The E.W. Scripps Company has agreed to purchase WTVQ, the ABC affiliate in Lexington, Kentucky, from Morris Network for $15.8 million. The acquisition will create a duopoly with Scripps' existing NBC affiliate WLEX in the market. The transaction requires federal regulatory approval. During the approval process, Scripps will provide programming, marketing and related services for WTVQ through a local programming and marketing agreement. The purchase follows recent portfolio optimisation moves by Scripps, including the sale of stations in Fort Myers and Indianapolis, and a station swap with Gray Media. Scripps is also exercising its option to reacquire 23 ION-affiliated stations from INYO Broadcast Holdings for approximately $54 million, with closure expected later this year.