Scripps Renews Its ABC Affiliations

The E.W. Scripps Co. today entered into an agreement with the ABC television network to extend the affiliation of six Scripps stations with ABC through Jan. 31, 2015.

The stations involved are WXYZ Detroit (DMA 11); KNXV Phoenix (DMA 12); WFTS Tampa, Fla. (DMA 14); WEWS Cleveland (DMA 18); WMAR Baltimore (DMA 27); and WCPO Cincinnati (DMA33).

The ABC stations in the Scripps television division cover approximately 8% of U.S. households.

The previous long-term affiliation agreement ended on Jan. 31. The stations had continued operating as ABC affiliates through short-term extensions since that date.

“I’m pleased that we’re able to continue the productive relationship we’ve had with ABC for many more years,” said Brian Lawlor, SVP of the Scripps television station group. “This new agreement reflects our shared belief in the power of a high-quality national programming provider combined with local affiliates that have trusted news brands and strong influence in their communities.”

The new agreement includes a license fee paid by Scripps to ABC for the network’s programming. Since the expiration of the affiliation agreement on Jan. 31, the company has been accruing network programming expenses at a rate that is consistent with the new agreement, Scripps said.