Estimated future employer contributions in 2019 | $			25
Estimated future employer contributions in 2020 | $			25
Estimated future employer contributions in 2021 | $			$ 15
Pension Plans [Member] | Newsquest Retirement Scheme [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated total employer contributions in 2017 | £		£ 15
Estimated future employer contributions in 2018 | £		15
Estimated future employer contributions in 2019 | £		15
Estimated future employer contributions in 2020 | £		15
Estimated future employer contributions in 2021 | £		15
Estimated future employer contributions in 2022 | £		£ 15
Other Postretirement Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Contribution to the defined benefit plans | $	$ 6.9

Income taxes - Narrative (Detai

Income taxes - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 25, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax benefit	$ 16,801	$ 9,223	$ 19,595	$ (4,157)
Discrete Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	20,100
Reserve for uncertain tax positions	14,700		14,700
Effective income tax rate (as a percent)		27.80%		12.90%
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	28,500		28,500			$ 17,300
Accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits	900		900			$ 3,800
Estimated decrease in gross unrecognized tax positions within the next 12 months, maximum	$ 2,800		$ 2,800
Forecast | Foreign | Revenue | Geographic Concentration Risk
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration percentage (over 50%)					50.00%

Supplemental equity informati35

Supplemental equity information - Equity Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance			$ 856,761	$ 1,058,576
Comprehensive income:
Net income (loss)	$ 23,044	$ (23,961)	20,478	28,116
Other comprehensive income	20,600	1,886	46,186	8,620
Comprehensive income (loss)	43,644	(22,075)	66,664	36,736
Dividends declared			(54,427)	(55,936)
Stock-based compensation			14,897	14,986
Other activity			(20,226)	19,544
Ending Balance	$ 863,669	$ 1,073,906	$ 863,669	$ 1,073,906

Supplemental equity informati36

Supplemental equity information - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance			$ 856,761	$ 1,058,576
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	$ 20,600	$ 1,886	46,186	8,620
Ending Balance	863,669	1,073,906	863,669	1,073,906
Retirement Plans [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance			(1,183,196)	(1,058,234)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			(34,980)	39,751
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			36,491	31,309
Other comprehensive income, net of tax			1,511	71,060
Ending Balance	(1,181,685)	(987,174)	(1,181,685)	(987,174)
Foreign Currency Translation [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance			300,284	384,810
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			44,675	(62,440)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			0	0
Other comprehensive income, net of tax			44,675	(62,440)
Ending Balance	344,959	322,370	344,959	322,370
Total [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance			(882,912)	(673,424)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			9,695	(22,689)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			36,491	31,309
Other comprehensive income, net of tax			46,186	8,620
Ending Balance	$ (836,726)	$ (664,804)	$ (836,726)	$ (664,804)

Supplemental equity informati37

Supplemental equity information - Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016
Net Prior Service Credit [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total reclassifications, before tax	$ 756	$ 470	$ 2,267	$ 1,539
Actuarial Loss [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total reclassifications, before tax	18,222	16,025	54,445	47,212
Retirement Plans [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total reclassifications, before tax	18,978	16,495	56,712	48,751
Income tax effect	(6,755)	(5,936)	(20,221)	(17,442)
Total reclassifications, net of tax	$ 12,223	$ 10,559	$ 36,491	$ 31,309

Supplemental equity informati38

Supplemental equity information - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2015	Sep. 24, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount	$ 150,000,000
Stock repurchase program, period in force	3 years
Stock repurchased during period (in shares)		2
Stock repurchased during period		$ 17,400,000
Stock repurchase program, remaining authorized repurchase amount		$ 100,000,000

Fair value measurement - Narrat

Fair value measurement - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 24, 2017	Dec. 25, 2016
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets held for sale	$ 22.5	$ 4.5

Commitments, contingencies an40

Commitments, contingencies and other matters - Narrative (Details)	1 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014USD ($)
Minimum [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Statutory penalty per incident	$ 500
Maximum [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Statutory penalty per incident	$ 1,500

Earnings (loss) per share - Nar

Earnings (loss) per share - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Oct. 18, 2017	Jul. 20, 2017	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income (loss)			$ 23,044	$ (23,961)	$ 20,478	$ 28,116
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - basic			113,253	116,556	113,467	116,461
Effect of dilutive securities
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - diluted			115,774	116,556	115,655	119,149
Earnings (loss) per share – basic (in dollars per share)			$ 0.20	$ (0.21)	$ 0.18	$ 0.24
Earnings (loss) per share – diluted (in dollars per share)			$ 0.20	$ (0.21)	$ 0.18	$ 0.24
Dividend declared per common share (in dollars per share)		$ 0.16
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)			428		862	281
Restricted stock units [Member]
Effect of dilutive securities
Effect of dilutive securities (in shares)			1,657	0	1,418	1,506
Performance share units [Member]
Effect of dilutive securities
Effect of dilutive securities (in shares)			757	0	643	916
Stock options [Member]
Effect of dilutive securities
Effect of dilutive securities (in shares)			107	0	127	266
Subsequent Event [Member]
Effect of dilutive securities
Dividend declared per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.16

Segment reporting (Details)

Segment reporting (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Advertising	$ 420,793	$ 429,053	$ 1,301,522	$ 1,190,108
Circulation	264,413	285,583	821,375	835,872
Other	59,068	57,685	169,341	154,500
Total operating revenues	744,274	772,321	2,292,238	2,180,480
Adjusted EBITDA	73,853	58,029	227,188	230,050
Operating Segments [Member] | Publishing [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Advertising	337,802	397,214	1,071,888	1,158,269
Circulation	264,413	285,583	821,375	835,872
Other	46,904	53,773	138,320	148,480
Total operating revenues	660,338	736,570	2,047,442	2,142,621
Adjusted EBITDA	87,451	86,371	283,235	298,161
Operating Segments [Member] | ReachLocal [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Advertising	82,991	31,839	229,686	31,839
Circulation	0	0	0	0
Other	10,826	3,138	27,622	3,138
Total operating revenues	93,817	34,977	257,308	34,977
Adjusted EBITDA	5,229	(6,744)	9,592	(6,744)
Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Advertising	0	0	(52)	0
Circulation	0	0	0	0
Other	1,338	774	3,399	2,882
Total operating revenues	1,338	774	3,347	2,882
Adjusted EBITDA	(18,827)	(21,598)	(65,639)	(61,367)
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Advertising	(9,904)	0	(13,863)	0
Circulation	0	0	0	0
Other	(1,315)	0	(1,996)	0
Total operating revenues	(11,219)	0	(15,859)	0
Adjusted EBITDA	0	$ 0	0	$ 0
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Publishing [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Advertising	(9,904)		(13,863)
Other	(1,315)		(1,996)
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | ReachLocal [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Advertising	0		0
Other	$ 0		$ 0

Segment reporting - Reconciliat

Segment reporting - Reconciliation of EBITDA to Operating Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 23,044	$ (23,961)	$ 20,478	$ 28,116
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	(16,801)	(9,223)	(19,595)	4,157
Interest expense	4,613	3,652	12,322	8,509
Other non-operating items, net	922	3,694	10,110	9,572
Operating income (loss)	11,778	(25,838)	23,315	50,354
Severance-related charges	5,117	5,137	25,382	26,831
Acquisition-related expenses	2,059	14,416	4,652	29,055
Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges	2,189	28,673	22,799	33,160
Other items	2,924	0	2,587	(1,200)
Depreciation	41,128	30,638	124,260	83,889
Amortization	8,658	5,003	24,193	7,961
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP basis)	$ 73,853	$ 58,029	$ 227,188	$ 230,050

Segment reporting - Narrative (

Segment reporting - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 24, 2017segment	Sep. 25, 2016USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments		2
Accounting Standards Update 2017-06 | New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption, Effect
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Increase of adjusted EBITDA | $	$ 2.8		$ 7.5
Publishing [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of operating segments		2