Scripps appoints new head of local media, other company leaders

April 4, 2023 By Michael Perry

CINCINNATI – Dean Littleton, vice president and general manager at Denver7 KMGH-TV since 2017, has been appointed senior vice president of local media for The E.W. Scripps Company (Nasdaq: SSP) – one of several appointments announced as part of the organization’s restructuring.

Littleton will be responsible for directing the operations of Scripps’ local stations. Prior to joining Scripps to run KMGH, he was general manager at WATE-TV in Knoxville (2013-2017) and general sales manager at WVLT-TV in Knoxville (2008-2013), KUSA-TV in Denver (2007-2008) and WBIR-TV in Knoxville (2000-2007). He started his career as a news photographer/editor at WBIR.

“Dean has shown tremendous leadership in Denver,” said Lisa Knutson, chief operating officer. “He is committed to great journalism, and he has a vision for increasing engagement and growing trust with our communities.”

Knutson also announced the following:

• Frank Friedman, senior vice president of data, insights and research, will oversee data strategy, analytics and business insights. Jon Marks is vice president and chief research officer.
• Mark Gray, senior vice president of network and station operations, will be responsible for network and technical infrastructure that supports local and networks operations. Ray Thurber is vice president and chief engineer and innovation officer.
• Joe Naylor, senior vice president of streaming and digital platforms, will oversee development of the company’s consumer streaming and digital strategy for all local and network brands.
• Michael O’Brian, senior vice president and chief distribution officer, will oversee the team responsible for managing distribution across numerous platforms, including cable, satellite and virtual carriers as well as multicast spectrum.

Scripps announced in early January its plans to restructure and reorganize to create a more agile operating structure.

Positions previously announced include:

• Robin Davis, senior vice president of strategy and planning
• Sean McLaughlin, senior vice president of local news
• Keisha Taylor, senior vice president and chief marketing officer
• Tom Zappala, senior vice president of content and programming

 

Media contact: Michael Perry, (513) 259-4718, [email protected]

 

About Scripps
The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) is a diversified media company focused on creating a better-informed world. As one of the nation’s largest local TV broadcasters, Scripps serves communities with quality, objective local journalism and operates a portfolio of 61 stations in 41 markets. The Scripps Networks reach nearly every American through the national news outlets Court TV and Scripps News and popular entertainment brands ION, Bounce, Defy TV, Grit, ION Mystery and Laff. Scripps is the nation’s largest holder of broadcast spectrum. Scripps runs an award-winning investigative reporting newsroom in Washington, D.C., and is the longtime steward of 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.”

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