CINCINNATI—Award-winning news executive Eric Ludgood has been tapped to lead E.W. Scripps’ Newsy news streaming service, effective Aug. 16.
In this newly created role, Ludgood will be responsible for the overall leadership, editorial identity and programming for the national news organization. He will report to Kate O’Brian, head of the news group for Scripps Networks, and will be based in Atlanta.
“As we build toward the launch of Newsy as a truly national network news organization, I am thrilled to be bringing in someone of Eric’s caliber and character to lead our talented team,” O’Brian said. “His experience directing coverage for a multitude of big global events combined with his award-winning investigative journalism makes him a great fit for Newsy and for the mission-based Scripps culture.”
Newsy provides news across multiple platforms. While already available on nearly every major over-the-top and connected TV platform, Newsy will launch over the air in more than 90% of U.S. television homes—and in all major markets—on Oct. 1, carried primarily over Scripps-owned broadcast stations’ spectrum. Its distribution over the air will make it the only American news television network to be ubiquitous on both growth platforms, Scripps says.
Ludgood spent 13 years at CNN International in various leadership roles, including vice president for editorial. He played a pivotal role in several major stories during his time there, including the election of Nelson Mandela, the events of Sept. 11, the war in Afghanistan and the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004. Ludgood also led the CNN World Report unit.
Ludgood has directed content development and production for more than 60 hours of news programming each week at WAGA-TV, the FOX-owned and operated channel in Atlanta. He was executive producer of the investigative team whose reporting has garnered numerous awards, including a Peabody, for its examination of law enforcement use of field drug tests.
“I feel very fortunate to be joining Newsy at this important moment in its impressive evolution,” said Ludgood, an Auburn University graduate. “The vision for Newsy is ambitious, and I am eager to play a role in realizing that vision.
