Scripps reaches third major retransmission deal of 2026 with DIRECTV renewal
Rhea-AI Summary
The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) has signed a new retransmission consent agreement with DIRECTV, finalizing its three largest cable and satellite distribution renewals scheduled for 2026. According to Scripps, these three contracts cover the majority of its pay-TV subscriber households up for renewal this year.
The new DIRECTV deal was reached on July 10 after a five-week blackout, with service restored the same day to DIRECTV subscribers in more than 40 markets where Scripps operates local television stations.
Positive
- Three largest 2026 distribution renewals completed, covering most pay-TV subscribers up for renewal
- New DIRECTV retransmission agreement reached on July 10 after negotiations
- DIRECTV service restored in 40+ markets where Scripps operates stations
Negative
- Five-week blackout for DIRECTV subscribers in 40+ Scripps markets before agreement
News Explained
DIRECTV service returned on July 10, 2026 after a five-week blackout, restoring Scripps distribution in over 40 markets.
On
The disclosed state is completed for this renewal, with the immediate structural effect being restored distribution of Scripps stations to affected DIRECTV subscribers.
Scripps identifies the DIRECTV agreement as its third major cable and satellite distribution renewal of 2026 and says those three contracts represent the majority of its pay-TV subscriber households scheduled for renewal this year.
Accordingly, the disclosure changes service availability and distribution status, while the release itself does not quantify the agreement's financial terms or duration.
News Market Reaction – SSP
In the Jul 13 session, SSP declined 1.66%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction. Our momentum scanner triggered 5 alerts that day, indicating moderate trading interest and price volatility.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | 24h Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 11 | Programming initiative | Positive | -2.3% | Announced extensive America’s 250th coverage and nonprofit grants across platforms. |
| May 28 | Spelling Bee result | Positive | -3.1% | 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee champion crowned with record-setting spell-off. |
| May 15 | Station swap deal | Positive | -4.3% | Completed no-cash TV station swap with Gray, expanding Mountain West presence. |
| May 14 | Event announcement | Positive | +1.4% | Announced 2026 National Spelling Bee details and return to Washington, D.C. |
| May 13 | Sports rights deal | Positive | +1.4% | New Detroit Pistons local TV rights agreement through Scripps Sports unit. |
24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.
Recent broadly positive company news has more often coincided with short-term share price declines, suggesting a tendency for price action to diverge from upbeat headlines.
Key Terms
retransmission consent agreement regulatory
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
CINCINNATI , July 13, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) has reached a new retransmission consent agreement with DIRECTV, completing its three largest cable and satellite distribution renewals of 2026.
These three contracts represent the majority of Scripps’ pay-TV subscriber households scheduled for renewal this year.
“These agreements recognize the enduring value of local television stations as essential infrastructure for American communities,” said Adam Symson, Scripps’ president and CEO. “Our stations save lives with severe weather alerts, provide critical emergency information during natural disasters, deliver local news that informs and holds power in check, and unite communities through live sports that no other platform can replicate.
“Fair compensation from distribution partners ensures we can sustain these essential public services for millions of Americans who depend on us for accessible, trusted connection to what matters most in their daily lives.”
After a five-week blackout period, Scripps reached a new agreement with DIRECTV on July 10, with service restored that day to DIRECTV subscribers in over 40 markets where Scripps does business.
Investor contact: Carolyn Micheli, The E.W. Scripps Company, (513) 977-3732, carolyn.micheli@scripps.com
Media contact: Becca McCarter, The E.W. Scripps Company, (513) 410-2425, rebecca.mccarter@scripps.com
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 about 60 stations in 40 markets. Scripps reaches households across the U.S. with national news outlet Scripps News 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
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