Tag: E.W. Scripps

Release – Scripps completes station swap with Gray Media

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Research News and Market Data on SSP

May 15, 2026

By Rebecca McCarter

CINCINNATI – The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) has completed its local TV station swap with Gray Media across five mid-sized and small markets, expanding Scripps’ presence in the Mountain West.

Under the terms of the agreement, which was originally announced in July 2025:

  • Gray Media has acquired Scripps’ WSYM (Fox) in Lansing, Michigan, and KATC (ABC) in Lafayette, Louisiana.
  • Scripps has acquired Gray’s 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.

The transaction expands Scripps’ presence in Colorado Springs and Twin Falls – markets where the company already operates trusted local stations – and establishes a new footprint in Grand Junction.

“Greater depth in these markets creates the economic durability to sustain our public service commitment: high-quality local news, emergency alerts, weather coverage and local sports that keep people informed, engaged and connected to their communities,” said Adam Symson, Scripps’ president and CEO. “We see scale and localism as complementary, and strategic transactions like this help ensure our stations remain strong, trusted voices for the communities that depend on us.”

The swap involves an even exchange of comparable assets with no cash consideration exchanged between the companies.

Investor contact: Jason Combs, The E.W. Scripps Company, (513) 977-3981, [email protected]
Media contact: Becca McCarter, The E.W. Scripps Company, (513) 410-2425, [email protected]

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 100% of TV households. Founded in 1878, Scripps is the steward of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, and its longtime motto is: “Give light and the people will find their own way.”

E.W. Scripps (SSP) – Sports Momentum Driving Transformation

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Thursday, May 14, 2026

Michael Kupinski, Director of Research, Equity Research Analyst, Digital, Media & Technology , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Jacob Mutchler, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Q1 results largely in line with expectations. The company reported Q1 revenue of $517 million, down 1.4% year-over-year, while reporting a loss attributable to shareholders of $(18) million, or $(0.20) per share. Importantly, Local Media trends remained among the strongest in the industry, driven by sports advertising demand tied to the Winter Olympics, Super Bowl, and expanding NHL partnerships.

Local Media continues to outperform peers. Adjusted combined Local Media revenue increased 5.8% to $331 million, while core advertising revenue increased a healthy 7% to $137 million. Segment profit improved to $43.7 million from $32.3 million in the prior-year period despite modest expense growth, reflecting favorable operating leverage and strong advertiser demand.


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E.W. Scripps (SSP) – Transformation Gains Momentum

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Friday, May 08, 2026

Michael Kupinski, Director of Research, Equity Research Analyst, Digital, Media & Technology , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Jacob Mutchler, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Q1 results in line with expectations. The company reported Q1 revenue of $517 million, down 1.4% year-over-year, while reporting a loss attributable to shareholders of $(18) million, or $(0.20) per share. Figure #1 Q1 2026 Results highlights that our revenue estimate was $518.6 million. Importantly, Local Media trends remained favorable, benefiting from strong sports advertising demand, the Winter Olympics, and the Super Bowl.

Local Media remains a bright spot. Adjusted combined Local Media revenue increased 5.8% to $331 million, while core advertising revenue increased a healthy 7% to $137 million. Segment profit improved to $43.7 million from $32.3 million in the prior-year period despite modest expense growth.


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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. 

E.W. Scripps (SSP) – Transformation Plan Underscores Compelling Valuation

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Friday, February 27, 2026

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.

Jacob Mutchler, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Better than expected Q4. Total Q4 revenues of $560.3 million was better than our $550.9 million estimate, due to better than expected Core Local advertising and better Scripps Networks revenue. Adj. EBITDA of $86.4 million beat our $75.6 million estimate on lower segment expenses, particularly in its Networks segment. 

Core advertising stronger than expected. Core Advertising revenue increased a strong 12.2% to $165.4 million, better than our estimate of $162.0 million. It is not surprising given the record amount of year earlier Political advertising that there would be a large level of Core Advertising displacement. Importantly, management indicated that Core Advertising momentum continues to be favorable into the first quarter 2026.


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*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. 

E.W. Scripps (SSP) – Foundation for 2026 Upside

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Thursday, February 26, 2026

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.

Jacob Mutchler, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Better than expected Q4. Total Q4 revenues of $560.3 million was better than our $550.9 million estimate, due to better than expected Core Local advertising and better Scripps Networks revenue. Adj. EBITDA of $86.4 million beat our $75.6 million estimate on lower segment expenses, particularly in its Networks segment.  

Core advertising stronger than expected. Core Advertising revenue increased a strong 12.2% to $165.4 million, better than our estimate of $162.0 million. It is not surprising given the record amount of year earlier Political advertising that there would be a large level of Core Advertising displacement. But, we are pleased that Core Advertising reflected a strong rebound in the quarter, even better than what we were looking for. 


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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. 

E.W. Scripps (SSP) – Enterprise Transformation Plan

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Thursday, February 12, 2026

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.

Jacob Mutchler, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Transformation plan announced. E.W. Scripps launched an enterprise-wide restructuring targeting $125 million to $150 million of incremental annualized EBITDA by 2028, driven by structural cost actions and revenue yield initiatives leveraging AI, automation, and operational realignment. Management emphasized a shift toward a leaner, startup-like operating model while reaffirming investment in journalism and sales capabilities, setting the framework for detailed execution priorities discussed below.

Execution framework. The company identified major cost buckets across administrative functions, technology consolidation, and process redesign, with modeling work underway to refine savings cadence. Management expects months of operational review before final staffing decisions, maintaining a baseline EBITDA framework near $450 million even under softer demand conditions. Beyond expense controls, leadership highlighted opportunities to improve monetization, which informs the evolving growth strategy outlined next.


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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. 

E.W. Scripps (SSP) – Highlights From NobleCon21

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Monday, December 15, 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.

NobleCon21. On December 3rd, management participated in a fireside chat at NobleCon21 at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) in Boca Raton, Florida. The discussion featured Jason Combes, CFO, and focused on the company’s operational resilience, strategic growth initiatives, and the evaluation of a recent takeover offer. A replay of the fireside chat is available here.

Strategic portfolio pivots are driving outperformance. The company has decisively shifted key assets toward growth verticals to counter industry headwinds. A focused sports strategy adding NHL teams locally and the WNBA/NWSL on its national ION network is delivering results, with core advertising guided to be up 10% in Q4, against a declining sector. Concurrently, its digital transition is accelerating, with connected TV revenue for its networks growing 35% and expected to reach $120 million this year.


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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. 

E.W. Scripps (SSP) – Is This A Winning Strategy?

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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. 


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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. 

E.W. Scripps (SSP) – Standing Tall Among Its Peers

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Monday, November 10, 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.

Jacob Mutchler, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Q3 Core outperforms peers. Core advertising increased 2%, outperforming its peers, which on average declined 2% in the quarter. In addition, the company overachieved adj. EBITDA on better than expected expense savings on employee costs across both operating segments. 

Q4 core outlook outperforms peers as well. Management guided core advertising to increase 10% in Q4, significantly better than its peers, with most guiding flat to down as much as 5%. The biggest disappointment is in its Scripps Networks division, with Q4 revenues guided down low double-digits, impacted by the absence of Political and Medicare enrollment advertising due to the government shutdown. 


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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. 

E.W. Scripps (SSP) – Facing A Difficult Q4

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Friday, November 07, 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.

Jacob Mutchler, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Q3 exceeds expectations. Adj. EBITDA of $80.4 million was better than our $71.5 million estimate, on revenues of $525.9 million, a little shy of our $528.5 million estimate. Employee compensation expenses were lower than our expectations, which accounted for the largest variance in our Q3 estimates, leading to the better than expected adj. EBITDA. Figure #1 Q3 Results highlights our estimates versus the results. 

Q4 guidance reflects a difficult quarter. Management anticipates Local Media revenue to be down in the 30% range, with Local Media expenses to be down in the low single-digit percent range. Scripps Networks revenue is expected to be down in the low double-digit percent range, with expenses to be down in the low double-digit percent range. Shared services and corporate will be about $21 million.


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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. 

E.W. Scripps (SSP) – Fed Rate Action Could Ignite Auto Advertising

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Monday, August 11, 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.

Jacob Mutchler, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Q2 results largely in line. Total company revenue of $540.0 million was a tad shy of our $546.6 million estimate, but was close enough. The biggest downside variance was Political, which is very unpredictable especially in an off election year. Importantly, the company overachieved our adj. EBITDA estimate, $88.8 million versus $84.8 million. 

Tweaking estimates. Management indicated that Q3 Core advertising was pacing flat in Q3, a sequential improvement from down 1.9% in q2, but a little lighter than we had hoped given the year earlier Political displacement. We tweaked our Q3 revenue estimate down 2.1% to $528.5 million and adj. EBITDA estimate down 2.8% to $71.5 million. 


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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. 

E.W. Scripps (SSP) – Strengthening Its Station Portfolio

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Tuesday, July 08, 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.

Jacob Mutchler, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Compelling station swap. Scripps will be selling its stations in Lansing MI and Lafayette LA to Gray Television (GTN: Not Rated) and buying stations in Colorado Springs, CO and Grand Junction, CO and a station in Twin Falls ID. We view the move favorably, given that Scripps will create station duopolies and strengthen its presence in the West. We believe that the move will create significant efficiencies for both companies, eliminating back office, duplicative, and overhead costs. This will be an even swap with no cash compensation to either party. 

FCC fast track? The FCC has signaled its willingness to fast track the regulatory process, likely to provide a “waiver” to create duopolies rather than to seek a longer review/rulemaking process. As such, we believe that the transaction could be completed by year end. 


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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. 

E.W. Scripps (SSP) – Sports Gives It A Leg Up

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Monday, May 12, 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.

Jacob Mutchler, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Q1 better than expected. The first quarter results were solid, beating expectations. Total revenues were $524.4 million, better than our $519.5 million estimate. Importantly, the largest revenue variance was due to better than expected core advertising, which carries incrementally higher margins. Combined with earlier cost reductions, particularly in its Network segment, the company roundly beat adj. EBITDA expectations, $75.6 million versus our $56.5 million estimate.

Powering through the headwinds. The company gave encouraging Q2 revenue guidance, reflecting improving core advertising trends and strong Connected TV revenue. Core advertising is expected to be down more modestly in Q2 than in Q1, driven by ad demand for its sports programming. Connected TV is expected to continue its favorable revenue trajectory (which was up 42% in Q1). 


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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.