NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's) Oct. 13, 2004--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services said today that its credit rating and outlook on The E.W. Scripps Co. (A/Stable/A-1) are not affected by the announcement that the company had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the Great American Country (GAC) network, a 24-hour country music video network launched in 1996, from Jones Media Networks Ltd. (unrated entity) for $140 million in cash. The transaction is subject to customary approvals and is expected to be completed by late November. The acquisition enhances Scripp's portfolio of popular lifestyle television networks, which includes Home&Garden Television, Food Network, the Do It Yourself Network, and Fine Living. In addition, the transaction is consistent with Scripp's
