Lexington television station WTVQ sold to rival. What it means for ABC36
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Scripps will acquire WTVQ, creating a duopoly with WLEX 18 in Lexington.
- Deal requires federal approval; Scripps will run WTVQ under an LMA pending review.
- Scripps says acquisition will expand resources and reporters across the Lexington market.
E.W. Scipps Co. in Cincinnati announced Wednesday it has reached an agreement to purchase WTVQ 36, the ABC affiliate in Lexington, from Morris Network Inc. for $15.8 million.
Scripps already owns the NBC affiliate, WLEX 18, creating a duopoly in the Lexington TV market. WKYT, Channel 27, is owned by Gray Media Group.
It is unclear what this might mean for the local news operations at the two stations. In a statement, Morris said: “WTVQ employees will be supported through a structured transition process ahead of the anticipated close in the third quarter of 2026.”
The purchase requires federal regulatory approval.
“While that approval is pending, Scripps will provide certain programming, marketing and related services for WTVQ via a local programming and marketing agreement,” according to a news release.
A news release from Savannah-based Morris Network, a subsidiary of Morris Multimedia, thanked WTVQ employees.
“WTVQ is an exceptional station with a proud legacy of serving the Lexington community, and we are pleased to be placing it with one of the strongest broadcast companies in the country,” said Charles H. Morris Sr., founder, chairman and CEO of Morris Multimedia, 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 deeply grateful to the WTVQ team for their outstanding service and contributions over the years.”
Chris Mossman, who had been the general manager of WTVQ until Wednesday, said he does not know what the Scripps-provided programming will entail but that he will no longer be involved in decision-making at the station.
Sean Franklin, of WLEX, will be the general manager for 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 the news release that the acquisition, which he called a strategic acquisition, would deepen the company’s commitment to the Lexington market.
“This acquisition would give us the scale and depth in Lexington to strengthen our financial durability and assign more reporters to neighborhoods throughout the area, enhancing our public service journalism and creating greater community connection across the market,” Symson said.
Morris Multimedia bought WTVQ in 2008 from Media General.
This story was originally published March 4, 2026 at 2:59 PM.
