E.W. Scripps CEO Briefs Wall Street On Major Layoffs, Touts AI “Revolution” In Local TV News
E.W. Scripps is cutting about 12% of its workforce as it restructures its local television business around artificial intelligence, automation and a 24-hour streaming news model. Chief executive Adam Symson said the changes were financially necessary and would preserve fact-based local journalism, though the layoffs highlight the pressure on broadcasters from declining traditional TV audiences and advertising shifts.
The company disclosed 268 recent redundancies; since January it has removed 432 roles and 126 vacant posts, aiming for $100 million in annualised savings. Second-quarter revenue fell 9% year on year to $490.4 million and Scripps reported a loss of 34 cents per share, but its shares rose more than 20% after it projected AI-led savings and revenue gains could lift EBITDA by $125 million to $150 million by 2028.
- Scripps is cutting 12% of staff while expanding AI use.
- The broadcaster aims to save $100 million annually.
- Falling revenue reflects wider pressure on local television.
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