The E.W. Scripps Company reports developments across its local television stations, national networks, sports media rights and balance-sheet initiatives. The company operates one of the largest local TV station portfolios in the U.S., reaches national audiences through Scripps News and entertainment brands including ION, Bounce, Grit, ION Mystery, ION Plus and Laff, and owns Scripps Sports.
Recurring Scripps news includes quarterly operating results, core advertising, political advertising and distribution revenue, station portfolio transactions, debt-reduction efforts and programming agreements. Coverage also includes Scripps Sports partnerships with professional and college sports properties, FAST channel initiatives, ION programming, and the company’s role as steward of the Scripps National Spelling Bee.
Court TV has announced its coverage of significant upcoming trials, including the cases of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Robert Durst, and R. Kelly. These cases reflect critical issues in modern society, such as race relations and criminal justice. Court TV promises unparalleled access and expert insights, led by a team of experienced legal professionals. The network is accessible through multiple platforms, including live streaming on CourtTV.com and popular streaming devices, ensuring widespread viewership.
Bounce, the first broadcast network for African Americans, has unveiled its 2020-21 original programming slate, featuring new comedies, movies, and a true crime docuseries. Highlights include two new comedy series by Cedric The Entertainer, the U.S. premiere of Killing Michael Jackson on Sept. 7, and the renewal of Saints & Sinners for a fifth season in Spring 2021. Other notable content includes inspiring original movies like A Chance in the World and the documentary Dying To Be Famous. Bounce is part of The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP).
The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) has announced a cash dividend for Q3 2020, set at 5 cents per share. Shareholders on record by Sept. 15, 2020, will receive this dividend, payable on Sept. 25, 2020. The payment will come out of the company’s surplus funds. Operating as the fourth-largest independent TV station owner in the U.S., Scripps serves audiences through multiple platforms including Newsy and various broadcast networks.
The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) announced its Q2 2020 results, reporting a revenue increase to $359 million, up 12% from the previous year. However, the company faced a loss from continuing operations of $17.5 million, contrasting with a profit of $5.8 million in Q2 2019. Key developments included the sale of its podcast business, Stitcher, for $325 million, and a 39% decline in core advertising revenue amid COVID-19 impacts. Political ad revenue reached $13.4 million, surpassing expectations, while the company dealt with a distributor blackout with Dish Network.
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The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) announced that its local television stations in 42 markets are now unavailable to DISH subscribers. This situation arises as Scripps seeks to negotiate a new contract that includes fair terms for both parties, following five months of discussions. President Brian Lawlor emphasized the importance of their programming during critical times, including a global pandemic and severe weather warnings. Scripps, which has never had a blackout with any pay TV distributor since 1947, remains hopeful for a resolution.
The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) has appointed Sean Trcalek as the new vice president and general manager of KATC, its ABC affiliate in Lafayette, Louisiana. With over 30 years of experience in broadcasting and sales, Trcalek returns to KATC, where he began his career in 1989. His extensive background includes roles at KADN, KLAF, and major companies like Warner Brothers. Trcalek aims to align KATC's mission with local community needs and enhance its service to Acadiana.
The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) will announce its second-quarter 2020 operating results before the market opens on August 7, 2020. A conference call with senior management will take place at 9:30 a.m. Eastern time on the same day, which will be available via live webcast. Access details include a domestic dial-in number at (877) 226-8216 and an international number at (409) 207-6983, using access code 5646140. A replay of the call will be accessible from 12:30 p.m. Eastern on August 7 until midnight on August 21.
The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) has agreed to sell its podcast business, Stitcher, to SiriusXM for $325 million, resulting in over a 2x return on its investment over five years. The deal includes $265 million in cash upfront and potential earnouts based on 2020 and 2021 results. Stitcher's revenue grew at a CAGR of 52% from 2016 to 2019, reaching $72.5 million in 2019. This divestiture will enhance Scripps' EBITDA and aid in debt reduction, aligning with its strategy to capitalize on changing media habits.
The Society of Professional Journalists awarded two investigative pieces from The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) as 2019 Sigma Delta Chi Award winners. WKBW in Buffalo, New York, was recognized in the Investigative Reporting category for "The Malone Recordings," which unveiled cover-ups within the Catholic Diocese. Additionally, KNXV in Phoenix received the Public Service in Television Journalism award for its series "Abuse of Force," exposing misconduct in a local police department. Winners were announced on June 26, 2020, selected from nearly 1,200 submissions.