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E.W. Scripps Company Welcomes Matthew Hijuelos as VP of Distribution

In a significant leadership change, the E.W. Scripps Company, recognized for its extensive media reach and commitment to quality journalism, has promoted Matthew Hijuelos to the position of Vice President of Distribution, effective January 1. This strategic move is aimed at streamlining Scripps' distribution efforts across multiple platforms, including cable, satellite, and virtual carriers, as well as multicast spectrum.

As the current Senior Director of Media Distribution, Hijuelos has played a pivotal role in shaping Scripps' multiplatform distribution strategy, which encompasses partnerships that contribute to the financial health of Scripps’ national networks and local TV stations. His leadership has been particularly noteworthy in expanding the company's streaming distribution efforts, which have significantly boosted annual connected TV advertising revenues.

A Visionary Leader with Proven Experience

Matthew Hijuelos is celebrated not just for his industry knowledge but also for his exceptional negotiation skills. Jason Combs, the Chief Financial Officer of Scripps, lauded Hijuelos as a respected leader who has effectively managed complex distribution negotiations, making him well-suited to steer the distribution team. Combs emphasized that Hijuelos' vast experience and established industry relationships within the media landscape empower him to lead effectively during this transformational phase.

Having joined Scripps in 2021 as part of the company's acquisition of ION, Hijuelos previously held the title of Vice President of Business Distribution, where he was instrumental in devising OTT strategies along with forming and managing crucial partnerships for the ION networks. His prior experience encompasses almost two decades at Akamai Technologies, a leading force in cloud computing, where he contributed to various leadership roles focused on business development.

A Strong Academic Background

Hijuelos' educational qualifications are equally commendable; he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. Before joining Scripps, his career not only included esteemed positions like Business Analyst at JP Morgan but also work as a management consultant for KPMG. Hijuelos has made New York his base and is set to replace Robin Davis, who will be retiring from Scripps at the end of the year.

The Scripps Legacy and Future Directions

The E.W. Scripps Company stands as one of America's largest local TV broadcasters, committed to creating an informed society through 60+ television stations across over 40 markets. With a diverse portfolio, including national brands like Scripps News and Court TV, as well as entertainment networks like ION, Bounce, and Grit, Scripps continues to thrive as a leader in the industry.

Founded in 1878, Scripps has upheld its motto, “Give light and the people will find their own way.” As the media landscape evolves, the integration of advanced distribution strategies under Hijuelos’ guidance is anticipated to play a critical role in navigating these changes and sustaining Scripps' reputation for delivering high-quality, objective news content.

For those interested in further details or to connect with the Scripps media team, please reach out to Becca McCarter at (513) 410-2425 or via email.

With Hijuelos at the helm of distribution, Scripps is poised to enhance its offerings and remain at the forefront of the broadcasting industry.