iHeartMedia and E.W. Scripps Compared: Which Media Company Stands Out?

A side-by-side look at the performance, valuation, and analyst sentiment for these two small-cap media firms.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 7:55am

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iHeartMedia (NASDAQ:IHRT) and E.W. Scripps (NASDAQ:SSP) are both small-cap consumer discretionary companies operating in the media industry. This article compares the two firms across key metrics like revenue, earnings, profitability, institutional ownership, and analyst recommendations to determine which is the superior investment.

Why it matters

As small-cap media companies, iHeartMedia and E.W. Scripps face similar industry headwinds and opportunities. Understanding how they stack up on fundamental and valuation measures can help investors make informed decisions about which stock may be the better long-term bet.

The details

The analysis finds that E.W. Scripps outperforms iHeartMedia on several key metrics, including higher net margins, return on equity and assets, stronger institutional ownership, and more favorable analyst sentiment. E.W. Scripps also has a lower beta, indicating less volatility compared to the broader market. While iHeartMedia has a larger footprint in radio broadcasting, E.W. Scripps has diversified into national TV networks, local media, and digital platforms, potentially giving it an edge in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

  • The analysis is based on the latest available financial data as of February 28, 2026.

The players

iHeartMedia

A leading audio media company operating broadcast radio stations, syndicated radio programming, and the iHeartRadio digital audio platform.

E.W. Scripps

A diversified media company with local TV stations, national TV networks like Newsy and Court TV, and digital media properties.

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What’s next

Investors should further research the long-term growth prospects, competitive positioning, and management teams of iHeartMedia and E.W. Scripps to determine which media stock best fits their investment objectives and risk tolerance.

The takeaway

This analysis highlights that while both iHeartMedia and E.W. Scripps operate in the dynamic media industry, E.W. Scripps appears to have an edge in terms of profitability, institutional support, and analyst sentiment, potentially making it the more attractive investment option of the two.