CINCINNATI, Jan. 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The E.W. Scripps Company’s (NASDAQ: SSP) local ABC station in Detroit, WXYZ-TV, has been honored with one of journalism’s top honors – the Alfred I. duPont-Columbia Award – for “Shielded,” its two-year-long investigation that revealed systemic failures in preventing police officers with repeated misconduct from being rehired.  Across 19 reports, investigative reporter Ross Jones and the WXYZ team exposed how police officers in Michigan, having been found by thei ...

Core Viewpoint - The seventh annual National News Literacy Week aims to help teens discern credible news and information amidst the prevalence of AI-generated content and misinformation [1][3]. Group 1: National News Literacy Week - National News Literacy Week is scheduled from February 2 to 6, 2026, and is presented by the News Literacy Project, The E.W. Scripps Company, and USA TODAY [2]. - The initiative provides educators with free tools and resources to teach teens how to evaluate the reliability, accuracy, and fairness of information [2][3]. Group 2: Importance of News Literacy - A study by the News Literacy Project found that 84% of U.S. teens have negative views of the press, often perceiving journalism as deceptive or inaccurate [3]. - Teaching news and media literacy skills can lead to higher trust in the press among students and encourages them to consume news more actively [4]. Group 3: Role of Local Journalism - Local journalism is crucial for helping communities understand current events, especially in an era filled with AI-generated misinformation [5]. - Educating young people on critical evaluation of information is essential for fostering trust in credible, fact-based reporting [5]. Group 4: Organizations Involved - The News Literacy Project is a nonpartisan nonprofit that collaborates with various educational institutions to ensure students receive news literacy instruction across all 50 states [5]. - The E.W. Scripps Company operates over 60 local TV stations and is committed to providing quality journalism and helping communities navigate complex information environments [6]. - USA TODAY Co. is dedicated to empowering communities through trusted journalism and digital marketing solutions, reaching approximately 140 million monthly unique visitors [8].

CINCINNATI, Jan. 13, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) will report fourth-quarter 2025 operating results after the markets close on Wednesday, Feb. 25. The call with the company’s senior management team will take place at 9 a.m. Eastern time on Thursday, Feb. 26. The company’s protocol for joining its earnings calls is as follows: To access a live webcast of the call, participants will need to register by visiting http://ir.scripps.com/. The registration link can be found on th ...

Core Insights - Scripps Sports has secured exclusive local broadcast rights for Denver Summit FC, a new franchise in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) set to launch in 2026 [1][2] - The multiyear agreement includes airing all non-nationally exclusive matches on local stations Denver7 (KMGH-TV) and The Spot Denver 3 (KCDO-TV) [1][2] - This deal enhances Scripps Sports' existing national partnership with NWSL, which includes ION broadcasting premier Saturday evening double-headers [2][6] Company Commitment - Scripps Sports is committed to promoting women's professional sports, with existing national coverage of leagues such as the WNBA, Major League Volleyball, and others [2][6] - The company aims to connect the local community with Denver Summit FC, emphasizing the talent in women's professional soccer [4] Future Plans - The complete local broadcast schedule for Denver Summit FC will be announced after the full NWSL national calendar is released, with the regular season starting on March 13, 2026 [4]

Core Viewpoint - Sinclair, Inc. expressed disappointment over The E.W. Scripps Company's rejection of its proposal for a potential merger, emphasizing that the proposal was made in response to prior discussions and aimed to address concerns of Scripps' stakeholders [1]. Company Overview - Sinclair, Inc. is a diversified media company that operates 179 television stations across 81 markets, affiliated with major broadcast networks. The company also owns the Tennis Channel and several multicast networks, including CHARGE, Comet, ROAR, and The Nest. Additionally, Sinclair's AMP Media is expanding its portfolio of digital content and original podcasts [2].

Core Viewpoint - The E.W. Scripps Company board has unanimously rejected Sinclair, Inc.'s unsolicited acquisition proposal of $7 per share, determining it is not in the best interests of the company and its shareholders [1][2]. Company Overview - The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) is a diversified media company, operating over 60 local TV stations across more than 40 markets in the U.S. [5] - Scripps provides quality local journalism and operates national news outlets such as Scripps News and Court TV, along with entertainment brands like ION and Bounce [5]. - The company is the largest holder of broadcast spectrum in the nation and serves professional and college sports leagues with a national broadcast reach of up to 100% of TV households [5]. Board's Position - The board, led by chair Kim Williams, emphasizes its commitment to acting in the best interests of all shareholders, employees, and the communities it serves [2]. - The board remains open to evaluating opportunities to enhance shareholder value, including any future acquisition proposals that align with shareholder interests [2]. Advisory Support - Morgan Stanley & Co. is serving as the financial advisor, while Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP is acting as the legal advisor to Scripps [3].

Core Insights - Haystack News has launched an affiliate program aimed at empowering creators and publications to earn revenue by sharing their platform, which offers trustworthy and diverse news coverage [1][2] Group 1: Affiliate Program Highlights - The affiliate program includes over 400 trusted news partners, enhancing the personalized news experience for viewers while rewarding partners for promoting the service [2] - Creators can earn a $10 payout for each new Haystack News Premium subscriber they generate, along with access to custom affiliate links and dashboards for tracking performance [7] Group 2: Joining the Program - Creators and publications can apply to join the affiliate program through the Haystack website, with approval typically taking less than 24 hours [3] - Once approved, affiliates can start earning immediately after their custom link goes live [3] Group 3: About Haystack TV - Haystack TV is a free, ad-supported streaming platform that provides personalized local, national, and global news coverage, available on major streaming platforms and devices [4][6] - The platform offers access to local news for 98% of U.S. households and much of Canada, featuring hundreds of trusted local broadcasters and top national and global news partners [5] Group 4: User Experience - Haystack News delivers personalized newscasts with a neutral editorial model, allowing viewers to control their news mix [8]

Core Viewpoint - The broadcast television industry is facing pressure to consolidate due to declining pay-TV subscriptions and the rise of streaming services, with companies like Sinclair and Nexstar actively pursuing mergers to enhance profitability and negotiating power [1][5][6]. Group 1: Industry Dynamics - Nexstar Media Group announced a proposed $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna, which would combine over 260 broadcast stations across the U.S. [1] - Sinclair Broadcast Group made a hostile offer to acquire E.W. Scripps after acquiring nearly 10% of the company [2][11]. - Broadcast station owners are experiencing profitability challenges as the number of traditional pay-TV subscribers decreases, with retransmission fees accounting for 33% to 50% of their annual revenue [4][5]. Group 2: Consolidation Efforts - The need for consolidation among broadcast station owners is driven by the desire to cut duplicate costs and increase scale, especially as major media companies plan their own mergers [6][21]. - Sinclair has been seeking acquisition targets for nearly a year and has engaged in discussions with potential partners, including Gray Media and Scripps [8][9][11]. - Sinclair's acquisition discussions with Scripps faced complications due to governance and cultural issues, particularly regarding the conservative politics of Sinclair's controlling family [14][15]. Group 3: Regulatory Environment - The FCC currently restricts any one company from owning broadcast stations that reach more than 39% of U.S. TV households, which poses a challenge for Nexstar's acquisition of Tegna [21][22]. - Sinclair believes its proposed merger with Scripps would easily gain regulatory approval, while Nexstar's deal may require lifting or waivers of existing FCC rules [22][23]. - The Department of Justice has been slow in approving deals in the industry, adding another layer of complexity to potential mergers [25]. Group 4: Market Reactions - Scripps adopted a shareholder rights plan, or "poison pill," in response to Sinclair's acquisition proposal, aiming to protect shareholder value [16][17]. - Concerns have been raised about potential insider trading related to Sinclair's stock purchases of Scripps, given the nondisclosure agreement signed during early deal discussions [18][20]. - Industry advocates argue that lifting ownership caps would allow local broadcasters to invest in journalism and compete effectively in the evolving media landscape [30].

Core Viewpoint - The E.W. Scripps Company has adopted a limited-duration shareholder rights plan in response to an unsolicited acquisition proposal, aimed at ensuring all shareholders receive full value and protecting them from coercive tactics [1][2]. Summary by Sections Adoption of Rights Plan - The rights plan is effective immediately and will expire one year from its adoption date, specifically on November 26, 2026 [4]. - The plan allows Scripps to issue rights to shareholders, which will not be immediately exercisable but will be attached to the Class A common shares and common voting shares [3][4]. Purpose and Mechanism - The rights plan is designed to protect shareholders by allowing the board time to evaluate the acquisition proposal and explore other strategic alternatives [2][3]. - If an acquiring person gains beneficial ownership of 10% or more of the Class A common shares, existing shareholders can purchase additional shares at a 50% discount to the market price [4]. Grandfathering Clause - Existing ownership percentages of any person or group owning 10% or more of the Class A common shares prior to the rights plan announcement will be grandfathered, but any increase beyond 0.10% after the announcement will trigger the rights [5]. Company Overview - The E.W. Scripps Company is a diversified media entity, operating over 60 local TV stations across more than 40 markets in the U.S. and providing quality local journalism [6].

Core Viewpoint - The E.W. Scripps Company has received an unsolicited acquisition proposal from Sinclair, Inc., and the company's board will review it to determine the best course of action for shareholders and stakeholders [1][2]. Company Overview - The E.W. Scripps Company is a diversified media company and one of the largest local TV broadcasters in the U.S., operating over 60 stations in more than 40 markets [3]. - Scripps provides quality local journalism and reaches households nationwide through various national news outlets and entertainment brands, including Scripps News, Court TV, ION, and Bounce [3]. - The company is the largest holder of broadcast spectrum in the nation and serves professional and college sports leagues with significant market reach [3]. Board's Response - Scripps shareholders are not required to take any action at this time, as the board will evaluate the unsolicited proposal in consultation with legal and financial advisors [2]. - The company intends to refrain from further comments on the proposal until the board's review is complete [3].