Scripps hires veteran Midwest station leader as VP and general manager of WRTV in Indianapolis

Rhea-AI Summary

The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) has appointed Charlie Grisham as the new vice president and general manager of WRTV, an ABC affiliate in Indianapolis, effective June 10, 2024.

Grisham brings a wealth of experience from his previous role as vice president and general manager of WSIL-TV in Carterville, Illinois, where he led the station to achieve record revenue and ratings growth. His extensive background includes roles in sales management and content development at KSDK-TV, KUSI-TV, and Bitcentral, as well as on-air roles and a military career as a meteorologist in the U.S. Air Force.

Grisham holds an MBA from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Science in atmospheric sciences from Creighton University. He has also been active in community initiatives, notably co-founding Give SI, which has raised nearly $1 million for local nonprofits since 2020.

Positive

• Charlie Grisham's appointment as VP and GM of WRTV shows strategic leadership.
• Grisham led WSIL-TV to record revenue and ratings growth, indicating strong performance.
• Extensive experience in sales management and content development could benefit WRTV.
• Grisham's background as a military officer suggests strong discipline and leadership skills.
• Grisham’s community engagement initiatives, such as Give SI, showcase his commitment to local impact.

Negative

• Potential challenges in replicating WSIL-TV's success at WRTV due to different market dynamics.
• No mention of immediate plans or strategy changes, which might create uncertainty for investors.

CINCINNATI, June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) has hired Charlie Grisham as the vice president and general manager for WRTV, the Scripps-owned ABC affiliate in Indianapolis, effective June 10.

Grisham comes to Scripps from WSIL-TV in Carterville, Illinois, where he has been the vice president and general manager since 2019. During his time at WSIL, the ABC affiliate serving Southern Illinois, Western Kentucky and Southeast Missouri, Grisham has led a technical and strategic transformation of the station with a focus on serving the community, financial results and cultural alignment, and has helped steer the station to record revenue and ratings growth.

Grisham previously was director of sales for KSDK-TV in St. Louis, general sales manager and VP of local content development for KUSI-TV in San Diego and VP of sales for Bitcentral, a media software solutions company. He also has served in on-air roles for stations in Oklahoma, Nebraska and Iowa and as a meteorologist and military officer for the U.S. Air Force.

"Charlie is a seasoned local media executive who understands the changing media landscape and has a successful track record leading station operations in the Midwest," said Kathleen Choal, regional vice president and general manager. "He is well positioned to take WRTV to new heights as the general manager."

Grisham has served on the board of the Illinois Broadcasters Association and is co-founder of Give SI, an initiative aimed at fostering community engagement and philanthropy for local nonprofit organizations. The initiative has raised nearly $1 million since 2020.

He holds an MBA from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Science in atmospheric sciences from Creighton University. He and his wife, Naomi, have two children. In his free time, Grisham runs half marathons, golfs and is active in the classical music community. 

Media contact: Becca McCarter, The E.W. Scripps Company, (513) 410-2425, rebecca.mccarter@scripps.com

About Scripps
The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) is a diversified media company focused on creating a better-informed world. As one of the nation's largest local TV broadcasters, Scripps serves communities with quality, objective local journalism and operates a portfolio of more than 60 stations in 40+ markets. Scripps reaches households across the U.S. with national news outlets Scripps News and Court TV and popular entertainment brands ION, Bounce, Defy TV, Grit, ION Mystery and Laff. Scripps is the nation's largest holder of broadcast spectrum. Scripps is the longtime steward of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Founded in 1878, Scripps' long-time motto is: "Give light and the people will find their own way."

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SOURCE The E.W. Scripps Company

FAQ

Who is the new VP and general manager of WRTV?

Charlie Grisham has been appointed as the new VP and general manager of WRTV, starting June 10, 2024.

What experience does Charlie Grisham bring to WRTV?

Charlie Grisham has extensive experience in media, including leading WSIL-TV to record revenue and ratings growth, and roles in sales and content development at KSDK-TV, KUSI-TV, and Bitcentral.

What is Charlie Grisham's educational background?

Charlie Grisham holds an MBA from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Science in atmospheric sciences from Creighton University.

What is the effective date of Charlie Grisham's appointment at WRTV?

Charlie Grisham's appointment as VP and general manager of WRTV takes effect on June 10, 2024.

What community initiative did Charlie Grisham co-found?

Charlie Grisham co-founded Give SI, an initiative that has raised nearly $1 million for local nonprofits since 2020.