‘Shielded’ investigation into police misconduct wins WXYZ in Detroit prestigious duPont-Columbia Award

Rhea-AI Summary

The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) local ABC station WXYZ-TV won the Alfred I. duPont-Columbia Award on Jan. 29, 2026 for "Shielded," a two-year investigation exposing systemic failures that allowed police officers with repeated misconduct to be rehired across Michigan.

The reporting spanned 19 reports, prompted new legislation, led the state to suspend law enforcement licenses and contributed to a criminal conviction, marking WXYZ's third duPont-Columbia Award.

Positive

• WXYZ investigation led to new legislation in Michigan
• State suspended law enforcement licenses after reporting
• Reporting contributed to a criminal conviction
• WXYZ earned its third duPont-Columbia Award

Negative

• Systemic rehiring failures allowed officers with repeated misconduct
• Officers moved between agencies often without public knowledge

News Market Reaction

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On the day this news was published, SSP gained 2.98%, reflecting a moderate positive market reaction. This price movement added approximately $9M to the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $307M at that time.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

CINCINNATI, Jan. 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The E.W. Scripps Company’s (NASDAQ: SSP) local ABC station in Detroit, WXYZ-TV, has been honored with one of journalism’s top honors – the Alfred I. duPont-Columbia Award – for “Shielded,” its two-year-long investigation that revealed systemic failures in preventing police officers with repeated misconduct from being rehired. 

Across 19 reports, investigative reporter Ross Jones and the WXYZ team exposed how police officers in Michigan, having been found by their own departments to have committed serious misconduct, were routinely hired by other law enforcement agencies. The investigation revealed these movements often happened without the knowledge of the public or the new communities these officers were hired to serve. 

The station’s reporting was used as a roadmap for new legislation, led the state to suspend officers’ law enforcement licenses and triggered the criminal conviction of another.

“This is public service reporting at its finest and a shining example of Scripps’ mission to serve people with in-depth, fact-based information about their communities,” said Dean Littleton, executive vice president of media broadcast operations at Scripps. “The WXYZ team’s relentless pursuit of the truth not only uncovered a systemic problem but also provided the catalyst for a solution. We could not be more proud of their work.”

This is the third duPont-Columbia Award for the WXYZ team. The duPont-Columbia Awards, administered by Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism, are among the most prestigious honors in journalism, recognizing outstanding reporting in the public interest. View the full list of 2026 winners here.

Media contacts: Molly Miossi, The E.W. Scripps Company, 513-977-3713, Molly.Miossi@scripps.com

About Scripps
The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) is a diversified media company focused on creating connection. As one of the nation’s largest local TV broadcasters, Scripps serves communities with quality, objective local journalism and operates a portfolio of more than 60 stations in 40+ markets. Scripps reaches households across the U.S. with national news outlets Scripps News and Court TV and popular entertainment brands ION, ION Plus, ION Mystery, Bounce, Grit and Laff. Scripps is the nation’s largest holder of broadcast spectrum. Scripps Sports serves professional and college sports leagues, conferences and teams with local market depth and national broadcast reach of up to 100% of TV households. Founded in 1878, Scripps is the steward of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, and its longtime motto is: “Give light and the people will find their own way.” 

FAQ

What did WXYZ's "Shielded" investigation reveal about police rehiring (SSP)?

It showed systemic failures letting officers with repeated misconduct be rehired by other agencies. According to E.W. Scripps Company, the two-year, 19-report investigation documented moves often made without public or community knowledge, prompting policy changes and enforcement actions in Michigan.

How did the "Shielded" series affect policy and law enforcement actions for SSP?

The series prompted new legislation and license suspensions in Michigan. According to E.W. Scripps Company, WXYZ's reporting served as a roadmap for lawmakers, led to suspension of law enforcement licenses, and supported enforcement steps including a criminal conviction.

What recognition did WXYZ (NASDAQ: SSP) receive for the "Shielded" investigation?

WXYZ won the Alfred I. duPont-Columbia Award for the "Shielded" investigation. According to E.W. Scripps Company, this honor is among journalism's most prestigious and marks the station's third duPont-Columbia Award overall.

Who led WXYZ's "Shielded" investigation and how extensive was the reporting for SSP?

Investigative reporter Ross Jones led the two-year investigation producing 19 reports. According to E.W. Scripps Company, the team’s multi-report series documented systemic rehiring issues and drove legislative and enforcement outcomes in Michigan.

Does the "Shielded" investigation have concrete legal outcomes tied to SSP reporting?

Yes. The reporting contributed to a criminal conviction and license suspensions in Michigan. According to E.W. Scripps Company, the investigation’s findings directly influenced legal and regulatory actions addressing police rehiring practices.