Core Viewpoint - The E.W. Scripps Company is launching the Scripps Sports Network, a 24/7 free, ad-supported streaming channel dedicated to live sports, particularly focusing on women's sports, to meet the growing demand for accessible premium sports content [1][4][12]. Company Overview - The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) is a diversified media company with a significant presence in local TV broadcasting, operating around 60 stations across 40 markets in the U.S. [13][14]. - Scripps Sports has established partnerships with various professional and college sports leagues, including the WNBA, NWSL, and PWHL, enhancing its influence in sports programming [14]. Industry Context - The demand for women's sports content is increasing, as evidenced by a 25% rise in streaming viewership for the NWSL and WNBA combined in 2025 [3]. - The launch of the Scripps Sports Network is positioned to capitalize on this trend, providing a dedicated platform for women's sports and other live events [4][12]. Network Launch Details - Scripps Sports Network will premiere on March 24, 2026, and will be available on major streaming platforms such as Roku, Amazon Prime Video, and Google TV [2][7]. - The network will feature over 100 live events annually, including games from the Professional Women's Hockey League, National Women's Soccer League, and Major League Volleyball [6][12]. Programming Highlights - The network will offer a diverse lineup, including original series, documentaries, and popular acquired shows, with a focus on women's sports [5][10]. - Specific programming includes 100+ hours of WNBA content, live broadcasts of PWHL games, and original series hosted by notable figures in women's sports [7][10][12]. Advertising Partnerships - State Farm has been announced as the foundational advertising partner for Scripps Sports Network, highlighting the commercial potential of women's sports [4][5].

Core Insights - The E.W. Scripps Company has agreed to acquire WTVQ, the ABC affiliate in Lexington, Kentucky, for $15.8 million, creating a duopoly with its existing NBC affiliate, WLEX [1] - This acquisition is part of Scripps' strategy to enhance its local television portfolio and strengthen its presence in the Lexington market [2][3] Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition of WTVQ is aimed at deepening Scripps' commitment to the Lexington market, allowing for increased local journalism and community connection [2] - The transaction is subject to federal regulatory approvals, and in the interim, Scripps will provide programming and marketing services for WTVQ [2] Group 2: Strategic Moves - The purchase follows recent strategic actions by Scripps, including the sale of WFTX in Ft. Myers and an upcoming sale of WRTV in Indianapolis [3] - Scripps has also re-acquired 23 ION-affiliated stations for approximately $54 million, which is expected to enhance the profit and margin of its Networks division [4]

Core Insights - The E.W. Scripps Company reported $560 million in revenue for Q4 2025, a decrease of 23% or $168 million from the previous year, with a loss attributable to shareholders of $44.9 million or 51 cents per share [1][7][8]. Financial Performance - The company experienced a significant decline in revenue, with Local Media revenue at $360 million, down 30% year-over-year, and Scripps Networks revenue at $199 million, down 7.7% [9][11]. - Total operating revenues for the year were $2.2 billion, a decrease of 14% or $359 million from the prior year [16]. - The loss attributable to shareholders for the year was $164 million or $1.87 per share, compared to a profit of $87.6 million or $1.01 per share in the previous year [17]. Segment Performance - Local Media segment profit fell to $50 million, a 74.8% decrease from the prior year, while Scripps Networks segment profit increased by 4.6% to $63.5 million [10][11]. - Core advertising revenue in the Local Media segment increased by 12% to $165 million, while political revenue dropped significantly to $9 million from $174 million in the prior year [15]. Strategic Initiatives - The company announced a transformation plan targeting annualized enterprise EBITDA growth of $125 million to $150 million by 2028, leveraging technology such as AI and automation [4][6]. - Scripps is well-positioned to benefit from record mid-term election spending, with political advertising projected to reach nearly $11 billion in 2026 [3][6]. Financial Condition - As of December 31, cash and cash equivalents totaled $27.9 million, with total debt at $2.6 billion [12]. - The company issued $1.6 billion in new long-term debt during 2025 and made significant payments on existing debt, totaling $2 billion [13]. Future Outlook - For Q1 2026, Scripps expects Local Media revenue to grow in the low- to mid-single-digit percent range, while Scripps Networks revenue is anticipated to decline in the high-single-digit percent range [19]. - The company plans to close on the sale of its Fox affiliate WFTX and ABC affiliate WRTV, with proceeds expected to total $123 million [6].

Core Viewpoint - The E.W. Scripps Company has extended the contract of President and CEO Adam P. Symson through December 31, 2029, reflecting confidence in his leadership and strategic vision for the company [1][5]. Group 1: Leadership and Strategy - Adam P. Symson has been with Scripps since August 2017, focusing on enhancing enterprise value through acquisitions, divestitures, and organic growth [2]. - Under Symson's leadership, Scripps launched Scripps Sports in December 2022 to capitalize on the decline of cable regional sports networks, which has contributed to the company's core advertising market performance [2]. - The acquisition of the ION Network in 2021, combined with Katz Networks, has created a new high-margin division, Scripps Networks, which has achieved over $100 million in annual revenue with double-digit growth [2]. - A transformation plan announced on February 11 aims to increase annualized enterprise EBITDA by $125-$150 million by 2028 through growth initiatives and operational efficiencies [3]. Group 2: Board Support and Vision - The Scripps Board Chair, Kim Williams, praised Symson for navigating the challenging broadcast landscape and for his vision in connecting communities through media while creating business value [4]. - The board's decision to extend Symson's contract is aimed at ensuring continuity in leadership during the execution of the EBITDA improvement plan and growth initiatives [5]. Group 3: 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. [7]. - Scripps is recognized for its commitment to quality local journalism and operates popular entertainment brands such as ION and Bounce, while also being the largest holder of broadcast spectrum in the nation [7].

Core Insights - The E.W. Scripps Company has appointed Oliver Gray as vice president of network sports and client partnerships to enhance growth in its sports and entertainment platforms [1][2] Group 1: Appointment and Role - Oliver Gray will lead initiatives to connect national advertisers with Scripps' platforms, particularly its expanding sports portfolio [2] - He will collaborate with Scripps' network sales and Scripps Sports teams to create integrated brand partnerships aimed at increasing revenue [2] Group 2: Background and Experience - Gray has over 15 years of experience in sports sponsorship and national media advertising sales, with a proven track record in driving revenue growth [4] - His previous role at Overtime involved leading a sales team that surpassed revenue goals and secured business from major brands such as Dunkin, Hershey, and Coca-Cola [4][5] - Gray has also been involved in Amazon's partnership with the NFL for "Thursday Night Football" and has held leadership positions at CNN and Discovery Communications [5] Group 3: Company Overview - The E.W. Scripps Company is a diversified media entity, operating over 60 stations across more than 40 markets in the U.S. [6] - Scripps is recognized as the largest local TV broadcaster in the nation and has a significant presence in national news and entertainment [6] - The company also serves professional and college sports leagues, with a national broadcast reach of up to 100% of TV households [6]

Core Insights - The E.W. Scripps Company has initiated a transformation plan aimed at enhancing operating performance and achieving annualized enterprise EBITDA growth of $125 million to $150 million by 2028 [1][2][3] Group 1: Transformation Plan - The transformation plan will focus on cost savings and revenue growth initiatives, utilizing technology such as AI and automation to improve revenue yield [1][2] - A team of 200 leaders has been assembled to implement the transformation, which aims to expand into new and profitable marketplaces [4] Group 2: Commitment to Programming - Scripps reaffirms its dedication to local and national news, sports, and entertainment programming, emphasizing the importance of connection for communities [2][4] - The company’s new vision, "We Create Connection," aligns with its founding mission and values, adapting them to modern operational principles [2][4] Group 3: Financial Outlook - Scripps anticipates that its financial performance in 2026 will be supported by significant mid-term election spending, the Winter Olympics, and World Cup competitions [2] - The company will provide further details on its transformation plan and financial expectations during its earnings call on February 26 [4]

Core Insights - The E.W. Scripps Company's local ABC station in Detroit, WXYZ-TV, received the Alfred I. duPont-Columbia Award for its investigative series "Shielded," which highlighted systemic failures in police misconduct rehiring practices [1][4] Group 1: Investigation Findings - The investigation by WXYZ-TV, led by reporter Ross Jones, uncovered that police officers in Michigan with serious misconduct records were frequently hired by other law enforcement agencies without public knowledge [2] - The series consisted of 19 reports that detailed how these officers were able to move between departments despite their past misconduct [2] Group 2: Impact of Reporting - The findings from the WXYZ-TV investigation served as a foundation for new legislation, resulting in the suspension of law enforcement licenses for certain officers and leading to a criminal conviction [3] - The reporting exemplifies the mission of Scripps to provide in-depth, fact-based information that serves the public interest, showcasing the importance of investigative journalism [4] Group 3: 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 is recognized for its commitment to quality local journalism [5] - Scripps also operates national news outlets and entertainment brands, and is the largest holder of broadcast spectrum in the nation [5]

Core Viewpoint - The seventh annual National News Literacy Week aims to help teens discern credible news and information amidst the prevalence of AI-generated content and misinformation [1][3]. Group 1: National News Literacy Week - National News Literacy Week is scheduled from February 2 to 6, 2026, and is presented by the News Literacy Project, The E.W. Scripps Company, and USA TODAY [2]. - The initiative provides educators with free tools and resources to teach teens how to evaluate the reliability, accuracy, and fairness of information [2][3]. Group 2: Importance of News Literacy - A study by the News Literacy Project found that 84% of U.S. teens have negative views of the press, often perceiving journalism as deceptive or inaccurate [3]. - Teaching news and media literacy skills can lead to higher trust in the press among students and encourages them to consume news more actively [4]. Group 3: Role of Local Journalism - Local journalism is crucial for helping communities understand current events, especially in an era filled with AI-generated misinformation [5]. - Educating young people on critical evaluation of information is essential for fostering trust in credible, fact-based reporting [5]. Group 4: Organizations Involved - The News Literacy Project is a nonpartisan nonprofit that collaborates with various educational institutions to ensure students receive news literacy instruction across all 50 states [5]. - The E.W. Scripps Company operates over 60 local TV stations and is committed to providing quality journalism and helping communities navigate complex information environments [6]. - USA TODAY Co. is dedicated to empowering communities through trusted journalism and digital marketing solutions, reaching approximately 140 million monthly unique visitors [8].

Group 1 - The E.W. Scripps Company will report its fourth-quarter 2025 operating results on February 25, 2026, after market close [1] - A conference call with the company's senior management will occur on February 26, 2026, at 9 a.m. Eastern time [1] - The company provides a replay of the conference call that will be available online approximately four hours after the call [1] Group 2 - 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 [2] - Scripps reaches households nationwide through its national news outlets and entertainment brands, including Scripps News, Court TV, ION, and Bounce [2] - The company is the largest holder of broadcast spectrum in the nation and serves professional and college sports leagues with significant market reach [2]

Core Viewpoint - The E.W. Scripps Company board has unanimously rejected Sinclair, Inc.'s unsolicited acquisition proposal of $7 per share, determining it is not in the best interests of the company and its shareholders [1][2]. Company Overview - The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) is a diversified media company, operating over 60 local TV stations across more than 40 markets in the U.S. [5] - Scripps provides quality local journalism and operates national news outlets such as Scripps News and Court TV, along with entertainment brands like ION and Bounce [5]. - 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 [5]. Board's Position - The board, led by chair Kim Williams, emphasizes its commitment to acting in the best interests of all shareholders, employees, and the communities it serves [2]. - The board remains open to evaluating opportunities to enhance shareholder value, including any future acquisition proposals that align with shareholder interests [2]. Advisory Support - Morgan Stanley & Co. is serving as the financial advisor, while Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP is acting as the legal advisor to Scripps [3].