E. W. Scripps facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
E. W. Scripps
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A newspaper cutout of E.W. Scripps, circa 1912.
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Edward Willis Scripps
June 18, 1854 |
| Died | March 12, 1926 (aged 71) |
| Occupation | Publisher, publishing magnate |
| Years active | 1878–1926 |
| Known for | Founder of The E. W. Scripps Company, (1878) Scripps Institution of Oceanography, (1907) United Press International, (1908; later known as "UPI News Service") "Science Service", (1921; later known as "Society for Science & the Public") |
| Spouse(s) | Nackie Benson Holtsinger (1866–1930) |
| Children | James George Scripps (1886–1921) John Paul Holtsinger Scripps (1889–1914) Dolla Blair Scripps (1890–1954) Edward MacLean Scripps (1891–1898) Robert Paine Scripps (1895–1938) Nackey Scripps Meanley (1898–1981) |
| Parent(s) | James Mogg Scripps Julia Adeline Osborne |
| Relatives | James E. Scripps, (1835–1906; half-brother) Ellen Browning Scripps, (1836–1932; half-sister) Samuel H. Scripps, (1927–2007; grandson) |
Edward Willis Scripps (born June 18, 1854 – died March 12, 1926) was an important American newspaper publisher. He founded The E. W. Scripps Company and the United Press news service. He worked with his half-sister, Ellen Browning Scripps, to build a large media business. The E. W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University is named after him.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Edward Willis Scripps was born in Rushville, Illinois. His father was James Mogg Scripps from London. His mother was Julia Adeline Osborne from New York. Edward was the youngest of five children born to James and Julia. His father, James, also had seven children from earlier marriages.
Like many businessmen of his time, E. W. Scripps often used his initials instead of his full name. He sometimes signed his middle name as "Wyllis."
Newspaper Career
Starting in the Newspaper Business
E. W. Scripps and his half-sister Ellen worked with their older half-brother, James E. Scripps. James founded The Detroit News in 1873. E. W. started his career there as an office boy.
In 1878, E. W. received loans from his half-brothers. He then founded The Penny Press in Cleveland. This newspaper later became known as the Cleveland Press. With financial help from his sister Ellen, he went on to start or buy about 25 newspapers. This was the beginning of a large media company, which is now known as the E. W. Scripps Company.
Building a Media Empire
E. W. Scripps had a unique way of expanding his business. He would lend money to promising young newspaper publishers in different towns. If their newspaper became successful, he would buy a 51% share of it. Once he owned a share, he would keep it. He believed that local editors knew best how to run their local newspapers. These editors were trained carefully and given a lot of freedom.
Scripps also brought new ideas to the newspaper world. He started distributing newspapers to the suburbs. He and his brother James also changed how newspapers made money. They got most of their income from advertisers, not just from people buying the papers.
Founding United Press
In 1907, Scripps created United Press Associations. This organization is now known as United Press International (UPI). He formed it by combining smaller news services from different regions. Scripps later said that creating United Press was his greatest service to the country. He wanted it to compete with the Associated Press, another major news service.
Scripps strongly believed that newspapers should be independent. He said that a newspaper that truly serves the public must sometimes go against the interests of advertisers. This might even cause advertisers to stop supporting the paper or fight against it.
Later Life and Philanthropy
Moving to San Diego
In 1898, E. W. Scripps finished building a home in San Diego. His half-sister Ellen lived nearby. He hoped the dry, warm climate would help with his allergic rhinitis, a condition he had his whole life. He built it as a winter home to escape the cold weather in West Chester, Ohio. However, he eventually lived there all year and managed his newspaper business from the ranch. His ranch covered the area that is now the community of Scripps Ranch and Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.
Supporting Science and Education
In 1903, E. W. and his half-sister Ellen were the first donors to the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. At first, Scripps was not sure about supporting the project. He thought scientists might not be good at business. But he became good friends with the scientific director, William Emerson Ritter. Together, they planned projects for the Institute. As the Institute grew, Scripps became a very enthusiastic supporter and took a great interest in its work.
In 1921, Scripps founded Science Service. This organization is now called the Society for Science & the Public. Its goal was to keep the public informed about new scientific discoveries. The organization still works today as a non-profit group that promotes science. Scripps College is also named after his half-sister, Ellen Browning Scripps. A large part of the college's funding came from the media fortune they had built.
Death and Legacy
E. W. Scripps passed away at the age of 71 on March 12, 1926. He asked to be buried at sea, and this was done from his yacht. Among his family members was his grandson, Samuel H. Scripps (1927–2007). Samuel became a well-known supporter of theater and dance in America later in the 20th century.
