Current Report
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 8-K

 


 

CURRENT REPORT

 

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of

The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) December 13, 2004

 


 

THE E.W. SCRIPPS COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

Ohio   0-16914   31-1223339

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

  (Commission File Number)  

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

 

312 Walnut Street

Cincinnati, Ohio

  45202
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

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

 

Not Applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

 


 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

 

¨ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

¨ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 



Table of Contents

THE E.W. SCRIPPS COMPANY

 

INDEX TO CURRENT REPORT ON FORM 8-K

 

Item No.


       Page

    8.01

  Other Events    3

    9.01

  Financial Statements and Exhibits    3

 

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Table of Contents

Item 8.01 Other Events

 

On December 13, 2004, we released information regarding our consolidated revenue for the month ended November 30, 2004. A copy of the press release is filed as Exhibit 99.

 

The discussion and the information contained in the press release contain certain forward-looking statements that are based on our current expectations. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, trends, and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements. Such risks, trends and uncertainties, which in most instances are beyond our control, include changes in advertising demand and other economic conditions; consumers’ taste; newsprint prices; program costs; labor relations; technological developments; competitive pressures; interest rates; regulatory rulings; and reliance on third-party vendors for various products and services. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements, which are as of the date of this filing, should be evaluated with the understanding of their inherent uncertainty. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date the statement is made.

 

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits

 

  (c) Exhibits

 

99   Press release dated December 13, 2004.

 

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Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

THE E.W. SCRIPPS COMPANY

BY:

 

/s/ Lori A. Hickok


    Lori A. Hickok
    Vice President and Controller

 

Dated: December 13, 2004

 

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Press release dated December 13, 2004

Exhibit 99

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

Scripps reports November revenues

 

For immediate release

  (NYSE: SSP)

Dec. 13, 2004

   

 

CINCINNATI – The E. W. Scripps Company’s consolidated revenue for November increased 12 percent year-over-year to $197 million.

 

Revenue for the company’s fastest growing division, Scripps Networks, was up 26 percent to $67.9 million. November advertising revenue at Scripps Networks was up 20 percent and affiliate fee revenue increased 58 percent. Scripps Networks includes the company’s portfolio of national cable and satellite television networks, including Home & Garden Television, Food Network, DIY Network, Fine Living and Great American Country (GAC).

 

HGTV and Food Network can be seen in 87 million and 86 million U.S. television households, respectively. DIY Network reaches about 30 million households and Fine Living can be seen in about 24 million households. GAC reached 36 million U.S. households in November, up 38 percent for the month year-over-year.

 

At the company’s newspapers, November revenue was $62.6 million, down 5.3 percent from the same month a year ago. November 2004 had four Sundays compared with five Sundays in 2003. Newspaper revenue for October and November combined was up 1.2 percent.

 

Newspaper advertising revenue in November, by category, was:

 

  Local, down 6 percent to $15.7 million.

 

  Classified, down 8.8 percent to $16.7 million.

 

  National, up 2.0 percent to $3.9 million.

 

  Preprint and other, up 0.8 percent to $14.0 million.

 

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The company’s share of profits from its four joint newspaper operations, before editorial costs, was $8.4 million compared to $9.8 million in November 2003. The decline includes the effect of one fewer Sunday in November 2004.

 

November revenue at Shop at Home Network, the company’s television retailing subsidiary, was up 34 percent to $25.4 million. Shop at Home could be seen in 53 million television households in November, up 18 percent from the same month in 2003.

 

At the company’s broadcast television stations (excluding Shop At Home affiliated stations) revenue for the month was up 8.0 percent to $30.6 million. Broadcast television revenue reflects $1.8 million in political advertising during the month. Broadcast TV political advertising revenue was about $300,000 during the same month a year ago. Other than political, broadcast television advertising revenue, broken down by category, was:

 

  Local, up 4.6 percent to $17.3 million.

 

  National, up 1.3 percent to $10.3 million.

 

  Other, down 8.4 percent to $1.2 million.

 

About Scripps

 

The E.W. Scripps Company is a diverse media concern with interests in national lifestyle television networks, newspaper publishing, broadcast television, television retailing, interactive media and licensing and syndication. All of the company’s media businesses provide content and advertising services via the Internet.

 

Scripps is organized into the following operating divisions.

 

Scripps Networks, including the company’s growing portfolio of popular lifestyle television networks. Scripps Networks brands include Home & Garden Television, Food Network, DIY Network, Fine Living and Great American Country (GAC). Scripps Networks Web sites include FoodNetwork.com, HGTV.com, DIYnetwork.com, fineliving.com and gactv.com. Scripps Networks programming can be seen in 86 countries.

 

Scripps Newspapers, including daily and community newspapers in 19 markets and the Washington-based Scripps Media Center, home to the Scripps Howard News Service. Scripps newspapers include the Rocky Mountain News in Denver, the Commercial Appeal in Memphis, the Knoxville (Tenn.) News Sentinel and the Ventura County (Calif.) Star.

 

Scripps Television Station Group, including six ABC-affiliated stations, three NBC affiliates and one independent. Scripps operates broadcast television stations in Detroit, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Phoenix, Tampa, Baltimore, Kansas City, Mo., West Palm Beach, Fla., Tulsa, Okla., and Lawrence, Kan.

 

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Shop at Home Network, the company’s television retailing subsidiary, which markets a growing range of consumer goods directly to television viewers and visitors to the Shop At Home Web site, shopathometv.com. Shop At Home reaches about 53 million full-time equivalent U.S. households, including 5 million households via five Scripps-owned Shop At Home affiliated television stations.

 

United Media, a leading licensing and syndication company. United Media is the worldwide licensing and syndication home of Peanuts, Dilbert and about 150 other features and characters.

 

###

 

Contact: Tim Stautberg, The E. W. Scripps Company, 513-977-3826

Email: stautberg@scripps.com

 

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THE E.W. SCRIPPS COMPANY   

For more information:

Unaudited Revenue and Statistical Summary

  

Tim Stautberg

Period: November

  

The E.W. Scripps Company

Report date: December 13, 2004

  

513-977-3826

 

( amounts in millions, unless otherwise noted )


   November

    Year-to-date

 
   2004

   2003

   %

    2004

   2003

   %

 

SEGMENT OPERATING REVENUES

                                        

Newspapers

   $ 62.6    $ 66.1    (5.3 )%   $ 645.0    $ 633.8    1.8  %

Scripps Networks

     67.9      54.0    25.8  %     652.0      485.8    34.2  %

Broadcast Television

     30.6      28.3    8.0 %     317.0      279.4    13.5  %

Shop At Home

     25.4      19.0    34.0 %     253.5      209.0    21.3  %

Licensing and Other Media

     10.2      9.0    13.3 %     94.4      95.2    (0.8 )%
    

  

  

 

  

  

TOTAL

   $ 196.8    $ 176.4    11.5 %   $ 1,961.9    $ 1,703.1    15.2  %
    

  

  

 

  

  

NEWSPAPERS (1)

                                        

Operating Revenues

                                        

Local

   $ 15.7    $ 16.7    (6.0 )%   $ 151.5    $ 152.0    (0.3 )%

Classified

     16.7      18.3    (8.8 )%     199.6      195.0    2.4  %

National

     3.9      3.8    2.0 %     36.6      35.6    2.9  %

Preprints and other

     14.0      13.9    0.8 %     121.8      113.9    6.9 %
    

  

  

 

  

  

Newspaper advertising

     50.3      52.7    (4.6 )%     509.5      496.4    2.6 %

Circulation

     10.7      11.8    (10.0 )%     120.3      124.4    (3.3 )%

Other

     1.6      1.5    7.9 %     15.2      12.9    17.3 %
    

  

  

 

  

  

Newspapers

   $ 62.6    $ 66.1    (5.3 )%   $ 645.0    $ 633.8    1.8 %
    

  

  

 

  

  

Ad inches (excluding JOAs) (in thousands)

                                        

Local

     679      685    (0.8 )%     6,572      6,540    0.5 %

Classified

     802      901    (10.9 )%     9,576      9,687    (1.2 )%

National

     129      124    4.2 %     1,202      1,214    (1.0 )%
    

  

  

 

  

  

Full run ROP

     1,611      1,710    (5.8 )%     17,350      17,440    (0.5 )%
    

  

  

 

  

  

Share of JOA operating profits (2)

   $ 8.4    $ 9.8    (14.3 )%   $ 68.9    $ 70.9    (2.8 )%
    

  

  

 

  

  

SCRIPPS NETWORKS

                                        

Operating Revenues

                                        

Advertising

   $ 54.7    $ 45.5    20.2 %   $ 515.3    $ 395.5    30.3 %

Affiliate fees, net

     12.2      7.7    58.2 %     128.6      84.4    52.3 %

Other

     0.9      0.7    29.4 %     8.1      5.9    38.2 %
    

  

  

 

  

  

Scripps Networks

   $ 67.9    $ 54.0    25.8 %   $ 652.0    $ 485.8    34.2 %
    

  

  

 

  

  

Subscribers (3)

                                        

HGTV

                         87.4      84.4    3.6 %

Food Network

                         85.7      82.8    3.5 %

Great American Country

                         36.3      26.4    37.5 %

BROADCAST TELEVISION

                                        

Operating Revenues

                                        

Local

   $ 17.3    $ 16.6    4.6 %   $ 168.6    $ 169.1    (0.3 )%

National

     10.3      10.1    1.3 %     91.6      92.5    (1.0 )%

Political

     1.8      0.3            41.5      3.1       

Other

     1.2      1.3    (8.4 )%     15.2      14.6    4.2 %
    

  

  

 

  

  

Broadcast Television

   $ 30.6    $ 28.3    8.0 %   $ 317.0    $ 279.4    13.5 %
    

  

  

 

  

  

SHOP AT HOME

                                        

Operating Revenues

                                        

Shop At Home

   $ 25.4    $ 19.0    34.0 %   $ 253.5    $ 209.0    21.3 %
    

  

  

 

  

  

Avg. full-time equivalent homes

     53.2      45.0    18.2 %     50.0      46.4    7.8 %
    

  

  

 

  

  


(1) November 2004 had 4 Sundays, versus 5 Sundays in 2003.
(2) Excludes editorial costs.
(3) Subscriber counts are according to the Nielsen Homevideo Index of homes that receive cable networks.

 

8


THE E.W. SCRIPPS COMPANY   

For more information:

Unaudited Revenue and Statistical Summary

  

Tim Stautberg

Period: November

  

The E.W. Scripps Company

Report date: December 13, 2004

  

513-977-3826

 

( amounts in millions, unless otherwise noted )


   October and November

 
   2004

   2003

   %

 

SEGMENT OPERATING REVENUES

                    

Newspapers

   $ 125.9    $ 124.4    1.2 %

Scripps Networks

     132.9      105.8    25.6 %

Broadcast Television

     73.3      58.1    26.2 %

Shop At Home

     49.8      35.6    39.8 %

Licensing and Other Media

     19.3      18.7    3.0 %
    

  

  

TOTAL

   $ 401.1    $ 342.6    17.1 %
    

  

  

NEWSPAPERS

                    

Operating Revenues

                    

Local

   $ 30.5    $ 31.1    (1.9 )%

Classified

     36.0      35.6    1.0 %

National

     7.6      7.3    3.8 %

Preprints and other

     26.4      24.6    7.3 %
    

  

  

Newspaper advertising

     100.5      98.7    1.9 %

Circulation

     22.2      22.8    (2.8 )%

Other

     3.2      2.9    9.3 %
    

  

  

Newspapers

   $ 125.9    $ 124.4    1.2 %
    

  

  

Ad inches (excluding JOAs) (in thousands)

                    

Local

     1,335      1,286    3.8 %

Classified

     1,695      1,773    (4.5 )%

National

     249      248    0.7 %
    

  

  

Full run ROP

     3,279      3,307    (0.8 )%
    

  

  

Share of JOA operating profits (1)

   $ 17.1    $ 17.1    0.1 %
    

  

  

SCRIPPS NETWORKS

                    

Operating Revenues

                    

Advertising

   $ 107.3    $ 89.0    20.6 %

Affiliate fees, net

     24.1      15.4    56.4 %

Other

     1.5      1.5    6.5 %
    

  

  

Scripps Networks

   $ 132.9    $ 105.8    25.6 %
    

  

  

Subscribers (2)

                    

HGTV

     87.4      84.4    3.6 %

Food Network

     85.7      82.8    3.5 %

Great American Country

     36.3      26.4    37.5 %

BROADCAST TELEVISION

                    

Operating Revenues

                    

Local

   $ 31.7    $ 34.0    (6.8 )%

National

     18.1      20.4    (11.0 )%

Political

     21.0      1.1       

Other

     2.4      2.6    (6.5 )%
    

  

  

Broadcast Television

   $ 73.3    $ 58.1    26.2 %
    

  

  

SHOP AT HOME

                    

Operating Revenues

                    

Shop At Home

   $ 49.8    $ 35.6    39.8 %
    

  

  

Avg. full-time equivalent homes

     53.2      45.0    18.2 %
    

  

  


(1) Excludes editorial costs and proportionate share of JOA activities.
(2) Subscriber counts are according to the Nielsen Homevideo Index of homes that receive cable networks.

 

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