Lee Enterprises (LEE) 10-Q 7 May 21 2021 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2021	Apr. 30, 2021
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Central Index Key	0000058361
Entity Registrant Name	LEE ENTERPRISES, INC
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-26
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Mar. 28, 2021
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-6227
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	42-0823980
Entity Address, Address Line One	4600 E. 53rd Street
Entity Address, City or Town	Davenport
Entity Address, State or Province	IA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	52807
City Area Code	563
Local Phone Number	383-2100
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, par value $.01 per share
Trading Symbol	LEE
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	true
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		5,876,835

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Cu

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited) - USD ($)	Mar. 28, 2021	Sep. 27, 2020
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 33,753,000	$ 33,733,000
Accounts receivable and contract assets, net	60,151,000	52,598,000
Inventories	6,777,000	7,534,000
Prepaids and other	11,495,000	14,888,000
Total current assets	112,176,000	108,753,000
Investments:
Associated companies	26,838,000	27,624,000
Other	6,178,000	6,255,000
Total investments	33,016,000	33,879,000
Property and equipment:
Land and improvements	17,128,000	18,711,000
Buildings and improvements	110,486,000	128,475,000
Equipment	232,574,000	245,117,000
Construction in process	3,625,000	2,323,000
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Ending Balance	363,813,000	394,626,000
Less accumulated depreciation	274,449,000	289,017,000
Property and equipment, net	89,364,000	105,609,000
Operating lease right-of-use assets	68,742,000	70,933,000
Goodwill	330,204,000	328,445,000
Other intangible assets, net	168,997,000	182,680,000
Other	10,758,000	13,699,000
Total assets	835,091,000	864,057,000
Current liabilities:
Current portion of lease liabilities	8,262,000	8,577,000
Current maturities of long-term debt	13,753,000	13,733,000
Accounts payable	17,483,000	17,163,000
Compensation and other accrued liabilities	47,767,000	44,278,000
Income taxes payable	521,000	0
Unearned revenue	63,870,000	60,271,000
Total current liabilities	151,656,000	144,022,000
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	485,162,000	524,557,000
Operating lease liabilities	60,987,000	62,374,000
Pension obligations	71,969,000	75,656,000
Postretirement and postemployment benefit obligations	14,726,000	39,543,000
Deferred income taxes	14,499,000	15,208,000
Income taxes payable	18,767,000	18,048,000
Warrants and other	30,089,000	14,282,000
Total liabilities	847,855,000	893,690,000
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Serial convertible preferred stock, no par value; authorized 500 shares; none issued	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	257,328,000	256,957,000
Accumulated deficit	(253,761,000)	(268,529,000)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(18,430,000)	(20,050,000)
Total stockholders' deficit	(14,804,000)	(31,564,000)
Non-controlling interests	2,040,000	1,931,000
Total deficit	(12,764,000)	(29,633,000)
Total liabilities and deficit	835,091,000	864,057,000
Common Class A [Member]
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Common Stock	59,000	58,000
Common Class B [Member]
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Common Stock	0	0
Pension Plan [Member]
Property and equipment:
Retirement plan assets, net	5,936,000	4,147,000
Postretirement Health Coverage [Member]
Property and equipment:
Retirement plan assets, net	$ 15,898,000	$ 15,912,000

Consolidated Balance Sheets (_2

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited) (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	Mar. 28, 2021	Sep. 27, 2020
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 0
Preferred stock, shares authoritzed (in shares)	500,000	500,000
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)	12,000,000	12,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	5,877,000	5,835,000
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	5,877,000	5,835,000
Common Class B [Member]
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 2	$ 2
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	3,000,000	3,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) and Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2021	Mar. 29, 2020	Mar. 28, 2021	Mar. 29, 2020
Operating revenue:
Total operating revenue	$ 192,430,000	$ 121,367,000	$ 404,248,000	$ 243,710,000
Operating expenses:
Compensation	83,154,000	48,691,000	167,317,000	91,934,000
Newsprint and ink	7,179,000	4,321,000	15,171,000	9,057,000
Other operating expenses	79,865,000	52,842,000	161,632,000	101,304,000
Depreciation and amortization	12,517,000	7,276,000	22,958,000	13,995,000
Assets Loss (gain) on sales, impairments and other, net	1,474,000	(6,113,000)	6,696,000	(5,299,000)
Restructuring costs and other	1,294,000	1,925,000	4,461,000	3,557,000
Total operating expenses	185,483,000	108,942,000	378,235,000	214,548,000
Equity in earnings of associated companies	1,471,000	1,362,000	3,213,000	2,931,000
Operating income	8,418,000	13,787,000	29,226,000	32,093,000
Non-operating income (expense):
Interest expense	(11,237,000)	(11,127,000)	(23,119,000)	(22,242,000)
Debt financing and administrative costs	0	(10,670,000)	0	(11,866,000)
Curtailment gain	0	0	23,830,000	0
Pension withdrawal cost	0	0	(12,310,000)	0
Other, net	1,640,000	689,000	3,908,000	2,283,000
Total non-operating income (expense), net	(9,597,000)	(21,108,000)	(7,691,000)	(31,825,000)
Income (loss) before income taxes	(1,179,000)	(7,321,000)	21,535,000	268,000
Income tax (benefit) expense	(571,000)	(2,331,000)	5,740,000	(460,000)
Net income (loss)	(608,000)	(4,990,000)	15,795,000	728,000
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests	(526,000)	(377,000)	(1,027,000)	(774,000)
(Loss) Income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated	(1,134,000)	(5,367,000)	14,768,000	(46,000)
Other comprehensive income, net of income taxes	478,000	316,000	1,620,000	633,000
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated	$ (656,000)	$ (5,051,000)	$ 16,388,000	$ 587,000
Earnings per common share:
Basic: (in dollars per share)	$ (0.20)	$ (0.95)	$ 2.59	$ (0.01)
Diluted: (in dollars per share)	$ (0.19)	$ (0.94)	$ 2.55	$ (0.01)
Advertising and Marketing Services [Member]
Operating revenue:
Total operating revenue	$ 85,575,000	$ 60,945,000	$ 188,204,000	$ 126,672,000
Subscription and Circulation [Member]
Operating revenue:
Total operating revenue	89,777,000	46,943,000	181,080,000	89,113,000
Product and Service, Other [Member]
Operating revenue:
Total operating revenue	$ 17,078,000	$ 13,479,000	$ 34,964,000	$ 27,925,000

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. 29, 2019	$ (265,423)	$ 57	$ 255,996	$ (29,114)	$ (38,484)
Shares issued (redeemed)	0	1	(376)	0	(375)
(Loss) Income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated	5,320	0	0	0	5,320
Stock compensation	0	0	545	0	545
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0	452	452
Deferred income taxes, net	0	0	0	(135)	(135)
Balance at Dec. 29, 2019	(260,103)	58	256,165	(28,797)	(32,677)
Balance at Sep. 29, 2019	(265,423)	57	255,996	(29,114)	(38,484)
(Loss) Income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated					(46)
Balance at Mar. 29, 2020	(265,470)	58	256,235	(28,481)	(37,658)
Balance at Dec. 29, 2019	(260,103)	58	256,165	(28,797)	(32,677)
Shares issued (redeemed)	0	0	(199)	0	(199)
(Loss) Income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated	(5,367)	0	0	0	(5,367)
Stock compensation	0	0	269	0	269
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0	451	451
Deferred income taxes, net	0	0	0	(135)	(135)
Balance at Mar. 29, 2020	(265,470)	58	256,235	(28,481)	(37,658)
Balance at Sep. 27, 2020	(268,529)	58	256,957	(20,050)	(31,564)
Shares issued (redeemed)	0	1	(55)	0	(54)
(Loss) Income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated	15,902	0	0	0	15,902
Stock compensation	0	0	220	0	220
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0	1,347	1,347
Deferred income taxes, net	0	0	0	(205)	(205)
Balance at Dec. 27, 2020	(252,627)	59	257,122	(18,908)	(14,354)
Balance at Sep. 27, 2020	(268,529)	58	256,957	(20,050)	(31,564)
(Loss) Income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated					14,768
Balance at Mar. 28, 2021	(253,761)	59	257,328	(18,430)	(14,804)
Balance at Dec. 27, 2020	(252,627)	59	257,122	(18,908)	(14,354)
Shares issued (redeemed)	0	0	(8)	0	(8)
(Loss) Income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated	(1,134)	0	0	0	(1,134)
Stock compensation	0	0	214	0	214
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0	682	682
Deferred income taxes, net	0	0	0	(204)	(204)
Balance at Mar. 28, 2021	$ (253,761)	$ 59	$ 257,328	$ (18,430)	$ (14,804)

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2021	Mar. 29, 2020
Cash provided by operating activities:
Net income	$ 15,795	$ 728
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	22,958	13,995
Curtailment gain	(23,830)	0
Pension withdrawal cost	12,310	0
Stock compensation expense	434	571
Assets Loss (gain) on sales, impairments and other, net	6,696	(5,299)
Deferred income taxes	(319)	(8,427)
Debt financing and administrative costs	0	11,866
Pension contributions	(965)	0
Return of collateral on (Payments to collateralize) letters of credit	1,686	(5,476)
Other, net	62	(388)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease in receivables and contract assets	(6,786)	6,043
Decrease in inventories and other	782	1,610
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	3,944	(8,134)
Decrease in pension and other postretirement and postemployment benefit obligations	(3,291)	(1,237)
Change in income taxes payable	4,214	6,918
Other, including warrants	5,563	(2,072)
Net cash provided by operating activities	39,253	10,698
Cash required for investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	(2,927)	(5,809)
Proceeds from sales of assets	2,751	17,637
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	(130,985)
Distributions greater (less) than earnings of TNI and MNI	555	(325)
Other, net	(78)	(229)
Net cash provided by (required for) investing activities	301	(119,711)
Cash provided by (required for) financing activities:
Proceeds from long term debt	0	576,000
Payments on long-term debt	39,375	443,627
Debt financing and administrative costs paid	0	(609)
Common stock transactions, net	(159)	(572)
Net cash provided by (required for) financing activities	(39,534)	131,192
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	20	22,179
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period	33,733	8,645
End of period	$ 33,753	$ 30,824

Note 1 - Basis of Presentation

Note 1 - Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2021
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 its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of March 28, 2021 2020 10 Because of seasonal and other factors, the results of operations for the 13 26 March 28, 2021 not References to “we”, “our”, “us” and the like throughout the Consolidated Financial Statements refer to the Company. References to “ 2021 2020 September. The Consolidated Financial Statements include our accounts and those of our subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned, except for our 82.5% interest in INN Partners, L.C. (“TownNews.com”), 50% interest in TNI Partners (“TNI”) and 50% interest in Madison Newspapers, Inc. (“MNI”). 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. Certain amounts in prior period Consolidated Financial Statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Pursuant to our acquisition of BHMG and the Buffalo News, we realigned the presentation of certain home delivery print revenue and certain other Subscription revenue from Other revenue to Subscription revenue on the Consolidated Statements of Income (loss) and Comprehensive Income (loss). As a result of this updated presentation, Subscription revenue increased and Other revenue decreased for the 13 March 29, 2020 26 March 29, 2020 13 December 27, 2020 On February 25, 2021, one March 15, 2021 one ten March 2021. not March 29, 2020, 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 Business Combinations The Company accounts for acquisitions in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification 805 805” COVID- 19 The ongoing COVID- 19 19 19 Recently Issued Accounting Standards - Standards Adopted in 2021 In June 2016, 326" September 28, 2020 not In August 2018, 2018 14" September 28, 2020 not In December 2019, 740 September 28, 2020 not Recently Issued Accounting Standards - Standards Not In August 2018, 2018 13" September 27, 2021 In October 2020,

Note 2 - Revenue

Note 2 - Revenue	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2021
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 26 Weeks Ended March 28, March 29, March 28, March 29, (Thousands of Dollars) 2021 2020 2021 2020 Advertising and marketing services revenue 85,575 60,945 188,204 126,672 Subscription revenue 89,777 46,943 181,080 89,113 TownNews and other digital services revenue 4,820 4,905 9,966 9,889 Other revenue 12,258 8,574 24,998 18,036 Total operating revenue 192,430 121,367 404,248 243,710 Recognition principles: Arrangements with multiple performance obligations: Contract Assets and Liabilities: twelve March 28, 2021 September 27, 2020 13 26 March 28, 2021 September 27, 2020 Accounts receivable, excluding allowance for credit losses was $69,289,000 and $66,029,000 as of March 28, 2021 September 27, 2020 March 28, 2021 September 27, 2020 Practical expedients: one one

Note 3 - Investments in Associa

Note 3 - Investments in Associated Companies	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2021
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 26 Weeks Ended March 28, March 29, March 28, March 29, (Thousands of Dollars) 2021 2020 2021 2020 Operating revenue 8,759 10,185 18,159 20,381 Operating expenses 6,424 7,766 13,429 15,931 Operating income 2,335 2,419 4,730 4,450 Company's 50% 1,168 1,210 2,365 2,225 Less amortization of intangible assets — 105 — 210 Equity in earnings of TNI 1,168 1,105 2,365 2,015 TNI makes weekly distributions of its earnings and for the 13 March 28, 2021 March 29, 2020 26 March 28, 2021 March 29, 2020, Madison Newspapers, Inc. We have a 50% ownership interest in MNI, which publishes daily and Sunday newspapers, and other publications in Madison, Wisconsin, and other Wisconsin locations, and operates their related digital platforms. Net income or loss of MNI (after income taxes) is allocated equally to us and The Capital Times Company (“TCT”). MNI conducts its business under the trade name Capital Newspapers. Summarized results of MNI are as follows: 13 Weeks Ended 26 Weeks Ended March 28, March 29, March 28, March 29, (Thousands of Dollars) 2021 2020 2021 2020 Operating revenue 11,024 12,325 22,946 26,250 Operating expenses, excluding restructuring costs, depreciation and amortization 10,237 11,561 20,667 23,681 Restructuring costs — — 106 — Depreciation and amortization 182 197 292 341 Operating income 605 567 1,881 2,228 Net income 605 514 1,694 1,830 Equity in earnings of MNI 303 257 847 915 MNI makes quarterly distributions of its earnings and in the 13 March 28, 2021 March 29, 2020, 26 March 28, 2021 March 29, 2020,

Note 4 - Goodwill and Other Int

Note 4 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2021
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: 26 Weeks Ended March 28, (Thousands of Dollars) 2021 Goodwill, gross amount 1,617,174 Accumulated impairment losses (1,288,729 ) Goodwill, as of September 27, 2020 328,445 Measurement period adjustments 1,759 Goodwill, end of period 330,204 Identified intangible assets consist of the following: March 28, September 27, (Thousands of Dollars) 2021 2020 Non-amortized intangible assets: Mastheads 40,459 40,459 Amortizable intangible assets: Customer and newspaper subscriber lists 774,155 774,604 Less accumulated amortization 645,653 632,457 128,502 142,147 Non-compete and consulting agreements 28,656 28,656 Less accumulated amortization 28,620 28,582 36 74 Other intangible assets, net 168,997 182,680 The Company recognized $27,620,000 of advertiser relationships, $27,850,000 of subscriber relationships, $19,560,000 of commercial print relationships and $20,390,000 of indefinite-lived masthead assets as part of the Transactions as defined in Note 7. Annual amortization of intangible assets for the five December 2022 December 2026 The Company recognized $79,896,000 of Goodwill as part of the Transactions as defined in Note 7. 7

Note 5 - Debt

Note 5 - Debt	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2021
Notes to Financial Statements
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	5 DEBT On March 16, 2020 7, “2020 2020 March 16, 2045. As of March 28, 2021, March 28, 2021 13 March 28, 2021 For the 13 March 28, 2021 April 2021. March 28, 2021 The Credit Agreement 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. The Credit Agreement restricts us from paying dividends on our Common Stock. This restriction does not may 2020 Principal Payments Voluntary payments under the Credit Agreement are not There are no • The Company must prepay the Term Loan in an aggregate amount equal to 100% of any Net Cash Proceeds received by the Company or any subsidiary from a sale, transfer, license, lease or other disposition of any property of the Company or any subsidiary in excess of $500,000 ninety 90 • Beginning on June 28, 2020, $20,000,000 • If there is a Change of Control (as defined in the Credit Agreement), BH Finance has the option to require the Company to prepay the Term Loan in cash equal to 105% of the unpaid principal balance, plus accrued and unpaid interest. The Company may, Warrants In connection with the 2 nd March 31, 2014 ( 2 nd March 31, 2014 March 30, 2014 March 2022. 1. 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. See Note 11. In connection with the issuance of the Warrants, we entered into a Registration Rights Agreement dated as of March 31, 2014

Note 6 - Pension, Postretiremen

Note 6 - Pension, Postretirement and Postemployment Defined Benefit Plans	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2021
Pension Plan [Member]
Notes to Financial Statements
Retirement Benefits [Text Block]	6 PENSION, POSTRETIREMENT AND POSTEMPLOYMENT DEFINED BENEFIT PLANS We have several noncontributory defined benefit pension plans that together cover selected employees, including plans established under collective bargaining agreements. Our liability and related expense for benefits under the plans are recorded over the service period of employees based upon annual actuarial calculations. Plan funding strategies are influenced by government regulations. Plan assets consist primarily of domestic and foreign corporate equity securities, government and corporate bonds, hedge fund investments and cash. We provide retiree medical and life insurance benefits under postretirement plans at several of our operating locations. 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. With the exception of defined benefit plans acquired in the Transactions as defined in Note 7, 2012, During the 13 December 27, 2020 We use a fiscal year end measurement date for all of our Pension and postretirement medical plan obligations. The net periodic pension and postretirement cost (benefit) components for our plans are as follows: PENSION PLANS 13 Weeks Ended 26 Weeks Ended March 28, March 29, March 28, March 29, (Thousands of Dollars) 2021 2020 2021 2020 Service cost for benefits earned during the period 633 103 1,266 111 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 1,787 1,420 3,574 2,651 Expected return on plan assets (4,672 ) (2,321 ) (9,344 ) (4,272 ) Amortization of net loss 1,005 792 2,009 1,584 Amortization of prior service benefit (1 ) (2 ) (1 ) (4 ) Pension benefit (1,248 ) (8 ) (2,496 ) 70 POSTRETIREMENT MEDICAL PLANS 13 Weeks Ended 26 Weeks Ended March 28, March 29, March 28, March 29, (Thousands of Dollars) 2021 2020 2021 2020 Service cost for benefits earned during the period 240 36 450 36 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 239 110 362 177 Expected return on plan assets (252 ) (265 ) (504 ) (530 ) Amortization of net gain (172 ) (186 ) (344 ) (372 ) Amortization of prior service benefit (162 ) (161 ) (323 ) (322 ) Curtailment gain — — (23,830 ) — Postretirement medical benefit (107 ) (466 ) (24,189 ) (1,011 ) In the 26 March 28, 2021 we contributed $965,000 to our pension plans. In March 2021, 2021. Multiemployer Pension Plans During the 13 December 27, 2020,

Note 7 - Acquisitions

Note 7 - Acquisitions	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2021
Notes to Financial Statements
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	7 ACQUISITIONS On March 16, 2020, January 29, 2020 30 49 32 not no 5 In connection with the Transactions, the Company entered into a lease agreement between BHMG, as Landlord, and the Company, as Tenant, providing for the leasing of 68 properties and related fixtures (including production equipment) used in the BH Media Newspaper Business (the “BH Lease”). The BH Lease was signed and commenced on March 16, 2020. The following table summarizes the final determination of fair values of the assets and liabilities for the Transactions. (in Thousands) Estimated fair value as previously reported (a) Measurement period adjustments Fair value as adjusted Cash and Cash equivalents 22,293 — 22,293 Current assets 52,559 (855 ) 51,704 Other assets 12,167 4,343 16,510 Property and equipment 42,952 33 42,985 Operating lease assets 7,445 101 7,546 Advertiser relationships 38,780 (11,160 ) 27,620 Subscriber relationships 36,060 (8,210 ) 27,850 Commercial print relationships 17,130 2,430 19,560 Mastheads 21,680 (1,290 ) 20,390 Goodwill 63,559 16,337 79,896 Total assets 314,625 1,729 316,354 Current liabilities assumed (73,451 ) 1,074 (72,377 ) Operating lease liabilities (6,625 ) (921 ) (7,546 ) Other liabilities assumed (2,246 ) (1,882) (4,128 ) Pension obligations (43,503 ) — (43,503 ) Postemployment benefit obligations (36,800 ) — (36,800 ) Total liabilities (162,625 ) (1,729) (164,354 ) Net assets 152,000 — 152,000 Less: acquired cash (22,293 ) — (22,293 ) Total consideration less acquired cash 129,707 — 129,707 (a) 10 March 29,2020. The Company recorded several adjustments in the 13 March 28, 2021 48 For the 13 March 28, 2021, 26 March 28, 2021, Pro Forma Information The following table sets forth unaudited pro forma results of operations assuming the Transactions, along with the credit arrangements necessary to finance the Transactions, occurred on September 30, 2019, first 2020. Unaudited 13 Weeks Ended 26 Weeks Ended March 29, March 29, (Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Share Data) 2020 2020 Total revenues 207,329 442,025 Income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated 4,053 20,608 Earnings per share - diluted 0.70 3.60 Prior period results have been adjusted to reflect the one March 2021. 1 This pro forma financial information is based on historical results of operations, adjusted for the allocation of the purchase price and other acquisition accounting adjustments. This pro forma information is not 2020 The only material, nonrecurring adjustment made relates to the write-off of previously unamortized debt-issuance costs as of October 1, 2019 13 March 29, 2020 26 March 29, 2020.

Note 8 - Income Taxes

Note 8 - Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2021
Notes to Financial Statements
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	8 INCOME TAXES We recorded an income tax benefit of $571,000 related to a loss before taxes of $1,179,000 for the 13 March 28, 2021, 26 March 28, 2021. 13 March 29, 2020, 26 March 29, 2020. 13 26 March 28, 2021 13 26 March 29 th 2020 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 2013. At September 27, 2020,

Note 9 - Earnings Per Common Sh

Note 9 - Earnings Per Common Share	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2021
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 as adjusted to give effect to the reverse stock split: 13 Weeks Ended 26 Weeks Ended March 28, March 29, March 28, March 29, (Thousands of Dollars and Shares, Except Per Share Data) 2021 2020 2021 2020 Income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated: (1,134 ) (5,367 ) 14,768 (46 ) Weighted average common shares 5,877 5,814 5,861 5,793 Less weighted average restricted Common Stock (156 ) (157 ) (155 ) (152 ) Basic average common shares 5,721 5,657 5,706 5,641 Dilutive stock options and restricted Common Stock 98 38 75 59 Diluted average common shares 5,819 5,695 5,781 5,700 Earnings per common share: Basic (0.20 ) (0.95 ) 2.59 (0.01 ) Diluted (0.19 ) (0.94 ) 2.55 (0.01 ) For the 13 26 March 28, 2021 , 600,000 shares were not because the exercise prices of the related stock options and Warrants were in excess of the fair market value of our Common Stock. For the 13 26 March 29, 2020, not Prior period results have been adjusted to reflect the one ten March 2021. 1

Note 10 - Stock Ownership Plans

Note 10 - Stock Ownership Plans	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2021
Notes to Financial Statements
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Text Block]	10 STOCK OWNERSHIP PLANS A summary of stock option activity during the 26 March 28, 2021 follows, as adjusted to give effect to the reverse stock split: (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 27, 2020 41 11.40 Exercised — — Cancelled — — Outstanding, March 28, 2021 41 11.40 1.18 590 Exercisable, March 28, 2021 41 11.40 1.18 590 Restricted Common Stock The table below summarizes restricted Common Stock activity during the 26 March 28, 2021 , as adjusted to give effect to the reverse stock split: (Thousands of Shares, Except Per Share Data) Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding, September 27, 2020 155 21.50 Vested (45 ) 27.70 Granted 46 11.20 Cancelled — — Outstanding, March 28, 2021 156 16.70 Total unrecognized compensation expense for unvested restricted Common Stock at March 28, 2021 is $ , which will be recognized over a weighted average period of years.

Note 11 - Fair Value of Measure

Note 11 - Fair Value of Measurements	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2021
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 $ , including our ownership of the non-voting common stock of TCT, are carried at cost. Fair value of the remaining investments are carried at cost. Our fixed rate debt consists of $498,915,000 principal amount of the Term Loan recorded at carrying value. At March 28, 2021, 2 As discussed more fully in Note 5, March 28, 2021 and September 27, 2020 are $1,080,000 and $363,000 , respectively. Fair value is determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. These represent level 2

Note 12 - Commitments and Conti

Note 12 - Commitments and Contingent Liabilities	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2021
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 2013. 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 Restructuring Costs and Other We have recognized $1,294,000 and $4,461,000 of expense related to restructuring costs and other for the 13 26 March 28, 2021. not March 28, 2021. Subsequent events We have evaluated subsequent events through May 7, 2021. No March 28, 2021

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2021
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 its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of March 28, 2021 2020 10 Because of seasonal and other factors, the results of operations for the 13 26 March 28, 2021 not References to “we”, “our”, “us” and the like throughout the Consolidated Financial Statements refer to the Company. References to “ 2021 2020 September. The Consolidated Financial Statements include our accounts and those of our subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned, except for our 82.5% interest in INN Partners, L.C. (“TownNews.com”), 50% interest in TNI Partners (“TNI”) and 50% interest in Madison Newspapers, Inc. (“MNI”). 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. Certain amounts in prior period Consolidated Financial Statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Pursuant to our acquisition of BHMG and the Buffalo News, we realigned the presentation of certain home delivery print revenue and certain other Subscription revenue from Other revenue to Subscription revenue on the Consolidated Statements of Income (loss) and Comprehensive Income (loss). As a result of this updated presentation, Subscription revenue increased and Other revenue decreased for the 13 March 29, 2020 26 March 29, 2020 13 December 27, 2020 On February 25, 2021, one March 15, 2021 one ten March 2021. not March 29, 2020,
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
Business Combinations Policy [Policy Text Block]	Business Combinations The Company accounts for acquisitions in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification 805 805”
COVID-19 Pandemic, Policy [Policy Text Block]	COVID- 19 The ongoing COVID- 19 19 19
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Recently Issued Accounting Standards - Standards Adopted in 2021 In June 2016, 326" September 28, 2020 not In August 2018, 2018 14" September 28, 2020 not In December 2019, 740 September 28, 2020 not Recently Issued Accounting Standards - Standards Not In August 2018, 2018 13" September 27, 2021 In October 2020,

Note 2 - Revenue (Tables)

Note 2 - Revenue (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2021
Notes Tables
Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block]	13 Weeks Ended 26 Weeks Ended March 28, March 29, March 28, March 29, (Thousands of Dollars) 2021 2020 2021 2020 Advertising and marketing services revenue 85,575 60,945 188,204 126,672 Subscription revenue 89,777 46,943 181,080 89,113 TownNews and other digital services revenue 4,820 4,905 9,966 9,889 Other revenue 12,258 8,574 24,998 18,036 Total operating revenue 192,430 121,367 404,248 243,710

Note 3 - Investments in Assoc_2

Note 3 - Investments in Associated Companies (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2021
Notes Tables
Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block]	13 Weeks Ended 26 Weeks Ended March 28, March 29, March 28, March 29, (Thousands of Dollars) 2021 2020 2021 2020 Operating revenue 8,759 10,185 18,159 20,381 Operating expenses 6,424 7,766 13,429 15,931 Operating income 2,335 2,419 4,730 4,450 Company's 50% 1,168 1,210 2,365 2,225 Less amortization of intangible assets — 105 — 210 Equity in earnings of TNI 1,168 1,105 2,365 2,015 13 Weeks Ended 26 Weeks Ended March 28, March 29, March 28, March 29, (Thousands of Dollars) 2021 2020 2021 2020 Operating revenue 11,024 12,325 22,946 26,250 Operating expenses, excluding restructuring costs, depreciation and amortization 10,237 11,561 20,667 23,681 Restructuring costs — — 106 — Depreciation and amortization 182 197 292 341 Operating income 605 567 1,881 2,228 Net income 605 514 1,694 1,830 Equity in earnings of MNI 303 257 847 915

Note 4 - Goodwill and Other I_2

Note 4 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2021
Notes Tables
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]	26 Weeks Ended March 28, (Thousands of Dollars) 2021 Goodwill, gross amount 1,617,174 Accumulated impairment losses (1,288,729 ) Goodwill, as of September 27, 2020 328,445 Measurement period adjustments 1,759 Goodwill, end of period 330,204
Schedule of Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	March 28, September 27, (Thousands of Dollars) 2021 2020 Non-amortized intangible assets: Mastheads 40,459 40,459 Amortizable intangible assets: Customer and newspaper subscriber lists 774,155 774,604 Less accumulated amortization 645,653 632,457 128,502 142,147 Non-compete and consulting agreements 28,656 28,656 Less accumulated amortization 28,620 28,582 36 74 Other intangible assets, net 168,997 182,680

Note 6 - Pension, Postretirem_2

Note 6 - Pension, Postretirement and Postemployment Defined Benefit Plans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2021
Pension Plan [Member]
Notes Tables
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block]	PENSION PLANS 13 Weeks Ended 26 Weeks Ended March 28, March 29, March 28, March 29, (Thousands of Dollars) 2021 2020 2021 2020 Service cost for benefits earned during the period 633 103 1,266 111 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 1,787 1,420 3,574 2,651 Expected return on plan assets (4,672 ) (2,321 ) (9,344 ) (4,272 ) Amortization of net loss 1,005 792 2,009 1,584 Amortization of prior service benefit (1 ) (2 ) (1 ) (4 ) Pension benefit (1,248 ) (8 ) (2,496 ) 70 POSTRETIREMENT MEDICAL PLANS 13 Weeks Ended 26 Weeks Ended March 28, March 29, March 28, March 29, (Thousands of Dollars) 2021 2020 2021 2020 Service cost for benefits earned during the period 240 36 450 36 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 239 110 362 177 Expected return on plan assets (252 ) (265 ) (504 ) (530 ) Amortization of net gain (172 ) (186 ) (344 ) (372 ) Amortization of prior service benefit (162 ) (161 ) (323 ) (322 ) Curtailment gain — — (23,830 ) — Postretirement medical benefit (107 ) (466 ) (24,189 ) (1,011 )

Note 7 - Acquisitions (Tables)

Note 7 - Acquisitions (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2021
Notes Tables
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]	Unaudited 13 Weeks Ended 26 Weeks Ended March 29, March 29, (Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Share Data) 2020 2020 Total revenues 207,329 442,025 Income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated 4,053 20,608 Earnings per share - diluted 0.70 3.60
BHMG [Member]
Notes Tables
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]	(in Thousands) Estimated fair value as previously reported (a) Measurement period adjustments Fair value as adjusted Cash and Cash equivalents 22,293 — 22,293 Current assets 52,559 (855 ) 51,704 Other assets 12,167 4,343 16,510 Property and equipment 42,952 33 42,985 Operating lease assets 7,445 101 7,546 Advertiser relationships 38,780 (11,160 ) 27,620 Subscriber relationships 36,060 (8,210 ) 27,850 Commercial print relationships 17,130 2,430 19,560 Mastheads 21,680 (1,290 ) 20,390 Goodwill 63,559 16,337 79,896 Total assets 314,625 1,729 316,354 Current liabilities assumed (73,451 ) 1,074 (72,377 ) Operating lease liabilities (6,625 ) (921 ) (7,546 ) Other liabilities assumed (2,246 ) (1,882) (4,128 ) Pension obligations (43,503 ) — (43,503 ) Postemployment benefit obligations (36,800 ) — (36,800 ) Total liabilities (162,625 ) (1,729) (164,354 ) Net assets 152,000 — 152,000 Less: acquired cash (22,293 ) — (22,293 ) Total consideration less acquired cash 129,707 — 129,707

Note 9 - Earnings Per Common _2

Note 9 - Earnings Per Common Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2021
Notes Tables
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	13 Weeks Ended 26 Weeks Ended March 28, March 29, March 28, March 29, (Thousands of Dollars and Shares, Except Per Share Data) 2021 2020 2021 2020 Income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated: (1,134 ) (5,367 ) 14,768 (46 ) Weighted average common shares 5,877 5,814 5,861 5,793 Less weighted average restricted Common Stock (156 ) (157 ) (155 ) (152 ) Basic average common shares 5,721 5,657 5,706 5,641 Dilutive stock options and restricted Common Stock 98 38 75 59 Diluted average common shares 5,819 5,695 5,781 5,700 Earnings per common share: Basic (0.20 ) (0.95 ) 2.59 (0.01 ) Diluted (0.19 ) (0.94 ) 2.55 (0.01 )

Note 10 - Stock Ownership Pla_2

Note 10 - Stock Ownership Plans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2021
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 27, 2020 41 11.40 Exercised — — Cancelled — — Outstanding, March 28, 2021 41 11.40 1.18 590 Exercisable, March 28, 2021 41 11.40 1.18 590
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 27, 2020 155 21.50 Vested (45 ) 27.70 Granted 46 11.20 Cancelled — — Outstanding, March 28, 2021 156 16.70

Note 1 - Basis of Presentatio_2

Note 1 - Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual)	Feb. 25, 2021	Mar. 28, 2021USD ($)	Dec. 27, 2020USD ($)	Mar. 29, 2020USD ($)shares	Mar. 28, 2021USD ($)	Mar. 29, 2020USD ($)shares
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax		$ 192,430,000		$ 121,367,000	$ 404,248,000	$ 243,710,000
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding, Ending Balance (in shares) | shares				5,813,591		5,813,591
Reverse Stock Split [Member]
Stockholders' Equity Note, Stock Split, Conversion Ratio	10
Previously Reported [Member]
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding, Ending Balance (in shares) | shares				58,135,910		58,135,910
Subscription and Circulation [Member]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax		89,777,000		$ 46,943,000	181,080,000	$ 89,113,000
Subscription and Circulation [Member] | Revision of Prior Period, Adjustment [Member]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax			$ 794,000	500,000		975,000
Product and Service, Other [Member]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax		$ 17,078,000		13,479,000	$ 34,964,000	27,925,000
Product and Service, Other [Member] | Revision of Prior Period, Adjustment [Member]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax			$ (794,000)	$ (500,000)		$ (975,000)
INN Partners, L.C. [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent		82.50%			82.50%
TNI Partners [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent		50.00%			50.00%
MNI [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent		50.00%			50.00%

Note 2 - Revenue (Details Textu

Note 2 - Revenue (Details Textual) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2021	Mar. 28, 2021	Sep. 27, 2020
Contract with Customer, Liability, Current	$ 63,870,000	$ 63,870,000	$ 60,271,000
Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized	12,548,000	48,562,000
Accounts Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss	69,289,000	69,289,000	66,029,000
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Ending Balance	$ 9,138,000	$ 9,138,000	$ 13,431,000

Note 2 - Revenue - Disaggregati

Note 2 - Revenue - Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2021	Mar. 29, 2020	Mar. 28, 2021	Mar. 29, 2020
Total operating revenue	$ 192,430	$ 121,367	$ 404,248	$ 243,710
Advertising and Marketing Services [Member]
Total operating revenue	85,575	60,945	188,204	126,672
Subscription and Circulation [Member]
Total operating revenue	89,777	46,943	181,080	89,113
Digital Services Revenues [Member]
Total operating revenue	4,820	4,905	9,966	9,889
Other Revenues [Member]
Total operating revenue	$ 12,258	$ 8,574	$ 24,998	$ 18,036

Note 3 - Investments in Assoc_3

Note 3 - Investments in Associated Companies (Details Textual) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2021	Mar. 29, 2020	Mar. 28, 2021	Mar. 29, 2020
TNI Partners [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners	50.00%		50.00%
TNI Partners [Member]
Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution	$ 1,561,000	$ 953,000	$ 2,617,000	$ 1,691,000
MNI [Member]
Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution	$ 1,150,000	$ 1,000,000	$ 1,150,000	$ 1,000,000

Note 3 - Investments in Assoc_4

Note 3 - Investments in Associated Companies - Summarized Financial Results (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2021	Mar. 29, 2020	Mar. 28, 2021	Mar. 29, 2020
Operating revenue	$ 192,430,000	$ 121,367,000	$ 404,248,000	$ 243,710,000
Operating expenses	185,483,000	108,942,000	378,235,000	214,548,000
Operating income	8,418,000	13,787,000	29,226,000	32,093,000
Equity in earnings	1,471,000	1,362,000	3,213,000	2,931,000
Restructuring costs	1,294,000	1,925,000	4,461,000	3,557,000
Depreciation and amortization	12,517,000	7,276,000	22,958,000	13,995,000
Net income	(608,000)	(4,990,000)	15,795,000	728,000
TNI Partners [Member]
Operating revenue	8,759,000	10,185,000	18,159,000	20,381,000
Operating expenses	6,424,000	7,766,000	13,429,000	15,931,000
Operating income	2,335,000	2,419,000	4,730,000	4,450,000
Company's 50% share of operating income	1,168,000	1,210,000	2,365,000	2,225,000
Less amortization of intangible assets	0	105,000	0	210,000
Equity in earnings	1,168,000	1,105,000	2,365,000	2,015,000
MNI [Member]
Operating revenue	11,024,000	12,325,000	22,946,000	26,250,000
Operating expenses	10,237,000	11,561,000	20,667,000	23,681,000
Operating income	605,000	567,000	1,881,000	2,228,000
Equity in earnings	303,000	257,000	847,000	915,000
Restructuring costs	0	0	106,000	0
Depreciation and amortization	182,000	197,000	292,000	341,000
Net income	$ 605,000	$ 514,000	$ 1,694,000	$ 1,830,000

Note 3 - Investments in Assoc_5

Note 3 - Investments in Associated Companies - Summarized Financial Results (Details) (Parentheticals)	Mar. 28, 2021	Mar. 29, 2020
TNI Partners [Member]
Percentage of share	50.00%	50.00%

Note 4 - Goodwill and Other I_3

Note 4 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details Textual) - USD ($)	Mar. 16, 2020		Mar. 28, 2021	Mar. 28, 2020
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Rolling Twelve Months			$ 22,250,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Rolling Year Two			20,427,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Rolling Year Three			18,738,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Rolling Year Four			14,745,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Rolling Year Five			$ 7,651,000
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life (Year)			14 years
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	$ 79,896,000		$ 1,759,000
Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount			42,442,000
BHMG [Member] | Advertiser Relationships [Member]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles	38,780,000	[1]	27,620,000	$ 27,620,000
BHMG [Member] | Subscriber Relationships [Member]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles	36,060,000	[1]	27,850,000	27,850,000
BHMG [Member] | Commercial Print Relationships [Member]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles	$ 17,130,000	[1]	19,560,000	$ 19,560,000
BHMG [Member] | Mastheads [Member]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets			$ 20,390,000
[1]	As previously reported in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 29,2020.

Note 4 - Goodwill and Other I_4

Note 4 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Changes in the Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 16, 2020	Mar. 28, 2021
Goodwill, gross amount		$ 1,617,174,000
Accumulated impairment losses		(1,288,729,000)
Goodwill, beginning period		328,445,000
Measurement period adjustments	$ 79,896,000	1,759,000
Goodwill, end of period		$ 330,204,000

Note 4 - Goodwill and Other I_5

Note 4 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Identified Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 28, 2021	Sep. 27, 2020
Mastheads	$ 40,459	$ 40,459
Other intangible assets, net	168,997	182,680
Customer and Newspaper Subscriber Lists [Member]
Amortizable intangible assets, gross	774,155	774,604
Less accumulated amortization	645,653	632,457
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Ending Balance	128,502	142,147
Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Amortizable intangible assets, gross	28,656	28,656
Less accumulated amortization	28,620	28,582
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Ending Balance	$ 36	$ 74

Note 5 - Debt (Details Textual)

Note 5 - Debt (Details Textual) - USD ($)	Mar. 16, 2020	Jan. 29, 2020	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 28, 2021	Mar. 28, 2021	Mar. 29, 2020	Sep. 27, 2020
Long-term Debt, Gross	$ 431,502,000
Repayments of Long-term Debt, Total					$ 39,375,000	$ 443,627,000
Pulitzer Excess Cash Flow				$ 13,753,000
Warrants and Rights Outstanding				1,080,000	1,080,000		$ 363,000
Warrants Issued in Connection with Second Lien Term Loan [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Warrants or Rights (in shares)			600,000
Warrants, When Fully Exercised, Percentage of Common Stock Outstanding			10.40%
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights (in dollars per share)			$ 41.90
Warrants and Rights Outstanding			$ 16,930,000
BHMG [Member]
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross	$ 140,000,000	$ 140,000,000
Credit Agreement [Member] | Secured Term Loan [Member] | BH Finance [Member]
Debt Instrument, Term (Year)	25 years
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 576,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	9.00%
Long-term Debt, Gross				$ 498,915,000	$ 498,915,000
Weighted Average Cost of Debt, Excluding Amortization of Debt Financing Costs				9.00%	9.00%
Repayments of Long-term Debt, Total				$ 7,500,000
Debt Instrument, Covenant, Percent of Net Cash Proceeds of Property in Excess of $500,000 in 90 Days	100.00%
Debt Instrument, Covenant, Excess Cash Flow, Period After Quarter End (Day)	50 days
Debt Instrument, Covenant, Change of Control, Repayment Percentage	105.00%

Note 6 - Pension, Postretirem_3

Note 6 - Pension, Postretirement and Postemployment Defined Benefit Plans (Details Textual) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2020	Mar. 28, 2021
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer		$ 965,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Employer Contributions, Remainder of Fiscal Year		$ 0
Multiemployer Plans, Withdrawal Obligation	$ 12,310,000
Multiemployer Plans, Withdrawal Obligation, Period (Year)	20 years
Postemployment Retirement Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Curtailment	$ 23,830,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, (Increase) Decrease for Curtailment	$ 23,830,000

Note 6 - Pension, Postretirem_4

Note 6 - Pension, Postretirement and Postemployment Defined Benefit Plans - Net Periodic Cost (Benefit) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2021	Mar. 29, 2020	Mar. 28, 2021	Mar. 29, 2020
Pension Plan [Member]
Service cost for benefits earned during the period	$ 633	$ 103	$ 1,266	$ 111
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	1,787	1,420	3,574	2,651
Expected return on plan assets	(4,672)	(2,321)	(9,344)	(4,272)
Amortization of net loss	1,005	792	2,009	1,584
Amortization of prior service benefit	(1)	(2)	(1)	(4)
Pension benefit	(1,248)	(8)	(2,496)	70
Postretirement Health Coverage [Member]
Service cost for benefits earned during the period	240	36	450	36
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	239	110	362	177
Expected return on plan assets	(252)	(265)	(504)	(530)
Amortization of net loss	(172)	(186)	(344)	(372)
Amortization of prior service benefit	(162)	(161)	(323)	(322)
Pension benefit	(107)	(466)	(24,189)	(1,011)
Curtailment gain	$ 0	$ 0	$ (23,830)	$ 0

Note 7 - Acquisitions (Details

Note 7 - Acquisitions (Details Textual)	Feb. 25, 2021	Mar. 16, 2020USD ($)	Jan. 29, 2020USD ($)	Mar. 28, 2021USD ($)	Dec. 27, 2020USD ($)	Mar. 29, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 29, 2019USD ($)	Mar. 28, 2021USD ($)	Mar. 29, 2020USD ($)
Number of Real Estate Properties		68
Operating Lease, Annual Rent Payable		$ 8,000,000
Operating Lease, Percentage of Net Sales Proceeds		8.00%
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax				$ 192,430,000		$ 121,367,000		$ 404,248,000	$ 243,710,000
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent, Total				(1,134,000)	$ 15,902,000	(5,367,000)	$ 5,320,000	14,768,000	(46,000)
Reverse Stock Split [Member]
Stockholders' Equity Note, Stock Split, Conversion Ratio	10
BHMG [Member]
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross		$ 140,000,000	$ 140,000,000
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Income Tax Penalties				634,000
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Unrecognized Tax Benefits				138,000
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax				97,770,000				206,831,000
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent, Total				7,181,000				$ 15,951,000
BHMG [Member] | Acquisition-related Costs [Member]
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent, Total						$ 8,002,000			$ 8,900,000
BHMG [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Intangibles				$ (710,000)

Note 7 - Acquisitions - Prelimi

Note 7 - Acquisitions - Preliminary Determination of Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 28, 2020	Mar. 16, 2020	[1]	Mar. 28, 2021	Mar. 29, 2020	Mar. 28, 2021	Sep. 27, 2020
Goodwill				$ 330,204,000		$ 330,204,000	$ 328,445,000
Total consideration less acquired cash				0	$ 130,985,000
BHMG [Member]
Cash and Cash equivalents	$ 22,293,000	$ 22,293,000
Current assets	51,704,000	52,559,000
Current assets, adjustment						(855,000)
Other assets	16,510,000	12,167,000
Other assets, adjustment						4,343,000
Property and equipment	42,985,000	42,952,000
Property and equipment, adjustment						33,000
Operating lease assets	7,546,000	7,445,000
Operating lease assets, adjustment						101,000
Goodwill	79,896,000	63,559,000
Goodwill, adjustment						16,337,000
Total assets	316,354,000	314,625,000
Total assets, adjustment						1,729,000
Current liabilities assumed	(72,377,000)	(73,451,000)
Current liabilities assumed, adjustment						1,074,000
Operating lease liabilities	(7,546,000)	(6,625,000)
Operating lease liabilities, adjustment						(921,000)
Other liabilities assumed	(4,128,000)	(2,246,000)
Other liabilities assumed						(1,882,000)
Pension obligations	(43,503,000)	(43,503,000)
Postemployment benefit obligations	(36,800,000)	(36,800,000)
Total liabilities	(164,354,000)	(162,625,000)
Total liabilities, adjustment						(1,729,000)
Net assets	152,000,000	152,000,000
Less: acquired cash	(22,293,000)	(22,293,000)
Total consideration less acquired cash	129,707,000	129,707,000
BHMG [Member] | Mastheads [Member]
Relationship, adjustment						(1,290,000)
Mastheads	20,390,000	21,680,000
BHMG [Member] | Advertiser Relationships [Member]
Relationships	27,620,000	38,780,000		27,620,000		27,620,000
Relationship, adjustment						(11,160,000)
BHMG [Member] | Subscriber Relationships [Member]
Relationships	27,850,000	36,060,000		27,850,000		27,850,000
Relationship, adjustment						(8,210,000)
BHMG [Member] | Commercial Print Relationships [Member]
Relationships	$ 19,560,000	$ 17,130,000		$ 19,560,000		19,560,000
Relationship, adjustment						$ 2,430,000
[1]	As previously reported in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 29,2020.

Note 7 - Acquisitions - Pro For

Note 7 - Acquisitions - Pro Forma Information (Details) - BHMG [Member] - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2021	Mar. 28, 2021
Total revenues	$ 207,329	$ 442,025
Income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated	$ 4,053	$ 20,608
Earnings per share - diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.70	$ 3.60

Note 8 - Income Taxes (Details

Note 8 - Income Taxes (Details Textual) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2021	Mar. 29, 2020	Mar. 28, 2021	Mar. 29, 2020	Sep. 27, 2020
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total	$ (571,000)	$ (2,331,000)	$ 5,740,000	$ (460,000)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest, Total	$ (1,179,000)	$ (7,321,000)	$ 21,535,000	$ 268,000
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent, Total	48.40%	31.80%	26.70%	(171.60%)
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Total					$ 46,066,000

Note 9 - Earnings Per Common _3

Note 9 - Earnings Per Common Share (Details Textual)	Feb. 25, 2021	Mar. 28, 2021shares	Mar. 29, 2020shares	Mar. 28, 2021shares	Mar. 29, 2020shares
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount (in shares)		600,000	695,430	600,000	639,397
Reverse Stock Split [Member]
Stockholders' Equity Note, Stock Split, Conversion Ratio	10

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				6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2021	Dec. 27, 2020	Mar. 29, 2020	Dec. 29, 2019	Mar. 28, 2021	Mar. 29, 2020
(Loss) Income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated	$ (1,134)	$ 15,902	$ (5,367)	$ 5,320	$ 14,768	$ (46)
Weighted average common shares (in shares)	5,877		5,814		5,861	5,793
Less weighted average restricted Common Stock (in shares)	(156)		(157)		(155)	(152)
Basic average common shares (in shares)	5,721		5,657		5,706	5,641
Dilutive stock options and restricted Common Stock (in shares)	98		38		75	59
Diluted average common shares (in shares)	5,819		5,695		5,781	5,700
Basic: (in dollars per share)	$ (0.20)		$ (0.95)		$ 2.59	$ (0.01)
Diluted: (in dollars per share)	$ (0.19)		$ (0.94)		$ 2.55	$ (0.01)

Note 10 - Stock Ownership Pla_3

Note 10 - Stock Ownership Plans (Details Textual) - Restricted Stock [Member]	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2021USD ($)
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Excluding Option, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount	$ 1,320,000
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition (Year)	1 year 8 months 12 days

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	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2021USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Outstanding, Shares (in shares) | shares	41
Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 11.40
Exercised, Shares (in shares) | shares	0
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0
Cancelled, Shares (in shares) | shares	0
Cancelled, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0
Outstanding, Shares (in shares) | shares	41
Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 11.40
Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Year)	1 year 2 months 4 days
Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $	$ 590
Exercisable, Shares (in shares) | shares	41
Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 11.40
Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Year)	1 year 2 months 4 days
Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $	$ 590

Note 10 - Stock Ownership Pla_5

Note 10 - Stock Ownership Plans - Summary of Restricted Stock Activity (Details) - Restricted Stock [Member] shares in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2021$ / sharesshares
Outstanding, shares (in shares) | shares	155
Outstanding, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 21.50
Vested, shares (in shares) | shares	(45)
Vested, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 27.70
Granted, shares (in shares) | shares	46
Granted, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 11.20
Cancelled, shares (in shares) | shares	0
Cancelled, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0
Outstanding, shares (in shares) | shares	156
Outstanding, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 16.70

Note 11 - Fair Value of Measu_2

Note 11 - Fair Value of Measurements (Details Textual) - USD ($)	Mar. 28, 2021	Sep. 27, 2020	Mar. 31, 2014
Warrants and Rights Outstanding	$ 1,080,000	$ 363,000
Senior Secured Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	498,915,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure, Total	$ 4,226,000
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			$ 16,930,000

Note 12 - Commitments and Con_2

Note 12 - Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Details Textual) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2021	Mar. 29, 2020	Mar. 28, 2021	Mar. 29, 2020
Restructuring Charges, Total	$ 1,294,000	$ 1,925,000	$ 4,461,000	$ 3,557,000
Restructuring Reserve, Ending Balance	0		0
Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Charges, Total	$ 671,000		$ 3,167,000