Senior Counsel, Regulatory Affairs & Corp Transactions

The E.W. Scripps Company is seeking a Senior Counsel, Regulatory Affairs & Corporate Transactions to provide legal counsel on matters related to the distribution of the Company’s local stations, networks, and programming across multiple platforms, including over-the-air, MVPD, streaming, and digital.

This role will structure, negotiate, and draft a variety of commercial agreements; prepare regulatory filings; and oversee compliance with FCC regulations in partnership with internal teams. The Senior Counsel will also support the Company’s mergers and acquisitions activity and advise business leaders on regulatory and transactional matters, with a focus on operational effectiveness, risk management, and alignment across the enterprise.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Advise on regulatory and contractual rights, obligations, most-favored-nation provisions, and transactional standards related to retransmission consent, network, and program distribution.
• Draft offers and contracts based on approved deal terms; coordinate with Distribution in negotiations.
• Review and negotiate inbound contract requests from outside parties, including retransmission consent, network distribution, non-disclosure, master services, and related agreements.
• Create new contract forms as needed to accommodate evolving business models.
• Evaluate standard terms and template agreements to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
• Coordinate with business units to manage deal flow and contract execution.
• Manage outside counsel when appropriate and oversee contract management system.
• Monitor FCC regulatory requirements and compliance obligations relevant to the Company’s operations.
• Draft and coordinate FCC compliance materials in collaboration with internal teams.
• Work closely with the VP of Government Affairs on compliance-related matters, with advocacy retained by that office.
• Assist, as needed, with preparation and submission of monthly, quarterly, and annual FCC filings and reports.
• Maintain accurate compliance records and ensure timely submission of required reports to federal agencies.
• Provide guidance to internal stakeholders to uphold compliance standards across business units.
• Support Company M&A activity, i.e., securing regulatory approvals.
• Prepare required regulatory filings and notices including but not limited to FCC license transfer applications (incl. waiver requests).
• Coordinate with Company’s corporate development and M&A counsel on strategy regarding regulatory approval.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and active license to practice law in good standing with at least one state bar: OH, NY, NJ, or GA preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of experience at a law firm, as a house counsel in technology, regulatory, or intellectual property law, and/or in a business role focusing on program licensing and distribution

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

• Strong contract drafting skills with experience in licensing, production, and local media distribution
• Familiarity with FCC regulations applicable to broadcast and digital platforms
• Accuracy and disciplined approach to compliance and risk management
• Skilled in counseling creative and business partners, balancing legal and business considerations
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Proficiency with Word, Excel, and related tools
• Demonstrated experience in federal regulatory compliance requirements, including FCC rules and reporting processes
• Demonstrated experience in retransmission consent, corporate governance processes, and related compliance requirements

#LI-SM2 #LI-Hybrid

SCRIPPS’ COMMITMENT TO A CULTURE THAT CREATES CONNECTION:

At Scripps, we are committed to a culture that reflects the audiences and communities we serve. We are intentional about creating an environment where employees, our audiences and other stakeholders feel valued and inspired to reach their full potential and create connections. To successfully deliver on this commitment, we must understand and reflect the values and perspectives those around us embody. That process begins by looking inward to build and celebrate a respectful workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging and connection. By continuing to cultivate an environment where all employees have a fair chance to succeed, are included, valued, and seen, we will strengthen the connections that drive positive business impact and align with our core purpose. 

ABOUT SCRIPPS:

The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) is a diversified media company focused on creating connection. As one of the nation’s largest local TV broadcasters, Scripps serves communities with quality, objective local journalism and operates a portfolio of more than 60 stations in 40+ markets. Scripps reaches households across the U.S. with national news outlet Scripps News and popular entertainment brands ION, ION Plus, ION Mystery, Bounce, Grit and Laff. Scripps is the nation’s largest holder of broadcast spectrum. Scripps Sports serves professional and college sports leagues, conferences and teams with local market depth and national broadcast reach of up to 100% of TV households. Founded in 1878, Scripps is the steward of the Scripps National Spelling Bee and its longtime motto is: “Give light and the people will find their own way.”

As an equal employment opportunity employer, The E.W. Scripps Company and its affiliates do not discriminate in its employment decisions on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, color, religion, age, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, citizenship or national origin, and military membership or veteran status, or on any other basis which would be in violation of any applicable federal, state or local law. Furthermore, the company will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship for the company.