The E.W. Scripps Company (SSP) 10-K 23 Feb 24 2023 FY Annual report Financial data

Cover

Cover - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Jan. 31, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2023
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-10701
Entity Registrant Name	THE E.W. SCRIPPS COMPANY
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	OH
Entity Tax Identification Number	31-1223339
Entity Address, Address Line One	312 Walnut Street
Entity Address, City or Town	Cincinnati
Entity Address, State or Province	OH
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	45202
City Area Code	513
Local Phone Number	977-3000
Title of 12(b) Security	Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
Trading Symbol	SSP
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag	true
Entity Shell Company	false
Share price			$ 9.15
Entity Public Float			$ 536
Entity Central Index Key	0000832428
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2023
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Documents Incorporated by Reference	Certain information required for Part III of this report is incorporated herein by reference to the proxy statement for the 2024 annual meeting of shareholders.
Document Financial Statement Error Correction [Flag]	false
Common stock, Class A
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		72,883,609
Voting common stock
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		11,932,722

Audit Information

Audit Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Auditor Information [Abstract]
Auditor Location	Cincinnati, Ohio
Auditor Name	Deloitte & Touche LLP
Auditor Firm ID	34

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 35,319	$ 18,027
Accounts receivable (less allowances — $5,041 and $4,963)	610,541	600,098
Miscellaneous	30,233	25,816
Total current assets	676,093	643,941
Investments	23,265	23,144
Property and equipment	455,255	458,600
Operating lease right-of-use assets	99,194	117,869
Goodwill	1,968,574	2,920,574
Other intangible assets	1,727,178	1,821,254
Programming	449,943	427,962
Miscellaneous	10,618	17,661
Total Assets	5,410,120	6,431,005
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	76,383	82,710
Unearned revenue	12,181	18,183
Current portion of long-term debt	15,612	18,612
Accrued liabilities:
Employee compensation and benefits	60,869	44,590
Programming liability	171,860	167,131
Accrued interest	32,030	31,087
Miscellaneous	43,934	52,891
Other current liabilities	64,950	69,801
Total current liabilities	477,819	485,005
Long-term debt (less current portion)	2,896,824	2,853,793
Deferred income taxes	307,399	370,457
Operating lease liabilities	87,714	106,866
Other liabilities (less current portion)	484,181	484,059
Commitments and contingencies (Note 16)
Equity:
Total preferred and common stock	415,397	413,080
Additional paid-in capital	1,438,518	1,444,501
Retained earnings (deficit)	(622,222)	350,715
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes	(75,510)	(77,471)
Total equity	1,156,183	2,130,825
Total Liabilities and Equity	5,410,120	6,431,005
Preferred Stock
Equity:
Preferred stock and Preferred Stock, Series A	0	0
Series A Preferred Stock
Equity:
Preferred stock and Preferred Stock, Series A	414,549	412,244
Common stock, Class A
Equity:
Common stock, Class A and Voting	729	717
Voting common stock
Equity:
Common stock, Class A and Voting	$ 119	$ 119

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Allowances for accounts and notes receivable	$ 5,041	$ 4,963
Stated value per share (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
Series A Preferred Stock
Stated value per share (USD per share)	$ 100,000	$ 100,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	6,000	6,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	6,000	6,000
Common stock, Class A
Common stock, shares authorized	240,000,000	240,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	72,843,881	71,649,335
Common stock, shares outstanding	72,843,881	71,649,335
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

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Operating Revenues:
Total operating revenues	$ 2,292,912	$ 2,453,215	$ 2,283,532
Operating Expenses:
Cost of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization	1,283,324	1,233,769	1,106,226
Selling, general and administrative expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization	614,769	623,161	595,105
Acquisition and related integration costs	0	1,642	40,373
Restructuring and related cost, incurred cost	38,612	0	9,436
Depreciation	60,725	61,943	58,357
Amortization of intangible assets	94,380	98,490	103,565
Impairment of goodwill	952,000	0	0
Losses (gains), net on disposal of property and equipment	2,344	5,866	(30,275)
Total operating expenses	3,046,154	2,024,871	1,882,787
Operating income (loss)	(753,242)	428,344	400,745
Interest expense	(213,512)	(161,130)	(165,164)
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt	0	8,589	(15,347)
Defined benefit pension plan income (expense)	650	2,613	(343)
Gain on sale of Triton business	0	0	81,784
Losses on stock warrant	0	0	(99,118)
Miscellaneous, net	(1,407)	(1,953)	(15,469)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	(967,511)	276,463	187,088
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	(19,727)	80,561	71,189
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	(947,784)	195,902	115,899
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	0	6,813
Net income (loss)	(947,784)	195,902	122,712
Preferred stock dividends	(50,305)	(50,305)	(49,372)
Net income (loss) attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company	$ (998,089)	$ 145,597	$ 73,340
Net income (loss) per basic share of common stock attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company:
Income from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ (11.84)	$ 1.71	$ 0.79
Income from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	0	0	0.08
Net income per basic share of common stock (USD per share)	(11.84)	1.71	0.87
Net income (loss) per diluted share of common stock attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company:
Income from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	(11.84)	1.62	0.74
Income from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	0	0	0.08
Net income per diluted share of common stock (USD per share)	$ (11.84)	$ 1.62	$ 0.81
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	84,266	83,220	82,327
Diluted (in shares)	84,266	87,346	87,979
Advertising
Operating Revenues:
Total operating revenues	$ 1,477,999	$ 1,757,389	$ 1,614,814
Distribution
Operating Revenues:
Total operating revenues	779,217	660,317	620,454
Other
Operating Revenues:
Total operating revenues	$ 35,696	$ 35,509	$ 48,264

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (947,784)	$ 195,902	$ 122,712
Changes in defined benefit pension plans, net of tax of $658, $(1,158), and $8,086	2,080	(3,614)	26,076
Other, net of tax of $(38), $17 and $42	(119)	52	134
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to preferred and common stockholders	$ (945,823)	$ 192,340	$ 148,922

Consolidated Statements of Co_2

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Changes in defined benefit pension plans, tax amount	$ 658	$ (1,158)	$ 8,086
Changes in other, tax amount	$ (38)	$ 17	$ 42

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	$ (947,784)	$ 195,902	$ 122,712
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	0	6,813
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	(947,784)	195,902	115,899
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) from continuing operations to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	155,105	160,433	161,922
Impairment of goodwill	952,000	0	0
Losses (gains), net on disposal of property and equipment	2,344	5,866	(30,275)
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt	0	(8,589)	15,347
Gain on sale of Triton business	0	0	(81,784)
Losses on stock warrant	0	0	99,118
Programming assets and liabilities	(20,504)	(27,144)	(59,233)
Restructuring impairment charges	14,933	0	7,050
Deferred income taxes	(63,698)	12,915	9,725
Stock and deferred compensation plans	25,631	19,461	25,963
Pension contributions, net of income/expense	(2,107)	(29,196)	(24,707)
Other changes in certain working capital accounts, net	(16,275)	(35,800)	(4,221)
Miscellaneous, net	11,959	17,575	(3,867)
Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations	111,604	311,423	230,937
Net cash provided by operating activities from discontinued operations	0	0	6,063
Net operating activities	111,604	311,423	237,000
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	(13,797)	(2,677,755)
Proceeds from sale of Triton Digital, net of cash disposed	0	0	224,990
Additions to property and equipment	(59,627)	(45,792)	(60,744)
Acquisition of intangible assets	0	0	(430)
Purchase of investments	(1,000)	(7,373)	(12,030)
Proceeds from FCC repack	0	2,670	20,062
Miscellaneous, net	21	(2,101)	39,911
Net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations	(60,606)	(66,393)	(2,465,996)
Net cash provided by investing activities from discontinued operations	0	0	10,000
Net investing activities	(60,606)	(66,393)	(2,455,996)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Net borrowings under revolving credit facility	330,000	0	0
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	0	0	800,000
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock	0	0	600,000
Payments on long-term debt	(299,862)	(278,095)	(580,999)
Premium paid on debt extinguishment	0	0	(11,106)
Payments for capitalized preferred stock issuance costs	0	0	(11,526)
Payments on financing costs	0	0	(50,597)
Dividends paid on preferred stock	(48,000)	(48,000)	(45,067)
Tax payments related to shares withheld for vested stock and RSUs	(4,955)	(8,872)	(7,174)
Miscellaneous, net	(10,889)	7,484	(56)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities from continuing operations	(33,706)	(327,483)	693,475
Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	0	0	(20)
Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	17,292	(82,453)	(1,525,541)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash:
Beginning of year	18,027	100,480	1,626,021
End of year	35,319	18,027	100,480
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures
Interest paid	195,832	150,796	126,257
Income taxes paid	$ 31,121	61,744	102,473
Non-cash investing and financing information
Accrued capital expenditures		$ 2,254	$ 4,145

Consolidated Statements of Equi

Consolidated Statements of Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Total	Preferred Stock	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) ("AOCI")
Balance at Dec. 31, 2020		$ 1,163,265	$ 0	$ 817	$ 1,130,789	$ 131,778	$ (100,119)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Comprehensive income (loss)		148,922				122,712	26,210
Issuance of preferred stock, net of discount and issuance costs		407,634	407,634
Preferred stock dividends		(47,067)	2,305			(49,372)
Stock warrant		279,958			279,958
Compensation plans: net share issued	[1]	17,722		9	17,713
Balance at Dec. 31, 2021		$ 1,970,434	409,939	826	1,428,460	205,118	(73,909)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Preferred stock dividends (USD Per share)		$ 7,511
Comprehensive income (loss)		$ 192,340				195,902	(3,562)
Preferred stock dividends		(48,000)	2,305			(50,305)
Compensation plans: net share issued	[1]	16,051		10	16,041
Balance at Dec. 31, 2022		$ 2,130,825	412,244	836	1,444,501	350,715	(77,471)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Preferred stock dividends (USD Per share)		$ 8,000
Comprehensive income (loss)		$ (945,823)				(947,784)	1,961
Preferred stock dividends		(48,000)	2,305		(25,152)	(25,153)
Compensation plans: net share issued	[1]	19,181		12	19,169
Balance at Dec. 31, 2023		$ 1,156,183	$ 414,549	$ 848	$ 1,438,518	$ (622,222)	$ (75,510)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Preferred stock dividends (USD Per share)		$ 8,000
[1] * Net of tax payments related to shares withheld for vested stock and RSUs of $4,955 in 2023, $8,872 in 2022 and $7,174 in 2021.

Consolidated Statements of Eq_2

Consolidated Statements of Equity (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Shares issued on compensation plan	1,194,546	1,003,328	851,090
Preferred stock dividends (USD Per share)	$ 8,000	$ 8,000	$ 7,511
Preferred stock, accretion of issuance costs	$ 2,305	$ 2,305	$ 2,305
Tax payments related to shares withheld for vested stock and RSUs	$ 4,955	$ 8,872	$ 7,174

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies As used in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the terms “Scripps,” “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us” may, depending on the context, refer to The E.W. Scripps Company, to one or more of its consolidated subsidiary companies or to all of them taken as a whole. Nature of Operations — We are a diverse media enterprise, serving audiences and businesses through a portfolio of local television stations and national news and entertainment networks. All of our businesses provide content and services via digital platforms, including the Internet, smartphones and tablets. Our media businesses are organized into the following reportable business segments: Local Media, Scripps Networks and Other. Additional information for our business segments is presented in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Concentration Risks — Our operations are geographically dispersed and we have a diverse customer base. We believe bad debt losses resulting from default by a single customer, or defaults by customers in any depressed region or business sector, would not have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. We derive approximately 64% of our operating revenues from advertising. Changes in the demand for such services, both nationally and in individual markets, can affect operating results. 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 plan; 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. Consolidation — The Consolidated Financial Statements include our accounts and those of our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries and variable interest entities ("VIEs") for which we are the primary beneficiary. We are the primary beneficiary of a VIE when we have the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive returns that would be significant to the VIE. All intercompany transactions and account balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Investments in entities over which we have significant influence but not control are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Income from equity method investments represents our proportionate share of net income generated by equity method investees. 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 businesses. The advertising includes a combination of broadcast spots as well as digital and connected TV 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. Local advertising time is sold by each station's local sales staff who call upon advertising agencies and local businesses. National advertising time is generally sold by calling upon advertising agencies. 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, U.S. Senate and House of Representative candidates, as well as for state and local issues. It is also sold to political action groups (PACs) and other advocacy groups. Distribution Revenues — We earn revenues from cable operators, satellite carriers, other multi-channel video programming distributors (collectively "MVPDs"), other online video distributors and subscribers for access rights to our local broadcast signals. These arrangements are generally governed by multi-year contracts and the fees we receive are typically based on the number of subscribers the respective distributor has in our markets and the contracted rate per subscriber. Refer to Note 15. 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 — 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. Distribution — Our primary source of distribution revenue is from retransmission consent contracts with MVPDs. 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. Cost of Revenues — Cost of revenues reflects the cost of providing our broadcast signals, programming and other content to respective distribution platforms. The costs captured within the cost of revenues caption include programming, content distribution, satellite transmission fees, production and operations and other direct costs. Cash Equivalents — Cash equivalents represent highly liquid investments with maturity of less than three months when acquired. Contract Balances — Timing of revenue recognition may differ from the timing of cash collection from customers. We record a receivable when revenue is recognized prior to cash receipt, or unearned revenue when cash is collected in advance of revenue being recognized. We extend credit to customers based upon our assessment of the customer’s financial condition. Collateral is generally not required from customers. 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. 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. A rollforward of the allowance for doubtful accounts is as follows: (in thousands) January 1, 2021 $ 3,443 Charged to costs and expenses 1,987 Amounts charged off, net (1,174) Balance as of December 31, 2021 4,256 Charged to costs and expenses 1,674 Amounts charged off, net (967) Balance as of December 31, 2022 4,963 Charged to costs and expenses 14,786 Amounts charged off, net (14,708) Balance as of December 31, 2023 $ 5,041 We record unearned revenue when cash payments are received in advance of our performance. We generally require advance payment for advertising contracts with political advertising customers. Unearned revenue totaled $12.2 million at December 31, 2023 and substantially all is expected to be recognized within revenue over the next 12 months. Unearned revenue totaled $18.2 million at December 31, 2022. We recorded $13.4 million of revenue in 2023 that was included in unearned revenue at December 31, 2022. 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. Investments — From time to time, we make investments in private companies. Investment securities can be impacted by various market risks, including interest rate risk, credit risk and overall market volatility. Due to the level of risk associated with certain investment securities, it is reasonably possible that changes in the values of investment securities will occur in the near term. Such changes could materially affect the amounts reported in our financial statements. We record investments in private companies not accounted for under the equity method at cost, net of impairment write-downs, because no readily determinable market price is available. We regularly review our investments to determine if there has been any other-than-temporary decline in value. These reviews require management judgments that often include estimating the outcome of future events and determining whether factors exist that indicate impairment has occurred. We evaluate, among other factors, the extent to which cost exceeds fair value; the duration of the decline in fair value below cost; and the current cash position, earnings and cash forecasts and near-term prospects of the investee. We reduce the cost basis when a decline in fair value below cost is determined to be other than temporary, with the resulting adjustment charged against earnings. Property and Equipment — Property and equipment is carried at cost less depreciation. We compute depreciation using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives as follows: Buildings and improvements 15 to 45 years Leasehold improvements Shorter of term of lease or useful life Broadcast transmission towers and related equipment 15 to 35 years Other broadcast and program production equipment 3 to 15 years Computer hardware 3 to 5 years Office and other equipment 3 to 10 years Programming — Programming includes the cost of national television network programming, programming produced by us or for us by independent production companies, rights acquired under multi-year sports programming agreements and programs licensed under agreements with independent producers. Our network affiliation agreements require the payment of affiliation fees to the network. Network affiliation fees consist of pre-determined fixed fees in all cases and variable payments based on a share of retransmission revenues above the fixed fees for some of our agreements. The costs of programming produced by us or for us by independent production companies is charged to expense over estimated useful lives based upon expected future cash flows. The realizable value of internal costs incurred for trial footage at Court TV, including employee compensation and benefits, are capitalized and amortized based upon expected future cash flows. All other internal costs to produce daily or live broadcast shows, such as news, sports or daily magazine shows, are expensed as incurred. The costs of programming acquired under multi-year sports rights agreements are capitalized if the rights payments are made before the related economic benefit has been received. We amortize sports programming assets based upon expected cash flows over the term of the rights agreement. Program licenses principally consist of television series and films. Program licenses generally have fixed terms, limit the number of times we can air the programs and require payments over the terms of the licenses. We record licensed program assets and liabilities when the license period has commenced and the programs are available for broadcast. We do not discount program licenses for imputed interest. We amortize program licenses based upon expected cash flows over the term of the license agreement. Progress payments on programs not yet available for broadcast are recorded as deposits within programming assets. Program assets are predominantly monetized as a group on each of our respective national networks, broadcast television stations and digital content offerings. For program assets predominantly monetized within a network or television station group, when an event or change in circumstances indicates a change in the expected usefulness of the content or that the fair value may be less than unamortized costs, fair value of the content is aggregated at the group level by considering expected future revenue generation. Estimates of future revenues consider historical airing patterns and future plans for airing content, including any changes in strategy. An impairment charge is recorded if the fair value of a film group is less than the film group’s carrying value. Programming and development costs for programs we have determined will not be produced, are fully expensed in the period the determination is made. For our program assets available for broadcast, estimated amortization for each of the next five years is $164.3 million in 2024, $113.1 million in 2025, $83.6 million in 2026, $46.8 million in 2027, $13.4 million in 2028 and $11.1 million thereafter. Actual amortization in each of the next five years will exceed the amounts currently recorded as program assets available for broadcast, as we will continue to produce and license additional programs. The unamortized balance of program assets are classified as non-current assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Program rights liabilities payable within the next twelve months are included as current liabilities and noncurrent program rights liabilities are included in other noncurrent liabilities. FCC Repack — In April 2017, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) began a process of reallocating the broadcast spectrum (“repack”). Specifically, the FCC was requiring certain television stations to change channels and/or modify their transmission facilities. The U.S. Congress passed legislation which provided the FCC with a fund to reimburse all reasonable costs incurred by stations operating under a full power license and a portion of the costs incurred by stations operating under a low power license that are reassigned to new channels. The total amount of consideration currently due or that has been collected from the FCC is recorded as a deferred liability and will be recognized against depreciation expense in the same manner that the underlying FCC repack fixed assets are depreciated. Deferred FCC repack income totaled $41.9 million at December 31, 2023 and $46.2 million at December 31, 2022. Leases — We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets, other current liabilities and operating lease liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Finance leases are included in property and equipment, other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Lease assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Lease assets and liabilities are recognized at the commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As the implicit rate is not readily determinable for most of our leases, we use our incremental borrowing rate when determining the present value of lease payments. The incremental borrowing rate represents an estimate of the interest rate we would incur at lease commencement to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments on a collateralized basis over the term of the lease. Our lease assets also include any payments made at or before commencement and are reduced by any lease incentives. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Goodwill and Other Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets — Goodwill represents the cost of acquisitions in excess of the acquired businesses’ tangible assets and identifiable intangible assets. FCC licenses represent the value assigned to the broadcast licenses of acquired broadcast television stations. Broadcast television stations are subject to the jurisdiction of the FCC, which prohibits the operation of stations except in accordance with an FCC license. FCC licenses stipulate each station’s operating parameters as defined by channels, effective radiated power and antenna height. FCC licenses are granted for a term of up to eight years, and are renewable upon request. We have never had a renewal request denied and all previous renewals have been for the maximum term. We do not amortize goodwill or our FCC licenses, but we review them for impairment at least annually or any time events occur or conditions change that would indicate it is more likely than not the fair value of a reporting unit is below its carrying value. We perform our annual impairment review during the fourth quarter of each year in conjunction with our annual planning cycle. We also assess, at least annually, whether our FCC licenses, classified as indefinite-lived intangible assets, continue to have indefinite lives. We review goodwill for impairment based upon our reporting units, which are defined as operating segments or groupings of businesses one level below the operating segment level. Reporting units with similar economic characteristics are aggregated into a single unit when testing goodwill for impairment. Our reporting units are Local Media, Scripps Networks and Nuvyyo. Amortizable Intangible Assets — Television network affiliations represents the value assigned to an acquired broadcast television station’s relationship with a national television network. Television stations affiliated with national television networks typically have greater profit margins than independent television stations, primarily due to audience recognition of the television station as a network affiliate. We amortize these network affiliation relationships on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives of 20 years. We amortize customer lists and other intangible assets in relation to their expected future cash flows over estimated useful lives of up to 20 years. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets — We review long-lived assets (primarily property and equipment, ROU assets and amortizable intangible assets) for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate the carrying amounts of the assets may not be recoverable. Recoverability is determined by comparing the aggregate forecasted undiscounted cash flows derived from the operation of the assets to the carrying amount of the assets. If the aggregate undiscounted cash flow is less than the carrying amount of the assets, the assets are written down to fair value. We determine fair value based on discounted cash flows or appraisals. We report long-lived assets to be disposed of at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. Self-Insured Risks — We are self-insured, up to certain limits, for general and automobile liability, employee health, disability and workers’ compensation claims and certain other risks. Estimated liabilities for unpaid claims totaled $10.9 million at December 31, 2023 and $10.4 million at December 31, 2022. We estimate liabilities for unpaid claims using actuarial methodologies and our historical claims experience. While we re-evaluate our assumptions and review our claims experience on an ongoing basis, actual claims paid could vary significantly from estimated claims, which would require adjustments to expense. Income Taxes — We recognize deferred income taxes for temporary differences between the tax basis and reported amounts of assets and liabilities that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in future years. We establish a valuation allowance if we believe that it is more likely than not that we will not realize some or all of the deferred tax assets. We record a liability for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions taken or that we expect to take in a tax return. Interest and penalties associated with such tax positions are included in the tax provision. The liability for additional taxes and interest is included in other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Risk Management Contracts — We do not hold derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes and we do not hold leveraged contracts. From time to time, we may use derivative financial instruments to limit the impact of interest rate fluctuations on our earnings and cash flows. Stock-Based Compensation — We have a Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) which is described more fully in Note 17. 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. We recognize compensation cost based on the grant-date fair value of the award. We determine the fair value of awards that grant the employee the underlying shares by the fair value of a Class A Common share on the date of the award. Certain awards of RSUs have performance conditions under which the number of shares granted is determined by the extent to which such performance conditions are met (“Performance Shares”). Compensation costs for such awards are measured by the grant-date fair value of a Class A Common share and the number of shares earned. In periods prior to completion of the performance period, compensation costs are based upon estimates of the number of shares that will be earned. Compensation costs are recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award. The impact of forfeitures is recognized as they occur. The requisite service period is generally the vesting period stated in the award. Grants to retirement-eligible employees are expensed immediately and grants to employees who will become retirement eligible prior to the end of the stated vesting period are expensed over such shorter period because stock compensation grants vest upon the retirement eligibility of the employee. Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) — Unvested awards of share-based payments with non-forfeitable 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: For the years ended December 31, (in thousands) 2023 2022 2021 Numerator (for basic and diluted earnings per share) Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax $ (947,784) $ 195,902 $ 115,899 Less income allocated to RSUs — (3,662) (1,855) Less preferred stock dividends (50,305) (50,305) (49,372) Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share $ (998,089) $ 141,935 $ 64,672 Denominator Basic weighted-average shares outstanding 84,266 83,220 82,327 Effect of dilutive securities — 4,126 5,652 Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding 84,266 87,346 87,979 The dilutive effects of performance-based stock awards are included in the computation of diluted earnings per share to the extent the related performance criteria are met through the respective balance sheet reporting date. As of December 31, 2023, potential dilutive securities representing 420,000 shares were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share as the related performance criteria were not yet met, although the Company expects to meet various levels of criteria in the future. For the year ended December 31, 2023, we incurred a net loss and the inclusion of RSUs would be anti-dilutive. The December 31, 2023 diluted EPS calculation excludes the effect of 3.3 million of outstanding RSUs that were anti-dilutive. For the year ended December 31, 2022, there was 0.1 million of outstanding RSUs that were anti-dilutive.

Recently Adopted and Issued Acc

Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Standards	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Accounting Standards Update and Change in Accounting Principle [Abstract]
Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Standards	Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Standards In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued new guidance that modifies the rules on income tax disclosures. The guidance requires entities to disclose: (1) specific categories in the rate reconciliation, (2) the income or loss from continuing operations before income tax expense or benefit (separated between domestic and foreign) and (3) income tax expense or benefit from continuing operations (separated by federal, state and foreign). The guidance also requires entities to disclose their income tax payments to international, federal, state and local jurisdictions, among other changes. The guidance is effective for our annual periods beginning in 2025, with early adoption permitted. The guidance will be applied on a prospective basis, but retrospective application is permitted. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of adopting this new guidance on our Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures. In November 2023, the FASB issued new guidance which expands annual and interim disclosure requirements for reportable segments, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The guidance is effective for our annual period beginning in fiscal year 2024 and interim periods beginning in the first quarter of 2025. Early adoption is permitted. The guidance will be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. Upon transition, the segment expense categories and amounts disclosed in the prior periods should be based on the significant segment expense categories identified and disclosed in the period of adoption. We are currently evaluating the impact that the updated guidance will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures. In March 2020, the FASB issued new guidance that provides optional expedients and exceptions to certain accounting requirements to facilitate the transition away from the use of the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") and other interbank offered rates. The guidance was effective as of March 12, 2020 and the sunset date of the guidance was deferred to December 31, 2024, subject to meeting certain criteria, that have contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. We evaluate transactions and contract modifications occurring as a result of reference rate reform and determine whether to apply the optional guidance on an ongoing basis.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Business Combination and Asset Acquisition [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Acquisitions Nuvyyo Acquisition On January 5, 2022, we acquired Nuvyyo for net cash consideration totaling $13.8 million. Nuvyyo provides consumers DVR product solutions to watch and record free over-the-air HDTV on connected devices. The final purchase price allocation assigned $7.2 million to intangible assets with useful lives ranging from three ION Acquisition On January 7, 2021, we completed the acquisition of national broadcast network ION Media Networks, Inc. ("ION") for $2.65 billion. ION is a national network of broadcast stations and is the largest holder of U.S. broadcast television spectrum. The business distributes its programming through owned Federal Communications Commission-licensed television stations as well as affiliated TV stations, reaching 100 million of U.S. homes through its over-the-air broadcast and pay TV platforms. The acquisition of ION enabled us to create a full-scale national television networks business by combining the ION network with our other news and entertainment networks. The transaction was financed with a combination of cash, debt financing and preferred equity financing, including Berkshire Hathaway's $600 million preferred equity investment in Scripps. Berkshire Hathaway also received a warrant to purchase up to 23.1 million Class A shares, at an exercise price of $13 per share. To comply with ownership rules of the Federal Communications Commission, we simultaneously divested 23 of ION's television stations for a total consideration of $30 million, which were purchased by INYO Broadcast Holdings, LLC upon completion of the acquisition. These divested stations became independent affiliates of ION pursuant to long-term affiliation agreements. The following table summarizes the net cash consideration for the ION transaction. (in thousands) Total purchase price $ 2,650,000 Plus: Cash acquired 14,493 Plus: Working capital 57,755 Total transaction gross cash consideration 2,722,248 Less: Proceeds from ION stations divested (30,000) Total transaction net cash consideration 2,692,248 Less: Cash acquired (14,493) Total consideration, net of cash acquired $ 2,677,755 The following table summarizes the final fair values of the ION assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the closing date. (in thousands) Accounts receivable $ 135,006 Other current assets 25,353 Programming rights 169,027 Property and equipment 122,520 Operating lease right-of-use assets 72,717 Other assets 2,295 Goodwill 1,796,148 Indefinite-lived intangible assets - FCC licenses 424,200 Amortizable intangible assets: INYO affiliation agreement 422,000 Other affiliation relationships 22,000 Advertiser relationships 143,000 Trade names 72,000 Accounts payable (9,674) Unearned revenue (13,043) Accrued expenses (15,814) Current portion of programming liabilities (92,721) Other current liabilities (24,810) Programming liabilities (191,837) Deferred tax liabilities (265,291) Operating lease liabilities (78,438) Other long-term liabilities (36,883) Total consideration, net of cash acquired $ 2,677,755 Of the value allocated to amortizable intangible assets, the INYO affiliation agreement has an estimated amortization period of 20 years, advertiser relationships have an estimated amortization period of 7 years, other affiliation relationships have an estimated amortization period of 10 years and the value allocated to trade names has an estimated amortization period of 10 years. The goodwill of $1.8 billion arising from the transactions consists largely of synergies, economies of scale and other benefits of a larger national broadcast footprint and becoming the largest holder of broadcast spectrum. We allocated the goodwill to our Scripps Networks segment. The transaction is accounted for as a stock acquisition which applies carryover tax basis to the assets and liabilities acquired. The goodwill is not deductible for income tax purposes. Pro forma results of operations Pro forma results of operations, assuming the ION acquisition had taken place at the beginning of 2021, are presented in the following table. The pro forma results do not include Nuvyyo, as the impact of this acquisition is not material to prior year results of operations. The pro forma information includes the historical results of operations of Scripps and ION (excluding the results of the divested stations sold to INYO), as well as adjustments for additional depreciation and amortization of the assets acquired, additional interest expense related to the financing of the transactions and other transactional adjustments. The pro forma results do not include efficiencies, cost reductions or synergies expected to result from the acquisition, or retrospective fair value adjustments to the warrant. 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. For the year ended (in thousands, except per share data) (unaudited) December 31, 2021 Operating revenues $ 2,290,254 Net income attributable to Scripps shareholders 101,146 Net income per share: Basic $ 1.19 Diluted 1.12 The pro forma results in 2021 reflect a $38.1 million reversal of ION transaction costs incurred that were already captured in the 2020 pro forma results.

Restructuring Costs and Other C

Restructuring Costs and Other Charges and Credits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring Costs and Other Charges and Credits	Restructuring Costs and Other Charges and Credits Restructurings and Reorganizations In January 2023, we announced a strategic restructuring and reorganization of the Company to further leverage our strong position in the U.S. television ecosystem and propel our growth across new distribution platforms and emerging media marketplaces. The restructuring aims to create a leaner and more agile operating structure through the centralization of certain services and the consolidation of layers of management across our operating businesses and corporate office. Restructuring costs totaled $38.6 million in 2023. In connection with the shutdown of the TrueReal network, we incurred a $13.6 million first quarter charge related to the write-down of certain programming assets. Restructuring costs in 2023 also include employee severance related charges of $17.1 million, operating lease impairment charges of $1.3 million and other restructuring charges primarily attributed to strategic reorganization consulting fees. (in thousands) Severance and Employee Benefits Other Restructuring Charges Total Liability as of December 31, 2022 $ — $ — $ — Net accruals 17,066 21,546 38,612 Payments (9,192) (5,183) (14,375) Non-cash (a) (1,139) (14,933) (16,072) Liability as of December 31, 2023 $ 6,735 $ 1,430 $ 8,165 (a) Represents share-based compensation costs and asset write-downs included in restructuring charges. Restructuring costs totaled $9.4 million in 2021 due to the Newsy restructuring plan. In the first quarter of 2021, we incurred costs of $7.1 million for the write-downs of both capitalized carriage agreement payments and certain Newsy intangible assets. The additional Newsy restructuring charges were primarily attributed to employee severance, relocation costs and Nielsen contract costs. Other Charges and Credits Acquisition and related integration costs were $1.6 million in 2022 and $40.4 million in 2021. The costs incurred in 2021 primarily reflect investment banking, legal and professional service costs incurred to complete and integrate the ION Media Networks, Inc. ("ION") acquisition, which closed on January 7, 2021. During 2022, we redeemed $59.0 million of the 2027 Senior Notes, $26.6 million of the 2029 Senior Notes and $85.9 million of the 2031 Senior Notes. The redemptions resulted in a gain on extinguishment of debt of $8.6 million, as the notes were redeemed for total consideration below par value of the notes. We redeemed the outstanding principal amount of our 2025 Senior Notes during the second quarter of 2021. Additionally, during the fourth quarter of 2021, we redeemed $15.4 million of the 2027 Senior Notes and $22.0 million of the 2031 Senior Notes. These redemptions resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt of $15.3 million, representing the premiums paid on the notes and write-offs of unamortized debt financing costs. We completed the building sale for our Denver KMGH television station in the third quarter of 2021. The sale resulted in recognition of a pre-tax gain totaling $32.6 million. During the first quarter of 2021, we completed the sale of our Triton business. The sale generated total net proceeds of $225 million and we recognized a pre-tax gain from disposition totaling $81.8 million. Related to our outstanding common stock warrant, we recognized non-cash charges totaling $99.1 million in 2021. The warrant obligation was being marked-to-market each reporting period with the increase in our common stock price being the significant contributor to higher valuation. Following an amendment to the common stock warrant agreement on May 14, 2021, the fair value of the warrant was reclassified to equity and is no longer marked-to-market each reporting period.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes We file a consolidated federal income tax return, consolidated unitary returns in certain states, other separate state income tax returns for certain of our subsidiary companies, and applicable foreign returns. The provision for income taxes from continuing operations consisted of the following: For the years ended December 31, (in thousands) 2023 2022 2021 Current: Federal $ 34,205 $ 56,236 $ 52,145 State and local 8,010 11,411 9,096 Foreign — — (48) Total current income tax provision 42,215 67,647 61,193 Deferred: Federal (53,476) 2,882 6,616 State and local (7,278) 10,770 3,087 Foreign (1,188) (738) 293 Total deferred income tax provision (61,942) 12,914 9,996 Provision (benefit) for income taxes $ (19,727) $ 80,561 $ 71,189 The difference between the statutory rate for federal income tax and the effective income tax rate was as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Statutory rate 21.0 % 21.0 % 21.0 % Effect of: State and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefit 0.1 7.0 5.6 Non-deductible goodwill impairment (18.6) — — Non-deductible mark-to-market losses — — 11.5 Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation (0.2) (0.3) (0.9) Non-deductible expenses (0.1) 0.2 0.2 Reserve for uncertain tax positions — 0.7 (0.8) Other (0.2) 0.5 1.5 Effective income tax rate 2.0 % 29.1 % 38.1 % In 2023, a non-deductible expense of $855 million was recorded related to book impairment of goodwill. In 2021, a non-deductible expense of $103 million was recorded related to preferred stock issuance costs and unrealized losses on mark-to-market adjustments recorded on the common stock warrant issued in connection with the ION acquisition. The approximate effect of the temporary differences giving rise to deferred income tax assets (liabilities) were as follows: As of December 31, (in thousands) 2023 2022 Temporary differences: Property and equipment $ (39,414) $ (46,710) Goodwill and other intangible assets (368,876) (390,105) Investments, primarily gains and losses not yet recognized for tax purposes 2,954 5,165 Accrued expenses not deductible until paid 9,869 7,897 Deferred compensation and retiree benefits not deductible until paid 31,662 32,174 Operating lease right-of-use assets (32,034) (36,843) Operating lease liabilities 34,884 39,099 Interest limitation carryforward 38,290 6,375 Other temporary differences, net 10,999 7,305 Total temporary differences (311,666) (375,643) Federal and state net operating loss carryforwards 16,283 20,283 Valuation allowance for state deferred tax assets (11,997) (15,097) Net deferred tax liability $ (307,380) $ (370,457) Total state operating loss carryforwards were $367 million at December 31, 2023. Our state tax loss carryforwards expire through 2042. Because we file separate state income tax returns for certain of our subsidiary companies, we are not able to use state tax losses of a subsidiary company to offset state taxable income of another subsidiary company. The Company recognizes 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. The Company has not provided for income taxes, including withholding tax, U.S. state taxes, or tax on foreign exchange rate changes, associated with the undistributed earnings of our non-U.S. subsidiaries because we plan to indefinitely reinvest the unremitted earnings in these entities. On December 27, 2020, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 was signed and enacted into law, which provided an additional stimulus package providing financial relief for individuals and small businesses. The Appropriations Act contains a variety of tax provisions, including full expensing of business meals, an expansion of the Paycheck Protection Program and expansion of the employee retention tax credit. We continue to evaluate the Appropriations Act, but do not currently expect it to have a material impact on our income tax provision. In July and August 2022, the CHIPS and Science Act, (the “CHIPS Act”), and the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, (the “IRA”), were signed into law. The IRA introduced a 15% corporate alternative minimum tax, or CAMT, on adjusted financial statement income for corporations with profits in excess of $1 billion, effective for tax years after December 31, 2022. Neither the CHIPS Act or CAMT provisions had a material impact on our 2023 effective tax rate. The IRA also includes a stock buyback excise tax of 1% on share repurchases, which will apply to net stock buybacks after December 31, 2022. We do not expect this to have a material impact if and when share repurchases are resumed. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the total amounts of gross unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: For the years ended December 31, (in thousands) 2023 2022 2021 Gross unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year $ 12,124 $ 10,572 $ 2,376 Increases in tax positions for prior years 3,321 2,965 22,348 Decreases in tax positions for prior years (2) (390) — Increases in tax positions for current years 257 796 3,164 Decreases from lapse in statute of limitations (670) (173) (4,234) Decreases due to settlements with taxing authorities — (1,646) (13,082) Gross unrecognized tax benefits at end of year $ 15,030 $ 12,124 $ 10,572 The total amount of net unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate was $13.6 million at December 31, 2023. We accrue interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in our provision for income taxes. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had accrued interest related to unrecognized tax benefits of $1.6 million and $0.9 million, respectively, and penalties of $1.1 million and $1.2 million, respectively. We file income tax returns in the U.S., Canada and in various state and local jurisdictions. We are routinely examined by tax authorities in these jurisdictions. At December 31, 2023, we are no longer subject to federal income tax examinations for years prior to 2018. For state and local jurisdictions, we are generally no longer subject to income tax examinations for years prior to 2019. Due to the potential for resolution of federal and state examinations, and the expiration of various statutes of limitation, it is reasonably possible that our gross unrecognized tax benefits balance may change within the next twelve months by as much as $0.4 million.

Investments

Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Investments [Abstract]
Investments	Investments Investments consisted of the following: As of December 31, (in thousands) 2023 2022 Investments held at cost $ 21,169 $ 20,890 Equity method investments 2,096 2,254 Total investments $ 23,265 $ 23,144 Our investments do not trade in public markets, thus they do not have readily determinable fair values. On February 9, 2024, following the completed sale of Broadcast Music, Inc. ("BMI") to New Mountain Capital, we received $18.1 million in pre-tax cash proceeds for our equity ownership in BMI. We did not have any carrying value associated with our BMI investment. Other than our equity interest in BMI, we estimate the fair values of our other investments to approximate their carrying values at December 31, 2023 and 2022.

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment Property and equipment consisted of the following: As of December 31, (in thousands) 2023 2022 Land and improvements $ 65,402 $ 65,559 Buildings and improvements 252,396 245,531 Equipment 622,981 580,001 Computer software 30,395 29,702 Total 971,174 920,793 Accumulated depreciation 515,919 462,193 Net property and equipment $ 455,255 $ 458,600

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Leases [Abstract]
Lessee, Operating Leases	Leases We have operating leases for office space, data centers and certain equipment. We also have finance leases for office space. Our leases have lease terms of 1 year to 35 years, some of which may include options to extend the leases for up to 5 years, and some of which may include options to terminate the leases within 1 year. Operating lease costs recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Operations totaled $24.5 million, $25.9 million and $24.3 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, including short-term lease costs of $3.5 million, $1.7 million and $1.8 million, respectively. Amortization of the right-of-use asset for our finance leases totaled $0.8 million and $0.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Interest expense on the finance leases liability totaled $2.1 million and $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Other information related to our leases was as follows: As of December 31, (in thousands, except lease term and discount rate) 2023 2022 Balance Sheet Information Operating Leases Right-of-use assets $ 99,194 $ 117,869 Other current liabilities 19,466 19,599 Operating lease liabilities 87,714 106,866 Finance Leases Property and equipment, at cost 28,321 28,321 Accumulated depreciation 862 69 Property and equipment, net 27,459 28,252 Other current liabilities — 426 Other liabilities 30,146 28,063 Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Operating leases 7.41 years 8.22 years Finance leases 34.50 years 35.50 years Weighted Average Discount Rate Operating leases 4.43 % 4.34 % Finance leases 7.10 % 7.10 % For the years ended December 31, (in thousands) 2023 2022 2021 Supplemental Cash Flows Information Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 24,114 $ 24,073 $ 22,477 Operating cash flows from finance leases 426 — — Financing cash flows from finance leases — — — Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease obligations 6,789 6,217 17,835 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for finance lease obligations — 28,321 — Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable leases as of December 31, 2023 were as follows: (in thousands) Operating Finance 2024 $ 25,622 $ 1,302 2025 21,033 1,776 2026 18,869 1,824 2027 15,932 1,875 2028 12,536 1,926 Thereafter 33,503 90,124 Total future minimum lease payments 127,495 98,827 Less: Imputed interest (20,315) (68,681) Total $ 107,180 $ 30,146
Lessee, Finance Leases	Leases We have operating leases for office space, data centers and certain equipment. We also have finance leases for office space. Our leases have lease terms of 1 year to 35 years, some of which may include options to extend the leases for up to 5 years, and some of which may include options to terminate the leases within 1 year. Operating lease costs recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Operations totaled $24.5 million, $25.9 million and $24.3 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, including short-term lease costs of $3.5 million, $1.7 million and $1.8 million, respectively. Amortization of the right-of-use asset for our finance leases totaled $0.8 million and $0.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Interest expense on the finance leases liability totaled $2.1 million and $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Other information related to our leases was as follows: As of December 31, (in thousands, except lease term and discount rate) 2023 2022 Balance Sheet Information Operating Leases Right-of-use assets $ 99,194 $ 117,869 Other current liabilities 19,466 19,599 Operating lease liabilities 87,714 106,866 Finance Leases Property and equipment, at cost 28,321 28,321 Accumulated depreciation 862 69 Property and equipment, net 27,459 28,252 Other current liabilities — 426 Other liabilities 30,146 28,063 Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Operating leases 7.41 years 8.22 years Finance leases 34.50 years 35.50 years Weighted Average Discount Rate Operating leases 4.43 % 4.34 % Finance leases 7.10 % 7.10 % For the years ended December 31, (in thousands) 2023 2022 2021 Supplemental Cash Flows Information Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 24,114 $ 24,073 $ 22,477 Operating cash flows from finance leases 426 — — Financing cash flows from finance leases — — — Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease obligations 6,789 6,217 17,835 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for finance lease obligations — 28,321 — Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable leases as of December 31, 2023 were as follows: (in thousands) Operating Finance 2024 $ 25,622 $ 1,302 2025 21,033 1,776 2026 18,869 1,824 2027 15,932 1,875 2028 12,536 1,926 Thereafter 33,503 90,124 Total future minimum lease payments 127,495 98,827 Less: Imputed interest (20,315) (68,681) Total $ 107,180 $ 30,146

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill by business segment was as follows: (in thousands) Local Media Scripps Networks Other Total Gross balance as of December 31, 2020 $ 1,122,408 $ 232,742 $ 85,976 $ 1,441,126 Accumulated impairment losses (216,914) (21,000) — (237,914) Net balance as of December 31, 2020 905,494 211,742 85,976 1,203,212 ION acquisition — 1,796,148 — 1,796,148 Sale of Triton — — (85,976) (85,976) Balance as of December 31, 2021 $ 905,494 $ 2,007,890 $ — $ 2,913,384 Gross balance as of December 31, 2021 $ 1,122,408 $ 2,028,890 $ — $ 3,151,298 Accumulated impairment losses (216,914) (21,000) — (237,914) Net balance as of December 31, 2021 905,494 2,007,890 — 2,913,384 Nuvyyo acquisition — — 7,190 7,190 Balance as of December 31, 2022 $ 905,494 $ 2,007,890 $ 7,190 $ 2,920,574 Gross balance as of December 31, 2022 $ 1,122,408 $ 2,028,890 $ 7,190 $ 3,158,488 Accumulated impairment losses (216,914) (21,000) — (237,914) Net balance as of December 31, 2022 905,494 2,007,890 7,190 2,920,574 Impairment charge — (952,000) — (952,000) Balance as of December 31, 2023 $ 905,494 $ 1,055,890 $ 7,190 $ 1,968,574 Gross balance as of December 31, 2023 $ 1,122,408 $ 2,028,890 $ 7,190 $ 3,158,488 Accumulated impairment losses (216,914) (973,000) — (1,189,914) Net balance as of December 31, 2023 $ 905,494 $ 1,055,890 $ 7,190 $ 1,968,574 Other intangible assets consisted of the following: As of December 31, (in thousands) 2023 2022 Amortizable intangible assets: Carrying amount: Television network affiliation relationships $ 1,060,244 $ 1,060,244 Customer lists and advertiser relationships 220,997 220,997 Other 136,452 136,100 Total carrying amount 1,417,693 1,417,341 Accumulated amortization: Television network affiliation relationships (276,163) (222,092) Customer lists and advertiser relationships (132,161) (106,654) Other (61,606) (47,156) Total accumulated amortization (469,930) (375,902) Net amortizable intangible assets 947,763 1,041,439 Indefinite-lived intangible assets — FCC licenses 779,415 779,815 Total other intangible assets $ 1,727,178 $ 1,821,254 Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for each of the next five years is $92.8 million in 2024, $89.7 million in 2025, $86.1 million in 2026, $83.2 million in 2027, $62.0 million in 2028 and $534.0 million in later years. Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment annually and any time events occur or changes in circumstances indicate it is more likely than not the fair value of a reporting unit, or respective indefinite-lived intangible asset, is below its carrying value. Such events or changes in circumstances include, but are not limited to, changes in business climate, significant declines in the price of our stock, or other factors resulting in lower cash flow related to such assets. If the carrying amount exceeds its fair value, then an impairment loss is recognized. The quantitative analysis to measure the extent of any goodwill impairment compares the estimated fair values of our reporting units to their respective carrying values. We determine the fair value of each reporting unit using the discounted cash flow method of the income approach, the general public company method of the market approach and the guideline transactions method of the market approach. Particularly for the discounted cash flow analysis, significant judgment is required to estimate the future cash flows derived from the business and the period of time over which those cash flows will occur, as well as to determine an appropriate discount rate. The determination of the discount rate is based on a cost of capital model, using a risk-free rate, adjusted by a stock-beta adjusted risk premium and a size premium. These reporting unit valuations are dependent on a number of significant estimates and assumptions, including macroeconomic conditions, market growth rates, competitive activities, cost containment, margin expansion and strategic business plans (inputs of which are categorized as Level 3 under the fair value hierarchy). Additionally, future changes in these assumptions and estimates with respect to long-term growth rates and discount rates or future cash flow projections, could result in significantly different estimates of the fair values. The Scripps Networks business continued to experience softness within the national advertising marketplace into 2023, as macroeconomic challenges continued to impact advertising budgets. A longer than anticipated television advertising recession and the impact of declining linear television viewership trends negatively impacted expected future growth rates, profitability and the cash flows derived from the business as well as the expected period of time over which those cash flows will occur. These factors, coupled with decreases in our market capitalization over the first two quarters of 2023, provided an indication that the fair value of our Scripps Networks reporting unit may be below its carrying value at June 30, 2023. Following completion of our second quarter 2023 testing, we concluded that the fair value of our Scripps Networks reporting unit did not exceed its carrying value and we recognized a $686 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge. Our annual goodwill impairment test coincides with our annual planning cycle and takes place in the fourth quarter of each year. During the planning cycle, we noted trends indicating a slower than previously anticipated recovery in the television advertising marketplace. The corresponding negative impact to the Scripps Networks business' anticipated operating profits resulted in an additional non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $266 million for 2023. Given that the fair value of the Scripps Networks reporting unit currently approximates carrying value, this reporting unit is more sensitive to changes in assumptions regarding its fair value. While we believe the estimates and judgments used in determining the fair values were appropriate, these estimates of fair value assume certain levels of growth for the business, which, if not achieved, could impact the fair value and possibly result in an impairment of the goodwill in future periods.

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	Long-Term Debt Long-term debt consisted of the following: As of December 31, (in thousands) 2023 2022 Revolving credit facility $ 330,000 $ — Senior secured notes, due in 2029 523,356 523,356 Senior unsecured notes, due in 2027 425,667 425,667 Senior unsecured notes, due in 2031 392,071 392,071 Term loan, due in 2024 — 284,250 Term loan, due in 2026 728,825 736,437 Term loan, due in 2028 551,000 559,000 Total outstanding principal 2,950,919 2,920,781 Less: Debt issuance costs and issuance discounts (38,483) (48,376) Less: Current portion (15,612) (18,612) Net carrying value of long-term debt 2,896,824 2,853,793 Fair value of long-term debt * $ 2,732,318 $ 2,677,845 * The fair values of debt are estimated based on either quoted private market transactions or observable estimates provided by third party financial professionals, and as such, are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Scripps Senior Secured Credit Agreement On July 31, 2023, we entered into the Eighth Amendment to the Third Amended Restated Credit Agreement ("Eighth Amendment"). The Eighth Amendment increased the borrowing capacity of our Revolving Credit Facility from $400 million to $585 million and matures on January 7, 2026. 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. Interest is payable on the Revolving Credit Facility at rates based on the secured overnight financing rate ("SOFR"), plus a margin based on our leverage ratio, ranging from 1.75% to 2.75%. As of December 31, 2023, we had $330 million outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility with an interest rate of 8.22%. The weighted-average interest rate over the period during which we had a drawn revolver balance in 2023 was 8.20%. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had outstanding letters of credit totaling $6.7 million and $7.1 million, respectively, under the Revolving Credit Facility. On October 2, 2017, we issued a $300 million term loan B which was due to mature in October 2024 ("2024 term loan"). On July 31, 2023, we borrowed $283 million on the Revolving Credit Facility to pay off the remaining principal balance of the 2024 term loan. As of December 31, 2022, the interest rate on the 2024 term loan was 6.38%. The weighted-average interest rate was 7.22% for the period the loan was outstanding during 2023 and 5.67% in 2022. On May 1, 2019, we issued a $765 million term loan B ("2026 term loan") that matures in May 2026. Interest is currently payable on the 2026 term loan at a rate based on SOFR, plus a fixed margin of 2.56%. The 2026 term loan requires annual principal payments of $7.6 million. Deferred financing costs and an original issuance discount totaled approximately $23.0 million with this term loan, which are being amortized over the life of the loan. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the interest rate on the 2026 term loan was 8.03% and 6.95%, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on the 2026 term loan was 8.01% and 6.23% in 2023 and 2022, respectively. On January 7, 2021, we issued an $800 million term loan B ("2028 term loan") that matures in January 2028. Interest is currently payable on the 2028 term loan at a rate based on SOFR, plus a fixed margin of 3.00%. Additionally, the credit agreement states the SOFR rate could not be less than 0.75% for our term loans that mature in 2026 and 2028. The 2028 term loan requires annual principal payments of $8.0 million. We incurred deferred financing costs totaling $23.4 million related to this term loan and a previous amendment to the Revolving Credit Facility, which are being amortized over the life of the term loan. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the interest rate on the 2028 term loan was 8.47% and 7.13%, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on the 2028 term loan was 8.44% and 6.42% in 2023 and 2022, respectively. The Senior Secured Credit Agreement contains covenants that limit our ability to incur additional debt and provides for restrictions on certain payments (dividends and share repurchases). Additionally, we must be in compliance with certain leverage ratios in order to proceed with acquisitions. Our credit agreement also includes a provision that in certain circumstances we must use a portion of excess cash flow to repay debt. 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. The Eighth Amendment contains a covenant to comply with a maximum first lien net leverage ratio when we have outstanding borrowings on the Revolving Credit Facility. Through December 31, 2024, we must comply with the maximum first lien net leverage ratio of 5.0 to 1.0, at which point it steps down to 4.75 times through September 30, 2025, and then steps down to 4.50 times thereafter. As of December 31, 2023, we were in compliance with our financial covenants. 2029 Senior Secured Notes On December 30, 2020, we issued $550 million of senior secured notes (the "2029 Senior Notes"), which bear interest at a rate of 3.875% per annum and mature on January 15, 2029. The 2029 Senior Notes were priced at 100% of par value and interest is payable semi-annually on January 15 and July 15. Prior to January 15, 2026, we may redeem the notes, in whole or in part, at applicable redemption prices noted in the indenture agreement. If we sell certain of our assets or have a change of control, the holders of the 2029 Senior Notes may require us to repurchase some or all of the notes. Our credit agreement also includes a provision that in certain circumstances we must use a portion of excess cash flow to repay debt. The 2029 Senior Notes are guaranteed by us and the majority of our subsidiaries and are secured on equal footing with the obligations under the Senior Secured Credit Agreement. The notes are secured, on a first lien basis, from pledges of equity interests in our subsidiaries and by substantially all of the existing and future assets of Scripps. The 2029 Senior Notes contain covenants with which we must comply that are typical for borrowing transactions of this nature. We incurred approximately $13.8 million of deferred financing costs in connection with the issuance of the 2029 Senior Notes, which are being amortized over the life of the notes. 2027 Senior Unsecured Notes On July 26, 2019, we issued $500 million of senior unsecured notes, which bear interest at a rate of 5.875% per annum and mature on July 15, 2027 ("the 2027 Senior Notes"). The 2027 Senior Notes were priced at 100% of par value and interest is payable semi-annually on July 15 and January 15. We may redeem the notes before July 15, 2025, in whole or in part, at applicable redemption prices noted in the indenture agreement. If we sell certain of our assets or have a change of control, the holders of the 2027 Senior Notes may require us to repurchase some or all of the notes. The 2027 Senior Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by certain of our existing and future domestic restricted subsidiaries. The 2027 Senior Notes contain covenants with which we must comply that are typical for borrowing transactions of this nature. There are no registration rights associated with the 2027 Senior Notes. We incurred approximately $10.7 million of deferred financing costs in connection with the issuance of the 2027 Senior Notes, which are being amortized over the life of the notes. 2031 Senior Unsecured Notes On December 30, 2020, we issued $500 million of senior unsecured notes (the "2031 Senior Notes"), which bear interest at a rate of 5.375% per annum and mature on January 15, 2031. The 2031 Senior Notes were priced at 100% of par value and interest is payable semi-annually on January 15 and July 15. Prior to January 15, 2024 we may redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2031 Senior Notes at a redemption price of 105.375% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption. We may also redeem some or all of the 2031 Senior Notes before January 15, 2026 at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date plus a "make whole" premium. On or after January 15, 2026 and before January 15, 2029, we may redeem the notes, in whole or in part, at applicable redemption prices noted in the indenture agreement. If we sell certain of our assets or have a change of control, the holders of the 2031 Senior Notes may require us to repurchase some or all of the notes. The 2031 Senior Notes are also guaranteed by us and the majority of our subsidiaries. The 2031 Senior Notes contain covenants with which we must comply that are typical for borrowing transactions of this nature. We incurred approximately $12.5 million of deferred financing costs in connection with the issuance of the 2031 Senior Notes, which are being amortized over the life of the notes. Debt Repurchase Authorization In February 2023, our Board of Directors provided a new debt repurchase authorization, pursuant to which we may reduce, through redemptions or open market purchases and retirement, a combination of the outstanding principal balance of our senior secured and senior unsecured notes. The authorization permits an aggregate principal amount reduction of up to $500 million and expires on March 1, 2026. Our previous debt repurchase authorization expired on March 1, 2023. Debt Repurchase Transactions On July 31, 2023, we paid off the remaining $283 million principal balance of the 2024 term loan and wrote-off $0.4 million of deferred financing costs related to this term loan to interest expense. During the first quarter of 2022, we redeemed $42.2 million of our 2027 Senior Notes at a weighted-average redemption price equal to 100.61% of the aggregate principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, $26.6 million of our 2029 Senior Notes at a weighted-average redemption price equal to 93.59% of the aggregate principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest and $54.5 million of our 2031 Senior Notes at a weighted-average redemption price equal to 95.73% of the aggregate principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. The redemptions resulted in a gain on extinguishment of debt of $1.2 million, as the notes were redeemed for total consideration below par value of the notes. During the fourth quarter of 2022, we redeemed $16.8 million of our 2027 Senior Notes at a weighted-average redemption price equal to 90.63% of the aggregate principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest and $31.4 million of our 2031 Senior Notes at a weighted-average redemption price equal to 78.71% of the aggregate principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. The redemptions resulted in a gain on extinguishment of debt of $7.4 million, for a total gain on extinguishment of debt of $8.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. During 2022, we made additional principal payments on the 2028 term loan totaling $100 million and wrote-off $1.1 million of deferred financing costs related to this term loan to interest expense.

Fair Value Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurement	Fair Value Measurement We measure certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis, such as cash equivalents. The fair values of these financial assets were determined based on three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable, that may be used to measure fair value. These levels of input are as follows: • Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. • Level 2 — Inputs, other than quoted market prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly. • Level 3 — Unobservable inputs based on our own assumptions. The following tables set forth our assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2023 and 2022: December 31, 2023 (in thousands) Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Cash equivalents $ 26,213 $ 26,213 $ — $ — December 31, 2022 (in thousands) Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Cash equivalents $ 27 $ 27 $ — $ — The carrying amounts of cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of those items.

Other Liabilities

Other Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities	Other Liabilities Other liabilities consisted of the following: As of December 31, (in thousands) 2023 2022 Employee compensation and benefits $ 29,249 $ 25,916 Deferred FCC repack income 41,863 46,205 Programming liability 274,564 263,093 Liability for pension benefits 73,651 78,279 Liabilities for uncertain tax positions 16,334 14,144 Finance leases 30,146 28,063 Other 18,374 28,359 Other liabilities (less current portion) $ 484,181 $ 484,059

Supplemental Cash Flow Informat

Supplemental Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
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: For the years ended December 31, (in thousands) 2023 2022 2021 Accounts receivable $ (10,443) $ (26,875) $ (31,624) Other current assets (4,630) 5,653 12,488 Accounts payable (3,536) 7,313 18,534 Accrued employee compensation and benefits 15,726 (24,080) 4,073 Accrued interest 943 (3,886) 18,459 Other accrued liabilities (13,509) 4,991 2,336 Unearned revenue (6,002) (3,115) (7,080) Other, net 5,176 4,199 (21,407) Total $ (16,275) $ (35,800) $ (4,221) The following table reconciles cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash in the Consolidated Balance Sheets to cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash per the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. As of December 31, (in thousands) 2023 2022 2021 Cash and cash equivalents $ 35,319 $ 18,027 $ 66,223 Restricted cash — — 34,257 Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of year $ 35,319 $ 18,027 $ 100,480 The December 31, 2021 restricted cash balance reflected cash held in escrow from the KMGH Denver television station building sale, which was received in January 2022.

Employee Benefit Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	Employee Benefit Plans We sponsor a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan and non-qualified Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans ("SERPs"). Both the defined benefit plan and the SERPs have frozen the accrual of future benefits. We sponsor a defined contribution plan covering substantially all non-union and certain union employees. We match a portion of employees' voluntary contributions to this plan. Other union-represented employees are covered by defined benefit pension plans jointly sponsored by us and the union, or by union-sponsored multi-employer plans. We use a December 31 measurement date for our retirement plans. Retirement plans expense is based on valuations as of the beginning of each year. The components of the expense consisted of the following: For the years ended December 31, (in thousands) 2023 2022 2021 Interest cost $ 23,579 $ 17,332 $ 16,465 Expected return on plan assets, net of expenses (25,221) (24,900) (23,235) Amortization of actuarial loss and prior service cost 18 4,034 6,210 Total for defined benefit plans (1,624) (3,534) (560) SERPs 974 921 903 Defined contribution plan 15,998 15,257 14,394 Net periodic benefit cost $ 15,348 $ 12,644 $ 14,737 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows: For the years ended December 31, (in thousands) 2023 2022 2021 Actuarial gain/(loss) $ 3,091 $ (12,703) $ 27,318 Amortization of actuarial loss and prior service cost 18 4,034 6,210 Total $ 3,109 $ (8,669) $ 33,528 In addition to the amounts summarized above, amortization of actuarial losses related to our SERPs recognized through other comprehensive income was $0.1 million in 2023 and $0.3 million in 2022 and 2021. We recognized an actuarial loss for our SERPs of $0.5 million in 2023 and actuarial gains of $3.6 million and $0.3 million in 2022 and 2021, respectively. Assumptions used in determining the annual retirement plans expense were as follows: 2023 2022 2021 Discount rate 5.47 % 2.95 % 2.64 % Long-term rate of return on plan assets 5.50 % 5.50 % 5.50 % The discount rate used to determine our future pension obligations is based on a dedicated bond portfolio approach that includes securities rated Aa or better with maturities matching our expected benefit payments from the plans. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is based upon the weighted-average expected rate of return and capital market forecasts for each asset class employed. Changes in other key actuarial assumptions affect the determination of the benefit obligations as of the measurement date and the calculation of net periodic benefit costs in subsequent periods. Obligations and Funded Status — The defined benefit pension plan obligations and funded status are actuarially valued as of the end of each year. The following table presents information about our employee benefit plan assets and obligations: Defined Benefit Plan SERPs For the years ended December 31, (in thousands) 2023 2022 2023 2022 Change in projected benefit obligation: Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 450,022 $ 603,309 $ 13,393 $ 18,023 Interest cost 23,579 17,332 708 509 Benefits paid (33,750) (33,521) (1,161) (1,541) Actuarial (gains)/losses 9,142 (137,098) 497 (3,598) Projected benefit obligation at end of year 448,993 450,022 13,437 13,393 Plan assets: Fair value at beginning of year 383,725 517,148 — — Actual return on plan assets 37,454 (124,901) — — Company contributions — 24,999 1,161 1,541 Benefits paid (33,750) (33,521) (1,161) (1,541) Fair value at end of year 387,429 383,725 — — Funded status $ (61,564) $ (66,297) $ (13,437) $ (13,393) Amounts recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets: Current liabilities $ — $ — $ (1,350) $ (1,411) Noncurrent liabilities (61,564) (66,297) (12,087) (11,982) Total $ (61,564) $ (66,297) $ (13,437) $ (13,393) Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss consist of: Net actuarial loss $ 95,793 $ 98,884 $ 3,838 $ 3,467 Prior service cost 334 352 — — During 2023, a net actuarial loss increased our benefit obligation primarily due to a year-over-year decrease in the discount rate assumption. During 2022, a net actuarial gain decreased our benefit obligation primarily due to a year-over-year increase in the discount rate assumption. The recognized actuarial gains/losses are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and are reflected in the table above. Information for plans with an accumulated benefit obligation and projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets was as follows: Defined Benefit Plan SERPs As of December 31, (in thousands) 2023 2022 2023 2022 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 448,993 $ 450,022 $ 13,437 $ 13,393 Projected benefit obligation 448,993 450,022 13,437 13,393 Fair value of plan assets 387,429 383,725 — — Assumptions used to determine the defined benefit pension plan benefit obligation were as follows: 2023 2022 2021 Weighted average discount rate 5.18 % 5.47 % 2.95 % In 2024, we expect to contribute $1.4 million to fund our SERPs. We have met regulatory funding requirements for our qualified defined benefit pension plan and do not have a mandatory contribution in 2024. Estimated future benefit payments expected to be paid from the plans for the next ten years are $34.1 million in 2024, $34.4 million in 2025, $34.6 million in 2026, $34.8 million in 2027, $35.1 million in 2028 and a total of $173.1 million for the five years ending 2033. Plan Assets and Investment Strategy Our long-term investment strategy for pension assets is to earn a rate of return over time that minimizes future contributions to the plan while reducing the volatility of pension assets relative to pension liabilities. The strategy reflects the fact that we have frozen the accrual of service credits under our plans which cover the majority of employees. We evaluate our asset allocation target ranges for equity, fixed income and other investments annually. We monitor actual asset allocations quarterly and adjust as necessary. We control risk through diversification among multiple asset classes, managers and styles. Risk is further monitored at the manager and asset class level by evaluating performance against appropriate benchmarks. Information related to our pension plan asset allocations by asset category were as follows: Target Percentage of plan assets 2024 2023 2022 US equity securities 13 % 13 % 13 % Non-US equity securities 27 % 31 % 31 % Fixed-income securities 55 % 55 % 55 % Other 5 % 1 % 1 % Total 100 % 100 % 100 % U.S. equity securities include common stocks of large, medium and small capitalization companies, which are predominantly U.S. based. Non-U.S. equity securities include companies domiciled outside of the U.S. and American depository receipts. Fixed-income securities include securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, mortgage backed securities and corporate debt obligations. Other investments include real estate funds and cash equivalents. Under our asset allocation strategy, approximately 55% of plan assets are invested in a portfolio of fixed income securities with a duration approximately that of the projected payment of benefit obligations. The remaining 45% of plan assets are invested in equity securities and other return-seeking assets. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is based primarily upon the target asset allocation for plan assets and capital markets forecasts for each asset class employed. The following table presents our plan assets as of December 31, 2023 and 2022: As of December 31, (in thousands) 2023 2022 Equity securities Common/collective trust funds $ 172,635 $ 170,867 Fixed income Common/collective trust funds 212,012 210,226 Cash equivalents 2,782 2,632 Fair value of plan assets $ 387,429 $ 383,725 Our investments are valued using net asset value as a practical expedient as allowed under U.S. GAAP and therefore are not valued using the fair value hierarchy.

Segment Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information We determine our business segments based upon our management and internal reporting structure, as well as the basis that our chief operating decision maker makes resource allocation decisions. Our Local Media segment includes more than 60 local television stations and their related digital operations. It is comprised of 18 ABC affiliates, 11 NBC affiliates, nine CBS affiliates and four FOX affiliates. We also have seven CW affiliates - four on full power stations and three on multicast; seven independent stations and 10 additional low power stations. 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, telecommunication companies, satellite carriers and over-the-top virtual MVPDs. Our Scripps Networks segment includes national news outlets Scripps News and Court TV as well as popular entertainment brands ION, Bounce, Defy TV, Grit, ION Mystery and Laff. The Scripps Networks reach nearly every U.S. television home through free over-the-air broadcast, cable/satellite, connected TV and digital distribution. These operations earn revenue primarily through the sale of advertising. Our respective business segment results reflect the impact of intercompany carriage agreements between our local broadcast television stations and our national networks. We also allocate a portion of certain corporate costs and expenses, including accounting, human resources, employee benefit and information technology to our business segments. These intercompany agreements and allocations are generally amounts agreed upon by management, which may differ from an arms-length amount. The other segment caption aggregates our operating segments that are too small to report separately. Costs for centrally provided services and certain corporate costs that are not allocated to the business segments are included in shared services and corporate costs. These unallocated corporate costs would also include the costs associated with being a public company. Corporate assets are primarily cash and cash equivalents, 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 amounts, 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: For the years ended December 31, (in thousands) 2023 2022 2021 Segment operating revenues: Local Media $ 1,398,230 $ 1,494,357 $ 1,319,468 Scripps Networks 893,234 961,242 951,883 Other 19,397 14,628 26,924 Intersegment eliminations (17,949) (17,012) (14,743) Total operating revenues $ 2,292,912 $ 2,453,215 $ 2,283,532 Segment profit (loss): Local Media $ 287,439 $ 386,369 $ 268,140 Scripps Networks 225,785 310,336 389,278 Other (26,451) (18,140) 359 Shared services and corporate (91,954) (82,280) (75,576) Acquisition and related integration costs — (1,642) (40,373) Restructuring costs (38,612) — (9,436) Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets (155,105) (160,433) (161,922) Impairment of goodwill (952,000) — — Gains (losses), net on disposal of property and equipment (2,344) (5,866) 30,275 Interest expense (213,512) (161,130) (165,164) Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt — 8,589 (15,347) Defined benefit pension plan income (expense) 650 2,613 (343) Gain on sale of Triton business — — 81,784 Losses on stock warrant — — (99,118) Miscellaneous, net (1,407) (1,953) (15,469) Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes $ (967,511) $ 276,463 $ 187,088 Depreciation: Local Media $ 39,642 $ 40,479 $ 39,368 Scripps Networks 19,600 19,360 17,109 Other 184 189 382 Shared services and corporate 1,299 1,915 1,498 Total depreciation $ 60,725 $ 61,943 $ 58,357 Amortization of intangible assets: Local Media $ 36,322 $ 35,461 $ 40,315 Scripps Networks 52,036 56,836 58,599 Other 1,795 1,870 2,147 Shared services and corporate 4,227 4,323 2,504 Total amortization of intangible assets $ 94,380 $ 98,490 $ 103,565 A disaggregation of the principal activities from which we generate revenue is as follows: For the years ended December 31, (in thousands) 2023 2022 2021 Operating revenues: Core advertising $ 1,444,539 $ 1,549,277 $ 1,592,121 Political 33,460 208,112 22,693 Distribution 779,217 660,317 620,454 Other 35,696 35,509 48,264 Total operating revenues $ 2,292,912 $ 2,453,215 $ 2,283,532 The following table presents additions to property and equipment by segment: For the years ended December 31, (in thousands) 2023 2022 2021 Additions to property and equipment: Local Media $ 55,244 $ 58,350 $ 35,963 Scripps Networks 5,654 13,444 23,871 Other 75 54 430 Shared services and corporate 1,530 374 2,114 Total additions to property and equipment $ 62,503 $ 72,222 $ 62,378 Total assets by segment for the years ended December 31 were as follows: As of December 31, (in thousands) 2023 2022 Assets: Local Media $ 2,393,660 $ 2,391,703 Scripps Networks 2,878,936 3,915,374 Other 58,460 52,571 Shared services and corporate 79,064 71,357 Total assets $ 5,410,120 $ 6,431,005

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies In the ordinary course of business, we enter into contractual commitments for network affiliation agreements, the acquisition of programming and for other purchase and service agreements. Minimum payments on such contractual commitments at December 31, 2023 were: $942.9 million in 2024, $686.7 million in 2025, $417.1 million in 2026, $133.6 million in 2027, $71.6 million in 2028 and $33.9 million in later years. We expect these contracts will be replaced with similar contracts upon their expiration. We are involved in litigation arising in the ordinary course of business, such as defamation actions and governmental proceedings primarily relating to renewal of broadcast licenses, none of which is expected to result in material loss.

Capital Stock and Share-Based C

Capital Stock and Share-Based Compensation Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Equity [Abstract]
Capital Stock and Share-Based Compensation Plans	Capital Stock and Share-Based Compensation Plans 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. On January 7, 2021, we issued 6,000 shares of Series A preferred stock, having a face value of $100,000 per share. The preferred shares are perpetual and will be redeemable at the option of the Company beginning on the fifth anniversary of issuance, and redeemable at the option of the holders in the event of a Change of Control (as defined in the terms of the preferred shares), in each case at a redemption price of 105% of the face value, plus accrued and unpaid dividends (whether or not declared). As long as we pay quarterly dividends in cash on the preferred shares, the dividend rate will be 8% per annum. Preferred stock dividends were $48.0 million in 2023 and 2022. As of June 30, 2023, we had transitioned into an accumulated deficit position. As a result, dividends declared after June 30, 2023 have been recognized as a reduction to additional paid-in-capital. If dividends on the preferred shares, which compound quarterly, are not paid in full in cash, the rate will increase to 9% per annum for the remaining period of time that the preferred shares are outstanding. In February 2024, we notified the preferred shares holder of our intent to not declare the first quarter 2024 dividend. We currently have sufficient liquidity to pay the scheduled dividends on the preferred shares; however, this action provides us better flexibility for accelerating deleveraging and maximizing the paydown of our traditional bank debt. Class A Common Shares Stock Warrant — In connection with the issuance of the preferred shares, Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. ("Berkshire Hathaway") also received a warrant to purchase up to 23.1 million Class A shares, at an exercise price of $13 per share. The warrant is exercisable at the holder’s option at any time or from time to time, in whole or in part, until the first anniversary of the date on which no preferred shares remain outstanding. Since the holder had the option to settle the warrant through cash payment of the exercise price and/or through surrendering portions of their preferred shares for the stated par value, a liability was recognized for the fair value of the warrant. The valuation model, classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, included inputs for the estimated term of the warrant, the historical volatility rate of Scripps common stock and the exercise price for the warrant. At time of issuance, the fair value of the warrant totaled $181 million and was being remeasured each reporting period with the changes in fair value of the warrant captured in the gains/losses on stock warrant caption in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. On May 14, 2021, the warrant agreement was amended to only permit settlement of the warrant through cash payment of the exercise price. Following the warrant amendment, the warrant was no longer accounted for as a liability award where mark-to-market changes in the fair value of the warrant were captured as gains or losses in our operating results. The fair value of the warrant was remeasured on May 14, 2021 at $280 million. The increase in our stock price during 2021 was the primary contributor to the increase in the fair value of the warrant. The value of the liability on the amendment date was reclassified to equity within the caption Additional Paid-in Capital. Share Repurchase Plan — Shares may be repurchased from time to time at management's discretion. 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. In February 2020, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to $100 million of our Class A Common shares through March 1, 2022. Under the terms of the preferred shares, we are prohibited from paying dividends on and repurchasing our common shares until all preferred shares are redeemed. No shares were repurchased during 2023, 2022 or 2021. Incentive Plans — The Company has a long-term incentive plan (the “Plan”) that permits the granting of incentive and nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units ("RSUs"), restricted and unrestricted Class A Common shares and performance units to key employees and non-employee directors. We satisfy stock option exercises and vested stock awards with newly issued shares. We have not issued any new stock options since 2008. As of December 31, 2023, approximately 7.5 million shares were available for future stock compensation awards. Restricted Stock Units — Awards of RSUs generally require no payment by the employee. RSUs are converted into an equal number of Class A Common shares when vested. These awards generally vest over a three Long-term incentive compensation includes performance share awards. Performance share awards represent the right to receive an award of RSUs if certain performance measures are met. Each award specifies a target number of shares to be issued and the specific performance criteria that must be met. The number of shares that an employee receives may be less or more than the target number of shares depending on the extent to which the specified performance measures are met or exceeded. The following table summarizes our RSU activity: Fair Value Number Weighted Range of Unvested at December 31, 2020 2,191,659 $ 12.22 $ 7-23 Awarded 1,375,565 22.63 14-23 Vested (1,060,685) 20.32 15-24 Forfeited (121,043) 16.19 9-23 Unvested at December 31, 2021 2,385,496 17.25 9-23 Awarded 1,867,083 19.19 14-22 Vested (1,147,220) 21.20 11-22 Forfeited (57,074) 20.07 9-23 Unvested at December 31, 2022 3,048,285 18.57 9-23 Awarded 1,938,617 8.46 7-8 Vested (1,224,417) 11.61 5-15 Forfeited (46,570) 15.26 8-23 Unvested at December 31, 2023 3,715,915 13.11 7-23 The following table summarizes additional information about RSU vesting: For the years ended December 31, (in thousands) 2023 2022 2021 Fair value of RSUs vested $ 14,171 $ 24,321 $ 21,548 Tax benefits realized on vesting 3,409 5,902 5,101 Share-based Compensation Costs Share-based compensation costs were as follows: For the years ended December 31, (in thousands) 2023 2022 2021 Total share-based compensation $ 20,490 $ 21,596 $ 22,334 Share-based compensation, net of tax 15,560 16,355 17,047 As of December 31, 2023, $24.7 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to RSUs and performance shares is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.9 years.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Changes in the accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI") balance by component consisted of the following for the respective years: (in thousands) Defined Benefit Pension Items Other Total As of December 31, 2021 $ (73,713) $ (196) $ (73,909) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax of $(2,209) and $17 (6,895) 52 (6,843) Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax of $1,051 3,281 — 3,281 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) (3,614) 52 (3,562) As of December 31, 2022 (77,327) (144) (77,471) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax of $624 and $(38) 1,972 (119) 1,853 Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax of $34 108 — 108 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 2,080 (119) 1,961 As of December 31, 2023 $ (75,247) $ (263) $ (75,510) Amounts reclassified to net earnings for defined benefit pension items relate to the amortization of actuarial gains (losses) and settlement charges. These amounts are included within the defined benefit pension plan expense caption on our Consolidated Statements of Operations. See Note 14. Employee Benefit Plans for additional information.

Assets Held for Sale and Discon

Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations	Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations Stitcher On October 16, 2020, we closed on the sale of our Stitcher podcasting business. Stitcher is classified as discontinued operations in our Consolidated Financial Statements. Operating results of our discontinued Stitcher business were as follows: (in thousands) For the year ended December 31, 2021 Operating revenues $ — Total costs and expenses (600) Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets — Other, net — Loss from operations (600) Pretax gain on disposal 9,572 Gain from discontinued operations before income taxes 8,972 Provision for income taxes (2,159) Income from discontinued operations, net of tax $ 6,813 During 2021, the estimate for the contingent earnout consideration was increased by $9.1 million. In the third quarter of 2021, we received payment of $19.1 million for the 2020 earnout period. No value was assigned to the 2021 contingent earnout consideration. Triton Digital During the first quarter of 2021, our Board of Directors approved the sale of our Triton Digital business. On February 16, 2021, we signed a definitive agreement to sell the business and the transaction closed on March 31, 2021. The sale generated total net proceeds of $225 million and we recognized a pre-tax gain from disposition totaling $81.8 million.

Insider Trading Arrangements

Insider Trading Arrangements	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2023
Trading Arrangements, by Individual
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted		false
Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted		false
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated	false
Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated	false

Summary of Significant Accoun_2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Concentration Risks	Concentration Risks — Our operations are geographically dispersed and we have a diverse customer base. We believe bad debt losses resulting from default by a single customer, or defaults by customers in any depressed region or business sector, would not have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. We derive approximately 64% of our operating revenues from advertising. Changes in the demand for such services, both nationally and in individual markets, can affect operating results.
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 plan; 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.
Consolidation	Consolidation — The Consolidated Financial Statements include our accounts and those of our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries and variable interest entities ("VIEs") for which we are the primary beneficiary. We are the primary beneficiary of a VIE when we have the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive returns that would be significant to the VIE. All intercompany transactions and account balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Investments in entities over which we have significant influence but not control are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Income from equity method investments represents our proportionate share of net income generated by equity method investees.
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 businesses. The advertising includes a combination of broadcast spots as well as digital and connected TV 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. Local advertising time is sold by each station's local sales staff who call upon advertising agencies and local businesses. National advertising time is generally sold by calling upon advertising agencies. 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, U.S. Senate and House of Representative candidates, as well as for state and local issues. It is also sold to political action groups (PACs) and other advocacy groups. Distribution Revenues — We earn revenues from cable operators, satellite carriers, other multi-channel video programming distributors (collectively "MVPDs"), other online video distributors and subscribers for access rights to our local broadcast signals. These arrangements are generally governed by multi-year contracts and the fees we receive are typically based on the number of subscribers the respective distributor has in our markets and the contracted rate per subscriber.
Revenue Recognition and Contract Balances	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 — 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. Distribution — Our primary source of distribution revenue is from retransmission consent contracts with MVPDs. 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. Cost of Revenues — Cost of revenues reflects the cost of providing our broadcast signals, programming and other content to respective distribution platforms. The costs captured within the cost of revenues caption include programming, content distribution, satellite transmission fees, production and operations and other direct costs. Contract Balances — Timing of revenue recognition may differ from the timing of cash collection from customers. We record a receivable when revenue is recognized prior to cash receipt, or unearned revenue when cash is collected in advance of revenue being recognized. We extend credit to customers based upon our assessment of the customer’s financial condition. Collateral is generally not required from customers. 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. We record unearned revenue when cash payments are received in advance of our performance. We generally require advance payment for advertising contracts with political advertising customers. Unearned revenue totaled $12.2 million at December 31, 2023 and substantially all is expected to be recognized within revenue over the next 12 months. Unearned revenue totaled $18.2 million at December 31, 2022. We recorded $13.4 million of revenue in 2023 that was included in unearned revenue at December 31, 2022. 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.
Cash Equivalents	Cash Equivalents —
Investments	Investments — From time to time, we make investments in private companies. Investment securities can be impacted by various market risks, including interest rate risk, credit risk and overall market volatility. Due to the level of risk associated with certain investment securities, it is reasonably possible that changes in the values of investment securities will occur in the near term. Such changes could materially affect the amounts reported in our financial statements. We record investments in private companies not accounted for under the equity method at cost, net of impairment write-downs, because no readily determinable market price is available. We regularly review our investments to determine if there has been any other-than-temporary decline in value. These reviews require management judgments that often include estimating the outcome of future events and determining whether factors exist that indicate impairment has occurred. We evaluate, among other factors, the extent to which cost exceeds fair value; the duration of the decline in fair value below cost; and the current cash position, earnings and cash forecasts and near-term prospects of the investee. We reduce the cost basis when a decline in fair value below cost is determined to be other than temporary, with the resulting adjustment charged against earnings.
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment — Property and equipment is carried at cost less depreciation. We compute depreciation using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives as follows: Buildings and improvements 15 to 45 years Leasehold improvements Shorter of term of lease or useful life Broadcast transmission towers and related equipment 15 to 35 years Other broadcast and program production equipment 3 to 15 years Computer hardware 3 to 5 years Office and other equipment 3 to 10 years
FCC Repack	FCC Repack — In April 2017, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) began a process of reallocating the broadcast spectrum (“repack”). Specifically, the FCC was requiring certain television stations to change channels and/or modify their transmission facilities. The U.S. Congress passed legislation which provided the FCC with a fund to reimburse all reasonable costs incurred by stations operating under a full power license and a portion of the costs incurred by stations operating under a low power license that are reassigned to new channels.
Leases	Leases — We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets, other current liabilities and operating lease liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Finance leases are included in property and equipment, other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Lease assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Lease assets and liabilities are recognized at the commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As the implicit rate is not readily determinable for most of our leases, we use our incremental borrowing rate when determining the present value of lease payments. The incremental borrowing rate represents an estimate of the interest rate we would incur at lease commencement to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments on a collateralized basis over the term of the lease. Our lease assets also include any payments made at or before commencement and are reduced by any lease incentives. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Goodwill and Other Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets — Goodwill represents the cost of acquisitions in excess of the acquired businesses’ tangible assets and identifiable intangible assets. FCC licenses represent the value assigned to the broadcast licenses of acquired broadcast television stations. Broadcast television stations are subject to the jurisdiction of the FCC, which prohibits the operation of stations except in accordance with an FCC license. FCC licenses stipulate each station’s operating parameters as defined by channels, effective radiated power and antenna height. FCC licenses are granted for a term of up to eight years, and are renewable upon request. We have never had a renewal request denied and all previous renewals have been for the maximum term. We do not amortize goodwill or our FCC licenses, but we review them for impairment at least annually or any time events occur or conditions change that would indicate it is more likely than not the fair value of a reporting unit is below its carrying value. We perform our annual impairment review during the fourth quarter of each year in conjunction with our annual planning cycle. We also assess, at least annually, whether our FCC licenses, classified as indefinite-lived intangible assets, continue to have indefinite lives. We review goodwill for impairment based upon our reporting units, which are defined as operating segments or groupings of businesses one level below the operating segment level. Reporting units with similar economic characteristics are aggregated into a single unit when testing goodwill for impairment. Our reporting units are Local Media, Scripps Networks and Nuvyyo.
Amortizable Intangible Assets	Amortizable Intangible Assets — Television network affiliations represents the value assigned to an acquired broadcast television station’s relationship with a national television network. Television stations affiliated with national television networks typically have greater profit margins than independent television stations, primarily due to audience recognition of the television station as a network affiliate. We amortize these network affiliation relationships on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives of 20 years. We amortize customer lists and other intangible assets in relation to their expected future cash flows over estimated useful lives of up to 20 years.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets —
Self-Insured Risks	Self-Insured Risks — We are self-insured, up to certain limits, for general and automobile liability, employee health, disability and workers’ compensation claims and certain other risks. Estimated liabilities for unpaid claims totaled $10.9 million at December 31, 2023 and $10.4 million at December 31, 2022. We estimate liabilities for unpaid claims using actuarial methodologies and our historical claims experience. While we re-evaluate our assumptions and review our claims experience on an ongoing basis, actual claims paid could vary significantly from estimated claims, which would require adjustments to expense.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes — We recognize deferred income taxes for temporary differences between the tax basis and reported amounts of assets and liabilities that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in future years. We establish a valuation allowance if we believe that it is more likely than not that we will not realize some or all of the deferred tax assets. We record a liability for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions taken or that we expect to take in a tax return. Interest and penalties associated with such tax positions are included in the tax provision. The liability for additional taxes and interest is included in other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Risk Management Contracts	Risk Management Contracts — We do not hold derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes and we do not hold leveraged contracts. From time to time, we may use derivative financial instruments to limit the impact of interest rate fluctuations on our earnings and cash flows.
Share-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation — We have a Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) which is described more fully in Note 17. 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. We recognize compensation cost based on the grant-date fair value of the award. We determine the fair value of awards that grant the employee the underlying shares by the fair value of a Class A Common share on the date of the award. Certain awards of RSUs have performance conditions under which the number of shares granted is determined by the extent to which such performance conditions are met (“Performance Shares”). Compensation costs for such awards are measured by the grant-date fair value of a Class A Common share and the number of shares earned. In periods prior to completion of the performance period, compensation costs are based upon estimates of the number of shares that will be earned. Compensation costs are recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award. The impact of forfeitures is recognized as they occur. The requisite service period is generally the vesting period stated in the award. Grants to retirement-eligible employees are expensed immediately and grants to employees who will become retirement eligible prior to the end of the stated vesting period are expensed over such shorter period because stock compensation grants vest upon the retirement eligibility of the employee.
Earnings Per Share (EPS)	Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) — Unvested awards of share-based payments with non-forfeitable 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.
Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Standards	In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued new guidance that modifies the rules on income tax disclosures. The guidance requires entities to disclose: (1) specific categories in the rate reconciliation, (2) the income or loss from continuing operations before income tax expense or benefit (separated between domestic and foreign) and (3) income tax expense or benefit from continuing operations (separated by federal, state and foreign). The guidance also requires entities to disclose their income tax payments to international, federal, state and local jurisdictions, among other changes. The guidance is effective for our annual periods beginning in 2025, with early adoption permitted. The guidance will be applied on a prospective basis, but retrospective application is permitted. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of adopting this new guidance on our Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures. In November 2023, the FASB issued new guidance which expands annual and interim disclosure requirements for reportable segments, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The guidance is effective for our annual period beginning in fiscal year 2024 and interim periods beginning in the first quarter of 2025. Early adoption is permitted. The guidance will be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. Upon transition, the segment expense categories and amounts disclosed in the prior periods should be based on the significant segment expense categories identified and disclosed in the period of adoption. We are currently evaluating the impact that the updated guidance will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures. In March 2020, the FASB issued new guidance that provides optional expedients and exceptions to certain accounting requirements to facilitate the transition away from the use of the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") and other interbank offered rates. The guidance was effective as of March 12, 2020 and the sunset date of the guidance was deferred to December 31, 2024, subject to meeting certain criteria, that have contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. We evaluate transactions and contract modifications occurring as a result of reference rate reform and determine whether to apply the optional guidance on an ongoing basis.
Programming	Programming — Programming includes the cost of national television network programming, programming produced by us or for us by independent production companies, rights acquired under multi-year sports programming agreements and programs licensed under agreements with independent producers. Our network affiliation agreements require the payment of affiliation fees to the network. Network affiliation fees consist of pre-determined fixed fees in all cases and variable payments based on a share of retransmission revenues above the fixed fees for some of our agreements. The costs of programming produced by us or for us by independent production companies is charged to expense over estimated useful lives based upon expected future cash flows. The realizable value of internal costs incurred for trial footage at Court TV, including employee compensation and benefits, are capitalized and amortized based upon expected future cash flows. All other internal costs to produce daily or live broadcast shows, such as news, sports or daily magazine shows, are expensed as incurred. The costs of programming acquired under multi-year sports rights agreements are capitalized if the rights payments are made before the related economic benefit has been received. We amortize sports programming assets based upon expected cash flows over the term of the rights agreement. Program licenses principally consist of television series and films. Program licenses generally have fixed terms, limit the number of times we can air the programs and require payments over the terms of the licenses. We record licensed program assets and liabilities when the license period has commenced and the programs are available for broadcast. We do not discount program licenses for imputed interest. We amortize program licenses based upon expected cash flows over the term of the license agreement. Progress payments on programs not yet available for broadcast are recorded as deposits within programming assets. Program assets are predominantly monetized as a group on each of our respective national networks, broadcast television stations and digital content offerings. For program assets predominantly monetized within a network or television station group, when an event or change in circumstances indicates a change in the expected usefulness of the content or that the fair value may be less than unamortized costs, fair value of the content is aggregated at the group level by considering expected future revenue generation. Estimates of future revenues consider historical airing patterns and future plans for airing content, including any changes in strategy. An impairment charge is recorded if the fair value of a film group is less than the film group’s carrying value. Programming and development costs for programs we have determined will not be produced, are fully expensed in the period the determination is made. For our program assets available for broadcast, estimated amortization for each of the next five years is $164.3 million in 2024, $113.1 million in 2025, $83.6 million in 2026, $46.8 million in 2027, $13.4 million in 2028 and $11.1 million thereafter. Actual amortization in each of the next five years will exceed the amounts currently recorded as program assets available for broadcast, as we will continue to produce and license additional programs. The unamortized balance of program assets are classified as non-current assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Summary of Significant Accoun_3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of allowance for doubtful accounts	A rollforward of the allowance for doubtful accounts is as follows: (in thousands) January 1, 2021 $ 3,443 Charged to costs and expenses 1,987 Amounts charged off, net (1,174) Balance as of December 31, 2021 4,256 Charged to costs and expenses 1,674 Amounts charged off, net (967) Balance as of December 31, 2022 4,963 Charged to costs and expenses 14,786 Amounts charged off, net (14,708) Balance as of December 31, 2023 $ 5,041
Estimated useful lives of property and equipment	We compute depreciation using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives as follows: Buildings and improvements 15 to 45 years Leasehold improvements Shorter of term of lease or useful life Broadcast transmission towers and related equipment 15 to 35 years Other broadcast and program production equipment 3 to 15 years Computer hardware 3 to 5 years Office and other equipment 3 to 10 years Property and equipment consisted of the following: As of December 31, (in thousands) 2023 2022 Land and improvements $ 65,402 $ 65,559 Buildings and improvements 252,396 245,531 Equipment 622,981 580,001 Computer software 30,395 29,702 Total 971,174 920,793 Accumulated depreciation 515,919 462,193 Net property and equipment $ 455,255 $ 458,600
Components of basic and diluted weighted-average shares	The following table presents information about basic and diluted weighted-average shares outstanding: For the years ended December 31, (in thousands) 2023 2022 2021 Numerator (for basic and diluted earnings per share) Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax $ (947,784) $ 195,902 $ 115,899 Less income allocated to RSUs — (3,662) (1,855) Less preferred stock dividends (50,305) (50,305) (49,372) Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share $ (998,089) $ 141,935 $ 64,672 Denominator Basic weighted-average shares outstanding 84,266 83,220 82,327 Effect of dilutive securities — 4,126 5,652 Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding 84,266 87,346 87,979

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Business Combination and Asset Acquisition [Abstract]
Summary of net cash consideration for the ION transaction	The following table summarizes the net cash consideration for the ION transaction. (in thousands) Total purchase price $ 2,650,000 Plus: Cash acquired 14,493 Plus: Working capital 57,755 Total transaction gross cash consideration 2,722,248 Less: Proceeds from ION stations divested (30,000) Total transaction net cash consideration 2,692,248 Less: Cash acquired (14,493) Total consideration, net of cash acquired $ 2,677,755
Fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed	The following table summarizes the final fair values of the ION assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the closing date. (in thousands) Accounts receivable $ 135,006 Other current assets 25,353 Programming rights 169,027 Property and equipment 122,520 Operating lease right-of-use assets 72,717 Other assets 2,295 Goodwill 1,796,148 Indefinite-lived intangible assets - FCC licenses 424,200 Amortizable intangible assets: INYO affiliation agreement 422,000 Other affiliation relationships 22,000 Advertiser relationships 143,000 Trade names 72,000 Accounts payable (9,674) Unearned revenue (13,043) Accrued expenses (15,814) Current portion of programming liabilities (92,721) Other current liabilities (24,810) Programming liabilities (191,837) Deferred tax liabilities (265,291) Operating lease liabilities (78,438) Other long-term liabilities (36,883) Total consideration, net of cash acquired $ 2,677,755
Pro forma results of operations	Pro forma results of operations, assuming the ION acquisition had taken place at the beginning of 2021, are presented in the following table. The pro forma results do not include Nuvyyo, as the impact of this acquisition is not material to prior year results of operations. The pro forma information includes the historical results of operations of Scripps and ION (excluding the results of the divested stations sold to INYO), as well as adjustments for additional depreciation and amortization of the assets acquired, additional interest expense related to the financing of the transactions and other transactional adjustments. The pro forma results do not include efficiencies, cost reductions or synergies expected to result from the acquisition, or retrospective fair value adjustments to the warrant. 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. For the year ended (in thousands, except per share data) (unaudited) December 31, 2021 Operating revenues $ 2,290,254 Net income attributable to Scripps shareholders 101,146 Net income per share: Basic $ 1.19 Diluted 1.12

Restructuring Costs and Other_2

Restructuring Costs and Other Charges and Credits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and related costs	(in thousands) Severance and Employee Benefits Other Restructuring Charges Total Liability as of December 31, 2022 $ — $ — $ — Net accruals 17,066 21,546 38,612 Payments (9,192) (5,183) (14,375) Non-cash (a) (1,139) (14,933) (16,072) Liability as of December 31, 2023 $ 6,735 $ 1,430 $ 8,165 (a) Represents share-based compensation costs and asset write-downs included in restructuring charges.

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Provision for income taxes	The provision for income taxes from continuing operations consisted of the following: For the years ended December 31, (in thousands) 2023 2022 2021 Current: Federal $ 34,205 $ 56,236 $ 52,145 State and local 8,010 11,411 9,096 Foreign — — (48) Total current income tax provision 42,215 67,647 61,193 Deferred: Federal (53,476) 2,882 6,616 State and local (7,278) 10,770 3,087 Foreign (1,188) (738) 293 Total deferred income tax provision (61,942) 12,914 9,996 Provision (benefit) for income taxes $ (19,727) $ 80,561 $ 71,189
Effective income tax rate reconciliation	The difference between the statutory rate for federal income tax and the effective income tax rate was as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Statutory rate 21.0 % 21.0 % 21.0 % Effect of: State and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefit 0.1 7.0 5.6 Non-deductible goodwill impairment (18.6) — — Non-deductible mark-to-market losses — — 11.5 Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation (0.2) (0.3) (0.9) Non-deductible expenses (0.1) 0.2 0.2 Reserve for uncertain tax positions — 0.7 (0.8) Other (0.2) 0.5 1.5 Effective income tax rate 2.0 % 29.1 % 38.1 %
Schedule of deferred income tax (liabilities) assets	The approximate effect of the temporary differences giving rise to deferred income tax assets (liabilities) were as follows: As of December 31, (in thousands) 2023 2022 Temporary differences: Property and equipment $ (39,414) $ (46,710) Goodwill and other intangible assets (368,876) (390,105) Investments, primarily gains and losses not yet recognized for tax purposes 2,954 5,165 Accrued expenses not deductible until paid 9,869 7,897 Deferred compensation and retiree benefits not deductible until paid 31,662 32,174 Operating lease right-of-use assets (32,034) (36,843) Operating lease liabilities 34,884 39,099 Interest limitation carryforward 38,290 6,375 Other temporary differences, net 10,999 7,305 Total temporary differences (311,666) (375,643) Federal and state net operating loss carryforwards 16,283 20,283 Valuation allowance for state deferred tax assets (11,997) (15,097) Net deferred tax liability $ (307,380) $ (370,457)
Gross unrecognized tax benefit reconciliation	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the total amounts of gross unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: For the years ended December 31, (in thousands) 2023 2022 2021 Gross unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year $ 12,124 $ 10,572 $ 2,376 Increases in tax positions for prior years 3,321 2,965 22,348 Decreases in tax positions for prior years (2) (390) — Increases in tax positions for current years 257 796 3,164 Decreases from lapse in statute of limitations (670) (173) (4,234) Decreases due to settlements with taxing authorities — (1,646) (13,082) Gross unrecognized tax benefits at end of year $ 15,030 $ 12,124 $ 10,572

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Investments [Abstract]
Schedule of investments	Investments consisted of the following: As of December 31, (in thousands) 2023 2022 Investments held at cost $ 21,169 $ 20,890 Equity method investments 2,096 2,254 Total investments $ 23,265 $ 23,144

Property and Equipment (Tables)

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Summary of property and equipment	We compute depreciation using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives as follows: Buildings and improvements 15 to 45 years Leasehold improvements Shorter of term of lease or useful life Broadcast transmission towers and related equipment 15 to 35 years Other broadcast and program production equipment 3 to 15 years Computer hardware 3 to 5 years Office and other equipment 3 to 10 years Property and equipment consisted of the following: As of December 31, (in thousands) 2023 2022 Land and improvements $ 65,402 $ 65,559 Buildings and improvements 252,396 245,531 Equipment 622,981 580,001 Computer software 30,395 29,702 Total 971,174 920,793 Accumulated depreciation 515,919 462,193 Net property and equipment $ 455,255 $ 458,600

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Leases [Abstract]
Lease assets and liabilities	Other information related to our leases was as follows: As of December 31, (in thousands, except lease term and discount rate) 2023 2022 Balance Sheet Information Operating Leases Right-of-use assets $ 99,194 $ 117,869 Other current liabilities 19,466 19,599 Operating lease liabilities 87,714 106,866 Finance Leases Property and equipment, at cost 28,321 28,321 Accumulated depreciation 862 69 Property and equipment, net 27,459 28,252 Other current liabilities — 426 Other liabilities 30,146 28,063 Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Operating leases 7.41 years 8.22 years Finance leases 34.50 years 35.50 years Weighted Average Discount Rate Operating leases 4.43 % 4.34 % Finance leases 7.10 % 7.10 %
Lease supplemental cash flow information	For the years ended December 31, (in thousands) 2023 2022 2021 Supplemental Cash Flows Information Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 24,114 $ 24,073 $ 22,477 Operating cash flows from finance leases 426 — — Financing cash flows from finance leases — — — Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease obligations 6,789 6,217 17,835 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for finance lease obligations — 28,321 —
Operating lease maturity schedule	Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable leases as of December 31, 2023 were as follows: (in thousands) Operating Finance 2024 $ 25,622 $ 1,302 2025 21,033 1,776 2026 18,869 1,824 2027 15,932 1,875 2028 12,536 1,926 Thereafter 33,503 90,124 Total future minimum lease payments 127,495 98,827 Less: Imputed interest (20,315) (68,681) Total $ 107,180 $ 30,146

Goodwill and Other Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill by business segment	Goodwill by business segment was as follows: (in thousands) Local Media Scripps Networks Other Total Gross balance as of December 31, 2020 $ 1,122,408 $ 232,742 $ 85,976 $ 1,441,126 Accumulated impairment losses (216,914) (21,000) — (237,914) Net balance as of December 31, 2020 905,494 211,742 85,976 1,203,212 ION acquisition — 1,796,148 — 1,796,148 Sale of Triton — — (85,976) (85,976) Balance as of December 31, 2021 $ 905,494 $ 2,007,890 $ — $ 2,913,384 Gross balance as of December 31, 2021 $ 1,122,408 $ 2,028,890 $ — $ 3,151,298 Accumulated impairment losses (216,914) (21,000) — (237,914) Net balance as of December 31, 2021 905,494 2,007,890 — 2,913,384 Nuvyyo acquisition — — 7,190 7,190 Balance as of December 31, 2022 $ 905,494 $ 2,007,890 $ 7,190 $ 2,920,574 Gross balance as of December 31, 2022 $ 1,122,408 $ 2,028,890 $ 7,190 $ 3,158,488 Accumulated impairment losses (216,914) (21,000) — (237,914) Net balance as of December 31, 2022 905,494 2,007,890 7,190 2,920,574 Impairment charge — (952,000) — (952,000) Balance as of December 31, 2023 $ 905,494 $ 1,055,890 $ 7,190 $ 1,968,574 Gross balance as of December 31, 2023 $ 1,122,408 $ 2,028,890 $ 7,190 $ 3,158,488 Accumulated impairment losses (216,914) (973,000) — (1,189,914) Net balance as of December 31, 2023 $ 905,494 $ 1,055,890 $ 7,190 $ 1,968,574
Summary of other finite-lived intangible assets	Other intangible assets consisted of the following: As of December 31, (in thousands) 2023 2022 Amortizable intangible assets: Carrying amount: Television network affiliation relationships $ 1,060,244 $ 1,060,244 Customer lists and advertiser relationships 220,997 220,997 Other 136,452 136,100 Total carrying amount 1,417,693 1,417,341 Accumulated amortization: Television network affiliation relationships (276,163) (222,092) Customer lists and advertiser relationships (132,161) (106,654) Other (61,606) (47,156) Total accumulated amortization (469,930) (375,902) Net amortizable intangible assets 947,763 1,041,439 Indefinite-lived intangible assets — FCC licenses 779,415 779,815 Total other intangible assets $ 1,727,178 $ 1,821,254
Summary of other indefinite-lived intangible assets	Other intangible assets consisted of the following: As of December 31, (in thousands) 2023 2022 Amortizable intangible assets: Carrying amount: Television network affiliation relationships $ 1,060,244 $ 1,060,244 Customer lists and advertiser relationships 220,997 220,997 Other 136,452 136,100 Total carrying amount 1,417,693 1,417,341 Accumulated amortization: Television network affiliation relationships (276,163) (222,092) Customer lists and advertiser relationships (132,161) (106,654) Other (61,606) (47,156) Total accumulated amortization (469,930) (375,902) Net amortizable intangible assets 947,763 1,041,439 Indefinite-lived intangible assets — FCC licenses 779,415 779,815 Total other intangible assets $ 1,727,178 $ 1,821,254

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of long-term debt	Long-term debt consisted of the following: As of December 31, (in thousands) 2023 2022 Revolving credit facility $ 330,000 $ — Senior secured notes, due in 2029 523,356 523,356 Senior unsecured notes, due in 2027 425,667 425,667 Senior unsecured notes, due in 2031 392,071 392,071 Term loan, due in 2024 — 284,250 Term loan, due in 2026 728,825 736,437 Term loan, due in 2028 551,000 559,000 Total outstanding principal 2,950,919 2,920,781 Less: Debt issuance costs and issuance discounts (38,483) (48,376) Less: Current portion (15,612) (18,612) Net carrying value of long-term debt 2,896,824 2,853,793 Fair value of long-term debt * $ 2,732,318 $ 2,677,845

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis	The following tables set forth our assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2023 and 2022: December 31, 2023 (in thousands) Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Cash equivalents $ 26,213 $ 26,213 $ — $ — December 31, 2022 (in thousands) Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Cash equivalents $ 27 $ 27 $ — $ — The carrying amounts of cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of those items.

Other Liabilities (Tables)

Other Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Other liabilities	Other liabilities consisted of the following: As of December 31, (in thousands) 2023 2022 Employee compensation and benefits $ 29,249 $ 25,916 Deferred FCC repack income 41,863 46,205 Programming liability 274,564 263,093 Liability for pension benefits 73,651 78,279 Liabilities for uncertain tax positions 16,334 14,144 Finance leases 30,146 28,063 Other 18,374 28,359 Other liabilities (less current portion) $ 484,181 $ 484,059

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform_2

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
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: For the years ended December 31, (in thousands) 2023 2022 2021 Accounts receivable $ (10,443) $ (26,875) $ (31,624) Other current assets (4,630) 5,653 12,488 Accounts payable (3,536) 7,313 18,534 Accrued employee compensation and benefits 15,726 (24,080) 4,073 Accrued interest 943 (3,886) 18,459 Other accrued liabilities (13,509) 4,991 2,336 Unearned revenue (6,002) (3,115) (7,080) Other, net 5,176 4,199 (21,407) Total $ (16,275) $ (35,800) $ (4,221)
Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents	The following table reconciles cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash in the Consolidated Balance Sheets to cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash per the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. As of December 31, (in thousands) 2023 2022 2021 Cash and cash equivalents $ 35,319 $ 18,027 $ 66,223 Restricted cash — — 34,257 Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of year $ 35,319 $ 18,027 $ 100,480

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Components of benefit expense	The components of the expense consisted of the following: For the years ended December 31, (in thousands) 2023 2022 2021 Interest cost $ 23,579 $ 17,332 $ 16,465 Expected return on plan assets, net of expenses (25,221) (24,900) (23,235) Amortization of actuarial loss and prior service cost 18 4,034 6,210 Total for defined benefit plans (1,624) (3,534) (560) SERPs 974 921 903 Defined contribution plan 15,998 15,257 14,394 Net periodic benefit cost $ 15,348 $ 12,644 $ 14,737
Changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows: For the years ended December 31, (in thousands) 2023 2022 2021 Actuarial gain/(loss) $ 3,091 $ (12,703) $ 27,318 Amortization of actuarial loss and prior service cost 18 4,034 6,210 Total $ 3,109 $ (8,669) $ 33,528
Schedule of assumptions used	Assumptions used in determining the annual retirement plans expense were as follows: 2023 2022 2021 Discount rate 5.47 % 2.95 % 2.64 % Long-term rate of return on plan assets 5.50 % 5.50 % 5.50 % Assumptions used to determine the defined benefit pension plan benefit obligation were as follows: 2023 2022 2021 Weighted average discount rate 5.18 % 5.47 % 2.95 %
Schedule of employee benefit plan assets and obligations	The following table presents information about our employee benefit plan assets and obligations: Defined Benefit Plan SERPs For the years ended December 31, (in thousands) 2023 2022 2023 2022 Change in projected benefit obligation: Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 450,022 $ 603,309 $ 13,393 $ 18,023 Interest cost 23,579 17,332 708 509 Benefits paid (33,750) (33,521) (1,161) (1,541) Actuarial (gains)/losses 9,142 (137,098) 497 (3,598) Projected benefit obligation at end of year 448,993 450,022 13,437 13,393 Plan assets: Fair value at beginning of year 383,725 517,148 — — Actual return on plan assets 37,454 (124,901) — — Company contributions — 24,999 1,161 1,541 Benefits paid (33,750) (33,521) (1,161) (1,541) Fair value at end of year 387,429 383,725 — — Funded status $ (61,564) $ (66,297) $ (13,437) $ (13,393) Amounts recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets: Current liabilities $ — $ — $ (1,350) $ (1,411) Noncurrent liabilities (61,564) (66,297) (12,087) (11,982) Total $ (61,564) $ (66,297) $ (13,437) $ (13,393) Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss consist of: Net actuarial loss $ 95,793 $ 98,884 $ 3,838 $ 3,467 Prior service cost 334 352 — —
Schedule of pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation and projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets	Information for plans with an accumulated benefit obligation and projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets was as follows: Defined Benefit Plan SERPs As of December 31, (in thousands) 2023 2022 2023 2022 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 448,993 $ 450,022 $ 13,437 $ 13,393 Projected benefit obligation 448,993 450,022 13,437 13,393 Fair value of plan assets 387,429 383,725 — —
Schedule of allocation of pension plan assets by asset category	Information related to our pension plan asset allocations by asset category were as follows: Target Percentage of plan assets 2024 2023 2022 US equity securities 13 % 13 % 13 % Non-US equity securities 27 % 31 % 31 % Fixed-income securities 55 % 55 % 55 % Other 5 % 1 % 1 % Total 100 % 100 % 100 %
Plan assets measured using the fair value hierarchy	The following table presents our plan assets as of December 31, 2023 and 2022: As of December 31, (in thousands) 2023 2022 Equity securities Common/collective trust funds $ 172,635 $ 170,867 Fixed income Common/collective trust funds 212,012 210,226 Cash equivalents 2,782 2,632 Fair value of plan assets $ 387,429 $ 383,725

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Information regarding business segments	Information regarding our business segments is as follows: For the years ended December 31, (in thousands) 2023 2022 2021 Segment operating revenues: Local Media $ 1,398,230 $ 1,494,357 $ 1,319,468 Scripps Networks 893,234 961,242 951,883 Other 19,397 14,628 26,924 Intersegment eliminations (17,949) (17,012) (14,743) Total operating revenues $ 2,292,912 $ 2,453,215 $ 2,283,532 Segment profit (loss): Local Media $ 287,439 $ 386,369 $ 268,140 Scripps Networks 225,785 310,336 389,278 Other (26,451) (18,140) 359 Shared services and corporate (91,954) (82,280) (75,576) Acquisition and related integration costs — (1,642) (40,373) Restructuring costs (38,612) — (9,436) Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets (155,105) (160,433) (161,922) Impairment of goodwill (952,000) — — Gains (losses), net on disposal of property and equipment (2,344) (5,866) 30,275 Interest expense (213,512) (161,130) (165,164) Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt — 8,589 (15,347) Defined benefit pension plan income (expense) 650 2,613 (343) Gain on sale of Triton business — — 81,784 Losses on stock warrant — — (99,118) Miscellaneous, net (1,407) (1,953) (15,469) Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes $ (967,511) $ 276,463 $ 187,088 Depreciation: Local Media $ 39,642 $ 40,479 $ 39,368 Scripps Networks 19,600 19,360 17,109 Other 184 189 382 Shared services and corporate 1,299 1,915 1,498 Total depreciation $ 60,725 $ 61,943 $ 58,357 Amortization of intangible assets: Local Media $ 36,322 $ 35,461 $ 40,315 Scripps Networks 52,036 56,836 58,599 Other 1,795 1,870 2,147 Shared services and corporate 4,227 4,323 2,504 Total amortization of intangible assets $ 94,380 $ 98,490 $ 103,565 The following table presents additions to property and equipment by segment: For the years ended December 31, (in thousands) 2023 2022 2021 Additions to property and equipment: Local Media $ 55,244 $ 58,350 $ 35,963 Scripps Networks 5,654 13,444 23,871 Other 75 54 430 Shared services and corporate 1,530 374 2,114 Total additions to property and equipment $ 62,503 $ 72,222 $ 62,378 Total assets by segment for the years ended December 31 were as follows: As of December 31, (in thousands) 2023 2022 Assets: Local Media $ 2,393,660 $ 2,391,703 Scripps Networks 2,878,936 3,915,374 Other 58,460 52,571 Shared services and corporate 79,064 71,357 Total assets $ 5,410,120 $ 6,431,005
Disaggregation of revenue	A disaggregation of the principal activities from which we generate revenue is as follows: For the years ended December 31, (in thousands) 2023 2022 2021 Operating revenues: Core advertising $ 1,444,539 $ 1,549,277 $ 1,592,121 Political 33,460 208,112 22,693 Distribution 779,217 660,317 620,454 Other 35,696 35,509 48,264 Total operating revenues $ 2,292,912 $ 2,453,215 $ 2,283,532

Capital Stock and Share-Based_2

Capital Stock and Share-Based Compensation Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Equity [Abstract]
Restricted stock and restricted stock unit vesting activity	The following table summarizes our RSU activity: Fair Value Number Weighted Range of Unvested at December 31, 2020 2,191,659 $ 12.22 $ 7-23 Awarded 1,375,565 22.63 14-23 Vested (1,060,685) 20.32 15-24 Forfeited (121,043) 16.19 9-23 Unvested at December 31, 2021 2,385,496 17.25 9-23 Awarded 1,867,083 19.19 14-22 Vested (1,147,220) 21.20 11-22 Forfeited (57,074) 20.07 9-23 Unvested at December 31, 2022 3,048,285 18.57 9-23 Awarded 1,938,617 8.46 7-8 Vested (1,224,417) 11.61 5-15 Forfeited (46,570) 15.26 8-23 Unvested at December 31, 2023 3,715,915 13.11 7-23
Additional information about restricted stock and restricted stock unit vesting	The following table summarizes additional information about RSU vesting: For the years ended December 31, (in thousands) 2023 2022 2021 Fair value of RSUs vested $ 14,171 $ 24,321 $ 21,548 Tax benefits realized on vesting 3,409 5,902 5,101
Schedule of stock compensation costs	Share-based compensation costs were as follows: For the years ended December 31, (in thousands) 2023 2022 2021 Total share-based compensation $ 20,490 $ 21,596 $ 22,334 Share-based compensation, net of tax 15,560 16,355 17,047

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss	Changes in the accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI") balance by component consisted of the following for the respective years: (in thousands) Defined Benefit Pension Items Other Total As of December 31, 2021 $ (73,713) $ (196) $ (73,909) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax of $(2,209) and $17 (6,895) 52 (6,843) Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax of $1,051 3,281 — 3,281 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) (3,614) 52 (3,562) As of December 31, 2022 (77,327) (144) (77,471) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax of $624 and $(38) 1,972 (119) 1,853 Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax of $34 108 — 108 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 2,080 (119) 1,961 As of December 31, 2023 $ (75,247) $ (263) $ (75,510)

Assets Held for Sale and Disc_2

Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Operating results of discontinued operations and net assets distributed	Operating results of our discontinued Stitcher business were as follows: (in thousands) For the year ended December 31, 2021 Operating revenues $ — Total costs and expenses (600) Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets — Other, net — Loss from operations (600) Pretax gain on disposal 9,572 Gain from discontinued operations before income taxes 8,972 Provision for income taxes (2,159) Income from discontinued operations, net of tax $ 6,813

Summary of Significant Accoun_4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Unearned revenue	$ 12,200	$ 18,200
Unearned revenue recognized during the year	13,400
Programming assets, amortization expense, next twelve months	164,300
Programming assets, amortization expense, year two	113,100
Programming assets, amortization expense, year three	83,600
Programming assets, amortization expense, year four	46,800
Programming assets, amortization expense, year five	13,400
Programming assets, amortization expense, thereafter	11,100
Deferred FCC repack income	41,863	46,205
Estimated liabilities for unpaid claims	$ 10,900	$ 10,400
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, performance criteria not met, shares	420,000
Anti-dilutive securities (in shares)	3,300,000	100,000
Advertising | Revenue Benchmark | Advertising
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	64%
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2024-01-01
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Expected period of revenue recognition	12 months
Other affiliation relationships
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	20 years
Customer lists and advertiser relationships
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	20 years
FCC licenses | Maximum
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
FCC license term	8 years

Summary of Significant Accoun_5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Trade receivables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward]
Allowance for doubtful accounts, beginning balance	$ 4,963	$ 4,256	$ 3,443
Charged to costs and expenses	14,786	1,674	1,987
Amounts charged off, net	(14,708)	(967)	(1,174)
Allowance for doubtful accounts, ending balance	$ 5,041	$ 4,963	$ 4,256

Summary of Significant Accoun_6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Estimated useful lives (Details)	Dec. 31, 2023
Buildings and improvements | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life of property and equipment	15 years
Buildings and improvements | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life of property and equipment	45 years
Broadcast transmission towers and related equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life of property and equipment	15 years
Broadcast transmission towers and related equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life of property and equipment	35 years
Other broadcast and program production equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life of property and equipment	3 years
Other broadcast and program production equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life of property and equipment	15 years
Computer hardware | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life of property and equipment	3 years
Computer hardware | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life of property and equipment	5 years
Office and other equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life of property and equipment	3 years
Office and other equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life of property and equipment	10 years

Summary of Significant Accoun_7

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Earnings per share (Details) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Numerator (for basic and diluted earnings per share)
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	$ (947,784)	$ 195,902	$ 115,899
Less income allocated to RSUs, basic	0	(3,662)	(1,855)
Less income allocated to RSUs, diluted	0	(3,662)	(1,855)
Less preferred stock dividends	50,305	50,305	49,372
Numerator for basic earnings per share	(998,089)	141,935	64,672
Numerator for diluted earnings per share	$ (998,089)	$ 141,935	$ 64,672
Denominator
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding	84,266	83,220	82,327
Effect of dilutive securities	0	4,126	5,652
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding	84,266	87,346	87,979

Acquisitions - Narrative (Detai

Acquisitions - Narrative (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands, shares in Millions, home in Millions			12 Months Ended
	Jan. 05, 2022 USD ($)	Jan. 07, 2021 USD ($) home station $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2021 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total consideration, net of cash acquired			$ 0	$ 13,797	$ 2,677,755
Goodwill			$ 1,968,574	$ 2,920,574	2,913,384	$ 1,203,212
Twenty-Three Television Station Acquired in ION Acquisition
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of stations divested | station		23
Consideration received for business		$ 30,000
Other affiliation relationships
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Estimated useful life			20 years
Nuvyyo
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total consideration, net of cash acquired	$ 13,800
Intangible assets acquired	7,200
Goodwill	$ 7,200
Nuvyyo | Minimum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	3 years
Nuvyyo | Maximum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	5 years
ION Media
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total consideration, net of cash acquired		2,677,755
Goodwill		1,796,148
Business acquisition, purchase price		$ 2,650,000
Exercise price of warrants | $ / shares		$ 13
Property and equipment		$ 122,520
ION Media | Acquisition-related Costs
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Non-recurring transaction related (costs) reversal included in pro forma results					$ 38,100
ION Media | Preferred Stock | Berkshire Hathaway
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Equity issued		$ 600,000
Number of warrants | shares		23.1
Exercise price of warrants | $ / shares		$ 13
ION Media | Common stock, Class A
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of warrants | shares		23.1
ION Media | UNITED STATES
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of homes reached | home		100
ION Media | INYO affiliation agreement
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired		$ 422,000
Estimated useful life		20 years
ION Media | Advertiser relationships
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired		$ 143,000
Estimated useful life		7 years
ION Media | Other affiliation relationships
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired		$ 22,000
Estimated useful life		10 years
ION Media | Trade names
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired		$ 72,000
Estimated useful life		10 years

Acquisitions - ION Media (Detai

Acquisitions - ION Media (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
	Jan. 07, 2021	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total consideration, net of cash acquired		$ 0	$ 13,797	$ 2,677,755
ION Media
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total purchase price	$ 2,650,000
Plus: Cash acquired	14,493
Plus: Working capital	57,755
Total transaction gross cash consideration	2,722,248
Less: Proceeds from ION stations divested	(30,000)
Total transaction net cash consideration	2,692,248
Less: Cash acquired	(14,493)
Total consideration, net of cash acquired	$ 2,677,755

Acquisitions - Fair value of as

Acquisitions - Fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, ION Media (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Jan. 07, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 1,968,574	$ 2,920,574	$ 2,913,384		$ 1,203,212
ION Media
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Accounts receivable				$ 135,006
Other current assets				25,353
Programming rights				169,027
Property and equipment				122,520
Operating lease right-of-use assets				72,717
Other assets				2,295
Goodwill				1,796,148
Accounts payable				(9,674)
Unearned revenue				(13,043)
Accrued expenses				(15,814)
Current portion of programming liabilities				(92,721)
Other current liabilities				(24,810)
Programming liabilities				(191,837)
Deferred tax liabilities				(265,291)
Operating lease liabilities				(78,438)
Other long-term liabilities				(36,883)
Total consideration, net of cash acquired				2,677,755
ION Media | INYO affiliation agreement
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets:				422,000
ION Media | Other affiliation relationships
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets:				22,000
ION Media | Advertiser relationships
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets:				143,000
ION Media | Trade names
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets:				72,000
ION Media | FCC licenses
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets - FCC licenses				$ 424,200

Acquisitions - Pro forma result

Acquisitions - Pro forma results of operations (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($) $ / shares
Business Combination and Asset Acquisition [Abstract]
Operating revenues | $	$ 2,290,254
Net income attributable to Scripps shareholders | $	$ 101,146
Income (loss) per share from operations attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company:
Basic (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 1.19
Diluted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 1.12

Restructuring Costs and Other_3

Restructuring Costs and Other Charges and Credits - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended						12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, incurred cost						$ 7,100	$ 38,612	$ 0	$ 9,436
Acquisition and related integration costs							0	1,642	40,373
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt		$ (7,400)	$ (1,200)	$ 15,300			0	(8,589)	15,347
Restructuring costs							38,600		9,400
Gain on sale of Triton business							0	0	81,784
Losses on stock warrant							0	0	$ 99,118
TrueReal Restructuring
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance costs							17,100
Operating lease, impairment loss							$ 1,300
TrueReal Restructuring | Write-Down of Programming Assets
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, incurred cost	$ 13,600
Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale | Triton Digital Media
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of business						225,000
Gain on sale of Triton business						$ 81,800
Senior unsecured notes, due in 2027
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Redemption of senior notes				15,400				59,000
Senior secured notes, due in 2029
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Redemption of senior notes								26,600
Senior unsecured notes, due in 2031
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Redemption of senior notes				$ 22,000				$ 85,900
Building | Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale | Denver KMGH Television Station
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Pretax gain on sale of building					$ 32,600

Restructuring Costs and Other_4

Restructuring Costs and Other Charges and Credits - Changes in restructuring reserve (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Net accruals	$ 38,612	$ 0	$ 9,436
TrueReal Restructuring
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Liability, beginning of period	0
Net accruals	38,612
Payments	(14,375)
Non-cash	(16,072)
Liability, end of period	8,165	0
Severance and Employee Benefits | TrueReal Restructuring
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Liability, beginning of period	0
Net accruals	17,066
Payments	(9,192)
Non-cash	(1,139)
Liability, end of period	6,735	0
Other Restructuring | TrueReal Restructuring
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Liability, beginning of period	0
Net accruals	21,546
Payments	(5,183)
Non-cash	(14,933)
Liability, end of period	$ 1,430	$ 0

Income Taxes - Provision for in

Income Taxes - Provision for income taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Current:
Federal	$ 34,205	$ 56,236	$ 52,145
State and local	8,010	11,411	9,096
Foreign	0	0	(48)
Total current income tax provision	42,215	67,647	61,193
Deferred:
Federal	(53,476)	2,882	6,616
State and local	(7,278)	10,770	3,087
Foreign	(1,188)	(738)	293
Total deferred income tax provision	(61,942)	12,914	9,996
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	$ (19,727)	$ 80,561	$ 71,189

Income Taxes - Effective income

Income Taxes - Effective income tax reconciliation (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Effective Income Tax Rate, Tax Rate Reconciliation
Statutory rate	21%	21%	21%
Effect of:
State and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	0.10%	7%	5.60%
Non-deductible goodwill impairment	(18.60%)	0%	0%
Non-deductible mark-to-market losses	0%	0%	11.50%
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	(0.20%)	(0.30%)	(0.90%)
Non-deductible expenses	(0.10%)	0.20%	0.20%
Reserve for uncertain tax positions	0%	0.70%	(0.80%)
Other	(0.20%)	0.50%	1.50%
Effective income tax rate	2%	29.10%	38.10%

Income Taxes - Narrative (Detai

Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2022
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Nondeductible goodwill impairment	$ 855
Nondeductible expense related to acquisition		$ 103
Potential affect of unrecognized tax benefits on effective tax rate	13.6
Interest accrued on unrecognized tax benefits	1.6		$ 0.9
Penalties accrued on unrecognized tax benefits	1.1		$ 1.2
Potential change in unrecognized tax benefits	0.4
State
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 367

Income Taxes - Deferred tax (li

Income Taxes - Deferred tax (liabilities) assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Temporary differences [Abstract]
Property and equipment	$ (39,414)	$ (46,710)
Goodwill and other intangible assets	(368,876)	(390,105)
Investments, primarily gains and losses not yet recognized for tax purposes	2,954	5,165
Accrued expenses not deductible until paid	9,869	7,897
Deferred compensation and retiree benefits not deductible until paid	31,662	32,174
Operating lease liabilities	(32,034)	(36,843)
Operating lease liabilities	34,884	39,099
Interest limitation carryforward	38,290	6,375
Other temporary differences, net	10,999	7,305
Total temporary differences	(311,666)	(375,643)
Federal and state net operating loss carryforwards	16,283	20,283
Valuation allowance for state deferred tax assets	(11,997)	(15,097)
Net deferred tax liability	$ (307,380)	$ (370,457)

Income Taxes - Unrecognized tax

Income Taxes - Unrecognized tax benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Roll Forward]
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year	$ 12,124	$ 10,572	$ 2,376
Increases in tax positions for prior years	3,321	2,965	22,348
Decreases in tax positions for prior years	(2)	(390)	0
Increases in tax positions for current years	257	796	3,164
Decreases from lapse in statute of limitations	(670)	(173)	(4,234)
Decreases due to settlements with taxing authorities	0	(1,646)	(13,082)
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at end of year	$ 15,030	$ 12,124	$ 10,572

Investments - Schedule of Inves

Investments - Schedule of Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Investments [Abstract]
Investments held at cost	$ 21,169	$ 20,890
Equity method investments	2,096	2,254
Total investments	$ 23,265	$ 23,144

Investments - Narrative (Detail

Investments - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	Feb. 09, 2024 USD ($)
Broadcast Music, Inc. | Subsequent Event
Gain (Loss) on Securities [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of investment	$ 18.1

Property and Equipment (Details

Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 971,174	$ 920,793
Accumulated depreciation	515,919	462,193
Net property and equipment	455,255	458,600
Land and improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	65,402	65,559
Buildings and improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	252,396	245,531
Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	622,981	580,001
Computer software
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 30,395	$ 29,702

Leases - Additional information

Leases - Additional information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Term of renewal	5 years
Term of option to terminate	1 year
Operating lease costs recognized	$ 24.5	$ 25.9	$ 24.3
Short-term lease costs	3.5	1.7	$ 1.8
Amortization of the right-of-use asset for finance lease	0.8	0.1
Interest expense, finance lease liability	$ 2.1	$ 0.2
Minimum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Remaining lease term	1 year
Maximum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Remaining lease term	35 years

Leases - Lease assets and liabi

Leases - Lease assets and liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Operating Leases
Right-of-use assets	$ 99,194	$ 117,869
Other current liabilities	19,466	19,599
Operating lease liabilities	$ 87,714	$ 106,866
Operating lease, liability, current, statement of financial position	Other current liabilities	Other current liabilities
Finance Leases
Property and equipment, at cost	$ 28,321	$ 28,321
Accumulated depreciation	862	69
Property and equipment, net	27,459	28,252
Other current liabilities	0	426
Other liabilities	$ 30,146	$ 28,063
Finance lease, liability, current, statement of financial position	Other current liabilities	Other current liabilities
Finance lease, Liability, noncurrent, statement of financial position	Other Liabilities, Noncurrent	Other Liabilities, Noncurrent
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term
Weighted average remaining lease term, operating leases	7 years 4 months 28 days	8 years 2 months 19 days
Weighted average remaining lease term, finance leases	34 years 6 months	35 years 6 months
Weighted Average Discount Rate
Weighted average discount rate, operating leases	4.43%	4.34%
Weighted average discount rate, finance leases	7.10%	7.10%

Leases - Cash flow supplemental

Leases - Cash flow supplemental (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
Operating cash flows from operating leases	$ 24,114	$ 24,073	$ 22,477
Operating cash flows from finance leases	426	0	0
Financing cash flows from finance leases	0	0	0
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease obligations	6,789	6,217	17,835
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for finance lease obligations	$ 0	$ 28,321	$ 0

Leases - Lease maturity schedul

Leases - Lease maturity schedules (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($)
Operating Leases
2024	$ 25,622
2025	21,033
2026	18,869
2027	15,932
2028	12,536
Thereafter	33,503
Total future minimum lease payments	127,495
Less: Imputed interest	(20,315)
Total	107,180
Finance Leases
2024	1,302
2025	1,776
2026	1,824
2027	1,875
2028	1,926
Thereafter	90,124
Total future minimum lease payments	98,827
Less: Imputed interest	(68,681)
Total	$ 30,146

Goodwill and Other Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Goodwill by business segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Jun. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Summary of activity related to goodwill by business segment
Gross balance	$ 3,158,488		$ 3,158,488	$ 3,158,488	$ 3,151,298	$ 1,441,126
Accumulated impairment losses	(1,189,914)		(1,189,914)	(237,914)	(237,914)	(237,914)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period			2,920,574	2,913,384	1,203,212
Impairment of goodwill	(266,000)	$ (686,000)	(952,000)	0	0
Balance, end of period	1,968,574		1,968,574	2,920,574	2,913,384
Triton
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Sale of Triton					(85,976)
Local Media
Summary of activity related to goodwill by business segment
Gross balance	1,122,408		1,122,408	1,122,408	1,122,408	1,122,408
Accumulated impairment losses	(216,914)		(216,914)	(216,914)	(216,914)	(216,914)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period			905,494	905,494	905,494
Impairment of goodwill			0
Balance, end of period	905,494		905,494	905,494	905,494
Local Media | Triton
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Sale of Triton					0
Scripps Networks
Summary of activity related to goodwill by business segment
Gross balance	2,028,890		2,028,890	2,028,890	2,028,890	232,742
Accumulated impairment losses	(973,000)		(973,000)	(21,000)	(21,000)	(21,000)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period			2,007,890	2,007,890	211,742
Impairment of goodwill			(952,000)
Balance, end of period	1,055,890		1,055,890	2,007,890	2,007,890
Scripps Networks | Triton
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Sale of Triton					0
Other
Summary of activity related to goodwill by business segment
Gross balance	7,190		7,190	7,190	0	85,976
Accumulated impairment losses	0		0	0	0	$ 0
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period			7,190	0	85,976
Impairment of goodwill			0
Balance, end of period	$ 7,190		$ 7,190	7,190	0
Other | Triton
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Sale of Triton					(85,976)
ION Media
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Acquisition adjustment					1,796,148
ION Media | Local Media
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Acquisition adjustment					0
ION Media | Scripps Networks
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Acquisition adjustment					1,796,148
ION Media | Other
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Acquisition adjustment					$ 0
Nuvyyo
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Acquisition adjustment				7,190
Nuvyyo | Local Media
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Acquisition adjustment				0
Nuvyyo | Scripps Networks
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Acquisition adjustment				0
Nuvyyo | Other
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Acquisition adjustment				$ 7,190

Goodwill and Other Intangible_4

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of other intangible assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Carrying amount:
Total carrying amount	$ 1,417,693	$ 1,417,341
Accumulated amortization:
Total accumulated amortization	(469,930)	(375,902)
Net amortizable intangible assets	947,763	1,041,439
Total other intangible assets	1,727,178	1,821,254
FCC licenses
Accumulated amortization:
Indefinite-lived intangible assets — FCC licenses	779,415	779,815
Other affiliation relationships
Carrying amount:
Total carrying amount	1,060,244	1,060,244
Accumulated amortization:
Total accumulated amortization	(276,163)	(222,092)
Customer lists and advertiser relationships
Carrying amount:
Total carrying amount	220,997	220,997
Accumulated amortization:
Total accumulated amortization	(132,161)	(106,654)
Other
Carrying amount:
Total carrying amount	136,452	136,100
Accumulated amortization:
Total accumulated amortization	$ (61,606)	$ (47,156)

Goodwill and Other Intangible_5

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Jun. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for 2024	$ 92,800		$ 92,800
Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for 2025	89,700		89,700
Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for 2026	86,100		86,100
Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for 2027	83,200		83,200
Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for 2028	62,000		62,000
Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for later years	534,000		534,000
Impairment of goodwill	$ 266,000	$ 686,000	$ 952,000	$ 0	$ 0

Long-Term Debt - Components of

Long-Term Debt - Components of long-term debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Components of Long-term debt
Long-term debt		$ 2,950,919	$ 2,920,781
Less: Debt issuance costs and issuance discounts		(38,483)	(48,376)
Less: Current portion		(15,612)	(18,612)
Net carrying value of long-term debt		2,896,824	2,853,793
Fair value of long-term debt	[1]	2,732,318	2,677,845
Revolving credit facility | Revolving credit facility
Components of Long-term debt
Long-term debt		330,000	0
Senior secured notes, due in 2029 | Senior unsecured notes
Components of Long-term debt
Long-term debt		523,356	523,356
Senior unsecured notes, due in 2027 | Senior unsecured notes
Components of Long-term debt
Long-term debt		425,667	425,667
Senior unsecured notes, due in 2031 | Senior unsecured notes
Components of Long-term debt
Long-term debt		392,071	392,071
Term loan, due in 2024
Components of Long-term debt
Long-term debt		0	284,250
Term loan, due in 2026
Components of Long-term debt
Long-term debt		728,825	736,437
Term loan, due in 2028
Components of Long-term debt
Long-term debt		$ 551,000	$ 559,000
[1] * The fair values of debt are estimated based on either quoted private market transactions or observable estimates provided by third party financial professionals, and as such, are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Long-Term Debt - Narrative (Det

Long-Term Debt - Narrative (Details)						3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2023 USD ($)	Jan. 07, 2021 USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2020 USD ($)	Jul. 26, 2019 USD ($)	May 01, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2022 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2021 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2021 USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2023 USD ($)	Oct. 02, 2017 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt						$ 2,920,781,000			$ 2,950,919,000	$ 2,920,781,000
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt						7,400,000	$ 1,200,000	$ (15,300,000)	0	8,589,000	$ (15,347,000)
Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of reduction												$ 500,000,000
Revolving credit facility | Letter of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding letter of credits						7,100,000			6,700,000	7,100,000
Revolving credit facility | Variable rate credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit and term loan agreement		$ 400,000,000
Long-term debt						0			$ 330,000,000	0
Line of credit facility, interest rate at period end									8.22%
Weighted average interest rate									8.20%
Net leverage ratio requirement		5
Revolving credit facility | Variable rate credit facility | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of commitment fees of total unused commitment under revolving credit facility									0.30%
Revolving credit facility | Variable rate credit facility | Minimum | SOFR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
LIBOR plus margin range									1.75%
Revolving credit facility | Variable rate credit facility | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of commitment fees of total unused commitment under revolving credit facility									0.50%
Revolving credit facility | Variable rate credit facility | Maximum | SOFR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
LIBOR plus margin range									2.75%
Term loan, due in 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt						$ 284,250,000			$ 0	$ 284,250,000
Weighted average interest rate						5.67%			7.22%	5.67%
Debt issued													$ 300,000,000
Variable interest rate						6.38%				6.38%
Redemption of senior notes	$ 283,000,000
Write off of deferred financing costs	400,000
Term loan, due in 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt						$ 736,437,000			$ 728,825,000	$ 736,437,000
Weighted average interest rate						6.23%			8.01%	6.23%
Annual principal payment					$ 7,600,000
Variable interest rate						6.95%			8.03%	6.95%
Debt issuance costs					23,000,000
Minimum LIBOR rate		0.75%
Term loan, due in 2026 | SOFR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
LIBOR plus margin range									2.56%
Term loan, due in 2028
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt						$ 559,000,000			$ 551,000,000	$ 559,000,000
Minimum LIBOR rate		0.75%
Annual principal payments		$ 8,000,000
Redemption of senior notes										$ 100,000,000
Write off of deferred financing costs									$ 1,100,000
Term loan, due in 2028 | SOFR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
LIBOR plus margin range		3%
Term loan, due in 2028 | Medium-term Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate						6.42%			8.44%	6.42%
Debt stated rate						7.13%			8.47%	7.13%
Sixth Amendment Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt issuance costs		$ 23,400,000
Senior secured notes 3.875%, due in 2029 | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt issued			$ 550,000,000
Debt issuance costs			$ 13,800,000
Debt stated rate			3.875%
Debt issuance price as percentage of par			100%
Redemption of senior notes							$ 26,600,000
Senior secured notes 3.875%, due in 2029 | Senior unsecured notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt redemption price							93.59%
Eighth Amendment to the Third Amended Restated Credit Agreement | Variable rate credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit and term loan agreement	585,000,000
Proceeds from lines of credit	$ 283,000,000
Eighth Amendment to the Third Amended Restated Credit Agreement | Variable rate credit facility | Debt Covenant Period Two
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Net leverage ratio requirement	4.75
Eighth Amendment to the Third Amended Restated Credit Agreement | Variable rate credit facility | Debt Covenant Period Three
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Net leverage ratio requirement	4.50
Senior unsecured notes, due in 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption of senior notes								15,400,000		$ 59,000,000
Senior unsecured notes, due in 2027 | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt issued				$ 500,000,000
Debt issuance costs				$ 10,700,000
Debt stated rate				5.875%
Debt issuance price as percentage of par				100%
Redemption of senior notes						$ 16,800,000	$ 42,200,000
Senior unsecured notes, due in 2027 | Senior unsecured notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt						$ 425,667,000			$ 425,667,000	425,667,000
Debt redemption price						90.63%	100.61%
Senior unsecured notes, due in 2031
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption of senior notes								$ 22,000,000		85,900,000
Senior unsecured notes, due in 2031 | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt issued			$ 500,000,000
Debt issuance costs			$ 12,500,000
Debt stated rate			5.375%
Debt issuance price as percentage of par			100%
Redemption of senior notes						$ 31,400,000	$ 54,500,000
Senior unsecured notes, due in 2031 | Senior Notes | Redemption, Period One
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of principal amount redeemed			40%
Debt redemption price			105.375%
Senior unsecured notes, due in 2031 | Senior Notes | Redemption, Period Two
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt redemption price			100%
Senior unsecured notes, due in 2031 | Senior unsecured notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt						$ 392,071,000			$ 392,071,000	$ 392,071,000
Debt redemption price						78.71%	95.73%
Cordillera Communications, LLC And Nexstar Media Group, Inc. | Term loan, due in 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt issued					$ 765,000,000
ION Media | Term loan, due in 2028 | Medium-term Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt issued		$ 800,000,000

Fair Value Measurement (Details

Fair Value Measurement (Details) - Recurring measurements - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Cash equivalents	$ 26,213	$ 27
Level 1
Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Cash equivalents	26,213	27
Level 2
Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Cash equivalents	0	0
Level 3
Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Cash equivalents	$ 0	$ 0

Other Liabilities - Summary of

Other Liabilities - Summary of other liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Other liabilities
Employee compensation and benefits	$ 29,249	$ 25,916
Deferred FCC repack income	41,863	46,205
Programming liability	274,564	263,093
Liability for pension benefits	73,651	78,279
Liabilities for uncertain tax positions	16,334	14,144
Other liabilities	30,146	28,063
Other	18,374	28,359
Other liabilities (less current portion)	$ 484,181	$ 484,059

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform_3

Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Change in certain working capital accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Accounts receivable	$ (10,443)	$ (26,875)	$ (31,624)
Other current assets	(4,630)	5,653	12,488
Accounts payable	(3,536)	7,313	18,534
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	15,726	(24,080)	4,073
Accrued interest	943	(3,886)	18,459
Other accrued liabilities	(13,509)	4,991	2,336
Unearned revenue	(6,002)	(3,115)	(7,080)
Other, net	5,176	4,199	(21,407)
Total	$ (16,275)	$ (35,800)	$ (4,221)

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform_4

Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 35,319	$ 18,027	$ 66,223
Restricted cash	0	0	34,257
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of year	$ 35,319	$ 18,027	$ 100,480	$ 1,626,021

Employee Benefit Plans - Compon

Employee Benefit Plans - Components of expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 15,348	$ 12,644	$ 14,737
Defined benefit plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]
Interest cost	23,579	17,332	16,465
Expected return on plan assets, net of expenses	(25,221)	(24,900)	(23,235)
Amortization of actuarial loss and prior service cost	18	4,034	6,210
Total for defined benefit plans	(1,624)	(3,534)	(560)
SERPs
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]
Interest cost	708	509
Net periodic benefit cost	974	921	903
Defined contribution plan
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 15,998	$ 15,257	$ 14,394

Employee Benefit Plans - Narrat

Employee Benefit Plans - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated future benefit payments expected to be paid in 2024	$ 34,100
Estimated future benefit payments expected to be paid in 2025	34,400
Estimated future benefit payments expected to be paid in 2026	34,600
Estimated future benefit payments expected to be paid in 2027	34,800
Estimated future benefit payments expected to be paid in 2028	35,100
Total estimated future benefit payments expected to be paid for the five years ending 2033	$ 173,100
Target plan asset allocations range	100%
Fixed-income securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocations range	55%
Equity and other return-seeking assets
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocations range	45%
Defined benefit plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Current year actuarial gain (loss)	$ (3,091)	$ 12,703	$ (27,318)
SERPs
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Amortization of actuarial loss	(100)	(300)	(300)
Current year actuarial gain (loss)	500	$ 3,600	$ 300
Expected contributions to benefit plans	$ 1,400

Employee Benefit Plans - Change

Employee Benefit Plans - Changes recognized in OCI (Details) - Defined benefit plans - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actuarial gain/(loss)	$ 3,091	$ (12,703)	$ 27,318
Amortization of actuarial loss and prior service cost	(18)	(4,034)	(6,210)
Total	$ 3,109	$ (8,669)	$ 33,528

Employee Benefit Plans - Annual

Employee Benefit Plans - Annual retirement plan expense assumptions (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Discount rate	5.47%	2.95%	2.64%
Long-term rate of return on plan assets	5.50%	5.50%	5.50%

Employee Benefit Plans - Schedu

Employee Benefit Plans - Schedule of defined benefit plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Defined benefit plans
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	$ 450,022	$ 603,309
Interest cost	23,579	17,332	$ 16,465
Benefits paid	(33,750)	(33,521)
Actuarial (gains)/losses	9,142	(137,098)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	448,993	450,022	603,309
Plan assets:
Fair value at beginning of year	383,725	517,148
Actual return on plan assets	37,454	(124,901)
Company contributions	0	24,999
Benefits paid	(33,750)	(33,521)
Fair value at end of year	387,429	383,725	517,148
Funded status	(61,564)	(66,297)
Amounts recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets:
Current liabilities	0	0
Noncurrent liabilities	(61,564)	(66,297)
Total	(61,564)	(66,297)
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss:
Net actuarial loss	95,793	98,884
Prior service cost	334	352
SERPs
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	13,393	18,023
Interest cost	708	509
Benefits paid	(1,161)	(1,541)
Actuarial (gains)/losses	497	(3,598)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	13,437	13,393	18,023
Plan assets:
Fair value at beginning of year	0	0
Actual return on plan assets	0	0
Company contributions	1,161	1,541
Benefits paid	(1,161)	(1,541)
Fair value at end of year	0	0	$ 0
Funded status	(13,437)	(13,393)
Amounts recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets:
Current liabilities	(1,350)	(1,411)
Noncurrent liabilities	(12,087)	(11,982)
Total	(13,437)	(13,393)
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss:
Net actuarial loss	3,838	3,467
Prior service cost	$ 0	$ 0

Employee Benefit Plans - Pensio

Employee Benefit Plans - Pension plans with accumulated benefit obligation in excess of assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Defined benefit plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 448,993	$ 450,022
Projected benefit obligation	448,993	450,022	$ 603,309
Fair value of plan assets	387,429	383,725	517,148
SERPs
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation	13,437	13,393
Projected benefit obligation	13,437	13,393	18,023
Fair value of plan assets	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Employee Benefit Plans - Define

Employee Benefit Plans - Defined benefit plan obligations assumptions (Details)	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Weighted average discount rate
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Weighted average discount rate	5.18%	5.47%	2.95%

Employee Benefit Plans - Alloca

Employee Benefit Plans - Allocation of plan assets (Details)	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation	100%
Percentage of plan assets at end of period	100%	100%
US equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation	13%
Percentage of plan assets at end of period	13%	13%
Non-US equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation	27%
Percentage of plan assets at end of period	31%	31%
Fixed-income securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation	55%
Percentage of plan assets at end of period	55%	55%
Other
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation	5%
Percentage of plan assets at end of period	1%	1%

Employee Benefit Plans - Sche_2

Employee Benefit Plans - Schedule of plan assets by fair value hierarchy (Details) - Estimate of fair value - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 387,429	$ 383,725
Equity securities, Common/collective trust funds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	172,635	170,867
Fixed income, Common/collective trust funds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	212,012	210,226
Cash equivalents
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 2,782	$ 2,632

Segment Information - Narrative

Segment Information - Narrative (Details) - Local Media	Dec. 31, 2023 affiliate station lowPowerStation
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of local broadcast stations | station	60
Number of low power stations operated | lowPowerStation	10
ABC affiliates
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of television affiliates	18
NBC affiliates
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of television affiliates	11
CBS affiliates
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of television affiliates	9
FOX affiliates
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of television affiliates	4
CW affiliates
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of television affiliates	7
Number of full power stations | station	4
Number of multicast | station	3
Independent stations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of television affiliates	7

Segment Information - Schedule

Segment Information - Schedule of business segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended					12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Jun. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Segment operating revenues:
Total operating revenues						$ 2,292,912	$ 2,453,215	$ 2,283,532
Segment profit (loss):
Segment profit (loss)						(753,242)	428,344	400,745
Acquisition and related integration costs						0	(1,642)	(40,373)
Restructuring costs						(38,612)	0	(9,436)
Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets						(155,105)	(160,433)	(161,922)
Impairment of goodwill	$ (266,000)	$ (686,000)				(952,000)	0	0
Gains (losses), net on disposal of property and equipment						(2,344)	(5,866)	30,275
Interest expense						(213,512)	(161,130)	(165,164)
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt			$ 7,400	$ 1,200	$ (15,300)	0	8,589	(15,347)
Defined benefit pension plan income (expense)						650	2,613	(343)
Gain on sale of Triton business						0	0	81,784
Losses on stock warrant						0	0	(99,118)
Miscellaneous, net						(1,407)	(1,953)	(15,469)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes						(967,511)	276,463	187,088
Depreciation:
Total depreciation						60,725	61,943	58,357
Amortization of intangible assets:
Total amortization of intangible assets						94,380	98,490	103,565
Intersegment eliminations
Segment operating revenues:
Total operating revenues						(17,949)	(17,012)	(14,743)
Shared services and corporate
Segment profit (loss):
Segment profit (loss)						(91,954)	(82,280)	(75,576)
Depreciation:
Total depreciation						1,299	1,915	1,498
Amortization of intangible assets:
Total amortization of intangible assets						4,227	4,323	2,504
Local Media
Segment profit (loss):
Impairment of goodwill						0
Local Media | Operating segments
Segment operating revenues:
Total operating revenues						1,398,230	1,494,357	1,319,468
Segment profit (loss):
Segment profit (loss)						287,439	386,369	268,140
Depreciation:
Total depreciation						39,642	40,479	39,368
Amortization of intangible assets:
Total amortization of intangible assets						36,322	35,461	40,315
Scripps Networks
Segment profit (loss):
Impairment of goodwill						(952,000)
Scripps Networks | Operating segments
Segment operating revenues:
Total operating revenues						893,234	961,242	951,883
Segment profit (loss):
Segment profit (loss)						225,785	310,336	389,278
Depreciation:
Total depreciation						19,600	19,360	17,109
Amortization of intangible assets:
Total amortization of intangible assets						52,036	56,836	58,599
Other
Segment profit (loss):
Impairment of goodwill						0
Other | Operating segments
Segment operating revenues:
Total operating revenues						19,397	14,628	26,924
Segment profit (loss):
Segment profit (loss)						(26,451)	(18,140)	359
Depreciation:
Total depreciation						184	189	382
Amortization of intangible assets:
Total amortization of intangible assets						$ 1,795	$ 1,870	$ 2,147

Segment Information - Disaggreg

Segment Information - Disaggregation of revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	$ 2,292,912	$ 2,453,215	$ 2,283,532
Core advertising
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	1,444,539	1,549,277	1,592,121
Political
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	33,460	208,112	22,693
Distribution
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	779,217	660,317	620,454
Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	$ 35,696	$ 35,509	$ 48,264

Segment Information - Additions

Segment Information - Additions to property and equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total additions to property and equipment	$ 62,503	$ 72,222	$ 62,378
Total assets	5,410,120	6,431,005
Operating segments | Local Media
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total additions to property and equipment	55,244	58,350	35,963
Total assets	2,393,660	2,391,703
Operating segments | Scripps Networks
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total additions to property and equipment	5,654	13,444	23,871
Total assets	2,878,936	3,915,374
Operating segments | Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total additions to property and equipment	75	54	430
Total assets	58,460	52,571
Intersegment eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total additions to property and equipment	1,530	374	$ 2,114
Total assets	$ 79,064	$ 71,357

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($)
Contractual Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Contractual obligations due in 2024	$ 942.9
Contractual obligations due in 2025	686.7
Contractual obligations due in 2026	417.1
Contractual obligations due in 2027	133.6
Contractual obligations due in 2028	71.6
Contractual obligations due in later years	$ 33.9

Capital Stock and Share-Based_3

Capital Stock and Share-Based Compensation Plans - Narrative (Details) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands		12 Months Ended
	Jan. 07, 2021 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($) director classOfCommonShare shares	Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2021 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2023 $ / shares	May 14, 2021 USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2020 USD ($)
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Classes of common shares | classOfCommonShare		2
Share price | $ / shares					$ 9.15
Preferred stock dividends		$ 48,000,000	$ 48,000,000	$ 47,067,000
Number of shares available for future stock compensation grants | shares		7,500
ION Media
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Exercise price of warrants | $ / shares	$ 13
Berkshire Hathaway | Level 3
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Fair value of warrants	$ 181,000,000					$ 280,000,000
Maximum
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Minimum number of directors up for election, on which common shareholders entitled to vote | director		3
Preferred Stock | Berkshire Hathaway | ION Media
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares purchased | shares	6
Share price | $ / shares	$ 100,000
Preferred stock, redemption price, percent	105%
Preferred stock, dividend rate, percentage	8%
Dividend rate if previous dividends are not paid in cash, as a percentage	9%
Preferred stock dividends		$ 48,000,000	48,000,000
Number of warrants | shares	23,100
Exercise price of warrants | $ / shares	$ 13
Common stock, Class A
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount							$ 100,000,000
Stock repurchased during period, value		0	$ 0	$ 0
Common stock, Class A | ION Media
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of warrants | shares	23,100
Restricted stock units
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock, RSUs and performance shares		$ 24,700,000
Weighted-average period of recognition, years		1 year 10 months 24 days
Restricted stock units | Minimum
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Vesting period of stock options		3 years
Restricted stock units | Maximum
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Vesting period of stock options		4 years

Capital Stock and Share-Based_4

Capital Stock and Share-Based Compensation Plans - Restricted stock and restricted stock unit activity (Details) - Restricted stock units - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Unvested shares at beginning of period, number of shares	3,048,285	2,385,496	2,191,659
Shares and units awarded in period, number of shares	1,938,617	1,867,083	1,375,565
Shares and units vested in period, number of shares	(1,224,417)	(1,147,220)	(1,060,685)
Shares and units forfeited in period, number of shares	(46,570)	(57,074)	(121,043)
Unvested shares at end of period, number of shares	3,715,915	3,048,285	2,385,496
Weighted Average
Unvested shares at beginning of period, weighted-average value (USD per share)	$ 13.11	$ 18.57	$ 17.25	$ 12.22
Shares and units awarded in period, weighted-average value (USD per share)	8.46	19.19	22.63
Shares and units vested in period, weighted-average value (USD per share)	11.61	21.20	20.32
Shares and units forfeited in period, weighted-average value (USD per share)	15.26	20.07	16.19
Unvested shares at end of period, weighted-average value (USD per share)	$ 13.11	$ 18.57	$ 17.25
Range of Prices
Unvested shares and units, range of exercise prices, beginning of period, lower range (USD per share)	9	9	7
Unvested shares and units, range of exercise prices, beginning of period, upper range (USD per share)	23	23	23
Shares and units awarded in period, range of exercise prices, lower range (USD per share)	7	14	14
Shares and units awarded in period, range of exercise prices, upper range (USD per share)	8	22	23
Shares and units vested in period, range of exercise prices, lower range (USD per share)	$ 5	$ 11	$ 15
Shares and units vested in period, range of exercise prices, upper range (USD per share)	$ 15	$ 22	$ 24
Shares and units forfeited in period, range of exercise prices, lower range (USD per share)	8	9	9
Shares and units forfeited in period, range of exercise prices, upper range (USD per share)	23	23	23
Unvested shares and units, range of exercise prices, end of period, lower range (USD per share)	7	9	9
Unvested shares and units, range of exercise prices, end of period, upper range (USD per share)	23	23	23

Capital Stock and Share-Based_5

Capital Stock and Share-Based Compensation Plans - Additional restricted stock and restricted stock unit vesting (Details) - Restricted stock units - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Fair value of RSUs vested	$ 14,171	$ 24,321	$ 21,548
Tax benefits realized on vesting	$ 3,409	$ 5,902	$ 5,101

Capital Stock and Share-Based_6

Capital Stock and Share-Based Compensation Plans - Schedule of stock compensation costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation, net of tax	$ 15,560	$ 16,355	$ 17,047
Restricted stock units
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total share-based compensation	$ 20,490	$ 21,596	$ 22,334

Capital Stock and Share-Based_7

Capital Stock and Share-Based Compensation Plans - Phantom (Details)	Dec. 31, 2023
Text Block [Abstract]
Number of directors as a percentage	33.33%

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, beginning balance	$ (77,471)	$ (73,909)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	1,853	(6,843)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax	108	3,281
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	1,961	(3,562)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, ending balance	(75,510)	(77,471)	$ (73,909)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, tax amount	(38)	17	42
Defined Benefit Pension Items
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, beginning balance	(77,327)	(73,713)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	1,972	(6,895)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax	108	3,281
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	2,080	(3,614)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, ending balance	(75,247)	(77,327)	(73,713)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, tax amount	624	(2,209)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, tax amount	34	1,051
Other
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, beginning balance	(144)	(196)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	(119)	52
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax	0	0
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	(119)	52
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, ending balance	(263)	(144)	$ (196)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, tax amount	$ (38)	$ 17

Assets Held for Sale and Disc_3

Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations - Operating results of discontinued operations and net assets distributed (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	$ 0	$ 0	$ 6,813
Stitcher Podcasting Business | Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Operating revenues	0
Total costs and expenses	(600)
Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets	0
Other, net	0
Loss from operations	(600)
Pretax gain on disposal	9,572
Gain from discontinued operations before income taxes	8,972
Provision for income taxes	(2,159)
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	$ 6,813

Assets Held for Sale and Disc_4

Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain on sale of Triton business			$ 0	$ 0	$ 81,784
Stitcher Podcasting Business | Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale | Earnout Contingent Consideration
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Increase in earnout consideration					9,100
Proceeds from previous acquisition		$ 19,100
Earnout based on financial results					$ 0
Triton Digital Canada, Inc. | Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Consideration received for business	$ 225,000
Gain on sale of Triton business	$ 81,800