E.W. Scripps Inks Multi-Network Deal with Katz Broadcasting

ATLANTA: The E.W. Scripps Company has signed an agreement with Katz Broadcasting that includes launching the Grit and Escape channels in multiple markets and expanding the distribution of LAFF in the U.S.

Scripps will launch Escape on its stations in Detroit (WMYD-TV), Indianapolis (WRTV-TV), Kansas City (KMCI-TV), Milwaukee (WTMJ-TV), Cincinnati (WCPO-TV), Buffalo (WKBW-TV), Fort Myers (WFTX-TV), Green Bay (WACY-TV), Omaha (KMTV-TV), Boise (KIVI-TV) and Twin Falls (KSAW-TV); LAFF in Nashville (WTVF-TV), Milwaukee (WTMJ-TV), Las Vegas (KTNV-TV), Fort Myers (WFTX-TV), Green Bay (WGBA-TV), Tucson (KGUN-TV), Omaha (KMTV-TV), Boise, (KIVI-TV) and Twin Falls (KSAW-TV); and Grit in Tampa (WFTS-TV), Kansas City (KSHB-TV), Las Vegas (KTNV-TV) and Green Bay (WACY-TV).

The multiyear deal will see Grit, Escape and LAFF becoming available in 93 million, 70 million and 64 million homes in the U.S., respectively. Scripps already offers LAFF on a number of its stations around the country, including in Detroit, Phoenix, Tampa, Denver and Cleveland, among other cities.

Grit is meant for men between the ages of 25 and 54, while Escape targets 25- to 54-year-old females. Both channels launched eight months ago. LAFF, which premiered in April 2015, features a combination of contemporary off-network sitcoms and popular movies geared toward adults 18 to 49.

"Grit, Escape and LAFF are unique and attractive demo-specific networks that will add great value to our stations in these markets, as we've seen with our current LAFF distribution," noted Brian Lawlor, the senior VP for the Scripps broadcast division. "With the acquisition of the Journal stations now complete, we wanted to expand that distribution even further."