CINCINNATI — The Executive VP of Media Broadcast Operations and Sr. VP of Local Media at The E.W. Scripps Company, a nine-year company veteran who previously led the company’s Denver duo, has been promoted to President of Media.
Dean Littleton’s elevation to the newly created role combines leadership of the company’s enterprise television and broadcast operations, giving him oversight of a local media portfolio comprised of approximately 60 TV stations, the national Scripps Networks division that includes ION and Scripps’ portfolio of multicast and digital networks, and Scripps News, the company’s 24/7 national streaming news service.
He will be based in Cincinnati.
“Dean has been instrumental in driving operational excellence across our local media platform while creating a more durable and sustainable business model for local journalism,” said Scripps President and CEO Adam Symson. “As Scripps executes its transformation plan, Dean is the right mission-focused leader to ensure our media businesses operate with the speed, creativity and growth mindset that will create lasting value for the audiences, advertisers, employees and shareholders we serve.”
With Scripps since 2017, he is a former GM of KMGH-7 and KCDO-TV “The Spot” in Denver. Before joining Scripps, Littleton held leadership roles at local television stations in Knoxville and Denver, and is a former GM of WATE-TV. He’s also held General Sales Manager positions at such stations as WVLT-TV, KUSA-TV and WBIR-TV.
“Scripps has built one of the most powerful video distribution platforms in the country, and we have a strong opportunity to steer the evolution of video-led media by staying focused on what matters most – connecting communities across the country with essential news, weather, sports and entertainment from brands they trust,” said Littleton, who began his career as a news photographer and editor. “I’m honored to lead our talented teams who are dedicated to our mission of creating connection for audiences across every platform, and I’m committed to building on the strong foundation we’ve established to drive growth and innovation across our local and national brands.”
Lyn Plantinga will remain in the role of Sr. VP of Local Media for Scripps, a role she earned in January 2025.
Littleton serves as immediate past chair of the ABC Affiliate Board of Governors and the Colorado Broadcasters Association. He is a graduate of the University of Tennessee.
