Gannett denies Poynter report on USA Today print

Gannett has refuted a Poynter report that USA Today’s print version may see the end of the line in the wake of GateHouse parentNew Media Investment Group’s pending buy of Gannett.

A move off print is part of the vision for the deal, says a recent piece by Rick Edmonds, which cites two knowledgeable sources talking on background.

Gannett has denied the report.

Maribel Perez Wadsworth, USA Today publisher, provided a statement to Edmonds. “Gannett has no plans to discontinue the print edition of USA TODAY, which remains an important part of our business,” it said. “Gannett remains committed to high-quality journalism for the communities we serve and our ongoing digital transformation, and we are pleased to have found a like-minded partner in New Media. We believe the combination of our two companies will transform the landscape in the print and digital news business and, following the close of the transaction, we look forward to delivering on the compelling benefits for audiences, customers, employees and shareholders.”

Gannett and USA Today leaders called a staff meeting last week to dispute the article and answer questions, Edmonds reported.

In its most recent audited circulation report, USA Today reported individually paid circulation of 178,000 and 342,000 in hotel distribution. In 2007, the paper claimed more than 2,289,000.

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