Tallahassee's WTXL part of $55M E.W. Scripps acquisition deal

TaMaryn Waters | Tallahassee Democrat

National independent TV station owner E.W. Scripps now has a presence in Florida's capital with a $55-million acquisition deal that includes ABC-affiliate WTXL.

WTXL in Midway and KXXV/KRHD in Waco, Texas, are being divested as part of Gray Television's acquisition of Raycom Media, which owned the local station, according to a company statement. The stations collectively employ 130 people.

The deal means Scripps will have 35 TV stations in 26 markets across the country. Its national television household reach will increase to 18.5 percent, the Cincinnati, Ohio, -based company said.

“Scripps’ acquisition of these two stations is in line with the strategic vision we set out early this year: to strengthen our portfolio of local television stations while delivering value to shareholders,” said Scripps President and CEO Adam Symson, in a statement. “In addition to expanding our household reach and deepening our strong relationship with ABC, this transaction expands our political footprint in key battleground states leading up to the 2020 elections.”

The company owns three other television stations in Florida: ABC Action News in Tampa; WFTX in Fort Myers-Naples and WPTV in West Palm Beach.

Contact TaMaryn Waters at tlwaters@tallahassee.com or follow @TaMarynWaters on Twitter.