DENVER and CINCINNATI, Dec. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Scripps Sports has secured exclusive local broadcast rights to Denver Summit FC, the National Women’s Soccer League’s newest franchise, launching in 2026. Under the multiyear agreement, The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) will air all non-nationally exclusive matches on its local stations Denver7 (KMGH-TV) and The Spot Denver 3 (KCDO-TV). The deal builds on Scripps Sports’ existing NWSL national partnership, where ION broadcasts premier Saturday ev ...

Core Viewpoint - Sinclair, Inc. expressed disappointment over The E.W. Scripps Company's rejection of its proposal for a potential merger, emphasizing that the proposal was made in response to prior discussions and aimed to address concerns of Scripps' stakeholders [1]. Company Overview - Sinclair, Inc. is a diversified media company that operates 179 television stations across 81 markets, affiliated with major broadcast networks. The company also owns the Tennis Channel and several multicast networks, including CHARGE, Comet, ROAR, and The Nest. Additionally, Sinclair's AMP Media is expanding its portfolio of digital content and original podcasts [2].

The board remains open to all opportunities to maximize shareholder valueCINCINNATI, Dec. 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) board of directors has unanimously decided to reject the unsolicited acquisition proposal submitted by Sinclair, Inc. on Nov. 24, 2025, to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Scripps that it does not already own for $7 per share in a mix of cash and stock. The Scripps board determined, following a careful review and evaluation in consultation with ...

Core Insights - Haystack News has launched an affiliate program aimed at empowering creators and publications to earn revenue by sharing their platform, which offers trustworthy and diverse news coverage [1][2] Group 1: Affiliate Program Highlights - The affiliate program includes over 400 trusted news partners, enhancing the personalized news experience for viewers while rewarding partners for promoting the service [2] - Creators can earn a $10 payout for each new Haystack News Premium subscriber they generate, along with access to custom affiliate links and dashboards for tracking performance [7] Group 2: Joining the Program - Creators and publications can apply to join the affiliate program through the Haystack website, with approval typically taking less than 24 hours [3] - Once approved, affiliates can start earning immediately after their custom link goes live [3] Group 3: About Haystack TV - Haystack TV is a free, ad-supported streaming platform that provides personalized local, national, and global news coverage, available on major streaming platforms and devices [4][6] - The platform offers access to local news for 98% of U.S. households and much of Canada, featuring hundreds of trusted local broadcasters and top national and global news partners [5] Group 4: User Experience - Haystack News delivers personalized newscasts with a neutral editorial model, allowing viewers to control their news mix [8]

Core Viewpoint - The broadcast television industry is facing pressure to consolidate due to declining pay-TV subscriptions and the rise of streaming services, with companies like Sinclair and Nexstar actively pursuing mergers to enhance profitability and negotiating power [1][5][6]. Group 1: Industry Dynamics - Nexstar Media Group announced a proposed $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna, which would combine over 260 broadcast stations across the U.S. [1] - Sinclair Broadcast Group made a hostile offer to acquire E.W. Scripps after acquiring nearly 10% of the company [2][11]. - Broadcast station owners are experiencing profitability challenges as the number of traditional pay-TV subscribers decreases, with retransmission fees accounting for 33% to 50% of their annual revenue [4][5]. Group 2: Consolidation Efforts - The need for consolidation among broadcast station owners is driven by the desire to cut duplicate costs and increase scale, especially as major media companies plan their own mergers [6][21]. - Sinclair has been seeking acquisition targets for nearly a year and has engaged in discussions with potential partners, including Gray Media and Scripps [8][9][11]. - Sinclair's acquisition discussions with Scripps faced complications due to governance and cultural issues, particularly regarding the conservative politics of Sinclair's controlling family [14][15]. Group 3: Regulatory Environment - The FCC currently restricts any one company from owning broadcast stations that reach more than 39% of U.S. TV households, which poses a challenge for Nexstar's acquisition of Tegna [21][22]. - Sinclair believes its proposed merger with Scripps would easily gain regulatory approval, while Nexstar's deal may require lifting or waivers of existing FCC rules [22][23]. - The Department of Justice has been slow in approving deals in the industry, adding another layer of complexity to potential mergers [25]. Group 4: Market Reactions - Scripps adopted a shareholder rights plan, or "poison pill," in response to Sinclair's acquisition proposal, aiming to protect shareholder value [16][17]. - Concerns have been raised about potential insider trading related to Sinclair's stock purchases of Scripps, given the nondisclosure agreement signed during early deal discussions [18][20]. - Industry advocates argue that lifting ownership caps would allow local broadcasters to invest in journalism and compete effectively in the evolving media landscape [30].

Core Viewpoint - The E.W. Scripps Company has adopted a limited-duration shareholder rights plan in response to an unsolicited acquisition proposal, aimed at ensuring all shareholders receive full value and protecting them from coercive tactics [1][2]. Summary by Sections Adoption of Rights Plan - The rights plan is effective immediately and will expire one year from its adoption date, specifically on November 26, 2026 [4]. - The plan allows Scripps to issue rights to shareholders, which will not be immediately exercisable but will be attached to the Class A common shares and common voting shares [3][4]. Purpose and Mechanism - The rights plan is designed to protect shareholders by allowing the board time to evaluate the acquisition proposal and explore other strategic alternatives [2][3]. - If an acquiring person gains beneficial ownership of 10% or more of the Class A common shares, existing shareholders can purchase additional shares at a 50% discount to the market price [4]. Grandfathering Clause - Existing ownership percentages of any person or group owning 10% or more of the Class A common shares prior to the rights plan announcement will be grandfathered, but any increase beyond 0.10% after the announcement will trigger the rights [5]. Company Overview - The E.W. Scripps Company is a diversified media entity, operating over 60 local TV stations across more than 40 markets in the U.S. and providing quality local journalism [6].

Core Viewpoint - The E.W. Scripps Company has received an unsolicited acquisition proposal from Sinclair, Inc., and the company's board will review it to determine the best course of action for shareholders and stakeholders [1][2]. Company Overview - The E.W. Scripps Company is a diversified media company and one of the largest local TV broadcasters in the U.S., operating over 60 stations in more than 40 markets [3]. - Scripps provides quality local journalism and reaches households nationwide through various national news outlets and entertainment brands, including Scripps News, Court TV, ION, and Bounce [3]. - The company is the largest holder of broadcast spectrum in the nation and serves professional and college sports leagues with significant market reach [3]. Board's Response - Scripps shareholders are not required to take any action at this time, as the board will evaluate the unsolicited proposal in consultation with legal and financial advisors [2]. - The company intends to refrain from further comments on the proposal until the board's review is complete [3].

Summary of E.W. Scripps Company FY Conference Call (November 18, 2025) Company Overview - **Company**: E.W. Scripps Company (NasdaqGS: SSP) - **Industry**: Media and Broadcasting Key Points M&A Activity - Sinclair has reported an 8% stake in E.W. Scripps and is considering a merger, described as a "bear hug" by the analyst [3][4] - E.W. Scripps was engaged in discussions with Sinclair regarding a potential merger but did not reach an agreement, leading to the cessation of talks [4][6] - The complexity of transactions involving family-controlled public companies with highly leveraged balance sheets adds challenges to M&A discussions [7] - There is significant financial benefit to be gained from local broadcast consolidation, with potential synergies estimated at $300 million, representing a 30% uplift to combined forward EBITDA [10][11] Advertising and Market Performance - E.W. Scripps reported a strong Q3 performance with a 2% increase and a Q4 guidance of 10%, attributed to effective sales execution and a strong sports strategy [18] - The company anticipates continued growth in the first half of the next year, although potential headwinds are expected in the latter half due to political crowd-out effects [19] - The company is optimistic about the upcoming political advertising cycle, with a strong competitive footprint in key races [20] Retransmission Revenue - E.W. Scripps is preparing for a significant retransmission renewal year in 2026, with 70% of its subscriber base renewing [24] - The company expects to see a decrease in affiliate expenses moving forward, which could positively impact net retransmission revenue [25] Cost Management and Technology - E.W. Scripps has focused on managing expenses, achieving a mid-single-digit reduction in local media expenses year-over-year [46] - The company is leveraging AI and technology to streamline operations and reduce costs, particularly in production and back-office functions [47][48] Balance Sheet and Deleveraging - E.W. Scripps has completed several asset sales, including a $40 million sale of a Fort Myers station and an $83 million sale of an Indianapolis station, generating approximately $123 million gross [50] - The company aims to reduce leverage from the current mid-four range through cash flow generated from political advertising and growth initiatives [56] Sports Strategy - E.W. Scripps has expanded its sports portfolio, securing rights to women's sports leagues and event-driven sports, which are expected to drive growth [37][39] - The company is optimistic about the stability and growth potential of its local business, supported by additional sports content and a strong local news presence [31] Future Outlook - E.W. Scripps is committed to pursuing transformational M&A opportunities while also focusing on smaller strategic deals [12][13] - The company is optimistic about its ability to manage margins and achieve stable or growing bottom-line performance despite top-line pressures [43][45] Additional Insights - The company is navigating a challenging advertising environment, with national advertising spend impacted by economic factors such as interest rates and tariffs [34] - E.W. Scripps is focused on capturing market share in the connected TV space, which has shown significant growth [36]

Core Viewpoint - Sinclair Inc. has acquired approximately 8.2% of the outstanding class A (non-voting) shares of The E.W. Scripps Company, indicating a strategic investment move in the media sector [1] Company Overview - The E.W. Scripps Company is a diversified media company focused on creating connections through quality local journalism, operating over 60 stations in more than 40 markets across the U.S. [4] - Scripps reaches households nationwide with national news outlets such as Scripps News and Court TV, as well as entertainment brands including ION, ION Plus, ION Mystery, Bounce, Grit, and Laff [4] - The company is the largest holder of broadcast spectrum in the nation and serves professional and college sports leagues with a national broadcast reach of up to 100% of TV households [4] Strategic Focus - Scripps' board of directors and management are committed to driving value for all shareholders through the execution of its strategic plan, ensuring alignment with the best interests of shareholders, employees, and communities [2] - The board is actively evaluating transactions and alternatives that would enhance company value and protect shareholders from opportunistic actions by external parties, including Sinclair [3]

Group 1 - Sinclair Broadcast Group (SBGI.US) holds approximately 8% of The E.W. Scripps (SSP.US) and is pushing for an acquisition of the local TV operator, leading to an over 18% pre-market stock increase for The E.W. Scripps [1] - Negotiations between Sinclair and The E.W. Scripps have been productive in recent months, but no agreement has been reached yet [1] - The E.W. Scripps operates over 60 local TV stations across more than 40 markets, with its stock price rising nearly 39% this year due to investor confidence in its sports strategy [1] Group 2 - Following Trump's election and promises to relax regulations, the market anticipated significant consolidation in the local TV sector [2] - The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced the repeal of 98 outdated broadcasting rules, some of which date back nearly 50 years, under the leadership of Chairman Brendan Carr [2] - Nexstar announced a $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna, which, if approved, would unite two major players in the U.S. television industry and local news sector [2]