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<div style="display:none"><ix:header><ix:hidden><ix:nonNumeric contextRef="D2019Q4" name="dei:AmendmentFlag" id="Fact-E68B0F9EE03755E8A6F86C73DA267218-wk-Fact-E68B0F9EE03755E8A6F86C73DA267218" format="ixt:booleanfalse">false</ix:nonNumeric><ix:nonNumeric contextRef="D2019Q4" name="dei:EntityCentralIndexKey" id="Fact-27F82ADC7CB4596C96CE67ABC6DAF4F5-wk-Fact-27F82ADC7CB4596C96CE67ABC6DAF4F5">0000832428</ix:nonNumeric></ix:hidden><ix:references><link:schemaRef xlink:href="ssp-20191219.xsd" xlink:type="simple"></link:schemaRef></ix:references><ix:resources><xbrli:context id="D2019Q4">
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	</xbrli:context></ix:resources></ix:header></div><div><a id="s400EE58A46115C0A97276B8DCF6779B3"></a></div><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br/></span></div></div><div><br/></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-top:4px;text-align:center;font-size:18pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:18pt;font-weight:bold;">UNITED STATES</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:18pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:18pt;font-weight:bold;">SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;font-weight:bold;">Washington, D.C. 20549</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-top:5px;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-top:6px;text-align:center;font-size:18pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:18pt;font-weight:bold;">FORM </span><span><ix:nonNumeric id="d190397353e102-wk-Fact-D05225FFB4F258FBA4C350C83D613962" name="dei:DocumentType" contextRef="D2019Q4"><span style="font-size:18pt;font-weight:bold;">8-K</span></ix:nonNumeric></span><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:18pt;font-weight:bold;"> </span></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-top:5px;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-top:6px;text-align:center;font-size:14pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:14pt;font-weight:bold;">CURRENT REPORT</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-top:12px;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">Pursuant to Section&#160;13 or 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-top:12px;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) </span><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;"><span><span style="white-space:nowrap"><ix:nonNumeric id="d190397353e119-wk-Fact-6229D0FC3C6E0A248BAA1A55C6139099" name="dei:DocumentPeriodEndDate" contextRef="D2019Q4" format="ixt:datemonthdayyearen">December 19, 2019</ix:nonNumeric></span></span></span><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;"> </span></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-top:6px;text-align:center;font-size:22pt;"><span><ix:nonNumeric id="d190397353e124-wk-Fact-57A5C3BE7DBE54FABD93552185E82525" name="dei:EntityRegistrantName" contextRef="D2019Q4"><span style="font-size:22pt;font-weight:bold;">THE E.W. 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id="d190397353e262-wk-Fact-CF3F1EF761A15982B269AB79E96890B9" name="dei:EntityAddressPostalZipCode" contextRef="D2019Q4">45202</ix:nonNumeric></span></span></div></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="vertical-align:middle;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:8pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:8pt;font-weight:bold;">(Address of principal executive offices)</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:8pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:8pt;font-weight:bold;">(Zip Code)</span></div></td></tr></table></div></div><div 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style="width:6%;"></td><td style="width:94%;"></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:Arial Unicode MS;font-size:10pt;"><span><ix:nonNumeric id="d190397353e323-wk-Fact-0335469E918E598087F2CB4FBA83553C" name="dei:WrittenCommunications" contextRef="D2019Q4" format="ixt-sec:boolballotbox">&#9744;</ix:nonNumeric></span></span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)</span></div></td></tr></table></div></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><div style="padding-left:0px;text-indent:0px;line-height:normal;padding-top:10px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times 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style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))</span></div></td></tr></table></div></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act. </span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><div style="padding-left:0px;text-indent:0px;line-height:normal;padding-top:10px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;width:99.4140625%;border-collapse:collapse;text-align:left;"><tr><td colspan="3"></td></tr><tr><td style="width:41%;"></td><td style="width:18%;"></td><td style="width:41%;"></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">Title of each class</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">Trading Symbol(s)</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">Name of each exchange on which registered</span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><span><ix:nonNumeric id="d190397353e424-wk-Fact-4C5A620D0E3E5A7181C6E059DE9939F3" name="dei:Security12bTitle" 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style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br/></span></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (17 CFR &#167; 230.405) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (17 CFR &#167; 240.12b-2).</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Emerging growth company </span><span><ix:nonNumeric id="d190397353e444-wk-Fact-133BAC9162075E8BB5CECF6829829BDB" name="dei:EntityEmergingGrowthCompany" contextRef="D2019Q4" format="ixt-sec:boolballotbox"><span style="font-family:Arial Unicode MS;">&#9744;</span></ix:nonNumeric></span><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"> </span></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:Wingdings;font-size:10pt;"><br/></span></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:8px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. </span><span style="font-family:Arial Unicode MS;font-size:10pt;">&#9744;</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br/></span></div><div><br/></div><div></div><hr style="page-break-after:always"></hr><div><a id="s6EE65559257B5BF3B67AFD52A498FF70"></a></div><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br/></span></div></div><div><br/></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">THE E.W. SCRIPPS COMPANY</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-top:12px;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">INDEX TO CURRENT REPORT ON FORM 8-K</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:9pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">&#160;</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><div style="padding-left:0px;text-indent:0px;line-height:normal;padding-top:10px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;text-align:left;"><tr><td colspan="3"></td></tr><tr><td style="width:9%;"></td><td style="width:79%;"></td><td style="width:12%;"></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;border-bottom:1px solid #000000;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:8pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:8pt;">Item No.</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;border-bottom:1px solid #000000;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:8pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:8pt;">Page</span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:6px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:6px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:6px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:middle;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">5.02</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:middle;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:middle;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">3</span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:6px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:6px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:6px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">9.01</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Financial Statements and Exhibits</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">4</span></div></td></tr></table></div></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br/></span></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center;"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">2</span></div></div><hr style="page-break-after:always"></hr><div><a id="s249C913F6F8059D2A283DDDA6EA016AD"></a></div><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br/></span></div></div><div><br/></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">Item&#160;5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers </span></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br/></span></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:10px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">On December 19, 2019, The E. W. Scripps Company (the &#8220;Company&#8221; or &#8220;Scripps&#8221;) signed a new employment agreement with Adam P. Symson, President and Chief Executive Officer. The new agreement will terminate his previous employment agreement and Mr. Symson was removed as a participant in Scripps' Senior Executive Change in Control Plan. The agreement, effective January 1, 2020, has a three-year term with successive automatic annual renewals, unless either party gives written notice least 180 days prior the expiration of the term. The term of the employment agreement will also be extended for two years in the event of a change in control of Scripps.</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:10px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Mr. Symson&#8217;s annualized base salary will be $1,200,000, he will have a &#8220;target&#8221; annual incentive opportunity of at least 100% of his annual base salary, and he will be entitled to a &#8220;target&#8221; long-term incentive program opportunity of at least $2.7 million (allocated 60% to performance-based units and 40% to time-based units) for fiscal 2020. Mr. Symson will also be entitled to reimbursement of approved financial planning services (limited to no more than $15,000 per year), dues for one business club and the cost of an annual senior executive physical examination, as well as a one-time reimbursement of up to $20,000 of attorney&#8217;s fees incurred in connection with the negotiation of the employment agreement. Any excise tax gross-up provision was also removed for Mr. Symson. </span></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:10px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">The employment agreement provides Mr. Symson with the severance protections described below, subject to his entry into an irrevocable release of any claims against the Company.</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:10px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">If upon the occurrence of a Change in Control and ending on the second anniversary of the occurrence of the Change in Control (the &#8220;Change in Control Protection Period&#8221;), Mr. Symson&#8217;s employment is terminated without &#8220;cause&#8221; (not including termination as a result of death or disability), or if Mr. Symson terminates his employment for &#8220;good reason&#8221; he generally will be entitled to receive:</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-left:0px;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;text-indent:30px;"><span style="padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;padding-right:18px;">&#8226;</span><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">A cash severance payment equal to 2 times his annual base salary and target annual incentive,</span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="padding-bottom:4px;font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:48px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;padding-left:30px;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#8226;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">A pro-rated annual incentive bonus assuming that &#8220;target&#8221; performance was achieved for each performance goal,</span></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;padding-left:0px;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;text-indent:30px;"><span style="padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;padding-right:18px;">&#8226;</span><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Continued medical and dental coverage for two years, </span></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-left:0px;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;text-indent:30px;"><span style="padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;padding-right:18px;">&#8226;</span><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Reimbursement of up to $15,000 in financial planning expenses for one year,</span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="padding-bottom:4px;font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:48px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;padding-left:30px;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#8226;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Accelerated vesting of outstanding equity awards under the Scripps long-term incentive program unless vesting of equity awards under the terms of the applicable company&#8217;s equity plan provides a greater benefit to Mr. Symson, and</span></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="padding-bottom:4px;font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:48px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;padding-left:30px;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#8226;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">A Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (&#8220;SERP&#8221;) enhancement payment equal to the excess of the actuarial equivalent of the benefit under Scripps&#8217; SERP that Mr. Symson would receive under that plan after increasing his age by his severance multiplier over the actuarial equivalent of the benefit as of the date of termination.</span></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br/></span></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:10px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">If Mr. Symson&#8217;s employment is terminated by Scripps (other than during the Change in Control Protection Period) without &#8220;cause&#8221; (including as a result of the non-renewal of the employment agreement by Scripps, but not including termination as a result of death or disability), or if Mr. Symson terminates his employment for &#8220;good reason&#8221; he generally will be entitled to receive:</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-left:0px;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;text-indent:30px;"><span style="padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;padding-right:18px;">&#8226;</span><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">A cash severance payment equal to 2 times his annual base salary and target annual incentive,</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-left:0px;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;text-indent:30px;"><span style="padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;padding-right:18px;">&#8226;</span><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">A pro-rated annual incentive bonus based on actual performance,</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-left:0px;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;text-indent:30px;"><span style="padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;padding-right:18px;">&#8226;</span><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Continued medical and dental coverage for two years,</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-left:0px;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;text-indent:30px;"><span style="padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;padding-right:18px;">&#8226;</span><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Reimbursement of up to $15,000 in financial planning expenses for one year, and</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-left:0px;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;text-indent:30px;"><span style="padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;padding-right:18px;">&#8226;</span><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Accelerated vesting of outstanding equity awards under the Scripps long-term incentive program.</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;text-indent:30px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br/></span></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:10px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">If Mr. Symson provides timely written notice of his intention not to renew the employment agreement and terminates his employment at the expiration of the term (including during the Change in Control Protection Period), he generally will be entitled to receive:</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-left:0px;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;text-indent:30px;"><span style="padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;padding-right:18px;">&#8226;</span><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">A cash severance payment equal to one-half of his annual base salary and target annual incentive,</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-left:0px;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;text-indent:30px;"><span style="padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;padding-right:18px;">&#8226;</span><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">A pro-rated annual incentive bonus based on actual performance,</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-left:0px;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;text-indent:30px;"><span style="padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;padding-right:18px;">&#8226;</span><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Continued medical and dental coverage for six months, and</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-left:0px;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;text-indent:30px;"><span style="padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;padding-right:18px;">&#8226;</span><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Reimbursement of up to $15,000 in financial planning expenses for one year.</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br/></span></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center;"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">3</span></div></div><hr style="page-break-after:always"></hr><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br/></span></div></div><div><br/></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:10px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">If Mr. Symson&#8217;s employment is terminated as a result of his death or disability (including during the Change in Control Protection Period), he (or his estate) generally will be entitled to receive:</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-left:0px;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;text-indent:30px;"><span style="padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;padding-right:18px;">&#8226;</span><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">A cash severance payment equal to one year of his annual base salary,</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-left:0px;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;text-indent:30px;"><span style="padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;padding-right:18px;">&#8226;</span><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">A pro-rated annual incentive bonus based on actual performance, and</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-left:0px;text-align:left;text-indent:30px;"><span style="text-align:left;font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;padding-right:18px;">&#8226;</span><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Continued medical and dental coverage for two years.</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br/></span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">By entering into the employment agreement, Mr. Symson will agree to maintain the confidentiality of the Company&#8217;s confidential and trade secret information, and has agreed not to compete with Scripps or solicit its employees during the term of the employment agreement and for 18 months thereafter (or for six months after a termination due to Mr. Symson&#8217;s timely notice of non-renewal of the of the employment agreement). The employment agreement also confirms that Mr. Symson will be subject to, and will comply with, the Company&#8217;s stock ownership guidelines in effect from time to time for the Chief Executive Officer role.</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br/></span></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:10px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">The foregoing description of the employment agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the agreement, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 10.1 to this Form 8-K.</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:10px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">On December 19, 2019, Scripps issued a press release relating to the matters described above. A copy of the press release is filed with this Form 8-K and is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br/></span></div><div><a id="s9B14B5361A5D5D809060F6F9DC2A3820"></a></div><div style="line-height:120%;-sec-extract:summary;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">Item&#160;9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><div style="padding-left:0px;text-indent:0px;line-height:normal;padding-top:10px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;text-align:left;"><tr><td colspan="3"></td></tr><tr><td style="width:9%;"></td><td style="width:1%;"></td><td style="width:90%;"></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;border-bottom:1px solid #000000;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:8pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:8pt;font-weight:bold;">Exhibit</span></div><div style="text-align:center;font-size:8pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:8pt;font-weight:bold;">Number</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;border-bottom:1px solid #000000;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:8pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:8pt;font-weight:bold;">Description of Item</span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:5px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:5px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:5px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><a style="text-decoration:underline;color:#0000FF;-sec-extract:exhibit;" href="ex1012020renewalemploy.htm"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">10.1</span></a></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Employment Agreement between The E.W. Scripps Company and Adam P. Symson</span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:5px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:5px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:5px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><a style="text-decoration:underline;color:#0000FF;-sec-extract:exhibit;" href="ex991pressreleasefor12.htm"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">99.1</span></a></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Press release dated December 19, 2019</span></div></td></tr></table></div></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br/></span></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br/></span></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center;"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">4</span></div></div><hr style="page-break-after:always"></hr><div><a id="s492A7F80D4A25D98B14F856E93680504"></a></div><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br/></span></div></div><div><br/></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">SIGNATURES</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-top:12px;text-indent:30px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:14pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:14pt;">&#160;</span></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><div style="padding-left:0px;text-indent:0px;line-height:normal;padding-top:10px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;text-align:left;"><tr><td colspan="3"></td></tr><tr><td style="width:8%;"></td><td style="width:4%;"></td><td style="width:88%;"></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">THE E.W. SCRIPPS COMPANY</span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:20px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td colspan="2" style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:20px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">BY:</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:8pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:8pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;text-decoration:underline;">/s/ Douglas F. Lyons                 </span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:8pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:8pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Douglas F. Lyons</span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:8pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:8pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Senior Vice President, Controller and Treasurer</span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:8pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:8pt;">&#160;</span></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">(Principal Accounting Officer)</span></div></td></tr></table></div></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-top:12px;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Dated: December 19, 2019</span></div><div><br/></div><div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">5</span></div></div>	</div></body>
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Document
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)
December 19, 2019
THE E.W. SCRIPPS COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Ohio
001-10701
31-1223339
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation)
(Commission
File Number)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
312 Walnut Street
Cincinnati,
Ohio
45202
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (
513
)
977-3000
Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):
☐
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
☐
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
☐
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
☐
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.
Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
SSP
NASDAQ Global Select Market
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (17 CFR § 230.405) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (17 CFR § 240.12b-2).
Emerging growth company
☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
☐
THE E.W. SCRIPPS COMPANY
INDEX TO CURRENT REPORT ON FORM 8-K
Item No.
Page
5.02
Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers
3
9.01
Financial Statements and Exhibits
4
2
Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers
On December 19, 2019, The E. W. Scripps Company (the "Company" or "Scripps") signed a new employment agreement with Adam P. Symson, President and Chief Executive Officer. The new agreement will terminate his previous employment agreement and Mr. Symson was removed as a participant in Scripps' Senior Executive Change in Control Plan. The agreement, effective January 1, 2020, has a three-year term with successive automatic annual renewals, unless either party gives written notice least 180 days prior the expiration of the term. The term of the employment agreement will also be extended for two years in the event of a change in control of Scripps.
Mr. Symson's annualized base salary will be $1,200,000, he will have a "target" annual incentive opportunity of at least 100% of his annual base salary, and he will be entitled to a "target" long-term incentive program opportunity of at least $2.7 million (allocated 60% to performance-based units and 40% to time-based units) for fiscal 2020. Mr. Symson will also be entitled to reimbursement of approved financial planning services (limited to no more than $15,000 per year), dues for one business club and the cost of an annual senior executive physical examination, as well as a one-time reimbursement of up to $20,000 of attorney's fees incurred in connection with the negotiation of the employment agreement. Any excise tax gross-up provision was also removed for Mr. Symson.
The employment agreement provides Mr. Symson with the severance protections described below, subject to his entry into an irrevocable release of any claims against the Company.
If upon the occurrence of a Change in Control and ending on the second anniversary of the occurrence of the Change in Control (the "Change in Control Protection Period"), Mr. Symson's employment is terminated without "cause" (not including termination as a result of death or disability), or if Mr. Symson terminates his employment for "good reason" he generally will be entitled to receive:
•
A cash severance payment equal to 2 times his annual base salary and target annual incentive,
•
A pro-rated annual incentive bonus assuming that "target" performance was achieved for each performance goal,
•
Continued medical and dental coverage for two years,
•
Reimbursement of up to $15,000 in financial planning expenses for one year,
•
Accelerated vesting of outstanding equity awards under the Scripps long-term incentive program unless vesting of equity awards under the terms of the applicable company's equity plan provides a greater benefit to Mr. Symson, and
•
A Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan ("SERP") enhancement payment equal to the excess of the actuarial equivalent of the benefit under Scripps' SERP that Mr. Symson would receive under that plan after increasing his age by his severance multiplier over the actuarial equivalent of the benefit as of the date of termination.
If Mr. Symson's employment is terminated by Scripps (other than during the Change in Control Protection Period) without "cause" (including as a result of the non-renewal of the employment agreement by Scripps, but not including termination as a result of death or disability), or if Mr. Symson terminates his employment for "good reason" he generally will be entitled to receive:
•
A cash severance payment equal to 2 times his annual base salary and target annual incentive,
•
A pro-rated annual incentive bonus based on actual performance,
•
Continued medical and dental coverage for two years,
•
Reimbursement of up to $15,000 in financial planning expenses for one year, and
•
Accelerated vesting of outstanding equity awards under the Scripps long-term incentive program.
If Mr. Symson provides timely written notice of his intention not to renew the employment agreement and terminates his employment at the expiration of the term (including during the Change in Control Protection Period), he generally will be entitled to receive:
•
A cash severance payment equal to one-half of his annual base salary and target annual incentive,
•
A pro-rated annual incentive bonus based on actual performance,
•
Continued medical and dental coverage for six months, and
•
Reimbursement of up to $15,000 in financial planning expenses for one year.
3
If Mr. Symson's employment is terminated as a result of his death or disability (including during the Change in Control Protection Period), he (or his estate) generally will be entitled to receive:
•
A cash severance payment equal to one year of his annual base salary,
•
A pro-rated annual incentive bonus based on actual performance, and
•
Continued medical and dental coverage for two years.
By entering into the employment agreement, Mr. Symson will agree to maintain the confidentiality of the Company's confidential and trade secret information, and has agreed not to compete with Scripps or solicit its employees during the term of the employment agreement and for 18 months thereafter (or for six months after a termination due to Mr. Symson's timely notice of non-renewal of the of the employment agreement). The employment agreement also confirms that Mr. Symson will be subject to, and will comply with, the Company's stock ownership guidelines in effect from time to time for the Chief Executive Officer role.
The foregoing description of the employment agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the agreement, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 10.1 to this Form 8-K.
On December 19, 2019, Scripps issued a press release relating to the matters described above. A copy of the press release is filed with this Form 8-K and is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits
Exhibit
Number
Description of Item
10.1
Employment Agreement between The E.W. Scripps Company and Adam P. Symson
99.1
Press release dated December 19, 2019
4
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
THE E.W. SCRIPPS COMPANY
BY:
/s/ Douglas F. Lyons
Douglas F. Lyons
Senior Vice President, Controller and Treasurer
(Principal Accounting Officer)
Dated: December 19, 2019
5