Since March 2017 he has been the VP/GM of Denver’s ABC affiliate owned by The E.W. Scripps Co.
Now, he’s filling the corporate-level role held until now by Brian Lawlor, who was recently appointed the head of the newly formed Scripps Sports division of the television broadcasting company.
Earning the promotion is Dean Littleton.
His ascent at Scripps comes six years to the day that he joined KMGH-7 in Denver, a role that he earned after serving as GM of WATE-6 in Knoxville from 2009-2017 and, before that, as VP/GSM of WVLT in Knoxville from 2008-2013.
Littleton also served as GSM of a crosstown competitor to KMGH: TEGNA’s NBC-affiliated KUSA-9 in Denver. He was there between April 2007 and December 2008.
Now, Littleton, who started his career in 2000 as a news photographer and editor at WBIR-TV in Knoxville, will be responsible for directing the operations of Scripps’ local stations.
“Dean has shown tremendous leadership in Denver,” said Scripps COO Lisa Knutson. “He is committed to great journalism, and he has a vision for increasing engagement and growing trust with our communities.”
The naming of Littleton to head Local Media completes the transition of Lawlor to helm Scripps Sports, which sees to capitalize on regional sports network financial troubles that have put Sinclair Broadcast Group subsidiary Diamond Sports Group in a bankruptcy reorganization effort that, when completed, will see Diamond Sports aligned with Sinclair’s over-the-air TV stations in a new Sinclair.
A SENIOR LEVEL RESTRUCTURE
In addition to the naming of Littleton to lead Local Media, the following corporate-level adjustments have been made:
- SVP of Data, Insights and Research Frank Friedman will oversee data strategy,
analytics and business insights as Jon Marks serves as VP/Chief Research Officer. - SVP/Network and Station Operations Mark Gray will be responsible for network
and technical infrastructure that supports local and networks operations as Ray Thurber is VP/Chief Engineer and Innovation Officer. - SVP of Streaming and Digital Platforms Joe Naylor will oversee development of the
company’s consumer streaming and digital strategy for all local and network brands. - SVP/Chief Distribution Officer Michael O’Brian will oversee the team responsible for managing distribution across numerous platforms, including cable, satellite and virtual
carriers as well as multicast spectrum.
The shifts come following a realignment in early January that saw Robin Davis become SVP of Strategy and Planning; SVP of Local News Sean McLaughlin settle into his new role; Keisha Taylor take the role of SVP/Chief Marketing Officer; and Tom Zappala accept the post of SVP/Content and Programming.
Brian Lawlor, who in 2021 and 2022 was named one of “Broadcast Television’s Best Leaders” by Radio + Television Business Report, is again honored in 2023 for his role leading the Local Media division through March 27, 2023. It will officially be his final appearance on this list, which is distributed April 10 in our record-setting RBR+TVBR Spring 2023 Special Report. Printed magazines will be available in a West Hall kiosk at the 2023 NAB Show in Las Vegas; digital copies will be distributed to all RBR+TVBR Members. Not a Member yet? Secure full access to all RBR+TVBR has to offer by clicking here.
