Scripps Split Soothes Wall Street

The new company, Scripps Networks Interactive, will include TV networks and Internet properties HGTV, the Food Network, the DIY Network, Fine Living Television and the Great American Country music channel. It also includes online comparison-shopping services Shopzilla and uSwitch. Those businesses have combined annual revenue of about $1.4 billion and about 2,100 employees.

The other company, E.W. Scripps, will consist of daily and community newspapers in 17 U.S. markets; 10 broadcast television stations; a character licensing and feature syndication business; and Scripps Media Center in Washington, D.C. The businesses have combined annual revenue of $1.1 billion and employ about 7,100 people.

"This is an important and logical next step for our shareholders, employees and all other stakeholders who have a direct interest in the success of our media businesses," said Lowe. "It's our intention to create two publicly traded companies, each with a sharpened strategic focus that would foster continued growth, solid operating performance and a clear vision on how best to build on the specific strengths of our national and local media franchises."

The transaction, which is projected to cost between $12 million and $15 million, is expected to be complete in the second quarter of 2008. It was unanimously approved by the company's board.

Existing shareholders will receive one share of the new company for each share they hold in the old company, and the Scripps family trust will maintain control over both.

Shares in the new company will be distributed to existing shareholders through a tax-free dividend, and both companies will emerge from the deal with a light debt load that could allow them flexibility to take on more leverage.

Lowe will be CEO of Scripps Networks Interactive. Richard Boehne, current Scripps chief operating officer and executive vice president, will become CEO of the remaining company.

The announcement comes about two weeks after Belo (BLC) said it will spin off its newspaper unit from its 20 television stations and their Web sites.

Furthermore, major newspaper publishers like Knight-Ridder, Dow Jones (DJ) and Tribune (TRB) have agreed to buyouts recently amid declining financial results, as consumers increasingly adopt the Internet for their information needs.

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