The 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. Earlier this week, Paramount Global went through its latest round of job cuts, with CBS News laying off such well-know correspondents and anchors as Jeff Glor.Symson wrote, “Amidst an already difficult linear television advertising marketplace, many brands and agencies have decided that advertising around national news is just too risky for them given the polarized nature of this country, no matter the accolades and credentials a news organization like Scripps receives for its objectivity. I vehemently disagree, but it is hurting Scripps News, along with every other national linear and digital news outlet.”Scripps won a national news Emmy, its second, earlier this week. “I want to be clear that this move in no way reflects disappointment with Scripps News’ work,” Symson wrote.Scripps bought the news channel Newsy in 2014, and rebranded it as Scripps News in 2023. The channel was launched as an over-the-air network in 2021, and has also been available on OTT platforms.
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