Press Releases July 13, 2026 01:00 PM

Scripps reaches third major retransmission deal of 2026 with DIRECTV renewal

Scripps finalizes its third major retransmission consent deal of 2026, renewing contract with DIRECTV, ending a blackout period across 40 markets.

By Priya Menon
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The E.W. Scripps Company has reached a new retransmission consent agreement with DIRECTV, completing its three biggest cable and satellite distribution renewals of 2026. After a five-week blackout, service was restored to DIRECTV customers in over 40 markets. These contracts cover the majority of Scripps' pay-TV subscriber base up for renewal this year, solidifying the company's continued role in delivering local television content and essential public services.

Scripps reaches third major retransmission deal of 2026 with DIRECTV renewal
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Key Points

  • Scripps completed its three largest retransmission consent agreements in 2026, including a renewal with DIRECTV, impacting over 40 markets.
  • The agreements emphasize the value of local television stations as critical infrastructure providing news, emergency alerts, and community connection.
  • The restoration of service followed a five-week blackout period impacting DIRECTV subscribers, with fair compensation ensuring sustainability of local broadcast services.

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, [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.” 

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Risks

  • Extended blackout periods can damage viewer trust and potentially lead to subscriber losses, affecting advertising revenue.
  • Ongoing negotiations with cable and satellite distributors carry uncertainty, posing risks to consistent revenue streams.
  • The evolving media consumption landscape with increasing competition from streaming services may impact traditional pay-TV and retransmission revenues.

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