The E.W. Scripps Company (SSP) 10-Q 6 May 16 2016 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016shares
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	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false
Common stock, Class A
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	72,086,516
Voting common stock
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	11,932,722

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 96,252	$ 108,061
Restricted cash	5,460	6,560
Accounts and notes receivable (less allowances — $1,455 and $1,610)	172,793	171,901
Income taxes receivable	5,583	4,626
Miscellaneous	10,556	11,482
Total current assets	290,644	302,630
Investments	14,992	13,856
Property, plant and equipment	265,829	271,047
Goodwill	585,787	585,787
Other intangible assets	473,430	479,187
Deferred income taxes	28,080	13,640
Miscellaneous	14,663	14,713
Total Assets	1,673,425	1,680,860
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	27,736	31,606
Customer deposits and unearned revenue	7,317	8,508
Current portion of long-term debt	6,656	6,656
Accrued liabilities:
Employee compensation and benefits	18,737	33,669
Miscellaneous	22,968	25,392
Other current liabilities	13,791	13,992
Total current liabilities	97,205	119,823
Long-term debt (less current portion)	391,656	392,487
Other liabilities (less current portion)	266,328	267,567
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; 72,086,516 and 71,886,969 shares; Voting - authorized: 60,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding; 11,932,722 and 11,932,722 shares	840	838
Additional paid-in capital	1,162,082	1,163,985
Accumulated deficit	(155,578)	(174,038)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes	(89,108)	(89,802)
Total equity	918,236	900,983
Total Liabilities and Equity	1,673,425	1,680,860
Common stock, Class A
Equity:
Common stock, $.01 par: Class A - authorized: 240,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding; 72,086,516 and 71,886,969 shares; Voting - authorized: 60,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding; 11,932,722 and 11,932,722 shares	721	719
Voting common stock
Equity:
Common stock, $.01 par: Class A - authorized: 240,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding; 72,086,516 and 71,886,969 shares; Voting - authorized: 60,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding; 11,932,722 and 11,932,722 shares	$ 119	$ 119

Condensed Consolidated Balance3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Allowances for accounts and notes receivable	$ 1,455	$ 1,610
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	72,086,516	71,886,969
Common stock, shares outstanding	72,086,516	71,886,969
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
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Operating Revenues:
Advertising	$ 146,319	$ 89,733
Retransmission	53,614	27,918
Other	9,565	5,372
Total operating revenues	209,498	123,023
Costs and Expenses:
Employee compensation and benefits	95,885	68,362
Programs and program licenses	40,568	21,132
Other expenses	45,747	29,260
Defined benefit pension plan expense	3,450	2,686
Acquisition and related integration costs	578	2,774
Total costs and expenses	186,228	124,214
Depreciation, Amortization, and (Gains) Losses:
Depreciation	8,656	6,187
Amortization of intangible assets	5,755	2,108
(Gains) losses, net on disposal of property, plant and equipment	(4)	164
Net depreciation, amortization, and (gains) losses	14,407	8,459
Operating income (loss)	8,863	(9,650)
Interest expense	(4,579)	(2,052)
Miscellaneous, net	(191)	(1,436)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	4,093	(13,138)
Benefit for income taxes	(795)	(5,023)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	4,888	(8,115)
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	3,015
Net income (loss)	$ 4,888	$ (5,100)
Net income (loss) per basic share of common stock:
Income (loss) from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.06	$ (0.14)
Income from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	0	0.05
Net income (loss) per basic share of common stock (in dollars per share)	0.06	(0.09)
Net income (loss) per diluted share of common stock:
Income (loss) from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	0.06	(0.14)
Income from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	0	0.05
Net income (loss) per diluted share of common stock (in dollars per share)	$ 0.06	$ (0.09)

Condensed Consolidated Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Net income (loss)	$ 4,888	$ (5,100)
Changes in fair value of derivative, net of tax of $37 and $36	59	60
Changes in defined benefit pension plans, net of tax of $400 and $458	642	757
Other Comprehensive Income, Other, Net of Tax	(7)	0
Total comprehensive income (loss)	$ 5,582	$ (4,283)

Condensed Consolidated Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Changes in fair value of derivatives, tax amount	$ 37	$ 36
Changes in defined benefit pension plans, tax amount	$ 400	$ 458

Condensed Consolidated Stateme7

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 4,888	$ (5,100)
Income from discontinued operations	0	(3,015)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	4,888	(8,115)
Adjustments to reconcile income (loss) from continuing operations to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	14,411	8,295
Deferred income taxes	(123)	(3,266)
Stock and deferred compensation plans	5,557	2,467
Pension expense, net of payments	3,000	3,195
Other changes in certain working capital accounts, net	(21,201)	(11,682)
Miscellaneous, net	(191)	842
Net cash provided by (used in) continuing operating activities	6,341	(8,264)
Net cash provided by discontinued operating activities	0	8,246
Net operating activities	6,341	(18)
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(6,321)	(2,305)
Purchase of investments	(1,553)	(6,450)
Change in restricted cash	1,100	0
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	4	5
Net cash used in continuing investing activities	(6,770)	(8,750)
Net cash used in discontinued investing activities	0	(1,561)
Net investing activities	(6,770)	(10,311)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Payments on long-term debt	(1,000)	(500)
Repurchase of Class A Common shares	(10,131)	0
Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options	4,641	4,262
Tax payments related to shares withheld for RSU vesting	(2,579)	(4,872)
Miscellaneous, net	(2,311)	12,469
Net cash (used in) provided by continuing financing activities	(11,380)	11,359
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(11,809)	1,030
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of year	108,061	158,459
End of period	96,252	159,489
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures
Interest paid	4,153	1,718
Income taxes paid	$ 493	$ 557

Condensed Consolidated Stateme8

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Noncontrolling Interests
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 income (loss)		(5,100)			(5,100)
Changes in defined benefit pension plans		757				757
Changes in fair value of derivative		60				60
Compensation plans: 805,560 net shares issued in 2015 and 769,547 in 2016	[1]	1,305	8	1,297
Balance, ending at Mar. 31, 2015		516,955	578	526,753	113,593	(125,626)	1,657
Balance, beginning (Scenario, Previously Reported) at Dec. 31, 2015		900,983	838	1,163,985	(174,038)	(89,802)	0
Balance, beginning (Scenario, Adjustment) at Dec. 31, 2015		14,750	0	(58)	14,808	0	0
Balance, beginning (Scenario, As Adjusted) at Dec. 31, 2015		915,733	838	1,163,927	(159,230)	(89,802)	0
Balance, beginning at Dec. 31, 2015		900,983
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)		4,888			4,888		0
Changes in defined benefit pension plans		642				642
Changes in fair value of derivative		59				59
Repurchase Class A Common shares: 570,000 in 2016		(10,131)	(6)	(8,889)	(1,236)
Compensation plans: 805,560 net shares issued in 2015 and 769,547 in 2016	[1]	7,052	8	7,044
Stockholders' Equity, Other		(7)				(7)
Balance, ending at Mar. 31, 2016		$ 918,236	$ 840	$ 1,162,082	$ (155,578)	$ (89,108)	$ 0
[1]	* Net of tax payments related to shares withheld for vested stock and RSUs of $2,579 in 2016 and $4,872 in 2015.

Condensed Consolidated Stateme9

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Shares issued on compensation plans	769,547	805,560
Repurchase of Class A Common shares	570,000	0
Tax payments related to shares withheld for vested stock and RSUs	$ 2,579	$ 4,872

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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 2015 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 Internet, 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, as well as retransmission fees received from cable operators and satellite carriers. The revenue recognition policies for each source of revenue are described in our 2015 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, 2015 . 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 $5.0 million and $1.9 million for the first quarter of 2016 and 2015 , respectively, of which $0.2 million for the first quarter of 2015 is included in discontinued operations. 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 (in thousands) 2016 2015 Numerator (for basic and diluted earnings per share) Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 4,888 $ (8,115 ) Less income allocated to RSUs (53 ) — Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations $ 4,835 $ (8,115 ) Denominator Basic weighted-average shares outstanding 83,965 57,335 Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options held by employees and directors 260 — Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding 84,225 57,335 Anti-dilutive securities (1) — 1,728 (1) Amount outstanding at balance sheet date, before application of the treasury stock method and not weighted for period outstanding. For the quarter ended March 31, 2015 , we incurred a 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 must be 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 and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transactions affected 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, the underlying hedged transaction is no longer likely to occur, 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)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Recently Adopted Standards and Issued Accounting Standards	Recently Adopted Standards and Issued Accounting Standards Recently Adopted Accounting Standards — In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued new guidance which simplifies the accounting for share-based compensation arrangements, including the income tax consequences and classification on the statement of cash flows. Under the new guidance, excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies will be recognized as a discrete component of the income tax provision in the period they occur and not as an adjustment to additional paid-in capital. Also, a company's payments for tax withholdings should be classified in the statement of cash flows as a financing activity. It also requires excess tax benefits to be recorded on the exercise or vesting of share-based awards at the time they are deductible for taxes and not when they reduce cash taxes. In addition, a company can now elect to record forfeitures of share-based awards as they occur or record estimated forfeitures with a true-up at the end of the vesting period. We have elected to early adopt this guidance effective January 1, 2016. The adoption was on a modified retrospective transition method basis and therefore had no impact on prior years. The impact of adopting this guidance was to record $14.7 million of previously unrecognized tax benefits, increasing deferred taxes and opening retained earnings. We have elected to adopt a policy of recording actual forfeitures, the impact of which is immaterial to current or prior periods. In August 2014, the FASB issued new guidance related to the disclosures around consideration of 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 was effective for us January 1, 2016. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Recently Issued Accounting Standards — In February 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on the accounting for leases. Under this guidance, lessees will be required to recognize a lease liability and a right-of-use asset for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases) at the commencement date. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently assessing the impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements. In January 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on the recognition and measurement of financial instruments. This guidance primarily affects the accounting for equity method investments, financial liabilities under the fair value option and the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. The standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. We are currently assessing the impact of this guidance 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 guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements and have not yet determined a transition method.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Acquisitions Midroll Media On July 22, 2015, we acquired Midroll Media, a Los Angeles-based company that creates original podcasts and operates a network that generates advertising revenue for more than 200 shows. The purchase price was $50 million in cash, plus a $10 million earnout payable over three years. We estimated the fair value of the earnout to be $7 million . The following table summarizes the final fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed: (in thousands) Assets: Cash $ 635 Accounts receivable 2,925 Other assets 482 Intangible assets 10,700 Goodwill 45,586 Total assets acquired 60,328 Current liabilities 3,365 Net purchase price $ 56,963 Of the $11 million allocated to intangible assets, $7 million was allocated to advertiser relationships with an estimated amortization period of 5 years and the remaining balance of $4 million was allocated to various other intangible assets. The goodwill of $ 46 million arising from the transaction consists largely of the benefit we will derive from being able to enter the podcast market with an established business. We allocated the goodwill to our digital segment. We treated the transaction as an asset acquisition for income tax purposes with a step-up in the assets acquired. The goodwill is deductible for income tax purposes. 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 Note 17 . The businesses acquired include 12 television stations and 34 radio stations. We issued 26.4 million Class A Common shares to the Journal shareholders in exchange for their interest in Journal for 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 Class A Common shares shares on April 1, 2015, the acquisition date. The following table summarizes the final fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed: (in thousands) Assets: Cash $ 2,529 Accounts receivable 47,978 Other current assets 2,236 Property, plant and equipment 123,264 Intangible assets 294,800 Goodwill 456,440 Other long-term assets 6,350 Assets held for sale 14,500 Total assets acquired 948,097 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 38,107 Employee benefit obligations 85,261 Deferred tax liability 57,112 Long-term debt 126,873 Other long-term liabilities 4,744 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 $456 million arising from the transaction consists largely of synergies and economies of scale and other benefits of a larger broadcast footprint. The goodwill was allocated to our television ( $395 million ), radio ( $41 million ) and digital ( $20 million ) segments. 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, Journal was required to dispose of KNIN, the Fox affiliate located in Boise, ID. The station was placed in a divestiture trust for our benefit and was sold to Raycom Media, Inc. on October 1, 2015 for $14.5 million . The sale did not result in a gain or loss. Pro forma results of operations Pro forma results of operations, assuming the Journal transaction had taken place at the beginning of 2014, are included in the following table. The pro forma results do not include Midroll, as the impact of this acquisition is not material to prior year results of operations. The pro forma information includes the historical results of operations of Scripps and Journal and adjustments for additional depreciation and amortization of the assets acquired, additional interest expense related to the financing of the transaction and reflects 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 (in thousands, except per share data) (unaudited) 2015 Operating revenues $ 185,485 Loss from continuing operations attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company (2,730 ) Loss per share from operations attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company: Basic $ (0.03 ) Diluted (0.03 )

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes We file a consolidated federal income tax return, consolidated unitary tax returns in certain states and other separate state income tax returns for our subsidiary companies. The income tax provision for interim periods is generally determined based upon the expected effective income tax rate for the full year and the tax rate applicable to certain discrete transactions in the interim period. To determine the annual effective income tax rate, we must estimate both the total income (loss) before income tax for the full year and the jurisdictions in which that income (loss) is subject to tax. The actual effective income tax rate for the full year may differ from these estimates if income (loss) before income tax is greater than or less than what was estimated or if the allocation of income (loss) to jurisdictions in which it is taxed is different from the estimated allocations. We review and adjust our estimated effective income tax rate for the full year each quarter based upon our most recent estimates of income (loss) before income tax for the full year and the jurisdictions in which we expect that income will be taxed. The effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 was (19)% and 38% , 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 in 2015), adjustments to reserves for uncertain tax positions (including interest) and excess tax benefits on share-based compensation ( $1.9 million in 2016). Deferred tax assets totaled $28 million at March 31, 2016 . 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 period ended March 31, 2015 , deferred tax assets relating to employee share-based awards from the vesting of RSUs and the exercise of stock options were not recognized since we were in a net tax loss position for the period. The additional tax benefits were reflected as net operating loss carryforwards on our tax returns, but the additional tax benefits were not recorded under GAAP until the tax deductions reduced taxes payable. The amount of unrecognized tax deductions for the three months ended March 31, 2015 , was approximately $16 million . Effective January 1, 2016, we adopted new accounting guidance that allows us to recognize the benefits when deductible for tax purposes.

Other Charges and Credits

Other Charges and Credits	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Asset Write-Downs and Other Charges and Credits [Abstract]
Other Charges and Credits	Other Charges and Credits Acquisition and related integration costs of $0.6 million and $2.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, include costs for spinning off our newspaper operations and costs associated with acquisitions, such as legal and accounting fees, as well as costs to integrate the acquired operations.

Restricted Cash

Restricted Cash	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Restricted Cash	Restricted Cash At March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , we had $5.5 million and $6.6 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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill was as follows: (in thousands) Television Radio Digital Total Gross balance as of December 31, 2015 $ 681,535 $ 41,000 $ 101,166 $ 823,701 Accumulated impairment losses (215,414 ) — (22,500 ) (237,914 ) Net balance as of December 31, 2015 $ 466,121 $ 41,000 $ 78,666 $ 585,787 Gross balance as of March 31, 2016 $ 681,535 $ 41,000 $ 101,166 $ 823,701 Accumulated impairment losses (215,414 ) — (22,500 ) (237,914 ) Net balance as of March 31, 2016 $ 466,121 $ 41,000 $ 78,666 $ 585,787 Other intangible assets consisted of the following: (in thousands) As of As of Amortizable intangible assets: Carrying amount: Television network affiliation relationships $ 248,444 $ 248,444 Customer lists and advertiser relationships 56,100 56,100 Other 14,423 14,423 Total carrying amount 318,967 318,967 Accumulated amortization: Television network affiliation relationships (27,697 ) (24,590 ) Customer lists and advertiser relationships (19,054 ) (17,092 ) Other (2,601 ) (1,913 ) Total accumulated amortization (49,352 ) (43,595 ) Net amortizable intangible assets 269,615 275,372 Other indefinite-lived intangible assets — FCC licenses 203,815 203,815 Total other intangible assets $ 473,430 $ 479,187 Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for each of the next five years is $16.6 million for the remainder of 2016 , $19.9 million in 2017 , $19.5 million in 2018 , $18.8 million in 2019 , $18.2 million in 2020 , $15.9 million in 2021 , and $160.7 million in later years.

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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 393,500 394,500 Debt issuance costs on term loan (3,156 ) (3,325 ) Net term loan 390,344 391,175 Unsecured subordinated notes payable 7,968 7,968 Long-term debt 398,312 399,143 Current portion of long-term debt 6,656 6,656 Long-term debt (less current portion) $ 391,656 $ 392,487 Fair value of long-term debt * $ 397,915 $ 396,576 * 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 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 $400 million term loan B matures in November 2020 and the $100 million revolving credit facility matures 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. 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 of assets. The Second Amended Financing Agreement in certain circumstances requires that we must use a portion of excess cash flow, and the proceeds from the sale, to repay debt. As of March 31, 2016 , we were not required to make additional principal payments based on excess cash flow. Under an amendment completed in the third quarter of 2015, any proceeds, up to a stipulated amount, that we receive from the upcoming FCC spectrum auction, should we choose to participate and our bid is accepted, will not be required to be used to pay down the term loan. 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. 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 March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , the interest rate was 3.50% on the term loan B. The weighted-average interest rate on borrowings was 3.50% and 3.25% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Scheduled principal payments on the term loan at March 31, 2016 are: $3.0 million for the remainder of 2016 , $4.0 million in 2017 , $4.0 million in 2018 , $4.0 million in 2019 , and $378.5 million in 2020 . 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 March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , we had outstanding letters of credit totaling $0.8 million . 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 2016, 2017 and 2018, with no prepayment right.

Financial Instruments

Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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. Under the terms of the swap, we pay a fixed interest rate of 1.08% and receive interest at a variable rate equal to 30 day LIBOR. We did not provide or receive any collateral for this contract. Fair Value of Derivative Instruments The notional amounts and fair values of derivative instruments are shown in the table below: As of March 31, 2016 As of December 31, 2015 Notional amount Fair value Notional amount Fair value (in thousands) Asset Liability (1) Asset Liability (1) Undesignated derivatives: Interest rate swap $ 75,000 $ — $ 312 $ 75,000 $ — $ 299 (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 same period or periods during which the hedged transactions affected earnings. Upon refinancing our term loan B 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. Three Months Ended (in thousands) 2016 2015 Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCL, gain $ 96 $ 96 Loss on derivative (13 ) (174 )

Fair Value Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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 values of these financial assets and liabilities were 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 March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 : As of March 31, 2016 (in thousands) Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets/(Liabilities): Cash equivalents $ 5,000 $ 5,000 $ — $ — Interest rate swap (312 ) — (312 ) — As of December 31, 2015 (in thousands) Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets/(Liabilities): Cash equivalents $ 5,000 $ 5,000 $ — $ — Interest rate swap (299 ) — (299 ) —

Other Liabilities

Other Liabilities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities	Other Liabilities Other liabilities consisted of the following: (in thousands) As of As of Employee compensation and benefits $ 17,424 $ 16,808 Liability for pension benefits 223,829 221,965 Liabilities for uncertain tax positions 3,440 3,492 Other 21,635 25,302 Other liabilities (less current portion) $ 266,328 $ 267,567

Supplemental Cash Flow Informat

Supplemental Cash Flow Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	Supplemental Cash Flow Information The following table presents additional information about the change in certain working capital accounts: Three Months Ended (in thousands) 2016 2015 Other changes in certain working capital accounts, net Accounts and notes receivable $ (892 ) $ (2,941 ) Income taxes receivable/payable, net (957 ) — Accounts payable (970 ) (3,314 ) Accrued employee compensation and benefits (14,932 ) (138 ) Other accrued liabilities (2,424 ) (3,271 ) Other, net (1,026 ) (2,018 ) Total $ (21,201 ) $ (11,682 )

Employee Benefit Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	Employee Benefit Plans We sponsor two noncontributory defined benefit pension plans covering certain Scripps employees that began employment prior to June 30, 2008, as well as certain former Journal Communications, Inc. ("Journal") employees. We also have two non-qualified Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans ("SERPs") covering Scripps employees and certain former Journal employees. Both of the defined benefit plans and the SERPs have frozen the accrual of future benefits. 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 were determined based upon the employee’s age, compensation and years of service, ended in 2015. 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 (in thousands) 2016 2015 Interest cost $ 6,770 $ 6,449 Expected return on plan assets, net of expenses (4,597 ) (5,085 ) Amortization of actuarial loss 998 1,132 Total for defined benefit plans 3,171 2,496 Multi-employer plans 43 59 SERP 279 266 Defined contribution plans 2,188 3,351 Net periodic benefit cost 5,681 6,172 Allocated to discontinued operations — (1,096 ) Net periodic benefit cost — continuing operations $ 5,681 $ 5,076 We contributed $0.3 million to fund current benefit payments for our SERPs and $0.1 million to our defined benefit pension plans during the three months ended March 31, 2016 . We anticipate contributing an additional $1.1 million to fund the SERP’s benefit payments during the remainder of 2016 . Additionally, we expect to contribute $5 million to $10 million for our qualified defined benefit pension plans in 2016 .

Segment Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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 Spanish-language 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, national and political 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. Our radio stations earn revenue primarily from the sale of advertising to local advertisers. Our digital segment includes the digital operations of our local television and radio businesses. It also includes the operations of national digital businesses such as Newsy, an over-the-top ("OTT") video news service, and Midroll, a podcast industry leader. Our digital operations earn revenue primarily through the sale of advertising and marketing services. 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 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, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, impairment charges, divested operating units, restructuring activities, investment results and certain other items that are included in net income (loss) determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Information regarding our business segments is as follows: Three Months Ended (in thousands) 2016 2015 Segment operating revenues: Television $ 179,904 $ 114,218 Radio 14,603 — Digital 12,326 6,235 Syndication and other 2,665 2,570 Total operating revenues $ 209,498 $ 123,023 Segment profit (loss): Television $ 41,687 $ 22,054 Radio 2,143 — Digital (3,133 ) (4,654 ) Syndication and other 893 405 Shared services and corporate (14,292 ) (13,536 ) Defined benefit pension plan expense (3,450 ) (2,686 ) Acquisition and related integration costs (578 ) (2,774 ) Depreciation and amortization of intangibles (14,411 ) (8,295 ) Gains (losses), net on disposal of property, plant and equipment 4 (164 ) Interest expense (4,579 ) (2,052 ) Miscellaneous, net (191 ) (1,436 ) Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes $ 4,093 $ (13,138 ) Depreciation: Television $ 7,465 $ 5,386 Radio 537 — Digital 54 130 Syndication and other 64 63 Shared services and corporate 536 608 Total depreciation $ 8,656 $ 6,187 Amortization of intangibles: Television $ 4,239 $ 1,888 Radio 265 — Digital 913 220 Shared services and corporate 338 — Total amortization of intangibles $ 5,755 $ 2,108 Additions to property, plant and equipment: Television $ 3,111 $ 1,941 Radio 233 — Digital 4 31 Syndication and other 15 54 Shared services and corporate 58 279 Total additions to property, plant and equipment $ 3,421 $ 2,305 No single customer provides more than 10% of our revenue.

Capital Stock

Capital Stock	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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 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 $10.1 million of shares at prices ranging from $16.01 to $19.51 per share during the first three months of 2016 . At March 31, 2016 , $73.6 million remained under this authorization.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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 March 31, 2016 (in thousands) Gains and Losses on Derivatives Defined Benefit Pension Items Other Total Beginning balance, December 31, 2015 $ (242 ) $ (89,740 ) $ 180 $ (89,802 ) 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 $396 (b) — 642 (7 ) 635 Net current-period other comprehensive loss 59 642 (7 ) 694 Ending balance, March 31, 2016 $ (183 ) $ (89,098 ) $ 173 $ (89,108 ) Three Months Ended March 31, 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 $36 (a) 60 — — 60 Actuarial loss, net of tax of $458 (b) — 757 — 757 Net current-period other comprehensive income 60 757 — 817 Ending balance, March 31, 2015 $ (419 ) $ (125,120 ) $ (87 ) $ (125,626 ) (a) Interest rate swap amortization 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 (Discontinued Operations) (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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 combined the 13 Scripps newspapers with Journal's Milwaukee Journal Sentinel . Immediately following the spin-off and merger of the newspaper businesses, the Journal broadcast operations and its related digital business were merged into Scripps. The Company’s television operations reach approximately 18% of all U.S. television households and has approximately 3,800 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. Certain agreements between Scripps and Journal Media Group, Inc. became effective in connection with the transactions, including Tax Matters Agreements and a Transition Services Agreement. Under the Transition Services Agreement, Scripps and Journal Media Group provided certain services to each other through March 31, 2016. The fees for the services were at arm's-length amounts. For the three months ended March 31, 2016 , the amount we received from Journal Media Group and the amount we paid to Journal Media Group was immaterial. As of March 31, 2016 , Journal Media Group owed Scripps $2.1 million . The Tax Matters Agreements set 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. As a result of the spin-off, Scripps newspapers has been presented as discontinued operations in the financial statements for all periods presented. Operating results of our discontinued operations were as follows: Three Months Ended (in thousands) 2015 Operating revenues $ 91,478 Total costs and expenses (79,277 ) Depreciation and amortization of intangibles (3,608 ) Other, net (3,298 ) Income from discontinued operations before income taxes 5,295 Provision for income taxes (2,280 ) Net income from discontinued operations $ 3,015 The Company incurred certain non-recurring costs directly related to the spin-off of our newspapers and acquisition of the Journal broadcast stations of $6 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 . 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 $3 million was recorded in earnings from continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 .

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events On April 12, 2016, we acquired the multi-platform humor and satire brand Cracked, which informs and entertains millennial audiences with a strong website, original digital video, social media and a popular podcast. The purchase price was $39 million in cash. Due to the limited time since we closed the Cracked acquisition, we have not yet completed the initial acquisition accounting for the transaction, including the determination of the fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. We will complete the initial preliminary purchase price allocation in the second quarter and it will be reflected in our June 30, 2016 financial statements. The results of operations of the acquired business will be included in our results from April 12, 2016, the date of acquisition.

Summary of Significant Accoun28

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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 2015 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 Internet, 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, as well as retransmission fees received from cable operators and satellite carriers. The revenue recognition policies for each source of revenue are described in our 2015 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, 2015 . 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 $5.0 million and $1.9 million for the first quarter of 2016 and 2015 , respectively, of which $0.2 million for the first quarter of 2015 is included in discontinued operations.
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 must be 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 and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transactions affected 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, the underlying hedged transaction is no longer likely to occur, the hedge designation is removed, or the derivative is terminated, the hedge accounting discussed above is discontinued.

Summary of Significant Accoun29

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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 (in thousands) 2016 2015 Numerator (for basic and diluted earnings per share) Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 4,888 $ (8,115 ) Less income allocated to RSUs (53 ) — Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations $ 4,835 $ (8,115 ) Denominator Basic weighted-average shares outstanding 83,965 57,335 Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options held by employees and directors 260 — Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding 84,225 57,335 Anti-dilutive securities (1) — 1,728 (1) Amount outstanding at balance sheet date, before application of the treasury stock method and not weighted for period outstanding.

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]
Pro forma results of operations	Pro forma results of operations, assuming the Journal transaction had taken place at the beginning of 2014, are included in the following table. The pro forma results do not include Midroll, as the impact of this acquisition is not material to prior year results of operations. The pro forma information includes the historical results of operations of Scripps and Journal and adjustments for additional depreciation and amortization of the assets acquired, additional interest expense related to the financing of the transaction and reflects 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 (in thousands, except per share data) (unaudited) 2015 Operating revenues $ 185,485 Loss from continuing operations attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company (2,730 ) Loss per share from operations attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company: Basic $ (0.03 ) Diluted (0.03 )
Midroll Media
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed	The following table summarizes the final fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed: (in thousands) Assets: Cash $ 635 Accounts receivable 2,925 Other assets 482 Intangible assets 10,700 Goodwill 45,586 Total assets acquired 60,328 Current liabilities 3,365 Net purchase price $ 56,963
Journal Communications, Inc.
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed	The following table summarizes the final fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed: (in thousands) Assets: Cash $ 2,529 Accounts receivable 47,978 Other current assets 2,236 Property, plant and equipment 123,264 Intangible assets 294,800 Goodwill 456,440 Other long-term assets 6,350 Assets held for sale 14,500 Total assets acquired 948,097 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 38,107 Employee benefit obligations 85,261 Deferred tax liability 57,112 Long-term debt 126,873 Other long-term liabilities 4,744 Net purchase price $ 636,000

Goodwill and Other Intangible31

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	Goodwill was as follows: (in thousands) Television Radio Digital Total Gross balance as of December 31, 2015 $ 681,535 $ 41,000 $ 101,166 $ 823,701 Accumulated impairment losses (215,414 ) — (22,500 ) (237,914 ) Net balance as of December 31, 2015 $ 466,121 $ 41,000 $ 78,666 $ 585,787 Gross balance as of March 31, 2016 $ 681,535 $ 41,000 $ 101,166 $ 823,701 Accumulated impairment losses (215,414 ) — (22,500 ) (237,914 ) Net balance as of March 31, 2016 $ 466,121 $ 41,000 $ 78,666 $ 585,787
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 $ 248,444 Customer lists and advertiser relationships 56,100 56,100 Other 14,423 14,423 Total carrying amount 318,967 318,967 Accumulated amortization: Television network affiliation relationships (27,697 ) (24,590 ) Customer lists and advertiser relationships (19,054 ) (17,092 ) Other (2,601 ) (1,913 ) Total accumulated amortization (49,352 ) (43,595 ) Net amortizable intangible assets 269,615 275,372 Other indefinite-lived intangible assets — FCC licenses 203,815 203,815 Total other intangible assets $ 473,430 $ 479,187

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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 393,500 394,500 Debt issuance costs on term loan (3,156 ) (3,325 ) Net term loan 390,344 391,175 Unsecured subordinated notes payable 7,968 7,968 Long-term debt 398,312 399,143 Current portion of long-term debt 6,656 6,656 Long-term debt (less current portion) $ 391,656 $ 392,487 Fair value of long-term debt * $ 397,915 $ 396,576 * 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 Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

Financial Instruments (Tables)

Financial Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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 March 31, 2016 As of December 31, 2015 Notional amount Fair value Notional amount Fair value (in thousands) Asset Liability (1) Asset Liability (1) Undesignated derivatives: Interest rate swap $ 75,000 $ — $ 312 $ 75,000 $ — $ 299 (1) Balance recorded as other liabilities in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
Effective portion of the unrealized gain and loss on the derivative	Three Months Ended (in thousands) 2016 2015 Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCL, gain $ 96 $ 96 Loss on derivative (13 ) (174 )

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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 March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 : As of March 31, 2016 (in thousands) Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets/(Liabilities): Cash equivalents $ 5,000 $ 5,000 $ — $ — Interest rate swap (312 ) — (312 ) — As of December 31, 2015 (in thousands) Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets/(Liabilities): Cash equivalents $ 5,000 $ 5,000 $ — $ — Interest rate swap (299 ) — (299 ) —

Other Liabilities (Tables)

Other Liabilities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Other liabilities	Other liabilities consisted of the following: (in thousands) As of As of Employee compensation and benefits $ 17,424 $ 16,808 Liability for pension benefits 223,829 221,965 Liabilities for uncertain tax positions 3,440 3,492 Other 21,635 25,302 Other liabilities (less current portion) $ 266,328 $ 267,567

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform36

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Change in certain working capital accounts	The following table presents additional information about the change in certain working capital accounts: Three Months Ended (in thousands) 2016 2015 Other changes in certain working capital accounts, net Accounts and notes receivable $ (892 ) $ (2,941 ) Income taxes receivable/payable, net (957 ) — Accounts payable (970 ) (3,314 ) Accrued employee compensation and benefits (14,932 ) (138 ) Other accrued liabilities (2,424 ) (3,271 ) Other, net (1,026 ) (2,018 ) Total $ (21,201 ) $ (11,682 )

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of benefit expense	The components of the expense consisted of the following: Three Months Ended (in thousands) 2016 2015 Interest cost $ 6,770 $ 6,449 Expected return on plan assets, net of expenses (4,597 ) (5,085 ) Amortization of actuarial loss 998 1,132 Total for defined benefit plans 3,171 2,496 Multi-employer plans 43 59 SERP 279 266 Defined contribution plans 2,188 3,351 Net periodic benefit cost 5,681 6,172 Allocated to discontinued operations — (1,096 ) Net periodic benefit cost — continuing operations $ 5,681 $ 5,076

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Information regarding business segments	Information regarding our business segments is as follows: Three Months Ended (in thousands) 2016 2015 Segment operating revenues: Television $ 179,904 $ 114,218 Radio 14,603 — Digital 12,326 6,235 Syndication and other 2,665 2,570 Total operating revenues $ 209,498 $ 123,023 Segment profit (loss): Television $ 41,687 $ 22,054 Radio 2,143 — Digital (3,133 ) (4,654 ) Syndication and other 893 405 Shared services and corporate (14,292 ) (13,536 ) Defined benefit pension plan expense (3,450 ) (2,686 ) Acquisition and related integration costs (578 ) (2,774 ) Depreciation and amortization of intangibles (14,411 ) (8,295 ) Gains (losses), net on disposal of property, plant and equipment 4 (164 ) Interest expense (4,579 ) (2,052 ) Miscellaneous, net (191 ) (1,436 ) Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes $ 4,093 $ (13,138 ) Depreciation: Television $ 7,465 $ 5,386 Radio 537 — Digital 54 130 Syndication and other 64 63 Shared services and corporate 536 608 Total depreciation $ 8,656 $ 6,187 Amortization of intangibles: Television $ 4,239 $ 1,888 Radio 265 — Digital 913 220 Shared services and corporate 338 — Total amortization of intangibles $ 5,755 $ 2,108 Additions to property, plant and equipment: Television $ 3,111 $ 1,941 Radio 233 — Digital 4 31 Syndication and other 15 54 Shared services and corporate 58 279 Total additions to property, plant and equipment $ 3,421 $ 2,305

Accumulated Other Comprehensi39

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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 March 31, 2016 (in thousands) Gains and Losses on Derivatives Defined Benefit Pension Items Other Total Beginning balance, December 31, 2015 $ (242 ) $ (89,740 ) $ 180 $ (89,802 ) 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 $396 (b) — 642 (7 ) 635 Net current-period other comprehensive loss 59 642 (7 ) 694 Ending balance, March 31, 2016 $ (183 ) $ (89,098 ) $ 173 $ (89,108 ) Three Months Ended March 31, 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 $36 (a) 60 — — 60 Actuarial loss, net of tax of $458 (b) — 757 — 757 Net current-period other comprehensive income 60 757 — 817 Ending balance, March 31, 2015 $ (419 ) $ (125,120 ) $ (87 ) $ (125,626 ) (a) Interest rate swap amortization 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 40

Journal Broadcast Merger and Newspaper Spin-off (Discontinued Operations) (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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	Operating results of our discontinued operations were as follows: Three Months Ended (in thousands) 2015 Operating revenues $ 91,478 Total costs and expenses (79,277 ) Depreciation and amortization of intangibles (3,608 ) Other, net (3,298 ) Income from discontinued operations before income taxes 5,295 Provision for income taxes (2,280 ) Net income from discontinued operations $ 3,015

Summary of Significant Accoun41

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation costs	$ 5	$ 1.9
Discontinued Operations
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation costs		$ 0.2

Summary of Significant Accoun42

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Income (loss) from continuing operations		$ 4,888	$ (8,115)
Numerator (for basic and diluted earnings per share)
Less income allocated to RSUs		53	0
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations		$ 4,835	$ (8,115)
Denominator
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding		83,965	57,335
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options held by employees and directors		260	0
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding		84,225	57,335
Anti-dilutive securities	[1]	0	1,728
[1]	(1) Amount outstanding at balance sheet date, before application of the treasury stock method and not weighted for period outstanding

Recently Adopted Standards an43

Recently Adopted Standards and Issued Accounting Standards Recently Adopted Standards and Issued Accounting Standards (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)
Deferred Taxes | Share Based Compensation Arrangements
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	$ 14.7

Acquisitions - Narrative (Detai

Acquisitions - Narrative (Details) shares in Millions	Oct. 01, 2015USD ($)	Jul. 22, 2015USD ($)show	Apr. 01, 2015USD ($)radio_stationtelevision_stationshares	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Goodwill				$ 585,787,000	$ 585,787,000
KNIN [Member] | Raycom Media, Inc. [Member]
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Business disposition, consideration to be received	$ 14,500,000
Midroll Media
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of podcast shows (more than) | show		200
Business acquisition, purchase price		$ 50,000,000
Business acquisition, earnout provision		10,000,000
Intangible assets		10,700,000
Goodwill		45,586,000
Business acquisition, purchase price		$ 56,963,000
Earnout provision, payment term		3 years
Earnout provision, fair value				7,000,000
Midroll Media | Advertiser relationships
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Intangible assets		$ 7,000,000
Intangible asset, estimated amortization period		5 years
Midroll Media | Other intangible assets
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Intangible assets		$ 4,000,000
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			$ 636,000,000
Intangible assets			294,800,000
Goodwill			456,440,000
Business acquisition, purchase price			636,000,000
Journal Communications, Inc. | Retransmission agreements, television network affiliate relationships and advertiser relationships
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Intangible assets			$ 183,000,000
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			$ 111,600,000
Journal Communications, Inc. | Common Stock | Common stock, Class A
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of shares issued in business acquisition | shares			26.4
Television [Member]
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Goodwill				466,121,000	466,121,000
Television [Member] | Journal Communications, Inc.
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Goodwill acquisition			$ 395,000,000
Radio
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Goodwill				41,000,000	41,000,000
Radio | Journal Communications, Inc.
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Goodwill acquisition			41,000,000
Digital
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Goodwill				$ 78,666,000	$ 78,666,000
Digital | Journal Communications, Inc.
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Goodwill acquisition			$ 20,000,000

Acquisitions - Fair Value of As

Acquisitions - Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Jul. 22, 2015	Apr. 01, 2015
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract]
Goodwill	$ 585,787	$ 585,787
Midroll Media
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract]
Cash			$ 635
Accounts receivable			2,925
Intangible assets			10,700
Goodwill			45,586
Other long-term assets			482
Total assets acquired			60,328
Current liabilities			3,365
Net purchase price			$ 56,963
Journal Communications, Inc.
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract]
Cash				$ 2,529
Accounts receivable				47,978
Other assets				2,236
Property, plant and equipment				123,264
Intangible assets				294,800
Goodwill				456,440
Other long-term assets				6,350
Assets held for sale				14,500
Total assets acquired				948,097
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities				38,107
Employee benefit obligations				85,261
Long-term deferred liability				57,112
Long-term debt				126,873
Other long-term liabilities				4,744
Net purchase price				$ 636,000

Acquisitions - Pro Forma Disclo

Acquisitions - Pro Forma Disclosures (Details) - Journal Communications, Inc. $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)$ / shares
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue | $	$ 185,485
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) | $	$ (2,730)
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic | $ / shares	$ (0.03)
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted | $ / shares	$ (0.03)

Income Taxes - Narrative (Detai

Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective income tax rate	(19.00%)	38.00%
U.S. Federal statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%
Excess tax benefits on share-based compensation	$ 1.9
Deferred tax assets	$ 28.1
Unrecognized deductions for share based compensation awards		$ 16

Other Charges and Credits - Nar

Other Charges and Credits - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition and related integration costs	$ 578	$ 2,774
Journal Communications, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition and related integration costs	$ 578	$ 2,774

Restricted Cash - Narrative (De

Restricted Cash - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Restricted cash	$ 5,460	$ 6,560

Goodwill and Other Intangible50

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 01, 2015	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Gross		$ 823,701	$ 823,701
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss		(237,914)	(237,914)
Journal Communications, Inc.
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, ending balance	$ 456,440
Television [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Gross		681,535	681,535
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss		(215,414)	(215,414)
Television [Member] | Journal Communications, Inc.
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill acquisition	395,000
Radio
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Gross		41,000	41,000
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss		0	0
Radio | Journal Communications, Inc.
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill acquisition	41,000
Digital
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Gross		101,166	101,166
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss		$ (22,500)	$ (22,500)
Digital | Journal Communications, Inc.
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill acquisition	$ 20,000

Goodwill and Other Intangible51

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of other intangible assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Carrying amount:
Total carrying amount	$ 318,967	$ 318,967
Accumulated amortization:
Total accumulated amortization	(49,352)	(43,595)
Net amortizable intangible assets	269,615	275,372
Total other intangible assets	473,430	479,187
Licensing agreements
Accumulated amortization:
Other indefinite-lived intangible assets — FCC licenses	203,815	203,815
Television network affiliation relationships
Carrying amount:
Total carrying amount	248,444	248,444
Accumulated amortization:
Total accumulated amortization	(27,697)	(24,590)
Customer lists and advertiser relationships
Carrying amount:
Total carrying amount	56,100	56,100
Accumulated amortization:
Total accumulated amortization	(19,054)	(17,092)
Other
Carrying amount:
Total carrying amount	14,423	14,423
Accumulated amortization:
Total accumulated amortization	$ (2,601)	$ (1,913)

Goodwill and Other Intangible52

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for the remainder of 2016	$ 16.6
Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for 2017	19.9
Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for 2018	19.5
Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for 2019	18.8
Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for 2020	18.2
Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for 2021	15.9
Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for later years	$ 160.7

Long-Term Debt - Components of

Long-Term Debt - Components of Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Components of Long-term debt
Long-term debt		$ 398,312	$ 399,143
Debt Issuance Cost		(3,156)	(3,325)
Long-term Debt, Net of Debt Issuance Cost		390,344	391,175
Current portion of long-term debt		6,656	6,656
Long-term debt (less current portion)		391,656	392,487
Fair value of long-term debt	[1]	397,915	396,576
Unsecured subordinated notes payable
Components of Long-term debt
Long-term debt		7,968	7,968
Variable rate credit facility
Components of Long-term debt
Long-term debt		0	0
Term loan
Components of Long-term debt
Long-term debt		$ 393,500	$ 394,500
[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. 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 Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

Long-Term Debt - Narrative (Det

Long-Term Debt - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Apr. 01, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Current portion of long-term debt	$ 6,656,000	$ 6,656,000
Long-term debt (less current portion)	391,656,000	392,487,000
Scheduled principal payments on long-term debt in 2016	3,000,000
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	$ 800,000	$ 800,000
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%
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
Term loan B | Financing Agreement
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%	3.50%
LIBOR plus margin range	2.75%
Weighted average interest rate	3.50%			3.25%
Term loan B | Financing Agreement | Minimum
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Percentage Rate	0.75%
Revolving credit facility | Financing Agreement
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
Revolving credit facility | Financing Agreement | Minimum
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding, Trigger Leverage Ratio, Percentage	20.00%
LIBOR plus margin range	2.25%
Revolving credit facility | Financing Agreement | Maximum
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
LIBOR plus margin range	2.75%
Unsecured subordinated notes payable
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Stated interest rate (percent)	7.25%
Annual installment payments	$ 2,700,000

Financial Instruments - Narrati

Financial Instruments - Narrative (Details) - Interest rate swaps - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 75,000	$ 75,000
Fixed LIBOR interest rate	1.08%

Financial Instruments - Notiona

Financial Instruments - Notional Amounts (Details) - Interest rate swaps - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
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]	$ 312	$ 299
[1]	(1) Balance recorded as other liabilities in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

Financial Instruments - Effecti

Financial Instruments - Effective Portion of Unrealized Gain and Loss (Details) - Interest rate swaps - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCL, gain	$ 96	$ 96
Loss on derivative	$ (13)	$ (174)

Fair Value Measurement - Assets

Fair Value Measurement - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Recurring Measurements
Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Cash equivalents		$ 5,000	$ 5,000
Level 1 | Recurring Measurements
Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Cash equivalents		5,000	5,000
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]	(312)	(299)
Interest rate swaps | Recurring Measurements
Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Interest rate swap		(312)	(299)
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		(312)	(299)
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 Sheets

Other Liabilities - Additional

Other Liabilities - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Other liabilities
Employee compensation and benefits	$ 17,424	$ 16,808
Liability for pension benefits	223,829	221,965
Liabilities for uncertain tax positions	3,440	3,492
Other	21,635	25,302
Other liabilities (less current portion)	$ 266,328	$ 267,567

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform60

Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Change in Certain Working Capital Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Other changes in certain working capital accounts, net
Accounts and notes receivable	$ (892)	$ (2,941)
Income taxes receivable/payable, net	(957)	0
Accounts payable	(970)	(3,314)
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	(14,932)	(138)
Other accrued liabilities	(2,424)	(3,271)
Other, net	(1,026)	(2,018)
Total	$ (21,201)	$ (11,682)

Employee Benefit Plans - Compon

Employee Benefit Plans - Components of Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 5,681	$ 6,172
Allocated to discontinued operations	0	(1,096)
Net periodic benefit cost — continuing operations	5,681	5,076
Defined contribution plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Net periodic benefit cost	2,188	3,351
Multi-employer plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Net periodic benefit cost	43	59
Defined benefit plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Interest cost	6,770	6,449
Expected return on plan assets, net of expenses	(4,597)	(5,085)
Amortization of actuarial loss	998	1,132
Total for defined benefit plans	3,171	2,496
SERP
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 279	$ 266

Employee Benefit Plans - Narrat

Employee Benefit Plans - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)
SERP
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Contributions to benefit plan	$ 0.3
Estimated future contributions	1.1
Defined benefit plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Contributions to benefit plan	0.1
Minimum | Defined benefit plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated future contributions	5
Maximum | Defined benefit plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated future contributions	$ 10

Segment Information - Narrative

Segment Information - Narrative (Details)	Mar. 31, 2016radio_stationcustomeraffiliatemarket
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of major customers customers | customer	0
Percentage of revenue by major customer	10.00%
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
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Information regarding business segments
Total operating revenues	$ 209,498	$ 123,023
Defined benefit pension plan expense	(3,450)	(2,686)
Acquisition and related integration costs	(578)	(2,774)
Depreciation and amortization of intangibles	(14,411)	(8,295)
Gains (losses), net on disposal of property, plant and equipment	4	(164)
Interest expense	(4,579)	(2,052)
Miscellaneous, net	(191)	(1,436)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	4,093	(13,138)
Depreciation:
Total depreciation	8,656	6,187
Amortization of intangibles:
Total amortization of intangibles	5,755	2,108
Additions to property, plant and equipment:
Total additions to property, plant and equipment	3,421	2,305
Television
Information regarding business segments
Total operating revenues	179,904	114,218
Segment profit (loss)	41,687	22,054
Depreciation:
Total depreciation	7,465	5,386
Amortization of intangibles:
Total amortization of intangibles	4,239	1,888
Additions to property, plant and equipment:
Total additions to property, plant and equipment	3,111	1,941
Radio
Information regarding business segments
Total operating revenues	14,603	0
Segment profit (loss)	2,143	0
Depreciation:
Total depreciation	537	0
Amortization of intangibles:
Total amortization of intangibles	265	0
Additions to property, plant and equipment:
Total additions to property, plant and equipment	233	0
Digital
Information regarding business segments
Total operating revenues	12,326	6,235
Segment profit (loss)	(3,133)	(4,654)
Depreciation:
Total depreciation	54	130
Amortization of intangibles:
Total amortization of intangibles	913	220
Additions to property, plant and equipment:
Total additions to property, plant and equipment	4	31
Syndication and other
Information regarding business segments
Total operating revenues	2,665	2,570
Segment profit (loss)	893	405
Depreciation:
Total depreciation	64	63
Additions to property, plant and equipment:
Total additions to property, plant and equipment	15	54
Shared services and corporate
Information regarding business segments
Segment profit (loss)	(14,292)	(13,536)
Depreciation:
Total depreciation	536	608
Amortization of intangibles:
Total amortization of intangibles	338	0
Additions to property, plant and equipment:
Total additions to property, plant and equipment	$ 58	$ 279

Capital Stock - Narrative (Deta

Capital Stock - Narrative (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)directorcommon_share$ / shares	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	$ 10,131,000
Common stock, Class A
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount		$ 100,000,000
Stock repurchased during period, value	10,100,000
Stock repurchase program, remaining authorized amount	$ 73,600,000
Common stock, Class A | Minimum
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchased during period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 16.01
Common stock, Class A | Maximum
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchased during period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 19.51

Accumulated Other Comprehensi66

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		$ (89,802)	$ (126,443)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		0	0
Ending balance		(89,108)	(125,626)
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	60
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, Actuarial loss	[2]	635	757
Net current-period other comprehensive income		694	817
Gains and Losses on Derivatives
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		(242)	(479)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		0	0
Ending balance		(183)	(419)
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
Net current-period other comprehensive income		59	60
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	60
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, Interest rate swap, tax		37	36
Defined Benefit Pension Items
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		(89,740)	(125,877)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		0	0
Ending balance		(89,098)	(125,120)
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
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, Actuarial loss	[2]	642	757
Amounts reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive loss, Actuarial loss, tax		396	458
Net current-period other comprehensive income		642	757
Other
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		180	(87)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		0	0
Ending balance		173	(87)
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
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, Actuarial loss	[2]	(7)	0
Net current-period other comprehensive income		$ (7)	$ 0
[1]	(a) Interest rate swap amortization 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 (Discontinued Operations) Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Apr. 01, 2015USD ($)employeenewspaper
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Transition services agreement receivable, net		$ 2,100
Spin-off
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Disposal Groups, Transaction Costs Expensed	$ 6,000
Special cash dividend			$ 60,000
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Professional Fees	3,000
Professional Fees	$ 3,000
Spin-off | Television operations | Journal Communications, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Television operations, percentage of U.S. households reached			18.00%
Approximate number of employees | employee			3,800
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) Discontinued Operations (Details) - Spin-off $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)
Operating results of discontinued operations:
Operating revenues	$ 91,478
Total costs and expenses	(79,277)
Depreciation and amortization of intangibles	(3,608)
Other, net	(3,298)
Income from discontinued operations before income taxes	5,295
Provision for income taxes	(2,280)
Net income from discontinued operations	$ 3,015

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) $ in Millions	Apr. 12, 2016USD ($)
Subsequent event | Cracked
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Business acquisition, purchase price (in cash)	$ 39