Strong discretionary cash flow generating ability; Historically low leverage metrics; and Track record of conservative financial policy. Pending separation into two companies will eliminate Scripps' principal growth driver, the cable network segment; Increasing exposure to the declining newspaper publishing business; and Growth through acquisition. The 'A' long-term corporate credit rating on the E. W. Scripps Co. (Scripps) remains on CreditWatch, where it was placed with negative implications on Oct. 16, 2007, following the company's announcement that it plans to separate into two publicly traded companies. After the separation, the remaining E.W. Scripps entity will consist of the newspaper, broadcast TV, and licensing segments, while the cable network and interactive media segments will be spun off into a new company, Scripps Networks
