Scripps Completes Acquisition Of Ion Media

The E.W. Scripps Co. and Black Diamond Capital Management LLC have closed Scripps’ acquisition of Ion Media Networks Inc.

Scripps is combining Ion with the Katz networks and Newsy to create a full-scale national television networks business. Together, the national networks will reach nearly every American through free over-the-air broadcast, cable/satellite, over-the-top and digital distribution, with multiple advertising-supported programming streams.

“This is a historic and transformational moment for Scripps that strengthens our leadership position in broadcasting and accelerates our multiplatform strategy to serve diverse audiences everywhere they seek to be informed and entertained,” said Scripps President-CEO Adam Symson. “Bringing our networks together with Ion will create a formidable national television business focused on connecting with audiences and advertisers in the rapidly evolving media landscape while fueling our company’s future growth.”

With this sale, Black Diamond completes its 11-year turnaround of Ion.

“We are extremely proud of Ion’s transformation from $33 million of EBITDA in 2009 to $300 million plus during our ownership,” said Christopher W. Parker, senior managing director of black diamond and Ion director. “This sale brings to a conclusion a successful investment for all of Ion’s shareholders. We thank Ion’s management team and wish Scripps well with its acquisition.”

Scripps said: “The highly accretive acquisition will yield $500 million in synergies, most of which are contractually based, over the next six years, reaching a $120 million run rate.”

Scripps also has completed the sale of 23 Ion-affiliated stations to INYO Broadcast Holdings, a Salt Lake City–based operator of stations.

As the nation’s fourth-largest local TV broadcaster, Scripps now operates a portfolio of 60 stations in 41 markets. With this transaction, Scripps also reaches nearly every American through its national networks: news outlets Court TV and Newsy and entertainment multicast networks Ion, Bounce, Grit, Laff and Court TV Mystery. Scripps also said it now becomes the nation’s largest holder of broadcast spectrum.

The transaction was financed with $800 million in term loans, $550 million of secured notes and $500 million of unsecured notes; a $600 million investment from Berkshire Hathaway in preferred stock; and cash from the balance sheet. The debt financing was led by Morgan Stanley Senior Funding Inc. with BofA Securities, Truist Securities, J.P. Morgan and Wells Fargo as joint book runners.

The new national networks business is being led by Lisa Knutson, president, national networks, and previously Scripps’ chief financial officer.