Lyn Plantinga Takes Charge as Senior VP of Local Media at E.W. Scripps Company

Lyn Plantinga Takes Charge as Senior VP of Local Media

The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) has recently announced the elevation of Lyn Plantinga, a seasoned leader in local television, to the position of Senior Vice President of Local Media. Effective immediately, Plantinga will be responsible for overseeing the company's local media operations and leading a team of regional vice presidents.

With a remarkable career that spans over three decades, Plantinga has held various key roles within Scripps, most recently serving as the General Manager for WTVF, the CBS-affiliated local television station in Nashville. Her extensive experience particularly positions her well to enhance the quality and accessibility of local journalism across multiple regions.

Prior to this promotion, Plantinga was in charge of overseeing Scripps' local television stations across several cities, including Nashville, Lexington, Cleveland, Buffalo, and Cincinnati. In her new role, she will collaborate directly with Scripps' entire network of local stations, focusing on delivering quality journalism tailored to the communities they serve.

Dean Littleton, who was recently promoted to Executive Vice President of Media Broadcast Operations, acknowledged Plantinga's depth of experience and commitment to operational excellence, stating, "Lyn is a seasoned local media leader, committed to operational excellence, strong financial performance, and leading teams to deliver quality, objective journalism."

Plantinga’s journey in broadcast television began as an intern at WTVF, and she has risen through the ranks, taking on numerous leadership positions such as Assistant News Director, National Sales Manager, and Station Manager. In 2015, she was appointed Vice President and General Manager of WTVF, under her leadership, the station has become known as the top-rated news source in Nashville, excelling in every local daypart.

In addition to her role in broadcasting, Plantinga is actively involved in the community. Her team at NewsChannel 5 has successfully spearheaded ground-breaking initiatives, such as raising funds to donate over 40,000 books to children in Title One schools and working to alleviate medical debt for local residents. In one notable campaign, the station used its resources to eliminate more than $1.8 million in medical debt, showcasing a strong commitment to improving the lives of community members.

Additionally, under Plantinga's leadership, the WTVF station has received numerous prestigious accolades for its journalism, including national Peabody awards, Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University awards, and the National Edward R. Murrow Award, among others.

Beyond her operational responsibilities, Plantinga serves on several boards, including the Scripps Howard Fund and the General Hospital Foundation. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Vanderbilt University and has held numerous leadership roles with organizations such as the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters and Second Harvest Food Bank.

Her promotion as Senior Vice President marks a pivotal step for Scripps as the company continues to invest in the quality and reach of its local journalism. With Plantinga at the helm, the local media operations are poised for a future that prioritizes community engagement and excellence in news coverage. As she embarks on this new chapter, Plantinga's vision and leadership will undoubtedly bring Scripps’ mission of delivering quality, objective journalism directly to the heart of the communities it serves, living up to the company's motto: "Give light and the people will find their own way."