SCRIPPS E W CO /DE
10-Q, 1997-05-13
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, 1997
                                     
                                     
                                    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 33-43989
                                     
                         THE E. W. SCRIPPS COMPANY
          (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
             Ohio                                      31-1223339
(State or other jurisdiction of                     (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)                   Identification Number)

      312 Walnut Street
       Cincinnati, Ohio                                  45201
(Address of principal executive offices)               (Zip Code)

    Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (513) 977-3000

                                 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 April 30, 1997
there were 61,639,561 of the Registrant's Class A Common Shares outstanding
and 19,333,711 of the Registrant's Common Voting Shares outstanding.

<PAGE>

                    INDEX TO THE E. W. SCRIPPS COMPANY
                                     
       REPORT ON FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 1997
                                     
                                     

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

The Company is involved in litigation arising in the ordinary course of
business, such as defamation actions and various governmental and
administrative proceedings relating to renewal of broadcast licenses, none
of which is expected to result in material loss.



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

No matters were 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 13, 1997               BY:/s/ D. J. Castellini
                                           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-9



<PAGE>


<TABLE>
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS                                                                                                  
<CAPTION>
( in thousands )                                                                                   As of                     
                                                                               March 31,        December 31,       March 31,
                                                                                 1997               1996              1996
                                                                              (Unaudited)                         (Unaudited)
<S>                                                                        <C>               <C>                <C>    
ASSETS                                                                                                                       
Current Assets:                                                                                                              
     Cash and cash equivalents                                             $       19,146    $        10,145    $      12,871
     Short-term investments                                                        20,500              2,700                 
     Accounts and notes receivable (less                                                                                     
         allowances -$4,247, $3,974, $3,534)                                      177,698            182,687          148,468
     Program rights and production costs                                           37,137             44,639           51,911
     Inventories                                                                   12,647             11,753           12,941
     Deferred income taxes                                                         24,392             24,897           22,608
     Miscellaneous                                                                 24,210             32,203           18,514
     Total current assets                                                         315,730            309,024          267,313
                                                                                                                             
Net Assets of Discontinued Operation - Scripps Cable                                                                  349,384
                                                                                                                             
Investments                                                                        54,450             40,580           55,069
                                                                                                                             
Property, Plant and Equipment                                                     426,174            430,703          428,885
                                                                                                                             
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets                                              585,546            590,452          490,692
                                                                                                                             
Other Assets:                                                                                                                
     Program rights and production costs (less current portion)                    30,087             35,281           23,379
     Subscriber acquisition costs (less current portion)                           46,852             38,337            2,366
     Miscellaneous                                                                 19,767             19,236           12,110
     Total other assets                                                            96,706             92,854           37,855
                                                                                                                             
TOTAL ASSETS                                                               $    1,478,606    $     1,463,613    $   1,629,198
                                                                                                                             
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,
                                                                                 1997               1996              1996
                                                                              (Unaudited)                         (Unaudited)
                                                                                                                        
<S>                                                                        <C>               <C>                <C>    
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                                                                                         
Current Liabilities:                                                                                                         
    Current portion of long-term debt                                      $       90,040    $        90,040    $      34,741
    Accounts payable                                                               66,197             88,574           62,537
    Customer deposits and unearned revenue                                         32,256             30,208           23,799
    Accrued liabilities:                                                                                                     
        Employee compensation and benefits                                         29,540             33,622           27,137
        Subscriber acquisition costs                                               30,523             33,895              845
        Miscellaneous                                                              51,297             47,063           60,772
    Total current liabilities                                                     299,853            323,402          209,831
                                                                                                                             
Deferred Income Taxes                                                              65,912             63,953           60,657
                                                                                                                             
Long-Term Debt (less current portion)                                              31,806             31,793           31,824
                                                                                                                             
Other Long-Term Obligations and Minority Interests                                110,632             99,874          109,423
                                                                                                                             
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: 61,622,211; 61,293,240; and 60,471,678 shares                  616                613              605
        Voting - authorized:  30,000,000 shares; issued and                                                                  
            outstanding:  19,333,711; 19,470,382; and 19,807,053 shares               193                195              198
    Total                                                                             809                808              803
    Additional paid-in capital                                                    277,148            272,703          259,824
    Retained earnings                                                             695,974            676,471          935,483
    Unrealized gains (losses) on securities available for sale                      1,696              (713)           21,966
    Unvested restricted stock awards                                              (5,647)            (5,241)          (1,340)
    Foreign currency translation adjustment                                           423                563              727
    Total stockholders' equity                                                    970,403            944,591        1,217,463
                                                                                                                             
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                                 $    1,478,606    $     1,463,613    $   1,629,198
                                                                                                                             
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,         
                                                                                                        1997             1996
                                                                                                                               
<S>                                                                                                 <C>              <C>
Operating Revenues:                                                                                                            
    Advertising                                                                                     $  203,881       $  186,927
    Circulation                                                                                         33,808           33,564
    Licensing                                                                                           16,356           12,606
    Joint operating agency distributions                                                                11,409            8,911
    Program production                                                                                  11,420            2,641
    Other                                                                                               13,836            9,596
    Total operating revenues                                                                           290,710          254,245
                                                                                                                               
Operating Expenses:                                                                                                            
    Employee compensation and benefits                                                                  94,805           86,883
    Newsprint and ink                                                                                   27,351           34,169
    Program, production and copyright costs                                                             25,827           16,550
    Other operating expenses                                                                            68,608           61,648
    Depreciation                                                                                        13,424           12,438
    Amortization of intangible assets                                                                    4,844            5,081
    Total operating expenses                                                                           234,859          216,769
                                                                                                                               
Operating Income                                                                                        55,851           37,476
                                                                                                                               
Other Credits (Charges):                                                                                                       
    Interest expense                                                                                   (2,566)          (1,413)
    Miscellaneous, net                                                                                     113            (382)
    Net other credits (charges)                                                                        (2,453)          (1,795)
                                                                                                                               
Income from Continuing Operations                                                                                              
    Before Taxes and Minority Interests                                                                 53,398           35,681
Provision for Income Taxes                                                                              22,477           15,274
                                                                                                                               
Income from Continuing Operations                                                                                              
    Before Minority Interests                                                                           30,921           20,407
Minority Interests                                                                                         898              687
                                                                                                                                 
Income From Continuing Operations                                                                       30,023           19,720
Income From Discontinued Operation - Scripps Cable                                                                        9,595
                                                                                                                                 
Net Income                                                                                          $   30,023       $   29,315
                                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                               
Per Share of Common Stock:                                                                                                     
    Income from continuing operations                                                                     $.37             $.25
                                                                                                                               
    Net income                                                                                            $.37             $.37
                                                                                                                               
    Dividends declared                                                                                    $.13             $.13
                                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                               
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS ( UNAUDITED )                                                                            
<CAPTION>
(in thousands)                                                                                          Three months ended
                                                                                                              March 31,         
                                                                                                        1997             1996
                                                                                                                               
<S>                                                                                                 <C>              <C>
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:                                                                                          
Income from continuing operations                                                                   $   30,023       $   19,720
Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations                                                                     
      to net cash flows from continuing operating activities:                                                                  
      Depreciation and amortization                                                                     18,268           17,519
      Deferred income taxes                                                                                827               53
      Minority interests in income of subsidiary companies                                                 898              687
      Subscriber acquisition costs                                                                     (2,946)            (744)
      Other changes in certain working capital accounts, net                                             2,685           14,931
      Miscellaneous, net                                                                                 5,186          (4,760)
Net cash provided by continuing operating activities                                                    54,941           47,406
                                                                                                                               
Discontinued Operation - Scripps Cable:                                                                                        
      Income                                                                                                              9,595
      Adjustment to derive cash flows from operating activities                                                          16,156
      Net cash provided                                                                                                  25,751
                                                                                                                               
Net operating activities                                                                                54,941           73,157
                                                                                                                               
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:                                                                                          
Additions to property, plant and equipment                                                             (8,896)         (17,396)
Purchase of subsidiary companies and long-term investments                                            (10,950)          (1,187)
Change in short-term investments, net                                                                 (17,800)           25,013
Miscellaneous, net                                                                                         525            1,622
Net investing activities of continuing operations                                                     (37,121)            8,052
Net investing activities of discontinued operation                                                                     (76,431)
Net investing activities                                                                              (37,121)         (68,379)
                                                                                                                               
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:                                                                                          
Increases in long-term debt                                                                                              34,700
Payments on long-term debt                                                                                (11)         (49,010)
Dividends paid                                                                                        (10,520)         (10,434)
Dividends paid to minority interests                                                                     (396)            (449)
Miscellaneous, net (primarily exercise of stock options)                                                 2,108            3,890
Net financing activities of continuing operations                                                      (8,819)         (21,303)
Net financing activities of discontinued operation                                                                        (625)
Net financing activities                                                                               (8,819)         (21,928)
                                                                                                                               
Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents                                                         9,001         (17,150)
                                                                                                                               
Cash and Cash Equivalents:                                                                                                     
Beginning of year                                                                                       10,145           30,021
                                                                                                                               
End of period                                                                                       $   19,146       $   12,871
                                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                               
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures:                                                                                            
   Interest paid, excluding amounts capitalized                                                     $      664       $    2,552
   Income taxes paid                                                                                     7,406            5,347
                                                                                                                               
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (UNAUDITED)                                                                       
<CAPTION>
( in thousands, except share data )                                                                                               
                                                                                         Unrealized                               
                                                                                       Gains (Losses)   Unvested       Foreign   
                                                           Additional                  on 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, 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 (losses) 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 
                                                                                                                                  
Balances at December 31, 1996                 $    808   $   272,703    $   676,471    $     (713)    $   (5,241)   $         563 
                                                                                                                                  
Net income                                                                   30,023                                               
Dividends:  declared and                                                                                                          
    paid - $.13 per share                                                  (10,520)                                               
Conversion of 136,671 Common Voting Shares                                                                                        
    to 136,671 Class A Common Shares                                                                                              
192,300 Class A Common Shares issued                                                                                              
    pursuant to compensation plans                   1         3,221                                      (1,137)                 
Tax benefits of compensation plans                             1,224                                                              
Amortization of restricted stock awards                                                                       731                 
Foreign currency translation adjustment                                                                                     (140) 
Increase in unrealized gains (losses) on                                                                                          
    securities available for sale, net                                                                                            
    of deferred income taxes of $1,635                                                       2,409                                
                                                                                                                                  
Balances at March 31, 1997                    $    809   $   277,148    $   695,974 $        1,696    $   (5,647)   $         423 
                                                                                                                                  
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. 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, 1996 has
not changed materially unless otherwise disclosed herein.  Financial
information as of December 31, 1996 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.  Common stock
equivalents in the form of stock options are excluded from the
computations as they have no material effect on the per share
amounts.  The weighted-average common shares outstanding were as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(in thousands)                                                                                          Three months ended
                                                                                                            March 31,         
                                                                                                        1997             1996
<S>                                                                                                     <C>              <C>
Weighted-average shares outstanding                                                                     80,904           80,204
</TABLE>

The Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 128 - Earnings per Share in the
first quarter of 1997.  The new standard, which the Company must
adopt in the fourth quarter of 1997, will require the presentation
of basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share.  Basic
earnings per share and diluted earnings per shares would not be
materially different than earnings per share presented in these
financial statements.

  
2.   ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES

A.   Acquisitions

1997 - There were no acquisitions in the three months ended March
31, 1997.

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

In May the Company acquired the Vero Beach, Florida, Press Journal.
The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase and the acquired
operations have been included in the Consolidated Statements of
Income from the date of acquisition.

B.   Divestitures

1996 - The Company sold its equity interest in The Television Food
Network, a cable programming network.  No material gain or loss was
realized as proceeds approximated the 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,
                                                                                 1997               1996              1996
                                                                                                                             
<S>                                                                        <C>               <C>                <C>       
6.17% note, due in 1997                                                    $       90,000    $        90,000                 
7.375% notes, due in 1998                                                          29,682             29,658    $      29,658
Variable Rate Credit Facilities                                                                                        34,700
Other notes                                                                         2,164              2,175            2,207
                                                                                                                             
Total long-term debt                                                              121,846            121,833           66,565
Current portion of long-term debt                                                  90,040             90,040           34,741
                                                                                                                             
Long-term debt (less current portion)                                      $       31,806    $        31,793    $      31,824
</TABLE>


The Company has a Competitive Advance/Revolving Credit Agreement and
other variable rate credit facilities ("Variable Rate Credit
Facilities") which expire through September 1997 and permit maximum
borrowings up to $50,000,000.  Maximum borrowings under the
facilities are changed as the Company's anticipated needs change and
are not indicative of the Company's 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.  The Company is
in compliance with all debt covenants.


4.   DISCONTINUED OPERATION - SCRIPPS CABLE
  
The Company's cable television systems ("Scripps Cable") were
acquired by Comcast Corporation ("Comcast") on November 13, 1996
("Cable Transaction") through a merger whereby the Company's
shareholders received, tax-free, a total of 93 million shares of
Comcast's Class A Special Common Stock.  The aggregate market value
of the Comcast shares was $1,593,000,000 ($19.83 per share of the
Company) and the net book value of Scripps Cable was $356,000,000,
yielding an economic gain of $1,237,000,000 to the Company's
shareholders.

Scripps Cable represented an entire business segment, therefore its
results are reported as a "discontinued operation" for all periods
presented.  Results of the remaining business segments, including
results for divested operating units within these segments through
their dates of sale, are reported as "continuing operations."

<PAGE>

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

The E. W. Scripps Company ("Company") publishes daily newspapers in
16 markets, operates television stations in nine markets, and its
entertainment division consists of Home & Garden Television ("HGTV,"
a 24-hour cable television network), comic character licensing and
television program production.

The Company's cable television systems ("Scripps Cable") were
acquired by Comcast Corporation ("Comcast") on November 13, 1996
("Cable Transaction") through a merger whereby the Company's
shareholders received, tax-free, a total of 93 million shares of
Comcast's Class A Special Common Stock.  The aggregate market value
of the Comcast shares was $1,593,000,000 ($19.83 per share of the
Company) and the net book value of Scripps Cable was $356,000,000,
yielding an economic gain of $1,237,000,000 to the Company's
shareholders.  The operating results of Scripps Cable are excluded
from management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and
results of operation as management believes it is not relevant to an
understanding of the Company's continuing operations.

Consolidated results of continuing operations were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
( in thousands, except per share data )                                                                       Year-to-Date         
                                                                                                       1997    Change         1996
                                                                                                                                    
<S>                                                                                                <C>           <C>      <C>
Operating revenues:                                                                                                                 
     Newspapers                                                                                    $ 174,854     10.1 %   $  158,843
     Broadcast television                                                                             72,696      2.8 %       70,721
     Entertainment                                                                                    43,160     74.9 %       24,681
                                                                                                                                    
Total operating revenues                                                                           $ 290,710     14.3 %   $  254,245
                                                                                                                                    
Operating income:                                                                                                                   
     Newspapers                                                                                    $  40,266     53.3 %   $   26,271
     Broadcast television                                                                             18,731      7.1 %       17,483
     Entertainment                                                                                     1,034                 (1,650)
     Corporate                                                                                       (4,180)                 (4,210)
                                                                                                                                    
     Total                                                                                            55,851     47.4 %       37,894
     Television Food Network                                                                                                   (418)
                                                                                                                                    
Total operating income                                                                                55,851     49.0 %       37,476
Interest expense                                                                                     (2,566)                 (1,413)
Miscellaneous, net                                                                                       113                   (382)
Income taxes                                                                                        (22,477)                (15,274)
Minority interest                                                                                      (898)                   (687)
                                                                                                                                    
Income from continuing operations                                                                  $  30,023     52.2 %   $   19,720
                                                                                                                                    
Per share of common stock:                                                                                                          
     Income from continuing operations                                                                  $.37     48.0 %         $.25
</TABLE>

<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
( in thousands )                                                                                              Year-to-Date         
                                                                                                       1997    Change         1996
                                                                                                                                    
<S>                                                                                                <C>           <C>      <C>
Other Financial and Statistical Data - excluding divested operating unit:                                                         
                                                                                                                                    
Total advertising revenues                                                                         $ 203,881      9.1 %   $  186,927
                                                                                                                                    
Advertising revenues as a                                                                                                           
     percentage of total revenues                                                                     70.1 %                  73.5 %
                                                                                                                                    
EBITDA:                                                                                                                             
     Newspapers                                                                                    $  50,930     42.3 %   $   35,780
     Broadcast television                                                                             24,930      2.4 %       24,339
     Entertainment                                                                                     2,129                   (725)
     Corporate                                                                                       (3,870)                 (3,981)
                                                                                                                                    
     Total                                                                                         $  74,119     33.8 %   $   55,413
                                                                                                                                    
Effective income tax rate                                                                             42.1 %                  42.8 %
                                                                                                                                    
Weighted-average shares outstanding                                                                   80,904      0.9 %       80,204
                                                                                                                                    
Total capital expenditures                                                                         $   8,896              $   17,396
</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.
 
    Banks and other lenders use EBITDA to determine the Company's
    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 the Company's income or cash flows from operating
activities as EBITDA excludes significant costs of doing business.

The Company acquired the Vero Beach, Florida, Press Journal in May
1996 and sold its equity interest in The Television Food Network
("TV Food") in April 1996.

Year-to-date operating losses for HGTV totaled $2,600,000,
$1,600,000 after-tax, $.02 per share in 1997 and $3,800,000,
$2,300,000 after-tax, $.03 per share in 1996.

Interest expense increased and total long-term debt was $55,300,000
higher than at the end of the first quarter in 1996 due primarily to
the Vero Beach newspaper acquisition.

Operating results, excluding TV Food, are presented below and on the
following pages.  The results of TV Food are excluded from the
segment operating results because management believes it is not
relevant to understanding the Company's ongoing operations.

<PAGE>

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
( in thousands )                                                                                              Year-to-Date         
                                                                                                       1997    Change         1996
                                                                                                                                    
<S>                                                                                                <C>          <C>       <C>
Operating revenues:                                                                                                                 
     Local                                                                                         $  54,703     12.6 %   $   48,585
     Classified                                                                                       49,902      9.4 %       45,621
     National                                                                                          5,626     32.5 %        4,246
     Preprint                                                                                         16,023      3.0 %       15,550
                                                                                                                                    
     Newspaper advertising                                                                           126,254     10.7 %      114,002
     Circulation                                                                                      33,808      0.7 %       33,564
     Joint operating agency distributions                                                             11,409     28.0 %        8,911
     Other                                                                                             3,383     43.0 %        2,366
                                                                                                                                    
Total operating revenues                                                                             174,854     10.1 %      158,843
                                                                                                                                    
Operating expenses:                                                                                                                 
     Employee compensation and benefits                                                               59,290      8.4 %       54,716
     Newsprint and ink                                                                                27,351    (20.0)%       34,169
     Other                                                                                            37,283      9.1 %       34,178
     Depreciation and amortization                                                                    10,664     12.1 %        9,509
                                                                                                                                    
Total operating expenses                                                                             134,588      1.5 %      132,572
                                                                                                                                    
Operating income                                                                                   $  40,266     53.3 %   $   26,271
                                                                                                                                    
Other Financial and Statistical Data:                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                    
EBITDA                                                                                             $  50,930     42.3 %   $   35,780
                                                                                                                                    
Percent of operating revenues:                                                                                                      
    Operating income                                                                                  23.0 %                  16.5 %
    EBITDA                                                                                            29.1 %                  22.5 %
                                                                                                                                    
Capital expenditures                                                                               $   6,157              $    5,231
                                                                                                                                    
Advertising inches:                                                                                                                 
     Local                                                                                             1,992     17.7 %        1,693
     Classified                                                                                        1,708     11.3 %        1,534
     National                                                                                            128     54.2 %           83
                                                                                                                                    
     Total full run ROP                                                                                3,828     15.6 %        3,310
</TABLE>


Strong growth in newspaper advertising revenue and a decline in
newsprint prices led to the improvement in EBITDA.  The rate of
growth in newspaper advertising was more than double that of the
previous three quarters.  The Vero Beach newspaper, acquired in May
1996, accounted for approximately one-third of the increase in
advertising revenues.

Newsprint prices in the first quarter of 1997 were approximately one-
third lower than in the first quarter of 1996.  Newsprint
consumption increased 14%.  Newsprint suppliers announced an approximate
15% price increase effective March 1, 1997.  If there are no further price 
changes, the year-over-year cost of newsprint will decrease approximately 
10% in the second quarter, be unchanged in the third quarter, and increase 
25% in the fourth quarter of 1997.

<PAGE>

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
( in thousands )                                                                                              Year-to-Date         
                                                                                                       1997    Change         1996
                                                                                                                                    
<S>                                                                                                <C>           <C>      <C>    
Operating revenues:                                                                                                                 
     Local                                                                                         $  38,424      8.1 %   $   35,560
     National                                                                                         29,457      0.3 %       29,377
     Political                                                                                            89                   1,382
     Other                                                                                             4,726      7.4 %        4,402
                                                                                                                                    
Total operating revenues                                                                              72,696      2.8 %       70,721
                                                                                                                                    
Operating expenses:                                                                                                                 
     Employee compensation and benefits                                                               25,436      7.2 %       23,727
     Program and copyright costs                                                                      11,042     (1.4)%       11,203
     Other                                                                                            11,288     (1.4)%       11,452
     Depreciation and amortization                                                                     6,199     (9.6)%        6,856
                                                                                                                                    
Total operating expenses                                                                              53,965      1.4 %       53,238
                                                                                                                                    
Operating income                                                                                   $  18,731      7.1 %   $   17,483
                                                                                                                                    
Other Financial and Statistical Data:                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                    
EBITDA                                                                                             $  24,930      2.4 %   $   24,339
                                                                                                                                    
Percent of operating revenues:                                                                                                      
    Operating income                                                                                  25.8 %                  24.7 %
    EBITDA                                                                                            34.3 %                  34.4 %
                                                                                                                                    
Capital expenditures                                                                               $   2,107              $   11,505
</TABLE>


The increasing political advertising in even-numbered years when
congressional and presidential elections occur make it increasingly
difficult to achieve year-over-year increases in operating results
in odd-numbered years.  Year-over-year comparisons in subsequent
quarters will be more difficult due to greater amounts of political
advertising in the 1996 periods.  Political advertising totaled
$1,718,000 in the second quarter, $3,982,000 in the third quarter,
and $12,423,000 in the fourth quarter of 1996.

The increase in employee costs is due primarily to the Company's
expanded schedules of local news programs. Depreciation and
amortization decreased in in the first quarter of 1997 as certain
intangible assets acquired in the 1991 purchase of the Baltimore
station became fully amortized.

<PAGE>

ENTERTAINMENT - Operating results for the entertainment segment,
excluding TV Food, were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
( in thousands )                                                                                              Year-to-Date         
                                                                                                       1997    Change         1996
                                                                                                                                    
<S>                                                                                                <C>           <C>      <C>
Operating revenues:                                                                                                                 
     Licensing                                                                                     $  16,356     29.7 %   $   12,606
     Newspaper feature distribution                                                                    5,348     11.2 %        4,808
     Advertising                                                                                       5,673                   3,188
     Subscriber fees                                                                                   3,737                   1,132
     Program production                                                                               11,420                   2,641
     Other                                                                                               626                     306
                                                                                                                                    
Total operating revenues                                                                              43,160     74.9 %       24,681
                                                                                                                                    
Operating expenses:                                                                                                                 
     Employee compensation and benefits                                                                7,380     32.6 %        5,566
     Artists' royalties                                                                               10,655     20.1 %        8,874
     Programming and production costs                                                                 14,785                   5,347
     Other                                                                                             8,211     46.1 %        5,619
     Depreciation and amortization                                                                     1,095     18.4 %          925
                                                                                                                                    
Total operating expenses                                                                              42,126     60.0 %       26,331
                                                                                                                                    
Operating income (loss)                                                                            $   1,034              $  (1,650)
                                                                                                                                    
Other Financial and Statistical Data:                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                    
EBITDA                                                                                             $   2,129              $    (725)
                                                                                                                                    
Capital expenditures                                                                               $     468              $      536
</TABLE>

Licensing revenues benefited primarily from the growing popularity
of "Dilbert" in the U.S. and the strength of "Peanuts" in Japan.
The Company signed several long-term licensing and book publishing
agreements for "Dilbert" in 1996.  Total international licensing
revenues increased 23% in the first quarter, despite the stronger
dollar.  Japanese licensing revenues increased 41% in local currency
in 1997.

Program production revenues are subject to substantial fluctuation
due to the timing of completion and delivery of programs.  Scripps
Howard Productions ("SHP") delivered four hours of programming in
the first quarter of 1997 and none in the first quarter of 1996.
SHP delivered eight hours of programming for the full year of 1996.

Subscriber fees and advertising revenue increased due to the continued 
growth of HGTV.

Year-to-date operating losses for HGTV totaled $2,600,000 in 1997
and $3,800,000 in 1996.

Programming and production costs increased due to the
additional hours of programming produced by SHP and higher
programming costs associated with the growth of HGTV.

In 1996 the Company agreed to pay incentives of approximately
$50,000,000 to certain cable television system operators in exchange
for long-term contracts to carry HGTV.  In the first quarter of 1997
the Company agreed to pay approximately $9,000,000 to additional
cable television system operators in exchange for carriage
contracts.  The amount of the incentives approximates the subscriber
revenues HGTV expects to receive over the terms of the contracts.
However, advertising revenue is expected to increase as HGTV's
viewership increases.  The costs of the incentives are amortized
based upon the percentage of the current period's subscriber
revenues to estimated total subscriber revenue over the terms of the
contracts.  Based on contractual commitments as of early May 1997,
HGTV will be telecast to at least 30 million homes by December 31,
1997.  Additional incentive payments may be required to obtain
carriage on additional cable television systems.

<PAGE>

From time-to-time the Company uses foreign currency forward and
option contracts to hedge cash flow exposures denominated in Japanese 
yen.  These contracts reduce the risk of changes in the exchange rate 
on the Company's 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 payments of licensing
royalties.  The Company does not hold foreign currency
contracts for trading purposes and does not hold leveraged
contracts.  Information about the Company's foreign currency
contracts, which require the Company to sell yen at a specified
rate, at March 31, 1997 was as follows:

     Maturity      Contract       Exchange     US Dollar
       Date     Amount (in yen)     Rate      Equivalent

     5/15/97     150,345,000       100.23     $1,500,000
     8/15/97     160,440,000       106.96      1,500,000
    11/17/97     173,700,000       115.80      1,500,000 


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company 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 the Company's business segments.  
Management expects total cash flow from continuing operating activities 
in 1997 will be sufficient to meet the Company's expected capital 
expenditures, required debt payments and dividend payments.

Cash flow provided by continuing operating activities was
$54,900,000 in 1997 compared to $47,400,000 in 1996.

Net debt (borrowings less cash equivalent and other short-term
investments) totaled $101,000,000 at March 31, 1997 and was 9% of
total capitalization.  Management believes the Company's cash and
cash equivalents, short-term investments and substantial borrowing
capacity, taken together, provide adequate resources to fund the
capital expenditures and expansion of existing businesses and the
development or acquisition of new businesses.

<PAGE>

                         THE E. W. SCRIPPS COMPANY


                             Index to Exhibits
                                     
                                     
  Exhibit
    No.                          Item                         Page


     12       Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges               E-2







<TABLE>
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES                                                                                   EXHIBIT 12
<CAPTION>
(in thousands)                                                                                          Three months ended
                                                                                                             March 31,     
                                                                                                        1997             1996
                                                                                                                               
<S>                                                                                                 <C>              <C>    
EARNINGS AS DEFINED:                                                                                                           
Earnings from operations before income taxes after                                                                             
     eliminating undistributed earnings of 20%- to                                                                             
     50%-owned affiliates                                                                           $   54,097       $   36,369
Fixed charges excluding capitalized interest and                                                                               
     preferred stock dividends of majority-owned                                                                               
     subsidiary companies                                                                                3,429            2,230
                                                                                                                               
Earnings as defined                                                                                 $   57,526       $   38,599
                                                                                                                               
FIXED CHARGES AS DEFINED:                                                                                                      
Interest expense, including amortization of                                                                                    
     debt issue costs                                                                               $    2,566       $    1,413
Interest capitalized                                                                                       203              183
Portion of rental expense representative                                                                                       
     of the interest factor                                                                                863              817
Preferred stock dividends of majority-owned                                                                                    
     subsidiary companies                                                                                   20               20
                                                                                                                               
Fixed charges as defined                                                                            $    3,652       $    2,433
                                                                                                                               
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES                                                                       15.75            15.86
</TABLE>



<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1997
<CASH>                                          19,146
<SECURITIES>                                    20,500
<RECEIVABLES>                                  181,945
<ALLOWANCES>                                     4,247
<INVENTORY>                                     12,647
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               315,730
<PP&E>                                         790,052
<DEPRECIATION>                                 363,878
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               1,478,606
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          299,853
<BONDS>                                         31,806
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                           809
<OTHER-SE>                                     969,594
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 1,478,606
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               290,710
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                        0
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                               233,555
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                 1,304
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               2,566
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 53,398
<INCOME-TAX>                                    22,477
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             30,023
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    30,023
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     $.37
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     $.37
        

</TABLE>


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