SCRIPPS E W CO /DE
10-Q, 1996-05-15
NEWSPAPERS: PUBLISHING OR PUBLISHING & PRINTING
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                             UNITED STATES
                  SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                        Washington, D.C.  20549
                               FORM 10-Q

     (X)  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
                  SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
             For the quarterly period ended March 31, 1996
                                   
                                  OR

        TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
                  SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
  For the transition period from ________________ to ________________
                                   
                    Commission File Number 1-16914
                                   
                       THE E.W. SCRIPPS COMPANY
        (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
           Delaware                                    51-0304972
(State or other jurisdiction of                     (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)                   Identification Number)

    1105 N. Market Street
     Wilmington, Delaware                                19801
(Address of principal executive offices)               (Zip Code)

  Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (302) 478-4141

                               Not Applicable
 (Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since
                             last report.)

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all
reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
and Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such
shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports),
and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90
days.

                    Yes   X                    No


Indicate  the  number of shares outstanding of each  of  the  issuer's
classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.  As of May
1,  1996  the registrant had outstanding 60,494,549 shares of Class  A
Common Stock and 19,807,053 shares of Common Voting Stock.

<PAGE>

                   INDEX TO THE E.W. SCRIPPS COMPANY
                                   
       REPORT ON FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 1996
                                   
                                   

Item No.                                                     Page

                    PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  1       Financial Statements                                  3

  2       Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
             Condition and Results of Operations                3


                      PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

  1       Legal Proceedings                                     3

  2       Changes in Securities                                 3

  3       Defaults Upon Senior Securities                       3

  4       Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders   4

  5       Other Information                                     4

  6       Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K                      4


<PAGE>

                                PART I
                                   


ITEM 1.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The information required by this item is filed as part of this Form 10-
Q.  See Index to Financial Information at page F-1 of this Form 10-Q.



ITEM 2.   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
          AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The information required by this item is filed as part of this Form 10-
Q.  See Index to Financial Information at page F-1 of this Form 10-Q.




                               PART II
                                   

ITEM 1.   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Scripps is involved in litigation arising in the ordinary course of
business, such as defamation actions.  In addition Scripps is involved
from time to time in various governmental and administrative
proceedings relating to, among other things, renewal of broadcast
licenses.  The costs to defend or settle such litigation and other
proceedings are not expected to have a material adverse effect on
Scripps' financial condition or results of operations.



ITEM 2.   CHANGES IN SECURITIES

There were no changes in the rights of security holders during the
quarter for which this report is filed.



ITEM 3.   DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

There were no defaults upon senior securities during the quarter for
which this report is filed.

<PAGE>

ITEM 4.   SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

There were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders during
the quarter for which this report is filed.



ITEM 5.   OTHER INFORMATION

None.



ITEM 6.    EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

                               Exhibits

The information required by this item is filed as part of this Form 10-
Q.  See Index to Exhibits at page E-1 of this
Form 10-Q.



                          Reports on Form 8-K

No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the quarter for which this
report is filed.





                              SIGNATURES
                                   

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of
1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


                                   THE E.W. SCRIPPS COMPANY



Dated:         May 15, 1996         BY:
                                    D. J. Castellini
                                    Senior Vice President, 
                                    Finance & Administration

<PAGE>

                       THE E.W. SCRIPPS COMPANY


                    Index to Financial Information

               Item                                            Page

Consolidated Balance Sheets                                    F-2
Consolidated Statements of Income                              F-4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows                          F-5
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity                F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                     F-7
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
   Condition and Results of Operations                         F-11


<PAGE>


<TABLE>
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS                                                                                                  
<CAPTION>
( in thousands )                                                                                   As of                     
                                                                               March 31,        December 31,       March 31,
                                                                                 1996               1995              1995
                                                                              (Unaudited)                         (Unaudited)
<S>                                                                        <C>               <C>                <C>    
ASSETS                                                                                                                       
Current Assets:                                                                                                              
     Cash and cash equivalents                                             $       12,871    $        30,021    $      28,227
     Short-term investments                                                                           25,013                 
     Accounts and notes receivable (less                                                                                     
         allowances -$3,534, $3,447, $4,215)                                      148,468            166,867          133,286
     Program rights and production costs                                           51,911             52,402           27,644
     Refundable income taxes                                                                           7,828            1,810
     Inventories                                                                   12,941             11,459           13,776
     Deferred income taxes                                                         22,608             21,694           19,671
     Miscellaneous                                                                 17,630             18,961           17,590
     Total current assets                                                         266,429            334,245          242,004
                                                                                                                             
Net assets of discontinued operations                                             372,784            305,838          311,823
                                                                                                                             
Investments                                                                        55,069             53,186           34,041
                                                                                                                             
Property, Plant, and Equipment                                                    428,885            425,959          420,066
                                                                                                                             
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets                                              490,692            495,773          510,770
                                                                                                                             
Other Assets:                                                                                                                
     Program rights and production costs (less current portion)                    23,379             26,829           34,476
     Miscellaneous                                                                 15,360             13,722            9,668
     Total other assets                                                            38,739             40,551           44,144
                                                                                                                             
TOTAL ASSETS                                                               $    1,652,598    $     1,655,552    $   1,562,848
                                                                                                                             
See notes to consolidated financial statements.                                                                              
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS                                                                                                  
<CAPTION>
( in thousands, except share data )                                                                As of                     
                                                                               March 31,        December 31,       March 31,
                                                                                 1996               1995              1995
                                                                              (Unaudited)                         (Unaudited)
                                                                                                                        
<S>                                                                        <C>               <C>                <C>    
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                                                                                         
Current Liabilities:                                                                                                         
    Current portion of long-term debt                                      $       34,741    $        78,698    $      47,000
    Accounts payable                                                               62,537             78,538           56,946
    Customer deposits and unearned revenue                                         23,799             21,307           19,258
    Accrued liabilities:                                                                                                     
        Employee compensation and benefits                                         27,137             32,901           29,097
        Artist and author royalties                                                 8,734              6,843           10,306
        Interest                                                                    1,030              2,169            2,029
        Income taxes                                                                7,301                634            3,264
        Lawsuits and related settlements                                            7,867              8,803           11,539
        Miscellaneous                                                              35,840             36,226           28,558
    Total current liabilities                                                     208,986            266,119          207,997
                                                                                                                             
Deferred Income Taxes                                                              84,057             82,229           69,936
                                                                                                                             
Long-Term Debt (less current portion)                                              31,824              2,177           63,455
                                                                                                                             
Other Long-Term Obligations and Minority Interests                                110,268            113,601          116,234
                                                                                                                             
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 5)                                                                                       
                                                                                                                             
Stockholders' Equity:                                                                                                        
    Preferred stock, $.01 par - authorized:  25,000,000 shares; 
        none outstanding
    Common stock, $.01 par:                                                                                                  
        Class A - authorized:  120,000,000 shares;  issued and                                                               
          outstanding: 60,471,678; 60,085,408; and 59,715,019 shares                  605                601              597
        Voting - authorized:  30,000,000 shares; issued and                                                                  
            outstanding:  19,807,053; 19,978,373; and 20,174,833 shares               198                200              202
    Total                                                                             803                801              799
    Additional paid-in capital                                                    259,824            254,063          249,173
    Retained earnings                                                             935,483            916,602          843,535
    Unrealized gains on securities available for sale                              21,966             20,720           12,430
    Unvested restricted stock awards                                              (1,340)            (1,573)          (1,981)
    Foreign currency translation adjustment                                           727                813            1,270
    Total stockholders' equity                                                  1,217,463          1,191,426        1,105,226
                                                                                                                             
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                                 $    1,652,598    $     1,655,552    $   1,562,848
                                                                                                                             
See notes to consolidated financial statements.                                                                              
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME ( UNAUDITED )                                                                                
<CAPTION>
( in thousands, except per share data )                                                                   Three months ended      
                                                                                                                March 31,         
                                                                                                        1996             1995
                                                                                                                               
<S>                                                                                                 <C>              <C>
Operating Revenues:                                                                                                            
    Advertising                                                                                     $  114,002       $  108,251
    Circulation                                                                                         33,564           31,320
    Other newspaper revenue                                                                             11,277           12,036
    Total newspapers                                                                                   158,843          151,607
    Broadcast television                                                                                70,721           66,968
    Entertainment                                                                                       24,681           26,694
                                                                                                                               
    Total operating revenues                                                                           254,245          245,269
                                                                                                                               
Operating Expenses:                                                                                                            
    Employee compensation and benefits                                                                  86,883           83,753
    Newsprint and ink                                                                                   34,169           26,871
    Program rights and production costs                                                                 16,576           17,386
    Other operating expenses                                                                            61,622           60,959
    Depreciation                                                                                        12,438           11,017
    Amortization of intangible assets                                                                    5,081            5,046
    Total operating expenses                                                                           216,769          205,032
                                                                                                                               
Operating Income                                                                                        37,476           40,237
                                                                                                                               
Other Credits (Charges):                                                                                                       
    Interest expense                                                                                   (1,413)          (3,353)
    Miscellaneous, net                                                                                   (382)              782
    Net other credits (charges)                                                                        (1,795)          (2,571)
                                                                                                                               
Income from Continuing Operations                                                                                              
    Before Taxes and Minority Interests                                                                 35,681           37,666
Provision for Income Taxes                                                                              15,274           16,971
                                                                                                                               
Income from Continuing Operations                                                                                              
    Before Minority Interests                                                                           20,407           20,695
Minority Interests                                                                                         687              935
                                                                                                                                 
Income From Continuing Operations                                                                       19,720           19,760
Income From Discontinued Operations                                                                      9,595            9,354
                                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                 
Net Income                                                                                          $   29,315       $   29,114
                                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                               
Per Share of Common Stock:                                                                                                     
    Income from continuing operations                                                                     $.25             $.25
                                                                                                                               
    Net income                                                                                            $.37             $.36
                                                                                                                               
    Dividends declared                                                                                    $.13             $.11
                                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                               
See notes to consolidated financial statements.                                                                                
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS ( UNAUDITED )                                                                            
<CAPTION>
( in thousands )                                                                                         Three months ended     
                                                                                                                March 31,         
                                                                                                        1996             1995
                                                                                                                               
<S>                                                                                                 <C>              <C>
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:                                                                                          
Income from continuing operations                                                                   $   19,720       $   19,760
Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations                                                                     
      to net cash flows from continuing operating activities:                                                                  
      Depreciation and amortization                                                                     17,519           16,063
      Deferred income taxes                                                                                 53          (1,110)
      Minority interests in income of subsidiary companies                                                 687              935
      Settlement of 1985 - 1987 federal income tax audits                                                              (45,000)
      Other changes in certain working capital accounts, net                                            14,187            9,453
      Miscellaneous, net                                                                               (4,760)            7,592
Net cash provided by continuing operating activities                                                    47,406            7,693
                                                                                                                               
Discontinued cable operations:                                                                                                 
      Income                                                                                             9,595            9,354
      Adjustment to derive cash flows from operating activities                                         16,156           22,825
      Net cash provided                                                                                 25,751           32,179
                                                                                                                               
Net operating activities                                                                                73,157           39,872
                                                                                                                               
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:                                                                                          
Additions to property, plant, and equipment                                                           (17,396)         (12,638)
Purchase of long-term investments                                                                      (1,187)          (1,942)
Change in short-term investments, net                                                                   25,013                 
Sale of subsidiary companies                                                                                              2,711
Miscellaneous, net                                                                                       1,622            1,311
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities of continuing operations                             8,052         (10,558)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities of discontinued cable operations                  (76,431)          (8,394)
Net investing activities                                                                              (68,379)         (18,952)
                                                                                                                               
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:                                                                                          
Increases in long-term debt                                                                             34,700                 
Payments on long-term debt                                                                            (49,010)             (13)
Dividends paid                                                                                        (10,434)          (8,783)
Dividends paid to minority interests                                                                     (449)            (421)
Miscellaneous, net                                                                                       3,890            1,165
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities of continuing operations                          (21,303)          (8,052)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities of discontinued cable operations                     (625)          (1,250)
Net financing activities                                                                              (21,928)          (9,302)
                                                                                                                               
Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents                                                      (17,150)           11,618
                                                                                                                               
Cash and Cash Equivalents:                                                                                                     
Beginning of year                                                                                       30,021           16,609
                                                                                                                               
End of period                                                                                       $   12,871       $   28,227
                                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                               
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures:                                                                                            
   Interest paid, excluding amounts capitalized                                                     $    2,552       $    3,323
   Income taxes paid                                                                                     5,347           36,519
                                                                                                                               
See notes to consolidated financial statements.                                                                                
</TABLE>

<PAGE>


<TABLE>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY ( UNAUDITED )
<CAPTION>
( in thousands, except share data )                                                                                               
                                                                                         Unrealized                               
                                                                                          Gains on       Unvested       Foreign   
                                                           Additional                    Securities     Restricted     Currency   
                                                Common      Paid-in        Retained      Available        Stock       Translation  
                                                 Stock      Capital        Earnings       for Sale        Awards      Adjustment  
                                                                                                                                  
<S>                                           <C>        <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>           <C>        
Balances at December 31, 1994                 $    799   $   248,098    $   823,204    $    12,518    $   (2,036)   $         885 
                                                                                                                                  
Net income                                                                   29,114                                               
Dividends:  declared and                                                                                                          
     paid - $.11 per share                                                  (8,783)                                               
Class A Common shares issued pursuant to                                                                                          
    compensation plans, net:                                                                                                      
    58,500 shares issued,                                                                                                         
    and 14,723 shares repurchased                                811                                         (86)                 
Tax benefits of compensation plans                               264                                                              
Amortization of restricted stock awards                                                                       141                 
Foreign currency translation adjustment                                                                                       385 
Increase (decrease) in unrealized gains                                                                                           
     on securities available for sale, net                                                                                        
     of deferred income taxes of ($47)                                                        (88)                                
                                                                                                                                  
Balances at March 31, 1995                    $    799   $   249,173    $   843,535    $    12,430    $   (1,981)   $       1,270 
                                                                                                                                  
Balances at December 31, 1995                 $    801   $   254,063    $   916,602    $    20,720    $   (1,573)   $         813 
                                                                                                                                  
Net income                                                                   29,315                                               
Dividends:  declared and                                                                                                          
     paid - $.13 per share                                                 (10,434)                                               
Conversion of 171,320 Common Voting shares                                                                                        
    to 171,320 Class A Common shares                                                                                              
214,950 Class A Common shares issued                                                                                              
    pursuant to compensation plans                   2         4,499                                         (63)                 
Tax benefits of compensation plans                             1,262                                                              
Amortization of restricted stock awards                                                                       296                 
Foreign currency translation adjustment                                                                                      (86) 
Increase in unrealized gains on                                                                                                   
     securities available for sale, net                                                                                           
     of deferred income taxes of $671                                                        1,246                                
                                                                                                                                  
Balances at March 31, 1996                    $    803   $   259,824    $   935,483    $    21,966    $   (1,340)   $         727 
                                                                                                                                  
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>

<PAGE>


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ( UNAUDITED )
____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________

1.   SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation - The financial statements have been prepared
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for
interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q
and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X.  Except as disclosed herein, there
has been no material change in the information disclosed in the
notes to consolidated financial statements included in the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995.
Financial information as of December 31, 1995 included in these
financial statements has been derived from the audited consolidated
financial statements included in that report.  In management's
opinion all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals)
necessary for a fair presentation of the interim periods have been
made.

Results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the results
that may be expected for future interim periods or for the full
year.

Net Income Per Share - Net income per share computations are based
upon the weighted average common shares outstanding.  The weighted
average common shares outstanding were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
( in thousands )                                                                                         Three months ended     
                                                                                                                March 31,         
                                                                                                        1996             1995
<S>                                                                                                     <C>              <C>
Weighted average shares outstanding                                                                     80,204           79,854
</TABLE>



  
2.   ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES

A.  Acquisitions

1996 - There were no acquisitions in the three months ended March
31, 1996.

In May Scripps acquired the Vero Beach, Florida, Press-Journal.  The
acquisition will be accounted for as a purchase and the acquired
operations will be included in the Consolidated Statements of Income
from the date of acquisition.

1995 - There were no acquisitions in the three months ended 
March 31, 1995.

B.  Divestitures

1995 - Scripps sold its Watsonville, California, daily newspaper.
No gain or loss was realized as proceeds equaled the net book value
of the net assets sold.

<PAGE>

3.   LONG-TERM DEBT
  
Long-term debt consisted of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
( in thousands )                                                                                   As of                
                                                                               March 31,        December 31,       March 31,
                                                                                 1996               1995              1995
                                                                                                                             
<C>                                                                        <C>               <C>                <C>      
7.375% notes, due in 1998                                                  $       29,658    $        31,658    $      61,198
Variable Rate Credit Facilities                                                    34,700                                    
9.0% notes, due in 1996                                                                               47,000           47,000
Other notes                                                                         2,207              2,217            2,257
                                                                                                                             
Total long-term debt                                                               66,565             80,875          110,455
Current portion of long-term debt                                                  34,741             78,698           47,000
                                                                                                                             
Long-term debt (less current portion)                                      $       31,824    $         2,177    $      63,455
</TABLE>

Scripps has a Competitive Advance/Revolving Credit Agreement and
other variable rate credit facilities ("Variable Rate Credit
Facilities") which expire through September 1996 and permit maximum
borrowings up to $50,000,000.  Maximum borrowings under the
facilities are changed as Scripps' anticipated needs change and are
not indicative of Scripps' short-term borrowing capacity.  The
credit facilities may be extended upon mutual agreement.

Certain long-term debt agreements contain maintenance requirements
on net worth and coverage of interest expense and restrictions on
dividends and incurrence of additional indebtedness.  Scripps is in
compliance with all debt covenants.


4.   DISCONTINUED CABLE TELEVISION OPERATIONS
  
On October 28, 1995, Scripps and Comcast Corporation ("Comcast")
reached an agreement pursuant to which Scripps will contribute all
of its non-cable television assets to Scripps Howard, Inc. ("SHI" -
a wholly-owned subsidiary of Scripps and the direct or indirect
parent of all of Scripps' operations) and SHI's cable television
system subsidiaries ("Scripps Cable") will be transferred to and
held directly by Scripps.  Scripps Cable will be acquired by Comcast
through a tax-free merger (the "Merger") with Scripps.  The
remaining SHI business will continue as "New Scripps", which will be
distributed in a tax-free "spin-off" to Scripps shareholders (the
"Spin-Off") prior to the Merger and thereafter renamed The E.W.
Scripps Company.  The Merger and Spin-off are collectively referred
to as the "Transactions."

The closing date of the Transactions is expected to be in the third
quarter of 1996, subject to regulatory approvals and certain other
conditions.  Controlling shareholders in Scripps and Comcast have
agreed to vote in favor of the Merger, and as a result completion of
the Transactions is assured so long as such conditions are satisfied
and such regulatory approvals (including approval of the Spin-Off as
a tax-free transaction by the Internal Revenue Service and approval
of the Merger by the Federal Communications Commission and certain
franchise authorities) are received.  While there can be no
assurances regarding such approvals, management believes all such
approvals will be obtained.

Because Scripps Cable represents an entire business segment that
will be divested, its results are reported as "discontinued
operations" for all periods presented.

<PAGE>

Summarized operating results for the discontinued cable television
operations are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
( in thousands )                                                                                         Three months ended         
                                                                                                                March 31,
                                                                                                        1996             1995
                                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                               
<S>                                                                                                 <C>              <C>    
Operating revenues                                                                                  $   76,250       $   66,995
                                                                                                                               
Income before income taxes                                                                              15,907           14,358
Income taxes                                                                                           (6,312)          (5,004)
                                                                                                                               
Income from discontinued cable operations                                                           $    9,595       $    9,354
</TABLE>

Summarized balance sheet data for the discontinued cable television
operations are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
( in thousands )                                                                                   As of                
                                                                               March 31,        December 31,       March 31,
                                                                                 1996               1995              1995
                                                                                                                             
<S>                                                                        <C>               <C>                <C>      
Property, plant, and equipment                                             $      307,579    $       294,557    $     291,434
Goodwill and other intangible assets                                              142,094             93,496           99,179
Other assets                                                                       26,746             26,014           25,535
Deferred income tax liabilities                                                  (75,352)           (76,210)         (76,702)
Other liabilities                                                                (28,283)           (32,019)         (27,623)
Net assets of discontinued cable television operations                     $      372,784    $       305,838    $     311,823
</TABLE>


The major components of cash flow for discontinued operations are as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
( in thousands )                                                                                         Three months ended         
                                                                                                                March 31,     
                                                                                                        1996             1995
                                                                                                                               
<S>                                                                                                 <C>              <C>
Income from discontinued operations                                                                 $    9,595       $    9,354
Depreciation and amortization                                                                           15,511           13,723
Other, net                                                                                                 645            9,102
                                                                                                                               
Net cash provided by discontinued cable operating activities                                        $   25,751       $   32,179
                                                                                                                               
Capital expenditures                                                                                $ (14,994)       $  (7,693)
Acquisition of cable television systems (primarily equipment and intangible assets)                   (62,152)            (132)
Other, net                                                                                                 715            (569)
                                                                                                                               
Net cash used in investing activities of discontinued cable operations                              $ (76,431)       $  (8,394)
</TABLE>

In January 1996 Scripps Cable acquired cable television systems
adjacent to its Knoxville and Chattanooga systems (the "Mid-Tenn.
Purchase") for $62,500,000, including assumed liabilities.  The
acquired cable television systems are included in the results of
discontinued operations from the date of acquisition.

<PAGE>


5.   COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
  
In 1994 Scripps accrued an estimate of the ultimate costs, including
attorneys' fees and settlements, of lawsuits filed by certain former
employees and independent contractors of a divested operating unit.
The lawsuits allege that the employees were due severance pay and
that certain contractual obligations were unfulfilled, respectively.
In April 1996 Scripps reached an agreement to settle the severance
pay lawsuits.  There was no additional charge resulting from the
settlement.  Management believes the possibility of incurring a loss
greater than the amount accrued for the independent contractor
lawsuits is remote.

In 1994 Scripps Cable accrued an estimate of the ultimate costs,
including attorneys' fees and settlements, of certain lawsuits
against the Sacramento cable television system related primarily to
employment issues and to the timing and amount of late-payment fees
assessed to subscribers.  In May 1996 Scripps Cable agreed to settle
the late-payment fee lawsuits.  There was no additional charge
resulting from the settlement.  Management believes the possibility
of incurring a loss greater than the amount accrued for the
employment issues lawsuits is remote.  Pursuant to the terms of the
Merger New Scripps will indemnify Comcast against losses related to
these lawsuits.

Amounts accrued, less payments for settlements and attorneys fees,
are included in accrued lawsuits and related settlements in the
Consolidated Balance Sheets.

<PAGE>

    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
                         RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Consolidated results of continuing operations were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
( in thousands, except per share data )                                                                     Year-to-Date
                                                                                                       1996    Change         1995
                                                                                                                                    
<S>                                                                                                <C>          <C>       <C>
Operating revenues:                                                                                                                 
     Newspapers                                                                                    $ 158,843      5.0 %   $  151,313
     Broadcast television                                                                             70,721      5.6 %       66,968
     Entertainment                                                                                    24,681     (7.5)%       26,694
                                                                                                                                    
     Total                                                                                           254,245      3.8 %      244,975
     Divested operating units                                                                                                    294
                                                                                                                                    
Total operating revenues                                                                           $ 254,245      3.7 %   $  245,269
                                                                                                                                    
Operating income:                                                                                                                   
     Newspapers                                                                                    $  26,271    (11.0)%   $   29,522
     Broadcast television                                                                             17,483      7.3 %       16,296
     Entertainment                                                                                   (2,068)                   (844)
     Corporate                                                                                       (4,210)                 (4,629)
                                                                                                                                    
     Total                                                                                            37,476     (7.1)%       40,345
     Divested operating units                                                                                                  (108)
                                                                                                                                    
Total operating income                                                                                37,476     (6.9)%       40,237
Interest expense                                                                                     (1,413)                 (3,353)
Miscellaneous, net                                                                                     (382)                     782
Income taxes                                                                                        (15,274)                (16,971)
Minority interest                                                                                      (687)                   (935)
                                                                                                                                    
Income from continuing operations                                                                  $  19,720              $   19,760
                                                                                                                                    
Per share of common stock:                                                                                                          
     Income from continuing operations                                                                  $.25                    $.25
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
( in thousands )                                                                                            Year-to-Date
                                                                                                       1996    Change         1995
                                                                                                                                    
<S>                                                                                                <C>           <C>      <C>
Other Financial and Statistical Data - excluding divested operating units:
                                                                                                                                    
Total advertising revenues                                                                         $ 187,911      6.6 %   $  176,231
                                                                                                                                    
Advertising revenues as a                                                                                                           
     percentage of total revenues                                                                     73.9 %                  71.9 %
                                                                                                                                    
EBITDA:                                                                                                                             
     Newspapers                                                                                    $  35,780     (7.4)%   $   38,629
     Broadcast television                                                                             24,339      8.1 %       22,515
     Entertainment                                                                                   (1,143)                   (276)
     Corporate                                                                                       (3,981)                 (4,463)
                                                                                                                                    
     Total                                                                                         $  54,995     (2.5)%   $   56,405
                                                                                                                                    
Effective income tax rate                                                                             42.8 %                  45.1 %
                                                                                                                                    
Weighted average shares outstanding                                                                   80,204      0.4 %       79,854
                                                                                                                                    
Total capital expenditures                                                                         $  17,396     37.7 %   $   12,638
</TABLE>


Earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, and
amortization ("EBITDA") is included in the discussion of segment
results because:
    Changes in depreciation and amortization are often unrelated to
    current performance.  Management believes the year-over-year
    change in EBITDA is a more useful measure of year-over-year
    performance than the change in operating income because,
    combined with information on capital spending plans, it is a
    more reliable indicator of results that may be expected in
    future periods.  However, management's belief that EBITDA is a
    more useful measure of year-over-year performance is not shared
    by the accounting profession.
 
    Banks and other lenders use EBITDA to determine Scripps'
    borrowing capacity.
  
    Financial analysts use EBITDA to value communications media
    companies.
   
    Acquisitions of communications media businesses are based on
    multiples of EBITDA.

EBITDA should not, however, be construed as an alternative measure
of the amount of Scripps' income or cash flows from operating
activities as EBITDA excludes significant costs of doing business.

The Company sold its Watsonville, California, daily newspaper in the
first quarter of 1995.

Year-to-date operating losses for the Home & Garden Television
network ("HGTV") totaled $3,800,000, $2,300,000 after-tax, $.03 per
share in 1996 and $3,200,000, $2,000,000 after-tax, $.03 per share
in 1995.

Interest expense decreased as a result of reduced borrowings.

Operating results, excluding the Watsonville newspaper, are
presented on the following pages.  The results of the divested
operating unit are excluded from the segment operating results
because management believes it is not relevant to understanding the
Scripps' ongoing operations.

<PAGE>

NEWSPAPERS - Operating results for the newspaper segment, excluding
the Watsonville newspaper, were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
( in thousands )                                                                                             Year-to-Date
                                                                                                       1996    Change         1995
                                                                                                                                    
<S>                                                                                                <C>          <C>       <C>
Operating revenues:                                                                                                                 
     Local                                                                                         $  48,585      3.8 %   $   46,815
     Classified                                                                                       45,621      8.4 %       42,094
     National                                                                                          4,246      9.2 %        3,889
     Preprint                                                                                         15,550      2.1 %       15,225
                                                                                                                                    
     Newspaper advertising                                                                           114,002      5.5 %      108,023
     Circulation                                                                                      33,564      7.3 %       31,270
     Joint operating agency distributions                                                              8,911    (12.4)%       10,173
     Other                                                                                             2,366     28.1 %        1,847
                                                                                                                                    
Total operating revenues                                                                             158,843      5.0 %      151,313
                                                                                                                                    
Operating expenses:                                                                                                                 
     Employee compensation and benefits                                                               54,716     (0.1)%       54,780
     Newsprint and ink                                                                                34,169     27.3 %       26,846
     Other                                                                                            34,178     10.0 %       31,058
     Depreciation and amortization                                                                     9,509      4.4 %        9,107
                                                                                                                                    
Total operating expenses                                                                             132,572      8.9 %      121,791
                                                                                                                                    
Operating income                                                                                   $  26,271    (11.0)%   $   29,522
                                                                                                                                    
Other Financial and Statistical Data:                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                    
Earnings before interest,                                                                                                           
      income taxes, depreciation,                                                                                                   
      and amortization ("EBITDA")                                                                  $  35,780     (7.4)%   $   38,629
                                                                                                                                    
Percent of operating revenues:                                                                                                      
    Operating income                                                                                  16.5 %                  19.5 %
    EBITDA                                                                                            22.5 %                  25.5 %
                                                                                                                                    
Capital expenditures                                                                               $   5,231     63.8 %   $    3,194
                                                                                                                                    
Advertising inches:                                                                                                                 
     Local                                                                                             1,693     (2.4)%        1,734
     Classified                                                                                        1,530     (1.5)%        1,553
     National                                                                                             83     (4.6)%           87
                                                                                                                                    
     Total full run ROP                                                                                3,306     (2.0)%        3,374
</TABLE>

Higher newsprint prices resulted in a decrease in EBITDA at most of
Scripps' newspapers.  The price of newsprint in the first quarter of
1996 was approximately 75% higher than in the first quarter of 1994.
For the first quarter of 1996 newsprint consumption decreased 6% and
the average price of newsprint was approximately 37% higher than in
1995.   However, the price of newsprint decreased in April 1996.
The year-over-year expense increase in the second quarter of 1996 is
expected to be approximately 10%.  If the price does not change
again, the year-over-year third quarter newsprint expense will be
about the same as, and the fourth quarter expense is expected to be
slightly less than, in 1995.

Higher advertising rates led to the increase in advertising revenues
as volume decreased in most of Scripps' newspaper markets.
Circulation revenues increased primarily due to increased rates.


<PAGE>

BROADCAST TELEVISION - Operating results for the broadcast
television segment were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
( in thousands )                                                                                            Year-to-Date
                                                                                                       1996    Change         1995
                                                                                                                                    
<S>                                                                                                <C>           <C>      <C>    
Operating revenues:                                                                                                                 
     Local                                                                                         $  35,560      0.9 %   $   35,256
     National                                                                                         29,377      6.2 %       27,668
     Political                                                                                         1,382                      61
     Other                                                                                             4,402     10.5 %        3,983
                                                                                                                                    
Total operating revenues                                                                              70,721      5.6 %       66,968
                                                                                                                                    
Operating expenses:                                                                                                                 
     Employee compensation and benefits                                                               23,727      9.3 %       21,710
     Program costs                                                                                    11,203     (1.8)%       11,408
     Other                                                                                            11,452      1.0 %       11,335
     Depreciation and amortization                                                                     6,856     10.2 %        6,219
                                                                                                                                    
Total operating expenses                                                                              53,238      5.1 %       50,672
                                                                                                                                    
Operating income                                                                                   $  17,483      7.3 %   $   16,296
                                                                                                                                    
Other Financial and Statistical Data:                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                    
Earnings before interest,                                                                                                           
      income taxes, depreciation,                                                                                                   
      and amortization ("EBITDA")                                                                  $  24,339      8.1 %   $   22,515
                                                                                                                                    
Percent of operating revenues:                                                                                                      
    Operating income                                                                                  24.7 %                  24.3 %
    EBITDA                                                                                            34.4 %                  33.6 %
                                                                                                                                    
Capital expenditures                                                                               $  11,505    166.4 %   $    4,318
</TABLE>

The increase in employee costs is due primarily to Scripps' expanded
schedules of local news programs.  Construction of new facilities at
the Phoenix and Tampa stations resulted in the increase in capital
spending.  Depreciation and amortization is expected to decrease
slightly from current levels as certain intangible assets acquired
in the 1991 purchase of the Baltimore station become fully
amortized.


<PAGE>

ENTERTAINMENT - Operating results for the entertainment segment were
as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
( in thousands )                                                                                            Year-to-Date
                                                                                                       1996    Change         1995
                                                                                                                                    
<S>                                                                                                <C>         <C>        <C>    
Operating revenues:                                                                                                                 
     Licensing                                                                                     $  12,606    (18.7)%   $   15,509
     Newspaper feature distribution                                                                    4,808      9.7 %        4,384
     Program production                                                                                2,641    (45.9)%        4,880
     Subscriber fees                                                                                   1,132    189.5 %          391
     Advertising                                                                                       3,188    157.1 %        1,240
     Other                                                                                               306      5.5 %          290
                                                                                                                                    
Total operating revenues                                                                              24,681     (7.5)%       26,694
                                                                                                                                    
Operating expenses:                                                                                                                 
     Employee compensation and benefits                                                                5,566     22.8 %        4,531
     Artists' royalties                                                                                8,874    (13.7)%       10,285
     Programming and production costs                                                                  5,347    (10.6)%        5,978
     Other                                                                                             6,037     (2.3)%        6,176
     Depreciation and amortization                                                                       925     62.9 %          568
                                                                                                                                    
Total operating expenses                                                                              26,749     (2.9)%       27,538
                                                                                                                                    
Operating income (loss)                                                                            $ (2,068)              $    (844)
                                                                                                                                    
Other Financial and Statistical Data:                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                    
Earnings before interest,                                                                                                           
      income taxes, depreciation,                                                                                                   
      and amortization ("EBITDA")                                                                  $ (1,143)              $    (276)
                                                                                                                                    
Capital expenditures                                                                               $     536    (87.2)%   $    4,193
</TABLE>

Program production revenues are subject to substantial fluctuation
due to changes in public taste and demand for programming by
broadcast and cable television networks.  In addition quarterly
revenues are affected by the timing of completion and delivery of
programming to the networks.  Program production revenues decreased
in the current quarter as fewer programs were completed and
delivered by Scripps Howard Productions ("SHP") and Cinetel.
Program production revenues for the full year of 1996 are expected
to increase however, as SHP has commitments for four network prime-
time programs to be delivered in 1996 compared to two in 1995.

Subscriber fees increased due to an increase in the number of
subscribers receiving HGTV.  At March 31, 1996 HGTV could be viewed
by 12,700,000 subscribers.

Year-to-date operating losses for HGTV totaled $3,800,000 in 1996
and $3,200,000 in 1995.  Scripps expects to invest a total of
$35,000,000 in HGTV during 1996 and 1997, including capital
expenditures and pre-tax operating losses. See "Liquidity and
Capital Resources".

Programming and production costs decreased as higher programming
costs at HGTV were more than offset by the fewer number of programs
delivered by SHP and Cinetel during the current quarter.

Author royalties decreased due to the decrease in licensing
revenues.

<PAGE>


United Media distributes news columns, comics, and features,
and licenses copyrights for "Peanuts" and other character
properties on a worldwide basis.  Revenues derived from such
international activities represent less than 5% of Scripps
total revenues.  The Japanese market provides more than two-
thirds of international revenues and approximately 45% of total
licensing revenue.  The impact of changes in the value of the
U.S. dollar in foreign exchange markets does not have a
significant effect on the recorded value of Scripps foreign-
currency-denominated assets, which are primarily related to
uncollected licensing royalties and represent less than 1% of
total assets.  Scripps foreign-currency-denominated liabilities
are primarily related to payments due to creators of the
properties.  However, comparison of year-over-year licensing
revenues can be significantly affected by changes in the
exchange rate for the Japanese yen.  Japanese licensing
revenues in local currency decreased 6% in 1996.  The change in
the exchange rate for the Japanese yen decreased licensing
revenues $700,000 in 1996.  The effect on licensing revenues of
changes in the exchange rate for other foreign currencies is
not significant.

From time-to-time Scripps uses foreign currency forward and
option contracts to hedge cash flow exposures denominated in
Japanese yen.  The purpose of the contracts is to reduce the
risk of changes in the exchange rate on Scripps' anticipated
net licensing receipts (licensing royalties less amounts due
creators of the properties and certain direct expenses) for the
following year.  The maturity of the contracts coincide with
the quarterly payment of licensing royalties.  Scripps does not
hold foreign currency contracts for trading purposes and does
not hold leveraged contracts.

Information about Scripps' foreign currency contracts, which
require Scripps to sell yen at a specified rate, at December
31, 1995 was as follows:

         Maturity      Contract      Exchange     US Dollar
           Date    Amount (in yen)     Rate       Equivalent
         5/31/96      83,060,000       83.06      $1,000,000
         8/15/96     142,650,000       95.10       1,500,000
        11/15/96     143,835,000       95.89       1,500,000
         2/18/97     151,635,000      101.09       1,500,000

Capital expenditures in 1995 primarily relate to the launch of HGTV.
The increase in depreciation and amortization is primarily due to
the start-up of HGTV.


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Scripps generates significant cash flow from operating activities,
primarily from its newspaper and broadcast television operations.
There are no significant legal or other restrictions on the transfer
of funds among Scripps' business segments.  Cash flows provided by
the operating activities of the newspaper and broadcast television
segments in excess of the capital expenditures of those segments are
used to invest in the entertainment segment and to fund corporate
expenses.  Management expects total cash flow from continuing
operating activities in 1996 will exceed Scripps' expected total
capital expenditures, debt repayments, and dividend payments.

Cash flow provided by continuing operating activities was
$47,400,000 in 1996 compared to $7,700,000 in 1995.  Cash flow
provided by continuing operating activities in 1995 was reduced by a
$45,000,000 payment to settle the audit of Scripps' 1985 through
1987 federal income tax returns.

Net debt (borrowings less cash equivalent and other short-term
investments) totaled $53,700,000 at March 31, 1996 and was less than
5% of total capitalization.  Management believes Scripps' cash and
cash equivalents and substantial borrowing capacity, taken together,
provide adequate resources to fund the capital expenditures and
future expansion of existing businesses and the development or
acquisition of new businesses.  The ability of Scripps' continuing
operations to produce significant cash flow and Scripps' significant
borrowing capacity were primary factors in structuring the
divestiture of its cable television assets so as to transfer the
proceeds of the divestiture tax-free to shareholders.


<PAGE>
                       THE E.W. SCRIPPS COMPANY


                           Index to Exhibits
                                   
                                   
 Exhibit
    No.                      Item                            Page


     12       Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges               E-2

<PAGE>



<TABLE>
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES                                                                                 EXHIBIT 12
<CAPTION>
( in thousands )                                                                                         Three months ended         
                                                                                                                March 31,      
                                                                                                        1996             1995
                                                                                                                               
<S>                                                                                                 <C>              <C>    
EARNINGS AS DEFINED:                                                                                                           
Earnings from operations before income taxes after                                                                             
     eliminating undistributed earnings of 20%- to                                                                             
     50%-owned affiliates                                                                           $   36,369       $   42,634
Fixed charges excluding capitalized interest and                                                                               
     preferred stock dividends of majority-owned                                                                               
     subsidiary companies                                                                                2,230            4,293
                                                                                                                               
Earnings as defined                                                                                 $   38,599       $   46,927
                                                                                                                               
FIXED CHARGES AS DEFINED:                                                                                                      
Interest expense, including amortization of                                                                                    
     debt issue costs                                                                               $    1,413       $    3,353
Interest capitalized                                                                                       183               33
Portion of rental expense representative                                                                                       
     of the interest factor                                                                                817              940
Preferred stock dividends of majority-owned                                                                                    
     subsidiary companies                                                                                   20               20
                                                                                                                               
Fixed charges as defined                                                                            $    2,433       $    4,346
                                                                                                                               
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES                                                                       15.86            10.80
</TABLE>





<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1996
<CASH>                                          12,871
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  152,002
<ALLOWANCES>                                     3,534
<INVENTORY>                                     12,941
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               266,429
<PP&E>                                         755,150
<DEPRECIATION>                                 326,265
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               1,652,598
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          208,986
<BONDS>                                         31,824
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                           803
<OTHER-SE>                                   1,216,660
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 1,652,598
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               254,245
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                        0
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                               215,312
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                 1,457
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               1,413
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 35,681
<INCOME-TAX>                                    15,274
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             19,720
<DISCONTINUED>                                   9,595
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    29,315
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     $.25
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     $.25
        

</TABLE>


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