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Document and Entity Information Document - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2011	Nov. 30, 2011	Mar. 27, 2011
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	Lee Enterprises, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	0000058361
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-25
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Sep. 25, 2011
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2011
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	true
Amendment Description	The amended 10-K/A was submitted to update the status of the Company's refinancing, including removal by Lee's independent registered accounting firm, KPMG LLP, of an explanatory paragraph in its report on the Company's consolidated financial statements expressing substantial doubt regarding Lee's ability to continue as a going concern.
Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding		44,957,601
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 114,069,000

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) Statement - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2011	Sep. 26, 2010	Sep. 27, 2009
Operating revenue:
Advertising	$ 536,778	$ 560,104	$ 614,674
Circulation	181,023	179,851	185,154
Other	38,303	40,693	42,202
Total operating revenue	756,104	780,648	842,030
Operating expenses:
Compensation	299,416	315,698	339,014
Newsprint and ink	59,075	54,436	72,311
Other operating expenses	230,641	238,191	257,060
Depreciation	26,861	27,971	32,807
Amortization of intangible assets	44,473	45,208	46,792
Impairment of goodwill and other assets	205,139	3,290	245,953
Workforce adjustments	4,232	1,420	6,650
Total operating expenses	869,837	686,214	1,000,587
Curtailment gains	16,137	45,012	0
Equity in earnings of associated companies	6,151	7,746	5,120
Reduction in investment in TNI	11,900	0	19,951
Operating income (loss)	(103,345)	147,192	(173,388)
Non-operating income (expense):
Financial income	296	411	1,886
Financial expense	(52,696)	(63,117)	(75,425)
Debt financing costs	(12,612)	(8,514)	(17,467)
Other, net	595	(1,172)	1,823
Total non-operating expense, net	(64,417)	(72,392)	(89,183)
Income (loss) before income taxes	(167,762)	74,800	(262,571)
Income tax expense (benefit)	(21,081)	28,622	(82,509)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	(146,681)	46,178	(180,062)
Discontinued operations:
Loss on disposition of discontinued operations, net of income tax effect	0	0	(5)
Net income (loss)	(146,681)	46,178	(180,067)
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests	(187)	(73)	(179)
Decrease in redeemable non-controlling interest	0	0	(57,055)
Income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated	(146,868)	46,105	(123,191)
Other comprehensive loss, net	(12,737)	(14,704)	(21,839)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(159,605)	31,401	(145,030)
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated	$ (146,868)	$ 46,105	$ (123,186)
Basic:
Continuing operations	$ (3.27)	$ 1.03	$ (2.77)
Discontinued operations	0.00	0.00	0.00
Earnings Per Share, Basic	(3.27)	1.03	(2.77)
Diluted:
Continuing operations	(3.27)	1.03	(2.77)
Discontinued operations	0.00	0.00	0.00
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$ (3.27)	$ 1.03	$ (2.77)

Consolidated Balance Sheets Statement - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 25, 2011	Sep. 26, 2010
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 23,555	$ 19,422
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts:
2011 $5,551; 2010 $5,763	71,024	77,558
Income taxes receivable	1,335	0
Inventories	7,388	10,822
Deferred income taxes	967	2,687
Other	19,553	11,128
Total current assets	123,822	121,617
Investments:
Associated companies	44,057	58,122
Restricted cash and investments	4,972	9,623
Other	9,199	9,594
Total investments	58,228	77,339
Property and equipment:
Land and improvements	27,017	28,075
Buildings and improvements	191,250	194,344
Equipment	317,126	316,697
Construction in process	2,852	811
	538,245	539,927
Less accumulated depreciation	326,205	304,527
Property and equipment, net	212,040	235,400
Goodwill	247,271	433,552
Other intangible assets, net	495,509	558,140
Post retirement assets, net	14,934	0
Other	6,444	14,068
Total assets	1,158,248	1,440,116
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	994,550	81,500
Accounts payable	27,740	30,529
Compensation and other accrued liabilities	35,437	38,117
Income taxes payable	0	1,082
Unearned revenue	36,512	36,624
Total current liabilities	1,094,239	187,852
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	0	1,000,927
Pension obligations	73,518	54,566
Postretirement and postemployment benefit obligations	6,104	9,979
Deferred income taxes	66,204	102,616
Income taxes payable	8,588	11,919
Other	10,489	15,150
Total liabilities	1,259,142	1,383,009
Stockholders' equity:
Serial convertible preferred stock, no par value; authorized 500 shares; none issued	0	0
Common Stock, $2 par value	89,915	78,554
2011; 44,958 shares;
Additional paid-in capital	140,887	139,460
Accumulated deficit	(326,062)	(179,194)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(6,086)	6,651
Total stockholders' equity (deficit)	(101,346)	56,823
Non-controlling interests	452	284
Total equity (deficit)	(100,894)	57,107
Total liabilities and equity (deficit)	1,158,248	1,440,116
Common Class B [Member]
Stockholders' equity:
Common Stock, $2 par value	$ 0	$ 11,352

Balance Sheet Parenthetical (Parentheticals) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	Sep. 25, 2011	Sep. 26, 2010
ASSETS
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 5,551	$ 5,763
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred Stock, par value	$ 0.00	$ 0.00
Preferred Stock, shares authorized	500	500
Preferred Stock, shares issued	0	0
Common Stock, par value	$ 2	$ 2
Common Stock, shares authorized	120,000	120,000
Common Stock, shares issued	44,958	44,953
Common Class B [Member]
Stockholders' equity:
Common Stock, par value		$ 2
Common Stock, shares authorized		30,000
Common Stock, shares issued		5,676
Common Stock [Member]
Stockholders' equity:
Common Stock, shares issued	44,958	39,277

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) Statement - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Common Class B [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Balance, beginning of year at Sep. 28, 2008		$ 78,222	$ 11,958	$ 134,289	$ (112,144)	$ 43,193
Common Stock, Shares, Issued Beginning Balance at Sep. 28, 2008		39,111	5,979
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion of Convertible Securities		$ 406
Shares Issued, Value		82
Shares reaccquired, Value		$ (432)
Conversion of Class B Common Stock, Amount Converted			$ (406)
Stock compensation				3,440
Shares redeemed				(16)
Net income (loss)	$ (180,067)				(180,067)
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests	(179)				(179)
Adoption of FASB ASC Topic 715					(267)
Change in redeemable minority interest					67,358
Unrealized gain on interest rate exchange agreements						1,004
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities						(680)
Change in pension and postretirement benefits						(33,897)
Adoption of FASB ASC Topic 715						(903)
Deferred income taxes, net						12,637
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities		203
Shares issued, Shares		41
Shares reacquired, Shares		(216)
Conversion of Class B Common Stock, Shares Issued			(203)
Balance, end of year at Sep. 27, 2009	$ 23,598	$ 78,278	$ 11,552	137,713	(225,299)	21,354
Common Stock, Shares, Issued Ending Balance at Sep. 27, 2009	44,915	39,139	5,776
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion of Convertible Securities		$ 200
Shares Issued, Value		190
Shares reaccquired, Value		$ (114)
Conversion of Class B Common Stock, Amount Converted			$ (200)
Stock compensation				1,911
Shares redeemed				(164)
Net income (loss)	$ 46,178				46,178
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests	(73)				(73)
Adoption of FASB ASC Topic 715					0
Change in redeemable minority interest					0
Unrealized gain on interest rate exchange agreements						2,334
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities						0
Change in pension and postretirement benefits						(26,179)
Adoption of FASB ASC Topic 715						0
Deferred income taxes, net						9,142
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities		100
Shares issued, Shares		95
Shares reacquired, Shares		(57)
Conversion of Class B Common Stock, Shares Issued			(100)
Balance, end of year at Sep. 26, 2010	$ 56,823	$ 78,554	$ 11,352	139,460	(179,194)	6,651
Common Stock, Shares, Issued Ending Balance at Sep. 26, 2010	44,953	39,277	5,676
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion of Convertible Securities		$ 11,352
Shares Issued, Value		209
Shares reaccquired, Value		$ (200)
Conversion of Class B Common Stock, Amount Converted			$ (11,352)
Stock compensation				1,502
Shares redeemed				(75)
Net income (loss)	$ (146,681)				(146,681)
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests	(187)				(187)
Adoption of FASB ASC Topic 715					0
Change in redeemable minority interest					0
Unrealized gain on interest rate exchange agreements						0
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities						0
Change in pension and postretirement benefits						(21,518)
Adoption of FASB ASC Topic 715						0
Deferred income taxes, net						8,781
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities		5,676
Shares issued, Shares		105
Shares reacquired, Shares		(100)
Conversion of Class B Common Stock, Shares Issued			(5,676)
Balance, end of year at Sep. 25, 2011	$ (101,346)	$ 89,915	$ 0	$ 140,887	$ (326,062)	$ (6,086)
Common Stock, Shares, Issued Ending Balance at Sep. 25, 2011	44,958	44,958	0

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Statement - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2011	Sep. 26, 2010	Sep. 27, 2009
Cash provided by operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ (146,681)	$ 46,178	$ (180,067)
Results of discontinued operations	0	0	(5)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	(146,681)	46,178	(180,062)
Adjustments to reconcile income (loss) from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations:
Depreciation and amortization	71,334	73,179	79,599
Impairment of goodwill and other assets	205,139	3,290	245,953
Curtailment gains	(16,137)	(45,012)	0
Reduction in investment in TNI	11,900	0	19,951
Accretion of debt fair value adjustment	(547)	(621)	(3,807)
Stock compensation expense	1,287	1,974	3,013
Distributions greater (less) than earnings of MNI	347	334	(609)
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	(25,910)	18,943	(78,500)
Debt financing costs	12,612	8,480	17,467
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Decrease in receivables	6,534	7,798	15,174
Decrease in inventories and other	5,051	3,031	3,866
Decrease in accounts payable, accrued expenses and unearned revenue	(7,190)	(6,450)	(39,067)
Decrease in pension, postretirement and post employment benefits	(5,690)	(3,261)	(6,677)
Change in income taxes receivable or payable	(5,748)	162	(4,208)
Other	(3,697)	(1,454)	1,964
Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations	102,604	106,571	74,057
Cash provided by (required for) investing activities of continuing operations:
Purchases of marketable securities	0	0	(47,777)
Sales or maturities of marketable securities	0	0	166,109
Purchases of property and equipment	(7,745)	(9,458)	(11,555)
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash	4,651	(299)	(2,291)
Proceeds from sale of assets	1,837	2,332	1,418
Distributions greater (less) than earnings of TNI	1,818	(383)	3,607
Other	104	118	(526)
Net cash provided by (required for) investing activities of continuing operations	665	(7,690)	108,985
Cash provided by (required for) financing activities of continuing operations:
Proceeds from long-term debt	50,000	83,800	195,950
Payments on long-term debt	(137,330)	(170,545)	(359,990)
Debt financing costs paid	(11,601)	(453)	(26,061)
Cash dividends paid	0	0	(8,539)
Common stock transactions, net	(205)	(166)	49
Net cash required for financing activities of continuing operations	(99,136)	(87,364)	(198,591)
Net cash required for discontinued operations	0	0	(5)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	4,133	11,517	(15,554)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of year	$ 23,555	$ 19,422	$ 7,905

Significant Accounting Policies Level 1 (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 25, 2011

Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]



1	SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include our accounts and those of our subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned, except for our 50% interest in TNI Partners (“TNI”), 50% interest in Madison Newspapers, Inc. (“MNI”) and 82.5% interest in INN Partners, L.C. (“INN”).

Subsequent Events

We have evaluated subsequent events through February 3, 2012. No events have occurred subsequent to September 25, 2011 that require disclosure or recognition in these financial statements, except as included herein.

On December 12, 2011, the Company and certain of its affiliates filed voluntary, prepackaged petitions in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the "Bankruptcy Court") for relief under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (the "U.S. Bankruptcy Code"). Our interests in TNI and MNI were not included in the filings. We and certain of our affiliates continued to operate as "debtors in possession" under the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. In general, as debtors-in-possession, we were authorized under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code to continue to operate as an ongoing business, but were not to engage in transactions outside the ordinary course of business without the prior approval of the Bankruptcy Court.

On January 23, 2012, the Bankruptcy Court approved our Plan of Reorganization (the "Plan") under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and on January 30, 2012 (the "Effective Date") the Company emerged from Chapter 11. On the Effective Date, the Plan became effective and the transactions contemplated by the Plan were consummated. See Note 4.

Accounting Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("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. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates. 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 readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Principles of Consolidation

All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

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 and impairment charges.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less at date of acquisition to be cash equivalents.

Outstanding checks in excess of funds on deposit are included in accounts payable and are classified as financing activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Accounts Receivable

We evaluate our allowance for doubtful accounts receivable based on historical credit experience, payment trends and other economic factors. Delinquency is determined based on timing of payments in relation to billing dates. Accounts considered to be uncollectible are written off.

Inventories

Newsprint inventories are priced at the lower of cost or market, with cost being determined by the first-in, first-out or last-in, first-out methods. Newsprint inventories at September 25, 2011 and September 26, 2010 are less than replacement cost by $3,895,000 and $3,486,000, respectively.

The components of newsprint inventory by cost method are as follows:



(Thousands of Dollars)	September 26 2011	September 26 2010

First-in, first-out	2,595	2,615
Last-in, first-out	2,986	5,131
	5,581	7,746

Other inventories consisting of ink, plates and film are priced at the lower of cost or market, with cost being determined by the first-in, first-out method.

Restricted Cash and Investments

As discussed more fully (and certain capitalized terms used below defined) in Note 4, the Notes Amendment establishes a reserve of restricted cash of up to $4,500,000 (which was reduced from $9,000,000 in October 2010) to facilitate the liquidity of the operations of Pulitzer. Investments are limited to U.S. government and related securities and are recorded at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses reported, net of applicable income taxes, in accumulated other comprehensive income. The cost basis used to determine realized gains and losses is specific identification.

Other Investments

Other investments primarily consist of marketable securities held in trust under a deferred compensation arrangement and investments for which no established market exists. Marketable securities are classified as trading securities and carried at fair value with gains and losses reported in earnings. Non-marketable securities are carried at cost.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are carried at cost. Equipment, except for printing presses and insertion equipment, is depreciated primarily by declining-balance methods. The straight-line method is used for all other assets. The estimated useful lives are as follows:



	Years

Buildings and improvements	5 - 54
Printing presses and insertion equipment	3 - 28
Other	3 - 20

We capitalize interest as a component of the cost of constructing major facilities. At September 25, 2011 and September 26, 2010, capitalized interest was not significant.

We recognize the fair value of a liability for a legal obligation to perform an asset retirement activity, when such activity is a condition of a future event and the fair value of the liability can be estimated.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Intangible assets include covenants not to compete, consulting agreements, customer lists, newspaper subscriber lists and mastheads. Intangible assets subject to amortization are being amortized using the straight line method as follows:



	Years

Customer lists	7 - 23
Newspaper subscriber lists	7 - 33
Noncompete and consulting agreements	15

In assessing the recoverability of goodwill and other nonamortized intangible assets, we make a determination of the fair value of our business. Fair value is determined using a combination of an income approach, which estimates fair value based upon future revenue, expenses and cash flows discounted to their present value, and a market approach, which estimates fair value using market multiples of various financial measures compared to a set of comparable public companies in the publishing industry. A non-cash impairment charge will generally be recognized when the carrying amount of the net assets of the business exceeds its estimated fair value.

The required valuation methodology and underlying financial information that are used to determine fair value require significant judgments to be made by us. These judgments include, but are not limited to, long term projections of future financial performance and the selection of appropriate discount rates used to determine the present value of future cash flows. Changes in such estimates or the application of alternative assumptions could produce significantly different results.

We analyze goodwill and other nonamortized intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently if impairment indicators are present. Such indicators of impairment include, but are not limited to, changes in business climate and operating or cash flow losses related to such assets.

We review our amortizable intangible assets for impairment when indicators of impairment are present. We assess recoverability of these assets by comparing the estimated undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset or asset group with their carrying amount. The impairment amount, if any, is calculated based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of those assets.

We also periodically evaluate the useful lives of amortizable intangible assets. Any resulting changes in the useful lives of such intangible assets will not impact our cash flows. However, a decrease in the useful lives of such intangible assets would increase future amortization expense and decrease future reported operating results and earnings per common share. See Note 3.

Minority Interest

Minority interest in earnings of INN is recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Until February 2009, we also recognized minority interest in the earnings of St. Louis Post-Dispatch LLC (“PD LLC”) and STL Distribution Services LLC (“DS LLC”). As discussed more fully (and certain capitalized terms used below defined) in Notes 4 and 16, in February 2009, in conjunction with the Notes Amendment, PD LLC redeemed the 5% interest in both PD LLC and DS LLC owned by Herald pursuant to a Redemption Agreement and adopted conforming amendments to the Operating Agreement. As a result, the value of Herald's former interest will be settled, at a date determined by Herald between April 2013 and April 2015, based on a calculation of 10% of the fair market value of PD LLC and DS LLC at the time of settlement, less the balance, as adjusted, of the Pulitzer Notes or the equivalent successor debt, if any.

In 2008, we recorded the repurchase obligation for the minority interest in PD LLC and DS LLC and elected the accretion method under Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity, to record increases or decreases in the expected value of the 2010 Redemption as an adjustment to retained earnings. Changes in the expected value of the 2010 Redemption had a corresponding impact on income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated and earnings (loss) per common share through February 2009, the date the related agreements were amended. There was no impact on net income (loss) from the application of FASB ASC Topic 480 to the 2010 Redemption. See Note 16.

Revenue Recognition

Advertising revenue is recorded when advertisements are placed in the publication or on the related digital product. Circulation revenue is recorded over the print or digital product subscription term or as newspapers are individually sold. Other revenue is recognized when the related product or service has been delivered. Unearned revenue arises in the ordinary course of business from advance subscription payments for print or digital products or advance payments for advertising.

Advertising Costs

A substantial amount of our advertising and promotion expense consists of ads placed in our own publications and digital products using available space. The incremental cost of such advertising is not significant and is not measured separately by us. External advertising costs are not significant and are expensed as incurred.

Pension, Postretirement and Postemployment Benefit Plans

We evaluate our liabilities for pension, postretirement and postemployment benefit plans based upon computations made by consulting actuaries, incorporating estimates and actuarial assumptions of future plan service costs, future interest costs on projected benefit obligations, rates of compensation increases, employee turnover rates, anticipated mortality rates, expected investment returns on plan assets, asset allocation assumptions of plan assets and other factors. If we used different estimates and assumptions regarding these plans, the funded status of the plans could vary significantly, resulting in recognition of different amounts of expense over future periods.

We use a fiscal year end measurement date for all our pension and postretirement obligations in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 715, Retirement Plans.

Income Taxes

Deferred income taxes are provided using the liability method, whereby deferred income tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and loss carryforwards and deferred income tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Temporary differences are the difference between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax basis. Deferred income tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in our opinion, it is more likely than not some portion or all of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment.

We recognize the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs. We record interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

We adopted FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, in 2009. FASB ASC Topic 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. FASB ASC Topic 820 establishes a three-level hierarchy of fair value measurements based on whether the inputs to those measurements are observable or unobservable which consists of the following levels:

Level 1 - Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable in active markets.

Level 3 - Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs are unobservable.

Valuation methodologies used for pension and postretirement assets measured at fair value are as follows:

Cash and cash equivalents consist of short term deposits valued based on quoted prices in active markets. Such investments are classified as Level 1.

Equity securities are valued based on the closing market price in an active market and are classified as Level 1. Certain investments in commingled funds are valued at the net asset value of units held at the end of the period based upon the value of the underlying investments as determined by quoted market prices. Such investments are classified as Level 2.

Debt securities consist of corporate bonds and government securities that are valued based upon quoted market prices. Such investments are classified as Level 1. Certain investments in commingled funds are valued at the net asset value of units held at the end of the period based upon the value of the underlying investments as determined by quoted market prices. Such investments are classified as Level 2.

Interest Rate Exchange Agreements

Until 2009, we accounted for interest rate exchange agreements, which are comprised of floating-to-fixed rate interest rate swaps, or interest rate collars, as cash flow hedges. We expected that the fair value of these agreements would significantly offset changes in the cash flows of the associated floating rate debt. The fair value of such instruments was recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of applicable income tax expense or benefit.

In 2009, we marked all interest rate exchange agreements to market.

Stock Compensation

We have four stock-based compensation plans. We account for grants under those plans under the fair value expense recognition provisions of FASB ASC Topic 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation. We determine the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes option pricing formula. Key inputs to this formula include expected term, expected volatility and the risk-free interest rate. This fair value is amortized using the straight-line method over the requisite service periods of the awards.

The expected term represents the period that our stock-based awards are expected to be outstanding, and is determined based on historical experience of similar awards, giving consideration to contractual terms of the awards, vesting schedules and expectations of future employee behavior. The volatility factor is calculated using historical market data for our Common Stock. The time frame used is equal to the expected term. We base the risk-free interest rate on the yield to maturity at the time of the stock option grant on zero-coupon U.S. government bonds having a remaining term equal to the option's expected term. When estimating forfeitures, we consider voluntary termination behavior as well as actual option forfeitures.

We amortize as compensation expense the value of stock options and restricted Common Stock using the straight-line method over the vesting or restriction period, which is generally one to three years.

Uninsured Risks

We are self-insured for health care, workers compensation and certain long-term disability costs of our employees, subject to stop loss insurance, which limits exposure to large claims. We accrue our estimated health care costs in the period in which such costs are incurred, including an estimate of incurred but not reported claims. Other risks are insured and carry deductible losses of varying amounts. Letters of credit and performance bonds totaling $6,596,000 at September 25, 2011 are outstanding in support of our insurance program.

Our accrued reserves for health care and workers compensation claims are based upon estimates of the remaining liability for retained losses made by consulting actuaries. The amount of workers compensation reserve has been determined based upon historical patterns of incurred and paid loss development factors from the insurance industry.

Discontinued Operations

In accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 360, Property, Land and Equipment, the operations and related losses on businesses sold, or identified as held for sale, have been presented as discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for all years presented. Gains are recognized when realized.

Investments in Associated Companies Level 1 (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 25, 2011

Investments In Associated Companies [Abstract]

Equity Method Investments Disclosure [Text Block]



2	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 circulation of the Arizona Daily Star and, until May 2009, the Tucson Citizen, as well as their related digital platforms and specialty publications. TNI collects all receipts and income and pays substantially all operating expenses incident to the partnership's operations and publication of the newspapers and other media.

Income or loss of TNI (before income taxes) is allocated equally to Star Publishing and Citizen.

Summarized financial information of TNI is as follows:



(Thousands of Dollars)	September 25 2011	September 26 2010

ASSETS

Current assets	7,857	7,812
Investments and other assets	32	32
Total assets	7,889	7,844

LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS' EQUITY

Current liabilities	6,136	5,109
Members' equity	1,753	2,735
Total liabilities and members' equity	7,889	7,844

Summarized results of TNI are as follows:



(Thousands of Dollars)	2011	2010	2009

Operating revenue	62,452	64,379	74,407
Operating expenses, excluding workforce adjustments, depreciation and amortization	52,882	52,923	65,339
Workforce adjustments	1,190	784	1,196
Operating income	8,380	10,672	7,872

Company's 50% share	4,190	5,336	3,936
Less amortization of intangible assets	1,092	1,156	1,425
Equity in earnings of TNI	3,098	4,180	2,511

Star Publishing's 50% share of TNI depreciation and certain general and administrative expenses associated with its share of the operation and administration of TNI are reported as operating expenses in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). These amounts totaled $76,000, $291,000, and $1,184,000, in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Fees for editorial services provided to TNI by Star Publishing totaled $7,043,000, $7,510,000, and $8,594,000 in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Our impairment analysis resulted in pretax reductions in the carrying value of TNI totaling $11,900,000 and $19,951,000 in 2011 and 2009, respectively. See Note 3.

At September 25, 2011, the carrying value of the Company's 50% investment in TNI is $20,606,000. The difference between our carrying value and our 50% share of the members' equity of TNI relates principally to goodwill of $12,366,000 and other identified intangible assets of $7,152,000, certain of which are being amortized over their estimated useful lives through 2020. See Note 3.

Annual amortization of intangible assets is estimated to be $723,000 in 2012, $620,000 in 2013 and $418,000, in 2014, 2015 and 2016.

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 sites. 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 financial information of MNI is as follows:



(Thousands of Dollars)	September 25 2011	September 26 2010

ASSETS

Current assets	22,287	20,284
Investments and other assets	30,484	30,982
Property and equipment, net	8,519	10,013
Total assets	61,290	61,279

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current liabilities	8,428	8,583
Other liabilities	5,960	5,100
Stockholders' equity	46,902	47,596
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	61,290	61,279

Summarized results of MNI are as follows:



(Thousands of Dollars)	2011	2010	2009

Operating revenue	73,011	75,137	79,291
Operating expenses, excluding workforce adjustments, depreciation and amortization	60,982	61,467	67,764
Workforce adjustments	530	296	532
Depreciation and amortization	2,227	2,372	3,240
Operating income	9,272	11,002	7,755

Net income	6,106	7,132	5,218

Equity in earnings of MNI	3,053	3,566	2,609

Fees for editorial, marketing and information technology services provided to MNI by us are included in other revenue in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) and totaled $8,649,000, $8,764,000 and $10,151,000, in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for equity investment, or group of investments, for which combined disclosure is appropriate, including: (a) the name of each investee and percentage of ownership of common stock, (b) accounting policies for investments in common stock, (c) difference between the amount at which the investment is carried and the amount of underlying equity in net assets and the accounting treatment of the difference, (d) the total fair value of each identified investment for which a market value is available, (e) summarized information as to assets, liabilities, and results of operations of the investees (for investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries, common stock of joint ventures, or other investments using the equity method), and (f) material effects of possible conversions, exercises, or contingent issuances of the investee. Other disclosures include (a) the names of any investee in which the investor owns 20 percent or more of the voting stock and investment is not accounted for using the equity method, and the reasons why not, and (b) the names of any investee in which the investor owns less than 20 percent of the voting stock and the investment is accounted for using the equity method, and the reasons why it is.

+ References + Details

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Level 1 (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 25, 2011

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]



3	GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill related to continuing operations are as follows:



(Thousands of Dollars)	2011		2010

Goodwill, gross amount	1,536,000		1,536,000
Accumulated impairment losses	(1,102,448	)	(1,102,448	)
Goodwill, beginning of year	433,552		433,552
Impairment	(186,281	)	—
Goodwill, end of year	247,271		433,552

Identified intangible assets related to continuing operations consist of the following:



(Thousands of Dollars)	September 25 2011	September 26 2010

Nonamortized intangible assets:
Mastheads	30,795	44,754
Amortizable intangible assets:
Customer and newspaper subscriber lists	881,164	885,713
Less accumulated amortization	416,457	372,337
	464,707	513,376
Noncompete and consulting agreements	28,524	28,658
Less accumulated amortization	28,517	28,648
	7	10
	495,509	558,140

Due primarily to the difference between our stock price and the per share carrying value of our net assets, we analyzed the carrying value of our net assets in 2009 and again in 2011. Continued deterioration in our revenue and the weak economic environment were also factors in the timing of the analyses. We concluded the fair value of our business did not exceed the carrying value of our net assets in 2009 and 2011.

As a result, we recorded pretax, non-cash charges to reduce the carrying value of goodwill, nonamortized and amortizable intangible assets in 2009 and 2011. Additional pretax, non-cash charges were recorded to reduce the carrying value of TNI. We also recorded pretax, non-cash charges to reduce the carrying value of property and equipment in 2009, 2010 and 2011. We recorded deferred income tax benefits related to these charges.

A summary of impairment charges is included in the table below:



(Thousands of Dollars)	2011	2010	2009

Goodwill	186,281	—	193,471
Nonamortized intangible assets	13,959	—	14,055
Amortizable intangible assets	4,199	—	33,848
Property and equipment	700	3,290	4,579
	205,139	3,290	245,953
Reduction in investment in TNI	11,900	—	19,951
	217,039	3,290	265,904

Future decreases in our market value, or significant differences in revenue, expenses or cash flows from estimates used to determine fair value, could result in additional impairment charges in the future.

Annual amortization of intangible assets for the five years ending September 2016 is estimated to be $42,294,000, $38,716,000, $38,564,000, $38,131,000, and $36,979,000, respectively.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the aggregate amount of goodwill and a description of intangible assets, which may include (a) for amortizable intangible assets (also referred to as finite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, the amount of any significant residual value, and the weighted-average amortization period, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization (also referred to as indefinite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, and (c) the amount of research and development assets acquired and written off in the period, including the line item in the income statement in which the amounts written off are aggregated, if not readily apparent from the income statement. Also discloses (a) for amortizable intangibles assets in total and by major class, the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization, the total amortization expense for the period, and the estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization the carrying amount in total and by major class, and (c) for goodwill, in total and for each reportable segment, the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the period (including the aggregate amount of goodwill acquired, the aggregate amount of impairment losses recognized, and the amount of goodwill included in the gain (loss) on disposal of a reporting unit). If any part of goodwill has not been allocated to a reportable segment, discloses the unallocated amount and the reasons for not allocating. For each impairment loss recognized related to an intangible asset (excluding goodwill), discloses: (a) a description of the impaired intangible asset and the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method for determining fair value, (c) the caption in the income statement or the statement of activities in which the impairment loss is aggregated, and (d) the segment in which the impaired intangible asset is reported. For each goodwill impairment loss recognized, discloses: (a) a description of the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method of determining the fair value of the associated reporting unit, and (c) if a recognized impairment loss is an estimate not finalized and the reasons why the estimate is not final. May also disclose the nature and amount of any significant adjustments made to a previous estimate of an impairment loss.

+ References + Details

Debt Level 1 (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 25, 2011

Debt [Abstract]

Debt Disclosure [Text Block]



4	DEBT

Credit Agreement

In 2006, we entered into an amended and restated credit agreement (“Credit Agreement”) with a syndicate of financial institutions (the “Lenders”). The Credit Agreement provided for aggregate borrowing of up to $1,435,000,000 and replaced a $1,550,000,000 credit agreement consummated in 2005. In February 2009, we completed a comprehensive restructuring of the Credit Agreement, which supplemented amendments consummated earlier in 2009 (together, the “2009 Amendments”).

Security

The Credit Agreement is fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis by substantially all of our existing and future, direct and indirect subsidiaries in which we hold a direct or indirect interest of more than 50% (the “Credit Parties”); provided however, that our wholly-owned subsidiary Pulitzer Inc. ("Pulitzer") and its subsidiaries will not become Credit Parties for so long as their doing so would violate the terms of the Pulitzer Notes discussed more fully below. The Credit Agreement is secured by first priority security interests in the stock and other equity interests owned by the Credit Parties in their respective subsidiaries.

As a result of the 2009 Amendments, the Credit Parties pledged substantially all of their tangible and intangible assets, and granted mortgages covering certain real estate, as collateral for the payment and performance of their obligations under the Credit Agreement. Assets of Pulitzer and its subsidiaries, TNI, our ownership interest in, and assets of, MNI and certain employee benefit plan assets are excluded.

Interest Payments

Debt under the A Term Loan, which has a balance of $569,335,000 at September 25, 2011, and the $375,000,000 revolving credit facility which has a balance of $286,425,000 at September 25, 2011, bear interest, at our option, at either a base rate or an adjusted Eurodollar rate (“LIBOR”), plus an applicable margin. The base rate for the facility is the greater of (i) the prime lending rate of Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas at such time; (ii) 0.5% in excess of the overnight federal funds rate at such time; or (iii) 30 day LIBOR plus 1.0%. The applicable margin is a percentage determined according to the following: for revolving loans and A Term Loans maintained as base rate loans: 1.625% to 3.5%, and maintained as Eurodollar loans: 2.625% to 4.5% depending, in each instance, upon our total leverage ratio at such time.

Minimum LIBOR levels of 1.25%, 2.0% and 2.5% for borrowings for one month, three month and six month periods, respectively, are also in effect. At September 25, 2011, all of our outstanding debt under the Credit Agreement is based on one month borrowing. At the September 25, 2011 leverage level, our debt under the Credit Agreement is priced at 1.25% plus a LIBOR margin of 3.0%.

Under the 2009 Amendments, contingent, non-cash payment-in-kind interest expense of 1.0% to 2.0% will be accrued in a quarterly period only in the event our total leverage ratio exceeds 7.5:1 at the end of the previous quarter. At September 25, 2011, this provision is not applicable. Such non-cash charges, if any, will be added to the principal amount of debt and will be reversed, in whole or in part, in the event our total leverage ratio is below 6.0:1 when we refinance the Credit Agreement in advance of its April 2012 maturity.

Principal Payments

We may voluntarily prepay principal amounts outstanding or reduce commitments under the Credit Agreement at any time, in whole or in part, without premium or penalty, upon proper notice and subject to certain limitations as to minimum amounts of prepayments. We are required to repay principal amounts, on a quarterly basis until maturity, under the A Term Loan. Total A Term Loan payments in 2011, 2010 and 2009 were $66,330,000 , $79,220,000 and $104,490,000, respectively. The 2009 Amendments reduce the amount and delay the timing of mandatory principal payments under the A Term Loan. Payments due in 2012 prior to the April 2012 maturity total $70,000,000. The scheduled payment at maturity is $499,335,000, plus the balance of the revolving credit facility outstanding at that time.

In addition to the scheduled payments, we are required to make mandatory prepayments under the A Term Loan under certain other conditions. The Credit Agreement requires us to apply the net proceeds from asset sales to repayment of the A Term Loan. In 2011, 2010 and 2009, we made payments totaling $1,330,000, $1,420,000 and $440,000, respectively, related to this provision.

The Credit Agreement also requires us to accelerate future payments under the A Term Loan in the amount of 75% of our annual excess cash flow, as defined. We do not anticipate making a payment related to 2011 excess cash flow. We had no excess cash flow in 2010 or 2009. We had excess cash flow of approximately $62,000,000 in 2008 and, as a result, paid $46,325,000 originally due under the A Term Loan in 2009. The acceleration of such payments due to future asset sales or excess cash flow does not change the due dates of other A Term Loan payments prior to the April 2012 maturity.

Covenants and Other Matters

The Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants for financing of its type. At September 25, 2011, we are in compliance with such covenants. These financial covenants include a maximum total leverage ratio, as defined. The total leverage ratio is based primarily on the sum of the principal amount of debt, which totals $994,260,000 at September 25, 2011, plus letters of credit and certain other factors, divided by a measure of trailing 12 month operating results, which includes several elements, including distributions from TNI and MNI and curtailment gains.

The 2009 Amendments amended our covenants to take into account economic conditions and the changes to amortization of debt noted above. Our total leverage ratio at September 25, 2011 was 5.45:1. Under the 2009 Amendments, our maximum total leverage ratio limit will decrease from 6.75:1 in September 2011 to 6.5:1 in December 2011. Each change in the maximum total leverage ratio noted above is effective on the last day of the quarter.

The Credit Agreement also includes a minimum interest expense coverage ratio, as defined, which is based on the same measure of trailing 12 month operating results noted above. Our interest expense coverage ratio at September 25, 2011 was 2.83:1. The minimum interest expense coverage ratio is 1.95:1 in September 2011 and will increase periodically thereafter until it reaches 2.25:1 in March 2012.

The 2009 Amendments required us to suspend stockholder dividends and share repurchases through April 2012. The 2009 Amendments also limit capital expenditures to $20,000,000 per year, with a provision for carryover of unused amounts from the prior year. Further, the 2009 Amendments modify other covenants, including restricting our ability to make additional investments and acquisitions without the consent of the Lenders, limiting additional debt beyond that permitted under the Credit Agreement, and limiting the amount of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents the Credit Parties may hold to a maximum of $10,000,000 for a five day period. Such covenants require that substantially all or our future cash flows are required to be directed toward debt reduction. Finally, the 2009 Amendments eliminated an unused incremental term loan facility.

Pulitzer Notes

In conjunction with its formation in 2000, PD LLC borrowed $306,000,000 (the “Pulitzer Notes”) from a group of institutional lenders (the “Noteholders”). The aggregate principal amount of the Pulitzer Notes was payable in April 2009.

In February 2009, the Pulitzer Notes and the Guaranty Agreement described below were amended (the “Notes Amendment”). Under the Notes Amendment, PD LLC repaid $120,000,000 of the principal amount of the debt obligation using substantially all of its previously restricted cash, which totaled $129,810,000 at December 28, 2008. The remaining debt balance of $186,000,000, of which $138,500,000 remains outstanding at September 25, 2011, was refinanced by the Noteholders until April 2012.

The Pulitzer Notes are guaranteed by Pulitzer pursuant to a Guaranty Agreement dated May 1, 2000 (the “Guaranty Agreement”) with the Noteholders. The Notes Amendment provides that the obligations under the Pulitzer Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis by Pulitzer's existing and future subsidiaries (excluding Star Publishing and TNI). Also, as a result of the Notes Amendment, Pulitzer and each of its subsidiaries pledged substantially all of their tangible and intangible assets, and granted mortgages covering certain real estate, as collateral for the payment and performance of their obligations under the Pulitzer Notes. Assets and stock of Star Publishing, our ownership interest in TNI and certain employee benefit plan assets are excluded.

The Notes Amendment increased the rate paid on the outstanding principal balance to 9.05% until April 28, 2010, at which time it increased to 9.55%. Effective April 28, 2011, the interest rate increased to 10.05%.

Pulitzer may voluntarily prepay principal amounts outstanding or reduce commitments under the Pulitzer Notes at any time, in whole or in part, without premium or penalty, upon proper notice and consent from the Noteholders and the Lenders, and subject to certain limitations as to minimum amounts of prepayments. The Notes Amendment provides for mandatory scheduled prepayments, including quarterly principal payments of $4,000,000 beginning on June 29, 2009 and an additional principal payment from restricted cash of $4,500,000 in October 2010. In 2011, 2010 and 2009, all payments due were made prior to the end of the previous fiscal quarter.

In addition to the scheduled payments, we are required to make mandatory payments under the Pulitzer Notes under certain other conditions. The Notes Amendment requires us to apply the net proceeds from asset sales to repayment of the Pulitzer Notes. We made payments of $1,000,000 and $500,000 related to this provision in 2011 and 2010, respectively.

The Notes Amendment establishes a reserve of restricted cash of up to $9,000,000 (which was reduced to $4,500,000 in October 2010) to facilitate the liquidity of the operations of Pulitzer. All other previously existing restricted cash requirements were eliminated. The Notes Amendment allocates a percentage of Pulitzer's quarterly excess cash flow (as defined) between Pulitzer and the Credit Parties and requires prepayments to the Noteholders under certain specified events. Principal prepayments of $500,000 and $1,000,000 were made under the Pulitzer Notes from excess cash flow of Pulitzer in 2011 and 2010, respectively. An additional payment of $500,000 was made in November 2011.

The Pulitzer Notes contain certain covenants and conditions including the maintenance, by Pulitzer, of the maximum ratio of debt to EBITDA (limit of 3.0:1 at September 25, 2011), as defined in the Guaranty Agreement, minimum net worth and limitations on the incurrence of other debt. The Notes Amendment added a requirement to maintain minimum interest coverage (limit of 3.0:1 at September 25, 2011), as defined. The Notes Amendment amended the Pulitzer Notes and the Guaranty Agreement covenants to take into account economic conditions and the changes to amortization of debt noted above. At September 25, 2011, Pulitzer was in compliance with such covenants.

Further, the Notes Amendment added and amended other covenants including limitations or restrictions on additional debt, distributions, loans, advances, investments, acquisitions, dispositions and mergers. Such covenants require that substantially all future cash flows of Pulitzer are required to be directed first toward repayment of the Pulitzer Notes and that cash flows of Pulitzer are largely segregated from those of the Credit Parties.

The Credit Agreement contains a cross-default provision tied to the terms of the Pulitzer Notes and the Pulitzer Notes have limited cross-default provisions tied to the terms of the Credit Agreement.

The 2005 purchase price allocation of Pulitzer resulted in an increase in the value of the Pulitzer Notes in the amount of $31,512,000, which was recorded as debt in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. At September 25, 2011, the unaccreted balance totals $290,000. This amount is being accreted over the remaining life of the Pulitzer Notes, until April 2012, as a reduction in interest expense using the interest method. This accretion will not increase the principal amount due, or reduce the amount of interest to be paid, to the Noteholders.

Other

In 2009, we paid fees to the Lenders and Noteholders for the 2009 Amendments and Notes Amendment which, along with the related legal and financial advisory expenses, totaled $26,061,000. $15,500,000 of the fees were capitalized and are being expensed over the remaining term of the Credit Agreement and Pulitzer Notes, until April 2012. At September 25, 2011, we have total unamortized financing costs of $4,514,000 related to existing debt.

Debt is summarized as follows:



	Balance		Interest Rate
(Thousands of Dollars)	September 25 2011	September 26 2010	September 25 2011

Credit Agreement:
A Term Loan	569,335	635,665	4.25
Revolving credit facility	286,425	285,425	4.25
Pulitzer Notes:
Principal amount	138,500	160,500	10.05
Unaccreted fair value adjustment	290	837
	994,550	1,082,427
Less current maturities	994,550	81,500
	—	1,000,927

At September 25, 2011, our weighted average cost of debt is 5.1%.

Status of Debt Refinancing and Liquidity

At September 25, 2011, we had $286,425,000 outstanding under the revolving credit facility, and after consideration of the 2009 Amendments and letters of credit, have approximately $75,677,000 available for future use. Including cash and restricted cash, our liquidity at September 25, 2011 totals $104,204,000. This liquidity amount excludes any future cash flows. Since February 2009, we have satisfied all interest payments and substantially all principal payments due under our debt facilities with our cash flows.

In April 2011, we announced a plan to offer to qualified institutional buyers, subject to market conditions, $680,000,000 of first priority lien senior secured notes due in 2017, $375,000,000 of second priority lien senior secured notes due in 2018 (the "Notes Offering") and up to 8,928,175 shares of Common Stock. The proceeds from the offerings, net of offering costs, would have been used to refinance the Credit Agreement and Pulitzer Notes. As a result of market conditions, we terminated the offering process in May 2011 and charged $5,120,000 of related debt financing costs to expense in 2011.

In September 2011, we announced a plan to amend our current Credit Agreement and extend the April 2012 maturity in a structure of first and second lien debt. The first lien debt consists of a term loan of $689,510,000, along with a $40,000,000 revolving credit facility that was not drawn at closing. The second lien debt is a $175,000,000 term loan.

The first lien term loan bears interest at LIBOR plus 6.25%, with a LIBOR floor of 1.25%. Principal payments for the first lien term loan are required quarterly beginning in June 2012 and total $5,000,000 in 2012, $11,000,000 in 2013, $12,750,000 in 2014 and $13,500,000 in 2015. A quarterly cash flow sweep will also be used to reduce first lien debt. Covenants include a minimum interest coverage ratio, maximum total leverage ratio and capital expenditure limitation. The maturity is in December 2015.

Interest on the revolving credit facility, when used, is at LIBOR plus 5.5%, with a LIBOR floor of 1.25%. The revolving credit facility also supports issuance of letters of credit. The maturity is in December 2015.

The second lien term loan bears interest at 15.0% and mature in April 2017. It requires no amortization, except in March 2017 if required for income tax purposes, and has no affirmative financial covenants. Lenders under the second lien term loan shared in the issuance of 6,743,640 shares of our Common Stock, an amount equal to 13% of outstanding shares on a pro forma basis as of the closing date.

As a condition to the refinancing of the Credit Agreement, we were expected to refinance the remaining $138,000,000 of our current Pulitzer Notes debt with a separate $175,000,000 loan to be arranged in the leveraged loan or high yield markets. Subsequent credit market conditions did not allow for that debt to be refinanced on acceptable terms, and as a result, we chose to amend the Pulitzer Notes and extend the maturity with the existing Noteholders.

Under the agreement with the Noteholders, which was announced in December 2011, the amended Pulitzer Notes carry an interest rate of 10.55%, increasing 0.75% in January 2013 and January of each year thereafter. Annual mandatory principal payments total $1,400,000 in 2012 and $6,400,000 per year thereafter. A quarterly cash flow sweep will also be used to reduce the balance of the Pulitzer Notes. Covenants include a minimum EBITDA ratio and capital expenditure limitation. After consideration of unscheduled principal payments totaling $15,145,000 (of which $10,145,000 were made in December 2011 and $5,000,000 in January 2012), offset by $3,500,000 of non-cash fees paid to the Noteholders in the form of additional Pulitzer Notes debt, the amended Pulitzer Notes have a balance of $126,355,000 at the closing of the transaction. The maturity is in December 2015.

Substantially all of our assets secure the debt. Our weighted average cost of debt will increase from 5.1% at September 25, 2011 to approximately 9.2% under the refinanced agreements. Cash payments to the Lenders, Noteholders and legal and professional fees are expected to total approximately $38,000,000, of which $6,273,000 was paid in 2011, $721,000 was charged to expense in 2011 and the remainder of which will be paid and charged to expense in 2012. In addition, previously capitalized financing costs of $4,514,000 at September 25, 2011 were charged to expense in 2012 prior to, or upon consummation of, the transactions. The terms of the amended agreements prohibit stockholder dividends and substantially all share repurchases and require that substantially all future cash flows be directed toward repayment of the Credit Agreement or Pulitzer Notes and that cash flows of Pulitzer are largely segregated from those of the Credit Parties.

The Credit Agreement and Pulitzer Notes required 100% Lender or Noteholder approval, respectively, for key changes, including extension of maturities. Because credit market conditions dictated the need to extend the Pulitzer Notes with current Noteholders, we were not able to increase the Pulitzer Notes facility to $175,000,000 as discussed above. Consequently, we were unable to redeem the interests of the last 3% of non-consenting Lenders under the Credit Agreement for cash.

As a result, we made use of a voluntary, prepackaged filing under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code filed on December 12, 2011 to effect the amendments to the Credit Agreement and Pulitzer Notes discussed above. This process did not have an adverse effect on our governance or operations. Immediately upon filing, we requested authority to pay all suppliers and other vendors without delay, which request was approved. All our digital and print products were published as usual and no employees were impacted. Our 50% owned equity interests in Tucson, AZ and Madison, WI were not included in the filing. Lender and Noteholder balloting related to the Chapter 11 process was completed before December 12, 2011 and no objections were filed.

We received confirmation of the plan of reorganization on January 23, 2012 and completed the restructuring process on January 30, 2012.

There are numerous potential consequences under the Credit Agreement, and Guaranty Agreement and Note Agreement related to the Pulitzer Notes, as refinanced as of January 30, 2012, if an event of default, as defined, occurs and is not remedied. Many of those consequences are beyond our control, and the control of Pulitzer and PD LLC, respectively. The occurrence of one or more events of default would give rise to the right of the Lenders or the Noteholders, or both of them, to exercise their remedies under the Credit Agreement and the Note and Guaranty Agreements, respectively, including, without limitation, the right to accelerate all outstanding debt and take actions authorized in such circumstances under applicable collateral security documents.

Our ability to operate as a going concern is dependent on our ability to remain in compliance with debt covenants and to refinance or amend our debt agreements as they become due, or earlier if available liquidity is consumed. We are in compliance with our debt covenants a September 25, 2011.

In 2010, we filed a Form S-3 shelf registration statement ("Shelf") with the SEC, which has been declared effective. The Shelf gives us the flexibility to issue and publicly distribute various types of securities, including preferred stock, common stock, secured or unsecured debt securities, purchase contracts and units consisting of any combination of such securities, from time to time, in one or more offerings, up to an aggregate amount of $750,000,000. In July 2011, the SEC announced changes to the issuer eligibility rules which will require us to have a public float of at least $75,000,000 in order to use the Shelf. If the market price of our Common Stock increases sufficiently, the Shelf may enable us to sell securities quickly and efficiently when market conditions are favorable or financing needs arise. Net proceeds from the sale of any securities must be used generally to reduce debt subject to conditions of existing debt agreements.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for information about short-term and long-term debt arrangements, which includes amounts of borrowings under each line of credit, note payable, commercial paper issue, bonds indenture, debenture issue, own-share lending arrangements and any other contractual agreement to repay funds, and about the underlying arrangements, rationale for a classification as long-term, including repayment terms, interest rates, collateral provided, restrictions on use of assets and activities, whether or not in compliance with debt covenants, and other matters important to users of the financial statements, such as the effects of refinancing and noncompliance with debt covenants.

+ References + Details

Interest Rate Exchange Agreements Level 1 (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 25, 2011

Interest Rate Exchange Agreements [Abstract]

Schedule of Interest Rate Derivatives [Table Text Block]



5	INTEREST RATE EXCHANGE AGREEMENTS

Our interest rate exchange agreements at September 27, 2009 consisted of the following:



(Thousands of Dollars)
Notional Amount	Start Date	Maturity Date	Rate(s)	Fair Value

VARIABLE TO FIXED RATE SWAPS

50,000	November 30, 2005	November 30, 2009	4.315	(514	)
50,000	November 30, 2005	November 30, 2009	4.325	(501	)
25,000	November 30, 2005	November 30, 2010	4.395	(1,177	)
125,000				(2,192	)

INTEREST RATE COLLARS

75,000	November 30, 2007	November 30, 2009	3.53-5.00	(618	)
75,000	November 30, 2007	November 30, 2009	3.61-5.00	(635	)
150,000				(1,253	)

At September 27, 2009, we recorded a liability of $3,445,000 related to the fair value of such instruments. In 2009, we marked all interest rate change agreements to market, which resulted in recognition of interest expense of $268,000.

In November 2009, we terminated the $25,000,000 interest rate swap maturing in November 2010. We paid $1,243,000 to the counterparty in settlement and recognized a loss of $713,000.

Since November 30, 2009, the full amount of the outstanding balance under the Credit Agreement has been subject to floating interest rates as all interest rate swaps and collars expired or were terminated at or prior to that date. At September 25, 2011, approximately 86% of the principal amount of our debt is subject to floating interest rates.

Pension Plans Level 1 (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 25, 2011

Pension Plans [Abstract]

Pension Disclosure [Text Block]



6	PENSION 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 all benefits are frozen and no additional benefits are being accrued. Our liability and related expense for benefits under the plans are recorded over the service period of active 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, and cash.

The net periodic cost components of our pension plans are as follows:



(Thousands of Dollars)	2011		2010		2009

Service cost for benefits earned during the year	169		792		1,076
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	8,354		8,888		9,550
Expected return on plan assets	(9,733	)	(9,568	)	(11,669	)
Amortization of net loss (gain)	812		453		(1,181	)
Amortization of prior service cost (benefit)	(137	)	(136	)	(137	)
Curtailment gains	—		(2,004	)	—
Net periodic pension benefit	(535	)	(1,575	)	(2,361	)

Net periodic pension benefit of $56,000, $122,000 and $122,000 is allocated to TNI in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Changes in benefit obligations and plan assets are as follows:



(Thousands of Dollars)	2011		2010

Benefit obligation, beginning of year	178,179		167,880
Service cost	169		792
Interest cost	8,354		8,888
Actuarial loss	12,299		13,615
Benefits paid	(11,584	)	(10,992	)
Curtailment gain	(591	)	(2,004	)
Benefit obligation, end of year	186,826		178,179
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year:	125,464		124,177
Actual return on plan assets	1,007		14,067
Benefits paid	(11,584	)	(10,992	)
Administrative expenses paid	(1,428	)	(1,788	)
Employer contributions	2,137		—
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	115,596		125,464
Funded status - benefit obligation in excess of plan assets	71,230		52,715

Disaggregated amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows:



(Thousands of Dollars)	September 25 2011		September 26 2010

Pension obligations	71,230		52,715
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (before income taxes)	(50,396	)	(29,209	)

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income are as follows:



(Thousands of Dollars)	September 25 2011		September 26 2010

Unrecognized net actuarial loss	(51,459	)	(30,409	)
Unrecognized prior service benefit	1,063		1,200
	(50,396	)	(29,209	)

We expect to recognize $2,370,000 and $137,000 of unrecognized net actuarial loss and unrecognized prior service benefit, respectively, in net periodic pension cost in 2012.

The accumulated benefit obligation for the plans total $186,672,000 at September 25, 2011 and $177,472,000 at September 26, 2010. The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for the pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets are $186,826,000, $186,672,000, and $115,596,000, respectively, at September 25, 2011.

Assumptions

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations are as follows:



(Percent)	September 25 2011	September 26 2010

Discount rate	4.4	4.8
Rate of compensation increase	3.5	3.5

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost are as follows:



(Percent)	2011	2010	2009

Discount rate	4.8	5.5	6.75
Expected long-term return on plan assets	8.0	8.0	8.0
Rate of compensation increase	3.5	3.5	3.5

The assumptions related to the expected long-term return on plan assets are developed through an analysis of historical market returns and current market conditions.

Plan Assets

The primary objective of our investment strategy is to satisfy our pension obligations at a reasonable cost. Assets are actively invested to balance real growth of capital through appreciation and reinvestment of dividend and interest income and safety of invested funds.

An investment policy outlines the governance structure for decision making, sets investment objectives and restrictions and establishes criteria for selecting and evaluating investment managers. The use of derivatives is strictly prohibited, except on a case-by-case basis where the manager has a proven capability, and only to hedge quantifiable risks such as exposure to foreign currencies. An investment committee, consisting of certain of our executives and supported by independent consultants, is responsible for monitoring compliance with the investment policy. Assets are periodically redistributed to maintain the appropriate policy allocation.

The weighted-average asset allocation of our pension assets is as follows:



(Percent)		Actual Allocation
Asset Class	Policy Allocation	September 25 2011	September 26 2010

Equity securities	65 - 70	66	70
Debt securities	30 - 35	33	25
Cash and cash equivalents		1	5

Plan assets include no Company securities. Assets include cash and cash equivalents from time to time due to the need to reallocate assets within policy guidelines. In 2012 the policy allocation was amended to allow allocation to equity securities of 50 - 75%, debt securities of 25 - 35% and private equity investments of 0 - 12%.

New collective bargaining agreements in 2011 and 2010 resulted in the freezing of certain defined pension benefits in 2011 and 2010 and non-cash curtailment gains in 2010. See Note 7.

Fair Value Measurements

The fair value hierarchy of pension assets at September 25, 2011 is as follows:



(Thousands of Dollars)	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3

Cash and cash equivalents	934	—	—
Domestic equity securities	21,068	39,390	—
International equity securities	53	15,623	—
Debt securities	10,051	28,476	—

There were no purchases, sales or transfer of assets classified as Level 3 in 2011 or 2010.

Cash Flows

Based on our forecast at September 25, 2011, we expect to make contributions totaling $7,166,000 to our pension trust in 2012.

We anticipate future benefit payments to be paid from the pension trust as follows:



(Thousands of Dollars)

2012	11,269
2013	11,110
2014	11,115
2015	11,091
2016	11,130
2017-2021	55,986

Other Plans

We are obligated under an unfunded plan to provide fixed retirement payments to certain former employees. The plan is frozen and no additional benefits are being accrued. The accrued liability under the plan is $2,654,000 and $2,217,000 at September 25, 2011 and September 26, 2010, respectively.

Certain of our current and former employees participate in multi-employer retirement plans sponsored by their respective bargaining units. The amount charged to operating expense, representing our required contributions to these plans, is $488,000 in 2011, $497,000 in 2010 and $529,000 in 2009. At September 25, 2011 and September 26, 2010, we have accrued multi-employer plan withdrawal liabilities of $1,319,000 and $1,637,000, respectively.

Postretirement and Postemployment Benefits Level 1 (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 25, 2011

Postretirement and Postemployment Benefits [Abstract]

Postretirement and postemployement plans disclosure [Text Block]



7	POSTRETIREMENT AND POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

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, PD 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. In 2011 the trust was amended to allow benefits for certain active employees to be paid from plan assets.

The net periodic postretirement benefit cost components for our postretirement plans are as follows:



(Thousands of Dollars)	2011		2010		2009

Service cost for benefits earned during the year	927		361		770
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	1,600		2,971		5,022
Expected return on plan assets	(2,248	)	(2,274	)	(2,409	)
Amortization of net actuarial gain	(2,467	)	(2,447	)	(2,760	)
Amortization of prior service benefit	(1,455	)	(1,994	)	(2,197	)
Curtailment gains	(16,137	)	(43,008	)	—
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost (benefit)	(19,780	)	(46,391	)	(1,574	)

Changes in benefit obligations and plan assets are as follows:



(Thousands of Dollars)	2011		2010

Benefit obligation, beginning of year	50,482		80,947
Service cost	927		361
Interest cost	1,600		2,971
Actuarial (gain) loss	(2,311	)	2,352
Benefits paid, net of premiums received	(2,922	)	(3,330	)
Changes in plan provisions	(5,931	)	(5,065	)
Curtailment	(15,535	)	(30,260	)
Medicare Part D subsidies	162		340
Reclassifications	—		2,166
Benefit obligation, end of year	26,472		50,482
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	41,447		41,053
Actual return on plan assets	19		1,212
Employer contributions	1,347		2,172
Benefits paid, net of premiums and Medicare Part D subsidies received	(2,760	)	(2,990	)
Benefits paid for active employees	(1,524	)	—
Fair value of plan assets at measurement date	38,529		41,447
Funded status - benefit obligation in excess of (less than) plan assets	(12,057	)	9,035

The accumulated benefit obligation for plans with benefit obligations in excess of plan assets was $2,797,000 at September 25, 2011. There are no plan assets related to this plan. At September 25, 2010 all postretirement and postemployment benefit plans had benefit obligations in excess of plan assets.

Disaggregated amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows:



(Thousands of Dollars)	September 25 2011	September 26 2010

Noncurrent assets	14,934	—
Current portion of benefit obligation	—	2,360
Postretirement benefit obligations	2,877	6,675
Accumulated other comprehensive income (before income tax benefit)	42,379	42,415

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income are as follows:



(Thousands of Dollars)	September 25 2011	September 26 2010

Unrecognized net actuarial gain	27,145	31,055
Unrecognized prior service benefit	15,234	11,360
	42,379	42,415

We expect to recognize $2,451,000 and $1,459,000 of unrecognized net actuarial gain and unrecognized prior service benefit, respectively, in net periodic postretirement benefit cost in 2012.

Assumptions

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations are as follows:



(Percent)	September 25 2011	September 26 2010

Discount rate	4.4	4.8
Expected long-term return on plan assets	5.75	5.75

The assumptions related to the expected long-term return on plan assets are developed through an analysis of historical market returns and current market conditions.

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost are as follows:



(Percent)	2011	2010	2009

Discount rate	4.8	5.5	6.75
Expected long-term return on plan assets	5.75	5.75	5.75

Assumed health care cost trend rates are as follows:



(Percent)	September 25 2011	September 26 2010

Health care cost trend rates	9.0	11.0
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the “Ultimate Trend Rate”)	5.0	4.0
Year in which the rate reaches the Ultimate Trend Rate	2019	2017

Administrative costs related to indemnity plans are assumed to increase at the health care cost trend rates noted above.

Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the postretirement plans. A one percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following annualized effects on reported amounts for 2011:



	One Percentage Point
(Thousands of Dollars)	Increase	Decrease

Effect on net periodic postretirement benefit cost	47	(43	)
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation	1,132	(1,025	)

Plan Assets

The primary objective of our investment strategy is to satisfy our postretirement obligations at a reasonable cost. Assets are actively invested to balance real growth of capital through appreciation and reinvestment of dividend and interest income and safety of invested funds.

An investment policy outlines the governance structure for decision making, sets investment objectives and restrictions, and establishes criteria for selecting and evaluating investment managers. The use of derivatives is strictly prohibited, except on a case-by-case basis where the manager has a proven capability, and only to hedge quantifiable risks such as exposure to foreign currencies. An investment committee, consisting of certain of our executives and supported by independent consultants, is responsible for monitoring compliance with the investment policy. Assets are periodically redistributed to maintain the appropriate policy allocation.

The weighted-average asset allocation of our postretirement assets is as follows:



(Percent)		Actual Allocation
Asset Class	Policy Allocation	September 25 2011	September 26 2010

Equity securities	0-10	8	11
Debt securities	90-100	85	89
Cash		7	—

Fair Value Measurements

The fair value hierarchy of postretirement assets at September 25, 2011 is as follows:



(Thousands of Dollars)	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3

Cash and cash equivalents	2,608	—	—
Domestic equity securities	—	1,855	—
International equity securities	—	1,312	—
Debt securities	32,753	—	—

There were no purchases, sales or transfers of assets classified as Level 3 in 2011 or 2010.

Cash Flows

Based on our forecast at September 25, 2011, we do not expect to contribute to our postretirement plans in 2012.

In December 2003, the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (the “Modernization Act”) was signed into law. The Modernization Act introduced a prescription drug benefit under Medicare (“Medicare Part D”) and a federal subsidy to sponsors of retiree health care benefit plans (“Subsidy”) that provide a benefit at least actuarially equivalent (as that term is defined in the Act) to Medicare Part D. We concluded we qualify for the Subsidy under the Modernization Act since the prescription drug benefits provided under our postretirement health care plans generally require lower premiums from covered retirees and have lower deductibles than the benefits provided in Medicare Part D and, accordingly, are actuarially equivalent to or better than, the benefits provided under the Modernization Act.

We anticipate future benefit payments to be paid either with future contributions to the plan or directly from plan assets, as follows:



(Thousands of Dollars)	Gross Payments	Less Medicare Part D Subsidy		Net Payments

2012	3,100	(300	)	2,800
2013	2,960	(310	)	2,650
2014	2,910	(310	)	2,600
2015	2,840	(320	)	2,520
2016	1,760	(300	)	1,460
2017-2021	12,530	(1,470	)	11,060

2011 Changes to Plans

In May 2011, a new bargaining unit contract eliminated postretirement medical coverage for affected active employees and froze defined pension benefits. The elimination of postretirement medical coverage resulted in a non-cash curtailment gain of $3,974,000 which was recognized in the 13 weeks ended June 26, 2011, reduced 2011 net periodic postretirement medical expense by $82,000 beginning in the 13 weeks ended June 26, 2011 and reduced the benefit obligation liability at June 26, 2011 by $3,371,000. The freeze of defined pension benefits reduced 2011 net periodic pension expenses by $188,000 beginning in the 13 weeks ended June 26, 2011 and reduced the benefit obligation liability at June 26, 2011 by $592,000.

In March 2011, we notified certain participants in our postretirement medical plans of changes to be made to the plans, including increases in participant premium cost-sharing and elimination of coverage for certain participants. The changes resulted in a non-cash curtailment gain of $1,991,000 which was recognized in the 13 weeks ended March 27, 2011 and reduced the benefit obligation liability at March 27, 2011 by $3,030,000.

In November 2010, we notified certain participants in our postretirement medical plans of changes to be made to the plans, including increases in participant premium cost-sharing and elimination of coverage for certain participants. The changes resulted in a non-cash curtailment gain of $10,172,000 which was recognized in the 13 weeks ended December 26, 2010, reduced 2011 net periodic postretirement medical cost by $769,000 beginning in the 13 weeks ended December 26, 2010, and reduced the benefit obligation liability at December 26, 2010 by $15,065,000.

2010 Changes to Plans

In March 2010, members of the United Media Guild voted to approve a new 5.5 year contract, effective in April 2010. The new contract eliminated postretirement medical coverage for active employees and defined pension benefits were frozen. The elimination of postretirement medical coverage resulted in non-cash curtailment gains of $11,878,000, which were recognized in the 13 weeks ended March 28, 2010 and reduced the benefit obligation liability at March 28, 2010 by $6,576,000. The freeze of defined pension benefits resulted in non-cash curtailment gains of $2,004,000, which were recognized in the 13 weeks ended March 28, 2010, reduced 2010 net periodic pension expenses by $668,000 beginning in the 13 weeks ended June 27, 2010, and reduced the benefit obligation liability at March 28, 2010 by $2,004,000.

In December 2009, we notified certain participants in our postretirement medical plans of changes to be made to the plans, including increases in participant premium cost-sharing and elimination of coverage for certain participants. The changes resulted in non-cash curtailment gains of $31,130,000, which were recognized in the 13 weeks ended December 27, 2009, reduced 2010 net periodic postretirement medical cost by $1,460,000 beginning in the 13 weeks ended March 28, 2010, and reduced the benefit obligation liability at December 27, 2009 by $28,750,000.

2009 Changes to Plans

In October and December 2008, we notified certain participants in our postretirement medical plans of administrative changes to be made to the plans, effective in January 2009, including increases in employee premiums, changes in the plans' reimbursement of medical expenses covered by Medicare, elimination of certain coverage options and the establishment of an account-based structure. The changes reduced the benefit obligation by $23,047,000, effective at December 28, 2008.

Increases in participant premium cost-sharing discussed more fully above are treated as negative plan amendments. Curtailment treatment is utilized in situations in which coverage was eliminated. Curtailment gains are calculated by revaluation of plan liabilities after consideration of other plan changes.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, along with its companion reconciliation legislation (together the “Affordable Care Act”), were enacted into law in 2010. We expect the Affordable Care Act will be supported by a substantial number of underlying regulations, many of which have not been issued. Accordingly, a complete determination of the impact of the Affordable Care Act cannot be made at this time. However, we do not expect the Affordable Care Act will have a significant impact on our postretirement medical benefit obligation liability.

Postemployment Plan

Our postemployment benefit obligation, representing certain disability benefits, is $3,227,000 at September 25, 2011 and $3,304,000 at September 26, 2010.

Other Retirement Plans Level 1 (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 25, 2011

Other Retirement Plans [Abstract]

Other Retirement Plans Disclosure [Text Block]



8	OTHER RETIREMENT PLANS

Substantially all of our employees are eligible to participate in a qualified defined contribution retirement plan. We also have other retirement and compensation plans for executives and others. Benefits under such plans were substantially reduced or eliminated in 2010 and 2009. In 2011 certain of those benefits were reinstated.

Retirement and compensation plan costs, including interest on deferred compensation costs, charged to continuing operations are $2,801,000 in 2011, $1,891,000 in 2010 and $6,702,000 in 2009.

Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, and Preferred Share Purchase Rights Level 1 (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 25, 2011

Common Stock [Abstract]

Common Stock [Text Block]



9	COMMON STOCK, CLASS B COMMON STOCK, AND PREFERRED SHARE PURCHASE RIGHTS

In 1986, one share of Class B Common Stock was issued as a dividend for each share of Common Stock held by stockholders of record at the time. The transfer of Class B Common Stock was restricted. As originally anticipated, the number of outstanding Class B shares has decreased over time through trading and reached the sunset level of 5,600,000 shares in March 2011. In March 2011, in accordance with the sunset provisions established in 1986, we effected conversion of all outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock to Common Stock. As a result, all stockholders have one vote per share on all future matters. Class B shares formerly had ten votes per share.

In 1998, the Board of Directors adopted a Shareholder Rights Plan (the “Plan”). Under the Plan, the Board of Directors declared a dividend of one Preferred Share Purchase Right (“Right”) for each outstanding share of Common Stock and Class B Common Stock (collectively “Common Shares”) of the Company. Rights are attached to, and automatically trade with, the Company's Common Shares. In 2008, the Board of Directors approved an amendment to the Plan. The amendment increased the beneficial ownership threshold to 25% from 20% for stockholders purchasing Common Stock for passive investment only and decreased the threshold to 15% for all other investors. In addition, the amendment extended the expiration of the Plan to May 31, 2018 from May 31, 2008.

Rights become exercisable only in the event that any person or group of affiliated persons other than a passive investor becomes a holder of 15% or more of our outstanding Common Shares, or commences a tender or exchange offer which, if consummated, would result in that person or group of affiliated persons owning at least 15% of our outstanding Common Shares. Once the Rights become exercisable, they entitle all other stockholders to purchase, by payment of a $150 exercise price, one one-thousandth of a share of Series A Participating Preferred Stock, subject to adjustment, with a value of twice the exercise price. In addition, at any time after a 15% position is acquired and prior to the acquisition of a 50% position, the Board of Directors may require, in whole or in part, each outstanding Right (other than Rights held by the acquiring person or group of affiliated persons) to be exchanged for one share of Common Stock or one one-thousandth of a share of Series A Preferred Stock. The Rights may be redeemed at a price of $0.001 per Right at any time prior to their expiration.

As of July 1, 2011, our Common Stock traded at an average 30-day closing market price of less than $1 per share. Under the NYSE listing standards, if our Common Stock fails to maintain an adequate per share price and total market capitalization, our Common Stock could be removed from the NYSE and traded in the over the counter market. In July 2011, the NYSE first notified us that our Common Stock did not meet the NYSE continued listing standard due to the failure to maintain an adequate share price. Under the NYSE rules related to the average share price, Lee Common Stock is allowed to continue to be listed during a cure period. Continued listing is subject to ongoing reassessment by the NYSE and the return to compliance with all quantitative listing requirements, which would require an increase in the average closing price to $1 per share. We are currently operating under an NYSE-approved plan to address those quantitative listing requirements as to which we are non-compliant.

Stock Ownership Plans Level 1 (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 25, 2011

Stock Ownership Plans [Abstract]

Stock Ownership Plans [Text Block]



10	STOCK OWNERSHIP PLANS

Total non-cash stock compensation expense is $1,287,000, $1,974,000 and $3,013,000, in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

At September 25, 2011 we have reserved 5,039,716 shares of Common Stock for issuance to employees under an incentive and nonstatutory stock option and restricted stock plan approved by stockholders. At September 25, 2011, 3,227,375 shares are available for granting of non-qualified stock options or issuance of restricted Common Stock.

Stock Options

Options are granted at a price equal to the fair market value on the date of the grant and are exercisable, upon vesting, over a ten year period.

A summary of stock option activity is as follows:



(Thousands of Shares)	2011		2010		2009

Under option, beginning of year	940		1,009		263
Granted	1,105		—		783
Exercised	(15	)	—		—
Canceled	(218	)	(69	)	(37	)
Under option, end of year	1,812		940		1,009

Exercisable, end of year	552		423		191

Weighted average prices of stock options are as follows:



(Dollars)	2011	2010	2009

Granted	2.57	—	2.07
Under option, end of year	5.07	8.77	9.40

The following assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of 2011 and 2009 option awards:



	2011	2009

Volatility (Percent)	111	105
Risk-free interest rate (Percent)	1.01	2.45
Expected term (Years)	4.7	4.7
Estimated fair value (Dollars)	2.00	1.57

A summary of stock options outstanding at September 25, 2011 is as follows:



(Dollars)	Options Outstanding			Options Exercisable
Range of Exercise Prices	Number Outstanding	Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	Weighted Average Exercise Price	Number Exercisable	Weighted Average Exercise Price

1 - 25	1,660,600	8.6	2.37	399,900	2.07
25 - 30	68,510	5.2	28.72	68,510	28.72
30 - 35	20,066	1.2	32.51	20,066	32.51
35 - 40	34,760	3.1	38.62	34,760	38.62
40 - 45	14,024	2.1	43.27	14,024	43.27
45 - 50	14,381	3.2	47.64	14,381	47.64
	1,812,341	8.2	5.07	551,641	11.03

Total unrecognized compensation expense for unvested stock options at September 25, 2011 is $1,756,000, which will be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.7 years.

Options outstanding and exercisable at September 25, 2011 have no intrinsic value.

Restricted Common Stock

A summary of restricted Common Stock activity follows:



(Thousands of Shares)	2011		2010		2009

Outstanding, beginning of year	299		453		746
Vested	(297	)	(143	)	(114	)
Forfeited	(2	)	(11	)	(179	)
Outstanding, end of year	—		299		453

Weighted average grant date fair values of restricted Common Stock are as follows:



(Dollars)	2011	2010	2009

Outstanding, beginning of year	15.02	19.35	21.60
Vested	15.02	28.73	39.53
Forfeited	15.02	15.02	15.94
Outstanding, end of year	—	15.02	19.35

The fair value of restricted Common Stock vested in 2011, 2010 and 2009, is $723,000, $554,000 and $171,000, respectively.

Stock Purchase Plans

We have 270,000 shares of Common Stock available for issuance pursuant to our Employee Stock Purchase Plan. We also have 8,700 shares of Common Stock available for issuance under our Supplemental Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

Income Taxes Level 1 (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 25, 2011

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]



11	INCOME TAXES

Income tax expense (benefit) consists of the following:



(Thousands of Dollars)	2011		2010	2009

Current:
Federal	4,604		8,673	(3,573	)
State	(55	)	833	643
Deferred	(25,630	)	19,116	(79,582	)
	(21,081	)	28,622	(82,512	)

Continuing operations	(21,081	)	28,622	(82,509	)
Discontinued operations	—		—	(3	)
	(21,081	)	28,622	(82,512	)

Income tax expense (benefit) related to continuing operations differs from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate to income (loss) before income taxes. The reasons for these differences are as follows:



(Percent of Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes)	2011		2010		2009

Computed “expected” income tax expense (benefit)	(35.0	)	35.0		(35.0	)
State income taxes (benefit), net of federal tax expense (benefit)	(2.3	)	4.3		(3.7	)
Net income of associated companies taxed at dividend rates	(0.5	)	(1.4	)	(0.3	)
Domestic production deduction	(0.5	)	(0.8	)	—
Resolution of tax matters	0.5		(3.5	)	—
Impairment of goodwill and other assets	23.6		—		12.2
Valuation allowance	1.0		(0.1	)	(6.1	)
Tax law change	—		4.2		—
Other	0.6		0.6		1.5
	(12.6	)	38.3		(31.4	)

Net deferred income tax liabilities consist of the following components:



(Thousands of Dollars)	September 25 2011		September 26 2010

Deferred income tax liabilities:
Property and equipment	(29,170	)	(29,659	)
Investments	(6,576	)	(26,443	)
Identified intangible assets	(45,472	)	(62,731	)
Long-term debt and interest rate exchange agreements	(997	)	(1,450	)
	(82,215	)	(120,283	)
Deferred income tax assets:
Accrued compensation	7,067		6,462
Allowance for doubtful accounts and losses on loans	1,570		1,745
Pension and postretirement benefits	5,305		5,384
State operating loss carryforwards	23,515		20,897
Accrued expenses	5,024		5,767
Other	2,063		3,124
	44,544		43,379
Valuation allowance	(27,566	)	(23,025	)
Net deferred income tax liabilities	(65,237	)	(99,929	)

Net deferred income tax liabilities are classified as follows:



(Thousands of Dollars)	September 25 2011		September 26 2010

Current assets	967		2,687
Non-current liabilities	(66,204	)	(102,616	)
Net deferred income tax liabilities	(65,237	)	(99,929	)

A reconciliation of 2011 changes in gross unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:



(Thousands of Dollars)	2011

Balance, beginning of year	9,169
Increases in tax positions for prior years	10
Increases in tax positions for the current year	250
Lapse in statute of limitations	(653	)
Settled items	(2,024	)
Balance, end of year	6,752

The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate was $4,510,000 at September 25, 2011. We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. The amount of accrued interest related to unrecognized tax benefits was, net of tax, $1,139,000 at September 25, 2011 and $1,705,000 at September 26, 2010. There were no amounts provided for penalties at September 25, 2011 or September 26, 2010.

At September 25, 2011, we had approximately $757,338,000 of net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”) for state tax purposes that expire between 2014 and 2031. Such NOLs result in a deferred income tax asset of $23,515,000 at September 25, 2011, which is substantially all offset by a valuation allowance. The valuation allowance not related to NOLs is $4,068,000 at September 25, 2011 and $2,889,000 at September 26, 2010.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for income taxes. Disclosures may include net deferred tax liability or asset recognized in an enterprise's statement of financial position, net change during the year in the total valuation allowance, approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that gives rise to a significant portion of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, utilization of a tax carryback, and tax uncertainties information.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph h
-Article 4

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 136, 172
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(h))
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Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32559-109319

+ Details

Fair Value of Financial Instruments Level 1 (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 25, 2011

Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Abstract]

Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]



12	FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

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. The carrying value of other investments, consisting of debt and equity securities in a deferred compensation trust, is carried at fair value based upon quoted market prices. Investments totaling $8,155,000, consisting primarily of our 17% ownership of the nonvoting common stock of TCT, are carried at cost. The fair value of floating rate debt cannot be determined as an active market for such debt does not exist. Our fixed rate debt consists of the $138,500,000 principal amount of Pulitzer Notes, as discussed more fully in Note 4, which is not traded on an active market and is held by a small group of Noteholders. Coupled with the volatility of substantially all domestic credit markets that exists in the current recession, we are unable, as of September 25, 2011 and September 26, 2010, to determine the fair value of such debt. The value, if determined, would likely be less than the carrying amount. The determination of the amount of the Herald Value is based on an estimate of fair value using both market and income-based approaches. See Note 16.

The following table summarizes the financial instruments measured at fair value in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements at September 25, 2011 and September 26, 2010:



(Thousands of Dollars)	September 25 2011	September 26 2010

Level 1	—	—
Level 2	—	—
Level 3 - Herald Value - liability	300	2,300

In 2011, we reduced the Herald Value from $2,300,000 as of September 26, 2010 to $300,000 based on the most recent estimate of fair value. There were no realized or unrealized gains or losses, purchases, sales, or transfers related to the Herald Value in 2010 or 2009.

In 2011, 2010 and 2009, we reduced the carrying value of equipment no longer in use by $700,000, $3,290,000 and $4,579,000, respectively, based on estimates of the related fair value in the current market. Based on age, condition and marketability we estimated the equipment had no value.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 44A, 44B
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15C, 15D
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15A
-Subparagraph a-d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15B
-Subparagraph a, b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 3, 10, 14, 15
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 32, 33, 34
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 159
-Paragraph 17-22, 27, 28
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
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+ Details

Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share Level 1 (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 25, 2011

Earnings per Common Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share [Text Block]



13	EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share:



(Thousands of Dollars and Shares, Except Per Common Share Data)	2011		2010		2009

Income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated:
Continuing operations	(146,868	)	46,105		(123,186	)
Discontinued operations	—		—		(5	)
	(146,868	)	46,105		(123,191	)

Weighted average Common Shares	44,912		44,902		44,952
Less non-vested restricted Common Stock	(65	)	(347	)	(510	)
Basic average Common Shares	44,847		44,555		44,442
Dilutive stock options and restricted Common Stock	—		400		—
Diluted average Common Shares	44,847		44,955		44,442

Earnings (loss) per common share:
Basic:
Continuing operations	(3.27	)	1.03		(2.77	)
Discontinued operations	—		—		—
	(3.27	)	1.03		(2.77	)

Diluted:
Continuing operations	(3.27	)	1.03		(2.77	)
Discontinued operations	—		—		—
	(3.27	)	1.03		(2.77	)

For 2011, 2010 and 2009, we had 1,944,000, 942,000, and 314,000 weighted average shares, respectively, subject to issuance under our stock option and employee stock purchase plans that have no intrinsic value. No stock options were considered in the computation of loss per common share in 2011 or 2009.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Level 1 (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 25, 2011

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Abstract]

Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block]



14	ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS

Valuation and qualifying account information related to the allowance for doubtful accounts receivable is as follows:



(Thousands of Dollars)	2011		2010		2009

Balance, beginning of year	5,763		6,275		6,647
Additions charged to expense	2,234		3,043		5,995
Deductions from reserves	(2,446	)	(3,555	)	(6,367	)
Balance, end of year	5,551		5,763		6,275

- Definition

The entire disclosure for claims held for amounts due a company. Examples include trade accounts receivables, notes receivables, loans receivables.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 3, 4
-Article 5

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 7
-Article 9

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
-Number 01-6
-Paragraph 13
-Subparagraph d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Article 4
-Section 08
-Paragraph k

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.3,4)
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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
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-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(k))
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-Paragraph 11
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6965416&loc=d3e5162-111524

+ Details

Other Information Level 1 (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 25, 2011

Other Information [Abstract]

Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block]



15	OTHER INFORMATION

Compensation and other accrued liabilities consist of the following:



(Thousands of Dollars)	September 25 2011	September 26 2010

Compensation	11,394	12,113
Retirement plans	4,442	7,632
Interest	4,352	4,703
Other	15,249	13,669
	35,437	38,117

Cash payments are as follows:



(Thousands of Dollars)	2011	2010	2009

Interest	53,133	65,791	80,690
Debt financing costs	11,601	453	26,061
Income taxes, net of refunds	10,462	3,753	5,829

Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred income taxes, are as follows:



(Thousands of Dollars)	September 25 2011		September 26 2010

Pension and postretirement benefits	(6,086	)	6,651

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities Level 1 (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 25, 2011

Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]



16	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

Operating Leases

We have operating lease commitments for certain of our office, production and distribution facilities. Management expects that in the normal course of business, existing leases will be renewed or replaced. Minimum lease payments during the five years ending September 2016 and thereafter are $3,664,000, $2,752,000, $1,355,000, $1,288,000, $1,248,000 and $4,043,000, respectively. Total operating lease expense is $4,527,000, $4,549,000 and $5,029,000, in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Capital Expenditures

At September 25, 2011, we had construction and equipment purchase commitments totaling approximately $2,483,000.

Redemption of PD LLC Minority Interest

In 2000, Pulitzer and The Herald Company Inc. (“Herald Inc.”) completed the transfer of their respective interests in the assets and operations of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and certain related businesses to a new joint venture, known as PD LLC. Pulitzer is the managing member of PD LLC. Under the terms of the related PD LLC Operating Agreement (the "Operating Agreement"), Pulitzer and another subsidiary held a 95% interest in the results of operations of PD LLC and The Herald Publishing Company, LLC (“Herald”), as successor to Herald Inc., held a 5% interest. Until February 2009, Herald's 5% interest was reported as minority interest in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) at historical cost, plus accumulated earnings since the acquisition of Pulitzer.

The Operating Agreement provided Herald a one-time right to require PD LLC to redeem its interest in PD LLC, together with its interest, if any, in DS LLC (the “2010 Redemption”). We recorded the present value of the remaining amount of this potential liability in our Consolidated Balance Sheet in 2008, with the offset primarily to goodwill in the amount of $55,594,000, and the remainder recorded as a reduction of retained earnings. The present value of the 2010 Redemption in February 2009 was approximately $73,602,000.

In February 2009, in conjunction with the Notes Amendment, PD LLC redeemed the 5% interest in PD LLC and DS LLC owned by Herald pursuant to a Redemption Agreement and adopted conforming amendments to the Operating Agreement. As a result, the value of Herald's former interest (the “Herald Value”) will be settled, at a date determined by Herald between April 2013 and April 2015, based on a calculation of 10% of the fair market value of PD LLC and DS LLC at the time of settlement, less the balance, as adjusted, of the Pulitzer Notes or the equivalent successor debt, if any. We recorded a liability of $2,300,000 in 2009 as an estimate of the amount of the Herald Value to be disbursed. In 2011, we reduced the liability related to the Herald Value to $300,000 based on the current estimate of fair value. The actual amount of the Herald Value will depend on such variables as future cash flows and indebtedness of PD LLC and DS LLC, market valuations of newspaper properties and the timing of the request for redemption. Cash settlement of the Herald Value is limited by the terms of the Credit Agreement.

The Redemption Agreement also terminated Herald's right to exercise its rights under the 2010 Redemption. As a result, we reversed substantially all of our liability for the 2010 Redemption in 2009. The reversal reduced liabilities by $71,302,000 and increased comprehensive income by $58,521,000 and stockholders' equity by $68,824,000.

The redemption of Herald's interest in PD LLC and DS LLC is expected to generate significant tax benefits to us as a consequence of the resulting increase in the tax basis of the assets owned by PD LLC and DS LLC and the related depreciation and amortization deductions. The increase in basis to be amortized for income tax purposes over a 15 year period beginning in February 2009 is approximately $258,000,000.

Pursuant to an Indemnity Agreement dated May 1, 2000 (the “Indemnity Agreement”) between Herald Inc. and Pulitzer, Herald agreed to indemnify Pulitzer for any payments that Pulitzer may make under the Guaranty Agreement. The Indemnity Agreement and related obligations of Herald to indemnify Pulitzer were also terminated pursuant to the Redemption Agreement.

Stock Repurchase Program

In 2008, we announced our intention to acquire up to $30,000,000 of Common Stock in open market and private transactions. In 2008, 1,722,280 shares were acquired and returned to authorized shares at an average price of $10.98. The 2009 Amendments to the Credit Agreement require us to suspend share repurchases through April 2012.

Income Taxes

Commitments exclude unrecognized tax benefits to be recorded in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes. We are unable to reasonably estimate the ultimate amount or timing of cash settlements with the respective taxing authorities for such matters. See Note 11.

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 result in proposed adjustments. We have considered the alternative interpretations that may be assumed by the various taxing agencies, believe our positions taken regarding our filings are valid, and that adequate tax liabilities have been recorded to resolve such matters. However, the actual outcome cannot be determined with certainty and the difference could be material, either positively or negatively, to the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) in the periods in which such matters are ultimately determined. We do not believe the final resolution of such matters will be material to our consolidated financial position or cash flows.

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 2007.

Legal Proceedings

In 2008, a group of newspaper carriers filed suit against us in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California, claiming to be our employees and not independent contractors. The plaintiffs seek relief related to alleged violations of various employment-based statutes, and request punitive damages and attorneys' fees. In July 2010, the trial court granted the plaintiffs' petition for class certification. We filed an interlocutory appeal which was denied. After concluding discovery, we filed a motion to reverse the class certification ruling. This motion is currently pending before the trial court. The Company denies the allegations of employee status, consistent with our past practices and industry standards, and will continue to vigorously contest the action, which is not covered by insurance. At this time we are unable to predict whether the ultimate economic outcome, if any, could have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements, taken as a whole.

We are involved in a variety of other legal actions that arise in the normal course of business. Insurance coverage mitigates potential loss for certain of these other matters. While we are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of these other legal actions, it is our opinion that the disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements, taken as a whole.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for commitments and contingencies.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 14
-Paragraph 3
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 5
-Paragraph 9, 10, 11, 12
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.25)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 450
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6952336&loc=d3e14435-108349

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 460
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6398077&loc=d3e12565-110249

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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 440
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394976&loc=d3e25287-109308

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6449706&loc=d3e16207-108621

+ Details

Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards Level 1 (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 25, 2011

Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards [Abstract]

New Accounting Standards [Text Block]



17	IMPACT OF RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In 2011, the FASB issued, Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2011-8, Testing Goodwill for Impairment, which provides new guidance on testing goodwill for impairment. This new guidance gives us, subject to certain conditions, the option of first performing a qualitative assessment to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. We adopted this guidance in 2011, as permitted. Adoption did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-06, Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements, which requires additional disclosure related to the three-level fair value hierarchy. This new guidance requires us to disclose significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy and to disclose separately information related to purchases, sales, issuances and settlements in the reconciliation of fair value measurements classified as Level 3. The new guidance also clarifies previous disclosure requirements by increasing the level of disaggregation to the class level for investments and by requiring more disclosures regarding inputs and valuation techniques for fair value measurements in Level 2 and Level 3. Adoption of ASU 2010-06 occurs in two parts with the requirements to disclose purchases, sales, issuances and settlements in the reconciliation of fair value measurements classified as Level 3 to occur in 2012. We adopted the remaining requirements of ASU 2010-06 in 2011, which did not have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) Level 1 (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 25, 2011

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) [Abstract]

Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]



18	QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)



	Quarter Ended
(Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Common Share Data)	December	March		June		September

2011

Operating revenue	207,668	178,726		187,306		182,405

Net income (loss)	18,980	(1,449	)	(155,440	)	(8,769	)

Income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated	18,945	(1,472	)	(155,517	)	(8,820	)

Earnings per common share:
Basic:	0.42	(0.03	)	(3.46	)	(0.20	)
Diluted:	0.42	(0.03	)	(3.46	)	(0.20	)

2010

Operating revenue	209,838	185,744		196,405		188,660

Net income	27,959	2,982		10,039		5,199

Income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated	27,907	2,991		10,019		5,189

Earnings per common share:
Basic:	0.63	0.07		0.22		0.12
Diluted:	0.62	0.07		0.22		0.11

Results of operations for the December, March and June quarters of 2011 include non-cash curtailment gains of $10,172,000, $1,991,000 and $3,974,000, respectively. Results of operations for the December and March quarters of 2010 include non-cash curtailment gains of $31,130,000 and $13,882,000, respectively. Results of operations for the June and September quarters of 2011 include non-cash impairment charges, net of deferred income tax benefit, of $161,801,000 and $13,910,000, respectively.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the quarterly financial data in the annual financial statements. The disclosure may include a tabular presentation of financial information for each fiscal quarter for the current and previous year, including revenues, gross profit, income or loss before extraordinary items and earnings per share data. It also includes an indication if the information in the note is unaudited, comments on the aggregate effect of year-end adjustments, and an explanation of matters or transactions that affect comparability or are pertinent to an understanding of the information furnished.

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