WSYM Lansing Expands News Operations

The introduction of local news operations at WSYM builds on Scripps’ footprint across Michigan: its three markets reach approximately 81% of the state’s TV households. Scripps also owns WXYZ (ABC) and WMYD (MNT) in Detroit and WXMI (Fox) in Grand Rapids.

WILX, the NBC affiliate in Lansing owned by Gray Television, is currently producing and will continue to produce the WSYM newscasts through Dec. 31.

In addition to building a local newsgathering team in Lansing, the new WSYM newsroom will leverage Scripps’ Michigan stations along with Scripps’ national content desk.

“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.”

Gary Baxter will continue to serve as WSYM’s vice president and general manager.

WSYM is the most recent Scripps station to announce plans to produce their own local news this year:

• News consumers in Brazos Valley, Texas, now have access to local news since KRHD in College Station launched its news programming. Local news programs air from 5:30-6 p.m. and 10-10:35 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• KSAW in Twin Falls, Idaho, launched original weeknight newscasts, expanding its commitment to local audiences within the Magic Valley region of south-central Idaho. Local news programs air 5:30-6 p.m. and 10-10:35 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• KNXV in Phoenix launched morning and evening newscasts on sister station KASW (CW). The newscasts are now available on KASW weekdays from 7-9 a.m. and Monday through Sunday 9-10 p.m.
• WSFL in Miami launched a weekly show, The Rebound.

Other Scripps stations have recently expanded local news programming into additional dayparts, including WPIX in New York, KOAA Colorado Springs and WCPO Cincinnati. Both WTXL in Tallahassee, Fla., and WTKR Norfolk, Va., added weekend morning news.