The E.W. Scripps Company (SSP) 10-Q 10 Aug 15 2015 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - Jun. 30, 2015 - shares	Total
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	E.W. SCRIPPS Co
Entity Central Index Key	832,428
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Amendment Flag	false
Common stock, Class A
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	72,313,245
Voting common stock
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	11,932,722

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 101,420,000	$ 158,459,000
Restricted cash	6,560,000	6,810,000
Accounts and notes receivable (less allowances — $1,652 and $1,390)	171,985,000	99,609,000
Transition services agreement receivable, net	17,889,000	0
Deferred income taxes	24,517,000	10,754,000
Income taxes receivable	1,365,000	0
Miscellaneous	8,400,000	6,521,000
Assets of discontinued operations — current	0	46,507,000
Total current assets	332,136,000	328,660,000
Investments	13,915,000	9,454,000
Property, plant and equipment	275,013,000	157,841,000
Goodwill	555,046,000	106,261,000
Other intangible assets	475,386,000	187,259,000
Deferred income taxes	8,993,000	54,612,000
Miscellaneous	23,731,000	15,743,000
Assets held for sale	14,500,000	0
Assets of discontinued operations — noncurrent	0	172,901,000
Total Assets	1,698,720,000	1,032,731,000
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	17,141,000	13,987,000
Customer deposits and unearned revenue	8,764,000	8,812,000
Current portion of long-term debt	6,656,000	2,000,000
Accrued liabilities:
Employee compensation and benefits	27,997,000	20,901,000
Miscellaneous	24,206,000	31,890,000
Other current liabilities	12,381,000	9,306,000
Total current liabilities	0	47,642,000
Total current liabilities	97,145,000	134,538,000
Long-term debt (less current portion)	400,467,000	196,000,000
Other liabilities (less current portion)	276,218,000	169,171,000
Liabilities of discontinued operations — noncurrent	0	13,089,000
Equity:
Preferred stock, $.01 par — authorized: 25,000,000 shares; none outstanding	0	0
Common stock, $.01 par: Class A - authorized: 240,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding; 72,313,245 and 45,062,522 shares; Voting - authorized: 60,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding; 11,932,722 and 11,932,722 shares	842,000	570,000
Additional paid-in capital	1,167,537,000	525,456,000
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	(117,616,000)	118,693,000
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes	(125,873,000)	(126,443,000)
The E.W. Scripps Company total shareholders’ equity	924,890,000	518,276,000
Noncontrolling interest — discontinued operations	0	1,657,000
Total equity	924,890,000	519,933,000
Total Liabilities and Equity	1,698,720,000	1,032,731,000
Common stock, Class A
Equity:
Common stock, $.01 par: Class A - authorized: 240,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding; 72,313,245 and 45,062,522 shares; Voting - authorized: 60,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding; 11,932,722 and 11,932,722 shares	723,000	451,000
Voting common stock
Equity:
Common stock, $.01 par: Class A - authorized: 240,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding; 72,313,245 and 45,062,522 shares; Voting - authorized: 60,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding; 11,932,722 and 11,932,722 shares	$ 119,000	$ 119,000

Condensed Consolidated Balance3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Allowances for accounts and notes receivable	$ 1,652	$ 1,390
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
Common stock, Class A
Common stock, shares authorized	240,000,000	240,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	72,313,245	45,062,522
Common stock, shares outstanding	72,313,245	45,062,522
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

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Operating Revenues:
Advertising	$ 154,372	$ 101,024	$ 244,105	$ 188,772
Retransmission	36,495	12,700	64,413	25,174
Other	7,267	5,972	12,639	11,054
Total operating revenues	198,134	119,696	321,157	225,000
Costs and Expenses:
Employee compensation and benefits	91,118	62,639	159,480	124,581
Programs and program licenses	30,914	13,802	52,046	26,770
Other expenses	44,084	32,695	73,344	58,239
Defined benefit pension plan expense	4,120	1,319	6,806	2,640
Acquisition and related integration costs	29,973	3,939	32,747	4,201
Total costs and expenses	200,209	114,394	324,423	216,431
Depreciation, Amortization, and Losses (Gains):
Depreciation	8,604	5,634	14,791	11,318
Amortization of intangible assets	4,762	1,804	6,870	3,607
Losses (gains), net on disposal of property, plant and equipment	215	13	379	48
Net depreciation, amortization, and losses (gains)	13,581	7,451	22,040	14,973
Operating loss	(15,656)	(2,149)	(25,306)	(6,404)
Interest expense	(4,225)	(2,041)	(6,277)	(4,295)
Miscellaneous, net	387	(237)	(1,049)	(380)
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	(19,494)	(4,427)	(32,632)	(11,079)
Benefit for income taxes	(6,539)	(1,591)	(11,562)	(4,063)
Net loss from continuing operations	(12,955)	(2,836)	(21,070)	(7,016)
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax	(18,448)	(399)	(15,432)	3,169
Net loss	$ (31,403)	$ (3,235)	$ (36,502)	$ (3,847)
Net loss per basic share of common stock:
Loss from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ (0.15)	$ (0.05)	$ (0.30)	$ (0.13)
Loss from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	(0.22)	(0.01)	(0.22)	0.06
Net loss per basic share of common stock (in dollars per share)	(0.37)	(0.06)	(0.52)	(0.07)
Net loss per diluted share of common stock:
Loss from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	(0.15)	(0.05)	(0.30)	(0.13)
(Loss) income from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	(0.22)	(0.01)	(0.22)	0.06
Net loss per diluted share of common stock (in dollars per share)	$ (0.37)	$ (0.06)	$ (0.52)	$ (0.07)

Condensed Consolidated Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Net loss	$ (31,403)	$ (3,235)	$ (36,502)	$ (3,847)
Changes in fair value of derivative, net of tax of $37, $37, $73 and $74	59	59	119	118
Changes in defined benefit pension plans, net of tax of $1,669, $280, $1,211 and $560	(2,632)	444	(1,875)	888
Total comprehensive loss	$ (33,976)	$ (2,732)	$ (38,258)	$ (2,841)

Condensed Consolidated Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Changes in fair value of derivatives, tax amount	$ 37	$ 37	$ 73	$ 74
Changes in defined benefit pension plans, tax amount	$ (1,669)	$ 280	$ (1,211)	$ 560

Condednsed Consolidated Stateme

Condednsed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net loss	$ (36,502,000)	$ (3,847,000)
Loss (income) from discontinued operations	15,432,000	(3,169,000)
Loss from continuing operations	(21,070,000)	(7,016,000)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss from continuing operations to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	21,661,000	14,925,000
Deferred income taxes	(9,786,000)	(2,599,000)
Stock and deferred compensation plans	7,886,000	4,741,000
Pension expense, net of payments	6,756,000	2,182,000
Liability for withdrawal from GCIU employer retirement fund	0	4,100,000
Other changes in certain working capital accounts, net	(81,873,000)	5,411,000
Miscellaneous, net	6,810,000	463,000
Net cash (used in) provided by continuing operating activities	(69,616,000)	22,207,000
Net cash provided by discontinued operating activities	6,646,000	18,108,000
Net operating activities	(62,970,000)	40,315,000
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	2,530,000	(145,222,000)
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(8,771,000)	(7,296,000)
Purchase of investments	(6,450,000)	(1,203,000)
Change in restricted cash	250,000	1,400,000
Miscellaneous, net	7,000	580,000
Net cash used in continuing investing activities	(12,434,000)	(151,741,000)
Net cash used in discontinued investing activities	(1,561,000)	(895,000)
Net investing activities	(13,995,000)	(152,636,000)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	200,000,000	0
Payments on long-term debt	(117,750,000)	(1,000,000)
Payments of financing costs	(2,592,000)	(483,000)
Dividends paid	(59,523,000)	0
Repurchase of Class A Common shares	(2,683,000)	(21,237,000)
Proceeds from employee stock options	5,539,000	8,876,000
Tax payments related to shares withheld for RSU vesting	(5,037,000)	(3,837,000)
Miscellaneous, net	1,972,000	249,000
Net cash provided by (used in) continuing financing activities	19,926,000	(17,432,000)
Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued financing activities	0	0
Net financing activities	19,926,000	(17,432,000)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(57,039,000)	(129,753,000)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of year	158,459,000	221,255,000
End of period	101,420,000	91,502,000
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures
Interest paid	5,319,000	1,972,000
Income taxes paid	$ 13,970,000	$ 367,000

Condensed Consolidated Stateme8

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings (Accumulated Loss)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Noncontrolling Interests
Balance, beginning at Dec. 31, 2013		$ 547,737	$ 560	$ 509,243	$ 116,893	$ (80,923)	$ 1,964
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net (loss) income		(4,046)			(3,847)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests							(199)
Changes in defined benefit pension plans		888				888
Changes in fair value of derivative		118				118
Repurchase Class A Common shares: 1,181,560 in 2014 and 115,819 in 2015		(21,237)	(12)	(12,496)	(8,729)
Compensation plans: 1,352,813 net shares issued in 2014 and 1,015,549 in 2015	[1]	9,943	14	9,929
Balance, ending at Jun. 30, 2014		533,403	562	506,676	104,317	(79,917)	1,765
Balance, beginning at Dec. 31, 2014		519,933	570	525,456	118,693	(126,443)	1,657
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net (loss) income		(36,502)			(36,502)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests							0
Changes in defined benefit pension plans		(1,875)				(1,875)
Changes in fair value of derivative		119				119
Cash dividends: declared and paid — $1.03 per share		(59,523)
Shares issued for acquisition: 26,350,993 shares issued		636,000	263	635,737
Spin-off of Newspapers		(138,159)			(138,828)	2,326	(1,657)
Repurchase Class A Common shares: 1,181,560 in 2014 and 115,819 in 2015		(2,683)	(1)	(1,226)	(1,456)
Compensation plans: 1,352,813 net shares issued in 2014 and 1,015,549 in 2015	[1]	7,580	10	7,570
Balance, ending at Jun. 30, 2015		924,890
Balance, beginning at Mar. 31, 2015		924,890	$ 842	$ 1,167,537	$ (117,616)	$ (125,873)	$ 0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Changes in defined benefit pension plans		(2,632)
Changes in fair value of derivative		59
Spin-off of Newspapers		2,326
Balance, ending at Jun. 30, 2015		$ 924,890
[1]	* Net of tax payments related to shares withheld for vested stock and RSUs of $5,037 in 2015 and $3,837 in 2014.

Condensed Consolidated Stateme9

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Shares issued on compensation plans	1,015,549	1,352,813
Repurchase of Class A Common shares	115,819	1,181,560
Tax payments related to shares withheld for vested stock and RSUs	$ 5,037	$ 3,837
Cash dividends declared (in dollars per share)	$ 1.03	$ 0
Cash dividends paid (in dollars per share)	$ 1.03	$ 0
Number of shares issued in business acquisition	26,350,993	0

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies As used in the Condensed Notes to 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 2014 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. Nature of Operations — We are a diverse media enterprise with a portfolio of television, radio and digital media brands. All of our media businesses provide content and advertising services via digital platforms, including the web, smartphones and tablets. Our media businesses are organized into the following reportable business segments: television, radio, digital and syndication and other. Additional information for our business segments is presented in the Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. On April 1, 2015, we distributed our newspaper business to our shareholders in a tax-free spin-off. See Note 17 for additional information on the spin-off. 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. Revenue Recognition — We recognize revenue when persuasive evidence of a sales arrangement exists, delivery occurs or services are rendered, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. When a sales arrangement contains multiple elements, such as the sale of advertising and other services, we allocate revenue to each element based upon its relative fair value. We report revenue net of sales and other taxes collected from our customers. Our primary sources of revenue are from the sale of broadcast and digital advertising and retransmission fees received from cable operators and satellite carriers. The revenue recognition policies for each source of revenue are described in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Share-Based Compensation — We have a Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) which is described more fully in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 . The Plan provides for the award of incentive and nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units (RSUs), unrestricted Class A Common shares and performance units to key employees and non-employee directors. Share-based compensation costs totaled $4.5 million and $1.4 million for the second quarter of 2015 and 2014 , respectively, of which $0.3 million of second quarter 2014 is included in discontinued operations. Year-to-date share-based compensation costs totaled $6.4 million and $4.7 million in 2015 and 2014, respectively, of which $0.2 million and $1.1 million are included in discontinued operations, 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 Six Months Ended (in thousands) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Numerator (for basic and diluted earnings per share) Net loss from continuing operations $ (12,955 ) $ (2,836 ) $ (21,070 ) $ (7,016 ) Less income allocated to RSUs — — — — Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations $ (12,955 ) $ (2,836 ) $ (21,070 ) $ (7,016 ) Denominator Basic weighted-average shares outstanding 83,903 56,043 70,692 56,063 Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options held by employees and directors — — — — Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding 83,903 56,043 70,692 56,063 Anti-dilutive securities (1) 2,230 3,746 2,230 3,746 (1) Amount outstanding at balance sheet date, before application of the treasury stock method and not weighted for period outstanding. For the quarters and periods ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 , we incurred a net loss and the inclusion of RSUs and stock options held by employees and directors would have been anti-dilutive, and accordingly the diluted EPS calculation for the period excludes those common share equivalents. Derivative Financial Instruments — It is our policy that derivative transactions are executed only to manage exposures arising in the normal course of business and not for the purpose of creating speculative positions or trading. Derivative financial instruments are utilized to manage interest rate risks. We do not hold derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. All derivatives are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. Each derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge or remains undesignated. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and effective as cash flow hedges are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassified to earnings when the effects of the item being hedged are recognized in earnings. These changes are offset in earnings to the extent the hedge was effective by fair value changes related to the risk being hedged on the hedged item. Changes in the fair value of undesignated hedges are recognized currently in earnings. All ineffective changes in derivative fair values are recognized currently in earnings. All designated hedges are formally documented as to the relationship with the hedged item as well as the risk-management strategy. Both at inception and on an ongoing basis, the hedging instrument is assessed as to its effectiveness, when applicable. If and when a derivative is determined not to be highly effective as a hedge, or the underlying hedged transaction is no longer likely to occur, or the hedge designation is removed, or the derivative is terminated, the hedge accounting discussed above is discontinued.

Recently Adopted Standards and

Recently Adopted Standards and Issued Accounting Standards (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Recently Adopted Standards and Issued Accounting Standards	Recently Adopted Standards and Issued Accounting Standards Recently Issued Accounting Standards — In August 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued new guidance related to the disclosures around going concern. The new standard provides guidance around management's responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In May 2014, the FASB issued new guidance on revenue recognition. Under this new standard, an entity shall recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The standard creates a five-step process that requires entities to exercise judgment when considering the terms of the contract(s) and all relevant facts and circumstances. This standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method and will be effective for us beginning in 2018. Early adoption is permitted in 2017. We are currently assessing the impact this new guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements and have not yet determined a transition method. In April 2014, the FASB issued new guidance on reporting and disclosure requirements as they relate to discontinued operations. With the new guidance, a disposal of a component or group of components of an entity is required to be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results. The amendments in this update are effective for all disposals, or classifications as held for sale, of components of an entity that occur within annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014 and interim periods within those years. We adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2015.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Acquisitions Journal Communications Broadcast Group On April 1, 2015, we acquired the broadcast group owned by Journal Communications, Inc. ("Journal") as part of the transactions described in Footnote 17. The businesses acquired included 12 television stations and 34 radio stations. We issued 26.4 million Scripps Class A common shares to the Journal shareholders in exchange for their interest in Journal resulting in a purchase price of $636 million . The fair value of the shares issued was determined on the basis of the closing market price of our common shares on April 1, 2015, the acquisition date. Pending the finalization of third-party valuations and other items, the following table summarizes the preliminary fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed: (in thousands) Assets: Cash $ 2,530 Accounts receivable 48,008 Other current assets 2,310 Property, plant and equipment 123,264 Intangible assets 295,000 Goodwill 448,785 Other long-term assets 5,268 Assets held for sale 14,500 Total assets acquired 939,665 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 44,514 Employee benefit obligations 85,261 Deferred tax liability 42,854 Long-term debt 126,873 Other long-term liabilities 4,163 Net purchase price $ 636,000 Of the $295 million allocated to intangible assets, $112 million was for FCC licenses which we determined to have an indefinite life and therefore are not amortized. The remaining balance of $183 million was allocated to television network affiliation relationships and advertiser relationships with estimated amortization periods of 10 to 20 years. The goodwill of $449 million arising from the transaction consists largely of synergies and economies of scale and other benefits of a larger broadcast footprint. The goodwill will be allocated to our television, radio and digital segments once the final allocation is completed. We treated the transaction as a stock acquisition for income tax purposes resulting in no step-up in the assets acquired. The goodwill is not deductible for income tax purposes. Concurrent with the acquisition of the Journal television stations, due to FCC conflict ownership rules, we are required to dispose of KNIN located in Boise, ID. We have entered into an agreement to sell KNIN to Raycom Media, Inc. for $14.5 million . The sale is expected to close by the end of the year, subject to final regulatory approval. We will not recognize a gain or loss on this transaction. The assets of this station are classified as held for sale in our balance sheet at June 30, 2015. Granite Broadcasting On June 16, 2014 , we closed our acquisition of two television stations owned by Granite Broadcasting Corporation — the Detroit MyNetworkTV affiliate WMYD-TV and the Buffalo, N.Y. ABC affiliate WKBW-TV ("Acquired Granite Stations") — for $110 million in cash. The acquisition of WMYD-TV created a duopoly with our Detroit ABC affiliate WXYZ-TV. We finalized the determination of fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed in the fourth quarter of 2014. There were no material changes in the fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed from the preliminary amounts. The following table summarizes their final fair values. (in thousands) Assets: Property, plant and equipment $ 12,025 Intangible assets 53,500 Goodwill 44,715 Total assets acquired 110,240 Current liabilities 240 Net purchase price $ 110,000 Of the $54 million allocated to intangible assets, $34 million was for FCC licenses which we determined to have an indefinite life and therefore are not amortized. The remaining balance of $19 million was allocated to television network affiliation relationships and advertiser relationships with estimated amortization periods of 10 to 20 years. The goodwill of $45 million arising from the transaction consists largely of synergies and economies of scale and other benefits of a larger broadcast footprint, as well as synergies from being able to create a duopoly in our Detroit market. We allocated the goodwill to our television segment. We treated the transaction as an asset acquisition for income tax purposes resulting in a step-up in the assets acquired. The goodwill is deductible for income tax purposes. Pro forma results of operations, assuming the Granite and Journal transactions (collectively the "Acquired Stations") had taken place at the beginning of 2013 and 2014, respectively, are included in the following table. The pro forma information includes the historical results of operations of Scripps and the Acquired Stations and adjustments for additional depreciation and amortization of the assets acquired, additional interest expense related to the financing of the transaction and reflecting the transaction costs incurred in 2015 as if they were incurred in the first quarter of 2014. The weighted average shares utilized in calculating the earnings per share assumes that the shares issued to the Journal shareholders were issued on January 1, 2014. The pro forma information does not include efficiencies, cost reductions or synergies expected to result from the acquisition. The unaudited pro forma financial information is not necessarily indicative of the results that actually would have occurred had the acquisition been completed at the beginning of the period. Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (in thousands, except per share data) (unaudited) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Operating revenues $ 198,134 $ 193,799 $ 383,619 $ 367,476 Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company 9,308 5,599 6,578 (24,679 ) Income (loss) per share from operations attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company: Basic $ 0.11 $ 0.07 $ 0.08 $ (0.30 ) Diluted 0.11 0.07 0.08 (0.30 ) Media Convergence Group On January 1, 2014 we completed our acquisition of Media Convergence Group, Inc., which operates as Newsy, a digital video news provider, for $35 million in cash, plus a working capital adjustment of $0.2 million . We finalized the determination of fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed in the fourth quarter of 2014. There were no material changes in the fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed from the preliminary amounts. The following table summarizes their final fair values. (in thousands) Assets: Accounts receivable $ 640 Other assets 74 Equipment and software 631 Intangible assets 5,900 Goodwill 28,983 Total assets acquired 36,228 Current liabilities 116 Long-term deferred liability 890 Net purchase price $ 35,222 Of the $6 million allocated to intangible assets, $4 million was allocated to customer relationships with an estimated amortization period of 5 years and the balance of $2 million was allocated to various other intangible assets. The goodwill of $29 million arising from the transaction consists largely of the benefit we will derive from being able to enter the digital video market with an established business. We allocated the goodwill to our syndication and other segment. We treated the transaction as a purchase of stock for income tax purposes with no step-up in the assets acquired. The goodwill is not be deductible for income tax purposes. We are not presenting any pro forma results of operations since the impact of the acquisition is not material to prior year results of operations. Geoterrestrial On September 16, 2014, we completed our acquisition of Geoterrestrial, Inc. ("WeatherSphere") for $4 million . WeatherSphere is a provider of weather-related mobile apps. The stock purchase agreement includes an earnout provision, whereby up to an additional $2.5 million may be payable over a three year period. We have estimated the fair value of the earnout to be $1.2 million . We are not presenting any pro forma results of operations since the impact of the acquisition is not material to prior periods results of operations.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
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 six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 was 35.4% and 36.7% , respectively. The primary reason for the difference between these rates and the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% is the impact of state taxes, non-deductible expenses (including a portion of transaction expense related to the Journal transactions) and adjustments to reserves for uncertain tax positions (including interest). Deferred tax assets totaled $33.5 million at June 30, 2015 . Management believes that it is more likely than not that we will realize the benefits of our federal deferred tax assets and therefore has not recorded a valuation allowance for our federal deferred tax assets. If economic conditions worsen, future estimates of taxable income could be lower than our current estimates which may require valuation allowances to be recorded in future reporting periods. We recognize state net operating loss 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. During the periods ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 , deferred tax assets relating to employee share-based compensation from the vesting of RSU's and the exercise of stock options have not been recognized since we are in a net tax loss position for both periods. The additional tax benefits will be reflected as net operating loss carryforwards when we file our tax returns, but the additional tax benefits are not recorded under GAAP until the tax deduction reduces taxes payable. When the benefit is recognized, it will be recorded as additional paid-in capital. The amount of unrecognized tax deductions for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 was approximately $25 million .

Other Charges and Credits

Other Charges and Credits	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Asset Write-Downs and Other Charges and Credits [Abstract]
Other Charges and Credits	Other Charges and Credits Loss from operations was affected by the following: Acquisition and related integration costs of $30.0 million and $32.7 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 , respectively includes costs for spinning off our newspaper operations and merging with Journal's broadcast business. The prior year amount is primarily for the acquisition of the Granite television stations.

Restricted Cash

Restricted Cash	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Restricted Cash	Restricted Cash At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , we had $6.6 million and $6.8 million , respectively, in a restricted cash account on deposit with our insurance carrier. This account serves as collateral, in place of an irrevocable stand-by letter of credit, to provide financial assurance that we will fulfill our obligations with respect to cash requirements associated with our workers compensation self-insurance. This cash is to remain on deposit with the carrier until all claims have been paid or we provide a letter of credit in lieu of the cash deposit.

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill was as follows: (in thousands) Gross balance as of December 31, 2014 $ 106,261 Accumulated impairment losses — Net balance as of December 31, 2014 106,261 2015 Journal acquisition 448,785 Balance as of June 30, 2015 $ 555,046 Gross balance as of June 30, 2015 $ 555,046 Accumulated impairment losses — Net balance as of June 30, 2015 $ 555,046 Due to the acquisition of Journal's broadcast business during the second quarter of 2015, our purchase price allocation for goodwill is pending the finalization of third-party valuation. Other intangible assets consisted of the following: (in thousands) As of As of Amortizable intangible assets: Carrying amount: Television network affiliation relationships $ 248,444 $ 93,944 Customer lists and advertiser relationships 48,900 20,000 Other 4,019 4,019 Total carrying amount 301,363 117,963 Accumulated amortization: Television network affiliation relationships (18,375 ) (14,092 ) Customer lists and advertiser relationships (9,678 ) (7,765 ) Other (1,739 ) (1,062 ) Total accumulated amortization (29,792 ) (22,919 ) Net amortizable intangible assets 271,571 95,044 Other indefinite-lived intangible assets — FCC licenses 203,815 92,215 Total other intangible assets $ 475,386 $ 187,259 Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for each of the next five years is $9.8 million for the remainder of 2015 , $19.3 million in 2016 , $16.9 million in 2017 , $16.9 million in 2018 , $16.0 million in 2019 , $16.0 million in 2020 , and $176.7 million in later years.

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	Long-Term Debt Long-term debt consisted of the following: (in thousands) As of As of Variable rate credit facility $ — $ — Term loan 396,500 198,000 Unsecured Subordinated Notes Payable 10,623 — Long-term debt 407,123 198,000 Current portion of long-term debt 6,656 2,000 Long-term debt (less current portion) $ 400,467 $ 196,000 Fair value of long-term debt * $ 405,800 $ 194,000 * Fair value of the term loan was estimated based on quoted private market transactions and is classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the unsecured promissory notes is determined based on a discounted cash flow analysis using current market interest rates of comparable instruments and is classified as a Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. Financing Agreement On April 1, 2015, we entered into a $500 million second amended revolving credit and term loan agreement ("Second Amended Financing Agreement") to amend the terms of our existing revolving credit and term loan agreement ("Amended Financing Agreement"), to add an incremental $200 million term loan B borrowing and to increase the line of credit by $25 million . The Second Amended Financing Agreement includes a $400 million term loan B maturing in November 2020 and a $100 million revolving credit facility maturing in November 2018. The Second Amended Financing Agreement includes the maintenance of a net leverage ratio if we borrow more than 20% on the revolving credit facility. The term loan B requires that if we borrow additional amounts or make a permitted acquisition that we cannot exceed a stated net leverage ratio on a pro forma basis at the date of the transaction. Interest is payable on the term loan B at rates based on LIBOR with a 0.75% floor, plus a fixed margin of 2.75% . Interest is payable on the revolving credit facility at rates based on LIBOR plus a margin based on our leverage ratio ranging from 2.25% to 2.75% . As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the interest rate was 3.5% and 3.25% , respectively, on the term loan B. The Second Amended Financing Agreement in certain circumstances requires that we must use a portion of excess cash flow to repay debt. As of June 30, 2015 , we were not required to make additional principal payments based on excess cash flow. The weighted-average interest rate on borrowings was 3.37% and 3.25% for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Scheduled principal payments on long-term debt at June 30, 2015 are: $2.0 million for the remainder of 2015 , $4.0 million in 2016 , $4.0 million in 2017 , $4.0 million in 2018 , $4.0 million in 2019 and $378.5 million in 2020 . Under the terms of the Second Amended Financing Agreement, we granted the lenders mortgages on certain of our real property, pledges of our equity interests in our subsidiaries and security interests in substantially all other personal property including cash, accounts receivables, and equipment. The Second Amended Financing Agreement allows us to make restricted payments (dividends and share repurchases) up to $70 million plus additional amounts based on our financial results and condition. We can also make additional stock repurchases equal to the amount of proceeds that we receive from the exercise of stock options held by our employees. Additionally, we can make acquisitions as long as the pro forma net leverage ratio is less than 4.5 to 1.0. 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. As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , we had outstanding letters of credit totaling $1.9 million and $0.2 million , respectively. Unsecured Subordinated Notes Payable The unsecured subordinated promissory notes bear interest at a rate of 7.25% per annum payable quarterly. The notes are payable in equal annual installments of $2.7 million on September 30 of each of 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, with no prepayment right.

Financial Instruments

Financial Instruments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Financial Instruments	Financial Instruments We are exposed to various market risks, including changes in interest rates. To manage risks associated with the volatility of changes in interest rates, we may enter into interest rate management instruments. We may utilize interest rate swaps to manage our interest expense exposure by fixing our interest rate on portions of our floating rate term loan. We have entered into a $75 million notional value interest rate swap expiring in December 2016 which provides for a fixed interest rate of 1.08% . We did not provide or receive any collateral for this contract. The fair value of this financial derivative, which was designated as and qualified as a cash flow hedge through November 2013, is determined using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed cash receipts (or payments) and the discounted expected variable cash payments (or receipts). The variable cash payments (or receipts) are based on the expectation of future interest rates (forward curves) derived from observed market interest rate curves and implied volatilities. In addition, credit valuation adjustments, which consider the impact of any credit enhancements to the contracts, are incorporated in the fair values to account for potential nonperformance risk. Fair Value of Derivative Instruments The notional amounts and fair values of derivative instruments are shown in the table below: As of June 30, 2015 As of December 31, 2014 Notional amount Fair value Notional amount Fair value (in thousands) Asset Liability (1) Asset Liability (1) Undesignated derivatives: Interest rate swap $ 75,000 $ — $ 581 $ 75,000 $ — $ 471 (1) Balance recorded as other liabilities in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Through November 2013, the above derivative instrument was designated as and qualified as a cash flow hedge and the effective portion of the unrealized gains and losses on the derivative was reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss and reclassified into earnings in the periods during which the hedged transactions affected earnings. Upon refinancing our term loan in November 2013, this hedge no longer qualified as a cash flow hedge and gains and losses on the derivative are recorded in current period earnings. The balance in accumulated other comprehensive loss at the date of discontinuance of hedge accounting is being amortized into earnings on a straight-line basis through December 2016. For the period ended June 30, 2015 , approximately $0.2 million was amortized into earnings from accumulated other comprehensive loss and is included in the table below as amounts reclassified from accumulated OCL, gain/(loss). Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (in thousands) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCL, gain/(loss) 96 96 192 192 Gain/(loss) on derivative 64 (111 ) (110 ) (62 )

Fair Value Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurement	Fair Value Measurement We measure certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis, such as cash equivalents and derivatives. The fair value of these financial assets and liabilities was determined based on three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable, that may be used to measure fair value. These levels of input are as follows: • Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. • Level 2 — Inputs, other than quoted market prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly. • Level 3 — Unobservable inputs based on our own assumptions. The following tables set forth our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 : As of June 30, 2015 (in thousands) Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets/(Liabilities): Cash equivalents $ 5,000 $ 5,000 $ — $ — Interest rate swap (581 ) — (581 ) — As of December 31, 2014 (in thousands) Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets/(Liabilities): Cash equivalents $ 10,000 $ 10,000 $ — $ — Interest rate swap (471 ) — (471 ) —

Other Liabilities

Other Liabilities	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities	Other Liabilities Other liabilities consisted of the following: (in thousands) As of As of Employee compensation and benefits $ 17,846 $ 15,914 Liability for pension benefits 229,397 136,429 Liabilities for uncertain tax positions 6,845 6,741 Other 22,130 10,087 Other liabilities (less current portion) $ 276,218 $ 169,171

Supplemental Cash Flow Informat

Supplemental Cash Flow Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
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: Six Months Ended (in thousands) 2015 2014 Other changes in certain working capital accounts, net Accounts and notes receivable $ (24,368 ) $ 2,519 Transition services receivable, net (17,889 ) — Income taxes receivable/payable, net (14,193 ) (235 ) Accounts payable (14,124 ) 424 Accrued employee compensation and benefits 260 1,243 Other accrued liabilities (7,684 ) 2,779 Other, net (3,875 ) (1,319 ) Total $ (81,873 ) $ 5,411

Employee Benefit Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	Employee Benefit Plans We sponsor various noncontributory defined benefit pension plans covering substantially all full-time employees that began employment prior to June 30, 2008. Benefits earned by employees are generally based upon employee compensation and years of service credits. We also have a non-qualified Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan ("SERP"). Effective June 30, 2009, we froze the accrual of benefits under our defined benefit pension plans and our SERP that cover the majority of our employees. 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. In connection with freezing the accrual of service credits under certain of our defined benefit pension plans, we began contributing additional amounts (referred to as transition credits) to certain employees' defined contribution retirement accounts in 2011. These transition credits, which will be made through the end of 2015, are determined based upon the employee’s age, compensation and years of service. 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 expense consisted of the following: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (in thousands) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Service cost $ — $ 22 $ — $ 43 Interest cost 8,179 6,277 14,628 12,555 Expected return on plan assets, net of expenses (6,624 ) (5,859 ) (11,709 ) (11,718 ) Amortization of actuarial loss 1,204 641 2,336 1,283 Curtailment 1,080 — 1,080 — Total for defined benefit plans 3,839 1,081 6,335 2,163 Multi-employer plans 38 105 97 224 Withdrawal from GCIU multi-employer plan — 4,100 — 4,100 SERP 281 296 547 592 Defined contribution plans 2,360 3,056 5,711 6,216 Net periodic benefit cost 6,518 8,638 12,690 13,295 Allocated to discontinued operations — (1,332 ) (1,096 ) (2,541 ) Net periodic benefit cost — continuing operations $ 6,518 $ 7,306 $ 11,594 $ 10,754 We contributed $0.2 million to fund current benefit payments for our SERP during the six months ended June 30, 2015 . We anticipate contributing an additional $0.6 million to fund the SERP’s benefit payments during the remainder of 2015 . No contributions were made to our defined benefit pension plans during the first half of 2015 . A one-time curtailment charge of $1.1 million was recorded to our pension obligations in the second quarter of 2015 related to our defined benefit pension plan. We also remeasured the liabilities as a result of the newspaper spin-off on April 1, 2015. We participate in multi-employer pension plans that cover certain employees that are members of unions or trade associations that have a collective bargaining agreement with us. In 2014, unions ratified our plan to withdraw from the Graphics Communication International Union (GCIU) Employer Retirement Fund. Upon ratification of the agreement, we estimated the undiscounted liability to be approximately $6.5 million and recorded a liability of $4.1 million in 2014 for the present value withdrawal liability. Once we reach a final agreement with the GCIU, we either will pay the liability in a lump sum or make equal monthly installments over 20 years.

Segment Information

Segment Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information We determine our business segments based upon our management and internal reporting structures. Our reportable segments are strategic businesses that offer different products and services. Our television segment includes 15 ABC affiliates, five NBC affiliates, two FOX affiliates, two CBS affiliates and four non big four affiliated stations. We also own five Azteca America affiliates. Our television stations reach approximately 18% of the nation’s television households. Television stations earn revenue primarily from the sale of advertising time to local and national advertisers and retransmission fees received from cable operators and satellite carriers. Our radio segment consists of 34 radio stations in eight markets. We operate 28 FM stations and six AM stations. In five of our markets, we operate both television and radio stations. Radio stations earn revenue primarily from the sale of advertising to local advertisers. Our digital segment supports the digital operations for our television and radio businesses. It also includes the operations of national digital businesses such as Newsy, a digital video news service, and WeatherSphere, a provider of weather-related mobile apps. Our digital operations earn revenue primarily through the sale of advertising, marketing services and app downloads and subscriptions. Syndication and other primarily includes the syndication of news features and comics and other features for the newspaper industry. We allocate a portion of certain corporate costs and expenses, including information technology, certain employee benefits and other shared services, to our business segments. The 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. 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 expense (other than current service cost), 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. Effective April 1, 2015, we began reporting our digital operations as a segment. We have recast the operating results for television, syndication and other and shared services and corporate in prior periods to reflect this change. Information regarding our business segments is as follows: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (in thousands) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Segment operating revenues: Television $ 167,394 $ 111,349 $ 281,612 $ 209,086 Radio 19,413 — 19,413 — Digital 8,602 5,445 14,837 10,681 Syndication and other 2,725 2,902 5,295 5,233 Total operating revenues $ 198,134 $ 119,696 $ 321,157 $ 225,000 Segment profit (loss): Television $ 44,596 $ 28,650 $ 66,650 $ 49,836 Radio 4,908 — 4,908 — Digital (4,917 ) (6,473 ) (9,571 ) (11,271 ) Syndication and other (1,062 ) (881 ) (657 ) (556 ) Shared services and corporate (11,507 ) (10,736 ) (25,043 ) (22,599 ) Defined benefit pension plan expense (4,120 ) (1,319 ) (6,806 ) (2,640 ) Acquisition and related integration costs (29,973 ) (3,939 ) (32,747 ) (4,201 ) Depreciation and amortization of intangibles (13,366 ) (7,438 ) (21,661 ) (14,925 ) (Losses) gains, net on disposal of property, plant and equipment (215 ) (13 ) (379 ) (48 ) Interest expense (4,225 ) (2,041 ) (6,277 ) (4,295 ) Miscellaneous, net 387 (237 ) (1,049 ) (380 ) Loss from continuing operations before income taxes $ (19,494 ) $ (4,427 ) $ (32,632 ) $ (11,079 ) Depreciation: Television $ 7,238 $ 5,028 $ 12,624 $ 10,139 Radio 549 — 549 — Digital 132 92 262 179 Syndication and other 66 20 129 40 Shared services and corporate 619 494 1,227 960 Total depreciation $ 8,604 $ 5,634 $ 14,791 $ 11,318 Amortization of intangibles: Television $ 4,262 $ 1,600 $ 6,150 $ 3,199 Radio 280 — 280 — Digital 220 204 440 408 Total amortization of intangibles $ 4,762 $ 1,804 $ 6,870 $ 3,607 Additions to property, plant and equipment: Television $ 5,802 $ 4,708 $ 7,743 $ 6,440 Radio 16 — 16 — Digital — 60 — 62 Syndication and other 15 42 69 68 Shared services and corporate 633 121 943 726 Total additions to property, plant and equipment $ 6,466 $ 4,931 $ 8,771 $ 7,296 No single customer provides more than 10% of our revenue.

Capital Stock

Capital Stock	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
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. Share Repurchase Plan — In May 2014, our Board of Directors authorized a new repurchase program of up to $100 million of our Class A Common shares through December 2016. Shares may be repurchased from time to time at management's discretion, either in the open market, through pre-arranged trading plans or in privately negotiated block transactions. Under the authorization, we repurchased $2.7 million of shares at prices ranging from $21.60 to $24.94 per share during the first half of 2015. As of June 30, 2015 , we have $97.3 million remaining for share repurchases under this authorization.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss ("AOCL") by component, including items reclassified out of AOCL, were as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, 2015 (in thousands) Gains and Losses on Derivatives Defined Benefit Pension Items Other Total Beginning balance, March 31, 2015 $ (419 ) $ (125,120 ) $ (87 ) $ (125,626 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications — — — — Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss Interest rate swap, net of tax of $37 (a) 59 — — 59 Actuarial loss, net of tax of $1,669 (b) — (2,716 ) 84 (2,632 ) Net current-period other comprehensive loss 59 (2,716 ) 84 (2,573 ) Spin-off on Newspapers, net of tax of $1,517 — 2,312 14 2,326 Ending balance, June 30, 2015 $ (360 ) $ (125,524 ) $ 11 $ (125,873 ) Three Months Ended June 30, 2014 (in thousands) Gains and Losses on Derivatives Defined Benefit Pension Items Other Total Beginning balance, March 31, 2014 $ (659 ) $ (79,933 ) $ 172 $ (80,420 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications — — — — Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss Interest rate swap, net of tax of $37 (a) 59 — — 59 Actuarial loss, net of tax of $280 (b) — 444 — 444 Net current-period other comprehensive income 59 444 — 503 Ending balance, June 30, 2014 $ (600 ) $ (79,489 ) $ 172 $ (79,917 ) Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 (in thousands) Gains and Losses on Derivatives Defined Benefit Pension Items Other Total Beginning balance, December 31, 2014 $ (479 ) $ (125,877 ) $ (87 ) $ (126,443 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications — — — — Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss Interest rate swap, net of tax of $73 (a) 119 119 Actuarial loss, net of tax of $1,211 (b) (1,959 ) 84 (1,875 ) Net current-period other comprehensive income 119 (1,959 ) 84 (1,756 ) Spin-off on Newspapers, net of tax of $1,517 — 2,312 14 2,326 Ending balance, June 30, 2015 $ (360 ) $ (125,524 ) $ 11 $ (125,873 ) Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 (in thousands) Gains and Losses on Derivatives Defined Benefit Pension Items Other Total Beginning balance, December 31, 2013 $ (718 ) $ (80,377 ) $ 172 $ (80,923 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications — — — — Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss Interest rate swap, net of tax of $74 (a) 118 — — 118 Actuarial loss, net of tax of $560 (b) — 888 — 888 Net current-period other comprehensive income 118 888 — 1,006 Ending balance, June 30, 2014 $ (600 ) $ (79,489 ) $ 172 $ (79,917 ) (a) Interest rate swap is included in interest expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (b) Actuarial loss is included in defined benefit pension plan expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

Journal Broadcast Merger and Ne

Journal Broadcast Merger and Newspaper Spin-off (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Spin-off
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Journal Broadcast Merger and Newspaper Spin-off	Journal Broadcast Merger and Newspaper Spin-off (Discontinued Operations) On July 30, 2014, Scripps and Journal Communications, Inc. ("Journal") agreed to merge their broadcast operations and spin-off their newspaper businesses and combine them into a separate publicly traded company. On April 1, 2015, Scripps and Journal separated their respective newspaper businesses and merged them, resulting in each becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of Journal Media Group, Inc. Journal Media Group is headquartered in Milwaukee and combines the 13 Scripps newspapers with Journal's Milwaukee Journal Sentinel . The company has approximately 3,600 employees. Journal's broadcast business was then merged with Scripps. The merged broadcast and digital media company, based in Cincinnati, retains The E.W. Scripps Company name and continues to be controlled by the Scripps family. The company’s television operations reaches approximately 18% of all U.S. television households and has approximately 4,000 employees across its television, radio and digital media operations. As part of the transactions, Scripps' shareholders received a $60 million special cash dividend on April 1, 2015. On April 1, 2015, we entered into a Second Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement ("New Financing Agreement") which amends and restates the Amended Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement dated November 26, 2013. The New Financing Agreement includes an incremental $200 million term loan, which is due November 2020. It also increased the revolving credit facility by $25 million to $100 million , which is due November 2018. The proceeds from the incremental $200 million loan were used to pay off the $116 million existing Journal term loan, fund the $60 million special cash dividend for Scripps shareholders and pay for transaction expenses. Until the completion of the spin-off of our Newspaper business, generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) required us to assess impairment of the newspaper business long-lived assets using the held-and-used model. Under this model, if the expected cash flows over the life of the primary asset of the reporting unit are in excess of the carrying amount there is no impairment. Under this model no impairment charges were recorded at March 31, 2015. At the date of the spin-off of our newspaper business, GAAP required us to assess impairment using the held-for-sale model. This model compares the fair value of the disposal unit to its carrying value and if the fair value is lower, then an impairment loss is recorded. Our analysis determined that as of April 1, 2015 there was a non-cash impairment loss on disposal of the newspaper business of $30 million which was recorded on the date of the spin-off, April 1, 2015 which is included in discontinued operations. As a result of the spin-off, Scripps Newspapers has been presented as discontinued operations in the financial statements for all periods presented. In connection with the transactions, certain agreements between Scripps and Journal Media Group, Inc. became effective, including a Tax Matters Agreements and a Transition Services Agreement. The Transition Services Agreement provides for Scripps and Journal Media Group to provide services to each other on a compensated arms-length basis for a period generally not beyond March 31, 2016. For the three months ended June 30, 2015, we were paid $1.4 million from Journal Media Group and we paid Journal Media Group $0.5 million for services. Scripps continues to process and fund payrolls for its former newspaper employees and Journal continues to process and fund payrolls for its former broadcast employees. In addition, during the initial transition period each has paid various invoices for the other party. As of June 30, 2015, Scripps is owed $18 million from Journal Media Group. The Tax Matters Agreements sets forth the allocations and responsibilities of Scripps and Journal Media Group with respect to liabilities for federal, state and local income taxes for periods before and after the spin-off, disputes with taxing authorities and indemnification of income taxes that would become due if the spin-off were taxable. Generally Scripps is responsible for taxes prior to the separation and Journal Media Group will be responsible for taxes for periods after the separation of their respective businesses. Operating results of our discontinued operations were as follows: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (in thousands) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Operating revenues $ — $ 92,250 $ 91,478 $ 190,740 Total costs and expenses (240 ) (84,637 ) (79,517 ) (172,602 ) Depreciation and amortization of intangibles — (4,166 ) (3,608 ) (8,441 ) Other, net — (4,481 ) (3,298 ) (4,840 ) Loss on disposal of Scripps Newspapers (30,000 ) — (30,000 ) — Income (loss) on discontinued operations before income taxes (30,240 ) (1,034 ) (24,945 ) 4,857 Benefit (provision) for income taxes 11,792 436 9,513 (1,887 ) Net income (loss) from discontinued operations (18,448 ) (598 ) (15,432 ) 2,970 Noncontrolling interest — (199 ) — (199 ) Net income (loss) from discontinued operations $ (18,448 ) $ (399 ) $ (15,432 ) $ 3,169 The Company incurred certain non-recurring costs directly related to the spin-off of our newspapers of $30 million and $36 million for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively. Accounting and other professional and consulting fees directly related to the newspaper spin-off of $3 million were allocated to discontinued operations in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. The remaining amount of $33 million was recorded in earnings from continuing operations for the six months ended June 30, 2015. The following table presents a summary of the net assets distributed on April 1, 2015 and the amounts included in discontinued operations as of December 31, 2014. (in thousands) As of April 1, 2015 As of December 31, 2014 Assets: Total current assets $ 44,786 $ 46,507 Property, plant and equipment 155,047 185,548 Intangible assets — 2,001 Other assets 11,518 2,018 Total assets included in the disposal group 211,351 236,074 Liabilities: Total current liabilities 47,664 47,642 Deferred income taxes 16,520 16,666 Other liabilities 9,008 13,089 Total liabilities included in the disposal group 73,192 77,397 Net assets included in the disposal group $ 138,159 $ 158,677

Contingencies

Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingencies	Contingencies We are involved in litigation 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. Scripps and members of the Board of Directors of Journal Communications, Inc. ("Journal") were defendants in a class action lawsuit filed in Circuit Court, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin (Howard Goldfinger v. Journal Communications, Inc., et al.). The plaintiff in the lawsuit alleged that the directors of Journal breached their fiduciary duties to Journal shareholders in connection with the proposed transactions between Scripps and Journal and that the other parties to the lawsuit aided and abetted such alleged breaches of fiduciary duty. On November 12, 2014, the Circuit Court entered an order dismissing this lawsuit. On January 6, 2015, the plaintiff in the above-referenced lawsuit filed a putative class action lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin (Howard Goldfinger v. Journal Communications, Inc., et al.), naming Scripps, Journal, the Board of Directors of Journal, and certain subsidiaries of Scripps and Journal as defendants. The plaintiff asserted disclosure claims under Sections 14(a) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as well as state common law claims for breaches of fiduciary duty and aiding and abetting breaches of fiduciary duty. On May 8, 2015, the District Court entered an order dismissing this lawsuit.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events On July 22, 2015, we acquired Midroll Media, a Los Angeles-based company that creates original podcasts and operates a network that creates more than 200 shows, including “StartUp” and “Nerdist.” The purchase price is $50 million in cash, plus a $10 million earnout provision.

Summary of Significant Accoun29

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
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 2014 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.
Nature of Operations	Nature of Operations — We are a diverse media enterprise with a portfolio of television, radio and digital media brands. All of our media businesses provide content and advertising services via digital platforms, including the web, smartphones and tablets. Our media businesses are organized into the following reportable business segments: television, radio, digital and syndication and other. Additional information for our business segments is presented in the Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. On April 1, 2015, we distributed our newspaper business to our shareholders in a tax-free spin-off. See Note 17 for additional information on the spin-off.
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.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition — We recognize revenue when persuasive evidence of a sales arrangement exists, delivery occurs or services are rendered, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. When a sales arrangement contains multiple elements, such as the sale of advertising and other services, we allocate revenue to each element based upon its relative fair value. We report revenue net of sales and other taxes collected from our customers. Our primary sources of revenue are from the sale of broadcast and digital advertising and retransmission fees received from cable operators and satellite carriers. The revenue recognition policies for each source of revenue are described in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation — We have a Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) which is described more fully in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 . The Plan provides for the award of incentive and nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units (RSUs), unrestricted Class A Common shares and performance units to key employees and non-employee directors. Share-based compensation costs totaled $4.5 million and $1.4 million for the second quarter of 2015 and 2014 , respectively, of which $0.3 million of second quarter 2014 is included in discontinued operations. Year-to-date share-based compensation costs totaled $6.4 million and $4.7 million in 2015 and 2014, respectively, of which $0.2 million and $1.1 million are included in discontinued operations, respectively.
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.
Derivative Financial Instruments	Derivative Financial Instruments — It is our policy that derivative transactions are executed only to manage exposures arising in the normal course of business and not for the purpose of creating speculative positions or trading. Derivative financial instruments are utilized to manage interest rate risks. We do not hold derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. All derivatives are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. Each derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge or remains undesignated. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and effective as cash flow hedges are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassified to earnings when the effects of the item being hedged are recognized in earnings. These changes are offset in earnings to the extent the hedge was effective by fair value changes related to the risk being hedged on the hedged item. Changes in the fair value of undesignated hedges are recognized currently in earnings. All ineffective changes in derivative fair values are recognized currently in earnings. All designated hedges are formally documented as to the relationship with the hedged item as well as the risk-management strategy. Both at inception and on an ongoing basis, the hedging instrument is assessed as to its effectiveness, when applicable. If and when a derivative is determined not to be highly effective as a hedge, or the underlying hedged transaction is no longer likely to occur, or the hedge designation is removed, or the derivative is terminated, the hedge accounting discussed above is discontinued.

Summary of Significant Accoun30

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
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 Six Months Ended (in thousands) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Numerator (for basic and diluted earnings per share) Net loss from continuing operations $ (12,955 ) $ (2,836 ) $ (21,070 ) $ (7,016 ) Less income allocated to RSUs — — — — Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations $ (12,955 ) $ (2,836 ) $ (21,070 ) $ (7,016 ) Denominator Basic weighted-average shares outstanding 83,903 56,043 70,692 56,063 Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options held by employees and directors — — — — Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding 83,903 56,043 70,692 56,063 Anti-dilutive securities (1) 2,230 3,746 2,230 3,746 (1) Amount outstanding at balance sheet date, before application of the treasury stock method and not weighted for period outstanding.

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]
Pro forma results of operations	Pro forma results of operations, assuming the Granite and Journal transactions (collectively the "Acquired Stations") had taken place at the beginning of 2013 and 2014, respectively, are included in the following table. The pro forma information includes the historical results of operations of Scripps and the Acquired Stations and adjustments for additional depreciation and amortization of the assets acquired, additional interest expense related to the financing of the transaction and reflecting the transaction costs incurred in 2015 as if they were incurred in the first quarter of 2014. The weighted average shares utilized in calculating the earnings per share assumes that the shares issued to the Journal shareholders were issued on January 1, 2014. The pro forma information does not include efficiencies, cost reductions or synergies expected to result from the acquisition. The unaudited pro forma financial information is not necessarily indicative of the results that actually would have occurred had the acquisition been completed at the beginning of the period. Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (in thousands, except per share data) (unaudited) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Operating revenues $ 198,134 $ 193,799 $ 383,619 $ 367,476 Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company 9,308 5,599 6,578 (24,679 ) Income (loss) per share from operations attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company: Basic $ 0.11 $ 0.07 $ 0.08 $ (0.30 ) Diluted 0.11 0.07 0.08 (0.30 )
Journal Communications, Inc.
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed	Pending the finalization of third-party valuations and other items, the following table summarizes the preliminary fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed: (in thousands) Assets: Cash $ 2,530 Accounts receivable 48,008 Other current assets 2,310 Property, plant and equipment 123,264 Intangible assets 295,000 Goodwill 448,785 Other long-term assets 5,268 Assets held for sale 14,500 Total assets acquired 939,665 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 44,514 Employee benefit obligations 85,261 Deferred tax liability 42,854 Long-term debt 126,873 Other long-term liabilities 4,163 Net purchase price $ 636,000
Detroit MyNetworkTV affiliate and Buffalo ABC affiliate
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed	The following table summarizes their final fair values. (in thousands) Assets: Property, plant and equipment $ 12,025 Intangible assets 53,500 Goodwill 44,715 Total assets acquired 110,240 Current liabilities 240 Net purchase price $ 110,000
Media Convergence Group (Newsy)
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed	The following table summarizes their final fair values. (in thousands) Assets: Accounts receivable $ 640 Other assets 74 Equipment and software 631 Intangible assets 5,900 Goodwill 28,983 Total assets acquired 36,228 Current liabilities 116 Long-term deferred liability 890 Net purchase price $ 35,222

Goodwill and Other Intangible32

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	Goodwill was as follows: (in thousands) Gross balance as of December 31, 2014 $ 106,261 Accumulated impairment losses — Net balance as of December 31, 2014 106,261 2015 Journal acquisition 448,785 Balance as of June 30, 2015 $ 555,046 Gross balance as of June 30, 2015 $ 555,046 Accumulated impairment losses — Net balance as of June 30, 2015 $ 555,046
Summary of other intangible assets	Other intangible assets consisted of the following: (in thousands) As of As of Amortizable intangible assets: Carrying amount: Television network affiliation relationships $ 248,444 $ 93,944 Customer lists and advertiser relationships 48,900 20,000 Other 4,019 4,019 Total carrying amount 301,363 117,963 Accumulated amortization: Television network affiliation relationships (18,375 ) (14,092 ) Customer lists and advertiser relationships (9,678 ) (7,765 ) Other (1,739 ) (1,062 ) Total accumulated amortization (29,792 ) (22,919 ) Net amortizable intangible assets 271,571 95,044 Other indefinite-lived intangible assets — FCC licenses 203,815 92,215 Total other intangible assets $ 475,386 $ 187,259

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Long-term debt	Long-term debt consisted of the following: (in thousands) As of As of Variable rate credit facility $ — $ — Term loan 396,500 198,000 Unsecured Subordinated Notes Payable 10,623 — Long-term debt 407,123 198,000 Current portion of long-term debt 6,656 2,000 Long-term debt (less current portion) $ 400,467 $ 196,000 Fair value of long-term debt * $ 405,800 $ 194,000 * Fair value of the term loan was estimated based on quoted private market transactions and is classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the unsecured promissory notes is determined based on a discounted cash flow analysis using current market interest rates of comparable instruments and is classified as a Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

Financial Instruments (Tables)

Financial Instruments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Notional amounts and fair values of derivatives	The notional amounts and fair values of derivative instruments are shown in the table below: As of June 30, 2015 As of December 31, 2014 Notional amount Fair value Notional amount Fair value (in thousands) Asset Liability (1) Asset Liability (1) Undesignated derivatives: Interest rate swap $ 75,000 $ — $ 581 $ 75,000 $ — $ 471 (1) Balance recorded as other liabilities in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
Effective portion of the unrealized gain and loss on the derivative	For the period ended June 30, 2015 , approximately $0.2 million was amortized into earnings from accumulated other comprehensive loss and is included in the table below as amounts reclassified from accumulated OCL, gain/(loss). Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (in thousands) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCL, gain/(loss) 96 96 192 192 Gain/(loss) on derivative 64 (111 ) (110 ) (62 )

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis	The following tables set forth our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 : As of June 30, 2015 (in thousands) Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets/(Liabilities): Cash equivalents $ 5,000 $ 5,000 $ — $ — Interest rate swap (581 ) — (581 ) — As of December 31, 2014 (in thousands) Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets/(Liabilities): Cash equivalents $ 10,000 $ 10,000 $ — $ — Interest rate swap (471 ) — (471 ) —

Other Liabilities (Tables)

Other Liabilities (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Other liabilities	Other liabilities consisted of the following: (in thousands) As of As of Employee compensation and benefits $ 17,846 $ 15,914 Liability for pension benefits 229,397 136,429 Liabilities for uncertain tax positions 6,845 6,741 Other 22,130 10,087 Other liabilities (less current portion) $ 276,218 $ 169,171

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform37

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
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: Six Months Ended (in thousands) 2015 2014 Other changes in certain working capital accounts, net Accounts and notes receivable $ (24,368 ) $ 2,519 Transition services receivable, net (17,889 ) — Income taxes receivable/payable, net (14,193 ) (235 ) Accounts payable (14,124 ) 424 Accrued employee compensation and benefits 260 1,243 Other accrued liabilities (7,684 ) 2,779 Other, net (3,875 ) (1,319 ) Total $ (81,873 ) $ 5,411

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of benefit expense	The components of the expense consisted of the following: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (in thousands) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Service cost $ — $ 22 $ — $ 43 Interest cost 8,179 6,277 14,628 12,555 Expected return on plan assets, net of expenses (6,624 ) (5,859 ) (11,709 ) (11,718 ) Amortization of actuarial loss 1,204 641 2,336 1,283 Curtailment 1,080 — 1,080 — Total for defined benefit plans 3,839 1,081 6,335 2,163 Multi-employer plans 38 105 97 224 Withdrawal from GCIU multi-employer plan — 4,100 — 4,100 SERP 281 296 547 592 Defined contribution plans 2,360 3,056 5,711 6,216 Net periodic benefit cost 6,518 8,638 12,690 13,295 Allocated to discontinued operations — (1,332 ) (1,096 ) (2,541 ) Net periodic benefit cost — continuing operations $ 6,518 $ 7,306 $ 11,594 $ 10,754

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Information regarding business segments	Information regarding our business segments is as follows: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (in thousands) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Segment operating revenues: Television $ 167,394 $ 111,349 $ 281,612 $ 209,086 Radio 19,413 — 19,413 — Digital 8,602 5,445 14,837 10,681 Syndication and other 2,725 2,902 5,295 5,233 Total operating revenues $ 198,134 $ 119,696 $ 321,157 $ 225,000 Segment profit (loss): Television $ 44,596 $ 28,650 $ 66,650 $ 49,836 Radio 4,908 — 4,908 — Digital (4,917 ) (6,473 ) (9,571 ) (11,271 ) Syndication and other (1,062 ) (881 ) (657 ) (556 ) Shared services and corporate (11,507 ) (10,736 ) (25,043 ) (22,599 ) Defined benefit pension plan expense (4,120 ) (1,319 ) (6,806 ) (2,640 ) Acquisition and related integration costs (29,973 ) (3,939 ) (32,747 ) (4,201 ) Depreciation and amortization of intangibles (13,366 ) (7,438 ) (21,661 ) (14,925 ) (Losses) gains, net on disposal of property, plant and equipment (215 ) (13 ) (379 ) (48 ) Interest expense (4,225 ) (2,041 ) (6,277 ) (4,295 ) Miscellaneous, net 387 (237 ) (1,049 ) (380 ) Loss from continuing operations before income taxes $ (19,494 ) $ (4,427 ) $ (32,632 ) $ (11,079 ) Depreciation: Television $ 7,238 $ 5,028 $ 12,624 $ 10,139 Radio 549 — 549 — Digital 132 92 262 179 Syndication and other 66 20 129 40 Shared services and corporate 619 494 1,227 960 Total depreciation $ 8,604 $ 5,634 $ 14,791 $ 11,318 Amortization of intangibles: Television $ 4,262 $ 1,600 $ 6,150 $ 3,199 Radio 280 — 280 — Digital 220 204 440 408 Total amortization of intangibles $ 4,762 $ 1,804 $ 6,870 $ 3,607 Additions to property, plant and equipment: Television $ 5,802 $ 4,708 $ 7,743 $ 6,440 Radio 16 — 16 — Digital — 60 — 62 Syndication and other 15 42 69 68 Shared services and corporate 633 121 943 726 Total additions to property, plant and equipment $ 6,466 $ 4,931 $ 8,771 $ 7,296

Accumulated Other Comprehensi40

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss ("AOCL") by component, including items reclassified out of AOCL, were as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, 2015 (in thousands) Gains and Losses on Derivatives Defined Benefit Pension Items Other Total Beginning balance, March 31, 2015 $ (419 ) $ (125,120 ) $ (87 ) $ (125,626 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications — — — — Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss Interest rate swap, net of tax of $37 (a) 59 — — 59 Actuarial loss, net of tax of $1,669 (b) — (2,716 ) 84 (2,632 ) Net current-period other comprehensive loss 59 (2,716 ) 84 (2,573 ) Spin-off on Newspapers, net of tax of $1,517 — 2,312 14 2,326 Ending balance, June 30, 2015 $ (360 ) $ (125,524 ) $ 11 $ (125,873 ) Three Months Ended June 30, 2014 (in thousands) Gains and Losses on Derivatives Defined Benefit Pension Items Other Total Beginning balance, March 31, 2014 $ (659 ) $ (79,933 ) $ 172 $ (80,420 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications — — — — Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss Interest rate swap, net of tax of $37 (a) 59 — — 59 Actuarial loss, net of tax of $280 (b) — 444 — 444 Net current-period other comprehensive income 59 444 — 503 Ending balance, June 30, 2014 $ (600 ) $ (79,489 ) $ 172 $ (79,917 ) Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 (in thousands) Gains and Losses on Derivatives Defined Benefit Pension Items Other Total Beginning balance, December 31, 2014 $ (479 ) $ (125,877 ) $ (87 ) $ (126,443 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications — — — — Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss Interest rate swap, net of tax of $73 (a) 119 119 Actuarial loss, net of tax of $1,211 (b) (1,959 ) 84 (1,875 ) Net current-period other comprehensive income 119 (1,959 ) 84 (1,756 ) Spin-off on Newspapers, net of tax of $1,517 — 2,312 14 2,326 Ending balance, June 30, 2015 $ (360 ) $ (125,524 ) $ 11 $ (125,873 ) Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 (in thousands) Gains and Losses on Derivatives Defined Benefit Pension Items Other Total Beginning balance, December 31, 2013 $ (718 ) $ (80,377 ) $ 172 $ (80,923 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications — — — — Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss Interest rate swap, net of tax of $74 (a) 118 — — 118 Actuarial loss, net of tax of $560 (b) — 888 — 888 Net current-period other comprehensive income 118 888 — 1,006 Ending balance, June 30, 2014 $ (600 ) $ (79,489 ) $ 172 $ (79,917 ) (a) Interest rate swap is included in interest expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (b) Actuarial loss is included in defined benefit pension plan expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

Journal Broadcast Merger and 41

Journal Broadcast Merger and Newspaper Spin-off Journal Broadcast Merger and Newspaper Spin-off (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Spin-off
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Discontinued Operations, Operating Results and Net Assets Distributed	The following table presents a summary of the net assets distributed on April 1, 2015 and the amounts included in discontinued operations as of December 31, 2014. (in thousands) As of April 1, 2015 As of December 31, 2014 Assets: Total current assets $ 44,786 $ 46,507 Property, plant and equipment 155,047 185,548 Intangible assets — 2,001 Other assets 11,518 2,018 Total assets included in the disposal group 211,351 236,074 Liabilities: Total current liabilities 47,664 47,642 Deferred income taxes 16,520 16,666 Other liabilities 9,008 13,089 Total liabilities included in the disposal group 73,192 77,397 Net assets included in the disposal group $ 138,159 $ 158,677 Operating results of our discontinued operations were as follows: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (in thousands) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Operating revenues $ — $ 92,250 $ 91,478 $ 190,740 Total costs and expenses (240 ) (84,637 ) (79,517 ) (172,602 ) Depreciation and amortization of intangibles — (4,166 ) (3,608 ) (8,441 ) Other, net — (4,481 ) (3,298 ) (4,840 ) Loss on disposal of Scripps Newspapers (30,000 ) — (30,000 ) — Income (loss) on discontinued operations before income taxes (30,240 ) (1,034 ) (24,945 ) 4,857 Benefit (provision) for income taxes 11,792 436 9,513 (1,887 ) Net income (loss) from discontinued operations (18,448 ) (598 ) (15,432 ) 2,970 Noncontrolling interest — (199 ) — (199 ) Net income (loss) from discontinued operations $ (18,448 ) $ (399 ) $ (15,432 ) $ 3,169

Summary of Significant Accoun42

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation costs	$ 4.5	$ 1.4	$ 6.4	$ 4.7
Discontinued Operations
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation costs		$ 0.3	$ 0.2	$ 1.1

Summary of Significant Accoun43

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Loss from continuing operations		$ (12,955)	$ (2,836)	$ (21,070)	$ (7,016)
Numerator (for basic and diluted earnings per share)
Less income allocated to RSUs		0	0	0	0
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations		$ (12,955)	$ (2,836)	$ (21,070)	$ (7,016)
Denominator
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding		83,903	56,043	70,692	56,063
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options held by employees and directors		0	0	0	0
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding		83,903	56,043	70,692	56,063
Anti-dilutive securities	[1]	2,230	3,746	2,230	3,746
[1]	(1) Amount outstanding at balance sheet date, before application of the treasury stock method and not weighted for period outstanding

Acquisitions - Narrative (Detai

Acquisitions - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	Aug. 07, 2015USD ($)	Apr. 01, 2015USD ($)radio_stationtelevision_stationshares	Sep. 16, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 16, 2014USD ($)television_station	Jan. 01, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)shares	Jun. 30, 2014shares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of shares issued in business acquisition | shares						26,350,993	0
Goodwill						$ 555,046		$ 106,261
KNIN [Member] | Raycom Media, Inc. [Member] | Subsequent event
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Business disposition, consideration to be received	$ 14,500
Journal Communications, Inc.
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of television stations acquired | television_station		12
Number of radio stations acquired | radio_station		34
Business acquisition, purchase price		$ 636,000
Intangible assets		295,000
Goodwill		448,785
Business acquisition, purchase price		636,000
Journal Communications, Inc. | Retransmission agreements, television network affiliate relationships and advertiser relationships
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Intangible assets		$ 183,000
Journal Communications, Inc. | Retransmission agreements, television network affiliate relationships and advertiser relationships | Minimum
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Intangible asset, estimated amortization period		10 years
Journal Communications, Inc. | Retransmission agreements, television network affiliate relationships and advertiser relationships | Maximum
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Intangible asset, estimated amortization period		20 years
Journal Communications, Inc. | FCC licenses
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Intangible assets		$ 111,600
Journal Communications, Inc. | Common Stock | Common stock, Class A
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of shares issued in business acquisition | shares		26,400,000
Detroit MyNetworkTV affiliate and Buffalo ABC affiliate
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of television stations acquired | television_station				2
Acquisition cost in cash				$ 110,000
Intangible assets				53,500
Goodwill				44,715
Business acquisition, purchase price				110,000
Detroit MyNetworkTV affiliate and Buffalo ABC affiliate | Retransmission agreements, television network affiliate relationships and advertiser relationships
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Intangible assets				$ 19,100
Detroit MyNetworkTV affiliate and Buffalo ABC affiliate | Retransmission agreements, television network affiliate relationships and advertiser relationships | Minimum
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Intangible asset, estimated amortization period				10 years
Detroit MyNetworkTV affiliate and Buffalo ABC affiliate | Retransmission agreements, television network affiliate relationships and advertiser relationships | Maximum
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Intangible asset, estimated amortization period				20 years
Detroit MyNetworkTV affiliate and Buffalo ABC affiliate | FCC licenses
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Intangible assets				$ 34,400
Media Convergence Group (Newsy)
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Acquisition cost in cash					$ 35,000
Intangible assets					5,900
Goodwill					28,983
Working capital adjustment					200
Business acquisition, purchase price					35,222
Media Convergence Group (Newsy) | Customer relationships
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Intangible assets					$ 4,100
Intangible asset, estimated amortization period					5 years
Media Convergence Group (Newsy) | Other intangible assets
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Intangible assets					$ 1,800
WeatherSphere
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Business acquisition, purchase price			$ 4,100
Earnout provision, maximum			$ 2,500
Earnout provision, payment term			3 years
Earnout provision, fair value			$ 1,200

Acquisitions - Fair Value of As

Acquisitions - Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2015	Apr. 01, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 16, 2014	Jan. 01, 2014
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract]
Goodwill	$ 555,046		$ 106,261
Journal Communications, Inc.
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract]
Cash		$ 2,530
Accounts receivable		48,008
Other assets		2,310
Property, plant and equipment		123,264
Intangible assets		295,000
Goodwill		448,785
Other long-term assets		5,268
Assets held for sale		14,500
Total assets acquired		939,665
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		44,514
Employee benefit obligations		85,261
Long-term deferred liability		42,854
Long-term debt		126,873
Other long-term liabilities		4,163
Net purchase price		$ 636,000
Detroit MyNetworkTV affiliate and Buffalo ABC affiliate
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment				$ 12,025
Intangible assets				53,500
Goodwill				44,715
Total assets acquired				110,240
Current liabilities				240
Net purchase price				$ 110,000
Media Convergence Group (Newsy)
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract]
Accounts receivable					$ 640
Other assets					74
Property, plant and equipment					631
Intangible assets					5,900
Goodwill					28,983
Total assets acquired					36,228
Current liabilities					116
Long-term deferred liability					890
Net purchase price					$ 35,222

Acquisitions - Pro Forma Disclo

Acquisitions - Pro Forma Disclosures (Details) - Journal Communications and Detroit My Network TV Affiliate and Buffalo ABC Affiliate - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue	$ 198,134	$ 193,799	$ 383,619	$ 367,476
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss)	$ 9,308	$ 5,599	$ 6,578	$ (24,679)
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic	$ 0.11	$ 0.07	$ 0.08	$ (0.30)
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$ 0.11	$ 0.07	$ 0.08	$ (0.30)

Income Taxes - Narrative (Detai

Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective income tax rate	35.40%	36.70%
U.S. Federal statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%
Deferred tax assets	$ 33.5
Unrecognized deductions for share based compensation awards	$ 25	$ 25

Other Charges and Credits - Nar

Other Charges and Credits - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition and related integration costs	$ 29,973	$ 3,939	$ 32,747	$ 4,201
Journal Communications, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition and related integration costs	$ 29,973		$ 32,747

Restricted Cash - Narrative (De

Restricted Cash - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Restricted cash	$ 6,560	$ 6,810

Goodwill and Other Intangible50

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Gross beginning balance	$ 106,261
Accumulated impairment losses	0	$ 0
2015 Journal acquisition	448,785
Gross ending balance	555,046
Goodwill	$ 555,046	$ 106,261

Goodwill and Other Intangible51

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of other intangible assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Carrying amount:
Total carrying amount	$ 301,363	$ 117,963
Accumulated amortization:
Total accumulated amortization	(29,792)	(22,919)
Net amortizable intangible assets	271,571	95,044
Total other intangible assets	475,386	187,259
Licensing agreements
Accumulated amortization:
Other indefinite-lived intangible assets — FCC licenses	203,815	92,215
Television network affiliation relationships
Carrying amount:
Total carrying amount	248,444	93,944
Accumulated amortization:
Total accumulated amortization	(18,375)	(14,092)
Customer lists and advertiser relationships
Carrying amount:
Total carrying amount	48,900	20,000
Accumulated amortization:
Total accumulated amortization	(9,678)	(7,765)
Other
Carrying amount:
Total carrying amount	4,019	4,019
Accumulated amortization:
Total accumulated amortization	$ (1,739)	$ (1,062)

Goodwill and Other Intangible52

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for the remainder of 2015	$ 9.8
Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for 2016	19.3
Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for 2017	16.9
Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for 2018	16.9
Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for 2019	16
Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for 2020	16
Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for later years	$ 176.7

Long-Term Debt - Components of

Long-Term Debt - Components of Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
Components of Long-term debt
Long-term debt	$ 407,123		$ 198,000
Current portion of long-term debt	6,656		2,000
Long-term debt (less current portion)	400,467		196,000
Fair value of long-term debt	405,800	[1]	194,000
Unsecured Subordinated Notes Payable
Components of Long-term debt
Long-term debt	10,623		0
Variable rate credit facility
Components of Long-term debt
Long-term debt	0		0
Term loan
Components of Long-term debt
Long-term debt	$ 396,500		$ 198,000
[1]	* Fair value of the term loan was estimated based on quoted private market transactions and is classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy

Long-Term Debt - Narrative (Det

Long-Term Debt - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Apr. 01, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Current portion of long-term debt	$ 6,656,000		$ 2,000,000
Long-term debt (less current portion)	400,467,000		196,000,000
Scheduled principal payments on long-term debt in 2015	2,000,000
Scheduled principal payments on long-term debt in 2016	4,000,000
Scheduled principal payments on long-term debt in 2017	4,000,000
Scheduled principal payments on long-term debt in 2018	4,000,000
Scheduled principal payments on long-term debt in 2019	4,000,000
Scheduled principal payments on long-term debt in 2020	378,500,000
Letters of credit outstanding amount	$ 1,900,000		$ 200,000
Unsecured Subordinated Notes Payable
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Stated interest rate (percent)	7.25%
Annual installment payments	$ 2,700,000
Minimum
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Percentage of commitment fees of total unused commitment under revolving credit facility	0.30%
Maximum
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Percentage of commitment fees of total unused commitment under revolving credit facility	0.50%
Revolving credit facility
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Revolving credit and term loan agreement to finance acquisition		$ 100,000,000
Revolving credit and term loan agreement, increase in borrowing capacity		25,000,000
Financing Agreement
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Revolving credit and term loan agreement to finance acquisition		500,000,000
Restricted payment for dividend and share repurchase, maximum	$ 70,000,000
Ratio of Indebtedness to Net Capital	4.5
Financing Agreement | Term loan B
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Revolving credit and term loan agreement, increase in borrowing capacity		200,000,000
Long-term debt, term loan		400,000,000
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Percentage Rate	3.50%		3.25%
LIBOR plus margin range	2.75%
Weighted average interest rate	3.37%			3.25%
Financing Agreement | Term loan B | Minimum
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Percentage Rate	0.75%
Financing Agreement | Revolving credit facility
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Revolving credit and term loan agreement to finance acquisition		100,000,000
Revolving credit and term loan agreement, increase in borrowing capacity		$ 25,000,000
Financing Agreement | Revolving credit facility | Minimum
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding, Trigger Leverage Ratio, Percentage	20.00%
LIBOR plus margin range	2.25%
Financing Agreement | Revolving credit facility | Maximum
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
LIBOR plus margin range	2.75%

Financial Instruments - Narrati

Financial Instruments - Narrative (Details) - Interest rate swaps - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 75,000	$ 75,000
Fixed LIBOR interest rate	1.08%
Derivative instrument, amortized into earnings from AOCI	$ 200

Financial Instruments - Notiona

Financial Instruments - Notional Amounts (Details) - Interest rate swaps - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
Derivative, Notional Amount		$ 75,000	$ 75,000
Interest Rate Derivative Assets, at Fair Value		0	0
Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value	[1]	$ 581	$ 471
[1]	(1) Balance recorded as other liabilities in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet

Financial Instruments - Effecti

Financial Instruments - Effective Portion of Unrealized Gain and Loss (Details) - Interest rate swaps - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCL, gain/(loss)	$ 96	$ 96	$ 192	$ 192
Gain/(loss) on derivative	$ 64	$ (111)	$ (110)	$ (62)

Fair Value Measurement - Assets

Fair Value Measurement - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Recurring Measurements
Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Cash equivalents		$ 5,000	$ 10,000
Level 1 | Recurring Measurements
Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Cash equivalents		5,000	10,000
Level 2 | Recurring Measurements
Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Cash equivalents		0	0
Level 3 | Recurring Measurements
Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Cash equivalents		0	0
Interest rate swaps
Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Interest rate swap	[1]	(581)	(471)
Interest rate swaps | Recurring Measurements
Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Interest rate swap		(581)	(471)
Interest rate swaps | Level 1 | Recurring Measurements
Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Interest rate swap		0	0
Interest rate swaps | Level 2 | Recurring Measurements
Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Interest rate swap		(581)	(471)
Interest rate swaps | Level 3 | Recurring Measurements
Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Interest rate swap		$ 0	$ 0
[1]	(1) Balance recorded as other liabilities in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet

Other Liabilities - Additional

Other Liabilities - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Other liabilities
Employee compensation and benefits	$ 17,846	$ 15,914
Liability for pension benefits	229,397	136,429
Liabilities for uncertain tax positions	6,845	6,741
Other	22,130	10,087
Other liabilities (less current portion)	$ 276,218	$ 169,171

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform60

Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Change in Certain Working Capital Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Other changes in certain working capital accounts, net
Accounts and notes receivable	$ (24,368)	$ 2,519
Transition services receivable, net	(17,889)	0
Income taxes receivable/payable, net	(14,193)	(235)
Accounts payable	(14,124)	424
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	260	1,243
Other accrued liabilities	(7,684)	2,779
Other, net	(3,875)	(1,319)
Total	$ (81,873)	$ 5,411

Employee Benefit Plans - Compon

Employee Benefit Plans - Components of Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 6,518	$ 8,638	$ 12,690	$ 13,295
Allocated to discontinued operations	0	(1,332)	(1,096)	(2,541)
Net periodic benefit cost — continuing operations	6,518	7,306	11,594	10,754
Defined contribution plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Net periodic benefit cost	2,360	3,056	5,711	6,216
Withdrawal from GCIU multi-employer plan
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Net periodic benefit cost	0	4,100	0	4,100
Multi-employer plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Net periodic benefit cost	38	105	97	224
Defined benefit plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Service cost	0	22	0	43
Interest cost	8,179	6,277	14,628	12,555
Expected return on plan assets, net of expenses	(6,624)	(5,859)	(11,709)	(11,718)
Amortization of actuarial loss	1,204	641	2,336	1,283
Curtailment	1,080	0	1,080	0
Total for defined benefit plans	3,839	1,081	6,335	2,163
SERP
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 281	$ 296	$ 547	$ 592

Employee Benefit Plans - Narrat

Employee Benefit Plans - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Withdrawal from multi-employer pension plan, undiscounted liability	$ 6,500		$ 6,500
Withdrawal from multi-employer pension plan, recorded liability	$ 4,100		4,100
Withdrawal from multi-employer pension plan, liability repayment, term	20 years
SERP
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Contributions to benefit plan			200
Estimated future contributions			600
Defined benefit plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Contributions to benefit plan			0
Curtailment charge	$ 1,080	$ 0	$ 1,080	$ 0

Segment Information - Narrative

Segment Information - Narrative (Details) - Jun. 30, 2015	radio_stationcustomeraffiliatemarket
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of major customers customers | customer	0
Percentage of revenue by major customer	10.00%
Television and Radio
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of markets in which the company operates | market	5
Television
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Percentage of market capture	18.00%
Television | ABC affiliates
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of affiliates	15
Television | NBC affiliates
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of affiliates	5
Television | FOX affiliates
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of affiliates	2
Television | CBS affiliates
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of affiliates	2
Television | Non big four affiliates
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of affiliates	4
Television | Azteca America affiliates
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of affiliates	5
Radio
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of radio stations | radio_station	34
Number of markets in which the company operates | market	8
Radio | Radio - FM
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of radio stations | radio_station	28
Radio | Radio - AM
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of radio stations | radio_station	6

Segment Information - Schedule

Segment Information - Schedule of Business Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Information regarding business segments
Total operating revenues	$ 198,134	$ 119,696	$ 321,157	$ 225,000
Defined benefit pension plan expense	(4,120)	(1,319)	(6,806)	(2,640)
Acquisition and related integration costs	(29,973)	(3,939)	(32,747)	(4,201)
Depreciation and amortization of intangibles	(13,366)	(7,438)	(21,661)	(14,925)
(Losses) gains, net on disposal of property, plant and equipment	(215)	(13)	(379)	(48)
Interest expense	(4,225)	(2,041)	(6,277)	(4,295)
Miscellaneous, net	387	(237)	(1,049)	(380)
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	(19,494)	(4,427)	(32,632)	(11,079)
Depreciation:
Total depreciation	8,604	5,634	14,791	11,318
Amortization of intangibles:
Total amortization of intangibles	4,762	1,804	6,870	3,607
Additions to property, plant and equipment:
Total additions to property, plant and equipment	6,466	4,931	8,771	7,296
Television
Information regarding business segments
Total operating revenues	167,394	111,349	281,612	209,086
Segment profit (loss)	44,596	28,650	66,650	49,836
Depreciation:
Total depreciation	7,238	5,028	12,624	10,139
Amortization of intangibles:
Total amortization of intangibles	4,262	1,600	6,150	3,199
Additions to property, plant and equipment:
Total additions to property, plant and equipment	5,802	4,708	7,743	6,440
Radio
Information regarding business segments
Total operating revenues	19,413	0	19,413	0
Segment profit (loss)	4,908	0	4,908	0
Depreciation:
Total depreciation	549	0	549	0
Amortization of intangibles:
Total amortization of intangibles	280	0	280	0
Additions to property, plant and equipment:
Total additions to property, plant and equipment	16	0	16	0
Digital
Information regarding business segments
Total operating revenues	8,602	5,445	14,837	10,681
Segment profit (loss)	(4,917)	(6,473)	(9,571)	(11,271)
Depreciation:
Total depreciation	132	92	262	179
Amortization of intangibles:
Total amortization of intangibles	220	204	440	408
Additions to property, plant and equipment:
Total additions to property, plant and equipment	0	60	0	62
Syndication and other
Information regarding business segments
Total operating revenues	2,725	2,902	5,295	5,233
Segment profit (loss)	(1,062)	(881)	(657)	(556)
Depreciation:
Total depreciation	66	20	129	40
Additions to property, plant and equipment:
Total additions to property, plant and equipment	15	42	69	68
Shared services and corporate
Information regarding business segments
Segment profit (loss)	(11,507)	(10,736)	(25,043)	(22,599)
Depreciation:
Total depreciation	619	494	1,227	960
Additions to property, plant and equipment:
Total additions to property, plant and equipment	$ 633	$ 121	$ 943	$ 726

Capital Stock - Narrative (Deta

Capital Stock - Narrative (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)directorcommon_share$ / shares	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)	May. 31, 2014USD ($)
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Classes of common shares | common_share	2
Minimum number of directors up for election to entitle shareholders to vote | director	3
Stock repurchased during period, value	$ 2,683,000	$ 21,237,000
Common stock, Class A
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount			$ 100,000,000
Stock repurchased during period, value	2,700,000
Stock repurchase program, remaining authorized amount	$ 97,300,000
Common stock, Class A | Minimum
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchased during period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 21.60
Common stock, Class A | Maximum
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchased during period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 24.94

Accumulated Other Comprehensi66

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		$ (125,626)	$ (80,420)	$ (126,443)	$ (80,923)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		0	0	0	0
Spin-off on Newspapers, net of tax of $1,517		2,326		(138,159)
Ending balance		(125,873)	(79,917)	(125,873)	(79,917)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, Interest rate swap	[1]	59	59	119	118
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, Actuarial loss	[2]	(2,632)	444	(1,875)	888
Net current-period other comprehensive income		(2,573)	503	(1,756)	1,006
Gains and Losses on Derivatives
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		(419)	(659)	(479)	(718)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		0	0	0	0
Spin-off on Newspapers, net of tax of $1,517		0		0
Ending balance		(360)	(600)	(360)	(600)
Gains and Losses on Derivatives | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, Actuarial loss	[2]	0	0		0
Net current-period other comprehensive income		59	59	119	118
Gains and Losses on Derivatives | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Interest rate swaps
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, Interest rate swap	[1]	59	59	119	118
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, Interest rate swap, tax		37	37	73	74
Defined Benefit Pension Items
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		(125,120)	(79,933)	(125,877)	(80,377)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		0	0	0	0
Spin-off on Newspapers, net of tax of $1,517		2,312		2,312
Spin-off on Newspapers, tax		1,517		1,517
Ending balance		(125,524)	(79,489)	(125,524)	(79,489)
Defined Benefit Pension Items | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, Interest rate swap	[1]	0	0		0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, Actuarial loss	[2]	(2,716)	444	(1,959)	888
Amounts reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive loss, Actuarial loss, tax		1,669	280	1,211	560
Net current-period other comprehensive income		(2,716)	444	(1,959)	888
Other
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		(87)	172	(87)	172
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		0	0	0	0
Spin-off on Newspapers, net of tax of $1,517		14		14
Ending balance		11	172	11	172
Other | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, Interest rate swap	[1]	0	0		0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, Actuarial loss	[2]	84	0	84	0
Net current-period other comprehensive income		$ 84	$ 0	84	$ 0
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Spin-off on Newspapers, net of tax of $1,517				$ 2,326
[1]	(a) Interest rate swap is included in interest expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
[2]	(b) Actuarial loss is included in defined benefit pension plan expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

Journal Broadcast Merger and 67

Journal Broadcast Merger and Newspaper Spin-off Narrative (Details)	Apr. 01, 2015USD ($)employeenewspaper	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Special cash dividend	$ 60,000,000
Outstanding debt		$ 407,123,000	$ 407,123,000	$ 198,000,000
Transition services agreement receivable, net		17,889,000	17,889,000	0
Incremental term loan
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Outstanding debt		396,500,000	396,500,000	$ 198,000,000
Revolving credit facility
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility, increase in borrowing capacity	25,000,000
Revolving credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	100,000,000
Financing Agreement | Incremental term loan
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Long-term debt, term loan	200,000,000
Journal Communications, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Outstanding debt	116,000,000
Proceeds from services provided to merger partner		1,400,000
Payments for services performed by merger partner		$ 500,000
Spin-off
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Special cash dividend	60,000,000
Spin-off | Journal Communications, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Impairment of long-lived assets, held-and-used			$ 0
Impairment of long-lived assets, held-for-sale	$ 30,000,000
Spin-off | Television operations | Journal Communications, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Approximate number of employees | employee	4,000
Television operations, percentage of U.S. households reached	18.00%
Spin-off | Newspaper operations | Journal Communications, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Approximate number of employees | employee	3,600
Spin-off | Newspaper operations | Parent company
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of newspapers | newspaper	13

Journal Broadcast Merger and 68

Journal Broadcast Merger and Newspaper Spin-off Discontinued Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Apr. 01, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Operating results of discontinued operations:
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations	$ (18,448)	$ (399)	$ (15,432)	$ 3,169
Assets:
Total current assets	0		0			$ 46,507
Liabilities:
Total current liabilities	0		0			47,642
Spin-off
Operating results of discontinued operations:
Operating revenues	0	92,250	91,478	190,740
Total costs and expenses	(240)	(84,637)	(79,517)	(172,602)
Depreciation and amortization of intangibles	0	(4,166)	(3,608)	(8,441)
Other, net	0	(4,481)	(3,298)	(4,840)
Loss on disposal of Scripps Newspapers	(30,000)	0	(30,000)	0
Income (loss) on discontinued operations before income taxes	(30,240)	(1,034)	(24,945)	4,857
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	11,792	436	9,513	(1,887)
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations	(18,448)	(598)	(15,432)	2,970
Noncontrolling interest	0	(199)	0	(199)
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations	(18,448)	$ (399)	(15,432)	$ 3,169
Non-recurring costs related to spin-off	$ 30,000		36,000
Professional fees allocated to discontinued operations			3,000
Professional fees			$ 33,000
Assets:
Total current assets					$ 44,786	46,507
Property, plant and equipment					155,047	185,548
Intangible assets					0	2,001
Other assets					11,518	2,018
Total assets included in the disposal group					211,351	236,074
Liabilities:
Total current liabilities					47,664	47,642
Deferred income taxes					16,520	16,666
Other liabilities					9,008	13,089
Total liabilities distributed					73,192	77,397
Net assets included in the disposal group					$ 138,159	$ 158,677

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) - Jul. 22, 2015 - Subsequent event - Midroll Media	USD ($)show
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of television shows (more than) | show	200
Business acquisition, purchase price (in cash)	$ 50,000,000
Business acquisition, earnout provision	$ 10,000,000