Scripps News Pivots to Digital-First Approach Amid Challenging Advertising Landscape

In a move that reflects the evolving media landscape, The E.W. Scripps Company has announced a significant shift in its Scripps News operation. The decision to wind down the 24/7 national news programming and focus on digital platforms comes as the company grapples with the challenges of the current advertising environment.

Navigating the Polarized Media Landscape

Scaling Back the Linear TV Presence

The E.W. Scripps Company's President and CEO, Adam Symson, has revealed that as of November 16, the Scripps News 24/7 national news programming will be discontinued. This move is a response to the lack of necessary revenue growth, despite the growth in the linear television audience for Scripps News' live anchored coverage and documentary programming.Symson cites the "already difficult linear television advertising marketplace" as a key factor, with many brands and agencies opting to avoid advertising around national news due to the "polarized nature of this country." This decision, he says, is "hurting Scripps News, along with every other national linear and digital news outlet."

Prioritizing Digital and Streaming Platforms

While Scripps News will no longer be broadcast over the air, the company is committed to maintaining a presence on streaming and digital platforms. A core reporting team, primarily based in Washington, D.C., will continue to provide weekday live coverage from the field and serve Scripps' local stations' news operations with national and international journalism.Symson emphasizes that this is not the end of Scripps News as an integral part of the company. Approximately 50 Scripps News staff members will remain to report for local news audiences and produce the streaming and digital content, all under the Scripps News brand.

Prioritizing Key Reporting Areas

In the internal memo, Symson outlines the company's priorities for the Scripps News team moving forward. These include a focus on field reporting, strong political coverage, investigative reporting, and a robust digital and social media presence.Symson acknowledges Scripps News' long history of national reporting for local audiences and reaffirms the company's commitment to connecting viewers to important events and ideas beyond their immediate communities.

Addressing the Advertising Challenges

Symson is candid about the advertising challenges faced by Scripps News, stating that the issues reflect the national marketplace. However, he emphasizes that there is still advertising support for the company's local news and the ability of its stations to connect local businesses with their audiences.Symson stresses that it remains Scripps' responsibility to serve local communities and connect them to the greater world through Scripps News' national and international reporting.

Navigating the Transition

As a result of these changes, Symson reveals that the company expects to eliminate more than 200 jobs. This difficult decision underscores the broader shifts in the media industry and the need for Scripps to adapt its business model to the evolving landscape.Despite the challenges, Symson remains committed to the Scripps News brand and its role in the company's future. The transition to a more digital-focused approach aims to position Scripps News for long-term sustainability and relevance in an increasingly competitive and rapidly changing media environment.