E.W. SCRIPPS Co - Quarter Report: 2016 September (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q



þ		QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2016



o		TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934



		For the transition period from to

Commission File Number 0-16914

THE E.W. SCRIPPS COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



Ohio (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		31-1223339 (IRS Employer Identification Number)

312 Walnut Street Cincinnati, Ohio (Address of principal executive offices)		45202 (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (513) 977-3000
Not applicable (Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes þ No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company “in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.



Large accelerated filer þ	Accelerated filer o	Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	Smaller reporting company o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes o No þ

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. As of September 30, 2016, there were 70,965,458 of the registrant’s Class A Common shares, $.01 par value per share, outstanding and 11,932,722 of the registrant’s Common Voting shares, $.01 par value per share, outstanding.

Index to The E.W. Scripps Company Quarterly Report

on Form 10-Q for the Quarter Ended September 30, 2016



Item No.		Page

PART I - Financial Information

1. Financial Statements		3

2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		3

3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk		3

4. Controls and Procedures		3

PART II - Other Information

1. Legal Proceedings		3

1A. Risk Factors		3

2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds		3

3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities		4

4. Mine Safety Disclosures		4

5. Other Information		4

6. Exhibits		4

Signatures		5

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PART I

As used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, 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.

Item 1. Financial Statements

The information required by this item is filed as part of this Form 10-Q. See Index to Financial Information at page F-1 of this Form 10-Q.

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The information required by this item is filed as part of this Form 10-Q. See Index to Financial Information at page F-1 of this Form 10-Q.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The information required by this item is filed as part of this Form 10-Q. See Index to Financial Information at page F-1 of this Form 10-Q.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

The information required by this item is filed as part of this Form 10-Q. See Index to Financial Information at page F-1 of this Form 10-Q.

PART II

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

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.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in Item 1A. Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

There were no sales of unregistered equity securities during the quarter ended September 30, 2016.

The following table provides information about Company purchases of Class A Common shares during the quarter ended September 30, 2016 and the remaining amount that may still be purchased under the program.



Period	Total number of shares purchased	Average price paid per share		Total market value of shares purchased		Maximum value that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs

7/1/16 - 7/31/16	194,617	$	16.94	$	3,297,598	$	61,794,564
8/1/16 - 8/31/16	236,012	16.67		3,933,947		$	57,860,617
9/1/16 - 9/30/16	231,195	16.24		3,755,548		$	54,105,069
Total	661,824	$	16.60	$	10,987,093

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In May 2014, our Board of Directors authorized a repurchase program of up to $100 million of our Class A Common shares through December 2016. At September 30, 2016, $54.1 million remained under the authorization.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

There were no defaults upon senior securities during the quarter ended September 30, 2016.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

None.

Item 5. Other Information

None.

Item 6. Exhibits

The information required by this item is filed as part of this Form 10-Q. See Index to Exhibits at page E-1 of this Form 10-Q.

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Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.



	THE E.W. SCRIPPS COMPANY

Dated: November 4, 2016	By:	/s/ Douglas F. Lyons
		Douglas F. Lyons
		Vice President, Controller and Treasurer
		(Principal Accounting Officer)

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The E.W. Scripps Company

Index to Financial Information (Unaudited)



Item		Page

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets		F-2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations		F-3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)		F-4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows		F-5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity		F-6

Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements		F-7

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		F-22

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk		F-34

Controls and Procedures		F-35

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The E.W. Scripps Company

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)



(in thousands, except share data)	As of September 30, 2016			As of December 31, 2015

Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	88,378		$	108,061
Restricted cash	5,460			6,560
Accounts and notes receivable (less allowances — $1,511 and $1,610)	184,487			171,901
Income taxes receivable	1,189			4,626
Miscellaneous	12,700			11,482
Total current assets	292,214			302,630
Investments	14,344			13,856
Property and equipment	262,870			271,047
Goodwill	616,780			585,787
Other intangible assets	473,589			479,187
Deferred income taxes	10,533			13,640
Miscellaneous	14,544			14,713
Total Assets	$	1,684,874		$	1,680,860

Liabilities and Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	27,573		$	31,606
Customer deposits and unearned revenue	14,608			8,508
Current portion of long-term debt	9,312			6,656
Accrued liabilities:
Employee compensation and benefits	22,751			33,669
Miscellaneous	20,917			25,392
Other current liabilities	11,743			13,992
Total current liabilities	106,904			119,823
Long-term debt (less current portion)	387,339			392,487
Other liabilities (less current portion)	264,158			267,567
Equity:
Preferred stock, $.01 par — authorized: 25,000,000 shares; none outstanding	—			—
Common stock, $.01 par:
Class A — authorized: 240,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding: 70,965,458 and 71,886,969 shares	710			719
Voting — authorized: 60,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding: 11,932,722 and 11,932,722 shares	119			119
Total	829			838
Additional paid-in capital	1,145,688			1,163,985
Accumulated deficit	(132,386		)	(174,038		)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes	(87,658		)	(89,802		)
Total equity	926,473			900,983
Total Liabilities and Equity	$	1,684,874		$	1,680,860

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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The E.W. Scripps Company

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands, except per share data)	2016			2015			2016			2015

Operating Revenues:
Advertising	$	170,169		$	144,983		$	479,932		$	389,088
Retransmission	53,134			36,287			160,181			100,700
Other	9,737			8,421			30,242			21,060
Total operating revenues	233,040			189,691			670,355			510,848
Costs and Expenses:
Employee compensation and benefits	91,568			88,296			279,916			247,776
Programs and program licenses	45,833			36,318			129,904			88,837
Other expenses	49,791			42,166			145,822			115,037
Defined benefit pension plan expense	3,605			2,976			10,504			9,782
Acquisition and related integration costs	—			4,206			578			36,953
Total costs and expenses	190,797			173,962			566,724			498,385
Depreciation, Amortization, and (Gains) Losses:
Depreciation	8,407			11,092			25,991			25,883
Amortization of intangible assets	6,485			5,181			18,098			12,051
Impairment of goodwill and intangibles	—			24,613			—			24,613
Losses, net on disposal of property and equipment	26			200			44			579
Net depreciation, amortization, and (gains) losses	14,918			41,086			44,133			63,126
Operating income (loss)	27,325			(25,357		)	59,498			(50,663		)
Interest expense	(4,592		)	(4,246		)	(13,603		)	(10,523		)
Miscellaneous, net	(596		)	1,061			(1,245		)	12
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	22,137			(28,542		)	44,650			(61,174		)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	9,615			(4,099		)	15,752			(15,661		)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	12,522			(24,443		)	28,898			(45,513		)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	—			—			—			(15,432		)
Net income (loss)	$	12,522		$	(24,443	)	$	28,898		$	(60,945	)

Net income (loss) per basic share of common stock:
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	0.15		$	(0.29	)	$	0.34		$	(0.61	)
Loss from discontinued operations	—			—			—			(0.21		)
Net income (loss) per basic share of common stock	$	0.15		$	(0.29	)	$	0.34		$	(0.82	)

Net income (loss) per diluted share of common stock:
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	0.15		$	(0.29	)	$	0.34		$	(0.61	)
Loss from discontinued operations	—			—			—			(0.21		)
Net income (loss) per diluted share of common stock	$	0.15		$	(0.29	)	$	0.34		$	(0.82	)

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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The E.W. Scripps Company

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited)



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2016			2015			2016			2015

Net income (loss)	$	12,522		$	(24,443	)	$	28,898		$	(60,945	)
Changes in fair value of derivative, net of tax of $37, $37, $111 and $110	59			59			177			178
Changes in defined benefit pension plans, net of tax of $440, $471, $1,241 and $(740)	706			762			1,988			(1,197		)
Other	(7		)	—			(21		)	84
Total comprehensive income (loss)	$	13,280		$	(23,622	)	$	31,042		$	(61,880	)

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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The E.W. Scripps Company

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)



	Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2016			2015

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	$	28,898		$	(60,945	)
Loss from discontinued operations	—			15,432
Income (loss) from continuing operations	28,898			(45,513		)
Adjustments to reconcile income (loss) from continuing operations to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	44,089			37,934
Impairment of goodwill and intangibles	—			24,613
Losses on sale of property and equipment	44			579
Deferred income taxes	16,517			(14,410		)
Stock and deferred compensation plans	9,120			8,393
Pension expense, net of payments	2,046			10,065
Other changes in certain working capital accounts, net	(21,612		)	(46,091		)
Miscellaneous, net	1,886			2,788
Net cash provided by (used in) continuing operating activities	80,988			(21,642		)
Net cash provided by discontinued operating activities	—			6,861
Net operating activities	80,988			(14,781		)
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(43,500		)	(46,838		)
Additions to property and equipment	(21,590		)	(15,244		)
Purchase of investments	(1,728		)	(7,087		)
Change in restricted cash	1,100			250
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	216			15
Net cash used in continuing investing activities	(65,502		)	(68,904		)
Net cash used in discontinued investing activities	—			(1,561		)
Net investing activities	(65,502		)	(70,465		)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	—			200,000
Payments on long-term debt	(3,000		)	(121,269		)
Payments of financing costs	—			(2,592		)
Dividends paid	—			(59,523		)
Repurchase of Class A Common shares	(29,673		)	(10,901		)
Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options	4,641			6,041
Tax payments related to shares withheld for RSU vesting	(2,652		)	(5,126		)
Miscellaneous, net	(4,485		)	1,499
Net cash (used in) provided by continuing financing activities	(35,169		)	8,129
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(19,683		)	(77,117		)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of year	108,061			158,459
End of period	$	88,378		$	81,342

Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures
Interest paid	$	12,092		$	9,353
Income taxes paid	$	393		$	14,709

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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The E.W. Scripps Company

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity (Unaudited)



(in thousands, except share data)	Common Stock			Additional Paid-in Capital			Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Noncontrolling Interests			Total Equity

As of December 31, 2014	$	570		$	525,456		$	118,693		$	(126,443	)	$	1,657		$	519,933
Net loss	—			—			(60,945		)	—			—			(60,945		)
Changes in defined benefit pension plans	—			—			—			(1,197		)	—			(1,197		)
Changes in fair value of derivative	—			—			—			178			—			178
Cash dividends: declared and paid — $1.03 per share	—			—			(59,523		)	—			—			(59,523		)
Shares issued for acquisition: 26,350,993 shares issued	263			635,737			—			—			—			636,000
Spin-off of Newspapers	—			—			(141,231		)	2,326			(1,657		)	(140,562		)
Repurchase 561,019 Class A Common shares	(6		)	(5,932		)	(4,963		)	—			—			(10,901		)
Compensation plans: 1,084,647 net shares issued *	11			9,376			—			—			—			9,387
Other	—			—			—			84			—			84
As of September 30, 2015	$	838		$	1,164,637		$	(147,969	)	$	(125,052	)	$	—		$	892,454

As of December 31, 2015, as originally reported	$	838		$	1,163,985		$	(174,038	)	$	(89,802	)	$	—		$	900,983
Adoption of new accounting guidance	—			(58		)	14,808			—			—			14,750
As of January 1, 2016, as adjusted	838			1,163,927			(159,230		)	(89,802		)	—			915,733
Net income	—			—			28,898			—			—			28,898
Changes in defined benefit pension plans	—			—			—			1,988			—			1,988
Changes in fair value of derivative	—			—			—			177			—			177
Repurchase 1,769,824 Class A Common shares	(18		)	(27,601		)	(2,054		)	—			—			(29,673		)
Compensation plans: 848,313 net shares issued *	9			9,362			—			—			—			9,371
Other	—			—			—			(21		)	—			(21		)
As of September 30, 2016	$	829		$	1,145,688		$	(132,386	)	$	(87,658	)	$	—		$	926,473

* Net of tax payments related to shares withheld for vested stock and RSUs of $2,652 in 2016 and $5,126 in 2015.

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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The E.W. Scripps Company

Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

As used in the Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the terms “Scripps,” “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us” may, depending on the context, refer to The E.W. Scripps Company, to one or more of its consolidated subsidiary companies or to all of them taken as a whole.

Basis of Presentation — The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. The interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto included in our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K. In management's opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of the interim periods have been made.

Results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for future interim periods or for the full year.

Certain amounts in prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current period's presentation.

Nature of Operations — We are a diverse media enterprise with a portfolio of television, radio and digital media brands. All of our media businesses provide content and advertising services via digital platforms, including the Internet, smartphones and tablets. Our media businesses are organized into the following reportable business segments: television, radio, digital, and syndication and other. Additional information for our business segments is presented in the Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

On April 1, 2015, we distributed our newspaper business to our shareholders in a tax-free spin-off. See Note 17 for information on the spin-off.

Use of Estimates — Preparing financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires us to make a variety of decisions that affect the reported amounts and the related disclosures. Such decisions include the selection of accounting principles that reflect the economic substance of the underlying transactions and the assumptions on which to base accounting estimates. In reaching such decisions, we apply judgment based on our understanding and analysis of the relevant circumstances, including our historical experience, actuarial studies and other assumptions.

Our financial statements include estimates and assumptions used in accounting for our defined benefit pension plans; the periods over which long-lived assets are depreciated or amortized; the fair value of long-lived assets, goodwill and indefinite lived assets; the liability for uncertain tax positions and valuation allowances against deferred income tax assets; the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations; and self-insured risks.

While we re-evaluate our estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis, actual results could differ from those estimated at the time of preparation of the financial statements.

Revenue Recognition — We recognize revenue when persuasive evidence of a sales arrangement exists, delivery occurs or services are rendered, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. When a sales arrangement contains multiple elements, such as the sale of advertising and other services, we allocate revenue to each element based upon its relative fair value. We report revenue net of sales and other taxes collected from our customers.

Our primary sources of revenue are from the sale of broadcast and digital advertising, as well as retransmission fees received from cable operators and satellite carriers.

The revenue recognition policies for each source of revenue are described in our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Share-Based Compensation — We have a Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) which is described more fully in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015. The Plan provides for the award of incentive and nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units (RSUs), unrestricted Class A Common shares and performance units to key employees and non-employee directors.

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Share-based compensation costs totaled $(0.5) million and $1.4 million for the third quarter of 2016 and 2015, respectively. Year-to-date share-based compensation costs totaled $6.7 million and $8.5 million in 2016 and 2015, respectively, of which $1.1 million for 2015 is included in discontinued operations. The credit balance for the third quarter of 2016 is due to an adjustment of our performance based share expense due to changes in our estimate of the number of shares that will vest.

Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) — Unvested awards of share-based payments with rights to receive dividends or dividend equivalents, such as our RSUs, are considered participating securities for purposes of calculating EPS. Under the two-class method, we allocate a portion of net income to these participating securities and therefore exclude that income from the calculation of EPS for common stock. We do not allocate losses to the participating securities.

The following table presents information about basic and diluted weighted-average shares outstanding:



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2016			2015			2016			2015

Numerator (for basic and diluted earnings per share)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	12,522		$	(24,443	)	$	28,898		$	(45,513	)
Less income allocated to RSUs	(174		)	—			(373		)	—
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations	$	12,348		$	(24,443	)	$	28,525		$	(45,513	)
Denominator
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding	83,230			84,107			83,654			75,213
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options held by employees and directors	288			—			306			—
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding	83,518			84,107			83,960			75,213
Anti-dilutive securities ⁽¹⁾	—			2,148			—			2,148

⁽¹⁾ Amount outstanding at balance sheet date, before application of the treasury stock method and not weighted for period outstanding.

For the quarter and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015, we incurred a loss and the inclusion of RSUs and stock options held by employees and directors would have been anti-dilutive, and accordingly the diluted EPS calculation for the period excludes those common share equivalents.

Derivative Financial Instruments — It is our policy that derivative transactions are executed only to manage exposures arising in the normal course of business and not for the purpose of creating speculative positions or trading. Derivative financial instruments are utilized to manage interest rate risks. We do not hold derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. All derivatives must be recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. Each derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge or remains undesignated. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and effective as cash flow hedges are recorded in other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transactions affected earnings. These changes are offset in earnings to the extent the hedge was effective by fair value changes related to the risk being hedged on the hedged item. Changes in the fair value of undesignated hedges are recognized currently in earnings. All ineffective changes in derivative fair values are recognized currently in earnings.

All designated hedges are formally documented as to the relationship with the hedged item as well as the risk-management strategy. Both at inception and on an ongoing basis, the hedging instrument is assessed as to its effectiveness, when applicable. If and when a derivative is determined not to be highly effective as a hedge, the underlying hedged transaction is no longer likely to occur, the hedge designation is removed, or the derivative is terminated, the hedge accounting discussed above is discontinued.

2. Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Standards

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paid-in capital. Also, a company's payments for tax withholdings should be classified in the statement of cash flows as a financing activity. It also requires excess tax benefits to be recorded on the exercise or vesting of share-based awards at the time they are deductible for income taxes and not when they reduce cash taxes. In addition, a company can now elect to record forfeitures of share-based awards as they occur or record estimated forfeitures with a true-up at the end of the vesting period. We have elected to early adopt this guidance effective January 1, 2016. The adoption used the modified retrospective transition method which had no impact on prior years. The impact of adopting this guidance was to record $14.7 million of previously unrecognized tax benefits, increasing deferred tax assets and opening retained earnings. We have elected to adopt a policy of recording actual forfeitures, the impact of which is immaterial to current or prior periods.

In August 2014, the FASB issued new guidance related to the disclosures around consideration of going concern. The new standard provides guidance around management's responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. The new standard was effective for us January 1, 2016. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards — In August 2016, the FASB issued new guidance related to classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows. This new guidance was issued with the objective of reducing diversity in practice around eight specific types of cash flows. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued new guidance that changes the impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments. For trade and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities, loans and other instruments, entities will be required to use a new forward-looking “expected loss” model that will replace today’s “incurred loss” model and generally will result in the earlier recognition of allowances for losses. For available-for-sale debt securities with unrealized losses, entities will measure credit losses in a manner similar to current practice, except that the losses will be recognized as an allowance. The guidance is effective in 2020 with early adoption permitted in 2019. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our financial statements and the timing of adoption.

In February 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on the accounting for leases. Under this guidance, lessees will be required to recognize a lease liability and a right-of-use asset for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases) at the commencement date. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

In January 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on the recognition and measurement of financial instruments. This guidance primarily affects the accounting for equity method investments, financial liabilities under the fair value option and the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. The standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued new guidance on revenue recognition. Under this new standard, an entity shall recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The standard creates a five-step process that requires entities to exercise judgment when considering the terms of the contract(s) and all relevant facts and circumstances. This standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method and will be effective for us beginning in 2018. Early adoption is permitted in 2017. We are currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements and have not yet determined a transition method.

3. Acquisitions

Stitcher

On June 6, 2016, we completed the acquisition of Stitcher for a cash purchase price of $4.5 million. Stitcher is a popular podcast listening service which facilitates discovery and streaming for more than 65,000 podcasts. Stitcher operates as part of Midroll Media, which significantly broadens Midroll's consumer base and technological capabilities. Of the $4.5 million purchase price, $2.9 million was allocated to intangible assets, the majority of which was technological software with an estimated amortization period of 3 years. The remainder of the purchase price was allocated to goodwill.

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Cracked

On April 12, 2016, we acquired the multi-platform humor and satire brand Cracked, which informs and entertains millennial audiences with a website, original digital video, social media and a popular podcast. The purchase price was $39 million in cash.

The final fair values of the assets acquired were $9.6 million of intangibles and $29.4 million of goodwill. Of the $9.6 million allocated to intangible assets, $7.6 million was for trade names with an estimated amortization period of 20 years. The remaining balance of $2.0 million was allocated to content library with an estimated amortization period of 3 years.

The goodwill of $29 million arising from the transaction consists largely of the benefit we derive from being able to expand our presence and digital brands on the web, in over-the-top video and audio and on other emerging platforms. We allocated the goodwill to our digital segment. We treated the transaction as an asset acquisition for income tax purposes with a step-up in the assets acquired. The goodwill is deductible for income tax purposes.

From the acquisition date of April 12, 2016 through September 30, 2016, revenues from the acquired Cracked operations were $2.4 million.

Midroll Media

On July 22, 2015, we acquired Midroll Media, a company that creates original podcasts and operates a network that generates advertising revenue for more than 200 shows. The purchase price was $50 million in cash, plus a $10 million earnout payable over three years. We estimated the fair value of the earnout to be $7 million.

The following table summarizes the final fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed:



(in thousands)

Assets:
Cash	$	635
Accounts receivable	2,925
Other assets	482
Intangible assets	10,700
Goodwill	45,586
Total assets acquired	60,328
Current liabilities	3,365
Net purchase price	$	56,963

Of the $11 million allocated to intangible assets, $7 million was allocated to advertiser relationships with an estimated amortization period of 5 years and the remaining balance of $4 million was allocated to various other intangible assets.

The goodwill of $46 million arising from the transaction consists largely of the benefit we derive from being able to enter the podcast market with an established business. We allocated the goodwill to our digital segment. We treated the transaction as an asset acquisition for income tax purposes with a step-up in the assets acquired. The goodwill is deductible for income tax purposes.

Journal Communications Broadcast Group

On April 1, 2015, we acquired the broadcast group owned by Journal Communications, Inc. ("Journal") as part of the transactions described in Note 17. The businesses acquired included 12 television stations and 34 radio stations. We issued 26.4 million Class A Common shares to the Journal shareholders in exchange for their interest in Journal for a purchase price of $636 million. The fair value of the shares issued was determined on the basis of the closing market price of our Class A Common shares on April 1, 2015, the acquisition date.

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The following table summarizes the final fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed:



(in thousands)

Assets:
Cash	$	2,529
Accounts receivable	47,978
Other current assets	2,236
Property, plant and equipment	123,264
Intangible assets	294,800
Goodwill	456,440
Other long-term assets	6,350
Assets held for sale	14,500
Total assets acquired	948,097
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	38,107
Employee benefit obligations	85,261
Deferred tax liability	57,112
Long-term debt	126,873
Other long-term liabilities	4,744
Net purchase price	$	636,000

Of the $295 million allocated to intangible assets, $112 million was for FCC licenses which we determined to have an indefinite life and, therefore, are not amortized. The remaining balance of $183 million was allocated to television network affiliation relationships and advertiser relationships with estimated amortization periods of 10 to 20 years.

The goodwill of $456 million arising from the transaction consists largely of synergies and economies of scale and other benefits of a larger broadcast footprint. The goodwill was allocated to our television ($395 million), radio ($41 million) and digital ($20 million) segments. We treated the transaction as a stock acquisition for income tax purposes resulting in no step-up in the assets acquired. The goodwill is not deductible for income tax purposes.

Concurrent with the acquisition of the Journal television stations, due to FCC conflict ownership rules, Journal was required to dispose of KNIN, the Fox affiliate located in Boise, ID. The station was placed in a divestiture trust for our benefit and was sold to Raycom Media, Inc. on October 1, 2015 for $14.5 million. The sale did not result in a gain or loss.

Pro forma results of operations

Pro forma results of operations, assuming the Journal transaction had taken place at the beginning of 2014, are included in the following table. The pro forma results do not include Midroll, Cracked or Stitcher as the impact of these acquisitions are not material to prior year results of operations. The pro forma information includes the historical results of operations of Scripps and Journal and adjustments for additional depreciation and amortization of the assets acquired, additional interest expense related to the financing of the transaction and reflects the transaction costs incurred in 2015 as if they were incurred in the first quarter of 2014. The weighted average shares utilized in calculating the earnings per share assumes that the shares issued to the Journal shareholders were issued on January 1, 2014. The pro forma information does not include efficiencies, cost reductions or synergies expected to result from the acquisition. The unaudited pro forma financial information is not necessarily indicative of the results that actually would have occurred had the acquisition been completed at the beginning of the period.

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	Three Months Ended September 30,			Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands, except per share data) (unaudited)	2015			2015

Operating revenues	$	189,691		$	573,310
Loss from continuing operations attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company	(23,606		)	(17,028		)
Loss per share from operations attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company:
Basic	$	(0.27	)	$	(0.19	)
Diluted	(0.27		)	(0.19		)

4. Income Taxes

We file a consolidated federal income tax return, consolidated unitary tax returns in certain states and other separate state income tax returns for our subsidiary companies.

The income tax provision for interim periods is generally determined based upon the expected effective income tax rate for the full year and the tax rate applicable to certain discrete transactions in the interim period. To determine the annual effective income tax rate, we must estimate both the total income (loss) before income tax for the full year and the jurisdictions in which that income (loss) is subject to tax. The actual effective income tax rate for the full year may differ from these estimates if income (loss) before income tax is greater than or less than what was estimated or if the allocation of income (loss) to jurisdictions in which it is taxed is different from the estimated allocations. We review and adjust our estimated effective income tax rate for the full year each quarter based upon our most recent estimates of income (loss) before income tax for the full year and the jurisdictions in which we expect that income will be taxed.

The effective income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was 35% and 26%, respectively. The primary reason for the difference between the year-to-date rates and the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% is the impact of state taxes, non-deductible expenses (including a portion of transaction expense related to the Journal transactions in 2015), adjustments to reserves for uncertain tax positions (including interest) and excess tax benefits on share-based compensation ($1.9 million in 2016).

Deferred tax assets totaled $11 million at September 30, 2016. Management believes that it is more likely than not that we will realize the benefits of our federal deferred tax assets and therefore has not recorded a valuation allowance for our federal deferred tax assets. If economic conditions worsen, future estimates of taxable income could be lower than our current estimates which may require valuation allowances to be recorded in future reporting periods.

We recognize state net operating loss carryforwards as deferred tax assets, subject to valuation allowances. At each balance sheet date, we estimate the amount of carryforwards that are not expected to be used prior to expiration of the carryforward period. The tax effect of the carryforwards that are not expected to be used prior to their expiration is included in the valuation allowance.

During the period ended September 30, 2015, deferred tax assets relating to employee share-based awards from the vesting of RSUs and the exercise of stock options were not recognized since we were in a net tax loss position for the period. The additional tax benefits were reflected as net operating loss carryforwards on our tax returns, but the additional tax benefits were not recorded under GAAP until the tax deductions reduced taxes payable. The amount of unrecognized tax deductions for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, was approximately $26 million. Effective January 1, 2016, we adopted new accounting guidance that allows us to recognize the benefits when deductible for tax purposes.

5. Other Charges and Credits

Acquisition and related integration costs of $0.6 million and $37.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $4.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015, include costs for spinning off our newspaper operations and costs associated with acquisitions, such as legal and accounting fees, as well as costs to integrate acquired operations.

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In the third quarter of 2015, we recorded a $24.6 million non-cash charge to reduce the carrying value of our goodwill and certain intangible assets of Newsy and a smaller business. See Note 7 for additional information.

6. Restricted Cash

At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we had $5.5 million and $6.6 million, respectively, in a restricted cash account on deposit with our insurance carrier. This account serves as collateral, in place of an irrevocable stand-by letter of credit, to provide financial assurance that we will fulfill our obligations with respect to cash requirements associated with our workers compensation self-insurance. This cash is to remain on deposit with the carrier until all claims have been paid or we provide a letter of credit in lieu of the cash deposit.

7. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill was as follows:



(in thousands)	Television			Radio		Digital			Total

Gross balance as of December 31, 2015	$	681,535		$	41,000	$	101,166		$	823,701
Accumulated impairment losses	(215,414		)	—		(22,500		)	(237,914		)
Net balance as of December 31, 2015	466,121			41,000		78,666			585,787
Cracked acquisition	—			—		29,403			29,403
Stitcher acquisition	—			—		1,590			1,590
Balance as of September 30, 2016	$	466,121		$	41,000	$	109,659		$	616,780

Gross balance as of September 30, 2016	$	681,535		$	41,000	$	132,159		$	854,694
Accumulated impairment losses	(215,414		)	—		(22,500		)	(237,914		)
Net balance as of September 30, 2016	$	466,121		$	41,000	$	109,659		$	616,780

Other intangible assets consisted of the following:



(in thousands)	As of September 30, 2016			As of December 31, 2015

Amortizable intangible assets:
Carrying amount:
Television network affiliation relationships	$	248,444		$	248,444
Customer lists and advertiser relationships	56,100			56,100
Other	26,923			14,423
Total carrying amount	331,467			318,967
Accumulated amortization:
Television network affiliation relationships	(33,911		)	(24,590		)
Customer lists and advertiser relationships	(22,976		)	(17,092		)
Other	(4,806		)	(1,913		)
Total accumulated amortization	(61,693		)	(43,595		)
Net amortizable intangible assets	269,774			275,372
Other indefinite-lived intangible assets — FCC licenses	203,815			203,815
Total other intangible assets	$	473,589		$	479,187

Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for each of the next five years is $5.5 million for the remainder of 2016, $21.9 million in 2017, $21.4 million in 2018, $19.7 million in 2019, $18.6 million in 2020, $16.4 million in 2021, and $166.3 million in later years.

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Goodwill and other indefinite-lived assets are tested for impairment annually and 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. Such indicators of impairment include, but are not limited to, changes in business climate or other factors resulting in low cash flow related to such assets. The testing for impairment is a two-step process. The first step is the estimation of the fair value of each of the reporting units, which is then compared to their carrying values. If the fair value is less than the carrying value of the reporting unit then an impairment of goodwill may exist. Step two is then performed to determine the amount of impairment.

During 2015, changes in the market for the distribution of video programming services, including the development of over-the-top distribution platforms such as Apple TV, Comcast Watchable, PlutoTV, Xumo, Roku and Sling, resulted in the need for additional investment in our digital news service, Newsy. The additional investment, combined with the slower development of our original revenue model, created indications of impairment of goodwill as of September 30, 2015.

Under the two-step process required by GAAP, we estimated the fair value of Newsy. Fair values were determined using a combination of an income approach, which estimated fair value based upon future revenues, expenses and cash flows discounted to their present value, and a market approach, which estimated fair value using market multiples of various financial measures compared to a set of comparable public companies. The discounted cash flow approach utilized unobservable factors, such as projected revenues and expenses and a discount rate applied to the estimated cash flows. The determination of the discount rate was based on a cost of capital model, using a risk-free rate, adjusted by a stock-beta adjusted risk premium and a size premium. The inputs to the nonrecurring fair value determination of our reporting units were classified as Level 3 fair value measurements under GAAP.

The valuation methodology and underlying financial information used to determine fair value required significant judgments to be made by management. These judgments included, but were not limited to, long-term projections of future financial performance and the selection of appropriate discount rates used to determine the present value of future cash flows. Changes in such estimates or the application of alternative assumptions could have produced significantly different results.

We concluded that the fair value of Newsy did not exceed its carrying value as of September 30, 2015. As a result, we recorded a $21 million non-cash charge in the three months ended September 30, 2015 to reduce the carrying value of goodwill and $2.9 million to reduce the value of intangible assets.

We also recorded a $1.5 million goodwill impairment charge on a second small business.

8. Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt consisted of the following:



(in thousands)	As of September 30, 2016			As of December 31, 2015

Variable rate credit facility	$	—		$	—
Term loan	391,500			394,500
Debt issuance costs on term loan	(2,817		)	(3,325		)
Net term loan	388,683			391,175
Unsecured subordinated notes payable	7,968			7,968
Long-term debt	396,651			399,143
Current portion of long-term debt	9,312			6,656
Long-term debt (less current portion)	$	387,339		$	392,487
Fair value of long-term debt *	$	401,043		$	396,576

* Fair value of the term loan was estimated based on quoted private market transactions and is classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the unsecured promissory notes is determined based on a discounted cash flow analysis using current market interest rates of comparable instruments and is classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

Financing Agreement

On April 1, 2015, we entered into a $500 million second amended revolving credit and term loan agreement ("Second Amended Financing Agreement") to amend the terms of our existing revolving credit and term loan agreement ("Amended Financing Agreement"), to add an incremental $200 million term loan B borrowing and to increase the line of credit by $25 million. The $400 million term loan B matures in November 2020 and the $100 million revolving credit facility matures in November 2018.

The Second Amended Financing Agreement includes the maintenance of a net leverage ratio if we borrow more than 20% on the revolving credit facility. The term loan B requires that if we borrow additional amounts or make a permitted acquisition that we cannot exceed a stated net leverage ratio on a pro forma basis at the date of the transaction.

The Second Amended Financing Agreement allows us to make restricted payments (dividends and share repurchases) up to $70 million plus additional amounts based on our financial results and condition. We can also make additional stock repurchases equal to the amount of proceeds that we receive from the exercise of stock options held by our employees. Additionally, we can make acquisitions as long as the pro forma net leverage ratio is less than 4.5 to 1.0 of assets.

The Second Amended Financing Agreement in certain circumstances requires that we must use a portion of excess cash flow, and the proceeds from the sale, to repay debt. As of September 30, 2016, we were not required to make additional principal payments based on excess cash flow. Any proceeds, up to a stipulated amount, that we receive from the upcoming FCC spectrum auction, should we choose to participate and our bid is accepted, will not be required to be used to pay down the term loan.

Under the terms of the Second Amended Financing Agreement, we granted the lenders mortgages on certain of our real property, pledges of our equity interests in our subsidiaries and security interests in substantially all other personal property including cash, accounts receivables, and equipment.

Interest is payable on the term loan B at rates based on LIBOR with a 0.75% floor, plus a fixed margin of 2.75%. Interest is payable on the revolving credit facility at rates based on LIBOR plus a margin based on our leverage ratio ranging from 2.25% to 2.75%. As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the interest rate was 3.50% on the term loan B. The weighted-average interest rate on borrowings was 3.50% and 3.42% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Scheduled principal payments on the term loan at September 30, 2016 are: $1.0 million for the remainder of 2016, $4.0 million in 2017, $4.0 million in 2018, $4.0 million in 2019, and $378.5 million in 2020.

Commitment fees of 0.30% to 0.50% per annum, based on our leverage ratio, of the total unused commitment are payable under the revolving credit facility.

As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we had outstanding letters of credit totaling $0.8 million.

Unsecured Subordinated Notes Payable

The unsecured subordinated promissory notes bear interest at a rate of 7.25% per annum payable quarterly. The notes are payable in annual installments of $2.7 million through 2018, with no prepayment right.

9. Financial Instruments

We are exposed to various market risks, including changes in interest rates. To manage risks associated with the volatility of changes in interest rates, we may enter into interest rate management instruments.

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Fair Value of Derivative Instruments

The notional amounts and fair values of derivative instruments are shown in the table below:



	As of September 30, 2016						As of December 31, 2015
	Notional amount		Fair value				Notional amount		Fair value
(in thousands)	Notional amount		Asset		Liability ⁽¹⁾		Notional amount		Asset		Liability ⁽¹⁾

Undesignated derivatives:
Interest rate swap	$	75,000	$	—	$	99	$	75,000	$	—	$	299

⁽¹⁾ Balance recorded as other liabilities in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

Upon refinancing our term loan B in November 2013, this hedge no longer qualified as a cash flow hedge and gains and losses on the derivative are recorded in current period earnings. The balance in accumulated other comprehensive loss at the date of discontinuance of hedge accounting is being amortized into earnings on a straight-line basis through December 2016.



	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2016		2015			2016		2015

Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCL, gain	$	96	$	96		$	288	$	288
Gain (loss) on derivative	136		(15		)	200		(125		)

10. Fair Value Measurement

We measure certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis, such as cash equivalents and derivatives. The fair values of these financial assets and liabilities were determined based on three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable, that may be used to measure fair value. These levels of input are as follows:


•	Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.


•	Level 2 — Inputs, other than quoted market prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly.


•	Level 3 — Unobservable inputs based on our own assumptions.

The following tables set forth our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015:



	As of September 30, 2016
(in thousands)	Total			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3

Assets/(Liabilities):
Cash equivalents	$	5,000		$	5,000	$	—		$	—
Interest rate swap	(99		)	—		(99		)	—



	As of December 31, 2015
(in thousands)	Total			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3

Assets/(Liabilities):
Cash equivalents	$	5,000		$	5,000	$	—		$	—
Interest rate swap	(299		)	—		(299		)	—

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11. Other Liabilities

Other liabilities consisted of the following:



(in thousands)	As of September 30, 2016		As of December 31, 2015

Employee compensation and benefits	$	18,536	$	16,808
Liability for pension benefits	221,110		221,965
Liabilities for uncertain tax positions	3,445		3,492
Other	21,067		25,302
Other liabilities (less current portion)	$	264,158	$	267,567

12. Supplemental Cash Flow Information

The following table presents additional information about the change in certain working capital accounts:



	Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2016			2015

Other changes in certain working capital accounts, net
Accounts and notes receivable	$	(12,586	)	$	(14,461	)
Transition services receivable, net	—			(2,473		)
Income taxes receivable/payable, net	3,437			(14,450		)
Accounts payable	(768		)	(11,303		)
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	(10,918		)	2,059
Other accrued liabilities	(4,475		)	(1,649		)
Other, net	3,698			(3,814		)
Total	$	(21,612	)	$	(46,091	)

13. Employee Benefit Plans

We sponsor two noncontributory defined benefit pension plans covering certain Scripps employees that began employment prior to June 30, 2008, as well as certain former Journal Communications, Inc. ("Journal") employees. We also have two non-qualified Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans ("SERPs") covering Scripps employees and certain former Journal employees. Both of the defined benefit plans and the SERPs have frozen the accrual of future benefits.

We sponsor a defined contribution plan covering substantially all non-union and certain union employees. We match a portion of employees' voluntary contributions to this plan. In connection with freezing the accrual of service credits under certain of our defined benefit pension plans, we began contributing additional amounts (referred to as transition credits) to certain employees' defined contribution retirement accounts ending in 2015.

Other union-represented employees are covered by defined benefit pension plans jointly sponsored by us and the union, or by union-sponsored multi-employer plans.

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The components of the expense consisted of the following:



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2016			2015			2016			2015

Interest cost	$	6,839		$	8,169		$	20,379		$	22,797
Expected return on plan assets, net of expenses	(4,616		)	(6,625		)	(13,812		)	(18,334		)
Amortization of actuarial loss	1,102			1,179			3,097			3,515
Curtailment	—			—			—			1,080
Total for defined benefit plans	3,325			2,723			9,664			9,058
Multi-employer plans	42			43			127			140
SERPs	280			253			840			800
Defined contribution plans	2,073			2,094			6,347			7,805
Net periodic benefit cost	5,720			5,113			16,978			17,803
Allocated to discontinued operations	—			—			—			(1,096		)
Net periodic benefit cost — continuing operations	$	5,720		$	5,113		$	16,978		$	16,707

We contributed $0.8 million to fund current benefit payments for our SERPs and $7.6 million for our defined benefit pension plans during the nine months ended September 30, 2016. During the remainder of 2016, we anticipate contributing an additional $0.3 million to fund the SERPs' benefit payments and an additional $1 million to $2 million to fund our qualified defined benefit pension plans.

In the second quarter of 2015, a one-time curtailment charge of $1.1 million was recorded related to our defined benefit pension plan as a result of the impact of the spin-off of our Newspaper business.

14. Segment Information

We determine our business segments based upon our management and internal reporting structures. Our reportable segments are strategic businesses that offer different products and services.

Our television segment includes 15 ABC affiliates, five NBC affiliates, two FOX affiliates, two CBS affiliates and four non big-four affiliated stations. We also own five Azteca America Spanish-language affiliates. Our television stations reach approximately 18% of the nation’s television households. Television stations earn revenue primarily from the sale of advertising time to local, national and political advertisers and retransmission fees received from cable operators and satellite carriers.

Our radio segment consists of 34 radio stations in eight markets. We operate 28 FM stations and six AM stations. Our radio stations earn revenue primarily from the sale of advertising to local advertisers.

Our digital segment includes the digital operations of our local television and radio businesses. It also includes the operations of our national digital businesses of Newsy, an over-the-top ("OTT") video news service, Cracked, the multi-platform humor and satire brand, and Midroll, a podcast industry leader. Our digital operations earn revenue primarily through the sale of advertising and marketing services.

Syndication and other primarily includes the syndication of news features and comics and other features for the newspaper industry.

We allocate a portion of certain corporate costs and expenses, including information technology, certain employee benefits and shared services, to our business segments. The allocations are generally amounts agreed upon by management, which may differ from an arms-length amount. Corporate assets are primarily cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, property and equipment primarily used for corporate purposes, and deferred income taxes.

Our chief operating decision maker evaluates the operating performance of our business segments and makes decisions about the allocation of resources to our business segments using a measure called segment profit. Segment profit excludes interest, defined benefit pension plan expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, impairment charges, divested operating units, restructuring activities, investment results and certain other items that are included in net income (loss) determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

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Information regarding our business segments is as follows:



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2016			2015			2016			2015

Segment operating revenues:
Television	$	197,283		$	157,437		$	568,932		$	439,049
Radio	19,301			20,421			52,087			39,834
Digital	15,754			10,861			43,287			25,698
Syndication and other	702			972			6,049			6,267
Total operating revenues	$	233,040		$	189,691		$	670,355		$	510,848
Segment profit (loss):
Television	$	58,305		$	31,707		$	153,290		$	98,357
Radio	2,528			4,073			8,574			8,981
Digital	(5,633		)	(3,639		)	(13,481		)	(13,210		)
Syndication and other	(832		)	(572		)	(984		)	(1,229		)
Shared services and corporate	(8,520		)	(8,658		)	(32,686		)	(33,701		)
Defined benefit pension plan expense	(3,605		)	(2,976		)	(10,504		)	(9,782		)
Acquisition and related integration costs	—			(4,206		)	(578		)	(36,953		)
Depreciation and amortization of intangibles	(14,892		)	(16,273		)	(44,089		)	(37,934		)
Impairment of goodwill and intangibles	—			(24,613		)	—			(24,613		)
Losses, net on disposal of property and equipment	(26		)	(200		)	(44		)	(579		)
Interest expense	(4,592		)	(4,246		)	(13,603		)	(10,523		)
Miscellaneous, net	(596		)	1,061			(1,245		)	12
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	$	22,137		$	(28,542	)	$	44,650		$	(61,174	)
Depreciation:
Television	$	7,120		$	9,765		$	22,517		$	22,389
Radio	653			554			1,733			1,103
Digital	40			132			148			394
Syndication and other	67			66			196			195
Shared services and corporate	527			575			1,397			1,802
Total depreciation	$	8,407		$	11,092		$	25,991		$	25,883
Amortization of intangibles:
Television	$	4,239		$	4,262		$	12,718		$	10,412
Radio	265			280			795			560
Digital	1,643			639			3,570			1,079
Shared services and corporate	338			—			1,015			—
Total amortization of intangibles	$	6,485		$	5,181		$	18,098		$	12,051
Additions to property and equipment:
Television	$	6,618		$	5,607		$	16,248		$	13,350
Radio	628			623			944			639
Digital	34			46			51			46
Syndication and other	74			7			115			76
Shared services and corporate	643			190			967			1,133
Total additions to property and equipment	$	7,997		$	6,473		$	18,325		$	15,244

No single customer provides more than 10% of our revenue.

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15. Capital Stock

Capital Stock — We have two classes of common shares, Common Voting shares and Class A Common shares. The Class A Common shares are only entitled to vote on the election of the greater of three or one-third of the directors and other matters as required by Ohio law.

Share Repurchase Plan — In May 2014, our Board of Directors authorized a repurchase program of up to $100 million of our Class A Common shares through December 2016. Shares may be repurchased from time to time at management's discretion, either in the open market, through pre-arranged trading plans or in privately negotiated block transactions. Under the authorization, we repurchased $29.7 million of shares at prices ranging from $14.71 to $19.51 per share during the first nine months of 2016. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we repurchased $10.9 million of shares at prices ranging from $15.90 to $24.08 per share. At September 30, 2016, $54.1 million remained under this authorization.

16. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss ("AOCL") by component, including items reclassified out of AOCL, were as follows:



	Three Months Ended September 30, 2016
(in thousands)	Gains and Losses on Derivatives			Defined Benefit Pension Items			Other			Total

Beginning balance, June 30, 2016	$	(124	)	$	(88,458	)	$	166		$	(88,416	)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	—			—			—			—
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
Interest rate swap, net of tax of $37 ^(a)	59			—			—			59
Actuarial gain (loss), net of tax of $436 ^(b)	—			706			(7		)	699
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	59			706			(7		)	758
Ending balance, September 30, 2016	$	(65	)	$	(87,752	)	$	159		$	(87,658	)



	Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
(in thousands)	Gains and Losses on Derivatives			Defined Benefit Pension Items			Other		Total

Beginning balance, June 30, 2015	$	(360	)	$	(125,524	)	$	11	$	(125,873	)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	—			—			—		—
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
Interest rate swap, net of tax of $37 ^(a)	59			—			—		59
Actuarial gain (loss), net of tax of $471 ^(b)	—			762			—		762
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	59			762			—		821
Ending balance, September 30, 2015	$	(301	)	$	(124,762	)	$	11	$	(125,052	)

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	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
(in thousands)	Gains and Losses on Derivatives			Defined Benefit Pension Items			Other			Total

Beginning balance, December 31, 2015	$	(242	)	$	(89,740	)	$	180		$	(89,802	)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	—			—			—			—
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
Interest rate swap, net of tax of $111 ^(a)	177			—			—			177
Actuarial gain (loss), net of tax of $1,229 ^(b)	—			1,988			(21		)	1,967
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	177			1,988			(21		)	2,144
Ending balance, September 30, 2016	$	(65	)	$	(87,752	)	$	159		$	(87,658	)



	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
(in thousands)	Gains and Losses on Derivatives			Defined Benefit Pension Items			Other			Total

Beginning balance, December 31, 2014	$	(479	)	$	(125,877	)	$	(87	)	$	(126,443	)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	—			—			—			—
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
Interest rate swap, net of tax of $110 ^(a)	178			—			—			178
Actuarial gain (loss), net of tax of $(740) ^(b)	—			(1,197		)	84			(1,113		)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	178			(1,197		)	84			(935		)
Spin-off of Newspapers, net of tax of $1,517	—			2,312			14			2,326
Ending balance, September 30, 2015	$	(301	)	$	(124,762	)	$	11		$	(125,052	)

^(a) Interest rate swap amortization is included in interest expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

^(b) Actuarial gain (loss) is included in defined benefit pension plan expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

17. Journal Broadcast Merger and Newspaper Spin-off (Discontinued Operations)

On July 30, 2014, Scripps and Journal Communications, Inc. ("Journal") agreed to merge their broadcast operations and spin-off their newspaper businesses and combine them into a separate publicly traded company. On April 1, 2015, Scripps and Journal separated their respective newspaper businesses and merged them, resulting in each becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of Journal Media Group, Inc. Journal Media Group combined the 13 Scripps newspapers with Journal's Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Immediately following the spin-off and merger of the newspaper businesses, the Journal broadcast operations and its related digital business were merged into Scripps.

As part of the transactions, Scripps' shareholders received a $60 million special cash dividend on April 1, 2015.

Certain agreements between Scripps and Journal Media Group, Inc. became effective in connection with the transactions, including Tax Matters Agreements and a Transition Services Agreement.

Under the Transition Services Agreement, Scripps and Journal Media Group provided certain services to each other through March 31, 2016. The fees for the services were at arm's-length amounts. The outstanding balance on the agreement was settled as of June 30, 2016. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the amounts we received from Journal Media Group and the amounts we paid to Journal Media Group were immaterial. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we received $2.5 million for services provided to Journal Media Group and we paid Journal Media Group $0.9 million for services provided to us.

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The Tax Matters Agreements set forth the allocations and responsibilities of Scripps and Journal Media Group with respect to liabilities for federal, state and local income taxes for periods before and after the spin-off, disputes with taxing authorities and indemnification of income taxes that would become due if the spin-off were taxable. Generally, Scripps is responsible for taxes prior to the separation and Journal Media Group will be responsible for taxes for periods after the separation of their respective businesses.

Until the completion of the spin-off of our newspaper business, generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) required us to assess impairment of the newspaper business long-lived assets using the held-and-used model. Under this model, if the expected cash flows over the life of the primary asset of the reporting unit are in excess of the carrying amount there is no impairment. Under this model no impairment charges were recorded at March 31, 2015. At the date of the spin-off of our newspaper business, GAAP required us to assess impairment using the held-for-sale model. This model compares the fair value of the disposal unit to its carrying value and if the fair value is lower, then an impairment loss is recorded. Our analysis determined that as of April 1, 2015 there was a non-cash impairment loss on disposal of the newspaper business of $30 million, which was recorded on the date of the spin-off, April 1, 2015, which was included in discontinued operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The inputs to the nonrecurring determination of the fair value of the disposal unit are classified as Level 2 measurements under GAAP.

As a result of the spin-off, Scripps newspapers has been presented as discontinued operations in the financial statements for all periods presented.

Operating results of our discontinued operations were as follows:



	Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2015

Operating revenues	$	91,478
Total costs and expenses	(79,517		)
Depreciation and amortization of intangibles	(3,608		)
Other, net	(3,298		)
Loss on disposal of Scripps Newspapers	(30,000		)
Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes	(24,945		)
Benefit for income taxes	9,513
Net loss from discontinued operations	$	(15,432	)

The Company incurred certain non-recurring costs directly related to the spin-off of our newspapers and acquisition of the Journal broadcast stations of $4 million and $40 million for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively. Accounting and other professional and consulting fees directly related to the newspaper spin-off of $3 million were allocated to discontinued operations in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. The remaining amount of $37 million was recorded in earnings from continuing operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2015.

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

This discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based upon the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. You should read this discussion in conjunction with those financial statements.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain forward-looking statements related to our businesses are included in this discussion. Those forward-looking statements reflect our current expectations. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements. Such risks, trends and uncertainties, which in most instances are beyond our control, include changes in advertising demand and other economic conditions; consumers’ tastes; program costs; labor relations; technological developments; competitive pressures; interest rates; regulatory rulings; and reliance on third-party vendors for various products and services. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. You should evaluate our forward-looking statements, which are as of the date of this filing, with the understanding of their inherent uncertainty. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date the statement is made.

Executive Overview

The E.W. Scripps Company (“Scripps”) is a diverse media enterprise, serving audiences and businesses through a portfolio of television, radio and digital media brands. We operate an expanding collection of local and national digital journalism and information businesses including our podcast business, Midroll, the multi-platform humor and satire brand, Cracked, and over-the-top ("OTT") video news service, Newsy. We also produce television programming, run an award-winning investigative reporting newsroom in Washington, D.C., and serve as the longtime steward of the nation's largest, most successful and longest-running educational program, the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

On April 1, 2015, Scripps and Journal Communications, Inc. ("Journal") closed their transactions to merge their broadcast operations and spin-off their newspaper businesses into a separate publicly traded company. The merged broadcast operations is one of the nation’s largest independent TV station ownership groups, reaching nearly one in five U.S. television households and serving 24 markets. We also own 34 radio stations in eight markets. The company has approximately 3,800 employees across its television, radio and digital media operations. The merger enhanced our national broadcast footprint, and we now have affiliations with all of the "Big 4" television networks.

We continued the expansion of our digital business through two acquisitions during 2016. On April 12, 2016 we acquired the multi-platform humor and satire brand Cracked, which informs and entertains millennial audiences with a website, original digital video, social media and a popular podcast. This acquisition provides an opportunity to expand our OTT footprint for both video and audio. The purchase price was $39 million in cash. On June 6, 2016 we acquired Stitcher, a popular podcast listening service which facilities discovery and streaming for more than 65,000 podcasts for a $4.5 million cash purchase price.

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Results of Operations

The trends and underlying economic conditions affecting the operating performance and future prospects differ for each of our business segments. Accordingly, you should read the following discussion of our consolidated results of operations in conjunction with the discussion of the operating performance of our business segments that follows.

Consolidated Results of Operations

Consolidated results of operations were as follows:



	Three Months Ended September 30,								Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2016			Change		2015			2016			Change		2015

Operating revenues	$	233,040		22.9	%	$	189,691		$	670,355		31.2	%	$	510,848
Employee compensation and benefits	(91,568		)	3.7	%	(88,296		)	(279,916		)	13.0	%	(247,776		)
Programs and program licenses	(45,833		)	26.2	%	(36,318		)	(129,904		)	46.2	%	(88,837		)
Other expenses	(49,791		)	18.1	%	(42,166		)	(145,822		)	26.8	%	(115,037		)
Defined benefit pension plan expense	(3,605		)			(2,976		)	(10,504		)			(9,782		)
Acquisition and related integration costs	—					(4,206		)	(578		)			(36,953		)
Depreciation and amortization of intangibles	(14,892		)			(16,273		)	(44,089		)			(37,934		)
Impairment of goodwill and intangibles	—					(24,613		)	—					(24,613		)
Losses, net on disposal of property and equipment	(26		)			(200		)	(44		)			(579		)
Operating income (loss)	27,325					(25,357		)	59,498					(50,663		)
Interest expense	(4,592		)			(4,246		)	(13,603		)			(10,523		)
Miscellaneous, net	(596		)			1,061			(1,245		)			12
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	22,137					(28,542		)	44,650					(61,174		)
(Provision) benefit for income taxes	(9,615		)			4,099			(15,752		)			15,661
Income (loss) from continuing operations	12,522					(24,443		)	28,898					(45,513		)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	—					—			—					(15,432		)
Net income (loss)	$	12,522				$	(24,443	)	$	28,898				$	(60,945	)

Continuing Operations

Midroll and Cracked were acquired on July 22, 2015 and April 12, 2016, respectively, and are collectively referred to as the "acquired digital operations." The Company completed its acquisition of the Journal television and radio stations on April 1, 2015, which are referred to as the "acquired stations." The inclusion of operating results from these businesses for the periods subsequent to their acquisitions impacts the comparability of our consolidated and segment operating results. Since the acquisition of the Journal stations occurred prior to the third quarter of 2015, the results of their operations only impact the comparability of the year-to-date periods and not the third quarter comparisons.

Operating revenues increased 23% in the third quarter of 2016 and 31% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. In the third quarter of 2016, a $22.6 million increase in television political advertising revenues, a $16.8 million increase in retransmission revenue, and increased revenues from our local digital operations and Midroll accounted for the majority of the increase. Higher revenues for the year-to-date period were due to increased political advertising revenues, higher retransmission revenues, higher digital revenues from our local digital operations, as well as the acquisition of the acquired stations and acquired digital operations. Revenue from the acquired stations was $65.2 million for the first quarter of 2016 and year-to-date revenue from the acquired digital operations impacting the comparability across periods was $9.7 million.

Effective January 1, 2016, we completed a new retransmission agreement covering approximately 3 million households, which is reflected in our 2016 results.

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Employee compensation and benefits increased 3.7% in the third quarter of 2016 and 13% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The increase in the year-to-date period was primarily driven by the impact of the acquired stations and acquired digital operations.

Programs and program licenses expense increased 26% for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 46% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, primarily due to the acquired stations and higher network fees. Programming costs of the acquired stations was $10.2 million of the increase for the year-to-date period. The remainder of the increase in the year-to-date period was due to higher network affiliation license fees of $34 million, offset by lower syndicated programming expense.

Other expenses include the following:



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2016		Change		2015		2016		Change		2015

Facilities rent and maintenance	$	9,980	7.8	%	$	9,258	$	28,758	18.2	%	$	24,331
Ratings and consumer research services	5,335		5.7	%	5,049		16,324		21.3	%	13,457
Purchased news and content	3,617		45.6	%	2,484		9,064		44.6	%	6,269
Marketing and promotion	2,629		5.0	%	2,503		10,557		29.2	%	8,170
Miscellaneous costs	28,230		23.4	%	22,872		81,119		29.1	%	62,810
Total other expenses	$	49,791	18.1	%	$	42,166	$	145,822	26.8	%	$	115,037

Other expenses in the year-to-date period increased primarily as a result of the acquired stations and higher marketing and promotion expenses in our television group. The increase in the third quarter was primarily due to the acquired digital operations.

Acquisition and related integration costs include costs for spinning off our newspaper operations and costs associated with acquisitions, such as legal and accounting fees, as well as costs to integrate acquired businesses.

Depreciation and amortization increased year-over-year as a result of the acquired stations and digital operations.

In the third quarter of 2015, we recorded a $25 million non-cash charge to reduce the carrying value of our goodwill and certain intangible assets of Newsy and a smaller business.

Interest expense increased year-over-year in the nine months ended September 30, 2016, due to the increased debt related to the Journal acquisition.

The effective income tax rate was 35% and 26% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. State taxes and non-deductible expenses impacted our effective rate. Certain portions of the transaction costs incurred in connection with the Journal transactions in 2015 are not deductible. In addition, our provision for the 2016 year-to-date period includes $1.9 million of excess tax benefits from the exercise and vesting of share-based compensation awards.

Discontinued Operations

Discontinued operations reflect the historical results of our newspaper operations, which were spun-off on April 1, 2015.

Upon completion of the spin-off of our Newspaper business, generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) required us to assess impairment of the newspaper business long-lived assets using the held-for-sale model. This model compares the fair value of the disposal unit to its carrying value and if the fair value is lower, then an impairment loss is recorded. Our analysis indicated that as of April 1, 2015 there was a non-cash impairment loss on the disposal of the newspaper business of $30 million, which was recorded on the date of the spin-off, April 1, 2015, and was included as a component of discontinued operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2015.

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Business Segment Results — As discussed in the Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, our chief operating decision maker evaluates the operating performance of our business segments using a measure called segment profit. Segment profit excludes interest, defined benefit pension plan expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, impairment charges, divested operating units, restructuring activities, investment results and certain other items that are included in net income (loss) determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Items excluded from segment profit generally result from decisions made in prior periods or from decisions made by corporate executives rather than the managers of the business segments. Depreciation and amortization charges are the result of decisions made in prior periods regarding the allocation of resources and are therefore excluded from the measure. Generally, our corporate executives make financing, tax structure and divestiture decisions. Excluding these items from measurement of our business segment performance enables us to evaluate business segment operating performance based upon current economic conditions and decisions made by the managers of those business segments in the current period.

We allocate a portion of certain corporate costs and expenses, including information technology, certain employee benefits and shared services to our business segments. The allocations are generally amounts agreed upon by management, which may differ from an arms-length amount. Corporate assets are primarily cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, property and equipment primarily used for corporate purposes and deferred income taxes.

Information regarding the operating performance of our business segments and a reconciliation of such information to the consolidated financial statements is as follows:



	Three Months Ended September 30,								Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2016			Change		2015			2016			Change		2015

Segment operating revenues:
Television	$	197,283		25.3	%	$	157,437		$	568,932		29.6	%	$	439,049
Radio	19,301			(5.5	)%	20,421			52,087			30.8	%	39,834
Digital	15,754			45.1	%	10,861			43,287			68.4	%	25,698
Syndication and other	702			(27.8	)%	972			6,049			(3.5	)%	6,267
Total operating revenues	$	233,040		22.9	%	$	189,691		$	670,355		31.2	%	$	510,848
Segment profit (loss):
Television	$	58,305		83.9	%	$	31,707		$	153,290		55.9	%	$	98,357
Radio	2,528			(37.9	)%	4,073			8,574			(4.5	)%	8,981
Digital	(5,633		)	54.8	%	(3,639		)	(13,481		)	2.1	%	(13,210		)
Syndication and other	(832		)	45.5	%	(572		)	(984		)	(19.9	)%	(1,229		)
Shared services and corporate	(8,520		)	(1.6	)%	(8,658		)	(32,686		)	(3.0	)%	(33,701		)
Defined benefit pension plan expense	(3,605		)			(2,976		)	(10,504		)			(9,782		)
Acquisition and related integration costs	—					(4,206		)	(578		)			(36,953		)
Depreciation and amortization of intangibles	(14,892		)			(16,273		)	(44,089		)			(37,934		)
Impairment of goodwill and intangibles	—					(24,613		)	—					(24,613		)
Losses, net on disposal of property and equipment	(26		)			(200		)	(44		)			(579		)
Interest expense	(4,592		)			(4,246		)	(13,603		)			(10,523		)
Miscellaneous, net	(596		)			1,061			(1,245		)			12
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	$	22,137				$	(28,542	)	$	44,650				$	(61,174	)

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Television — Our television segment includes 15 ABC affiliates, five NBC affiliates, two FOX affiliates, two CBS affiliates and four non big-four affiliated stations. We also own five Azteca America Spanish-language affiliates. Our television stations reach approximately 18% of the nation’s television households.

Television stations earn revenue primarily from the sale of advertising time to local, national and political advertisers and retransmission fees received from cable operators and satellite carriers.

National television networks offer affiliates a variety of programs and sell the majority of advertising within those programs. In addition to network programs, we broadcast locally and nationally internally produced programs, syndicated programs, sporting events, and other programs of interest in each station's market. News is the primary focus of our locally-produced programming.

The operating performance of our television group is most affected by local and national economic conditions, particularly conditions within the automotive, services and retail categories, and by the volume of advertising time purchased by campaigns for elective office and political issues. The demand for political advertising is significantly higher in the third and fourth quarters of even-numbered years.

Operating results for our television segment were as follows:



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2016		Change		2015		2016		Change		2015

Segment operating revenues:
Local	$	77,882	(1.2	)%	$	78,816	$	246,951	9.8	%	$	224,848
National	35,524		1.6	%	34,964		106,873		7.3	%	99,593
Political	26,892				4,294		44,601				7,015
Retransmission	53,134		46.4	%	36,287		160,181		59.1	%	100,700
Other	3,851		25.2	%	3,076		10,326		49.8	%	6,893
Total operating revenues	197,283		25.3	%	157,437		568,932		29.6	%	439,049
Segment costs and expenses:
Employee compensation and benefits	63,936		2.3	%	62,483		193,296		9.9	%	175,912
Programs and program licenses	41,292		30.1	%	31,737		121,344		49.2	%	81,315
Other expenses	33,750		7.1	%	31,510		101,002		21.0	%	83,465
Total costs and expenses	138,978		10.5	%	125,730		415,642		22.0	%	340,692
Segment profit	$	58,305	83.9	%	$	31,707	$	153,290	55.9	%	$	98,357

The Company completed its acquisition of the Journal television stations on April 1, 2015. The inclusion of operating results from this transaction for the periods subsequent to the acquisition impacts the comparability of the television division operating results in the year-to-date period.

Revenues

Total television revenues increased 25% in the third quarter of 2016 and 30% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Revenue from the acquired television stations was $48.7 million for the first quarter of 2016. Increased retransmission revenues and higher political revenues in a presidential-election year drove most of the remaining increase in the third quarter and year-to-date periods.

Effective January 1, 2016, we completed a new retransmission agreement covering approximately 3 million households, which is reflected in our 2016 results.

Costs and expenses

Total costs and expenses increased 11% in the third quarter of 2016 and 22% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

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Employee compensation and benefits increased 2.3% for the third quarter of 2016 and 10% for the 2016 year-to-date period. The quarterly increase was primarily from merit increases. The year-to-date increase also included $15.9 million of compensation and benefits from the acquired television stations for the first quarter of 2016.

Programs and program licenses expense increased 30% for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 49% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, primarily due to the acquired television stations and higher network fees. Programming costs of the acquired television stations was $9.1 million of the increase for the year-to-date period. The remainder of the increase in the year-to-date period was due to higher network affiliation license fees of $34 million, offset by lower syndicated programming expense.

Other expenses increased 7.1% for the 2016 quarter, primarily due to higher general operating expenses. Other expenses increased 21% for the 2016 year-to-date period primarily due to the impact of the acquired television stations.

Radio — Our radio segment consists of 34 radio stations in eight markets. We operate 28 FM stations and six AM stations. Radio stations earn revenue primarily from the sale of advertising to local advertisers.

Our radio stations focus on providing targeted and relevant local programming that is responsive to the interest of the communities in which we serve, strengthening our brand identity and allowing us to provide effective marketing solutions for advertisers by reaching their targeted audiences.

Operating results for our radio segment were as follows:



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2016		Change		2015		2016		Change		2015

Segment operating revenues:
Advertising	$	18,320	(5.9	)%	$	19,465	$	50,010	31.2	%	$	38,106
Other	981		2.6	%	956		2,077		20.2	%	1,728
Total operating revenues	19,301		(5.5	)%	20,421		52,087		30.8	%	39,834
Segment costs and expenses:
Employee compensation and benefits	7,310		(0.6	)%	7,355		21,660		46.1	%	14,825
Programs	4,539		(0.9	)%	4,581		8,558		13.8	%	7,522
Other expenses	4,924		11.6	%	4,412		13,295		56.3	%	8,506
Total costs and expenses	16,773		2.6	%	16,348		43,513		41.0	%	30,853
Segment profit	$	2,528	(37.9	)%	$	4,073	$	8,574	(4.5	)%	$	8,981

The Company completed its acquisition of the Journal radio stations on April 1, 2015. The inclusion of operating results from this transaction for the periods subsequent to the acquisition impacts the comparability of the year-to-date radio division operating results.

Revenues

Total radio revenues decreased 5.5% in the 2016 third quarter due to weakness in our largest markets, including the impact of lower advertising for sports programing in our Milwaukee market. Year-to-date revenues increased 31%, primarily due to revenue from the acquired radio stations of $14.6 million in the first quarter of 2016.

Costs and expenses

Total costs and expenses increased 2.6% in the 2016 quarter primarily due to costs associated with flood cleanup at our Wichita operations. The year-to-date increase in costs and expenses also included $12.5 million of expenses from the acquired radio stations for the first quarter of 2016.

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Digital — Our digital segment includes the digital operations of our local television and radio businesses. It also includes the operations of our national digital businesses of Newsy, our over-the-top video news service, Cracked, the multi-platform humor and satire brand and Midroll, a podcast industry leader.

Our digital operations earn revenue primarily through the sale of advertising and marketing services.

Operating results for our digital segment were as follows:



	Three Months Ended September 30,								Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2016			Change		2015			2016			Change		2015

Total operating revenues	$	15,754		45.1	%	$	10,861		$	43,287		68.4	%	$	25,698
Segment costs and expenses:
Employee compensation and benefits	12,470			28.7	%	9,688			34,104			25.6	%	27,147
Other expenses	8,917			85.3	%	4,812			22,664			92.7	%	11,761
Total costs and expenses	21,387			47.5	%	14,500			56,768			45.9	%	38,908
Segment loss	$	(5,633	)	54.8	%	$	(3,639	)	$	(13,481	)	2.1	%	$	(13,210	)

Our digital businesses, Midroll and Cracked, were acquired on July 22, 2015 and April 12, 2016, respectively. The inclusion of operating results from these businesses for the periods subsequent to the acquisitions impacts the comparability of our digital segment operating results.

Revenues

Digital revenues increased 45% or $4.9 million in the third quarter of 2016 and 68% or $17.6 million for the year-to-date period. Excluding the results of Cracked and Midroll, revenues increased 20% for the third quarter, which was primarily driven by increases in advertising on our television and radio local market digital sites. Excluding the results of Cracked and Midroll, year-to-date revenues increased 30%, which was primarily driven by increases from our local broadcast digital sites and increased revenues from Newsy.

Cost and Expenses

Digital costs and expenses increased 47% in the third quarter of 2016 and 46% for the year-to-date period, primarily due to the impact of the Cracked and Midroll acquisitions. Excluding the results of Cracked and Midroll, expenses increased 16% in the third quarter. The third quarter increases were from promotion and other costs for our national digital brands. Excluding the impact of Cracked and Midroll, expenses increased 14% in the year-to-date period, primarily due to costs from expanding Newsy's editorial staff and marketing efforts.

Shared services and corporate

We centrally provide certain services to our business segments. Such services include accounting, tax, cash management, procurement, human resources, employee benefits and information technology. The business segments are allocated costs for such services at amounts agreed upon by management. Such allocated costs may differ from amounts that might be negotiated at arms-length. Costs for such services that are not allocated to the business segments are included in shared services and corporate costs. Shared services and corporate also includes unallocated corporate costs, such as costs associated with being a public company.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary source of liquidity is our available cash and borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility.

Operating activities

Cash flows from operating activities for the nine months ended September 30 is as follows:



	Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2016			2015

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	$	28,898		$	(60,945	)
Loss from discontinued operations	—			15,432
Income (loss) from continuing operations	28,898			(45,513		)
Adjustments to reconcile income (loss) from continuing operations to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	44,089			37,934
Impairment of goodwill and intangibles	—			24,613
Losses on sale of property and equipment	44			579
Deferred income taxes	16,517			(14,410		)
Stock and deferred compensation plans	9,120			8,393
Pension expense, net of payments	2,046			10,065
Other changes in certain working capital accounts, net	(21,612		)	(46,091		)
Miscellaneous, net	1,886			2,788
Net cash provided by (used in) continuing operating activities	80,988			(21,642		)
Net cash provided by discontinued operating activities	—			6,861
Net operating activities	$	80,988		$	(14,781	)

The $103 million increase in cash provided by continuing operating activities was primarily attributable to a $55 million year-over-year increase in segment profit, $8 million of contributions to our pension plans in 2016, $37 million of acquisition and related costs incurred in 2015 that were not repeated in 2016 and changes in working capital in 2016 compared to 2015.

The primary factors affecting changes in working capital are described below.


•	In 2015, we made $14 million in estimated tax payments while no significant tax payments have been made in 2016 to-date. Additionally, in 2016 we received a tax refund of $4.4 million.


•	The accrual of payroll and annual incentive compensation, net of the payment amounts earned in the prior year, decreased working capital by $10.9 million in 2016 and increased working capital by $2.1 million in 2015.


•	The timing of payments of accounts payable increased working capital by $11 million in 2016.


•	Advertising for political campaigns, which is generally paid in advance, offset by increases in retransmission revenues, which generally have longer payment terms, increased working capital by $5 million in 2016.

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Investing activities

Cash flows from investing activities for the nine months ended September 30 is as follows:



	Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2016			2015

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	$	(43,500	)	$	(46,838	)
Additions to property and equipment	(21,590		)	(15,244		)
Purchase of investments	(1,728		)	(7,087		)
Change in restricted cash	1,100			250
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	216			15
Net cash used in continuing investing activities	(65,502		)	(68,904		)
Net cash used in discontinued investing activities	—			(1,561		)
Net investing activities	$	(65,502	)	$	(70,465	)

In 2016 and 2015, we used $66 million and $69 million, respectively, in cash for continuing investing activities. The primary factors affecting our investing activities for the periods are described below.


•	During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we incurred $21.6 million for capital expenditures, an increase of $6.3 million over the 2015 period.


•	In the second quarter of 2016 we acquired Cracked for $39 million and Stitcher for $4.5 million.


•	In July 2015, we acquired Midroll for $50 million in cash.


•	In 2015, we invested $5 million to fund the launch and operations of a media company specializing in digital multicasting.

Financing activities

Cash flows from financing activities for the nine months ended September 30 is as follows:



	Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2016			2015

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	$	—		$	200,000
Payments on long-term debt	(3,000		)	(121,269		)
Payments of financing costs	—			(2,592		)
Dividends paid	—			(59,523		)
Repurchase of Class A Common shares	(29,673		)	(10,901		)
Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options	4,641			6,041
Tax payments related to shares withheld for RSU vesting	(2,652		)	(5,126		)
Miscellaneous, net	(4,485		)	1,499
Net cash (used in) provided by continuing financing activities	$	(35,169	)	$	8,129

For continuing financing activities, we used $35 million in cash in 2016 and had net cash inflows of $8 million in 2015. The primary items included in our financing activities for the periods are described below.

On April 1, 2015, we entered into a $500 million second amended revolving credit and term loan agreement ("Second Amended Financing Agreement") to refinance our existing revolving credit and term loan agreement ("Amended Financing Agreement"). The $400 million term loan B matures in November 2020 and a $100 million revolving credit facility matures in November 2018. There were no borrowings under the revolving credit agreements in any of the years.

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The Second Amended Financing Agreement also includes a provision that in certain circumstances we must use a portion of excess cash flow to repay debt. As of September 30, 2016, we were not required to make additional principal payments based on excess cash flow. Any proceeds, up to a stipulated amount, that we receive from the upcoming FCC spectrum auction, should we choose to participate and our bid is accepted, will not be required to be used to pay down the term loan.

In May 2014, our Board of Directors authorized a repurchase program of up to $100 million of our Class A Common shares through December 2016. Shares may be repurchased from time to time at management's discretion, either in the open market, through pre-arranged trading plans or in privately negotiated block transactions. Under the authorization, we repurchased $29.7 million of shares at prices ranging from $14.71 to $19.51 per share during the first nine months of 2016. At September 30, 2016, we had approximately $54.1 million remaining for share repurchases under this authorization.

In 2016, we received $4.6 million of proceeds from the exercise of employee stock options compared to $6.0 million in 2015.

Other

We have met our funding requirements for our defined benefit pension plans under the provisions of the Pension Funding Equity Act of 2004 and the Pension Protection Act of 2006. We expect to contribute between $1 million and $3 million in the remainder of 2016 to our defined benefit pension plans and our SERPs.

We expect that our cash, cash from operating activities and available borrowing capacity will be sufficient to meet our operating and capital needs over the next 12 months.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

There have been no material changes to the off-balance sheet arrangements disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires us to make a variety of decisions that affect reported amounts and related disclosures, including the selection of appropriate accounting principles 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. We are committed to incorporating accounting principles, assumptions and estimates that promote the representational faithfulness, verifiability, neutrality and transparency of the accounting information included in the financial statements.

Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 describes the significant accounting policies we have selected for use in the preparation of our financial statements and related disclosures. An accounting policy is deemed to be critical if it requires an accounting estimate to be made based on assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain at the time the estimate is made and if different estimates that reasonably could have been used or changes in estimates that are likely to occur could materially change the financial statements. We believe the accounting for acquisitions, goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, income taxes and pension plans to be our most critical accounting policies and estimates. A detailed description of these accounting policies is included in the Critical Accounting Policies section of Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Recently Adopted Standards and Issued Accounting Standards

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards — In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued new guidance which simplifies the accounting for share-based compensation arrangements, including the income tax consequences and classification on the statement of cash flows. Under the new guidance, excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies are recognized as a discrete component of the income tax provision in the period they occur and not as an adjustment to additional paid-in capital. Also, a company's payments for tax withholdings should be classified in the statement of cash flows as a financing activity. It also requires excess tax benefits to be recorded on the exercise or vesting of share-based awards at the time they are deductible for income taxes and not when they reduce cash taxes. In addition, a company can now elect to record forfeitures of share-based awards as they occur or record estimated forfeitures with a true-up at the end of the vesting period. We have elected to early adopt this guidance effective January 1, 2016. The adoption used the modified retrospective transition method which had no impact on prior years. The impact of adopting this guidance was to record $14.7 million of previously unrecognized tax benefits, increasing deferred tax assets and opening retained earnings. We have elected to adopt a policy of recording actual forfeitures, the impact of which is immaterial to current or prior periods.

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Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Earnings and cash flow can be affected by, among other things, economic conditions and interest rate changes. We are also exposed to changes in the market value of our investments.

Our objectives in managing interest rate risk are to limit the impact of interest rate changes on our earnings and cash flows and to reduce overall borrowing costs.

The following table presents additional information about market-risk-sensitive financial instruments:



	As of September 30, 2016				As of December 31, 2015
(in thousands)	Cost Basis		Fair Value		Cost Basis		Fair Value

Financial instruments subject to interest rate risk:
Variable rate credit facility	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Term loan	391,500		393,458		394,500		388,583
Unsecured promissory notes	7,968		7,585		7,968		7,993
Total long-term debt including current portion	$	399,468	$	401,043	$	402,468	$	396,576

Interest rate swap	$	99	$	99	$	299	$	299

Financial instruments subject to market value risk:
Investments held at cost	$	10,046	(a)		$	10,652	(a)

(a) Includes securities that do not trade in public markets so the securities do not have readily determinable fair values. We estimate the fair value of these securities approximates their carrying value. There can be no assurance that we would realize the carrying value upon sale of the securities.

We may utilize interest rate swaps to manage our interest expense exposure by fixing our interest rate on portions of our floating rate term loan. We have entered into a $75 million notional value interest rate swap expiring in December 2016 which provides for use to pay a fixed interest rate of 1.08% and we receive interest at a variable rate equal to 30 day LIBOR. We did not provide or receive any collateral for this contract. The fair value of this financial derivative is based on quoted market prices which reflect the present values of the difference between estimated future variable-rate receipts and future fixed-rate payments.

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Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Scripps management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal controls designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:



1.	pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company;



2.	provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and the directors of the Company; and



3.	provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations, including the possibility of human error, collusion and the improper overriding of controls by management. Accordingly, even effective internal control can only provide reasonable but not absolute assurance with respect to financial statement preparation. Further, because of changes in conditions, the effectiveness of internal control may vary over time.

The effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) was evaluated as of the date of the financial statements. This evaluation was carried out under the supervision of and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the design and operation of these disclosure controls and procedures are effective. There were no changes to the Company's internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f)) during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

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The E.W. Scripps Company

Index to Exhibits



Exhibit Number		Exhibit Description

31.A		Section 302 Certifications
31.B		Section 302 Certifications
32.A		Section 906 Certifications
32.B		Section 906 Certifications
101.INS		XBRL Instance Document (furnished herewith)
101.SCH		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document (furnished herewith)
101.CAL		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document (furnished herewith)
101.DEF		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document (furnished herewith)
101.LAB		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document (furnished herewith)
101.PRE		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document (furnished herewith)

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