Baltimore, MD, December 1, 2025
Sinclair Broadcast Group has made an unsolicited offer to acquire E.W. Scripps for $7 per share, totaling approximately $538 million. This move reflects Sinclair’s aim to solidify its influence in the local TV news sector. In response, Scripps has enacted a shareholder rights plan to protect against hostile takeovers. The acquisition proposal comes amid ongoing consolidation trends in the media industry, emphasizing the growing need for media companies to enhance competitiveness. The deal, if finalized, could result in considerable changes within the national media landscape.
Sinclair Broadcast Group Proposes Acquisition of E.W. Scripps
Media Consolidation in the Spotlight with $538 Million Bid
Baltimore, MD – In a significant move poised to impact the local television landscape, Sinclair Broadcast Group has made an unsolicited offer to acquire E.W. Scripps Company for $7 per share. The proposed transaction totals approximately $538 million and represents Sinclair’s ongoing strategy to strengthen its foothold in the U.S. local TV news industry.
Sinclair Broadcast Group, a key player in the media sector with a robust network of stations, currently holds nearly 10% of Scripps’ Class A common stock. This emphasis on consolidation is reflective of a broader trend within the industry, wherein larger firms seek to enhance their portfolios through acquisitions, thereby boosting their market share and influence.
Offer Details
The acquisition proposal from Sinclair comprises both cash and stock components, valuing E.W. Scripps at around $538 million. Should the deal proceed, Scripps shareholders are expected to retain approximately 12.7% ownership of the combined entity, creating a significant media company with a total of over 240 local TV stations nationwide.
Defensive Measures by Scripps
In the wake of Sinclair’s bid, E.W. Scripps has adopted a shareholder rights plan, commonly referred to as a “poison pill.” This strategy is designed to deter hostile takeover attempts by allowing existing shareholders to buy additional shares at a discounted rate if any single investor acquires more than 10% of the company. This defensive tactic aims to protect the interests of Scripps’ current shareholders while maintaining control over the company’s future.
Industry Context
This proposed acquisition occurs alongside a wave of consolidation within the media landscape. Earlier this month, Nexstar Media Group announced a $6.2 billion agreement to acquire Tegna, which operates a portfolio of 64 television stations. Sinclair’s merger with Scripps, if completed, has potential implications for compliance with national media ownership regulations, specifically concerning the Federal Communications Commission’s 39% cap on national television reach.
Next Steps for the Proposed Acquisition
Sinclair has set a deadline for a response from Scripps by December 5, 2025. As with all significant mergers and acquisitions, the transaction will be subject to regulatory approval, necessitating adherence to existing national media ownership rules.
Current Stock Performance
As of December 1, 2025, shares of E.W. Scripps are valued at $4.23, reflecting a decrease of $0.18 (or approximately 4.07%) from the previous trading session. Meanwhile, Sinclair’s stock closed at $15.76, showing a slight decrease of $0.035 (or 0.22%). The stock movements indicate market responses to these recent developments in the media sector.
About the Companies
Sinclair Broadcast Group, based in Hunt Valley, Maryland, operates a vast network of 185 TV stations across 85 markets and is affiliated with all major broadcast networks. E.W. Scripps Company, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, manages over 60 local stations and national brands, including Court TV and Scripps News. Both companies are integral components of the national media framework, contributing to local news and information dissemination.
Conclusion
The proposed acquisition of E.W. Scripps by Sinclair Broadcast Group represents a strategically significant move amidst ongoing consolidation trends in the media industry. As these negotiations evolve, it is crucial for stakeholders, including local business communities and media consumers, to remain informed about the impact of such developments. Encouraging local entrepreneurship and supporting local media are essential to fostering a dynamic Baltimore economy that prioritizes innovative growth and community investment.
FAQ
- What is Sinclair Broadcast Group’s offer to E.W. Scripps?
- Sinclair has proposed acquiring E.W. Scripps for $7 per share, comprising both cash and stock components, valuing Scripps at approximately $538 million.
- How has E.W. Scripps responded to Sinclair’s offer?
- E.W. Scripps adopted a shareholder rights plan, known as a “poison pill,” to prevent hostile takeovers and protect shareholder interests.
- What is the significance of this acquisition in the media industry?
- This acquisition is part of a broader trend of consolidation in the media industry, following Nexstar Media Group’s $6.2 billion deal to acquire Tegna.
- What are the next steps for this proposed acquisition?
- Sinclair has requested a response from Scripps by December 5, 2025. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval, including compliance with national media ownership rules.
- What are the current stock performances of E.W. Scripps and Sinclair Broadcast Group?
- As of December 1, 2025, E.W. Scripps’ stock (SSP) is trading at $4.23, down $0.18 (-4.07%) from the previous close. Sinclair’s stock (SBGI) closed at $15.76 on November 28, 2025, down $0.035 (-0.22%) from the previous close.
| Company | Stock Symbol | Current Stock Price | Change from Previous Close | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E.W. Scripps Company | SSP | $4.23 | -$0.18 | -4.07% |
| Sinclair Broadcast Group | SBGI | $15.76 | -$0.035 | -0.22% |
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