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Jimmy Williams takes reins as host of political podcast “DecodeDC”

Jan. 7, 2016 By Rebecca McCarter

CINCINNATI – “DecodeDC,” the podcast that decodes the personalities and politics of Washington, D.C., has a new host at the helm. Lobbyist turned journalist and political commentator Jimmy Williams launched his first episode as host today.

“DecodeDC” offers in-depth insight and explanation of Washington’s people, culture, policies and politics through an entertaining weekly podcast, as well as its companion website. The podcast was launched in 2012 and acquired by The E.W. Scripps Company (NYSE: SSP) in 2013.

“Jimmy Williams has an entertaining take on the method behind the madness of Washington, D.C.,” said Ellen Weiss, vice president and Scripps Washington Bureau chief. “His depth of experience in the political arena will elevate the level of reporting and conversation ‘DecodeDC’ listeners have come to expect from the show.”

“‘DecodeDC’ tackles the beast of Washington, D.C., a place that needs explaining in a desperate way,” said Williams. “Maybe by pulling back the curtain just a little bit, this podcast can play an important role in furthering the political and cultural discussion about what’s happening behind the scenes in D.C.”

Over his 23-year career, Williams has worked for Republicans and Democrats, as a political staffer and a lobbyist. He gave it all up and became a full-time political opinion journalist as founder and executive editor of the website Blue Nation Review and as an MSNBC political contributor. Williams can be found on Twitter @jimmyspolitics, sharing pictures of his 12-year-old yellow Lab Moses or calling out corrupt politicians.

“DecodeDC” is available on iOS devices via the native Podcasts app, via iTunes and at decodedc.com.

About Scripps
The E.W. Scripps Company serves audiences and businesses through a growing portfolio of television, radio and digital media brands. Scripps is one of the nation’s largest independent TV station owners, with 33 television stations in 24 markets and a reach of nearly one in five U.S. households. It also owns 34 radio stations in eight markets. Scripps also runs an expanding collection of local and national digital journalism and information businesses, including podcast industry leader Midroll Media, over-the-top video news service Newsy and weather app developer WeatherSphere. Scripps also produces television shows including The List and The Now, runs an award-winning investigative reporting newsroom in Washington, D.C., and serves as the long-time steward of the nation’s largest, most successful and longest-running educational program, the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Founded in 1878, Scripps has held for decades to the motto, “Give light and the people will find their own way.”

Media contact:
Kari Wethington, The E.W. Scripps Company, 513-977-3763, [email protected]