10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

☑ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2021

OR

☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                      to                     

Commission File Number 001-10701

THE E.W. SCRIPPS COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Ohio		31-1223339
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(IRS Employer Identification Number)
312 Walnut Street
Cincinnati,	Ohio	45202
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (513) 977-3000

Not applicable

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class	Trading Symbol(s)	Name of each exchange on which registered
Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share	SSP	NASDAQ Global Select Market

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.     Yes ☑ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes ☑ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer	☑	Accelerated filer	☐	Emerging growth company	☐
Non-accelerated filer	☐	Smaller reporting company	☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐ No ☑

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. As of March 31, 2021, there were 70,349,196 of the registrant’s Class A Common shares, $0.01 par value per share, outstanding and 11,932,722 of the registrant’s Common Voting shares, $0.01 par value per share, outstanding.

Index to The E.W. Scripps Company Quarterly Report

on Form 10-Q for the Quarter Ended March 31, 2021

Item No.	Page
PART I - Financial Information
1. Financial Statements	3
2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	3
3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	3
4. Controls and Procedures	3
PART II - Other Information
1. Legal Proceedings	3
1A. Risk Factors	3
2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	3
3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities	3
4. Mine Safety Disclosures	3
5. Other Information	4
6. Exhibits	4
Signatures	5

2

PART I

As used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the terms “Scripps,” “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us” may, depending on the context, refer to The E.W. Scripps Company, to one or more of its consolidated subsidiary companies, or to all of them taken as a whole.

Item 1. Financial Statements

The information required by this item is filed as part of this Form 10-Q. See Index to Financial Information at page F-1 of this Form 10-Q.

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The information required by this item is filed as part of this Form 10-Q. See Index to Financial Information at page F-1 of this Form 10-Q.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The information required by this item is filed as part of this Form 10-Q. See Index to Financial Information at page F-1 of this Form 10-Q.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

The information required by this item is filed as part of this Form 10-Q. See Index to Financial Information at page F-1 of this Form 10-Q.

PART II

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

We are involved in litigation and regulatory proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business, such as defamation actions and governmental proceedings primarily relating to renewal of broadcast licenses, none of which is expected to result in material loss.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in Item 1A. Risk Factors in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

On January 7, 2021, in connection with the ION transaction, we issued to Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries 6,000 shares of series A preferred stock (the Preferred Shares) with a warrant to purchase approximately 23.1 million shares of Scripps Class A common stock at an exercise price of $13 (the Warrant) for $600 million. The Preferred Shares and the Warrant have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and were issued and sold in a private placement pursuant to Section 4(2) thereof. See Note 3. Acquisitions and Note 14. Capital Stock, in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I Item 1 of this Form 10-Q for more information.

In February 2020, our Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program of up to $100 million of our Class A Common shares through March 1, 2022. No shares have been repurchased under the authorization. Under the terms of the Preferred Shares, we are prohibited from repurchasing our common shares until all Preferred Shares are redeemed.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

There were no defaults upon senior securities during the quarter ended March 31, 2021.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

None.

3

Item 5. Other Information

None.

Item 6. Exhibits

Exhibit Number	Exhibit Description
31(a)	Section 302 Certifications
31(b)	Section 302 Certifications
32(a)	Section 906 Certifications
32(b)	Section 906 Certifications
101	The Company's unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes for the quarter ended March 31, 2021 from this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, formatted in iXBRL (Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language).*
104	Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).

* - Filed herewith

4

Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

	THE E.W. SCRIPPS COMPANY
Dated: May 10, 2021	By:	/s/ Daniel W. Perschke
		Daniel W. Perschke
		Vice President, Controller
		(Principal Accounting Officer)

5

The E.W. Scripps Company

Index to Financial Information (Unaudited)

Item	Page
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets	F-2
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations	F-3
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)	F-4
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	F-5
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity	F-6
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	F-7
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	F-21
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	F-32
Controls and Procedures	F-33

F-1

The E.W. Scripps Company

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)

(in thousands, except share data)	As of  March 31,  2021		As of  December 31,  2020
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	538,185	$	576,021
Cash restricted for pending acquisition	—		1,050,000
Accounts receivable (less allowances— $3,327 and $3,443)	495,895		429,017
FCC repack receivable	7,559		12,363
Miscellaneous	31,098		26,784
Total current assets	1,072,737		2,094,185
Investments	15,555		14,404
Property and equipment	397,858		343,920
Operating lease right-of-use assets	128,217		51,471
Goodwill	2,963,565		1,203,212
Other intangible assets	1,997,712		975,444
Programming	300,022		138,701
Miscellaneous	23,014		38,049
Total Assets	$	6,898,680	$	4,859,386
Liabilities and Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	66,479	$	68,139
Unearned revenue	21,408		14,101
Current portion of long-term debt	18,612		10,612
Accrued liabilities:
Employee compensation and benefits	45,601		55,133
Programming liability	144,641		72,743
Accrued interest	24,201		16,514
Miscellaneous	40,259		85,588
Other current liabilities	70,609		35,626
Total current liabilities	431,810		358,456
Long-term debt (less current portion)	3,690,284		2,923,359
Deferred income taxes	347,347		85,844
Operating lease liabilities	120,731		42,097
Other liabilities (less current portion)	739,321		286,365
Equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par — authorized: 25,000,000 shares; none outstanding	—		—
Preferred stock — Series A, $100,000 par; 6,000 shares at March 31, 2021	408,210		—
Common stock, $0.01 par:
Class A — authorized: 240,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding: 70,349,196 and 69,794,917 shares	704		698
Voting — authorized: 60,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding: 11,932,722 and 11,932,722 shares	119		119
Total preferred and common stock	409,033		817
Additional paid-in capital	1,133,366		1,130,789
Retained earnings	125,702		131,778
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes	(98,914)		(100,119)
Total equity	1,569,187		1,163,265
Total Liabilities and Equity	$	6,898,680	$	4,859,386

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

F-2

The E.W. Scripps Company

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended  March 31,
(in thousands, except per share data)	2021		2020
Operating Revenues:
Advertising	$	362,614	$	254,541
Retransmission and carriage	156,497		138,950
Other	21,810		20,732
Total operating revenues	540,921		414,223
Operating Expenses:
Costs of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization	264,395		231,900
Selling, general and administrative expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization	144,026		127,711
Acquisition and related integration costs	28,645		4,910
Restructuring costs	7,050		—
Depreciation	14,125		13,351
Amortization of intangible assets	25,382		13,994
Losses (gains), net on disposal of property and equipment	80		1,433
Total operating expenses	483,703		393,299
Operating income	57,218		20,924
Interest expense	(43,882)		(25,798)
Defined benefit pension plan income (expense)	7		(1,026)
Gains on sale of business	81,784		—
Gains (losses) on stock warrants	(67,244)		—
Miscellaneous, net	(4,851)		1,114
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	23,032		(4,786)
Provision for income taxes	19,529		2,412
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	3,503		(7,198)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	2,064		(4,611)
Net income (loss)	5,567		(11,809)
Preferred stock dividends	(11,643)		—
Net loss attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company	$	(6,076)	$	(11,809)
Net income (loss) per basic share of common stock:
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	(0.10)	$	(0.09)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	0.02		(0.06)
Net income (loss) per basic share of common stock:	$	(0.07)	$	(0.15)
Net income (loss) per diluted share of common stock:
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	(0.10)	$	(0.09)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	0.02		(0.06)
Net income (loss) per diluted share of common stock:	$	(0.07)	$	(0.15)

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

The sum of net income (loss) per share from continuing and discontinued operations may not equal the reported total net income (loss) per share as each is calculated independently.

F-3

The E.W. Scripps Company

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended  March 31,
(in thousands)	2021		2020
Net income (loss)	$	5,567	$	(11,809)
Changes in defined benefit pension plans, net of tax of $374 and $286	1,187		902
Other	18		6
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to preferred and common stockholders	$	6,772	$	(10,901)

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

F-4

The E.W. Scripps Company

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended  March 31,
(in thousands)	2021		2020
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	$	5,567	$	(11,809)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	2,064		(4,611)
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	3,503		(7,198)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) from continuing operations to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	39,507		27,345
Losses (gains), net on disposal of property and equipment	80		1,433
Gains on sale of business	(81,784)		—
(Gains) losses on stock warrants	67,244		—
Programming assets and liabilities	(37,042)		(28,289)
Restructuring impairment charges	7,050		—
Deferred income taxes	6,951		16,305
Stock and deferred compensation plans	11,092		2,143
Pension expense, net of contributions	(5,987)		(4,034)
Other changes in certain working capital accounts, net	41,045		8,806
Miscellaneous, net	(1,565)		1,630
Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations	50,094		18,141
Net cash used in operating activities from discontinued operations	—		(4,440)
Net operating activities	50,094		13,701
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(2,679,798)		—
Proceeds from sale of Triton Digital, net of cash disposed	224,990		—
Acquisition of intangible assets	(430)		(525)
Additions to property and equipment	(4,139)		(16,165)
Purchase of investments	(1,263)		(3,087)
Proceeds from FCC repack	5,345		2,719
Miscellaneous, net	12		773
Net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations	(2,455,283)		(16,285)
Net cash used in investing activities from discontinued operations	—		(45)
Net investing activities	(2,455,283)		(16,330)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Net borrowings under revolving credit facility	—		175,000
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	800,000		—
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock	600,000		—
Payments on long-term debt	(4,653)		(2,653)
Payments on financing costs	(50,597)		—
Payments for capitalized preferred stock issuance costs	(11,526)		—
Dividends paid on common and preferred stock	(9,067)		(4,108)
Tax payments related to shares withheld for vested stock and RSUs	(6,369)		(2,266)
Miscellaneous, net	(415)		(16,574)
Net cash provided by financing activities from continuing operations	1,317,373		149,399
Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	(20)		(111)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(1,087,836)		146,659
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of year	1,626,021		32,968
End of period	$	538,185	$	179,627
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures
Interest paid	$	29,354	$	24,833
Income taxes refunded (paid)	$	547	$	(12)
Non-cash investing information
Capital expenditures included in accounts payable	$	5,764	$	1,187

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

F-5

The E.W. Scripps Company

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity (Unaudited)

Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 (in thousands, except per share data)	Preferred Stock		Common Stock		Additional Paid-in Capital		Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) ("AOCI")		Total Equity
As of December 31, 2020	$	—	$	817	$	1,130,789	$	131,778	$	(100,119)	$	1,163,265
Comprehensive income (loss)	—		—		—		5,567		1,205		6,772
Issuance of preferred stock, net of discount and issuance costs	407,634		—		—		—		—		407,634
Preferred stock dividends, $1,511 per share	576		—		—		(11,643)		—		(11,067)
Compensation plans: 554,279 net shares issued *	—		6		2,577		—		—		2,583
As of March 31, 2021	$	408,210	$	823	$	1,133,366	$	125,702	$	(98,914)	$	1,569,187

* Net of tax payments related to shares withheld for vested RSUs of $6,369 for the three months ended March 31, 2021.

As of December 31, 2019	$	—	$	810	$	1,117,095	$	(120,981)	$	(98,989)	$	897,935
Comprehensive income (loss)	—		—		—		(11,809)		908		(10,901)
Cash dividend: declared and paid - $0.05 per share	—		—		—		(4,108)		—		(4,108)
Compensation plans: 429,273 net shares issued *	—		4		2,390		—		—		2,394
As of March 31, 2020	$	—	$	814	$	1,119,485	$	(136,898)	$	(98,081)	$	885,320

* Net of tax payments related to shares withheld for vested RSUs of $2,266 for the three months ended March 31, 2020.

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

F-6

The E.W. Scripps Company

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

As used in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, the terms “Scripps,” “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us” may, depending on the context, refer to The E.W. Scripps Company, to one or more of its consolidated subsidiary companies, or to all of them taken as a whole.

Basis of Presentation — The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. The interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto included in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K. In management's opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of the interim periods have been made.

Results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for future interim periods or for the full year.

Expense amounts that were previously reported under the captions “Employee compensation and benefits,” “Programming,” and “Other expenses” in our 2020 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations have been reclassified into line items captioned as either “Costs of revenues” or “Selling, general and administrative expenses.” Costs of revenues reflect the costs of providing our broadcast signals, programming and other content to respective distribution platforms. The costs captured within the costs of revenues caption include programming, content distribution, satellite transmission fees, production and operations and other direct costs. Selling, general and administrative expenses are primarily comprised of sales, marketing and advertising expenses, research costs, certain occupancy costs and other administrative costs.

Principles of Consolidation — The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and those of our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries and variable interest entities (VIEs) for which we are the primary beneficiary. We are the primary beneficiary of a VIE when we have the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive returns that would be significant to the VIE. Noncontrolling interest represents an owner’s share of the equity in certain of our consolidated entities. All intercompany transactions and account balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Investments in entities over which we have significant influence but not control are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Income from equity method investments represents our proportionate share of net income generated by equity method investees.

Nature of Operations — We are a diverse media enterprise, serving audiences and businesses through a portfolio of local and national television brands. All of our businesses provide content and services via digital platforms, including the Internet, smartphones and tablets. Our media businesses are organized into the following reportable business segments: Local Media, Scripps Networks and Other. Additional information for our business segments is presented in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Use of Estimates — Preparing financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires us to make a variety of decisions that affect the reported amounts and the related disclosures. Such decisions include the selection of accounting principles that reflect the economic substance of the underlying transactions and the assumptions on which to base accounting estimates. In reaching such decisions, we apply judgment based on our understanding and analysis of the relevant circumstances, including our historical experience, actuarial studies and other assumptions.

Our financial statements include estimates and assumptions used in accounting for our defined benefit pension plans; the periods over which long-lived assets are depreciated or amortized; the fair value of long-lived assets, goodwill and indefinite lived assets; the liability for uncertain tax positions and valuation allowances against deferred income tax assets; the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations; and self-insured risks.

While we re-evaluate our estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis, actual results could differ from those estimated at the time of preparation of the financial statements.

F-7

Nature of Products and Services — The following is a description of principal activities from which we generate revenue.

Core Advertising — Core advertising is comprised of sales to local and national customers. The advertising includes a combination of broadcast airtime, as well as digital advertising. Pricing of advertising time is based on audience size and share, the demographic of our audiences and the demand for our limited inventory of commercial time. Advertising time is sold through a combination of local sales staff and national sales representative firms. Digital revenues are primarily generated from the sale of advertising to local and national customers on our local television websites, smartphone apps, tablet apps and other platforms.

Political Advertising — Political advertising is generally sold through our Washington D.C. sales office. Advertising is sold to presidential, gubernatorial, Senate and House of Representative candidates, as well as for state and local issues. It is also sold to political action groups (PACs) or other advocacy groups.

Retransmission Revenues — We earn revenue from retransmission consent agreements with multi-channel video programming distributors (“MVPDs”) in our markets. The MVPDs are cable operators and satellite carriers who pay us to offer our programming to their customers. We also receive fees from over-the-top virtual MVPDs such as Hulu, YouTubeTV and AT&T Now. The fees we receive are typically based on the number of subscribers in our local market and the contracted rate per subscriber.

Other Products and Services — We derive revenue from sponsorships and community events through our Local Media segment. Our Scripps Networks segment offers subscription services for access to premium content to its customers.

Refer to Note 13.Segment Information for further information, including revenue by significant product and service offering.

Revenue Recognition — Revenue is measured based on the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for promised goods or services provided to customers, and excludes any amounts collected on behalf of third parties. Revenue is recognized upon transfer of control of promised products or services to customers.

Advertising — Advertising revenue is recognized, net of agency commissions, over time primarily as ads are aired or impressions are delivered and any contracted audience guarantees are met. We apply the practical expedient to recognize revenue at the amount we have the right to invoice, which corresponds directly to the value a customer has received relative to our performance. For advertising sold based on audience guarantees, audience deficiency may result in an obligation to deliver additional advertisements to the customer. To the extent that we do not satisfy contracted audience ratings, we record deferred revenue until such time that the audience guarantee has been satisfied.

Retransmission — Retransmission revenues are considered licenses of functional intellectual property and are recognized at the point in time the content is transferred to the customer. MVPDs report their subscriber numbers to us generally on a 30- to 90-day lag. Prior to receiving the MVPD reporting, we record revenue based on estimates of the number of subscribers, utilizing historical levels and trends of subscribers for each MVPD.

Other — Revenues generated by our Triton business are recognized on a ratable basis over the contract term as the monthly service is provided to the customer.

Contract Balances — Timing of revenue recognition may differ from the timing of invoicing to customers. We record a receivable when revenue is recognized prior to invoicing, or unearned revenue when revenue is recognized subsequent to invoicing.

Payment terms may vary by contract type, although our terms generally include a requirement of payment within 30 to 90 days. In instances where the timing of revenue recognition differs from the timing of invoicing, we have determined our contracts do not include a significant financing component. The primary purpose of our invoicing terms is to provide customers with simplified and predictable ways of purchasing our products and services, not to receive financing from our customers.

The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects our best estimate of probable losses inherent in the accounts receivable balance. We estimate the allowance based on expected credit losses, including our historical experience of actual losses and known troubled accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts totaled $3.3 million at March 31, 2021 and $3.4 million at December 31, 2020.

F-8

We record unearned revenue when cash payments are received in advance of our performance. We generally require amounts payable under advertising contracts with political advertising customers to be paid in advance. Unearned revenue totaled $21.4 million at March 31, 2021 and is expected to be recognized within revenue over the next 12 months. Unearned revenue totaled $14.1 million at December 31, 2020. We recorded $4.4 million of revenue in the three months ended March 31, 2021 that was included in unearned revenue at December 31, 2020.

Leases — We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets, other current liabilities and operating lease liabilities in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

ROU assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at the commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As the implicit rate is not readily determinable for most of our leases, we use our incremental borrowing rate when determining the present value of lease payments. The incremental borrowing rate represents an estimate of the interest rate we would incur at lease commencement to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments on a collateralized basis over the term of the lease. The operating lease ROU asset also includes any payments made at or before commencement and is reduced by any lease incentives. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Share-Based Compensation — We have a Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) which is described more fully in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Plan provides for the award of incentive and nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units (RSUs) and unrestricted Class A Common shares and performance units to key employees and non-employee directors.

Share-based compensation costs totaled $8.3 million and $4.2 million for the first quarter of 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) — Unvested awards of share-based payments with rights to receive dividends or dividend equivalents, such as our RSUs, are considered participating securities for purposes of calculating EPS. Under the two-class method, we allocate a portion of net income to these participating securities and, therefore, exclude that income from the calculation of EPS for common stock. We do not allocate losses to the participating securities.

The following table presents information about basic and diluted weighted-average shares outstanding:

	Three Months Ended  March 31,
(in thousands)	2021		2020
Numerator (for basic and diluted earnings per share)
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	$	3,503	$	(7,198)
Less preferred stock dividends	(11,643)		—
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share	$	(8,140)	$	(7,198)
Denominator
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding	81,902		81,077
Effect of dilutive securities:
Restricted stock units	—		—
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding	81,902		81,077

For the three month periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, we incurred a net loss and the inclusion of RSUs would have been anti-dilutive. The March 31, 2021 and 2020 diluted EPS calculations exclude the effect from 2.4 million and 2.2 million, respectively, of outstanding RSUs that were anti-dilutive. The basic and dilutive EPS calculations also exclude the impact of the common stock warrant as the effect would be anti-dilutive.

F-9

2. Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Standards

Recently Issued Accounting Standards — In March 2020, the FASB issued new guidance that provides optional expedients and exceptions to certain accounting requirements to facilitate the transition away from the use of the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and other interbank offered rates. The guidance is effective as of March 12, 2020 and will apply through December 31, 2022 to all entities, subject to meeting certain criteria, that have contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. We will evaluate transactions or contract modifications occurring as a result of reference rate reform to determine whether to apply the optional guidance on an ongoing basis.

3. Acquisitions

ION Acquisition

On January 7, 2021, we completed the acquisition of national broadcast network ION Media Networks, Inc. ("ION") for $2.65 billion. ION is a national network of broadcast stations and is the largest holder of U.S. broadcast television spectrum. The business distributes its programming through owned Federal Communications Commission-licensed television stations as well as affiliated TV stations, reaching 100 million of U.S. homes through its over-the-air broadcast and pay TV platforms. With the acquisition of ION, we created a full-scale national television networks business by combining the ION network with the five Katz networks and national news network, Newsy.

The transaction was financed with a combination of cash, debt financing and preferred equity financing, including Berkshire Hathaway's $600 million preferred equity investment in Scripps. Berkshire Hathaway also received a warrant to purchase up to 23.1 million Class A shares, at an exercise price of $13 per share.

To comply with ownership rules of the Federal Communications Commission, we simultaneously divested 23 of ION's television stations for a total consideration of $30 million, which were purchased by INYO Broadcast Holdings, LLC upon completion of the acquisition. These divested stations became independent affiliates of ION pursuant to long-term affiliation agreements.

The following table summarizes the net cash consideration for the ION transaction.

(in thousands)
Total purchase price	$	2,650,000
Plus: Cash acquired	14,493
Plus: Working capital	59,798
Total transaction gross cash consideration	2,724,291
Less: Proceeds from ION stations divested	(30,000)
Total transaction net cash consideration	2,694,291
Less: Cash acquired	(14,493)
Total consideration, net of cash acquired	$	2,679,798

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The following table summarizes the preliminary fair values of the ION assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the closing date.

(in thousands)
Accounts receivable	$	133,559
Other current assets	4,033
Programming rights	169,027
Property and equipment	63,073
Operating lease right-of-use assets	72,717
Other assets	4,513
Goodwill	1,846,329
Indefinite-lived intangible assets - FCC licenses	433,700
Amortizable intangible assets:
INYO affiliation agreement	433,000
Other affiliation relationships	25,000
Advertiser relationships	139,000
Trade names	72,000
Accounts payable	(9,677)
Unearned revenue	(13,043)
Accrued expenses	(27,083)
Current portion of programming liabilities	(92,721)
Other current liabilities	(8,373)
Programming liabilities	(191,837)
Deferred tax liabilities	(266,389)
Operating lease liabilities	(78,000)
Other long-term liabilities	(29,030)
Total consideration, net of cash acquired	$	2,679,798

Of the value allocated to amortizable intangible assets, the INYO affiliation agreement has an estimated amortization period of 20 years, advertiser relationships have an estimated amortization period of 10 years, other affiliation relationships have an estimated amortization period of 12 years and the value allocated to trade names has an estimated amortization period of 10 years.

The goodwill of $1.8 billion arising from the transactions consists largely of synergies, economies of scale and other benefits of a larger national broadcast footprint and becoming the largest holder of broadcast spectrum. We allocated the goodwill to our Scripps Networks segment. The transaction is accounted for as a stock acquisition which applies carryover tax basis to the assets and liabilities acquired. The goodwill is not deductible for income tax purposes.

From the January 7, 2021 acquisition date through March 31, 2021, revenues from ION's operations of $126 million have been included in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Acquisition and integration costs related to the transaction, including legal and professional fees and severance costs, totaled $26.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021.

KCDO Television Station

On November 20, 2020, we closed on the acquisition of the KCDO television station in the Denver, Colorado market. Included in the sale was KSBS-CD, a low power translator of KCDO. Total consideration for the transaction totaled $9.6 million. The preliminary purchase price allocated $6.9 million to the acquired FCC license, $1.7 million to goodwill, $0.9 million to property and equipment and the remainder was allocated to various working capital accounts.

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Pro forma results of operations

Pro forma results of operations, assuming the ION acquisition had taken place at the beginning of 2020, are presented in the following table. The pro forma results do not include KCDO, as the impact of this acquisition, individually or in the aggregate, is not material to prior year results of operations. The pro forma information includes the historical results of operations of Scripps and ION (excluding the results of the divested stations sold to INYO), as well as adjustments for additional depreciation and amortization of the assets acquired, additional interest expense related to the financing of the transactions and other transactional adjustments. The pro forma results do not include efficiencies, cost reductions or synergies expected to result from the acquisitions. The unaudited pro forma financial information is not necessarily indicative of the results that actually would have occurred had the acquisitions been completed at the beginning of the period.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands, except per share data) (unaudited)	2021		2020
Operating revenues	$	547,643	$	559,436
Net income (loss) attributable to Scripps shareholders	13,009		(15,146)
Net income (loss) per share:
Basic	$	0.15	$	(0.19)
Diluted	0.15		(0.19)

Pro forma results in 2020 include $35.6 million of non-recurring transaction related costs. The pro forma results in 2021 reflect a $26.2 million reversal of ION transaction costs incurred that are already being captured in the 2020 pro forma results.

4. Asset Write-Downs and Other Charges and Credits

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes was affected by the following:

2021 - Acquisition and related integration costs of $28.6 million in the first quarter of 2021 primarily reflect investment banking, legal fees and professional service costs incurred to complete and integrate the ION Media Networks, Inc. acquisition, which closed on January 7, 2021.

Restructuring costs totaled $7.1 million in the first quarter of 2021. In connection with the Newsy restructuring plan, we incurred charges for the write-downs of both capitalized carriage agreement payments and certain Newsy intangible assets.

During the first quarter of 2021, we completed the sale of our Triton business. The sale generated total net proceeds of $225 million and we recognized a pre-tax gain from disposition totaling $81.8 million.

The first quarter of 2021 includes a $67.2 million non-cash charge related to our outstanding common stock warrant. The warrant obligation is marked-to-market each reporting period with the increase in our common stock price being the significant contributor to a higher valuation.

2020 - Acquisition and related integration costs of $4.9 million in the first quarter of 2020 reflect contract termination costs and professional service costs incurred to integrate the Cordillera and Nexstar-Tribune television stations.

5. Income Taxes

We file a consolidated federal income tax return, consolidated unitary tax returns in certain states and other separate state income tax returns for our subsidiary companies.

The income tax provision for interim periods is generally determined based upon the expected effective income tax rate for the full year and the tax rate applicable to certain discrete transactions in the interim period. To determine the annual effective income tax rate, we must estimate both the total income (loss) before income tax for the full year and the jurisdictions in which that income (loss) is subject to tax. The actual effective income tax rate for the full year may differ from these estimates if income (loss) before income tax is greater than or less than what was estimated or if the allocation of income (loss) to jurisdictions in which it is taxed is different from the estimated allocations. We review and adjust our estimated effective

F-12

income tax rate for the full year each quarter based upon our most recent estimates of income (loss) before income tax for the full year and the jurisdictions in which we expect that income will be taxed.

The effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 was 85% and (50)%, respectively. Differences between our effective income tax rate and the U.S. federal statutory rate are the impact of state taxes, foreign taxes, non-deductible expenses, changes in reserves for uncertain tax positions, excess tax benefits or expense from the exercise and vesting of share-based compensation awards ($1.3 million benefit in 2021 and $1.0 million expense in 2020), state deferred rate changes and state NOL valuation allowance changes ($1.2 million benefit in 2021 and $4.0 million expense in 2020). Additionally, in the first quarter of 2021, we had a net discrete tax provision charge of $17.1 million related to a taxable gain on the sale of the Triton business, and a $1.0 million discrete tax provision charge related to nondeductible transaction costs for the ION acquisition. Finally, a non-deductible expense of $70.7 million was recorded in the first quarter of 2021 related to issuance costs and unrealized losses on mark-to-market adjustments recorded on the common stock warrants issued in connection with the ION acquisition.

We recognize state NOL carryforwards as deferred tax assets, subject to valuation allowances. At each balance sheet date, we estimate the amount of carryforwards that are not expected to be used prior to expiration of the carryforward period. The tax effect of the carryforwards that are not expected to be used prior to their expiration is included in the valuation allowance.

6. Restricted Cash

At December 31, 2020, our cash and cash equivalents included $1.1 billion held in a restricted cash account for the ION Media Networks, Inc. ("ION") acquisition. The restricted balance represents the senior secured notes and senior unsecured notes proceeds that were segregated as financing for the January 7, 2021 closing of the ION acquisition. Refer to Note 9. Long-Term Debt and Note 3. Acquisitions for further information on the $550 million senior secured notes and $500 million senior unsecured notes that were issued on December 30, 2020. At March 31, 2021, no cash was held in a restricted cash account.

7. Leases

We have operating leases for office space, data centers and certain equipment. Our leases have remaining lease terms of 1 year to 20 years, some of which may include options to extend the leases for up to 5 years, and some of which may include options to terminate the leases within 1 year. Operating lease costs recognized in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 totaled $5.9 million and $4.9 million, including short-term lease costs of $0.5 million and $0.2 million, respectively.

Other information related to our operating leases was as follows:

(in thousands, except lease term and discount rate)	As of  March 31,  2021			As of  December 31,  2020
Balance Sheet Information
Right-of-use assets	$	128,217		$	51,471
Other current liabilities	19,396			9,623
Operating lease liabilities	120,731			42,097
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term
Operating leases	8.82 years			7.64 years
Weighted Average Discount Rate
Operating leases	4.33		%	5.96		%

	Three Months Ended  March 31,
(in thousands)	2021		2020
Supplemental Cash Flows Information
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities	$	4,875	$	4,178
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations	5,980		410

F-13

Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases as of March 31, 2021 were as follows:

(in thousands)	Operating Leases
Remainder of 2021	$	23,470
2022	26,005
2023	21,735
2024	18,924
2025	14,917
Thereafter	62,886
Total future minimum lease payments	167,937
Less: Imputed interest	(27,810)
Total	$	140,127

8. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill consisted of the following:

(in thousands)	Local Media		Scripps Networks		Other		Total
Gross balance as of December 31, 2020	$	1,122,408	$	232,742	$	85,976	$	1,441,126
Accumulated impairment losses	(216,914)		(21,000)		—		(237,914)
Net balance as of December 31, 2020	$	905,494	$	211,742	$	85,976	$	1,203,212
Gross balance as of March 31, 2021	$	1,122,408	$	2,079,071	$	—	$	3,201,479
Accumulated impairment losses	(216,914)		(21,000)		—		(237,914)
Net balance as of March 31, 2021	$	905,494	$	2,058,071	$	—	$	2,963,565

Other intangible assets consisted of the following:

(in thousands)	As of  March 31,  2021		As of  December 31,  2020
Amortizable intangible assets:
Carrying amount:
Television affiliation relationships	$	1,074,244	$	616,244
Customer lists and advertiser relationships	213,400		102,900
Other	132,092		104,445
Total carrying amount	1,419,736		823,589
Accumulated amortization:
Television affiliation relationships	(127,490)		(113,950)
Customer lists and advertiser relationships	(53,871)		(53,232)
Other	(31,178)		(37,778)
Total accumulated amortization	(212,539)		(204,960)
Net amortizable intangible assets	1,207,197		618,629
Indefinite-lived intangible assets — FCC licenses	790,515		356,815
Total other intangible assets	$	1,997,712	$	975,444

F-14

Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for each of the next five years is $67.7 million for the remainder of 2021, $88.6 million in 2022, $83.5 million in 2023, $82.1 million in 2024, $80.4 million in 2025, $77.4 million in 2026 and $727.5 million in later years.

9. Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt consisted of the following:

(in thousands)	As of  March 31,  2021		As of  December 31,  2020
Revolving credit facility	$	—	$	—
Senior secured notes, due in 2029	550,000		550,000
Senior unsecured notes, due in 2025	400,000		400,000
Senior unsecured notes, due in 2027	500,000		500,000
Senior unsecured notes, due in 2031	500,000		500,000
Term loan, due in 2024	289,500		290,250
Term loan, due in 2026	749,757		751,660
Term loan, due in 2028	798,000		—
Total outstanding principal	3,787,257		2,991,910
Less: Debt issuance costs and issuance discounts	(78,361)		(57,939)
Less: Current portion	(18,612)		(10,612)
Net carrying value of long-term debt	$	3,690,284	$	2,923,359
Fair value of long-term debt *	$	3,797,121	$	3,064,194

* Fair values of the 2025, 2027, 2029 and 2031 Senior Notes are estimated based on quoted private market transactions and are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair values of the term loans are based on observable estimates provided by third party financial professionals, and as such, are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Scripps Senior Secured Credit Agreement

On January 7, 2021, we entered into the Sixth Amendment to the Third Amended Restated Credit Agreement ("Sixth Amendment"). Under the Sixth Amendment, the capacity of our Revolving Credit Facility was increased from $210 million to $400 million. Additionally, the Sixth Amendment extended the facility's maturity date to the earlier of January 2026 or 91 days prior to the stated maturity date for any of our existing loans and our existing unsecured notes that mature within the facility's term. Commitment fees of 0.30% to 0.50% per annum, based on our leverage ratio, of the total unused commitment are payable under the Revolving Credit Facility. Interest is payable on the Revolving Credit Facility at rates based on LIBOR, plus a margin based on our leverage ratio, ranging from 1.75% to 2.50%. As of March 31, 2021, we had no borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we had outstanding letters of credit totaling $6.8 million and $6.0 million, respectively, under the Revolving Credit Facility.

On October 2, 2017, we issued a $300 million term loan B which matures in October 2024 ("2024 term loan"). Interest is currently payable on the 2024 term loan at a rate based on LIBOR, plus a fixed margin of 2.00%. Interest will reduce to a rate of LIBOR plus a fixed margin of 1.75% if the Company’s total net leverage, as defined by the amended agreement, is below 2.75. The 2024 term loan requires annual principal payments of $3 million.

As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the interest rate on the 2024 term loan was 2.11% and 2.15%, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate was 2.13% and 3.67% for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

On May 1, 2019, we entered into a Fourth Amendment to the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement ("Fourth Amendment"). Under the Fourth Amendment, we issued a $765 million term loan B ("2026 term loan") that matures in May 2026. Interest is currently payable on the 2026 term loan at a rate based on LIBOR, plus a fixed margin of 2.56%. The 2026 term loan requires annual principal payments of $7.6 million. Deferred financing costs and original issuance discount totaled approximately $23.0 million with this term loan, which are being amortized over the life of the loan.

As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the interest rate on the 2026 term loan was 3.31% and 2.65%, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on the term loan was 3.26% and 4.17% for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Under the Sixth Amendment, we also issued an $800 million term loan B that contributed to the financing of the ION acquisition. The term loan matures in 2028 with interest payable at rates based on LIBOR, plus a fixed margin of 3.00%. Additionally, the Sixth Amendment provided that the LIBOR rate could not be less than 0.75% for our term loans that mature in 2026 and 2028. The 2028 term loan requires annual principal payments of $8.0 million. We incurred deferred financing costs totaling $23.4 million related to this term loan and the amendment to the Revolving Credit Facility, which are being amortized over the life of the term loan.

As of March 31, 2021, the interest rate on the 2028 term loan was 3.75%. The weighted-average interest rate on the term loan was 3.75% for the three months ended March 31, 2021.

The Senior Secured Credit Agreement contains covenants that limit our ability to incur additional debt and provides for restrictions on certain payments (dividends and share repurchases). Additionally, we must be in compliance with certain leverage ratios in order to proceed with acquisitions. Our credit agreement also includes a provision that in certain circumstances we must use a portion of excess cash flow to repay debt. We granted the lenders pledges of our equity interests in our subsidiaries and security interests in substantially all other personal property including cash, accounts receivables and equipment. In addition, the Revolving Credit Facility contains a covenant to comply with a maximum first lien net leverage ratio of 4.75 to 1.0 when we have outstanding borrowings on the facility. As of March 31, 2021, we were in compliance with our financial covenants.

2029 Senior Secured Notes

On December 30, 2020, we issued $550 million of senior secured notes (the "2029 Senior Notes"), which bear interest at a rate of 3.875% per annum and mature on January 15, 2029. The proceeds of the 2029 Senior Notes were deposited into a segregated escrow account. The escrow account was subsequently released on January 7, 2021 and used toward the financing of the ION acquisition (See Note 3). The 2029 Senior Notes were priced at 100% of par value and interest is payable semi-annually on January 15 and July 15, commencing on July 15, 2021. Prior to January 15, 2024 we may redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2029 Senior Notes at a redemption price of 103.875% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption. We may also redeem some or all of the 2029 Senior Notes before January 15, 2024 at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date plus a "make whole" premium. On or after January 15, 2024 and before January 15, 2026, we may redeem the notes, in whole or in part, at applicable redemption prices noted in the indenture agreement. If we sell certain of our assets or have a change of control, the holders of the 2029 Senior Notes may require us to repurchase some or all of the notes. Our credit agreement also includes a provision that in certain circumstances we must use a portion of excess cash flow to repay debt. The 2029 Senior Notes are guaranteed by us and the majority our subsidiaries and are secured on equal footing with the obligations under the Senior Secured Credit Agreement. Following the release of the proceeds from escrow on January 7, 2021, the notes became secured, on a first lien basis, from pledges of equity interests in our subsidiaries and by substantially all of the existing and future assets of Scripps. The 2029 Senior Notes contain covenants with which we must comply that are typical for borrowing transactions of this nature.

We incurred approximately $13.8 million of deferred financing costs in connection with the issuance of the 2029 Senior Notes, which are being amortized over the life of the notes.

2025 Senior Unsecured Notes

On April 28, 2017, we issued $400 million of senior unsecured notes (the "2025 Senior Notes"), which bear interest at a rate of 5.125% per annum and mature on May 15, 2025. The 2025 Senior Notes were priced at 100% of par value and interest is payable semi-annually on May 15 and November 15. On or after May 15, 2020 and before May 15, 2023, we may redeem the notes, in whole or in part, at applicable redemption prices noted in the indenture agreement. If we sell certain assets or have a change of control, the holders of the 2025 Senior Notes may require us to repurchase some or all of the notes. The 2025 Senior Notes are also guaranteed by us and the majority our subsidiaries. The 2025 Senior Notes contain covenants with which we must comply that are typical for borrowing transactions of this nature.

We incurred approximately $7.0 million of deferred financing costs in connection with the issuance of the 2025 Senior Notes, which are being amortized over the life of the notes.

On April 15, 2021, we announced our intention to redeem the 2025 Senior Notes on May 15, 2021. The redemption price of the notes will be equal to 102.563% of the aggregate principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest up to the redemption date. The notes will be redeemed with cash on hand.

2027 Senior Unsecured Notes

On July 26, 2019, we issued $500 million of senior unsecured notes, which bear interest at a rate of 5.875% per annum and mature on July 15, 2027 ("the 2027 Senior Notes"). The 2027 Senior Notes were priced at 100% of par value and interest is payable semi-annually on July 15 and January 15. Prior to July 15, 2022, we may redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2027 Senior Notes at a redemption price of 105.875% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption. We may also redeem some or all of the notes before July 15, 2022 at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date plus a "make whole" premium. On or after July 15, 2022 and before July 15, 2025, we may redeem the notes, in whole or in part, at applicable redemption prices noted in the indenture agreement. If we sell certain of our assets or have a change of control, the holders of the 2027 Senior Notes may require us to repurchase some or all of the notes. The 2027 Senior Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by certain of our existing and future domestic restricted subsidiaries. The 2027 Senior Notes contain covenants with which we must comply that are typical for borrowing transactions of this nature. There are no registration rights associated with the 2027 Senior Notes.

We incurred approximately $10.7 million of deferred financing costs in connection with the issuance of the 2027 Senior Notes, which are being amortized over the life of the notes.

2031 Senior Unsecured Notes

On December 30, 2020, we issued $500 million of senior unsecured notes (the "2031 Senior Notes"), which bear interest at a rate of 5.375% per annum and mature on January 15, 2031. The proceeds of the 2031 Senior Notes were deposited into a segregated escrow account. The escrow account was subsequently released on January 7, 2021 and used toward the financing of the ION acquisition (See Note 3). The 2031 Senior Notes were priced at 100% of par value and interest is payable semi-annually on January 15 and July 15, commencing on July 15, 2021. Prior to January 15, 2024 we may redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2031 Senior Notes at a redemption price of 105.375% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption. We may also redeem some or all of the 2031 Senior Notes before January 15, 2026 at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date plus a "make whole" premium. On or after January 15, 2026 and before January 15, 2029, we may redeem the notes, in whole or in part, at applicable redemption prices noted in the indenture agreement. If we sell certain of our assets or have a change of control, the holders of the 2031 Senior Notes may require us to repurchase some or all of the notes. The 2031 Senior Notes are also guaranteed by us and the majority our subsidiaries. The 2031 Senior Notes contain covenants with which we must comply that are typical for borrowing transactions of this nature.

We incurred approximately $12.5 million of deferred financing costs in connection with the issuance of the 2031 Senior Notes, which are being amortized over the life of the notes.

Debt Repurchase Authorization

In November 2020, our Board of Directors authorized a debt repurchase program pursuant to which we may reduce, through redemptions or open market purchases and retirement, a combination of the outstanding principal balance of our senior secured and senior unsecured notes, and the additional indebtedness incurred with the closing of the ION acquisition. The authorization permits an aggregate principal amount reduction of up to $500 million and expires on March 1, 2023.

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10. Other Liabilities

Other liabilities consisted of the following:

(in thousands)	As of  March 31,  2021		As of  December 31,  2020
Employee compensation and benefits	$	36,614	$	34,020
Deferred FCC repack income	44,442		44,945
Programming liability	207,093		33,481
Liability for pension benefits	154,212		161,845
Liabilities for uncertain tax positions	21,760		2,332
Liability for common stock warrants	248,084		—
Other	27,116		9,742
Other liabilities (less current portion)	$	739,321	$	286,365

In connection with the acquisition of ION, we assumed $19.3 million of uncertain tax position liabilities. Approximately $15.1 million of the liability is attributed to disallowed domestic production activities deductions (DPAD). We currently expect this DPAD liability will be resolved through settlement, amendments and/or payment within the next twelve months.

With the Preferred Shares issuance, Berkshire Hathaway also received a warrant to purchase up to 23.1 million Class A shares, at an exercise price of $13 per share. The warrant is exercisable at the holder's option at any time or from time to time, in whole or in part, until the first anniversary of the date on which no Preferred Shares remain outstanding. Since the holder has the option to settle the warrant through cash payment of the exercise price and/or through surrendering portions of their Preferred Shares for the stated par value, a liability must be recognized for the fair value of the warrant. The valuation model, classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, includes inputs for the estimated term of the warrant, the historical volatility rate of Scripps common stock and the exercise price for the warrant. At time of issuance, the fair value of the warrant totaled $181 million. The fair value of the warrant is remeasured each reporting period and totaled $248 million at March 31, 2021. The increase in our stock price during 2021 was the primary contributor to the increase in the fair value of the warrant. Change in the fair value of the warrant during each reporting period is captured in the gains/ losses on stock warrants caption in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

11. Supplemental Cash Flow Information

The following table presents additional information about the change in certain working capital accounts:

	Three Months Ended  March 31,
(in thousands)	2021		2020
Accounts receivable	$	43,559	$	8,850
Other current assets	1,851		(11,969)
Accounts payable	6,342		14,034
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	(19,387)		(13,711)
Accrued interest	7,687		(1,172)
Other accrued liabilities	(16,151)		15,041
Unearned revenue	(5,672)		(3,130)
Other, net	22,816		863
Total	$	41,045	$	8,806

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12. Employee Benefit Plans

We sponsor a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan and non-qualified Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans ("SERPs"). The accrual for future benefits has been frozen in our defined benefit pension plan and SERPs.

We sponsor a defined contribution plan covering substantially all non-union and certain union employees. We match a portion of employees' voluntary contributions to this plan.

Other union-represented employees are covered by defined benefit pension plans jointly sponsored by us and the union, or by union-sponsored multi-employer plans.

The components of the employee benefit plan expense consisted of the following:

	Three Months Ended  March 31,
(in thousands)	2021		2020
Interest cost	$	4,103	$	4,917
Expected return on plan assets, net of expenses	(5,820)		(5,256)
Amortization of actuarial loss and prior service cost	1,487		1,125
Total for defined benefit pension plan	(230)		786
Multi-employer plans	—		9
SERPs	223		240
Defined contribution plan	3,978		3,779
Net periodic benefit cost	3,971		4,814
Allocated to discontinued operations	—		(205)
Net periodic benefit cost — continuing operations	$	3,971	$	4,609

We contributed $0.3 million to fund current benefit payments for our SERPs and $5.7 million for our defined benefit pension plan during the three months ended March 31, 2021. During the remainder of 2021, we anticipate contributing an additional $1.1 million to fund the SERPs' benefit payments. We are required to contribute an additional $18.7 million to fund our qualified defined benefit pension plan in order to meet our 2021 funding requirements under the provisions of the Pension Funding Equity Act of 2004 and the Pension Protection Act of 2006.

13. Segment Information

We determine our business segments based upon our management and internal reporting structures, as well as the basis on which our chief operating decision maker makes resource-allocation decisions.

Effective with the January 7, 2021 close of the ION acquisition, we realigned our internal reporting structure and changed the reporting of our businesses’ operating results to reflect this new structure. Under the new structure, our operating results are reported under Local Media, Scripps Networks and Other segment captions.

Our Local Media segment includes our 61 local broadcast stations and their related digital operations. It is comprised of 18 ABC affiliates, 11 NBC affiliates, nine CBS affiliates and four FOX affiliates. We also have 12 CW affiliates - four on full power stations and eight on multicast; two MyNetworkTV affiliates; three independent stations and 10 additional low power stations. Our Local Media segment earns revenue primarily from the sale of advertising to local, national and political advertisers and retransmission fees received from cable operators, telecommunications companies and satellite carriers. We also receive retransmission fees from over-the-top virtual MVPDs such as Hulu, YouTubeTV and AT&T Now.

Our Scripps Networks segment is comprised of the ION national network, the Katz multicast networks and the Newsy national news network. These operations earn revenue primarily through the sale of advertising.

The operating results of our recently sold Triton business, and the other national businesses that were previously reported in our National Media segment, are aggregated with our remaining business activities in the Other segment caption.

Our respective business segment results reflect the impact of intercompany carriage agreements between our local broadcast television stations and our national networks. We also allocate a portion of certain corporate costs and expenses,

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including information technology, certain employee benefits and shared services to our business segments. These intercompany agreements and allocations are generally amounts agreed upon by management, which may differ from an arms-length amount.

Our chief operating decision maker evaluates the operating performance of our business segments and makes decisions about the allocation of resources to our business segments using a measure called segment profit. Segment profit excludes interest, defined benefit pension plan amounts, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, impairment charges, divested operating units, restructuring activities, investment results and certain other items that are included in net income (loss) determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Information regarding our business segments is as follows:

	Three Months Ended  March 31,
(in thousands)	2021		2020
Segment operating revenues:
Local Media	$	312,581	$	324,933
Scripps Networks	213,660		76,755
Other	18,121		15,664
Intersegment eliminations	(3,441)		(3,129)
Total operating revenues	$	540,921	$	414,223
Segment profit (loss):
Local Media	$	55,937	$	59,106
Scripps Networks	92,203		9,969
Other	3,281		4,191
Shared services and corporate	(18,921)		(18,654)
Acquisition and related integration costs	(28,645)		(4,910)
Restructuring costs	(7,050)		—
Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets	(39,507)		(27,345)
Gains (losses), net on disposal of property and equipment	(80)		(1,433)
Interest expense	(43,882)		(25,798)
Defined benefit pension plan income (expense)	7		(1,026)
Gains on sale of business	81,784		—
Gains (losses) on stock warrants	(67,244)		—
Miscellaneous, net	(4,851)		1,114
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	$	23,032	$	(4,786)
Depreciation:
Local Media	$	9,685	$	11,490
Scripps Networks	3,835		1,295
Other	249		185
Shared services and corporate	356		381
Total depreciation	$	14,125	$	13,351
Amortization of intangible assets:
Local Media	$	9,597	$	9,921
Scripps Networks	13,117		1,835
Other	2,147		1,900
Shared services and corporate	521		338
Total amortization of intangible assets	$	25,382	$	13,994
Additions to property and equipment:
Local Media	$	5,454	$	14,441
Scripps Networks	1,489		1,591
Other	430		223
Shared services and corporate	19		114
Total additions to property and equipment	$	7,392	$	16,369

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A disaggregation of the principal activities from which we generate revenue is as follows:

	Three Months Ended  March 31,
(in thousands)	2021		2020
Operating revenues:
Core advertising	$	361,303	$	235,821
Political	1,311		18,720
Retransmission and carriage fees	156,497		138,950
Other	21,810		20,732
Total operating revenues	$	540,921	$	414,223

14. Capital Stock

Capital Stock — We have two classes of common shares, Common Voting shares and Class A Common shares. The Class A Common shares are only entitled to vote on the election of the greater of three or one-third of the directors and other matters as required by Ohio law.

In connection with the January 7, 2021 closing of the ION acquisition, we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with Berkshire Hathaway Inc., ("Berkshire Hathaway"), pursuant to which Berkshire Hathaway provided $600 million of financing in exchange for 6,000 Series A Preferred Shares of the Company. The Preferred Shares, having a face value of $100,000 per share, are perpetual and will be redeemable at the option of the Company beginning on the fifth anniversary of issuance, and redeemable at the option of the holders in the event of a Change of Control (as defined in the terms of the Preferred Shares), in each case at a redemption price of 105% of the face value, plus accrued and unpaid dividends (whether or not declared). As long as the Company pays quarterly dividends in cash on the Preferred Shares, the dividend rate will be 8% per annum. If dividends on the Preferred Shares, which compound quarterly, are not paid in full in cash, the rate will increase to 9% per annum for the remaining period of time that the Preferred Shares are outstanding. Preferred stock dividends, effective through March 15, 2021, were paid in the first quarter totaling $9.1 million.

Share Repurchase Plan — Shares may be repurchased from time to time at management's discretion. Shares can be repurchased under an authorization via open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions, including accelerated stock repurchase transactions, block trades, or pursuant to trades intending to comply with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In November 2016, our Board of Directors authorized a repurchase program of up to $100 million of our Class A Common shares. We repurchased a total of $50.3 million of shares under this authorization prior to its expiration on March 1, 2020. In February 2020, our Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program of up to $100 million of our Class A Common shares through March 1, 2022. No shares were repurchased under either authorization during the three months ended March 31, 2021. Under the terms of the Preferred Shares, we are prohibited from paying dividends on and repurchasing our common shares until all Preferred Shares are redeemed.

15. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI") by component, including items reclassified out of AOCI, were as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2021
(in thousands)	Defined Benefit Pension Items		Other		Total
Beginning balance, December 31, 2020	$	(99,789)	$	(330)	$	(100,119)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	—		—		—
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax of $374(a)	1,187		18		1,205
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	1,187		18		1,205
Ending balance, March 31, 2021	$	(98,602)	$	(312)	$	(98,914)

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	Three Months Ended March 31, 2020
(in thousands)	Defined Benefit Pension Items		Other		Total
Beginning balance, December 31, 2019	$	(98,734)	$	(255)	$	(98,989)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	—		—		—
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax of $286(a)	902		6		908
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	902		6		908
Ending balance, March 31, 2020	$	(97,832)	$	(249)	$	(98,081)

(a) Actuarial gain (loss) is included in defined benefit pension plan expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

16. Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations

Stitcher

During the second quarter of 2020, our Board of Directors approved the sale of our Stitcher podcasting business. On July 10, 2020, we signed a definitive agreement to sell the business for $325 million, with $265 million of cash upfront; earnout of up to $30 million based on 2020 financial results and paid in 2021; and earnout of up to $30 million based on 2021 financial results and paid in 2022. The transaction closed on October 16, 2020.

Beginning in the second quarter of 2020, Stitcher was classified as discontinued operations in our condensed consolidated financial statements for all periods presented.

Operating results of our discontinued Stitcher operations were as follows:

	Three Months Ended  March 31,
(in thousands)	2021		2020
Operating revenues	$	—	$	17,128
Total costs and expenses	—		(22,802)
Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets	—		(570)
Other, net	2,686		—
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes	2,686		(6,244)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	622		(1,633)
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations	$	2,064	$	(4,611)

During the first quarter of 2021, the estimate for the contingent earnout consideration was increased by $2.7 million. The current fair value estimate for the contingent earnout consideration is $12.7 million.

Triton Digital

During the first quarter of 2021, our Board of Directors approved the sale of our Triton Digital business. On February 16, 2021, we signed a definitive agreement to sell the business and the transaction closed on March 31, 2021. The sale generated total net proceeds of $225 million and we recognized a pre-tax gain from disposition totaling $81.8 million.

WPIX

When we acquired the Nexstar-Tribune television stations in 2019, we granted Nexstar the option to repurchase WPIX, the CW-affiliated station in New York City. The option was exercisable from March 31, 2020, through the end of 2021, and was assignable by Nexstar to a third party. In July 2020, Nexstar assigned their option to repurchase WPIX to Mission Broadcasting, Inc., and Mission immediately exercised the option. The option price was $75 million plus accrued interest, to be calculated on the period between September 19, 2019, the purchase date of WPIX, and the option sale closing date. The transaction closed on December 30, 2020 for cash consideration of $83.7 million. Including interest income of $7.6 million, we recognized gains from the WPIX disposition totaling $6.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2020.

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

This discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based upon the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. You should read this discussion in conjunction with those financial statements.

Forward-Looking Statements

This document contains certain forward-looking statements related to the Company's businesses that are based on management’s current expectations. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties, including changes in advertising demand and other economic conditions that could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations expressed in forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this document and should be evaluated with the understanding of their inherent uncertainty. A detailed discussion of principal risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results and events to differ materially from such forward-looking statements is included in the section titled “Risk Factors.” Such Risk Factors include the potential materially adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s financial results or condition as a result of financial market volatility, government and regulatory actions, and disruptions to the Company’s businesses. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date the statement is made.

Executive Overview

The E.W. Scripps Company (“Scripps”) is a diverse media enterprise, serving audiences and businesses through a portfolio of local and national media brands. We are one of the nation's largest independent owners of local television stations, with 61 stations in 41 markets that reach about 25% of U.S. television households. We have affiliations with all of the “Big Four” television networks as well as the CW and MyNetworkTV networks. In our Scripps Networks division, we operate national brands including the ION national network, five national multicast networks - Bounce, Grit, Laff, Court TV and Court TV Mystery, and the next-generation national news network Newsy. We also operate an award-winning investigative reporting newsroom in Washington, D.C., and serve as the longtime steward of one of the nation's largest, most successful and longest-running educational programs, the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

We completed the acquisition of ION Media Networks, Inc. (“ION”) on January 7, 2021, for $2.65 billion. ION is a national broadcast television network that delivers popular crime and justice procedural programming to more than 100 million U.S. homes through its over-the-air broadcast and pay TV platforms. To comply with ownership rules of the Federal Communications Commission, we simultaneously divested 23 of ION's television stations, which were purchased by INYO Broadcast Holdings, LLC upon completion of the acquisition. These divested stations became independent affiliates of ION pursuant to long-term affiliation agreements. As a result of the acquisition and related divestitures, ION's programming is delivered through 48 owned and operated stations and 63 independent ION affiliated stations.

The acquisition of ION enables us to create a full-scale national television networks business. By combining ION with the Katz networks and Newsy, Scripps Networks reaches nearly every American through free over-the-air broadcast, cable/satellite, over-the-top and digital distribution, with multiple advertising-supported programming streams. The ION network airs on primary channels in its owned and operated markets and on digital subchannels in its affiliates’ markets. Our five Katz networks air on digital subchannels on our and other broadcast stations.

The ION transaction was financed with a combination of cash, debt financing and preferred equity financing, including Berkshire Hathaway's $600 million preferred equity investment in Scripps. Berkshire Hathaway did not receive any board seats or other governance rights with the preferred equity investment. Berkshire Hathaway also received a warrant to purchase up to 23.1 million Class A shares, at an exercise price of $13 per share.

We also announced plans to launch two new national television networks later in 2021. The two networks, which will be distributed for free to viewers over-the-air, will be demo-specific and reality-based and are expected to be available in at least 75% of U.S. television homes on their July 1, 2021 launch. One of the networks will target women in the 25-54 demographic and will feature off-network shows such as "Storage Wars," "Married at First Sight," "Hoarders," and "Little Women: LA." The other network will target men ages 25-54 and its programming will include off-network series such as "Pawn Stars," "Forged in Fire," "American Pickers," and "The Curse of Oak Island."

During the first quarter of 2021, the Company began notifying MVPDs carrying Newsy of our intent to exit cable and satellite distribution of the network later this year. In April 2021, we announced plans for the over-the-top national news network to launch on over the air television stations as well. At its planned launch in October, we anticipate that Newsy will be

F-21

available over-the-air in all major markets and in at least 80% of U.S. television homes. The network will be headquartered in Atlanta and will be carried primarily on the Scripps-owned ION stations and select Scripps local television stations and those of other station groups. In connection with this Newsy restructuring plan, we expect to incur costs related to relocating certain employees, exiting certain contractual agreements and writing down assets associated with existing cable and satellite provider relationships. We incurred a $7.1 million restructuring charge in the first quarter of 2021 for the write-downs of both capitalized carriage agreement payments and certain Newsy intangible assets.

During the first quarter of 2021, our Board of Directors approved the sale of our Triton business and we signed a definitive agreement to sell the business on February 16, 2021. The transaction closed on March 31, 2021 for total net proceeds of $225 million.

Results of Operations

The trends and underlying economic conditions affecting the operating performance and future prospects differ for each of our business segments. Accordingly, you should read the following discussion of our consolidated results of operations in conjunction with the discussion of the operating performance of our business segments that follows.

Consolidated Results of Operations

Consolidated results of operations were as follows:

	Three Months Ended  March 31,
(in thousands)	2021		Change		2020
Operating revenues	$	540,921	30.6	%	$	414,223
Cost of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization	(264,395)		14.0	%	(231,900)
Selling, general and administrative expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization	(144,026)		12.8	%	(127,711)
Acquisition and related integration costs	(28,645)				(4,910)
Restructuring costs	(7,050)				—
Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets	(39,507)				(27,345)
Gains (losses), net on disposal of property and equipment	(80)				(1,433)
Operating income	57,218				20,924
Interest expense	(43,882)				(25,798)
Defined benefit pension plan income (expense)	7				(1,026)
Gains on sale of business	81,784				—
Gains (losses) on stock warrants	(67,244)				—
Miscellaneous, net	(4,851)				1,114
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	23,032				(4,786)
Provision for income taxes	(19,529)				(2,412)
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	3,503				(7,198)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	2,064				(4,611)
Net income (loss)	$	5,567			$	(11,809)

On January 7, 2021, we acquired the national broadcast network ION. The inclusion of operating results from this business for the periods subsequent to the acquisition impacts the comparability of our consolidated and segment operating results.

Operating revenues increased $127 million or 31% for the first three months of 2021 when compared to the prior year quarter. Excluding the impact of ION, as well as the impact of the WPIX television station that was sold in the fourth quarter of 2020, operating revenues increased 5.0% year-over-year. Higher retransmission revenues in our Local Media group and overall growth in our legacy Scripps Networks operations contributed to the year-over-year increase. These revenue increases were partially offset by a decline in same-station political revenue of $16.6 million in this non-election year.

Costs of revenues, which are comprised of programming costs and costs associated with distributing our content, increased $32.5 million or 14% for the first three months of 2021 when compared to the prior year quarter. Programming costs,

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which represent the primary driver of fluctuation in costs of revenues, increased $37.0 million in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the prior year quarter. Excluding the impacts of the ION acquisition and the WPIX disposition, programming costs increased $15.9 million or 12% year-over-year as a result of higher network affiliation fees at our Local Media and Scripps Networks stations, reflecting contractual rate increases, as well as an increase in programming costs associated with our legacy Scripps Networks operations.

Selling, general and administrative expenses are primarily comprised of sales, marketing and advertising expenses, research costs and costs related to corporate administrative functions. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $16.3 million or 13% for the first three months of 2021 when compared to the prior year quarter, primarily attributed to incremental costs incurred related to the ION acquisition, as well as higher marketing and advertising costs for our legacy Scripps Networks businesses.

Acquisition and related integration costs of $28.6 million incurred in the first three months of 2021 primarily reflect investment banking, legal fees and professional service costs incurred to complete and integrate the ION acquisition, which closed on January 7, 2021.

Restructuring costs of $7.1 million incurred in the first three months of 2021 reflect charges incurred for the write-downs of both capitalized carriage agreement payments and certain Newsy intangible assets.

Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets increased from $27.3 million in 2020 to $39.5 million in 2021 primarily due to the acquisition of ION.

Interest expense increased in the first three months of 2021 due to the issuance of new debt to finance the ION acquisition, which included $550 million of senior secured notes, $500 million of senior unsecured notes and an $800 million term loan issued upon the close of the acquisition.

In the first quarter of 2021, we recognized an $81.8 million pre-tax gain from the disposition of the Triton business. The transaction closed on March 31, 2021 for total net proceeds of $225 million.

The first quarter of 2021 includes a $67.2 million non-cash charge related to our outstanding common stock warrant. The warrant obligation is marked-to-market each reporting period with the increase in our common stock price being the significant contributor to a higher valuation.

The effective income tax rate was 85% and (50)% for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Other differences between our effective income tax rate and the U.S. federal statutory rate are the impact of state taxes, foreign taxes, non-deductible expenses, changes in reserves for uncertain tax positions, excess tax benefits or expense from the exercise and vesting of share-based compensation awards ($1.3 million benefit in 2021 and $1.0 million expense in 2020), state deferred rate changes and state NOL valuation allowance changes ($1.2 million benefit in 2021 and $4 million expense in 2020). Additionally, in the first quarter of 2021, we had a net discrete tax provision charge of $17.1 million related to a taxable gain on the sale of our Triton business, and a $1.0 million discrete tax provision charge related to nondeductible transaction costs for the ION acquisition. Finally, a non-deductible expense of $70.7 million was recorded in the first quarter of 2021 related to issuance costs and unrealized losses on mark-to-market adjustments recorded on the common stock warrants issued in connection with the ION acquisition.

Discontinued Operations

Discontinued operations reflect the historical results of our Stitcher operations. During the second quarter of 2020, our Board of Directors approved the sale of our Stitcher podcasting business and we signed a definitive agreement for its sale on July 10, 2020. The transaction closed on October 16, 2020.

F-23

Business Segment Results — As discussed in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, our chief operating decision maker evaluates the operating performance of our business segments using a measure called segment profit. Segment profit excludes interest, defined benefit pension plan amounts, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, impairment charges, divested operating units, restructuring activities, investment results and certain other items that are included in net income (loss) determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Items excluded from segment profit generally result from decisions made in prior periods or from decisions made by corporate executives rather than the managers of the business segments. Depreciation and amortization charges are the result of decisions made in prior periods regarding the allocation of resources and are, therefore, excluded from the measure. Generally, our corporate executives make financing, tax structure and divestiture decisions. Excluding these items from measurement of our business segment performance enables us to evaluate business segment operating performance based upon current economic conditions and decisions made by the managers of those business segments in the current period.

Our respective business segment results reflect the impact of intercompany carriage agreements between our local broadcast television stations and our national networks. We also allocate a portion of certain corporate costs and expenses, including information technology, certain employee benefits and shared services to our business segments. These intercompany agreements and allocations are generally amounts agreed upon by management, which may differ from an arms-length amount. Corporate assets are primarily cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, property and equipment primarily used for corporate purposes and deferred income taxes.

Effective with the January 7, 2021 close of the ION acquisition, we realigned our internal reporting structure and changed the reporting of our businesses’ operating results to reflect this new structure. Under the new structure, our operating results are reported under Local Media, Scripps Networks and Other segment captions. The Scripps Networks segment is comprised of the ION national network, the Katz multicast networks and the Newsy national news network. The operating results of our recently sold Triton business, and the other national businesses that were previously reported in our National Media segment, are aggregated with our remaining business activities in the Other segment caption.

Information regarding the operating performance of our business segments and a reconciliation of such information to the condensed consolidated financial statements is as follows:

	Three Months Ended  March 31,
(in thousands)	2021		Change		2020
Segment operating revenues:
Local Media	$	312,581	(3.8)	%	$	324,933
Scripps Networks	213,660				76,755
Other	18,121		15.7	%	15,664
Intersegment eliminations	(3,441)		10.0	%	(3,129)
Total operating revenues	$	540,921	30.6	%	$	414,223
Segment profit (loss):
Local Media	$	55,937	(5.4)	%	$	59,106
Scripps Networks	92,203				9,969
Other	3,281		(21.7)	%	4,191
Shared services and corporate	(18,921)		1.4	%	(18,654)
Acquisition and related integration costs	(28,645)				(4,910)
Restructuring costs	(7,050)				—
Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets	(39,507)				(27,345)
Gains (losses), net on disposal of property and equipment	(80)				(1,433)
Interest expense	(43,882)				(25,798)
Defined benefit pension plan income (expense)	7				(1,026)
Gains on sale of business	81,784				—
Gains (losses) on stock warrants	(67,244)				—
Miscellaneous, net	(4,851)				1,114
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	$	23,032			$	(4,786)

F-24

Local Media — Our Local Media segment includes our 61 local broadcast stations and their related digital operations. It is comprised of 18 ABC affiliates, 11 NBC affiliates, nine CBS affiliates and four FOX affiliates. We also have 12 CW affiliates - four on full power stations and eight on multicast; two MyNetworkTV affiliates; three independent stations and 10 additional low power stations. Our Local Media segment earns revenue primarily from the sale of advertising to local, national and political advertisers and retransmission fees received from cable operators, telecommunications companies and satellite carriers. We also receive retransmission fees from over-the-top virtual MVPDs such as Hulu, YouTubeTV and AT&T Now.

National television networks offer affiliates a variety of programs and sell the majority of advertising within those programs. In addition to network programs, we broadcast internally produced local and national programs, syndicated programs, sporting events and other programs of interest in each station's market. News is the primary focus of our locally produced programming.

The operating performance of our Local Media group is most affected by local and national economic conditions, particularly conditions within the automotive and services categories, and by the volume of advertising purchased by campaigns for elective office and political issues. The demand for political advertising is significantly higher in the third and fourth quarters of even-numbered years.

Operating results for our Local Media segment were as follows:

	Three Months Ended  March 31,
(in thousands)	2021		Change		2020
Segment operating revenues:
Core advertising	$	152,138	(5.2)	%	$	160,522
Political	1,311				18,720
Retransmission and carriage fees	155,659		10.9	%	140,327
Other	3,473		(35.3)	%	5,364
Total operating revenues	312,581		(3.8)	%	324,933
Segment costs and expenses:
Employee compensation and benefits	106,828		(4.3)	%	111,596
Programming	110,330		7.9	%	102,273
Other expenses	39,486		(24.0)	%	51,958
Total costs and expenses	256,644		(3.5)	%	265,827
Segment profit	$	55,937	(5.4)	%	$	59,106

On December 30, 2020, we completed the sale of our WPIX television station. The exclusion of the station's operating results for the periods subsequent to the disposition impacts the comparability of our Local Media operating results.

Revenues

Total Local Media revenues decreased $12.4 million or 3.8% for the first three months of 2021 when compared to the prior year quarter. Excluding the impact of the WPIX disposition, Local Media revenues increased $9.9 million or 3.3% year-over-year. Increases in retransmission revenues on a same-station basis of $23.2 million were partially offset by decreases in political revenues during this non-election year. While retransmission revenues have been affected by subscriber losses by the MVPDs, particularly among satellite providers, rate increases have more than offset those subscriber declines. Core advertising revenues on a same-station basis increased $3.4 million or 2.3% when compared to the prior year quarter; however, we estimate that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic reduced our core advertising revenues by at least $8 million in the first quarter of 2020.

Costs and expenses

Employee compensation and benefits decreased $4.8 million or 4.3% for the first three months of 2021 when compared to the prior year quarter. Excluding the impact of the WPIX disposition, employee compensation and benefits increased $3.7 million or 3.6%. The increase in employee compensation and benefits is primarily attributed to higher bonus compensation year-over-year.

F-25

Programming expense increased $8.1 million or 7.9% for the first three months of 2021 when compared to the prior year quarter. Excluding the impact of the WPIX disposition, the expense increased $10.9 million or 11% reflecting the impact of higher network affiliation fees. Network affiliation fees have been increasing industry-wide due to higher rates on renewals, as well as contractual rate increases during the terms of the affiliation agreements.

Excluding the impact of the WPIX disposition, other expenses decreased $7.2 million or 15% in the first three months of 2021 when compared to the prior year quarter. In response to the weakened economic conditions created by COVID-19, we implemented various cost saving initiatives through general expense reductions in areas of travel, entertainment and marketing toward the end of the first quarter of 2020.

Scripps Networks — Our Scripps Networks segment is comprised of the operations of our national media businesses, including six national broadcast networks - ION, Bounce, Grit, Laff, Court TV and Court TV Mystery and next-generation national news network, Newsy. Our Scripps Networks group earns revenue primarily through the sale of advertising.

Operating results for our Scripps Networks segment were as follows:

	Three Months Ended  March 31,
(in thousands)	2021		Change		2020
Total operating revenues	$	213,660			$	76,755
Segment costs and expenses:
Employee compensation and benefits	23,637		74.6	%	13,536
Programming	61,627		90.3	%	32,392
Other expenses	36,193		73.5	%	20,858
Total costs and expenses	121,457		81.9	%	66,786
Segment profit	$	92,203			$	9,969

On January 7, 2021, we acquired the national broadcast network ION. The inclusion of operating results from this business for the periods subsequent to the acquisition impacts the comparability of our consolidated and segment operating results.

Revenues

Scripps Networks revenues, which are primarily comprised of advertising revenues, increased $137 million for the first three months of 2021 when compared to the prior year quarter. The amount of advertising revenue we earn is a function of the pricing negotiated with advertisers, the number of advertising spots sold and the audience impressions delivered. The impact of the ION acquisition and an overall high-teens percentage increase in year-over-year direct response adverting rates for our legacy Scripps Networks businesses were the primary drivers of the increase in revenues. Advertising rates in the latter half of the 2020 first quarter were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Costs and expenses

Employee compensation and benefits increased $10.1 million or 75% for the first three months of 2021 when compared to the prior year quarter. Full-time equivalent employees increased over 70% when compared to the first quarter of 2020, reflecting the impact of the ION acquisition and continued investment to support the growth of our legacy Scripps Networks' businesses. Higher year-over-year bonus compensation also contributed to the increase in employee compensation and benefits.

Programming expense increased $29.2 million or 90% for the first three months of 2021 when compared to the prior year quarter. Costs attributed to acquired ION programming and ION affiliation fees totaled $23.9 million for the first quarter of 2021. The remaining increase is primarily driven by higher affiliate fees reflecting both contractual rate increases and increased distribution across the legacy Scripps Networks' businesses.

Other expenses increased $15.3 million or 74% for the first three months of 2021 when compared to the prior year quarter. The increase primarily reflects incremental occupancy, marketing and other administrative costs related to the ION acquisition and $2.8 million of higher marketing, advertising and rating services costs attributed to our legacy Scripps Networks’ businesses.

F-26

Shared services and corporate

We centrally provide certain services to our business segments. Such services include accounting, tax, cash management, procurement, human resources, employee benefits and information technology. The business segments are allocated costs for such services at amounts agreed upon by management. Such allocated costs may differ from amounts that might be negotiated at arms-length. Costs for such services that are not allocated to the business segments are included in shared services and corporate costs. Shared services and corporate also includes unallocated corporate costs, such as costs associated with being a public company.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary source of liquidity is our available cash and borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility. Our primary source of cash is generated from our ongoing operations. Cash from operations can be affected by various risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the end of March 31, 2021, we had approximately $538 million of cash on hand and $393 million of additional borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility. Based on our current business plan, we believe our cash flow from operations will provide sufficient liquidity to meet the Company’s operating needs for the next 12 months.

Debt Covenants

Our term loans and our unsecured notes do not have maintenance covenants. The earliest maturity of our term loans and unsecured notes is the fourth quarter of 2024. Our revolving credit facility permits maximum leverage of 4.75 times the two-year average earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) as defined by our credit agreement, through second quarter of 2022, at which point it steps down to 4.5 times. Based upon our current outlook, we expect to be in compliance with that covenant.

Cash Flows - Operating Activities

Cash flows from operating activities for the three months ended March 31 are as follows:

	Three Months Ended  March 31,
(in thousands)	2021		2020
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	$	3,503	$	(7,198)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) from continuing operations to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	39,507		27,345
Losses (gains), net on disposal of property and equipment	80		1,433
Gains on sale of business	(81,784)		—
(Gains) losses on stock warrants	67,244		—
Programming assets and liabilities	(37,042)		(28,289)
Restructuring impairment charges	7,050		—
Deferred income taxes	6,951		16,305
Stock and deferred compensation plans	11,092		2,143
Pension expense, net of contributions	(5,987)		(4,034)
Other changes in certain working capital accounts, net	41,045		8,806
Miscellaneous, net	(1,565)		1,630
Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations	50,094		18,141
Net cash used in operating activities from discontinued operations	—		(4,440)
Net operating activities	$	50,094	$	13,701

F-27

In 2021 and 2020, cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations was $50.1 million and $18.1 million, respectively. The $32 million increase in cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations was attributable to a $78 million year-over-year increase in segment profit. This increase in cash flow was partially offset by a $5 million increase in interest paid and year-over-year cash outlay increase of $9 million for programming investments in excess of programming amortization. The increase in interest payments reflects the impact of the $800 million term loan B issued in January 2021 related to the ION acquisition.

Cash Flows - Investing Activities

Cash flows from investing activities for the three months ended March 31 are as follows:

	Three Months Ended  March 31,
(in thousands)	2021		2020
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	$	(2,679,798)	$	—
Proceeds from sale of Triton Digital, net of cash disposed	224,990		—
Acquisition of intangible assets	(430)		(525)
Additions to property and equipment	(4,139)		(16,165)
Purchase of investments	(1,263)		(3,087)
Proceeds from FCC repack	5,345		2,719
Miscellaneous, net	12		773
Net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations	(2,455,283)		(16,285)
Net cash used in investing activities from discontinued operations	—		(45)
Net investing activities	$	(2,455,283)	$	(16,330)

In 2021 and 2020, we used $2.5 billion and $16.3 million, respectively, in cash for investing activities from continuing operations. The primary factors affecting these cash flows for the periods presented are described below.

•In 2021, we acquired ION for $2.7 billion, net of cash acquired.

•In March 2021, we completed the sale of our Triton business for a total net proceeds of $225 million.

•Capital expenditures decreased $12 million reflecting both the year-over-year impacts of reduced FCC repack expenditures and timing of capital expenditure spend.

•In 2021, we contributed $1.3 million in cash to our investments.

•In 2021 and 2020, we received $5.3 million and $2.7 million, respectively, in reimbursement proceeds from the FCC repacking process.

In the repacking process associated with the incentive spectrum auction conducted by the FCC in 2017, the FCC has reassigned some stations to new post-auction channels. We do not expect reassignment to new channels to have a material impact on our stations' broadcast signals as viewed in their markets. Twenty-seven of our current full power stations (including nine from recent acquisitions) have been assigned to new channels. The legislation authorizing the incentive auction and repack provides the FCC with up to a $2.75 billion fund to reimburse reasonable costs incurred by stations that are reassigned to new channels in the repack. We expect the FCC fund will be sufficient to cover the costs we would expect to incur for the repack and that our only potential funding risks would be limited to any disagreements with the FCC over reimbursement of expenditures incurred. Reimbursements provided by the FCC are recognized as the cash is received.

We have spent $49.1 million to date on FCC repack. As of early July 2020, all full power stations were operating on their reassigned channels. We will incur incremental costs through the remainder of 2021 to complete work delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. We received reimbursement proceeds from the FCC of $5.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and have a remaining FCC repack receivable balance of $7.6 million as of March 31, 2021.

F-28

Cash Flows - Financing Activities

Cash flows from financing activities for the three months ended March 31 are as follows:

	Three Months Ended  March 31,
(in thousands)	2021		2020
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Net borrowings under revolving credit facility	$	—	$	175,000
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	800,000		—
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock	600,000		—
Payments on long-term debt	(4,653)		(2,653)
Payments on financing costs	(50,597)		—
Payments for capitalized preferred stock issuance costs	(11,526)		—
Dividends paid on common and preferred stock	(9,067)		(4,108)
Tax payments related to shares withheld for vested stock and RSUs	(6,369)		(2,266)
Miscellaneous, net	(415)		(16,574)
Net cash provided by financing activities from continuing operations	$	1,317,373	$	149,399

In 2021 and 2020, cash provided by financing activities from continuing operations was $1.3 billion and $149 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2021, we had no outstanding borrowings under our revolving credit facility. Other factors impacting our cash flows from financing activities from continuing operations are described below.

On January 7, 2021, we issued an $800 million term loan B, maturing in 2028, in connection with the closing of the ION acquisition. Additionally, we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with Berkshire Hathaway Inc., ("Berkshire Hathaway"), pursuant to which Berkshire Hathaway provided $600 million of financing in exchange for 6,000 Series A Preferred Shares of the Company. The Preferred Shares, having a face value of $100,000 per share, are perpetual and will be redeemable at the option of the Company beginning on the fifth anniversary of issuance, and redeemable at the option of the holders in the event of a Change of Control (as defined in the terms of the Preferred Shares), in each case at a redemption price of 105% of the face value, plus accrued and unpaid dividends (whether or not declared). Preferred stock dividends, effective through March 15, 2021, were paid in the first quarter totaling $9.1 million.

As of March 31, 2021, we have $1.95 billion of senior notes and $1.84 billion outstanding balance on our term loans. Our debt has required annual principal payments of $18.6 million.

In November 2020, our Board of Directors authorized a debt repurchase program pursuant to which we may reduce, through redemptions or open market purchases and retirement, a combination of the outstanding principal balance of our senior secured and senior unsecured notes, and the additional indebtedness incurred with the closing of the ION acquisition. The authorization permits an aggregate principal amount reduction of up to $500 million and expires on March 1, 2023.

In November 2016, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to $100 million of our Class A Common shares, which expired on March 1, 2020. In February 2020, our Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program of up to $100 million of our Class A Common shares through March 1, 2022. Shares can be repurchased under the authorization via open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions, including accelerated stock repurchase transactions, block trades, or pursuant to trades intended to comply with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. No shares were repurchased under either authorization during the first three months of 2021 and 2020. Under the terms of the Preferred Shares, we are prohibited from paying dividends on and repurchasing our common shares until all Preferred Shares are redeemed.

Other

We expect to contribute approximately $19.8 million during the remainder of 2021 to fund our qualified defined benefit pension plan and our SERPs in order to meet our funding requirements under the provisions of the Pension Funding Equity Act of 2004 and the Pension Protection Act of 2006.

F-29

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

There have been no material changes to the off-balance sheet arrangements disclosed in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

F-30

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires us to make a variety of decisions that affect reported amounts and related disclosures, including the selection of appropriate accounting principles and the assumptions on which to base accounting estimates. In reaching such decisions, we apply judgment based on our understanding and analysis of the relevant circumstances, including our historical experience, actuarial studies and other assumptions. We are committed to incorporating accounting principles, assumptions and estimates that promote the representational faithfulness, verifiability, neutrality and transparency of the accounting information included in the financial statements.

Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K describes the significant accounting policies we have selected for use in the preparation of our financial statements and related disclosures. An accounting policy is deemed to be critical if it requires an accounting estimate to be made based on assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain at the time the estimate is made and if different estimates that reasonably could have been used or changes in estimates that are likely to occur could materially change the financial statements. We believe the accounting for acquisitions, goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets and pension plans to be our most critical accounting policies and estimates. A detailed description of these accounting policies is included in the Critical Accounting Policies section of Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Recent Accounting Guidance

    Refer to Note 2. Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Standards of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q) for further discussion.

F-31

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Earnings and cash flow can be affected by, among other things, economic conditions and interest rate changes. We are also exposed to changes in the market value of our investments.

Our objectives in managing interest rate risk are to limit the impact of interest rate changes on our earnings and cash flows and to reduce overall borrowing costs. We may use derivative financial instruments to modify exposure to risks from fluctuations in interest rates. In accordance with our policy, we do not use derivative instruments unless there is an underlying exposure, and we do not hold or enter into financial instruments for speculative trading purposes.

We are subject to interest rate risk associated with our credit agreement, as borrowings bear interest at LIBOR plus respective fixed margin spreads or spreads determined relative to our Company’s leverage ratio. Accordingly, the interest we pay on our borrowings is dependent on interest rate conditions and the timing of our financing needs. With consideration for the LIBOR floor that is present in our term loans due in 2026 and 2028, a 100 basis point increase in LIBOR would increase annual interest expense on our variable rate borrowings by approximately $8.4 million.

The following table presents additional information about market-risk-sensitive financial instruments:

	As of March 31, 2021				As of December 31, 2020
(in thousands)	Cost Basis		Fair Value		Cost Basis		Fair Value
Financial instruments subject to interest rate risk:
Revolving credit facility	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Senior secured notes, due in 2029	550,000		541,063		550,000		573,375
Senior unsecured notes, due in 2025	400,000		409,000		400,000		409,000
Senior unsecured notes, due in 2027	500,000		516,875		500,000		522,500
Senior unsecured notes, due in 2031	500,000		498,125		500,000		525,800
Term loan, due in 2024	289,500		289,138		290,250		288,436
Term loan, due in 2026	749,757		747,414		751,660		745,083
Term loan, due in 2028	798,000		795,506		—		—
Long-term debt, including current portion	$	3,787,257	$	3,797,121	$	2,991,910	$	3,064,194
Financial instruments subject to market value risk:
Investments held at cost	$	4,745	(a)		$	4,564	(a)
(a) Includes securities that do not trade in public markets, thus the securities do not have readily determinable fair values. We estimate the fair value of these securities approximates their carrying value.

F-32

Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Scripps management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal controls designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:

1. pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company;

2. provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and the directors of the Company; and

3. provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations, including the possibility of human error, collusion and the improper overriding of controls by management. Accordingly, even effective internal control can only provide reasonable but not absolute assurance with respect to financial statement preparation. Further, because of changes in conditions, the effectiveness of internal control may vary over time.

The effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) was evaluated as of the date of the financial statements. This evaluation was carried out under the supervision of and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the design and operation of these disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

There were no changes to the Company's internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f)) during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting. On January 7, 2021, we completed the acquisition of the ION Media Networks, Inc., and have excluded the business from management's reporting on internal control over financial reporting, as permitted by SEC guidance, for the quarter ended March 31, 2021. ION has total assets of approximately $3.3 billion, or 49% of our total assets as of March 31, 2021, and revenues of $126 million, or 23% of our total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2021.

F-33

EX-31.A

Exhibit 31.A

Section 302 Certifications

Certification

I, Adam P. Symson, certify that:

1.I have reviewed this report on Form 10-Q of The E.W. Scripps Company;

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a.designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b.designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c.evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d.disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a.all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting that are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b.any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: May 10, 2021

BY: /s/ Adam P. Symson

Adam P. Symson

President and Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.B

Exhibit 31.B

Section 302 Certifications

Certification

I, Jason Combs, certify that:

1.I have reviewed this report on Form 10-Q of The E.W. Scripps Company;

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a.designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b.designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c.evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d.disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a.all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting that are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b.any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: May 10, 2021

BY: /s/ Jason Combs

Jason Combs

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer  

EX-32.A

Exhibit 32.A

Section 906 Certifications

Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act Of 2002

I, Adam P. Symson, President and Chief Executive Officer of The E.W. Scripps Company (the “Company”), hereby certify, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)The Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company for the period ended March 31, 2021 (the “Report”), which this certification accompanies, fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

BY: /s/ Adam P. Symson

Adam P. Symson

President and Chief Executive Officer

May 10, 2021

EX-32.B

Exhibit 32.B

Section 906 Certifications

Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act Of 2002

I, Jason Combs, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of The E.W. Scripps Company (the “Company”), hereby certify, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)The Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company for the period ended March 31, 2021 (the “Report”), which this certification accompanies, fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

BY: /s/ Jason Combs

Jason Combs

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

May 10, 2021

XML

Cover Page	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021 shares
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2021
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-10701
Entity Registrant Name	THE E.W. SCRIPPS COMPANY
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	OH
Entity Tax Identification Number	31-1223339
Entity Address, Address Line One	312 Walnut Street
Entity Address, City or Town	Cincinnati,
Entity Address, State or Province	OH
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	45202
City Area Code	513
Local Phone Number	977-3000
Title of 12(b) Security	Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
Trading Symbol	SSP
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Central Index Key	0000832428
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Common stock, Class A
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	70,349,196
Voting common stock
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	11,932,722

XML

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 538,185,000	$ 576,021,000
Cash restricted for pending acquisition	0	1,050,000,000
Accounts receivable (less allowances— $3,327 and $3,443)	495,895,000	429,017,000
FCC repack receivable	7,559,000	12,363,000
Miscellaneous	31,098,000	26,784,000
Total current assets	1,072,737,000	2,094,185,000
Investments	15,555,000	14,404,000
Property and equipment	397,858,000	343,920,000
Right-of-use assets	128,217,000	51,471,000
Goodwill	2,963,565,000	1,203,212,000
Other intangible assets	1,997,712,000	975,444,000
Programming	300,022,000	138,701,000
Miscellaneous	23,014,000	38,049,000
Total Assets	6,898,680,000	4,859,386,000
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	66,479,000	68,139,000
Unearned revenue	21,408,000	14,101,000
Current portion of long-term debt	18,612,000	10,612,000
Accrued liabilities:
Employee compensation and benefits	45,601,000	55,133,000
Programming liability	144,641,000	72,743,000
Accrued interest	24,201,000	16,514,000
Miscellaneous	40,259,000	85,588,000
Other current liabilities	70,609,000	35,626,000
Total current liabilities	431,810,000	358,456,000
Long-term debt (less current portion)	3,690,284,000	2,923,359,000
Deferred income taxes	347,347,000	85,844,000
Operating lease liabilities	120,731,000	42,097,000
Other liabilities (less current portion)	739,321,000	286,365,000
Equity:
Preferred stock	0	0
Preferred and Common Stock	409,033,000	817,000
Additional paid-in capital	1,133,366,000	1,130,789,000
Retained earnings	125,702,000	131,778,000
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes	(98,914,000)	(100,119,000)
Total equity	1,569,187,000	1,163,265,000
Total Liabilities and Equity	6,898,680,000	4,859,386,000
Common stock, Class A
Equity:
Common stock	704,000	698,000
Voting common stock
Equity:
Common stock	119,000	119,000
Series A preferred stock
Equity:
Preferred stock	$ 408,210,000	$ 0

XML

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 3,327	$ 3,443
Preferred stock, par value (USD per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	25,000,000	25,000,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value (USD per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Series A preferred stock
Preferred stock, par value (USD per share)	$ 100,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	6,000
Common stock, Class A
Common stock, shares authorized	240,000,000	240,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	70,349,196	69,794,917
Common stock, shares outstanding	70,349,196	69,794,917
Voting common stock
Common stock, shares authorized	60,000,000	60,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	11,932,722	11,932,722
Common stock, shares outstanding	11,932,722	11,932,722

XML

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Operating Revenues:
Total operating revenues	$ 540,921	$ 414,223
Operating Expenses:
Costs of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization	264,395	231,900
Selling, general and administrative expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization	144,026	127,711
Acquisition and related integration costs	28,645	4,910
Restructuring costs	7,050	0
Depreciation	14,125	13,351
Amortization of intangible assets	25,382	13,994
Losses (gains), net on disposal of property and equipment	80	1,433
Total operating expenses	483,703	393,299
Operating income	57,218	20,924
Interest expense	(43,882)	(25,798)
Defined benefit pension plan income (expense)	7	(1,026)
Gains on sale of business	81,784	0
Gains (losses) on stock warrants	(67,244)	0
Miscellaneous, net	(4,851)	1,114
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	23,032	(4,786)
Provision for income taxes	19,529	2,412
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	3,503	(7,198)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	2,064	(4,611)
Net income (loss)	5,567	(11,809)
Preferred stock dividends	(11,643)	0
Net loss attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company	$ (6,076)	$ (11,809)
Net income (loss) per basic share of common stock:
Income (loss) from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ (0.10)	$ (0.09)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	0.02	(0.06)
Net income (loss) per basic share of common stock (in dollars per share)	(0.07)	(0.15)
Net income (loss) per diluted share of common stock:
Income (loss) from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	(0.10)	(0.09)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	0.02	(0.06)
Net income (loss) per diluted share of common stock (in dollars per share)	$ (0.07)	$ (0.15)
Advertising
Operating Revenues:
Total operating revenues	$ 362,614	$ 254,541
Retransmission and carriage
Operating Revenues:
Total operating revenues	156,497	138,950
Other
Operating Revenues:
Total operating revenues	$ 21,810	$ 20,732

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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 5,567	$ (11,809)
Changes in defined benefit pension plans, net of tax of $374 and $286	1,187	902
Other	18	6
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to preferred and common stockholders	$ 6,772	$ (10,901)

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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Tax on changes in defined benefit plans	$ 374	$ 286

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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 5,567	$ (11,809)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	2,064	(4,611)
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	3,503	(7,198)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) from continuing operations to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	39,507	27,345
Losses (gains), net on disposal of property and equipment	80	1,433
Gains on sale of business	(81,784)	0
Gains (losses) on stock warrants	67,244	0
Programming assets and liabilities	(37,042)	(28,289)
Restructuring impairment charges	7,050	0
Deferred income taxes	6,951	16,305
Stock and deferred compensation plans	11,092	2,143
Pension expense, net of contributions	(5,987)	(4,034)
Other changes in certain working capital accounts, net	41,045	8,806
Miscellaneous, net	(1,565)	1,630
Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations	50,094	18,141
Net cash used in operating activities from discontinued operations	0	(4,440)
Net operating activities	50,094	13,701
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(2,679,798)	0
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses, Net of Cash Divested	224,990	0
Acquisition of intangible assets	(430)	(525)
Additions to property and equipment	(4,139)	(16,165)
Purchase of investments	(1,263)	(3,087)
Proceeds from FCC repack	5,345	2,719
Miscellaneous, net	12	773
Net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations	(2,455,283)	(16,285)
Net cash used in investing activities from discontinued operations	0	(45)
Net investing activities	(2,455,283)	(16,330)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Net borrowings under revolving credit facility	0	175,000
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	800,000	0
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock	600,000	0
Payments on long-term debt	(4,653)	(2,653)
Payments on financing costs	(50,597)	0
Payments for capitalized preferred stock issuance costs	(11,526)	0
Dividends paid on common and preferred stock	(9,067)	(4,108)
Tax payments related to shares withheld for vested stock and RSUs	(6,369)	(2,266)
Miscellaneous, net	(415)	(16,574)
Net cash provided by financing activities from continuing operations	1,317,373	149,399
Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	(20)	(111)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(1,087,836)	146,659
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of year	1,626,021	32,968
End of period	538,185	179,627
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures
Interest paid	29,354	24,833
Income taxes refunded (paid)		12
Income taxes refunded (paid)	(547)
Non-cash investing information
Capital expenditures included in accounts payable	$ 5,764	$ 1,187

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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Total	Preferred Stock	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) ("AOCI")
Equity, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2019		$ 897,935		$ 810	$ 1,117,095	$ (120,981)	$ (98,989)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Comprehensive income (loss)		(10,901)				(11,809)	908
Cash dividend: declared and paid - $0.05 per share		(4,108)				(4,108)
Compensation plans: shares issued	[1]	2,394		4	2,390
Equity, ending balance at Mar. 31, 2020		885,320		814	1,119,485	(136,898)	(98,081)
Equity, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2020		1,163,265		817	1,130,789	131,778	(100,119)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Comprehensive income (loss)		6,772				5,567	1,205
Issuance of preferred stock, net of discount and issuance costs		407,634	$ 407,634
Preferred stock dividends		(11,067)	576			(11,643)
Compensation plans: shares issued	[2]	2,583		6	2,577
Equity, ending balance at Mar. 31, 2021		$ 1,569,187	$ 408,210	$ 823	$ 1,133,366	$ 125,702	$ (98,914)

[1] Net of tax payments related to shares withheld for vested RSUs of $2,266 for the three months ended March 31, 2020.

[2] Net of tax payments related to shares withheld for vested RSUs of $6,369 for the three months ended March 31, 2021.

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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Preferred stock dividends (in dollars per share)	$ 1,511
Net shares issued	554,279	429,273
Common stock dividends declared (in dollars per share)		$ 0.05
Common stock dividends paid (in dollars per share)		$ 0.05
Tax payments related to shares withheld for vested stock and RSUs	$ 6,369	$ 2,266

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

As used in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, the terms “Scripps,” “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us” may, depending on the context, refer to The E.W. Scripps Company, to one or more of its consolidated subsidiary companies, or to all of them taken as a whole.

Basis of Presentation — The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. The interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto included in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K. In management's opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of the interim periods have been made.

Results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for future interim periods or for the full year.

Expense amounts that were previously reported under the captions “Employee compensation and benefits,” “Programming,” and “Other expenses” in our 2020 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations have been reclassified into line items captioned as either “Costs of revenues” or “Selling, general and administrative expenses.” Costs of revenues reflect the costs of providing our broadcast signals, programming and other content to respective distribution platforms. The costs captured within the costs of revenues caption include programming, content distribution, satellite transmission fees, production and operations and other direct costs. Selling, general and administrative expenses are primarily comprised of sales, marketing and advertising expenses, research costs, certain occupancy costs and other administrative costs.

Principles of Consolidation — The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and those of our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries and variable interest entities (VIEs) for which we are the primary beneficiary. We are the primary beneficiary of a VIE when we have the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive returns that would be significant to the VIE. Noncontrolling interest represents an owner’s share of the equity in certain of our consolidated entities. All intercompany transactions and account balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Investments in entities over which we have significant influence but not control are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Income from equity method investments represents our proportionate share of net income generated by equity method investees.

Nature of Operations — We are a diverse media enterprise, serving audiences and businesses through a portfolio of local and national television brands. All of our businesses provide content and services via digital platforms, including the Internet, smartphones and tablets. Our media businesses are organized into the following reportable business segments: Local Media, Scripps Networks and Other. Additional information for our business segments is presented in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Use of Estimates — Preparing financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires us to make a variety of decisions that affect the reported amounts and the related disclosures. Such decisions include the selection of accounting principles that reflect the economic substance of the underlying transactions and the assumptions on which to base accounting estimates. In reaching such decisions, we apply judgment based on our understanding and analysis of the relevant circumstances, including our historical experience, actuarial studies and other assumptions.

Our financial statements include estimates and assumptions used in accounting for our defined benefit pension plans; the periods over which long-lived assets are depreciated or amortized; the fair value of long-lived assets, goodwill and indefinite lived assets; the liability for uncertain tax positions and valuation allowances against deferred income tax assets; the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations; and self-insured risks.

While we re-evaluate our estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis, actual results could differ from those estimated at the time of preparation of the financial statements.

Nature of Products and Services — The following is a description of principal activities from which we generate revenue.

Core Advertising — Core advertising is comprised of sales to local and national customers. The advertising includes a combination of broadcast airtime, as well as digital advertising. Pricing of advertising time is based on audience size and share, the demographic of our audiences and the demand for our limited inventory of commercial time. Advertising time is sold through a combination of local sales staff and national sales representative firms. Digital revenues are primarily generated from the sale of advertising to local and national customers on our local television websites, smartphone apps, tablet apps and other platforms.

Political Advertising — Political advertising is generally sold through our Washington D.C. sales office. Advertising is sold to presidential, gubernatorial, Senate and House of Representative candidates, as well as for state and local issues. It is also sold to political action groups (PACs) or other advocacy groups.

Retransmission Revenues — We earn revenue from retransmission consent agreements with multi-channel video programming distributors (“MVPDs”) in our markets. The MVPDs are cable operators and satellite carriers who pay us to offer our programming to their customers. We also receive fees from over-the-top virtual MVPDs such as Hulu, YouTubeTV and AT&T Now. The fees we receive are typically based on the number of subscribers in our local market and the contracted rate per subscriber.

Other Products and Services — We derive revenue from sponsorships and community events through our Local Media segment. Our Scripps Networks segment offers subscription services for access to premium content to its customers.

Refer to Note 13.Segment Information for further information, including revenue by significant product and service offering.

Revenue Recognition — Revenue is measured based on the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for promised goods or services provided to customers, and excludes any amounts collected on behalf of third parties. Revenue is recognized upon transfer of control of promised products or services to customers.

Advertising — Advertising revenue is recognized, net of agency commissions, over time primarily as ads are aired or impressions are delivered and any contracted audience guarantees are met. We apply the practical expedient to recognize revenue at the amount we have the right to invoice, which corresponds directly to the value a customer has received relative to our performance. For advertising sold based on audience guarantees, audience deficiency may result in an obligation to deliver additional advertisements to the customer. To the extent that we do not satisfy contracted audience ratings, we record deferred revenue until such time that the audience guarantee has been satisfied.

Retransmission — Retransmission revenues are considered licenses of functional intellectual property and are recognized at the point in time the content is transferred to the customer. MVPDs report their subscriber numbers to us generally on a 30- to 90-day lag. Prior to receiving the MVPD reporting, we record revenue based on estimates of the number of subscribers, utilizing historical levels and trends of subscribers for each MVPD.

Other — Revenues generated by our Triton business are recognized on a ratable basis over the contract term as the monthly service is provided to the customer.

Contract Balances — Timing of revenue recognition may differ from the timing of invoicing to customers. We record a receivable when revenue is recognized prior to invoicing, or unearned revenue when revenue is recognized subsequent to invoicing.

Payment terms may vary by contract type, although our terms generally include a requirement of payment within 30 to 90 days. In instances where the timing of revenue recognition differs from the timing of invoicing, we have determined our contracts do not include a significant financing component. The primary purpose of our invoicing terms is to provide customers with simplified and predictable ways of purchasing our products and services, not to receive financing from our customers.

The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects our best estimate of probable losses inherent in the accounts receivable balance. We estimate the allowance based on expected credit losses, including our historical experience of actual losses and known troubled accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts totaled $3.3 million at March 31, 2021 and $3.4 million at December 31, 2020.

We record unearned revenue when cash payments are received in advance of our performance. We generally require amounts payable under advertising contracts with political advertising customers to be paid in advance. Unearned revenue totaled $21.4 million at March 31, 2021 and is expected to be recognized within revenue over the next 12 months. Unearned revenue totaled $14.1 million at December 31, 2020. We recorded $4.4 million of revenue in the three months ended March 31, 2021 that was included in unearned revenue at December 31, 2020.

Leases — We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets, other current liabilities and operating lease liabilities in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

ROU assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at the commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As the implicit rate is not readily determinable for most of our leases, we use our incremental borrowing rate when determining the present value of lease payments. The incremental borrowing rate represents an estimate of the interest rate we would incur at lease commencement to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments on a collateralized basis over the term of the lease. The operating lease ROU asset also includes any payments made at or before commencement and is reduced by any lease incentives. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Share-Based Compensation — We have a Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) which is described more fully in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Plan provides for the award of incentive and nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units (RSUs) and unrestricted Class A Common shares and performance units to key employees and non-employee directors.

Share-based compensation costs totaled $8.3 million and $4.2 million for the first quarter of 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) — Unvested awards of share-based payments with rights to receive dividends or dividend equivalents, such as our RSUs, are considered participating securities for purposes of calculating EPS. Under the two-class method, we allocate a portion of net income to these participating securities and, therefore, exclude that income from the calculation of EPS for common stock. We do not allocate losses to the participating securities.

The following table presents information about basic and diluted weighted-average shares outstanding:

	Three Months Ended  March 31,
(in thousands)	2021		2020
Numerator (for basic and diluted earnings per share)
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	$	3,503	$	(7,198)
Less preferred stock dividends	(11,643)		—
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share	$	(8,140)	$	(7,198)
Denominator
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding	81,902		81,077
Effect of dilutive securities:
Restricted stock units	—		—
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding	81,902		81,077

For the three month periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, we incurred a net loss and the inclusion of RSUs would have been anti-dilutive. The March 31, 2021 and 2020 diluted EPS calculations exclude the effect from 2.4 million and 2.2 million, respectively, of outstanding RSUs that were anti-dilutive.

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Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Standards	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Standards	Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Standards Recently Issued Accounting Standards — In March 2020, the FASB issued new guidance that provides optional expedients and exceptions to certain accounting requirements to facilitate the transition away from the use of the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and other interbank offered rates. The guidance is effective as of March 12, 2020 and will apply through December 31, 2022 to all entities, subject to meeting certain criteria, that have contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. We will evaluate transactions or contract modifications occurring as a result of reference rate reform to determine whether to apply the optional guidance on an ongoing basis.

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Acquisitions

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Acquisitions

Acquisitions

ION Acquisition

On January 7, 2021, we completed the acquisition of national broadcast network ION Media Networks, Inc. ("ION") for $2.65 billion. ION is a national network of broadcast stations and is the largest holder of U.S. broadcast television spectrum. The business distributes its programming through owned Federal Communications Commission-licensed television stations as well as affiliated TV stations, reaching 100 million of U.S. homes through its over-the-air broadcast and pay TV platforms. With the acquisition of ION, we created a full-scale national television networks business by combining the ION network with the five Katz networks and national news network, Newsy.

The transaction was financed with a combination of cash, debt financing and preferred equity financing, including Berkshire Hathaway's $600 million preferred equity investment in Scripps. Berkshire Hathaway also received a warrant to purchase up to 23.1 million Class A shares, at an exercise price of $13 per share.

To comply with ownership rules of the Federal Communications Commission, we simultaneously divested 23 of ION's television stations for a total consideration of $30 million, which were purchased by INYO Broadcast Holdings, LLC upon completion of the acquisition. These divested stations became independent affiliates of ION pursuant to long-term affiliation agreements.

The following table summarizes the net cash consideration for the ION transaction.

(in thousands)
Total purchase price	$	2,650,000
Plus: Cash acquired	14,493
Plus: Working capital	59,798
Total transaction gross cash consideration	2,724,291
Less: Proceeds from ION stations divested	(30,000)
Total transaction net cash consideration	2,694,291
Less: Cash acquired	(14,493)
Total consideration, net of cash acquired	$	2,679,798

The following table summarizes the preliminary fair values of the ION assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the closing date.

(in thousands)
Accounts receivable	$	133,559
Other current assets	4,033
Programming rights	169,027
Property and equipment	63,073
Operating lease right-of-use assets	72,717
Other assets	4,513
Goodwill	1,846,329
Indefinite-lived intangible assets - FCC licenses	433,700
Amortizable intangible assets:
INYO affiliation agreement	433,000
Other affiliation relationships	25,000
Advertiser relationships	139,000
Trade names	72,000
Accounts payable	(9,677)
Unearned revenue	(13,043)
Accrued expenses	(27,083)
Current portion of programming liabilities	(92,721)
Other current liabilities	(8,373)
Programming liabilities	(191,837)
Deferred tax liabilities	(266,389)
Operating lease liabilities	(78,000)
Other long-term liabilities	(29,030)
Total consideration, net of cash acquired	$	2,679,798

Of the value allocated to amortizable intangible assets, the INYO affiliation agreement has an estimated amortization period of 20 years, advertiser relationships have an estimated amortization period of 10 years, other affiliation relationships have an estimated amortization period of 12 years and the value allocated to trade names has an estimated amortization period of 10 years.

The goodwill of $1.8 billion arising from the transactions consists largely of synergies, economies of scale and other benefits of a larger national broadcast footprint and becoming the largest holder of broadcast spectrum. We allocated the goodwill to our Scripps Networks segment. The transaction is accounted for as a stock acquisition which applies carryover tax basis to the assets and liabilities acquired. The goodwill is not deductible for income tax purposes.

From the January 7, 2021 acquisition date through March 31, 2021, revenues from ION's operations of $126 million have been included in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Acquisition and integration costs related to the transaction, including legal and professional fees and severance costs, totaled $26.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021.

KCDO Television Station

On November 20, 2020, we closed on the acquisition of the KCDO television station in the Denver, Colorado market. Included in the sale was KSBS-CD, a low power translator of KCDO. Total consideration for the transaction totaled $9.6 million. The preliminary purchase price allocated $6.9 million to the acquired FCC license, $1.7 million to goodwill, $0.9 million to property and equipment and the remainder was allocated to various working capital accounts.

Pro forma results of operations

Pro forma results of operations, assuming the ION acquisition had taken place at the beginning of 2020, are presented in the following table. The pro forma results do not include KCDO, as the impact of this acquisition, individually or in the aggregate, is not material to prior year results of operations. The pro forma information includes the historical results of operations of Scripps and ION (excluding the results of the divested stations sold to INYO), as well as adjustments for additional depreciation and amortization of the assets acquired, additional interest expense related to the financing of the transactions and other transactional adjustments. The pro forma results do not include efficiencies, cost reductions or synergies expected to result from the acquisitions. The unaudited pro forma financial information is not necessarily indicative of the results that actually would have occurred had the acquisitions been completed at the beginning of the period.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands, except per share data) (unaudited)	2021		2020
Operating revenues	$	547,643	$	559,436
Net income (loss) attributable to Scripps shareholders	13,009		(15,146)
Net income (loss) per share:
Basic	$	0.15	$	(0.19)
Diluted	0.15		(0.19)

Pro forma results in 2020 include $35.6 million of non-recurring transaction related costs. The pro forma results in 2021 reflect a $26.2 million reversal of ION transaction costs incurred that are already being captured in the 2020 pro forma results.

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Asset Write-Downs and Other Charges and Credits

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]

Asset Write-Downs and Other Charges and Credits

Asset Write-Downs and Other Charges and Credits

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes was affected by the following:

2021 - Acquisition and related integration costs of $28.6 million in the first quarter of 2021 primarily reflect investment banking, legal fees and professional service costs incurred to complete and integrate the ION Media Networks, Inc. acquisition, which closed on January 7, 2021.

Restructuring costs totaled $7.1 million in the first quarter of 2021. In connection with the Newsy restructuring plan, we incurred charges for the write-downs of both capitalized carriage agreement payments and certain Newsy intangible assets.

During the first quarter of 2021, we completed the sale of our Triton business. The sale generated total net proceeds of $225 million and we recognized a pre-tax gain from disposition totaling $81.8 million.

The first quarter of 2021 includes a $67.2 million non-cash charge related to our outstanding common stock warrant. The warrant obligation is marked-to-market each reporting period with the increase in our common stock price being the significant contributor to a higher valuation.

2020 - Acquisition and related integration costs of $4.9 million in the first quarter of 2020 reflect contract termination costs and professional service costs incurred to integrate the Cordillera and Nexstar-Tribune television stations.

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Income Taxes

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

We file a consolidated federal income tax return, consolidated unitary tax returns in certain states and other separate state income tax returns for our subsidiary companies.

The income tax provision for interim periods is generally determined based upon the expected effective income tax rate for the full year and the tax rate applicable to certain discrete transactions in the interim period. To determine the annual effective income tax rate, we must estimate both the total income (loss) before income tax for the full year and the jurisdictions in which that income (loss) is subject to tax. The actual effective income tax rate for the full year may differ from these estimates if income (loss) before income tax is greater than or less than what was estimated or if the allocation of income (loss) to jurisdictions in which it is taxed is different from the estimated allocations. We review and adjust our estimated effective

income tax rate for the full year each quarter based upon our most recent estimates of income (loss) before income tax for the full year and the jurisdictions in which we expect that income will be taxed.

The effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 was 85% and (50)%, respectively. Differences between our effective income tax rate and the U.S. federal statutory rate are the impact of state taxes, foreign taxes, non-deductible expenses, changes in reserves for uncertain tax positions, excess tax benefits or expense from the exercise and vesting of share-based compensation awards ($1.3 million benefit in 2021 and $1.0 million expense in 2020), state deferred rate changes and state NOL valuation allowance changes ($1.2 million benefit in 2021 and $4.0 million expense in 2020). Additionally, in the first quarter of 2021, we had a net discrete tax provision charge of $17.1 million related to a taxable gain on the sale of the Triton business, and a $1.0 million discrete tax provision charge related to nondeductible transaction costs for the ION acquisition. Finally, a non-deductible expense of $70.7 million was recorded in the first quarter of 2021 related to issuance costs and unrealized losses on mark-to-market adjustments recorded on the common stock warrants issued in connection with the ION acquisition.

We recognize state NOL carryforwards as deferred tax assets, subject to valuation allowances. At each balance sheet date, we estimate the amount of carryforwards that are not expected to be used prior to expiration of the carryforward period. The tax effect of the carryforwards that are not expected to be used prior to their expiration is included in the valuation allowance.

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Restricted Cash	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Restricted Cash	Restricted CashAt December 31, 2020, our cash and cash equivalents included $1.1 billion held in a restricted cash account for the ION Media Networks, Inc. ("ION") acquisition. The restricted balance represents the senior secured notes and senior unsecured notes proceeds that were segregated as financing for the January 7, 2021 closing of the ION acquisition. Refer to Note 9. Long-Term Debt and Note 3. Acquisitions for further information on the $550 million senior secured notes and $500 million senior unsecured notes that were issued on December 30, 2020. At March 31, 2021, no cash was held in a restricted cash account.

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Leases

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Leases [Abstract]

Leases

Leases

We have operating leases for office space, data centers and certain equipment. Our leases have remaining lease terms of 1 year to 20 years, some of which may include options to extend the leases for up to 5 years, and some of which may include options to terminate the leases within 1 year. Operating lease costs recognized in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 totaled $5.9 million and $4.9 million, including short-term lease costs of $0.5 million and $0.2 million, respectively.

Other information related to our operating leases was as follows:

(in thousands, except lease term and discount rate)	As of  March 31,  2021			As of  December 31,  2020
Balance Sheet Information
Right-of-use assets	$	128,217		$	51,471
Other current liabilities	19,396			9,623
Operating lease liabilities	120,731			42,097
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term
Operating leases	8.82 years			7.64 years
Weighted Average Discount Rate
Operating leases	4.33		%	5.96		%

	Three Months Ended  March 31,
(in thousands)	2021		2020
Supplemental Cash Flows Information
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities	$	4,875	$	4,178
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations	5,980		410

Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases as of March 31, 2021 were as follows:

(in thousands)	Operating Leases
Remainder of 2021	$	23,470
2022	26,005
2023	21,735
2024	18,924
2025	14,917
Thereafter	62,886
Total future minimum lease payments	167,937
Less: Imputed interest	(27,810)
Total	$	140,127

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Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill consisted of the following:

(in thousands)	Local Media		Scripps Networks		Other		Total
Gross balance as of December 31, 2020	$	1,122,408	$	232,742	$	85,976	$	1,441,126
Accumulated impairment losses	(216,914)		(21,000)		—		(237,914)
Net balance as of December 31, 2020	$	905,494	$	211,742	$	85,976	$	1,203,212
Gross balance as of March 31, 2021	$	1,122,408	$	2,079,071	$	—	$	3,201,479
Accumulated impairment losses	(216,914)		(21,000)		—		(237,914)
Net balance as of March 31, 2021	$	905,494	$	2,058,071	$	—	$	2,963,565

Other intangible assets consisted of the following:

(in thousands)	As of  March 31,  2021		As of  December 31,  2020
Amortizable intangible assets:
Carrying amount:
Television affiliation relationships	$	1,074,244	$	616,244
Customer lists and advertiser relationships	213,400		102,900
Other	132,092		104,445
Total carrying amount	1,419,736		823,589
Accumulated amortization:
Television affiliation relationships	(127,490)		(113,950)
Customer lists and advertiser relationships	(53,871)		(53,232)
Other	(31,178)		(37,778)
Total accumulated amortization	(212,539)		(204,960)
Net amortizable intangible assets	1,207,197		618,629
Indefinite-lived intangible assets — FCC licenses	790,515		356,815
Total other intangible assets	$	1,997,712	$	975,444

Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for each of the next five years is $67.7 million for the remainder of 2021, $88.6 million in 2022, $83.5 million in 2023, $82.1 million in 2024, $80.4 million in 2025, $77.4 million in 2026 and $727.5 million in later years.

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Long-Term Debt

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt consisted of the following:

(in thousands)	As of  March 31,  2021		As of  December 31,  2020
Revolving credit facility	$	—	$	—
Senior secured notes, due in 2029	550,000		550,000
Senior unsecured notes, due in 2025	400,000		400,000
Senior unsecured notes, due in 2027	500,000		500,000
Senior unsecured notes, due in 2031	500,000		500,000
Term loan, due in 2024	289,500		290,250
Term loan, due in 2026	749,757		751,660
Term loan, due in 2028	798,000		—
Total outstanding principal	3,787,257		2,991,910
Less: Debt issuance costs and issuance discounts	(78,361)		(57,939)
Less: Current portion	(18,612)		(10,612)
Net carrying value of long-term debt	$	3,690,284	$	2,923,359
Fair value of long-term debt *	$	3,797,121	$	3,064,194

* Fair values of the 2025, 2027, 2029 and 2031 Senior Notes are estimated based on quoted private market transactions and are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair values of the term loans are based on observable estimates provided by third party financial professionals, and as such, are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Scripps Senior Secured Credit Agreement

On January 7, 2021, we entered into the Sixth Amendment to the Third Amended Restated Credit Agreement ("Sixth Amendment"). Under the Sixth Amendment, the capacity of our Revolving Credit Facility was increased from $210 million to $400 million. Additionally, the Sixth Amendment extended the facility's maturity date to the earlier of January 2026 or 91 days prior to the stated maturity date for any of our existing loans and our existing unsecured notes that mature within the facility's term. Commitment fees of 0.30% to 0.50% per annum, based on our leverage ratio, of the total unused commitment are payable under the Revolving Credit Facility. Interest is payable on the Revolving Credit Facility at rates based on LIBOR, plus a margin based on our leverage ratio, ranging from 1.75% to 2.50%. As of March 31, 2021, we had no borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we had outstanding letters of credit totaling $6.8 million and $6.0 million, respectively, under the Revolving Credit Facility.

On October 2, 2017, we issued a $300 million term loan B which matures in October 2024 ("2024 term loan"). Interest is currently payable on the 2024 term loan at a rate based on LIBOR, plus a fixed margin of 2.00%. Interest will reduce to a rate of LIBOR plus a fixed margin of 1.75% if the Company’s total net leverage, as defined by the amended agreement, is below 2.75. The 2024 term loan requires annual principal payments of $3 million.

As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the interest rate on the 2024 term loan was 2.11% and 2.15%, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate was 2.13% and 3.67% for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

On May 1, 2019, we entered into a Fourth Amendment to the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement ("Fourth Amendment"). Under the Fourth Amendment, we issued a $765 million term loan B ("2026 term loan") that matures in May 2026. Interest is currently payable on the 2026 term loan at a rate based on LIBOR, plus a fixed margin of 2.56%. The 2026 term loan requires annual principal payments of $7.6 million. Deferred financing costs and original issuance discount totaled approximately $23.0 million with this term loan, which are being amortized over the life of the loan.

As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the interest rate on the 2026 term loan was 3.31% and 2.65%, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on the term loan was 3.26% and 4.17% for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Under the Sixth Amendment, we also issued an $800 million term loan B that contributed to the financing of the ION acquisition. The term loan matures in 2028 with interest payable at rates based on LIBOR, plus a fixed margin of 3.00%. Additionally, the Sixth Amendment provided that the LIBOR rate could not be less than 0.75% for our term loans that mature in 2026 and 2028. The 2028 term loan requires annual principal payments of $8.0 million. We incurred deferred financing costs totaling $23.4 million related to this term loan and the amendment to the Revolving Credit Facility, which are being amortized over the life of the term loan.

As of March 31, 2021, the interest rate on the 2028 term loan was 3.75%. The weighted-average interest rate on the term loan was 3.75% for the three months ended March 31, 2021.

The Senior Secured Credit Agreement contains covenants that limit our ability to incur additional debt and provides for restrictions on certain payments (dividends and share repurchases). Additionally, we must be in compliance with certain leverage ratios in order to proceed with acquisitions. Our credit agreement also includes a provision that in certain circumstances we must use a portion of excess cash flow to repay debt. We granted the lenders pledges of our equity interests in our subsidiaries and security interests in substantially all other personal property including cash, accounts receivables and equipment. In addition, the Revolving Credit Facility contains a covenant to comply with a maximum first lien net leverage ratio of 4.75 to 1.0 when we have outstanding borrowings on the facility. As of March 31, 2021, we were in compliance with our financial covenants.

2029 Senior Secured Notes

On December 30, 2020, we issued $550 million of senior secured notes (the "2029 Senior Notes"), which bear interest at a rate of 3.875% per annum and mature on January 15, 2029. The proceeds of the 2029 Senior Notes were deposited into a segregated escrow account. The escrow account was subsequently released on January 7, 2021 and used toward the financing of the ION acquisition (See Note 3). The 2029 Senior Notes were priced at 100% of par value and interest is payable semi-annually on January 15 and July 15, commencing on July 15, 2021. Prior to January 15, 2024 we may redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2029 Senior Notes at a redemption price of 103.875% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption. We may also redeem some or all of the 2029 Senior Notes before January 15, 2024 at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date plus a "make whole" premium. On or after January 15, 2024 and before January 15, 2026, we may redeem the notes, in whole or in part, at applicable redemption prices noted in the indenture agreement. If we sell certain of our assets or have a change of control, the holders of the 2029 Senior Notes may require us to repurchase some or all of the notes. Our credit agreement also includes a provision that in certain circumstances we must use a portion of excess cash flow to repay debt. The 2029 Senior Notes are guaranteed by us and the majority our subsidiaries and are secured on equal footing with the obligations under the Senior Secured Credit Agreement. Following the release of the proceeds from escrow on January 7, 2021, the notes became secured, on a first lien basis, from pledges of equity interests in our subsidiaries and by substantially all of the existing and future assets of Scripps. The 2029 Senior Notes contain covenants with which we must comply that are typical for borrowing transactions of this nature.

We incurred approximately $13.8 million of deferred financing costs in connection with the issuance of the 2029 Senior Notes, which are being amortized over the life of the notes.

2025 Senior Unsecured Notes

On April 28, 2017, we issued $400 million of senior unsecured notes (the "2025 Senior Notes"), which bear interest at a rate of 5.125% per annum and mature on May 15, 2025. The 2025 Senior Notes were priced at 100% of par value and interest is payable semi-annually on May 15 and November 15. On or after May 15, 2020 and before May 15, 2023, we may redeem the notes, in whole or in part, at applicable redemption prices noted in the indenture agreement. If we sell certain assets or have a change of control, the holders of the 2025 Senior Notes may require us to repurchase some or all of the notes. The 2025 Senior Notes are also guaranteed by us and the majority our subsidiaries. The 2025 Senior Notes contain covenants with which we must comply that are typical for borrowing transactions of this nature.

We incurred approximately $7.0 million of deferred financing costs in connection with the issuance of the 2025 Senior Notes, which are being amortized over the life of the notes.

On April 15, 2021, we announced our intention to redeem the 2025 Senior Notes on May 15, 2021. The redemption price of the notes will be equal to 102.563% of the aggregate principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest up to the redemption date. The notes will be redeemed with cash on hand.

2027 Senior Unsecured Notes

On July 26, 2019, we issued $500 million of senior unsecured notes, which bear interest at a rate of 5.875% per annum and mature on July 15, 2027 ("the 2027 Senior Notes"). The 2027 Senior Notes were priced at 100% of par value and interest is payable semi-annually on July 15 and January 15. Prior to July 15, 2022, we may redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2027 Senior Notes at a redemption price of 105.875% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption. We may also redeem some or all of the notes before July 15, 2022 at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date plus a "make whole" premium. On or after July 15, 2022 and before July 15, 2025, we may redeem the notes, in whole or in part, at applicable redemption prices noted in the indenture agreement. If we sell certain of our assets or have a change of control, the holders of the 2027 Senior Notes may require us to repurchase some or all of the notes. The 2027 Senior Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by certain of our existing and future domestic restricted subsidiaries. The 2027 Senior Notes contain covenants with which we must comply that are typical for borrowing transactions of this nature. There are no registration rights associated with the 2027 Senior Notes.

We incurred approximately $10.7 million of deferred financing costs in connection with the issuance of the 2027 Senior Notes, which are being amortized over the life of the notes.

2031 Senior Unsecured Notes

On December 30, 2020, we issued $500 million of senior unsecured notes (the "2031 Senior Notes"), which bear interest at a rate of 5.375% per annum and mature on January 15, 2031. The proceeds of the 2031 Senior Notes were deposited into a segregated escrow account. The escrow account was subsequently released on January 7, 2021 and used toward the financing of the ION acquisition (See Note 3). The 2031 Senior Notes were priced at 100% of par value and interest is payable semi-annually on January 15 and July 15, commencing on July 15, 2021. Prior to January 15, 2024 we may redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2031 Senior Notes at a redemption price of 105.375% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption. We may also redeem some or all of the 2031 Senior Notes before January 15, 2026 at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date plus a "make whole" premium. On or after January 15, 2026 and before January 15, 2029, we may redeem the notes, in whole or in part, at applicable redemption prices noted in the indenture agreement. If we sell certain of our assets or have a change of control, the holders of the 2031 Senior Notes may require us to repurchase some or all of the notes. The 2031 Senior Notes are also guaranteed by us and the majority our subsidiaries. The 2031 Senior Notes contain covenants with which we must comply that are typical for borrowing transactions of this nature.

We incurred approximately $12.5 million of deferred financing costs in connection with the issuance of the 2031 Senior Notes, which are being amortized over the life of the notes.

Debt Repurchase Authorization

In November 2020, our Board of Directors authorized a debt repurchase program pursuant to which we may reduce, through redemptions or open market purchases and retirement, a combination of the outstanding principal balance of our senior secured and senior unsecured notes, and the additional indebtedness incurred with the closing of the ION acquisition. The authorization permits an aggregate principal amount reduction of up to $500 million and expires on March 1, 2023.

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Other Liabilities

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]

Other Liabilities

Other Liabilities

Other liabilities consisted of the following:

(in thousands)	As of  March 31,  2021		As of  December 31,  2020
Employee compensation and benefits	$	36,614	$	34,020
Deferred FCC repack income	44,442		44,945
Programming liability	207,093		33,481
Liability for pension benefits	154,212		161,845
Liabilities for uncertain tax positions	21,760		2,332
Liability for common stock warrants	248,084		—
Other	27,116		9,742
Other liabilities (less current portion)	$	739,321	$	286,365

In connection with the acquisition of ION, we assumed $19.3 million of uncertain tax position liabilities. Approximately $15.1 million of the liability is attributed to disallowed domestic production activities deductions (DPAD). We currently expect this DPAD liability will be resolved through settlement, amendments and/or payment within the next twelve months.

With the Preferred Shares issuance, Berkshire Hathaway also received a warrant to purchase up to 23.1 million Class A shares, at an exercise price of $13 per share. The warrant is exercisable at the holder's option at any time or from time to time, in whole or in part, until the first anniversary of the date on which no Preferred Shares remain outstanding. Since the holder has the option to settle the warrant through cash payment of the exercise price and/or through surrendering portions of their Preferred Shares for the stated par value, a liability must be recognized for the fair value of the warrant. The valuation model, classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, includes inputs for the estimated term of the warrant, the historical volatility rate of Scripps common stock and the exercise price for the warrant. At time of issuance, the fair value of the warrant totaled $181 million. The fair value of the warrant is remeasured each reporting period and totaled $248 million at March 31, 2021. The increase in our stock price during 2021 was the primary contributor to the increase in the fair value of the warrant. Change in the fair value of the warrant during each reporting period is captured in the gains/ losses on stock warrants caption in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

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Supplemental Cash Flow Information

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

The following table presents additional information about the change in certain working capital accounts:

	Three Months Ended  March 31,
(in thousands)	2021		2020
Accounts receivable	$	43,559	$	8,850
Other current assets	1,851		(11,969)
Accounts payable	6,342		14,034
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	(19,387)		(13,711)
Accrued interest	7,687		(1,172)
Other accrued liabilities	(16,151)		15,041
Unearned revenue	(5,672)		(3,130)
Other, net	22,816		863
Total	$	41,045	$	8,806

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Employee Benefit Plans

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Retirement Benefits [Abstract]

Employee Benefit Plans

Employee Benefit Plans

We sponsor a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan and non-qualified Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans ("SERPs"). The accrual for future benefits has been frozen in our defined benefit pension plan and SERPs.

We sponsor a defined contribution plan covering substantially all non-union and certain union employees. We match a portion of employees' voluntary contributions to this plan.

Other union-represented employees are covered by defined benefit pension plans jointly sponsored by us and the union, or by union-sponsored multi-employer plans.

The components of the employee benefit plan expense consisted of the following:

	Three Months Ended  March 31,
(in thousands)	2021		2020
Interest cost	$	4,103	$	4,917
Expected return on plan assets, net of expenses	(5,820)		(5,256)
Amortization of actuarial loss and prior service cost	1,487		1,125
Total for defined benefit pension plan	(230)		786
Multi-employer plans	—		9
SERPs	223		240
Defined contribution plan	3,978		3,779
Net periodic benefit cost	3,971		4,814
Allocated to discontinued operations	—		(205)
Net periodic benefit cost — continuing operations	$	3,971	$	4,609

We contributed $0.3 million to fund current benefit payments for our SERPs and $5.7 million for our defined benefit pension plan during the three months ended March 31, 2021. During the remainder of 2021, we anticipate contributing an additional $1.1 million to fund the SERPs' benefit payments. We are required to contribute an additional $18.7 million to fund our qualified defined benefit pension plan in order to meet our 2021 funding requirements under the provisions of the Pension Funding Equity Act of 2004 and the Pension Protection Act of 2006.

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Segment Information

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Information

Segment Information

We determine our business segments based upon our management and internal reporting structures, as well as the basis on which our chief operating decision maker makes resource-allocation decisions.

Effective with the January 7, 2021 close of the ION acquisition, we realigned our internal reporting structure and changed the reporting of our businesses’ operating results to reflect this new structure. Under the new structure, our operating results are reported under Local Media, Scripps Networks and Other segment captions.

Our Local Media segment includes our 61 local broadcast stations and their related digital operations. It is comprised of 18 ABC affiliates, 11 NBC affiliates, nine CBS affiliates and four FOX affiliates. We also have 12 CW affiliates - four on full power stations and eight on multicast; two MyNetworkTV affiliates; three independent stations and 10 additional low power stations. Our Local Media segment earns revenue primarily from the sale of advertising to local, national and political advertisers and retransmission fees received from cable operators, telecommunications companies and satellite carriers. We also receive retransmission fees from over-the-top virtual MVPDs such as Hulu, YouTubeTV and AT&T Now.

Our Scripps Networks segment is comprised of the ION national network, the Katz multicast networks and the Newsy national news network. These operations earn revenue primarily through the sale of advertising.

The operating results of our recently sold Triton business, and the other national businesses that were previously reported in our National Media segment, are aggregated with our remaining business activities in the Other segment caption.

Our respective business segment results reflect the impact of intercompany carriage agreements between our local broadcast television stations and our national networks. We also allocate a portion of certain corporate costs and expenses,

including information technology, certain employee benefits and shared services to our business segments. These intercompany agreements and allocations are generally amounts agreed upon by management, which may differ from an arms-length amount.

Our chief operating decision maker evaluates the operating performance of our business segments and makes decisions about the allocation of resources to our business segments using a measure called segment profit. Segment profit excludes interest, defined benefit pension plan amounts, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, impairment charges, divested operating units, restructuring activities, investment results and certain other items that are included in net income (loss) determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Information regarding our business segments is as follows:

	Three Months Ended  March 31,
(in thousands)	2021		2020
Segment operating revenues:
Local Media	$	312,581	$	324,933
Scripps Networks	213,660		76,755
Other	18,121		15,664
Intersegment eliminations	(3,441)		(3,129)
Total operating revenues	$	540,921	$	414,223
Segment profit (loss):
Local Media	$	55,937	$	59,106
Scripps Networks	92,203		9,969
Other	3,281		4,191
Shared services and corporate	(18,921)		(18,654)
Acquisition and related integration costs	(28,645)		(4,910)
Restructuring costs	(7,050)		—
Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets	(39,507)		(27,345)
Gains (losses), net on disposal of property and equipment	(80)		(1,433)
Interest expense	(43,882)		(25,798)
Defined benefit pension plan income (expense)	7		(1,026)
Gains on sale of business	81,784		—
Gains (losses) on stock warrants	(67,244)		—
Miscellaneous, net	(4,851)		1,114
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	$	23,032	$	(4,786)
Depreciation:
Local Media	$	9,685	$	11,490
Scripps Networks	3,835		1,295
Other	249		185
Shared services and corporate	356		381
Total depreciation	$	14,125	$	13,351
Amortization of intangible assets:
Local Media	$	9,597	$	9,921
Scripps Networks	13,117		1,835
Other	2,147		1,900
Shared services and corporate	521		338
Total amortization of intangible assets	$	25,382	$	13,994
Additions to property and equipment:
Local Media	$	5,454	$	14,441
Scripps Networks	1,489		1,591
Other	430		223
Shared services and corporate	19		114
Total additions to property and equipment	$	7,392	$	16,369

A disaggregation of the principal activities from which we generate revenue is as follows:

	Three Months Ended  March 31,
(in thousands)	2021		2020
Operating revenues:
Core advertising	$	361,303	$	235,821
Political	1,311		18,720
Retransmission and carriage fees	156,497		138,950
Other	21,810		20,732
Total operating revenues	$	540,921	$	414,223

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Capital Stock

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Equity [Abstract]

Capital Stock

Capital Stock

Capital Stock — We have two classes of common shares, Common Voting shares and Class A Common shares. The Class A Common shares are only entitled to vote on the election of the greater of three or one-third of the directors and other matters as required by Ohio law.

In connection with the January 7, 2021 closing of the ION acquisition, we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with Berkshire Hathaway Inc., ("Berkshire Hathaway"), pursuant to which Berkshire Hathaway provided $600 million of financing in exchange for 6,000 Series A Preferred Shares of the Company. The Preferred Shares, having a face value of $100,000 per share, are perpetual and will be redeemable at the option of the Company beginning on the fifth anniversary of issuance, and redeemable at the option of the holders in the event of a Change of Control (as defined in the terms of the Preferred Shares), in each case at a redemption price of 105% of the face value, plus accrued and unpaid dividends (whether or not declared). As long as the Company pays quarterly dividends in cash on the Preferred Shares, the dividend rate will be 8% per annum. If dividends on the Preferred Shares, which compound quarterly, are not paid in full in cash, the rate will increase to 9% per annum for the remaining period of time that the Preferred Shares are outstanding. Preferred stock dividends, effective through March 15, 2021, were paid in the first quarter totaling $9.1 million.

Share Repurchase Plan — Shares may be repurchased from time to time at management's discretion. Shares can be repurchased under an authorization via open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions, including accelerated stock repurchase transactions, block trades, or pursuant to trades intending to comply with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In November 2016, our Board of Directors authorized a repurchase program of up to $100 million of our Class A Common shares. We repurchased a total of $50.3 million of shares under this authorization prior to its expiration on March 1, 2020. In February 2020, our Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program of up to $100 million of our Class A Common shares through March 1, 2022. No shares were repurchased under either authorization during the three months ended March 31, 2021. Under the terms of the Preferred Shares, we are prohibited from paying dividends on and repurchasing our common shares until all Preferred Shares are redeemed.

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Equity [Abstract]

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI") by component, including items reclassified out of AOCI, were as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2021
(in thousands)	Defined Benefit Pension Items		Other		Total
Beginning balance, December 31, 2020	$	(99,789)	$	(330)	$	(100,119)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	—		—		—
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax of $374(a)	1,187		18		1,205
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	1,187		18		1,205
Ending balance, March 31, 2021	$	(98,602)	$	(312)	$	(98,914)

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2020
(in thousands)	Defined Benefit Pension Items		Other		Total
Beginning balance, December 31, 2019	$	(98,734)	$	(255)	$	(98,989)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	—		—		—
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax of $286(a)	902		6		908
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	902		6		908
Ending balance, March 31, 2020	$	(97,832)	$	(249)	$	(98,081)

(a) Actuarial gain (loss) is included in defined benefit pension plan expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

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Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]

Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations

Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations

Stitcher

During the second quarter of 2020, our Board of Directors approved the sale of our Stitcher podcasting business. On July 10, 2020, we signed a definitive agreement to sell the business for $325 million, with $265 million of cash upfront; earnout of up to $30 million based on 2020 financial results and paid in 2021; and earnout of up to $30 million based on 2021 financial results and paid in 2022. The transaction closed on October 16, 2020.

Beginning in the second quarter of 2020, Stitcher was classified as discontinued operations in our condensed consolidated financial statements for all periods presented.

Operating results of our discontinued Stitcher operations were as follows:

	Three Months Ended  March 31,
(in thousands)	2021		2020
Operating revenues	$	—	$	17,128
Total costs and expenses	—		(22,802)
Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets	—		(570)
Other, net	2,686		—
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes	2,686		(6,244)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	622		(1,633)
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations	$	2,064	$	(4,611)

During the first quarter of 2021, the estimate for the contingent earnout consideration was increased by $2.7 million. The current fair value estimate for the contingent earnout consideration is $12.7 million.

Triton Digital

During the first quarter of 2021, our Board of Directors approved the sale of our Triton Digital business. On February 16, 2021, we signed a definitive agreement to sell the business and the transaction closed on March 31, 2021. The sale generated total net proceeds of $225 million and we recognized a pre-tax gain from disposition totaling $81.8 million.

WPIX

When we acquired the Nexstar-Tribune television stations in 2019, we granted Nexstar the option to repurchase WPIX, the CW-affiliated station in New York City. The option was exercisable from March 31, 2020, through the end of 2021, and was assignable by Nexstar to a third party. In July 2020, Nexstar assigned their option to repurchase WPIX to Mission Broadcasting, Inc., and Mission immediately exercised the option. The option price was $75 million plus accrued interest, to be calculated on the period between September 19, 2019, the purchase date of WPIX, and the option sale closing date. The transaction closed on December 30, 2020 for cash consideration of $83.7 million. Including interest income of $7.6 million, we recognized gains from the WPIX disposition totaling $6.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2020.

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation — The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. The interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto included in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K. In management's opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of the interim periods have been made.

Results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for future interim periods or for the full year.

Expense amounts that were previously reported under the captions “Employee compensation and benefits,” “Programming,” and “Other expenses” in our 2020 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations have been reclassified into line items captioned as either “Costs of revenues” or “Selling, general and administrative expenses.” Costs of revenues reflect the costs of providing our broadcast signals, programming and other content to respective distribution platforms. The costs captured within the costs of revenues caption include programming, content distribution, satellite transmission fees, production and operations and other direct costs. Selling, general and administrative expenses are primarily comprised of sales, marketing and advertising expenses, research costs, certain occupancy costs and other administrative costs.

Principles of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation — The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and those of our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries and variable interest entities (VIEs) for which we are the primary beneficiary. We are the primary beneficiary of a VIE when we have the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive returns that would be significant to the VIE. Noncontrolling interest represents an owner’s share of the equity in certain of our consolidated entities. All intercompany transactions and account balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Investments in entities over which we have significant influence but not control are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Income from equity method investments represents our proportionate share of net income generated by equity method investees.

Nature of Operations

Nature of Operations — We are a diverse media enterprise, serving audiences and businesses through a portfolio of local and national television brands. All of our businesses provide content and services via digital platforms, including the Internet, smartphones and tablets. Our media businesses are organized into the following reportable business segments: Local Media, Scripps Networks and Other. Additional information for our business segments is presented in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates — Preparing financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires us to make a variety of decisions that affect the reported amounts and the related disclosures. Such decisions include the selection of accounting principles that reflect the economic substance of the underlying transactions and the assumptions on which to base accounting estimates. In reaching such decisions, we apply judgment based on our understanding and analysis of the relevant circumstances, including our historical experience, actuarial studies and other assumptions.

Our financial statements include estimates and assumptions used in accounting for our defined benefit pension plans; the periods over which long-lived assets are depreciated or amortized; the fair value of long-lived assets, goodwill and indefinite lived assets; the liability for uncertain tax positions and valuation allowances against deferred income tax assets; the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations; and self-insured risks.

While we re-evaluate our estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis, actual results could differ from those estimated at the time of preparation of the financial statements.

Nature of Products and Services

Nature of Products and Services — The following is a description of principal activities from which we generate revenue.

Core Advertising — Core advertising is comprised of sales to local and national customers. The advertising includes a combination of broadcast airtime, as well as digital advertising. Pricing of advertising time is based on audience size and share, the demographic of our audiences and the demand for our limited inventory of commercial time. Advertising time is sold through a combination of local sales staff and national sales representative firms. Digital revenues are primarily generated from the sale of advertising to local and national customers on our local television websites, smartphone apps, tablet apps and other platforms.

Political Advertising — Political advertising is generally sold through our Washington D.C. sales office. Advertising is sold to presidential, gubernatorial, Senate and House of Representative candidates, as well as for state and local issues. It is also sold to political action groups (PACs) or other advocacy groups.

Retransmission Revenues — We earn revenue from retransmission consent agreements with multi-channel video programming distributors (“MVPDs”) in our markets. The MVPDs are cable operators and satellite carriers who pay us to offer our programming to their customers. We also receive fees from over-the-top virtual MVPDs such as Hulu, YouTubeTV and AT&T Now. The fees we receive are typically based on the number of subscribers in our local market and the contracted rate per subscriber.

Other Products and Services — We derive revenue from sponsorships and community events through our Local Media segment. Our Scripps Networks segment offers subscription services for access to premium content to its customers.

Refer to Note 13.Segment Information for further information, including revenue by significant product and service offering.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition — Revenue is measured based on the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for promised goods or services provided to customers, and excludes any amounts collected on behalf of third parties. Revenue is recognized upon transfer of control of promised products or services to customers.

Advertising — Advertising revenue is recognized, net of agency commissions, over time primarily as ads are aired or impressions are delivered and any contracted audience guarantees are met. We apply the practical expedient to recognize revenue at the amount we have the right to invoice, which corresponds directly to the value a customer has received relative to our performance. For advertising sold based on audience guarantees, audience deficiency may result in an obligation to deliver additional advertisements to the customer. To the extent that we do not satisfy contracted audience ratings, we record deferred revenue until such time that the audience guarantee has been satisfied.

Retransmission — Retransmission revenues are considered licenses of functional intellectual property and are recognized at the point in time the content is transferred to the customer. MVPDs report their subscriber numbers to us generally on a 30- to 90-day lag. Prior to receiving the MVPD reporting, we record revenue based on estimates of the number of subscribers, utilizing historical levels and trends of subscribers for each MVPD.

Other — Revenues generated by our Triton business are recognized on a ratable basis over the contract term as the monthly service is provided to the customer.

Contract Balances

Contract Balances — Timing of revenue recognition may differ from the timing of invoicing to customers. We record a receivable when revenue is recognized prior to invoicing, or unearned revenue when revenue is recognized subsequent to invoicing.

Payment terms may vary by contract type, although our terms generally include a requirement of payment within 30 to 90 days. In instances where the timing of revenue recognition differs from the timing of invoicing, we have determined our contracts do not include a significant financing component. The primary purpose of our invoicing terms is to provide customers with simplified and predictable ways of purchasing our products and services, not to receive financing from our customers.

The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects our best estimate of probable losses inherent in the accounts receivable balance. We estimate the allowance based on expected credit losses, including our historical experience of actual losses and known troubled accounts.

Leases

Leases — We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets, other current liabilities and operating lease liabilities in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

ROU assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at the commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As the implicit rate is not readily determinable for most of our leases, we use our incremental borrowing rate when determining the present value of lease payments. The incremental borrowing rate represents an estimate of the interest rate we would incur at lease commencement to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments on a collateralized basis over the term of the lease. The operating lease ROU asset also includes any payments made at or before commencement and is reduced by any lease incentives. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation — We have a Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) which is described more fully in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Plan provides for the award of incentive and nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units (RSUs) and unrestricted Class A Common shares and performance units to key employees and non-employee directors.

Earnings Per Share (EPS)

Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) — Unvested awards of share-based payments with rights to receive dividends or dividend equivalents, such as our RSUs, are considered participating securities for purposes of calculating EPS. Under the two-class method, we allocate a portion of net income to these participating securities and, therefore, exclude that income from the calculation of EPS for common stock. We do not allocate losses to the participating securities.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Recently Issued Accounting Standards — In March 2020, the FASB issued new guidance that provides optional expedients and exceptions to certain accounting requirements to facilitate the transition away from the use of the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and other interbank offered rates. The guidance is effective as of March 12, 2020 and will apply through December 31, 2022 to all entities, subject to meeting certain criteria, that have contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. We will evaluate transactions or contract modifications occurring as a result of reference rate reform to determine whether to apply the optional guidance on an ongoing basis.

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Components of basic and diluted weighted-average shares

The following table presents information about basic and diluted weighted-average shares outstanding:

	Three Months Ended  March 31,
(in thousands)	2021		2020
Numerator (for basic and diluted earnings per share)
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	$	3,503	$	(7,198)
Less preferred stock dividends	(11,643)		—
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share	$	(8,140)	$	(7,198)
Denominator
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding	81,902		81,077
Effect of dilutive securities:
Restricted stock units	—		—
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding	81,902		81,077

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Acquisitions (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Schedule of Preliminary Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed

The following table summarizes the preliminary fair values of the ION assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the closing date.

(in thousands)
Accounts receivable	$	133,559
Other current assets	4,033
Programming rights	169,027
Property and equipment	63,073
Operating lease right-of-use assets	72,717
Other assets	4,513
Goodwill	1,846,329
Indefinite-lived intangible assets - FCC licenses	433,700
Amortizable intangible assets:
INYO affiliation agreement	433,000
Other affiliation relationships	25,000
Advertiser relationships	139,000
Trade names	72,000
Accounts payable	(9,677)
Unearned revenue	(13,043)
Accrued expenses	(27,083)
Current portion of programming liabilities	(92,721)
Other current liabilities	(8,373)
Programming liabilities	(191,837)
Deferred tax liabilities	(266,389)
Operating lease liabilities	(78,000)
Other long-term liabilities	(29,030)
Total consideration, net of cash acquired	$	2,679,798

Schedule of Pro Forma Information

Pro forma results of operations, assuming the ION acquisition had taken place at the beginning of 2020, are presented in the following table. The pro forma results do not include KCDO, as the impact of this acquisition, individually or in the aggregate, is not material to prior year results of operations. The pro forma information includes the historical results of operations of Scripps and ION (excluding the results of the divested stations sold to INYO), as well as adjustments for additional depreciation and amortization of the assets acquired, additional interest expense related to the financing of the transactions and other transactional adjustments. The pro forma results do not include efficiencies, cost reductions or synergies expected to result from the acquisitions. The unaudited pro forma financial information is not necessarily indicative of the results that actually would have occurred had the acquisitions been completed at the beginning of the period.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands, except per share data) (unaudited)	2021		2020
Operating revenues	$	547,643	$	559,436
Net income (loss) attributable to Scripps shareholders	13,009		(15,146)
Net income (loss) per share:
Basic	$	0.15	$	(0.19)
Diluted	0.15		(0.19)

Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition

The following table summarizes the net cash consideration for the ION transaction.

(in thousands)
Total purchase price	$	2,650,000
Plus: Cash acquired	14,493
Plus: Working capital	59,798
Total transaction gross cash consideration	2,724,291
Less: Proceeds from ION stations divested	(30,000)
Total transaction net cash consideration	2,694,291
Less: Cash acquired	(14,493)
Total consideration, net of cash acquired	$	2,679,798

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Leases (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Leases [Abstract]

Schedule of Information Related to Operating Leases

Other information related to our operating leases was as follows:

(in thousands, except lease term and discount rate)	As of  March 31,  2021			As of  December 31,  2020
Balance Sheet Information
Right-of-use assets	$	128,217		$	51,471
Other current liabilities	19,396			9,623
Operating lease liabilities	120,731			42,097
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term
Operating leases	8.82 years			7.64 years
Weighted Average Discount Rate
Operating leases	4.33		%	5.96		%

Schedule of Lease Cost Information

	Three Months Ended  March 31,
(in thousands)	2021		2020
Supplemental Cash Flows Information
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities	$	4,875	$	4,178
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations	5,980		410

Schedule of Minimum Lease Payments Under Non-Cancellable Operating Leases

Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases as of March 31, 2021 were as follows:

(in thousands)	Operating Leases
Remainder of 2021	$	23,470
2022	26,005
2023	21,735
2024	18,924
2025	14,917
Thereafter	62,886
Total future minimum lease payments	167,937
Less: Imputed interest	(27,810)
Total	$	140,127

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Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Goodwill

Goodwill consisted of the following:

(in thousands)	Local Media		Scripps Networks		Other		Total
Gross balance as of December 31, 2020	$	1,122,408	$	232,742	$	85,976	$	1,441,126
Accumulated impairment losses	(216,914)		(21,000)		—		(237,914)
Net balance as of December 31, 2020	$	905,494	$	211,742	$	85,976	$	1,203,212
Gross balance as of March 31, 2021	$	1,122,408	$	2,079,071	$	—	$	3,201,479
Accumulated impairment losses	(216,914)		(21,000)		—		(237,914)
Net balance as of March 31, 2021	$	905,494	$	2,058,071	$	—	$	2,963,565

Summary of other finite-lived intangible assets

Other intangible assets consisted of the following:

(in thousands)	As of  March 31,  2021		As of  December 31,  2020
Amortizable intangible assets:
Carrying amount:
Television affiliation relationships	$	1,074,244	$	616,244
Customer lists and advertiser relationships	213,400		102,900
Other	132,092		104,445
Total carrying amount	1,419,736		823,589
Accumulated amortization:
Television affiliation relationships	(127,490)		(113,950)
Customer lists and advertiser relationships	(53,871)		(53,232)
Other	(31,178)		(37,778)
Total accumulated amortization	(212,539)		(204,960)
Net amortizable intangible assets	1,207,197		618,629
Indefinite-lived intangible assets — FCC licenses	790,515		356,815
Total other intangible assets	$	1,997,712	$	975,444

Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

Other intangible assets consisted of the following:

(in thousands)	As of  March 31,  2021		As of  December 31,  2020
Amortizable intangible assets:
Carrying amount:
Television affiliation relationships	$	1,074,244	$	616,244
Customer lists and advertiser relationships	213,400		102,900
Other	132,092		104,445
Total carrying amount	1,419,736		823,589
Accumulated amortization:
Television affiliation relationships	(127,490)		(113,950)
Customer lists and advertiser relationships	(53,871)		(53,232)
Other	(31,178)		(37,778)
Total accumulated amortization	(212,539)		(204,960)
Net amortizable intangible assets	1,207,197		618,629
Indefinite-lived intangible assets — FCC licenses	790,515		356,815
Total other intangible assets	$	1,997,712	$	975,444

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Long-Term Debt (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Components of Long-term debt

Long-term debt consisted of the following:

(in thousands)	As of  March 31,  2021		As of  December 31,  2020
Revolving credit facility	$	—	$	—
Senior secured notes, due in 2029	550,000		550,000
Senior unsecured notes, due in 2025	400,000		400,000
Senior unsecured notes, due in 2027	500,000		500,000
Senior unsecured notes, due in 2031	500,000		500,000
Term loan, due in 2024	289,500		290,250
Term loan, due in 2026	749,757		751,660
Term loan, due in 2028	798,000		—
Total outstanding principal	3,787,257		2,991,910
Less: Debt issuance costs and issuance discounts	(78,361)		(57,939)
Less: Current portion	(18,612)		(10,612)
Net carrying value of long-term debt	$	3,690,284	$	2,923,359
Fair value of long-term debt *	$	3,797,121	$	3,064,194

* Fair values of the 2025, 2027, 2029 and 2031 Senior Notes are estimated based on quoted private market transactions and are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair values of the term loans are based on observable estimates provided by third party financial professionals, and as such, are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

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Other Liabilities (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]

Other liabilities

Other liabilities consisted of the following:

(in thousands)	As of  March 31,  2021		As of  December 31,  2020
Employee compensation and benefits	$	36,614	$	34,020
Deferred FCC repack income	44,442		44,945
Programming liability	207,093		33,481
Liability for pension benefits	154,212		161,845
Liabilities for uncertain tax positions	21,760		2,332
Liability for common stock warrants	248,084		—
Other	27,116		9,742
Other liabilities (less current portion)	$	739,321	$	286,365

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Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]

Change in certain working capital accounts

The following table presents additional information about the change in certain working capital accounts:

	Three Months Ended  March 31,
(in thousands)	2021		2020
Accounts receivable	$	43,559	$	8,850
Other current assets	1,851		(11,969)
Accounts payable	6,342		14,034
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	(19,387)		(13,711)
Accrued interest	7,687		(1,172)
Other accrued liabilities	(16,151)		15,041
Unearned revenue	(5,672)		(3,130)
Other, net	22,816		863
Total	$	41,045	$	8,806

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Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Retirement Benefits [Abstract]

Components of benefit expense

The components of the employee benefit plan expense consisted of the following:

	Three Months Ended  March 31,
(in thousands)	2021		2020
Interest cost	$	4,103	$	4,917
Expected return on plan assets, net of expenses	(5,820)		(5,256)
Amortization of actuarial loss and prior service cost	1,487		1,125
Total for defined benefit pension plan	(230)		786
Multi-employer plans	—		9
SERPs	223		240
Defined contribution plan	3,978		3,779
Net periodic benefit cost	3,971		4,814
Allocated to discontinued operations	—		(205)
Net periodic benefit cost — continuing operations	$	3,971	$	4,609

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Segment Information (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Information regarding business segments

Information regarding our business segments is as follows:

	Three Months Ended  March 31,
(in thousands)	2021		2020
Segment operating revenues:
Local Media	$	312,581	$	324,933
Scripps Networks	213,660		76,755
Other	18,121		15,664
Intersegment eliminations	(3,441)		(3,129)
Total operating revenues	$	540,921	$	414,223
Segment profit (loss):
Local Media	$	55,937	$	59,106
Scripps Networks	92,203		9,969
Other	3,281		4,191
Shared services and corporate	(18,921)		(18,654)
Acquisition and related integration costs	(28,645)		(4,910)
Restructuring costs	(7,050)		—
Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets	(39,507)		(27,345)
Gains (losses), net on disposal of property and equipment	(80)		(1,433)
Interest expense	(43,882)		(25,798)
Defined benefit pension plan income (expense)	7		(1,026)
Gains on sale of business	81,784		—
Gains (losses) on stock warrants	(67,244)		—
Miscellaneous, net	(4,851)		1,114
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	$	23,032	$	(4,786)
Depreciation:
Local Media	$	9,685	$	11,490
Scripps Networks	3,835		1,295
Other	249		185
Shared services and corporate	356		381
Total depreciation	$	14,125	$	13,351
Amortization of intangible assets:
Local Media	$	9,597	$	9,921
Scripps Networks	13,117		1,835
Other	2,147		1,900
Shared services and corporate	521		338
Total amortization of intangible assets	$	25,382	$	13,994
Additions to property and equipment:
Local Media	$	5,454	$	14,441
Scripps Networks	1,489		1,591
Other	430		223
Shared services and corporate	19		114
Total additions to property and equipment	$	7,392	$	16,369

Disaggregation of Principal Revenue Generating Activities

A disaggregation of the principal activities from which we generate revenue is as follows:

	Three Months Ended  March 31,
(in thousands)	2021		2020
Operating revenues:
Core advertising	$	361,303	$	235,821
Political	1,311		18,720
Retransmission and carriage fees	156,497		138,950
Other	21,810		20,732
Total operating revenues	$	540,921	$	414,223

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Equity [Abstract]

Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI") by component, including items reclassified out of AOCI, were as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2021
(in thousands)	Defined Benefit Pension Items		Other		Total
Beginning balance, December 31, 2020	$	(99,789)	$	(330)	$	(100,119)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	—		—		—
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax of $374(a)	1,187		18		1,205
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	1,187		18		1,205
Ending balance, March 31, 2021	$	(98,602)	$	(312)	$	(98,914)

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2020
(in thousands)	Defined Benefit Pension Items		Other		Total
Beginning balance, December 31, 2019	$	(98,734)	$	(255)	$	(98,989)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	—		—		—
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax of $286(a)	902		6		908
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	902		6		908
Ending balance, March 31, 2020	$	(97,832)	$	(249)	$	(98,081)

(a) Actuarial gain (loss) is included in defined benefit pension plan expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

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Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]

Summary of discontinued operations

Operating results of our discontinued Stitcher operations were as follows:

	Three Months Ended  March 31,
(in thousands)	2021		2020
Operating revenues	$	—	$	17,128
Total costs and expenses	—		(22,802)
Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets	—		(570)
Other, net	2,686		—
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes	2,686		(6,244)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	622		(1,633)
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations	$	2,064	$	(4,611)

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands, shares in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 3,327		$ 3,443
Unearned revenue	21,408		$ 14,101
Prior year unearned revenue recognized in period	4,400
Share-based compensation costs	$ 8,300	$ 4,200
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of Earnings Per Share, amount	2.4	2.2

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Numerator (for basic and diluted earnings per share)
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	$ 3,503	$ (7,198)
Less preferred stock dividends	(11,643)	0
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share	$ (8,140)	$ (7,198)
Denominator
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding	81,902	81,077
Effect of dilutive securities:
Restricted stock units	0	0
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding	81,902	81,077

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Acquisitions - Acquisition Information (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands, home in Millions			3 Months Ended
	Jan. 07, 2021 USD ($) home station $ / shares shares	Nov. 20, 2020 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2020 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill			$ 2,963,565		$ 1,203,212
Acquisition and related integration costs			28,645	$ 4,910
ION Media
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition, purchase price	$ 2,650,000
Exercise right of warrants ( in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 13
Number of stations to be divested | station	23
Consideration received for business	$ 30,000
Goodwill	1,846,329
Revenue from IONs operations since acquisition			126,000
Acquisition and related integration costs			$ 26,200
Property and equipment	$ 63,073
ION Media | United States
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of US homes | home	100
ION Media | Preferred Stock | Berkshire Hathaway
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Preferred equity investment	$ 600,000
Number of shares purchasable by warrant | shares	23,100,000
Exercise right of warrants ( in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 13
ION Media | Common stock, Class A | Berkshire Hathaway
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of shares purchasable by warrant | shares	23,100,000
ION Media | INYO affiliation agreement
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible asset, estimated amortization period	20 years
Amortizable intangible assets:	$ 433,000
ION Media | Advertiser relationships
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible asset, estimated amortization period	10 years
Amortizable intangible assets:	$ 139,000
ION Media | Other affiliation relationships
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible asset, estimated amortization period	12 years
Amortizable intangible assets:	$ 25,000
ION Media | Trade names
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible asset, estimated amortization period	10 years
Amortizable intangible assets:	$ 72,000
KCDO Television Station
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition, purchase price		$ 9,600
Goodwill		1,700
Amortizable intangible assets:		6,900
Property and equipment		$ 900

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Acquisitions - Acquisition Purchase Summary (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
	Jan. 07, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total consideration, net of cash acquired		$ 2,679,798	$ 0
ION Media
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total purchase price	$ 2,650,000
Plus: Cash acquired	14,493
Plus: Working capital	59,798
Total transaction gross cash consideration	2,724,291
Less: Proceeds from ION stations divested	(30,000)
Total transaction net cash consideration	2,694,291
Cash Acquired from Acquisition	(14,493)
Total consideration, net of cash acquired	$ 2,679,798

XML

Acquisitions - Schedule of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2021	Jan. 07, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 2,963,565		$ 1,203,212
ION Media
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Accounts receivable		$ 133,559
Other current assets		4,033
Programming rights		169,027
Property and equipment		63,073
Operating lease right-of-use assets		72,717
Other assets		4,513
Goodwill		1,846,329
Accounts payable		(9,677)
Unearned revenue		(13,043)
Accrued expenses		(27,083)
Current portion of programming liabilities		(92,721)
Other current liabilities		(8,373)
Programming liabilities		(191,837)
Deferred tax liabilities		(266,389)
Operating lease liabilities		(78,000)
Other long-term liabilities		(29,030)
Total consideration, net of cash acquired		2,679,798
ION Media | INYO affiliation agreement
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets:		433,000
ION Media | Other affiliation relationships
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets:		25,000
ION Media | Advertiser relationships
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets:		139,000
ION Media | Trade names
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets:		72,000
ION Media | Indefinite-lived intangible assets - FCC licenses
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets - FCC licenses		$ 433,700

XML

Acquisitions - Pro Forma Information (Details) - ION Media - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Operating revenues	$ 547,643	$ 559,436
Net income (loss) attributable to Scripps shareholders	$ 13,009	$ (15,146)
Net income (loss) per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.15	$ (0.19)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.15	$ (0.19)
Acquisition-related Costs
Net income (loss) attributable to Scripps shareholders	$ 26,200	$ 35,600

XML

Asset Write-Downs and Other Charges and Credits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands			3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Acquisition and related integration costs			$ 28,645	$ 4,910
Restructuring impairment charges			7,050	0
Gains on sale of business		$ 6,500	81,784	0
Gains (losses) on stock warrants			(67,244)	$ 0
Triton Digital Media | Disposed of by sale
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net proceeds from sale of business			225,000
Gains on sale of business	$ 81,800		$ 81,800

XML

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Effective income tax rate	85.00%	(50.00%)
Net impact of various items effecting the income tax effective rate	$ (1,300)	$ 1,000
Nondeductible expense	70,700
ION Media
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Discrete tax provision charge related to nondeductible transaction costs	1,000
State and Local Jurisdiction
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
NOL valuation allowance adjustments	1,200	$ 4,000
Net discrete tax provision charge	$ 17,100

XML

Restricted Cash - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 30, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash restricted for pending acquisition	$ 0	$ 1,050,000,000
ION Media
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash restricted for pending acquisition		$ 1,100,000,000
Senior unsecured notes, due in 2031 | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt face value			$ 500,000,000
Senior 3.875% Notes Due 2029 | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt face value			$ 550,000,000

XML

Leases - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Option to extend leases	5 years
Option to terminate leases	1 year
Operating lease costs	$ 5.9	$ 4.9
Short-term lease costs	$ 0.5	$ 0.2
Minimum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Remaining lease terms	1 year
Maximum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Remaining lease terms	20 years

XML

Leases - Information Related to Operating Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Right-of-use assets	$ 128,217	$ 51,471
Other current liabilities	19,396	9,623
Operating lease liabilities	$ 120,731	$ 42,097
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term	8 years 9 months 25 days	7 years 7 months 20 days
Weighted Average Discount Rate	4.33%	5.96%

XML

Leases - Lease Cost Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities	$ 4,875	$ 4,178
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations	$ 5,980	$ 410

XML

Leases - Minimum Lease Payments (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2021 USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
Remainder of 2021	$ 23,470
2022	26,005
2023	21,735
2024	18,924
2025	14,917
Thereafter	62,886
Total future minimum lease payments	167,937
Less: Imputed interest	(27,810)
Total	$ 140,127

XML

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Gross balance, beginning of period	$ 3,201,479	$ 1,441,126
Accumulated impairment losses	(237,914)	(237,914)
Net balance	2,963,565	1,203,212
Gross balance, end of period	3,201,479	1,441,126
Local Media
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Gross balance, beginning of period	1,122,408	1,122,408
Accumulated impairment losses	(216,914)	(216,914)
Net balance	905,494	905,494
Gross balance, end of period	1,122,408	1,122,408
Scripps Networks
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Gross balance, beginning of period	2,079,071	232,742
Accumulated impairment losses	(21,000)	(21,000)
Net balance	2,058,071	211,742
Gross balance, end of period	2,079,071	232,742
Other
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Gross balance, beginning of period	0	85,976
Accumulated impairment losses	0	0
Net balance	0	85,976
Gross balance, end of period	$ 0	$ 85,976

XML

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of other intangible assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Carrying amount:
Total carrying amount	$ 1,419,736	$ 823,589
Accumulated amortization:
Total accumulated amortization	(212,539)	(204,960)
Net amortizable intangible assets	1,207,197	618,629
Indefinite-lived intangible assets — FCC licenses	790,515	356,815
Total other intangible assets	1,997,712	975,444
Television affiliation relationships
Carrying amount:
Total carrying amount	1,074,244	616,244
Accumulated amortization:
Total accumulated amortization	(127,490)	(113,950)
Customer lists and advertiser relationships
Carrying amount:
Total carrying amount	213,400	102,900
Accumulated amortization:
Total accumulated amortization	(53,871)	(53,232)
Other
Carrying amount:
Total carrying amount	132,092	104,445
Accumulated amortization:
Total accumulated amortization	$ (31,178)	$ (37,778)

XML

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021 USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Estimated amortization expense, remainder of 2021	$ 67.7
Estimated amortization expense, 2022	88.6
Estimated amortization expense, 2023	83.5
Estimated amortization expense, 2024	82.1
Estimated amortization expense, 2025	80.4
Estimated amortization expense, 2026	77.4
Estimated amortization expense, in later years	$ 727.5

XML

Long-Term Debt - Components of Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	May 01, 2019	Apr. 28, 2017
Components of Long-term debt
Total outstanding principal		$ 3,787,257	$ 2,991,910
Less: Debt issuance costs and issuance discounts		(78,361)	(57,939)
Less: Current portion		(18,612)	(10,612)
Long-term debt (less current portion)		3,690,284	2,923,359
Fair value of long-term debt	[1]	3,797,121	3,064,194
Senior secured notes, due in 2029 | Senior secured debt
Components of Long-term debt
Total outstanding principal		550,000	550,000
Senior unsecured notes, due in 2025 | Senior unsecured notes
Components of Long-term debt
Total outstanding principal		400,000	400,000
Less: Debt issuance costs and issuance discounts					$ (7,000)
Senior unsecured notes, due in 2027 | Senior unsecured notes
Components of Long-term debt
Total outstanding principal		500,000	500,000
Senior unsecured notes, due in 2031 | Senior unsecured notes
Components of Long-term debt
Total outstanding principal		500,000	500,000
Term loan, due in 2024
Components of Long-term debt
Total outstanding principal		289,500	290,250
Term loan, due in 2026
Components of Long-term debt
Total outstanding principal		749,757	751,660
Less: Debt issuance costs and issuance discounts				$ (23,000)
Term loan, due in 2028
Components of Long-term debt
Total outstanding principal		$ 798,000	$ 0

[1] Fair values of the 2025, 2027, 2029 and 2031 Senior Notes are estimated based on quoted private market transactions and are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair values of the term loans are based on observable estimates provided by third party financial professionals, and as such, are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

XML

Long-Term Debt - Narrative (Details)							1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 07, 2021 USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2020 USD ($)	Jul. 26, 2019 USD ($)	May 01, 2019 USD ($)	Apr. 04, 2018 USD ($)	Apr. 28, 2017 USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2020 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021 USD ($)	Jan. 06, 2021 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2020	Oct. 02, 2017 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total outstanding principal									$ 3,787,257,000		$ 2,991,910,000
Debt issuance costs									78,361,000		57,939,000
Aggregate amount of debt principal repurchase program authorized							$ 500,000,000
Amended and restated revolving credit facility | Letter of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Letters of credit outstanding									6,800,000		6,000,000.0
Amended and restated revolving credit facility | Revolving credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit borrowing capacity	$ 400,000,000									$ 210,000,000
Number of days before maturity	91 days
Total outstanding principal									$ 0		0
Net leverage ratio requirement									4.75
Amended and restated revolving credit facility | Revolving credit facility | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of commitment fees of total unused commitment under revolving credit facility	0.30%
Amended and restated revolving credit facility | Revolving credit facility | Minimum | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
LIBOR plus margin range	1.75%
Amended and restated revolving credit facility | Revolving credit facility | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of commitment fees of total unused commitment under revolving credit facility	0.50%
Amended and restated revolving credit facility | Revolving credit facility | Maximum | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
LIBOR plus margin range	2.50%
Term loan, due in 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total outstanding principal									$ 289,500,000		$ 290,250,000
Debt face value													$ 300,000,000
Net leverage ratio requirement					2.75
Annual principal payments					$ 3,000,000
Variable interest rate									2.11%		2.15%
Weighted average interest rate									2.13%			3.67%
Term loan, due in 2024 | Minimum | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
LIBOR plus margin range					2.00%
Term loan, due in 2024 | Maximum | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
LIBOR plus margin range					1.75%
Term loan, due in 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total outstanding principal									$ 749,757,000		$ 751,660,000
Debt face value				$ 765,000,000
Annual principal payments				7,600,000
Variable interest rate									3.31%		2.65%
Weighted average interest rate									3.26%			4.17%
Debt issuance costs				$ 23,000,000.0
Minimum LIBOR Rate	0.75%
Term loan, due in 2026 | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
LIBOR plus margin range	2.56%
Term loan, due in 2028
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total outstanding principal									$ 798,000,000		$ 0
Annual principal payments	$ 8,000,000.0
Minimum LIBOR Rate	0.75%
Term loan, due in 2028 | Medium-term Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate									3.75%
Debt stated rate									3.75%
Sixth Amendment Facility | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
LIBOR plus margin range	3.00%
Sixth Amendment Facility | Medium-term Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt issuance costs	$ 23,400,000
Sixth Amendment Facility | Medium-term Notes | ION Media
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt face value	$ 800,000,000
Senior 3.875% Notes Due 2029 | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt face value		$ 550,000,000
Debt issuance costs		$ 13,800,000
Debt stated rate		3.875%
Debt issuance price as a percentage of par		100.00%
Senior 3.875% Notes Due 2029 | Senior Notes | Redemption Period One
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption as a percent of principal		40.00%
Debt redemption price		103.875%
Senior 3.875% Notes Due 2029 | Senior Notes | Redemption Period Two
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt redemption price		100.00%
Senior unsecured notes, due in 2025 | Senior unsecured notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total outstanding principal									$ 400,000,000		400,000,000
Debt face value						$ 400,000,000
Debt issuance costs						$ 7,000,000.0
Debt stated rate						5.125%
Debt issuance price as a percentage of par						100.00%
Senior unsecured notes, due in 2025 | Senior unsecured notes | Subsequent Event | Scenario, Forecast
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption as a percent of principal								102.563%
Senior unsecured notes, due in 2027 | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt face value			$ 500,000,000
Debt issuance costs			$ 10,700,000
Debt stated rate			5.875%
Debt issuance price as a percentage of par			100.00%
Senior unsecured notes, due in 2027 | Senior Notes | Redemption Period One
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption as a percent of principal			40.00%
Debt redemption price			105.875%
Senior unsecured notes, due in 2027 | Senior Notes | Redemption Period Two
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt redemption price			100.00%
Senior unsecured notes, due in 2027 | Senior unsecured notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total outstanding principal									500,000,000		500,000,000
Senior unsecured notes, due in 2031 | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt face value		$ 500,000,000
Debt issuance costs		$ 12,500,000
Debt stated rate		5.375%
Debt issuance price as a percentage of par		100.00%
Senior unsecured notes, due in 2031 | Senior Notes | Redemption Period One
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption as a percent of principal		40.00%
Debt redemption price		105.375%
Senior unsecured notes, due in 2031 | Senior Notes | Redemption Period Two
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt redemption price		100.00%
Senior unsecured notes, due in 2031 | Senior unsecured notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total outstanding principal									$ 500,000,000		$ 500,000,000

XML

Other Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Other liabilities
Employee compensation and benefits	$ 36,614	$ 34,020
Deferred FCC repack income	44,442	44,945
Programming liability	207,093	33,481
Liability for pension benefits	154,212	161,845
Liabilities for uncertain tax positions	21,760	2,332
Liability for common stock warrants	248,084	0
Other	27,116	9,742
Other liabilities (less current portion)	$ 739,321	$ 286,365

XML

Other Liabilities - Narrative (Details) - ION Media - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021	Jan. 07, 2021
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Exercise right of warrants ( in dollars per share)		$ 13
Uncertain tax position liabilities assumed in acquisition		$ 19.3
Uncertain tax liabilities assumed in acquisition related to DPAD		$ 15.1
Berkshire Hathaway | Preferred Stock
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of shares purchasable by warrant		23.1
Exercise right of warrants ( in dollars per share)		$ 13
Fair value of warrants, with option to settle for cash, for Class A common stock	$ 248.0	$ 181.0

XML

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Other Changes in Certain Working Capital Accounts, Net
Accounts receivable	$ 43,559	$ 8,850
Other current assets	1,851	(11,969)
Accounts payable	6,342	14,034
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	(19,387)	(13,711)
Accrued interest	7,687	(1,172)
Other accrued liabilities	(16,151)	15,041
Unearned revenue	(5,672)	(3,130)
Other, net	22,816	863
Total	$ 41,045	$ 8,806

XML

Employee Benefit Plans - Components of Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 3,971	$ 4,814
Net periodic benefit cost — continuing operations
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]
Net periodic benefit cost	3,971	4,609
Disposed of by sale | Allocated to discontinued operations
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]
Net periodic benefit cost	0	(205)
Defined contribution plan
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]
Net periodic benefit cost	3,978	3,779
Defined benefit plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]
Interest cost	4,103	4,917
Expected return on plan assets, net of expenses	(5,820)	(5,256)
Amortization of actuarial loss and prior service cost	1,487	1,125
Total for defined benefit pension plan	(230)	786
Multi-employer plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]
Net periodic benefit cost	0	9
SERPs
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 223	$ 240

XML

Employee Benefit Plans - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021 USD ($)
SERPs
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Contributions to benefit plan	$ 0.3
Estimated future contributions	1.1
Defined benefit plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Contributions to benefit plan	5.7
Estimated future contributions	$ 18.7

XML

Segment Information - Narrative (Details) - Local Media	Mar. 31, 2021 affiliate station lowPowerStation
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of local broadcast stations | station	61
Number of low power stations operated | lowPowerStation	10
ABC affiliates
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of affiliates	18
NBC affiliates
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of affiliates	11
CBS affiliates
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of affiliates	9
FOX affiliates
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of affiliates	4
CW affiliates
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of affiliates	12
Number of full power stations | station	4
Number of multicast | station	8
My TV Affiliates
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of affiliates	2
Independent station
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of affiliates	3

XML

Segment Information - Schedule of Business Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Information regarding business segments
Total operating revenues		$ 540,921	$ 414,223
Segment profit (loss)		57,218	20,924
Acquisition and related integration costs		(28,645)	(4,910)
Restructuring costs		(7,050)	0
Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets		(39,507)	(27,345)
Gains (losses), net on disposal of property and equipment		(80)	(1,433)
Interest expense		(43,882)	(25,798)
Defined benefit pension plan income (expense)		7	(1,026)
Gains on sale of business	$ 6,500	81,784	0
Gains (losses) on stock warrants		(67,244)	0
Miscellaneous, net		(4,851)	1,114
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes		23,032	(4,786)
Depreciation:
Total depreciation		14,125	13,351
Amortization of intangible assets:
Total amortization of intangible assets		25,382	13,994
Additions to property and equipment:
Total additions to property and equipment		7,392	16,369
Intersegment Eliminations
Information regarding business segments
Total operating revenues		(3,441)	(3,129)
Corporate, Non-Segment
Information regarding business segments
Segment profit (loss)		(18,921)	(18,654)
Depreciation:
Total depreciation		356	381
Amortization of intangible assets:
Total amortization of intangible assets		521	338
Additions to property and equipment:
Total additions to property and equipment		19	114
Local Media | Operating Segments
Information regarding business segments
Total operating revenues		312,581	324,933
Segment profit (loss)		55,937	59,106
Depreciation:
Total depreciation		9,685	11,490
Amortization of intangible assets:
Total amortization of intangible assets		9,597	9,921
Additions to property and equipment:
Total additions to property and equipment		5,454	14,441
Scripps Networks | Operating Segments
Information regarding business segments
Total operating revenues		213,660	76,755
Segment profit (loss)		92,203	9,969
Depreciation:
Total depreciation		3,835	1,295
Amortization of intangible assets:
Total amortization of intangible assets		13,117	1,835
Additions to property and equipment:
Total additions to property and equipment		1,489	1,591
Other | Operating Segments
Information regarding business segments
Total operating revenues		18,121	15,664
Segment profit (loss)		3,281	4,191
Depreciation:
Total depreciation		249	185
Amortization of intangible assets:
Total amortization of intangible assets		2,147	1,900
Additions to property and equipment:
Total additions to property and equipment		$ 430	$ 223

XML

Segment Information - Disaggregation of Revenue Generating Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	$ 540,921	$ 414,223
Core advertising
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	361,303	235,821
Political
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	1,311	18,720
Retransmission and carriage fees
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	156,497	138,950
Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	$ 21,810	$ 20,732

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Capital Stock (Details)			3 Months Ended	40 Months Ended
	Mar. 15, 2021 USD ($)	Jan. 07, 2021 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Mar. 31, 2021 USD ($) director classOfCommonShare	Feb. 29, 2020 USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2020 USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2016 USD ($)
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Classes of common shares | classOfCommonShare			2
Minimum number of directors up for election to entitle shareholders to vote | director			3
Percentage of directors up for election if more than minimum number			33.33%
Preferred stock dividends			$ 11,067,000
ION Media
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Exercise right of warrants ( in dollars per share) | $ / shares		$ 13
Preferred Stock | Berkshire Hathaway | ION Media
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Financing provided for business acquisition		$ 600,000,000
Preferred shares issued | shares		6,000
Face value of Preferred shares (in dollars per share) | $ / shares		$ 100,000
Preferred shares redemption price, as a percent		105.00%
Preferred stock dividend rate		8.00%
Preferred stock dividend rate if dividends not paid in cash		9.00%
Preferred stock dividends	$ 9,100,000
Number of shares purchasable by warrant | shares		23,100,000
Exercise right of warrants ( in dollars per share) | $ / shares		$ 13
Common stock, Class A
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount					$ 100,000,000	$ 100,000,000
Stock repurchased during period, value			$ 0	$ 50,300,000
Common stock, Class A | Berkshire Hathaway | ION Media
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares purchasable by warrant | shares		23,100,000

XML

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Equity, beginning balance	$ 1,163,265	$ 897,935
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	0	0
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax	1,205	908
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	1,205	908
Equity, ending balance	1,569,187	885,320
Defined Benefit Pension Items
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Equity, beginning balance	(99,789)	(98,734)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	0	0
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax	1,187	902
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	1,187	902
Equity, ending balance	(98,602)	(97,832)
Actuarial gain (loss) tax amount	374	286
Other
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Equity, beginning balance	(330)	(255)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	0	0
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax	18	6
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	18	6
Equity, ending balance	(312)	(249)
Total
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Equity, beginning balance	(100,119)	(98,989)
Equity, ending balance	$ (98,914)	$ (98,081)

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Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands					3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 30, 2020	Jul. 10, 2020	Sep. 19, 2019	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gains on sale of business		$ 6,500			$ 81,784	$ 0
Interest income		7,600
Nexstar Media Group, Inc.
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of business		$ 83,700		$ 75,000
Disposed of by sale | Stitcher Podcasting Business
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Consideration received for business			$ 325,000
Cash upfront for sale of business			265,000
Disposed of by sale | Triton Digital Media
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Consideration received for business	$ 225,000				225,000
Gains on sale of business	$ 81,800				81,800
Disposed of by sale | Earnout | Stitcher Podcasting Business
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Earnout based on financial results			30,000
Disposed of by sale | Earnout Based On 2021 Financial Results | Stitcher Podcasting Business
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Earnout based on financial results			$ 30,000
Disposed of by sale | Earnout Contingent Consideration | Stitcher Podcasting Business
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Earnout based on financial results					12,700
Increase in contingent earnout consideration					$ 2,700

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Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations - Operating Results of Discontinued Operations (Details) - Disposed of by sale - Stitcher Podcasting Business - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Operating revenues	$ 0	$ 17,128
Total costs and expenses		(22,802)
Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets		(570)
Other, net	2,686
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes	2,686	(6,244)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	622	(1,633)
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations	$ 2,064	$ (4,611)