NY -- Standard&Poor's CreditWire 9/29/97 -- Standard&Poor's today assigned its 'A-1' rating to E.W. Scripps Co.'s 4(2) commercial paper program. In addition, Standard&Poor's affirmed its single-'A' corporate credit and senior unsecured debt ratings of 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 $775 million, and is planning to exchange these television and radio stations with
