Court TV’s Big Shift: From Cable Courtrooms to Digital Streams

The long‑running channel that once filled evenings with live courtroom drama is changing hands. The E. W. Scripps Company, which has kept Court TV on cable for years, agreed to sell the network to the owners of Law&Crime, a YouTube‑centric brand founded by former Court TV commentator Dan Abrams. The deal, valued at under $125 million, signals a pivot toward online platforms. Court TV will stay on basic cable and has secured a three‑year distribution agreement with Scripps, but Abrams says some shows may soon appear only on YouTube or other social media sites. He plans to turn the legacy channel into a “YouTube and digital‑media‑first” operation, keeping about a dozen staff members while letting most of the 50‑plus current employees move to Law&Crime. Law&Crime already boasts more than eight million YouTube subscribers and offers live trials, commentary, and crime documentaries. After acquiring Court TV, the new owners will focus on true‑crime dramas, while Court TV will concentrate on live trial coverage. Abrams notes that the move reverses a trend: digital‑first companies are now buying traditional media outlets.Scripps, which owns 60 stations across 40 markets and networks like ION and Bounce, has struggled with declining cable viewership and a $2. 7 billion debt load. The sale aligns with its strategy to strengthen finances and prepare for a streaming‑heavy future. Scripps’ president said the transaction was “consistent” with its long‑term plans. Dan Abrams, who rose to fame covering the O. J. Simpson trial, founded Law&Crime in 2015 and sold it to Jellysmack for about $125 million in 2023. He remains the chief executive and will steer the new digital direction. The transition reflects a broader industry shift: legacy media companies are being absorbed by online platforms that prioritize video content on the web. The sale marks a significant step in Court TV’s evolution from cable staple to digital contender.