The E.W. Scripps Company is rolling out a broad slate of programming, special reports and community-focused initiatives to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, leveraging its local television stations, national news platforms and digital properties to mark the milestone throughout the summer.
The company announced Thursday that its coverage plans will culminate around Independence Day, with special programming airing across Scripps News and the company’s local television stations. The effort is centered on Scripps’ corporate mission of creating connections through storytelling and community engagement.
“America’s 250th anniversary is an opportunity to connect neighbors, share stories that inspire pride in our country and reaffirm the freedoms that make those stories possible,” Dean Littleton, the Executive Vice President of Media Broadcast Operations at Scripps, said in a statement.
A centerpiece of the initiative will be “250: Celebrating America,” a one-hour special hosted by Scripps News anchor Alisyn Camerota. Scheduled to air on July 4, the program will spotlight individuals and organizations making a positive impact in communities across the country through a mix of local reporting and national storytelling. The special will be available on Scripps-owned television stations and streaming platforms.
As part of the broadcast, the Scripps Howard Fund will award $75,000 in grants to five nonprofit organizations. Each organization will receive $15,000 to support missions ranging from fighting hunger and supporting families to creating employment opportunities for people with disabilities and providing service dogs for veterans.
“These organizations are doing extraordinary work to uplift their communities,” said Meredith Delaney, the President and CEO of the Scripps Howard Fund.
The July 4 programming lineup will also include the documentary “JFK: Fact & Fable,” followed by live national coverage of bicentennial celebrations across the country. Scripps News anchors Del Walters and Camerota will co-host evening coverage from the National Mall in Washington, D.C., featuring musical performances and Independence Day festivities.
Beyond its national programming, Scripps said its local television stations will produce original reporting throughout the summer highlighting community celebrations, historical reenactments, parades, concerts and civic events tied to the nation’s 250th anniversary. The company also plans to air a series of short-form vignettes recognizing everyday Americans, including teachers, nurses, firefighters and others whose work reflects the country’s civic spirit.
To support the effort online, Scripps has launched dedicated America 250 content hubs on its local station websites and on ScrippsNews.com, providing event information, local coverage and stories from communities across the country.
