Mission Broadcasting Buying WPIX From Scripps

E.W. Scripps said today that it has been informed that Nexstar Media Group Inc. has transferred its option to purchase Scripps’ New York CW affiliate WPIX to Mission Broadcasting and that Mission has exercised its option to purchase the station.

The option price is $75 million plus accrued interest, to be calculated on the period between the Sept. 19, 2019, purchase date of WPIX by Scripps and the option sale closing date.

Scripps purchased WPIX as part of its acquisition of eight television stations in seven markets from Nexstar. Those stations were being divested in connection with Nexstar’s acquisition of Tribune Media in September 2019.

In its purchase agreement with Nexstar, Scripps granted Nexstar the option to buy back WPIX. The option was exercisable from March 31, 2020, through the end of 2021. Nexstar assigned its option to Mission Broadcasting, and Mission has exercised the option.

Pending execution of a definitive purchase agreement and FCC approval, the transaction is expected to close later this year. Scripps will remain the nation’s fourth-largest independent TV station owner, with 59 stations in 41 markets.

Scripps EVP-CFO Lisa Knutson said it intends to use cash from today’s sale of Stitcher, the presidential election year political ad revenue and the sale of WPIX to pay down debt.