Mirror Review
October 28, 2026
The E.W. Scripps layoffs 2026 continued on October 27 as the American broadcasting company announced 431 job cuts as part of its enterprise-wide restructuring, alongside plans to create more than 100 new positions in its local newsrooms.
The Scripps job cuts affect technical and production responsibilities as the broadcaster changes how its local television stations operate.
E.W. Scripps President and CEO Adam Symson informed employees about the restructuring in an internal memo. The planned positions include local reporting and community connection roles intended to expand news coverage across broadcast, streaming, and digital platforms.
Why Is E.W. Scripps Cutting 431 Jobs?
The E.W. Scripps restructuring is part of a company-wide transformation plan launched in February 2026 to improve operating performance through technology, cost savings, and revenue growth.
In its official announcement, Scripps outlined a target of $125 million to $150 million in annualized EBITDA improvement by 2028. EBITDA refers to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization.
In Scripps’ August 6, 2026, financial results, CEO Adam Symson explained the broadcaster’s approach:
“We’re in the midst of transforming Scripps through fundamental changes in how we operate. These changes leverage today’s most advanced technology, AI and automation, to both deliver improved operating results and allow us to better serve our local consumers, audiences and advertisers that rely on us across the nation.”
During its August 2026 earnings call, Scripps reported eliminating 432 employee positions and 126 unfilled positions since the beginning of the year. The broadcaster subsequently announced another 431 position eliminations on October 27.
Which Local TV Stations Are Affected by E.W. Scripps layoffs 2026?
The October 2026 Scripps layoffs affected newsroom, production, and technical employees at local television stations, including WTMJ-TV (TMJ4) in Milwaukee and WCPO-TV in Cincinnati.
At TMJ4, more than a dozen employees reportedly lost their jobs as Scripps continued reorganizing its production operations.
WCPO-TV also cut newsroom and production roles, including photographers, producers, and editors.
The changes form part of Scripps’ wider restructuring of local television operations. Scripps has not publicly disclosed a complete station-by-station breakdown of the 431 eliminated positions.
Why Is Scripps Creating More Than 100 New Roles?
Scripps plans to create over 100 positions focused on local reporting and community engagement while eliminating existing roles across its operations.
The new positions are intended to increase reporting from the field, strengthen connections with local communities, and extend news coverage across television and digital platforms.
In his October 27 employee memo, Scripps CEO Adam Symson outlined plans to consider employees affected by the layoffs for the newly created positions.
The Scripps new jobs after layoffs will therefore include opportunities for some affected employees. However, Scripps has not guaranteed that every displaced employee will receive a new position.
How Are AI and Automation Involved in the E.W. Scripps Restructuring?
Scripps is using AI, broadcast automation, and centralized workflows to modernize technical production across its local television business.
On September 9, 2026, Scripps announced a new leadership structure for its Local Media division, organizing its television operations into 11 regions overseen by regional general managers. The E.W. Scripps restructuring also included plans to expand the use of AI and automation in news production.
Each Scripps market would continue to have a local news operation led by its station news director.
Scripps has not attributed all 431 job eliminations directly to artificial intelligence. The broader restructuring also includes changes to staffing responsibilities, regional management, and news production.
What Is the Financial Background Behind the E.W. Scripps Layoffs 2026?
Scripps reported $490 million in revenue for the second quarter of 2026, a 9.2% decline compared with the same period in 2025.
According to the broadcaster’s August 6 financial results, its Local Media division generated $317 million in revenue, down 5.4% year over year.
Scripps also recorded $35.8 million in restructuring costs during the quarter.
Scripps reported that temporary interruptions to television distribution during contract negotiations negatively affected its second-quarter advertising and distribution revenue.
Scripps expects to implement cost-saving measures by the end of 2026 that would generate approximately $100 million in annual savings.
What Happens Next After the E.W. Scripps Layoffs 2026?
The E.W. Scripps layoffs 2026 have brought the broadcaster closer to completing the major workforce changes outlined in its transformation plan.
In his October 27 employee memo, CEO Adam Symson said most of the significant restructuring required for Scripps’ future operating model had taken place, particularly within local newsrooms. He also indicated that smaller job reductions could follow.
With much of the restructuring completed, Scripps plans to focus on growing audiences across its local television stations and national networks while developing additional revenue streams.
The broadcaster will also begin filling its planned local reporting and community connection positions as it continues implementing its revised operating model.
