New York, NY, November 25, 2025
Sinclair Broadcast Group has proposed acquiring E.W. Scripps Company at a price of $7 per share, including a mix of cash and stock. This move aims to consolidate the U.S. local TV news industry amidst a backdrop of industry challenges. The offer represents a significant premium for Scripps shareholders and has been acknowledged by Scripps’ board, which plans to carefully evaluate the proposal while considering stakeholder interests. The proposal signals ongoing media consolidation trends and potential regulatory hurdles.
Sinclair Proposes Acquisition of E.W. Scripps Company
Media Consolidation Continues with Potential $7 per Share Offer
New York, NY
Sinclair Broadcast Group has made headlines by proposing an acquisition of E.W. Scripps Company at a price of $7 per share. This strategic move aims to consolidate the U.S. local TV news industry amidst ongoing industry changes and challenges. The offer includes a combination of cash and stock, potentially giving Scripps shareholders around a 12.7% stake in the new combined entity upon the deal’s closure. Sinclair has set a response deadline for Scripps by December 5.
The proposed offer entails $2.72 in cash along with $4.28 in stock for each Scripps share, providing a substantial premium of approximately 200% over Scripps’ 30-day volume-weighted average price of $2.33 as of November 6. Notably, this bid follows Sinclair’s recent acquisition of nearly 10% of Scripps’ Class A common stock as of November 17, signaling Sinclair’s increased interest in Scripps.
Scripps’ Response and Stakeholder Interests
Following Sinclair’s unsolicited offer, the board of Scripps has acknowledged the proposal. They have indicated that they will carefully assess the offer, keeping in mind the best interests of their stakeholders and the audiences they serve across the United States. Moreover, Scripps has communicated their intent to adopt measures that will safeguard against any potentially opportunistic actions during this evaluation process.
The Broader Context of Media Consolidation
This merger proposal is part of a larger trend of mergers and acquisitions within the U.S. media landscape. As traditional viewership continues to decline in favor of streaming services, companies such as Nexstar Media Group have also sought larger scales, as evidenced by their recent $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna. The drive for consolidation is rooted in the need for enhanced competitiveness within this rapidly evolving market.
Regulatory Challenges Ahead
Should the Sinclair and Scripps merger progress, it would face regulatory scrutiny. Approval from relevant authorities is necessary, and the outcome may be influenced by the current administration’s perspective on media consolidation. This regulatory environment adds an additional layer of complexity to the potential merger, a factor that businesses must navigate carefully in the current political climate.
Market Performance
As of November 25, 2025, shares of E.W. Scripps are trading at $4.385 per share, reflecting a slight drop from previous trading levels. The market reactions to Sinclair’s proposal will likely be closely monitored by investors and analysts alike as both companies evaluate their next steps in this evolving situation.
Conclusion
Sinclair Broadcast Group’s proposal to acquire E.W. Scripps Company is a significant move within the ongoing media consolidation trends in the U.S. Each step, from stakeholder evaluations to regulatory approvals, will shape the future landscape of local TV news and influence how media companies operate in a competitive environment. Communities and investors alike should stay engaged with these developments, as they will have lasting impacts on the media diversity and availability in the local markets.
FAQ
What is Sinclair’s proposal to acquire E.W. Scripps?
Sinclair Broadcast Group has proposed acquiring E.W. Scripps Company for $7 per share, comprising both cash and stock, which would provide Scripps shareholders with approximately a 12.7% stake in the combined entity upon closing. Sinclair has requested a response from Scripps by December 5.
What does the $7 per share offer include?
The offer includes $2.72 in cash and $4.28 in stock for each Scripps share, representing a 200% premium over Scripps’ 30-day volume-weighted average price as of November 6. This bid follows Sinclair’s recent acquisition of nearly 10% of Scripps’ Class A common stock as of November 17.
How has Scripps responded to Sinclair’s offer?
Scripps’ board has acknowledged the unsolicited offer and stated it will evaluate the proposal based on the interests of its stakeholders and the audiences it serves across the United States. The company has also indicated it will take necessary steps to protect itself from any opportunistic actions.
What is the current stock price of E.W. Scripps?
As of November 25, 2025, E.W. Scripps’ stock is trading at $4.385 per share, reflecting a slight decrease from the previous close.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Proposed Acquisition | Sinclair Broadcast Group’s bid to acquire E.W. Scripps Company for $7 per share, comprising both cash and stock. |
| Offer Details | $2.72 in cash and $4.28 in stock for each Scripps share, representing a 200% premium over Scripps’ 30-day volume-weighted average price as of November 6. |
| Scripps’ Response | Scripps’ board acknowledges the offer and will evaluate it based on stakeholder interests, indicating steps to protect against opportunistic actions. |
| Industry Context | Part of a broader trend of consolidation in the U.S. media industry, with companies seeking to scale amid declining traditional TV audiences and increasing competition from streaming services. |
| Regulatory Approval | Any potential merger would require regulatory approval, which may be influenced by the current administration’s stance on media consolidation. |
| Current Stock Price | E.W. Scripps’ stock is trading at $4.385 per share as of November 25, 2025. |
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