Welcome to our dedicated page for The E.W. Scripps Company news (Ticker: SSP), a resource for investors and traders seeking the latest updates and insights on The E.W. Scripps Company stock.
The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) is a diversified media enterprise with significant holdings in local and national media brands. With a portfolio encompassing 33 television stations in 24 markets and 34 radio stations across eight markets, Scripps is one of the largest independent TV station owners in the United States, reaching nearly 20% of U.S. households.
Founded in 1878, the company has stayed true to its longstanding motto, “Give light and the people will find their own way.” Today, Scripps remains committed to delivering quality journalism and valuable information across various platforms including digital media, television, and radio. Its digital offerings include podcast industry leader Midroll Media, over-the-top video news service Newsy, and weather app developer Weathersphere.
Scripps also produces television shows such as The List and The Now, operates an award-winning investigative newsroom in Washington, D.C., and is the long-time steward of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, the nation’s largest and most successful educational program.
Recent achievements include a solid performance in the first quarter of 2024, delivering $561 million in revenue and a strategic focus on debt reduction and financial stability. Despite a challenging 2023, the company saw positive trends in both Local Media and Scripps Networks segments, with significant growth in connected TV revenue. The company also boasts several recent accolades, including winning multiple National Headliner Awards and Peabody Awards for its investigative journalism.
Scripps' diversified brand portfolio includes national news outlets like Scripps News and Court TV, and popular entertainment networks like ION, Bounce, Defy TV, Grit, ION Mystery, and Laff. Notably, Scripps is the nation's largest holder of broadcast spectrum, providing a robust platform for future growth in the media landscape.
In addition to its media operations, Scripps has engaged in strategic partnerships such as airing National Women’s Soccer League matches on ION and receiving significant sponsorship from State Farm. The company is also exploring a sale of its Bounce TV network due to high strategic buyer interest, suggesting potential for further growth and consolidation in its core areas of focus.
Financially, Scripps ended 2023 with $35.3 million in cash and equivalents and a total debt of $3 billion. The company is committed to deleveraging its balance sheet and maximizing the paydown of traditional bank debt, with sufficient liquidity to meet current obligations.
The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) has appointed Jon Marks as Chief Research Officer for its national television networks, effective immediately. With over 35 years of experience, Marks will oversee planning and execution of multi-platform research to enhance content, marketing, distribution, and advertising. He has previously worked with major companies such as NBCUniversal and Turner Entertainment Networks. This leadership change aims to strengthen Scripps' strategy in the evolving media landscape, as emphasized by COO Jonathan Katz.
The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) has appointed Michael Teicher as the chief revenue officer for its national television networks, effective January 19, 2021. With over 30 years of experience, Teicher previously held executive roles at 20th Television and Warner Bros. Domestic TV Distribution, overseeing popular syndicated shows. He will develop the ad sales strategy across all platforms and report to COO Jonathan Katz. Scripps, a diversified media company, operates 60 stations and multiple national networks.
The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) will start migrating its multicast networks—Bounce, Court TV, Court TV Mystery, Grit, and Laff—to its newly acquired ION stations from March 1, 2021. This transition aligns with the expiration of affiliation agreements over the next five years. Concurrently, Scripps will reduce its workforce by approximately 120 jobs as part of cost-saving measures related to the ION acquisition. The company anticipates exceeding its initial synergy estimates of $500 million over the next six years, enhancing its operational efficiencies.
Court TV will premiere a special titled "I Can't Breathe" on January 17 at 9:00 p.m. ET, focusing on the life and death of George Floyd. The hour-long program will detail Floyd's life, his tragic death, and the subsequent national movement for racial justice. It lays the groundwork for the upcoming trials of the four police officers charged in his case, set to begin in March. Exclusive interviews and contributions from community activists will be included, providing comprehensive coverage of this pivotal event.
The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) is collaborating with the News Literacy Project to launch a national public awareness campaign during the second annual National News Literacy Week, from January 25-29. This initiative aims to promote news literacy as a vital life skill amidst the rise of misinformation. The campaign features a public service announcement and various activities, including quizzes and events like NewsLitCamp. Major media partners are joining in to amplify the campaign's reach, addressing the critical need for discerning fact from misinformation in today's media landscape.
The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) will participate in the 23rd Annual Needham Virtual Growth Conference on January 13, 2021. President and CEO Adam Symson and SVP Carolyn Micheli will discuss the company's business strategies, including one-on-one investor meetings. A fireside chat hosted by Symson is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Eastern time.
The live audio of the chat will be accessible on Scripps' website, with a replay available for 30 days.
The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) has appointed Tom Zappala as head of programming for its national television networks, effective January 25, 2021. Zappala, with over 30 years of experience from companies like Viacom and The Walt Disney Company, will develop programming strategies for Scripps’ networks. His appointment coincides with other leadership changes aimed at strengthening Scripps' national networks business. Zappala will report to Jonathan Katz, COO of Scripps networks.
The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) has finalized its acquisition of ION Media Networks from Black Diamond Capital Management. This strategic move combines ION with Katz networks and Newsy, creating a national television business that will reach nearly all Americans via various platforms. The acquisition is expected to generate $500 million in synergies over six years. ION, which has transformed under Black Diamond's ownership, will significantly enhance Scripps' broadcasting capabilities and audience reach. The transaction was financed through multiple sources, including $600 million from Berkshire Hathaway.
The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) has appointed three media veterans to lead distribution strategies for its new national networks business following the acquisition of ION Media. Jeffrey Wolf has been named chief distribution officer, overseeing distribution across various platforms. The new leadership team includes Brad Samuels as vice president for distribution partnerships, Damian Riordan as vice president of broadcast distribution, and Yvonne Haugh as vice president for distribution and affiliate operations. This restructuring aims to enhance Scripps' market presence and viewer engagement.
FAQ
What is the current stock price of The E.W. Scripps Company (SSP)?
What is the market cap of The E.W. Scripps Company (SSP)?
What does The E.W. Scripps Company do?
How many television and radio stations does Scripps own?
What are some of Scripps' notable digital media properties?
What recent achievements has Scripps accomplished?
What is Scripps' historical motto?
What major educational program does Scripps steward?
Who are some of Scripps' strategic partners?
What is the financial condition of Scripps as of the end of 2023?
What are some of the key entertainment networks owned by Scripps?
What are some recent financial strategies employed by Scripps?
