Scripps agrees to sell Court TV to Law&Crime Network
Rhea-AI Summary
The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) agreed to sell its Court TV network to Law&Crime, a true-crime and legal content studio led by Dan Abrams and owned by Jellysmack. The deal preserves Court TV as a standalone brand and hub for trial coverage; financial terms were not disclosed.
Scripps said the sale aligns with its strategy to build, grow and sometimes exit businesses to strengthen its balance sheet and focus on future opportunities.
Positive
- Preserves Court TV as a standalone trial-focused brand
- Aligns with Scripps strategy to unlock portfolio value
- Law&Crime expands trial coverage with Court TV integration
Negative
- Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed
- Scripps cedes direct control of Court TV content and monetization
News Market Reaction – SSP
On the day this news was published, SSP gained 6.78%, reflecting a notable positive market reaction. Argus tracked a peak move of +8.2% during that session. Our momentum scanner triggered 16 alerts that day, indicating notable trading interest and price volatility. This price movement added approximately $22M to the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $345M at that time.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
SSP was up 3.99% while peers GTN (+9.20%), MDIA (+13.43%) and SBGI (+8.25%) also moved higher; UONEK (-7.36%) diverged to the downside, but overall action points to broader broadcasting strength.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 29 | Investigative award | Positive | +3.0% | WXYZ-TV’s 'Shielded' investigation wins prestigious duPont-Columbia Award. |
| Jan 29 | Education initiative | Positive | +3.0% | Participation in National News Literacy Week focused on trust in the age of AI. |
| Jan 16 | Merger proposal update | Neutral | -2.4% | Sinclair details premium combination proposal and Scripps’ preference for standalone plan. |
| Jan 15 | Industry report | Neutral | +1.4% | Distribution of Hinge Health musculoskeletal care report via Scripps platform. |
| Jan 13 | Earnings date set | Neutral | +0.3% | Announcement of Q4 2025 results release and conference call schedule. |
Recent SSP headlines have typically coincided with modest positive price moves, with no clear instances of the stock selling off sharply on favorable news.
Over the last few months, SSP news has centered on journalistic recognition, strategic interest in the company, and routine corporate updates. An investigative series at WXYZ earned a duPont-Columbia Award on Jan. 29, 2026, and National News Literacy Week participation the same day also drew a mild positive reaction. Earlier in January, Sinclair’s premium merger proposal update and Scripps’ standalone stance were disclosed, followed by operational and earnings-date notices. Against this backdrop, the Court TV divestiture fits a pattern of strategic portfolio adjustments and brand-focused positioning.
Market Pulse Summary
The stock moved +6.8% in the session following this news. A strong positive reaction aligns with SSP’s pattern of constructive responses to strategic and branding news. Divesting Court TV to a focused true-crime player could be read as portfolio optimization and balance sheet support, even though financial terms were undisclosed. Investors might weigh this against prior 13D activity, recent net losses, and leverage highlighted in past filings when evaluating how sustainable a sharp upside move could be.
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
CINCINNATI, Feb. 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) has reached an agreement to sell its Court TV network to Law&Crime – the multiplatform true crime and legal content studio created and led by ABC News Chief Legal Analyst Dan Abrams and now owned by media creator holding company Jellysmack.
Scripps relaunched Court TV in May 2019 after acquiring the rights from Turner Broadcasting. Since then, the network has delivered viewers access to some of the most gripping trials of the last several years, including Johnny Depp v. Amber Heard, Alex Murdaugh and the trial of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin.
Law&Crime, acquired by Jellysmack in 2023, is a leading true-crime network producing premium crime and legal content across major platforms. Its reach spans two FAST channels, multiple streaming partners and a robust social footprint that includes 25 YouTube channels – led by its flagship channel with more than 7 million subscribers.
Adam Symson, Scripps president and CEO, said the transaction reflects the company’s longstanding entrepreneurial DNA.
“This move is consistent with the way Scripps has operated for nearly a century and a half: we identify where consumer behavior is headed, build and grow businesses that meet those evolving interests and make strategic decisions about how we unlock their greatest value – whether in our portfolio or through exits that strengthen our balance sheet and position us for the future,” said Symson. “The Court TV brand we’ve built is a natural complement to Law&Crime’s existing library of crime and trial coverage.”
Law&Crime CEO Dan Abrams reiterated the value of continuing to maintain Court TV and Law&Crime as distinct brands.
“There is no better partner than Law&Crime to continue the distinctive Court TV brand and network,” said Abrams. “I began my career at Court TV, and we look forward to continuing its important tradition of giving viewers an inside look at some of the most fascinating and important trials. Court TV will become our hub for all trial content and coverage as its own standalone channel and brand.”
Financial details are not being disclosed.
Investor contact:
Carolyn Micheli, The E.W. Scripps Company, (513) 977-3732, carolyn.micheli@scripps.com
Media contacts:
Becca McCarter, The E.W. Scripps Company, (513) 410-2425, rebecca.mccarter@scripps.com
Sasha Bull, Law&Crime, (646) 876-5281, sasha@goldinsolutions.com
Forward-looking statements
This document contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as: “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “estimate,” “could,” “should,” “outlook,” “guidance,” and similar references to future periods. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements the company makes regarding expected operating results and future financial condition. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on management’s current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions regarding the future of the industry and the economy, the company’s plans and strategies, anticipated events and trends, and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent risks, uncertainties, and changes in circumstance that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of the company’s control. The company’s actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause the company’s actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following: change in advertising demand, fragmentation of audiences, loss of affiliation agreements, loss of distribution revenue, increase in programming costs, changes in law and regulation, the company’s ability to identify and consummate strategic transactions, the controlled ownership structure of the company, and the company’s ability to manage its outstanding debt obligations. A detailed discussion of such risks and uncertainties is included in the company’s Form 10-K, on file with the SEC, in the section titled “Risk Factors.” Any forward-looking statement made in this document is based only on currently available information and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise.
About Scripps
The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) is a diversified media company focused on creating connection. As one of the nation’s largest local TV broadcasters, Scripps serves communities with quality, objective local journalism and operates a portfolio of more than 60 stations in 40+ markets. Scripps reaches households across the U.S. with national news outlets Scripps News and Court TV and popular entertainment brands ION, Bounce, Grit, ION Mystery, ION Plus and Laff. Scripps is the nation’s largest holder of broadcast spectrum. Scripps Sports serves professional and college sports leagues, conferences and teams with local market depth and national broadcast reach of up to
ABOUT LAW&CRIME
Law&Crime is the leading multi-platform destination for true crime and legal content, created by ABC News Chief Legal Analyst Dan Abrams. The network features live trials, expert legal commentary, crime documentaries, and investigative reporting, all powered by a seasoned team of legal professionals and journalists. With over 8 million YouTube subscribers and 4.7 billion video views, Law&Crime is the most-watched legal network on digital, cable, and social platforms combined. For more information, visit lawandcrime.com or follow Law&Crime on YouTube and all major platforms.
About Jellysmack
Jellysmack is a holding company focused on owning IP and supporting the infrastructure that powers creators, with deep expertise in social platforms, content distribution and AI-driven technologies. It partners long-term with entrepreneurs shaping the next era of technology and media.
FAQ
What did Scripps (SSP) announce about selling Court TV on February 9, 2026?
Who is buying Court TV from Scripps (SSP) and what are their credentials?
Will Court TV continue as a separate channel after the sale of SSP assets?
Did Scripps disclose the financial terms of the Court TV sale (SSP)?
What operational impact did Scripps (SSP) say the sale will have on the company?
