Media stocks

The best media stocks depend on your portfolio and investment goals — while volatility can be ideal for day traders, long-term investors will want to look to stocks with steadier gains over time.

How to buy media stocks

Sign up with an online broker or platform to invest in one of more of these media stocks.

1. Compare share trading platforms. If you're a beginner, look for a platform with low commissions, expert ratings and investment tools to track your portfolio. Use our comparison table to narrow down top brokers by fees and bonuses.
2. Open and fund your brokerage account. Complete an application with your personal and financial details, like your ID and bank information. Fund your account with a bank transfer, credit card or debit card.
3. Search for the stock you're interested in. Find the stock by name or ticker symbol, like VIAC or SIRI. Research its history to confirm it's a solid investment against your financial goals.
4. Purchase now or later. Invest in the broadcasting industry today with a market order or use a limit order to delay your purchase until the stock reaches your desired price. To spread out your purchase, look into dollar-cost averaging, which smooths out buying at consistent intervals and amounts.
5. Decide on how many to buy. Weigh your budget against a diversified portfolio that can minimize risk through the market's ups and downs. You may be able to buy fractional shares, depending on your broker.
6. Check in on your investment. Congratulations, you own a part of a media company. Optimize your portfolio by tracking how your stock — and even the broadcasting sector as a whole — performs with an eye on the long term. You may be eligible for dividends and shareholder voting rights on directors and management that can affect your stock.

Compare media stocks

We round up a selection of stocks in or related to the broadcasting industry, weighting the list more heavily towards popular mid- and large-cap US stocks.

---

1. ViacomCBS (VIAC)

ViacomCBS Inc. operates as a media and entertainment company worldwide. The company operates through TV Entertainment, Cable Networks, and Filmed Entertainment segments.

ViacomCBS stock opened the day at $46.72 after a previous close of $45.01. The latest price was $46.61 (25 minute delay). ViacomCBS is listed on the NASDAQ, has a trailing 12-month revenue of around USD25.3 billion and employs 22,109 staff.

• Market capitalization: $24,871,929,856
• P/E ratio: 15.8093
• PEG ratio: 10.6704

---

2. Sirius XM (SIRI)

Sirius XM Holdings Inc. provides satellite radio services on a subscription fee basis in the United States. It broadcasts music, sports, entertainment, comedy, talk, news, traffic, and weather channels, including various music genres, such as rock, pop and hip-hop, country, dance, jazz, Latin, and classical; live play-by-play sports from various leagues and colleges; various talk and entertainment channels for a range of audiences; national, international, and financial news; and limited run channels.

Sirius XM stock opened the day at $6.07 after a previous close of $6.06. The latest price was $6.14 (25 minute delay). Sirius XM is listed on the NASDAQ, has a trailing 12-month revenue of around USD$8 billion and employs 5,726 staff.

• Market capitalization: $25,833,474,048
• P/E ratio: 208
• PEG ratio: 1.4635

---

3. Sinclair Broadcast Group (SBGI)

Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. operates as a diversified television media company in the United States. The company operates in two segments, Broadcast and Local Sports.

Sinclair Broadcast Group stock opened the day at $31.75 after a previous close of $31.70. The latest price was $29.12 (25 minute delay). Sinclair Broadcast Group is listed on the NASDAQ, has a trailing 12-month revenue of around USD$5.9 billion and employs 11,600 staff.

• Market capitalization: $2,222,504,704
• P/E ratio: 4.1124
• PEG ratio: 0.8868

---

4. Nexstar Media Group (NXST)

Nexstar Media Group, Inc. , a television broadcasting and digital media company, focuses on the acquisition, development, and operation of television stations and interactive community websites and digital media services in the United States. The company offers free programming to television viewing audiences.

Nexstar Media Group stock opened the day at $151.53 after a previous close of $151.84. The latest price was $153.24 (25 minute delay). Nexstar Media Group is listed on the NASDAQ, has a trailing 12-month revenue of around USD$4.5 billion and employs 11,086 staff.

• Market capitalization: $6,567,545,856
• P/E ratio: 8.715
• PEG ratio: 11.3698

---

5. The E-WScripps Company (SSP)

The E. W. Scripps Company, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a media enterprise through a portfolio of local and national media brands. The company operates through Local Media, National Media, and Other segments.

The E-WScripps Company stock opened the day at $23.67 after a previous close of $23.69. The latest price was $23.53 (25 minute delay). The E-WScripps Company is listed on the NASDAQ, has a trailing 12-month revenue of around USD$1.9 billion and employs 5,400 staff.

• Market capitalization: $1,772,640,768
• P/E ratio: 6.6394
• PEG ratio: 12.81

---

6. Saga Communications (SGA)

Saga Communications, Inc. , a broadcast company, acquires, develops, and operates broadcast properties in the United States. The company's radio stations employ various programming formats, including classic hits, adult hits, top 40, country, country legends, mainstream/hot/soft adult contemporary, pure oldies, classic rock, and news/talk.

Saga Communications stock opened the day at $24.17 after a previous close of $24.30. The latest price was $23.34 (25 minute delay). Saga Communications is listed on the NASDAQ, has a trailing 12-month revenue of around USD$95.8 million and employs 607 staff.

• Market capitalization: $138,416,128
• P/E ratio: 29.5455
• PEG ratio: 0

---

7. Cumulus Media (CMLS)

Cumulus Media Inc. , an audio-first media and entertainment company, owns and operates radio stations in the United States. It owns and operates 415 stations in 86 markets, as well as approximately 7,300 affiliated stations through Westwood One.

Cumulus Media stock opened the day at $10.50 after a previous close of $10.48. The latest price was $10.49 (25 minute delay). Cumulus Media is listed on the NASDAQ, has a trailing 12-month revenue of around USD$816.2 million and employs 2,743 staff.

• Market capitalization: $193,670,704
• P/E ratio: 1.4886
• PEG ratio: -0.09

Compare trading platforms

Compare online trading platforms by fees, asset types and bonuses to find the best for your investment in media stocks.

*Signup bonus information updated weekly.

Bottom line

While it’s possible to turn a profit investing in media stocks, keep in mind that — like any investment — media stocks are not immune to risk. These stocks are subject to fluctuating conditions — both in the market and in the broadcasting industry, so carefully vet your picks before you invest. And if you’re new to investing, or if it’s been awhile since you’ve taken a critical look at your investing accounts, compare brokers to make sure you’re getting the best features in your trading account.