E.W. Scripps was born on June 18, 1854, in Rushville, Illinois. He was the youngest of five children born to James Mogg Scripps, who also had seven children from his previous two marriages. Growing up, Scripps was surrounded by a large and diverse family, with siblings from various backgrounds and ages.
At a young age, Scripps developed a passion for the newspaper industry. He began his career by working for his half-brother in newspapers around the Midwest. Scripps learned the ins and outs of the industry and eventually decided to start his own newspaper.
In 1878, Scripps founded the Cleveland Penny Press in Ohio. The newspaper quickly gained popularity and was later renamed the Cleveland Press. Scripps' innovative business model focused on funding promising new journalists and taking a controlling interest in successful publications.
Recognizing the power of collaboration, Scripps united several successful publications to form the wire service United Press International (UPI). This move revolutionized the news industry, allowing for a more efficient and widespread distribution of information.
Throughout his career, Scripps employed many renowned journalists, including Walter Jacobson. His dedication to journalism and innovation in the industry left a lasting impact on the field. Scripps' self-named company, the E.W. Scripps Company, continues to thrive today as a leader in the media industry.
Outside of his professional accomplishments, Scripps was known for his strong work ethic and dedication to his family. Despite coming from a large and complex family background, Scripps maintained close relationships with his siblings and extended family members.
E.W. Scripps was a pioneer in the newspaper industry, revolutionizing the way news was shared and consumed. His legacy lives on through the continued success of the E.W. Scripps Company and his impact on the field of journalism as a whole.
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