The new Gannett has set itself a challenging task in supporting local journalism by expanding a digital business involving marketing services and online subscriptions, as well as live events. Digital today makes up about a quarter of the two companies' combined revenues.
Additionally, there's a high-interest $1.8 billion loan to be paid back to private-equity firm Apollo. The stock price of GateHouse's parent, New Media Investment Group NEWM, -0.63% , has also fallen 40% since it announced the Gannett GCI, -0.10% acquisition, shaving about $265 million from its market value.