E.W. Scripps Company Receives Prestigious NAB Award for Hurricane Relief Efforts
1. Recognition of Service Excellence
On April 15, 2025, The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) announced its recognition by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) with the esteemed "Service to America" award. This honor celebrates the company’s exemplary efforts in providing hurricane relief following the devastating impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which struck the Southeastern United States within weeks of each other last fall. Scripps was awarded the top honor in the television ownership group category, highlighting its commitment to community service and philanthropy.
2. The Impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton
Hurricanes Helene and Milton were among the most catastrophic weather events in U.S. history, ranking in the top ten for costliest hurricanes. The back-to-back storms wreaked havoc on communities, prompting urgent responses from local media outlets. Scripps News, alongside its local television stations, played a critical role in informing the public, providing real-time updates on the hurricanes' landfall and subsequent aftermath. Scripps journalists were actively engaged in delivering essential information regarding community evacuations and safety preparedness, while Scripps meteorologists offered the latest forecasts to help guide viewers’ decisions during this tumultuous period.
3. Community Engagement and Fundraising Initiatives
In preparation for the hurricanes, the Scripps Howard Fund, a public charity established by Scripps, worked closely with local stations and Scripps News to set up disaster relief fundraisers. Following the storms, these teams swiftly launched campaigns through various channels—including on-air, online, and social media—to assist affected communities. Their efforts resulted in an impressive $289,000 raised for 29 local nonprofits that were on the front lines of the recovery efforts.
Adam Symson, Scripps president and CEO, remarked on the significance of the award, stating, "This award is a testament to the profound public service role our local broadcast teams play within communities – providing them with critical information during times of crisis and fostering human connection when it's needed most." He emphasized that every dollar raised through the stations' campaigns was directed toward immediate relief and long-term support, offering hope and resources to communities as they began to recover.
4. Upcoming Gala Celebration
The NAB Leadership Foundation plans to honor Scripps and other award winners at the Celebration of Service to America Awards gala, scheduled for June 10 in Washington, D.C. This event aims to highlight the outstanding contributions of local broadcasters across the nation in fostering community resilience and engagement.
5. About E.W. Scripps Company
Founded in 1878, The E.W. Scripps Company is a diversified media organization dedicated to creating meaningful connections through journalism. As one of the largest local TV broadcasters in the United States, Scripps operates over 60 television stations across more than 40 markets. The company also reaches audiences through national news outlets like Scripps News and Court TV, in addition to popular entertainment brands including ION, Bounce, Grit, ION Mystery, ION Plus, and Laff. Scripps holds the largest share of broadcast spectrum in the nation and maintains a significant presence in sports broadcasting, reaching up to 100% of TV households.
6. About the Scripps Howard Fund
Established by The E.W. Scripps Company, the Scripps Howard Fund is a public charity aimed at fostering informed and engaged communities through initiatives in journalism education, childhood literacy, and local causes. The Fund collaborates with Scripps brands to raise awareness of community issues and supports organizations dedicated to building thriving neighborhoods. Through its various programs, the Fund exemplifies Scripps' longstanding commitment to social responsibility and public service.
In summary, E.W. Scripps Company’s recognition by the NAB for its hurricane relief efforts not only underscores its role as a vital community resource during crises but also highlights the importance of local journalism in fostering informed and resilient communities.