ION, ION Mystery, Bounce, Court TV, Court TV Legendary Trials and Scripps News now available to Peacock subscribersCINCINNATI, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Six national channels owned by The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) – ION, ION Mystery, Bounce, Court TV, Court TV Legendary Trials and Scripps News – are now streaming as part of Peacock's 24/7 channel offering. ION is a leading general entertainment network featuring an expansive programming lineup that includes women's sports, popular off-network s ...

Core Points - Scripps News and four local television stations owned by The E.W. Scripps Company have received the prestigious 2025 National Edward R. Murrow Awards, highlighting their excellence in journalism [1][6] Group 1: Awards and Recognition - WTVR, Scripps' CBS station in Richmond, Virginia, won the "Overall Excellence" award in the small-market television category, marking its fifth National Murrow Award in six years [2] - KSHB, Scripps' NBC station in Kansas City, Missouri, received the award for "Breaking News Coverage" in the large-market category for its reporting on a tragic incident during the Chiefs Super Bowl rally [3] - WFTS, Scripps' ABC station in Tampa, Florida, won in the large-market category for "Hard News" for its investigation into a student with autism facing severe legal consequences for an attack on a teacher's aide [4] - KBZK, Scripps' CBS station in Bozeman, Montana, was recognized in the small-market category for "Sports Reporting" for its coverage of a high school wrestling tournament [5] Group 2: Company Overview - The E.W. Scripps Company is a diversified media organization that operates over 60 television stations across more than 40 markets in the U.S., focusing on quality local journalism [7] - Scripps News won in the large digital organization category for its documentary "In Real Life: Hidden War," which examined the conflict in the West Bank through on-the-ground reporting and satellite imagery [6] - The company emphasizes its deep connection to the communities it serves, with reporters living and working alongside their audiences to address local issues [6]

Core Points - The E.W. Scripps Company reported $540 million in revenue for Q2 2025, a decrease of 5.8% from the previous year [7][25] - The company experienced a loss attributable to shareholders of $51.7 million, or 59 cents per share, compared to a loss of $13 million, or 15 cents per share, in the prior-year quarter [9][17] - Key highlights included a station swap with Gray Media, a renewed agreement with WNBA, and a successful refinancing of $750 million in bonds [4][5][8] Financial Performance - Revenue for the Local Media segment was $335 million, down 8.3% year-over-year, while Scripps Networks revenue was $206 million, down 1.4% [10][12] - Total costs and expenses decreased to $457 million from $479 million in the prior-year quarter [7] - The company’s net leverage improved to 4.4x, down from 4.9x at the end of Q1 2025 [7] Strategic Initiatives - The company is focusing on its Scripps Sports strategy, capitalizing on the popularity of women's sports and the decline of regional sports networks [3] - The recent station swap with Gray Media aims to enhance local news coverage and financial performance [4] - Scripps plans to expand its local sports and news strategies in key markets, leveraging new duopolies created by the station swap [4] Revenue Drivers - Sports programming contributed positively to revenue performance, with streaming and connected TV revenue growing 57% in Q2 [3] - The WNBA and NWSL partnerships are significant contributors to the Networks division, helping to stabilize revenue amidst economic uncertainty [3][12] - Political revenue was significantly lower at $2.6 million compared to $28.2 million in the prior-year quarter, reflecting the absence of an election year [18] Financial Condition - As of June 30, cash and cash equivalents totaled $31.7 million, with total debt at $2.7 billion [13] - The company completed refinancing transactions that improved its financial position, including paying off $719 million in term loans [14] - The Scripps Howard Fund raised over $125,000 for flood relief efforts in Central Texas [7]

Core Viewpoint - The E.W. Scripps Company has initiated a private offering of $650 million in new senior secured second-lien notes, maturing in 2030, to improve its financial position and manage existing debt [1][3]. Group 1: Offering Details - The offering is subject to market conditions and is exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 [2][4]. - The notes will be guaranteed by certain existing and future subsidiaries and secured on a second-lien basis by substantially all of the company's assets [2][4]. Group 2: Use of Proceeds - The net proceeds from the offering will be used to redeem all outstanding 5.875% senior notes due in 2027, pre-pay a portion of existing borrowings under the term loan B-2 facility due in 2028, and cover transaction-related fees and expenses [3]. 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 providing quality local journalism [7]. - The company also operates national news outlets and entertainment brands, and is the largest holder of broadcast spectrum in the nation [7].

Core Viewpoint - The E.W. Scripps Company is set to report its second-quarter 2025 operating results on August 7, 2025, with a follow-up call scheduled for August 8, 2025, at 9 a.m. Eastern time [1]. Company Overview - The E.W. Scripps Company is a diversified media entity, recognized as one of the largest local TV broadcasters in the U.S., operating over 60 stations across more than 40 markets [2]. - Scripps provides quality local journalism and reaches households nationwide through its national news outlets, including Scripps News and Court TV, as well as entertainment brands such as ION, Bounce, Grit, ION Mystery, ION Plus, and Laff [2]. - The company holds the largest broadcast spectrum in the nation and serves professional and college sports leagues with a national broadcast reach of up to 100% of TV households [2]. - Founded in 1878, Scripps is also known for its stewardship of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, adhering to its motto: "Give light and the people will find their own way" [2]. Earnings Call Information - Participants can access a live webcast of the earnings call by registering on the company's investor relations website [3]. - For phone participation, a specific website must be visited to obtain the dial-in number and PIN code for listen-only access [3]. - Analysts wishing to ask questions during the call must register separately to receive a different dial-in and PIN that identifies them by name [3].

Core Insights - The E.W. Scripps Company will present its business strategies at the Gabelli 17th Annual Media & Sports Symposium on June 5, 2025 [1] - Key executives, including CFO Jason Combs and Chief Communications and Investor Relations Officer Carolyn Micheli, will present at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time [1] - The presentation will be available via live webcast for those unable to attend in person, with a replay accessible on the company's website weeks after the event [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 [2] - The company provides quality local journalism and reaches households nationwide through its national news outlets, Scripps News and Court TV, as well as entertainment brands like ION, Bounce, and Grit [2] - Scripps holds the largest broadcast spectrum in the nation and serves professional and college sports leagues with extensive local and national broadcast reach [2]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a first quarter loss per share of $0.22, which is an improvement compared to the consensus EPS estimate, despite a preferred stock dividend impact of $0.18 [14] - Total debt at the end of the quarter was $2.6 billion, with a net leverage ratio of 4.9 times, which the company aims to reduce further this year [14][15] - The company completed refinancing transactions that increased the blended cost of debt by less than 1% and extended the maturity of up to $1.5 billion of debt [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Local Media division revenue decreased by 7.8% year-over-year, with core advertising revenue down 3% due to economic uncertainty [9][10] - Scripps Networks revenue was $198 million, down about 5% year-over-year, but Connected TV revenue increased by 42% [11][12] - Local Media segment profit was $35 million, down from $66 million in Q1 2024 [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Local distribution revenue was down 5% year-over-year, with expectations for high single-digit declines in Q2 [10][11] - The advertising categories of automotive and retail were the worst performers in Q1, while gambling advertising saw growth [46][48] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on debt reduction and improving its balance sheet, with a commitment to using free cash flow for debt reduction [15][16] - There is an expectation of local broadcast industry consolidation that could drive growth and enhance shareholder value [20] - The company is leveraging its local news and sports programming to strengthen connections with audiences and advertisers [20][23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged headwinds from economic uncertainty but expressed confidence in the company's performance and strategic direction [7][19] - The company anticipates continued challenges in the advertising market but expects to benefit from strong demand for women's sports programming [54][92] Other Important Information - The company has received multiple prestigious journalism awards for its news programming, highlighting its commitment to quality journalism [21][22] - The company is exploring opportunities for regulatory relief to enhance its competitive position in the market [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is Scripps positioned to take advantage of regulatory changes? - Management believes that greater scale and market depth are necessary for performance and plans to leverage opportunities from potential regulatory changes [29][30] Question: What visibility does the company have for performance in the back half of the year? - Management indicated that visibility is strong, particularly due to the demand generated by sports programming [31][38] Question: How did employee compensation and benefits change in Scripps Networks? - Employee compensation was down 31% year-over-year, and management expects this lower cost base to continue [43][45] Question: What is the outlook for advertising categories? - Automotive and retail were the worst performers in Q1, but gambling advertising saw growth, particularly in markets with local sports [46][48] Question: What is the expected impact of political advertising in the upcoming year? - Management expects a typical off-cycle year for political advertising, with potential for earlier spending due to the current environment [91][93]

Core Insights - The E.W. Scripps Company reported $524 million in revenue for Q1 2025, a decrease of 6.6% from the previous year, with a loss attributable to shareholders of $18.8 million or 22 cents per share [1][6][7] Financial Performance - Revenue for the Local Media segment was $325 million, down 7.8% year-over-year, while Scripps Networks revenue was $198 million, down 5.4% [10][12] - Total costs and expenses for the company were $454 million, reduced from $474 million in the prior-year quarter [6] - The company achieved a segment profit of $34.9 million for Local Media, a decline of 46.7%, while Scripps Networks saw a profit increase of 29.1% to $64.1 million [11][12] Operational Highlights - The Scripps Networks division achieved a margin of 32%, attributed to growth in connected TV revenue and effective cost management [9] - The company completed negotiations covering 25% of its pay TV households and closed refinancing transactions for its term loans and revolving credit facility [1][9] - New distribution agreements for live women's sports events are expected to enhance advertising revenue and audience engagement [4][6] Debt Management - The company prioritized debt paydown, with total debt standing at $2.6 billion and net leverage at 4.9x at the end of Q1 [13][14] - The refinancing included a new term loan due in 2028 with $545 million outstanding and a new revolving credit facility maturing in 2027 [14][15] Future Outlook - The company anticipates flat distribution revenue for the year despite subscriber declines, with a positive outlook for the Scripps Networks division due to the return of women's sports [9][17] - The local broadcast station sector may benefit from potential deregulation by the Federal Communications Commission [5]

Core Points - The E.W. Scripps Company has two local television stations that won Peabody Awards for impactful local investigations [1][4] - WTVF in Nashville won for its investigation "Confronting Hate," focusing on political extremism in Tennessee [1][2] - KNXV in Phoenix won for its video series "Policing Phoenix," which analyzed a U.S. Department of Justice report on the Phoenix Police Department [4][5] Summary by Category Awards and Recognition - WTVF has won its fourth Peabody Award and has received this honor for two consecutive years [3] - KNXV has achieved its fifth Peabody Award, with three of those in the last five years [6] Investigative Reporting - WTVF's investigation led to a criminal probe by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation into local police misconduct [2] - KNXV's series transformed a 126-page DOJ report into a comprehensive video series, highlighting systemic failures in the Phoenix Police Department [4][5] Company Commitment - Dean Littleton, Scripps' executive vice president, emphasized the importance of local journalism in fostering transparency and integrity [7] - The Peabody Awards are awarded annually to recognize impactful stories that reflect pressing social issues [7]

WASHINGTON, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Scripps News, the national news streaming channel owned by The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP), received three National Headliner Awards and two Deadline Club finalist nominations."These recognitions underscore the significance and relevance of the reporting by our Scripps News team, which is committed to delivering impactful journalism that informs and connects our audiences," said Matt Simon, vice president of Scripps News. "Their dedication to uncovering vita ...