Scripps News To Cut More Than 200 Jobs, Scale Back National News Programming Amid “Difficult” Linear TV Advertising Market
deadline.comThe E.W. Scripps Co. is eliminating more than 200 jobs and will “wind down” its national news programming, as the company cites an adverse advertising environment.
In a memo to employees, CEO Adam Symson wrote that Scripps News will no longer be broadcast over the air, but will remain on streaming and digital platforms with reporting from the field.
A core reporting team will continue to be based in Washington, D.C. to serve local stations. Symson wrote, “Over the last two years, Scripps News’ live anchored coverage and documentary programming have grown its linear television audience, but the prospects for the necessary revenue growth haven’t materialized, despite our sales teams’ efforts.
Scripps News’ current financial position is what has led me to the decision to scale back our approach to 24-hour news and over-the-air coverage.” He wrote that about 50 Scripps News staff members will remain to “report for our local news audiences and produce the streaming and digital content, all under the Scripps News brand.” “We will prioritize field reporting, our strong political coverage, investigative reporting and our digital and social media presence,” he wrote. “This company has a long history of national reporting for local audiences, and Scripps News will continue to connect our viewers to the important events and ideas outside of their communities.” Scripps is just the latest media outlet to be hit with cutbacks and layoffs.
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