Scripps is expanding its news footprint in Michigan.
The company will now produce local newscasts at WSYM, the Fox affiliate in Lansing, Mich. Previously, the station aired news from WILX, the NBC station in the area.
“The introduction of a local news operation in Michigan’s state capital builds on Scripps’ already strong presence across the state and will strengthen our ability to provide the news and information most important to the people of Lansing,” said Brian Lawlor, Scripps’ president of local media. “As one of the largest independent owners of TV stations in the country, our original news production is an important part of Scripps’ unwavering commitment to impartial and impactful journalism.”
The new local news operations further increases Scripps’ already substantial presence in the state. The company also owns WXZY and WMYD in Detroit, as well as WXMI in Grand Rapids, and those three markets reach more than 80% of the state’s TV households.
The expansion is modeled after Scripps’ move to produce its own local news in other markets, which have ramped up this year.
News consumers in Brazos Valley, Texas, now have access to local news since station KRHD in College Station launched local news programs, which air Monday through Friday from 5:30-6 p.m. and 10-10:35 p.m. KSAW in Twin Falls, Idaho, has premiered original weeknight newscasts that air from 5:30-6 p.m. and 10-10:35 p.m. Monday through Friday, serving the Magic Valley region of south-central Idaho. And KNXV in Phoenix launched morning and evening newscasts on sister station CW61 Arizona, which air weekdays from 7-9 a.m. and Monday through Sunday 9-10 p.m.