Scripps announces newspaper content chief

CINCINNATI, Jan. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Mizell Stewart III, who has been the editor of The E.W. Scripps Company's (NYSE: SSP) award-winning Evansville Courier & Press since 2007, has been named vice president of content for the Scripps newspaper group, effective Jan. 23. 

As chief content officer, Stewart will be responsible for developing content strategy and directly overseeing the creation, curation and production of news, information and entertainment for print and digital platforms in the 13 Scripps newspaper markets. All Scripps editors will report directly to him.

"Mizell is passionate about local news and community service," said Tim Stautberg, senior vice president of newspapers for Scripps. "He is well-respected within our newspapers and will utilize his broad experience to encourage the creation of indispensable content at a time when customers have more options than ever before to find the information and entertainment they crave.  We are confident that through his leadership our newsrooms will continue to pursue the mission of informing, engaging and empowering the communities we serve."

Last month the Courier & Press was named Indiana's best daily newspaper for 2011 by the Hoosier State Press Association, earning the Blue Ribbon Award. The Courier & Press was a finalist for the same award in 2009 and 2010.

Stewart has a lengthy record of success in the  local media industry, including newsroom leadership, staff development, online content expansion, community engagement, and award-winning content coordination.

Before coming to Scripps, he was managing editor of the Akron Beacon Journal, returning to the newspaper in 2006. Stewart also held a number of newsroom management posts in Akron from 1994 to 2000.  

In 2005, while serving in a corporate role with Knight Ridder, Stewart served as acting managing editor of The (Biloxi) Sun-Herald, supervising day-to-day coverage of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The Sun Herald's effort was recognized in 2006 with the Pulitzer Gold Medal for Public Service.

He also was on the front lines for another memorable event in U.S. history.  He was managing editor of the Tallahassee Democrat during the 2000 presidential recount in Florida.  He coordinated coverage that captured national and worldwide attention and was named editor of the paper in 2003.

His early pursuits in the industry included working as a reporter in Springfield, Ohio, and then as a reporter and local news editor for the Dayton Daily News.  He even had a stint as a radio personality in Toledo, Ohio. He is a journalism graduate of Bowling Green State University and has completed the Advanced Executive Program at the Media Management Center at Northwestern University.

During his career climb, he always finds the time to be involved in community and professional organizations. He is the vice president of the Indiana Debate Commission, the nation's first independent statewide commission responsible for organizing and staging political debates. He is also an advisory board member in support of programs at the University of Evansville and Bowling Green State University.

Stewart also is a board member for the American Society of News Editors, and vice president of the Evansville African American Museum.

Scripps (www.scripps.com) is a diverse media enterprise with interests in television stations and newspapers that are passionate about the company's long-time vision statement: "Give light and the people will find their own way."

SOURCE The E.W. Scripps Company