Gannett 10-Q 8 Nov 18 2018 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Nov. 02, 2018
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. 30, 2018
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding		113,109,441
Trading Symbol	GCI
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Small Business	false

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 108,563	$ 120,589
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $11,377 and $11,588	319,300	352,546
Other current assets	148,095	116,713
Total current assets	575,958	589,848
Property, plant and equipment, at cost, net of accumulated depreciation of $1,409,385 and $1,429,515	837,869	933,334
Goodwill	798,721	737,716
Intangible assets, net	197,780	139,654
Deferred income taxes	42,054	102,492
Pension assets	74,734	2,103
Investments and other assets	53,817	64,830
Total assets	2,580,933	2,569,977
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	389,153	387,406
Deferred income	125,504	122,791
Other current liabilities	51,050	0
Total current liabilities	565,707	510,197
Postretirement medical and life insurance liabilities	81,242	83,344
Pension liabilities	267,038	421,876
Long-term portion of revolving credit facility	170,000	355,000
Convertible debt	168,011	0
Other noncurrent liabilities	187,146	182,165
Total liabilities	1,439,144	1,552,582
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, 118,789,317 shares issued at September 30, 2018 and 117,547,116 shares issued at December 31, 2017	1,188	1,175
Treasury stock at cost, 5,750,000 shares at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017	(50,046)	(50,046)
Additional paid-in capital	1,816,354	1,786,941
Retained earnings (deficit)	(89,094)	(64,158)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(536,613)	(656,517)
Total equity	1,141,789	1,017,395
Total liabilities and equity	$ 2,580,933	$ 2,569,977

Condensed Consolidated Balanc_2

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable	$ 11,377	$ 11,588
Accumulated depreciation	$ 1,409,385	$ 1,429,515
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	118,789,317	117,547,116
Treasury stock, shares	5,750,000	5,750,000

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 24, 2017
Operating revenues:
Total revenues	$ 711,714	$ 744,274	$ 2,165,433	$ 2,292,238
Total operating revenues	711,714	744,274	2,165,433	2,292,238
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative expenses	200,093	203,418	612,235	619,659
Depreciation and amortization	38,427	49,786	117,057	148,453
Restructuring costs	11,535	5,789	33,445	28,167
Asset impairment charges	1,701	1,517	15,940	20,014
Total operating expenses	698,179	732,496	2,134,137	2,268,923
Operating income	13,535	11,778	31,296	23,315
Non-operating income (expenses):
Interest expense	(7,135)	(4,613)	(17,548)	(12,322)
Other non-operating items, net	9,800	(922)	18,153	(10,110)
Total non-operating income (expenses)	2,665	(5,535)	605	(22,432)
Income before income taxes	16,200	6,243	31,901	883
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	2,848	(16,801)	2,620	(19,595)
Net income	$ 13,352	$ 23,044	$ 29,281	$ 20,478
Earnings per share – basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.12	$ 0.20	$ 0.26	$ 0.18
Earnings per share – diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.11	$ 0.20	$ 0.25	$ 0.18
Advertising and marketing services
Operating revenues:
Total revenues	$ 403,374	$ 429,911	$ 1,233,849	$ 1,326,499
Circulation
Operating revenues:
Total revenues	258,873	264,413	789,265	821,375
Other
Operating revenues:
Total revenues	49,467	49,950	142,319	144,364
Product
Operating expenses:
Cost of sales and operating expenses	$ 446,423	$ 471,986	$ 1,355,460	$ 1,452,630

Condensed Consolidated Statem_2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 24, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 13,352	$ 23,044	$ 29,281	$ 20,478
Other comprehensive income, before tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(4,016)	30,718	(17,952)	44,675
Prior service cost:
Change in prior service cost	0	0	103,416	0
Amortization of prior service cost	(1,308)	756	(2,113)	2,267
Actuarial gain (loss):
Actuarial gain (loss) arising during the period	0	0	13,240	(500)
Amortization of actuarial loss	15,756	18,222	48,109	54,445
Other	1,819	(27,582)	8,598	(42,807)
Pension and other postretirement benefit items	16,267	(8,604)	171,250	13,405
Other comprehensive income, before tax	12,251	22,114	153,298	58,080
Income tax effect related to components of other comprehensive income	(3,945)	(1,514)	(33,394)	(11,894)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	8,306	20,600	119,904	46,186
Comprehensive income	$ 21,658	$ 43,644	$ 149,185	$ 66,664

Condensed Consolidated Statem_3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 24, 2017
Operating activities:
Net income	$ 29,281	$ 20,478
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flow from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	117,057	148,453
Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges	29,805	22,799
Pension and other postretirement expenses, net of contributions	(66,508)	(36,360)
Stock-based compensation	13,498	14,897
Change in other assets and liabilities, net	18,313	(6,172)
Net cash provided by operating activities	141,446	164,095
Investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(43,863)	(46,884)
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(131,150)	(36,540)
Payments for investments	(2,882)	(2,709)
Proceeds from sale of certain assets	28,422	17,293
Changes in other investing activities	0	1,277
Net cash used for investing activities	(149,473)	(67,563)
Financing activities:
Dividends paid	(54,217)	(54,427)
Cost of common shares repurchased	0	(17,379)
Payments for employee taxes withheld from stock awards	(3,295)	(3,903)
Proceeds from borrowings under revolving credit agreement	170,000	35,000
Repayments of borrowings under revolving credit agreement	(355,000)	(60,000)
Proceeds from convertible debt	195,321	0
Proceeds from sale and leaseback transactions	41,791	0
Changes in other financing activities	(90)	101
Net cash used for financing activities	(5,490)	(100,608)
Effect of currency exchange rate change on cash	1,868	117
Decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	(11,649)	(3,959)
Balance of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period	144,032	138,212
Balance of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period	132,383	134,253
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash paid for taxes, net of refunds	5,720	(15,554)
Cash paid for interest	5,437	12,056
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Accrued capital expenditures	$ 255	$ 307

Basis of presentation and summa

Basis of presentation and summary of significant accounting policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [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, we, us, our, or the company) is an innovative, digitally focused media and marketing solutions company committed to strengthening communities across our network. Gannett owns ReachLocal, Inc. (ReachLocal), a digital marketing solutions company, the USA TODAY NETWORK (made up of USA TODAY and 109 local media organizations in 34 states in the U.S. and Guam, including digital sites and affiliates), and Newsquest (a wholly owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom (U.K.) with 160 local media brands). Through the USA TODAY NETWORK and Newsquest, Gannett delivers high-quality, trusted content where and when consumers want to engage with it on virtually any device or platform. Basis of presentation: Our condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited; however, in the opinion of management, they contain all of 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 31, 2017 . Beginning in the second quarter of 2018 , we have realigned the presentation of web presence and software-as-a-service revenues from other revenues to advertising and marketing services revenues on the Condensed consolidated statements of income . As a result of this updated presentation, advertising and marketing services revenues increased and other revenues decreased $11.3 million and $35.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , respectively. Additionally, advertising and marketing services revenues increased and other revenues decreased $9.1 million and $25.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 24, 2017 , respectively. Operating revenues, net income, retained earnings, and earnings per share remained unchanged. 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 accounting for income taxes, pension and other post-employment benefits, allowances for doubtful accounts, stock-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 2018 : Revenue from Contracts with Customers : We adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) guidance which prescribes a single comprehensive model for entities to use in the accounting of revenue arising from contracts with customers. The new guidance is centered around the core principle 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. We adopted the new revenue recognition standard using the modified retrospective approach; however, we did not record any one-time adjustments to beginning retained earnings as a result of adopting the new guidance. Refer to Note 2 — Revenues for further details regarding the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with our customers. Cash and Cash Equivalents, including Statement of Cash Flows and Restricted Cash: We adopted FASB guidance requiring entities to disclose, 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. The guidance was adopted retrospectively, and the impact was not material to our consolidated financial results. Restricted cash primarily consists of cash held in an irrevocable grantor trust for our deferred compensation plans and cash held with banking institutions for insurance plans. The restrictions will lapse when benefits are paid to plan participants and their beneficiaries as specified in the plans. The following table presents a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash: in thousands September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 September 24, 2017 Cash and cash equivalents $ 108,563 $ 120,589 $ 109,961 Restricted cash included in other current assets 4,615 2,942 3,726 Restricted cash included in investments and other assets 19,205 20,501 20,566 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 132,383 $ 144,032 $ 134,253 Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities: We adopted FASB guidance revising 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 impact of adopting this guidance was not material to our consolidated financial results. Business Combinations—Definition of a Business: We adopted FASB guidance which amends the definition of a business. This new guidance now requires an entity to evaluate if substantially all of the fair value of gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets; if so, the set of transferred assets and activities is not a business. The impact of adopting this guidance was not material to our consolidated financial results. New accounting pronouncements not yet adopted: The following are new accounting pronouncements that we are evaluating for future impacts on our financial position: Leases: In February 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance modifying lease accounting for both lessees and lessors to increase transparency and comparability by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities by lessees for those leases classified as operating leases under previous accounting standards and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. We currently anticipate adopting the new leasing standard on January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective approach and expect to elect certain available transitional practical expedients. To date, we have made progress in our assessment of the impact of adopting this new guidance, and steps towards implementation have been taken. Specifically, we have selected a software solution to be compatible with our enterprise software system. While development of our selected solution is ongoing, it is not yet fully compliant with the requirements of the standard. If the solution is not remediated in the near term, in order to implement the new standard in a timely manner, we may be required to take alternative actions, which might not be as efficient as an integrated software solution. Based on our progress to date, we anticipate adopting the standard will have a material impact on our consolidated balance sheets in the form of the recognition of additional right of use assets and lease liabilities for existing operating leases with a lease term greater than twelve months. However, we do not believe adoption will have a material impact on our consolidated statements of income or cash flows. Our preliminary evaluation and conclusions are subject to change as our assessment continues to progress or in the event additional updates to the standard are approved. Our full evaluation is expected to be completed and finalized during the fourth quarter of 2018 . 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 evaluating the provisions of the updated guidance and assessing the impact on our consolidated financial statements. Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income: In February 2018, the FASB issued new guidance that allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for the tax effects of items within accumulated other comprehensive income, generally described as stranded tax effects, resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. We are evaluating the provisions of the updated guidance, assessing the impact on our consolidated financial statements, and currently plan to implement this guidance during the fourth quarter of 2018 . Compensation—Stock Compensation: In June 2018 , the FASB issued new guidance which expands the scope of share-based compensation accounting by applying, with limited exceptions, the specific requirements of employee stock compensation to the accounting for non-employee awards granted in exchange for goods and services. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. We are evaluating the provisions of the updated guidance and assessing the impact on our consolidated financial statements. Incremental Codification Improvements: In July 2018, the FASB issued new guidance intended to clarify, correct errors in, and improve several unrelated sections of the overall Accounting Standard Codification. Portions of this guidance are effective immediately, with other portions effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. Our adoption of the portions of the guidance which were effective immediately did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial results. We are evaluating the provisions of the remaining guidance and assessing the impact on our consolidated financial statements. Intangibles—Internal-Use Software: In August 2018 , the FASB issued new guidance which aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software and hosting arrangements that include an internal-use software license. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is not permitted. We are evaluating the provisions of the updated guidance and assessing the impact on our consolidated financial statements. Fair Value Measurement—Disclosure Framework: In August 2018 , the FASB issued new guidance that changes disclosure requirements related to fair value measurements as part of the disclosure framework project. The disclosure framework project aims to improve the effectiveness of disclosures in the notes to the financial statements by focusing on requirements that clearly communicate the most important information to users of the financial statements. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. We are evaluating the provisions of the updated guidance and assessing the impact on our consolidated financial statements. Compensation—Retirement Plans: In August 2018 , the FASB issued new guidance that changes disclosures related to defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans as part of the disclosure framework project. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. We are evaluating the provisions of the updated guidance and assessing the impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Revenues

Revenues	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenues	NOTE 2 — Revenues In January 2018 , we adopted the new revenue recognition accounting pronouncement, Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 606 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers, using the modified retrospective method applied to those contracts which were not completed as of the adoption date. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under ASC 606 while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with legacy accounting under ASC 605 – Revenue recognition. We did not record any one-time adjustments to beginning retained earnings as a result of adopting the new guidance. The following table presents our revenues disaggregated by source: in thousands Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, 2018 September 24, 2017 (1) September 30, 2018 September 24, 2017 (1) Print advertising $ 204,023 $ 244,843 $ 657,744 $ 788,745 Digital advertising and marketing services 199,351 185,068 576,105 537,754 Total advertising and marketing services 403,374 429,911 1,233,849 1,326,499 Circulation 258,873 264,413 789,265 821,375 Other 49,467 49,950 142,319 144,364 Total revenues $ 711,714 $ 744,274 $ 2,165,433 $ 2,292,238 (1) Prior period amounts have not been adjusted under the modified retrospective method. Additionally, approximately 13% of our third quarter 2018 revenues and 14% of our year to date 2018 revenues are generated from international locations. Recognition principles: Our revenues are recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. Additionally, sales and usage-based taxes are excluded from revenues. Advertising and marketing services revenues: Our advertising and marketing services revenues include amounts charged to advertisers for space purchased in our newspapers, ads placed on our digital platforms, other advertising products and services such as preprints and direct mail, the provision and sale of online marketing, web presence, and software-as-a-service products through our ReachLocal segment, and revenues from other miscellaneous products and services. Print advertising is recognized in the period when advertising is printed. Digital advertising is recognized when placed on digital platforms either by cost per impression or cost per day. Web presence and software-as-a-service solutions are recognized when the products or services are delivered to the customer. Other advertising product and service revenues are recognized when advertisements or services are delivered. For online marketing products provided by our ReachLocal segment, we enter into agreements for products in which our clients typically pay in advance and on a monthly basis. These prepayments include all charges for the included technology and any media services, management, third-party content, and other costs and fees. Revenue is then recognized as we purchase media on behalf of the customer and perform other marketing-related services. For our advertising and marketing services revenues, we evaluate whether we are the principal (i.e., report revenues on a gross basis) or agent (i.e., report revenues on a net basis) by performing analyses regarding whether we control the provision of specified goods or services before they are transferred to our customers. We report advertising and marketing services revenues gross when we control advertising inventory before it is transferred to the customer. Our control is evidenced by us being primarily responsible or sharing responsibility for the fulfillment of services and maintaining control over transaction pricing. Certain customers may receive credits, which are accounted for as a separate performance obligation. We estimate these amounts based on the expected amount to be provided to customers and reduce revenues recognized. We recognize revenue when the performance obligation is satisfied. Circulation revenues: Our circulation revenues include revenues for content delivered to consumers via print and digital products purchased by readers or distributors. Single copy circulation revenues are recognized on a daily basis as purchased newspapers are distributed, net of provisions for related returns. Circulation revenues from digital and home delivery subscriptions are recognized over the subscription period as the performance obligations are delivered. Other revenues: Our other revenues consist primarily of amounts received from commercial printing and distribution arrangements. Commercial printing and distribution revenues are recognized when the product is delivered to the customer. Arrangements with multiple performance obligations: We have various advertising and circulation agreements which have both print and digital performance obligations. Revenues from sales agreements that contain multiple performance obligations are allocated to each obligation based on the relative standalone selling price. We generally determine standalone selling prices based on the prices charged to customers or using expected cost plus a margin that is appropriate for that good or service. Deferred revenue: Amounts received from customers in advance of revenue recognition are deferred as liabilities. The following table presents changes in the deferred revenue balance for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 by type of revenue: in thousands Nine months ended September 30, 2018 Advertising, Marketing Services, and Other Circulation Total Beginning balance $ 33,986 $ 88,805 $ 122,791 Acquired deferred revenue 2,676 — 2,676 Cash receipts 218,602 620,965 839,567 Revenue recognized (216,782 ) (622,748 ) (839,530 ) Ending balance $ 38,482 $ 87,022 $ 125,504 The Company’s primary source of deferred revenue is from circulation subscriptions paid in advance of the service provided. The majority of our subscription customers are billed and pay on monthly terms, but subscription periods range between one and twelve months. The remaining deferred revenue balance relates to advertising and other revenue. The $2.7 million increase in deferred revenue as compared to the year ended December 31, 2017 is the result of the acquisition of WordStream as the difference between collections of cash and revenue recognized were negligible. Practical expedients and exemptions: We generally expense sales commissions when incurred because the amortization period would have been one year or less. These costs are recorded within cost of sales. Additionally, we do not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations because the vast majority of our contracts have original expected lengths of one year or less and our payment terms are generally short-term in nature unless a customer is in bankruptcy.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	NOTE 3 — Acquisitions WordStream: In July 2018 , our ReachLocal segment completed the acquisition of WordStream, a provider of cloud-based software-as-a-service solutions for local and regional businesses and agencies, for approximately $132.5 million , net of cash acquired. In addition, up to $20.0 million of additional consideration is payable quarterly beginning in the fourth quarter of 2018 through the first quarter of 2020 based upon the achievement of certain revenue targets. Based on WordStream's revenue results, the fair value of the remaining contingent obligation as of September 30, 2018 was estimated at $9.5 million . We financed the transaction through borrowings under our Credit Facility and cash on hand. 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: In thousands Cash and restricted cash acquired $ 20,954 Other current assets 9,159 Property, plant and equipment 1,072 Developed technology 63,030 Customer relationships 21,420 Trade names 1,105 Goodwill 67,483 Total assets acquired 184,223 Current liabilities 3,987 Noncurrent liabilities 17,303 Total liabilities assumed 21,290 Net assets acquired $ 162,933 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 WordStream is allocated to the ReachLocal segment. We do not expect the purchase price allocated to goodwill and intangibles to be deductible for tax purposes. SweetIQ: In April 2017 , our ReachLocal segment completed the acquisition of SweetIQ, a location and customer engagement software provider, for approximately $31.8 million , net of cash acquired. SweetIQ's customers include businesses with multi-location brands and agencies that target local marketing. The allocation of the purchase price was based upon estimated fair values. The determination of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed has been completed and the final allocation is as follows: goodwill of $18.8 million , intangible assets of $15.2 million (comprised of trade names, customer relationships, and developed technology), noncurrent assets of $0.6 million , noncurrent liabilities of $1.8 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. Other: During 2018 and 2017 , we completed other immaterial acquisitions.

Restructuring activities and as

Restructuring activities and asset impairment charges	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring activities and asset impairment charges	NOTE 4 — 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. Facility consolidation and other cost savings plans led us to recognize restructuring expenses, which consist of severance-related expenses and facility consolidation charges, accelerated depreciation, and asset impairment charges. 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. Severance-related expenses: We recorded severance-related expenses of $4.6 million and $5.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and September 24, 2017 , respectively. Of the expenses incurred for the three months ended September 30, 2018 , $3.9 million related to the publishing segment, $0.4 million related to the ReachLocal segment, and $0.3 million related to the corporate and other category. Of the expenses incurred for the three months ended September 24, 2017 , the majority were related to the publishing segment. We recorded severance-related expenses of $19.6 million and $25.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and September 24, 2017 , respectively. Of the expenses incurred for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , $16.5 million related to the publishing segment, $2.2 million related to the ReachLocal segment, and $0.9 million related to the corporate and other category. Of the expenses incurred for the nine months ended September 24, 2017 , $21.2 million related to the publishing segment, $0.5 million related to the ReachLocal segment, and $3.7 million related to the corporate and other category. The activity and balance of the severance-related liabilities are as follows: In thousands Severance Activities Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 10,562 Expense 19,580 Payments (24,055 ) Balance at September 30, 2018 $ 6,087 Facility consolidation charges and accelerated depreciation: We recorded facility consolidation charges of $7.0 million and $0.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and September 24, 2017 , respectively. Of the charges incurred for the three months ended September 30, 2018 , $5.2 million related to the Corporate segment, $1.0 million related to the publishing segment, and the remainder related to the ReachLocal segment. For the three months ended September 24, 2017 , all of the charges related to the publishing segment. In addition, we incurred accelerated depreciation of $2.7 million and $14.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and September 24, 2017 , respectively, which is included in depreciation expense. All of these charges related to the publishing segment. We recorded facility consolidation charges of $13.9 million and $2.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and September 24, 2017 , respectively. Of the charges incurred for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , $6.1 million related to the publishing segment, $5.3 million related to the Corporate segment, and the remainder related to the ReachLocal segment. For the nine months ended September 24, 2017 , all of the charges related to the publishing segment. In addition, we incurred accelerated depreciation of $12.1 million and $37.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and September 24, 2017 , respectively, which is included in depreciation expense. All of these charges related to the publishing segment. Asset impairment charges: We recorded charges for asset impairments of $1.7 million and $1.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and September 24, 2017 , respectively, which consisted entirely of impairment charges for property, plant, and equipment. Of the charges incurred for the three months ended September 30, 2018 , $1.4 million related to the publishing segment, and the remainder related to the ReachLocal segment. The charges incurred for the three months ended September 24, 2017 all related to the publishing segment. We recorded charges for asset impairments of $15.9 million and $20.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and September 24, 2017 , respectively, which consisted entirely of impairment charges for property, plant, and equipment. Of the charges incurred for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , $15.7 million related to the publishing segment, and the remainder related to the ReachLocal segment. The charges incurred for the nine months ended September 24, 2017 all related to the publishing segment. Sale of property: In February 2018 , we sold property in Nashville, Tennessee and entered into a 15 -month rent-free leaseback agreement. The sale generated proceeds of approximately $41.8 million and is accounted for under the financing method. The property, which has a net book value of approximately $11.8 million as of September 30, 2018 , remains on the balance sheet and will continue to be depreciated until the lease terminates. We recorded the financing liability within Other current liabilities in the Condensed consolidated balance sheets . The sale, along with any related gain, will be recognized when the lease terminates.

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	NOTE 5 — Debt Revolving credit facility: We maintain a secured revolving credit facility pursuant to which we may borrow from time to time up to an aggregate principal amount of $500.0 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 $50.0 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 :1, and our total leverage ratio cannot exceed 3 :1, 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 30, 2018 . 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 30, 2018 . As of September 30, 2018 , we had $170.0 million in outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility and $16.6 million of letters of credit outstanding, leaving $313.4 million of availability remaining. Convertible debt: On April 9, 2018 , we completed an offering of 4.75% convertible senior notes, with an initial offering size of $175.0 million aggregate principal amount. As part of the offering, the initial purchaser of the notes exercised its option to purchase an additional $26.3 million aggregate principal amount of notes, resulting in total aggregate principal of $201.3 million and net proceeds of approximately $195.3 million . Interest on the notes is payable semi-annually in arrears. The notes mature on April 15, 2024 with our earliest redemption date being April 15, 2022 . The stated conversion rate of the notes is 82.4572 shares per $1,000 in principal or approximately $12.13 per share. Upon conversion, we have the option to settle in cash, shares of our common stock, or a combination of the two. Additionally, holders may convert the notes at their option prior to January 15, 2024 only if one or more of the following conditions are present: (1) if, during any 20 of the 30 trading days immediately preceding a quarter end, our common stock trading price is 130% of the stated conversion price, (2) if, during the five business day period after any ten consecutive trading day period, the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of notes is less than 98% of the product of (a) the last reported sale price of the Company's common stock and (b) the conversion rate on each such trading day, or (3) a qualified change in control event occurs. Depending on the nature of the triggering event, the conversion rate may also be subject to adjustment. The $201.3 million principal value of the notes was bifurcated into debt and equity components. The $171.1 million liability component is measured at fair value using the present value of its cash flows at a discount rate of 7.91% and is reported as convertible debt in the Condensed consolidated balance sheets . The residual amount of $30.2 million is recorded within additional paid-in capital in the equity section of the Condensed consolidated balance sheets . $6.3 million of debt issuance costs were allocated between liabilities and equity in proportion to the allocation of the principal value of the notes, with $5.4 million allocated to liabilities and $0.9 million allocated to equity. These debt issuance costs will be amortized over the 6 -year contractual life of the notes. The unamortized discount totaled $28.3 million as of September 30, 2018 , which will be amortized over the remaining contractual life of the notes. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , interest expense on the notes totaled $2.4 million and $4.5 million , respectively. Amortization of debt issuance costs was $0.2 million and $0.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , respectively. Amortization of the discount was $1.0 million and $1.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , respectively. The effective interest rate on the liability component of the notes was 7.91% as of September 30, 2018 . For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , no shares were issued upon conversion, exercise, or satisfaction of the required conditions because no conversion triggers were met during the period. Refer to Note 11 — Earnings per share for details on the convertible debt's impact to diluted earnings per share under the treasury stock method.

Pensions and other postretireme

Pensions and other postretirement benefit plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Pensions and other postretirement benefit plans	NOTE 6 — 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), the Newsquest and Romanes Pension Schemes in the U.K. (U.K. Pension Plans), and other defined benefit retirement 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 30, 2018 September 24, 2017 Pension Postretirement Pension Postretirement Operating expenses: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $ 589 $ 42 $ 610 $ 83 Non-operating expenses: Interest cost on benefit obligation 24,669 742 27,935 902 Expected return on plan assets (42,073 ) — (42,657 ) — Amortization of prior service cost (424 ) (884 ) 1,668 (912 ) Amortization of actuarial loss (gain) 15,846 (90 ) 18,197 25 Total non-operating expenses (credit) (1,982 ) (232 ) 5,143 15 Total expense (benefit) for retirement plans $ (1,393 ) $ (190 ) $ 5,753 $ 98 In thousands Nine months ended September 30, 2018 September 24, 2017 Pension Postretirement Pension Postretirement Operating expenses: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $ 1,767 $ 130 $ 1,830 $ 161 Non-operating expenses: Interest cost on benefit obligation 76,688 2,224 83,309 2,706 Expected return on plan assets (131,098 ) — (127,035 ) — Amortization of prior service cost 538 (2,651 ) 5,003 (2,736 ) Amortization of actuarial loss (gain) 48,379 (270 ) 54,368 77 Total non-operating expenses (credit) (5,493 ) (697 ) 15,645 47 Total expense (benefit) for retirement plans $ (3,726 ) $ (567 ) $ 17,475 $ 208 During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , we contributed $55.5 million and $6.7 million to our pension and other postretirement plans, respectively. We expect to contribute approximately $25.0 million to the GRP in 2019 and 2020 as well as $15.0 million in 2021 . We also expect to contribute £10.1 million to the U.K. Pension Plans during the remainder of 2018 , £24.0 million in 2019 , £19.8 million in 2020 , and £18.0 million in 2021 . In June 2018, the inflation index used to determine payments to beneficiaries of the Newsquest pension plan was changed from the Retail Prices Index (RPI) to the Consumer Prices Index (CPI). As a result of this change, we remeasured the plan at June 30, 2018 and recognized actuarial gains of $33.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and a net prior service credit of $103.4 million within Accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Condensed consolidated balance sheets . The fair value of the funded status at September 30, 2018 was $54.4 million and is presented within Pension assets in the Condensed consolidated balance sheets . This value represents the fair value of the plan assets of $785.2 million net of benefit obligations of $730.8 million . Pursuant to the aforementioned change in index, we also reassessed the Newsquest plan's actuarial assumptions. As a result of this review, we lowered the rate of return on plan assets from 5.7% to 4.6% and raised the discount rate for the plan from 2.65% to 2.8% . Retirement plan assets as of September 30, 2018 do not include any shares of our common stock. Retirement plan assets as of December 31, 2017 included approximately 0.6 million shares of our common stock valued at approximately $7.2 million .

Income taxes

Income taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income taxes	NOTE 7 — Income taxes The following table outlines our pre-tax net income and income tax expense amounts: In thousands Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, 2018 September 24, 2017 September 30, 2018 September 24, 2017 Pre-tax net income 16,200 6,243 31,901 883 Income tax expense (benefit) 2,848 (16,801 ) 2,620 (19,595 ) Effective tax rate 17.6 % *** 8.2 % *** *** Indicates a percentage that is not meaningful The Company benefited from favorable permanent differences such as a tax rate change adjustment due to tax reform of $0.5 million and the release of certain valuation allowances of $1.3 million during the three months ended September 30, 2018 , resulting in an effective tax rate that is lower than the statutory rate. Tax expense for the three months ended September 24, 2017 is negative because the Company recorded a tax benefit of $20.1 million relating to worthless stock and debt deductions. Tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was higher than the comparable period in 2017 due to the one-time permanent benefit of worthless stock and debt deductions recorded in the third quarter of 2017 . In December 2017 , the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Tax Act) was signed into law. The Tax Act contains significant changes to corporate taxation, including a reduction of the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% , limitation of the tax deduction for interest expense to 30% of earnings, limitation of the deduction for net operating losses (generated after 2017 ) to 80% of current year taxable income, elimination of net operating loss carrybacks, one time taxation of offshore earnings at reduced rates (Transition Tax) regardless of whether offshore earnings are repatriated, a new U.S. tax regime on foreign earnings known as Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI), immediate deductions for certain new investments instead of deductions for depreciation expense over time, and modifying or repealing many business deductions and credits. The Tax Act also includes certain provisions that will offset the benefits of the rate reduction such as repeal of the domestic production deduction and disallowance of the deduction of performance-based officers’ compensation in excess of $1 million . In December 2017 , Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (SAB 118) was issued to address the application of U.S. GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act. As of September 30, 2018 , we have finalized our calculation of historical foreign earnings and have concluded that we are not subject to the Transition Tax, resulting in no adjustment to provisional amounts recorded in 2017 . In 2017 , we remeasured our deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the rates at which they are expected to reverse in the future, which is generally 21% for U.S. federal tax purposes. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , upon further analysis and refinement of our calculation, we have recognized a favorable adjustment of $2.6 million to the provisional amounts recorded at December 31, 2017 , which is included as a component of income tax expense from continuing operations. We consider the enactment date remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities with respect to the rate change as it pertains to the federal effective tax rate to be complete. We will continue to analyze and refine our enactment date changes with respect to state effective tax rates. The Company has elected to account for the tax liability from GILTI tax in the year the tax is incurred. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate was approximately $23.9 million as of September 30, 2018 and $30.1 million as of December 31, 2017 . The amount of accrued interest and penalties payable related to unrecognized tax benefits was $1.3 million as of September 30, 2018 and $0.9 million as of December 31, 2017 . 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 up to $2.2 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. 30, 2018
Equity [Abstract]
Supplemental equity information	NOTE 8 — Supplemental equity information The following tables summarize equity activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and September 24, 2017 : In thousands Nine months ended September 30, 2018 September 24, 2017 Balance at beginning of period $ 1,017,395 $ 856,761 Comprehensive income: Net income 29,281 20,478 Other comprehensive income 119,904 46,186 Total comprehensive income 149,185 66,664 Dividends declared (54,217 ) (54,427 ) Convertible debt conversion feature 21,534 — Stock-based compensation 13,498 14,897 Other activity (5,606 ) (20,226 ) Balance at end of period $ 1,141,789 $ 863,669 Changes in our common stock balance consist entirely of new shares issued for the settlement of employee stock awards. Approximately 1.2 million and 0.9 million new shares were issued for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and September 24, 2017 , respectively. 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 31, 2017 $ (1,000,790 ) $ 344,273 $ (656,517 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 103,227 (17,952 ) 85,275 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 34,629 — 34,629 Other comprehensive income 137,856 (17,952 ) 119,904 Balance at September 30, 2018 $ (862,934 ) $ 326,321 $ (536,613 ) 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 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss components are included in computing net periodic postretirement costs as outlined in Note 6 — 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 30, 2018 September 24, 2017 September 30, 2018 September 24, 2017 Amortization of prior service credit, net $ (1,308 ) $ 756 $ (2,113 ) $ 2,267 Amortization of actuarial loss 15,756 18,222 48,109 54,445 Total reclassifications, before tax 14,448 18,978 45,996 56,712 Income tax effect (3,600 ) (6,755 ) (11,367 ) (20,221 ) Total reclassifications, net of tax $ 10,848 $ 12,223 $ 34,629 $ 36,491

Fair value measurement

Fair value measurement	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value measurement	NOTE 9 — 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 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , assets and liabilities recorded at fair value and measured on a recurring basis primarily consist of pension plan assets. As permitted by U.S. GAAP, we use net asset values as a practical expedient to determine the fair value of certain investments. These investments measured at net asset value have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. Contingent earn-out liabilities resulting from business combinations are also recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. The Company's fair value estimate of the earn-out liability related to the Company’s acquisition of WordStream in July 2018 was $9.5 million as of the date of acquisition. The WordStream earnout liability is affected by the expected amount and timing of future revenues, which are Level 3 inputs as they have no observable market. The fair value of the remaining contingent obligation for WordStream as of September 30, 2018 was estimated at $9.5 million . The Credit Facility is recorded at carrying value, which approximates fair value, in the Condensed consolidated balance sheets and is classified as Level 3. The liability component of the convertible debt is classified as Level 2 because it is measured at fair value using commonly accepted valuation methodologies and indirectly observable, market-based risk measurements. We also have certain assets requiring fair value measurement on a non-recurring basis. Our assets measured on a nonrecurring basis are assets held for sale, which are classified as Level 3 assets and evaluated using executed purchase agreements, letters of intent, or third-party valuation analyses when certain circumstances arise. Assets held for sale totaled $24.1 million as of September 30, 2018 and $18.9 million as of December 31, 2017 .

Commitments, contingencies and

Commitments, contingencies and other matters	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments, contingencies and other matters	NOTE 10 — 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 recipients of 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 estimated settlements are reflected in our financial statements as of September 30, 2018 and were not material to our results of operations, financial position, or cash flows. Environmental contingency: In March 2011 , the Advertiser Company (Advertiser), a subsidiary that publishes the Montgomery Advertiser , was notified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that it had been identified as a potentially responsible party (PRP) for the investigation and remediation of groundwater contamination in downtown Montgomery, 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 per share

Earnings per share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings per share	NOTE 11 — Earnings per share The following table is a reconciliation of the weighted average number of shares outstanding used to compute basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS): In thousands, except per share data Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, 2018 September 24, 2017 September 30, 2018 September 24, 2017 Net income $ 13,352 $ 23,044 $ 29,281 $ 20,478 Weighted average number of shares outstanding - basic 113,047 113,253 112,916 113,467 Effect of dilutive securities Restricted stock units 2,354 1,657 2,282 1,418 Performance share units 802 757 837 643 Stock options 68 107 78 127 Weighted average number of shares outstanding - diluted 116,271 115,774 116,113 115,655 Earnings per share - basic $ 0.12 $ 0.20 $ 0.26 $ 0.18 Earnings per share - diluted $ 0.11 $ 0.20 $ 0.25 $ 0.18 For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , approximately 180,000 and 900,000 outstanding common stock equivalents, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS because their effect would have been anti-dilutive. 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 EPS because their effect would have been anti-dilutive. In accordance with accounting for dilutive securities under the treasury stock method, no shares related to our convertible notes were included in our calculation of diluted EPS for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 because no conversion triggers were met during the period. On July 25, 2018 , we declared a dividend of $0.16 per share of common stock, which was paid on September 24, 2018 , to shareholders of record as of the close of business on September 10, 2018 . Furthermore, on October 17, 2018 , we declared a dividend of $0.16 per share of common stock, payable on December 24, 2018 , to shareholders of record as of the close of business on December 10, 2018 .

Segment reporting

Segment reporting	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment reporting	NOTE 12 — 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. Our reportable segments include the following: • Publishing, which consists of our portfolio of local, regional, national, and international newspaper publishers. The results of this segment include local, classified, and national advertising revenues consisting of both print and digital advertising, circulation revenues from the distribution of our publications on our digital platforms, home delivery of our publications, single copy sales, and other revenues from commercial printing and distribution arrangements. The publishing reportable segment is an aggregation of two operating segments: domestic publishing and the U.K. • ReachLocal, which consists of our digital marketing solutions subsidiaries ReachLocal, SweetIQ, and WordStream. The results of this segment include advertising and marketing services revenues from our search and display services and 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) restructuring costs, (6) acquisition-related expenses (including integration expenses), (7) 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 30, 2018 Advertising and marketing services - external sales $ 293,808 $ 109,566 $ — $ — $ 403,374 Advertising and marketing services - intersegment sales 15,967 — — (15,967 ) — Circulation 258,873 — — — 258,873 Other 47,736 — 1,731 — 49,467 Total revenues $ 616,384 $ 109,566 $ 1,731 $ (15,967 ) $ 711,714 Adjusted EBITDA $ 72,739 $ 17,340 $ (19,987 ) $ — $ 70,092 Three months ended September 24, 2017 Advertising and marketing services - external sales $ 336,094 $ 93,817 $ — $ — $ 429,911 Advertising and marketing services - intersegment sales 11,219 — — (11,219 ) — Circulation 264,413 — — — 264,413 Other 48,612 — 1,338 — 49,950 Total revenues $ 660,338 $ 93,817 $ 1,338 $ (11,219 ) $ 744,274 Adjusted EBITDA $ 87,451 $ 5,229 $ (18,827 ) $ — $ 73,853 in thousands Publishing ReachLocal Corporate and Other Intersegment Eliminations Consolidated Nine months ended September 30, 2018 Advertising and marketing services - external sales $ 927,360 $ 306,489 $ — $ — $ 1,233,849 Advertising and marketing services - intersegment sales 46,167 — — (46,167 ) — Circulation 789,265 — — — 789,265 Other 136,803 — 5,516 — 142,319 Total revenues $ 1,899,595 $ 306,489 $ 5,516 $ (46,167 ) $ 2,165,433 Adjusted EBITDA $ 244,855 $ 33,820 $ (67,916 ) $ — $ 210,759 Nine months ended September 24, 2017 Advertising and marketing services - external sales $ 1,069,244 $ 257,308 $ (53 ) $ — $ 1,326,499 Advertising and marketing services - intersegment sales 15,859 — — (15,859 ) — Circulation 821,375 — — — 821,375 Other 140,964 — 3,400 — 144,364 Total revenues $ 2,047,442 $ 257,308 $ 3,347 $ (15,859 ) $ 2,292,238 Adjusted EBITDA $ 283,235 $ 9,592 $ (65,639 ) $ — $ 227,188 The following table presents our reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to net income: In thousands Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, 2018 September 24, 2017 September 30, 2018 September 24, 2017 Net income (GAAP basis) $ 13,352 $ 23,044 $ 29,281 $ 20,478 Provision (benefit) for income taxes 2,848 (16,801 ) 2,620 (19,595 ) Interest expense 7,135 4,613 17,548 12,322 Other non-operating items, net (9,800 ) 922 (18,153 ) 10,110 Operating income (GAAP basis) 13,535 11,778 31,296 23,315 Depreciation and amortization 38,427 49,786 117,057 148,453 Restructuring costs 11,535 5,789 33,445 28,167 Asset impairment charges 1,701 1,517 15,940 20,014 Acquisition-related items 3,185 2,059 7,131 4,652 Other items 1,709 2,924 5,890 2,587 Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP basis) $ 70,092 $ 73,853 $ 210,759 $ 227,188 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.

Subsequent events

Subsequent events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent events	NOTE 13 — Subsequent events During October and November 2018 , we repaid an aggregate of $35.0 million on our revolving credit facility.

Basis of presentation and sum_2

Basis of presentation and summary of significant accounting policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of presentation	Basis of presentation: Our condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited; however, in the opinion of management, they contain all of 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 31, 2017 . Beginning in the second quarter of 2018 , we have realigned the presentation of web presence and software-as-a-service revenues from other revenues to advertising and marketing services revenues on the Condensed consolidated statements of income . As a result of this updated presentation, advertising and marketing services revenues increased and other revenues decreased $11.3 million and $35.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , respectively. Additionally, advertising and marketing services revenues increased and other revenues decreased $9.1 million and $25.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 24, 2017 , respectively. Operating revenues, net income, retained earnings, and earnings per share remained unchanged.
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 accounting for income taxes, pension and other post-employment benefits, allowances for doubtful accounts, stock-based compensation, depreciation and amortization, business combinations, litigation matters, contingencies, and the valuation of long-lived and intangible assets.
New accounting pronouncements adopted and not adopted	New accounting pronouncements adopted: The following are new accounting pronouncements that we adopted in the first nine months of 2018 : Revenue from Contracts with Customers : We adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) guidance which prescribes a single comprehensive model for entities to use in the accounting of revenue arising from contracts with customers. The new guidance is centered around the core principle 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. We adopted the new revenue recognition standard using the modified retrospective approach; however, we did not record any one-time adjustments to beginning retained earnings as a result of adopting the new guidance. Refer to Note 2 — Revenues for further details regarding the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with our customers. Cash and Cash Equivalents, including Statement of Cash Flows and Restricted Cash: We adopted FASB guidance requiring entities to disclose, 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. The guidance was adopted retrospectively, and the impact was not material to our consolidated financial results. Restricted cash primarily consists of cash held in an irrevocable grantor trust for our deferred compensation plans and cash held with banking institutions for insurance plans. The restrictions will lapse when benefits are paid to plan participants and their beneficiaries as specified in the plans. The following table presents a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash: in thousands September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 September 24, 2017 Cash and cash equivalents $ 108,563 $ 120,589 $ 109,961 Restricted cash included in other current assets 4,615 2,942 3,726 Restricted cash included in investments and other assets 19,205 20,501 20,566 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 132,383 $ 144,032 $ 134,253 Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities: We adopted FASB guidance revising 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 impact of adopting this guidance was not material to our consolidated financial results. Business Combinations—Definition of a Business: We adopted FASB guidance which amends the definition of a business. This new guidance now requires an entity to evaluate if substantially all of the fair value of gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets; if so, the set of transferred assets and activities is not a business. The impact of adopting this guidance was not material to our consolidated financial results. New accounting pronouncements not yet adopted: The following are new accounting pronouncements that we are evaluating for future impacts on our financial position: Leases: In February 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance modifying lease accounting for both lessees and lessors to increase transparency and comparability by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities by lessees for those leases classified as operating leases under previous accounting standards and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. We currently anticipate adopting the new leasing standard on January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective approach and expect to elect certain available transitional practical expedients. To date, we have made progress in our assessment of the impact of adopting this new guidance, and steps towards implementation have been taken. Specifically, we have selected a software solution to be compatible with our enterprise software system. While development of our selected solution is ongoing, it is not yet fully compliant with the requirements of the standard. If the solution is not remediated in the near term, in order to implement the new standard in a timely manner, we may be required to take alternative actions, which might not be as efficient as an integrated software solution. Based on our progress to date, we anticipate adopting the standard will have a material impact on our consolidated balance sheets in the form of the recognition of additional right of use assets and lease liabilities for existing operating leases with a lease term greater than twelve months. However, we do not believe adoption will have a material impact on our consolidated statements of income or cash flows. Our preliminary evaluation and conclusions are subject to change as our assessment continues to progress or in the event additional updates to the standard are approved. Our full evaluation is expected to be completed and finalized during the fourth quarter of 2018 . 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 evaluating the provisions of the updated guidance and assessing the impact on our consolidated financial statements. Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income: In February 2018, the FASB issued new guidance that allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for the tax effects of items within accumulated other comprehensive income, generally described as stranded tax effects, resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. We are evaluating the provisions of the updated guidance, assessing the impact on our consolidated financial statements, and currently plan to implement this guidance during the fourth quarter of 2018 . Compensation—Stock Compensation: In June 2018 , the FASB issued new guidance which expands the scope of share-based compensation accounting by applying, with limited exceptions, the specific requirements of employee stock compensation to the accounting for non-employee awards granted in exchange for goods and services. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. We are evaluating the provisions of the updated guidance and assessing the impact on our consolidated financial statements. Incremental Codification Improvements: In July 2018, the FASB issued new guidance intended to clarify, correct errors in, and improve several unrelated sections of the overall Accounting Standard Codification. Portions of this guidance are effective immediately, with other portions effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. Our adoption of the portions of the guidance which were effective immediately did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial results. We are evaluating the provisions of the remaining guidance and assessing the impact on our consolidated financial statements. Intangibles—Internal-Use Software: In August 2018 , the FASB issued new guidance which aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software and hosting arrangements that include an internal-use software license. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is not permitted. We are evaluating the provisions of the updated guidance and assessing the impact on our consolidated financial statements. Fair Value Measurement—Disclosure Framework: In August 2018 , the FASB issued new guidance that changes disclosure requirements related to fair value measurements as part of the disclosure framework project. The disclosure framework project aims to improve the effectiveness of disclosures in the notes to the financial statements by focusing on requirements that clearly communicate the most important information to users of the financial statements. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. We are evaluating the provisions of the updated guidance and assessing the impact on our consolidated financial statements. Compensation—Retirement Plans: In August 2018 , the FASB issued new guidance that changes disclosures related to defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans as part of the disclosure framework project. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. We are evaluating the provisions of the updated guidance and assessing the impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Basis of presentation and sum_3

Basis of presentation and summary of significant accounting policies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents	The following table presents a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash: in thousands September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 September 24, 2017 Cash and cash equivalents $ 108,563 $ 120,589 $ 109,961 Restricted cash included in other current assets 4,615 2,942 3,726 Restricted cash included in investments and other assets 19,205 20,501 20,566 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 132,383 $ 144,032 $ 134,253
Schedule of Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents	The following table presents a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash: in thousands September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 September 24, 2017 Cash and cash equivalents $ 108,563 $ 120,589 $ 109,961 Restricted cash included in other current assets 4,615 2,942 3,726 Restricted cash included in investments and other assets 19,205 20,501 20,566 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 132,383 $ 144,032 $ 134,253

Revenues (Tables)

Revenues (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Disaggregation of Revenue	The following table presents our revenues disaggregated by source: in thousands Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, 2018 September 24, 2017 (1) September 30, 2018 September 24, 2017 (1) Print advertising $ 204,023 $ 244,843 $ 657,744 $ 788,745 Digital advertising and marketing services 199,351 185,068 576,105 537,754 Total advertising and marketing services 403,374 429,911 1,233,849 1,326,499 Circulation 258,873 264,413 789,265 821,375 Other 49,467 49,950 142,319 144,364 Total revenues $ 711,714 $ 744,274 $ 2,165,433 $ 2,292,238 (1) Prior period amounts have not been adjusted under the modified retrospective method.
Deferred Revenue, by Arrangement, Disclosure	The following table presents changes in the deferred revenue balance for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 by type of revenue: in thousands Nine months ended September 30, 2018 Advertising, Marketing Services, and Other Circulation Total Beginning balance $ 33,986 $ 88,805 $ 122,791 Acquired deferred revenue 2,676 — 2,676 Cash receipts 218,602 620,965 839,567 Revenue recognized (216,782 ) (622,748 ) (839,530 ) Ending balance $ 38,482 $ 87,022 $ 125,504

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of purchase price allocation	As of the acquisition date, the purchase price was assigned to the acquired assets and assumed liabilities as follows: In thousands Cash and restricted cash acquired $ 20,954 Other current assets 9,159 Property, plant and equipment 1,072 Developed technology 63,030 Customer relationships 21,420 Trade names 1,105 Goodwill 67,483 Total assets acquired 184,223 Current liabilities 3,987 Noncurrent liabilities 17,303 Total liabilities assumed 21,290 Net assets acquired $ 162,933

Restructuring activities and _2

Restructuring activities and asset impairment charges (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and Related Costs	The activity and balance of the severance-related liabilities are as follows: In thousands Severance Activities Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 10,562 Expense 19,580 Payments (24,055 ) Balance at September 30, 2018 $ 6,087

Pensions and other postretire_2

Pensions and other postretirement benefit plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Benefit costs	Retirement plan costs include the following components: In thousands Three months ended September 30, 2018 September 24, 2017 Pension Postretirement Pension Postretirement Operating expenses: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $ 589 $ 42 $ 610 $ 83 Non-operating expenses: Interest cost on benefit obligation 24,669 742 27,935 902 Expected return on plan assets (42,073 ) — (42,657 ) — Amortization of prior service cost (424 ) (884 ) 1,668 (912 ) Amortization of actuarial loss (gain) 15,846 (90 ) 18,197 25 Total non-operating expenses (credit) (1,982 ) (232 ) 5,143 15 Total expense (benefit) for retirement plans $ (1,393 ) $ (190 ) $ 5,753 $ 98 In thousands Nine months ended September 30, 2018 September 24, 2017 Pension Postretirement Pension Postretirement Operating expenses: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $ 1,767 $ 130 $ 1,830 $ 161 Non-operating expenses: Interest cost on benefit obligation 76,688 2,224 83,309 2,706 Expected return on plan assets (131,098 ) — (127,035 ) — Amortization of prior service cost 538 (2,651 ) 5,003 (2,736 ) Amortization of actuarial loss (gain) 48,379 (270 ) 54,368 77 Total non-operating expenses (credit) (5,493 ) (697 ) 15,645 47 Total expense (benefit) for retirement plans $ (3,726 ) $ (567 ) $ 17,475 $ 208

Income taxes (Tables)

Income taxes (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	The following table outlines our pre-tax net income and income tax expense amounts: In thousands Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, 2018 September 24, 2017 September 30, 2018 September 24, 2017 Pre-tax net income 16,200 6,243 31,901 883 Income tax expense (benefit) 2,848 (16,801 ) 2,620 (19,595 ) Effective tax rate 17.6 % *** 8.2 % *** *** Indicates a percentage that is not meaningful

Supplemental equity informati_2

Supplemental equity information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Equity	The following tables summarize equity activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and September 24, 2017 : In thousands Nine months ended September 30, 2018 September 24, 2017 Balance at beginning of period $ 1,017,395 $ 856,761 Comprehensive income: Net income 29,281 20,478 Other comprehensive income 119,904 46,186 Total comprehensive income 149,185 66,664 Dividends declared (54,217 ) (54,427 ) Convertible debt conversion feature 21,534 — Stock-based compensation 13,498 14,897 Other activity (5,606 ) (20,226 ) Balance at end of period $ 1,141,789 $ 863,669
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 31, 2017 $ (1,000,790 ) $ 344,273 $ (656,517 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 103,227 (17,952 ) 85,275 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 34,629 — 34,629 Other comprehensive income 137,856 (17,952 ) 119,904 Balance at September 30, 2018 $ (862,934 ) $ 326,321 $ (536,613 ) 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 )
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 30, 2018 September 24, 2017 September 30, 2018 September 24, 2017 Amortization of prior service credit, net $ (1,308 ) $ 756 $ (2,113 ) $ 2,267 Amortization of actuarial loss 15,756 18,222 48,109 54,445 Total reclassifications, before tax 14,448 18,978 45,996 56,712 Income tax effect (3,600 ) (6,755 ) (11,367 ) (20,221 ) Total reclassifications, net of tax $ 10,848 $ 12,223 $ 34,629 $ 36,491

Earnings per share (Tables)

Earnings per share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	The following table is a reconciliation of the weighted average number of shares outstanding used to compute basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS): In thousands, except per share data Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, 2018 September 24, 2017 September 30, 2018 September 24, 2017 Net income $ 13,352 $ 23,044 $ 29,281 $ 20,478 Weighted average number of shares outstanding - basic 113,047 113,253 112,916 113,467 Effect of dilutive securities Restricted stock units 2,354 1,657 2,282 1,418 Performance share units 802 757 837 643 Stock options 68 107 78 127 Weighted average number of shares outstanding - diluted 116,271 115,774 116,113 115,655 Earnings per share - basic $ 0.12 $ 0.20 $ 0.26 $ 0.18 Earnings per share - diluted $ 0.11 $ 0.20 $ 0.25 $ 0.18

Segment reporting (Tables)

Segment reporting (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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 30, 2018 Advertising and marketing services - external sales $ 293,808 $ 109,566 $ — $ — $ 403,374 Advertising and marketing services - intersegment sales 15,967 — — (15,967 ) — Circulation 258,873 — — — 258,873 Other 47,736 — 1,731 — 49,467 Total revenues $ 616,384 $ 109,566 $ 1,731 $ (15,967 ) $ 711,714 Adjusted EBITDA $ 72,739 $ 17,340 $ (19,987 ) $ — $ 70,092 Three months ended September 24, 2017 Advertising and marketing services - external sales $ 336,094 $ 93,817 $ — $ — $ 429,911 Advertising and marketing services - intersegment sales 11,219 — — (11,219 ) — Circulation 264,413 — — — 264,413 Other 48,612 — 1,338 — 49,950 Total revenues $ 660,338 $ 93,817 $ 1,338 $ (11,219 ) $ 744,274 Adjusted EBITDA $ 87,451 $ 5,229 $ (18,827 ) $ — $ 73,853 in thousands Publishing ReachLocal Corporate and Other Intersegment Eliminations Consolidated Nine months ended September 30, 2018 Advertising and marketing services - external sales $ 927,360 $ 306,489 $ — $ — $ 1,233,849 Advertising and marketing services - intersegment sales 46,167 — — (46,167 ) — Circulation 789,265 — — — 789,265 Other 136,803 — 5,516 — 142,319 Total revenues $ 1,899,595 $ 306,489 $ 5,516 $ (46,167 ) $ 2,165,433 Adjusted EBITDA $ 244,855 $ 33,820 $ (67,916 ) $ — $ 210,759 Nine months ended September 24, 2017 Advertising and marketing services - external sales $ 1,069,244 $ 257,308 $ (53 ) $ — $ 1,326,499 Advertising and marketing services - intersegment sales 15,859 — — (15,859 ) — Circulation 821,375 — — — 821,375 Other 140,964 — 3,400 — 144,364 Total revenues $ 2,047,442 $ 257,308 $ 3,347 $ (15,859 ) $ 2,292,238 Adjusted EBITDA $ 283,235 $ 9,592 $ (65,639 ) $ — $ 227,188 The following table presents our reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to net income: In thousands Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, 2018 September 24, 2017 September 30, 2018 September 24, 2017 Net income (GAAP basis) $ 13,352 $ 23,044 $ 29,281 $ 20,478 Provision (benefit) for income taxes 2,848 (16,801 ) 2,620 (19,595 ) Interest expense 7,135 4,613 17,548 12,322 Other non-operating items, net (9,800 ) 922 (18,153 ) 10,110 Operating income (GAAP basis) 13,535 11,778 31,296 23,315 Depreciation and amortization 38,427 49,786 117,057 148,453 Restructuring costs 11,535 5,789 33,445 28,167 Asset impairment charges 1,701 1,517 15,940 20,014 Acquisition-related items 3,185 2,059 7,131 4,652 Other items 1,709 2,924 5,890 2,587 Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP basis) $ 70,092 $ 73,853 $ 210,759 $ 227,188

Basis of presentation and sum_4

Basis of presentation and summary of significant accounting policies - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)brandstateorganization	Sep. 24, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)brandstateorganization	Sep. 24, 2017USD ($)
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) in revenue	$ 711,714	$ 744,274	$ 2,165,433	$ 2,292,238
U.S.
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of media organizations | organization	109		109
Number of states in which entity operates | state	34		34
U.K.
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of media brands, more than | brand	160		160
Advertising and marketing services
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) in revenue	$ 403,374	429,911	$ 1,233,849	1,326,499
Advertising and marketing services | Restatement Adjustment
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) in revenue	11,300	9,100	35,000	25,000
Other
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) in revenue	49,467	49,950	142,319	144,364
Other | Restatement Adjustment
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) in revenue	$ (11,300)	$ (9,100)	$ (35,000)	$ (25,000)

Basis of presentation and sum_5

Basis of presentation and summary of significant accounting policies - Schedule of Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 24, 2017	Dec. 25, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 108,563	$ 120,589	$ 109,961
Restricted cash included in other current assets	4,615	2,942	3,726
Restricted cash included in investments and other assets	19,205	20,501	20,566
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	$ 132,383	$ 144,032	$ 134,253	$ 138,212

Revenues - Disaggregation of Re

Revenues - Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 24, 2017
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 711,714	$ 744,274	$ 2,165,433	$ 2,292,238
Total advertising and marketing services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	403,374	429,911	1,233,849	1,326,499
Print advertising
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	204,023	244,843	657,744	788,745
Digital advertising and marketing services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	199,351	185,068	576,105	537,754
Circulation
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	258,873	264,413	789,265	821,375
Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 49,467	$ 49,950	$ 142,319	$ 144,364

Revenues - Narrative (Details)

Revenues - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Increase in deferred revenue		$ 2.7
International
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Revenue, percentage	13.00%	14.00%
Minimum
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Subscription period		1 month
Maximum
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Subscription period		12 months

Revenues - Deferred Revenue (De

Revenues - Deferred Revenue (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Movement in Deferred Revenue [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 122,791
Acquired deferred revenue	2,676
Cash receipts	839,567
Revenue recognized	(839,530)
Ending balance	125,504
Advertising, Marketing Services, and Other
Movement in Deferred Revenue [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	33,986
Acquired deferred revenue	2,676
Cash receipts	218,602
Revenue recognized	(216,782)
Ending balance	38,482
Circulation
Movement in Deferred Revenue [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	88,805
Acquired deferred revenue	0
Cash receipts	620,965
Revenue recognized	(622,748)
Ending balance	$ 87,022

Acquisitions - Narrative (Detai

Acquisitions - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 24, 2017	Dec. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired			$ 131,150	$ 36,540
Goodwill			798,721			$ 737,716
WordStream
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired	$ 132,500
Additional consideration payable	9,500		$ 9,500
Goodwill	67,483
Noncurrent liabilities	$ 17,303
SweetIQ
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired		$ 31,800
Goodwill		18,800
Intangible assets		15,200
Other noncurrent assets		600
Noncurrent liabilities		1,800
Net working capital		$ 300
Scenario, Forecast | WordStream
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Additional consideration payable					$ 20,000

Acquisitions - Schedule of Asse

Acquisitions - Schedule of Assets Acquired, Liabilities Assumed (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Jul. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 798,721		$ 737,716
WordStream
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash acquired		$ 20,954
Other current assets		9,159
Property, plant and equipment		1,072
Goodwill		67,483
Total assets acquired		184,223
Current liabilities		3,987
Noncurrent liabilities		17,303
Total liabilities assumed		21,290
Net assets acquired		162,933
Developed technology | WordStream
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets		63,030
Customer relationships | WordStream
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets		21,420
Trade names | WordStream
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets		$ 1,105

Restructuring activities and _3

Restructuring activities and asset impairment charges - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 24, 2017
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Asset impairment and other charges, pre-tax amount		$ 1,700	$ 1,500	$ 15,900	$ 20,000
Rent-free leaseback term	15 months
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment	$ 41,800
Book value		11,800		11,800
Severance
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		4,600	5,100	19,580	25,400
Facility Closing
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Asset impairment and other charges, pre-tax amount		7,000	700	13,900	2,800
Corporate | Severance
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		300		900	3,700
Corporate | Facility Closing
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Asset impairment and other charges, pre-tax amount		5,200		5,300
Publishing
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Asset impairment and other charges, pre-tax amount				15,700	1,400
Accelerated depreciation		2,700	$ 14,100	12,100	37,600
Publishing | Severance
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		3,900		16,500	21,200
Publishing | Facility Closing
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Asset impairment and other charges, pre-tax amount		1,000		6,100
ReachLocal | Severance
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		$ 400		$ 2,200	$ 500

Restructuring activities and _4

Restructuring activities and asset impairment charges - Restructuring Reserve (Details) - Severance - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 24, 2017
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Balance at December 31, 2017			$ 10,562
Expense	$ 4,600	$ 5,100	19,580	$ 25,400
Payments			(24,055)
Balance at September 30, 2018	$ 6,087		$ 6,087

Debt - Revolving Credit Facilit

Debt - Revolving Credit Facility (Details) - Line of Credit	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Outstanding amount	$ 170,000,000
Remaining borrowing capacity	313,400,000
Letter of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	50,000,000
Outstanding amount	16,600,000
Credit Facility | Revolving Credit Facility
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 | Credit Facility | Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis point spread on variable rate (as a percent)	0.50%
LIBOR | Credit Facility | Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis point spread on variable rate (as a percent)	1.00%
Minimum | Credit Facility | Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Commitment fee on undrawn commitments (as a percent)	0.30%
Minimum | LIBOR | Credit Facility | Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis point spread on variable rate (as a percent)	2.00%
Minimum | ABR | Credit Facility | Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis point spread on variable rate (as a percent)	1.00%
Maximum | Credit Facility | Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Commitment fee on undrawn commitments (as a percent)	0.40%
Maximum | LIBOR | Credit Facility | Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis point spread on variable rate (as a percent)	2.50%
Maximum | ABR | Credit Facility | Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis point spread on variable rate (as a percent)	1.50%

Debt - Convertible Debt (Detail

Debt - Convertible Debt (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Apr. 09, 2018USD ($)$ / shares	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)shares	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)consecutive_trading_daytrading_dayshares	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Convertible debt		$ 168,011	$ 168,011	$ 0
Debt conversion, converted instrument, shares issued | shares		0	0
Convertible Debt | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt, stated percentage	4.75%
Aggregate principal amount	$ 175,000
Additional aggregate principal	26,300
Convertible aggregate principal value	201,300	$ 201,300	$ 201,300
Proceeds from debt	$ 195,300
Conversion ratio	0.0824572
Conversion price | $ / shares	$ 12.13
Convertible debt		171,100	171,100
Carrying amount of equity component		30,200	30,200
Debt issuance costs, net		6,300	6,300
Debt issuance costs allocated to debt, net		5,400	5,400
Debt issuance costs allocated to equity, net		900	$ 900
Debt instrument, term			6 years
Unamortized discount		28,300	$ 28,300
Interest Expense, Debt		2,400	4,500
Amortization of debt issuance costs		200	400
Amortization of debt discount		$ 1,000	$ 1,900
Effective interest rate		7.91%	7.91%
Scenario One | Convertible Debt | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Threshold trading days | trading_day			20
Threshold percentage of stock price trigger			130.00%
Scenario Two | Convertible Debt | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Threshold percentage of stock price trigger			98.00%
Threshold consecutive trading days | consecutive_trading_day			10
Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Convertible Debt | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Discount rate		0.0791	0.0791

Pensions and other postretire_3

Pensions and other postretirement benefit plans - Retirement Plan Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 24, 2017
Pension Plans
Company's pension costs
Total expense (benefit) for retirement plans	$ (1,393)	$ 5,753	$ (3,726)	$ 17,475
Postretirement
Company's pension costs
Total expense (benefit) for retirement plans	(190)	98	(567)	208
Operating Expense | Pension Plans
Company's pension costs
Service cost - benefits earned during the period	589	610	1,767	1,830
Operating Expense | Postretirement
Company's pension costs
Service cost - benefits earned during the period	42	83	130	161
Non-Operating Expense (Credit) | Pension Plans
Company's pension costs
Interest cost on benefit obligation	24,669	27,935	76,688	83,309
Expected return on plan assets	(42,073)	(42,657)	(131,098)	(127,035)
Amortization of prior service cost	(424)	1,668	538	5,003
Amortization of actuarial loss (gain)	15,846	18,197	48,379	54,368
Total expense (benefit) for retirement plans	(1,982)	5,143	(5,493)	15,645
Non-Operating Expense (Credit) | Postretirement
Company's pension costs
Interest cost on benefit obligation	742	902	2,224	2,706
Expected return on plan assets	0	0	0	0
Amortization of prior service cost	(884)	(912)	(2,651)	(2,736)
Amortization of actuarial loss (gain)	(90)	25	(270)	77
Total expense (benefit) for retirement plans	$ (232)	$ 15	$ (697)	$ 47

Pensions and other postretire_4

Pensions and other postretirement benefit plans - Narrative (Details) £ in Millions, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	5 Months Ended	7 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018GBP (£)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)shares
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated future employer contributions in 2019					$ 25
Actuarial gain due to plan remeasurement					33.1
Net prior service credit due to plan remeasurement					103.4
Funded status of pension plan					54.4
Fair value of plan assets					785.2	$ 7.2
Benefit obligations of pension plan					730.8
Number of shares of common stock in retirement plan assets (in shares) | shares						0.6
Newsquest
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Rate of return on plan assets	5.70%
Discount rate for plan assets	2.65%
Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Contribution to the defined benefit plans			$ 55.5
Pension Plans | Gannett Retirement Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated future employer contributions in 2020					25
Estimated future employer contributions in 2021					$ 15
Post-retirement Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Contribution to the defined benefit plans			$ 6.7
U.K. Pension Plan | Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated future employer contributions | £				£ 10.1
Estimated future employer contributions in 2019 | £				24
Estimated future employer contributions in 2020 | £				19.8
Estimated future employer contributions in 2021 | £				£ 18
Scenario, Forecast | Newsquest
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Rate of return on plan assets		4.60%
Discount rate for plan assets		2.80%

- Schedule of Pre-Tax Income an

- Schedule of Pre-Tax Income and Income Tax Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 24, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Pre-tax net income	$ 16,200	$ 6,243	$ 31,901	$ 883
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ 2,848	$ (16,801)	$ 2,620	$ (19,595)
Effective tax rate	17.58025%		8.21291%

Income taxes - Narrative (Detai

Income taxes - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, valuation allowance	$ 1.3
Tax benefit relating to worthless stock and debt deductions		$ 20.1
Domestic production deduction limitation			$ 1
Tax rate change adjustment	0.5		2.6
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	23.9		23.9	$ 30.1
Accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits	1.3		1.3	$ 0.9
Estimated decrease in gross unrecognized tax positions within the next 12 months, maximum	$ 2.2		$ 2.2

Supplemental equity informati_3

Supplemental equity information - Equity Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands, shares in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 24, 2017
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period			$ 1,017,395	$ 856,761
Net income	$ 13,352	$ 23,044	29,281	20,478
Other comprehensive income	8,306	20,600	119,904	46,186
Comprehensive income	21,658	43,644	149,185	66,664
Dividends declared			(54,217)	(54,427)
Convertible debt conversion feature			21,534	0
Stock-based compensation			13,498	14,897
Other activity			(5,606)	(20,226)
Balance at end of period	$ 1,141,789	$ 863,669	$ 1,141,789	$ 863,669
Common Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Shares issued during period (in shares)			1.2	0.9

Supplemental equity informati_4

Supplemental equity information - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 24, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period			$ 1,017,395	$ 856,761
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	$ 8,306	$ 20,600	119,904	46,186
Balance at end of period	1,141,789	863,669	1,141,789	863,669
Retirement Plans
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period			(1,000,790)	(1,183,196)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			103,227	(34,980)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			34,629	36,491
Other comprehensive income, net of tax			137,856	1,511
Balance at end of period	(862,934)	(1,181,685)	(862,934)	(1,181,685)
Foreign Currency Translation
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period			344,273	300,284
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			(17,952)	44,675
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			0	0
Other comprehensive income, net of tax			(17,952)	44,675
Balance at end of period	326,321	344,959	326,321	344,959
Total
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period			(656,517)	(882,912)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			85,275	9,695
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			34,629	36,491
Other comprehensive income, net of tax			119,904	46,186
Balance at end of period	$ (536,613)	$ (836,726)	$ (536,613)	$ (836,726)

Supplemental equity informati_5

Supplemental equity information - Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 24, 2017
Net Prior Service Credit
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total reclassifications, before tax	$ (1,308)	$ 756	$ (2,113)	$ 2,267
Actuarial Loss
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total reclassifications, before tax	15,756	18,222	48,109	54,445
Retirement Plans
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total reclassifications, before tax	14,448	18,978	45,996	56,712
Income tax effect	(3,600)	(6,755)	(11,367)	(20,221)
Total reclassifications, net of tax	$ 10,848	$ 12,223	$ 34,629	$ 36,491

Fair value measurement - Narrat

Fair value measurement - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2018	Jul. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets held for sale	$ 24.1		$ 18.9
WordStream
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of contingent consideration	$ 9.5	$ 9.5

Commitments, contingencies an_2

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

Earnings per share - Narrative

Earnings per share - Narrative (Details) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	Oct. 17, 2018	Jul. 25, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 24, 2017
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Common stock equivalents excluded from computation of diluted loss per share (in shares)			180	428	900	862
Dividend declared per common share (in dollars per share)		$ 0.16
Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividend declared per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.16

Earnings per share - (Details)

Earnings per share - (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 24, 2017
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Net income	$ 13,352	$ 23,044	$ 29,281	$ 20,478
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	113,047	113,253	112,916	113,467
Effect of dilutive securities - Stock options (in shares)	68	107	78	127
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	116,271	115,774	116,113	115,655
Earnings per share – basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.12	$ 0.20	$ 0.26	$ 0.18
Earnings per share – diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.11	$ 0.20	$ 0.25	$ 0.18
Restricted stock units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Effect of dilutive securities - RSU and PSU (in shares)	2,354	1,657	2,282	1,418
Performance share units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Effect of dilutive securities - RSU and PSU (in shares)	802	757	837	643

Segment reporting - Narrative (

Segment reporting - Narrative (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018segment
Publishing
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of operating segments	2

Segment reporting - Calculation

Segment reporting - Calculation of Adjusted EBITDA (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 24, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 711,714	$ 744,274	$ 2,165,433	$ 2,292,238
Total operating revenues	711,714	744,274	2,165,433	2,292,238
Adjusted EBITDA	70,092	73,853	210,759	227,188
Publishing
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Adjusted EBITDA	72,739	87,451	244,855	283,235
ReachLocal
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Adjusted EBITDA	17,340	5,229	33,820	9,592
Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Adjusted EBITDA	(19,987)	(18,827)	(67,916)	(65,639)
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	711,714	744,274	2,165,433	2,292,238
Operating Segments | Publishing
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	616,384	660,338	1,899,595	2,047,442
Operating Segments | ReachLocal
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	109,566	93,817	306,489	257,308
Operating Segments | Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	1,731	1,338	5,516	3,347
Intersegment Eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	(15,967)	(11,219)	(46,167)	(15,859)
Advertising and marketing services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	403,374	429,911	1,233,849	1,326,499
Advertising and marketing services | Publishing
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	293,808	336,094	927,360	1,069,244
Advertising and marketing services | ReachLocal
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	109,566	93,817	306,489	257,308
Advertising and marketing services | Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	0	0	0	(53)
Advertising and marketing services | Intersegment Eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	(15,967)	(11,219)	(46,167)	(15,859)
Advertising and marketing services | Intersegment Eliminations | Publishing
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	15,967	11,219	46,167	15,859
Advertising and marketing services | Intersegment Eliminations | ReachLocal
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	0	0	0	0
Advertising and marketing services | Intersegment Eliminations | Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	0	0	0	0
Circulation
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	258,873	264,413	789,265	821,375
Circulation | Publishing
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	258,873	264,413	789,265	821,375
Circulation | ReachLocal
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	0	0	0	0
Circulation | Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	0	0	0	0
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	49,467	49,950	142,319	144,364
Other | Publishing
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	47,736	48,612	136,803	140,964
Other | ReachLocal
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	0	0	0	0
Other | Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 1,731	$ 1,338	$ 5,516	$ 3,400

Segment reporting - Reconciliat

Segment reporting - Reconciliation of EBITDA to Operating Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 24, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Net income	$ 13,352	$ 23,044	$ 29,281	$ 20,478
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	2,848	(16,801)	2,620	(19,595)
Interest expense	7,135	4,613	17,548	12,322
Other non-operating items, net	(9,800)	922	(18,153)	10,110
Operating income (GAAP basis)	13,535	11,778	31,296	23,315
Depreciation and amortization	38,427	49,786	117,057	148,453
Restructuring costs	11,535	5,789	33,445	28,167
Asset impairment charges	1,701	1,517	15,940	20,014
Acquisition-related items	3,185	2,059	7,131	4,652
Other items	1,709	2,924	5,890	2,587
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP basis)	$ 70,092	$ 73,853	$ 210,759	$ 227,188

Subsequent events - Narrative (

Subsequent events - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	2 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 24, 2017
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Repayment on revolving credit facility		$ 355,000	$ 60,000
Scenario, Forecast | Revolving Credit Facility | Line of Credit | Credit Facility | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Repayment on revolving credit facility	$ 35,000