On November 16 comes the end of the Scripps News 24/7 channel with digital multicast distribution across the U.S. That decision also saw The E.W. Scripps Co. discloses in a SEC filing that President of News Kate O’Brian will exit the company at the end of 2024.
But, the company emphasized that Scripps News would not be disappearing, despite the erasure of many jobs tied to the operation. As such, today saw the naming of a veteran journalist to the role of Scripps News VP.
Taking the post is Matt Simon, who will be responsible for the vision, overall leadership, editorial identity and programming for Scripps News’ national, centralized news organization.
Simon will report to Local Media SVP Dean Littleton, who commented, “Matt has been a key member of the Scripps News leadership team over the last six years – overseeing several award-winning productions, reimagining primetime programming and leading joint reporting initiatives between our national and local teams,” Littleton said. “I look forward to working alongside Matt to deepen the integration between Scripps News and Local Media.”
Simon is currently a deputy managing editor and senior executive producer at Scripps News and manages the production of distributed and syndicated content across Scripps News and Scripps Local Media. These productions include the programs “Scripps News Reports” and “Good to Know,” as well as daily co-produced newscasts across local stations. Simon joined Scripps News in 2018 and has launched or revamped several prime-time programs.
Before Scripps News, Simon worked for the Chinese government-administered English- language television network CGTN, leading international productions and special events, including its first-ever live coverage of a U.S. presidential election. He also produced programs for The Weather Channel in Atlanta and WJZ-13 in Baltimore.
Scripps News national news programming is poised to shift to exclusive distribution on all Scripps streaming and digital platforms, with weekday live coverage from the field “now aligned more closely with Scripps’ 60+ local stations.” As such, content is expected to be integrated into newscasts across the company’s broadcast properties.
“Scripps News’ national team will serve as a news service for local stations,” the company confirmed.
