USA Today Co. — the largest newspaper chain in the country — reported a lackluster third-quarter performance Thursday, including a net loss, declining revenue and setbacks in the company’s goals.

The chain, which includes titles like The Arizona Republic and The Indianapolis Star, ended the quarter with a net loss of $4.6 million. While that was a noticeable improvement on the $39.2 million loss the company suffered during the same period last year, it meant that after two consecutive profitable quarters, USA Today Co. was once again in the red. Revenue was also down, falling 7.4% year-over-year to $519.2 million.

The issue was artificial intelligence. Changes in search behavior, along with “some inflationary pressures,” hurt digital revenue, CEO Mike Reed said on an earnings call. Like many media outlets, USA Today Co.…