E.W. Scripps Co. may follow the lead of its peers and unload its newspaper business, executives said at an investor conference, according to a Tuesday research note from Merrill Lynch & Co. analyst Lauren Rich Fine. She estimates that if the newspaper group were spun off, it could have a valuation of about $1.5 billion, or 9 times Ebitda. Scripps publishes newspapers in 18 markets, including the Rocky Mountain News in Denver and The Commercial Appeal in Memphis. The company also owns television stations and cable networks. Rivals — particularly Tribune Co. — are also evaluating their newspaper holdings. —Chris Nolter
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