E.W. SCRIPPS Co

The E.W. Scripps Company has finalized a new retransmission consent agreement with DIRECTV, concluding its three largest cable and satellite distribution renewals for 2026. These agreements cover the majority of Scripps' pay-TV subscriber households due for renewal this year. The deal with DIRECTV was reached on July 10, following a five-week blackout period, with service immediately restored to subscribers in over 40 markets.

The E.W. Scripps Company announced extensive coverage plans leading up to America's 250th birthday in July, aiming to connect Americans through stories, people, and places that define the nation. This includes a 60-minute special, "250: Celebrating America," airing July 4 on all Scripps local stations and streaming platforms. In partnership with the Scripps Howard Fund, the company will surprise five nonprofit organizations with a total of $75,000 in grants to further their community impact.

Shrey Parikh, a 14-year-old from Rancho Cucamonga, California, was crowned the champion of the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee after a thrilling spell-off. Parikh set a new record by correctly spelling 32 out of 35 words, with "bromocriptine" being his championship word. He defeated Ishaan Gupta, who placed second, and Sarv Dharavane, who secured third place for the second year in a row. Parikh received a $50,000 cash prize from Scripps, along with other significant prizes from various sponsors.

The E.W. Scripps Company has completed its local TV station swap with Gray Media, a transaction originally announced in July 2025. Under the agreement, Scripps divested WSYM (Fox) in Lansing, Michigan, and KATC (ABC) in Lafayette, Louisiana, to Gray Media. In return, Scripps acquired KKTV (CBS) in Colorado Springs, Colorado; KKCO (NBC) and KJCT-LP (ABC) in Grand Junction, Colorado; and KMVT (CBS) and KSVT-LD (Fox) in Twin Falls, Idaho. This strategic move expands Scripps' presence in the Mountain West, creating greater depth in existing markets and establishing a new footprint in Grand Junction, with no cash exchanged.

The Scripps National Spelling Bee is returning to Washington, D.C. for the first time in 15 years, with the 2026 competition scheduled for May 26-28 at historic Constitution Hall. The event will feature 247 spellers, including 78 veterans and 169 first-time competitors, ranging from 9 to 15 years old. Nationally acclaimed ESPN analyst Mina Kimes will host the semifinals and finals, which will be broadcast on ION and other Scripps networks.

E.W. Scripps reported a net loss attributable to shareholders of $18.0 million, or $0.20 per basic share, for Q1 2026, a narrower loss compared to $18.8 million in Q1 2025. Total operating revenues decreased by 1.4% to $516.9 million. The company recorded a significant pre-tax gain of $30.0 million from the sale of WFTX, WRTV, and Court TV. Additionally, E.W. Scripps announced an enterprise-wide transformation plan and exercised options to acquire 23 INYO television stations for approximately $54 million.

E.W. Scripps Company reported Q1 2026 revenue of $517 million, a 1.4% decrease year-over-year, with a net loss attributable to shareholders of $18 million, or $0.20 per share. Despite the loss, the company highlighted progress on its transformation plan targeting $125-$150 million annualized EBITDA growth by 2028, along with a reduction in its leverage ratio to 3.9x. Strategic initiatives included the launch of Scripps Sports Network, new NHL and PBR partnerships, and the closing of two station sales for $123 million.

E.W. Scripps reported Q1 2026 revenue of $517 million and a loss attributable to shareholders of $18 million, or $0.20 per share. The company is implementing a transformation plan aimed at achieving $125-$150 million in annualized enterprise EBITDA growth by 2028. Strategic initiatives include the sale of two stations for $123 million, the acquisition of WTVQ for $15.8 million, new NHL partnerships, and the launch of Scripps Sports Network, alongside efforts to reduce net leverage to 3.9x and extend its revolving credit facility.

The E.W. Scripps Company entered into Amendment No. 1 to its credit agreement on April 30, 2026, extending the maturity date of its revolving credit facility. The extended facility, with aggregate commitments of up to $200 million, now matures on July 7, 2029. A separate non-extended revolving credit facility of $8.0 million will continue to mature on July 7, 2027.

The E.W. Scripps Company announced that ESPN senior writer and Emmy Award-winning analyst Mina Kimes will host the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee semifinals and finals on ION. The competition will also feature a refreshed broadcast vision from Embassy Row, the award-winning production company led by Michael Davies. This initiative aims to enhance the viewing experience and spotlight spellers, marking a new chapter for the iconic educational event.