The E.W. Scripps Company (SSP) 10-Q 9 Nov 18 2018 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018shares
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	Sep. 30, 2018
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Common stock, Class A
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	68,739,783
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	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 129,743	$ 148,699
Accounts receivable (less allowances— $2,779 and $1,949)	254,682	245,365
Programming	40,654	53,468
Miscellaneous	27,217	21,998
Assets held for sale	108,636	136,004
Total current assets	560,932	605,534
Investments	7,299	7,699
Property and equipment	223,629	209,995
Goodwill	760,098	755,949
Other intangible assets	411,419	425,975
Programming (less current portion)	69,381	85,269
Deferred income taxes	15,730	20,076
Miscellaneous	19,542	19,051
Total Assets	2,068,030	2,129,548
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	38,213	23,647
Unearned revenue	17,692	7,353
Current portion of long-term debt	3,000	5,656
Accrued liabilities:
Employee compensation and benefits	29,093	41,939
Programming liability	38,703	58,176
Miscellaneous	50,783	44,396
Other current liabilities	10,536	10,085
Liabilities held for sale	22,173	19,536
Total current liabilities	210,193	210,788
Long-term debt (less current portion)	686,212	687,619
Other liabilities (less current portion)	265,973	293,656
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; 68,739783 and 69,699,105 shares; Voting - authorized: 60,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding; 11,932,722 and 11,932,722 shares	806	816
Additional paid-in capital	1,107,993	1,129,020
Accumulated deficit	(104,021)	(90,061)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes	(99,126)	(102,922)
Total The E.W. Scripps Company shareholders' equity	905,652	936,853
Noncontrolling interest	0	632
Total equity	905,652	937,485
Total Liabilities and Equity	2,068,030	2,129,548
Common stock, Class A
Equity:
Common stock, $.01 par: Class A - authorized: 240,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding; 68,739783 and 69,699,105 shares; Voting - authorized: 60,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding; 11,932,722 and 11,932,722 shares	687	697
Voting common stock
Equity:
Common stock, $.01 par: Class A - authorized: 240,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding; 68,739783 and 69,699,105 shares; Voting - authorized: 60,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding; 11,932,722 and 11,932,722 shares	$ 119	$ 119

Condensed Consolidated Balanc_2

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 2,779	$ 1,949
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	68,739,783	69,699,105
Common stock, shares outstanding	68,739,783	69,699,105
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		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Operating Revenues:
Advertising		$ 205,605	$ 124,925	$ 568,918	$ 382,323
Retransmission and carriage		79,673	63,733	225,391	196,003
Other		17,448	11,851	46,003	36,900
Total operating revenues		302,726	200,509	840,312	615,226
Costs and Expenses:
Employee compensation and benefits		96,129	88,626	289,689	271,541
Programming		90,832	52,152	258,622	150,053
Other expenses		59,148	45,999	175,953	133,692
Acquisition and related integration costs		332	0	332	0
Restructuring costs		863	2,407	7,000	2,407
Total costs and expenses		247,304	189,184	731,596	557,693
Depreciation, Amortization, and (Gains) Losses:
Depreciation		8,627	8,547	24,616	25,488
Amortization of intangible assets		6,971	5,228	21,784	15,929
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets		0	35,732	0	35,732
(Gains) losses, net on disposal of property and equipment		(501)	114	150	176
Net depreciation, amortization, and (gains) losses		15,097	49,621	46,550	77,325
Operating income (loss)		40,325	(38,296)	62,166	(19,792)
Interest expense		(9,003)	(5,720)	(27,041)	(18,163)
Defined benefit pension plan expense		(3,529)	(3,551)	(6,306)	(10,485)
Miscellaneous, net		(546)	1,187	(535)	5,411
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes		27,247	(46,380)	28,284	(43,029)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes		7,208	(18,776)	8,160	(19,547)
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax		20,039	(27,604)	20,124	(23,482)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		(908)	920	(22,354)	3,404
Net income (loss)		19,131	(26,684)	(2,230)	(20,078)
Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		0	0	(632)	0
Net income (loss) attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company		$ 19,131	$ (26,684)	$ (1,598)	$ (20,078)
Net income (loss) per basic share of common stock attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company:
Income (loss) from continuing operations		$ 0.24	$ (0.34)	$ 0.25	$ (0.29)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations		(0.01)	0.01	(0.27)	0.04
Net income (loss) per basic share of common stock attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company	[1]	0.23	(0.32)	(0.02)	(0.24)
Net income (loss) per diluted share of common stock attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company:
Income (loss) from continuing operations		0.24	(0.34)	0.25	(0.29)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations		(0.01)	0.01	(0.27)	0.04
Net income (loss) per diluted share of common stock attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company	[1]	$ 0.23	$ (0.32)	$ (0.02)	$ (0.24)
[1]	Net income per share amounts may not foot since each is calculated independently.

Condensed Consolidated Statem_2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 19,131	$ (26,684)	$ (2,230)	$ (20,078)
Changes in defined benefit pension plans, net of tax of $777, $459, $1,274, and $1,325	2,316	734	3,796	2,124
Other	0	(15)	0	(47)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	21,447	(25,965)	1,566	(18,001)
Less comprehensive net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	632	0
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company	$ 21,447	$ (25,965)	$ 2,198	$ (18,001)

Condensed Consolidated Statem_3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Changes in defined benefit pension plans, tax amount	$ 777	$ 459	$ 1,274	$ 1,325

Condensed Consolidated Statem_4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	$ (2,230)	$ (20,078)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	(22,354)	3,404
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	20,124	(23,482)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) from continuing operations to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	46,400	41,417
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets	0	35,732
(Gain)/loss on sale of property and equipment	150	176
Programming assets and liabilities	(10,775)	1,108
Deferred income taxes	3,072	(17,565)
Stock and deferred compensation plans	10,128	14,323
Pension expense, net of contributions	(13,261)	(8,875)
Other changes in certain working capital accounts, net	10,240	(8,275)
Miscellaneous, net	(1,168)	(6,954)
Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations	64,910	27,605
Net cash provided by operating activities from discontinued operations	8,878	5,229
Net operating activities	73,788	32,834
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Acquisition of intangibles	(7,229)	(11,554)
Additions to property and equipment	(39,279)	(12,909)
Purchase of investments	(79)	(1,533)
Proceeds from FCC repack	946	0
Miscellaneous, net	2,307	3,650
Net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations	(43,334)	(22,346)
Net cash used in investing activities from discontinued operations	(1,044)	(1,140)
Net investing activities	(44,378)	(23,486)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	0	400,000
Payments on long-term debt	(4,906)	(392,198)
Deferred financing costs	0	(7,558)
Dividends paid	(12,362)	0
Repurchase of Class A Common shares	(30,270)	(11,704)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	1,857	1,461
Tax payments related to shares withheld for RSU vesting	(2,520)	(3,371)
Miscellaneous, net	(165)	(3,795)
Net cash used in financing activities from continuing operations	(48,366)	(17,165)
Decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	(18,956)	(7,817)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash:
Beginning of year	148,699	134,352
End of period	129,743	126,535
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures
Interest paid	19,683	4,917
Income taxes paid	934	1,068
Non-cash investing information
Capital expenditures included in accounts payable	$ 698	$ 200

Condensed Consolidated Statem_5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Deficit	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Noncontrolling Interest
Equity, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2016			$ 819	$ 1,132,540	$ (94,077)	$ (93,347)
Equity, Noncontrolling Interest, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2016							$ 0
Total Equity, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2016		$ 945,935
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Comprehensive income (loss)		(18,001)			(20,078)	2,077	0
Repurchase Class A Common shares: 1,690,736 in 2018 and 620,451 in 2017		(11,705)	(6)	(9,652)	(2,047)
Compensation plans: 731,414 net shares issued in 2018 and 545,640 in 2017	[1]	10,602	6	10,596
Contributions Joint Venture, Noncontrolling Interest		2,143					2,143
Equity, ending balance at Sep. 30, 2017			819	1,133,484	(116,202)	(91,270)
Equity, Noncontrolling Interest, ending balance at Sep. 30, 2017							2,143
Total Equity, ending balance at Sep. 30, 2017		928,974
Equity, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2017		936,853	816	1,129,020	(90,061)	(102,922)
Equity, Noncontrolling Interest, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2017		632					632
Total Equity, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2017		937,485
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Comprehensive income (loss)		1,566			(1,598)	3,796	(632)
Cash dividend: declared and paid - $0.15 per share		(12,362)			(12,362)
Repurchase Class A Common shares: 1,690,736 in 2018 and 620,451 in 2017		(30,270)	(17)	(30,253)	0
Compensation plans: 731,414 net shares issued in 2018 and 545,640 in 2017	[1]	9,233	7	9,226
Equity, ending balance at Sep. 30, 2018		905,652	$ 806	$ 1,107,993	$ (104,021)	$ (99,126)
Equity, Noncontrolling Interest, ending balance at Sep. 30, 2018		0					$ 0
Total Equity, ending balance at Sep. 30, 2018		$ 905,652
[1]	Net of tax payments related to shares withheld for vested RSUs of $2,520 in 2018 and $3,371 in 2017.

Condensed Consolidated Statem_6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Shares issued on compensation plans	731,414	545,640
Repurchase of Class A Common shares	1,690,736	620,451
Tax payments related to shares withheld for vested stock and RSUs	$ 2,520	$ 3,371
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$ 0.15
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid	$ 0.15

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies As used in the Notes to Condensed 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 2017 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, serving audiences and businesses through a portfolio of local and national 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: Local Media, National Media and Other. Additional information for our business segments is presented in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. In the fourth quarter of 2017, we began the process to divest our radio business. As such, we have classified the radio segment as held for sale in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and reported its results as discontinued operations in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. For additional information on our radio business, see Note 16 . 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. Nature of Products and Services — The following is a description of principal activities from which we generate revenue. Core Advertising — Core advertising is comprised of sales to local and national customers. The advertising includes a combination of broadcast air time, as well as digital advertising. Pricing of advertising time is based on audience size and share, the demographic of our audiences and the demand for our limited inventory of commercial time. Advertising time is sold through a combination of local sales staff and national sales representative firms. Digital revenues are primarily generated from the sale of advertising to local and national customers on our local television websites, smartphone apps, tablet apps and other platforms. Political Advertising — Political advertising is generally sold through our Washington D.C. sales office. Advertising is sold to presidential, gubernatorial, Senate and House of Representative candidates, as well as for state and local issues. It is also sold to political action groups (PACs) or other advocacy groups. Retransmission Revenues — We earn revenue from retransmission consent agreements with multi-channel video programming distributors (“MVPDs”) in our markets. The MVPDs are cable operators and satellite carriers who pay us to offer our programming to their customers. We also receive fees from over-the-top virtual MVPDs such as YouTubeTV, DirectTV Now and Sony Vue. The fees we receive are typically based on the number of subscribers in our local market and the contracted rate per subscriber. Other Products and Services — We derive revenue from sponsorships and community events through our Local Media segment. Our National Media segment offers subscription services for access to premium content to its customers. Our podcast business acts as a sales and marketing representative and earns commission for its work. Refer to Note 12 . Segment Information for further information, including revenue by significant product and service offering. Revenue Recognition — Revenue is measured based on the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for promised goods or services provided to customers, and excludes any amounts collected on behalf of third parties. Revenue is recognized upon transfer of control of promised products or services to customers. Advertising revenue is recognized, net of agency commissions, over time primarily as ads are aired or impressions are delivered and any contracted audience guarantees are met. We apply the practical expedient to recognize revenue at the amount we have the right to invoice, which corresponds directly to the value a customer has received relative to our performance. For advertising sold based on audience guarantees, audience deficiency may result in an obligation to deliver additional advertisements to the customer. To the extent that we do not satisfy contracted audience ratings, we record deferred revenue until such time that the audience guarantee has been satisfied. Retransmission revenues are considered licenses of functional intellectual property and are recognized at the point in time the content is transferred to the customer. MVPDs report their subscriber numbers to us generally on a 30- to 90-day lag. Prior to receiving the MVPD reporting, we record revenue based on estimates of the number of subscribers, utilizing historical levels and trends of subscribers for each MVPD. Refer to Note 2 . Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Standards for further information on the adoption of the new revenue recognition standard. Contract Balances — Timing of revenue recognition may differ from the timing of invoicing to customers. We record a receivable when revenue is recognized prior to invoicing, or unearned revenue when revenue is recognized subsequent to invoicing. Payment terms may vary by contract type, although our terms generally include a requirement of payment within 30 to 90 days. In instances where the timing of revenue recognition differs from the timing of invoicing, we have determined our contracts do not include a significant financing component. The primary purpose of our invoicing terms is to provide customers with simplified and predictable ways of purchasing our products and services, not to receive financing from our customers. The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects our best estimate of probable losses inherent in the accounts receivable balance. We determine the allowance based on known troubled accounts, historical experience and other currently available evidence. The allowance for doubtful accounts totaled $2.8 million at September 30, 2018 and $1.9 million December 31, 2017 . We record unearned revenue when cash payments are received in advance of our performance. We generally require amounts payable under advertising contracts with political advertising customers to be paid in advance. Unearned revenue totaled $17.7 million at September 30, 2018 and is expected to be recognized within revenue over the next 12 months. Unearned revenue totaled $7.4 million at December 31, 2017 . Assets Recognized from the Costs to Obtain a Contract with a Customer — We recognize an asset for the incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a customer if we expect the benefit of those costs to be longer than one year. We apply and use the practical expedient in the revenue guidance to expense costs as incurred for costs to obtain a contract when the amortization period is one year or less. This expedient applies to advertising sales commissions since advertising contracts are short-term in nature. In addition, we also may provide inducement payments to secure carriage agreements with distributors of our content. These inducement payments are capitalized and amortized to expense over the term of the distribution contract. Capitalized costs to obtain a contract with a customer totaled $10.1 million at September 30, 2018 and $8.0 million at December 31, 2017 and are included within miscellaneous assets on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. Amortization of these costs totaled $0.5 million for the year-to-date period of 2018. Use of Other Practical Expedients — For our arrangements that have an original duration of one year or less, we use the practical expedient applicable to such arrangements and do not consider the time value of money. In addition, we do not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for (i) contracts with an original expected length of one year or less and (ii) contracts for which we recognize revenue at the amount to which we have the right to invoice for services performed. Share-Based Compensation — We have a Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) which is described more fully in our 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Plan provides for the award of incentive and nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units (RSUs) and unrestricted Class A Common shares and performance units to key employees and non-employee directors. Share-based compensation costs totaled $2.6 million for the third quarter of 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Year-to-date share-based compensation costs totaled $8.9 million and $11.3 million in 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) — Unvested awards of share-based payments with rights to receive dividends or dividend equivalents, such as our RSUs, are considered participating securities for purposes of calculating EPS. Under the two-class method, we allocate a portion of net income to these participating securities and, therefore, exclude that income from the calculation of EPS for common stock. We do not allocate losses to the participating securities. The following table presents information about basic and diluted weighted-average shares outstanding: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (in thousands) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Numerator (for basic and diluted earnings per share) Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax $ 20,039 $ (27,604 ) $ 20,124 $ (23,482 ) Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest — — 632 — Less income allocated to RSUs (316 ) — (338 ) — Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company $ 19,723 $ (27,604 ) $ 20,418 $ (23,482 ) Denominator Basic weighted-average shares outstanding 81,452 82,039 81,606 82,140 Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options and restricted stock units 632 — 491 — Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding 82,084 82,039 82,097 82,140 Anti-dilutive securities (1) — 1,373 — 1,373 (1) Amount outstanding at balance sheet date, before application of the treasury stock method and not weighted for period outstanding. For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017, we incurred a net loss and the inclusion of RSUs and stock options would have been anti-dilutive, and accordingly the diluted EPS calculation for the period excludes those common share equivalents.

Recently Adopted Standards and

Recently Adopted Standards and Issued Accounting Standards (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Recently Adopted Standards and Issued Accounting Standards	Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Standards Recently Adopted Accounting Standards — In August 2016, the FASB issued new guidance related to classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows. This new guidance was issued with the objective of reducing diversity in practice around eight specific types of cash flows. The new guidance was effective for us January 1, 2018 and did not have an impact on our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. 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 new standard was effective for us on January 1, 2018 and did not have an impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements. In May 2014, the FASB issued a new standard related to revenue recognition. Under this standard, revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services in an amount that reflects the consideration the entity expects to be entitled to 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. In addition, the standard requires expanded footnote disclosure. We adopted this standard on January 1, 2018, using the full retrospective method. Regarding our advertising contracts, which comprised 65% of 2017 operating revenues, the contracts are short-term in nature with transaction price consideration agreed upon in advance. Revenue on broadcast advertising spots continue to be recognized when commercials are aired. Online advertising revenue earned through the display of digital advertisements across various digital platforms typically take the form of an impression-based contract, fixed fee time-based contract or transaction-based contract. Revenue continues to be recognized evenly over the contract term for fixed fee contracts where a minimum number of impressions or click-throughs is not guaranteed. Revenue is recognized as the service is delivered for impression and transaction-based contracts. Retransmission revenue, which comprised 30% of 2017 operating revenues, is recognized under the licensing of intellectual property guidance in the standard, which did not result in a change to our previous revenue recognition. The only identified impacts of the standard were to record certain revenue transactions on a gross basis that were previously recorded on a net basis and to no longer recognize barter revenue and expense related to syndicated programming. Adoption of this standard on January 1, 2018 using the full retrospective method required us to adjust certain previously reported results. The following tables present the impact of adoption of the standard on our condensed consolidated statements of operations: Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 (in thousands) As Previously Reported Adjustments for Adoption of New Revenue Standard As Adjusted Operating Revenues: Advertising $ 125,136 $ (211 ) $ 124,925 Retransmission and carriage 63,733 — 63,733 Other 8,912 2,939 11,851 Total operating revenues 197,781 2,728 200,509 Costs and Expenses: Employee compensation and benefits 88,626 — 88,626 Programming 49,424 2,728 52,152 Other expenses 45,999 — 45,999 Restructuring costs 2,407 — 2,407 Total costs and expenses $ 186,456 $ 2,728 $ 189,184 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 (in thousands) As Previously Reported Adjustments for Adoption of New Revenue Standard As Adjusted Operating Revenues: Advertising $ 382,963 $ (640 ) $ 382,323 Retransmission and carriage 196,003 — 196,003 Other 28,893 8,007 36,900 Total operating revenues 607,859 7,367 615,226 Costs and Expenses: Employee compensation and benefits 271,541 — 271,541 Programming 142,686 7,367 150,053 Other expenses 133,692 — 133,692 Restructuring costs 2,407 — 2,407 Total costs and expenses $ 550,326 $ 7,367 $ 557,693 Adoption of the new revenue recognition standard had no impact on our condensed consolidated balance sheets, condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss), condensed consolidated statements of cash flows or condensed consolidated statements of equity. In February 2018, the FASB issued new guidance that permits companies to reclassify the disproportionate tax effect in accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") caused by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. We have adopted this guidance as of December 31, 2017. The impact of the adoption was to reclassify $19.4 million of tax effects related to our defined benefits plans from AOCI to retained earnings. Recently Issued Accounting Standards — In August 2018, the FASB issued new guidance to address a customer's accounting for implementation costs incurred in a cloud computing arrangement ("CCA") that is a service contract. The new guidance aligns the accounting for costs incurred to implement a CCA that is a service arrangement with the guidance on capitalizing costs associated with developing or obtaining internal-use software. The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our condensed consolidated financial statements, as well as the timing of adoption. In August 2018, the FASB issued new guidance to add, remove and clarify annual disclosure requirements related to defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans. The guidance is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020 with early adoption permitted, and it should be applied on a retrospective basis. We believe the main impact of this guidance will be to no longer disclose the amount in accumulated other comprehensive income that is expected to be recognized as part of net periodic benefit cost over the next year. Additionally, we will have to add a narrative description for any significant gains and losses affecting the benefit obligation for the period. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our disclosures as well as the timing of adoption. In June 2016, the FASB issued new guidance that changes the impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments. For trade and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities, loans and other instruments, entities will be required to use a new forward-looking “expected loss” model that will replace today’s “incurred loss” model, which generally will result in the earlier recognition of allowances for losses. For available-for-sale debt securities with unrealized losses, entities will measure credit losses in a manner similar to current practice, except that the losses will be recognized as an allowance. The guidance is effective in 2020 with early adoption permitted in 2019. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our condensed consolidated financial statements, as well as the timing of adoption. 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. We have identified our lease population and have selected a third-party software program that will be used to track, store and analyze our leases. We are currently in the process of implementing the software program for our lease population. In July 2018, the FASB approved amendments to create an optional transition method. The amendments provide an option to implement the new leasing standard through a cumulative-effect adjustment in the period of adoption without having to restate the comparative periods presented. We will adopt the standard in the first quarter of 2019 and elect this transition method to apply the standard prospectively. We are continuing to evaluate the impact of this guidance on our condensed consolidated financial statements, but expect an increase in the assets and liabilities recorded on the condensed consolidated balance sheet.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Acquisitions Katz On October 2, 2017, we acquired the Katz networks for $292 million , which is net of a 5.33% noncontrolling interest we owned prior to the acquisition date. Katz owns and operates four national television networks — Bounce, Grit, Escape and Laff. The acquisition was funded through the issuance of a new term loan B. Katz is included as part of our National Media segment. The following table summarizes the fair values of the Katz assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the closing date. (in thousands) Assets: Cash $ 21,372 Accounts receivable 44,306 Current portion of programming 36,218 Intangible assets 32,300 Goodwill 213,721 Programming (less current portion) 52,908 Other assets 1,395 Total assets acquired 402,220 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 29,339 Current portion of programming liabilities 32,877 Programming liabilities 37,692 Net purchase price $ 302,312 The acquisition date fair value of goodwill was revised in the third quarter of 2018. Goodwill was increased by $4.1 million , due to revisions to the acquisition date fair value of program assets. Additionally, this change to the acquired value of program assets resulted in a decrease to previously reported programming costs of $0.3 million in 2018. Of the $32 million allocated to intangible assets, $8 million was assigned to trade names with a life of 10 years and $24 million was assigned to advertiser relationships with a life of 5 years. The goodwill of $214 million arises from being able to enter into the market for established over-the-air networks. The goodwill was allocated to our National Media 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. Pro forma results of operations Pro forma results of operations, assuming the Katz acquisition had taken place at the beginning of 2017, are presented in the following table. The pro forma information includes the historical results of operations of Scripps and Katz, as well as adjustments for additional depreciation and amortization of the assets acquired and additional interest expense related to the financing of the transaction. 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. (in thousands, except per share data) (unaudited) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Operating revenues $ 236,997 $ 724,627 Loss from continuing operations, net of tax (29,263 ) (23,937 ) Loss per share from continuing operations attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company: Basic $ (0.36 ) $ (0.29 ) Diluted (0.36 ) (0.29 ) Pending Acquisitions On August 20, 2018, we entered into a definitive agreement to acquire two television stations owned by Raycom Media — Waco, Texas ABC affiliate KXXV/KRHD and Tallahassee, Florida ABC affiliate WTXL — for $55 million . These stations are being divested as part of Gray Television's acquisition of Raycom Media. The purchase is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2018 in conjunction with the closing of the Gray-Raycom transaction. This transaction will be funded with cash on hand at time of closing. On October 16, 2018 , we entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Triton Digital Canada, Inc. ("Triton") for $150 million . This transaction will be funded with cash on hand at time of closing. Triton is a leading digital audio infrastructure and audience measurement services company. Triton’s infrastructure and ad-serving solutions deliver live and on-demand audio streams and insert advertisements into those streams. Triton’s data and measurement service is recognized as the currency by which publishers sell digital audio advertising. This acquisition is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2018. On October 27, 2018, we entered into a definitive agreement with Cordillera Communications, LLC to acquire 15 television stations, serving 10 markets, for $521 million in cash. We have obtained underwriting for financing the acquisition with incremental term loan B borrowings. Completion of the acquisition, which is anticipated to close in the first quarter of 2019, is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

Asset Write-Downs and Other Cha

Asset Write-Downs and Other Charges and Credits	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Asset Write-Downs and Other Charges and Credits	Asset Write-Downs and Other Charges and Credits Income (loss) from continuing operations includes the following: 2018 - In the third quarter, costs associated with our previously announced restructuring totaled $0.9 million . For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 these restructuring costs totaled $7.0 million . Acquisition and related integration costs of $0.3 million in the third quarter reflect costs incurred for professional services related to the pending Triton acquisition . 2017 - In the second quarter, we sold our newspaper syndication business, resulting in a gain of $3.0 million . In the third quarter, we recorded a $35.7 million non-cash charge to reduce the carrying value of goodwill and certain intangible assets related to Cracked. Reductions to the earn out provision associated with the acquisition of Midroll Media resulted in increases to other income of $0.8 million in the third quarter and $3.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 . In the third quarter, restructuring includes $1.9 million of severance associated with a change in senior management as well as outside consulting fees associated with changes in our management and operating structure.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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 nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 was 29% and 45% , respectively. On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Act"). The Tax Act significantly revises the future ongoing U.S. corporate income tax by, among other things, lowering U.S. corporate income tax rates. The U.S. federal statutory rate was 21% in the third quarter 2018 and 35% in the third quarter 2017 , impacting the comparability of the income tax provision between those periods. We made a preliminary estimate of the impact of the Tax Act on our deferred taxes in our 2017 consolidated financial statements. There were no changes to that provisional estimate during the third quarter of 2018. Other differences between our effective income tax rate and the U.S. federal statutory rate are the impact of state taxes, non-deductible expenses, release of reserves for uncertain tax positions and excess tax benefits or expense on share-based compensation ( $1.0 million expense and $3.6 million benefit in 2018 and 2017, respectively). Deferred tax assets totaled $15.7 million at September 30, 2018 , which includes the tax effect of state net operating loss carryforwards. 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.

Restricted Cash

Restricted Cash	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Restricted Cash	Restricted Cash At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , our cash and cash equivalents included $5.1 million held 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill consisted of the following: (in thousands) Local Media National Media Total Gross balance as of December 31, 2017 $ 708,133 $ 315,133 $ 1,023,266 Accumulated impairment losses (216,914 ) (50,403 ) (267,317 ) Net balance as of December 31, 2017 $ 491,219 $ 264,730 $ 755,949 Gross balance as of September 30, 2018 $ 708,133 $ 319,282 $ 1,027,415 Accumulated impairment losses (216,914 ) (50,403 ) (267,317 ) Net balance as of September 30, 2018 $ 491,219 $ 268,879 $ 760,098 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 69,500 69,500 Other 44,298 37,069 Total carrying amount 362,242 355,013 Accumulated amortization: Television network affiliation relationships (58,925 ) (49,639 ) Customer lists and advertiser relationships (34,010 ) (26,345 ) Other (15,103 ) (10,269 ) Total accumulated amortization (108,038 ) (86,253 ) Net amortizable intangible assets 254,204 268,760 Indefinite-lived intangible assets — FCC licenses 157,215 157,215 Total other intangible assets $ 411,419 $ 425,975 Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for each of the next five years is $6.9 million for the remainder of 2018 , $27.7 million in 2019 , $26.4 million in 2020 , $24.1 million in 2021 , $20.9 million in 2022 , $15.9 million in 2023 and $132.3 million in later years. In 2018, we recognized other intangible assets of $5.8 million related to the acquisition of cable and satellite carriage rights for our Newsy cable network. These rights will be amortized over the life of the respective MVPD agreements.

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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 $ — $ — Senior unsecured notes 400,000 400,000 Term loan B 297,000 299,250 Unsecured subordinated notes — 2,656 Total outstanding principal 697,000 701,906 Less: Debt issuance costs (7,788 ) (8,631 ) Less: Current portion (3,000 ) (5,656 ) Net carrying value of long-term debt $ 686,212 $ 687,619 Fair value of long-term debt * $ 682,243 $ 703,572 * Fair value of the Senior Notes and the term loan B were estimated based on quoted private market transactions and are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the unsecured subordinated 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. Senior Unsecured Notes On April 28, 2017, we issued $400 million of senior unsecured notes ("the Senior Notes"), which bear interest at a rate of 5.125% per annum and mature on May 15, 2025. The proceeds of the Senior Notes were used to repay our term loan B, for the payment of the related issuance costs and for general corporate purposes. The Senior Notes were priced at 100% of par value and interest is payable semi-annually on May 15 and November 15. Prior to May 15, 2020, we may redeem the Senior Notes, in whole or in part, at any time, or from time to time, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Senior Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption, plus a “make-whole” premium, as set forth in the Senior Notes indenture. In addition, on or prior to May 15, 2020 , we may redeem up to 40% of the Senior Notes, using proceeds of equity offerings. If we sell certain of our assets or have a change of control, the holders of the Senior Notes may require us to repurchase some or all of the notes. The Senior Notes are also guaranteed by us and the majority of our subsidiaries. The Senior Notes contain covenants with which we must comply that are typical for borrowing transactions of this nature. We incurred approximately $7.0 million of deferred financing costs in connection with the issuance of the Senior Notes, which are being amortized over the life of the Senior Notes. Additionally, we wrote off $2.4 million of deferred financing costs associated with our old term loan B to interest expense in the second quarter of 2017. Term Loan B On October 2, 2017, we issued a $300 million term loan B which matures in October 2024. We amended term loan B on April 4, 2018, reducing the interest rate by 25 basis points . Following the amendment, interest is payable on term loan B at a rate based on LIBOR, plus a fixed margin of 2.00% . Interest will reduce to a rate of LIBOR plus a fixed margin of 1.75% if the company’s total net leverage, as defined by the amended agreement, is below 2.75 . Term loan B requires annual principal payments of $3 million . Our Financing Agreement also includes a provision that in certain circumstances we must use a portion of excess cash flow to repay debt. As of September 30, 2018 , we were not required to make any additional principal payments for excess cash flow. Under a previous financing agreement, we had a $400 million term loan B that matured in November 2020. We repaid the term loan B in 2017 with the proceeds of our Senior Notes. As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , the interest rate on the term loan B was 4.24% and 3.82% , respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on the term loan B was 4.09% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 . Revolving Credit Facility On April 28, 2017, we amended and restated our $100 million revolving credit facility ("Revolving Credit Facility"), increasing its capacity to $125 million and extending the maturity to April 2022. Interest is payable on the Revolving Credit Facility at rates based on LIBOR, plus a margin based on our leverage ratio, ranging from 1.75% to 2.50% . The Revolving Credit Facility includes maintaining a net leverage ratio when we have outstanding borrowings on the facility, as well as other restrictions on payments (dividends and share repurchases). Additionally, we can make acquisitions as long as the pro forma net leverage ratio is less than 5.5 to 1.0 . We granted the lenders pledges of our equity interests in our subsidiaries and security interests in substantially all other personal property including cash, accounts receivables, and equipment. 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. Unsecured Subordinated Notes The unsecured subordinated promissory notes bore interest at a rate of 7.25% per annum, payable quarterly. The last principal payment of $2.7 million was paid in the third quarter of 2018.

Other Liabilities

Other Liabilities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities	Other Liabilities Other liabilities consisted of the following: (in thousands) As of As of Employee compensation and benefits $ 21,043 $ 18,520 Programming liability 38,786 54,641 Liability for pension benefits 193,905 207,406 Liabilities for uncertain tax positions 687 644 Other 11,552 12,445 Other liabilities (less current portion) $ 265,973 $ 293,656

Supplemental Cash Flow Informat

Supplemental Cash Flow Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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: Nine Months Ended (in thousands) 2018 2017 Accounts receivable $ (9,317 ) $ (4,170 ) Other current assets (5,219 ) (7,968 ) Accounts payable 14,154 1,732 Accrued employee compensation and benefits (6,320 ) (5,417 ) Other accrued liabilities 6,322 10,526 Unearned revenue 10,339 (554 ) Other, net 281 (2,424 ) Total $ 10,240 $ (8,275 )

Employee Benefit Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	Employee Benefit Plans We sponsor noncontributory defined benefit pension plans and non-qualified Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans ("SERPs"). The accrual for future benefits has been frozen in our defined benefit pension plans and SERPs. 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. The components of the employee benefit plans expense consisted of the following: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (in thousands) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Interest cost $ 5,962 $ 6,504 $ 17,812 $ 19,475 Expected return on plan assets, net of expenses (5,734 ) (4,360 ) (17,199 ) (13,079 ) Amortization of actuarial loss 1,026 1,150 2,867 3,318 Total for defined benefit pension plans 1,254 3,294 3,480 9,714 Multi-employer plans 50 58 141 191 SERPs 2,275 257 2,826 771 Defined contribution plan 2,137 2,300 6,908 7,161 Net periodic benefit cost 5,716 5,909 13,355 17,837 Allocated to discontinued operations (132 ) (179 ) (509 ) (547 ) Net periodic benefit cost — continuing operations $ 5,584 $ 5,730 $ 12,846 $ 17,290 We contributed $5.8 million to fund current benefit payments for our SERPs and $13.7 million for our defined benefit pension plans during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 . During the remainder of 2018 , we anticipate contributing an additional $0.7 million to fund the SERPs' benefit payments and an additional $3.5 million to fund our qualified defined benefit pension plans. In the third quarter of 2018, we recognized a $2.0 million settlement charge related to lump-sum distributions from our SERP. Settlement charges are recorded when total lump-sum distributions for a plan's year exceed the total projected service cost and interest cost for that plan year. In November of 2018, we merged $306 million of pension assets and $419 million of pension obligations from our Scripps Pension Plan (”SPP”) into the Journal Communications, Inc. Plan (“JCI Plan”) that we also sponsor. The SPP retained pension assets and pension obligations totaling $9 million . Following the merger, we terminated the SPP and purchased a single premium group annuity contract from an insurance company in the amount of $53.5 million for the terminating SPP participants and certain participants in the newly merged JCI Plan. Upon issuance of the group annuity contract, the insurance company assumed all investment risk associated with the assets that were delivered as the annuity contract premium and assumed the obligation to make future annuity payments to approximately 600 remaining retirees receiving pension benefits in the SPP and approximately 1,500 remaining retirees receiving pension benefits in the newly merged JCI Plan. There was no change to the pension benefits for any plan participants as a result of these transactions and the purchase of the group annuity contract was funded directly by assets of the SPP and JCI Plan. In the fourth quarter of 2018, we expect to recognize a one-time non-cash settlement charge of $10 million to $12 million in connection with these transactions.

Segment Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information We determine our business segments based upon our management and internal reporting structures, as well as the basis that our chief operating decision maker makes resource allocation decisions. Effective December 31, 2017, we realigned our businesses into a new internal organization and began reporting to reflect this new structure. Under the new structure, we have the following reportable segments: Local Media, National Media and Other. We have recast the operating results for all periods to reflect this change. Our Local Media segment includes our local broadcast stations and their related digital operations. It is comprised of fifteen ABC affiliates, five NBC affiliates, two FOX affiliates and two CBS affiliates. We also have two MyTV affiliates, one CW affiliate, one independent station and three Azteca America Spanish-language affiliates. Our Local Media segment earns revenue primarily from the sale of advertising to local, national and political advertisers and retransmission fees received from cable operators, telecommunications companies and satellite carriers. We also receive retransmission fees from over-the-top virtual MVPDs such as YouTubeTV, DirectTV Now and Sony Vue. Our National Media segment includes our collection of national brands. Our national brands include Katz, Stitcher and its advertising network Midroll Media, Newsy and other national brands. These operations earn revenue primarily through the sale of advertising. 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 Nine Months Ended (in thousands) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Segment operating revenues: Local Media $ 230,734 $ 187,505 $ 636,041 $ 575,999 National Media 71,761 12,504 200,708 35,207 Other 231 500 3,563 4,020 Total operating revenues $ 302,726 $ 200,509 $ 840,312 $ 615,226 Segment profit (loss): Local Media $ 67,416 $ 30,372 $ 152,403 $ 111,459 National Media 2,838 (4,374 ) 6,910 (11,927 ) Other (1,267 ) (829 ) (3,161 ) (2,238 ) Shared services and corporate (12,370 ) (11,437 ) (40,104 ) (37,354 ) Acquisition and related integration costs (332 ) — (332 ) — Restructuring costs (863 ) (2,407 ) (7,000 ) (2,407 ) Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets (15,598 ) (13,775 ) (46,400 ) (41,417 ) Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets — (35,732 ) — (35,732 ) Gains (losses), net on disposal of property and equipment 501 (114 ) (150 ) (176 ) Interest expense (9,003 ) (5,720 ) (27,041 ) (18,163 ) Defined benefit pension plan expense (3,529 ) (3,551 ) (6,306 ) (10,485 ) Miscellaneous, net (546 ) 1,187 (535 ) 5,411 Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes $ 27,247 $ (46,380 ) $ 28,284 $ (43,029 ) Depreciation: Local Media $ 8,004 $ 8,018 $ 22,891 $ 23,855 National Media 273 18 503 40 Other 37 43 113 169 Shared services and corporate 313 468 1,109 1,424 Total depreciation $ 8,627 $ 8,547 $ 24,616 $ 25,488 Amortization of intangible assets: Local Media $ 3,706 $ 3,633 $ 11,116 $ 11,219 National Media 2,927 1,257 9,653 3,695 Shared services and corporate 338 338 1,015 1,015 Total amortization of intangible assets $ 6,971 $ 5,228 $ 21,784 $ 15,929 Additions to property and equipment: Local Media $ 8,156 $ 3,610 $ 28,269 $ 12,412 National Media 5,625 122 11,350 319 Shared services and corporate — 155 73 276 Total additions to property and equipment $ 13,781 $ 3,887 $ 39,692 $ 13,007 A disaggregation of the principal activities from which we generate revenue is as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (in thousands) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Operating revenues: Core advertising $ 165,587 $ 123,236 $ 511,434 $ 377,068 Political 40,018 1,689 57,484 5,255 Retransmission and carriage 79,673 63,733 225,391 196,003 Other 17,448 11,851 46,003 36,900 Total operating revenues $ 302,726 $ 200,509 $ 840,312 $ 615,226

Capital Stock

Capital Stock	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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 — Shares may be repurchased from time to time at management's discretion. In November 2016, our Board of Directors authorized a repurchase program of up to $100 million of our Class A Common shares. The authorization currently expires on March 1, 2020. Shares can be repurchased under the authorization via open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions, including accelerated stock repurchase transactions, block trades, or pursuant to trades intending to comply with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. As part of the share repurchase plan, the Company entered into an Accelerated Share Repurchase ("ASR") agreement with JP Morgan to repurchase $25 million of the Company’s common stock. Under the ASR agreement, the Company paid $25 million to JP Morgan and received an initial delivery of 1.3 million shares in the third quarter of 2018, which represents 80% of the total shares the Company expects to receive based on the market price at the time of the initial delivery. The final number of shares delivered upon settlement of the agreement will be determined with reference to the average price of the Company’s common stock over the term of the ASR agreement, which will end no later than February 2019. The transaction is accounted for as an equity transaction. The par value of shares received was recorded as a reduction to common stock with the remainder recorded as a reduction to additional paid-in capital and retained earnings. Upon initial receipt of the shares, there was an immediate reduction in the weighted average common shares calculation for basic and diluted earnings per share. Excluding the shares repurchased under the ASR, during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , we repurchased $5.3 million of shares at prices ranging from $13.29 to $16.86 per share. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , we repurchased $11.7 million of shares at prices ranging from $16.82 to $23.01 per share. At September 30, 2018 , $52.3 million remained under this authorization.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI") by component, including items reclassified out of AOCI, were as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 (in thousands) Defined Benefit Pension Items Other Total Beginning balance, June 30, 2018 $ (101,475 ) $ 33 $ (101,442 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications — — — Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss: Actuarial gain (loss), net of tax of $777 (a) 2,316 — 2,316 Net current-period other comprehensive income 2,316 — 2,316 Ending balance, September 30, 2018 $ (99,159 ) $ 33 $ (99,126 ) Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 (in thousands) Defined Benefit Pension Items Other Total Beginning balance, June 30, 2017 $ (92,286 ) $ 297 $ (91,989 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications — — — Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss: Actuarial gain (loss), net of tax of $449 (a) 734 (15 ) 719 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 734 (15 ) 719 Ending balance, September 30, 2017 $ (91,552 ) $ 282 $ (91,270 ) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 (in thousands) Defined Benefit Pension Items Other Total Beginning balance, December 31, 2017 $ (102,955 ) $ 33 $ (102,922 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications — — — Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss: Actuarial gain (loss), net of tax of $1,274 (a) 3,796 — 3,796 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 3,796 — 3,796 Ending balance, September 30, 2018 $ (99,159 ) $ 33 $ (99,126 ) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 (in thousands) Defined Benefit Pension Items Other Total Beginning balance, December 31, 2016 $ (93,676 ) $ 329 $ (93,347 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications — — — Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss: Actuarial gain (loss), net of tax of $1,295 (a) 2,124 (47 ) 2,077 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 2,124 (47 ) 2,077 Ending balance, September 30, 2017 $ (91,552 ) $ 282 $ (91,270 ) (a) Actuarial gain (loss) is included in defined benefit pension plan expense in the condensed consolidated statements of operations

Noncontrolling Interest

Noncontrolling Interest	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Noncontrolling Interest	Noncontrolling Interest A noncontrolling owner holds a 30% interest in our venture to develop, produce and air our lifestyle daytime talk show. In April 2017, on the formation of the venture, the noncontrolling owner made a $2.1 million non-cash contribution to the venture. The contribution included the rights to the show concept, contractual rights with the show's talent, as well as other pre-production items.

Assets Held for Sale and Discon

Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations	Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations Radio Divestiture In the fourth quarter of 2017, we began the process to divest our radio business. Our radio business consists of 34 radio stations in eight markets. We have classified the radio segment as held for sale in our condensed consolidated balance sheets and reported its results as discontinued operations in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. During the second and third quarters of 2018, we entered into definitive agreements to sell our 34 radio stations. We closed on the sale of our Tulsa radio stations on October 1, 2018 and closed on the sales of our Milwaukee, Knoxville, Omaha, Springfield and Wichita radio stations on November 1, 2018. Consideration received from these sales agreements totaled $75.5 million . The sales transactions for the eight remaining stations in Boise and Tucson are expected to close in December of 2018, for total consideration received of $8 million . Operating results of our discontinued radio operations were as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (in thousands) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Operating revenues $ 13,456 $ 18,407 $ 44,141 $ 50,620 Total costs and expenses (14,511 ) (16,176 ) (39,448 ) (42,529 ) Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets — (880 ) — (2,611 ) Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets — — (25,900 ) — Other, net — (10 ) (157 ) (261 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes (1,055 ) 1,341 (21,364 ) 5,219 Provision (benefit) for income taxes (147 ) 421 990 1,815 Net income (loss) from discontinued operations $ (908 ) $ 920 $ (22,354 ) $ 3,404 During the year-to-date period of 2018, we recorded $25.9 million of non-cash impairment charges to write-down the goodwill of our radio business to fair value. The following table presents a summary of the radio assets held for sale included in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. (in thousands) As of As of Assets: Total current assets $ 10,412 $ 12,891 Property and equipment 36,481 35,470 Goodwill and intangible assets 61,562 87,462 Other assets 181 181 Total assets included in the disposal group 108,636 136,004 Liabilities: Total current liabilities 5,897 3,248 Deferred income taxes 16,276 16,288 Other liabilities — — Total liabilities included in the disposal group 22,173 19,536 Net assets included in the disposal group $ 86,463 $ 116,468 We also entered into separate Local Marketing Agreements (“LMA”) with the acquirer of the Tulsa, OK radio stations and the acquirer of the Wichita, KS, Springfield, MO, Omaha, NE, and Knoxville, TN radio stations. Under the terms of these agreements, the acquiring entities pay us a monthly LMA fee and also reimburse us for certain station expenses, as defined in the agreements, in exchange for the right to program and sell advertising from the stations' inventory of broadcast time. The LMA with the acquirer of the Tulsa, OK radio stations was effective from July 30, 2018 until the closing of the transaction. The other LMA became effective on September 1, 2018. Discontinued operating revenues include LMA fees totaling $0.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018.

Summary of Significant Accoun_2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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 2017 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, serving audiences and businesses through a portfolio of local and national 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: Local Media, National Media and Other. Additional information for our business segments is presented in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. In the fourth quarter of 2017, we began the process to divest our radio business. As such, we have classified the radio segment as held for sale in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and reported its results as discontinued operations in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. For additional information on our radio business, see Note 16 .
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.
Nature of Products and Services	Nature of Products and Services — The following is a description of principal activities from which we generate revenue. Core Advertising — Core advertising is comprised of sales to local and national customers. The advertising includes a combination of broadcast air time, as well as digital advertising. Pricing of advertising time is based on audience size and share, the demographic of our audiences and the demand for our limited inventory of commercial time. Advertising time is sold through a combination of local sales staff and national sales representative firms. Digital revenues are primarily generated from the sale of advertising to local and national customers on our local television websites, smartphone apps, tablet apps and other platforms. Political Advertising — Political advertising is generally sold through our Washington D.C. sales office. Advertising is sold to presidential, gubernatorial, Senate and House of Representative candidates, as well as for state and local issues. It is also sold to political action groups (PACs) or other advocacy groups. Retransmission Revenues — We earn revenue from retransmission consent agreements with multi-channel video programming distributors (“MVPDs”) in our markets. The MVPDs are cable operators and satellite carriers who pay us to offer our programming to their customers. We also receive fees from over-the-top virtual MVPDs such as YouTubeTV, DirectTV Now and Sony Vue. The fees we receive are typically based on the number of subscribers in our local market and the contracted rate per subscriber. Other Products and Services — We derive revenue from sponsorships and community events through our Local Media segment. Our National Media segment offers subscription services for access to premium content to its customers. Our podcast business acts as a sales and marketing representative and earns commission for its work. Refer to Note 12 . Segment Information for further information, including revenue by significant product and service offering.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition — Revenue is measured based on the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for promised goods or services provided to customers, and excludes any amounts collected on behalf of third parties. Revenue is recognized upon transfer of control of promised products or services to customers. Advertising revenue is recognized, net of agency commissions, over time primarily as ads are aired or impressions are delivered and any contracted audience guarantees are met. We apply the practical expedient to recognize revenue at the amount we have the right to invoice, which corresponds directly to the value a customer has received relative to our performance. For advertising sold based on audience guarantees, audience deficiency may result in an obligation to deliver additional advertisements to the customer. To the extent that we do not satisfy contracted audience ratings, we record deferred revenue until such time that the audience guarantee has been satisfied. Retransmission revenues are considered licenses of functional intellectual property and are recognized at the point in time the content is transferred to the customer. MVPDs report their subscriber numbers to us generally on a 30- to 90-day lag. Prior to receiving the MVPD reporting, we record revenue based on estimates of the number of subscribers, utilizing historical levels and trends of subscribers for each MVPD. Refer to Note 2 . Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Standards for further information on the adoption of the new revenue recognition standard.
Contract Balances	Contract Balances — Timing of revenue recognition may differ from the timing of invoicing to customers. We record a receivable when revenue is recognized prior to invoicing, or unearned revenue when revenue is recognized subsequent to invoicing. Payment terms may vary by contract type, although our terms generally include a requirement of payment within 30 to 90 days. In instances where the timing of revenue recognition differs from the timing of invoicing, we have determined our contracts do not include a significant financing component. The primary purpose of our invoicing terms is to provide customers with simplified and predictable ways of purchasing our products and services, not to receive financing from our customers. The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects our best estimate of probable losses inherent in the accounts receivable balance. We determine the allowance based on known troubled accounts, historical experience and other currently available evidence. The allowance for doubtful accounts totaled $2.8 million at September 30, 2018 and $1.9 million December 31, 2017 . We record unearned revenue when cash payments are received in advance of our performance. We generally require amounts payable under advertising contracts with political advertising customers to be paid in advance. Unearned revenue totaled $17.7 million at September 30, 2018 and is expected to be recognized within revenue over the next 12 months. Unearned revenue totaled $7.4 million at December 31, 2017 .
Assets Recognized from the Costs to Obtain a Contract with a Customer	Assets Recognized from the Costs to Obtain a Contract with a Customer — We recognize an asset for the incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a customer if we expect the benefit of those costs to be longer than one year. We apply and use the practical expedient in the revenue guidance to expense costs as incurred for costs to obtain a contract when the amortization period is one year or less. This expedient applies to advertising sales commissions since advertising contracts are short-term in nature. In addition, we also may provide inducement payments to secure carriage agreements with distributors of our content. These inducement payments are capitalized and amortized to expense over the term of the distribution contract. Capitalized costs to obtain a contract with a customer totaled $10.1 million at September 30, 2018 and $8.0 million at December 31, 2017 and are included within miscellaneous assets on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. Amortization of these costs totaled $0.5 million for the year-to-date period of 2018.
Use of Other Practical Expedients	Use of Other Practical Expedients — For our arrangements that have an original duration of one year or less, we use the practical expedient applicable to such arrangements and do not consider the time value of money. In addition, we do not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for (i) contracts with an original expected length of one year or less and (ii) contracts for which we recognize revenue at the amount to which we have the right to invoice for services performed.
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation — We have a Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) which is described more fully in our 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Plan provides for the award of incentive and nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units (RSUs) and unrestricted Class A Common shares and performance units to key employees and non-employee directors. Share-based compensation costs totaled $2.6 million for the third quarter of 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Year-to-date share-based compensation costs totaled $8.9 million and $11.3 million in 2018 and 2017 , respectively.
Earnings Per Share (EPS)	Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) — Unvested awards of share-based payments with rights to receive dividends or dividend equivalents, such as our RSUs, are considered participating securities for purposes of calculating EPS. Under the two-class method, we allocate a portion of net income to these participating securities and, therefore, exclude that income from the calculation of EPS for common stock. We do not allocate losses to the participating securities.

Summary of Significant Accoun_3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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 Nine Months Ended (in thousands) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Numerator (for basic and diluted earnings per share) Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax $ 20,039 $ (27,604 ) $ 20,124 $ (23,482 ) Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest — — 632 — Less income allocated to RSUs (316 ) — (338 ) — Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company $ 19,723 $ (27,604 ) $ 20,418 $ (23,482 ) Denominator Basic weighted-average shares outstanding 81,452 82,039 81,606 82,140 Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options and restricted stock units 632 — 491 — Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding 82,084 82,039 82,097 82,140 Anti-dilutive securities (1) — 1,373 — 1,373

Recently Adopted Standards an_2

Recently Adopted Standards and Issued Accounting Standards (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Impact of the Adoption of New Accounting Standards	The following tables present the impact of adoption of the standard on our condensed consolidated statements of operations: Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 (in thousands) As Previously Reported Adjustments for Adoption of New Revenue Standard As Adjusted Operating Revenues: Advertising $ 125,136 $ (211 ) $ 124,925 Retransmission and carriage 63,733 — 63,733 Other 8,912 2,939 11,851 Total operating revenues 197,781 2,728 200,509 Costs and Expenses: Employee compensation and benefits 88,626 — 88,626 Programming 49,424 2,728 52,152 Other expenses 45,999 — 45,999 Restructuring costs 2,407 — 2,407 Total costs and expenses $ 186,456 $ 2,728 $ 189,184 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 (in thousands) As Previously Reported Adjustments for Adoption of New Revenue Standard As Adjusted Operating Revenues: Advertising $ 382,963 $ (640 ) $ 382,323 Retransmission and carriage 196,003 — 196,003 Other 28,893 8,007 36,900 Total operating revenues 607,859 7,367 615,226 Costs and Expenses: Employee compensation and benefits 271,541 — 271,541 Programming 142,686 7,367 150,053 Other expenses 133,692 — 133,692 Restructuring costs 2,407 — 2,407 Total costs and expenses $ 550,326 $ 7,367 $ 557,693

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Preliminary Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The following table summarizes the fair values of the Katz assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the closing date. (in thousands) Assets: Cash $ 21,372 Accounts receivable 44,306 Current portion of programming 36,218 Intangible assets 32,300 Goodwill 213,721 Programming (less current portion) 52,908 Other assets 1,395 Total assets acquired 402,220 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 29,339 Current portion of programming liabilities 32,877 Programming liabilities 37,692 Net purchase price $ 302,312
Schedule of Pro Forma Information	Pro forma results of operations, assuming the Katz acquisition had taken place at the beginning of 2017, are presented in the following table. The pro forma information includes the historical results of operations of Scripps and Katz, as well as adjustments for additional depreciation and amortization of the assets acquired and additional interest expense related to the financing of the transaction. 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. (in thousands, except per share data) (unaudited) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Operating revenues $ 236,997 $ 724,627 Loss from continuing operations, net of tax (29,263 ) (23,937 ) Loss per share from continuing operations attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company: Basic $ (0.36 ) $ (0.29 ) Diluted (0.36 ) (0.29 )

Goodwill and Other Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	Goodwill consisted of the following: (in thousands) Local Media National Media Total Gross balance as of December 31, 2017 $ 708,133 $ 315,133 $ 1,023,266 Accumulated impairment losses (216,914 ) (50,403 ) (267,317 ) Net balance as of December 31, 2017 $ 491,219 $ 264,730 $ 755,949 Gross balance as of September 30, 2018 $ 708,133 $ 319,282 $ 1,027,415 Accumulated impairment losses (216,914 ) (50,403 ) (267,317 ) Net balance as of September 30, 2018 $ 491,219 $ 268,879 $ 760,098
Summary of other finite-lived 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 69,500 69,500 Other 44,298 37,069 Total carrying amount 362,242 355,013 Accumulated amortization: Television network affiliation relationships (58,925 ) (49,639 ) Customer lists and advertiser relationships (34,010 ) (26,345 ) Other (15,103 ) (10,269 ) Total accumulated amortization (108,038 ) (86,253 ) Net amortizable intangible assets 254,204 268,760 Indefinite-lived intangible assets — FCC licenses 157,215 157,215 Total other intangible assets $ 411,419 $ 425,975
Summary of other indefinite-lived 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 69,500 69,500 Other 44,298 37,069 Total carrying amount 362,242 355,013 Accumulated amortization: Television network affiliation relationships (58,925 ) (49,639 ) Customer lists and advertiser relationships (34,010 ) (26,345 ) Other (15,103 ) (10,269 ) Total accumulated amortization (108,038 ) (86,253 ) Net amortizable intangible assets 254,204 268,760 Indefinite-lived intangible assets — FCC licenses 157,215 157,215 Total other intangible assets $ 411,419 $ 425,975

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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 $ — $ — Senior unsecured notes 400,000 400,000 Term loan B 297,000 299,250 Unsecured subordinated notes — 2,656 Total outstanding principal 697,000 701,906 Less: Debt issuance costs (7,788 ) (8,631 ) Less: Current portion (3,000 ) (5,656 ) Net carrying value of long-term debt $ 686,212 $ 687,619 Fair value of long-term debt * $ 682,243 $ 703,572 * Fair value of the Senior Notes and the term loan B were estimated based on quoted private market transactions and are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the unsecured subordinated 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.

Other Liabilities (Tables)

Other Liabilities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Other liabilities	Other liabilities consisted of the following: (in thousands) As of As of Employee compensation and benefits $ 21,043 $ 18,520 Programming liability 38,786 54,641 Liability for pension benefits 193,905 207,406 Liabilities for uncertain tax positions 687 644 Other 11,552 12,445 Other liabilities (less current portion) $ 265,973 $ 293,656

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform_2

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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: Nine Months Ended (in thousands) 2018 2017 Accounts receivable $ (9,317 ) $ (4,170 ) Other current assets (5,219 ) (7,968 ) Accounts payable 14,154 1,732 Accrued employee compensation and benefits (6,320 ) (5,417 ) Other accrued liabilities 6,322 10,526 Unearned revenue 10,339 (554 ) Other, net 281 (2,424 ) Total $ 10,240 $ (8,275 )

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Components of benefit expense	The components of the employee benefit plans expense consisted of the following: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (in thousands) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Interest cost $ 5,962 $ 6,504 $ 17,812 $ 19,475 Expected return on plan assets, net of expenses (5,734 ) (4,360 ) (17,199 ) (13,079 ) Amortization of actuarial loss 1,026 1,150 2,867 3,318 Total for defined benefit pension plans 1,254 3,294 3,480 9,714 Multi-employer plans 50 58 141 191 SERPs 2,275 257 2,826 771 Defined contribution plan 2,137 2,300 6,908 7,161 Net periodic benefit cost 5,716 5,909 13,355 17,837 Allocated to discontinued operations (132 ) (179 ) (509 ) (547 ) Net periodic benefit cost — continuing operations $ 5,584 $ 5,730 $ 12,846 $ 17,290

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Information regarding business segments	Information regarding our business segments is as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (in thousands) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Segment operating revenues: Local Media $ 230,734 $ 187,505 $ 636,041 $ 575,999 National Media 71,761 12,504 200,708 35,207 Other 231 500 3,563 4,020 Total operating revenues $ 302,726 $ 200,509 $ 840,312 $ 615,226 Segment profit (loss): Local Media $ 67,416 $ 30,372 $ 152,403 $ 111,459 National Media 2,838 (4,374 ) 6,910 (11,927 ) Other (1,267 ) (829 ) (3,161 ) (2,238 ) Shared services and corporate (12,370 ) (11,437 ) (40,104 ) (37,354 ) Acquisition and related integration costs (332 ) — (332 ) — Restructuring costs (863 ) (2,407 ) (7,000 ) (2,407 ) Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets (15,598 ) (13,775 ) (46,400 ) (41,417 ) Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets — (35,732 ) — (35,732 ) Gains (losses), net on disposal of property and equipment 501 (114 ) (150 ) (176 ) Interest expense (9,003 ) (5,720 ) (27,041 ) (18,163 ) Defined benefit pension plan expense (3,529 ) (3,551 ) (6,306 ) (10,485 ) Miscellaneous, net (546 ) 1,187 (535 ) 5,411 Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes $ 27,247 $ (46,380 ) $ 28,284 $ (43,029 ) Depreciation: Local Media $ 8,004 $ 8,018 $ 22,891 $ 23,855 National Media 273 18 503 40 Other 37 43 113 169 Shared services and corporate 313 468 1,109 1,424 Total depreciation $ 8,627 $ 8,547 $ 24,616 $ 25,488 Amortization of intangible assets: Local Media $ 3,706 $ 3,633 $ 11,116 $ 11,219 National Media 2,927 1,257 9,653 3,695 Shared services and corporate 338 338 1,015 1,015 Total amortization of intangible assets $ 6,971 $ 5,228 $ 21,784 $ 15,929 Additions to property and equipment: Local Media $ 8,156 $ 3,610 $ 28,269 $ 12,412 National Media 5,625 122 11,350 319 Shared services and corporate — 155 73 276 Total additions to property and equipment $ 13,781 $ 3,887 $ 39,692 $ 13,007
Disaggregation of Principal Revenue Generating Activities	A disaggregation of the principal activities from which we generate revenue is as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (in thousands) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Operating revenues: Core advertising $ 165,587 $ 123,236 $ 511,434 $ 377,068 Political 40,018 1,689 57,484 5,255 Retransmission and carriage 79,673 63,733 225,391 196,003 Other 17,448 11,851 46,003 36,900 Total operating revenues $ 302,726 $ 200,509 $ 840,312 $ 615,226

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI") by component, including items reclassified out of AOCI, were as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 (in thousands) Defined Benefit Pension Items Other Total Beginning balance, June 30, 2018 $ (101,475 ) $ 33 $ (101,442 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications — — — Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss: Actuarial gain (loss), net of tax of $777 (a) 2,316 — 2,316 Net current-period other comprehensive income 2,316 — 2,316 Ending balance, September 30, 2018 $ (99,159 ) $ 33 $ (99,126 ) Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 (in thousands) Defined Benefit Pension Items Other Total Beginning balance, June 30, 2017 $ (92,286 ) $ 297 $ (91,989 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications — — — Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss: Actuarial gain (loss), net of tax of $449 (a) 734 (15 ) 719 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 734 (15 ) 719 Ending balance, September 30, 2017 $ (91,552 ) $ 282 $ (91,270 ) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 (in thousands) Defined Benefit Pension Items Other Total Beginning balance, December 31, 2017 $ (102,955 ) $ 33 $ (102,922 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications — — — Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss: Actuarial gain (loss), net of tax of $1,274 (a) 3,796 — 3,796 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 3,796 — 3,796 Ending balance, September 30, 2018 $ (99,159 ) $ 33 $ (99,126 ) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 (in thousands) Defined Benefit Pension Items Other Total Beginning balance, December 31, 2016 $ (93,676 ) $ 329 $ (93,347 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications — — — Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss: Actuarial gain (loss), net of tax of $1,295 (a) 2,124 (47 ) 2,077 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 2,124 (47 ) 2,077 Ending balance, September 30, 2017 $ (91,552 ) $ 282 $ (91,270 ) (a) Actuarial gain (loss) is included in defined benefit pension plan expense in the condensed consolidated statements of operations

Assets Held for Sale and Disc_2

Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Summary of discontinued operations and assets held for sale	The following table presents a summary of the radio assets held for sale included in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. (in thousands) As of As of Assets: Total current assets $ 10,412 $ 12,891 Property and equipment 36,481 35,470 Goodwill and intangible assets 61,562 87,462 Other assets 181 181 Total assets included in the disposal group 108,636 136,004 Liabilities: Total current liabilities 5,897 3,248 Deferred income taxes 16,276 16,288 Other liabilities — — Total liabilities included in the disposal group 22,173 19,536 Net assets included in the disposal group $ 86,463 $ 116,468 Operating results of our discontinued radio operations were as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (in thousands) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Operating revenues $ 13,456 $ 18,407 $ 44,141 $ 50,620 Total costs and expenses (14,511 ) (16,176 ) (39,448 ) (42,529 ) Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets — (880 ) — (2,611 ) Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets — — (25,900 ) — Other, net — (10 ) (157 ) (261 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes (1,055 ) 1,341 (21,364 ) 5,219 Provision (benefit) for income taxes (147 ) 421 990 1,815 Net income (loss) from discontinued operations $ (908 ) $ 920 $ (22,354 ) $ 3,404

Summary of Significant Accoun_4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 2,779		$ 2,779		$ 1,949
Unearned revenue	17,692		17,692		7,353
Capitalized customer acquisition costs	10,100		10,100		$ 8,000
Amortization of customer acquisition costs			500
Share-based compensation costs	$ 2,600	$ 2,600	$ 8,900	$ 11,300

Summary of Significant Accoun_5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Numerator (for basic and diluted earnings per share)
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	$ 20,039	$ (27,604)	$ 20,124	$ (23,482)
Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	(632)	0
Less income allocated to RSUs	(316)	0	(338)	0
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company	$ 19,723	$ (27,604)	$ 20,418	$ (23,482)
Denominator
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding	81,452	82,039	81,606	82,140
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options and restricted stock units	632	0	491	0
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding	82,084	82,039	82,097	82,140
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	0	1,373	0	1,373

Recently Adopted Standards an_3

Recently Adopted Standards and Issued Accounting Standards (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jan. 01, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Advertising		$ 205,605	$ 124,925	$ 568,918	$ 382,323
Retransmission and carriage		79,673	63,733	225,391	196,003
Other		17,448	11,851	46,003	36,900
Total operating revenues		302,726	200,509	840,312	615,226
Employee compensation and benefits		96,129	88,626	289,689	271,541
Programming		90,832	52,152	258,622	150,053
Other expenses		59,148	45,999	175,953	133,692
Restructuring costs		863	2,407	7,000	2,407
Total costs and expenses		$ 247,304	189,184	$ 731,596	557,693
Accounting Standards Update 2018-02 | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Tax effects reclassified related to defined benefits plans						$ 19,400
Customer Concentration Risk | Advertising Contracts
Concentration risk	65.00%
Customer Concentration Risk | Retransmission Revenue
Concentration risk	30.00%
As Previously Reported
Advertising			125,136		382,963
Retransmission and carriage			63,733		196,003
Other			8,912		28,893
Total operating revenues			197,781		607,859
Employee compensation and benefits			88,626		271,541
Programming			49,424		142,686
Other expenses			45,999		133,692
Restructuring costs			2,407		2,407
Total costs and expenses			186,456		550,326
Adjustments for Adoption of New Revenue Standard | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09
Advertising			(211)		(640)
Retransmission and carriage			0		0
Other			2,939		8,007
Total operating revenues			2,728		7,367
Employee compensation and benefits			0		0
Programming			2,728		7,367
Other expenses			0		0
Restructuring costs			0		0
Total costs and expenses			$ 2,728		$ 7,367

Acquisitions (Details)

Acquisitions (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Oct. 27, 2018USD ($)television_station	Oct. 16, 2018USD ($)	Aug. 20, 2018USD ($)television_station	Oct. 02, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)$ / shares	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current portion of programming					$ 40,654		$ 40,654		$ 53,468
Goodwill					760,098		760,098		755,949
Programming (less current portion)					69,381		69,381		85,269
Current portion of programming liabilities					38,703		38,703		58,176
Programming liabilities					38,786		38,786		$ 54,641
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract]
Operating revenues						$ 236,997		$ 724,627
Loss from continuing operations, net of tax						$ (29,263)		$ (23,937)
Earnings Per Share, Pro Forma [Abstract]
Basic (in USD per share) | $ / shares						$ (0.36)		$ (0.29)
Diluted (in USD per share) | $ / shares						$ (0.36)		$ (0.29)
Katz Broadcasting
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition, purchase price				$ 292,000
Noncontrolling interest owned				5.33%
Cash				$ 21,372
Accounts receivable				44,306
Current portion of programming				36,218
Intangible assets				32,300
Goodwill				213,721
Programming (less current portion)				52,908
Other assets				1,395
Total assets acquired				402,220
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities				29,339
Current portion of programming liabilities				32,877
Programming liabilities				37,692
Net purchase price				302,312
Increase in fair value of goodwill, acquisition date revision					$ 4,100
Decrease in programming costs							$ 300
Katz Broadcasting | Trade Names
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets				$ 8,000
Intangible asset, estimated amortization period				10 years
Katz Broadcasting | Advertiser Relationship
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets				$ 24,000
Intangible asset, estimated amortization period				5 years
Raycom Media, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition, purchase price			$ 55,000
Earnings Per Share, Pro Forma [Abstract]
Number of businesses acquired | television_station			2
Subsequent Event | Triton Digital Canada, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition, purchase price		$ 150,000
Subsequent Event | Cordillera Communications, LLC
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition, purchase price	$ 521,000
Earnings Per Share, Pro Forma [Abstract]
Number of businesses acquired | television_station	15

Asset Write-Downs and Other C_2

Asset Write-Downs and Other Charges and Credits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs	$ 863	$ 2,407		$ 7,000	$ 2,407
Acquisition and related integration costs	332	0		332	0
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets	$ 0	35,732		$ 0	35,732
Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations | Newspaper Syndication
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Gain on disposal			$ 3,000
Midroll
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Reduction in earn out provision		800			$ 3,300
Employee Severance
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs		$ 1,900

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective income tax rate	29.00%	45.00%
U.S. Federal statutory rate	21.00%	35.00%
Excess tax benefits on share-based compensation	$ 1,000	$ 3,600
Deferred tax assets	$ 15,730		$ 20,076

Restricted Cash (Details)

Restricted Cash (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Restricted cash and cash equivalents, current	$ 5.1	$ 5.1

Goodwill and Other Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Goodwill (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, gross, beginning balance	$ 1,023,266
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance	(267,317)
Goodwill net, beginning balance	755,949
Goodwill, gross, ending balance	1,027,415
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	(267,317)
Goodwill net, ending balance	760,098
Local Media
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, gross, beginning balance	708,133
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance	(216,914)
Goodwill net, beginning balance	491,219
Goodwill, gross, ending balance	708,133
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	(216,914)
Goodwill net, ending balance	491,219
National Media
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, gross, beginning balance	315,133
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance	(50,403)
Goodwill net, beginning balance	264,730
Goodwill, gross, ending balance	319,282
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	(50,403)
Goodwill net, ending balance	$ 268,879

Goodwill and Other Intangible_4

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of other intangible assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Carrying amount:
Total carrying amount	$ 362,242	$ 355,013
Accumulated amortization:
Total accumulated amortization	(108,038)	(86,253)
Net amortizable intangible assets	254,204	268,760
Total other intangible assets	411,419	425,975
Indefinite-lived intangible assets - FCC licenses
Accumulated amortization:
Indefinite-lived intangible assets — FCC licenses	157,215	157,215
Television network affiliation relationships
Carrying amount:
Total carrying amount	248,444	248,444
Accumulated amortization:
Total accumulated amortization	(58,925)	(49,639)
Customer lists and advertiser relationships
Carrying amount:
Total carrying amount	69,500	69,500
Accumulated amortization:
Total accumulated amortization	(34,010)	(26,345)
Other
Carrying amount:
Total carrying amount	44,298	37,069
Accumulated amortization:
Total accumulated amortization	$ (15,103)	$ (10,269)

Goodwill and Other Intangible_5

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year	$ 6.9
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months	27.7
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two	26.4
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three	24.1
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four	20.9
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five	15.9
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five	132.3
Cable And Satellite Carriage Rights
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	$ 5.8

Long-Term Debt - Components of

Long-Term Debt - Components of Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Components of Long-term debt
Total outstanding principal		$ 697,000	$ 701,906
Less: Debt issuance costs		(7,788)	(8,631)
Less: Current portion		(3,000)	(5,656)
Long-term debt (less current portion)		686,212	687,619
Fair value of long-term debt	[1]	682,243	703,572
Senior unsecured notes
Components of Long-term debt
Total outstanding principal		400,000	400,000
Unsecured subordinated notes
Components of Long-term debt
Total outstanding principal		0	2,656
Variable rate credit facility | Revolving credit facility
Components of Long-term debt
Total outstanding principal		0	0
Term Loan B, Maturing 2024
Components of Long-term debt
Total outstanding principal		$ 297,000	$ 299,250
[1]	Fair value of the Senior Notes and the term loan B were estimated based on quoted private market transactions and are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the unsecured subordinated 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)	Apr. 04, 2018	Oct. 02, 2017USD ($)	Apr. 28, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt issuance costs					$ 7,788,000	$ 8,631,000
Unsecured subordinated notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt stated rate					7.25%
Unsecured subordinated notes payable periodic payment					$ 2,700,000
Senior 5.125% Unsecured Notes, Due 2025 | Senior unsecured notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt issued			$ 400,000,000
Debt stated rate			5.125%
Debt issuance price as percentage of par			100.00%
Debt issuance costs			$ 7,000,000
Senior 5.125% Unsecured Notes, Due 2025 | Senior unsecured notes | Redemption Period One
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt redemption price			100.00%
Senior 5.125% Unsecured Notes, Due 2025 | Senior unsecured notes | Redemption Period Two
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt redemption price			40.00%
Term Loan B, Maturing 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Write off of deferred financing costs				$ 2,400,000
Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount						$ 400,000,000
Term Loan B, Maturing 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt issued		$ 300,000,000
Interest rate reduction	25.00%
Net leverage ratio requirement		2.75
Variable interest rate					4.24%	3.82%
Weighted average interest rate					4.09%
Unsecured subordinated notes payable periodic payment		$ 3,000,000
Term Loan B, Maturing 2024 | Minimum | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
LIBOR plus margin range		2.00%
Term Loan B, Maturing 2024 | Maximum | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
LIBOR plus margin range		1.75%
Revolving credit facility, variable rate | Revolving credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit and term loan agreement			$ 100,000,000
Amended and restated revolving credit facility | Revolving credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit and term loan agreement			$ 125,000,000
Net leverage ratio requirement					5.5
Amended and restated revolving credit facility | Revolving credit facility | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of commitment fees of total unused commitment under revolving credit facility					0.30%
Amended and restated revolving credit facility | Revolving credit facility | Minimum | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
LIBOR plus margin range			1.75%
Amended and restated revolving credit facility | Revolving credit facility | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of commitment fees of total unused commitment under revolving credit facility					0.50%
Amended and restated revolving credit facility | Revolving credit facility | Maximum | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
LIBOR plus margin range			2.50%

Other Liabilities (Details)

Other Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Other liabilities
Employee compensation and benefits	$ 21,043	$ 18,520
Programming liability	38,786	54,641
Liability for pension benefits	193,905	207,406
Liabilities for uncertain tax positions	687	644
Other	11,552	12,445
Other liabilities (less current portion)	$ 265,973	$ 293,656

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform_3

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Other Changes in Certain Working Capital Accounts, Net
Accounts receivable	$ (9,317)	$ (4,170)
Other current assets	(5,219)	(7,968)
Accounts payable	14,154	1,732
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	(6,320)	(5,417)
Other accrued liabilities	6,322	10,526
Unearned revenue	10,339	(554)
Other, net	281	(2,424)
Total	$ 10,240	$ (8,275)

Employee Benefit Plans - Compon

Employee Benefit Plans - Components of Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 5,716	$ 5,909	$ 13,355	$ 17,837
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Expense, Discontinued Operations	132	179	509	547
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Expense, Continuing Operations	5,584	5,730	12,846	17,290
Defined contribution plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]
Net periodic benefit cost	2,137	2,300	6,908	7,161
Multi-employer plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]
Net periodic benefit cost	50	58	141	191
Defined benefit plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]
Interest cost	5,962	6,504	17,812	19,475
Expected return on plan assets, net of expenses	(5,734)	(4,360)	(17,199)	(13,079)
Amortization of actuarial loss	1,026	1,150	2,867	3,318
Total for defined benefit pension plans	1,254	3,294	3,480	9,714
SERPs
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 2,275	$ 257	$ 2,826	$ 771

Employee Benefit Plans - Narrat

Employee Benefit Plans - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Nov. 09, 2018USD ($)retiree
SERPs
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Contributions to benefit plan			$ 5.8
Estimated future contributions		$ 0.7	0.7
Settlement charge recognized		2
Defined benefit plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Contributions to benefit plan			13.7
Estimated future contributions		$ 3.5	$ 3.5
Minimum | Scenario, Forecast
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Non-cash settlement charge	$ 10
Maximum | Scenario, Forecast
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Non-cash settlement charge	$ 12
Subsequent Event | Journal Communications, Inc. Plan | Defined benefit plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension assets				$ 306
Pension obligations				419
Premium group annuity contract				$ 53.5
Number of eligible employees | retiree				1,500
Subsequent Event | Scripps Pension Plan | Defined benefit plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension assets				$ 9
Pension obligations				$ 9
Number of eligible employees | retiree				600

Segment Information - Narrative

Segment Information - Narrative (Details) - Local Media	Sep. 30, 2018affiliate
ABC affiliates
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of affiliates	15
NBC affiliates
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of affiliates	5
FOX affiliates
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of affiliates	2
CBS affiliates
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of affiliates	2
My TV Affiliates
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of affiliates	2
CW affiliate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of affiliates	1
Independent station
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of affiliates	1
Azteca America affiliates
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of affiliates	3

Segment Information - Schedule

Segment Information - Schedule of Business Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Information regarding business segments
Total operating revenues	$ 302,726	$ 200,509	$ 840,312	$ 615,226
Segment profit (loss)	40,325	(38,296)	62,166	(19,792)
Acquisition and related integration costs	(332)	0	(332)	0
Restructuring costs	(863)	(2,407)	(7,000)	(2,407)
Depreciation and amortization of intangibles	(15,598)	(13,775)	(46,400)	(41,417)
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets	0	(35,732)	0	(35,732)
Gains (losses), net on disposal of property and equipment	501	(114)	(150)	(176)
Interest expense	(9,003)	(5,720)	(27,041)	(18,163)
Defined benefit pension plan expense	(3,529)	(3,551)	(6,306)	(10,485)
Miscellaneous, net	(546)	1,187	(535)	5,411
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	27,247	(46,380)	28,284	(43,029)
Depreciation:
Total depreciation	8,627	8,547	24,616	25,488
Amortization of intangibles:
Total amortization of intangibles	6,971	5,228	21,784	15,929
Additions to property and equipment:
Total additions to property and equipment	13,781	3,887	39,692	13,007
Local Media
Information regarding business segments
Total operating revenues	230,734	187,505	636,041	575,999
Segment profit (loss)	67,416	30,372	152,403	111,459
Depreciation:
Total depreciation	8,004	8,018	22,891	23,855
Amortization of intangibles:
Total amortization of intangibles	3,706	3,633	11,116	11,219
Additions to property and equipment:
Total additions to property and equipment	8,156	3,610	28,269	12,412
National Media
Information regarding business segments
Total operating revenues	71,761	12,504	200,708	35,207
Segment profit (loss)	2,838	(4,374)	6,910	(11,927)
Depreciation:
Total depreciation	273	18	503	40
Amortization of intangibles:
Total amortization of intangibles	2,927	1,257	9,653	3,695
Additions to property and equipment:
Total additions to property and equipment	5,625	122	11,350	319
Other
Information regarding business segments
Total operating revenues	231	500	3,563	4,020
Segment profit (loss)	(1,267)	(829)	(3,161)	(2,238)
Depreciation:
Total depreciation	37	43	113	169
Shared services and corporate
Information regarding business segments
Segment profit (loss)	(12,370)	(11,437)	(40,104)	(37,354)
Depreciation:
Total depreciation	313	468	1,109	1,424
Amortization of intangibles:
Total amortization of intangibles	338	338	1,015	1,015
Additions to property and equipment:
Total additions to property and equipment	$ 0	$ 155	$ 73	$ 276

Segment Information - Disaggreg

Segment Information - Disaggregation of Revenue Generating Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	$ 302,726	$ 200,509	$ 840,312	$ 615,226
Core advertising
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	165,587	123,236	511,434	377,068
Political
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	40,018	1,689	57,484	5,255
Retransmission and carriage
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	79,673	63,733	225,391	196,003
Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	$ 17,448	$ 11,851	$ 46,003	$ 36,900

Capital Stock (Details)

Capital Stock (Details)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)directorcommon_shareshares	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)directorcommon_share$ / shares	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)$ / shares
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Classes of common shares | common_share		2	2
Accelerated share repurchase program, agreement to repurchase	$ 25,000,000
Accelerated share repurchases, payment		$ 25,000,000	$ 25,000,000
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares | shares		1,300,000
Accelerated Share Repurchase Program, Amount Of Shares Repurchased, Percent		80.00%
Stock repurchased during period, value			$ 30,270,000	$ 11,705,000
Minimum
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Minimum number of directors up for election to entitle shareholders to vote | director		0.3333	0.3333
Maximum
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Minimum number of directors up for election to entitle shareholders to vote | director		3	3
Common stock, Class A
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount	$ 100,000,000
Stock repurchased during period, value			$ 5,300,000	$ 11,700,000
Stock repurchase program, remaining authorized amount		$ 52,300,000	$ 52,300,000
Common stock, Class A | Minimum
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchased during period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares			$ 13.29	$ 16.82
Common stock, Class A | Maximum
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchased during period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares			$ 16.86	$ 23.01

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		$ (101,442)	$ (91,989)	$ (102,922)	$ (93,347)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		0	0	0	0
Actuarial gain (loss), net of tax	[1]	2,316
Ending balance		(99,126)	(91,270)	(99,126)	(91,270)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Actuarial gain (loss), net of tax	[1]	2,316	719	3,796	2,077
Net current-period other comprehensive income		2,316	719	3,796	2,077
Defined Benefit Pension Items
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		(101,475)	(92,286)	(102,955)	(93,676)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		0	0	0	0
Ending balance		(99,159)	(91,552)	(99,159)	(91,552)
Defined Benefit Pension Items | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Actuarial gain (loss), net of tax	[1]		734	3,796	2,124
Net current-period other comprehensive income		2,316	734	3,796	2,124
Actuarial gain (loss) tax amount		777	449	1,274	1,295
Other
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		33	297	33	329
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		0	0	0	0
Ending balance		33	282	33	282
Other | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Actuarial gain (loss), net of tax	[1]	0	(15)	0	(47)
Net current-period other comprehensive income		$ 0	$ (15)	$ 0	$ (47)
[1]	Actuarial gain (loss) is included in defined benefit pension plan expense in the condensed consolidated statements of operations

Noncontrolling Interest (Detail

Noncontrolling Interest (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Ownership in joint venture by noncontrolling owners	30.00%
Non-cash contribution to joint venture by noncontrolling owner		$ 2.1

Assets Held for Sale and Disc_3

Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)radio_station	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)radio_station	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)radio_station	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Fees related to marketing agreements	$ 400
Radio Segment | Held-for-sale
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of radio stations | radio_station	34		34	34
Proceeds from sale of radio stations			$ 75,500
Number of radio stations expected to sell | radio_station	8		8	8
Expected proceeds from divestiture	$ 8,000		$ 8,000	$ 8,000
Impairment of goodwill	$ 0	$ 0		$ 25,900	$ 0

Assets Held for Sale and Disc_4

Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations - Operating Results of Discontinued Operations (Details) - Radio Segment - Held-for-sale - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Operating revenues	$ 13,456	$ 18,407	$ 44,141	$ 50,620
Total costs and expenses	(14,511)	(16,176)	(39,448)	(42,529)
Depreciation and amortization of intangibles	0	(880)	0	(2,611)
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets	0	0	(25,900)	0
Other, net	0	(10)	(157)	(261)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes	(1,055)	1,341	(21,364)	5,219
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	(147)	421	990	1,815
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations	$ (908)	$ 920	$ (22,354)	$ 3,404

Assets Held for Sale and Disc_5

Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations - Summary of Assets Held For Sale (Details) - Radio Segment - Held-for-sale - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Assets:
Total current assets	$ 10,412	$ 12,891
Property and equipment	36,481	35,470
Goodwill and intangible assets	61,562	87,462
Other assets	181	181
Total assets included in the disposal group	108,636	136,004
Liabilities:
Total current liabilities	5,897	3,248
Deferred income taxes	16,276	16,288
Other liabilities	0	0
Total liabilities included in the disposal group	22,173	19,536
Net assets included in the disposal group	$ 86,463	$ 116,468