Adam Symson
Adam Symson, 44, is president and CEO of The E.W. Scripps Company.
Prior to becoming CEO in August 2017, Adam was Scripps’ chief operating officer, overseeing
the company’s broadcast TV, radio and digital media divisions.
As chief digital officer from 2011 to 2016, he was responsible for Scripps digital businesses in
more than 25 local markets and for national businesses including Newsy and Stitcher. In this
role, Adam oversaw the strategy and execution across product development, content, revenue
and marketing for Scripps’ portfolio of web, mobile and over-the-top businesses. He was
responsible for leading the company’s efforts to develop new businesses in emerging media
through investment and acquisition. He also was responsible for the operations within the
Scripps News Washington Bureau.
Prior to this post, Adam oversaw the operation, content and revenue for the TV division’s
interactive businesses. He also spent a year as director of content and marketing for the Scripps
interactive media division (which was spun off into Scripps Networks Interactive in 2008). Adam
joined the company’s corporate operation in 2003 as the director of investigations and special
projects for the TV group. Shortly after, he was named director of news strategy and operations.
Adam joined Scripps as executive producer of investigations and special projects for KNXV, the
Scripps-owned ABC affiliate in Phoenix.
Earlier in his career, Adam worked as an investigative journalist for CBS stations WBBM in
Chicago and KCBS in Los Angeles, at KNBC Los Angeles at the then Disney-owned
independent news operation, KCAL TV, and as an independent producer for CBS News and
NBC News. He began his broadcast career at KGIL-AM 1260 in Los Angeles and has a
bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Adam is a mentor, advisor and board member for several accelerators and digital media
startups. He serves on the board of directors for Adath Israel Congregation.
A passionate advocate for the important role journalists play in our society, Adam also is an
established thought leader in the media industry, having been recognized by the NAB in 2016
with the Digital Leadership Award, by Borrell with its 2014 Award of Merit (also known as the
Innovator’s Award) and by Broadcasting & Cable in 2011 as the Multiplatform Broadcaster of
the Year.
He and his wife, Sherri, have two daughters.