DirecTV removes Scripps local stations from its channel lineup

DirecTV removes Scripps local stations from its channel lineup

CINCINNATI - Local television stations in about 40 markets owned by The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) are no longer accessible to DirecTV subscribers as Scripps works to reach a new contract agreement with DirecTV that would restore critical local news, weather and sports programming for consumers across the country.

The company issued the following statement:

Scripps has been engaging in good-faith negotiations with DirecTV to establish an equitable agreement that serves both companies and, most importantly, consumers. Regrettably, DirecTV has elected to remove Scripps local stations from their lineup, employing the same heavy-handed tactics that have become synonymous with pay-TV operators who hurt their own subscribers by using them as bargaining chips in contractual disputes. By contrast, Scripps stations have gone dark only twice since we began broadcasting in the 1940s.

Scripps remains committed to reaching a fair resolution that restores our local stations to DirecTV's paying subscribers. At stake is our viewers' fundamental access to trusted local journalism, critical weather alerts, emergency information and live sports programming that strengthens community bonds - all essential public interest content in which Scripps invests substantially every day.

Fortunately, viewers across the country can still watch Scripps programming via:

• Free, over-the-air with an antenna - Visit www.thefreeTVproject.org to find the best antenna for a specific location
• Tablo TV
• YouTube TV
• Hulu + Live TV
• Fubo
• Other streaming and cable services

Media contact: Becca McCarter, The E.W. Scripps Company, (513) 410-2425, [email protected]

About Scripps
The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) is a diversified media company focused on creating connection. As one of the nation's largest local TV broadcasters, Scripps serves communities with quality, objective local journalism and operates a portfolio of about 60 stations in 40 markets. Scripps reaches households across the U.S. with national news outlet Scripps News and popular entertainment brands ION, Bounce, Grit, ION Mystery, ION Plus and Laff. Scripps is the nation's largest holder of broadcast spectrum. Scripps Sports serves professional and college sports leagues, conferences and teams with local market depth and national broadcast reach of up to 100% of TV households. Founded in 1878, Scripps is the steward of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, and its longtime motto is: "Give light and the people will find their own way."