NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's) Jan. 31, 2003--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services said today that it assigned its 'A' senior unsecured debt rating to E.W. Scripps Co.'s $50 million 3.75% notes due 2008. These securities were drawn down from the company's shelf registration. Proceeds will be used to repay a portion of Scripps' commercial paper borrowings. At the same time, Standard&Poor's affirmed its 'A/A-1' corporate credit rating on the company. Total debt as of December 2002 was about $725 million. The outlook on the Cincinnati, Ohio-headquartered diversified media company is stable. "The advertising revenue climate remains challenging. However, the company's recent results are benefiting from sharply higher contributions from the cable television networks, stronger broadcast television sales, a
