07:13 AM EST, 11/17/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Sinclair (SBGI) has accumulated an almost 8% stake in E.W. Scripps (SSP), the Wall Street Journal reported Monday, citing a regulatory filing.

Sinclair is vying to acquire the local TV broadcaster, and the position is seen as a move to push Scripps into a deal after months of constructive talks, according to the report.

Sinclair believes the combined company would allow Scripps shareholders to see their stock value triple over time, the report said.

The takeover proposal is structured without external financing and aims to reduce E.W. Scripps' debt load, with the deal expected to close within nine to 12 months.

Shares of E.W. Scripps were up 18% in recent Monday premarket activity.

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