Scripps CEO Unveils Layoffs and AI Strategy for Local News

WHO:

Deadline - E.W. Scripps CEO Adam Symson briefed Wall Street analysts.

Pew Research - E.W. Scripps is a broadcasting company with dozens of local affiliates.

WHAT:

Deadline - E.W. Scripps is cutting 12% of its total workforce.

Pew Research - The company is laying off 268 employees as part of its restructuring.

Deadline - The layoffs are primarily occurring at the company’s local TV stations.

Deadline - E.W. Scripps is adopting a 24-hour streaming news model enabled by artificial intelligence.

WHERE:

Pew Research - The layoffs are occurring at E.W. Scripps' local TV business.

WHY:

Deadline - The layoffs and restructuring are part of the company’s “transformation plan” to embrace AI.

HOW:

Pew Research - The company plans to centralize some operations around digital-first news production and streaming.

(UPDATED August 7, 2026 17:48 UTC)

E.W. Scripps is cutting 12% of its total workforce, which translates to 268 employees, primarily at its local TV stations, as part of a restructuring effort. This move is part of the company's transformation plan to adopt a 24-hour streaming news model enabled by artificial intelligence, centralizing operations around digital-first news production. CEO Adam Symson briefed Wall Street analysts on these changes, highlighting the company's shift toward embracing new technology in broadcasting.