Lee Enterprises (LEE) 10-Q 7 Feb 20 2020 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2019	Jan. 31, 2020
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	LEE ENTERPRISES, INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000058361
Trading Symbol	lee
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-27
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)		58,136,424
Entity Shell Company	false
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Dec. 29, 2019
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, par value $.01 per share
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Cu

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited - USD ($)	Dec. 29, 2019	Sep. 29, 2019
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 4,468,000	$ 8,645,000
Accounts receivable and contract assets, net	50,650,000	42,536,000
Inventories	3,373,000	3,769,000
Prepaids and other	4,659,000	5,353,000
Total current assets	63,150,000	60,303,000
Investments:
Associated companies	29,573,000	28,742,000
Other	10,847,000	10,684,000
Total investments	40,420,000	39,426,000
Property and equipment:
Land and improvements	17,028,000	16,979,000
Buildings and improvements	148,690,000	148,514,000
Equipment	230,561,000	237,289,000
Construction in process	3,432,000	1,980,000
	399,711,000	404,762,000
Less accumulated depreciation	318,598,000	322,723,000
Property and equipment, net	81,113,000	82,039,000
Operating lease right-of-use assets	10,125,000
Goodwill	250,309,000	250,309,000
Other intangible assets, net	104,395,000	107,393,000
Medical plan assets, net	14,791,000	14,338,000
Other	1,427,000	1,394,000
Total assets	565,730,000	555,202,000
Current liabilities:
Current portion of lease liabilities	2,341,000
Current maturities of long-term debt	1,892,000	2,954,000
Accounts payable	14,132,000	16,750,000
Compensation and other accrued liabilities	15,422,000	17,711,000
Accrued interest	10,395,000	1,903,000
Unearned revenue	22,966,000	21,720,000
Total current liabilities	67,148,000	61,038,000
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	421,248,000	429,391,000
Operating lease liabilities	7,787,000
Pension obligations	46,311,000	47,037,000
Postretirement and postemployment benefit obligations	2,569,000	2,550,000
Deferred income taxes	21,614,000	29,806,000
Income taxes payable	17,299,000	8,742,000
Warrants and other	12,724,000	13,469,000
Total liabilities	596,700,000	592,033,000
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Serial convertible preferred stock, no par value; authorized 500 shares; none issued
Additional paid-in capital	255,642,000	255,476,000
Accumulated deficit	(260,103,000)	(265,423,000)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(28,797,000)	(29,114,000)
Total stockholders' deficit	(32,677,000)	(38,484,000)
Non-controlling interests	1,707,000	1,653,000
Total deficit	(30,970,000)	(36,831,000)
Total liabilities and deficit	565,730,000	555,202,000
Common Class A [Member]
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Common Stock	581,000	577,000
Common Class B [Member]
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Common Stock

Consolidated Balance Sheets (_2

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited (Parentheticals) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	Dec. 29, 2019	Sep. 29, 2019
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 0
Preferred stock, shares authoritzed (in shares)	500	500
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Common Class A [Member]
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	120,000	120,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	58,136	57,646
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	58,136	57,646
Common Class B [Member]
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 2	$ 2
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	30,000	30,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018
Operating revenue:
Operating revenue	$ 122,343,000	$ 136,201,000
Operating expenses:
Compensation	43,243,000	47,038,000
Newsprint and ink	4,736,000	6,339,000
Other operating expenses	48,462,000	49,743,000
Depreciation and amortization	6,719,000	7,529,000
Assets loss (gain) on sales, impairments and other, net	814,000	(100,000)
Restructuring costs and other	1,632,000	62,000
Total operating expenses	105,606,000	110,611,000
Equity in earnings of associated companies	1,569,000	2,129,000
Operating income	18,306,000	27,719,000
Non-operating income (expense):
Interest expense	(11,115,000)	(12,256,000)
Debt financing and administrative costs	(1,196,000)	(896,000)
Other, net	1,593,000	665,000
Total non-operating expense, net	(10,718,000)	(12,487,000)
Income before income taxes	7,588,000	15,232,000
Income tax expense	1,871,000	4,513,000
Net income	5,717,000	10,719,000
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests	(397,000)	(358,000)
Income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated	5,320,000	10,361,000
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	317,000	(122,000)
Comprehensive income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated	$ 5,637,000	$ 10,239,000
Earnings per common share:
Basic: (in dollars per share)	$ 0.09	$ 0.19
Diluted: (in dollars per share)	$ 0.09	$ 0.18
Advertising and Marketing Services [Member]
Operating revenue:
Operating revenue	$ 65,727,000	$ 75,962,000
Subscription and Circulation [Member]
Operating revenue:
Operating revenue	41,694,000	46,268,000
Product and Service, Other [Member]
Operating revenue:
Operating revenue	$ 14,922,000	$ 13,971,000

Consolidated Statements of Stoc

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Retained Earnings [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]	Total
Balance at Sep. 30, 2018	$ (279,691)	$ 572	$ 253,511	$ (11,746)	$ (37,354)
Shares issued (redeemed)		5	(453)		(448)
Income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated	10,361				10,361
Stock compensation			385		385
Other comprehensive loss				(163)	(163)
Deferred income taxes, net				41	41
Balance at Dec. 30, 2018	(269,330)	577	253,443	(11,868)	(27,178)
Balance at Sep. 29, 2019	(265,423)	577	255,476	(29,114)	(38,484)
Shares issued (redeemed)		4	(379)		(375)
Income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated	5,320				5,320
Stock compensation			545		545
Other comprehensive loss				452	452
Deferred income taxes, net				(135)	(135)
Balance at Dec. 29, 2019	$ (260,103)	$ 581	$ 255,642	$ (28,797)	$ (32,677)

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018
Cash provided by (required for) operating activities:
Net income	$ 5,717	$ 10,719
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	6,719	7,529
Stock compensation expense	302	464
Distributions greater (less) than earnings of MNI	(658)	51
Deferred income taxes	(8,328)	204
Debt financing and administrative costs	1,196	896
Pension contributions		(650)
Other, net	713	(468)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Increase in receivables and contract assets	(8,137)	(7,479)
Decrease in inventories and other	280	318
Increase in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	4,016	4,088
Decrease in pension and other postretirement and postemployment benefit obligations	(709)	(741)
Change in income taxes payable	10,189	4,287
Other, including warrants	(939)	189
Net cash provided by operating activities	10,361	19,407
Cash required for investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	(2,458)	(1,002)
Proceeds from sales of assets	12	585
Acquisitions	(1,121)
Distributions less than earnings of TNI	(173)	(881)
Other, net		(97)
Net cash required for investing activities	(3,740)	(1,395)
Cash required for financing activities:
Payments on long-term debt	10,233	7,027
Debt financing and administrative costs paid	(193)	(8)
Common stock transactions, net	(372)	(448)
Net cash required for financing activities	(10,798)	(7,483)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(4,177)	10,529
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period	8,645	5,380
End of period	$ 4,468	$ 15,909

Note 1 - Basis of Presentation

Note 1 - Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	1 BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited, interim, Consolidated Financial Statements included herein have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission for quarterly reports. In the opinion of management, these financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring items) necessary to present fairly the financial position of Lee Enterprises, Incorporated and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 29, 2019 2019 10 Because of seasonal and other factors, the results of operations for the 13 December 29, 2019 not References to “we”, “our”, “us” and the like throughout the Consolidated Financial Statements refer to the Company. References to “2020”, “2019” September. The Consolidated Financial Statements include our accounts and those of our subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned, except for our 82.5% 50% 50% Investments in TNI and MNI are accounted for using the equity method and are reported at cost, plus our share of undistributed earnings since acquisition less, for TNI, amortization of intangible assets. Subsequent Events Purchase Agreement with Berkshire Hathaway On January 29, 2020, $130,000,000, $10,000,000 The Company expects that the $140,000,000 Since July 2, 2018, June 26, 2018 ( 30 49 32 Consummation of the Transactions is subject to certain closing conditions, including the closing of the refinancing of the Company’s existing credit facilities under the Credit Agreement, as described below (“Debt Financing”), the execution and delivery of specified ancillary agreements, including a 10 March 16, 2020, no may not April 30, 2020. Management Agreement with BH Media Group In connection with the Transactions, the Management Agreement will terminate at the closing of the Transactions. Amounts due under the Management Agreement will be credited to the purchase price of the Transactions. We expect the credits to total approximately $5,425,000, $4,180,000 Debt Financing In connection with the Purchase Agreement, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement dated as of January 29, 2020, 25 $576,000,000, 9.00%, June 28, 2020, may second The Credit Agreement also contains certain customary representations and warranties, certain affirmative and negative covenants and certain conditions, including restrictions on incurring additional indebtedness, creating certain liens, making certain investments or acquisitions, issuing dividends, repurchasing shares of stock of the Company and certain other capital transactions. Certain existing and future direct and indirect material domestic subsidiaries of the Company are guarantors of the Company’s obligations under the Credit Agreement. Lease Agreement In connection with the Purchase Agreement, the Company will enter into a 10 $8,000,000, 8.00% Use of Estimates The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We evaluate these estimates and judgments on an ongoing basis. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not may Recently Issued Accounting Standards - Standards Adopted in 2020 In February 2016, 842 842" September 30, 2019, first 2020. We elected the package of practical expedients which permits the Company to not not twelve 842. not 6. Recently Issued Accounting Standards - Standards Not In June 2016, September 30, 2020

Note 2 - Revenue

Note 2 - Revenue	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block]	2 REVENUE The following table presents our revenue disaggregated by source: 13 Weeks Ended December 29, December 30, (Thousands of Dollars) 2019 2018 Advertising and marketing services revenue 65,727 75,962 Subscription Revenue 41,694 46,268 TownNews and other digital services revenue 5,218 4,677 Other revenue 9,704 9,294 Total operating revenue 122,343 136,201 Recognition principles: Arrangements with multiple performance obligations: Contract Assets and Liabilities: twelve 22,966,000 December 29, 2019 21,720,000 September 29, 2019. 13 December 29, 2019 September 29, 2019 $13,399,000. Contract asset balances relate to our Management Agreement revenue and were $ 3,589,000 as of December 29, 2019 and $ 1,107,000 as of September 29, 2019 no 53,481,000 47,863,000 December 29, 2019 September 29, 2019, 6,420,000 6,434,000 December 29, 2019 September 29, 2019, Practical expedients: one one

Note 3 - Investments in Associa

Note 3 - Investments in Associated Companies	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block]	3 INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATED COMPANIES TNI Partners In Tucson, Arizona, TNI, acting as agent for our subsidiary, Star Publishing Company (“Star Publishing”), and Citizen Publishing Company (“Citizen”), a subsidiary of Gannett Co. Inc., is responsible for printing, delivery, advertising, and subscription activities of the Arizona Daily Star Income or loss of TNI (before income taxes) is allocated equally to Star Publishing and Citizen. Summarized results of TNI are as follows: 13 Weeks Ended December 29, December 30, (Thousands of Dollars) 2019 2018 Operating revenue 10,195 12,164 Operating expenses 8,165 9,095 Operating income 2,030 3,069 Company's 50% share of operating income 1,015 1,535 Less amortization of intangible assets 104 105 Equity in earnings of TNI 911 1,430 TNI makes weekly distributions of its earnings and for the 13 December 29, 2019 December 30, 2018 738,000 549,000 Madison Newspapers, Inc. We have a 50% Summarized results of MNI are as follows: 13 Weeks Ended December 29, December 30, (Thousands of Dollars) 2019 2018 Operating revenue 13,925 14,826 Operating expenses, excluding restructuring costs, depreciation and amortization 12,120 12,663 Restructuring costs — 30 Depreciation and amortization 145 280 Operating income 1,660 1,853 Net income 1,316 1,398 Equity in earnings of MNI 658 699 MNI makes quarterly distributions of its earnings and in the 13 December 29, 2019 December 30, 2018 0 750,000

Note 4 - Goodwill and Other Int

Note 4 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	4 GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are as follows: 13 Weeks Ended December 29, (Thousands of Dollars) 2019 Goodwill, gross amount 1,539,038 Accumulated impairment losses (1,288,729 ) Goodwill, end of period 250,309 Identified intangible assets consist of the following: December 29, September 29, (Thousands of Dollars) 2019 2019 Nonamortized intangible assets: Mastheads 21,883 21,883 Amortizable intangible assets: Customer and newspaper subscriber lists 698,267 697,145 Less accumulated amortization 615,906 611,786 82,361 85,359 Non-compete and consulting agreements 28,675 28,675 Less accumulated amortization 28,524 28,524 151 151 Other intangible assets, net 104,395 107,393 Annual amortization of intangible assets for the years ending December 2021 December 2025 16,128,000 14,225,000 12,683,000 12,033,000 9,599,000

Note 5 - Debt

Note 5 - Debt	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	5 DEBT On March 31, 2014, "2014 • $400,000,000 9.5% March 31, 2014 • $250,000,000 first "1 st $40,000,000 March 31, 2014 “1 st • $150,000,000 second March 31, 2014 “2 nd In November 2018, 1 st In November 2019, 1 st $23,120,000 December 28, 2020. Debt is summarized as follows: Interest Rates (%) December 29, September 29, December 29, (Thousands of Dollars) 2019 2019 2019 Revolving Facility — — 6.1 Notes 356,141 363,420 9.5 2nd Lien Term Loan 77,253 80,207 12.0 433,394 443,627 Unamortized debt issue costs (10,254 ) (11,282 ) Less current maturities of long-term debt 1,892 2,954 Total long-term debt 421,248 429,391 Our weighted average cost of debt, excluding amortization of debt financing costs at December 29, 2019 9.9 At December 29, 2019 l $ 1,892,000 f 2020, 0 2021, 356,141,000 2022 $ 75,361,000 2023. On January 29, 2020, $140,000,000 $576,000,000 9% $433,394,000 March 16, 2020. 1. Notes The Notes are senior secured obligations of the Company and mature on March 15, 2022. December 29, 2019 356,141,000 Interest The Notes require payment of interest semiannually on March 15 September 15 9.5%. Redemption We may Period Beginning Percentage of Principal Amount March 15, 2019 102.38 March 15, 2020 100.00 If we sell certain of our assets or experience specific kinds of changes of control, we must, subject to certain exceptions, offer to purchase the Notes at 101% We may 13 weeks ended December 29, 2019 we purchased $ 7,279,000 principal amount of Notes in privately negotiated transactions. The transactions resulted in a gain on extinguishment of debt totaling $ 25,000 in the 13 weeks ended December 29, 2019 which is recorded in Other, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. Covenants and Other Matters The Indenture and the 1 st no 1 st Lien Credit Facility The 1 st 1 st $23,120,000 December 28, 2020 may September 29, 2019, $17,644,000 Interest Interest on the Revolving Facility, which is undrawn at December 29, 2019 5.5%, 4.5% 0.5%, one 1.0%. Covenants and Other Matters The 1 st The 1 st no 3.25x d is 4.37 x December 29, 2019 1 st 1 st may 1 st 2 nd 2 nd Lien Term Loan The 2 nd 77,253,000 December 29, 2019 12.0%, December 2022. Principal Payments Excluding excess cash flow payments, there are no 2 nd Quarterly, we are required to prepare a calculation of excess cash flow of the Pulitzer Subsidiaries ("Pulitzer Excess Cash Flow"). Pulitzer Excess Cash Flow is generally determined as the cash earnings of the Pulitzer Subsidiaries including adjustments for changes in working capital, capital spending, pension contributions, debt principal payments and income tax payments. Pulitzer Excess Cash Flow also includes a deduction for interest costs incurred under the 2 nd Pulitzer Excess Cash Flow is used to prepay the 2nd 45 Payments will also be made on the 2 nd not During the 13 December 29, 2019 2 nd 2,954,000 13 December 29, 2019 $ 1,892,000 , 2 nd February 2020, Voluntary payments under the 2 nd no 2 nd Covenants and Other Matters The 2 nd 1 st 2 nd may 2 nd 1 st In connection with the 2 nd March 31, 2014 ( 2 nd March 31, 2014 6,000,000 10.4% March 30, 2014 4.19 The Warrant Agreement contains provisions requiring the Warrants to be measured at fair value and included in warrants and other liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We re-measure the fair value of the liability each reporting period, with changes reported in other, net non-operating income (expense). The initial fair value of the Warrants was $ 16,930,000 11. In connection with the issuance of the Warrants, we entered into a Registration Rights Agreement dated as of March 31, 2014 Security The Notes and the 1 st first first March 31, 2014 ( "1 st The Notes, the 1 st first Also, the Notes and the 1 st first 1 st March 31, 2014. The Notes, the 1 st second June 2015 1 st second Also, the Notes and the 1 st second The 2 nd first March 31, 2014 “2 nd 2 nd Under the 2 nd first first 2 nd Also, under the 2 nd second second 2 nd The rights of each of the collateral agents with respect to the Lee Legacy Collateral and the Pulitzer Collateral are subject to customary intercreditor and intercompany agreements. Other In connection with the 2014 $37,819,000 1,028,000 13 December 29, 2019 3,070,000 2020, 4,254,000 2021, 2,690,000 2022 240,000 2023. December 29, 2019 10,254,000 Liquidity At December 29, 2019 17,644,000 December 29, 2019 $ 22,112,000 twelve 25,140,000 may 1 st Pursuant to the terms of the financing agreement with Berkshire, our new debt will not There are numerous potential consequences under the Notes, 1 st 2 nd not one 1 st 2 nd Our ability to operate as a going concern is dependent on our ability to remain in compliance with debt covenants and to repay, refinance or amend our debt agreements as they become due. The Notes, 1 st 2 nd December 29, 2019

Note 6 - Leases

Note 6 - Leases	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Lessee, Operating Leases [Text Block]	6 LEASES Effective September 30, 2019, first 2020, 2016 02, 842 not Total lease expense consists of the following: 13 Weeks Ended (Thousands of Dollars) December 29, 2019 Operating lease costs 969 Variable lease costs 280 Short-term lease costs 53 Total Operating Lease Expense 1,302 Supplemental cash flow information related to our operating leases was as follows: (Thousands of Dollars) December 29, 2019 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash outflow from operating leases 891 As a result of the adoption of Topic 842, September 30, 2019, $10,709,000, $2,281,000, $8,353,000 As of December 30, 2019, 13 Weeks Ended (Thousands of Dollars) December 29, 2019 2020 (nine months remaining) 2,902 2021 3,183 2022 2,149 2023 1,809 2024 1,480 Thereafter 5,019 Total lease payments 16,542 Less: interest (6,414 ) Present value of lease liabilities 10,128 As of the year ended September 29, 2019, five September 2024 $3,403,000, $2,290,000, $2,238,000, $1,637,000, $1,367,000 $4,991,000, Our lease contracts are discounted using the incremental borrowing rate for the Company. We will assess this rate annually to determine whether it needs to be updated. The weighted average revolving lease terms and discount rates for all of our operating leases were as follows. 13 Weeks Ended December 29, 2019 Weighted average remaining lease term (years) 7.19 Weighted Average discount rate 10.22 % As of year ended September 29, 2019, five September 2024 $3,403,000, $2,290,000, $2,238,000, $1,637,000 $4,991,000,

Note 7 - Pension, Postretiremen

Note 7 - Pension, Postretirement and Postemployment Defined Benefit Plans	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2019
Pension Plan [Member]
Notes to Financial Statements
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]	7 PENSION, POSTRETIREMENT AND POSTEMPLOYMENT DEFINED BENEFIT PLANS We have several noncontributory defined benefit pension plans that together cover selected employees. Benefits under the plans were generally based on salary and years of service. Effective in 2012, In addition, we provide retiree medical and life insurance benefits under postretirement plans at several of our operating locations. The level and adjustment of participant contributions vary depending on the specific plan. In addition, St. Louis Post-Dispatch LLC, provides postemployment disability benefits to certain employee groups prior to retirement. Our liability and related expense for benefits under the postretirement plans are recorded over the service period of active employees based upon annual actuarial calculations. We accrue postemployment disability benefits when it becomes probable that such benefits will be paid and when sufficient information exists to make reasonable estimates of the amounts to be paid. We use a fiscal year end measurement date for all of our pension and postretirement medical plan obligations. The net periodic postretirement cost (benefit) components for our postretirement plans are as follows: PENSION PLANS 13 Weeks Ended December 29, December 30, (Thousands of Dollars) 2019 2018 Service cost for benefits earned during the period 8 9 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 1,231 1,641 Expected return on plan assets (1,951 ) (2,018 ) Amortization of net loss 792 284 Amortization of prior service benefit (2 ) (25 ) Pension benefit 78 (109 ) POSTRETIREMENT MEDICAL PLANS 13 Weeks Ended December 29, December 30, (Thousands of Dollars) 2019 2018 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 67 103 Expected return on plan assets (265 ) (270 ) Amortization of net gain (186 ) (244 ) Amortization of prior service benefit (161 ) (181 ) Postretirement medical benefit (545 ) (592 ) In the 13 December 29, 2019 not December 29, 2019 6,718,000 2020.

Note 8 - Income Taxes

Note 8 - Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	8 INCOME TAXES We recorded income tax expense of $ 1,871,000 7,588,000 13 December 29, 2019 13 December 30, 2018 4,513,000 15,232,000 The effective income tax rate for the 13 December 29, 2019 24.6% 13 December 30, 2018 29.6% The primary differences between these rates and the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% We file a consolidated federal tax return, as well as combined and separate tax returns in approximately 27 not 2014. 12 At September 29, 2019, $63,338,000 September 30, 2018.

Note 9 - Earnings Per Common Sh

Note 9 - Earnings Per Common Share	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	9 EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share: 13 Weeks Ended December 29, December 30, (Thousands of Dollars and Shares, Except Per Share Data) 2019 2018 Income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated: 5,320 10,361 Weighted average common shares 57,729 57,303 Less weighted average restricted Common Stock (1,459 ) (2,099 ) Basic average common shares 56,270 55,204 Dilutive stock options and restricted Common Stock 783 1,497 Diluted average common shares 57,053 56,701 Earnings per common share: Basic 0.09 0.19 Diluted 0.09 0.18 For the 13 December 29, 2019 December 30, 2018 6,384,000 6,448,000 not

Note 10 - Stock Ownership Plans

Note 10 - Stock Ownership Plans	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Text Block]	10 STOCK OWNERSHIP PLANS A summary of stock option activity during the 13 December 29, 2019 (Thousands of Dollars and Shares, Except Per Share Data) Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding, September 29, 2019 809 1.82 Exercised — — Cancelled — — Outstanding, December 29, 2019 809 1.82 1.6 120 Exercisable, December 29, 2019 809 1.82 1.6 120 Restricted Common Stock The table below summarizes restricted Common Stock activity during the 13 December 29, 2019 (Thousands of Shares, Except Per Share Data) Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding, September 29, 2019 1,477 2.49 Vested (600 ) 1.94 Granted 720 1.62 Cancelled (24 ) 2.49 Outstanding, December 29, 2019 1,573 1.56 Total unrecognized compensation expense for unvested restricted Common Stock at December 29, 2019 2,016,000 2.0

Note 11 - Fair Value Measuremen

Note 11 - Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	11 FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS We utilize FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures 820 820 three Level 1 Level 2 not Level 3 one The following methods and assumptions are used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate value. The carrying amounts of cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments. Investments totaling $ 6,068,000 17% December 29, 2019 10,268,000 3 Our fixed rate debt consists of $ 356,141,000 77,253,000 2 nd December 29, 2019 344,789,000 76,481,000 2 nd 2 As discussed more fully in Note 5, $16,930,000. December 29, 2019 September 29, 2019 $ 178,000 $ 1,195,000 2

Note 12 - Commitments and Conti

Note 12 - Commitments and Contingent Liabilities	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	12 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES Income Taxes Commitments exclude unrecognized tax benefits to be recorded in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes 8. We file income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") and various state tax jurisdictions. From time to time, we are subject to routine audits by those agencies and those audits may may not We have various income tax examinations ongoing and at various stages of completion, but generally our income tax returns have been audited or closed to audit through 2014. Legal Proceedings We are involved in a variety of legal actions that arise in the normal course of business. Insurance coverage mitigates potential loss for certain of these matters. While we are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of these legal actions, it is our opinion that the disposition of these matters will not Multiemployer Pension Plans We effectuated a total withdrawal from CWA/ITU plan in 2019. not 2019, $3,255,000 20

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited, interim, Consolidated Financial Statements included herein have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission for quarterly reports. In the opinion of management, these financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring items) necessary to present fairly the financial position of Lee Enterprises, Incorporated and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 29, 2019 2019 10 Because of seasonal and other factors, the results of operations for the 13 December 29, 2019 not References to “we”, “our”, “us” and the like throughout the Consolidated Financial Statements refer to the Company. References to “2020”, “2019” September. The Consolidated Financial Statements include our accounts and those of our subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned, except for our 82.5% 50% 50% Investments in TNI and MNI are accounted for using the equity method and are reported at cost, plus our share of undistributed earnings since acquisition less, for TNI, amortization of intangible assets.
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Use of Estimates The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We evaluate these estimates and judgments on an ongoing basis. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not may
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Recently Issued Accounting Standards - Standards Adopted in 2020 In February 2016, 842 842" September 30, 2019, first 2020. We elected the package of practical expedients which permits the Company to not not twelve 842. not 6. Recently Issued Accounting Standards - Standards Not In June 2016, September 30, 2020

Note 2 - Revenue (Tables)

Note 2 - Revenue (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2019
Notes Tables
Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block]	13 Weeks Ended December 29, December 30, (Thousands of Dollars) 2019 2018 Advertising and marketing services revenue 65,727 75,962 Subscription Revenue 41,694 46,268 TownNews and other digital services revenue 5,218 4,677 Other revenue 9,704 9,294 Total operating revenue 122,343 136,201

Note 3 - Investments in Assoc_2

Note 3 - Investments in Associated Companies (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2019
Notes Tables
Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block]	13 Weeks Ended December 29, December 30, (Thousands of Dollars) 2019 2018 Operating revenue 10,195 12,164 Operating expenses 8,165 9,095 Operating income 2,030 3,069 Company's 50% share of operating income 1,015 1,535 Less amortization of intangible assets 104 105 Equity in earnings of TNI 911 1,430 13 Weeks Ended December 29, December 30, (Thousands of Dollars) 2019 2018 Operating revenue 13,925 14,826 Operating expenses, excluding restructuring costs, depreciation and amortization 12,120 12,663 Restructuring costs — 30 Depreciation and amortization 145 280 Operating income 1,660 1,853 Net income 1,316 1,398 Equity in earnings of MNI 658 699

Note 4 - Goodwill and Other I_2

Note 4 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2019
Notes Tables
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]	13 Weeks Ended December 29, (Thousands of Dollars) 2019 Goodwill, gross amount 1,539,038 Accumulated impairment losses (1,288,729 ) Goodwill, end of period 250,309
Schedule of Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	December 29, September 29, (Thousands of Dollars) 2019 2019 Nonamortized intangible assets: Mastheads 21,883 21,883 Amortizable intangible assets: Customer and newspaper subscriber lists 698,267 697,145 Less accumulated amortization 615,906 611,786 82,361 85,359 Non-compete and consulting agreements 28,675 28,675 Less accumulated amortization 28,524 28,524 151 151 Other intangible assets, net 104,395 107,393

Note 5 - Debt (Tables)

Note 5 - Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2019
Notes Tables
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]	Interest Rates (%) December 29, September 29, December 29, (Thousands of Dollars) 2019 2019 2019 Revolving Facility — — 6.1 Notes 356,141 363,420 9.5 2nd Lien Term Loan 77,253 80,207 12.0 433,394 443,627 Unamortized debt issue costs (10,254 ) (11,282 ) Less current maturities of long-term debt 1,892 2,954 Total long-term debt 421,248 429,391
Debt Instrument Redemption [Table Text Block]	Period Beginning Percentage of Principal Amount March 15, 2019 102.38 March 15, 2020 100.00

Note 6 - Leases (Tables)

Note 6 - Leases (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2019
Notes Tables
Lease, Cost [Table Text Block]	13 Weeks Ended (Thousands of Dollars) December 29, 2019 Operating lease costs 969 Variable lease costs 280 Short-term lease costs 53 Total Operating Lease Expense 1,302 (Thousands of Dollars) December 29, 2019 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash outflow from operating leases 891 13 Weeks Ended December 29, 2019 Weighted average remaining lease term (years) 7.19 Weighted Average discount rate 10.22 %
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block]	13 Weeks Ended (Thousands of Dollars) December 29, 2019 2020 (nine months remaining) 2,902 2021 3,183 2022 2,149 2023 1,809 2024 1,480 Thereafter 5,019 Total lease payments 16,542 Less: interest (6,414 ) Present value of lease liabilities 10,128

Note 7 - Pension, Postretirem_2

Note 7 - Pension, Postretirement and Postemployment Defined Benefit Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2019
Pension Plan [Member]
Notes Tables
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block]	PENSION PLANS 13 Weeks Ended December 29, December 30, (Thousands of Dollars) 2019 2018 Service cost for benefits earned during the period 8 9 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 1,231 1,641 Expected return on plan assets (1,951 ) (2,018 ) Amortization of net loss 792 284 Amortization of prior service benefit (2 ) (25 ) Pension benefit 78 (109 ) POSTRETIREMENT MEDICAL PLANS 13 Weeks Ended December 29, December 30, (Thousands of Dollars) 2019 2018 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 67 103 Expected return on plan assets (265 ) (270 ) Amortization of net gain (186 ) (244 ) Amortization of prior service benefit (161 ) (181 ) Postretirement medical benefit (545 ) (592 )

Note 9 - Earnings Per Common _2

Note 9 - Earnings Per Common Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2019
Notes Tables
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	13 Weeks Ended December 29, December 30, (Thousands of Dollars and Shares, Except Per Share Data) 2019 2018 Income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated: 5,320 10,361 Weighted average common shares 57,729 57,303 Less weighted average restricted Common Stock (1,459 ) (2,099 ) Basic average common shares 56,270 55,204 Dilutive stock options and restricted Common Stock 783 1,497 Diluted average common shares 57,053 56,701 Earnings per common share: Basic 0.09 0.19 Diluted 0.09 0.18

Note 10 - Stock Ownership Pla_2

Note 10 - Stock Ownership Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2019
Notes Tables
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Activity [Table Text Block]	(Thousands of Dollars and Shares, Except Per Share Data) Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding, September 29, 2019 809 1.82 Exercised — — Cancelled — — Outstanding, December 29, 2019 809 1.82 1.6 120 Exercisable, December 29, 2019 809 1.82 1.6 120
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Restricted Stock Unit, Activity [Table Text Block]	(Thousands of Shares, Except Per Share Data) Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding, September 29, 2019 1,477 2.49 Vested (600 ) 1.94 Granted 720 1.62 Cancelled (24 ) 2.49 Outstanding, December 29, 2019 1,573 1.56

Note 1 - Basis of Presentatio_2

Note 1 - Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual) - USD ($)	Jan. 29, 2020	Dec. 29, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross		$ 1,121,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | Secured Term Loan [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member] | BH Finance [Member]
Debt Instrument, Term	25 years
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 576,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	9.00%
Subsequent Event [Member] | BHMG [Member]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract	10 years
Operating Lease, Annual Rent Payable	$ 8,000,000
Operating Lease, Percentage of Net Sales Proceeds	8.00%
Subsequent Event [Member] | BHMG [Member]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net, Total	$ 130,000,000
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Equity Interests Issued and Issuable	10,000,000
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross	140,000,000
Business Combination, Terminate of Contract, Expect Credts	5,425,000
Business Combination, Terminate of Contract, Expect Credt, Estimated Pro-rate Variable Portion	$ 4,180,000
INN Partners, L.C. [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent		82.50%
TNI Partners [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent		50.00%
MNI [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent		50.00%

Note 2 - Revenue (Details Textu

Note 2 - Revenue (Details Textual) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2019	Sep. 29, 2019
Contract with Customer, Liability, Current	$ 22,966,000	$ 21,720,000
Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized	13,399,000
Contract with Customer, Asset, Net, Current, Total	3,589,000	1,107,000
Accounts Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss	53,481,000	47,863,000
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Ending Balance	$ 6,420,000	$ 6,434,000

Note 2 - Revenue - Disaggregati

Note 2 - Revenue - Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018
Operating revenue	$ 122,343	$ 136,201
Advertising and Marketing Services [Member]
Operating revenue	65,727	75,962
Subscription and Circulation [Member]
Operating revenue	41,694	46,268
Digital Services Revenues [Member]
Operating revenue	5,218	4,677
Other Revenues [Member]
Operating revenue	$ 9,704	$ 9,294

Note 3 - Investments in Assoc_3

Note 3 - Investments in Associated Companies (Details Textual) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018
TNI Partners [Member]
Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution	$ 738,000	$ 549,000
MNI [Member]
Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution	$ 0	$ 750,000
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners	50.00%

Note 3 - Investments in Assoc_4

Note 3 - Investments in Associated Companies - Summarized Financial Results (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018
Equity in earnings	$ 1,569	$ 2,129
TNI Partners [Member]
Operating revenue	10,195	12,164
Operating expenses	8,165	9,095
Operating income	2,030	3,069
Company's 50% share of operating income	1,015	1,535
Less amortization of intangible assets	104	105
Equity in earnings	911	1,430
Madison Newspapers, Inc. [Member]
Operating revenue	13,925	14,826
Operating expenses	12,120	12,663
Operating income	1,660	1,853
Equity in earnings	658	699
Restructuring costs		30
Depreciation and amortization	145	280
Net income	$ 1,316	$ 1,398

Note 4 - Goodwill and Other I_3

Note 4 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details Textual)	Dec. 29, 2019USD ($)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Rolling Twelve Months	$ 16,128,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Rolling Year Two	14,225,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Rolling Year Three	12,683,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Rolling Year Four	12,033,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Rolling Year Five	$ 9,599,000

Note 4 - Goodwill and Other I_4

Note 4 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Changes in the Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 29, 2019	Sep. 29, 2019
Goodwill, gross amount	$ 1,539,038
Accumulated impairment losses	(1,288,729)
Goodwill, end of period	$ 250,309	$ 250,309

Note 4 - Goodwill and Other I_5

Note 4 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Identified Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 29, 2019	Sep. 29, 2019
Mastheads	$ 21,883	$ 21,883
Other intangible assets, net	104,395	107,393
Customer Lists [Member]
Amortizable intangible assets, gross	698,267	697,145
Less accumulated amortization	615,906	611,786
Amortizable intangible assets, net	82,361	85,359
Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Amortizable intangible assets, gross	28,675	28,675
Less accumulated amortization	28,524	28,524
Amortizable intangible assets, net	$ 151	$ 151

Note 5 - Debt (Details Textual)

Note 5 - Debt (Details Textual) - USD ($)	Jan. 29, 2020	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 29, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018	Sep. 27, 2020	Sep. 24, 2023	Sep. 25, 2022	Sep. 26, 2021	Nov. 30, 2019	Sep. 29, 2019
Weighted Average Cost of Debt, Excluding Amortization of Debt Financing Costs			9.90%
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months			$ 1,892,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two			0
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three			356,141,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four			75,361,000
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross			1,121,000
Long-term Debt, Gross			433,394,000							$ 443,627,000
Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount			7,279,000
Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt, Total			25,000
Long-term Debt, Total			421,248,000							429,391,000
Repayments of Long-term Debt, Total			10,233,000	$ 7,027,000
Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs			1,028,000
Debt Issuance Costs, Net, Total			10,254,000							11,282,000
Liquidity			22,112,000
Future Liquidity Warrant Exercise Proceeds			25,140,000
Forecast [Member]
Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs					$ 3,070,000	$ 240,000	$ 2,690,000	$ 4,254,000
Warrants Issued in Connection with Second Lien Term Loan [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Warrants or Rights		6,000,000
Warrants, When Fully Exercised, Percentage of Common Stock Outstanding		10.40%
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights		$ 4.19
Warrants and Rights Outstanding		$ 16,930,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | BHMG [Member]
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross	$ 140,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity			$ 17,644,000
Senior Secured Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount		$ 400,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		9.50%	9.50%
Long-term Debt, Gross			$ 356,141,000							363,420,000
Repurchase Price of Notes, Change of Control			101.00%
Debt Issuance Costs, Gross		$ 37,819,000
First Lien Credit Faclinty [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Federal Funds Rate Plus 0.5% [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			4.50%
First Lien Credit Faclinty [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount		250,000,000
First Lien Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			6.10%
Long-term Debt, Gross
First Lien Credit Facility [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		40,000,000	$ 23,120,000
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity										$ 17,644,000
First Lien Credit Facility [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			5.50%
First Lien Credit Facility [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Prime Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			4.50%
Second Lien Credit Faclity [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount		$ 150,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			12.00%
Long-term Debt, Total			$ 77,253,000
Repayments of Long-term Debt, Total			2,954,000
Pulitzer Excess Cash Flow			$ 1,892,000
1st Lien Agreement [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity									$ 23,120,000
Credit Agreement [Member] | Secured Term Loan [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member] | BH Finance [Member]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 576,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	9.00%

Note 5 - Debt - Debt (Details)

Note 5 - Debt - Debt (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 29, 2019	Sep. 29, 2019	Mar. 31, 2014
Long-term debt, gross	$ 433,394,000	$ 443,627,000
Unamortized debt issue costs	(10,254,000)	(11,282,000)
Less current maturities of long-term debt	1,892,000	2,954,000
Total long-term debt	421,248,000	429,391,000
First Lien Credit Facility [Member]
Long-term debt, gross
Interest rate	6.10%
Senior Secured Notes [Member]
Long-term debt, gross	$ 356,141,000	363,420,000
Interest rate	9.50%		9.50%
Second Lien Term Loan [Member]
Long-term debt, gross	$ 77,253,000	$ 80,207,000
Interest rate	12.00%

Note 5 - Debt - Redemption (Det

Note 5 - Debt - Redemption (Details) - Senior Secured Notes [Member]	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2019
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member]
Period Beginning	102.38%
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member]
Period Beginning	100.00%

Note 6 - Leases (Details Textua

Note 6 - Leases (Details Textual) - USD ($)	Dec. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 29, 2019
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset	$ 10,125,000
Operating Lease, Liability, Current	2,341,000
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent	$ 7,787,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months			3,403,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years			2,290,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years			2,238,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years			1,637,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years			1,367,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter			$ 4,991,000
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member]
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset		$ 10,709,000
Operating Lease, Liability, Current		2,281,000
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent		$ 8,353,000

Note 6 - Leases - Lease Expense

Note 6 - Leases - Lease Expense (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2019USD ($)
Operating lease costs	$ 969
Variable lease costs	280
Short-term lease costs	53
Total Operating Lease Expense	1,302
Operating cash outflow from operating leases	$ 891
Weighted average remaining lease term (years) (Year)	7 years 69 days
Weighted Average discount rate	10.22%

Note 6 - Leases - Maturities of

Note 6 - Leases - Maturities of Lease Liabilities (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 29, 2019USD ($)
2020 (nine months remaining)	$ 2,902
2021	3,183
2022	2,149
2023	1,809
2024	1,480
Thereafter	5,019
Total lease payments	16,542
Less: interest	(6,414)
Present value of lease liabilities	$ 10,128

Note 7 - Pension, Postretirem_3

Note 7 - Pension, Postretirement and Postemployment Defined Benefit Plans (Details Textual) - Pension Plan [Member]	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2019USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer	$ 0
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Employer Contributions, Remainder of Fiscal Year	$ 6,718,000

Note 7 - Pension, Postretirem_4

Note 7 - Pension, Postretirement and Postemployment Defined Benefit Plans - Net Periodic Cost (Benefit) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018
Pension Plan [Member]
Service cost for benefits earned during the period	$ 8	$ 9
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	1,231	1,641
Expected return on plan assets	(1,951)	(2,018)
Amortization of net loss	792	284
Amortization of prior service benefit	(2)	(25)
Pension benefit	78	(109)
Postretirement Health Coverage [Member]
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	67	103
Expected return on plan assets	(265)	(270)
Amortization of net loss	(186)	(244)
Amortization of prior service benefit	(161)	(181)
Pension benefit	$ (545)	$ (592)

Note 8 - Income Taxes (Details

Note 8 - Income Taxes (Details Textual) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018	Sep. 29, 2019
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total	$ 1,871,000	$ 4,513,000
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest, Total	$ 7,588,000	$ 15,232,000
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent, Total	24.60%	29.60%
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Total			$ 63,338,000

Note 9 - Earnings Per Common _3

Note 9 - Earnings Per Common Share (Details Textual) - shares	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	6,384,000	6,448,000

Note 9 - Earnings Per Common _4

Note 9 - Earnings Per Common Share - Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018
Income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated	$ 5,320	$ 10,361
Weighted average common shares (in shares)	57,729	57,303
Less weighted average restricted Common Stock (in shares)	(1,459)	(2,099)
Basic average common shares (in shares)	56,270	55,204
Dilutive stock options and restricted Common Stock (in shares)	783	1,497
Diluted average common shares (in shares)	57,053	56,701
Basic: (in dollars per share)	$ 0.09	$ 0.19
Diluted: (in dollars per share)	$ 0.09	$ 0.18

Note 10 - Stock Ownership Pla_3

Note 10 - Stock Ownership Plans (Details Textual) - Restricted Stock [Member]	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2019USD ($)
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount, Total	$ 2,016,000
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	2 years

Note 10 - Stock Ownership Pla_4

Note 10 - Stock Ownership Plans - Summary of Stock Option Activity (Details) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2019USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Outstanding, Shares (in shares) | shares	809
Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 1.82
Exercised, Shares (in shares) | shares
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares
Cancelled, Shares (in shares) | shares
Cancelled, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares
Outstanding, Shares (in shares) | shares	809
Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 1.82
Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Year)	1 year 219 days
Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $	$ 120
Exercisable, Shares (in shares) | shares	809
Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 1.82
Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Year)	1 year 219 days
Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $	$ 120

Note 10 - Stock Ownership Pla_5

Note 10 - Stock Ownership Plans - Summary of Restricted Stock Activity (Details) - Restricted Stock [Member] shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2019$ / sharesshares
Outstanding, shares (in shares) | shares	1,477
Outstanding, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 2.49
Vested, shares (in shares) | shares	(600)
Vested, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 1.94
Granted, shares (in shares) | shares	720
Granted, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 1.62
Cancelled, shares (in shares) | shares	(24)
Cancelled, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 2.49
Outstanding, shares (in shares) | shares	1,573
Outstanding, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 1.56

Note 11 - Fair Value Measurem_2

Note 11 - Fair Value Measurements (Details Textual) - USD ($)	Dec. 29, 2019	Sep. 29, 2019	Mar. 31, 2014
Long-term Debt, Total	$ 421,248,000	$ 429,391,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure, Total	6,068,000
Equity Securities without Readily Determinable Fair Value, Amount	10,268,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Senior Secured Notes [Member]
Long-term Debt, Total	$ 356,141,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | TCT and Private Equity Investment [Member]
Equity Securities without Readily Determinable Fair Value, Percent	17.00%
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Warrants and Rights Outstanding	$ 178,000	$ 1,195,000	$ 16,930,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Senior Secured Notes [Member]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	344,789,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Second Lien Term Loan [Member]
Long-term Debt, Total	77,253,000
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	$ 76,481,000

Note 12 - Commitments and Con_2

Note 12 - Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Details Textual) - Plan Partially Withdrawn From in 2017 [Member] - Multiemployer Plans, Pension [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019USD ($)
Multiemployer Plans, Withdrawal Obligation	$ 3,255,000
Multiemployer Plans, Withdrawal Obligation, Period	20 years