Cincinnati-based EW Scipps Co. announced Wednesday that it has reached an agreement to acquire ABC affiliate WTVQ 36 in Lexington from Morris Network Inc. for $15.8 million.
Scripps already owns NBC affiliate WLEX 18, forming a duopoly in the Lexington television market. WKYT, channel 27, is owned by Gray Media Group.
It’s unclear what this means for the two stations’ local news operations. “WTVQ employees will be supported through a structured transition process until the end of the expected third quarter of 2026,” Morris said in a statement.
Scripps announced it has acquired Lexington-based ABC affiliate WTVQ-36 from Morris Multimedia. Scripps also owns NBC affiliate WLEX-18.
The purchase requires federal regulatory approval.
“Pending approval, Scripps will provide certain programming, marketing and related services to WTVQ through a local programming and marketing agreement,” the release said.
Savannah-based Morris Networks, a subsidiary of Morris Multimedia, issued a press release thanking WTVQ employees.
“WTVQ is an outstanding station with a proud tradition of serving the Lexington community, and we are pleased to partner with one of the nation’s strongest broadcasters,” Morris Multimedia founder, chairman and CEO Charles H. Morris Sr. said in the release. “This transaction reflects our strategic focus on long-term growth and we are actively pursuing opportunities to expand our organization. We are grateful to the WTVQ team for their years of outstanding service and contributions.”
Chris Mossman, who was WTVQ’s general manager until Wednesday, said he didn’t know what the impact of Scripps’ programming would be, but that he would no longer be involved in decisions at the station.
WLEX’s Sean Franklin will serve as general manager of both stations, Mossman said.
“He’s a great guy and I think he’ll do a great job overseeing both stations,” Mossman said.
Franklin was not immediately available for comment.
Scripps President and CEO Adam Symson said in a news release that the acquisition, which he described as a strategic acquisition, will deepen the company’s commitment to the Lexington market.
“This acquisition will give us greater scale and depth in Lexington, thereby enhancing our financial durability, and deploying more reporters to communities throughout the region, enhancing our public service journalism and creating broader community connections across markets,” Simonson said.
Morris Multimedia acquired WTVQ from Media General in 2008.
Lexington station ABC 36 restructures news operations: News Director Miranda Combs departs
Lexington TV station launches ‘High Noon’ show with married anchor
‘I’m excited to be back.’ ABC 36’s new general manager is WKYT alum
Former Lexington TV anchor Nancy Cox marries her “Prince Charming.” View wedding photos
Investigative reporter Miranda Combs returns to radio to anchor evening news
