Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information	Sep. 30, 2015
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	E.W. SCRIPPS Co
Entity Central Index Key	0000832428
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Common stock, Class A
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	71,937,143
Voting common stock
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	11,932,722

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 81,342,000	$ 158,459,000
Restricted cash	6,560,000	6,810,000
Accounts and notes receivable (less allowances — $1,657 and $1,390)	164,972,000	99,609,000
Transition services agreement receivable, net	2,473,000	0
Deferred income taxes	28,553,000	10,754,000
Income taxes receivable	1,622,000	0
Miscellaneous	8,751,000	6,521,000
Assets of discontinued operations — current	0	46,507,000
Total current assets	294,273,000	328,660,000
Investments	14,876,000	9,454,000
Property, plant and equipment	269,792,000	157,841,000
Goodwill	586,342,000	106,261,000
Other intangible assets	478,006,000	187,259,000
Deferred income taxes	0	54,612,000
Miscellaneous	23,921,000	15,743,000
Assets held for sale	14,500,000	0
Assets of discontinued operations — noncurrent	0	172,901,000
Total Assets	1,681,710,000	1,032,731,000
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	21,994,000	13,987,000
Customer deposits and unearned revenue	10,999,000	8,812,000
Current portion of long-term debt	6,792,000	2,000,000
Accrued liabilities:
Employee compensation and benefits	29,762,000	20,901,000
Miscellaneous	30,241,000	31,890,000
Other current liabilities	11,716,000	9,306,000
Total current liabilities	0	47,642,000
Total current liabilities	111,504,000	134,538,000
Long-term debt (less current portion)	396,812,000	196,000,000
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent	3,201,000	0
Other liabilities (less current portion)	277,739,000	169,171,000
Liabilities of discontinued operations — noncurrent	0	13,089,000
Equity:
Preferred stock, $.01 par — authorized: 25,000,000 shares; none outstanding	0	0
Common stock, $.01 par: Class A - authorized: 240,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding; 71,937,143 and 45,062,522 shares; Voting - authorized: 60,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding; 11,932,722 and 11,932,722 shares	838,000	570,000
Additional paid-in capital	1,164,637,000	525,456,000
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	(147,969,000)	118,693,000
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes	(125,052,000)	(126,443,000)
The E.W. Scripps Company total shareholders’ equity	892,454,000	518,276,000
Noncontrolling interest — discontinued operations	0	1,657,000
Total equity	892,454,000	519,933,000
Total Liabilities and Equity	1,681,710,000	1,032,731,000
Common stock, Class A
Equity:
Common stock, $.01 par: Class A - authorized: 240,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding; 71,937,143 and 45,062,522 shares; Voting - authorized: 60,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding; 11,932,722 and 11,932,722 shares	719,000	451,000
Voting common stock
Equity:
Common stock, $.01 par: Class A - authorized: 240,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding; 71,937,143 and 45,062,522 shares; Voting - authorized: 60,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding; 11,932,722 and 11,932,722 shares	$ 119,000	$ 119,000

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Allowances for accounts and notes receivable	$ 1,657	$ 1,390
Preferred stock, par value (USD per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	25,000,000	25,000,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value (USD per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, Class A
Common stock, shares authorized	240,000,000	240,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	71,937,143	45,062,522
Common stock, shares outstanding	71,937,143	45,062,522
Voting common stock
Common stock, shares authorized	60,000,000	60,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	11,932,722	11,932,722
Common stock, shares outstanding	11,932,722	11,932,722

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Operating Revenues:
Advertising	$ 144,983	$ 103,700	$ 389,088	$ 292,472
Retransmission	36,287	15,235	100,700	40,409
Other	8,421	4,191	21,060	15,245
Total operating revenues	189,691	123,126	510,848	348,126
Costs and Expenses:
Employee compensation and benefits	88,296	64,713	247,776	189,294
Programs and program licenses	36,791	16,181	88,837	42,951
Other expenses	41,693	26,431	115,037	84,670
Defined benefit pension plan expense	2,976	1,613	9,782	4,253
Acquisition and related integration costs	4,206	2,783	36,953	6,984
Total costs and expenses	173,962	111,721	498,385	328,152
Depreciation, Amortization, and Losses (Gains):
Depreciation	11,092	6,528	25,883	17,846
Amortization of intangible assets	5,181	2,178	12,051	5,785
Impairment of goodwill and intangibles	24,613	0	24,613	0
Losses (gains), net on disposal of property, plant and equipment	200	(2,979)	579	(2,931)
Net depreciation, amortization, and losses (gains)	41,086	5,727	63,126	20,700
Operating (loss) income	(25,357)	5,678	(50,663)	(726)
Interest expense	(4,246)	(2,050)	(10,523)	(6,345)
Miscellaneous, net	1,061	170	12	(210)
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes	(28,542)	3,798	(61,174)	(7,281)
(Benefit) provision for income taxes	(4,099)	2,755	(15,661)	(1,308)
Net (loss) income from continuing operations	(24,443)	1,043	(45,513)	(5,973)
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	(2,384)	(15,432)	785
Net loss	$ (24,443)	$ (1,341)	$ (60,945)	$ (5,188)
Net (loss) income per basic share of common stock:
(Loss) income from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ (0.29)	$ 0.02	$ (0.61)	$ (0.10)
(Loss) income from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.00	$ (0.04)	$ (0.21)	$ 0.01
Net loss per basic share of common stock (in dollars per share)	$ (0.29)	$ (0.02)	$ (0.82)	$ (0.09)
Net (loss) income per diluted share of common stock:
(Loss) income from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ (0.29)	$ 0.02	$ (0.61)	$ (0.10)
(Loss) income from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.00	$ (0.04)	$ (0.21)	$ 0.01
Net loss per diluted share of common stock (in dollars per share)	$ (0.29)	$ (0.02)	$ (0.82)	$ (0.09)

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Net loss	$ (24,443)	$ (1,341)	$ (60,945)	$ (5,188)
Changes in fair value of derivative, net of tax of $37, $37, $110 and $111	59	59	178	177
Changes in defined benefit pension plans, net of tax of $471, $364, $(740) and $924	762	441	(1,113)	1,329
Total comprehensive loss	$ (23,622)	$ (841)	$ (61,880)	$ (3,682)

- Definition

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Amount after tax of increase (decrease) in accumulated gain (loss) from derivative instruments designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges and an entity's share of an equity investee's increase (decrease) in deferred hedging gain (loss).

+ References+ Details

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Changes in fair value of derivatives, tax amount	$ 37	$ 37	$ 110	$ 111
Changes in defined benefit pension plans, tax amount	$ 471	$ 364	$ (740)	$ 924

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net loss	$ (60,945,000)	$ (5,188,000)
Loss (income) from discontinued operations	15,432,000	(785,000)
Loss from continuing operations	(45,513,000)	(5,973,000)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss from continuing operations to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	37,934,000	23,631,000
Impairment of goodwill and intangibles	24,613,000	0
Losses (gains) on sale of property, plant and equipment	(579,000)	2,931,000
Deferred income taxes	(14,410,000)	4,824,000
Stock and deferred compensation plans	8,393,000	3,376,000
Pension expense, net of payments	10,065,000	3,759,000
Other changes in certain working capital accounts, net	(46,091,000)	15,748,000
Miscellaneous, net	2,788,000	(1,384,000)
Net cash (used in) provided by continuing operating activities	(21,642,000)	41,050,000
Net cash provided by discontinued operating activities	6,861,000	29,984,000
Net operating activities	(14,781,000)	71,034,000
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(46,838,000)	(149,334,000)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	15,000	6,318,000
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(15,244,000)	(11,908,000)
Purchase of investments	(7,087,000)	(2,003,000)
Change in restricted cash	250,000	1,400,000
Miscellaneous, net	0	389,000
Net cash used in continuing investing activities	(68,904,000)	(155,138,000)
Net cash used in discontinued investing activities	(1,561,000)	(1,330,000)
Net investing activities	(70,465,000)	(156,468,000)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	200,000,000	0
Payments on long-term debt	(121,269,000)	(1,500,000)
Payments of financing costs	(2,592,000)	(483,000)
Dividends paid	(59,523,000)	0
Repurchase of Class A Common shares	(10,901,000)	(21,237,000)
Proceeds from employee stock options	6,041,000	13,175,000
Tax payments related to shares withheld for RSU vesting	(5,126,000)	(4,035,000)
Miscellaneous, net	1,499,000	2,628,000
Net cash provided by (used in) continuing financing activities	8,129,000	(11,452,000)
Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued financing activities	0	0
Net financing activities	8,129,000	(11,452,000)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(77,117,000)	(96,886,000)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of year	158,459,000	221,255,000
End of period	81,342,000	124,369,000
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures
Interest paid	9,353,000	5,511,000
Income taxes paid	$ 14,709,000	$ 397,000

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Total

Common Stock

Additional Paid-in Capital

Retained Earnings (Accumulated Loss)

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Noncontrolling Interests

Balance, beginning at Dec. 31, 2013

$ 547,737

$ 560

$ 509,243

$ 116,893

$ (80,923)

$ 1,964

Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]

Net loss

(5,490)

(5,188)

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

(302)

Changes in defined benefit pension plans

1,329

Changes in fair value of derivative

177

Repurchase Class A Common shares: 1,181,560 in 2014 and 561,019 in 2015

(21,237)

(12)

(12,496)

(8,729)

Compensation plans: 1,779,404 net shares issued in 2014 and 1,084,647 in 2015

^[1]

14,335

14,317

Balance, ending at Sep. 30, 2014

536,851

566

511,064

102,976

(79,417)

1,662

Balance, beginning at Dec. 31, 2014

519,933

570

525,456

118,693

(126,443)

1,657

Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]

Net loss

(60,945)

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

Changes in defined benefit pension plans

(1,113)

Changes in fair value of derivative

178

Cash dividends: declared and paid — $1.03 per share

(59,523)

Shares issued for acquisition: 26,350,993 shares issued

636,000

263

635,737

Spin-off of Newspapers

(140,562)

(141,231)

2,326

(1,657)

Repurchase Class A Common shares: 1,181,560 in 2014 and 561,019 in 2015

(10,901)

(6)

(5,932)

(4,963)

Compensation plans: 1,779,404 net shares issued in 2014 and 1,084,647 in 2015

^[1]

9,387

9,376

Balance, ending at Sep. 30, 2015

$ 892,454

$ 838

$ 1,164,637

$ (147,969)

$ (125,052)

$ 0

[1]	* Net of tax payments related to shares withheld for vested stock and RSUs of $5,126 in 2015 and $4,035 in 2014.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Shares issued on compensation plans	1,084,647	1,779,404
Repurchase of Class A Common shares	561,019	1,181,560
Tax payments related to shares withheld for vested stock and RSUs	$ 5,126	$ 4,035
Cash dividends declared (in dollars per share)	$ 1.03	$ 0
Cash dividends paid (in dollars per share)	$ 1.03	$ 0
Number of shares issued in business acquisition	26,350,993	0

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

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 2014 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.

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 web, 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 additional 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 and retransmission fees received from cable operators and satellite carriers.

The revenue recognition policies for each source of revenue are described in our 2014 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, 2014. 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.

Share-based compensation costs totaled $1.4 million and $0.3 million for the third quarter of 2015 and 2014, respectively, of which $0.1 million of third quarter 2014 is included in discontinued operations. Year-to-date share-based compensation costs totaled $8.5 million and $4.9 million in 2015 and 2014, respectively. Year-to-date costs included in discontinued operations were $1.1 million and $1.2 million in 2015 and 2014, respectively.

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)	2015			2014		2015			2014

Numerator (for basic and diluted earnings per share)
Net (loss) income from continuing operations	$	(24,443	)	$	1,043	$	(45,513	)	$	(5,973	)
Less income allocated to RSUs	—			—		—			—
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations	$	(24,443	)	$	1,043	$	(45,513	)	$	(5,973	)
Denominator
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding	84,107			56,469		75,213			56,200
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options held by employees and directors	—			—		—			—
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding	84,107			56,469		75,213			56,200
Anti-dilutive securities ⁽¹⁾	2,148			3,313		2,148			3,313

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

For the quarter ended September 30, 2015 and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, we incurred a net 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. For the quarter ended September 30, 2014 there was net income from continuing operations. Prior to recasting the historical financial statements for discontinued operations, we incurred a net loss for the quarter ended September 30, 2014, and therefore we did not apply the two-class method. We have not changed our application of the two-class method due to the recasting of our historical financial statements, which changed income from continuing operations from a loss to income.

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 are 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 (loss) and reclassified to earnings when the effects of the item being hedged are recognized in 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.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for all significant accounting policies of the reporting entity.

+ References+ Details

Recently Adopted Standards and Issued Accounting Standards (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Recently Adopted Standards and Issued Accounting Standards	Recently Adopted Standards and Issued Accounting Standards Recently Issued Accounting Standards — In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued new guidance for the presentation of debt issuance costs in the financial statements. Under this new guidance, debt issuance costs (except for lines of credit) are classified in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset. Additionally, amortization of these costs must be classified as interest expense. The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. Adoption of this standard will result in us netting deferred loan costs, which as of September 30, 2015 totaled $3.5 million, against long-term debt. Reported interest expense will not be affected. 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 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact 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 assessing the impact this new guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements and have not yet determined a transition method. Recently Adopted Accounting Standards — In April 2014, the FASB issued new guidance on reporting and disclosure requirements related to discontinued operations. With the new guidance, a disposal of a component or group of components of an entity is required to be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results. We adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2015.

Acquisitions

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Acquisitions

Midroll Media

On July 22, 2015, we acquired Midroll Media, a Los Angeles-based company that creates original podcasts and operates a network that generates advertising revenue for more than 200 shows, including “StartUp” and “Nerdist.” The purchase price was $50 million in cash, plus a $10 million earnout payable over three years. We have estimated the fair value of the earnout to be $5 million.

Pending the finalization of third-party valuations and other items, the following table summarizes the preliminary fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed:



(in thousands)

Assets:
Cash	$	632
Accounts receivable	2,925
Other assets	518
Intangible assets	10,700
Goodwill	43,176
Total assets acquired	57,951
Current liabilities	3,365
Net purchase price	$	54,586

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 balance of $4 million was allocated to various other intangible assets.

The goodwill of $43 million arising from the transaction consists largely of the benefit we will 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 include 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 resulting in 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 shares on April 1, 2015, the acquisition date.

Pending the finalization of third-party valuations and other items, the following table summarizes the preliminary fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed:



(in thousands)

Assets:
Cash	$	2,530
Accounts receivable	47,977
Other current assets	2,236
Property, plant and equipment	123,264
Intangible assets	295,000
Goodwill	459,405
Other long-term assets	6,351
Assets held for sale	14,500
Total assets acquired	951,263
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	43,262
Employee benefit obligations	85,261
Deferred tax liability	55,054
Long-term debt	126,873
Other long-term liabilities	4,813
Net purchase price	$	636,000

During the third quarter of 2015, we recorded measurement period adjustments to the preliminary purchase price allocation, including an increase to the deferred tax liability of $12.2 million with a corresponding increase in goodwill.

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 $459 million arising from the transaction consists largely of synergies and economies of scale and other benefits of a larger broadcast footprint. The goodwill will be allocated to our television, radio and digital segments once the final allocation is completed. 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. The assets of this station are classified as held for sale in our balance sheet at September 30, 2015.

Granite Broadcasting

On June 16, 2014, we closed our acquisition of two television stations owned by Granite Broadcasting Corporation — the Detroit MyNetworkTV affiliate WMYD-TV and the Buffalo, N.Y. ABC affiliate WKBW-TV ("Acquired Granite Stations") — for $110 million in cash. The acquisition of WMYD-TV created a duopoly with our Detroit ABC affiliate WXYZ-TV.

We finalized the determination of fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed in the fourth quarter of 2014. There were no material changes in the fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed from the preliminary amounts. The following table summarizes their final fair values.



(in thousands)

Assets:
Property, plant and equipment	$	12,025
Intangible assets	53,500
Goodwill	44,715
Total assets acquired	110,240
Current liabilities	240
Net purchase price	$	110,000

Of the $54 million allocated to intangible assets, $34 million was for FCC licenses which we determined to have an indefinite life and, therefore, are not amortized. The remaining balance of $19 million was allocated to television network affiliation relationships and advertiser relationships with estimated amortization periods of 10 to 20 years.

The goodwill of $45 million arising from the transaction consists largely of synergies and economies of scale and other benefits of a larger broadcast footprint, as well as synergies from being able to create a duopoly in our Detroit market. We allocated the goodwill to our television segment. We treated the transaction as an asset acquisition for income tax purposes resulting in a step-up in the assets acquired. The goodwill is deductible for income tax purposes.

Media Convergence Group

On January 1, 2014 we completed our acquisition of Media Convergence Group, Inc., which operates as Newsy, a digital video news provider, for $35 million in cash, plus a working capital adjustment of $0.2 million.



(in thousands)

Assets:
Accounts receivable	$	640
Other assets	74
Equipment and software	631
Intangible assets	5,900
Goodwill	28,983
Total assets acquired	36,228
Current liabilities	116
Long-term deferred liability	890
Net purchase price	$	35,222

Of the $6 million allocated to intangible assets, $4 million was allocated to customer relationships with an estimated amortization period of 5 years and the balance of $2 million was allocated to various other intangible assets.

The goodwill of $29 million arising from the transaction consists largely of the benefit we will derive from being able to enter the digital video market with an established business. We allocated the goodwill to our digital segment. We treated the transaction as a purchase of stock for income tax purposes with no step-up in the assets acquired. The goodwill is not deductible for income tax purposes.

Geoterrestrial

On September 16, 2014, we completed our acquisition of Geoterrestrial, Inc. ("WeatherSphere") for $4 million. WeatherSphere is a provider of weather-related mobile apps. The stock purchase agreement includes an earnout provision, whereby up to an additional $2.5 million may be payable over a three year period. We estimated the fair value of the earnout to be $1.2 million.

Pro forma results of operations

Pro forma results of operations, assuming the Granite and Journal transactions (collectively the "Acquired Stations") had taken place at the beginning of 2013 and 2014, respectively, are included in the following table. The pro forma results do not include Midroll, Newsy or Weathersphere as the impact of these acquisitions, individually or in the aggregate, are not material to prior year results of operations. The pro forma information includes the historical results of operations of Scripps and the Acquired Stations and adjustments for additional depreciation and amortization of the assets acquired, additional interest expense related to the financing of the transaction and reflecting 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.



	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands, except per share data) (unaudited)	2015			2014		2015			2014

Operating revenues	$	189,691		$	192,621	$	573,310		$	560,097
(Loss) income from continuing operations attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company	(23,606		)	6,093		(17,028		)	(18,586		)
(Loss) income per share from operations attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company:
Basic	$	(0.27	)	0.07		$	(0.19	)	(0.23		)
Diluted	(0.27		)	0.07		(0.19		)	(0.23		)

- Definition

The entire disclosure for a business combination (or series of individually immaterial business combinations) completed during the period, including background, timing, and recognized assets and liabilities. The disclosure may include leverage buyout transactions (as applicable).

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+ Details

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
Income Taxes	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	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, 2015 and 2014 was 26% and 18%, respectively. The primary reason for the difference between these 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) and adjustments to reserves for uncertain tax positions (including interest). In addition, the non-cash goodwill impairment charge in 2015 is not deductible for income tax purposes. Deferred tax assets totaled $25 million at September 30, 2015. 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 periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, deferred tax assets relating to employee share-based compensation from the vesting of RSU's and the exercise of stock options have not been recognized since we are in a net tax loss position for both periods. The additional tax benefits will be reflected as net operating loss carryforwards on our tax returns, but the additional tax benefits are not recorded under GAAP until the tax deduction reduces taxes payable. When the benefit is recognized, it will be recorded as additional paid-in capital. The amount of unrecognized tax deductions for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was approximately $26 million and $31 million, respectively.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for income taxes. Disclosures may include net deferred tax liability or asset recognized in an enterprise's statement of financial position, net change during the year in the total valuation allowance, approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that gives rise to a significant portion of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, utilization of a tax carryback, and tax uncertainties information.

+ References+ Details

Other Charges and Credits	9 Months Ended
Other Charges and Credits	Sep. 30, 2015
Asset Write-Downs and Other Charges and Credits [Abstract]
Other Charges and Credits	Other Charges and Credits Acquisition and related integration costs of $4.2 million and $37.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, 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 the acquired operations. 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.

Restricted Cash	9 Months Ended
Restricted Cash	Sep. 30, 2015
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Restricted Cash	Restricted Cash At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we had $6.6 million and $6.8 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.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for cash and cash equivalent footnotes, which may include the types of deposits and money market instruments, applicable carrying amounts, restricted amounts and compensating balance arrangements. Cash and equivalents include: (1) currency on hand (2) demand deposits with banks or financial institutions (3) other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits (4) short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments maturing within three months from the date of acquisition qualify.

+ References+ Details

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill was as follows:



(in thousands)

Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	106,261
Journal acquisition	459,405
Midroll acquisition	43,176
Goodwill impairment	(22,500		)
Balance as of September 30, 2015	$	586,342

Other intangible assets consisted of the following:



(in thousands)	As of September 30, 2015			As of December 31, 2014

Amortizable intangible assets:
Carrying amount:
Television network affiliation relationships	$	248,444		$	93,944
Customer lists and advertiser relationships	56,300			20,000
Other	7,319			4,019
Total carrying amount	312,063			117,963
Accumulated amortization:
Television network affiliation relationships	(21,483		)	(14,092		)
Customer lists and advertiser relationships	(13,895		)	(7,765		)
Other	(2,494		)	(1,062		)
Total accumulated amortization	(37,872		)	(22,919		)
Net amortizable intangible assets	274,191			95,044
Other indefinite-lived intangible assets — FCC licenses	203,815			92,215
Total other intangible assets	$	478,006		$	187,259

Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for each of the next five years is $5.6 million for the remainder of 2015, $21.8 million in 2016, $19.4 million in 2017, $19.0 million in 2018, $17.5 million in 2019, $16.9 million in 2020, and $176.9 million in later years.

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.

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, has 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 are classified as Level 3 fair value measurements under GAAP.

The valuation methodology and underlying financial information used to determine fair value requires significant judgments to be made by management. These judgments include, but are 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 produce significantly different results.

We concluded that the fair value of Newsy did not exceed its carrying value as of September 30, 2015. Because of the timing and complexity of the calculations required under step two of the process, we have not yet completed the valuation of goodwill process as of the issuance of our September 30, 2015 financial statements. However, based upon our preliminary valuations, 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 expect to complete step two of the goodwill impairment analysis in the fourth quarter of 2015 and any difference between the preliminary estimated impairment charge and the final amount will be recorded at that time.

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

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the aggregate amount of goodwill and a description of intangible assets, which may include (a) for amortizable intangible assets (also referred to as finite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, the amount of any significant residual value, and the weighted-average amortization period, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization (also referred to as indefinite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, and (c) the amount of research and development assets acquired and written off in the period, including the line item in the income statement in which the amounts written off are aggregated, if not readily apparent from the income statement. Also discloses (a) for amortizable intangibles assets in total and by major class, the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization, the total amortization expense for the period, and the estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization the carrying amount in total and by major class, and (c) for goodwill, in total and for each reportable segment, the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the period (including the aggregate amount of goodwill acquired, the aggregate amount of impairment losses recognized, and the amount of goodwill included in the gain (loss) on disposal of a reporting unit). If any part of goodwill has not been allocated to a reportable segment, discloses the unallocated amount and the reasons for not allocating. For each impairment loss recognized related to an intangible asset (excluding goodwill), discloses: (a) a description of the impaired intangible asset and the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method for determining fair value, (c) the caption in the income statement or the statement of activities in which the impairment loss is aggregated, and (d) the segment in which the impaired intangible asset is reported. For each goodwill impairment loss recognized, discloses: (a) a description of the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method of determining the fair value of the associated reporting unit, and (c) if a recognized impairment loss is an estimate not finalized and the reasons why the estimate is not final. May also disclose the nature and amount of any significant adjustments made to a previous estimate of an impairment loss.

+ References+ Details

Long-Term Debt

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt consisted of the following:



(in thousands)	As of September 30, 2015		As of December 31, 2014

Variable rate credit facility	$	—	$	—
Term loan	395,500		198,000
Unsecured subordinated notes payable	8,104		—
Long-term debt	403,604		198,000
Current portion of long-term debt	6,792		2,000
Long-term debt (less current portion)	$	396,812	$	196,000
Fair value of long-term debt *	$	400,800	$	194,000

* 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 a 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 proceeds from the incremental term loan B borrowing were used to pay off the $116 million Journal term loan assumed in connection with the Journal acquisition, fund the $60 million special dividend paid to the Scripps shareholders and for the payment of transaction expenses. 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, 2015, we were not required to make additional principal payments based on excess cash flow. Under an amendment completed in the third quarter of 2015, 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, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the interest rate was 3.50% and 3.25%, respectively, on the term loan B. The weighted-average interest rate on borrowings was 3.42% and 3.25% for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Scheduled principal payments on the term loan at September 30, 2015 are: $1.0 million for the remainder of 2015, $4.0 million in 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, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we had outstanding letters of credit totaling $0.8 million and $0.2 million, respectively.

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 equal annual installments of $2.7 million on September 30 of 2016, 2017 and 2018, with no prepayment right.

Financial Instruments

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

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.

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. Under the terms of the swap, we pay a fixed interest rate of 1.08% and receive interest at a variable rate equal to 30 day LIBOR. We did not provide or receive any collateral for this contract.

Fair Value of Derivative Instruments

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



	As of September 30, 2015						As of December 31, 2014
	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	$	—	$	596	$	75,000	$	—	$	471

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

Through November 2013, the above derivative instrument was designated as and qualified as a cash flow hedge and the effective portion of the unrealized gains and losses on the derivative was reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss and reclassified into earnings in the periods during which the hedged transactions affected earnings. Upon refinancing our term loan 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. For the period ended September 30, 2015, approximately $0.3 million was amortized into earnings from accumulated other comprehensive loss and is included in the table below as amounts reclassified from accumulated OCL, gain/(loss).



	Three Months Ended September 30,			Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2015		2014	2015		2014

Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCL, gain/(loss)	96		96	288		288
Gain/(loss) on derivative	(15	)	362	(125	)	300

- Definition

The entire disclosure for derivative instruments and hedging activities including, but not limited to, risk management strategies, non-hedging derivative instruments, assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and methodologies and assumptions used in determining the amounts.

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+ Details

Fair Value Measurement

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

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, 2015 and December 31, 2014:



	As of September 30, 2015
(in thousands)	Total			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3

Assets/(Liabilities):
Cash equivalents	$	5,043		$	5,043	$	—		$	—
Interest rate swap	(596		)	—		(596		)	—



	As of December 31, 2014
(in thousands)	Total			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3

Assets/(Liabilities):
Cash equivalents	$	10,000		$	10,000	$	—		$	—
Interest rate swap	(471		)	—		(471		)	—

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

+ References+ Details

Other Liabilities

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]

Other Liabilities

Other liabilities consisted of the following:



(in thousands)	As of September 30, 2015		As of December 31, 2014

Employee compensation and benefits	$	16,844	$	15,914
Liability for pension benefits	230,967		136,429
Liabilities for uncertain tax positions	7,667		6,741
Other	22,261		10,087
Other liabilities (less current portion)	$	277,739	$	169,171

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]

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)	2015			2014

Other changes in certain working capital accounts, net
Accounts and notes receivable	$	(14,461	)	$	3,197
Transition services receivable, net	(2,473		)	—
Income taxes receivable/payable, net	(14,450		)	(5,764		)
Accounts payable	(11,303		)	1,522
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	2,059			7,611
Other accrued liabilities	(1,649		)	4,550
Other, net	(3,814		)	4,632
Total	$	(46,091	)	$	15,748

Employee Benefit Plans

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]

Employee Benefit Plans

We sponsor various noncontributory defined benefit pension plans covering substantially all full-time employees that began employment prior to June 30, 2008. Benefits earned by employees are generally based upon employee compensation and years of service credits. We also have a non-qualified Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan ("SERP"). Effective June 30, 2009, we froze the accrual of benefits under our defined benefit pension plans and our SERP that cover the majority of our employees.

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 in 2011. These transition credits, which will be made through the end of 2015, are determined based upon the employee’s age, compensation and years of service.

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.

The components of the expense consisted of the following:



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2015			2014			2015			2014

Service cost	$	—		$	21		$	—		$	64
Interest cost	8,169			6,600			22,797			19,155
Expected return on plan assets, net of expenses	(6,625		)	(5,893		)	(18,334		)	(17,611		)
Amortization of actuarial loss	1,179			862			3,515			2,145
Curtailment	—			—			1,080			—
Total for defined benefit plans	2,723			1,590			9,058			3,753
Multi-employer plans	43			100			140			324
Withdrawal from GCIU multi-employer plan	—			—			—			4,100
SERP	253			80			800			672
Defined contribution plans	2,094			2,419			7,805			8,635
Net periodic benefit cost	5,113			4,189			17,803			17,484
Allocated to discontinued operations	—			(1,178		)	(1,096		)	(7,819		)
Net periodic benefit cost — continuing operations	$	5,113		$	3,011		$	16,707		$	9,665

We contributed $0.3 million to fund current benefit payments for our SERP during the nine months ended September 30, 2015. We anticipate contributing an additional $0.5 million to fund the SERP’s benefit payments during the remainder of 2015. No contributions were made to our defined benefit pension plans during the first nine months of 2015. A one-time curtailment charge of $1.1 million was recorded in the second quarter of 2015 related to our defined benefit pension plan as a result of the impact of the spin-off of our Newspaper business. We also remeasured the pension liabilities as a result of the newspaper spin-off on April 1, 2015.

On August 24, 2015, we offered eligible former employees with vested, deferred pension plan benefits the option of receiving their benefits either as a lump-sum distribution or an immediate annuity payment. Approximately 4,300 former Scripps employees were eligible for this offer; former Journal Communications employees were not affected. Company funds will not be used to make the lump-sum distributions. All distributions will be made from existing pension plan assets. The company expects the funded status of the plan to remain materially unchanged as a result of this offer. Eligible participants had until October 13, 2015 to make an election. The lump-sum payments are expected to be made in November 2015. After distribution of the lump-sum amounts, we will record a non-cash pension settlement charge in the fourth quarter of approximately $45 million, based on the estimated rate of acceptance.

We participate in multi-employer pension plans that cover certain employees that are members of unions or trade associations that have a collective bargaining agreement with us. In 2014, unions ratified our plan to withdraw from the Graphics Communication International Union (GCIU) Employer Retirement Fund. Upon ratification of the agreement, we estimated the undiscounted liability to be approximately $6.5 million and recorded a liability of $4.1 million in 2014 for the present value withdrawal liability. Once we reach a final agreement with the GCIU, we either will pay the liability in a lump sum or make equal monthly installments over 20 years.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for pension and other postretirement benefits.

+ References+ Details

Segment Information

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

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 affiliates. Our television stations reach approximately 18% of the nation’s television households. Our television stations earn revenue primarily from the sale of advertising time to local and national 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 national digital businesses such as Newsy, a digital video news service, 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 other 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.

Effective April 1, 2015, we began reporting our digital operations as a segment. We have recast the operating results for television, syndication and other, and shared services and corporate in prior periods to reflect this change.

Information regarding our business segments is as follows:



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2015			2014			2015			2014

Segment operating revenues:
Television	$	157,437		$	116,425		$	439,049		$	325,511
Radio	20,421			—			39,834			—
Digital	10,861			5,355			25,698			16,036
Syndication and other	972			1,346			6,267			6,579
Total operating revenues	$	189,691		$	123,126		$	510,848		$	348,126
Segment profit (loss):
Television	$	31,707		$	30,508		$	98,357		$	80,344
Radio	4,073			—			8,981			—
Digital	(3,639		)	(6,206		)	(13,210		)	(17,477		)
Syndication and other	(572		)	(674		)	(1,229		)	(1,230		)
Shared services and corporate	(8,658		)	(7,827		)	(33,701		)	(30,426		)
Defined benefit pension plan expense	(2,976		)	(1,613		)	(9,782		)	(4,253		)
Acquisition and related integration costs	(4,206		)	(2,783		)	(36,953		)	(6,984		)
Depreciation and amortization of intangibles	(16,273		)	(8,706		)	(37,934		)	(23,631		)
Impairment of goodwill and intangibles	(24,613		)	—			(24,613		)	—
(Losses) gains, net on disposal of property, plant and equipment	(200		)	2,979			(579		)	2,931
Interest expense	(4,246		)	(2,050		)	(10,523		)	(6,345		)
Miscellaneous, net	1,061			170			12			(210		)
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	(28,542	)	$	3,798		$	(61,174	)	$	(7,281	)
Depreciation:
Television	$	9,765		$	5,894		$	22,389		$	16,033
Radio	554			—			1,103			—
Digital	132			96			394			275
Syndication and other	66			40			195			80
Shared services and corporate	575			498			1,802			1,458
Total depreciation	$	11,092		$	6,528		$	25,883		$	17,846
Amortization of intangibles:
Television	$	4,262		$	1,909		$	10,412		$	5,108
Radio	280			—			560			—
Digital	639			269			1,079			677
Total amortization of intangibles	$	5,181		$	2,178		$	12,051		$	5,785
Additions to property, plant and equipment:
Television	$	5,607		$	4,100		$	13,350		$	10,540
Radio	623			—			639			—
Digital	46			46			46			108
Syndication and other	7			256			76			324
Shared services and corporate	190			253			1,133			979
Total additions to property, plant and equipment	$	6,473		$	4,655		$	15,244		$	11,951

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

- Definition

The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.

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+ Details

Capital Stock	9 Months Ended
Capital Stock	Sep. 30, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Capital Stock	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 $10.9 million of shares at prices ranging from $15.90 to $24.08 per share during the first nine months of 2015. As of September 30, 2015, we have $89.1 million remaining for share repurchases under this authorization.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]

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, 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 loss, net of tax of $471 ^(b)				762			—		762
Net current-period other comprehensive loss	59			762			—		821
Ending balance, September 30, 2015	$	(301	)	$	(124,762	)	$	11	$	(125,052	)



	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
(in thousands)	Gains and Losses on Derivatives			Defined Benefit Pension Items			Other		Total

Beginning balance, June 30, 2014	$	(600	)	$	(79,489	)	$	172	$	(79,917	)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	—			—			—		—
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
Interest rate swap, net of tax of $37 ^(a)	59			—			—		59
Actuarial loss, net of tax of $364 ^(b)	—			441			—		441
Net current-period other comprehensive income	59			441			—		500
Ending balance, September 30, 2014	$	(541	)	$	(79,048	)	$	172	$	(79,417	)



	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 loss, net of tax of $(740) ^(b)	—			(1,197		)	84			(1,113		)
Net current-period other comprehensive income	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	)



	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
(in thousands)	Gains and Losses on Derivatives			Defined Benefit Pension Items			Other		Total

Beginning balance, December 31, 2013	$	(718	)	$	(80,377	)	$	172	$	(80,923	)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	—			—			—		—
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
Interest rate swap, net of tax of $111 ^(a)	177			—			—		177
Actuarial loss, net of tax of $924 ^(b)	—			1,329			—		1,329
Net current-period other comprehensive income	177			1,329			—		1,506
Ending balance, September 30, 2014	$	(541	)	$	(79,048	)	$	172	$	(79,417	)

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

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

Journal Broadcast Merger and Newspaper Spin-off (Notes) (Spin-off)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Spin-off

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Journal Broadcast Merger and Newspaper Spin-off

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 is headquartered in Milwaukee and combines 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. The merged broadcast and digital media company, based in Cincinnati, retains The E.W. Scripps Company name and continues to be controlled by the Scripps family. The company’s television operations reaches approximately 18% of all U.S. television households and has approximately 4,000 employees across its television, radio and digital media operations.

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 provide certain services to each other for a period that generally does not extend beyond March 31, 2016. The fees for the services are at arm's length amounts. 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. Scripps continues to process and fund payrolls for its former newspaper employees and Journal continues to process and fund payrolls for its former broadcast employees. In addition, during the initial transition period, each has paid various invoices for the other party. As of September 30, 2015, Journal Media Group owed Scripps $2.5 million.

The Tax Matters Agreements sets 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, an impairment loss is recorded. Our analysis determined that the carrying value of the newspaper business exceeds its fair value. Discontinued operations includes a $30 million non-cash impairment charge.

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:



	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2015		2014			2015			2014

Operating revenues	$	—	$	84,474		$	91,478		$	275,214
Total costs and expenses	—		(80,655		)	(79,517		)	(253,257		)
Depreciation and amortization of intangibles	—		(4,517		)	(3,608		)	(12,958		)
Other, net	—		(2,709		)	(3,298		)	(7,549		)
Loss on disposal of Scripps Newspapers	—		—			(30,000		)	—
Income (loss) on discontinued operations before income taxes	—		(3,407		)	(24,945		)	1,450
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	—		920			9,513			(967		)
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations	—		(2,487		)	(15,432		)	483
Noncontrolling interest	—		(103		)	—			(302		)
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations	$	—	$	(2,384	)	$	(15,432	)	$	785

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.

The following table presents a summary of the net assets distributed on April 1, 2015 and the amounts included in discontinued operations as of December 31, 2014.



(in thousands)	As of April 1, 2015		As of December 31, 2014

Assets:
Total current assets	$	44,786	$	46,507
Property, plant and equipment	155,047		185,548
Intangible assets	—		2,001
Other assets	14,590		2,018
Total assets included in the disposal group	214,423		236,074
Liabilities:
Total current liabilities	47,664		47,642
Deferred income taxes	16,520		16,666
Other liabilities	9,008		13,089
Total liabilities included in the disposal group	73,192		77,397
Net assets included in the disposal group	$	141,231	$	158,677

- Definition

The entire disclosure related to a disposal group. Includes, but is not limited to, a discontinued operation, disposal classified as held-for-sale or disposed of by means other than sale or disposal of an individually significant component.

+ References

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+ Details

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	Sep. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	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 2014 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.
Nature of Operations	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 web, 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 additional information on the spin-off.
Use of Estimates	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	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 and retransmission fees received from cable operators and satellite carriers. The revenue recognition policies for each source of revenue are described in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Share-Based Compensation	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, 2014. 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. Share-based compensation costs totaled $1.4 million and $0.3 million for the third quarter of 2015 and 2014, respectively, of which $0.1 million of third quarter 2014 is included in discontinued operations. Year-to-date share-based compensation costs totaled $8.5 million and $4.9 million in 2015 and 2014, respectively. Year-to-date costs included in discontinued operations were $1.1 million and $1.2 million in 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Earnings Per Share (EPS)	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.
Derivative Financial Instruments	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 are 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 (loss) and reclassified to earnings when the effects of the item being hedged are recognized in 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.

- Definition

Disclosure of accounting policy for its derivative instruments and hedging activities.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Disclosure of accounting policy for computing basic and diluted earnings or loss per share for each class of common stock and participating security. Addresses all significant policy factors, including any antidilutive items that have been excluded from the computation and takes into account stock dividends, splits and reverse splits that occur after the balance sheet date of the latest reporting period but before the issuance of the financial statements.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Disclosure of accounting policy for revenue recognition. If the entity has different policies for different types of revenue transactions, the policy for each material type of transaction is generally disclosed. If a sales transaction has multiple element arrangements (for example, delivery of multiple products, services or the rights to use assets) the disclosure may indicate the accounting policy for each unit of accounting as well as how units of accounting are determined and valued. The disclosure may encompass important judgment as to appropriateness of principles related to recognition of revenue. The disclosure also may indicate the entity's treatment of any unearned or deferred revenue that arises from the transaction.

+ References+ Details

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Components of basic and diluted weighted-average shares

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)	2015			2014		2015			2014

Numerator (for basic and diluted earnings per share)
Net (loss) income from continuing operations	$	(24,443	)	$	1,043	$	(45,513	)	$	(5,973	)
Less income allocated to RSUs	—			—		—			—
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations	$	(24,443	)	$	1,043	$	(45,513	)	$	(5,973	)
Denominator
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding	84,107			56,469		75,213			56,200
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options held by employees and directors	—			—		—			—
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding	84,107			56,469		75,213			56,200
Anti-dilutive securities ⁽¹⁾	2,148			3,313		2,148			3,313

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

Acquisitions (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]

Pro forma results of operations



	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands, except per share data) (unaudited)	2015			2014		2015			2014

Operating revenues	$	189,691		$	192,621	$	573,310		$	560,097
(Loss) income from continuing operations attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company	(23,606		)	6,093		(17,028		)	(18,586		)
(Loss) income per share from operations attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company:
Basic	$	(0.27	)	0.07		$	(0.19	)	(0.23		)
Diluted	(0.27		)	0.07		(0.19		)	(0.23		)

Midroll Media

Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]

Fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed

Pending the finalization of third-party valuations and other items, the following table summarizes the preliminary fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed:



(in thousands)

Assets:
Cash	$	632
Accounts receivable	2,925
Other assets	518
Intangible assets	10,700
Goodwill	43,176
Total assets acquired	57,951
Current liabilities	3,365
Net purchase price	$	54,586

Journal Communications, Inc.

Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]

Fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed

Pending the finalization of third-party valuations and other items, the following table summarizes the preliminary fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed:



(in thousands)

Assets:
Cash	$	2,530
Accounts receivable	47,977
Other current assets	2,236
Property, plant and equipment	123,264
Intangible assets	295,000
Goodwill	459,405
Other long-term assets	6,351
Assets held for sale	14,500
Total assets acquired	951,263
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	43,262
Employee benefit obligations	85,261
Deferred tax liability	55,054
Long-term debt	126,873
Other long-term liabilities	4,813
Net purchase price	$	636,000

Detroit MyNetworkTV affiliate and Buffalo ABC affiliate

Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]

Fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed

The following table summarizes their final fair values.



(in thousands)

Assets:
Property, plant and equipment	$	12,025
Intangible assets	53,500
Goodwill	44,715
Total assets acquired	110,240
Current liabilities	240
Net purchase price	$	110,000

Media Convergence Group (Newsy)

Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]

Fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed

The following table summarizes their final fair values.



(in thousands)

Assets:
Accounts receivable	$	640
Other assets	74
Equipment and software	631
Intangible assets	5,900
Goodwill	28,983
Total assets acquired	36,228
Current liabilities	116
Long-term deferred liability	890
Net purchase price	$	35,222

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Goodwill

Goodwill was as follows:



(in thousands)

Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	106,261
Journal acquisition	459,405
Midroll acquisition	43,176
Goodwill impairment	(22,500		)
Balance as of September 30, 2015	$	586,342

Summary of other intangible assets

Other intangible assets consisted of the following:



(in thousands)	As of September 30, 2015			As of December 31, 2014

Amortizable intangible assets:
Carrying amount:
Television network affiliation relationships	$	248,444		$	93,944
Customer lists and advertiser relationships	56,300			20,000
Other	7,319			4,019
Total carrying amount	312,063			117,963
Accumulated amortization:
Television network affiliation relationships	(21,483		)	(14,092		)
Customer lists and advertiser relationships	(13,895		)	(7,765		)
Other	(2,494		)	(1,062		)
Total accumulated amortization	(37,872		)	(22,919		)
Net amortizable intangible assets	274,191			95,044
Other indefinite-lived intangible assets — FCC licenses	203,815			92,215
Total other intangible assets	$	478,006		$	187,259

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Components of Long-term debt

Long-term debt consisted of the following:



(in thousands)	As of September 30, 2015		As of December 31, 2014

Variable rate credit facility	$	—	$	—
Term loan	395,500		198,000
Unsecured subordinated notes payable	8,104		—
Long-term debt	403,604		198,000
Current portion of long-term debt	6,792		2,000
Long-term debt (less current portion)	$	396,812	$	196,000
Fair value of long-term debt *	$	400,800	$	194,000

Financial Instruments (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Notional amounts and fair values of derivatives

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



	As of September 30, 2015						As of December 31, 2014
	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	$	—	$	596	$	75,000	$	—	$	471

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

Effective portion of the unrealized gain and loss on the derivative

For the period ended September 30, 2015, approximately $0.3 million was amortized into earnings from accumulated other comprehensive loss and is included in the table below as amounts reclassified from accumulated OCL, gain/(loss).



	Three Months Ended September 30,			Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2015		2014	2015		2014

Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCL, gain/(loss)	96		96	288		288
Gain/(loss) on derivative	(15	)	362	(125	)	300

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis

The following tables set forth our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014:



	As of September 30, 2015
(in thousands)	Total			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3

Assets/(Liabilities):
Cash equivalents	$	5,043		$	5,043	$	—		$	—
Interest rate swap	(596		)	—		(596		)	—



	As of December 31, 2014
(in thousands)	Total			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3

Assets/(Liabilities):
Cash equivalents	$	10,000		$	10,000	$	—		$	—
Interest rate swap	(471		)	—		(471		)	—

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]

Change in certain working capital accounts

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



	Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2015			2014

Other changes in certain working capital accounts, net
Accounts and notes receivable	$	(14,461	)	$	3,197
Transition services receivable, net	(2,473		)	—
Income taxes receivable/payable, net	(14,450		)	(5,764		)
Accounts payable	(11,303		)	1,522
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	2,059			7,611
Other accrued liabilities	(1,649		)	4,550
Other, net	(3,814		)	4,632
Total	$	(46,091	)	$	15,748

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]

Components of benefit expense

The components of the expense consisted of the following:



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2015			2014			2015			2014

Service cost	$	—		$	21		$	—		$	64
Interest cost	8,169			6,600			22,797			19,155
Expected return on plan assets, net of expenses	(6,625		)	(5,893		)	(18,334		)	(17,611		)
Amortization of actuarial loss	1,179			862			3,515			2,145
Curtailment	—			—			1,080			—
Total for defined benefit plans	2,723			1,590			9,058			3,753
Multi-employer plans	43			100			140			324
Withdrawal from GCIU multi-employer plan	—			—			—			4,100
SERP	253			80			800			672
Defined contribution plans	2,094			2,419			7,805			8,635
Net periodic benefit cost	5,113			4,189			17,803			17,484
Allocated to discontinued operations	—			(1,178		)	(1,096		)	(7,819		)
Net periodic benefit cost — continuing operations	$	5,113		$	3,011		$	16,707		$	9,665

Segment Information (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Information regarding business segments

Information regarding our business segments is as follows:



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2015			2014			2015			2014

Segment operating revenues:
Television	$	157,437		$	116,425		$	439,049		$	325,511
Radio	20,421			—			39,834			—
Digital	10,861			5,355			25,698			16,036
Syndication and other	972			1,346			6,267			6,579
Total operating revenues	$	189,691		$	123,126		$	510,848		$	348,126
Segment profit (loss):
Television	$	31,707		$	30,508		$	98,357		$	80,344
Radio	4,073			—			8,981			—
Digital	(3,639		)	(6,206		)	(13,210		)	(17,477		)
Syndication and other	(572		)	(674		)	(1,229		)	(1,230		)
Shared services and corporate	(8,658		)	(7,827		)	(33,701		)	(30,426		)
Defined benefit pension plan expense	(2,976		)	(1,613		)	(9,782		)	(4,253		)
Acquisition and related integration costs	(4,206		)	(2,783		)	(36,953		)	(6,984		)
Depreciation and amortization of intangibles	(16,273		)	(8,706		)	(37,934		)	(23,631		)
Impairment of goodwill and intangibles	(24,613		)	—			(24,613		)	—
(Losses) gains, net on disposal of property, plant and equipment	(200		)	2,979			(579		)	2,931
Interest expense	(4,246		)	(2,050		)	(10,523		)	(6,345		)
Miscellaneous, net	1,061			170			12			(210		)
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	(28,542	)	$	3,798		$	(61,174	)	$	(7,281	)
Depreciation:
Television	$	9,765		$	5,894		$	22,389		$	16,033
Radio	554			—			1,103			—
Digital	132			96			394			275
Syndication and other	66			40			195			80
Shared services and corporate	575			498			1,802			1,458
Total depreciation	$	11,092		$	6,528		$	25,883		$	17,846
Amortization of intangibles:
Television	$	4,262		$	1,909		$	10,412		$	5,108
Radio	280			—			560			—
Digital	639			269			1,079			677
Total amortization of intangibles	$	5,181		$	2,178		$	12,051		$	5,785
Additions to property, plant and equipment:
Television	$	5,607		$	4,100		$	13,350		$	10,540
Radio	623			—			639			—
Digital	46			46			46			108
Syndication and other	7			256			76			324
Shared services and corporate	190			253			1,133			979
Total additions to property, plant and equipment	$	6,473		$	4,655		$	15,244		$	11,951

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of the profit or loss and total assets for each reportable segment. An entity discloses certain information on each reportable segment if the amounts (a) are included in the measure of segment profit or loss reviewed by the chief operating decision maker or (b) are otherwise regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker, even if not included in that measure of segment profit or loss.

+ References+ Details

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]

Schedule of 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, 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 loss, net of tax of $471 ^(b)				762			—		762
Net current-period other comprehensive loss	59			762			—		821
Ending balance, September 30, 2015	$	(301	)	$	(124,762	)	$	11	$	(125,052	)



	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
(in thousands)	Gains and Losses on Derivatives			Defined Benefit Pension Items			Other		Total

Beginning balance, June 30, 2014	$	(600	)	$	(79,489	)	$	172	$	(79,917	)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	—			—			—		—
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
Interest rate swap, net of tax of $37 ^(a)	59			—			—		59
Actuarial loss, net of tax of $364 ^(b)	—			441			—		441
Net current-period other comprehensive income	59			441			—		500
Ending balance, September 30, 2014	$	(541	)	$	(79,048	)	$	172	$	(79,417	)



	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 loss, net of tax of $(740) ^(b)	—			(1,197		)	84			(1,113		)
Net current-period other comprehensive income	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	)



	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
(in thousands)	Gains and Losses on Derivatives			Defined Benefit Pension Items			Other		Total

Beginning balance, December 31, 2013	$	(718	)	$	(80,377	)	$	172	$	(80,923	)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	—			—			—		—
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
Interest rate swap, net of tax of $111 ^(a)	177			—			—		177
Actuarial loss, net of tax of $924 ^(b)	—			1,329			—		1,329
Net current-period other comprehensive income	177			1,329			—		1,506
Ending balance, September 30, 2014	$	(541	)	$	(79,048	)	$	172	$	(79,417	)

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

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

Journal Broadcast Merger and Newspaper Spin-off Journal Broadcast Merger and Newspaper Spin-off (Tables) (Spin-off)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Spin-off

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Discontinued Operations, Operating Results and Net Assets Distributed

Operating results of our discontinued operations were as follows:



	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2015		2014			2015			2014

Operating revenues	$	—	$	84,474		$	91,478		$	275,214
Total costs and expenses	—		(80,655		)	(79,517		)	(253,257		)
Depreciation and amortization of intangibles	—		(4,517		)	(3,608		)	(12,958		)
Other, net	—		(2,709		)	(3,298		)	(7,549		)
Loss on disposal of Scripps Newspapers	—		—			(30,000		)	—
Income (loss) on discontinued operations before income taxes	—		(3,407		)	(24,945		)	1,450
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	—		920			9,513			(967		)
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations	—		(2,487		)	(15,432		)	483
Noncontrolling interest	—		(103		)	—			(302		)
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations	$	—	$	(2,384	)	$	(15,432	)	$	785

The following table presents a summary of the net assets distributed on April 1, 2015 and the amounts included in discontinued operations as of December 31, 2014.



(in thousands)	As of April 1, 2015		As of December 31, 2014

Assets:
Total current assets	$	44,786	$	46,507
Property, plant and equipment	155,047		185,548
Intangible assets	—		2,001
Other assets	14,590		2,018
Total assets included in the disposal group	214,423		236,074
Liabilities:
Total current liabilities	47,664		47,642
Deferred income taxes	16,520		16,666
Other liabilities	9,008		13,089
Total liabilities included in the disposal group	73,192		77,397
Net assets included in the disposal group	$	141,231	$	158,677

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of information related to a disposal group. Includes, but is not limited to, a discontinued operation, disposal classified as held-for-sale or disposed of by means other than sale or disposal of an individually significant component.

+ References

+ Details

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Narrative (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation costs	$ 1.4	$ 0.3	$ 8.5	$ 4.9
Discontinued Operations
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation costs		$ 0.1	$ 1.1	$ 1.2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2015

Sep. 30, 2014

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Loss from continuing operations

$ (24,443)

$ 1,043

$ (45,513)

$ (5,973)

Numerator (for basic and diluted earnings per share)

Less income allocated to RSUs

Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations

$ (24,443)

$ 1,043

$ (45,513)

$ (5,973)

Denominator

Basic weighted-average shares outstanding

84,107

56,469

75,213

56,200

Effect of dilutive securities:

Stock options held by employees and directors

Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding

84,107

56,469

75,213

56,200

Anti-dilutive securities

2,148

^[1]

3,313

^[1]

2,148

^[1]

3,313

^[1]

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

Acquisitions - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended			0 Months Ended				0 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended			0 Months Ended			0 Months Ended				0 Months Ended			0 Months Ended				0 Months Ended
Acquisitions - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Oct. 01, 2015 KNIN [Member] Raycom Media, Inc. [Member] Subsequent event	Jul. 22, 2015 Midroll Media	Sep. 30, 2015 Midroll Media	Jul. 22, 2015 Midroll Media show	Jul. 22, 2015 Midroll Media Advertiser relationships	Jul. 22, 2015 Midroll Media Advertiser relationships	Jul. 22, 2015 Midroll Media Other intangible assets	Apr. 01, 2015 Journal Communications, Inc. radio_station television_station	Sep. 30, 2015 Journal Communications, Inc.	Apr. 01, 2015 Journal Communications, Inc.	Apr. 01, 2015 Journal Communications, Inc. Retransmission agreements, television network affiliate relationships and advertiser relationships	Apr. 01, 2015 Journal Communications, Inc. Retransmission agreements, television network affiliate relationships and advertiser relationships Minimum	Apr. 01, 2015 Journal Communications, Inc. Retransmission agreements, television network affiliate relationships and advertiser relationships Maximum	Apr. 01, 2015 Journal Communications, Inc. FCC licenses	Apr. 01, 2015 Journal Communications, Inc. Common Stock Common stock, Class A	Jun. 16, 2014 Detroit MyNetworkTV affiliate and Buffalo ABC affiliate television_station	Jun. 16, 2014 Detroit MyNetworkTV affiliate and Buffalo ABC affiliate	Jun. 16, 2014 Detroit MyNetworkTV affiliate and Buffalo ABC affiliate Retransmission agreements, television network affiliate relationships and advertiser relationships	Jun. 16, 2014 Detroit MyNetworkTV affiliate and Buffalo ABC affiliate Retransmission agreements, television network affiliate relationships and advertiser relationships Minimum	Jun. 16, 2014 Detroit MyNetworkTV affiliate and Buffalo ABC affiliate Retransmission agreements, television network affiliate relationships and advertiser relationships Maximum	Jun. 16, 2014 Detroit MyNetworkTV affiliate and Buffalo ABC affiliate FCC licenses	Jan. 01, 2014 Media Convergence Group (Newsy)	Jan. 01, 2014 Media Convergence Group (Newsy)	Jan. 01, 2014 Media Convergence Group (Newsy) Customer relationships	Jan. 01, 2014 Media Convergence Group (Newsy) Other intangible assets	Sep. 16, 2014 WeatherSphere	Sep. 16, 2014 WeatherSphere
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of television shows (more than)							200
Number of television stations acquired											12								2
Number of radio stations acquired											34
Number of shares issued in business acquisition	26,350,993	0																26,400,000
Business acquisition, purchase price					$ 50,000,000						$ 636,000,000
Business acquisition, earnout provision					10,000,000
Acquisition cost in cash																			110,000,000						35,000,000
Business acquisition, measurement period adjustment to preliminary purchase price												12,200,000
Intangible assets							10,700,000		7,000,000	4,000,000			295,000,000	183,000,000			111,600,000			53,500,000	19,100,000			34,400,000		5,900,000	4,100,000	1,800,000
Intangible asset, estimated amortization period								5 years							10 years	20 years						10 years	20 years
Goodwill	586,342,000		106,261,000				43,176,000						459,405,000							44,715,000						28,983,000
Business disposition, consideration to be received				14,500,000
Working capital adjustment																									200,000
Business acquisition, purchase price							54,586,000						636,000,000							110,000,000						35,222,000				4,100,000
Earnout provision, maximum																														2,500,000
Earnout provision, payment term					3 years																								3 years
Earnout provision, fair value						$ 5,000,000																								$ 1,200,000

Acquisitions - Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Jul. 22, 2015 Midroll Media	Apr. 01, 2015 Journal Communications, Inc.	Jun. 16, 2014 Detroit MyNetworkTV affiliate and Buffalo ABC affiliate	Jan. 01, 2014 Media Convergence Group (Newsy)
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract]
Cash			$ 632	$ 2,530
Accounts receivable			2,925	47,977		640
Other assets				2,236		74
Property, plant and equipment				123,264	12,025	631
Intangible assets			10,700	295,000	53,500	5,900
Goodwill	586,342	106,261	43,176	459,405	44,715	28,983
Other long-term assets			518	6,351
Assets held for sale				14,500
Total assets acquired			57,951	951,263	110,240	36,228
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities				43,262
Employee benefit obligations				85,261
Current liabilities			3,365		240	116
Long-term deferred liability				55,054		890
Long-term debt				126,873
Other long-term liabilities				4,813
Net purchase price			$ 54,586	$ 636,000	$ 110,000	$ 35,222

Acquisitions - Pro Forma Disclosures (Details) (Journal Communications and Detroit My Network TV Affiliate and Buffalo ABC Affiliate, USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Journal Communications and Detroit My Network TV Affiliate and Buffalo ABC Affiliate
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue	$ 189,691	$ 192,621	$ 573,310	$ 560,097
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss)	$ (23,606)	$ 6,093	$ (17,028)	$ (18,586)
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic	$ (0.27)	$ 0.07	$ (0.19)	$ (0.23)
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$ (0.27)	$ 0.07	$ (0.19)	$ (0.23)

Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective income tax rate	25.60%	18.00%
U.S. Federal statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%
Deferred tax assets	$ 25.4
Unrecognized deductions for share based compensation awards	$ 26	$ 31

Other Charges and Credits - Narrative (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition and related integration costs	$ 4,206	$ 2,783	$ 36,953	$ 6,984
Impairment of goodwill and intangibles	24,613	0	24,613	0
Journal Communications, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition and related integration costs	$ 4,206		$ 36,953

Restricted Cash - Narrative (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Restricted cash	$ 6,560	$ 6,810

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Goodwill (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015 Journal Communications, Inc.	Apr. 01, 2015 Journal Communications, Inc.	Sep. 30, 2015 Midroll Media	Jul. 22, 2015 Midroll Media
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	$ 106,261		$ 459,405		$ 43,176
Goodwill acquisition		459,405		43,176
Goodwill impairment	(22,500)
Goodwill, ending balance	$ 586,342		$ 459,405		$ 43,176

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of other intangible assets (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Carrying amount:
Total carrying amount	$ 312,063	$ 117,963
Accumulated amortization:
Total accumulated amortization	(37,872)	(22,919)
Net amortizable intangible assets	274,191	95,044
Total other intangible assets	478,006	187,259
Licensing agreements
Accumulated amortization:
Other indefinite-lived intangible assets — FCC licenses	203,815	92,215
Television network affiliation relationships
Carrying amount:
Total carrying amount	248,444	93,944
Accumulated amortization:
Total accumulated amortization	(21,483)	(14,092)
Customer lists and advertiser relationships
Carrying amount:
Total carrying amount	56,300	20,000
Accumulated amortization:
Total accumulated amortization	(13,895)	(7,765)
Other
Carrying amount:
Total carrying amount	7,319	4,019
Accumulated amortization:
Total accumulated amortization	$ (2,494)	$ (1,062)

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015 Media Convergence Group (Newsy)	Sep. 30, 2015 Other small business
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for the remainder of 2015	$ 5,600,000
Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for 2016	21,800,000
Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for 2017	19,400,000
Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for 2018	19,000,000
Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for 2019	17,500,000
Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for 2020	16,900,000
Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for later years	176,900,000
Goodwill [Line Items]
Impairment of goodwill	22,500,000	21,000,000	1,500,000
Impairment of Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)		$ 2,900,000

Long-Term Debt - Components of Long-Term Debt (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Components of Long-term debt

Long-term debt

$ 403,604

$ 198,000

Current portion of long-term debt

6,792

2,000

Long-term debt (less current portion)

396,812

196,000

Fair value of long-term debt

400,800

^[1]

194,000

Unsecured subordinated notes payable

Components of Long-term debt

Long-term debt

8,104

Variable rate credit facility

Components of Long-term debt

Long-term debt

Term loan

Components of Long-term debt

Long-term debt

$ 395,500

$ 198,000

[1]	* 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

Long-Term Debt - Narrative (Details) (USD $)			9 Months Ended			9 Months Ended		0 Months Ended	9 Months Ended						9 Months Ended
Long-Term Debt - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015 Minimum	Sep. 30, 2015 Maximum	Apr. 01, 2015 Spin-off	Sep. 30, 2015 Financing Agreement	Apr. 01, 2015 Financing Agreement	Apr. 01, 2015 Term loan B Journal Communications, Inc.	Sep. 30, 2015 Term loan B Financing Agreement	Apr. 01, 2015 Term loan B Financing Agreement	Dec. 31, 2014 Term loan B Financing Agreement	Sep. 30, 2014 Term loan B Financing Agreement	Sep. 30, 2015 Term loan B Financing Agreement Minimum	Apr. 01, 2015 Revolving credit facility Financing Agreement	Sep. 30, 2015 Revolving credit facility Financing Agreement Minimum	Sep. 30, 2015 Revolving credit facility Financing Agreement Maximum	Sep. 30, 2015 Unsecured subordinated notes payable
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Revolving credit and term loan agreement to finance acquisition							$ 500,000,000							$ 100,000,000
Revolving credit and term loan agreement, increase in borrowing capacity										200,000,000				25,000,000
Repayments of debt								116,000,000
Special cash dividend					60,000,000
Long-term debt, term loan										400,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding, Trigger Leverage Ratio, Percentage															20.00%
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Percentage Rate									3.50%		3.25%		0.75%
LIBOR plus margin range									2.75%						2.25%	2.75%
Current portion of long-term debt	6,792,000	2,000,000
Long-term debt (less current portion)	396,812,000	196,000,000
Weighted average interest rate									3.42%			3.25%
Scheduled principal payments on long-term debt in 2015	1,000,000
Scheduled principal payments on long-term debt in 2016	4,000,000
Scheduled principal payments on long-term debt in 2017	4,000,000
Scheduled principal payments on long-term debt in 2018	4,000,000
Scheduled principal payments on long-term debt in 2019	4,000,000
Scheduled principal payments on long-term debt in 2020	378,500,000
Restricted payment for dividend and share repurchase, maximum						70,000,000
Ratio of Indebtedness to Net Capital						4.5
Percentage of commitment fees of total unused commitment under revolving credit facility			0.30%	0.50%
Letters of credit outstanding amount	800,000	200,000
Stated interest rate (percent)																	7.25%
Annual installment payments																	$ 2,700,000

Financial Instruments - Narrative (Details) (Interest rate swaps, USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Interest rate swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 75,000,000	$ 75,000,000
Fixed LIBOR interest rate	1.08%
Derivative instrument, amortized into earnings from AOCI	$ 300,000

Financial Instruments - Notional Amounts (Details) (Interest rate swaps, USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Interest rate swaps

Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:

Derivative, Notional Amount

$ 75,000

Interest Rate Derivative Assets, at Fair Value

Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value

$ 596

^[1]

$ 471

^[1]

[1]	(1) Balance recorded as other liabilities in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet

Financial Instruments - Effective Portion of Unrealized Gain and Loss (Details) (Interest rate swaps, USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Interest rate swaps
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCL, gain/(loss)	$ 96	$ 96	$ 288	$ 288
Gain/(loss) on derivative	$ (15)	$ 362	$ (125)	$ 300

Fair Value Measurement - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Recurring Measurements

Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis

Cash equivalents

$ 5,043

$ 10,000

Level 1 | Recurring Measurements

Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis

Cash equivalents

5,043

10,000

Level 2 | Recurring Measurements

Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis

Cash equivalents

Level 3 | Recurring Measurements

Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis

Cash equivalents

Interest rate swaps

Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis

Interest rate swap

(596)

^[1]

(471)

^[1]

Interest rate swaps | Recurring Measurements

Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis

Interest rate swap

(596)

(471)

Interest rate swaps | Level 1 | Recurring Measurements

Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis

Interest rate swap

Interest rate swaps | Level 2 | Recurring Measurements

Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis

Interest rate swap

(596)

(471)

Interest rate swaps | Level 3 | Recurring Measurements

Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis

Interest rate swap

$ 0

[1]	(1) Balance recorded as other liabilities in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet

Other Liabilities - Additional Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Other liabilities
Employee compensation and benefits	$ 16,844	$ 15,914
Liability for pension benefits	230,967	136,429
Liabilities for uncertain tax positions	7,667	6,741
Other	22,261	10,087
Other liabilities (less current portion)	$ 277,739	$ 169,171

- Definition

This represents the noncurrent liability recognized in the balance sheet that is associated with the defined benefit pension plans.

+ References+ Details

Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Change in Certain Working Capital Accounts (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Other changes in certain working capital accounts, net
Accounts and notes receivable	$ (14,461)	$ 3,197
Transition services receivable, net	(2,473)	0
Income taxes receivable/payable, net	(14,450)	(5,764)
Accounts payable	(11,303)	1,522
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	2,059	7,611
Other accrued liabilities	(1,649)	4,550
Other, net	(3,814)	4,632
Total	$ (46,091)	$ 15,748

Employee Benefit Plans - Components of Expense (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 5,113	$ 4,189	$ 17,803	$ 17,484
Allocated to discontinued operations	0	(1,178)	(1,096)	(7,819)
Net periodic benefit cost — continuing operations	5,113	3,011	16,707	9,665
Defined contribution plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Net periodic benefit cost	2,094	2,419	7,805	8,635
Withdrawal from GCIU multi-employer plan
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Net periodic benefit cost	0	0	0	4,100
Multi-employer plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Net periodic benefit cost	43	100	140	324
Defined benefit plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Service cost	0	21	0	64
Interest cost	8,169	6,600	22,797	19,155
Expected return on plan assets, net of expenses	(6,625)	(5,893)	(18,334)	(17,611)
Amortization of actuarial loss	1,179	862	3,515	2,145
Curtailment	0	0	1,080	0
Total for defined benefit plans	2,723	1,590	9,058	3,753
SERP
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 253	$ 80	$ 800	$ 672

Employee Benefit Plans - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
Employee Benefit Plans - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015 SERP	Aug. 24, 2015 Defined benefit plans former_employee	Sep. 30, 2015 Defined benefit plans	Sep. 30, 2014 Defined benefit plans	Sep. 30, 2015 Defined benefit plans	Sep. 30, 2014 Defined benefit plans	Dec. 31, 2015 Defined benefit plans Forecast
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Contributions to benefit plan		$ 300,000				$ 0
Estimated future contributions		500,000
Curtailment charge				0	0	1,080,000	0
Number of former employees eligible under plan			4,300
Non-cash pension settlement charge (up to)								45,000,000
Withdrawal from multi-employer pension plan, undiscounted liability	6,500,000
Withdrawal from multi-employer pension plan, recorded liability	$ 4,100,000
Withdrawal from multi-employer pension plan, liability repayment, term	20 years

Segment Information - Narrative (Details)	Sep. 30, 2015 customer
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of major customers customers	0
Percentage of revenue by major customer	10.00%
Television
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Percentage of market capture	18.00%
Television \| ABC affiliates
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of affiliates	15
Television \| NBC affiliates
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of affiliates	5
Television \| FOX affiliates
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of affiliates	2
Television \| CBS affiliates
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of affiliates	2
Television \| Non big four affiliates
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of affiliates	4
Television \| Azteca America affiliates
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of affiliates	5
Radio
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of radio stations	34
Number of markets in which the company operates	8
Radio \| Radio - FM
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of radio stations	28
Radio \| Radio - AM
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of radio stations	6

Segment Information - Schedule of Business Segments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Information regarding business segments
Total operating revenues	$ 189,691	$ 123,126	$ 510,848	$ 348,126
Defined benefit pension plan expense	(2,976)	(1,613)	(9,782)	(4,253)
Acquisition and related integration costs	(4,206)	(2,783)	(36,953)	(6,984)
Depreciation and amortization of intangibles	(16,273)	(8,706)	(37,934)	(23,631)
Impairment of goodwill and intangibles	(24,613)	0	(24,613)	0
(Losses) gains, net on disposal of property, plant and equipment	(200)	2,979	(579)	2,931
Interest expense	(4,246)	(2,050)	(10,523)	(6,345)
Miscellaneous, net	1,061	170	12	(210)
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes	(28,542)	3,798	(61,174)	(7,281)
Depreciation:
Total depreciation	11,092	6,528	25,883	17,846
Amortization of intangibles:
Total amortization of intangibles	5,181	2,178	12,051	5,785
Additions to property, plant and equipment:
Total additions to property, plant and equipment	6,473	4,655	15,244	11,951
Television
Information regarding business segments
Total operating revenues	157,437	116,425	439,049	325,511
Segment profit (loss)	31,707	30,508	98,357	80,344
Depreciation:
Total depreciation	9,765	5,894	22,389	16,033
Amortization of intangibles:
Total amortization of intangibles	4,262	1,909	10,412	5,108
Additions to property, plant and equipment:
Total additions to property, plant and equipment	5,607	4,100	13,350	10,540
Radio
Information regarding business segments
Total operating revenues	20,421	0	39,834	0
Segment profit (loss)	4,073	0	8,981	0
Depreciation:
Total depreciation	554	0	1,103	0
Amortization of intangibles:
Total amortization of intangibles	280	0	560	0
Additions to property, plant and equipment:
Total additions to property, plant and equipment	623	0	639	0
Digital
Information regarding business segments
Total operating revenues	10,861	5,355	25,698	16,036
Segment profit (loss)	(3,639)	(6,206)	(13,210)	(17,477)
Depreciation:
Total depreciation	132	96	394	275
Amortization of intangibles:
Total amortization of intangibles	639	269	1,079	677
Additions to property, plant and equipment:
Total additions to property, plant and equipment	46	46	46	108
Syndication and other
Information regarding business segments
Total operating revenues	972	1,346	6,267	6,579
Segment profit (loss)	(572)	(674)	(1,229)	(1,230)
Depreciation:
Total depreciation	66	40	195	80
Additions to property, plant and equipment:
Total additions to property, plant and equipment	7	256	76	324
Shared services and corporate
Information regarding business segments
Segment profit (loss)	(8,658)	(7,827)	(33,701)	(30,426)
Depreciation:
Total depreciation	575	498	1,802	1,458
Additions to property, plant and equipment:
Total additions to property, plant and equipment	$ 190	$ 253	$ 1,133	$ 979

Capital Stock - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
Capital Stock - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2015 common_share director	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015 Common stock, Class A	May 31, 2014 Common stock, Class A	Sep. 30, 2015 Common stock, Class A Minimum	Sep. 30, 2015 Common stock, Class A Maximum
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Classes of common shares	2
Minimum number of directors up for election to entitle shareholders to vote	3
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount				$ 100,000,000
Stock repurchased during period, value	10,901,000	21,237,000	10,900,000
Stock repurchased during period (in dollars per share)					$ 15.90	$ 24.08
Stock repurchase program, remaining authorized amount			$ 89,100,000

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2015

Sep. 30, 2014

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]

Beginning balance

$ (125,873)

$ (79,917)

$ (126,443)

$ (80,923)

Other comprehensive income before reclassifications

Spin-off of Newspapers, net of tax of $1,517

(140,562)

Ending balance

(125,052)

(79,417)

(125,052)

(79,417)

Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, Interest rate swap

^[1]

178

^[1]

177

^[1]

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, Actuarial loss

762

^[2]

441

^[2]

(1,113)

^[2]

1,329

^[2]

Net current-period other comprehensive income

821

500

(935)

1,506

Gains and Losses on Derivatives

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]

Beginning balance

(360)

(600)

(479)

(718)

Other comprehensive income before reclassifications

Spin-off of Newspapers, net of tax of $1,517

Ending balance

(301)

(541)

(301)

(541)

Gains and Losses on Derivatives | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, Actuarial loss

^[2]

Net current-period other comprehensive income

178

177

Gains and Losses on Derivatives | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Interest rate swaps

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, Interest rate swap

^[1]

178

^[1]

177

^[1]

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, Interest rate swap, tax

110

111

Defined Benefit Pension Items

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]

Beginning balance

(125,524)

(79,489)

(125,877)

(80,377)

Other comprehensive income before reclassifications

Spin-off of Newspapers, net of tax of $1,517

2,312

Spin-off on Newspapers, tax

1,517

Ending balance

(124,762)

(79,048)

(124,762)

(79,048)

Defined Benefit Pension Items | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, Interest rate swap

^[1]

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, Actuarial loss

762

^[2]

441

^[2]

(1,197)

^[2]

1,329

^[2]

Amounts reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive loss, Actuarial loss, tax

(471)

364

740

924

Net current-period other comprehensive income

762

441

(1,197)

1,329

Other

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]

Beginning balance

172

(87)

172

Other comprehensive income before reclassifications

Spin-off of Newspapers, net of tax of $1,517

Ending balance

172

Other | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, Interest rate swap

^[1]

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, Actuarial loss

^[2]

Net current-period other comprehensive income

AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]

Spin-off of Newspapers, net of tax of $1,517

$ 2,326

[1]	(a) Interest rate swap is included in interest expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
[2]	(b) Actuarial loss is included in defined benefit pension plan expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

Journal Broadcast Merger and Newspaper Spin-off Narrative (Details) (USD $)					3 Months Ended		0 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015 Incremental term loan	Dec. 31, 2014 Incremental term loan	Sep. 30, 2015 Journal Communications, Inc.	Apr. 01, 2015 Spin-off	Apr. 01, 2015 Spin-off Journal Communications, Inc.	Sep. 30, 2015 Spin-off Journal Communications, Inc.	Apr. 01, 2015 Spin-off Television operations Journal Communications, Inc. employee	Apr. 01, 2015 Spin-off Newspaper operations Parent company newspaper
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of newspapers										13
Approximate number of employees									4,000
Television operations, percentage of U.S. households reached									18.00%
Special cash dividend						$ 60,000,000
Outstanding debt	403,604,000	198,000,000	395,500,000	198,000,000
Impairment of long-lived assets, held-and-used								0
Impairment of long-lived assets, held-for-sale							30,000,000
Proceeds from services provided to merger partner					2,500,000
Payments for services performed by merger partner					900,000
Transition services agreement receivable, net	$ 2,473,000	$ 0

Journal Broadcast Merger and Newspaper Spin-off Discontinued Operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Apr. 01, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Operating results of discontinued operations:
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations	$ 0	$ (2,384,000)	$ (15,432,000)	$ 785,000
Assets:
Total current assets	0		0			46,507,000
Liabilities:
Total current liabilities	0		0			47,642,000
Spin-off
Operating results of discontinued operations:
Operating revenues	0	84,474,000	91,478,000	275,214,000
Total costs and expenses	0	(80,655,000)	(79,517,000)	(253,257,000)
Depreciation and amortization of intangibles	0	(4,517,000)	(3,608,000)	(12,958,000)
Other, net	0	(2,709,000)	(3,298,000)	(7,549,000)
Loss on disposal of Scripps Newspapers	0	0	(30,000,000)	0
Income (loss) on discontinued operations before income taxes	0	(3,407,000)	(24,945,000)	1,450,000
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	0	920,000	9,513,000	(967,000)
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations	0	(2,487,000)	(15,432,000)	483,000
Noncontrolling interest	0	(103,000)	0	(302,000)
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations	0	(2,384,000)	(15,432,000)	785,000
Non-recurring costs related to spin-off	4,000,000		40,000,000
Professional fees allocated to discontinued operations			3,000,000
Professional fees			37,000,000
Assets:
Total current assets					44,786,000	46,507,000
Property, plant and equipment					155,047,000	185,548,000
Intangible assets					0	2,001,000
Other assets					14,590,000	2,018,000
Total assets included in the disposal group					214,423,000	236,074,000
Liabilities:
Total current liabilities					47,664,000	47,642,000
Deferred income taxes					16,520,000	16,666,000
Other liabilities					9,008,000	13,089,000
Total liabilities distributed					73,192,000	77,397,000
Net assets included in the disposal group					$ 141,231,000	$ 158,677,000

Recently Adopted Standards and Issued Accounting Standards (Details) (Deferred loan costs, USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	0 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Deferred loan costs
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
New accounting pronouncement, effect of adoption	$ 3.5