Gannett Communications’ television revenues totaled $185.5 million for the first quarter of 2013, an increase of 8.5% on the year-ago quarter.

The retransmission revenue at Gannett’s 23 stations increased 58.7% and core advertising revenues increased 2.3%, enough to “more than offset lower advertising associated
with the move of the Super Bowl broadcast to the company’s six CBS stations from its 12 NBC stations,” the company said in a release.

Broadcast segment operating expenses totaled $107.9 million for the quarter, up 4.2%. Reported operating income was $87.3 million, up 15.2%.

“Core advertising growth and a substantial increase in retransmission revenue contributed to improving results in Broadcasting while Digital segment results continued to reflect CareerBuilder’s growing market position,” Gannett president and CEO Gracia Martore said in a statement. “Our improved profitability and revenue growth are also clear signs that our strategy is working.”

Gannett Co. reported $280.2 million of total television revenue in the fourth quarter of 2012, a 45.7% increase compared to the year-ago quarter.

The revenue growth was fueled by $91.2 million in politically-related advertising during the quarter. Retransmission revenues were $29.6 million, a year-over-year increase of 38.7%. Station digital revenues were up 4% compared to the year ago quarter, and for the full year, broadcasting revenue was up 25.4%.

“During the fourth quarter and for the full year, our Broadcasting business delivered
record revenue and profitability,” Gannett CEO Gracia Martore said in a statement. “Our television stations significantly increased market share this year reflecting the value of their content and format in gaining new viewers while retaining their loyal base.”

Gannett today reported earnings figures for the third quarter of 2012 that included $233 million in television revenues, a +38.1% increase compared to the third quarter of last year.

Revenue growth was driven by $42 million in political ads and $37 million in ads related to the Summer Olympics, according to Gannett. The company also reported retransmission revenues of $22.3 million, an increase of +11.5% this quarter.

“Our TV stations leveraged top 10 ratings positions and a more locally focused sales effort to generate substantially higher Olympic spending,” Gannett president and CEO Gracia Martore said in a statement. “Through strong ratings and a great footprint, they also maximized the opportunity to attract political spending.”

Gannett today reported earnings figures for the first quarter of 2012 that included $170.9 million in television revenues, a 7.9% increase compared to the first quarter of last year.

The increase was attributed to advertising associated with the Super Bowl, as well as increased political advertising. Gannett also said retransmission revenues were 17% higher and television station digital revenues were 6.4% higher than Q1 2011.

“Our first quarter results were impacted by spending on strategic investments and advertising softness, particularly during January’s industry-wide slowdown,” Gracia Martore, Gannett’s president and CEO, said in a statement.  Read more

Less than a month after taking a medical leave, Craig Dubow has resigned as chairman and CEO of Gannett, the company announced today.

“For me, the decision to step down was difficult, but I must now focus on my health and my family,” Dubow said in a statement. “I will miss working with the talented team at Gannett and firmly believe the company’s best days lie ahead.”

Dubow will be replaced as CEO by Gracia Martore, who has been acting as principal executive officer since in Dubow’s absence. Marjorie Magner has been named chairman of the board.

“I have great admiration for what Craig has achieved in building our business to meet the changing needs of consumers and businesses today,” Martore said in a statement. “We will miss him and wish him and his family the very best.”

Gannett Company announced today that chairman and CEO Craig Dubow will take a medical leave of absence “to address continuing issues relating to prior medical conditions.”

Gracia Martore will serve as the company’s principal executive officer during Dubow’s absence. Martore, who also stepped into Dubow’s leadership role during a prior medical leave in 2009, is the company’s president and chief operating officer.

“The Board has confidence in Gracia and our very capable management team to run the day-to-day operations of the company, and we believe Gannett won’t miss a beat at this important juncture,” said presiding director Duncan McFarland, in announcing the news. Read more