Scripps To Offer Newsy As Free, OTA Network Beginning Oct. 1, Newsy will be available over the air in at least 80% of U.S. television homes — and in all major markets — carried primarily by Scripps-owned Ion stations and select Scripps stations plus those of other station groups. By Mark K. Miller | April 6, 2021 | 1:20 p.m. ET. The E.W. Scripps Co. will soon launch its popular over-the-top national news network Newsy over the air as well — serving the growing free OTA market of cord-cutting self-bundlers. Newsy’s distribution over the air will make it the only American news television network with ubiquitous OTT and OTA distribution, Scripps says.