CINCINNATI, March 31, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) closed today on the sale of WRTV, its ABC-affiliated station in Indianapolis, to Circle City Broadcasting for $83 million. The WRTV sale follows Scripps’ recent completion of the sale of WFTX, its Fox-affiliated station in Fort Myers, Florida, to Sun Broadcasting for $40 million. Combined, the two transactions generated $123 million in cash proceeds, which the company says will be used toward debt paydown and the purchase ...

Core Viewpoint - The E.W. Scripps Company has completed the sale of its Fox-affiliated station WFTX in Fort Myers, Florida, to Sun Broadcasting for $40 million, aiming to use the proceeds to reduce debt and enhance its balance sheet [1]. Group 1: Recent Transactions - The sale of WFTX is part of a broader strategy by Scripps to optimize its local television portfolio, which includes the planned sale of WRTV in Indianapolis for $83 million, pending FCC approval [2]. - In July, Scripps announced a station swap with Gray Media in five mid-sized and small markets, currently under review by federal regulators [2]. Group 2: Company Overview - The E.W. Scripps Company is a diversified media entity and one of the largest local TV broadcasters in the U.S., operating over 60 stations across more than 40 markets [3]. - Scripps provides quality local journalism and operates national news outlet Scripps News, along with entertainment brands such as ION, Bounce, and Grit [3]. - Founded in 1878, Scripps is also known for its stewardship of the Scripps National Spelling Bee and emphasizes its motto: "Give light and the people will find their own way" [3].

Core Viewpoint - The E.W. Scripps Company has agreed to sell its local ABC-affiliated station WRTV in Indianapolis to Circle City Broadcasting for $83 million, aiming to reduce debt and enhance the durability of its local station portfolio [1][3]. Company Overview - The E.W. Scripps Company is a diversified media entity and one of the largest local TV broadcasters in the U.S., operating over 60 stations across more than 40 markets [6][7]. - Scripps also manages national news outlets such as Scripps News and Court TV, along with entertainment brands like ION, Bounce, and Grit [6][7]. Transaction Details - Circle City Broadcasting, led by DuJuan McCoy, currently operates two television properties in Indianapolis and aims to expand its service to local communities through this acquisition [2][3]. - The transaction is subject to regulatory and customary approvals before closing [2]. Strategic Context - This sale follows other strategic moves by Scripps, including the planned sale of WFTX in Ft. Myers/Naples to Sun Broadcasting and a station swap with Gray Media, indicating a broader strategy to optimize its local station portfolio [4].

Core Viewpoint - The E.W. Scripps Company has agreed to sell its local ABC-affiliated station WRTV in Indianapolis to Circle City Broadcasting for $83 million, aiming to reduce debt and enhance the sustainability of its local station portfolio [1][3]. Company Overview - The E.W. Scripps Company is a diversified media entity and one of the largest local TV broadcasters in the U.S., operating over 60 stations across more than 40 markets [6][7]. - Scripps also manages national news outlets such as Scripps News and Court TV, along with various entertainment brands [6][7]. Transaction Details - The sale of WRTV is part of a strategic move by Scripps, which has also announced the sale of WFTX in Ft. Myers/Naples to Sun Broadcasting and a station swap with Gray Media [4]. - Circle City Broadcasting, led by DuJuan McCoy, operates two other television properties in the Indianapolis market and aims to enhance its service to local communities through this acquisition [2][3]. Strategic Implications - The transaction is expected to allow Circle City Broadcasting to expand its local news offerings while enabling Scripps to improve its financial position by reducing debt [3]. - The deal is pending regulatory and customary approvals before finalization [2].