Gannett Co., Inc. has announced a major licensing agreement with Perplexity, the AI-driven answer engine, making it one of the largest U.S. media partners to join the Perplexity Publisher Program. Under the deal, Perplexity will integrate trusted content from USA TODAY and Gannett’s network of over 200 local publications into its AI-powered search tools, including the newly launched agentic web browser, Comet.

The integration allows Perplexity users to access authoritative journalism directly through advanced AI search experiences. Comet, currently available to Perplexity Max and select Pro subscribers, offers real-time, AI-powered web navigation. A broader rollout is expected this September.

"As AI technology becomes increasingly integrated into the information ecosystem, we are committed to ensuring our content is properly attributed and fairly compensated," said Michael Reed, Gannett Chairman and CEO. "This strategic alliance exemplifies our continued leadership in embracing transformative technology and responsible innovation."

The partnership includes revenue sharing from advertising and access to performance insights via Perplexity’s data analytics, further supporting Gannett’s strategy to monetize digital journalism in the AI era. Gannett employees will also gain access to Perplexity’s Sonar API and Enterprise Pro platform as part of the deal.

Perplexity CEO and Co-Founder Aravind Srinivas emphasized the role of quality journalism in AI’s evolution: "We believe AI’s potential lies in amplifying authoritative content. Partnering with Gannett ensures that credible reporting is front and center as we reimagine the digital information landscape."

Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed, but the move represents a significant step in aligning AI tools with ethical content distribution while offering new monetization pathways for publishers.

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