$SSP

Scripps raises 2026 political ad revenue outlook, cuts 850 jobs

The E.W. Scripps Company (SSP) raised its 2026 political ad revenue forecast to $275M, up 40% from 2022. It cut 850 jobs, 20% of its workforce, to achieve $125M-$150M in EBITDA growth by 2028. Q3 political revenue was $81M, exceeding prior guidance. SSP plans to use cash and Q4 ad revenue to pay down $150M in debt.

Original reporting
Published Oct 28, 2026, 12:52 PM UTC
Analysis
AlphAI AI DeskAI-generated
Added to AlphAI Oct 28, 2026, 1:01 PM UTC. Informational, not investment advice.
How this was made
AlphAI summarizes source reporting and applies a structured AI analysis for relevance, timing, sentiment and ticker impact. Always verify material claims with the original publisher.
AlphAI market briefEarnings
Primary signal
$SSP
Bullish
high confidence
Mentioned
$SSP
Relevance
7/10
AlphAI data visualization · based on investing.com
Decision brief

The 30-second read

$SSPBullishMed
01

Why it matters

The raised outlook and cost cuts are likely to improve earnings visibility, supporting a bullish stance on SSP.

02

Market read

First report of updated 2026 revenue guidance; material for traders evaluating SSP.

03

What to watch

Potential slowdown in political ad spend if election cycles shift or regulatory changes occur.

Relevance 7/10Novelty 8/10Timing: pre‑market today

Background

Scripps issued a press release raising its 2026 political advertising revenue forecast and detailing workforce reductions as part of a cost‑saving plan.

Company-level read

Ticker impact

$SSPBullishHigh confidence
Context

Scripps raised its 2026 political ad revenue outlook to $275M and announced 850 job cuts, a fresh guidance update.

Expected impact

potential upside as the market prices in higher political ad revenue

Evidence & confidence

New revenue guidance and cost‑saving plan are material and not previously disclosed.

Market effects

Higher political ad spend may benefit other local media owners.

Positive for U.S. media markets focused on political advertising.

Limited to U.S. media sector.

Counterpoint

The job cuts could signal deeper operational challenges, tempering upside.

Key entities

  • The E.W. Scripps Company

    U.S. media company reporting new 2026 guidance.

Related articles

$SSPMedAI 8/10

Scripps (SSP) Q2 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

E.W. Scripps (SSP) reported Q2 2026 revenue of $490.4 million, down 9.2%, and a net loss per share of $12.68, driven by a $1.1 billion non-cash Networks impairment and $35.8 million restructuring costs. Adjusted EBITDA fell to $55.2 million. Management targeted $100 million run-rate savings by end-2026 and $125-$150 million enterprise EBITDA growth by 2028.

$SSPMedAI 8/10

E.W. Scripps Q2 2026 Loss Widens to

E.W. Scripps (NASDAQ: SSP) reported Q2 2026 results with a loss of $12.68 per share versus a -$0.40 estimate. Revenue fell to $490.4M from $540.1M year over year, and net loss was $1.15B. Local Media revenue declined 5.4% to $316.5M. Shares rose 2.8% to $2.95 after the release.

$SSPMedAI 8/10

SSP Q2 FY2026 earnings call — BigGo Finance

E.W. Scripps (SSP) reported Q2 FY2026 net loss of $12.68 per share, driven by a $1.1 billion non-cash goodwill impairment in Scripps Networks, plus $36 million restructuring costs. Adjusted local media revenue fell 1% to $317 million, while Scripps Networks revenue dropped 13% to $172 million. Management raised transformation savings to $100 million run-rate by end-2026 and guided Q3 local revenue up ~20% YoY.

$SSPMed

The E W Scripps Co (SSP) (Q2 2026) Earnings Call Highlights: Record Political Revenue

E.W. Scripps (SSP) reported Q2 local media revenue of $317 million, down 1% adjusted, with core advertising down 4.8% due to economic uncertainty, political crowd-out, and carriage disputes. Political revenue was a record $28 million. Management said Q3 revenue should rise about 20% on political spending, and expects full-year political revenue of $225 million to $250 million. CFO discussed $100 million annual run-rate savings and a path toward ~30% network margins.