Scripps Exits Court TV with Sale to Jellysmack’s Law&Crime
Event summary
- E.W. Scripps sells Court TV to Law&Crime Network, owned by Jellysmack.
- Court TV relaunched in May 2019 after Scripps acquired rights from Turner Broadcasting.
- Law&Crime operates two FAST channels and 25 YouTube channels with over 7M subscribers on its flagship channel.
- Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The big picture
Scripps’ sale of Court TV aligns with its longstanding strategy of optimizing assets based on evolving consumer behavior. The deal reflects broader industry consolidation in true-crime and legal content, where digital-first platforms are gaining traction. Law&Crime’s ownership by Jellysmack suggests a focus on scaling multi-platform distribution through social media and streaming.
What we're watching
- Brand Integration
- Whether Law&Crime can maintain Court TV’s distinct identity while leveraging its own infrastructure.
- Content Strategy
- How the acquisition will impact Law&Crime’s expansion into trial-focused content.
- Financial Impact
- The pace at which Scripps deploys proceeds from this sale to strengthen its balance sheet or pursue other strategic exits.