The Scripps family’s journey to prominence began in the late 19th century with James E. Scripps, a journalist and publisher who founded the Detroit Evening News in 1873. Born into a family of educators, James’ passion for journalism was ignited at a young age, leading him to establish his first newspaper at just 21 years old. This marked the start of a legacy that would span over a century and transform the media landscape.

As the family’s influence grew, so did their reach. James’ son, Ellen Browning Scripps, took over the family business and expanded it significantly. She introduced the concept of “journalism for the common man,” making news more accessible and affordable. This innovative approach led to the creation of the United Press Associations, which later became United Press International, a major news wire service. Meanwhile, her brother, Edward Wyllis Scripps, co-founded the Newspaper Enterprise Association, further solidifying the family’s footprint in the media industry.

Scripps Family’s Current Net Worth (2025)

The Scripps family, known for their media and newspaper empire, has an estimated net worth of $3.5 billion as of 2025. This includes the wealth of all family members, primarily derived from their controlling stake in The E.W. Scripps Company.

Career

The Scripps family’s patriarch, Edward W. Scripps, founded The E.W. Scripps Company in 1878, which began as a single newspaper in Cleveland, Ohio. The family has since grown the company into a diversified media concern, including local broadcast television stations, national cable networks, and digital media platforms.

Other Ventures

Beyond their media empire, the Scripps family has diversified investments in various industries. These include real estate, healthcare, and technology. They are also known for their philanthropic efforts, with the family’s foundation focusing on education, health, and community development.

Assets

The Scripps family’s assets primarily consist of their controlling stake in The E.W. Scripps Company, which includes broadcast and digital media properties. They also own extensive real estate holdings, including the family’s historic compound in Coronado, California. Additionally, they have a significant art collection, with pieces exhibited at the Scripps Museum of Art in Cleveland.

Annual Income

The exact annual income of the Scripps family is not publicly disclosed. However, based on the family’s net worth and the performance of The E.W. Scripps Company, it can be estimated that their annual income is in the hundreds of millions of dollars. This includes dividends, salaries, and other compensation from their various ventures.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Scripps Family

Frequently Asked Questions: Scripps Family Net Worth

1. What is the net worth of the Scripps Family?

The Scripps Family has an estimated net worth of $5.2 billion.

2. Who are the members of the Scripps Family?

The Scripps Family includes members like Ellen K. Scripps, her children Elizabeth and Craig, and other family members involved in the Scripps family businesses.

3. How did the Scripps Family make their fortune?

The Scripps Family fortune comes from their involvement in various media and newspaper businesses, including The E.W. Scripps Company and The Scripps Howard Foundation.

4. What are some of the companies owned by the Scripps Family?

Some of the companies owned by the Scripps Family include The E.W. Scripps Company, which operates as a media company, and The Scripps Howard Foundation, a philanthropic organization.

5. How much does each member of the Scripps Family contribute to the net worth?

The net worth is not split equally among the family members, and the exact contributions of each member are not publicly disclosed.

6. What is the Scripps Family’s involvement in philanthropy?

The Scripps Family is involved in philanthropy through The Scripps Howard Foundation, which supports education and journalism initiatives.

7. How does the Scripps Family manage their wealth?

The Scripps Family manages their wealth through various investments, including real estate, stocks, and other assets, as well as through their involvement in the family businesses.

8. What is the Scripps Family’s stance on public disclosure of their wealth?

The Scripps Family does not publicly disclose detailed information about their wealth or financial affairs.

9. How does the Scripps Family compare to other wealthy families in the U.S.?

The Scripps Family is among the wealthiest families in the United States, with a net worth comparable to other prominent American families.

10. What is the Scripps Family’s approach to succession and estate planning?

The Scripps Family’s approach to succession and estate planning is not publicly disclosed, but it is likely that they have strategies in place to preserve and transfer their wealth across generations.