Scripps Layoffs Continue With 431 Cuts as CEO Promises 100 New Jobs in ‘Enterprise-Wide Transformation’

Scripps announced the elimination of 431 positions on Tuesday, alongside the creation of 100 new jobs as part of its "enterprise-wide transformation." In a memo to employees, Scripps CEO Adam Symson acknowledged that the cuts would affect employees who had made significant contributions to the company and served its audience, but stated that these layoffs were necessary to ensure Scripps remains a strong media company that adapts to how audiences consume news and information.

The new roles, which include local reporting and community connection positions, aim to produce more field reporting, deepen community reach, and expand local journalism across broadcast, streaming, and digital platforms. Symson expressed the difficulty of announcing both layoffs and new job creations, but emphasized that the company aims to fill as many of the new roles as possible with affected employees.

The company's recent 431 layoffs follow a 12% workforce reduction three months ago to transform Scripps into an "AI-powered broadcast journalism company." While the company has eliminated 432 positions and opened 126 new roles since the beginning of the year, Symson said that the majority of the necessary restructuring has been completed, particularly in local newsrooms.

However, additional cuts are anticipated at a smaller scale in the coming year, as Scripps focuses on growing audiences across its local stations and national networks and developing new revenue streams.