Sean McLaughlin, Senior Vice President of Local at the E.W. Scripps Co., has announced his departure. The company has subsequently named Kate O’Brian as its new President of News.
Previously, O’Brian had been in charge of national news outlets, Scripps News, and Court TV for the company since joining in 2021.
“Kate O’Brian is a skilled executive and journalist who embodies our responsibility to serve American audiences nationally and locally. This new structure puts oversight for the entire company’s news and editorial strategy under her leadership,” Scripps CEO Adam Symson said in a statement to Broadcasting+Cable.
“Scripps will maintain locally run, locally focused newsrooms serving each of our local markets, and at the same time we will coordinate our local and national reporting for the benefit of all our audiences, including for Scripps News’ network,” Symson said.
Symson added that the company will seek a new SVP of Local News, with that new hire reporting directly to O’Brian.
In a post to social media announcing his exit, McLaughlin called his time at the company a rewarding one.
“Leading the local news division at Scripps since 2014 has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. Working with some of the most talented people in the industry, united behind a mission to elevate the quality of local journalism, modernize the approach and serve our communities even better,” wrote McLaughlin.
“As I move to the next chapter in my journey, I thank everyone who I have had the honor of working with at this crucial time in our industry. I thank Scripps for allowing me to help lead the mission. For all the journalists and editorial leaders: Keep fighting the fight. What we do is more important than ever. A heart-felt thanks to everyone who has reached out today. Your words have been kind and more meaningful than I can express.”
