Steve Scully: Chronicle of a Broadcast Journalist
An in-depth exploration of a distinguished career in political reporting and public affairs.
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Introduction
A Voice in Public Affairs
Steven L. Scully, born September 17, 1960, is a distinguished American broadcast journalist. He currently hosts "The Briefing with Steve Scully" on SiriusXM POTUS 124 and contributes to Hill.com. His extensive career includes serving as the Political Editor for C-SPAN and host of its flagship program, Washington Journal. Scully has also held significant roles at the Bipartisan Policy Center and, as of July 2024, serves as a Senior Fellow at the University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. Furthermore, he joined the Former Members of Congress as a Senior Fellow in January 2025, focusing on bridging political divides.
Early Life and Education
Family and Roots
Born in Erie, Pennsylvania, Steve Scully is the son of Hubert L. "Hoot" Scully and Elizabeth Jane North "Betty" Scully. He is the 14th of 16 children, notable for including five sets of twins, highlighting a large and dynamic family background.
Academic Foundation
Scully pursued higher education with a focus on communication and political science. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree with honors from American University in Washington, D.C., in 1982. During his undergraduate studies, he participated in a study abroad program at the University of Copenhagen in 1980โ81. He also gained practical experience through internships, serving in Senator Joe Biden's office in 1978 and Senator Ted Kennedy's media affairs office in 1979, earning college credits for these roles. His academic journey continued at Northwestern University, where he obtained a Master of Science degree in journalism from the Medill School of Journalism, graduating magna cum laude in 1984.
Career Trajectory
Early Journalism Roles
Scully commenced his journalism career in 1981โ82 as a weekend newscaster for WAMU, American University's radio station. Following his undergraduate studies, he worked as a reporter and anchor for WSEE-TV in Erie, Pennsylvania, from 1982 to 1983, returning to the station after completing his graduate degree in 1984. He later served as a Washington, D.C.โbased correspondent for WHBF-TV before joining WHEC-TV in Rochester, New York, in 1986. At WHEC-TV, he covered business and politics and also contributed as an adjunct faculty member at Nazareth College and St. John Fisher College, teaching courses on media and politics.
C-SPAN Tenure
Political Editor and Host
Scully joined C-SPAN in 1990, taking on the role of Political Editor and White House producer. During his extensive tenure, he was instrumental in coordinating campaign programming across C-SPAN's television, radio, and online platforms. As the senior producer for the network's White House coverage, he led a team responsible for reporting on the presidency, politics, and special projects. He regularly hosted the live, three-hour news and public affairs program, Washington Journal, and moderated other C-SPAN programs such as Newsmakers, Road to the White House, and In Depth on Book TV. He was also a frequent presence on C-SPAN Radio's Washington Today.
Debate Moderation and Controversy
Scully served as a backup moderator for the 2016 presidential and vice presidential debates. He was slated to moderate the second presidential debate in 2020. However, following Donald Trump's refusal to participate in a virtual format after his COVID-19 diagnosis, the debate was cancelled. On October 15, 2020, the date the debate was scheduled, C-SPAN placed Scully on temporary paid leave. This action followed his admission of misleading reporting regarding his Twitter feed being hacked, which was used to disavow an exchange with Anthony Scaramucci. Reports indicated this was not the first instance where Scully had cited hacking as a reason for disavowing posts. He subsequently apologized to his colleagues for his actions.
Return and Transition
Scully returned to C-SPAN in January 2021, resuming his role as a producer for Washington Journal and host of The Weekly podcast. He returned to hosting Washington Journal on April 5, 2021. In July 2021, Scully departed C-SPAN as part of a company-wide buyout offer, transitioning to a new position as Vice President of Communications at the Bipartisan Policy Center.
Academic Contributions
Distance Learning and Policy
In January 2003, Scully assumed the Amos P. Hostetter Chair at the University of Denver, teaching a distance learning course focused on media, politics, and public policy. This course utilized a cable television connection linking Washington, D.C., the University of Denver, Pace University, and George Mason University, and was broadcast on C-SPAN and C-SPAN3, as well as streamed online. He continued teaching this course at the University of Denver until 2011. His academic engagement also extended to George Mason University, in collaboration with Purdue University and The Washington Center. He has also held faculty positions at the University of California's D.C. Program and George Washington University.
White House Correspondents' Association
Leadership and Service
Steve Scully dedicated nine years of service to the Executive Board of the White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA). His peers elected him to serve as president from 2006 to 2007. Throughout the administrations of Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama, Scully often attended WHCA dinners accompanied by his mother, Elizabeth Jane North "Betty" Scully, until her passing.
SiriusXM Engagement
Hosting "The Briefing"
In December 2021, Scully began guest-hosting a mid-day show on SiriusXM following the departure of Chris Cuomo. Subsequently, on June 6, 2022, he launched his own program, The Briefing with Steve Scully, on SiriusXM's POTUS channel, which airs weekday afternoons. This role continues his significant contribution to political discourse and news analysis via broadcast media.
Accolades and Recognition
Professional Honors
In May 2025, Gannon University recognized Scully with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree during its centennial commencement ceremonies. Politico has acknowledged Scully for his "evenhandedness" in media coverage. In 2009, he received the Fitzwater Center for Communications Award for exemplary journalism and public service, and was named among the capital's "50 Top Journalists" by The Washingtonian. Comedian John Oliver humorously referred to Scully as "The Most Patient Man on Television" on Last Week Tonight, citing his calm demeanor when hosting callers with unconventional viewpoints. Scully was inducted into the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2019.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Family and Community
Steve Scully resides in Fairfax Station, Virginia, with his wife, Kathryn R. "Katie" Scully. They are parents to four children. The family experienced profound loss with the deaths of two children in childhood: Carolyn in 1994 from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and Jack in 1996. In 2008, they adopted another child. Deeply committed to supporting research and awareness related to SIDS, Scully serves on the boards of the CJ Foundation for SIDS and First Candle. He also contributes his time to St. Jude Children's Hospital.
External Resources
Further Information
Explore additional resources for a deeper understanding of Steve Scully's work and contributions:
- Appearances on C-SPAN (opens in new tab)
- Oral History from The Cable Center (opens in new tab)
References
Source Material
The information presented on this page is derived from the cited sources. For a comprehensive list of references, please refer to the programmatic data associated with this page.
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This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence model and is intended solely for informational and educational purposes. The content is based on data extracted from publicly available sources, including Wikipedia, and may not reflect the most current information or nuances of the subject matter.
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