Tuesday, November 18, 2025
The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) is a diversified media company focused on creating a better-informed world. As one of the nation’s largest local TV broadcasters, Scripps serves communities with quality, objective local journalism and operates a portfolio of 61 stations in 41 markets. The Scripps Networks reach nearly every American through the national news outlets Court TV and Newsy and popular entertainment brands ION, Bounce, Defy TV, Grit, ION Mystery, Laff and TrueReal. Scripps is the nation’s largest holder of broadcast spectrum. Scripps runs an award-winning investigative reporting newsroom in Washington, D.C., and is the longtime steward of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Founded in 1878, Scripps has held for decades to the motto, “Give light and the people will find their own way.”
Michael Kupinski, Director of Research, Equity Research Analyst, Digital, Media & Technology , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Sinclair’s surprising move. We believe that negotiations to merge with Sinclair broke down, but Sinclair decided to take another tack. It announced that it took a 8.2% stake in the company in a bold attempt to make public its intent and possibly to dissuade another potential suitor. The move is surprising given that E.W. Scripps is controlled by the Scripps Family Trust, which has voting control of the company (93%) and the Scripps family trust cannot simply vote its shares entirely independently of the family agreement.
What was the sticking point? We believe that the Scripps family recognizes the limitations that the company has with its current leveraged balance sheet and limited acquisition targets. In our view, the Scripps family has turned down overtures in the past because of the unwillingness to give up either control or a significant voice at the table. We believe that the point of contention is the Smith family’s 80% super majority voting rights of the Sinclair Broadcast Group and what the Scripps family will control following a potential merger.
Get the Full Report
Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.
This Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).
*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.