

<!--XBRL Document Created with Wdesk from Workiva-->
<!-- -->
<link:linkbase xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLoss" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLoss" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossDetails" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossTables" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/Acquisitions" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#Acquisitions" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/AcquisitionsAcquisitionInformationDetails" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#AcquisitionsAcquisitionInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/AcquisitionsProFormaInformationDetails" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#AcquisitionsProFormaInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/AcquisitionsTables" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#AcquisitionsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/AssetWriteDownsAndOtherChargesAndCredits" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#AssetWriteDownsAndOtherChargesAndCredits" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/AssetWriteDownsAndOtherChargesAndCreditsDetails" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#AssetWriteDownsAndOtherChargesAndCreditsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/AssetsHeldForSaleAndDiscontinuedOperations" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#AssetsHeldForSaleAndDiscontinuedOperations" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/AssetsHeldForSaleAndDiscontinuedOperationsAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#AssetsHeldForSaleAndDiscontinuedOperationsAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/AssetsHeldForSaleAndDiscontinuedOperationsOperatingResultsOfDiscontinuedOperationsDetails" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#AssetsHeldForSaleAndDiscontinuedOperationsOperatingResultsOfDiscontinuedOperationsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/AssetsHeldForSaleAndDiscontinuedOperationsTables" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#AssetsHeldForSaleAndDiscontinuedOperationsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/CapitalStock" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#CapitalStock" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/CapitalStockDetails" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#CapitalStockDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnaudited" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlowsUnaudited" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlowsUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeLossUnaudited" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeLossUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveLossParenthetical" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveLossParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfEquityParenthetical" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfEquityParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfEquityUnaudited" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfEquityUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsUnaudited" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/CoverPage" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#CoverPage" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlans" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#EmployeeBenefitPlans" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlansComponentsOfExpenseDetails" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#EmployeeBenefitPlansComponentsOfExpenseDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlansNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#EmployeeBenefitPlansNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlansTables" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#EmployeeBenefitPlansTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssets" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssets" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsGoodwillDetails" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsGoodwillDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsSummaryOfOtherIntangibleAssetsDetails" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsSummaryOfOtherIntangibleAssetsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsTables" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/IncomeTaxes" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#IncomeTaxes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#IncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/Leases" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#Leases" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/LeasesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#LeasesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/LeasesFutureMinimumLeasePaymentsPriorTo842Details" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#LeasesFutureMinimumLeasePaymentsPriorTo842Details" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/LeasesInformationRelatedToOperatingLeasesDetails" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#LeasesInformationRelatedToOperatingLeasesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/LeasesLeaseCostInformationDetails" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#LeasesLeaseCostInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/LeasesMinimumLeasePaymentsDetails" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#LeasesMinimumLeasePaymentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/LeasesTables" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#LeasesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/LongTermDebt" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#LongTermDebt" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/LongTermDebtComponentsOfLongTermDebtDetails" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#LongTermDebtComponentsOfLongTermDebtDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/LongTermDebtNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#LongTermDebtNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/LongTermDebtTables" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#LongTermDebtTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/OtherLiabilities" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#OtherLiabilities" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/OtherLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#OtherLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/OtherLiabilitiesTables" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#OtherLiabilitiesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/RecentlyAdoptedStandardsAndIssuedAccountingStandardsDetails" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#RecentlyAdoptedStandardsAndIssuedAccountingStandardsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/RecentlyAdoptedStandardsAndIssuedAccountingStandardsNotes" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#RecentlyAdoptedStandardsAndIssuedAccountingStandardsNotes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/RestrictedCash" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#RestrictedCash" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/RestrictedCashDetails" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#RestrictedCashDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/SegmentInformation" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#SegmentInformation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/SegmentInformationDisaggregationOfRevenueGeneratingActivitiesDetails" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#SegmentInformationDisaggregationOfRevenueGeneratingActivitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/SegmentInformationNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#SegmentInformationNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/SegmentInformationScheduleOfBusinessSegmentsDetails" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#SegmentInformationScheduleOfBusinessSegmentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/SegmentInformationTables" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#SegmentInformationTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesEarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesEarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/SupplementalCashFlowInformation" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#SupplementalCashFlowInformation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/SupplementalCashFlowInformationDetails" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#SupplementalCashFlowInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.scripps.com/role/SupplementalCashFlowInformationTables" xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#SupplementalCashFlowInformationTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-default" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-domain" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#hypercube-dimension" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLoss" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_D13E3ED62EFFC641E7A02234529DC978" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_98A14A99ED84C1225CB622345264A199" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_D13E3ED62EFFC641E7A02234529DC978" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_98A14A99ED84C1225CB622345264A199" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationAxis_42206FC0F8E689FA8C212234529C4127" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_98A14A99ED84C1225CB622345264A199" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationAxis_42206FC0F8E689FA8C212234529C4127" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationDomain_ACDB60B5439314B5BE3C2234529C8C5D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationAxis_42206FC0F8E689FA8C212234529C4127" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationDomain_ACDB60B5439314B5BE3C2234529C8C5D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationDomain_ACDB60B5439314B5BE3C2234529C8C5D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationAxis_42206FC0F8E689FA8C212234529C4127" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationDomain_ACDB60B5439314B5BE3C2234529C8C5D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_DefinedBenefitPensionItemsMember" xlink:label="loc_ssp_DefinedBenefitPensionItemsMember_0A507A9965636FCBB3DF2234529D70E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationDomain_ACDB60B5439314B5BE3C2234529C8C5D" xlink:to="loc_ssp_DefinedBenefitPensionItemsMember_0A507A9965636FCBB3DF2234529D70E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossOtherCategoryMember" xlink:label="loc_ssp_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossOtherCategoryMember_1DC16FBC9314324F48572234529DE527" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationDomain_ACDB60B5439314B5BE3C2234529C8C5D" xlink:to="loc_ssp_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossOtherCategoryMember_1DC16FBC9314324F48572234529DE527" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossRollForward" xlink:label="loc_ssp_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossRollForward_ABD6FA093582521190ED2234529EFCF5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_D13E3ED62EFFC641E7A02234529DC978" xlink:to="loc_ssp_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossRollForward_ABD6FA093582521190ED2234529EFCF5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_3C429FAB74DF18B4FED72234529E9E21" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ssp_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossRollForward_ABD6FA093582521190ED2234529EFCF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_3C429FAB74DF18B4FED72234529E9E21" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax_A8407FA59AEB916A718F2234529E29C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ssp_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossRollForward_ABD6FA093582521190ED2234529EFCF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax_A8407FA59AEB916A718F2234529E29C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax_0E0618D109F17F034E012234529F2DA1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ssp_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossRollForward_ABD6FA093582521190ED2234529EFCF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax_0E0618D109F17F034E012234529F2DA1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_34BF81E5B99D2BFFD24C2234529FB31C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ssp_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossRollForward_ABD6FA093582521190ED2234529EFCF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_34BF81E5B99D2BFFD24C2234529FB31C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAociCurrentPeriodTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAociCurrentPeriodTax_EC17E867420F5340E3BF2238607673FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ssp_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossRollForward_ABD6FA093582521190ED2234529EFCF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAociCurrentPeriodTax_EC17E867420F5340E3BF2238607673FE" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/Acquisitions" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/AcquisitionsAcquisitionInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_EE1DB273B2E66A3A5F4143ACE74D2135" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_891BF595271B16E3A3C343ACE746C880" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_EE1DB273B2E66A3A5F4143ACE74D2135" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_891BF595271B16E3A3C343ACE746C880" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_58160CF9F9855079B41743ACE7469921" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_891BF595271B16E3A3C343ACE746C880" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_58160CF9F9855079B41743ACE7469921" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_ADB381AC43DF3B32561F43ACE7460791_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_58160CF9F9855079B41743ACE7469921" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_ADB381AC43DF3B32561F43ACE7460791_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_ADB381AC43DF3B32561F43ACE7460791" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_58160CF9F9855079B41743ACE7469921" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_ADB381AC43DF3B32561F43ACE7460791" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2027Member" xlink:label="loc_ssp_SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2027Member_79EE41315850ACFE7F6643ACE747820F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_ADB381AC43DF3B32561F43ACE7460791" xlink:to="loc_ssp_SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2027Member_79EE41315850ACFE7F6643ACE747820F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_TermLoanB1Maturing2026Member" xlink:label="loc_ssp_TermLoanB1Maturing2026Member_EDBC9105749A9D60B58343ACE747985D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_ADB381AC43DF3B32561F43ACE7460791" xlink:to="loc_ssp_TermLoanB1Maturing2026Member_EDBC9105749A9D60B58343ACE747985D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_44B702890103B08AAA6343ACE747992B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_891BF595271B16E3A3C343ACE746C880" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_44B702890103B08AAA6343ACE747992B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_FD2662D40626FE35F03343ACE747902F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_44B702890103B08AAA6343ACE747992B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_FD2662D40626FE35F03343ACE747902F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_FD2662D40626FE35F03343ACE747902F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_44B702890103B08AAA6343ACE747992B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_FD2662D40626FE35F03343ACE747902F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LicensingAgreementsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LicensingAgreementsMember_F247FBF11403F8DA7FBC43ACE748BC70" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_FD2662D40626FE35F03343ACE747902F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LicensingAgreementsMember_F247FBF11403F8DA7FBC43ACE748BC70" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_B2191703571CD405195143ACE748046B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_891BF595271B16E3A3C343ACE746C880" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_B2191703571CD405195143ACE748046B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_C36EA1BE96B777BFF5E343ACE74808A5_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_B2191703571CD405195143ACE748046B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_C36EA1BE96B777BFF5E343ACE74808A5_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_C36EA1BE96B777BFF5E343ACE74808A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_B2191703571CD405195143ACE748046B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_C36EA1BE96B777BFF5E343ACE74808A5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_TelevisionNetworkAffiliationRelationshipsMember" xlink:label="loc_ssp_TelevisionNetworkAffiliationRelationshipsMember_CB47D9934A5643B936EB43ACE7481D95" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_C36EA1BE96B777BFF5E343ACE74808A5" xlink:to="loc_ssp_TelevisionNetworkAffiliationRelationshipsMember_CB47D9934A5643B936EB43ACE7481D95" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_CustomerListsandAdvertiserRelationshipsMember" xlink:label="loc_ssp_CustomerListsandAdvertiserRelationshipsMember_819BE94DF9CD77F8D30943ACE7485E71" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_C36EA1BE96B777BFF5E343ACE74808A5" xlink:to="loc_ssp_CustomerListsandAdvertiserRelationshipsMember_819BE94DF9CD77F8D30943ACE7485E71" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ServiceAgreementsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ServiceAgreementsMember_E5BA79470FD2844A053843ACE7488F43" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_C36EA1BE96B777BFF5E343ACE74808A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ServiceAgreementsMember_E5BA79470FD2844A053843ACE7488F43" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DevelopedTechnologyRightsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DevelopedTechnologyRightsMember_AE0A003D35BDE08BC46F43ACE748506B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_C36EA1BE96B777BFF5E343ACE74808A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DevelopedTechnologyRightsMember_AE0A003D35BDE08BC46F43ACE748506B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_010FD4C1AE24A56A203843ACE74821B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_C36EA1BE96B777BFF5E343ACE74808A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_010FD4C1AE24A56A203843ACE74821B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TradeNamesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_E809FA58699CEDCF4C0943ACE7481883" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_C36EA1BE96B777BFF5E343ACE74808A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_E809FA58699CEDCF4C0943ACE7481883" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_4B95D98FA30E729E78BA43ACE74894CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_891BF595271B16E3A3C343ACE746C880" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_4B95D98FA30E729E78BA43ACE74894CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_163BEA81F840AA741BA943ACE7481F70_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_4B95D98FA30E729E78BA43ACE74894CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_163BEA81F840AA741BA943ACE7481F70_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_163BEA81F840AA741BA943ACE7481F70" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_4B95D98FA30E729E78BA43ACE74894CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_163BEA81F840AA741BA943ACE7481F70" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_NexstarMediaGroupInc.Member" xlink:label="loc_ssp_NexstarMediaGroupInc.Member_60203F1A441D05B8DECA43ACE74CAFAC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_163BEA81F840AA741BA943ACE7481F70" xlink:to="loc_ssp_NexstarMediaGroupInc.Member_60203F1A441D05B8DECA43ACE74CAFAC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_CordilleraCommunicationsLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_ssp_CordilleraCommunicationsLLCMember_471CFB2E0B2FA4BA459743ACE7480471" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_163BEA81F840AA741BA943ACE7481F70" xlink:to="loc_ssp_CordilleraCommunicationsLLCMember_471CFB2E0B2FA4BA459743ACE7480471" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_CordilleraCommunicationsLLCAndNexstarMediaGroupInc.Member" xlink:label="loc_ssp_CordilleraCommunicationsLLCAndNexstarMediaGroupInc.Member_A5EF6DE7198BFDC0686343ACE7486405" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_163BEA81F840AA741BA943ACE7481F70" xlink:to="loc_ssp_CordilleraCommunicationsLLCAndNexstarMediaGroupInc.Member_A5EF6DE7198BFDC0686343ACE7486405" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_RaycomMediaInc.Member" xlink:label="loc_ssp_RaycomMediaInc.Member_8715664E2C89A071022A43ACE74C1F83" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_163BEA81F840AA741BA943ACE7481F70" xlink:to="loc_ssp_RaycomMediaInc.Member_8715664E2C89A071022A43ACE74C1F83" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_RaycomMediaInc.CordilleraCommunicationsLLCAndNexstarMediaGroupInc.Member" xlink:label="loc_ssp_RaycomMediaInc.CordilleraCommunicationsLLCAndNexstarMediaGroupInc.Member_A6C271BE18C9ED66D40D43B7FA2C2217" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_163BEA81F840AA741BA943ACE7481F70" xlink:to="loc_ssp_RaycomMediaInc.CordilleraCommunicationsLLCAndNexstarMediaGroupInc.Member_A6C271BE18C9ED66D40D43B7FA2C2217" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_RaycomMediaInc.AndCordilleraCommunicationsLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_ssp_RaycomMediaInc.AndCordilleraCommunicationsLLCMember_D1A21A4FEA287193601D43ACE74CBA5B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_163BEA81F840AA741BA943ACE7481F70" xlink:to="loc_ssp_RaycomMediaInc.AndCordilleraCommunicationsLLCMember_D1A21A4FEA287193601D43ACE74CBA5B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_OmnyStudioMember" xlink:label="loc_ssp_OmnyStudioMember_742F7C7829DD9B5B2B8143ACE74C25E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_163BEA81F840AA741BA943ACE7481F70" xlink:to="loc_ssp_OmnyStudioMember_742F7C7829DD9B5B2B8143ACE74C25E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_TritonDigitalCanadaInc.Member" xlink:label="loc_ssp_TritonDigitalCanadaInc.Member_C3F4CF86240EBAF099E343ACE74C9E59" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_163BEA81F840AA741BA943ACE7481F70" xlink:to="loc_ssp_TritonDigitalCanadaInc.Member_C3F4CF86240EBAF099E343ACE74C9E59" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_58CDDF8F2CFF95AC97AD43ACE74DD4BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_891BF595271B16E3A3C343ACE746C880" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_58CDDF8F2CFF95AC97AD43ACE74DD4BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_3C4E4F07210D014C63D843ACE74D1402_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_58CDDF8F2CFF95AC97AD43ACE74DD4BB" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_3C4E4F07210D014C63D843ACE74D1402_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_3C4E4F07210D014C63D843ACE74D1402" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_58CDDF8F2CFF95AC97AD43ACE74DD4BB" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_3C4E4F07210D014C63D843ACE74D1402" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_49CEF3F550D4F38A0A0B43ACE74D830E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_3C4E4F07210D014C63D843ACE74D1402" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_49CEF3F550D4F38A0A0B43ACE74D830E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_74C8AA4B875D5B75144C43ACE74D4B6F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_3C4E4F07210D014C63D843ACE74D1402" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_74C8AA4B875D5B75144C43ACE74D4B6F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfBusinessesAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfBusinessesAcquired_1206975DFF449500BECA43ACE74D4D95" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_EE1DB273B2E66A3A5F4143ACE74D2135" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfBusinessesAcquired_1206975DFF449500BECA43ACE74D4D95" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_E8409024335ADA5FEA7D43ACE74D3CBB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_EE1DB273B2E66A3A5F4143ACE74D2135" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_E8409024335ADA5FEA7D43ACE74D3CBB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_BusinessCombinationNetWorkingCapitalAdjustment" xlink:label="loc_ssp_BusinessCombinationNetWorkingCapitalAdjustment_712732033EF8B8E50F2143ACE74DFF3D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_EE1DB273B2E66A3A5F4143ACE74D2135" xlink:to="loc_ssp_BusinessCombinationNetWorkingCapitalAdjustment_712732033EF8B8E50F2143ACE74DFF3D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_12CCBED0DD2694CAA58A43ACE74D95F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_EE1DB273B2E66A3A5F4143ACE74D2135" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_12CCBED0DD2694CAA58A43ACE74D95F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt_56652BBAE020A5B818AA43ACE74DC9AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_EE1DB273B2E66A3A5F4143ACE74D2135" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt_56652BBAE020A5B818AA43ACE74DC9AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationRevenueOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationRevenueOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual_5A8F183BD012C4D8B0FF43ACE74D33F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_EE1DB273B2E66A3A5F4143ACE74D2135" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationRevenueOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual_5A8F183BD012C4D8B0FF43ACE74D33F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCashAndEquivalents" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCashAndEquivalents_3837186A1469F960F42243ACE74DCC7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_EE1DB273B2E66A3A5F4143ACE74D2135" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCashAndEquivalents_3837186A1469F960F42243ACE74DCC7B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsReceivables" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsReceivables_A99EDF708262DD7FC20C43ACE74DD68E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_EE1DB273B2E66A3A5F4143ACE74D2135" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsReceivables_A99EDF708262DD7FC20C43ACE74DD68E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsOther" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsOther_17ADCA1C5A24A838E98343ACE74D50A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_EE1DB273B2E66A3A5F4143ACE74D2135" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsOther_17ADCA1C5A24A838E98343ACE74D50A4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment_AB5CD17291F89A8DD9E943ACE74DEDB0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_EE1DB273B2E66A3A5F4143ACE74D2135" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment_AB5CD17291F89A8DD9E943ACE74DEDB0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:label="loc_ssp_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_8EFB3F2458739058F3BB43ACE74D1924" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_EE1DB273B2E66A3A5F4143ACE74D2135" xlink:to="loc_ssp_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_8EFB3F2458739058F3BB43ACE74D1924" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_C6D13F1BDD63FA445E9243ACE75142EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_EE1DB273B2E66A3A5F4143ACE74D2135" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_C6D13F1BDD63FA445E9243ACE75142EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill_9A45E0F10A3407852BEF43ACE7516376" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_EE1DB273B2E66A3A5F4143ACE74D2135" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill_9A45E0F10A3407852BEF43ACE7516376" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles_69975FA3B92B2400E37C43ACE751A298" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_EE1DB273B2E66A3A5F4143ACE74D2135" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles_69975FA3B92B2400E37C43ACE751A298" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesAccountsPayable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesAccountsPayable_DD4428C0BDA4877D7DB143ACE7512123" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_EE1DB273B2E66A3A5F4143ACE74D2135" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesAccountsPayable_DD4428C0BDA4877D7DB143ACE7512123" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesAccruedExpenses" xlink:label="loc_ssp_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesAccruedExpenses_4AC8E2D93053CE5FE30443ACE7520557" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_EE1DB273B2E66A3A5F4143ACE74D2135" xlink:to="loc_ssp_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesAccruedExpenses_4AC8E2D93053CE5FE30443ACE7520557" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesOther" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesOther_BAEB070C1688CB22ADF543ACE7524499" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_EE1DB273B2E66A3A5F4143ACE74D2135" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesOther_BAEB070C1688CB22ADF543ACE7524499" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_ssp_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_12A2CEBB93A42B506CE043ACE752EEBC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_EE1DB273B2E66A3A5F4143ACE74D2135" xlink:to="loc_ssp_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_12A2CEBB93A42B506CE043ACE752EEBC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent_E0EA119AAB158DB0E9E243ACE752F97A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_EE1DB273B2E66A3A5F4143ACE74D2135" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent_E0EA119AAB158DB0E9E243ACE752F97A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet_77DD26A1152973E1C36D43ACE7534247" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_EE1DB273B2E66A3A5F4143ACE74D2135" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet_77DD26A1152973E1C36D43ACE7534247" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_75494D3405674CD50B9D43ACE753C808" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_EE1DB273B2E66A3A5F4143ACE74D2135" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_75494D3405674CD50B9D43ACE753C808" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityTransactionCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityTransactionCosts_F853E4582E104DF94ECA43BCA04FC63A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="22" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_EE1DB273B2E66A3A5F4143ACE74D2135" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityTransactionCosts_F853E4582E104DF94ECA43BCA04FC63A" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/AcquisitionsProFormaInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/AcquisitionsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/AssetWriteDownsAndOtherChargesAndCredits" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/AssetWriteDownsAndOtherChargesAndCreditsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/AssetsHeldForSaleAndDiscontinuedOperations" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/AssetsHeldForSaleAndDiscontinuedOperationsAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_3FE62A9E005B004CE4DAE02E5CE5BFA5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_ABD5EEA931EDCF00F3F0E02E5CE3C98D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_3FE62A9E005B004CE4DAE02E5CE5BFA5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_ABD5EEA931EDCF00F3F0E02E5CE3C98D" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_753F1CEED6B358CA72D3E02E5CE3AD4D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_ABD5EEA931EDCF00F3F0E02E5CE3C98D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_753F1CEED6B358CA72D3E02E5CE3AD4D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_3F60EA60F347B5499075E02E5CE3AD76_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_753F1CEED6B358CA72D3E02E5CE3AD4D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_3F60EA60F347B5499075E02E5CE3AD76_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_3F60EA60F347B5499075E02E5CE3AD76" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_753F1CEED6B358CA72D3E02E5CE3AD4D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_3F60EA60F347B5499075E02E5CE3AD76" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_RadioSegmentMember" xlink:label="loc_ssp_RadioSegmentMember_18D603467C502BA5DB02E02E5CE41D58" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_3F60EA60F347B5499075E02E5CE3AD76" xlink:to="loc_ssp_RadioSegmentMember_18D603467C502BA5DB02E02E5CE41D58" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis_6D48333D6FBC026CB2AAE02E5CE4D541" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_ABD5EEA931EDCF00F3F0E02E5CE3C98D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis_6D48333D6FBC026CB2AAE02E5CE4D541" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_E2A3D86E1798BD71AD60E02E5CE46A88_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis_6D48333D6FBC026CB2AAE02E5CE4D541" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_E2A3D86E1798BD71AD60E02E5CE46A88_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_E2A3D86E1798BD71AD60E02E5CE46A88" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis_6D48333D6FBC026CB2AAE02E5CE4D541" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_E2A3D86E1798BD71AD60E02E5CE46A88" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationsDisposedOfBySaleMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationsDisposedOfBySaleMember_DF7C6B719132EDCABB9CE02E5CE50156" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_E2A3D86E1798BD71AD60E02E5CE46A88" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationsDisposedOfBySaleMember_DF7C6B719132EDCABB9CE02E5CE50156" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_NumberofRadioStations" xlink:label="loc_ssp_NumberofRadioStations_DE9A2975A636579FA4A5E02E5CE632CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_3FE62A9E005B004CE4DAE02E5CE5BFA5" xlink:to="loc_ssp_NumberofRadioStations_DE9A2975A636579FA4A5E02E5CE632CC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_B6BADA5B407E1F40589AE02E5CE6D88A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_3FE62A9E005B004CE4DAE02E5CE5BFA5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_B6BADA5B407E1F40589AE02E5CE6D88A" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/AssetsHeldForSaleAndDiscontinuedOperationsOperatingResultsOfDiscontinuedOperationsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_DB7E400664B4B1DF3E67966E568BF50A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_18B751A8F4236EB39D89966E5688AA7F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_DB7E400664B4B1DF3E67966E568BF50A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_18B751A8F4236EB39D89966E5688AA7F" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_C259382FA73F5DB511E9966E568962A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_18B751A8F4236EB39D89966E5688AA7F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_C259382FA73F5DB511E9966E568962A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_16985B1692AFB3DD527E966E5689A701_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_C259382FA73F5DB511E9966E568962A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_16985B1692AFB3DD527E966E5689A701_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_16985B1692AFB3DD527E966E5689A701" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_C259382FA73F5DB511E9966E568962A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_16985B1692AFB3DD527E966E5689A701" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_RadioSegmentMember" xlink:label="loc_ssp_RadioSegmentMember_FF08B786EE439487299E966E568A4C89" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_16985B1692AFB3DD527E966E5689A701" xlink:to="loc_ssp_RadioSegmentMember_FF08B786EE439487299E966E568A4C89" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis_80106BA9DC05A9F44774966E568A1474" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_18B751A8F4236EB39D89966E5688AA7F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis_80106BA9DC05A9F44774966E568A1474" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_C83FAF6919381DAC0CB4966E568A3176_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis_80106BA9DC05A9F44774966E568A1474" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_C83FAF6919381DAC0CB4966E568A3176_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_C83FAF6919381DAC0CB4966E568A3176" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis_80106BA9DC05A9F44774966E568A1474" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_C83FAF6919381DAC0CB4966E568A3176" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationsDisposedOfBySaleMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationsDisposedOfBySaleMember_3304D6B69FB3CAF7AB8C966E568B1180" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_C83FAF6919381DAC0CB4966E568A3176" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationsDisposedOfBySaleMember_3304D6B69FB3CAF7AB8C966E568B1180" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationRevenue_C492F7FB753D5048DB47966E568BA1CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_DB7E400664B4B1DF3E67966E568BF50A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationRevenue_C492F7FB753D5048DB47966E568BA1CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingExpense_4ACDE2AF0AF45E15C6DB966E568B2E9D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_DB7E400664B4B1DF3E67966E568BF50A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingExpense_4ACDE2AF0AF45E15C6DB966E568B2E9D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_D6F531BCBF109A00E454966E568CA79A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_DB7E400664B4B1DF3E67966E568BF50A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_D6F531BCBF109A00E454966E568CA79A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherExpense_385991AD530D7A5BB02E966E568C39A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_DB7E400664B4B1DF3E67966E568BF50A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherExpense_385991AD530D7A5BB02E966E568C39A4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax_2C831294DF7C886E20CF966E568DB6AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_DB7E400664B4B1DF3E67966E568BF50A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax_2C831294DF7C886E20CF966E568DB6AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationTaxEffectOfDiscontinuedOperation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationTaxEffectOfDiscontinuedOperation_CB4934DEEE0CBC2E0C65966E568E48B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_DB7E400664B4B1DF3E67966E568BF50A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationTaxEffectOfDiscontinuedOperation_CB4934DEEE0CBC2E0C65966E568E48B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax_F97D84D41B672DDA37DC966E568EC6EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_DB7E400664B4B1DF3E67966E568BF50A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax_F97D84D41B672DDA37DC966E568EC6EF" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/AssetsHeldForSaleAndDiscontinuedOperationsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/CapitalStock" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/CapitalStockDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_13497F48ADFE9B00FEA7222FC91B2762" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_DE39D77DCF2E6850F0BD222FC9195E47" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_13497F48ADFE9B00FEA7222FC91B2762" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_DE39D77DCF2E6850F0BD222FC9195E47" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_882D6591582E09148BBC222FC919BDAB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_DE39D77DCF2E6850F0BD222FC9195E47" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_882D6591582E09148BBC222FC919BDAB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_B9C90FEB3FD864F1595A222FC919C8B8_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_882D6591582E09148BBC222FC919BDAB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_B9C90FEB3FD864F1595A222FC919C8B8_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_B9C90FEB3FD864F1595A222FC919C8B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_882D6591582E09148BBC222FC919BDAB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_B9C90FEB3FD864F1595A222FC919C8B8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_00E873D761A10642B63B222FC91A9E1A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_B9C90FEB3FD864F1595A222FC919C8B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_00E873D761A10642B63B222FC91A9E1A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_E7DB666157FF2ED0D77E222FC91A0136" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_DE39D77DCF2E6850F0BD222FC9195E47" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_E7DB666157FF2ED0D77E222FC91A0136" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_D1CF17DBADAE94971429222FC91AC331_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_E7DB666157FF2ED0D77E222FC91A0136" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_D1CF17DBADAE94971429222FC91AC331_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_D1CF17DBADAE94971429222FC91AC331" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_E7DB666157FF2ED0D77E222FC91A0136" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_D1CF17DBADAE94971429222FC91AC331" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_BBA353F74EF3548E60EC222FC91A3341" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_D1CF17DBADAE94971429222FC91AC331" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_BBA353F74EF3548E60EC222FC91A3341" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_2DAD4155C5BA06AB39B0222FC91B2C86" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_D1CF17DBADAE94971429222FC91AC331" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_2DAD4155C5BA06AB39B0222FC91B2C86" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_CommonSharesClasses" xlink:label="loc_ssp_CommonSharesClasses_A0A31769E24D6E84A111222FC91B50A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_13497F48ADFE9B00FEA7222FC91B2762" xlink:to="loc_ssp_CommonSharesClasses_A0A31769E24D6E84A111222FC91B50A9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_CommonStockMinumumNumberOfDirectorsUpForElectionCommonStockholderParticipation" xlink:label="loc_ssp_CommonStockMinumumNumberOfDirectorsUpForElectionCommonStockholderParticipation_507B9225356FBE1D800C222FC91B38BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_13497F48ADFE9B00FEA7222FC91B2762" xlink:to="loc_ssp_CommonStockMinumumNumberOfDirectorsUpForElectionCommonStockholderParticipation_507B9225356FBE1D800C222FC91B38BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1_A6FB5FBF5BA8AA05C827222FC91B6CD6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_13497F48ADFE9B00FEA7222FC91B2762" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1_A6FB5FBF5BA8AA05C827222FC91B6CD6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AcceleratedShareRepurchaseProgramAdjustment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AcceleratedShareRepurchaseProgramAdjustment_281C2A739D5B769EED83222FC91C84EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_13497F48ADFE9B00FEA7222FC91B2762" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AcceleratedShareRepurchaseProgramAdjustment_281C2A739D5B769EED83222FC91C84EE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AcceleratedShareRepurchasesSettlementPaymentOrReceipt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AcceleratedShareRepurchasesSettlementPaymentOrReceipt_3EBC9CF2D7FEDFDA0001222FC91C3C94" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_13497F48ADFE9B00FEA7222FC91B2762" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AcceleratedShareRepurchasesSettlementPaymentOrReceipt_3EBC9CF2D7FEDFDA0001222FC91C3C94" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares_14E75111182C14BC58CB222FC91C83D2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_13497F48ADFE9B00FEA7222FC91B2762" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares_14E75111182C14BC58CB222FC91C83D2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_AcceleratedShareRepurchaseProgramAmountOfSharesRepurchasedPercent" xlink:label="loc_ssp_AcceleratedShareRepurchaseProgramAmountOfSharesRepurchasedPercent_FCF95E51D201716F9755222FC91C9611" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_13497F48ADFE9B00FEA7222FC91B2762" xlink:to="loc_ssp_AcceleratedShareRepurchaseProgramAmountOfSharesRepurchasedPercent_FCF95E51D201716F9755222FC91C9611" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockAcquiredAverageCostPerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockAcquiredAverageCostPerShare_65D5A74A9F61D4CB667E222FC91C7ACA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_13497F48ADFE9B00FEA7222FC91B2762" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockAcquiredAverageCostPerShare_65D5A74A9F61D4CB667E222FC91C7ACA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue_908203D252A4B8AF0BE6222FC91C64AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_13497F48ADFE9B00FEA7222FC91B2762" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue_908203D252A4B8AF0BE6222FC91C64AF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodPricePaidPerShare" xlink:label="loc_ssp_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodPricePaidPerShare_1A5CDDC7C3B8EBD8530B222FC91CF318" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_13497F48ADFE9B00FEA7222FC91B2762" xlink:to="loc_ssp_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodPricePaidPerShare_1A5CDDC7C3B8EBD8530B222FC91CF318" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingAuthorizedRepurchaseAmount1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingAuthorizedRepurchaseAmount1_575891291C18469C8BB1222FC91DE77B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_13497F48ADFE9B00FEA7222FC91B2762" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingAuthorizedRepurchaseAmount1_575891291C18469C8BB1222FC91DE77B" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B0C017C3ED2D07F062E6966E57C3CA79" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_95F60010B7BC763364BD966E57C2E563" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B0C017C3ED2D07F062E6966E57C3CA79" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_95F60010B7BC763364BD966E57C2E563" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_5F2A28EC37E8AFA9C227966E57C23E16" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_95F60010B7BC763364BD966E57C2E563" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_5F2A28EC37E8AFA9C227966E57C23E16" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_696DD6CEBBD874A73FDF966E57C2B7EF_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_5F2A28EC37E8AFA9C227966E57C23E16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_696DD6CEBBD874A73FDF966E57C2B7EF_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_696DD6CEBBD874A73FDF966E57C2B7EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_5F2A28EC37E8AFA9C227966E57C23E16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_696DD6CEBBD874A73FDF966E57C2B7EF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_633AE13E8620F4996B8B966E57C21C1D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_696DD6CEBBD874A73FDF966E57C2B7EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_633AE13E8620F4996B8B966E57C21C1D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_VotingCommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_ssp_VotingCommonStockMember_4F5F7D9E2C0E5EBBDEAC966E57C3FCA1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_696DD6CEBBD874A73FDF966E57C2B7EF" xlink:to="loc_ssp_VotingCommonStockMember_4F5F7D9E2C0E5EBBDEAC966E57C3FCA1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent_D5DCB9E7A3C0CBC21959966E57C38D3F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B0C017C3ED2D07F062E6966E57C3CA79" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent_D5DCB9E7A3C0CBC21959966E57C38D3F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_BD7001FDA7DFFE4E6EE2966E57C3D00B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B0C017C3ED2D07F062E6966E57C3CA79" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_BD7001FDA7DFFE4E6EE2966E57C3D00B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_B97F171DC217ECA48436966E57C46D87" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B0C017C3ED2D07F062E6966E57C3CA79" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_B97F171DC217ECA48436966E57C46D87" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_E039B8AFD17C938C4480966E57C493B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B0C017C3ED2D07F062E6966E57C3CA79" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_E039B8AFD17C938C4480966E57C493B6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_DFD7E6012CCC09F7D07B966E57C460E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B0C017C3ED2D07F062E6966E57C3CA79" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_DFD7E6012CCC09F7D07B966E57C460E3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_F8DC68A42F7A38C2A59B966E57C4B1BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B0C017C3ED2D07F062E6966E57C3CA79" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_F8DC68A42F7A38C2A59B966E57C4B1BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_CD6088C664A76188F20A966E57C47775" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B0C017C3ED2D07F062E6966E57C3CA79" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_CD6088C664A76188F20A966E57C47775" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_778A08F0D434C28EEC87966E57C4EA95" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B0C017C3ED2D07F062E6966E57C3CA79" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_778A08F0D434C28EEC87966E57C4EA95" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnaudited" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B9900B462E44091FDD59439682ABF8C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_346F6896FFE6FC90C8D9439682A84A65" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B9900B462E44091FDD59439682ABF8C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_346F6896FFE6FC90C8D9439682A84A65" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_E6B85D8BFCA80F385ABE439682AAF8C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_346F6896FFE6FC90C8D9439682A84A65" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_E6B85D8BFCA80F385ABE439682AAF8C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_2310AD498E733E96070F439682AA2CC3_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_E6B85D8BFCA80F385ABE439682AAF8C6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_2310AD498E733E96070F439682AA2CC3_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_2310AD498E733E96070F439682AA2CC3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_E6B85D8BFCA80F385ABE439682AAF8C6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_2310AD498E733E96070F439682AA2CC3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_F8B7846E09DD66E559D2439682AA62E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_2310AD498E733E96070F439682AA2CC3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_F8B7846E09DD66E559D2439682AA62E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_VotingCommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_ssp_VotingCommonStockMember_32366127C2FF20EC1BF9439682ABFC5C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_2310AD498E733E96070F439682AA2CC3" xlink:to="loc_ssp_VotingCommonStockMember_32366127C2FF20EC1BF9439682ABFC5C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_74DD57D7F62513D2EE2C439682ABF281" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B9900B462E44091FDD59439682ABF8C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_74DD57D7F62513D2EE2C439682ABF281" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_29126C936804CB30C789439682ACB305" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_74DD57D7F62513D2EE2C439682ABF281" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_29126C936804CB30C789439682ACB305" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_1DE2C4FC76282AD7DA77439682AC7C62" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_29126C936804CB30C789439682ACB305" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_1DE2C4FC76282AD7DA77439682AC7C62" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_6DCD7484F545D8A3E76A439682ACD508" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_29126C936804CB30C789439682ACB305" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_6DCD7484F545D8A3E76A439682ACD508" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_LicensedProgrammingCurrent" xlink:label="loc_ssp_LicensedProgrammingCurrent_E48A68B739A557185A5E439682AC607F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_29126C936804CB30C789439682ACB305" xlink:to="loc_ssp_LicensedProgrammingCurrent_E48A68B739A557185A5E439682AC607F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_ReceivablesRepackReceivableFederalCommunicationsCommissionCurrent" xlink:label="loc_ssp_ReceivablesRepackReceivableFederalCommunicationsCommissionCurrent_07CDBCFBC8A6D2B4A81D439682ACD1EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_29126C936804CB30C789439682ACB305" xlink:to="loc_ssp_ReceivablesRepackReceivableFederalCommunicationsCommissionCurrent_07CDBCFBC8A6D2B4A81D439682ACD1EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent_3B939C96DCD5BE605623439682AC994E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_29126C936804CB30C789439682ACB305" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent_3B939C96DCD5BE605623439682AC994E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_E52D9171E88C7CD1141A439682AC8FF1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_29126C936804CB30C789439682ACB305" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_E52D9171E88C7CD1141A439682AC8FF1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermInvestments_F1807171704CC88B3C06439682AC6417" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_74DD57D7F62513D2EE2C439682ABF281" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermInvestments_F1807171704CC88B3C06439682AC6417" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_941C0B79C3740B14F651439682ACC07A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_74DD57D7F62513D2EE2C439682ABF281" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_941C0B79C3740B14F651439682ACC07A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_03CA44467E1186D76DD8439682AC3ED8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_74DD57D7F62513D2EE2C439682ABF281" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_03CA44467E1186D76DD8439682AC3ED8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_6F7636410D774833B36A439682ACAA97" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_74DD57D7F62513D2EE2C439682ABF281" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_6F7636410D774833B36A439682ACAA97" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_010A311AD6E4E2C0F319439682AC7B29" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_74DD57D7F62513D2EE2C439682ABF281" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_010A311AD6E4E2C0F319439682AC7B29" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_LicensedProgrammingNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_ssp_LicensedProgrammingNoncurrent_A5B03242CA87D250124E439682B0EC99" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_74DD57D7F62513D2EE2C439682ABF281" xlink:to="loc_ssp_LicensedProgrammingNoncurrent_A5B03242CA87D250124E439682B0EC99" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetNoncurrent_6F07E7464455B7DF93A4439682B0F092" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_74DD57D7F62513D2EE2C439682ABF281" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetNoncurrent_6F07E7464455B7DF93A4439682B0F092" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_4A648476C34D95F1EAEE439682B012A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_74DD57D7F62513D2EE2C439682ABF281" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_4A648476C34D95F1EAEE439682B012A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_A404903089B1EEBE5C91439682B0CF55" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_74DD57D7F62513D2EE2C439682ABF281" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_A404903089B1EEBE5C91439682B0CF55" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_7F703B0DAC93F1DB392E439682B1D099" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B9900B462E44091FDD59439682ABF8C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_7F703B0DAC93F1DB392E439682B1D099" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_8199CE109E3C24F47A61439682B1CB4C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_7F703B0DAC93F1DB392E439682B1D099" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_8199CE109E3C24F47A61439682B1CB4C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_DC6FCA70FF498E16611A439682B1345D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_8199CE109E3C24F47A61439682B1CB4C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_DC6FCA70FF498E16611A439682B1345D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenueAndCreditsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueAndCreditsCurrent_3038ECF4BB57A2435121439682B10C07" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_8199CE109E3C24F47A61439682B1CB4C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueAndCreditsCurrent_3038ECF4BB57A2435121439682B10C07" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_D5F903D9C7C9F012CB31439682B19637" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_8199CE109E3C24F47A61439682B1CB4C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_D5F903D9C7C9F012CB31439682B19637" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_E8BD67C44098F037E98D439682B2C912" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_8199CE109E3C24F47A61439682B1CB4C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_E8BD67C44098F037E98D439682B2C912" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent_F9AEEDF1073F484BF9E8439682B24869" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_E8BD67C44098F037E98D439682B2C912" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent_F9AEEDF1073F484BF9E8439682B24869" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProgramRightsObligationsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProgramRightsObligationsCurrent_F965B30A5E362ED9AAF6439682B21E0D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_E8BD67C44098F037E98D439682B2C912" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProgramRightsObligationsCurrent_F965B30A5E362ED9AAF6439682B21E0D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_268BAB192C9BA74C23DE439682B271A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_E8BD67C44098F037E98D439682B2C912" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_268BAB192C9BA74C23DE439682B271A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_DD03B00B286662BD1219439682B27E33" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_8199CE109E3C24F47A61439682B1CB4C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_DD03B00B286662BD1219439682B27E33" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_4A082BBC2E919BBE8B31439682B21B68" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_8199CE109E3C24F47A61439682B1CB4C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_4A082BBC2E919BBE8B31439682B21B68" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_3A4097568F3AC8F4C34D439682B23F34" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_7F703B0DAC93F1DB392E439682B1D099" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_3A4097568F3AC8F4C34D439682B23F34" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent_8006F779BA6BD34CAD42439682B2A46A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_7F703B0DAC93F1DB392E439682B1D099" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent_8006F779BA6BD34CAD42439682B2A46A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_24247A23D70401505727439682B29D20" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_7F703B0DAC93F1DB392E439682B1D099" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_24247A23D70401505727439682B29D20" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_CCDD2DAAFED5F0265E38439682B26CF2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_7F703B0DAC93F1DB392E439682B1D099" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_CCDD2DAAFED5F0265E38439682B26CF2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_8657FBCD2A7B74F1CA29439682B278A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_7F703B0DAC93F1DB392E439682B1D099" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_8657FBCD2A7B74F1CA29439682B278A0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_C4F3479E6FA27619D744439682B2F525" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_8657FBCD2A7B74F1CA29439682B278A0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_C4F3479E6FA27619D744439682B2F525" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_960F11E7FE39F085F1F9439682B279A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_8657FBCD2A7B74F1CA29439682B278A0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_960F11E7FE39F085F1F9439682B279A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital_387798A7C0A6A6B29BD7439682B2AF96" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_8657FBCD2A7B74F1CA29439682B278A0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital_387798A7C0A6A6B29BD7439682B2AF96" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_5057CC3FBCC36C31FF59439682B23C6B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_8657FBCD2A7B74F1CA29439682B278A0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_5057CC3FBCC36C31FF59439682B23C6B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_F87A6D34BFC0FC3E37D4439682B2B6D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_8657FBCD2A7B74F1CA29439682B278A0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_F87A6D34BFC0FC3E37D4439682B2B6D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_4225EA901C9FDF7B14DC439682B25C0A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_8657FBCD2A7B74F1CA29439682B278A0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_4225EA901C9FDF7B14DC439682B25C0A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterest_F06B3AD062D8D8CB413C439682B2EB1B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_8657FBCD2A7B74F1CA29439682B278A0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterest_F06B3AD062D8D8CB413C439682B2EB1B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_4A22C2354B44D956AADF439682B231C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_7F703B0DAC93F1DB392E439682B1D099" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_4A22C2354B44D956AADF439682B231C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_9B9DA658100BFDA356D9439682B21B5B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_7F703B0DAC93F1DB392E439682B1D099" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_9B9DA658100BFDA356D9439682B21B5B" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlowsUnaudited" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeLossUnaudited" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveLossParenthetical" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfEquityParenthetical" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfEquityUnaudited" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B79EEC1140A0443E4B3B1DB2F4E36873" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_923FF1D12C31110589741DB2F4E13853" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B79EEC1140A0443E4B3B1DB2F4E36873" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_923FF1D12C31110589741DB2F4E13853" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_7449A0DCD7C1085185651DB2F4E15839" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_923FF1D12C31110589741DB2F4E13853" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_7449A0DCD7C1085185651DB2F4E15839" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_1E52E4F2E128A45362F91DB2F4E11063_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_7449A0DCD7C1085185651DB2F4E15839" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_1E52E4F2E128A45362F91DB2F4E11063_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_1E52E4F2E128A45362F91DB2F4E11063" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_7449A0DCD7C1085185651DB2F4E15839" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_1E52E4F2E128A45362F91DB2F4E11063" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_B8158F56FAA8C310333B1DB2F4E29BF0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_1E52E4F2E128A45362F91DB2F4E11063" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_B8158F56FAA8C310333B1DB2F4E29BF0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_75756C576B3A1F259CB91DB2F4E2C01C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_1E52E4F2E128A45362F91DB2F4E11063" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_75756C576B3A1F259CB91DB2F4E2C01C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_98971B45631F4B8CC9E81DB2F4E2176D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_1E52E4F2E128A45362F91DB2F4E11063" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_98971B45631F4B8CC9E81DB2F4E2176D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_5992B308F6CC8C954A881DB2F4E23624" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_1E52E4F2E128A45362F91DB2F4E11063" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_5992B308F6CC8C954A881DB2F4E23624" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_BFD0010154E5CB0AFAEB1DB2F4E3250C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_1E52E4F2E128A45362F91DB2F4E11063" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_BFD0010154E5CB0AFAEB1DB2F4E3250C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_6BA9E274C9D1812D1B251DB2F4E30EF5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B79EEC1140A0443E4B3B1DB2F4E36873" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_6BA9E274C9D1812D1B251DB2F4E30EF5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_491BBCFCECDA7FFFC65F1DB2F4E3E49E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_6BA9E274C9D1812D1B251DB2F4E30EF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_491BBCFCECDA7FFFC65F1DB2F4E3E49E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterest_0872EE1B649CEEE5A0A01DB2F4E41ED7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_6BA9E274C9D1812D1B251DB2F4E30EF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterest_0872EE1B649CEEE5A0A01DB2F4E41ED7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_0ED2ABEF66F9E7ECDFF61DB2F4E4D3D2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_6BA9E274C9D1812D1B251DB2F4E30EF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_0ED2ABEF66F9E7ECDFF61DB2F4E4D3D2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_51C4074FD06B98A9CBFC1DB2F4E43EFA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_6BA9E274C9D1812D1B251DB2F4E30EF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_51C4074FD06B98A9CBFC1DB2F4E43EFA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Dividends" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Dividends_DC7FD48745343CDC30DF1DB2F4E4FC92" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_6BA9E274C9D1812D1B251DB2F4E30EF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Dividends_DC7FD48745343CDC30DF1DB2F4E4FC92" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue_4EDFB9CDE3FC015824171DB2F4E442AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_6BA9E274C9D1812D1B251DB2F4E30EF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue_4EDFB9CDE3FC015824171DB2F4E442AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation_644902E06EB9CFE8C10F1DB2F4E4C249" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_6BA9E274C9D1812D1B251DB2F4E30EF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation_644902E06EB9CFE8C10F1DB2F4E4C249" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsUnaudited" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BE6492F54E7C44468DC21D33D4066AD1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_516E9043CDC8B4C4EDC31D33D404F7E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BE6492F54E7C44468DC21D33D4066AD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_516E9043CDC8B4C4EDC31D33D404F7E8" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_30BF4B4C734C500CB9911D33D4058475" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_516E9043CDC8B4C4EDC31D33D404F7E8" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_30BF4B4C734C500CB9911D33D4058475" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_62C8A8F5CC235DED10D11D33D4052A3A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_30BF4B4C734C500CB9911D33D4058475" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_62C8A8F5CC235DED10D11D33D4052A3A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_62C8A8F5CC235DED10D11D33D4052A3A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_30BF4B4C734C500CB9911D33D4058475" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_62C8A8F5CC235DED10D11D33D4052A3A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdvertisingMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdvertisingMember_7F6130730D86087180071D33D40586FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_62C8A8F5CC235DED10D11D33D4052A3A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdvertisingMember_7F6130730D86087180071D33D40586FE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_RetransmissionAndCarriageMember" xlink:label="loc_ssp_RetransmissionAndCarriageMember_142D365E06873B25C3F91D33D4059D65" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_62C8A8F5CC235DED10D11D33D4052A3A" xlink:to="loc_ssp_RetransmissionAndCarriageMember_142D365E06873B25C3F91D33D4059D65" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_OtherRevenueMember" xlink:label="loc_ssp_OtherRevenueMember_3DA00A44E6B478D1FBBF1D33D406E86F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_62C8A8F5CC235DED10D11D33D4052A3A" xlink:to="loc_ssp_OtherRevenueMember_3DA00A44E6B478D1FBBF1D33D406E86F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_56570531E4AA40BF62991D33D40687BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BE6492F54E7C44468DC21D33D4066AD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_56570531E4AA40BF62991D33D40687BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_97D770DF7845C3D47BA01D33D406E536" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_56570531E4AA40BF62991D33D40687BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_97D770DF7845C3D47BA01D33D406E536" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract_86EE87123E3B8A29862B1D33D4079C6A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BE6492F54E7C44468DC21D33D4066AD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract_86EE87123E3B8A29862B1D33D4079C6A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense_5376C5C2395652E791BC1D33D4078778" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract_86EE87123E3B8A29862B1D33D4079C6A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense_5376C5C2395652E791BC1D33D4078778" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_ProgrammingExpense" xlink:label="loc_ssp_ProgrammingExpense_83ADFD5B4F5A1A7D4E6B1D33D40748F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract_86EE87123E3B8A29862B1D33D4079C6A" xlink:to="loc_ssp_ProgrammingExpense_83ADFD5B4F5A1A7D4E6B1D33D40748F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating_12F43BD057C1710410201D33D407C27F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract_86EE87123E3B8A29862B1D33D4079C6A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating_12F43BD057C1710410201D33D407C27F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_943952437BCEDDD00F031D33D4072651" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract_86EE87123E3B8A29862B1D33D4079C6A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_943952437BCEDDD00F031D33D4072651" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_BC32C649EFAA5D5CE3931D33D4089343" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract_86EE87123E3B8A29862B1D33D4079C6A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_BC32C649EFAA5D5CE3931D33D4089343" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpenses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpenses_EE2402FE075684DED64B1D33D408BA70" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract_86EE87123E3B8A29862B1D33D4079C6A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpenses_EE2402FE075684DED64B1D33D408BA70" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_DepreciationAmortizationAndGainLossesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_ssp_DepreciationAmortizationAndGainLossesAbstract_0397F94FAF5025C9AE6C1D33D408E172" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BE6492F54E7C44468DC21D33D4066AD1" xlink:to="loc_ssp_DepreciationAmortizationAndGainLossesAbstract_0397F94FAF5025C9AE6C1D33D408E172" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Depreciation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Depreciation_E55C461BC395EA015A3B1D33D408FE52" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ssp_DepreciationAmortizationAndGainLossesAbstract_0397F94FAF5025C9AE6C1D33D408E172" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Depreciation_E55C461BC395EA015A3B1D33D408FE52" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_9CA1A7321E3499FE08DD1D33D4087C38" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ssp_DepreciationAmortizationAndGainLossesAbstract_0397F94FAF5025C9AE6C1D33D408E172" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_9CA1A7321E3499FE08DD1D33D4087C38" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets_B268E45FCA04052D945E1D33D409E83E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ssp_DepreciationAmortizationAndGainLossesAbstract_0397F94FAF5025C9AE6C1D33D408E172" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets_B268E45FCA04052D945E1D33D409E83E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_NetDepreciationAmortizationAndLosses" xlink:label="loc_ssp_NetDepreciationAmortizationAndLosses_8F6AB392BFF977EB74691D33D4095BAF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ssp_DepreciationAmortizationAndGainLossesAbstract_0397F94FAF5025C9AE6C1D33D408E172" xlink:to="loc_ssp_NetDepreciationAmortizationAndLosses_8F6AB392BFF977EB74691D33D4095BAF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_110832372AD647AEDA941D33D4097C2F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BE6492F54E7C44468DC21D33D4066AD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_110832372AD647AEDA941D33D4097C2F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_5F7691636AA3CC05AA421D33D4092F78" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BE6492F54E7C44468DC21D33D4066AD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_5F7691636AA3CC05AA421D33D4092F78" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionExpense_33C4896C44E3D20AA8461D33D40993BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BE6492F54E7C44468DC21D33D4066AD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionExpense_33C4896C44E3D20AA8461D33D40993BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_69DA64A53F1F578414431D33D409698E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BE6492F54E7C44468DC21D33D4066AD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_69DA64A53F1F578414431D33D409698E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_6EF0B8E32F16BA9D9A361D33D40A22A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BE6492F54E7C44468DC21D33D4066AD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_6EF0B8E32F16BA9D9A361D33D40A22A4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_6C84CB529F481392B58B1D33D40A047C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BE6492F54E7C44468DC21D33D4066AD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_6C84CB529F481392B58B1D33D40A047C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperations_4CD722CC6C6993D503BD1D33D40ADEB8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BE6492F54E7C44468DC21D33D4066AD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperations_4CD722CC6C6993D503BD1D33D40ADEB8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxAttributableToReportingEntity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxAttributableToReportingEntity_B98D63670ED5022735CA1D33D40A2DDE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BE6492F54E7C44468DC21D33D4066AD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxAttributableToReportingEntity_B98D63670ED5022735CA1D33D40A2DDE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_99781C979569C7ACDB931D33D40A345B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BE6492F54E7C44468DC21D33D4066AD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_99781C979569C7ACDB931D33D40A345B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_0B6319AEFD436D60E71E1D33D40A7E94" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BE6492F54E7C44468DC21D33D4066AD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_0B6319AEFD436D60E71E1D33D40A7E94" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_AD4884FB441ADD28EBCD1D33D40B6F1D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BE6492F54E7C44468DC21D33D4066AD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_AD4884FB441ADD28EBCD1D33D40B6F1D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_E29B6B25C9B7B49EB1D11D33D40BF478" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BE6492F54E7C44468DC21D33D4066AD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_E29B6B25C9B7B49EB1D11D33D40BF478" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerBasicShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerBasicShare_B104E0AA393DF308818A1D33D40B7012" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_E29B6B25C9B7B49EB1D11D33D40BF478" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerBasicShare_B104E0AA393DF308818A1D33D40B7012" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerBasicShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerBasicShare_87BED759336C7D8264111D33D40B278E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_E29B6B25C9B7B49EB1D11D33D40BF478" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerBasicShare_87BED759336C7D8264111D33D40B278E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_FEA68F7F37258D6DA3E21D33D40B8920" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_E29B6B25C9B7B49EB1D11D33D40BF478" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_FEA68F7F37258D6DA3E21D33D40B8920" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_884B928BF5167488A7801D33D40C1666" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BE6492F54E7C44468DC21D33D4066AD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_884B928BF5167488A7801D33D40C1666" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerDilutedShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerDilutedShare_87CEB58F5390F0E9230F1D33D40CB7DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_884B928BF5167488A7801D33D40C1666" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerDilutedShare_87CEB58F5390F0E9230F1D33D40CB7DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerDilutedShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerDilutedShare_FBE31765F80FF4A116011D33D40C52D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_884B928BF5167488A7801D33D40C1666" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerDilutedShare_FBE31765F80FF4A116011D33D40C52D8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_96E38E5283917898D5551D33D40C0F8D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_884B928BF5167488A7801D33D40C1666" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_96E38E5283917898D5551D33D40C0F8D" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/CoverPage" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_B41FAA58CE862CA8D65D966E5668DBA7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentInformationTable" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentInformationTable_CC4C637F2C97360FB553966E5667696A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_B41FAA58CE862CA8D65D966E5668DBA7" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentInformationTable_CC4C637F2C97360FB553966E5667696A" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_64A6C2807F6A15A42610966E56678155" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationTable_CC4C637F2C97360FB553966E5667696A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_64A6C2807F6A15A42610966E56678155" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_693E8BDF6640D4C34855966E5667BE06_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_64A6C2807F6A15A42610966E56678155" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_693E8BDF6640D4C34855966E5667BE06_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_693E8BDF6640D4C34855966E5667BE06" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_64A6C2807F6A15A42610966E56678155" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_693E8BDF6640D4C34855966E5667BE06" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_04A80A875E2FB6AE9D15966E5668447D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_693E8BDF6640D4C34855966E5667BE06" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_04A80A875E2FB6AE9D15966E5668447D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_VotingCommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_ssp_VotingCommonStockMember_4BB24AD0AB930308ABF4966E56680859" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_693E8BDF6640D4C34855966E5667BE06" xlink:to="loc_ssp_VotingCommonStockMember_4BB24AD0AB930308ABF4966E56680859" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentType" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentType_D02609639C405DD8A79B966E566823D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_B41FAA58CE862CA8D65D966E5668DBA7" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentType_D02609639C405DD8A79B966E566823D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport_5600EF93655B04F850A3966E56698189" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_B41FAA58CE862CA8D65D966E5668DBA7" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport_5600EF93655B04F850A3966E56698189" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_966FCFAE266F7CF2BC63966E5669AD14" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_B41FAA58CE862CA8D65D966E5668DBA7" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_966FCFAE266F7CF2BC63966E5669AD14" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentTransitionReport" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentTransitionReport_6F2546C296D83ECBBCDE966E56692A28" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_B41FAA58CE862CA8D65D966E5668DBA7" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentTransitionReport_6F2546C296D83ECBBCDE966E56692A28" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityFileNumber" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityFileNumber_FB6F0B33160C2C2BDA4C966E56690DEB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_B41FAA58CE862CA8D65D966E5668DBA7" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityFileNumber_FB6F0B33160C2C2BDA4C966E56690DEB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityRegistrantName" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityRegistrantName_9C59BE576EF091CF7212966E566ACCBC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_B41FAA58CE862CA8D65D966E5668DBA7" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityRegistrantName_9C59BE576EF091CF7212966E566ACCBC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode_C9E1130A8D379BDF3A23966E566A4D96" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_B41FAA58CE862CA8D65D966E5668DBA7" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode_C9E1130A8D379BDF3A23966E566A4D96" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber_9405A463EA0346543027966E566AEC4F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_B41FAA58CE862CA8D65D966E5668DBA7" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber_9405A463EA0346543027966E566AEC4F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1_3C564254F758A2ACAF1A966E566A763C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_B41FAA58CE862CA8D65D966E5668DBA7" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1_3C564254F758A2ACAF1A966E566A763C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown_CC1C73D83DBA6FD7DF6B966E566A0240" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_B41FAA58CE862CA8D65D966E5668DBA7" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown_CC1C73D83DBA6FD7DF6B966E566A0240" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince_B6B5895961F80B4E1379966E566ACDAE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_B41FAA58CE862CA8D65D966E5668DBA7" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince_B6B5895961F80B4E1379966E566ACDAE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode_83D68B1FE2A16822CEE5966E566A5EF1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_B41FAA58CE862CA8D65D966E5668DBA7" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode_83D68B1FE2A16822CEE5966E566A5EF1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_CityAreaCode" xlink:label="loc_dei_CityAreaCode_00F71FF14D065050EA07966E566B7AF4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_B41FAA58CE862CA8D65D966E5668DBA7" xlink:to="loc_dei_CityAreaCode_00F71FF14D065050EA07966E566B7AF4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_LocalPhoneNumber" xlink:label="loc_dei_LocalPhoneNumber_031849647A52E6C70C63966E566B0E14" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_B41FAA58CE862CA8D65D966E5668DBA7" xlink:to="loc_dei_LocalPhoneNumber_031849647A52E6C70C63966E566B0E14" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_Security12bTitle" xlink:label="loc_dei_Security12bTitle_1E6422AB9B02AC1ED409966E566B65FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_B41FAA58CE862CA8D65D966E5668DBA7" xlink:to="loc_dei_Security12bTitle_1E6422AB9B02AC1ED409966E566B65FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_TradingSymbol" xlink:label="loc_dei_TradingSymbol_70689CC4660F325B48DB966E566BCC2A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_B41FAA58CE862CA8D65D966E5668DBA7" xlink:to="loc_dei_TradingSymbol_70689CC4660F325B48DB966E566BCC2A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_SecurityExchangeName" xlink:label="loc_dei_SecurityExchangeName_BA9158A02F75CBA17F48966E566C497C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_B41FAA58CE862CA8D65D966E5668DBA7" xlink:to="loc_dei_SecurityExchangeName_BA9158A02F75CBA17F48966E566C497C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_735679831E10EB3F40D1966E566CB4D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_B41FAA58CE862CA8D65D966E5668DBA7" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_735679831E10EB3F40D1966E566CB4D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent_57B5F0287A5092519085966E566C54D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_B41FAA58CE862CA8D65D966E5668DBA7" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent_57B5F0287A5092519085966E566C54D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityFilerCategory" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityFilerCategory_6D1EB44ABAE6A5B2F29B966E566C5A61" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_B41FAA58CE862CA8D65D966E5668DBA7" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityFilerCategory_6D1EB44ABAE6A5B2F29B966E566C5A61" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany_BE5D20214B13FE96C16B966E566CB321" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_B41FAA58CE862CA8D65D966E5668DBA7" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany_BE5D20214B13FE96C16B966E566CB321" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntitySmallBusiness" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntitySmallBusiness_50A9B5D9C62A66D0BDEB966E566C84DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="22" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_B41FAA58CE862CA8D65D966E5668DBA7" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntitySmallBusiness_50A9B5D9C62A66D0BDEB966E566C84DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityShellCompany" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityShellCompany_88681DA4962FD34B8B4A966E566DB7DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="23" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_B41FAA58CE862CA8D65D966E5668DBA7" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityShellCompany_88681DA4962FD34B8B4A966E566DB7DE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_F5399357B35084ADF347966E566D6EFB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="24" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_B41FAA58CE862CA8D65D966E5668DBA7" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_F5399357B35084ADF347966E566D6EFB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_AmendmentFlag" xlink:label="loc_dei_AmendmentFlag_130B15461637C562F8E4966E566D31AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="25" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_B41FAA58CE862CA8D65D966E5668DBA7" xlink:to="loc_dei_AmendmentFlag_130B15461637C562F8E4966E566D31AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_49F25C2D122E25F49E1D966E566D44D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="26" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_B41FAA58CE862CA8D65D966E5668DBA7" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_49F25C2D122E25F49E1D966E566D44D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" xlink:label="loc_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_F3BB927C7CAD08CF7A9D966E566D1E22" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="27" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_B41FAA58CE862CA8D65D966E5668DBA7" xlink:to="loc_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_F3BB927C7CAD08CF7A9D966E566D1E22" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_B853B40F388B58A5E74A966E566E5251" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="28" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_B41FAA58CE862CA8D65D966E5668DBA7" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_B853B40F388B58A5E74A966E566E5251" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_A2D17C5B3615920B212B966E566E8C51" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="29" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_B41FAA58CE862CA8D65D966E5668DBA7" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_A2D17C5B3615920B212B966E566E8C51" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlans" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlansComponentsOfExpenseDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_D62133349B655FCE80DE966E5487CDD1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_4AF51399FEF4080CA048966E54831A7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_D62133349B655FCE80DE966E5487CDD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_4AF51399FEF4080CA048966E54831A7B" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_CCF93F3C85021FF61655966E5484B177" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_4AF51399FEF4080CA048966E54831A7B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_CCF93F3C85021FF61655966E5484B177" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_AF263B0ED219E1A44AED966E5484AADE_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_CCF93F3C85021FF61655966E5484B177" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_AF263B0ED219E1A44AED966E5484AADE_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_AF263B0ED219E1A44AED966E5484AADE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_CCF93F3C85021FF61655966E5484B177" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_AF263B0ED219E1A44AED966E5484AADE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_A2CB260F4E7408ED0030966E5484E184" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_AF263B0ED219E1A44AED966E5484AADE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_A2CB260F4E7408ED0030966E5484E184" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember_4FAA48E7B50689168334966E5485372F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_AF263B0ED219E1A44AED966E5484AADE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember_4FAA48E7B50689168334966E5485372F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MultiemployerPlanTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MultiemployerPlanTypeAxis_A85A01725467F0E1BB02966E548500E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_4AF51399FEF4080CA048966E54831A7B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MultiemployerPlanTypeAxis_A85A01725467F0E1BB02966E548500E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MultiemployerPlansTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MultiemployerPlansTypeDomain_3CD5E48C8D466A69E996966E5485FBEE_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MultiemployerPlanTypeAxis_A85A01725467F0E1BB02966E548500E7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MultiemployerPlansTypeDomain_3CD5E48C8D466A69E996966E5485FBEE_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MultiemployerPlansTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MultiemployerPlansTypeDomain_3CD5E48C8D466A69E996966E5485FBEE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MultiemployerPlanTypeAxis_A85A01725467F0E1BB02966E548500E7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MultiemployerPlansTypeDomain_3CD5E48C8D466A69E996966E5485FBEE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MultiemployerPlansPostretirementBenefitMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MultiemployerPlansPostretirementBenefitMember_84AD80376F23B2787E85966E54866FFB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MultiemployerPlansTypeDomain_3CD5E48C8D466A69E996966E5485FBEE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MultiemployerPlansPostretirementBenefitMember_84AD80376F23B2787E85966E54866FFB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanNameAxis_9777732EBFE6708A1E19966E5486F9BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_4AF51399FEF4080CA048966E54831A7B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanNameAxis_9777732EBFE6708A1E19966E5486F9BE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanNameDomain_12F00096B0DF5EE22B2A966E54861FFB_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanNameAxis_9777732EBFE6708A1E19966E5486F9BE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanNameDomain_12F00096B0DF5EE22B2A966E54861FFB_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanNameDomain_12F00096B0DF5EE22B2A966E54861FFB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanNameAxis_9777732EBFE6708A1E19966E5486F9BE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanNameDomain_12F00096B0DF5EE22B2A966E54861FFB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_DefinedContributionPlanMember" xlink:label="loc_ssp_DefinedContributionPlanMember_A2E5FAEF4C2DB16B69C3966E5487ADC1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanNameDomain_12F00096B0DF5EE22B2A966E54861FFB" xlink:to="loc_ssp_DefinedContributionPlanMember_A2E5FAEF4C2DB16B69C3966E5487ADC1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_CA5535ABD6DB2FE290E9966E5487F2EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_D62133349B655FCE80DE966E5487CDD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_CA5535ABD6DB2FE290E9966E5487F2EF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost_B64A9CBE1E80D4C10D69966E548742C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_CA5535ABD6DB2FE290E9966E5487F2EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost_B64A9CBE1E80D4C10D69966E548742C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets_A0B958E77261D48A4F72966E5488CD09" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_CA5535ABD6DB2FE290E9966E5487F2EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets_A0B958E77261D48A4F72966E5488CD09" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses_D970720AC41FB69EE769966E548847DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_CA5535ABD6DB2FE290E9966E5487F2EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses_D970720AC41FB69EE769966E548847DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligationPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligationPeriodIncreaseDecrease_F2D1873707D0A6B435DD966E548828AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_CA5535ABD6DB2FE290E9966E5487F2EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligationPeriodIncreaseDecrease_F2D1873707D0A6B435DD966E548828AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitExpense_A11D5B501EC578DA66F7966E548914A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_CA5535ABD6DB2FE290E9966E5487F2EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitExpense_A11D5B501EC578DA66F7966E548914A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_PensionandOtherPostretirementBenefitExpenseDiscontinuedOperations" xlink:label="loc_ssp_PensionandOtherPostretirementBenefitExpenseDiscontinuedOperations_D654D2122860212FD529966E54899952" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_D62133349B655FCE80DE966E5487CDD1" xlink:to="loc_ssp_PensionandOtherPostretirementBenefitExpenseDiscontinuedOperations_D654D2122860212FD529966E54899952" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_PensionandOtherPostretirementBenefitExpenseContinuingOperations" xlink:label="loc_ssp_PensionandOtherPostretirementBenefitExpenseContinuingOperations_76F8D8ED14F7A425C4A2966E5489272D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_D62133349B655FCE80DE966E5487CDD1" xlink:to="loc_ssp_PensionandOtherPostretirementBenefitExpenseContinuingOperations_76F8D8ED14F7A425C4A2966E5489272D" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlansNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_E6BD858DCEB751671F713D7CFFCD077D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_CDF51F1F962FBDBFAD6B3D7CFFCBF974" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_E6BD858DCEB751671F713D7CFFCD077D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_CDF51F1F962FBDBFAD6B3D7CFFCBF974" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_C9271E58A3F968C74DD33D7CFFCCD71F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_CDF51F1F962FBDBFAD6B3D7CFFCBF974" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_C9271E58A3F968C74DD33D7CFFCCD71F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_EA9295475F26CBC79AEF3D7CFFCCE4FF_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_C9271E58A3F968C74DD33D7CFFCCD71F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_EA9295475F26CBC79AEF3D7CFFCCE4FF_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_EA9295475F26CBC79AEF3D7CFFCCE4FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_C9271E58A3F968C74DD33D7CFFCCD71F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_EA9295475F26CBC79AEF3D7CFFCCE4FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember_CCDDB572CC1F04B3DE823D7CFFCCF14F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_EA9295475F26CBC79AEF3D7CFFCCE4FF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember_CCDDB572CC1F04B3DE823D7CFFCCF14F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_BA049EDCE1EC225090723D7CFFCD94C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_EA9295475F26CBC79AEF3D7CFFCCE4FF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_BA049EDCE1EC225090723D7CFFCD94C3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer_67AD247398768DA9D5693D7CFFCD3D74" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_E6BD858DCEB751671F713D7CFFCD077D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer_67AD247398768DA9D5693D7CFFCD3D74" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureEmployerContributionsRemainderOfFiscalYear" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureEmployerContributionsRemainderOfFiscalYear_6CCCD179B45454F55F583D7CFFCD2A88" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_E6BD858DCEB751671F713D7CFFCD077D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureEmployerContributionsRemainderOfFiscalYear_6CCCD179B45454F55F583D7CFFCD2A88" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToSettlements1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToSettlements1_21F2CAA10DBDB4EF2AF23D7CFFCD39C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_E6BD858DCEB751671F713D7CFFCD077D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToSettlements1_21F2CAA10DBDB4EF2AF23D7CFFCD39C5" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlansTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssets" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsGoodwillDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_74086F5561E333A0895543B7029CE1FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_F9E73A2081E6BBFAA1D543B7029B96E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_74086F5561E333A0895543B7029CE1FF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_F9E73A2081E6BBFAA1D543B7029B96E5" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_ACA289F7716BFDFA57BE43B7029C562C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_F9E73A2081E6BBFAA1D543B7029B96E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_ACA289F7716BFDFA57BE43B7029C562C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_4A422EC2845991CC763943B7029CDEF3_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_ACA289F7716BFDFA57BE43B7029C562C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_4A422EC2845991CC763943B7029CDEF3_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_4A422EC2845991CC763943B7029CDEF3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_ACA289F7716BFDFA57BE43B7029C562C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_4A422EC2845991CC763943B7029CDEF3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_LocalMediaSegmentMember" xlink:label="loc_ssp_LocalMediaSegmentMember_1F9F466378FE042B969D43B7029CAD9D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_4A422EC2845991CC763943B7029CDEF3" xlink:to="loc_ssp_LocalMediaSegmentMember_1F9F466378FE042B969D43B7029CAD9D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_NationalMediaSegmentMember" xlink:label="loc_ssp_NationalMediaSegmentMember_CD4775D957FFF268F1A343B7029CF950" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_4A422EC2845991CC763943B7029CDEF3" xlink:to="loc_ssp_NationalMediaSegmentMember_CD4775D957FFF268F1A343B7029CF950" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_8FD554317D2F543A805443B7029C6A2A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_F9E73A2081E6BBFAA1D543B7029B96E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_8FD554317D2F543A805443B7029C6A2A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_54E05C3D0BAB6AF04F6C43B7029C0C13_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_8FD554317D2F543A805443B7029C6A2A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_54E05C3D0BAB6AF04F6C43B7029C0C13_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_54E05C3D0BAB6AF04F6C43B7029C0C13" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_8FD554317D2F543A805443B7029C6A2A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_54E05C3D0BAB6AF04F6C43B7029C0C13" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_RaycomMediaInc.CordilleraCommunicationsLLCAndNexstarMediaGroupInc.Member" xlink:label="loc_ssp_RaycomMediaInc.CordilleraCommunicationsLLCAndNexstarMediaGroupInc.Member_6180EF7DCA2463F10DBD43C2F1E15275" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_54E05C3D0BAB6AF04F6C43B7029C0C13" xlink:to="loc_ssp_RaycomMediaInc.CordilleraCommunicationsLLCAndNexstarMediaGroupInc.Member_6180EF7DCA2463F10DBD43C2F1E15275" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_OmnyStudioMember" xlink:label="loc_ssp_OmnyStudioMember_675417D70123D7917FC743B7029C397D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_54E05C3D0BAB6AF04F6C43B7029C0C13" xlink:to="loc_ssp_OmnyStudioMember_675417D70123D7917FC743B7029C397D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_766379517D9AE4749CD143B7029C427E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_74086F5561E333A0895543B7029CE1FF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_766379517D9AE4749CD143B7029C427E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillGross_7E9EB9C88EC214C96C5D43B7029C7CED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_766379517D9AE4749CD143B7029C427E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillGross_7E9EB9C88EC214C96C5D43B7029C7CED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairedAccumulatedImpairmentLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairedAccumulatedImpairmentLoss_E1BBFECBD9AE0348397A43B7029C40BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_766379517D9AE4749CD143B7029C427E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairedAccumulatedImpairmentLoss_E1BBFECBD9AE0348397A43B7029C40BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_8B4C04B2F5D038D9582743B7029C442B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_766379517D9AE4749CD143B7029C427E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_8B4C04B2F5D038D9582743B7029C442B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod_D2477A404698D17301B943B702A4D66B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_766379517D9AE4749CD143B7029C427E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod_D2477A404698D17301B943B702A4D66B" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_7B734994F8AD5764715E966E56A7B0B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_966DD8A829187F878D91966E56A40009" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_7B734994F8AD5764715E966E56A7B0B2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_966DD8A829187F878D91966E56A40009" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_660D281A1B6D582E4642966E56A42F4F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_966DD8A829187F878D91966E56A40009" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_660D281A1B6D582E4642966E56A42F4F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_8CEE73DE96D054C04F93966E56A50FD5_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_660D281A1B6D582E4642966E56A42F4F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_8CEE73DE96D054C04F93966E56A50FD5_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_8CEE73DE96D054C04F93966E56A50FD5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_660D281A1B6D582E4642966E56A42F4F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_8CEE73DE96D054C04F93966E56A50FD5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsMember_B7AF190EFB3C789F0972966E56A5F8EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_8CEE73DE96D054C04F93966E56A50FD5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsMember_B7AF190EFB3C789F0972966E56A5F8EF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_180A7846E5953354D844966E56A5DDD1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_966DD8A829187F878D91966E56A40009" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_180A7846E5953354D844966E56A5DDD1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_EAA2A11F1DDA283FDF01966E56A51DC2_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_180A7846E5953354D844966E56A5DDD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_EAA2A11F1DDA283FDF01966E56A51DC2_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_EAA2A11F1DDA283FDF01966E56A51DC2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_180A7846E5953354D844966E56A5DDD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_EAA2A11F1DDA283FDF01966E56A51DC2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LicensingAgreementsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LicensingAgreementsMember_218C8E337A57A5208180966E56A63002" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_EAA2A11F1DDA283FDF01966E56A51DC2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LicensingAgreementsMember_218C8E337A57A5208180966E56A63002" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_4587EF78BDAB569863DA966E56A6513C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_966DD8A829187F878D91966E56A40009" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_4587EF78BDAB569863DA966E56A6513C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_48797BC06A9480811D8B966E56A61601_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_4587EF78BDAB569863DA966E56A6513C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_48797BC06A9480811D8B966E56A61601_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_48797BC06A9480811D8B966E56A61601" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_4587EF78BDAB569863DA966E56A6513C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_48797BC06A9480811D8B966E56A61601" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesOfIndividuallyImmaterialBusinessAcquisitionsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesOfIndividuallyImmaterialBusinessAcquisitionsMember_945FE5962E8E00D5F7C8966E56A6D122" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_48797BC06A9480811D8B966E56A61601" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeriesOfIndividuallyImmaterialBusinessAcquisitionsMember_945FE5962E8E00D5F7C8966E56A6D122" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireIntangibleAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireIntangibleAssets_C85046ED351044DB759A966E56A7354E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_7B734994F8AD5764715E966E56A7B0B2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireIntangibleAssets_C85046ED351044DB759A966E56A7354E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill_3CD7A95B73D089AA88EA966E56A7B1C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_7B734994F8AD5764715E966E56A7B0B2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill_3CD7A95B73D089AA88EA966E56A7B1C3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_5A570F2CA6D902B55F89966E56A8B4F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_7B734994F8AD5764715E966E56A7B0B2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_5A570F2CA6D902B55F89966E56A8B4F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseRemainderOfFiscalYear" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseRemainderOfFiscalYear_AFD63CC4991439FEE1FB966E56A8EB64" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_7B734994F8AD5764715E966E56A7B0B2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseRemainderOfFiscalYear_AFD63CC4991439FEE1FB966E56A8EB64" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseNextTwelveMonths_AFA0E1CD5BFB83FF54DF966E56A849C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_7B734994F8AD5764715E966E56A7B0B2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseNextTwelveMonths_AFA0E1CD5BFB83FF54DF966E56A849C4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo_C9A3243B59907575C916966E56A8BE33" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_7B734994F8AD5764715E966E56A7B0B2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo_C9A3243B59907575C916966E56A8BE33" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree_A6CECC16B3B218347804966E56A8C33D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_7B734994F8AD5764715E966E56A7B0B2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree_A6CECC16B3B218347804966E56A8C33D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour_EE9670E4B69ACF7DE901966E56A88781" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_7B734994F8AD5764715E966E56A7B0B2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour_EE9670E4B69ACF7DE901966E56A88781" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFive" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFive_CDEDE67FF59E69BE8242966E56A9F07F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_7B734994F8AD5764715E966E56A7B0B2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFive_CDEDE67FF59E69BE8242966E56A9F07F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseAfterYearFive" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseAfterYearFive_FEB67637E392DE175B76966E56A953D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_7B734994F8AD5764715E966E56A7B0B2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseAfterYearFive_FEB67637E392DE175B76966E56A953D4" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsSummaryOfOtherIntangibleAssetsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_IntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwillLineItems" xlink:label="loc_ssp_IntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwillLineItems_310ED3EEF69D6E387155966E569AA454" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_ScheduleOfIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwillTable" xlink:label="loc_ssp_ScheduleOfIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwillTable_6978255472B25DB39954966E56989B3A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_ssp_IntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwillLineItems_310ED3EEF69D6E387155966E569AA454" xlink:to="loc_ssp_ScheduleOfIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwillTable_6978255472B25DB39954966E56989B3A" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_50D1C7B0AC1544F6B61C966E5698D3E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ssp_ScheduleOfIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwillTable_6978255472B25DB39954966E56989B3A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_50D1C7B0AC1544F6B61C966E5698D3E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_B397CCCC3A81379AB664966E569844D2_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_50D1C7B0AC1544F6B61C966E5698D3E8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_B397CCCC3A81379AB664966E569844D2_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_B397CCCC3A81379AB664966E569844D2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_50D1C7B0AC1544F6B61C966E5698D3E8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_B397CCCC3A81379AB664966E569844D2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_TelevisionNetworkAffiliationRelationshipsMember" xlink:label="loc_ssp_TelevisionNetworkAffiliationRelationshipsMember_76C88D24471C675FAD31966E56990BED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_B397CCCC3A81379AB664966E569844D2" xlink:to="loc_ssp_TelevisionNetworkAffiliationRelationshipsMember_76C88D24471C675FAD31966E56990BED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_CustomerListsandAdvertiserRelationshipsMember" xlink:label="loc_ssp_CustomerListsandAdvertiserRelationshipsMember_2E5B892252FE67A08537966E5699E291" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_B397CCCC3A81379AB664966E569844D2" xlink:to="loc_ssp_CustomerListsandAdvertiserRelationshipsMember_2E5B892252FE67A08537966E5699E291" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsMember_609739F04D9257A19BD5966E569AC6CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_B397CCCC3A81379AB664966E569844D2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsMember_609739F04D9257A19BD5966E569AC6CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwillAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwillAbstract_B241720A98DA95BB9372966E569A4CFD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ssp_IntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwillLineItems_310ED3EEF69D6E387155966E569AA454" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwillAbstract_B241720A98DA95BB9372966E569A4CFD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetAbstract_AFC2DD635FB67A60C56E966E569AA8ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwillAbstract_B241720A98DA95BB9372966E569A4CFD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetAbstract_AFC2DD635FB67A60C56E966E569AA8ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_CarryingAmountAbstract" xlink:label="loc_ssp_CarryingAmountAbstract_B9DCA01F2E1E6B81CE77966E569B62A1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetAbstract_AFC2DD635FB67A60C56E966E569AA8ED" xlink:to="loc_ssp_CarryingAmountAbstract_B9DCA01F2E1E6B81CE77966E569B62A1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_C76A9B76760DE45CAC14966E569B1E09" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ssp_CarryingAmountAbstract_B9DCA01F2E1E6B81CE77966E569B62A1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_C76A9B76760DE45CAC14966E569B1E09" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_AccumulatedAmortizationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_ssp_AccumulatedAmortizationAbstract_27ED7B59BB27A5B458AE966E569B80CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwillAbstract_B241720A98DA95BB9372966E569A4CFD" xlink:to="loc_ssp_AccumulatedAmortizationAbstract_27ED7B59BB27A5B458AE966E569B80CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_2F03AF3C4375D182DE35966E569C02DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ssp_AccumulatedAmortizationAbstract_27ED7B59BB27A5B458AE966E569B80CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_2F03AF3C4375D182DE35966E569C02DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_586E22D0B0DA3441E83D966E569C7E98" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ssp_IntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwillLineItems_310ED3EEF69D6E387155966E569AA454" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_586E22D0B0DA3441E83D966E569C7E98" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill_BCC16A624C65AB551EB2966E569DCFDB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ssp_IntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwillLineItems_310ED3EEF69D6E387155966E569AA454" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill_BCC16A624C65AB551EB2966E569DCFDB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_CC81EFA285C94E41D741966E569D4A43" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ssp_IntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwillLineItems_310ED3EEF69D6E387155966E569AA454" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_CC81EFA285C94E41D741966E569D4A43" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/IncomeTaxes" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/Leases" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/LeasesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_B5C7F89511D877F81CD5966E54AFC295" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_94FCBFE5CF81B3963D5C966E54AE1EDF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_B5C7F89511D877F81CD5966E54AFC295" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_94FCBFE5CF81B3963D5C966E54AE1EDF" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_AED52F983A1DFC9EBC02966E54AEF250" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_94FCBFE5CF81B3963D5C966E54AE1EDF" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_AED52F983A1DFC9EBC02966E54AEF250" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_71C51B32284B24DC95D2966E54AE4D84_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_AED52F983A1DFC9EBC02966E54AEF250" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_71C51B32284B24DC95D2966E54AE4D84_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_71C51B32284B24DC95D2966E54AE4D84" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_AED52F983A1DFC9EBC02966E54AEF250" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_71C51B32284B24DC95D2966E54AE4D84" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_2E3E8EE70DD1FD062EB3966E54AFE56B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_71C51B32284B24DC95D2966E54AE4D84" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_2E3E8EE70DD1FD062EB3966E54AFE56B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_8CB6CB30CC4B33F4341A966E54AF9C73" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_71C51B32284B24DC95D2966E54AE4D84" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_8CB6CB30CC4B33F4341A966E54AF9C73" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract_88263A9A4ACC6486B20B966E54AF1EE5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_B5C7F89511D877F81CD5966E54AFC295" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract_88263A9A4ACC6486B20B966E54AF1EE5" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/LeasesFutureMinimumLeasePaymentsPriorTo842Details" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/LeasesInformationRelatedToOperatingLeasesDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/LeasesLeaseCostInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/LeasesMinimumLeasePaymentsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/LeasesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/LongTermDebt" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/LongTermDebtComponentsOfLongTermDebtDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ADE10F5EBA2AD21D77F643B702252EE0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_E431F6E37883F09B88E243B702195E60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ADE10F5EBA2AD21D77F643B702252EE0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_E431F6E37883F09B88E243B702195E60" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_78C9C61678947F47C79C43B702196300" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_E431F6E37883F09B88E243B702195E60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_78C9C61678947F47C79C43B702196300" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_6894021B0013D8E35A7043B70221A433_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_78C9C61678947F47C79C43B702196300" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_6894021B0013D8E35A7043B70221A433_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_6894021B0013D8E35A7043B70221A433" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_78C9C61678947F47C79C43B702196300" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_6894021B0013D8E35A7043B70221A433" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_1C255FF69A7C5F84EACA43B70221FB6E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_6894021B0013D8E35A7043B70221A433" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_1C255FF69A7C5F84EACA43B70221FB6E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_9184E3325E98EA782C8F43B70221E368" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_E431F6E37883F09B88E243B702195E60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_9184E3325E98EA782C8F43B70221E368" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_255F31B85FFF82BD5ACF43B70221862B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_9184E3325E98EA782C8F43B70221E368" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_255F31B85FFF82BD5ACF43B70221862B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_255F31B85FFF82BD5ACF43B70221862B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_9184E3325E98EA782C8F43B70221E368" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_255F31B85FFF82BD5ACF43B70221862B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_AmendedAndRestatedRevolvingCreditFacilityVariableRateFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_ssp_AmendedAndRestatedRevolvingCreditFacilityVariableRateFacilityMember_F9AEB5196F5353DE682E43CA524FC2B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_255F31B85FFF82BD5ACF43B70221862B" xlink:to="loc_ssp_AmendedAndRestatedRevolvingCreditFacilityVariableRateFacilityMember_F9AEB5196F5353DE682E43CA524FC2B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_Senior5.125UnsecuredNotesDue2025Member" xlink:label="loc_ssp_Senior5.125UnsecuredNotesDue2025Member_6FBAECD05E458258139243B702219A10" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_255F31B85FFF82BD5ACF43B70221862B" xlink:to="loc_ssp_Senior5.125UnsecuredNotesDue2025Member_6FBAECD05E458258139243B702219A10" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2027Member" xlink:label="loc_ssp_SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2027Member_22134093B73C27C8368343B702213A5A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_255F31B85FFF82BD5ACF43B70221862B" xlink:to="loc_ssp_SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2027Member_22134093B73C27C8368343B702213A5A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_TermLoanBMaturing2024Member" xlink:label="loc_ssp_TermLoanBMaturing2024Member_D18D143FB1FC8346CFB343B70221861E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_255F31B85FFF82BD5ACF43B70221862B" xlink:to="loc_ssp_TermLoanBMaturing2024Member_D18D143FB1FC8346CFB343B70221861E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_TermLoanB1Maturing2026Member" xlink:label="loc_ssp_TermLoanB1Maturing2026Member_129C58F86F15721DCD8343B70221E09C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_255F31B85FFF82BD5ACF43B70221862B" xlink:to="loc_ssp_TermLoanB1Maturing2026Member_129C58F86F15721DCD8343B70221E09C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_682D1A7A58993BAF9C1C43B702214C2D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_E431F6E37883F09B88E243B702195E60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_682D1A7A58993BAF9C1C43B702214C2D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_FAF6506F43456CD4829843B702210D88_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_682D1A7A58993BAF9C1C43B702214C2D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_FAF6506F43456CD4829843B702210D88_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_FAF6506F43456CD4829843B702210D88" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_682D1A7A58993BAF9C1C43B702214C2D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_FAF6506F43456CD4829843B702210D88" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember_72536BF51C8BE480489E43B702212207" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_FAF6506F43456CD4829843B702210D88" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember_72536BF51C8BE480489E43B702212207" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_C98F307B0734827369AE43B70225B192" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ADE10F5EBA2AD21D77F643B702252EE0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_C98F307B0734827369AE43B70225B192" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_7EFD490143E767FF5DBA43B70225C813" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_C98F307B0734827369AE43B70225B192" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_7EFD490143E767FF5DBA43B70225C813" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_F7ACC1B6AB4F4013A87A43B70225DF5C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_C98F307B0734827369AE43B70225B192" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_F7ACC1B6AB4F4013A87A43B70225DF5C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_7ECA37345989EE341A4843B7022541DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_C98F307B0734827369AE43B70225B192" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_7ECA37345989EE341A4843B7022541DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_9B544891235D59AB4B1043B70225C13F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_C98F307B0734827369AE43B70225B192" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_9B544891235D59AB4B1043B70225C13F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue_3103285B471C8AA3E2B143B70226C308" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_C98F307B0734827369AE43B70225B192" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue_3103285B471C8AA3E2B143B70226C308" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/LongTermDebtNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_66840DC71755387F3B1D22365CFB1E69" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_B7EA52C0E8BE90DFB41A22365CF3D70F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_66840DC71755387F3B1D22365CFB1E69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_B7EA52C0E8BE90DFB41A22365CF3D70F" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_DE8DCFBEEDECF4921E6222365CF43BD9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_B7EA52C0E8BE90DFB41A22365CF3D70F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_DE8DCFBEEDECF4921E6222365CF43BD9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_690225EC3D5A48DB9B5122365CF5E014_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_DE8DCFBEEDECF4921E6222365CF43BD9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_690225EC3D5A48DB9B5122365CF5E014_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_690225EC3D5A48DB9B5122365CF5E014" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_DE8DCFBEEDECF4921E6222365CF43BD9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_690225EC3D5A48DB9B5122365CF5E014" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_CordilleraCommunicationsLLCAndNexstarMediaGroupInc.Member" xlink:label="loc_ssp_CordilleraCommunicationsLLCAndNexstarMediaGroupInc.Member_4C613FDC23C2C69BED1022365CF52395" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_690225EC3D5A48DB9B5122365CF5E014" xlink:to="loc_ssp_CordilleraCommunicationsLLCAndNexstarMediaGroupInc.Member_4C613FDC23C2C69BED1022365CF52395" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_CordilleraCommunicationsLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_ssp_CordilleraCommunicationsLLCMember_F6DDBA25313AC811D79322365CF5A487" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_690225EC3D5A48DB9B5122365CF5E014" xlink:to="loc_ssp_CordilleraCommunicationsLLCMember_F6DDBA25313AC811D79322365CF5A487" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_NexstarMediaGroupInc.Member" xlink:label="loc_ssp_NexstarMediaGroupInc.Member_9B927CEB91D3A2E129AD22365CF5220A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_690225EC3D5A48DB9B5122365CF5E014" xlink:to="loc_ssp_NexstarMediaGroupInc.Member_9B927CEB91D3A2E129AD22365CF5220A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_8CE858E3B0BB3FF0E4C122365CF68220" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_B7EA52C0E8BE90DFB41A22365CF3D70F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_8CE858E3B0BB3FF0E4C122365CF68220" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_3306C9DA13775F8E5F2922365CF6ADC1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_8CE858E3B0BB3FF0E4C122365CF68220" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_3306C9DA13775F8E5F2922365CF6ADC1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_3306C9DA13775F8E5F2922365CF6ADC1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_8CE858E3B0BB3FF0E4C122365CF68220" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_3306C9DA13775F8E5F2922365CF6ADC1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_Senior5.125UnsecuredNotesDue2025Member" xlink:label="loc_ssp_Senior5.125UnsecuredNotesDue2025Member_28B70BB493A978DA536422365CF667EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_3306C9DA13775F8E5F2922365CF6ADC1" xlink:to="loc_ssp_Senior5.125UnsecuredNotesDue2025Member_28B70BB493A978DA536422365CF667EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2027Member" xlink:label="loc_ssp_SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2027Member_5DF298757E5CB2FBBC7822365CF6F292" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_3306C9DA13775F8E5F2922365CF6ADC1" xlink:to="loc_ssp_SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2027Member_5DF298757E5CB2FBBC7822365CF6F292" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_TermLoanBMaturing2024Member" xlink:label="loc_ssp_TermLoanBMaturing2024Member_5516F005949547886AAF22365CF64B47" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_3306C9DA13775F8E5F2922365CF6ADC1" xlink:to="loc_ssp_TermLoanBMaturing2024Member_5516F005949547886AAF22365CF64B47" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_TermLoanB1Maturing2026Member" xlink:label="loc_ssp_TermLoanB1Maturing2026Member_23D9134814A67BA2196A22365CF7BAAC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_3306C9DA13775F8E5F2922365CF6ADC1" xlink:to="loc_ssp_TermLoanB1Maturing2026Member_23D9134814A67BA2196A22365CF7BAAC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_AmendedAndRestatedRevolvingCreditFacilityVariableRateFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_ssp_AmendedAndRestatedRevolvingCreditFacilityVariableRateFacilityMember_F2850594AC9BF3A3AAA022365CF723AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_3306C9DA13775F8E5F2922365CF6ADC1" xlink:to="loc_ssp_AmendedAndRestatedRevolvingCreditFacilityVariableRateFacilityMember_F2850594AC9BF3A3AAA022365CF723AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_3BDC3EEF6DA232CF3C5622365CF7EC00" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_B7EA52C0E8BE90DFB41A22365CF3D70F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_3BDC3EEF6DA232CF3C5622365CF7EC00" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_FB4F70BC8ECF3B31B4F722365CF7D46D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_3BDC3EEF6DA232CF3C5622365CF7EC00" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_FB4F70BC8ECF3B31B4F722365CF7D46D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_FB4F70BC8ECF3B31B4F722365CF7D46D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_3BDC3EEF6DA232CF3C5622365CF7EC00" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_FB4F70BC8ECF3B31B4F722365CF7D46D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_8C968A6B2B55AF2B4A2622365CF762FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_FB4F70BC8ECF3B31B4F722365CF7D46D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_8C968A6B2B55AF2B4A2622365CF762FE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember_97E7E2CCD3C3FC9B868922365CF8D637" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_FB4F70BC8ECF3B31B4F722365CF7D46D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember_97E7E2CCD3C3FC9B868922365CF8D637" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_FD4A1FCD684AE0D86C1922365CF80578" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_B7EA52C0E8BE90DFB41A22365CF3D70F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_FD4A1FCD684AE0D86C1922365CF80578" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_EB798AE01557A4406A5422365CF8FEC1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_FD4A1FCD684AE0D86C1922365CF80578" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_EB798AE01557A4406A5422365CF8FEC1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_EB798AE01557A4406A5422365CF8FEC1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_FD4A1FCD684AE0D86C1922365CF80578" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_EB798AE01557A4406A5422365CF8FEC1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember_BF23089442833DC8EACC22365CF87F55" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_EB798AE01557A4406A5422365CF8FEC1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember_BF23089442833DC8EACC22365CF87F55" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember_7F76341F5D7F69E6421F22365CF8AE4E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_EB798AE01557A4406A5422365CF8FEC1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember_7F76341F5D7F69E6421F22365CF8AE4E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_DACDFCD4757BB35A58A922365CF90B5D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_B7EA52C0E8BE90DFB41A22365CF3D70F" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_DACDFCD4757BB35A58A922365CF90B5D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_EB18CAA2802C2545543C22365CF9218E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_DACDFCD4757BB35A58A922365CF90B5D" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_EB18CAA2802C2545543C22365CF9218E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_EB18CAA2802C2545543C22365CF9218E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_DACDFCD4757BB35A58A922365CF90B5D" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_EB18CAA2802C2545543C22365CF9218E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_966B1F5F1FEA5025452E22365CF9734B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_EB18CAA2802C2545543C22365CF9218E" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_966B1F5F1FEA5025452E22365CF9734B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_147564C60BF6EAF2562A22365CF9CA3D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_EB18CAA2802C2545543C22365CF9218E" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_147564C60BF6EAF2562A22365CF9CA3D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis_A9B8281FE68FE3C7D91D22365CFA2501" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_B7EA52C0E8BE90DFB41A22365CF3D70F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis_A9B8281FE68FE3C7D91D22365CFA2501" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_17A3ECA0A7B444B876DA22365CFA0087_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis_A9B8281FE68FE3C7D91D22365CFA2501" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_17A3ECA0A7B444B876DA22365CFA0087_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_17A3ECA0A7B444B876DA22365CFA0087" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis_A9B8281FE68FE3C7D91D22365CFA2501" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_17A3ECA0A7B444B876DA22365CFA0087" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodOneMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodOneMember_1A7378177583B0D7C65622365CFA81AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_17A3ECA0A7B444B876DA22365CFA0087" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodOneMember_1A7378177583B0D7C65622365CFA81AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodTwoMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodTwoMember_A5155D5A8A0F93D1B3B622365CFA3B6B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_17A3ECA0A7B444B876DA22365CFA0087" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodTwoMember_A5155D5A8A0F93D1B3B622365CFA3B6B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_2612A4FB11F8C494C95922365CFA1C02" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_B7EA52C0E8BE90DFB41A22365CF3D70F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_2612A4FB11F8C494C95922365CFA1C02" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_EC6646E04D48917AA82422365CFBF940_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_2612A4FB11F8C494C95922365CFA1C02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_EC6646E04D48917AA82422365CFBF940_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_EC6646E04D48917AA82422365CFBF940" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_2612A4FB11F8C494C95922365CFA1C02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_EC6646E04D48917AA82422365CFBF940" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_47D5DFA6DACFD418882D22365CFB1E1C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_EC6646E04D48917AA82422365CFBF940" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_47D5DFA6DACFD418882D22365CFB1E1C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_67D669B04C7E0213CEE322365CFBC9A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_66840DC71755387F3B1D22365CFB1E69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_67D669B04C7E0213CEE322365CFBC9A5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_4F97C6191C8369BD884622365CFCB0A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_66840DC71755387F3B1D22365CFB1E69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_4F97C6191C8369BD884622365CFCB0A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_DebtInstrumentIssuancePricePercentage" xlink:label="loc_ssp_DebtInstrumentIssuancePricePercentage_DE4EFB6EB4DEB1B9159B22365CFC5EC6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_66840DC71755387F3B1D22365CFB1E69" xlink:to="loc_ssp_DebtInstrumentIssuancePricePercentage_DE4EFB6EB4DEB1B9159B22365CFC5EC6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentageOfPrincipalAmountRedeemed" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentageOfPrincipalAmountRedeemed_B3813622D57877DDA60422365CFC8F63" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_66840DC71755387F3B1D22365CFB1E69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentageOfPrincipalAmountRedeemed_B3813622D57877DDA60422365CFC8F63" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage_9BCF7D1813FEB878957F22365CFC1FEF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_66840DC71755387F3B1D22365CFB1E69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage_9BCF7D1813FEB878957F22365CFC1FEF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_2264781DC5EF16C3030722365CFC7375" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_66840DC71755387F3B1D22365CFB1E69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_2264781DC5EF16C3030722365CFC7375" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateIncreaseDecrease_FB14E9C73BC3CEB16D4E22365CFDC1E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_66840DC71755387F3B1D22365CFB1E69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateIncreaseDecrease_FB14E9C73BC3CEB16D4E22365CFDC1E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_FB32BE2664B948D98F5E22365CFDD795" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_66840DC71755387F3B1D22365CFB1E69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_FB32BE2664B948D98F5E22365CFDD795" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RatioOfIndebtednessToNetCapital1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RatioOfIndebtednessToNetCapital1_0ACF09B5642EEB7B875122365CFD45E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_66840DC71755387F3B1D22365CFB1E69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RatioOfIndebtednessToNetCapital1_0ACF09B5642EEB7B875122365CFD45E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPeriodicPaymentPrincipal" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPeriodicPaymentPrincipal_85EB402278208BCC02E222365CFD0DBA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_66840DC71755387F3B1D22365CFB1E69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPeriodicPaymentPrincipal_85EB402278208BCC02E222365CFD0DBA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingVariableInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingVariableInterestRate_6DF0EC414C423E281FF722365CFDD510" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_66840DC71755387F3B1D22365CFB1E69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingVariableInterestRate_6DF0EC414C423E281FF722365CFDD510" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtWeightedAverageInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtWeightedAverageInterestRate_A9D2B60135138A70DBD522365CFD1BB4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_66840DC71755387F3B1D22365CFB1E69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtWeightedAverageInterestRate_A9D2B60135138A70DBD522365CFD1BB4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt_150E7E43B93EA2AEFFC522365CFE44D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_66840DC71755387F3B1D22365CFB1E69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt_150E7E43B93EA2AEFFC522365CFE44D0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfBusinessesAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfBusinessesAcquired_6F0A2CB958C9FBBF586122365CFE79FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_66840DC71755387F3B1D22365CFB1E69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfBusinessesAcquired_6F0A2CB958C9FBBF586122365CFE79FE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_2B2C1A7B6FA963B96A5722365CFE4BD5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_66840DC71755387F3B1D22365CFB1E69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_2B2C1A7B6FA963B96A5722365CFE4BD5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_B1177BCA6EC6737B9D7122365CFE4F72" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_66840DC71755387F3B1D22365CFB1E69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_B1177BCA6EC6737B9D7122365CFE4F72" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentage_337159748FD5079C820422365CFEA75C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_66840DC71755387F3B1D22365CFB1E69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentage_337159748FD5079C820422365CFEA75C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityFairValueOfAmountOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityFairValueOfAmountOutstanding_085D1803B4920B11706D22365CFE16DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_66840DC71755387F3B1D22365CFB1E69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityFairValueOfAmountOutstanding_085D1803B4920B11706D22365CFE16DF" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/LongTermDebtTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/OtherLiabilities" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/OtherLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/OtherLiabilitiesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/RecentlyAdoptedStandardsAndIssuedAccountingStandardsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/RecentlyAdoptedStandardsAndIssuedAccountingStandardsNotes" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/RestrictedCash" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/RestrictedCashDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/SegmentInformation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/SegmentInformationDisaggregationOfRevenueGeneratingActivitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_F2EC17FE509B96AF6724966E56EBEBA9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_75DACF9DD8B2E9EF6979966E56E9AF93" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_F2EC17FE509B96AF6724966E56EBEBA9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_75DACF9DD8B2E9EF6979966E56E9AF93" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_D7AE55624847C3D9602C966E56E9B313" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_75DACF9DD8B2E9EF6979966E56E9AF93" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_D7AE55624847C3D9602C966E56E9B313" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_140A44B6DF2B5936F235966E56E99AC7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_D7AE55624847C3D9602C966E56E9B313" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_140A44B6DF2B5936F235966E56E99AC7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_140A44B6DF2B5936F235966E56E99AC7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_D7AE55624847C3D9602C966E56E9B313" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_140A44B6DF2B5936F235966E56E99AC7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_CoreAdvertisingRevenueMember" xlink:label="loc_ssp_CoreAdvertisingRevenueMember_EAA36196F5D1CABDC29D966E56EABFDF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_140A44B6DF2B5936F235966E56E99AC7" xlink:to="loc_ssp_CoreAdvertisingRevenueMember_EAA36196F5D1CABDC29D966E56EABFDF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_PoliticalAdvertisingRevenueMember" xlink:label="loc_ssp_PoliticalAdvertisingRevenueMember_BCA0FC0528D4F36C6B68966E56EA17B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_140A44B6DF2B5936F235966E56E99AC7" xlink:to="loc_ssp_PoliticalAdvertisingRevenueMember_BCA0FC0528D4F36C6B68966E56EA17B6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_RetransmissionRevenueMember" xlink:label="loc_ssp_RetransmissionRevenueMember_3E0A52CB33B8EA98631E966E56EB9AA6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_140A44B6DF2B5936F235966E56E99AC7" xlink:to="loc_ssp_RetransmissionRevenueMember_3E0A52CB33B8EA98631E966E56EB9AA6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_OtherRevenueMember" xlink:label="loc_ssp_OtherRevenueMember_A0F782E4BFC048CAF3AC966E56EB5B8D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_140A44B6DF2B5936F235966E56E99AC7" xlink:to="loc_ssp_OtherRevenueMember_A0F782E4BFC048CAF3AC966E56EB5B8D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax_F2F9C0C8182665430E09966E56ECB589" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_F2EC17FE509B96AF6724966E56EBEBA9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax_F2F9C0C8182665430E09966E56ECB589" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/SegmentInformationNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_406BB99949BA9B67E905966E5628EEB3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_C3238894B357207A1050966E562570DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_406BB99949BA9B67E905966E5628EEB3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_C3238894B357207A1050966E562570DA" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_E8C12C3085A39034DDAF966E5625CDF8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_C3238894B357207A1050966E562570DA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_E8C12C3085A39034DDAF966E5625CDF8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6BB1841C33C2405FA22C966E56266789_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_E8C12C3085A39034DDAF966E5625CDF8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6BB1841C33C2405FA22C966E56266789_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6BB1841C33C2405FA22C966E56266789" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_E8C12C3085A39034DDAF966E5625CDF8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6BB1841C33C2405FA22C966E56266789" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_LocalMediaSegmentMember" xlink:label="loc_ssp_LocalMediaSegmentMember_0E95AA7B039749E08C30966E5626FFC9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6BB1841C33C2405FA22C966E56266789" xlink:to="loc_ssp_LocalMediaSegmentMember_0E95AA7B039749E08C30966E5626FFC9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_D669F8AEF4A4C005EABE966E56261595" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_C3238894B357207A1050966E562570DA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_D669F8AEF4A4C005EABE966E56261595" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_5A97E6F2255F36F3699B966E562733F8_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_D669F8AEF4A4C005EABE966E56261595" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_5A97E6F2255F36F3699B966E562733F8_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_5A97E6F2255F36F3699B966E562733F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_D669F8AEF4A4C005EABE966E56261595" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_5A97E6F2255F36F3699B966E562733F8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_AbcAffiliatesMember" xlink:label="loc_ssp_AbcAffiliatesMember_76DC0C6C1F4263BD9A56966E56273774" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_5A97E6F2255F36F3699B966E562733F8" xlink:to="loc_ssp_AbcAffiliatesMember_76DC0C6C1F4263BD9A56966E56273774" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_NbcAffiliatesMember" xlink:label="loc_ssp_NbcAffiliatesMember_E51287586A1AE23046AD966E562776FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_5A97E6F2255F36F3699B966E562733F8" xlink:to="loc_ssp_NbcAffiliatesMember_E51287586A1AE23046AD966E562776FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_CBSAffiliatesMember" xlink:label="loc_ssp_CBSAffiliatesMember_A3736BBB6A2B8840975F966E5627951D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_5A97E6F2255F36F3699B966E562733F8" xlink:to="loc_ssp_CBSAffiliatesMember_A3736BBB6A2B8840975F966E5627951D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_FOXAffiliatesMember" xlink:label="loc_ssp_FOXAffiliatesMember_549057DEF0B9D24FA4BF966E5627C106" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_5A97E6F2255F36F3699B966E562733F8" xlink:to="loc_ssp_FOXAffiliatesMember_549057DEF0B9D24FA4BF966E5627C106" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_MyTVAffiliatesMember" xlink:label="loc_ssp_MyTVAffiliatesMember_0200740ABAC27AB8C65B966E5627721A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_5A97E6F2255F36F3699B966E562733F8" xlink:to="loc_ssp_MyTVAffiliatesMember_0200740ABAC27AB8C65B966E5627721A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_CWAffiliateMember" xlink:label="loc_ssp_CWAffiliateMember_289C088A03DEEEAAF202966E56282718" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_5A97E6F2255F36F3699B966E562733F8" xlink:to="loc_ssp_CWAffiliateMember_289C088A03DEEEAAF202966E56282718" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_IndependentStationMember" xlink:label="loc_ssp_IndependentStationMember_E0B8A6D07417FA91C23D966E56282366" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_5A97E6F2255F36F3699B966E562733F8" xlink:to="loc_ssp_IndependentStationMember_E0B8A6D07417FA91C23D966E56282366" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_NumberOfAffiliates" xlink:label="loc_ssp_NumberOfAffiliates_093A6F9EE90FD07852E9966E56284717" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_406BB99949BA9B67E905966E5628EEB3" xlink:to="loc_ssp_NumberOfAffiliates_093A6F9EE90FD07852E9966E56284717" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_NumberOfLowPowerStationsOperated" xlink:label="loc_ssp_NumberOfLowPowerStationsOperated_189012E22FFDE877BB73966E5628395F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_406BB99949BA9B67E905966E5628EEB3" xlink:to="loc_ssp_NumberOfLowPowerStationsOperated_189012E22FFDE877BB73966E5628395F" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/SegmentInformationScheduleOfBusinessSegmentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_4E90B2D14109787A2C9F966E567CCACC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_0B161B53B1DFF3DF86C7966E567A68C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_4E90B2D14109787A2C9F966E567CCACC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_0B161B53B1DFF3DF86C7966E567A68C9" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_26330300A6719B8BAC54966E567AFCAD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_0B161B53B1DFF3DF86C7966E567A68C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_26330300A6719B8BAC54966E567AFCAD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_154EABA635AFF0B11774966E567BD63E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_26330300A6719B8BAC54966E567AFCAD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_154EABA635AFF0B11774966E567BD63E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_154EABA635AFF0B11774966E567BD63E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_26330300A6719B8BAC54966E567AFCAD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_154EABA635AFF0B11774966E567BD63E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_LocalMediaSegmentMember" xlink:label="loc_ssp_LocalMediaSegmentMember_ED0BD3E4B20D7A12AC21966E567BEEC1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_154EABA635AFF0B11774966E567BD63E" xlink:to="loc_ssp_LocalMediaSegmentMember_ED0BD3E4B20D7A12AC21966E567BEEC1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_NationalMediaSegmentMember" xlink:label="loc_ssp_NationalMediaSegmentMember_F3A8EF8F57E0DC9831E3966E567BF500" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_154EABA635AFF0B11774966E567BD63E" xlink:to="loc_ssp_NationalMediaSegmentMember_F3A8EF8F57E0DC9831E3966E567BF500" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember_6530447A2CF1D1D78EDC966E567C2A8E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_154EABA635AFF0B11774966E567BD63E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember_6530447A2CF1D1D78EDC966E567C2A8E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ssp-20190930.xsd#ssp_SharedServicesandCorporateMember" xlink:label="loc_ssp_SharedServicesandCorporateMember_E94079A10C5793CD3C56966E567CFFBF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_154EABA635AFF0B11774966E567BD63E" xlink:to="loc_ssp_SharedServicesandCorporateMember_E94079A10C5793CD3C56966E567CFFBF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationOperatingIncomeLossAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationOperatingIncomeLossAbstract_92660ED6BB10F0371377966E567D1953" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_4E90B2D14109787A2C9F966E567CCACC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationOperatingIncomeLossAbstract_92660ED6BB10F0371377966E567D1953" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax_9E2374651F5B365BD069966E567D5476" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationOperatingIncomeLossAbstract_92660ED6BB10F0371377966E567D1953" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax_9E2374651F5B365BD069966E567D5476" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_AA843ADC42A601ACD498966E567D466C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationOperatingIncomeLossAbstract_92660ED6BB10F0371377966E567D1953" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_AA843ADC42A601ACD498966E567D466C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_282E58AE67A300C1836D966E567ECC1F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationOperatingIncomeLossAbstract_92660ED6BB10F0371377966E567D1953" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_282E58AE67A300C1836D966E567ECC1F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_ADCD30C91EF233C962E8966E567E4E69" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationOperatingIncomeLossAbstract_92660ED6BB10F0371377966E567D1953" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_ADCD30C91EF233C962E8966E567E4E69" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_804C02F69D177FAB68F8966E567E0715" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationOperatingIncomeLossAbstract_92660ED6BB10F0371377966E567D1953" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_804C02F69D177FAB68F8966E567E0715" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets_F7F0DF7C271E698FB97F966E567F1736" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationOperatingIncomeLossAbstract_92660ED6BB10F0371377966E567D1953" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets_F7F0DF7C271E698FB97F966E567F1736" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_2CF5D21D8BD8A0E0C45E966E567F5521" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationOperatingIncomeLossAbstract_92660ED6BB10F0371377966E567D1953" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_2CF5D21D8BD8A0E0C45E966E567F5521" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionExpense_03AC3516182AA3201B89966E567F2905" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationOperatingIncomeLossAbstract_92660ED6BB10F0371377966E567D1953" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionExpense_03AC3516182AA3201B89966E567F2905" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_0BC5DCB17F9D6F524F89966E567FD39F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationOperatingIncomeLossAbstract_92660ED6BB10F0371377966E567D1953" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_0BC5DCB17F9D6F524F89966E567FD39F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_701C6CF3759D7902CA7D966E5680BCC8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationOperatingIncomeLossAbstract_92660ED6BB10F0371377966E567D1953" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_701C6CF3759D7902CA7D966E5680BCC8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationAbstract_E8D0E39D273B7B10EECB966E56808722" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationOperatingIncomeLossAbstract_92660ED6BB10F0371377966E567D1953" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationAbstract_E8D0E39D273B7B10EECB966E56808722" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Depreciation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Depreciation_4DAC1004EE741F39A70E966E56802866" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationAbstract_E8D0E39D273B7B10EECB966E56808722" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Depreciation_4DAC1004EE741F39A70E966E56802866" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortizationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortizationAbstract_C2F23E322FB5BD7243DB966E5681F298" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationOperatingIncomeLossAbstract_92660ED6BB10F0371377966E567D1953" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortizationAbstract_C2F23E322FB5BD7243DB966E5681F298" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_7C3318500577D02CDB70966E5681D9EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortizationAbstract_C2F23E322FB5BD7243DB966E5681F298" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_7C3318500577D02CDB70966E5681D9EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MovementInPropertyPlantAndEquipmentRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MovementInPropertyPlantAndEquipmentRollForward_A5C8FDE6560BFB0847F0966E56816D7D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationOperatingIncomeLossAbstract_92660ED6BB10F0371377966E567D1953" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MovementInPropertyPlantAndEquipmentRollForward_A5C8FDE6560BFB0847F0966E56816D7D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAdditions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAdditions_9BC1EC5EED234923269B966E56824007" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MovementInPropertyPlantAndEquipmentRollForward_A5C8FDE6560BFB0847F0966E56816D7D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAdditions_9BC1EC5EED234923269B966E56824007" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/SegmentInformationTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesEarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/SupplementalCashFlowInformation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/SupplementalCashFlowInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.scripps.com/role/SupplementalCashFlowInformationTables" xlink:type="extended" />
</link:linkbase>