MCLEAN, Va. — Gannett Co. is preparing to lay off more than 1,000 employees as the largest newspaper publisher’s work force continues to shrink along with its advertising sales.

Between 1,000 and 2,000 people will lose their jobs in Gannett’s latest round of cutbacks, according to a story published Tuesday on The Wall Street Journal’s Web site. The Journal quoted an unnamed person familiar with the McLean, Va.-based company’s thinking.