Scripps to Acquire Granite Stations In Detroit, Buffalo For $110 Million

Scripps has agreed to acquire WMYD Detroit and WKBW Buffalo, the Granite Broadcasting-owned MyNetworkTV and ABC affiliates, respectively, for $110 million. Scripps gets a duopoly in Detroit, where it owns WXYZ.

The deal, funded with cash in hand, is subject to regulatory approval.

"These stations will contribute strong cash flow to our core business, expand our reach in one of our best markets, and expand our TV footprint in partnership with ABC,” said Rich Boehne (pictured), Scripps chairman, president and CEO. “Owning these stations also allows us to expand our news-gathering reach and our digital business and add more audiences for our original programs Let’s Ask AmericaThe List and RightThisMinute.”

After the deal closes, Scripps will own 21 stations, reaching almost 14% of U.S. homes.

“These two stations are a terrific fit for our TV portfolio,” said Brian Lawlor, senior vice president of television. “We love doing business in Detroit. WXYZ is one of our most important TV stations, and our ability to marry it with the MyNetworkTV station allows us to extend our commitment to that market and continue the conversation and the passion driving the renaissance of this great American city.”

With the acquisition of Buffalo, Lawlor mentioned including WKBW in “content and customer strategies” along with stations in Cleveland and Detroit.

Michael Malone

Michael Malone, senior content producer at B+C/Multichannel News, covers network programming, including entertainment, news and sports on broadcast, cable and streaming; and local broadcast television. He hosts the podcasts Busted Pilot, about what’s new in television, and Series Business, a chat with the creator of a new program, and writes the column “The Watchman.” He joined B+C in 2005. His journalism has also appeared in The New York Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Playboy and New York magazine.