It could also be a way for Scripps to eventually attract prospective buyers. Yes, as far as I know, Scripps is NOT for sale. But it’s common for companies to cut costs and say, “Hey, potential buyer, our balance sheet shows lower operating costs and higher revenue. How about some merger and acquisition activity?” I worked for a now-defunct broadcaster that used the same strategy.

Scripps deserves credit for at least trying something different. But this is as much — if not more — about money as it is about viewer trust.