Alison Pepper to Leave CBS News

Top Story: CBS News’ senior vice president of talent strategy Alison Pepper announced that she will depart the network once the presidential election cycle concludes. Pepper—who has been with the network since 2021—cited the “seismic shifts” at CBS as impacting her decision. That’s likely a reference to the network’s parent company, Paramount Global, which is preparing to merge with Skydance Media next year. That merger has already led to restructuring and layoffs at CBS News, with more likely to be on the way.

New Additions: As Pepper exits, Kelly O’Grady joins CBS News as a Money Watch correspondent. O’Grady was previously at Fox Business, where she served as a correspondent and fill-in anchor. Grady has talents beyond journalism, having been trained as a Latin ballroom dancer and figure skater.

Thrilled to share that I’m joining the @CBSNews family! Starting today, I will be working w/the #MoneyWatch team to bring you insights on the most pressing market, business & tech stories. Looking forward to this new chapter — my DMs are open, so send me story ideas! #CBSNews pic.twitter.com/nQ0JaG3caa

— Kelly O’Grady (@TheKellyOGrady) October 21, 2024

Over at Scripps News, Matt Simon has been named vice president of the soon-to-be shuttered network. Currently, Scripps’ deputy managing editor and senior executive producer, Simon, will be responsible for the vision, overall leadership, editorial identity, and programming of the centralized national news organization that will remain after the 24/7 news service goes dark.

Hill Tops: The sports news magazine format is making a comeback thanks to Jemelle Hill and TruTV. In conjunction with TNT Sports and Uninterrupted, Hill will host Above the Fold with Jemelle Hill, airing Tuesdays at 5 p.m. ET. The one-hour show will feature the sports journalist and a rotating lineup of correspondents discussing and debating the latest news surrounding the week’s biggest stories.