content_image/24283.jpg content_image/24284.jpg content_image/24285.jpg
In December 2001, the company contributed $300 million to the Gannett Retirement Plan. 

The following table provides a reconciliation of benefit obli- gations, plan assets and funded status of the company’s retire- ment plans. The related amounts that are recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for the company’s retirement plans also are provided. 

In thousands of dollars 

<img src='content_image/24283.jpg'>

The net benefit obligation was determined using an assumed discount rate of 7.25% and 7.625% at the end of 2001 and 2000, respectively. The assumed rate of compensation increase was 4.0% and 4.5% at the end of 2001 and 2000, respectively. The assumed long-term rate of return on plan assets used in determining pension cost was 10%. Retirement plan assets include approximately 1,242,300 shares of the company’s common stock valued at approximately $84 million and $78 million at the end of 2001 and 2000, respectively. 

## NOTE 6 

## Postretirement benefits other than pensions 

The company provides health care and life insurance benefits to certain retired employees who meet age and service require- ments. Most of the company’s retirees contribute to the cost of these benefits and retiree contributions are increased as actual benefit costs increase. The cost of providing retiree health care and life insurance benefits is actuarially determined and accrued over the service period of the active employee group. 

Postretirement benefit cost for health care and life insurance for 2001, 2000 and 1999 included the following components: 

In thousands of dollars 

<img src='content_image/24284.jpg'>

The table below provides a reconciliation of benefit obligations and funded status of the company’s postretirement benefit plans: 

In thousands of dollars 

<img src='content_image/24285.jpg'>

