US media group Gannett, which owns USA Today and the UK local publisher Newsquest, says splitting its publishing and digital operations into two separate businesses will "drive innovation" – and could lead to more media acquisitions. The group hopes the move will create "an emerging digital powerhouse" on the one side, while remaining committed to "award-winning journalism" across multiple platforms on the other, according to Gracia Martore, chief executive of Gannett, speaking during a conference call to investors yesterday.