Gannett and Perplexity Partner on AI Content Licensing Agreement

Gannett, the publisher of USA TODAY, has partnered with AI-driven answer engine Perplexity to license content from over 200 local publications. The partnership will integrate Gannett's premium content into Perplexity's AI-powered search experiences, including its new web browser, Comet. Gannett will also explore AI opportunities and share advertising revenue with Perplexity. The deal underscores Gannett's commitment to leveraging technology while ensuring fair compensation and proper attribution for its content.

Title: Gannett and Perplexity Partner to Integrate USA TODAY Content into AI-Powered Search

Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI) has entered into a strategic content licensing agreement with Perplexity, an AI-powered answer engine, to integrate premium content from the USA TODAY Network into Perplexity's AI-powered search experiences. This partnership will enhance the capabilities of Perplexity’s newly released agentic web browser, Comet, which is currently available to Perplexity Max and select Perplexity Pro subscribers.

The agreement, announced on July 30, 2025, marks Gannett's commitment to leveraging technology to drive audience engagement and ensure fair compensation for its content. Gannett's premium content and trusted journalism from USA TODAY and its network of over 200 local publications will be integrated into Perplexity’s AI search engine, offering users access to high-quality, reliable information.

Michael Reed, Chairman and CEO of Gannett, stated, "As the largest local-to-national publishing and digital media organization in the country, we are focused on delivering innovation that drives audience engagement. This strategic alliance with Perplexity exemplifies our continued leadership in embracing transformative technology and reflects our belief that innovation and responsible stewardship must go hand in hand." [1]

Aravind Srinivas, Co-Founder and CEO at Perplexity, noted, "Gannett's commitment to credible, authoritative reporting makes them an ideal partner as we work to elevate the information landscape. We strongly believe the opportunity for AI is to elevate the kind of excellent journalism that Gannett’s reputation is founded on." [1]

In addition to licensing fees, Gannett will also share advertising revenue with Perplexity. This agreement underscores Gannett’s strategy to explore AI opportunities and enhance its digital presence. The financial terms of the deal are not being disclosed.

Gannett will also have access to Perplexity’s technology, including the Sonar API and Perplexity Enterprise Pro, for all employees. This access will enable Gannett to leverage AI technology internally and potentially drive operational efficiencies.

The partnership is part of Gannett’s broader digital transformation efforts. In its Q2 2025 earnings call, Gannett announced a $100 million cost reduction program and a 3% to 5% year-over-year growth in digital revenue. The company aims to achieve total adjusted EBITDA growth and free cash flow growth of over 100% versus the prior year. [2]

This strategic alliance with Perplexity is expected to accelerate Gannett’s AI initiatives and enhance its content distribution capabilities, positioning the company to thrive in the evolving digital landscape.

References:
[1] https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250730968765/en/Gannett-USA-TODAY-Network-and-Perplexity-Announce-Strategic-AI-Content-Licensing-Agreement
[2] https://seekingalpha.com/news/4476223-gannett-outlines-3-percent-5-percent-digital-revenue-growth-and-100m-cost-reduction-as-ai