NY -- Standard&Poor's CreditWire 10/1/97 -- Standard&Poor's today assigned its preliminary single-'A' rating to E.W. Scripps Co.'s $500 million debt securities filed under a Rule 415 shelf registration. In addition, Standard&Poor's affirmed its single-'A' corporate credit and senior unsecured debt ratings and 'A-1' commercial paper rating on the company. The ratings outlook is stable. Ratings are supported by Scripps' diversified media properties and geographic mixes, strong operating margins, and healthy cash flow generation. The company's involvement in many media markets helps to stabilize revenue and cash flow in the face of regional downturns. Scripps is in the process of acquiring six newspapers, one television station, and one radio station from Harte-Hanks Communications Inc. for
