Denver7 confirmed that at least 28 local positions were eliminated this week, joining a broader restructuring effort by parent company E.W. Scripps. The cuts bring the total number of layoffs at Scripps to 850 this year, roughly 20% of the company’s workforce.
Why the layoffs are happening
Scripps says the reductions are part of a three‑year transformation plan designed to “adapt to how people get news today — across broadcast, streaming and digital.” The company emphasizes that the move is intended to improve operating results and better serve local audiences, advertisers, and the community.
Roles affected and those retained
The eliminated roles were primarily tied to traditional newscast production and station operations. On‑air anchors and reporters were not included in the cuts, according to a Scripps spokesperson. One affected employee, studio technician Bobby Bennett, posted on Facebook that he and close to 40 colleagues are part of the 431 nationwide positions being removed.
Support for displaced staff
Scripps’ spokesperson described the decisions as “difficult” but expressed gratitude to the colleagues whose roles were eliminated, adding that the company is “committed to supporting them through the transition.” The statement also noted that a new operating model and automation will allow Denver7 journalists to update stories across daily platforms more efficiently.
New opportunities alongside the cuts
At the same time Scripps announced 100 new roles in newsrooms across the country, focusing on “field reporting and community connection.” Earlier this year, Scripps President and CEO Adam Symson highlighted an AI‑driven transformation, saying the technology will deliver improved results and help the company serve local consumers, audiences, and advertisers more effectively.
What this means for Denver
While the exact number of Denver7 positions eliminated has not been officially confirmed by the station, the layoffs reflect a national trend toward automation and digital integration in newsrooms. The shift aims to free up resources for more on‑the‑ground reporting, which could enhance coverage of local issues that matter to Denver families and businesses.
Looking ahead
Symson’s recent memo indicated that additional roles could be eliminated as the transformation progresses. Community members and former staff are encouraged to share job leads and support one another during this transition period.
Original reporting: Denverite — read the source article.
