Gannett, the largest newspaper publisher in the US and owner of USA Today, is offering voluntary buyouts to employees as it looks to cut costs and invest more heavily in AI and automation.
In a memo to staff, CEO Mike Reed said the company’s revenue had remained “static” in recent years, with sales falling from $3.21 billion in 2021 to $2.51 billion last year. He described the buyouts as part of a broader plan to “support sustainable growth”.
Staff have until July 30 to accept the severance offer and must remain in their roles until September 5. Specific terms have not been disclosed.
Gannett’s workforce has shrunk significantly in recent years, falling by nearly 20% since the end of 2022. This latest round of buyouts follows similar efforts in 2020 and comes on top of other austerity measures, including unpaid leave in December, a hiring freeze, suspended 401(k) contributions and the option for reduced work weeks or sabbaticals.
In a statement, Chief Communications Officer Lark-Marie Antón said the company was focused on using automation and AI to streamline operations. The voluntary buyout programme, she added, would provide “near-term flexibility” while acknowledging employee contributions.
Gannett owns more than 200 papers across the country, including The Arizona Republic and The Indianapolis Star. But like many legacy publishers, it continues to face pressure from falling print revenues and slower-than-hoped digital growth. The company posted a net loss of $53.7 million in the second quarter of 2025.
While the company says it is committed to transforming its business model through technology, the financial strain shows no sign of easing.
- https://www.thewrap.com/gannett-voluntary-buyouts/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.thewrap.com/gannett-voluntary-buyouts/ – Gannett Co. Inc., the largest newspaper publisher in the United States and parent company of outlets like USA Today, is offering employees voluntary buyout packages. CEO Mike Reed stated that, given static revenue trends, the company needs to adjust its organisation to meet current business needs and position itself for sustainable growth, leveraging AI and automation for efficiencies. Gannett’s annual sales decreased from $3.21 billion in 2021 to $2.51 billion in 2024, with revenue dropping each year. Eligible employees must accept the offer by July 30 and work through September 5. The company had 8,900 employees at the end of 2024, down 11% from the previous year and 20% from 2022. Chief Communications Officer Lark-Marie Antón echoed Reed’s comments on using AI and automation to boost the business. Gannett owns more than 200 papers, including The Arizona Republic, The Detroit Free Press, and The Indianapolis Star.
- https://www.adweek.com/morning-media-newsfeed/gannett-announces-new-cuts-including-mandatory-unpaid-leave-buyouts/ – Gannett is requiring employees to take one week of unpaid leave in December and is seeking volunteers for buyouts, CEO Mike Reed announced in a staff-wide email. The company is also freezing hiring except for crucial positions. These changes aim to ensure the company’s long-term success. The announcement follows a round of layoffs in August, in which Gannett laid off roughly 400 employees, or 3% of its U.S. workforce. The company had nearly 14,000 U.S. employees at the end of last year, plus 2,500 based outside of the country. According to USA Today, the company faced a net loss of $53.7 million in the second quarter.
- https://www.poynter.org/business-work/2020/about-500-people-are-taking-buyouts-at-gannett/ – In October 2020, Gannett offered a round of voluntary buyouts to all its employees. Poynter learned that roughly 600 people opted in, and approximately 500 buyouts were accepted. Gannett, which owns USA Today and more than 250 daily newsrooms, is the country’s largest newspaper owner. It employs about 21,000 people, 5,000 of them journalists. Poynter obtained a copy of a 15-page PDF listing the job titles of those selected for buyouts. The buyouts include about 60 editors, 19 photojournalists, seven managing editors, three executive editors, and 124 reporters.
- https://www.niemanlab.org/reading/gannetts-cost-cutting-will-include-a-week-of-mandatory-unpaid-leave-and-voluntary-buyouts/ – Gannett’s cost-cutting measures include a week of mandatory unpaid leave and voluntary buyouts. The company also announced the temporary suspension of 401(k) contribution matches and a hiring freeze. These actions aim to ensure the company’s long-term success. The announcement follows a round of layoffs in August, in which Gannett laid off roughly 400 employees, or 3% of its U.S. workforce. The company had nearly 14,000 U.S. employees at the end of last year, plus 2,500 based outside of the country. According to USA Today, the company faced a net loss of $53.7 million in the second quarter.
- https://www.subscriptioninsider.com/topics/business-operations/gannett-slashes-expenses-starting-with-staff – Gannett is implementing cost-cutting measures, including a week of mandatory unpaid leave and voluntary buyouts. The company is also suspending 401(k) matching contributions and freezing hiring except for key revenue and operating roles. Employees may opt for an adjusted work week with fewer hours and a 20% reduction in compensation while maintaining their status as full-time employees. Additionally, employees can take a one to six-month unpaid sabbatical leave. Employees on sabbatical can continue their health benefits by paying the employee portion of premiums to Fidelity.
- https://www.adweek.com/morning-media-newsfeed/about-500-people-are-taking-buyouts-at-gannett/ – In October 2020, Gannett offered a round of voluntary buyouts to all its employees. Poynter learned that roughly 600 people opted in, and approximately 500 buyouts were accepted. Gannett, which owns USA Today and more than 250 daily newsrooms, is the country’s largest newspaper owner. It employs about 21,000 people, 5,000 of them journalists. Poynter obtained a copy of a 15-page PDF listing the job titles of those selected for buyouts. The buyouts include about 60 editors, 19 photojournalists, seven managing editors, three executive editors, and 124 reporters.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative is recent, dated July 24, 2025. Similar reports about Gannett’s financial challenges and buyout offers have appeared in the past, notably in October 2022, when Gannett announced voluntary buyouts and other cost-saving measures. ([adweek.com](https://www.adweek.com/morning-media-newsfeed/gannett-announces-new-cuts-including-mandatory-unpaid-leave-buyouts/?utm_source=openai)) However, the current report provides updated financial figures and specific details about the buyout offer, indicating a higher freshness score. No evidence suggests the content is recycled or republished across low-quality sites. The narrative appears to be based on a recent press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were identified. The updated data justifies a higher freshness score but should still be flagged.
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
The direct quotes from CEO Mike Reed and Chief Communications Officer Lark-Marie Antón are consistent with their previous statements. No identical quotes appear in earlier material, suggesting potentially original or exclusive content. The wording of the quotes matches previous communications, with no significant variations.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative originates from TheWrap, a reputable entertainment and media news outlet. While TheWrap is known for its coverage of the entertainment industry, it has also reported on media and business topics. The report includes direct quotes from Gannett’s CEO and Chief Communications Officer, adding credibility. However, the reliance on a single source and the lack of corroboration from other major news outlets slightly reduce the reliability score.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims about Gannett’s declining revenue and the offering of voluntary buyouts are plausible and align with previous reports of the company’s financial challenges. The narrative includes specific details about the buyout offer, such as deadlines and conditions, which are consistent with standard corporate restructuring practices. The language and tone are consistent with corporate communications, and there are no excessive or off-topic details. The report does not include any surprising or impactful claims not covered elsewhere, and the structure is focused and relevant.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is recent and provides updated information on Gannett’s financial situation and voluntary buyout offers. The quotes are consistent with previous statements, and the source is reputable. The claims are plausible and align with known information about the company. No significant issues were identified, and the content appears to be original and not recycled.
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