TEGNA (TGNA) 10-Q9 May 172017 Q1 Quarterly reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information	Mar. 31, 2017shares
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	TEGNA INC
Entity Central Index Key	39,899
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2017
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding	214,789,597
Trading Symbol	TGNA

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 79,655	$ 76,920
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $10,313 and $9,837, respectively	577,045	595,893
Other receivables	22,110	25,953
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	73,445	91,922
Total current assets	752,255	790,688
Property and equipment
Cost	1,029,510	1,014,742
Less accumulated depreciation	(587,381)	(564,726)
Net property and equipment	442,129	450,016
Intangible and other assets
Goodwill	4,070,039	4,067,529
Indefinite-lived and amortizable intangible assets, less accumulated amortization	2,984,648	3,013,432
Investments and other assets	215,940	221,060
Total intangible and other assets	7,270,627	7,302,021
Total assets	8,465,011	8,542,725
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	75,555	120,911
Accrued liabilities	350,428	340,500
Dividends payable	30,246	30,178
Income taxes	36,684	13,478
Deferred revenue	115,119	113,468
Current portion of long-term debt	646	646
Total current liabilities	608,678	619,181
Noncurrent liabilities
Income taxes	21,739	22,644
Deferred income taxes	933,962	929,184
Long-term debt	3,965,842	4,042,749
Pension liabilities	183,790	187,290
Other noncurrent liabilities	127,597	142,407
Total noncurrent liabilities	5,232,930	5,324,274
Total liabilities	5,841,608	5,943,455
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	48,581	46,265
TEGNA Inc. shareholders’ equity
Common stock of $1 par value per share, 800,000,000 shares authorized, 324,418,632 shares issued	324,419	324,419
Additional paid-in capital	405,108	473,742
Retained earnings	7,412,204	7,384,556
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(161,391)	(161,573)
Less treasury stock at cost, 109,629,035 shares and 109,930,832 shares, respectively	(5,691,203)	(5,749,726)
Total TEGNA Inc. shareholders’ equity	2,289,137	2,271,418
Noncontrolling interests	285,685	281,587
Total equity	2,574,822	2,553,005
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity	$ 8,465,011	$ 8,542,725

Condensed Consolidated Balance3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable	$ 10,313	$ 9,837
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, Authorized shares	800,000,000	800,000,000
Common stock, Issued shares	324,418,632	324,418,632
Treasury stock, shares	109,629,035	109,930,832

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Operating revenues:
Media	$ 446,310	$ 443,829
Digital	332,161	337,903
Total	778,471	781,732
Operating expenses:
Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation	295,809	247,531
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation	274,998	280,309
Depreciation	23,087	22,233
Amortization of intangible assets	29,018	28,290
Asset impairment and facility consolidation charges	2,183	0
Total	625,095	578,363
Operating income	153,376	203,369
Non-operating (expense) income:
Equity (loss) income in unconsolidated investments, net (see Note 4)	(1,469)	2,933
Interest expense	(55,416)	(61,713)
Other non-operating items	(4,009)	929
Total	(60,894)	(57,851)
Income before income taxes	92,482	145,518
Provision for income taxes	28,583	42,108
Income from continuing operations	63,899	103,410
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	(7,474)
Net income	63,899	95,936
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(6,185)	(10,492)
Net income attributable to TEGNA Inc.	$ 57,714	$ 85,444
Earnings from continuing operations per share - basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.27	$ 0.42
Loss from discontinued operations per share - basic (in dollars per share)	0	(0.03)
Net income per share – basic (In dollars per share)	0.27	0.39
Earnings from continuing operations per share - diluted (in dollars per share)	0.27	0.42
Loss from discontinued operations per share - diluted (in dollars per share)	0	(0.04)
Net income per share – diluted (In dollars per share)	$ 0.27	$ 0.38
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic shares	215,305	219,286
Diluted shares	217,569	223,254
Dividends declared per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.14	$ 0.14

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 63,899	$ 95,936
Redeemable noncontrolling interests (income not available to shareholders)	(1,815)	(925)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	2,262	1,201
Recognition of previously deferred post-retirement benefit plan costs	2,075	1,900
Unrealized losses on available for sale investment during the period	(2,293)	(1,983)
Other comprehensive income, before tax	2,044	1,118
Income tax effect related to components of other comprehensive income	(797)	(738)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	1,247	380
Comprehensive income	63,331	95,391
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	(5,435)	(10,133)
Comprehensive income attributable to TEGNA Inc.	$ 57,896	$ 85,258

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 63,899	$ 95,936
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flow from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	52,105	50,635
Stock-based compensation	5,103	4,757
Other losses on sales of assets and impairment charges	885	5,135
Equity loss (income) in unconsolidated investments, net	1,469	(2,933)
Pension expense, net of contributions	(1,350)	(752)
Change in other assets and liabilities, net	18,777	(25,720)
Net cash flow from operating activities	140,888	127,058
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property and equipment	(17,959)	(16,449)
Payments for acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	0	(53,059)
Payments for investments	(775)	(10,047)
Proceeds from investments	502	4,617
Proceeds from sale of assets	4,535	0
Net cash flow used for investing activities	(13,697)	(74,938)
Cash flows from financing activities:
(Payments) proceeds of borrowings under revolving credit facilities, net	(46,000)	42,000
Debt repayments	(33,062)	(18,062)
Dividends paid	(29,998)	(30,853)
Repurchases of common stock	(7,252)	(75,411)
Other, net	(8,144)	(19,788)
Net cash flow used for financing activities	(124,456)	(102,114)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	2,735	(49,994)
Balance of cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	76,920	129,200
Balance of cash and cash equivalents at end of period	79,655	79,206
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds	6,518	27,430
Cash paid for interest	$ 34,185	$ 35,261

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
Basis of Presentation	Mar. 31, 2017
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of presentation	Basis of presentation Basis of presentation: Our accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial reporting, the instructions for Form 10-Q and Article 10 of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Regulation S-K. Accordingly, they do not include all information and footnotes which are normally included in the Form 10-K and annual report to shareholders. In our opinion, the condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments of a normal recurring nature necessary for a fair presentation of results for the interim periods presented. The condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our (or TEGNA’s) audited consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. The preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Significant estimates include, but are not limited to, evaluation of goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment, fair value measurements, postretirement benefit plans, income taxes including deferred taxes, and contingencies. The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of subsidiaries we control and variable interest entities (VIEs) if we are the primary beneficiary. We eliminate all intercompany balances, transactions, and profits in consolidation. Investments in entities over which we have significant influence, but do not have control, are accounted for under the equity method. Our share of net earnings and losses from these ventures is included in “Equity (loss) income in unconsolidated investments, net” in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Accounting guidance adopted in 2017: In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued new guidance that changes the presentation of net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit costs (postretirement benefit costs) in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Under this new guidance, the service cost component of the postretirement benefit expense will continue to be presented as an operating expense while all other components of postretirement benefit expense will be presented as non-operating expense. Previously, all components of postretirement benefit expense were presented as operating expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The FASB permits early adoption of this guidance, and we have elected to early adopt in the first quarter of 2017. We believe the new guidance provides enhanced financial reporting by limiting operating expense classification to the service cost component of postretirement benefit expense. Service cost is the component of the expense that relates to services provided by employees in the current period and thus better reflects the current continuing operating costs. Changes to the classification of Consolidated Statements of Income amounts resulting from the new guidance were made on a retrospective basis, wherein each period presented was adjusted to reflect the effects of applying the new guidance. We utilized amounts previously disclosed in our retirement plan footnote to retrospectively apply the guidance. Net income, earnings per share, and retained earnings were not impacted by the new standard. The following tables detail the impact of adopting the new standard on our Consolidated Statements of Income (in thousands): Three Months Ended Mar. 31, 2017 Three Months Ended Mar. 31, 2016 Previous Accounting Method As Currently Reported Effect of Accounting Change Previously Reported As Currently Reported Effect of Accounting Change Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation $ 296,509 $ 295,809 $ (700 ) $ 248,256 $ 247,531 $ (725 ) Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation 275,698 274,998 (700 ) 281,034 280,309 (725 ) Operating income 151,976 153,376 1,400 201,919 203,369 1,450 Other non-operating items (2,609 ) (4,009 ) (1,400 ) 2,379 929 (1,450 ) Total non-operating (expense) income $ (59,494 ) $ (60,894 ) $ (1,400 ) $ (56,401 ) $ (57,851 ) $ (1,450 ) New accounting pronouncements not yet adopted: In May 2014, the FASB issued new guidance related to revenue recognition. Under the new guidance, recognition of revenue occurs when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services in an amount that reflects the consideration which the entity expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. In addition, the guidance requires disclosure of the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. We will adopt the guidance beginning January 1, 2018. The two permitted transition methods are the full retrospective method, in which case the guidance would be applied to each prior reporting period presented and the cumulative effect of applying the guidance would be recognized at the earliest period shown; and the modified retrospective method, in which case the cumulative effect of applying the guidance would be recognized at the date of initial application. We plan to adopt the guidance using the modified retrospective method. While we continue to evaluate the full impact of the guidance, after our initial evaluation, we do not believe the guidance will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. We are in the process of evaluating the other requirements of the new standard, which may result in additional revenue related disclosures. Below is a summary of our evaluation by reportable segment: Media Segment : While our assessment is ongoing, we currently do not expect a material change to approximately 90% of Media Segment's revenue. Specifically, our television spot advertising contracts, which comprised approximately 60% of 2016 Media Segment revenue are short-term in nature with transaction price consideration agreed upon in advance. We expect revenue will continue to be recognized when commercials are aired. Further, we expect that revenue earned under retransmission agreements will be recognized under the licensing of intellectual property guidance in the standard, which will not have a material change to our current revenue recognition. Retransmission revenue comprised approximately 30% of 2016 Media Segment revenue. We continue to evaluate the impact to Media’s online digital and other services revenue. Digital Segment : Our Digital Segment is primarily comprised of our Cars.com and CareerBuilder business units. Cars.com’s primary source of revenue is through the sale of online subscription advertising products to car dealerships. We currently do not expect the guidance to have a material impact on this revenue stream, which will continue to be recognized on a straight-line basis over the contract term as the service is provided to our customers. CareerBuilder’s sources of revenue include various types of recruitment solutions which consist primarily of advertisements, access to CareerBuilder’s online resume database and software as a service (SaaS). Generally, advertising revenue is recognized once delivery has occurred, and revenue related to access to the online resume database and SaaS is recognized ratably over the subscription period. Contracts with customers range from one to three years. We are evaluating the impact, if any, of the new guidance on some of the features of CareerBuilder’s revenue streams, such as multi-year contracts and the combination of recruitment solutions. In January 2016, the FASB issued new guidance that amended several elements surrounding the recognition and measurement of financial instruments. Most notably for our company, the new guidance requires equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting, or those that result in consolidation) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. Under current GAAP, changes in fair value for our available for sale equity investment are recorded as unrealized gains or losses through other comprehensive income until such investment is sold. The new guidance is effective for public companies beginning in the first quarter of 2019 and will be adopted using a cumulative-effect adjustment. Early adoption is permitted. We recorded approximately $2.3 million and $2.0 million in unrealized losses on our available for sale investment in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Losses of this nature will be recorded within the Consolidated Statements of Income upon adoption of the guidance in the first quarter of 2019. In February 2016, the FASB issued new guidance related to leases which will require lessees to recognize assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for leases with lease terms of more than 12 months. Consistent with current GAAP, the recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee primarily will depend on its classification as a finance or operating lease. However, unlike current GAAP—which requires only capital leases to be recognized on the balance sheet—the new guidance will require both types of leases to be recognized on the balance sheet. The new guidance is effective for us beginning in the first quarter of 2019 and will be adopted using a modified retrospective approach. We are currently evaluating the effect it is expected to have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In June 2016, the FASB issued new guidance related to the measurement of credit losses on financial instruments. The new guidance changes the way credit losses on accounts receivable are estimated. Under current GAAP, credit losses on accounts receivable are recognized once it is probable that such losses will occur. Under the new guidance, we will be required to estimate credit losses based on the expected amount of future collections which may result in earlier recognition of allowance for doubtful accounts. The new guidance is effective for public companies beginning in the first quarter of 2020 and will be adopted using a modified retrospective approach. We are currently evaluating the effect this new guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance that eliminates the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill (i.e., Step 2 of today’s goodwill impairment test) to measure a goodwill impairment charge. Instead, companies will record an impairment charge based on the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value (i.e., measure the charge based on Step 1 of the impairment test). The guidance has tiered effective dates, starting in 2020. Early adoption is permitted for interim and annual goodwill impairment testing dates after January 1, 2017.

Strategic Actions

Strategic Actions	3 Months Ended
Strategic Actions	Mar. 31, 2017
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Strategic Actions	Strategic actions On September 7, 2016, we announced our intention to spin-off our Cars.com business unit, which is currently within our Digital Segment. Cars.com’s 2016 annual revenue was approximately $633 million and it has approximately 1,275 employees. The expected separation will be implemented through a tax-free distribution of shares in a new entity formed to hold the assets of Cars.com to our shareholders. While there can be no assurance regarding the ultimate timing of the proposed transaction or that it will be completed, we expect the spin-off to be effected through a pro rata distribution of all outstanding shares of Cars.com to TEGNA stockholders of record at the close of business on May 18, 2017 (the “Record Date”). Stockholders will retain their TEGNA shares and receive one share of Cars.com for every three shares of TEGNA stock they own on the Record Date. Cars.com shares are expected to begin “regular way” trading on June 1, 2017. The spin-off remains subject to the conditions described in the preliminary information statement filed by Cars.com on Form 10 with the SEC. While we perform the necessary steps to complete the spin-off, we will maintain the current operating and reporting structure and will continue to report the financial results of Cars.com in our continuing operations until the transaction is complete. On September 7, 2016, we also announced that we will conduct a strategic review of our 53% ownership interest in CareerBuilder. CareerBuilder’s 2016 annual revenue was approximately $714 million and it has approximately 3,300 employees. CareerBuilder’s operations are included within our Digital Segment. At this time, there can be no guarantee that any of the options under review will result in a transaction. While we perform our strategic review for CareerBuilder, we will maintain the current operating and reporting structure and will continue to report the financial results of CareerBuilder in our continuing operations.

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Mar. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and other intangible assets	Goodwill and other intangible assets The following table displays goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets, and amortizable intangible assets as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 (in thousands): Mar. 31, 2017 Dec. 31, 2016 Gross Accumulated Amortization Gross Accumulated Amortization Goodwill $ 4,070,039 $ — $ 4,067,529 $ — Indefinite-lived intangibles: Television station FCC licenses 1,191,950 — 1,191,950 — Trade names 925,171 — 925,171 — Amortizable intangible assets: Customer relationships 929,977 (229,544 ) 929,852 (210,691 ) Other 290,984 (123,890 ) 290,875 (113,725 ) Customer relationships, which include subscriber lists and advertiser relationships, are amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives. Other intangibles primarily include retransmission agreements, network affiliations, developed technology, and patents and are amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives. In September 2016, CareerBuilder acquired 75% of Employee Benefit Specialists, Inc. d/b/a WORKTERRA (Workterra), a cloud-based human capital management platform. In connection with our preliminary purchase accounting related to the Workterra acquisition, we recorded other intangible assets of $13.7 million , related to technology, and customer relationships which will be amortized over a weighted average period of 8 years . The areas of purchase price allocation that are not yet complete are related to the finalization of fair value of intangible assets and customer obligations acquired. The following table summarizes the changes in our net goodwill balance by segment from December 31, 2016 through March 31, 2017 (in thousands): Media Digital Total Balance at Dec. 31, 2016: Goodwill $ 2,579,418 $ 1,678,300 $ 4,257,718 Accumulated impairment losses — (190,189 ) (190,189 ) Net balance at Dec. 31, 2016 2,579,418 1,488,111 4,067,529 Activity during the period: Acquisitions — — — Impairment — — — Foreign currency exchange rate changes — 2,510 2,510 Total — 2,510 2,510 Balance at Mar. 31, 2017: Goodwill 2,579,418 1,680,810 4,260,228 Accumulated impairment losses — (190,189 ) (190,189 ) Net balance at Mar. 31, 2017 $ 2,579,418 $ 1,490,621 $ 4,070,039

Investments and Other Assets

Investments and Other Assets	3 Months Ended
Investments and Other Assets	Mar. 31, 2017
Investments, All Other Investments [Abstract]
Investments and other assets	assets Our investments and other assets consisted of the following as of March 31, 2017, and December 31, 2016 (in thousands): Mar. 31, 2017 Dec. 31, 2016 Cash value life insurance $ 63,889 $ 64,134 Deferred compensation investments 52,174 52,273 Equity method investments 19,111 19,970 Available for sale investment 14,451 16,744 Deferred debt issuance cost 8,917 9,856 Other long term assets 57,398 58,083 Total $ 215,940 $ 221,060 Deferred compensation investments : Employee compensation-related investments consist of debt and equity securities which are classified as trading securities and fund our deferred compensation plan liabilities. Equity method investments : Investments over which we have the ability to exercise significant influence but do not control, are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Significant influence typically exists when we own between 20% and 50% of the voting interests in a corporation, own more than a minimal investment in a limited liability company, or hold substantial management rights in the investee. Under this method of accounting, our share of the net earnings or losses of the investee is included in non-operating income on our Consolidated Statements of Income. We evaluate our equity method investments for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of such investments may be impaired. If a decline in the value of an equity method investment is determined to be other than temporary, a loss is recorded in earnings in the current period. Certain differences exist between our investment carrying value and the underlying equity of the investee companies, principally due to fair value measurement at the date of investment acquisition and due to impairment charges we recorded for certain investments. No impairments were recorded in the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016. Cost method investments : The carrying value of cost method investments as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, was $21.8 million , and is included within other long-term assets in the table above.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
Income Taxes	Mar. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income taxes	Income taxes The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate was approximately $10.1 million as of March 31, 2017, and $10.8 million as of December 31, 2016. The amount of accrued interest and penalties payable related to unrecognized tax benefits was $1.0 million as of March 31, 2017, and $1.5 million as of December 31, 2016. 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 approximately $1.0 million within the next 12 months primarily due to lapses of statutes of limitations and settlement of ongoing audits in various jurisdictions.

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	3 Months Ended
Long-Term Debt	Mar. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term debt	Long-term debt Our long-term debt is summarized below (in thousands): Mar. 31, 2017 Dec. 31, 2016 Unsecured floating rate term loan due quarterly through August 2018 $ 44,200 $ 52,100 VIE unsecured floating rate term loans due quarterly through December 2018 1,131 1,292 Unsecured floating rate term loan due quarterly through June 2020 130,000 140,000 Unsecured floating rate term loan due quarterly through September 2020 270,000 285,000 Borrowings under revolving credit agreement expiring June 2020 589,000 635,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 5.125% due October 2019 600,000 600,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 5.125% due July 2020 600,000 600,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 4.875% due September 2021 350,000 350,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 6.375% due October 2023 650,000 650,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 5.50% due September 2024 325,000 325,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 7.75% due June 2027 200,000 200,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 7.25% due September 2027 240,000 240,000 Total principal long-term debt 3,999,331 4,078,392 Debt issuance costs (26,260 ) (27,615 ) Other (fair market value adjustments and discounts) (6,583 ) (7,382 ) Total long-term debt 3,966,488 4,043,395 Less current portion of long-term debt maturities of VIE loans 646 646 Long-term debt, net of current portion $ 3,965,842 $ 4,042,749 As of March 31, 2017, we had unused borrowing capacity of $ 889.8 million under our revolving credit facility.

Retirement Plans

Retirement Plans	3 Months Ended
Retirement Plans	Mar. 31, 2017
Retirement Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Retirement plans	Retirement plans Our principal defined benefit pension plan is the TEGNA Retirement Plan (TRP). The disclosure table below includes the pension expenses of the TRP and the TEGNA Supplemental Retirement Plan (SERP). The total net pension obligations, both current and non-current liabilities, as of March 31, 2017, were $214.7 million . Our pension costs, which include costs for the qualified TRP plan and the nonqualified SERP plan, are presented in the following table (in thousands): Three months ended Mar. 31, 2017 2016 Service cost-benefits earned during the period $ 125 $ 250 Interest cost on benefit obligation 5,925 6,350 Expected return on plan assets (6,650 ) (6,750 ) Amortization of prior service cost 150 150 Amortization of actuarial loss 1,975 1,700 Expense for company-sponsored retirement plans $ 1,525 $ 1,700 The service cost component of our pension expense is recorded within the Cost of revenue and Selling, general, and administrative expense line items, both operating expenses, within the Consolidated Statements of Income. All other components of the pension expense are included within the Other non-operating items line item of the Consolidated Statements of Income. Based on our actuarial projections we anticipate making contributions of $22.3 million to the TRP in 2017, which will be made during the remainder of 2017. During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, we made $2.9 million and $2.4 million of benefit payments, respectively, to participants of the SERP.

Supplemental Equity Information

Supplemental Equity Information	3 Months Ended
Supplemental Equity Information	Mar. 31, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Supplemental equity information	Supplemental equity information The following table summarizes equity account activity for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands): TEGNA Inc. Shareholders’ Equity Noncontrolling Interests Total Equity Balance at Dec. 31, 2016 $ 2,271,418 $ 281,587 $ 2,553,005 Comprehensive income: Net income 57,714 6,185 63,899 Redeemable noncontrolling interests (income not available to shareholders) — (1,815 ) (1,815 ) Other comprehensive income 182 1,065 1,247 Total comprehensive income 57,896 5,435 63,331 Dividends declared (30,065 ) — (30,065 ) Stock-based compensation 5,103 — 5,103 Treasury shares acquired (7,252 ) — (7,252 ) Other activity, including shares withheld for employee taxes (7,963 ) (1,337 ) (9,300 ) Balance at Mar. 31, 2017 $ 2,289,137 $ 285,685 $ 2,574,822 Balance at Dec. 31, 2015 $ 2,191,971 $ 264,773 $ 2,456,744 Comprehensive income: Net income 85,444 10,492 95,936 Redeemable noncontrolling interests (income not available to shareholders) — (925 ) (925 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) (186 ) 566 380 Total comprehensive income 85,258 10,133 95,391 Dividends declared (30,524 ) — (30,524 ) Stock-based compensation 4,757 — 4,757 Treasury shares acquired (75,411 ) — (75,411 ) Other activity, including shares withheld for employee taxes and tax windfall benefits (18,470 ) (836 ) (19,306 ) Balance at Mar. 31, 2016 $ 2,157,581 $ 274,070 $ 2,431,651 CareerBuilder owns majority interests in Textkernel, a software company that provides semantic recruitment technology; Economic Modeling Specialists Intl., a software firm that specializes in employment data and labor market analytics; and Workterra, a cloud-based Human Capital Management platform. The minority shareholders of these acquired businesses hold put rights that permit them to put their equity interests to CareerBuilder. Since redemption of the noncontrolling interests is outside of our control, the minority shareholders ’ equity interest are presented on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets in the caption “Redeemable noncontrolling interests.” The following table summarizes the components of, and the changes in, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (AOCL), net of tax and noncontrolling interests for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands): Retirement Plans Foreign Currency Translation Other Total Quarters Ended: Balance at Dec. 31, 2016 $ (127,341 ) $ (28,560 ) $ (5,672 ) $ (161,573 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications — 1,197 (2,293 ) (1,096 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCL 1,278 — — 1,278 Other comprehensive income (loss) 1,278 1,197 (2,293 ) 182 Balance at Mar. 31, 2017 $ (126,063 ) $ (27,363 ) $ (7,965 ) $ (161,391 ) Balance at Dec. 31, 2015 $ (116,496 ) $ (20,129 ) $ 5,674 $ (130,951 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications — 635 (1,983 ) (1,348 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCL 1,162 — — 1,162 Other comprehensive income (loss) 1,162 635 (1,983 ) (186 ) Balance at Mar. 31, 2016 $ (115,334 ) $ (19,494 ) $ 3,691 $ (131,137 ) AOCL components are included in the computation of net periodic post-retirement costs discussion which include pension costs in Note 7 and our other post-retirement benefits (health care and life insurance). Reclassifications out of AOCL related to these post-retirement plans include the following (in thousands): Three months ended Mar. 31, 2017 2016 Amortization of prior service cost $ — $ 50 Amortization of actuarial loss 2,075 1,850 Total reclassifications, before tax 2,075 1,900 Income tax effect (797 ) (738 ) Total reclassifications, net of tax $ 1,278 $ 1,162

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
Earnings Per Share	Mar. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings per share	Earnings per share Our earnings per share (basic and diluted) are presented below (in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts): Three months ended Mar. 31, 2017 2016 Income from continuing operations attributable to TEGNA Inc. $ 57,714 $ 92,918 Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax — (7,474 ) Net income attributable to TEGNA Inc. $ 57,714 $ 85,444 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic 215,305 219,286 Effect of dilutive securities: Restricted stock units 992 1,295 Performance share units 541 1,673 Stock options 731 1,000 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted 217,569 223,254 Earnings from continuing operations per share - basic $ 0.27 $ 0.42 Loss from discontinued operations per share - basic — (0.03 ) Net income per share - basic $ 0.27 $ 0.39 Earnings from continuing operations per share - diluted $ 0.27 $ 0.42 Loss from discontinued operations per share - diluted — (0.04 ) Net income per share - diluted $ 0.27 $ 0.38 Our calculation of diluted earnings per share includes the dilutive effects for the assumed vesting of outstanding restricted stock units, performance share units, and exercises of outstanding stock options based on the treasury stock method. The diluted earnings per share amounts exclude the effects of approximately 100,000 and 20,000 stock awards for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, as their inclusion would be accretive to earnings per share.

Fair Value Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	3 Months Ended
Fair Value Measurement	Mar. 31, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value measurement	Fair value measurement We measure and record in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements certain assets and liabilities at fair value. U.S. GAAP establishes a hierarchy for those instruments measured at fair value that distinguishes between market data (observable inputs) and our own assumptions (unobservable inputs). The hierarchy consists of three levels: Level 1 - Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2 - Inputs other than Level 1 inputs that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3 - Unobservable inputs developed using our own estimates and assumptions, which reflect those that a market participant would use. The following table summarizes our assets and liabilities measured at fair value in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2017, and December 31, 2016 (in thousands): Fair Value Measurements as of Mar. 31, 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Deferred compensation investments $ 28,560 $ — $ — $ 28,560 Available for sale investment 14,451 — — 14,451 Total $ 43,011 $ — $ — $ 43,011 Deferred compensation investments valued using net asset value as a practical expedient: Interest in registered investment companies $ 10,016 Fixed income fund 13,598 Total investments at fair value $ 66,625 Fair Value Measurements as of Dec. 31, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Deferred compensation investments $ 28,558 $ — $ — $ 28,558 Available for sale investment 16,744 — — 16,744 Total $ 45,302 $ — $ — $ 45,302 Deferred compensation investments valued using net asset value as a practical expedient: Interest in registered investment companies $ 10,140 Fixed income fund 13,575 Total investments at fair value $ 69,017 Deferred compensation investments as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was $28.6 million , consisting of mutual funds which have publicly quoted prices and are, therefore, classified as Level 1 assets. The available for sale investment is our investment in shares of common stock of Gannett Co., Inc., which has been classified as a Level 1 asset as the shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Interest in registered investment companies are valued using the net asset values as quoted through publicly available pricing sources and investments are redeemable on request. These investments include one fund which invests in intermediate-term investment grade bonds and a fund which invests in equities listed predominantly on European and Asian exchanges. The fixed income fund is valued using the net asset value provided monthly by the fund company and shares are generally redeemable on request. There are no unfunded commitments to these investments as of March 31, 2017. In addition to the financial instruments listed in the table above, we hold other financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable and debt. The carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents, receivables and accounts payable approximated their fair values. The fair value of our total long-term debt, based on the bid and ask quotes for the related debt (Level 2), totaled $4.12 billion at March 31, 2017, and $4.19 billion at December 31, 2016.

Business Segment Information

Business Segment Information	3 Months Ended
Business Segment Information	Mar. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business segment information	Business segment information We classify our operations into two reportable segments: Media : consisting of our 46 television stations operating in 38 markets, offering high-quality television programming and digital content; and Digital : primarily consisting of our Cars.com and CareerBuilder business units which operate in the automotive and human capital solutions industries, respectively. Our reportable segments have been determined based on our management and internal reporting structure, the nature of products and services offered by the segments, and the financial information that is evaluated regularly by our chief operating decision maker. The Digital Segment and the digital revenues line exclude online/digital revenues generated by digital platforms that are associated with our Media Segment ’ s operating properties as such amounts are reflected in the Media Segment. Summary operating results for each of our business segments were as follows (in thousands): Three months ended Mar. 31, 2017 2016 Operating Revenues: Media $ 446,310 $ 443,829 Digital 332,161 337,903 Total $ 778,471 $ 781,732 Operating Income (net of depreciation, amortization, asset impairment and facility consolidation charges): Media (a) $ 139,624 $ 170,358 Digital 28,775 47,219 Corporate (a) (15,023 ) (14,208 ) Total $ 153,376 $ 203,369 Depreciation, amortization, asset impairment and facility consolidation charges: Media $ 20,000 $ 19,441 Digital 34,051 30,361 Corporate 237 721 Total $ 54,288 $ 50,523 Identifiable assets by segment: Mar. 31, 2017 Dec. 31, 2016 Media $ 4,760,976 $ 4,786,050 Digital 3,608,032 3,649,347 Corporate 96,003 107,328 Total $ 8,465,011 $ 8,542,725 (a) As disclosed in Note 1, in the first quarter of 2017 we adopted new accounting guidance that changed the classification of certain components of postretirement benefit expense. The service cost component of the postretirement benefit expense will continue to be presented as an operating expense while all other components of postretirement benefit expense will be presented as non-operating expense. The prior year period was adjusted to reflect the effects of applying the new guidance. This resulted in an increase to our Media and Corporate segments operating income in first quarter of 2016 of $1.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively.

Other Matters

Other Matters	3 Months Ended
Other Matters	Mar. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Other matters	Other matters Commitments, contingencies and other matters We, along with a number of our subsidiaries, are defendants in judicial and administrative proceedings involving matters incidental to our business. We do not believe that any material liability will be imposed as a result of these matters. Voluntary Retirement Program During the first quarter of 2016, we initiated a Voluntary Retirement Program (VRP) at our Media Segment. Under the VRP, Media employees meeting certain eligibility requirements were offered buyout payments in exchange for voluntarily retiring. Eligible non-union employees had until April 7, 2016, to retire under the plan. In 2016, based on acceptances received, we recorded $16.0 million of severance expense. Upon separation, employees accepting the VRP received salary continuation payments primarily based on years of service, the majority of which will occur evenly over the 12-month period following separation date. As of March 31, 2017, we had approximately $1.5 million of VRP buyout obligation remaining and we expect the majority of this severance obligation will be paid by the end of June 2017.

Basis of Presentation (Policies

Basis of Presentation (Policies)	3 Months Ended
Basis of Presentation (Policies)	Mar. 31, 2017
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of presentation	Basis of presentation: Our accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial reporting, the instructions for Form 10-Q and Article 10 of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Regulation S-K. Accordingly, they do not include all information and footnotes which are normally included in the Form 10-K and annual report to shareholders. In our opinion, the condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments of a normal recurring nature necessary for a fair presentation of results for the interim periods presented. The condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our (or TEGNA’s) audited consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.
Use of estimates	The preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Significant estimates include, but are not limited to, evaluation of goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment, fair value measurements, postretirement benefit plans, income taxes including deferred taxes, and contingencies.
Consolidation	The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of subsidiaries we control and variable interest entities (VIEs) if we are the primary beneficiary. We eliminate all intercompany balances, transactions, and profits in consolidation. Investments in entities over which we have significant influence, but do not have control, are accounted for under the equity method. Our share of net earnings and losses from these ventures is included in “Equity (loss) income in unconsolidated investments, net” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Recent accounting standards	Accounting guidance adopted in 2017: In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued new guidance that changes the presentation of net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit costs (postretirement benefit costs) in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Under this new guidance, the service cost component of the postretirement benefit expense will continue to be presented as an operating expense while all other components of postretirement benefit expense will be presented as non-operating expense. Previously, all components of postretirement benefit expense were presented as operating expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The FASB permits early adoption of this guidance, and we have elected to early adopt in the first quarter of 2017. We believe the new guidance provides enhanced financial reporting by limiting operating expense classification to the service cost component of postretirement benefit expense. Service cost is the component of the expense that relates to services provided by employees in the current period and thus better reflects the current continuing operating costs. Changes to the classification of Consolidated Statements of Income amounts resulting from the new guidance were made on a retrospective basis, wherein each period presented was adjusted to reflect the effects of applying the new guidance. We utilized amounts previously disclosed in our retirement plan footnote to retrospectively apply the guidance. Net income, earnings per share, and retained earnings were not impacted by the new standard. The following tables detail the impact of adopting the new standard on our Consolidated Statements of Income (in thousands): Three Months Ended Mar. 31, 2017 Three Months Ended Mar. 31, 2016 Previous Accounting Method As Currently Reported Effect of Accounting Change Previously Reported As Currently Reported Effect of Accounting Change Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation $ 296,509 $ 295,809 $ (700 ) $ 248,256 $ 247,531 $ (725 ) Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation 275,698 274,998 (700 ) 281,034 280,309 (725 ) Operating income 151,976 153,376 1,400 201,919 203,369 1,450 Other non-operating items (2,609 ) (4,009 ) (1,400 ) 2,379 929 (1,450 ) Total non-operating (expense) income $ (59,494 ) $ (60,894 ) $ (1,400 ) $ (56,401 ) $ (57,851 ) $ (1,450 ) New accounting pronouncements not yet adopted: In May 2014, the FASB issued new guidance related to revenue recognition. Under the new guidance, recognition of revenue occurs when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services in an amount that reflects the consideration which the entity expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. In addition, the guidance requires disclosure of the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. We will adopt the guidance beginning January 1, 2018. The two permitted transition methods are the full retrospective method, in which case the guidance would be applied to each prior reporting period presented and the cumulative effect of applying the guidance would be recognized at the earliest period shown; and the modified retrospective method, in which case the cumulative effect of applying the guidance would be recognized at the date of initial application. We plan to adopt the guidance using the modified retrospective method. While we continue to evaluate the full impact of the guidance, after our initial evaluation, we do not believe the guidance will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. We are in the process of evaluating the other requirements of the new standard, which may result in additional revenue related disclosures. Below is a summary of our evaluation by reportable segment: Media Segment : While our assessment is ongoing, we currently do not expect a material change to approximately 90% of Media Segment's revenue. Specifically, our television spot advertising contracts, which comprised approximately 60% of 2016 Media Segment revenue are short-term in nature with transaction price consideration agreed upon in advance. We expect revenue will continue to be recognized when commercials are aired. Further, we expect that revenue earned under retransmission agreements will be recognized under the licensing of intellectual property guidance in the standard, which will not have a material change to our current revenue recognition. Retransmission revenue comprised approximately 30% of 2016 Media Segment revenue. We continue to evaluate the impact to Media’s online digital and other services revenue. Digital Segment : Our Digital Segment is primarily comprised of our Cars.com and CareerBuilder business units. Cars.com’s primary source of revenue is through the sale of online subscription advertising products to car dealerships. We currently do not expect the guidance to have a material impact on this revenue stream, which will continue to be recognized on a straight-line basis over the contract term as the service is provided to our customers. CareerBuilder’s sources of revenue include various types of recruitment solutions which consist primarily of advertisements, access to CareerBuilder’s online resume database and software as a service (SaaS). Generally, advertising revenue is recognized once delivery has occurred, and revenue related to access to the online resume database and SaaS is recognized ratably over the subscription period. Contracts with customers range from one to three years. We are evaluating the impact, if any, of the new guidance on some of the features of CareerBuilder’s revenue streams, such as multi-year contracts and the combination of recruitment solutions. In January 2016, the FASB issued new guidance that amended several elements surrounding the recognition and measurement of financial instruments. Most notably for our company, the new guidance requires equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting, or those that result in consolidation) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. Under current GAAP, changes in fair value for our available for sale equity investment are recorded as unrealized gains or losses through other comprehensive income until such investment is sold. The new guidance is effective for public companies beginning in the first quarter of 2019 and will be adopted using a cumulative-effect adjustment. Early adoption is permitted. We recorded approximately $2.3 million and $2.0 million in unrealized losses on our available for sale investment in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Losses of this nature will be recorded within the Consolidated Statements of Income upon adoption of the guidance in the first quarter of 2019. In February 2016, the FASB issued new guidance related to leases which will require lessees to recognize assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for leases with lease terms of more than 12 months. Consistent with current GAAP, the recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee primarily will depend on its classification as a finance or operating lease. However, unlike current GAAP—which requires only capital leases to be recognized on the balance sheet—the new guidance will require both types of leases to be recognized on the balance sheet. The new guidance is effective for us beginning in the first quarter of 2019 and will be adopted using a modified retrospective approach. We are currently evaluating the effect it is expected to have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In June 2016, the FASB issued new guidance related to the measurement of credit losses on financial instruments. The new guidance changes the way credit losses on accounts receivable are estimated. Under current GAAP, credit losses on accounts receivable are recognized once it is probable that such losses will occur. Under the new guidance, we will be required to estimate credit losses based on the expected amount of future collections which may result in earlier recognition of allowance for doubtful accounts. The new guidance is effective for public companies beginning in the first quarter of 2020 and will be adopted using a modified retrospective approach. We are currently evaluating the effect this new guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance that eliminates the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill (i.e., Step 2 of today’s goodwill impairment test) to measure a goodwill impairment charge. Instead, companies will record an impairment charge based on the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value (i.e., measure the charge based on Step 1 of the impairment test). The guidance has tiered effective dates, starting in 2020. Early adoption is permitted for interim and annual goodwill impairment testing dates after January 1, 2017.

Basis of Presentation (Tables)

Basis of Presentation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Basis of Presentation (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2017
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption	The following tables detail the impact of adopting the new standard on our Consolidated Statements of Income (in thousands): Three Months Ended Mar. 31, 2017 Three Months Ended Mar. 31, 2016 Previous Accounting Method As Currently Reported Effect of Accounting Change Previously Reported As Currently Reported Effect of Accounting Change Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation $ 296,509 $ 295,809 $ (700 ) $ 248,256 $ 247,531 $ (725 ) Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation 275,698 274,998 (700 ) 281,034 280,309 (725 ) Operating income 151,976 153,376 1,400 201,919 203,369 1,450 Other non-operating items (2,609 ) (4,009 ) (1,400 ) 2,379 929 (1,450 ) Total non-operating (expense) income $ (59,494 ) $ (60,894 ) $ (1,400 ) $ (56,401 ) $ (57,851 ) $ (1,450 )

Goodwill and Other Intangible21

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill	The following table displays goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets, and amortizable intangible assets as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 (in thousands): Mar. 31, 2017 Dec. 31, 2016 Gross Accumulated Amortization Gross Accumulated Amortization Goodwill $ 4,070,039 $ — $ 4,067,529 $ — Indefinite-lived intangibles: Television station FCC licenses 1,191,950 — 1,191,950 — Trade names 925,171 — 925,171 — Amortizable intangible assets: Customer relationships 929,977 (229,544 ) 929,852 (210,691 ) Other 290,984 (123,890 ) 290,875 (113,725 )
Changes in the Company's Net Goodwill	The following table summarizes the changes in our net goodwill balance by segment from December 31, 2016 through March 31, 2017 (in thousands): Media Digital Total Balance at Dec. 31, 2016: Goodwill $ 2,579,418 $ 1,678,300 $ 4,257,718 Accumulated impairment losses — (190,189 ) (190,189 ) Net balance at Dec. 31, 2016 2,579,418 1,488,111 4,067,529 Activity during the period: Acquisitions — — — Impairment — — — Foreign currency exchange rate changes — 2,510 2,510 Total — 2,510 2,510 Balance at Mar. 31, 2017: Goodwill 2,579,418 1,680,810 4,260,228 Accumulated impairment losses — (190,189 ) (190,189 ) Net balance at Mar. 31, 2017 $ 2,579,418 $ 1,490,621 $ 4,070,039

Investments and Other Assets (T

Investments and Other Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Investments and Other Assets (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2017
Investments, All Other Investments [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Assets	Our investments and other assets consisted of the following as of March 31, 2017, and December 31, 2016 (in thousands): Mar. 31, 2017 Dec. 31, 2016 Cash value life insurance $ 63,889 $ 64,134 Deferred compensation investments 52,174 52,273 Equity method investments 19,111 19,970 Available for sale investment 14,451 16,744 Deferred debt issuance cost 8,917 9,856 Other long term assets 57,398 58,083 Total $ 215,940 $ 221,060

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Long-Term Debt (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary Long-term debt	Our long-term debt is summarized below (in thousands): Mar. 31, 2017 Dec. 31, 2016 Unsecured floating rate term loan due quarterly through August 2018 $ 44,200 $ 52,100 VIE unsecured floating rate term loans due quarterly through December 2018 1,131 1,292 Unsecured floating rate term loan due quarterly through June 2020 130,000 140,000 Unsecured floating rate term loan due quarterly through September 2020 270,000 285,000 Borrowings under revolving credit agreement expiring June 2020 589,000 635,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 5.125% due October 2019 600,000 600,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 5.125% due July 2020 600,000 600,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 4.875% due September 2021 350,000 350,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 6.375% due October 2023 650,000 650,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 5.50% due September 2024 325,000 325,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 7.75% due June 2027 200,000 200,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 7.25% due September 2027 240,000 240,000 Total principal long-term debt 3,999,331 4,078,392 Debt issuance costs (26,260 ) (27,615 ) Other (fair market value adjustments and discounts) (6,583 ) (7,382 ) Total long-term debt 3,966,488 4,043,395 Less current portion of long-term debt maturities of VIE loans 646 646 Long-term debt, net of current portion $ 3,965,842 $ 4,042,749

Retirement Plans (Tables)

Retirement Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Retirement Plans (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2017
Retirement Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefit costs	Our pension costs, which include costs for the qualified TRP plan and the nonqualified SERP plan, are presented in the following table (in thousands): Three months ended Mar. 31, 2017 2016 Service cost-benefits earned during the period $ 125 $ 250 Interest cost on benefit obligation 5,925 6,350 Expected return on plan assets (6,650 ) (6,750 ) Amortization of prior service cost 150 150 Amortization of actuarial loss 1,975 1,700 Expense for company-sponsored retirement plans $ 1,525 $ 1,700

Supplemental Equity Informati25

Supplemental Equity Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Supplemental Equity Information (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Equity	The following table summarizes equity account activity for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands): TEGNA Inc. Shareholders’ Equity Noncontrolling Interests Total Equity Balance at Dec. 31, 2016 $ 2,271,418 $ 281,587 $ 2,553,005 Comprehensive income: Net income 57,714 6,185 63,899 Redeemable noncontrolling interests (income not available to shareholders) — (1,815 ) (1,815 ) Other comprehensive income 182 1,065 1,247 Total comprehensive income 57,896 5,435 63,331 Dividends declared (30,065 ) — (30,065 ) Stock-based compensation 5,103 — 5,103 Treasury shares acquired (7,252 ) — (7,252 ) Other activity, including shares withheld for employee taxes (7,963 ) (1,337 ) (9,300 ) Balance at Mar. 31, 2017 $ 2,289,137 $ 285,685 $ 2,574,822 Balance at Dec. 31, 2015 $ 2,191,971 $ 264,773 $ 2,456,744 Comprehensive income: Net income 85,444 10,492 95,936 Redeemable noncontrolling interests (income not available to shareholders) — (925 ) (925 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) (186 ) 566 380 Total comprehensive income 85,258 10,133 95,391 Dividends declared (30,524 ) — (30,524 ) Stock-based compensation 4,757 — 4,757 Treasury shares acquired (75,411 ) — (75,411 ) Other activity, including shares withheld for employee taxes and tax windfall benefits (18,470 ) (836 ) (19,306 ) Balance at Mar. 31, 2016 $ 2,157,581 $ 274,070 $ 2,431,651
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The following table summarizes the components of, and the changes in, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (AOCL), net of tax and noncontrolling interests for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands): Retirement Plans Foreign Currency Translation Other Total Quarters Ended: Balance at Dec. 31, 2016 $ (127,341 ) $ (28,560 ) $ (5,672 ) $ (161,573 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications — 1,197 (2,293 ) (1,096 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCL 1,278 — — 1,278 Other comprehensive income (loss) 1,278 1,197 (2,293 ) 182 Balance at Mar. 31, 2017 $ (126,063 ) $ (27,363 ) $ (7,965 ) $ (161,391 ) Balance at Dec. 31, 2015 $ (116,496 ) $ (20,129 ) $ 5,674 $ (130,951 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications — 635 (1,983 ) (1,348 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCL 1,162 — — 1,162 Other comprehensive income (loss) 1,162 635 (1,983 ) (186 ) Balance at Mar. 31, 2016 $ (115,334 ) $ (19,494 ) $ 3,691 $ (131,137 )
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Reclassifications out of AOCL related to these post-retirement plans include the following (in thousands): Three months ended Mar. 31, 2017 2016 Amortization of prior service cost $ — $ 50 Amortization of actuarial loss 2,075 1,850 Total reclassifications, before tax 2,075 1,900 Income tax effect (797 ) (738 ) Total reclassifications, net of tax $ 1,278 $ 1,162

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Earnings Per Share (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	Our earnings per share (basic and diluted) are presented below (in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts): Three months ended Mar. 31, 2017 2016 Income from continuing operations attributable to TEGNA Inc. $ 57,714 $ 92,918 Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax — (7,474 ) Net income attributable to TEGNA Inc. $ 57,714 $ 85,444 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic 215,305 219,286 Effect of dilutive securities: Restricted stock units 992 1,295 Performance share units 541 1,673 Stock options 731 1,000 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted 217,569 223,254 Earnings from continuing operations per share - basic $ 0.27 $ 0.42 Loss from discontinued operations per share - basic — (0.03 ) Net income per share - basic $ 0.27 $ 0.39 Earnings from continuing operations per share - diluted $ 0.27 $ 0.42 Loss from discontinued operations per share - diluted — (0.04 ) Net income per share - diluted $ 0.27 $ 0.38

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value	The following table summarizes our assets and liabilities measured at fair value in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2017, and December 31, 2016 (in thousands): Fair Value Measurements as of Mar. 31, 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Deferred compensation investments $ 28,560 $ — $ — $ 28,560 Available for sale investment 14,451 — — 14,451 Total $ 43,011 $ — $ — $ 43,011 Deferred compensation investments valued using net asset value as a practical expedient: Interest in registered investment companies $ 10,016 Fixed income fund 13,598 Total investments at fair value $ 66,625 Fair Value Measurements as of Dec. 31, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Deferred compensation investments $ 28,558 $ — $ — $ 28,558 Available for sale investment 16,744 — — 16,744 Total $ 45,302 $ — $ — $ 45,302 Deferred compensation investments valued using net asset value as a practical expedient: Interest in registered investment companies $ 10,140 Fixed income fund 13,575 Total investments at fair value $ 69,017

Business Segment Information (T

Business Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Business Segment Information (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business Segment Information	Summary operating results for each of our business segments were as follows (in thousands): Three months ended Mar. 31, 2017 2016 Operating Revenues: Media $ 446,310 $ 443,829 Digital 332,161 337,903 Total $ 778,471 $ 781,732 Operating Income (net of depreciation, amortization, asset impairment and facility consolidation charges): Media (a) $ 139,624 $ 170,358 Digital 28,775 47,219 Corporate (a) (15,023 ) (14,208 ) Total $ 153,376 $ 203,369 Depreciation, amortization, asset impairment and facility consolidation charges: Media $ 20,000 $ 19,441 Digital 34,051 30,361 Corporate 237 721 Total $ 54,288 $ 50,523 Identifiable assets by segment: Mar. 31, 2017 Dec. 31, 2016 Media $ 4,760,976 $ 4,786,050 Digital 3,608,032 3,649,347 Corporate 96,003 107,328 Total $ 8,465,011 $ 8,542,725 (a) As disclosed in Note 1, in the first quarter of 2017 we adopted new accounting guidance that changed the classification of certain components of postretirement benefit expense. The service cost component of the postretirement benefit expense will continue to be presented as an operating expense while all other components of postretirement benefit expense will be presented as non-operating expense. The prior year period was adjusted to reflect the effects of applying the new guidance. This resulted in an increase to our Media and Corporate segments operating income in first quarter of 2016 of $1.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively.

Basis of Presentation - Narrati

Basis of Presentation - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Unrealized losses on available for sales investments recognized in comprehensive income	$ 2.3	$ 2
Revenue \| Media
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Percentage of revenue not expected to have material change			90.00%
Television Advertising Revenue \| Revenue \| Media
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk (as a percent)			60.00%
Retransmission Revenue \| Revenue \| Media
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk (as a percent)			30.00%

Basis of Presentation - Early A

Basis of Presentation - Early Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items]
Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation	$ 295,809	$ 247,531
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation	274,998	280,309
Operating income	153,376	203,369
Other non-operating items	(4,009)	929
Total non-operating (expense) income	(60,894)	(57,851)
Previous Accounting Method \| Accounting Standards Update 2017-06
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items]
Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation	296,509	248,256
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation	275,698	281,034
Operating income	151,976	201,919
Other non-operating items	(2,609)	2,379
Total non-operating (expense) income	(59,494)	(56,401)
Effect of Accounting Change \| Accounting Standards Update 2017-06
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items]
Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation	(700)	(725)
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation	(700)	(725)
Operating income	1,400	1,450
Other non-operating items	(1,400)	(1,450)
Total non-operating (expense) income	$ (1,400)	$ (1,450)

Strategic Actions - Narrative (

Strategic Actions - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
Strategic Actions - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 07, 2016employee
Strategic Actions [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 778,471	$ 781,732
Operating Segments \| Digital
Strategic Actions [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 332,161	$ 337,903
Operating Segments \| Digital \| Cars.com
Strategic Actions [Line Items]
Revenue			$ 633,000
Number of employees \| employee				1,275
Operating Segments \| Digital \| CareerBuilder
Strategic Actions [Line Items]
Revenue			$ 714,000
Number of employees \| employee				3,300
Ownership interest (as a percent)				53.00%

Goodwill and Other Intangible32

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 4,070,039	$ 4,067,529
Goodwill, Accumulated Amortization	0	0
Customer relationships
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets	929,977	929,852
Amortizable intangible assets, accumulated amortization	(229,544)	(210,691)
Other
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets	290,984	290,875
Amortizable intangible assets, accumulated amortization	(123,890)	(113,725)
Television station FCC licenses
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangibles	1,191,950	1,191,950
Indefinite-lived intangibles (including goodwill), accumulated amortization	0	0
Trade names
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangibles	925,171	925,171
Indefinite-lived intangibles (including goodwill), accumulated amortization	$ 0	$ 0

Goodwill and Other Intangible33

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Goodwill Rollforward (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)
Changes in the Company's net goodwill
Goodwill before accumulated impairment losses beginning balance	$ 4,067,529
Accumulated impairment losses beginning balance	0
Ending balance	4,067,529
Activity during the period:
Goodwill before accumulated impairment losses ending balance	4,070,039
Accumulated impairment losses ending balance	0
Ending balance	4,070,039
Operating Segments
Changes in the Company's net goodwill
Goodwill before accumulated impairment losses beginning balance	4,257,718
Accumulated impairment losses beginning balance	(190,189)
Ending balance	4,067,529
Activity during the period:
Acquisitions	0
Impairment	0
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	2,510
Total	2,510
Goodwill before accumulated impairment losses ending balance	4,260,228
Accumulated impairment losses ending balance	(190,189)
Ending balance	4,070,039
Operating Segments \| Media
Changes in the Company's net goodwill
Goodwill before accumulated impairment losses beginning balance	2,579,418
Accumulated impairment losses beginning balance	0
Ending balance	2,579,418
Activity during the period:
Acquisitions	0
Impairment	0
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	0
Total	0
Goodwill before accumulated impairment losses ending balance	2,579,418
Accumulated impairment losses ending balance	0
Ending balance	2,579,418
Operating Segments \| Digital
Changes in the Company's net goodwill
Goodwill before accumulated impairment losses beginning balance	1,678,300
Accumulated impairment losses beginning balance	(190,189)
Ending balance	1,488,111
Activity during the period:
Acquisitions	0
Impairment	0
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	2,510
Total	2,510
Goodwill before accumulated impairment losses ending balance	1,680,810
Accumulated impairment losses ending balance	(190,189)
Ending balance	$ 1,490,621

Goodwill and Other Intangible34

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Narrative (Details) - Workterra LLC $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average amortization period	8 years
CareerBuilder
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Percentage of voting interests acquired	75.00%
Other
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired	$ 13.7

Investments and Other Assets -

Investments and Other Assets - Components of Investments and Other Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Investments, All Other Investments [Abstract]
Cash value life insurance	$ 63,889	$ 64,134
Deferred compensation investments	52,174	52,273
Equity method investments	19,111	19,970
Available for sale investment	14,451	16,744
Deferred debt issuance cost	8,917	9,856
Other long term assets	57,398	58,083
Total	$ 215,940	$ 221,060

Investments and Other Assets 36

Investments and Other Assets - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Investments, All Other Investments [Abstract]
Impairment of equity method investments	$ 0	$ 0
Other long term assets
Schedule of Cost-method Investments [Line Items]
Cost method investments	$ 21,800,000		$ 21,800,000

Income Taxes - Narrative (Detai

Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Taxes (Textual) [Abstract]
Unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact effective tax rate	$ 10.1	$ 10.8
Accrued interest and penalties payable related to unrecognized tax benefits	1	$ 1.5
Estimated decrease in gross unrecognized tax positions within the next 12 months, maximum	$ 1

Long-Term Debt (Details)

Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total principal long-term debt	$ 3,999,331	$ 4,078,392
Debt issuance costs	(26,260)	(27,615)
Other (fair market value adjustments and discounts)	(6,583)	(7,382)
Total long-term debt	3,966,488	4,043,395
Less current portion of long-term debt maturities of VIE loans	646	646
Long-term debt, net of current portion	3,965,842	4,042,749
Unsecured floating rate term loan due quarterly through August 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal long-term debt	44,200	52,100
VIE unsecured floating rate term loans due quarterly through December 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal long-term debt	1,131	1,292
Unsecured floating rate term loan due quarterly through June 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal long-term debt	130,000	140,000
Unsecured floating rate term loan due quarterly through September 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal long-term debt	270,000	285,000
Borrowings under revolving credit agreement expiring June 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal long-term debt	589,000	635,000
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 5.125% due October 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal long-term debt	$ 600,000	600,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	5.125%
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 5.125% due July 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal long-term debt	$ 600,000	600,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	5.125%
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 4.875% due September 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal long-term debt	$ 350,000	350,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	4.875%
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 6.375% due October 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal long-term debt	$ 650,000	650,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	6.375%
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 5.50% due September 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal long-term debt	$ 325,000	325,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	5.50%
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 7.75% due June 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal long-term debt	$ 200,000	200,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	7.75%
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 7.25% due September 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal long-term debt	$ 240,000	$ 240,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	7.25%
Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Remaining borrowing capacity	$ 889,800

Retirement Plans (Details)

Retirement Plans (Details) - Retirement Plans - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Company's pension costs
Service cost-benefits earned during the period	$ 125	$ 250
Interest cost on benefit obligation	5,925	6,350
Expected return on plan assets	(6,650)	(6,750)
Amortization of prior service cost	150	150
Amortization of actuarial loss	1,975	1,700
Expense for company-sponsored retirement plans	$ 1,525	$ 1,700

Retirement Plans - Narrative (D

Retirement Plans - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Retirement Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net pension plan obligation	$ 214.7
Expected contributions to TRP in current fiscal year	22.3
SERP
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Contributions to plan	$ 2.9	$ 2.4

Supplemental Equity Informati41

Supplemental Equity Information - Equity Rollforward (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 2,553,005	$ 2,456,744
Comprehensive income:
Net income	63,899	95,936
Redeemable noncontrolling interests (income not available to shareholders)	(1,815)	(925)
Other comprehensive income	1,247	380
Comprehensive income	63,331	95,391
Dividends declared	(30,065)	(30,524)
Stock-based compensation	5,103	4,757
Treasury shares acquired	(7,252)	(75,411)
Other activity, including shares withheld for employee taxes and tax windfall benefits	(9,300)	(19,306)
Ending Balance	2,574,822	2,431,651
TEGNA Inc. Shareholders' Equity
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	2,271,418	2,191,971
Comprehensive income:
Net income	57,714	85,444
Redeemable noncontrolling interests (income not available to shareholders)	0	0
Other comprehensive income	182	(186)
Comprehensive income	57,896	85,258
Dividends declared	(30,065)	(30,524)
Stock-based compensation	5,103	4,757
Treasury shares acquired	(7,252)	(75,411)
Other activity, including shares withheld for employee taxes and tax windfall benefits	(7,963)	(18,470)
Ending Balance	2,289,137	2,157,581
Noncontrolling Interests
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	281,587	264,773
Comprehensive income:
Net income	6,185	10,492
Redeemable noncontrolling interests (income not available to shareholders)	(1,815)	(925)
Other comprehensive income	1,065	566
Comprehensive income	5,435	10,133
Dividends declared	0	0
Stock-based compensation	0	0
Treasury shares acquired	0	0
Other activity, including shares withheld for employee taxes and tax windfall benefits	(1,337)	(836)
Ending Balance	$ 285,685	$ 274,070

Supplemental Equity Informati42

Supplemental Equity Information - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 2,553,005	$ 2,456,744
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	1,247	380
Ending Balance	2,574,822	2,431,651
Retirement Plans
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(127,341)	(116,496)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	0	0
Amounts reclassified from AOCL	1,278	1,162
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	1,278	1,162
Ending Balance	(126,063)	(115,334)
Foreign Currency Translation
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(28,560)	(20,129)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	1,197	635
Amounts reclassified from AOCL	0	0
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	1,197	635
Ending Balance	(27,363)	(19,494)
Other
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(5,672)	5,674
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(2,293)	(1,983)
Amounts reclassified from AOCL	0	0
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	(2,293)	(1,983)
Ending Balance	(7,965)	3,691
Total
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(161,573)	(130,951)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(1,096)	(1,348)
Amounts reclassified from AOCL	1,278	1,162
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	182	(186)
Ending Balance	$ (161,391)	$ (131,137)

Supplemental Equity Informati43

Supplemental Equity Information - Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Prior Service Attributable to Parent [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total reclassifications, before tax	$ 0	$ 50
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Gain (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total reclassifications, before tax	2,075	1,850
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total reclassifications, before tax	2,075	1,900
Income tax effect	(797)	(738)
Total reclassifications, net of tax	$ 1,278	$ 1,162

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Income from continuing operations attributable to TEGNA Inc.	$ 57,714	$ 92,918
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	(7,474)
Net income attributable to TEGNA Inc.	$ 57,714	$ 85,444
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic	215,305	219,286
Effect of dilutive securities:
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted	217,569	223,254
Earnings from continuing operations per share - basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.27	$ 0.42
Loss from discontinued operations per share - basic (in dollars per share)	0	(0.03)
Net income per share – basic (In dollars per share)	0.27	0.39
Earnings from continuing operations per share - diluted (in dollars per share)	0.27	0.42
Loss from discontinued operations per share - diluted (in dollars per share)	0	(0.04)
Net income per share – diluted (In dollars per share)	$ 0.27	$ 0.38
Restricted stock units
Effect of dilutive securities:
Dilutive securities (in shares)	992	1,295
Performance share units
Effect of dilutive securities:
Dilutive securities (in shares)	541	1,673
Stock options
Effect of dilutive securities:
Dilutive securities (in shares)	731	1,000

Earnings Per Share - Narrative

Earnings Per Share - Narrative (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Anti-dilutive stock options outstanding excluded from diluted earnings per share (in shares)	100,000	20,000

Fair Value Measurement (Details

Fair Value Measurement (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value
Total	$ 43,011	$ 45,302
Total investments at fair value	66,625	69,017
Level 1
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value
Total	43,011	45,302
Level 2
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value
Total	0	0
Level 3
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value
Total	0	0
Interest in registered investment companies
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value
Deferred compensation investments valued using net asset value as a practical expedient:	10,016	10,140
Fixed income fund
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value
Deferred compensation investments valued using net asset value as a practical expedient:	13,598	13,575
Deferred compensation investments
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value
Total	28,560	28,558
Deferred compensation investments \| Level 1
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value
Total	28,560	28,558
Deferred compensation investments \| Level 2
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value
Total	0	0
Deferred compensation investments \| Level 3
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value
Total	0	0
Available for sale investment
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value
Total	14,451	16,744
Available for sale investment \| Level 1
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value
Total	14,451	16,744
Available for sale investment \| Level 2
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value
Total	0	0
Available for sale investment \| Level 3
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value
Total	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value Measurement - Narrat

Fair Value Measurement - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation investments	$ 28.6	$ 28.6
Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of total long-term debt	$ 4,120	$ 4,190

Business Segment Information (D

Business Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues	$ 778,471	$ 781,732
Operating Income (net of depreciation, amortization, asset impairment and facility consolidation charges)	153,376	203,369
Depreciation, amortization, asset impairment and facility consolidation charges	54,288	50,523
Identifiable assets	8,465,011		$ 8,542,725
Continuing Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Identifiable assets	8,465,011		8,542,725
Operating Segments \| Media
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues	446,310	443,829
Operating Income (net of depreciation, amortization, asset impairment and facility consolidation charges)	139,624	170,358
Depreciation, amortization, asset impairment and facility consolidation charges	20,000	19,441
Operating Segments \| Media \| Continuing Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Identifiable assets	4,760,976		4,786,050
Operating Segments \| Digital
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues	332,161	337,903
Operating Income (net of depreciation, amortization, asset impairment and facility consolidation charges)	28,775	47,219
Depreciation, amortization, asset impairment and facility consolidation charges	34,051	30,361
Operating Segments \| Digital \| Continuing Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Identifiable assets	3,608,032		3,649,347
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (net of depreciation, amortization, asset impairment and facility consolidation charges)	(15,023)	(14,208)
Depreciation, amortization, asset impairment and facility consolidation charges	237	$ 721
Corporate \| Continuing Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Identifiable assets	$ 96,003		$ 107,328

Business Segment Information -

Business Segment Information - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)segmentmarketstation	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of operating segments \| segment	2
Operating income	$ 153,376	$ 203,369
Media
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of television stations \| station	46
Number of markets In which entity operates \| market	38
Operating Segments \| Media
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	$ 139,624	170,358
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	(15,023)	(14,208)
Accounting Standards Update 2017-06 \| Effect of Accounting Change
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	$ 1,400	1,450
Accounting Standards Update 2017-06 \| Effect of Accounting Change \| Operating Segments \| Media
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income		1,100
Accounting Standards Update 2017-06 \| Effect of Accounting Change \| Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income		$ 400

Other Matters - Narrative (Deta

Other Matters - Narrative (Details) - Voluntary Retirement Program (VRP) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Accrued separation liability		$ 1.5
Severance
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 16