News & Tech: Monday was the day Gannett and the industry have been talking about for nearly a year — the splitting of its newspaper operations from the company’s more profitable broadcast division. Gannett said its newspaper operation will be “virtually debt-free with a highly focused operational strategy and significant flexibility to make strategic acquisitions.” The company also launched a nationwide local-to-local network, anchored by flagship USA Today. USA Today Media Network will capitalize on Gannett’s position throughout 92 communities and the USAT national brand.