Scripps Names Ethan Nelson Head of Court TV

By Mark Mwachiro 

Scripps News has named Ethan Nelson as head of Court TV. The move, which goes into effect immediately, was announced by Kate O’Brian, executive vice president of Scripps News.

Nelson has been in this role on an interim basis since January. As head of Court TV, Nelson is responsible for the on-air presentation and day-to-day operations of the multi-platform network. He will also be responsible for program development, business development, and long-form production for the Scripps News Division.

“Ethan is a multi-talented journalist and programming expert whose insights and experience support both our news organizations,” said O’Brian. “He stepped in and helped lead Court TV to record-setting viewership in the last year, and I am happy he will take on the position permanently. Ethan’s talents are important to our overall operations.”

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Nelson, like O’Brian, was previously at ABC News, where he held a variety of leadership positions, including senior producer at Nightline, executive broadcast producer for Good Morning America and as executive producer of What Would You Do?

Scripps News also announced the elevation of Newsy managing editor Steve Turnham to Scripps News Washington bureau chief. Turnham will still retain his title as managing editor of Scripps News.

Steve Turnham

“Steve brings decades of experience to this role — producing news and documentaries and managing teams of talented journalists,” O’Brian added. “He played a vital role in Newsy’s development of its signature high-quality context-driven reporting and was a leader in 2020 presidential election coverage and the 2022 midterms. As bureau chief, Steve will use his expertise working with our political, investigative, and other reporting teams,” she added.

Turnham previously worked for CNN’s political and congressional unit and was a senior producer for Anderson Cooper 360. He helped launch and executive produce Al Jazeera America’s longform investigative program, America Tonight with Joie Chen. Turnham also worked for ABC News as senior Washington producer for This Week with George Stephanopoulos during the 2016 election and as senior producer for chief global affairs correspondent Martha Raddatz.

As we reported in September, Newsy will relaunch as Scripps News beginning Jan. 1, 2023. Scripps News reflects an effort by Newsy’s parent company, The E.W. Scripps Company, to create a unified brand with its local and national media broadcast platforms, which comprises Newsy, the Local Media national desk, and the Washington Bureau.

Nelson and Thurman, with their appointments, also join the Scripps News leadership team.

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