Improved Leverage and Balance Sheet Actions
Net leverage improved to 3.9x (per credit agreement). Paid down >$60M of term loans year-to-date (including $10.2M B-2, $20.4M B-3 and an additional ~$30M B-2 post-quarter). Entered agreement to extend revolver maturity to July 7, 2029 with $200M commitments.
Local Media Revenue Growth and Profitability
Local Media revenue $331M, up 5.8% year-over-year on an adjusted basis; core advertising grew 7% YoY. Local Media segment profit rose to $44M vs $32M in Q1 2025 (≈37.5% increase). Distribution revenue up ~2% same-station; Q1 expenses increased ~2.4% (flat ex-NHL deal).
Connected TV Momentum
Connected TV revenue grew 26% year-over-year in Q1, reflecting accelerating streaming monetization and CTV-focused ad tech improvements.
Sports Strategy and New Distribution
Launched Scripps Sports Network (premium free streaming channel) and expanded sports rights (multiple NHL deals including new Nashville Predators agreement, WNBA, NWSL, PWHL, MLV, PBR women's rodeo). Sports drove Local Media core ad strength and will fuel linear and CTV inventory.
Strategic Transactions and Affiliate Deal
Generated $123M gross proceeds from recent station sales (WFTX and WRTV) and recognized a $30M gain (including Court TV sale). Completed a new affiliation agreement with ABC covering 17 affiliates.
Transformation Plan with Clear EBITDA Targets
Company reaffirmed transformation to grow enterprise EBITDA by $125M–$150M. Expect in-year EBITDA impact of $20M–$30M and an annualized run rate of ~ $75M next year; estimated cost to achieve $40M–$50M.
Political Revenue Opportunity
Political advertising revenue nearly $9M in Q1 with expectations for a record midterm cycle given station footprint in key battleground states (AZ, CO, MI, NV, OH, WI).
Operational and Strategic Execution
Management highlighted progress moving from planning to execution on automation, AI and newsroom redesigns to reallocate resources, improve productivity, and support local reporting and revenue growth.