#United States #Cincinnati #Scripps Company #Investigative Journalism #Peabody Award

E.W. Scripps Company Celebrates Awards for Investigative Reporting

The E.W. Scripps Company, a key player in the media landscape, has recently achieved significant recognition by winning two prestigious Peabody Awards for its commitment to impactful local journalism. The awards, which are highly sought after in the broadcasting industry, highlight Scripps' dedication to investigative reporting that addresses critical issues within communities.

Noteworthy Investigations

Scripps stations have been lauded for their exceptional efforts in investigative reporting, receiving accolades for their thorough and engaging coverage of important local issues.

One of the standout winners, WTVF, the Scripps-owned CBS station in Nashville, Tennessee, claimed the Peabody for its powerful series entitled "Confronting Hate." This series focused on the alarming rise of political extremism in Tennessee including the activities of neo-Nazi groups and white Christian nationalists. Over 26 reports were aired, skillfully crafted by NewsChannel 5 Senior Investigative Reporter Phil Williams. The series prompted a significant criminal probe by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation into misconduct within a local police department, illustrating the profound impact that dedicated journalism can have on community safety and justice.

This victory marks the fourth Peabody Award for WTVF and the fifth for Williams, solidifying their place as leaders in local news.

Another notable recipient of a Peabody Award is KNXV, Scripps' ABC station in Phoenix, which was recognized for its groundbreaking project titled "Policing Phoenix." This series translated the U.S. Department of Justice's extensive report on the Phoenix Police Department into an engaging video format, comprising 32 segments that revealed systemic failures within the department. The investigative team, led by Chief Investigator Dave Biscobing, along with Senior Investigator Melissa Blasius and Investigative Producer Kelsie Blazier, worked diligently to bring to light the findings of the DOJ, thus underscoring the importance of transparency in law enforcement.

KNXV's series was not only awarded the Peabody but also earned recognition with a first-place National Headliner Award, marking its fifth Peabody Award overall and its third in the last five years.

The Impact of Local Journalism

Dean Littleton, who serves as the Executive Vice President of Media Broadcast Operations at Scripps, emphasized the vital role of local journalism in fostering community integrity. He stated, _"These prestigious Peabody Awards are a testament to the unwavering commitment and transformative power of local journalism. The impactful investigations by WTVF and KNXV not only tell stories but also act as catalysts for change, reinforcing our role as watchdogs in the communities we serve. We take immense pride in our teams and their contributions toward meaningful public discourse."_

Each year, Peabody winners are selected unanimously by a diverse board of jurors, showcasing storytelling that powerfully reflects pressing social issues, a diverse array of voices, and cultural narratives.

Upcoming Honors

The winners will receive their awards at a ceremony scheduled for June 1 in Los Angeles, further celebrating the achievements of local journalism that strives to hold the powerful accountable and serves the interests of the community.

Beyond the award wins, Scripps’ dedication to impactful journalism continues with its other projects, including Scripps News, which partnered with The Marshall Project and was named a finalist for a 2025 Peabody Award for the series "Inside Story." This initiative aims to engage with America’s prison populations, ensuring that one of the nation’s largest news deserts is represented.

In conclusion, the E.W. Scripps Company not only represents a robust media presence but also exemplifies the essence of journalism that serves the public good. With awards highlighting the significance of investigative reporting, Scripps remains committed to integrity, transparency, and excellence in delivering news that matters to communities throughout the country.