GRAMMAR DETAIL

ということだ

this means that ...

Restates the conclusion conveyed by the preceding information.

Examples

つまり、申請には本人の署名が必要だということだ。

In other words, this means that the applicant's own signature is required for the application.

この印は、ここで写真を撮ってはいけないということだ。

This sign means that taking photographs here is prohibited.

Structure: ということだ follows content to restate the meaning or conclusion understood from earlier information.
Basic usage: この印は、ここで写真を撮ってはいけないということだ。 interprets the sign as prohibiting photography.

Summary and report contexts
- つまり、中止ということだ summarizes the earlier content as meaning cancellation. 新聞によると、中止ということだ relays news from a newspaper, so context distinguishes a conclusion from a report despite the shared form.