ASK ME ABOUT
BOBBY MALY CEO THE MODEL GROUP ASK ME ABOUT Converting downtown’s Mercantile Center to apartments and allowing The Mercantile Library to add a second floor.
ADAM SYMSON PRESIDENT AND CEO E.W. SCRIPPS COMPANY
WHAT WAS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF RESURRECTING THE SCRIPPS NATIONAL SPELLING BEE AFTER ITS 2020 HIATUS? Cancelling the program last year was a heartbreaking but necessary decision. We knew that with the appropriate time and expertise to prepare we could bring it back safely this year. Children across the globe had
already experienced too much upheaval during 2020, so our Bee team worked tirelessly to relaunch it to offer a sense of stability and familiarity for schools, students, and families.
TELL US ABOUT THIS YEAR’S WINNER, ZAILA AVANT-GARDE. She resonates pure joy and has demonstrated tre-
62 REALM FALL 2021
ASK ME ABOUT The return of the live Scripps National Spelling Bee.
mendous grace under pressure in handling the attention after winning. I also love that her focus on competitive spelling isn’t even her top priority—she is so well rounded, including her passion and talent for basketball.
YOUR OTHER NATIONAL COMPETITION, THE SCRIPPS HOWARD AWARDS, ELE-
VATES THE FIELD OF JOURNALISM BY OFFERING $160,000 IN PRIZE MONEY IN 14 CATEGORIES. HOW DO THOSE BENEFIT AVERAGE AMERICANS? There are amazingly dedicated and talented journalists all over the country working hard to tell the stories of the people in their communities. Every year, the Scripps Howard Awards
allow us to honor the best of the best of American journalism in a way that furthers the public’s understanding of the role a free press plays in our society. –ELIZABETH MILLER WOOD
IN WHAT WAYS ARE YOU HOPING YOUR LEADERSHIP WILL LAUNCH A NEW ERA FOR THE TEAM? I joined the Bengals after working in management consulting and private equity, two distinct worlds rooted in data and driven by results. This background underlies our strategic initiatives and goals for the next few years.
HOW ARE THE BENGALS ENGAGING FANS DIFFERENTLY THIS SEASON? It starts with our new team introductions and Ruler of the Jungle pregame ceremony to create an energetic environment right before kickoff. We also added fireworks and revamped the videoboard content. We want fans to channel the pride we see online into screams and cheers that make Paul Brown Stadium an incredible atmosphere.
P H O T O G R A P H C O U R T E SY E .W. S C R I P P S
