MCLEAN, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI) today published its inaugural 2022 environmental, social and governance (ESG) report detailing the alignment of its efforts across the company’s corporate social responsibility pillars which are people, planet and communities, with the U.N. Sustainable Development goals (U.N. SDGs). The company has chosen three U.N. SDGs to make key priorities and the report provides Gannett’s ESG strategy, achievements to date and goals for the future.
“This report incorporates a more formal ESG strategy for our company that furthers Gannett’s longstanding corporate social responsibility position,” said Gannett Chairman and CEO Mike Reed. “Our significant media reach in the U.S. and U.K. affords us the opportunity and responsibility to help educate our communities as we look forward to leading the way within our industry on sustainability.”
In 2021, Gannett formed a cross-functional committee to help deepen its commitment to people, planet and communities through the formalization of an ESG strategy. The 2022 ESG report reflects an initial step to providing increased transparency of Gannett’s priorities and measured progress, including those focused on the following areas:
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People – U.N. SDG Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
- Gannett supports a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace offering opportunities for growth backed with policies, practices and resources to enable personal and professional advancement. Beginning in 2020, Gannett announced workplace diversity goals it expects to achieve by 2025 and transparently published global workforce metrics, which we expect to continue to publish bi-annually. Additionally, Gannett newsrooms have pledged to achieve racial and gender parity with the diversity of our nation throughout our workforce. Gannett also broadened the proportion of journalists reporting on diversity and inclusion by adding dedicated reporting positions.
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Planet – U.N. SDG Goal 13: Climate Action
- Gannett strives to minimize its environmental impact through responsible and sustainable business practices for sourcing, consumption and waste. In the U.S. and U.K., the company has defined environmental policies and expects to complete a comprehensive greenhouse gas emissions report that will allow it to redefine its commitment around the company’s carbon footprint. Gannett also increased journalism resources to report on climate change and the environment.
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Communities – U.N. SDG Goal 16: Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions
- Gannett builds community through storytelling and empowers positive action. Our impactful journalism reaches millions of readers each year and has the power to inspire people to become good global citizens. Through trusted, fact-based journalism that adheres to the highest ethical standards, Gannett is steadfast in its commitment to expose wrongs, shine a light on threats to fundamental freedoms and seek solutions that empower citizens to hold their governments accountable.
The 2022 ESG report, which we intend to update annually, can be viewed at: www.gannett.com/sustainability.
About Gannett
Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI) is a subscription-led and digitally-focused media and marketing solutions company committed to empowering communities to thrive. With an unmatched reach at the national and local level, Gannett touches the lives of millions with our Pulitzer Prize-winning content, consumer experiences and benefits, and advertiser products and services. Our current portfolio of media assets includes USA TODAY, local media organizations in 45 states in the U.S., and Newsquest, a wholly owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom with more than 120 local news media brands. Gannett also owns digital marketing services companies branded LOCALiQ, and runs one of the largest media-owned events business in the U.S., USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures. To connect with us, visit www.gannett.com.
Forward Looking Statements
Certain items in this release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 including statements regarding our environmental, social or governance targets, goals, commitments and programs, and other business plans, initiatives and objectives. Words such as “expect(s)”, “plan(s)”, “believe(s)”, “will”, “target”, “goal”, “focus”, “achieve”, “strive(s)”, “commit(s)”, “intend(s)”, “look forward to” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future results. These statements are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, many of which are beyond our control. Actual results could differ materially due to a variety of factors, including scientific or technological developments or changes, our evolving environmental, social, and governance strategies, evolving government regulations, inaccurate or unattainable assumptions we make, and other changes in circumstances. For a discussion of some of the risks and important factors that could cause actual results to differ from such forward-looking statements, see the risks and other factors detailed from time to time in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company can give no assurance its expectations, including its environmental, social, and governance goals, commitments, and strategies, will be attained. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements contained in this release. Furthermore, new risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict or assess the impact of every factor that may cause its actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release or as otherwise indicated. Except to the extent required by law, the Company expressly disclaims any obligation to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Company’s expectations with regard thereto or change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.
