Scripps' Rich Boehne To Retire In 2017

Rich Boehne

Rich Boehne will retire from his role as president and chief executive of the Cincinnati-based E.W. Scripps Co. next year and his successor will be the company's chief digital officer Adam Symson.

Scripps said Wednesday Boehne will leave his post during the second half of 2017. But in the meantime, Symson will begin serving as chief operating officer in preparation to become the next president and CEO. In the new role, Symson will report to Boehne and oversee the company's broadcast television, radio and digital media divisions.

Boehne, 60, has been president and CEO since 2008 and was elected chairman of the board in 2013. The board expects Boehne will continue as its chairman following the transition later next year.

The transition in leadership comes as Scripps works to transform its media enterprise. Within the last few years, Scripps has sought to develop new businesses in emerging media through investments and acquisitions as a backstop to the changing landscapes for TV and radio.

Adan Symson

Founded in 1878, Scripps owns 33 television stations, 34 radio stations and digital businesses such as the humor brand Cracked, podcast advertising network Midroll Media and over-the-top video news service Newsy. The company also produces shows "The List" and "The Now" and serves as steward of the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

Symson, 41, joined the Scripps TV division in 2002 and has held a variety of roles before taking over the company's digital operations in 2011. In that role, he has run Scripps' local digital businesses in 27 markets as well as national digital content companies Midroll, Newsy and Cracked. Symson has led the strategy and execution of product development, content, revenue and marketing for the company's digital portfolio.

"Adam has demonstrated the leadership and entrepreneurial skills critical for the continued long-term success of the Scripps enterprise," Boehne said in a statement. "In this media environment, where opportunities and challenges develop at an ever-accelerating pace, he has shown his ability to build successful media brands.

Symson has a bachelor's in communication from the University of California, Los Angeles. He lives with his wife and two daughters in Cincinnati and serves on the boards of Cincinnati Public Radio, Adath Israel Congregation and Scripps Howard Foundation.