CINCINNATI — As part of its commitment to creating a better-informed world, The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) will run a commercial interruption-free special on its local television stations across the country to spark a national dialogue around implicit bias while advancing conversations at the local level in the 41 markets where it operates.
“Each of us have experiences and backgrounds that shape how we think and how we interact with the world around us,” said Local Media President Brian Lawlor. “As a steward of the public airwaves with a station footprint that reaches into nearly a quarter of U.S. TV households, Scripps has a powerful platform from which we can help facilitate critical conversations about the implicit biases we all carry and what they mean for how we connect with one another.
“We’re proud to bring this special with Dr. Marks to our viewers in every market in order to provide a safe space for these discussions – neighbor to neighbor – about identity and bias.”
The hourlong special, “Hidden Bias of Good People,” is hosted by Bryant T. Marks, Ph.D., founder and chief equity officer of the National Training Institute on Race and Equity. The special is interactive and conversational, with a goal of helping viewers understand the unconscious biases we all carry based on our upbringings and environments. Implicit, or unconscious, bias refers to attitudes and beliefs that occur outside of our conscious awareness and control.
A diversity and implicit bias expert, Marks has provided training to police departments and to executives and professionals in educational institutions, nonprofit organizations and local and federal government agencies, among others.
In addition to airing the special, Scripps’ local TV stations are producing multiplatform content to aid viewers in engaging with the topic of implicit bias. Planned content includes an in-depth series on race relations and stories examining the importance of equity, diversity and inclusion to employers and job seekers. Scripps TV stations also will host Facebook Live discussions and Zoom Q&As with local experts.
“Hidden Bias of Good People” will air across Scripps’ local media portfolio of 61 television stations the week of March 8. View the trailer.
Leading up to the program ABC15 has been airing a series of compelling stories that embrace equity, diversity, and inclusion with the intent of advancing the conversation in Arizona.
ABC15 and CW61 will air the 60-minute program on:
· ABC15 – Tuesday, March 9 at 7pm
· CW61 – Saturday, March 13 at 7pm
· CW61 – Sunday, March 14 at 11am
ABC15 reporter Courtney Holmes will host a virtual town hall with local experts on the station’s Facebook and digital platforms at 8pm following the special on Tuesday. Viewers can submit questions via share@abc15.com, during the program or live during the town hall discussion.
For more information go to abc15.com/hiddenbias.
About Scripps
The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) is a diversified media company focused on creating a better-informed world. As the nation’s fourth-largest local TV broadcaster, Scripps serves communities with quality, objective local journalism and operates a portfolio of 61 stations in 41 markets. The Scripps Networks reach nearly every American through the national news outlets Court TV and Newsy and popular entertainment brands ION, Bounce, Grit, Laff and Court TV Mystery. Scripps is the nation’s largest holder of broadcast spectrum. Scripps runs an award-winning investigative reporting newsroom in Washington, D.C., and is the longtime steward of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Founded in 1878, Scripps has held for decades to the motto, “Give light and the people will find their own way.”
Investor contact
Carolyn Micheli, The E.W. Scripps Company, 513-977-3732, Carolyn.micheli@scripps.com
Media contact
Kari Wethington, The E.W. Scripps Company, 513-977-3763, Kari.wethington@scripps.com
