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Table of Contents

 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
     
þ   ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010
OR
     
o   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from __________ to __________
Commission File Number 0-16914
THE E. W. SCRIPPS COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Ohio
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  31-1223339
(IRS Employer
Identification Number)
     
312 Walnut Street
Cincinnati, Ohio
(Address of principal executive offices)
  45202
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (513) 977-3000
     
Title of each class   Name of each exchange on which registered
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:    
Class A Common shares, $.01 par value   New York Stock Exchange
     
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:    
Not applicable    
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o No þ
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 of Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company “in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
             
Large accelerated filer o   Accelerated filer þ   Non-accelerated filer o   Smaller reporting company o
        (do not check if a smaller reporting company)    
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes o No þ
The aggregate market value of Class A Common shares of the registrant held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based on the $7.43 per share closing price for such stock on June 30, 2010, was approximately $261,326,000. All Class A Common shares beneficially held by executives and directors of the registrant and The Edward W. Scripps Trust have been deemed, solely for the purpose of the foregoing calculation, to be held by affiliates of the registrant. There is no active market for our common voting shares.
As of February 18, 2011, there were 46,530,205 of the registrant’s Class A Common shares, $.01 par value per share, outstanding and 11,932,735 of the registrant’s Common Voting Shares, $.01 par value per share, outstanding.
Certain information required for Part III of this report is incorporated herein by reference to the proxy statement for the 2011 annual meeting of shareholders.
 
 

 

 


 

Index to The E. W. Scripps Company Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the Year Ended December 31, 2010
         
Item No.   Page  
 
       
Additional Information
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Forward-Looking Statements
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 EX-21
 EX-23
 EX-31(a)
 EX-31(b)
 EX-32(a)
 EX-32(b)

 

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As used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the terms “Scripps,” “we,” “our” or “us” may, depending on the context, refer to The E. W. Scripps Company, to one or more of its consolidated subsidiary companies, or to all of them taken as a whole.
Additional Information
Our Company Web site is www.scripps.com. Copies of all of our SEC filings filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are available free of charge on this Web site as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file the material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. Our Web site also includes copies of the charters for our Compensation, Nominating & Governance and Audit Committees, our Corporate Governance Principles, our Insider Trading Policy, our Ethics Policy and our Code of Ethics for the CEO and Senior Financial Officers. All of these documents are also available to shareholders in print upon request or by request via E-Mail to secretaries@scripps.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Our Annual Report on Form 10-K contains certain forward-looking statements related to our businesses. We base our forward-looking statements on our current expectations. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements. Such risks, trends and uncertainties, which in most instances are beyond our control, include changes in advertising demand and other economic conditions; consumers’ tastes; newsprint prices; program costs; labor relations; technological developments; competitive pressures; interest rates; regulatory rulings; and reliance on third-party vendors for various products and services. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. You should evaluate our forward-looking statements, which are as of the date of this filing, with the understanding of their inherent uncertainty. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of the statement.

 

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PART I
Item 1.   Business
We are a diverse, 132-year-old media enterprise with interests in television stations, newspapers, and local news and information Web sites. Our portfolio of locally focused media properties includes: 10 TV stations (six ABC affiliates, three NBC affiliates and one independent); daily and community newspapers in 13 markets and the Washington, D.C.-based Scripps Media Center, home of the Scripps Howard News Service; and United Media, the syndicator of news features and comics. For a full listing of our media companies and their associated Web sites, visit http://www.scripps.com.
In the fourth quarter of 2009 we began a review of our strategic options for United Media Licensing, the character licensing operation of United Media. We sought bids from interested parties during the first quarter 2010, completing a sale of United Media Licensing to Iconix Brand Group for $175 million in cash in the second quarter of 2010. The sale also included certain intellectual property including the rights to syndicate the Peanuts and Dilbert comic strips.
After an unsuccessful search for a buyer, we closed the Rocky Mountain News after it published its final edition on February 27, 2009. Our Rocky Mountain News and MediaNews Group, Inc.’s (MNG) Denver Post were partners in The Denver Newspaper Agency (the “Denver JOA”), a limited liability partnership, which operated the sales, production and business operations of the Rocky Mountain News prior to its closure. Each newspaper provided the Denver JOA with the independent editorial content published in its newspaper. Under the terms of an agreement with MNG, we transferred our interests in the Denver JOA to MNG in the third quarter of 2009. We recorded no gain or loss on the transfer of our interest in the Denver JOA to MNG. In connection with the closure of the Rocky Mountain News, we also transferred our 50% interest in Prairie Mountain Publishing (“PMP”) to MNG in the third quarter of 2009.
On July 1, 2008, we completed the spin-off of Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc. (“SNI”) through a tax-free dividend to our shareholders. The shareholders of record received one SNI Class A Common Share for every Scripps Class A Common Share held as of the Record Date and one SNI Common Voting Share for every Scripps Common Voting Share held as of the Record Date. For more information regarding the spin-off of SNI, refer to Management’s Discussion & Analysis (MD&A) in Item 7 and the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-K report (Report).
We ceased publication of The Albuquerque Tribune on February 23, 2008, and The Cincinnati Post on December 31, 2007.
Financial information for each of our business segments can be found under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-K.

 

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Television
Scripps has operated broadcast television stations since 1947 when it launched Ohio’s first television station, WEWS in Cleveland. Our television station group today reaches approximately 10% of the nation’s households, and includes six ABC affiliates, three NBC affiliates and one independent station.
Our stations provide local news and a mix of network and syndicated programs. Our goal is to provide programming that drives each market’s highest ratings. We believe that the most critical component of that product mix is compelling news content. To pursue that level of quality, we have trained all employees in our news departments to be multi-media journalists, allowing us to pursue a “hyper-local” strategy by having more reporters covering local news for our over-the-air and digital platforms.
In our non-news hours we currently offer locally produced programs in certain markets. In coming years we will place a higher priority on producing more local programming in all of our markets, particularly as we reduce our reliance on syndicated programming as a lead-in to primetime.
Investing in digital
We successfully completed the transition to all-digital broadcasting on June 12, 2009, in accordance with the deadline adopted by Congress, and we continue to invest in other platforms for digital technology. In addition to a wide range of Web-based products, we have developed smartphone and tablet applications for mobile delivery of our news and information content. We also are working with the Mobile Content Venture, of which we are a charter member, to exploit the potential in our markets of mobile broadcasting. Our stations in Detroit and West Palm Beach currently are broadcasting a mobile signal from their towers, and we expect more markets to launch live mobile broadcasting in 2011.
Information concerning our stations, their network affiliations and the markets in which they operate is as follows:
                                                                 
                                                    Percentage        
        Network   Affiliation     FCC                             of U.S.        
        Affiliation/   Expires in/     License     Rank     Stations     Station     Television     Average  
        DTV   DTV Service     Expires     of     in     Rank in     Households     Audience  
Station   Market   Channel   Commenced     in     Mkt (1)     Mkt (2)     Mkt (3)     in Mkt (4)     Share (5)  
WXYZ-TV
  Detroit, Ch. 7   ABC     2015       2013       11       9       1       1.6 %     12  
 
  Digital Service Status   41     1998                                                  
 
                                                               
KNXV-TV
  Phoenix, Ch. 15   ABC     2015       2014       12       14       4       1.6 %     6  
 
  Digital Service Status   15     2000                                                  
 
                                                               
WFTS-TV
  Tampa, Ch. 28   ABC     2015       2013       14       13       4       1.5 %     6  
 
  Digital Service Status   29     1999                                                  
 
                                                               
WEWS-TV
  Cleveland, Ch. 5   ABC     2015       2013       18       11       1       1.3 %     11  
 
  Digital Service Status   15     1999                                                  
 
                                                               
WMAR-TV
  Baltimore, Ch. 2   ABC     2015       2012       26       7       3       1.0 %     5  
 
  Digital Service Status   38     1999                                                  
 
                                                               
KSHB-TV
  Kansas City, Ch. 41   NBC     2015       2014       31       9       4       0.8 %     6  
 
  Digital Service Status   42     2003                                                  
 
                                                               
KMCI-TV
  Lawrence, Ch. 38   Ind.     N/A       2014       31       9       6T       0.8 %     1  
 
  Digital Service Status   41     2003                                                  
 
                                                               
WCPO-TV
  Cincinnati, Ch. 9   ABC     2015       2013       33       6       2       0.8 %     11  
 
  Digital Service Status   22     1998                                                  
 
                                                               
WPTV-TV
  W. Palm Beach, Ch. 5   NBC     2015       2013       38       8       1       0.7 %     13  
 
  Digital Service Status   12     2003                                                  
 
                                                               
KJRH-TV
  Tulsa, Ch. 2   NBC     2015       2014       61       10       3       0.5 %     8  
 
  Digital Service Status   8     2002                                                  
All market and audience data is based on the November Nielsen survey.
     
(1)   Rank of Market represents the relative size of the television market in the United States.
 
(2)   Stations in Market represents stations within the Designated Market Area per the Nielsen survey excluding public broadcasting stations, satellite stations, and lower-power stations.
 
(3)   Station Rank in Market is based on Average Audience Share as described in (5).
 
(4)   Represents the number of U.S. television households in Designated Market Area as a percentage of total U.S. television households.
 
(5)   Represents the number of television households tuned to a specific station from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. M-SU, as a percentage of total viewing households in the Designated Market Area.

 

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Revenue cycles and sources
Our television stations compete for advertising revenues with other sources of local media, including competitors’ television stations in the same markets, radio stations, cable television systems, newspapers, other Internet sites and direct mail. Pricing of advertising is based on audience size and share, the demographics of our audiences on various platforms, and the demand for our limited inventory of commercial time. The sale of local, national and political commercial spots accounted for more than 90% of the television segment’s revenues in 2010.
Cyclical factors influence revenues from our core advertising categories. Some of the cycles are periodic and known well in advance, such as election campaign seasons and special programming events like the Olympics or the Super Bowl. For example, our three NBC affiliates in 2010 benefited from incremental advertising demand concurrent with coverage of the Winter Olympics in February. Economic cycles are less predictable and beyond our control. The global recession that began in late 2008 significantly reduced our revenue performance in 2009. Many categories, particularly the automotive category, showed substantial revenue improvement in 2010 compared with the previous year, but still were lower than their 2008 levels.
Advertising revenues dramatically increase during even-numbered years, when local, state and federal elections occur. Political revenue totaled $48 million in 2010 and $41 million in 2008.
Due to increased demand in the spring and holiday seasons, the second and fourth quarters normally have higher advertising revenues than the first and third quarters.
In addition to selling commercials during our programming, we also offer additional marketing opportunities for our business customers, including sponsorships, community events, and advertising on our digital platforms. We offer our digital advertising customers additional reach through various audience extension partnerships with local magazines and weekly publications. We were one of the first broadcast groups to join Yahoo!’s content and advertising sharing partnership that increases our access to local Web-focused advertising dollars. We offer our customers additional marketing services, such as managing their search engine marketing campaigns.
Our nine network-affiliated stations historically received cash compensation from ABC and NBC for our carriage of their programming, but affiliation agreements renewed in the past 12 months have been consistent with the industry trend of discontinued network compensation. Under the new agreements, we now pay the networks for the programming that is supplied to us in various dayparts. Those costs are reported as programming expenses.
Scripps negotiates retransmission consent agreements with cable operators and satellite carriers who pay us to offer our programming to their customers. The revenue we receive from these retransmission consent agreements is currently lower than those realized by our peers because multiple long-term agreements were executed before we spun off our cable networks in 2008. As a consolidated company prior to the split, the rights to retransmit our broadcast signal were included as consideration in negotiations between cable system operators and the Company’s cable networks. As those contracts expire, we will negotiate standalone retransmission consent agreements involving our stations and the local cable systems.
Expenses
Employee costs accounted for 50% of segment costs and expenses in 2010. The recession led us in 2009 to adjust our employee expense structure by temporarily reducing the pay of most employees.
We have been centralizing functions that do not require a presence in the local markets at company-owned hubs, enabling each of our stations to focus resources devoted to the creation of content and revenue-producing activities.
Programming costs, which include syndicated programming, were 24% of total segment costs and expenses in 2010. Significantly reducing our syndicated programming costs is a priority over the next several years.

 

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Federal Regulation of Broadcasting — Broadcast television is subject to the jurisdiction of the FCC pursuant to the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (“Communications Act”). The Communications Act prohibits the operation of broadcast television stations except in accordance with a license issued by the FCC and empowers the FCC to revoke, modify and renew broadcast television licenses, approve the transfer of control of any entity holding such licenses, determine the location of stations, regulate the equipment used by stations and adopt and enforce necessary regulations. The FCC also exercises limited authority over broadcast programming by, among other things, requiring certain children’s programming and limiting commercial content therein, regulating the sale of political advertising, and restricting indecent programming.
Broadcast television licenses are granted for a term of up to eight years and are renewable upon request, subject to FCC review of the licensee’s performance. While complaints about network programming aired by some Company-owned stations during the last license term remain outstanding, all the stations’ licenses have been renewed for the current license term. While there can be no assurance regarding the renewal of our broadcast television licenses, we have never had a license revoked, have never been denied a renewal, and all previous renewals have been for the maximum term.
FCC regulations govern the multiple ownership of television stations and other media. Under the FCC’s current rules (as modified by Congress with respect to national audience reach), a license for a television station will generally not be granted or renewed if the grant of the license would result in (i) the applicant owning more than one television station, or in some markets under certain conditions, more than two television stations in the same market, or (ii) the grant of the license would result in the applicant’s owning, operating, controlling, or having an interest in television stations whose total national audience reach exceeds 39% of all television households. The FCC also has generally prohibited “cross ownership” of a television station and a daily newspaper in the same community, but the FCC in 2007 completed a Congressionally mandated periodic review of its ownership rules and determined to relax this cross ownership ban in the largest television markets. While this decision remains under appeal, the new rule has been allowed to take effect. The FCC is currently initiating another periodic review of the ownership rules.
The FCC has suggested that the transition to more efficient digital television broadcasting may permit further reductions in the amount of spectrum allocated to over-the-air broadcasting. In particular, in order to provide additional spectrum for mobile broadband services, the FCC has urged Congress to authorize the conduct of spectrum auctions in which broadcasters would give up spectrum in return for a share of the auction proceeds. The FCC has also initiated a broad rulemaking to explore ways to implement such auctions and otherwise encourage innovative use of the broadcast spectrum. Separately, the FCC has now issued rules to implement its order permitting the non-broadcast use of broadcast spectrum in the “white spaces” between broadcast stations’ service areas, and petitions for reconsideration of that order are now being considered. We cannot predict the effect of these proceedings on our offering of digital television service or our business.
Broadcast television stations generally enjoy “must-carry” rights on any cable television system defined as “local” with respect to the station. Stations may waive their must-carry rights and instead negotiate retransmission consent agreements with local cable companies. Similarly, satellite carriers, upon request, are required to carry the signal of those television stations that request carriage and that are located in markets in which the satellite carrier chooses to retransmit at least one local station, and satellite carriers cannot carry a broadcast station without its consent. The Company has elected to negotiate retransmission consent agreements with the major cable operators and satellite carriers for our network-affiliated stations. Some members of Congress have expressed concern about cable subscribers occasionally losing television service during retransmission consent negotiations, and the FCC has announced its intention to conduct a rulemaking proceeding during 2011 to reexamine the process. In addition, Congress or the FCC may reexamine other regulatory policies that support a television station’s ability to enjoy an exclusive right to present particular programming in its local service area. We cannot predict the outcome of any such proceedings or their possible impact on the Company.
During recent years, the FCC has substantially increased its scrutiny of broadcasters’ programming practices. In particular, it has heightened enforcement of the restrictions on indecent programming. Congress’ decision to greatly increase the financial penalty for airing such programming has at the same time increased the threat to broadcasters from such enforcement. Litigation continues over the scope of the FCC’s authority to regulate indecency, and substantial uncertainty remains concerning FCC indecency enforcement. In addition, the FCC in 2008 adopted new regulations requiring broadcasters to maintain more detailed records of their public service programming and to make such information more accessible to the public via their web sites. Implementation of these new FCC regulations continues to be delayed while the FCC considers imposing more specific obligations with respect to broadcasters’ programming service to their local communities. In 2009, the FCC initiated a new proceeding to explore how the evolution of digital media is affecting children, including whether commercial television broadcasters are adequately addressing children’s educational needs and whether steps should be taken to better protect children from exposure to potentially harmful media content, including harmful advertising messages. In 2010, the FCC initiated a broad examination of modern media that includes questioning whether broadcasters’ public interest programming obligations should be revised. We cannot predict the outcome of these proceedings or their possible impact on the Company.

 

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Newspapers
We have operated newspapers for 132 years, when our founder, Edward W. Scripps, began publishing the Penny Press in Cleveland, Ohio. Today, the Scripps newspaper division operates daily newspapers, news and information Web sites, mobile news applications, community newspapers, niche publications and other advertiser-supported local media in 13 markets across the United States. We believe that compelling news content and a diverse portfolio of product offerings are critical components to garnering the highest share of local advertising dollars in our markets.
We believe all of our newspapers have an excellent reputation for journalistic quality and content. They were recognized during 2010 by numerous regional and national journalism organizations for high-quality reporting across multiple platforms, including print, Web and mobile. Much of this recognition came from print-focused journalism organizations, but video-based crime reporting from our newspaper in Knoxville, Tenn., earned a prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award, an honor historically bestowed on television stations. Our ability to cover our communities across multiple media allows us to expand our audiences beyond our traditional print boundaries.
Our Internet sites offer comprehensive local news and information, user-generated content, advertising, e-commerce and other services. We continue to enhance our online services, using features such as streaming video and audio to deliver our news and information content. Many of our journalists routinely produce videos for consumption through our Web sites and use an array of social media sites such as Facebook, YouTube and Twitter to interest our audiences. We have embraced mobile technology by offering our products on e-readers as well as apps available on both the Apple and Android platforms.
We also offer our advertising customers additional digital advertising opportunities through our audience-extension partnerships. We were a founding member of a newspaper consortium that joined Yahoo! in an advertising and content sharing partnership that increases our access to local Web-focused advertising dollars. We have a similar arrangement with Zillow, the leading Internet real estate company. In 2010, Yahoo! sold its HotJobs recruitment site to Monster.com. Monster assumed in its entirety the HotJobs contractual relationship we had with Yahoo! We retained our relationship with Yahoo! in the areas of content, search and display advertising. We also offer our local advertising customers additional marketing services, such as managing their search engine marketing campaigns.
Over the years we have supplemented our daily newspapers with an array of niche products, including direct-mail advertising, total market coverage publications, zoned editions, specialty publications, and event-based publications. These product offerings, including approximately 100 niche publications with a combined monthly average audience of 900,000, allow existing advertisers to reach their target audiences in multiple ways, while giving us a portfolio of products with which to acquire new clients, particularly small- and mid-sized advertisers.
The markets and audiences that we serve are as follows:
Daily circulation (includes print and E-edition)
                                         
(in thousands) (1)                              
Newspaper   2010     2009     2008     2007     2006  
Abilene (TX) Reporter-News
    24       27       28       30       31  
Anderson (SC) Independent-Mail
    23       26       29       34       35  
Corpus Christi (TX) Caller-Times
    45       47       52       52       52  
Evansville (IN) Courier & Press
    52       57       64       66       66  
Henderson (KY) Gleaner
    10       10       10       10       10  
Kitsap (WA) Sun
    23       23       28       29       30  
Knoxville (TN) News Sentinel
    93       101       113       117       116  
Memphis (TN) Commercial Appeal
    118       136       144       152       156  
Naples (FL) Daily News
    63       53       54       56       58  
Redding (CA) Record-Searchlight
    22       25       31       32       34  
San Angelo (TX) Standard-Times
    18       21       24       25       25  
Treasure Coast (FL) News/Press/Tribune (2)
    75       87       99       102       102  
Ventura County (CA) Star
    65       67       83       85       86  
Wichita Falls (TX) Times Record News
    23       25       27       29       30  
 
                             
Total Daily Circulation
    654       705       786       819       831  
 
                             

 

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Circulation information for the Sunday edition of our newspapers is as follows:
                                         
(in thousands ) (1)                              
Newspaper   2010     2009     2008     2007     2006  
Abilene (TX) Reporter-News
    31       35       37       39       39  
Anderson (SC) Independent-Mail
    29       30       32       38       40  
Corpus Christi (TX) Caller-Times
    58       65       72       71       71  
Evansville (IN) Courier & Press
    74       77       83       87       88  
Henderson (KY) Gleaner
    11       11       11       12       12  
Kitsap (WA) Sun
    24       26       31       32       33  
Knoxville (TN) News Sentinel
    116       126       138       145       147  
Memphis (TN) Commercial Appeal
    151       172       177       193       204  
Naples (FL) Daily News
    73       61       62       63       67  
Redding (CA) Record-Searchlight
    25       28       33       35       37  
San Angelo (TX) Standard-Times
    21       24       28       29       30  
Treasure Coast (FL) News/Press/Tribune (2)
    95       105       112       112       113  
Ventura County (CA) Star
    82       82       94       95       99  
Wichita Falls (TX) Times Record News
    26       28       30       33       34  
 
                             
Total Sunday Circulation
    816       870       940       984       1,014  
 
                             
     
(1)   Based on Audit Bureau of Circulation Publisher’s Statements (“Statements”) for the six-month periods ended September 30, except figures for the Naples Daily News and the Treasure Coast News/Press/Tribune, which are from the Statements for the twelve-month periods ended September 30.
 
(2)   Represents the combined Sunday circulation of The Stuart News, the Indian River Press Journal and The St. Lucie News Tribune.
Restructuring to take advantage of scale
We began a restructuring of the newspaper division in 2009. Our newspaper operations were previously organized and managed solely by geography. Under the restructuring project, known as Scripps 3.0, we are now organized functionally with divisional executives leading content, sales, finance, operations, information technology and human resources across the geographies. We believe this reorganization enables us to take advantage of scale and consolidate functions that do not require a presence in our local markets. The focus in each local market is on content, sales and distribution of our products.
We also seek to take advantage of scale by providing services for other publishers. For example, we have created distribution and/or commercial printing arrangements with a number of other publishers in our markets and have made decisions to rationalize our production functions. We will continue to pursue similar opportunities into the future.
Product offerings
We derive revenue from two principal sources: readers and advertisers.
Circulation
Approximately 28% of our total revenue comes from subscribers who pay us to deliver a print or a print/electronic product on a regular basis (home delivery) or consumers who purchase our print products from a retail store or vending machine (single copy). Home delivery copies account for more than 90% of our total daily circulation.
Daily and Sunday circulation has declined over the past five years as readers consume more news and information online or over mobile devices. We have implemented strategies to reduce unprofitable circulation and have implemented circulation price increases, which have contributed to the declines. However, as our total subscriber base has declined we have seen a decrease in the churn of our subscribers. In 2011, we will implement marketing and pricing strategies with the intent of stabilizing our circulation base.
Advertising
Advertising provided approximately 68% of newspaper segment operating revenues in 2010. Our range of products and audience reach gives us the ability to deliver the specific audiences desired by our advertisers. While many advertisers want the broad reach delivered by our daily newspaper, others want to target their message by demographics, geography, buying habits or customer behavior. We develop advertising campaigns that combine products within our portfolio that best reach the advertiser’s targeted audience with the appropriate frequency.
We sell advertising based upon audience size, demographics, price and effectiveness. Advertising rates and revenues vary among our newspapers depending on circulation, type of advertising, local market conditions and competition. Each of our newspapers operates in highly competitive local media marketplaces, where advertisers and media consumers can choose from a wide range of alternatives, including other news publications, radio, broadcast and cable television, magazines, Internet sites, outdoor advertising, directories and direct-mail products.

 

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Print
Print advertising includes Run-of-Press (“ROP”) advertising, preprinted inserts, advertising on our Internet sites, advertising in niche publications, and direct mail. ROP advertisements, located throughout the newspaper, include local, classified and national advertising. Local ROP refers to any advertising purchased by in-market advertisers that is not included in the paper’s classified section. Classified ROP includes all auto, real estate and help-wanted advertising and other ads listed together in sequence by the nature of the ads. National ROP refers to any advertising purchased by businesses outside our local market. National advertisers typically procure advertising from numerous newspapers using advertising agency services. Preprinted inserts are stand-alone, multi-page fliers inserted into and distributed with the daily newspaper.
Digital
We sell advertising across all of our digital platforms. We also utilize a variety of audience-extension programs to enhance the reach of our Web sites and to garner larger shares of local ad dollars that are spent online.
Expenses
Our newspaper franchises are characterized as having high fixed costs with much of our expense base dedicated to employees and production/distribution capabilities.
Employees - Employee costs accounted for approximately 50% of segment costs and expenses in 2010. Our workforce is comprised of a combination of non-union and union employees. See “Employees.” During the past three years, we have reduced our workforce from 4,800 employees to roughly 3,000.
Newsprint - We consumed approximately 56,000 metric tons of newsprint in 2010. Newsprint is a basic commodity and its price is sensitive to changes in the balance of worldwide supply and demand. Mill closures and industry consolidation have decreased overall newsprint production capacity and increased the likelihood of future price increases. We purchase newsprint from various suppliers, many of which are Canadian. Based on our expected newsprint consumption, we believe that our supply sources are sufficient.
Capital expenditures - During the past several years, our newspaper businesses have consumed —with the exception of our Naples plant project—a historically low level of capital for ongoing operations. We will continue to make necessary investments to maintain the physical operations and to ensure employee safety. We will focus additional capital on projects that expand our ability to deliver news and improve sales, which will likely include software development and technological capabilities that improve audience or revenue growth directly.
Syndication and Other Media
Syndication and other media primarily include syndication of news features and comics. Under the trade name United Media, we distribute news columns, comics and other features for the newspaper industry. Newspapers typically pay a weekly fee for their use of the features.
Upon the completion of the sale of United Media Licensing we continued to sell and service the syndication of the Peanuts and Dilbert comic strips on behalf of Iconix. We received a percentage of the revenues for those services, which was less than $1 million in 2010. Iconix has provided notice that the sales and servicing arrangements will be terminated in 2011.
In February 2011, we outsourced syndication services to Universal Uclick for the news features and comics of United Media. Universal Uclick will provide editorial and production services, sales and marketing, sales support and customer service, and distribution and fulfillment for all the news features and comics of United Media. We will continue to own certain copyrights and control the licenses for those properties, and will manage the business relationships with the creative talent that produces those comics and features.
Employees
As of December 31, 2010, we had approximately 4,600 full-time equivalent employees, of whom approximately 1,400 were with television, 3,000 with newspapers, and 100 with syndication and other media. Various labor unions represent approximately 600 employees, 500 of which are in newspapers and 100 in television. We have not experienced any work stoppages at our current operations since 1985. We consider our relationships with our employees to be generally satisfactory.

 

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Item 1A.   Risk Factors
For an enterprise as large and complex as ours, a wide range of factors could materially affect future developments and performance. The most significant factors affecting our operations include the following:
We derive the majority of our revenues from marketing and advertising spending by businesses, which is affected by numerous factors. Declines in advertising revenues will adversely affect the profitability of our business.
The demand for advertising in our newspapers or on our television stations is sensitive to a number of factors, both nationally and locally, including the following:
    The advertising and marketing spending by our customers can be subject to seasonal and cyclical variations and are likely to be adversely affected during economic downturns.
    Television advertising revenues in even-numbered years benefit from political advertising.
    The impact of advertiser consolidation and contraction in our local markets. The majority of the print and broadcast advertising is sold to local businesses in our markets. Continued consolidation and contraction of local advertisers could adversely impact our operating results.
    The size and demographics of the audience reached by advertisers through our media businesses. Continued declines in our newspaper circulation could have an effect on the rate and volume of advertising, which are dependent on the size and demographics of the audience we provide to our advertisers. Television audiences have also fragmented in recent years as the broad distribution of cable and satellite television has greatly increased the options available to the viewing public. Continued fragmentation of television audiences could adversely impact the rates we obtain for advertising.
    Increasingly intense competition with digital media platforms. The popularity of the Internet, the increasing types of devices that access Web-based news and information and low barriers to entry have led to a wide variety of alternatives available to advertisers and consumers. Internet sites dedicated to help-wanted, real estate and automotive advertising are significant competitors.
    Our television stations have significant exposure to automotive advertising. In 2010, 17% and in 2009, 14% of our total advertising in our television segment was from the automotive category.
If we are unable to respond to any or all these factors our advertising revenues could decline which would affect our profitability.
Our local media businesses operate in a changing and increasingly competitive environment. We must continually invest in new business initiatives and to modify strategies to maintain our competitive position. Investment in new business strategies and initiatives could disrupt our ongoing business and present risks not originally contemplated.
The profile of our newspaper and television audience has shifted dramatically in recent years as readers and viewers access news and other content online or through mobile devices and as they spend more discretionary time with social media. While slow and steady declines in audiences have been offset by a growing online viewership, online advertising rates are much lower than print and broadcast advertising rates on a cost-per-thousand basis. This audience shift results in lower profit margins. To remain competitive we must adjust business strategies and invest in new business initiatives, particularly within digital media. Development of new products and services may require significant costs. The success of these initiatives depends on a number of factors, including timely development and market acceptance. Investments we make in new strategies and initiatives may not perform as expected.
We are undergoing a strategic restructuring in our newspaper business that, if unsuccessful, could have a material adverse financial impact.
We are undergoing a significant restructuring in our Newspaper business. This transformation includes, among other things, the reorganization of our management structure, alignment of our operating costs with secular declines in newspaper revenues, the standardization and centralization of systems and processes, the outsourcing of certain financial processes and the implementation of new software for our circulation, advertising and editorial systems. As a result, we are in a transformational period in which we have made, and will continue to make, changes that, if unsuccessful, could have a material adverse financial impact on our operations.

 

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A significant portion of our operating cost for the newspaper segment is newsprint, so an increase in price or reduction in supplies may adversely affect our operating results.
Newsprint is a significant component of the operating cost of our newspaper operations, comprising 9% of costs in 2010. The price of newsprint has historically been volatile, and increases in the price of newsprint could materially reduce our operating results. In addition, the continued reduction in the capacity of newsprint producers increases the risk that supplies of newsprint could be limited in the future.
The loss of affiliation agreements could adversely affect our television stations’ operating results.
We own and operate ten television stations. Six of our stations have affiliations with the ABC television network and three have affiliations with the NBC television network. These television networks produce and distribute programming in exchange for each of our stations’ commitment to air the programming at specified times and for commercial announcement time during the programming.
The non-renewal or termination of either of our network affiliation agreements, which expire in 2015, would prevent us from being able to carry programming of the relevant network. This loss of programming would require us to obtain replacement programming, which may involve higher costs and which may not be as attractive to our target audiences, resulting in lower revenues.
Our television stations are subject to government regulations which, if revised, could adversely affect our operating results.
    Pursuant to FCC rules, local television stations must elect every three years to either (1) require cable and/or direct broadcast satellite operators to carry the stations’ over the air signals or (2) enter into retransmission consent negotiations for carriage. At present all of our stations except KMCI (which elects mandatory carriage), have retransmission consent agreements with the majority of cable operators and with both satellite providers. If our retransmission consent agreements are terminated or not renewed, or if our broadcast signals are distributed on less-favorable terms than our competitors, our ability to compete effectively may be adversely affected.
    If we cannot renew our FCC broadcast licenses, our broadcast operations will be impaired. Our television business depends upon maintaining our broadcast licenses from the FCC, which has the authority to revoke licenses, not renew them, or renew them only with significant qualifications, including renewals for less than a full term. We cannot assure that future renewal applications will be approved, or that the renewals will not include conditions or qualifications that could adversely affect our operations. If the FCC fails to renew any of our licenses, it could prevent us from operating the affected stations. If the FCC renews a license with substantial conditions or modifications (including renewing the license for a term of fewer than eight years), it could have a material adverse effect on the affected station’s revenue-generation potential.
    The FCC and other government agencies are considering various proposals intended to promote consumer interests, including proposals to encourage locally-focused television programming, to restrict certain types of advertising to children, and to repurpose some of the broadcast spectrum. New government regulations affecting the television industry could raise programming costs, restrict broadcasters’ operating flexibility, reduce advertising revenues, raise the costs of delivering broadcast signals, or otherwise affect our operating results. We cannot predict the nature or scope of future government regulation or its impact on our operations.
Sustained increases in costs of employee health and welfare plans and funding requirements of our pension obligations may reduce the cash available for our business.
Employee compensation and benefits account for approximately 50% of our total operating expenses. In recent years, we have experienced significant increases in employee benefit costs. At least some of these factors may continue to put upward pressure on the cost of providing medical benefits. Although we have actively sought to control increases in these costs, there can be no assurance that we will succeed in limiting cost increases, and continued upward pressure could reduce the profitability of our businesses.
The projected benefit obligations of our pension plans exceed plan assets by $48 million at December 31, 2010. Our pension plans invest in a variety of equity and debt securities, many of which were affected by the disruption in the credit and capital markets in 2008 and 2009. Future volatility and disruption in the stock and bond markets could cause further declines in the asset values of our pension plans. In addition, a decrease in the discount rate used to determine minimum funding requirements could result in increased future contributions. If either occurs, we may need to make additional pension contributions above what is currently estimated, which could reduce the cash available for our businesses.

 

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The Edward W. Scripps Trust principally holds our Common Voting shares; such ownership could inhibit potential changes of control.
We have two classes of stock: Common Voting shares and Class A Common shares. Holders of Class A Common shares are entitled to elect one-third of the Board of Directors, but are not permitted to vote on any other matters except as required by Ohio law. Holders of Common Voting shares are entitled to elect the remainder of the Board and to vote on all other matters. Our Common Voting shares are principally held by The Edward W. Scripps Trust, which holds 90% of the Common Voting shares. As a result, the trust has the ability to elect two-thirds of the Board of Directors and to direct the outcome of any matter that does not require a vote of the Class A Common shares. Because this concentrated control could discourage others from initiating any potential merger, takeover or other change of control transaction, the market price of our Class A Common shares could be adversely affected.
Item 1B.   Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 2.   Properties
We own substantially all of the facilities and equipment used in our newspaper operations.
We own substantially all of the facilities and equipment used by our television stations. We own, or co-own with other broadcast television stations, the towers used to transmit our television signals.
Item 3.   Legal Proceedings
We are involved in litigation arising in the ordinary course of business, such as defamation actions, and governmental proceedings primarily relating to renewal of broadcast licenses, none of which is expected to result in material loss.
Item 4.   Removed and Reserved

 

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Executive Officers of the Company — Executive officers serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.
             
Name   Age     Position
 
           
Richard A. Boehne
    54     President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (since July 2008); Executive Vice President (1999-2008) and Chief Operating Officer (2006-2008)
 
           
Timothy E. Stautberg
    48     Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (since July 2008); Vice President /Corporate Communications and Investor Relations (1999 to 2008)
 
           
William Appleton
    62     Senior Vice President and General Counsel (since July 2008); Managing Partner Cincinnati office, Baker & Hostetler, LLP (2003 to 2008)
 
           
Mark G. Contreras
    49     Senior Vice President /Newspapers (since March 2006); Vice President/Newspaper Operations (2005 to 2006); Senior Vice President, Pulitzer, Inc. (1999 to 2004)
 
           
Lisa A. Knutson
    45     Senior Vice President/Human Resources (since July 2008); Vice President of Human Resource Operations (2005 to 2008)
 
           
Brian G. Lawlor
    44     Senior Vice President/Television (since January 2009); Vice President/General Manager of WPTV (2004-2008)
 
           
Douglas F. Lyons
    54     Vice President/Controller (since July 2008); Vice President Finance/Administration (2006-2008), Director Financial Reporting (1997-2006)

 

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PART II
Item 5.   Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Our Class A Common shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “SSP.” As of December 31, 2010, there were approximately 8,000 owners of our Class A Common shares, based on security position listings, and 19 owners of our Common Voting shares (which do not have a public market). Due to current economic conditions and their effect on our operating results, in the fourth quarter of 2008 we suspended our cash dividends.
The range of market prices of our Class A Common shares, which represents the high and low sales prices for each full quarterly period, and quarterly cash dividends are as follows:
                                           
      Quarter  
      1st     2nd     3rd     4th     Total  
2010
                                         
Market price of common stock:
                                         
High
    $ 9.70     $ 11.45     $ 8.43     $ 10.27          
Low
      6.22       7.43       6.81       7.72          
 
                               
Cash dividends per share of common stock
    $ 0.00     $ 0.00     $ 0.00     $ 0.00     $ 0.00  
 
                               
2009
                                         
Market price of common stock:
                                         
High
    $ 2.34     $ 2.50     $ 8.83     $ 8.43          
Low
      0.72       1.60       1.88       6.04          
 
                               
Cash dividends per share of common stock
    $ 0.00     $ 0.00     $ 0.00     $ 0.00     $ 0.00  
 
                               
There were no sales of unregistered equity securities during the quarter for which this report is filed.

 

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Performance Graph — Set forth below is a line graph comparing the cumulative return on the Company’s Class A Common shares, assuming an initial investment of $100 as of January 1, 2006, and based on the market prices at the end of each year and assuming dividend reinvestment, with the cumulative return of the Standard & Poor’s Composite-500 Stock Index and an Index based on a peer group of media companies. The spin-off of SNI at July 1, 2008 is treated as a reinvestment of a special dividend pursuant to SEC rules.
(PERFORMANCE GRAPH)
The following graph compares the return on the Company’s Class A Common shares with that of the indices noted above for the period of July 1, 2008 (date of spin-off) through December 31, 2010. The graph assumes an investment of $100 in our Class A Common shares, the S&P 500 Index, and our peer group index on July 1, 2008 and that all dividends were reinvested.
(PERFORMANCE GRAPH)

 

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We continually evaluate and revise our peer group index as necessary so that it is reflective of our Company’s portfolio of businesses. The companies that comprise our current peer group are Belo Corporation, Gannett Company, Gray Television, Inc., Journal Communications, Inc., Lee Enterprises, Inc., LIN TV Corporation, McClatchy Company, Media General, Meredith Corporation, New York Times Company, and Sinclair Broadcast GP. The peer group index is weighted based on market capitalization.
Item 6.   Selected Financial Data
The Selected Financial Data required by this item is filed as part of this Form 10-K. See Index to Consolidated Financial Statement Information at page F-2 of this Form 10-K.
Item 7.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations required by this item is filed as part of this Form 10-K. See Index to Consolidated Financial Statement Information at page F-1 of this Form 10-K.
Item 7A.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
The market risk information required by this item is filed as part of this Form 10-K. See Index to Consolidated Financial Statement Information at page F-1 of this Form 10-K.
Item 8.   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
The Financial Statements and Supplementary Data required by this item are filed as part of this Form 10-K. See Index to Consolidated Financial Statement Information at page F-1 of this Form 10-K.
Item 9.   Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A.   Controls and Procedures
The Controls and Procedures required by this item are filed as part of this Form 10-K. See Index to Consolidated Financial Statement Information at page F-1 of this Form 10-K.
Item 9B.   Other Information
None.

 

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PART III
Item 10.   Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Information regarding executive officers is included in Part I of this Form 10-K as permitted by General Instruction G(3).
Information required by Item 10 of Form 10-K relating to directors is incorporated by reference to the material captioned “Election of Directors” in our definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders (“Proxy Statement”). Information regarding Section 16(a) compliance is incorporated by reference to the material captioned “Report on Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Compliance” in the Proxy Statement.
We have adopted a code of ethics that applies to all employees, officers and directors of Scripps. We also have a code of ethics for the CEO and Senior Financial Officers. This code of ethics meets the requirements defined by Item 406 of Regulation S-K and the requirement of a code of business conduct and ethics under NYSE listing standards. Copies of our codes of ethics are posted on our Web site at www.scripps.com.
Information regarding our audit committee financial expert is incorporated by reference to the material captioned “Corporate Governance” in the Proxy Statement.
The Proxy Statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with our 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Item 11.   Executive Compensation
The information required by Item 11 of Form 10-K is incorporated by reference to the material captioned “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” and “Compensation Tables” in the Proxy Statement.
Item 12.   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The information required by Item 12 of Form 10-K is incorporated by reference to the material captioned “Report on the Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners”, “Report on the Security Ownership of Management” and “Equity Compensation Plan Information” in the Proxy Statement.
Item 13.   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The information required by Item 13 of Form 10-K is incorporated by reference to the materials captioned “Corporate Governance” and “Report on Related Party Transactions” in the Proxy Statement.
Item 14.   Principal Accounting Fees and Services
The information required by Item 14 of Form 10-K is incorporated by reference to the material captioned “Report of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors” in the Proxy Statement.

 

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PART IV
Item 15.   Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
Financial Statements and Supplemental Schedule
(a)   The consolidated financial statements of Scripps are filed as part of this Form 10-K. See Index to Consolidated Financial Statement Information at page F-1.
The reports of Deloitte & Touche LLP, an Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, dated March 2, 2011, are filed as part of this Form 10-K. See Index to Consolidated Financial Statement Information at page F-1.
(b)   The Company’s consolidated supplemental schedules are filed as part of this Form 10-K. See Index to Consolidated Financial Statement Schedules at page S-1.
Exhibits
The information required by this item appears at page E-1 of this Form 10-K.

 

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Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
         
  THE E. W. SCRIPPS COMPANY
 
 
Dated: March 2, 2011   By:   /s/ Richard A. Boehne    
    Richard A. Boehne   
    President and Chief Executive Officer   
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant in the capacities indicated, on March 2, 2011.
     
Signature   Title
 
   
/s/ Richard A. Boehne
 
Richard A. Boehne
  President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
   
/s/ Timothy E. Stautberg
 
Timothy E. Stautberg
  Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 
 
   
/s/ Douglas F. Lyons
 
Douglas F. Lyons
  Vice President and Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
 
   
/s/ Nackey E. Scagliotti
 
Nackey E. Scagliotti
  Chairwoman of the Board of Directors 
 
   
/s/ John H. Burlingame
 
John H. Burlingame
  Director 
 
   
/s/ John W. Hayden
 
John W. Hayden
  Director 
 
   
/s/ Roger L. Ogden
 
Roger L. Ogden
  Director 
 
   
/s/ Mary McCabe Peirce
 
Mary McCabe Peirce
  Director 
 
   
/s/ J. Marvin Quin
 
J. Marvin Quin
  Director 
 
   
/s/ Paul Scripps
 
Paul Scripps
  Director 
 
   
/s/ Kim Williams
 
Kim Williams
  Director 
 
   

 

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The E. W. Scripps Company
Index to Consolidated Financial Statement Information
         
Item No.   Page  
 
       
    F-2  
 
       
    F-4  
 
       
    F-16  
 
       
    F-18  
 
       
    F-20  
 
       
    F-22  
 
       
    F-23  
 
       
    F-24  
 
       
    F-25  
 
       
    F-26  

 

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Selected Financial Data
Five-Year Financial Highlights
                                         
(in millions, except per share data)   2010 (1)     2009 (1)     2008 (1)     2007 (1)     2006 (1)  
 
                                       
Summary of Operations (5)
                                       
Operating revenues:
                                       
Television
  $ 321     $ 255     $ 327     $ 326     $ 364  
Newspapers
    435       455       569       658       716  
Boulder prior to formation of Colorado newspaper partnership
                            2  
Syndication and other
    21       22       26       21       21  
Corporate and shared services
                4       2       1  
 
                             
Total operating revenues
  $ 777     $ 732     $ 925     $ 1,007     $ 1,104  
 
                             
Segment profit (loss):
                                       
Television
    75       20       81       84       121  
Newspapers
    52       49       71       136       189  
JOA and newspaper partnerships
                (1 )     3       7  
Syndication and other
    (3 )     (1 )     (2 )     (4 )     (7 )
Corporate and shared services
    (34 )     (27 )     (42 )     (59 )     (58 )
Depreciation and amortization of intangibles
    (45 )     (44 )     (47 )     (44 )     (44 )
Impairment of goodwill, indefinite and long-lived assets (2)
          (216 )     (810 )            
Write-down of investment in newspaper partnership (3)
                (21 )            
Gain on formation of Colorado newspaper partnership
                            4  
Gains (losses), net on disposals of property, plant and equipment
    (1 )           6             (1 )
Interest expense
    (4 )     (3 )     (11 )     (36 )     (53 )
Separation and restructuring costs
    (13 )     (10 )     (34 )            
Losses on repurchases of debt
                (26 )            
Miscellaneous, net (4)
    2       1       10       15       3  
Income taxes
    (1 )     32       266       (33 )     (72 )
 
                             
Income (loss) from continuing operations
  $ 29     $ (199 )   $ (559 )   $ 61     $ 90  
 
                             
 
                                       
Per Share Data
                                       
Income (loss) from continuing operations
  $ .45     $ (3.69 )   $ (10.33 )   $ 1.11     $ 1.61  
 
                             
Cash dividends
    .00       .00       .99       1.62       1.41  
 
                             
 
                                       
Market Value of Common Shares at December 31 (6)
                                       
Per share
  $ 10.15     $ 6.96     $ 2.21     $ 135.03     $ 149.82  
Total
    592       381       119       7,336       8,167  
 
                             
 
 
Balance Sheet Data
                                       
Total assets
  $ 828     $ 786     $ 1,089     $ 4,005     $ 4,344  
Long-term debt (including current portion)
    1       36       61       505       766  
Equity
    592       433       595       2,592       2,704  
 
                             
Certain amounts may not foot since each is rounded independently.

 

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Notes to Selected Financial Data
As used herein and in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, the terms “Scripps,” “we,” “our,” or “us” may, depending on the context, refer to The E. W. Scripps Company, to one or more of its consolidated subsidiary companies, or to all of them taken as a whole.
The statement of operations and cash flow data for the five years ended December 31, 2010, and the balance sheet data as of the same dates have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements. All per-share amounts are presented on a diluted basis. The five-year financial data should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere herein.
Operating revenues and segment profit (loss) represent the revenues and the profitability measures used to evaluate the operating performance of our business segments in accordance with GAAP.
(1)   In the periods presented we acquired the following:
 
     2007- Newspaper publications in Tennessee.
 
     2006- Additional 4% interest in our Memphis newspaper and 2% interest in our Evansville newspaper. Newspaper publications in Texas and Florida.
 
(2)   2009- A non-cash charge of $216 million was recorded to reduce the carrying value of our Television segment’s goodwill and indefinite-lived assets.
 
     2008- A non-cash charge of $810 million was recorded to reduce the carrying value of our Newspaper segment’s goodwill and, indefinite-lived intangible and long-lived assets in our Television segment.
 
(3)   2008- A non-cash charge of $21 million was recorded to reduce the carrying value of our investment in the Colorado newspaper partnership.
 
(4)   2008- Miscellaneous, net includes realized gains of $7.6 million from the sale of certain investments.
 
     2007- Miscellaneous, net includes realized gains of $9.2 million from the sale of certain investments.
 
(5)   The five-year summary of operations excludes the operating results of the following entities and the gains (losses) on their divestiture as they are accounted for as discontinued operations:
 
  2010- Closed the sale of United Feature Syndicate, Inc. character licensing business for $175 million in cash in June. We recorded a $162 million pre-tax gain which is included in discontinued operations.
 
  2009- Closed the Rocky Mountain News after it published its final edition on February 27, 2009. Under the terms of an agreement with MNG, we transferred our interests in the Denver JOA to MNG in the third quarter of 2009. We recorded no gain or loss on the transfer of our interest in the Denver JOA to MNG.
 
     2008- On July 1, 2008 we completed the spin-off of Scripps Network Interactive to the shareholders of the Company. In January the Cincinnati joint operating agreement was terminated and we ceased operation of our Cincinnati Post and Kentucky Post newspapers.
 
(6)   On July 1, 2008 we completed the spin-off of SNI as an independent, publicly traded company to our shareholders. Market prices presented in the tables above are unadjusted and include the value of SNI until the date of the spin-off.

 

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The consolidated financial statements and notes to the consolidated financial statements are the basis for our discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations. You should read this discussion in conjunction with those financial statements.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain forward-looking statements related to our businesses are included in this discussion. Those forward-looking statements reflect our current expectations. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements. Such risks, trends and uncertainties, which in most instances are beyond our control, include changes in advertising demand and other economic conditions; consumers’ tastes; newsprint prices; program costs; labor relations; technological developments; competitive pressures; interest rates; regulatory rulings; and reliance on third-party vendors for various products and services. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. You should evaluate our forward-looking statements, which are as of the date of this filing, with the understanding of their inherent uncertainty. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date the statement is made.
Executive Overview
The E. W. Scripps Company (“Scripps”) is a diverse media company with interests in television stations and newspaper publishing. The company’s portfolio of media properties includes: 10 television stations, including six ABC-affiliated stations, three NBC affiliates and one independent station: daily and community newspapers in 13 markets and the Washington-based Scripps Media Center, home to the Scripps Howard News Service.
We closed the sale of United Feature Syndicate, Inc.’s (“UFS”) character licensing business (“UML”) in the second quarter of 2010 for $175 million in cash. The operations of the character licensing business and the $162 million pre-tax gain on the sale are classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented. In June 2010, we used $65 million of the proceeds from the sale of UML to make a contribution to our defined benefit pension plans.
On October 20, 2010, we amended our secured revolving credit agreement (2010 Amendment) to provide us with the flexibility to return capital to shareholders and/or invest in acquisitions up to a combined total of $200 million through June 2013. The amendment lowered the amount of the facility from $150 million to $100 million and reduced commitment fees.
In October 2010, concurrent with amending the credit agreement, the board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to $75 million of the company’s Class A Common Shares by the end of 2012. Details of the 2010 Amendment are included in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements. At December 31, 2010, we had borrowing capacity of $83 million under our credit agreement.
As the flow of advertising dollars improved in our television markets and we began to see a moderation in the decline in advertising revenue at our newspapers, we restored certain pay and benefit programs and increased marketing and promotional spending. We continue to invest in our digital operations, including expanding our digital advertising sales force.
Our programs to restructure our television and newspaper operations continue. We have invested in technology to automate our television station newsrooms and are installing common advertising, circulation and editorial systems in our newspapers. We are standardizing processes within our operating divisions and are centralizing or outsourcing processes that do not require a presence in the local market. Costs related to these efforts totaled $12.7 million in 2010. The restructuring program and installation of common newspaper systems is expected to continue through 2012.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires us to make a variety of decisions which affect reported amounts and related disclosures, including the selection of appropriate accounting principles and the assumptions on which to base accounting estimates. In reaching such decisions, we apply judgment based on our understanding and analysis of the relevant circumstances, including our historical experience, actuarial studies and other assumptions. We are committed to incorporating accounting principles, assumptions and estimates that promote the representational faithfulness, verifiability, neutrality and transparency of the accounting information included in the financial statements.

 

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Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements describes the significant accounting policies we have selected for use in the preparation of our financial statements and related disclosures. We believe the following to be the most critical accounting policies, estimates and assumptions affecting our reported amounts and related disclosures.
Income Taxes — The accounting for uncertain tax positions and the application of income tax law is inherently complex. As such, we are required to make many assumptions and judgments regarding our income tax positions and the likelihood whether such tax positions would be sustained if challenged. Interpretations and guidance surrounding income tax laws and regulations change over time. As such, changes in our assumptions and judgments can materially affect amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements.
We have a significant deferred tax asset balance included in our consolidated balance sheet. We are required to assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets, which include our net operating loss carryforwards and temporary differences that are expected to be deductible in future years, will be recoverable from the carryback to prior years, carryforward to future years or through other prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. If recovery is not likely, we have to provide a valuation allowance based on our estimates of future taxable income in the various taxing jurisdictions, and the amount of deferred taxes that are ultimately realizable. The provision for current and deferred taxes involves evaluations and judgments of uncertainties in the interpretation of complex tax regulations by various taxing authorities. Actual results could differ from our estimates and if we determine the deferred tax asset we would realize would be greater or less than the net amount recorded, an adjustment would be made to the tax provision in that period.
Pension Plans — We sponsor various noncontributory defined benefit pension plans covering substantially all full-time employees, including a SERP, which covers certain executive employees. Pension expense for continuing operations for those plans was $7.3 million in 2010, $26.2 million in 2009, and $15.5 million in 2008.
The measurement of our pension obligation and related expense is dependent on a variety of estimates, including: discount rates; expected long-term rate of return on plan assets; expected increase in compensation levels; and employee turnover, mortality and retirement ages. We review these assumptions on an annual basis and make modifications to the assumptions based on current rates and trends when appropriate. In accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, we record the effects of these modifications currently or amortize them over future periods. We consider the most critical of our pension estimates to be our discount rate and the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets.
The discount rate used to determine our future pension obligations is based upon a dedicated bond portfolio approach that includes securities rated Aa or better with maturities matching our expected benefit payments from the plans. The rate is determined each year at the plan measurement date and affects the succeeding year’s pension cost. The weighted average discount rate was 5.85% and 5.97% at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Discount rates can change from year to year based on economic conditions that impact corporate bond yields. A decrease in the discount rate increases pension obligations and decreases pension expense. An increase in the discount rate decreases pension obligations and increases pension expense. A 0.5% change in the discount rate as of December 31, 2010, to either 5.35% or 6.35%, would increase or decrease our projected pension obligations as of December 31, 2010, by approximately $30 million. The same 50 basis point change in the discount rate would decrease or increase 2011 pension expense by less than $0.5 million as the effects of the change in the rate are offset by the change in the pension obligation.
We have changed our target asset allocations to invest a greater percentage of plan assets in securities that better match the timing of the payment of plan obligations. As a result, approximately 70% of plan assets invested in a portfolio of fixed income securities with a duration approximately that of the projected benefit obligations. The remaining 30% of plan assets are invested in equity securities and other return-seeking assets. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is based primarily upon the target asset allocation for plan assets and capital markets forecasts for each asset class employed. Our expected rate of return on plan assets also considers our historical compound rate of return on plan assets for 10 and 15 year periods. At December 31, 2010, the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets was 5.7%, down from 7.6% at December 31, 2009, primarily due to the change in the target asset allocation. A decrease in the expected rate of return on plan assets increases pension expense. A 0.5% change in the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, to either 5.2% or 6.2%, would increase or decrease our 2011 pension expense by approximately $2.0 million.
We had cumulative unrecognized actuarial losses for our pension plans of $130 million at December 31, 2010. Unrealized actuarial gains and losses result from deferred recognition of differences between our actuarial assumptions and actual results. In 2010, we had an actuarial gain of $11 million. The cumulative unrecognized net loss is primarily due to declines in corporate bond yields and the unfavorable performance of the equity markets between 2000 and 2002, and in 2008. Based on our current assumptions, we anticipate that 2011 pension expense will include $3 million in amortization of unrecognized actuarial losses.

 

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New Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2009, the FASB issued new accounting guidance which amended the consolidation guidance applicable to variable interest entities and was effective for us on January 1, 2010. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
In October 2009, the FASB issued amendments to the accounting and disclosure guidance for revenue recognition. These amendments, effective for fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010 (early adoption is permitted), modify the criteria for recognizing revenue in multiple element arrangements and the scope of what constitutes a non-software deliverable. This new standard is effective for us January 1, 2011. We do not expect that the adoption of this new standard will have a material impact on our results of operations or financial position.

 

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Results of Operations
The trends and underlying economic conditions affecting the operating performance and future prospects differ for each of our business segments. Accordingly, you should read the following discussion of our consolidated results of operations in conjunction with the discussion of the operating performance of our business segments that follows.
Consolidated Results of Operations — Consolidated results of operations were as follows:
                                         
( in thousands, except   For the years ended December 31,  
per share data )   2010     Change     2009     Change     2008  
Operating revenues
  $ 776,890       6.1 %   $ 732,398       (20.8 )%   $ 925,206  
Employee compensation and benefits
    (351,805 )     (4.1 )%     (366,805 )     (15.9 )%     (436,272 )
Programs and program licenses
    (59,949 )     14.1 %     (52,530 )     8.8 %     (48,290 )
Newsprint and press supplies
    (47,235 )     (11.8 )%     (53,544 )     (35.5 )%     (83,029 )
Other costs and expenses
    (227,533 )     4.0 %     (218,765 )     (12.6 )%     (250,346 )
Separation and restructuring costs
    (12,678 )     27.6 %     (9,935 )     (70.3 )%     (33,506 )
Depreciation and amortization of intangibles
    (44,894 )     1.2 %     (44,360 )     (4.8 )%     (46,574 )
Impairment of goodwill, indefinite and long-lived assets
                  (216,413 )             (809,936 )
Gains (losses), net on disposal of property, plant and equipment
    (1,218 )             444               5,809  
 
                             
Operating income (loss)
    31,578               (229,510 )             (776,938 )
Interest expense
    (3,666 )             (2,554 )             (10,740 )
Write-down of investment in newspaper partnership
                                (20,876 )
Losses on repurchases of debt
                                (26,380 )
Miscellaneous, net
    1,798               749               10,454  
 
                             
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
    29,710               (231,315 )             (824,480 )
Benefit (provision) for income taxes
    (840 )             32,363               265,592  
 
                             
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    28,870               (198,952 )             (558,888 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
    101,536               (10,695 )             128,988  
 
                             
Net income (loss)
    130,406               (209,647 )             (429,900 )
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
    (103 )             (42 )             46,690  
 
                             
Net income (loss) attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company
  $ 130,509             $ (209,605 )           $ (476,590 )
 
                             
Continuing Operations
2010 compared with 2009
Operating results include a number of items that affect the comparisons of 2010 to 2009. The most significant of these items are as follows:
    Restructuring costs to standardize and centralize functions in our Television and Newspaper divisions totaled $12.7 million in 2010 and $9.9 million in 2009.
    Impairment charges to write-down the value of our Television goodwill and certain FCC licenses totaled $216 million in 2009.
The business climate improved through 2010, resulting in a moderation in the rate of decline of our newspaper advertising revenues and higher advertising rates in all of our television markets. Strong political advertising and a strong rebound in automotive advertising at our television stations also bolstered 2010 revenues.
Excluding $3.1 million in costs associated with freezing the accrual of pension benefits recorded in 2009, and the restructuring costs for 2010 and 2009, total costs and expenses declined by $2.0 million for 2010 compared with 2009.
Employee compensation and benefit costs decreased by $11.9 million compared with 2009, excluding costs associated with freezing our defined benefit pension plans. We reduced the number of employees in our newspaper and television divisions by approximately 7% in 2010 compared with 2009. Late in the first quarter of 2009, we took actions to reduce employee pay and benefits, including suspending employer matching contributions to our defined contribution plan, suspending our annual incentive plan and temporary and permanent pay reductions. We reinstated an annual incentive plan in 2010 and reinstated matching contributions to our defined contribution plan in the second half of 2010.
Programs and program licenses increased in 2010 compared with 2009 primarily due to network affiliation fees we are required to pay to ABC.
Newsprint and press supplies decreased by $6.3 million compared with 2009, primarily due to decreased newsprint costs. Newsprint costs in 2010 declined by $4.5 million as compared with 2009 due to a 12% decrease in consumption and an 11% decrease in average newsprint prices.

 

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Other costs and expenses increased by $8.8 million in 2010 compared with 2009 mainly due to an increase in newspaper distribution costs and the restoration of marketing and promotional spending in most of our television markets. The increase in newspaper distribution costs was a result of the new circulation model which we discuss further in the newspaper section.
Interest expense in 2010 increased compared with 2009 since we are no longer capitalizing interest for the construction of our production facility in Naples.
The effective income tax rate for continuing operations was 2.9% and 14.0% for 2010 and 2009, respectively. The primary difference between the effective rate of 2.9% for 2010 and the U.S. Federal statutory rate of 35% is the impact of state taxes, the reversal of accruals of taxes and interest for uncertain tax positions and non-deductible expenses. The primary difference in the effective rate of 14.0% for 2009 and the U.S. Federal statutory rate was the write-down to the carrying value of Television goodwill which included $150 million of goodwill that was not deductible for income taxes.
2009 compared with 2008
Operating results include a number of items that affect the comparisons of 2009 to 2008. The most significant of these items are as follows:
    Impairment charges to write-down the value of our Television goodwill and certain FCC licenses were $216 million in 2009. In 2008, we recorded a $779 million charge to reduce the carrying value of goodwill in our Newspaper division, an $11.4 million charge to reduce the carrying value of one of our FCC licenses and a $19.6 million charge to write-down the carrying value of long-lived assets, primarily a television network affiliation agreement. We also recorded a charge of $20.9 million to reduce the carrying value of our investment in our Colorado newspaper partnership.
    We incurred $9.9 million of restructuring costs to standardize and centralize functions in our Television and Newspaper divisions in 2009. Costs associated with the distribution of SNI to shareholders totaled $33.5 million in 2008. The 2008 separation costs include a $19.6 million non-cash charge for the impact of the modification of share-based compensation awards.
    In 2008 we redeemed our outstanding notes prior to the distribution of SNI to shareholders, incurring a $26.4 million loss.
    In 2008 we realized $7.6 million in gains upon the sale of certain investments.
The U.S. economic recession affected operating revenues in 2009, leading to lower advertising volumes and rate weakness in all of our local markets. Our local media businesses derive much of their advertising revenues from the retail, real estate, employment and automotive categories, sectors that have been particularly weak during this recession.
Excluding $3.1 million in costs associated with freezing the accrual of pension benefits, and the separation and restructuring costs for 2009 and 2008, costs and expenses declined by $129.4 million compared with 2008.
Employee compensation and benefit costs decreased by $72.6 million compared with 2008, excluding costs associated with freezing our defined benefit pension plans. We reduced the number of employees in our newspaper and television divisions by approximately 18% compared with 2008. The reduction was due to both attrition and a fourth quarter 2008 reduction-in-force at our newspaper division. We also took actions to reduce employee pay and benefits in 2009.
Program and program licenses increased by $4.2 million compared with 2008 due primarily to higher costs for syndicated programs in certain of our markets under the terms of long-term licensing arrangements.
Newsprint and press supplies decreased by $29.5 million compared with 2008, primarily due to decreased newsprint costs. Newsprint costs declined by $23.5 million in 2009 as consumption decreased by 31% and the average price per ton decreased by 12%.
Other costs and expenses decreased in 2009 compared with 2008 due to cost reduction initiatives in response to the recession, including reductions in marketing and promotional spending.
Lower borrowings following the distribution of SNI led to the decline in interest expense. We ceased capitalization of interest upon completion of the construction of our Naples, Fla., newspaper facility in the third quarter of 2009.
The effective income tax rate was 14.0% and 32.2% for 2009 and 2008, respectively. Non-deductible charges related to the distribution of SNI and non-deductible goodwill impairment charges are the primary factors in the changes in the effective income tax rate and for the difference in the expected Federal rate of 35% compared with the actual effective rates.

 

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Business Segment Results — As discussed in the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, our chief operating decision maker evaluates the operating performance of our business segments using a measure called segment profit. Segment profit excludes interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, impairment charges, divested operating units, restructuring activities, investment results and certain other items that are included in net income (loss) determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Items excluded from segment profit generally result from decisions made in prior periods or from decisions made by corporate executives rather than the managers of the business segments. Depreciation and amortization charges are the result of decisions made in prior periods regarding the allocation of resources and are therefore excluded from the measure. Generally our corporate executives make financing, tax structure and divestiture decisions. Excluding these items from measurement of our business segment performance enables us to evaluate business segment operating performance based upon current economic conditions and decisions made by the managers of those business segments in the current period.
Information regarding the operating performance of our business segments and a reconciliation of such information to the consolidated financial statements is as follows:
                                         
    For the years ended December 31,  
(in thousands)   2010     Change     2009     Change     2008  
Segment operating revenues:
                                       
Television
  $ 321,148       25.8 %   $ 255,220       (21.9 )%   $ 326,860  
Newspapers
    434,988       (4.4 )%     455,166       (20.0 )%     568,667  
JOA and newspaper partnerships
                                4  
Syndication and other
    20,754       (5.7 )%     22,012       (15.6 )%     26,081  
Corporate and shared services
                                3,594  
 
                             
Total operating revenues
  $ 776,890       6.1 %   $ 732,398       (20.8 )%   $ 925,206  
 
                             
Segment profit (loss):
                                       
Television
  $ 74,890             $ 20,168       (75.0 )%   $ 80,589  
Newspapers
    52,480       6.6 %     49,249       (31.1 )%     71,475  
JOA and newspaper partnerships
                  (211 )     (70.2 )%     (707 )
Syndication and other
    (2,767 )             (1,352 )     (23.1 )%     (1,759 )
Corporate and shared services
    (34,235 )     25.3 %     (27,313 )     (35.3 )%     (42,207 )
Depreciation and amortization of intangibles
    (44,894 )             (44,360 )             (46,574 )
Impairment of goodwill, indefinite and long-lived assets
                  (216,413 )             (809,936 )
Gains (losses), net on disposal of property, plant and equipment
    (1,218 )             444               5,809  
Interest expense
    (3,666 )             (2,554 )             (10,740 )
Separation and restructuring costs
    (12,678 )             (9,935 )             (33,506 )
Write-down of investment in newspaper partnership
                                (20,876 )
Loss on repurchases of debt
                                (26,380 )
Miscellaneous, net
    1,798             962               10,332  
 
                             
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
  $ 29,710             $ (231,315 )           $ (824,480 )
 
                             
Certain items required to reconcile segment profitability to consolidated results of operations determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America are attributed to particular business segments. Significant reconciling items attributable to each business segment are as follows:
                         
    For the years ended December 31,  
(in thousands)   2010     2009     2008  
 
                       
Depreciation and amortization:
                       
Television
  $ 17,573     $ 18,172     $ 20,189  
Newspapers
    26,260       24,860       23,993  
JOA and newspaper partnerships
                1,219  
Syndication and other
    458       592       460  
Corporate and shared services
    603       736       713  
 
                 
 
                       
Total
  $ 44,894     $ 44,360     $ 46,574  
 
                 
Gains (losses) on disposal of property, plant and equipment:
                       
Television
  $ (375 )   $ 1,004     $ 6,088  
Newspapers
    (797 )     (237 )     (91 )
JOA and newspaper partnerships
                (32 )
Syndication and other
          (24 )      
Corporate and shared services
    (46 )     (299 )     (156 )
 
                 
Gains (losses) on disposal of property, plant and equipment:
  $ (1,218 )   $ 444     $ 5,809  
 
                 
 
                       
Impairment of goodwill, indefinite and long-lived assets
  $     $ 216,413     $ 809,936  
 
                 
 
                       
Write-down of investment in newspaper partnership
  $     $     $ 20,876  
 
                 

 

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Television —Television includes six ABC-affiliated stations, three NBC-affiliated stations and one independent station. Our television stations reach approximately 10% of the nation’s households. Our television stations earn revenue primarily from the sale of advertising time to local and national advertisers.
National television networks offer affiliates a variety of programs and sell the majority of advertising within those programs. Through 2009 we received compensation from the networks for carrying their programming. In the fourth quarter of 2010 and first quarter of 2011 we completed the renewal of our affiliation agreements with ABC and NBC. Under the renewal with ABC and NBC we will pay for network programming and will no longer receive any network compensation. In addition to network programs, we broadcast locally produced programs, syndicated programs, sporting events, and other programs of interest in each station’s market. News is the primary focus of our locally produced programming.
The operating performance of our television group is most affected by the health of the national and local economies, particularly conditions within the automotive, services and retail categories, and by the volume of advertising time purchased by campaigns for elective office and political issues. The demand for political advertising is significantly higher in the third and fourth quarters of even-numbered years.
Operating results for television were as follows:
                                         
    For the years ended December 31,  
(in thousands)   2010     Change     2009     Change     2008  
 
                                       
Segment operating revenues:
                                       
Local
  $ 162,929       7.4 %   $ 151,665       (15.8 )%   $ 180,065  
National
    85,909       16.8 %     73,575       (14.7 )%     86,252  
Political
    48,117               5,063               41,012  
Network compensation
    1,152       (84.6 )%     7,464       (4.2 )%     7,792  
Other
    23,041       32.0 %     17,453       48.7 %     11,739  
 
                             
Total segment operating revenues
    321,148       25.8 %     255,220       (21.9 )%     326,860  
 
                             
Segment costs and expenses:
                                       
Employee compensation and benefits
    122,851       (1.5 )%     124,755       (5.1 )%     131,444  
Programs and program licenses
    59,949       14.1 %     52,530       8.8 %     48,290  
Other segment costs and expenses
    63,458       9.9 %     57,767       (13.2 )%     66,537  
 
                             
Total segment costs and expenses
    246,258       4.8 %     235,052       (4.6 )%     246,271  
 
                             
 
                                       
Segment profit
  $ 74,890             $ 20,168       (75.0 )%   $ 80,589  
 
                             
2010 compared with 2009
Revenues
We experienced an improvement in the flow of advertising in all of our markets, and key television revenue categories have shown year-over-year growth. The rate of improvement in advertising revenues increased throughout 2010, with local and national time sales up 11% in the year, led by a 58% increase in automotive advertising. Automotive advertising revenues in 2009 were affected by the weakened financial condition of the large automotive manufacturers. Revenues in our television division also were bolstered by strong political spending in the third and fourth quarters of 2010.
Network compensation revenue decreased in 2010 compared with 2009 due to the expiration of our ABC network affiliation agreement in January 2010. Under the renewal of the long-term network affiliation agreement with ABC we no longer receive compensation revenue from ABC.
Other revenues include retransmission fees received from cable television systems and Scripps Networks Interactive as well as online advertising revenue from our web sites. The increase in other revenues is primarily due to the increase in retransmission revenue in 2010 compared with 2009.
Cost and expenses
Changes in pension costs affect year-over-year comparisons of employee compensation and benefits. Pension costs decreased by $4.9 million in 2010 due to freezing the accrual of service credits in plans covering a majority of our television employees effective July 1, 2009. Pension costs in 2009 also include $1.1 million in curtailment charges related to the benefit accrual freeze. Excluding pension costs, 2010 employee compensation and benefits increased by 3% compared with 2009. The 2009 year includes the effects of temporary pay reductions, which since have been restored, and the elimination of bonus programs, which were partially restored in 2010.

 

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Programs and program licenses increased in 2010 primarily due to network affiliation fees we now pay under a new affiliation agreement with ABC.
Other costs and expenses increased primarily due to the cost associated with transitioning to a new national representation contract, increases in promotional spending during 2010 and additional spending to support our digital platforms. These increases were partially offset by lower bad debt expense.
2009 compared with 2008
Revenues
The decrease in the local and national revenues in 2009 was largely attributable to reduced spending by advertisers in the automotive, financial services and retail categories. There was only minor political spending in 2009, compared with 2008.
Other revenues increased in 2009 compared with 2008 due equally to retransmission fees received from cable television systems and Scripps Networks Interactive as well as online advertising revenue from our web sites.
Cost and expenses
Changes in pension costs affect 2009 to 2008 year-over-year comparisons of employee compensation and benefits. Pension costs increased by $0.7 million for 2009. Pension costs for 2009 include $1.1 million in curtailment charges related to the benefit accrual freeze in plans covering a majority of our television employees. Excluding pension costs, employee compensation and benefits decreased by 6% in 2009. During 2009, we eliminated bonuses and reduced employee pay, including temporary pay reductions for certain exempt employees of up to 5% during the second and third quarters.
The cost of programs and program licenses increased due primarily to higher costs for syndicated programs in certain of our markets under the terms of long-term licensing arrangements.

 

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Newspapers — We operate daily and community newspapers in 13 markets in the U.S. Our newspapers earn revenue primarily from the sale of advertising to local and national advertisers and from the sale of newspapers to readers. Our newspapers operate in mid-size markets, focusing on news coverage within their local markets. Advertising and circulation revenues provide substantially all of each newspaper’s operating revenues, and employee, distribution and newsprint costs are the primary expenses at each newspaper. The operating performance of our newspapers is most affected by local and national economic conditions, particularly within the retail, labor, housing and automotive markets, as well as newsprint prices.
Operating results for our newspaper business were as follows:
                                         
    For the years ended December 31,  
(in thousands)   2010     Change     2009     Change     2008  
 
                                       
Segment operating revenues:
                                       
Local
  $ 88,778       (8.8 )%   $ 97,394       (25.6 )%   $ 130,876  
Classified
    84,993       (9.8 )%     94,183       (35.3 )%     145,610  
National
    19,017       (11.7 )%     21,546       (23.8 )%     28,287  
Digital
    28,170       (4.4 )%     29,465       (19.9 )%     36,769  
Preprint and other
    74,765       (5.7 )%     79,243       (17.4 )%     95,949  
 
                             
Newspaper advertising
    295,723       (8.1 )%     321,831       (26.4 )%     437,491  
Circulation
    121,283       4.7 %     115,872       2.2 %     113,398  
Other
    17,982       3.0 %     17,463       (1.8 )%     17,778  
 
                             
Total operating revenues
    434,988       (4.4 )%     455,166       (20.0 )%     568,667  
 
                             
Segment costs and expenses:
                                       
Employee compensation and benefits
    189,491       (9.8 )%     210,124       (16.9 )%     252,933  
Newsprint and press supplies
    47,235       (11.8 )%     53,544       (35.5 )%     83,029  
Distribution services
    48,166       16.6 %     41,295       (2.7 )%     42,439  
Other segment costs and expenses
    97,616       (3.3 )%     100,954       (15.0 )%     118,791  
 
                             
 
                                       
Total costs and expenses
    382,508       (5.8 )%     405,917       (18.4 )%     497,192  
 
                             
 
                                       
Segment profit
  $ 52,480       6.6 %   $ 49,249       (31.1 )%   $ 71,475  
 
                             
2010 compared with 2009
Revenues
The U.S. economic recession and secular changes in the demand for newspaper advertising affected operating revenues in 2010 and 2009, leading to lower advertising volumes and rate weakness in all of our local markets. As 2010 progressed, we saw a moderation in the rate of decline in our advertising revenues. Our newspaper business derives much of its advertising revenues from the retail, real estate, employment and automotive categories, sectors that have been particularly weak during this recession. Real estate, employment and automotive advertising, which have historically been our largest sources of classified advertising, have also been impacted over the past several years by increased competition from digital platforms. Digital advertising revenues fell as declines in “upsells” tied to print classified advertising offset gains in “pure-play” advertising. Pure play online advertising revenue (advertising which is not tied to print advertising) rose 14% in 2010 to $17.6 million and now makes up approximately 63% of total digital advertising revenue.
Our 2010 circulation revenues increased by approximately $5.4 million compared with 2009. In certain markets, we have made changes to the business model under which we operate with our newspaper distributors. We have transitioned to a model in which we pay most independent distributors on a per-unit basis. Under this model, we recognize revenue at higher retail rates and record the per-unit cost as a charge to distribution expense. The change in the business model increased reported circulation revenue by $7.3 million in the 2010 and $5.4 million in 2009. Adjusting for the change in the business model, circulation revenue decreased by 2% in 2010.
The decline in preprint and other revenues in 2010 is due to the overall economic conditions and reductions in the number of inserts by certain large national retailers. Preprint and other products include niche publications such as community newspapers, lifestyle magazines, publications focused on the classified advertising categories of real estate, employment and auto, and other publications aimed at younger readers.
Other operating revenues represent revenue earned on ancillary services offered by our newspapers, including commercial printing and distribution services.

 

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Costs and expenses
Changes in pension costs affect year-over-year comparisons of employee compensation and benefits. Pension costs decreased by $12.5 million in 2010 due to freezing the accrual of service credits in plans covering the majority of our newspaper employees in 2009. Pension costs in 2009 include $2.4 million in curtailment charges related to the benefit accrual freeze. Excluding pension costs, employee compensation and benefits decreased by 4% in 2010 primarily due to a 9% reduction in the number of employees. The effects of reduced head count were offset by the partial restoration of bonus programs in 2010.
Newsprint and press supplies decreased by $6.3 million in 2010 primarily due to a $4.5 million decrease in newsprint cost. The decrease in newsprint costs was due to a 12% decline in consumption and an 11% decrease in newsprint prices.
Distribution service costs increased in 2010 primarily as a result of the change in the business model we operate with our distributors in certain markets.
Other costs and expenses decreased in 2010 due to lower bad debt expenses as well as cost controls resulting in reductions in other expense categories.
2009 compared with 2008
Revenues
The U.S. economic recession affected operating revenues in 2009 and 2008, leading to lower advertising volumes and rate weakness in all of our local markets. The decline in digital ad revenue is attributable to the weakness in print classified advertising, to which most of the online advertising is tied. Pure play online advertising revenue makes up approximately 52% and 33% of total online advertising revenue for 2009 and 2008, respectively. Pure play online advertising revenue rose 26% in 2009 to $15.3 million due to new initiatives put in place during 2009.
Our 2009 circulation revenues increased by approximately $2.5 million. In certain markets, we have made changes to the business model under which we operate with our newspaper distributors. We have transitioned to a model in which we pay most independent distributors on a per-unit basis. The change in the business model increased reported circulation revenue by $5.4 million in the 2009. Adjusting for the change in the business model, circulation revenue decreased by 3% in 2009.
The decline in preprint and other revenues in 2009 is due to the overall economic conditions. Preprint products include niche publications such as community newspapers, lifestyle magazines, publications focused on the classified advertising categories of real estate, employment and auto, and other publications aimed at younger readers.
Other operating revenues represent revenue earned on ancillary services offered by our newspapers, including commercial printing and distribution services.
Costs and expense
Changes in pension costs affect year-over-year comparisons of employee compensation and benefits. Pension costs increased by $7.7 million in 2009. Pension costs in 2009 include $2.4 million in curtailment charges related to the benefit accrual freeze in plans covering a majority of our newspaper employees. Excluding pension costs, employee compensation and benefits decreased by 21% in 2009. Attrition and the reduction-in-force implemented in the fourth quarter of 2008 resulted in an approximate 21% decrease in employees in 2009, year-over-year. In addition, during 2009, we eliminated bonuses and reduced employee pay. Employee compensation and benefit costs in 2008 include a $5.0 million charge for employee severance in the fourth quarter related to workforce reductions.
Newsprint and press supplies decreased by $29.5 million in 2009 primarily due to a $23.5 million decrease in newsprint cost. The decrease in newsprint costs was due to a 31% decline in consumption and a 12% decrease in newsprint prices.
Capital expenditures include costs of $31 and $51 million in 2009 and in 2008, respectively for the construction of a new production facility at our Naples, Florida newspaper.

 

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Discontinued Operations — Discontinued operations include United Media Licensing, SNI, and DNA (See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). The results of businesses held for sale or that have ceased operations are presented as discontinued operations.
Operating results for our discontinued operations were as follows:
                         
    For the years ended December 31,  
( in thousands )   2010     2009     2008  
 
                       
Operating revenues:
                       
SNI
  $     $     $ 804,436  
UML
    27,979       69,962       76,457  
Rocky Mountain News
          50       129  
 
                 
 
                       
Total operating revenues
  $ 27,979     $ 70,012     $ 881,022  
 
                 
 
 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations:
                       
Gain on sale of UML, before tax
  $ 161,910     $     $  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, before tax:
                       
SNI
                309,547  
UML
    3,694       12,088       12,411  
Rocky Mountain News
    2,719       (23,372 )     (124,923 )
Income tax (expense) benefit
    (66,787 )     589       (68,047 )
 
                 
 
                       
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
  $ 101,536     $ (10,695 )   $ 128,988  
 
                 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our primary source of liquidity is our cash flow from operations and available borrowings under our credit facility.
We completed the sale of United Media Licensing in the second quarter of 2010, receiving $163 million in cash, net of expenses on the sale.
Cash flow from continuing operating activities decreased in 2010 by $28 million compared with 2009, primarily as a result of $70 million in contributions we made to our defined benefit pension plans. In 2010, we received net tax refunds of $30 million, including $6.7 million in tax reimbursements from SNI for periods prior to the spin-off. Refunds resulting from the carryback of 2009 net operating losses and overpayments on our 2008 federal income tax refund totaled $60 million. Estimated payments on our 2010 tax liabilities in 2010 were $39 million. In 2009, net tax refunds totaled $31 million and we received $16 million in tax reimbursements from SNI.
Capital expenditures in 2010 were $18 million, down from $39 million in the prior year. Capital expenditures in 2009 primarily related to the construction of our Naples, Fla., newspaper facility. We completed the construction of this facility in the third quarter of 2009. Capital expenditures in 2011 are expected to be approximately $18 million.
We have met our funding requirements for our defined benefit pension plans under the provisions of the Pension Funding Equity Act of 2004 and the Pension Protection Act of 2006. In 2010, we made a $65 million voluntary contribution to our defined benefit pension plans. We expect to contribute $1.6 million in 2011 to fund SERP benefits.
On October 20, 2010, we entered into the First Amendment to Credit Agreement (2010 Amendment) of our Credit Agreement dated August 5, 2009. We entered into the 2010 Amendment to give us more financial flexibility to make acquisitions and return capital to shareholders. The 2010 Amendment reduces the maximum amount of availability under the Credit Agreement from $150 million to $100 million. The Credit Agreement maintains its original maturity date of June 30, 2013. As of December 31, 2010, we had no outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement. Borrowing capacity under the facility was $83 million. The 2010 Amendment will allow us to make acquisitions or return capital of up to $150 million, respectively, over the remaining term of the Credit Facility, up to a maximum aggregate of $200 million.

 

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In October 2010, concurrent with amending the credit agreement, the board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to $75 million of our Class A Common Shares. The shares may be repurchased from time to time at management’s discretion, either in the open market, through pre-arranged trading plans or in privately negotiated block transactions. The authorization expires December 31, 2012. We did not repurchase any shares under this program in 2010.
We expect that our cash and short-term investments and cash flow from operating activities will be sufficient to meet our operating and capital needs over the next 12 months.
We continually evaluate our assets to determine if they remain a strategic fit and, given our business and the financial performance outlook, make sense to continue to be part of our portfolio.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Off-balance sheet arrangements include the following four categories: obligations under certain guarantees or contracts; retained or contingent interests in assets transferred to an unconsolidated entity or similar arrangements; obligations under certain derivative arrangements; and obligations under material variable interests.
We may use derivative financial instruments to manage exposure to newsprint prices, interest rate and foreign exchange rate fluctuations. In October 2008, we entered into a 2-year $30 million notional interest rate swap that expired in October 2010. Under this agreement we received payments based on 3-month LIBOR rate and made payments based on a fixed rate of 3.2%. We held no newsprint or foreign currency derivative financial instruments at December 31, 2010.
We have not entered into any material arrangements which would fall under any of these four categories and which would be reasonably likely to have a current or future material effect on our results of operations, liquidity or financial condition, other than the interest swap previously discussed.
As of December 31, 2010 and 2009, we had outstanding letters of credit totaling $10.4 million and $9.7 million, respectively.
Contractual Obligations
A summary of our contractual cash commitments, as of December 31, 2010, is as follows:
                                         
    Less than     Years     Years     Over        
(in thousands)   1 Year     2 & 3     4 & 5     5 Years     Total  
Long-term debt:
                                       
Principal amounts
  $ 182     $ 423     $ 245     $     $ 850  
Interest on note
    78       97       15             190  
 
                                       
Programming:
                                       
Available for broadcast
    1,797       1,459       583             3,839  
Not yet available for broadcast
    50,473       58,541       23,625             132,639  
 
                                       
Employee compensation and benefits:
                                       
Deferred compensation and other employment benefits
    3,700       9,600       6,411             19,711  
Employment and talent contracts
    21,160       16,695       3,118       1,325       42,298  
 
                                       
Operating leases:
                                       
Noncancelable
    3,482       5,312       3,484       3,497       15,775  
Cancelable
    595       758       394       14       1,761  
 
                                       
Pension obligations:
                                       
Minimum pension funding
    1,553       4,836       22,484       18,862       47,735  
 
                                       
Other commitments:
                                       
Noncancelable purchase and service commitments
    5,647       7,487       4,444       498       18,076  
Capital expenditures
    165                         165  
Other purchase and service commitments
    30,480       38,682       6,166       9       75,337  
 
                             
Total contractual cash obligations
  $ 119,312     $ 143,890     $ 70,969     $ 24,205     $ 358,376  
 
                             
In the ordinary course of business we enter into long-term contracts to license or produce programming, to secure on-air talent, to lease office space and equipment, and to purchase other goods and services.

 

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Programming — Program licenses generally require payments over the terms of the licenses. Licensed programming includes both programs that have been delivered and are available for telecast and programs that have not yet been produced. If the programs are not produced, our commitments would generally expire without obligation. Fixed fee amounts payable under our network affiliation agreements are also included. Variable amounts to the networks that could become payable throughout the life of the contracts are excluded.
We expect to enter into additional program licenses and production contracts to meet our future programming needs.
Talent Contracts — We secure on-air talent for our television stations through multi-year talent agreements. Certain agreements may be terminated under certain circumstances or at certain dates prior to expiration. We expect our employment and talent contracts will be renewed or replaced with similar agreements upon their expiration. Amounts due under the contracts, assuming the contracts are not terminated prior to their expiration, are included in the contractual commitments table. Also included in the table are contracts with columnists and artists whose work is syndicated by United Media. Columnists and artists may receive fixed minimum payments plus amounts based upon a percentage of net syndication revenues resulting from the exploitation of their work. Contingent amounts based upon net revenues are not included in the table of contractual commitments.
Operating Leases — We obtain certain office space under multi-year lease agreements. Leases for office space are generally not cancelable prior to their expiration.
Leases for operating and office equipment are generally cancelable by either party on 30 to 90 day notice. However, we expect such contracts will remain in force throughout the terms of the leases. The amounts included in the table above represent the amounts due under the agreements assuming the agreements are not canceled prior to their expiration.
We expect our operating leases will be renewed or replaced with similar agreements upon their expiration.
Pension Funding — We sponsor qualified defined benefit pension plans that cover substantially all non-union and certain union-represented employees. We also have a non-qualified Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”).
Contractual commitments summarized in the contractual obligations table include payments to meet minimum funding requirements of our defined benefit pension plans and estimated benefit payments for our unfunded SERP. Estimated payments for the SERP plan have been estimated over a ten-year period. Accordingly, the amounts in the “over 5 years” column include estimated payments for the periods of 2016-2020. While benefit payments under these plans are expected to continue beyond 2020, we believe it is not practicable to estimate payments beyond this period.
Income Tax Obligations — The Contractual Obligations table does not include any reserves for income taxes recognized because we are unable to reasonably predict the ultimate amount or timing of settlement of our reserves for income taxes. As of December 31, 2010, our reserves for income taxes totaled $16.2 million, which is reflected as a long-term liability in our consolidated balance sheet.
Purchase Commitments — We obtain audience ratings, market research and certain other services under multi-year agreements. These agreements are generally not cancelable prior to expiration of the service agreement. We expect such agreements will be renewed or replaced with similar agreements upon their expiration.
We may also enter into contracts with certain vendors and suppliers, including most of our newsprint vendors. These contracts typically do not require the purchase of fixed or minimum quantities and generally may be terminated at any time without penalty. Included in the table of contractual commitments are purchase orders placed as of December 31, 2010. Purchase orders placed with vendors, including those with whom we maintain contractual relationships, are generally cancelable prior to shipment. While these vendor agreements do not require us to purchase a minimum quantity of goods or services, and we may generally cancel orders prior to shipment, we expect expenditures for goods and services in future periods will approximate those in prior years.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Earnings and cash flow can be affected by, among other things, economic conditions, interest rate changes and changes in the price of newsprint. We are also exposed to changes in the market value of our investments.
Our objectives in managing interest rate risk are to limit the impact of interest rate changes on our earnings and cash flows, and to reduce overall borrowing costs. We manage interest rate risk primarily by maintaining a mix of fixed-rate and variable-rate debt.
We also may use forward contracts to reduce the risk of changes in the price of newsprint on anticipated newsprint purchases. We held no newsprint derivative financial instruments at December 31, 2010.

 

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The following table presents additional information about market-risk-sensitive financial instruments:
                                 
    As of December 31, 2010     As of December 31, 2009  
(in thousands,   Cost     Fair     Cost     Fair  
except share data)   Basis     Value     Basis     Value  
Financial instruments subject to interest rate risk:
                               
Variable rate credit facilities
  $     $     $ 34,900     $ 34,900  
Other notes
    850       850       1,016       1,016  
 
                       
Total long-term debt including current portion
  $ 850     $ 850     $ 35,916     $ 35,916  
 
                       
Financial instruments subject to market value risk:
                               
Investments held at cost
    10,366       (a )     10,405       (a )
 
                       
     
(a)   Includes securities that do not trade in public markets so the securities do not have readily determinable fair values. We estimate the fair value of these securities approximates their carrying value. There can be no assurance that we would realize the carrying value upon sale of the securities.
In October 2008, we entered into a 2-year $30 million notional interest rate swap, which expired in October 2010. Under this agreement we received payments based on the 3-month LIBOR and made payments based on a fixed rate of 3.2%. This swap was not designated as a hedge in accordance with generally accepted accounting standards and changes in fair value were recorded in miscellaneous-net with a corresponding adjustment to other long-term liabilities. The fair value at December 31, 2009 was a liability of $0.8 million, which is included in other liabilities.

 

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Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) was evaluated as of the date of the financial statements. This evaluation was carried out under the supervision of and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the design and operation of these disclosure controls and procedures are effective. There were no changes to the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f)) during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Scripps’ management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal controls designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:
  1.   pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company;
 
  2.   provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and the directors of the company; and
 
  3.   provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations, including the possibility of human error, collusion and the improper overriding of controls by management. Accordingly, even effective internal control can only provide reasonable but not absolute assurance with respect to financial statement preparation. Further, because of changes in conditions, the effectiveness of internal control may vary over time.
As required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002, management assessed the effectiveness of The E. W. Scripps Company and subsidiaries (the “Company”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010. Management’s assessment is based on the criteria established in the Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based upon our assessment, management believes that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010.
The company’s independent registered public accounting firm has issued an attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010. This report appears on page F-20.
Date: March 2, 2011
BY:
     
/s/ Richard A. Boehne
 
Richard A. Boehne
   
President and Chief Executive Officer
   
 
   
/s/ Timothy E. Stautberg
 
Timothy E. Stautberg
   
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
   

 

F-19


Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders,
The E.W. Scripps Company
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of The E.W. Scripps Company and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule as of and for the year ended December 31, 2010, of the Company and our report dated March 2, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and the financial statement schedule.
     
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
 
Cincinnati, Ohio
   
March 2, 2011
   

 

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Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders,
The E.W. Scripps Company
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The E.W. Scripps Company and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the related consolidated statements of operations, cash flows and equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of The E.W. Scripps Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 2, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
     
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
 
Cincinnati, Ohio
   
March 2, 2011
   

 

F-21


Table of Contents

Consolidated Balance Sheets
                 
    As of December 31,  
(in thousands, except share data)   2010     2009  
Assets
               
Current assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 204,924     $ 7,681  
Short-term investments
          12,180  
Accounts and notes receivable (less allowances — 2010, $2,789; 2009, $4,246)
    115,568       115,245  
Inventory
    7,859       6,989  
Deferred income taxes
    8,914       16,614  
Income taxes receivable
    14,596       62,559  
Assets of discontinued operations — current
          24,948  
Miscellaneous
    10,718       11,959  
 
           
Total current assets
    362,579       258,175  
 
           
Investments
    10,652       10,660  
Property, plant and equipment
    389,650       417,745  
Intangible assets
    23,107       23,635  
Deferred income taxes
    30,844       57,132  
Miscellaneous
    10,710       13,176  
Assets of discontinued operations — noncurrent
          5,825  
 
           
Total Assets
  $ 827,542     $ 786,348  
 
           
Liabilities and Equity
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 34,091     $ 25,172  
Customer deposits and unearned revenue
    26,072       26,773  
Accrued liabilities:
               
Employee compensation and benefits
    36,981       29,124  
Income taxes payable
    7,310        
Miscellaneous
    25,528       21,763  
Liabilities of discontinued operations — current
          24,362  
Other current liabilities
    8,502       8,066  
 
           
Total current liabilities
    138,484       135,260  
 
           
Long-term debt
    850       35,916  
 
           
Liabilities of discontinued operations — noncurrent
          369  
Other liabilities (less current portion)
    96,676       181,552  
 
           
Commitments and contingencies (Note 18)
           
 
           
Equity:
               
Preferred stock, $.01 par — authorized: 25,000,000 shares; none outstanding
           
Common stock, $.01 par:
               
Class A — authorized: 240,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding: 2010 — 46,403,887 shares; 2009 — 42,742,190 shares
    464       427  
Voting — authorized: 60,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding: 2010 — 11,932,735 shares; 2009 — 11,932,735 shares
    119       119  
 
           
Total
    583       546  
Additional paid-in capital
    558,225       531,754  
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)
    111,641       (10,946 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes:
               
Pension liability adjustments
    (81,547 )     (92,049 )
Foreign currency translation adjustment
          590  
 
           
Total The E.W. Scripps Company shareholders’ equity
    588,902       429,895  
Noncontrolling interest
    2,630       3,356  
 
           
Total equity
    591,532       433,251  
 
           
Total Liabilities and Equity
  $ 827,542     $ 786,348  
 
           
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-22


Table of Contents

Consolidated Statements of Operations
                         
    For the years ended December 31,  
(in thousands, except per share data)   2010     2009     2008  
Operating Revenues:
                       
Advertising
  $ 601,411     $ 565,708     $ 758,393  
Circulation
    121,283       115,873       113,398  
Other
    54,196       50,817       53,415  
 
                 
Total operating revenues
    776,890       732,398       925,206  
 
                 
Costs and Expenses:
                       
Employee compensation and benefits
    351,805       366,805       436,272  
Programs and program licenses
    59,949       52,530       48,290  
Newsprint and press supplies
    47,235       53,544       83,029  
Other costs and expenses
    227,533       218,765       250,346  
Separation and restructuring costs
    12,678       9,935       33,506  
 
                 
Total costs and expenses
    699,200       701,579       851,443  
 
                 
Depreciation, Amortization, and (Gains) Losses:
                       
Depreciation
    43,517       42,530       43,354  
Amortization of intangible assets
    1,377       1,830       3,220  
Impairment of goodwill, indefinite and long-lived assets
          216,413       809,936  
(Gains) losses, net on disposal of property, plant and equipment
    1,218       (444 )     (5,809 )
 
                 
Net depreciation, amortization, and (gains) losses
    46,112       260,329       850,701  
 
                 
Operating income (loss)
    31,578       (229,510 )     (776,938 )
Interest expense
    (3,666 )     (2,554 )     (10,740 )
Write-down of investment in newspaper partnership
                (20,876 )
Losses on repurchases of debt
                (26,380 )
Miscellaneous, net
    1,798       749       10,454  
 
                 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
    29,710       (231,315 )     (824,480 )
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
    840       (32,363 )     (265,592 )
 
                 
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax
    28,870       (198,952 )     (558,888 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
    101,536       (10,695 )     128,988  
 
                 
Net income (loss)
    130,406       (209,647 )     (429,900 )
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
    (103 )     (42 )     46,690  
 
                 
Net income (loss) attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company
  $ 130,509     $ (209,605 )   $ (476,590 )
 
                 
Net income (loss) per basic share of common stock attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company:
                       
Income (loss) from continuing operations
  $ .45     $ (3.69 )   $ (10.33 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
    1.59       (.20 )     1.52  
 
                 
Net income (loss) per basic share of common stock
  $ 2.04     $ (3.89 )   $ (8.81 )
 
                 
Net income (loss) per diluted share of common stock attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company:
                       
Income (loss) from continuing operations
  $ .45     $ (3.69 )   $ (10.33 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
    1.58       (.20 )     1.52  
 
                 
Net income (loss) per diluted share of common stock
  $ 2.03     $ (3.89 )   $ (8.81 )
 
                 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
                       
Basic
    56,857       53,902       54,100  
Diluted
    56,998       53,902       54,100  
Net income (loss) per share amounts may not foot since each is calculated independently.
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-23


Table of Contents

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                         
    For the years ended December 31,  
(in thousands)   2010     2009     2008  
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
                       
Net income (loss)
  $ 130,406     $ (209,647 )   $ (429,900 )
Loss (income) from discontinued operations
    (101,536 )     10,695       (128,988 )
 
                 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    28,870       (198,952 )     (558,888 )
Adjustments to reconcile income (loss) from continuing operations to net cash flows from operating activities:
                       
Depreciation and amortization
    44,894       44,360       46,574  
Impairment of goodwill, indefinite and long-lived assets
          216,413       830,812  
(Gains)/losses on sale of property, plant and equipment
    1,218       (444 )     (5,809 )
(Gain)/loss on sale of investments
    (2,275 )     (752 )     (7,572 )
Deferred income taxes
    25,822       45,271       (278,923 )
Excess tax benefits from stock compensation plans
    (9,559 )     (372 )     (3,829 )
Stock and deferred compensation plans
    8,892       7,131       34,634  
Losses on repurchases of debt
                26,380  
Pension expense, net of payments
    (62,774 )     1,253       5,606  
Other changes in certain working capital accounts, net
    32,388       (31,530 )     (12,341 )
Miscellaneous, net
    (8,196 )     4,802       3,692  
 
                 
Net cash provided by continuing operating activities
    59,280       87,180       80,336  
Net cash (used in) provided by discontinued operating activities
    6,691       (8,522 )     252,215  
 
                 
Net operating activities
    65,971       78,658       332,551  
 
                 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
                       
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
    766       101       169  
Purchase of intangibles
    (850 )            
Additions to property, plant and equipment
    (18,241 )     (39,453 )     (82,394 )
Decrease in short-term investments
    12,180       8,950       23,701  
Proceeds from sale of long-term investments
          472       37,184  
Purchase of investments
    (1,673 )     (3,366 )     (688 )
 
                 
Net cash used in continuing investing activities
    (7,818 )     (33,296 )     (22,028 )
Net cash (used in) provided by discontinued investing activities
    162,895       (297 )     (40,506 )
 
                 
Net investing activities
    155,077       (33,593 )     (62,534 )
 
                 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
                       
Increase in long-term debt
                100,500  
Payments on long-term debt
    (34,900 )     (25,250 )     (544,820 )
Bond redemption premium payment
                (22,517 )
Payments of financing costs
    (330 )     (3,062 )      
Dividends paid
                (53,957 )
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests
    (623 )           (24 )
Repurchase Class A Common shares
                (19,031 )
Proceeds from employee stock options
    8,394       2,876       15,097  
Tax payments related to shares withheld for vested stock and RSUs
    (12,071 )            
Excess tax benefits from stock compensation plans
    9,559       372       3,829  
Miscellaneous, net
    937       (10,972 )     2,605  
 
                 
Net cash used in continuing financing activities
    (29,034 )     (36,036 )     (518,318 )
Net cash provided by discontinued financing activities
                257,920  
 
                 
Net financing activities
    (29,034 )     (36,036 )     (260,398 )
 
                 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
                (75 )
 
                 
Change in cash — discontinued operations
    5,229       (5,217 )     (23,977 )
 
                 
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    197,243       3,812       (14,433 )
Cash and cash equivalents:
                       
Beginning of year
    7,681       3,869       18,302  
 
                 
End of year
  $ 204,924     $ 7,681     $ 3,869  
 
                 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-24


Table of Contents

Consolidated Statements of Equity
                                                 
                    Retained     Accumulated              
            Additional     Earnings     Other              
    Common     Paid-in     (Accumulated     Comprehensive     Noncontrolling     Total  
(in thousands, except share data)   Stock     Capital     Deficit)     Income (Loss)     Interests     Equity  
As of December 31, 2007
  $ 543     $ 476,142     $ 1,971,848     $ 1,828     $ 141,930     $ 2,592,291  
Net income (loss)
                    (476,590 )             46,690       (429,900 )
 
                                               
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments
                            (682 )             (682 )
Adjustment for losses (gains) in income on investments
                            (3,655 )             (3,655 )
 
                                   
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments
                            (4,337 )             (4,337 )
Changes in defined pension plans
                            (90,639 )             (90,639 )
Equity in investee’s adjustments for pension
                            (100 )             (100 )
Currency translation adjustment
                            195               195  
Dividends: declared and paid — $.99 per share
                    (53,957 )                     (53,957 )
Dividends: Noncontrolling interest
                                    (56,207 )     (56,207 )
Spin-off of SNI
                    (1,234,701 )     (40,602 )     (129,015 )     (1,404,318 )
Repurchase 1,213,333 Class A Common shares
    (12 )     (13,246 )     (5,773 )                     (19,031 )
Compensation plans, net: 695,965 net shares issued
    7       37,545                               37,552  
Stock modification charge
            19,589                               19,589  
Excess tax benefits of compensation plans
            3,829                               3,829  
 
                                   
 
                                               
As of December 31, 2008
    538       523,859       200,827       (133,655 )     3,398       594,967  
Net income (loss)
                    (209,605 )             (42 )     (209,647 )
Spin-off of SNI
                    (2,168 )     1,536               (632 )
Changes in defined pension plans
                            39,633               39,633  
Equity in investee’s adjustments for pension
                            1,324               1,324  
Currency translation adjustment
                            (48 )             (48 )
Compensation plans: 857,953 net shares issued
    8       12,548                               12,556  
Excess tax expense of compensation plans
            (4,653 )                             (4,653 )
Other
                            (249 )             (249 )
 
                                   
 
                                               
As of December 31, 2009
    546       531,754       (10,946 )     (91,459 )     3,356       433,251  
Net income (loss)
                    130,509               (103 )     130,406  
Spin-off of SNI
                    (7,927 )                     (7,927 )
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests
                                    (623 )     (623 )
Changes in defined pension plans
                            10,214               10,214  
Currency translation adjustment
                            (590 )             (590 )
Compensation plans: 3,661,797 net shares issued
    37       7,472       5                       7,514  
Excess tax benefits of compensation plans
            18,999                               18,999  
Other
                            288               288  
 
                                   
As of December 31, 2010
  $ 583     $ 558,225     $ 111,641     $ (81,547 )   $ 2,630     $ 591,532  
 
                                   
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
As used in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the terms “we,” “our,” “us” or “Scripps” may, depending on the context, refer to The E. W. Scripps Company, to one or more of its consolidated subsidiary companies or to all of them taken as a whole.
Nature of Operations — We are a diverse media concern with interests in television and newspaper publishing. All of our media businesses provide content and advertising services via the Internet. Our media businesses are organized into the following reportable business segments: Television, Newspapers, JOAs and newspaper partnerships, and Syndication and other. Note 16 provides additional information regarding our business segments.
Concentration Risks — We have geographically dispersed operations and a diverse customer base. We believe bad debt losses resulting from default by a single customer, or defaults by customers in any depressed region or business sector, would not have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
We derive approximately 77% of our operating revenues from marketing services, including advertising. Changes in the demand for such services both nationally and in individual markets can affect operating results.
Use of Estimates — The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires us to make a variety of decisions that affect the reported amounts and the related disclosures. Such decisions include the selection of accounting principles that reflect the economic substance of the underlying transactions and the assumptions on which to base accounting estimates. In reaching such decisions, we apply judgment based on our understanding and analysis of the relevant circumstances, including our historical experience, actuarial studies and other assumptions.
Our financial statements include estimates and assumptions used in accounting for our defined benefit pension plans; the periods over which long-lived assets are depreciated or amortized; the liability for uncertain tax positions and valuation allowances against deferred income tax assets; and self-insured risks.
While we re-evaluate our estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis, actual results could differ from those estimated at the time of preparation of the financial statements.
Consolidation — The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of The E. W. Scripps Company and its majority-owned subsidiary companies. Investments in 20%-to-50%-owned companies and in all 50%-or-less-owned partnerships are accounted for using the equity method. We do not hold any interests in variable interest entities. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated.
Income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiary companies are included in net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Revenue Recognition — We recognize revenue when persuasive evidence of a sales arrangement exists, delivery occurs or services are rendered, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. When a sales arrangement contains multiple elements, such as the sale of advertising and other services, we allocate revenue to each element based upon its relative fair value. Revenue recognition may be ceased on delinquent accounts depending upon a number of factors, including the customer’s credit history, number of days past due, and the terms of any agreements with the customer. Revenue recognition on such accounts resumes when the customer has taken actions to remove their accounts from delinquent status, at which time we recognize any associated deferred revenues. We report revenue net of sales and other taxes collected from our customers.
Our primary sources of revenue are from the sale of print, broadcast and Internet advertising and the sale of newspapers.
Revenue recognition policies for each source of revenue are as follows.
Advertising. Print and broadcast advertising revenue is recognized, net of agency commissions, when the advertisements are displayed. Internet advertising includes fixed duration campaigns whereby a banner, text or other advertisement appears for a specified period of time for a fee, impression-based campaigns where the fee is based upon the number of times the advertisement appears in Web pages viewed by a user, and click-through based campaigns where the fee is based upon the number of users who click on an advertisement and are directed to the advertisers’ Web site. Advertising revenue from fixed duration campaigns are recognized over the period in which the advertising appears. Internet advertising that is based upon the number of impressions delivered or the number of click-throughs is recognized as impressions are delivered or click-throughs occur.

 

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Advertising contracts, which generally have a term of one year or less, may provide rebates, discounts and bonus advertisements based upon the volume of advertising purchased during the terms of the contracts. This requires us to make certain estimates regarding future advertising volumes. We base our estimates on various factors including our historical experience and advertising sales trends. Estimated rebates, discounts and bonus advertisements are recorded as a reduction of revenue in the period the advertisement is displayed. We revise our estimates as necessary based on actual volume realized.
Broadcast advertising contracts may guarantee the advertiser a minimum audience for the programs in which their advertisements are broadcast over the contract term. We provide the advertiser with additional advertising time if we do not deliver the guaranteed audience size. The amount of additional advertising time is generally based upon the percentage shortfall in audience size. If we determine we have not delivered the guaranteed audience, we record an accrual for “make-good” advertisements as a reduction of revenue. The estimated make-good accrual is adjusted throughout the term of the advertising contracts.
Newspaper Subscriptions. Newspaper subscription revenue is recognized based upon the publication date of the newspaper. Revenues from prepaid newspaper subscriptions are deferred and are included in circulation revenue on a pro-rata basis over the term of the subscription.
Circulation revenue for newspapers sold directly to subscribers is based upon the retail rate. Circulation revenue for newspapers sold to independent newspaper distributors, which are subject to returns, is based upon the wholesale rate. Estimated returns are recognized as a reduction in circulation revenue at the time the newspaper is published. Returns are estimated based upon historical return rates and are adjusted based on the actual returns.
Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments — Cash-equivalents represent highly liquid investments with an original maturity of less than three months. Short-term investments represent excess cash invested in securities not meeting the criteria to be classified as cash equivalents. Short-term investments are carried at cost plus accrued income, which approximates fair value.
Inventories — Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. The cost of inventories are determined using the first in, first out (“FIFO”) method.
Trade Receivables — We extend credit to customers based upon our assessment of the customer’s financial condition. Collateral is generally not required from customers. Allowances for credit losses are generally based upon trends, economic conditions, review of aging categories, specific identification of customers at risk of default and historical experience.
Investments — We may have investments in both public and private companies. Investment securities can be impacted by various market risks, including interest rate risk, credit risk and overall market volatility. Due to the level of risk associated with certain investment securities, it is reasonably possible that changes in the values of investment securities will occur in the near term. Such changes could materially affect the amounts reported in our financial statements.
Investments in private companies are recorded at cost, net of impairment write-downs, because no readily determinable market price is available. All other securities, except those accounted for under the equity method, are classified as available for sale and are carried at fair value. Fair value is determined using quoted market prices. The difference between cost basis and fair value, net of related tax effects, is recorded in the accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) component of equity.
We regularly review our investments to determine if there has been any other-than-temporary decline in value. These reviews require management judgments that often include estimating the outcome of future events and determining whether factors exist that indicate impairment has occurred. We evaluate, among other factors, the extent to which cost exceeds fair value; the duration of the decline in fair value below cost; and the current cash position, earnings and cash forecasts and near term prospects of the investee. The cost basis is reduced when a decline in fair value below cost is determined to be other than temporary, with the resulting adjustment charged against earnings.
Property, Plant and Equipment — Property, plant and equipment, which includes internal use software and web-site development cost, is carried at cost less depreciation. Costs incurred in the preliminary project stage to develop or acquire internal use software or Internet sites are expensed as incurred. Upon completion of the preliminary project stage and upon management authorization of the project, costs to acquire or develop internal use software, which primarily include coding, designing system interfaces, and installation and testing, are capitalized if it is probable the project will be completed and the software will be used for its intended function. Costs incurred after implementation, such as maintenance and training, are expensed as incurred.

 

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Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives as follows:
     
Buildings and improvements
  35 years
Leasehold improvements
  Shorter of term of lease or useful life
Printing presses
  20 to 30 years
Other newspaper production equipment
  5 to 15 years
Television transmission towers and related equipment
  15 years
Other television and program production equipment
  3 to 15 years
Computer hardware and software
  3 to 5 years
Office and other equipment
  3 to 10 years
Programs and Program Licenses — Includes the cost of national television network programming, programming produced by us or for us by independent production companies and programs licensed under agreements with independent producers.
Our current network affiliation agreements require the payment of affiliation fees to the network. Network affiliation fees include both pre-determined fixed fees and variable payments based on other factors. Fixed fee payments are expensed on a straight-line basis over the term of the affiliation agreement. Variable fees are expensed as incurred.
Costs of programs produced by us or for us include capitalizable direct costs, production overhead, development costs and acquired production costs. Costs to produce live programming that is not expected to be rebroadcast are expensed as incurred. Production costs for programs produced by us or for us are capitalized. Production costs for television series are charged to expense over estimated useful lives based upon expected future cash flows. We periodically review revenue estimates and planned usage and revise our assumptions if necessary. If actual demand or market conditions are less favorable than projected, a write-down to fair value may be required. Development costs for programs that we have determined will not be produced are written off.
Program licenses generally have fixed terms, limit the number of times we can air the programs and require payments over the terms of the licenses. Licensed program assets and liabilities are recorded when the programs become available for broadcast. Program licenses are not discounted for imputed interest. Program licenses are amortized based upon expected cash flows over the term of the license agreement.
The net realizable value of programs and program licenses is reviewed for impairment using a day-part methodology, whereby programs broadcast during a particular time period (such as prime time) are evaluated on an aggregate basis.
The portion of the unamortized balance expected to be amortized within one year is classified as a current asset.
Program rights liabilities payable within the next twelve months are included in accounts payable. Noncurrent program rights liabilities are included in other noncurrent liabilities.
Goodwill and Other Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets — Goodwill represents the cost of acquisitions in excess of the acquired businesses’ tangible assets and identifiable intangible assets.
FCC licenses represent the value assigned to the broadcast licenses of acquired broadcast television stations. Broadcast television stations are subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) which prohibits the operation of stations except in accordance with an FCC license. FCC licenses stipulate each station’s operating parameters as defined by channels, effective radiated power and antenna height. FCC licenses are granted for a term of up to eight years, and are renewable upon request. We have never had a renewal request denied, and all previous renewals have been for the maximum term.
Other indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but are reviewed for impairment at least annually. We perform our annual impairment review during the fourth quarter of each year in conjunction with our annual planning cycle. We also assess, at least annually, whether assets classified as indefinite-lived intangible assets continue to have indefinite lives.
Amortizable Intangible Assets — Television network affiliation represents the value assigned to an acquired broadcast television station’s relationship with a national television network. Television stations affiliated with national television networks typically have greater profit margins than independent television stations, primarily due to audience recognition of the television station as a network affiliate. These network affiliation relationships are amortized on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives of 20 to 25 years.

 

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Customer lists and other intangible assets are amortized in relation to their expected future cash flows over estimated useful lives of up to 20 years.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets — We review long-lived assets (primarily property, plant and equipment and amortizable intangible assets) for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate the carrying amounts of the assets may not be recoverable. Recoverability is determined by comparing the forecasted undiscounted cash flows of the operation to which the assets relate to the carrying amount of the assets. If the undiscounted cash flow is less than the carrying amount of the assets, then amortizable intangible assets are written down first, followed by other long-lived assets, to fair value. Fair value is determined based on discounted cash flows or appraisals. Long-lived assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.
Self-Insured Risks — We are self-insured, up to certain limits, for general and automobile liability, employee health, disability and workers’ compensation claims and certain other risks. Estimated liabilities for unpaid claims, which totaled $22.1 million and $20.5 million at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, are based on our historical claims experience and are developed from actuarial valuations. While we re-evaluate our assumptions and review our claims experience on an ongoing basis, actual claims paid could vary significantly from estimated claims, which would require adjustments to expense.
Income Taxes — We recognize deferred income taxes for temporary differences between the tax basis and reported amounts of assets and liabilities that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in future years. We establish a valuation allowance if we believe that if it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
We record a liability for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Interest and penalties associated with such tax positions are included in the tax provision. The liability for additional taxes and interest is included in Other Liabilities.
Newsprint and press supplies — Newsprint and press supplies costs include costs incurred to print and produce our newspapers and other publications to readers. These costs are expensed as incurred.
Risk Management Contracts — We do not hold derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes and we do not hold leveraged contracts. From time to time we may use derivative financial instruments to limit the impact of newsprint and interest rate fluctuations on our earnings and cash flows.
Stock-Based Compensation — We have a Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) which is described more fully in Note 19. The Plan provides for the award of incentive and nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units, restricted and unrestricted Class A Common shares and performance units to key employees and non-employee directors.
We recognize compensation cost based on the grant-date fair value of the award. We determine the fair value of awards that grant the employee the right to the appreciation of the underlying shares, such as stock options, using a binomial lattice model. The fair value of awards that grant the employee the underlying shares is measured by the fair value of a Class A Common share.
Certain awards of Class A Common shares have performance conditions under which the number of shares granted is determined by the extent to which such performance conditions are met (“Performance Shares”). Compensation costs for such awards are measured by the grant-date fair value of a Class A Common share and the number of shares earned. In periods prior to completion of the performance period, compensation costs are based upon estimates of the number of shares that will be earned.
Compensation costs, net of estimated forfeitures due to termination of employment or failure to meet performance targets, are recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award. The requisite service period is generally the vesting period stated in the award. Grants to retirement-eligible employees are expensed immediately and grants to employees who will become retirement eligible prior to the end of the stated vesting period are expensed over such shorter period because stock compensation grants vest upon the retirement of the employee.
Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) — Unvested awards of share-based payments with rights to receive dividends or dividend equivalents, such as our restricted stock and restricted stock units (RSUs), are considered participating securities for purposes of calculating EPS. Under the two-class method, we allocate a portion of net income to these participating securities and therefore exclude that income from the calculation of EPS for common stock. We do not allocate losses to the participating securities.

 

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The following table presents information about basic and diluted weighted-average shares outstanding:
                         
    For the years ended December 31,  
(in thousands)   2010     2009     2008  
 
                       
Numerator (for basic earnings per share)
                       
 
                       
Net income (loss) attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company
  $ 130,509     $ (209,605 )   $ (476,590 )
Less income allocated to unvested restricted stock and RSUs
    (14,604 )            
 
                 
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share
  $ 115,905     $ (209,605 )   $ (476,590 )
 
                 
 
Denominator
                       
 
                       
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding
    56,857       53,902       54,100  
Effective of dilutive securities:
                       
Stock options held by employees and directors
    141              
 
                 
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding
    56,998       53,902       54,100  
 
                 
 
                       
Anti-dilutive securities(1)
    8,825       21,033       12,896  
 
                 
     
(1)   Amount outstanding at Balance Sheet date, before application of the treasury stock method and not weighted for period outstanding.
For 2010, in the determination of dilutive securities, the inclusion of RSUs and restricted stock as participating securities is more dilutive, and therefore, the dilutive EPS calculation excludes them. For 2009 and 2008, we incurred a net loss and the inclusion of unvested restricted stock, RSUs and stock options held by employees and directors were anti-dilutive, and accordingly the diluted EPS calculation excludes those common share equivalents.
2. Accounting Changes and Recently Issued Accounting Standards
Accounting Changes
In December 2007, the FASB issued new accounting guidance which established accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary, the deconsolidation of a subsidiary, and accounting for noncontrolling interests as equity in the consolidated financial statements at fair value. We adopted this standard as of January 1, 2009. Upon adoption of this standard, we reclassified our noncontrolling interest in subsidiary companies to a separate component of equity and changed the presentation of our statement of operations and statement of cash flows. We have retroactively reclassified all periods presented.
In December 2008, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on disclosures about plan assets of our defined benefit plans. We adopted this standard on December 31, 2009.
In April 2009, the FASB issued a staff position which changes the method for determining whether an other-than-temporary impairment exists for debt securities and the amount of the impairment to be recorded in earnings. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009. The implementation of this guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.
In June 2009, the FASB issued new accounting guidance which amended the consolidation guidance applicable to variable interest entities and was effective for us on January 1, 2010. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
New Accounting Pronouncements
In October 2009, the FASB issued amendments to the accounting and disclosure for revenue recognition. These amendments, effective for fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010 (early adoption is permitted), modify the criteria for recognizing revenue in multiple element arrangements and the scope of what constitutes a non-software deliverable. We do not expect this standard to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.

 

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3. Discontinued Operations
Sale of Licensing
On June 3, 2010, the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, United Feature Syndicate, Inc. (“UFS”) completed the sale of its character licensing business (“UML”) to Iconix Brand Group. The sale also included certain intellectual property including the rights to syndicate the Peanuts and Dilbert comic strips. The aggregate cash sale price was $175 million resulting in a pre-tax gain of $162 million. The results of operations of UML and the gain on sale are presented as discontinued operations in our financial statements for all periods.
In connection with the sale, Iconix assumed UFS’s real estate lease, which expires in February 2016. We were not released from our obligations as guarantor of that lease by the lessor. Total remaining lease payments at December 31, 2010 are approximately $8.3 million. We believe that the likelihood of incurring future costs for this guarantee to be remote, and therefore we have not recorded a related liability.
Closure of Rocky Mountain News
After an unsuccessful search for a buyer, we closed the Rocky Mountain News after it published its final edition on February 27, 2009.
Our Rocky Mountain News and Media News Group, Inc.’s (MNG) Denver Post were partners in The Denver Newspaper Agency (the “Denver JOA”), a limited liability partnership, which operated the sales, production and business operations of the Rocky Mountain News prior to its closure. Each newspaper owned 50% of the Denver JOA and received a 50% share of the profits. Each newspaper provided the Denver JOA with the independent editorial content published in its newspaper.
Under the terms of an agreement with MNG, we transferred our interests in the Denver JOA to MNG in the third quarter of 2009. We recorded no gain or loss on the transfer of our interest in the Denver JOA to MNG.
The results of the operations of the Rocky Mountain News and the earnings from our interest in the Denver JOA are presented as discontinued operations in our financial statements for all periods.
Due primarily to the negative effects of the economy on the advertising revenues of the Denver JOA we determined that indications of impairment of our investment existed in 2008 and we recorded a non-cash charge of $110 million to reduce the carrying value of our investment to zero, our share of the estimated fair value of their net assets.
Spin-Off of Scripps Networks Interactive
On October 16, 2007, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had authorized management to pursue a plan to separate E. W. Scripps (“Scripps” or “EWS”) into two independent, publicly-traded companies (the “Separation”) through the spin-off of Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc. (“SNI”) to Scripps shareholders. To effect the Separation, SNI was formed on October 23, 2007, as a wholly owned subsidiary of Scripps and the assets and liabilities of the Scripps Networks and Interactive Media businesses of Scripps were transferred to SNI.
The distribution of all of the shares of SNI was made on July 1, 2008 to the shareholders of record as of the close of business on June 16, 2008 (the “Record Date”). The shareholders of record received one SNI Class A Common Share for every Scripps Class A Common Share held as the Record Date and one SNI Common Voting Share for every Scripps Common Voting Share held as of the Record Date.

 

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The following table presents summary information of the net assets distributed on July 1, 2008.
         
(in thousands)        
 
       
Assets:
       
Total current assets
  $ 429,824  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    182,122  
Goodwill and intangible assets
    783,626  
Other assets
    658,641  
 
     
Total assets distributed
  $ 2,054,213  
 
     
 
       
Liabilities:
       
Total current liabilities
  $ 134,876  
Deferred income taxes
    142,468  
Long-term debt
    325,000  
Other liabilities
    47,551  
Minority interest
    129,015  
 
     
Total liabilities distributed
    778,910  
 
     
Net assets distributed
  $ 1,275,303  
 
     
During 2010 and 2009, the Company made adjustments of $7.9 million and $0.6 million, respectively, to the net assets distributed. The adjustment primarily related to the allocation and settlement of tax accounts and employee benefit plans.
The spin-off of SNI is presented as discontinued operations in our financial statements for all periods presented.
In connection with the Separation, the following agreements between Scripps and SNI became effective:
    Separation and Distribution Agreement
    Transition Services Agreement
    Employee Matters Agreement
    Tax Allocation Agreement
Separation and Distribution Agreement
The Separation and Distribution Agreement contains the key provisions relating to the separation of SNI from EWS and the distribution of SNI common shares to EWS shareholders. The agreement also identifies the assets to be transferred to and the liabilities and contracts to be assumed by SNI or retained by EWS in the distribution and when and how the transfers will occur.
Transition Services Agreement
The Transition Services Agreement provides for EWS and SNI to provide services to each other on a compensated basis for a period of up to two years. Compensation will be on an arms-length basis. EWS will provide services or support to SNI, including information technology, human resources, accounting and finance, and facilities. SNI will provide information technology support and services. We were paid $2.9 million and $2.8 million from SNI and we paid SNI $0.5 million and $1.6 million under these agreements in 2009 and 2008, respectively.
Employee Matters Agreement
The Employee Matters Agreement provides for the allocation of the liabilities and responsibilities relating to employee compensation and benefit plans and programs, including the treatment of outstanding incentive awards, deferred compensation obligations and retirement and welfare benefit obligations between EWS and SNI.
Tax Allocation Agreement
The Tax Allocation Agreement sets forth the allocations and responsibilities of EWS and SNI with respect to liabilities for federal, state, local and foreign income taxes for periods before and after the spin-off, tax deductions related to compensation arrangements, preparation of income tax returns, disputes with taxing authorities and indemnification of income taxes that would become due if the spin-off were taxable. Generally EWS and SNI will be responsible for income taxes for periods before the spin-off for their respective businesses.

 

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SNI reimbursed us $6.7 million in 2010 and $16 million in 2009 for its share of estimated taxes prior to the spin-off under the Tax Allocation Agreement.
SNI paid $3.7 million in 2010 to settle audits of certain combined state and local tax returns for periods prior to the spin-off. We reimbursed SNI $0.8 million for our share of the audit settlements.
During 2010, we filed a carryback claim for $9.3 million of capital losses incurred by SNI subsequent to the spin-off. Under the terms of the Tax Allocation Agreement, these capital losses were carried back to our consolidated federal income tax returns for periods prior to the spin-off. We paid SNI for the loss carryback when the refund claim was received from the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”).
At December 31, 2010 and 2009, we owed SNI $7.5 million and $3.6 million, respectively, for its share of tax refund claims for prior years. The amounts will be paid to SNI when the tax refunds to which they relate are received from the tax authorities.
The results of businesses held for sale, that were spun off, or that have ceased operations are presented as discontinued operations within our results of operations. The results of operations of these businesses are excluded from segment results for all periods presented.
Operating results of our discontinued operations were as follows:
                         
    For the years ended December 31,  
(in thousands)   2010     2009     2008  
 
                       
Operating revenues:
                       
SNI
  $     $     $ 804,436  
UML
    27,979       69,962       76,457  
Rocky Mountain News
          50       129  
 
                 
Total operating revenues
  $ 27,979     $ 70,012     $ 881,022  
 
                 
 
                       
Income (loss) from discontinued operations:
                       
Gain on sale of UML, before tax
  $ 161,910     $     $  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, before tax:
                       
SNI
                309,547  
UML
    3,694       12,088       12,411  
Rocky Mountain News
    2,719       (23,372 )     (124,923 )
Income tax (expense) benefit
    (66,787 )     589       (68,047 )
 
                 
 
                       
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
  $ 101,536     $ (10,695 )   $ 128,988  
 
                 
The Company incurred certain non-recurring costs directly related to the spin-off of SNI of $48.2 million in 2008. Investment banking fees, legal, accounting and other professional and consulting fees of $14.7 million were allocated to discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. All remaining amounts ($33.5 million) are recorded in continuing operations.
4. Asset Write-Downs and Other Charges and Credits
Income (loss) from continuing operations was affected by the following:
2010 —Restructuring costs at our television and newspaper operations totaled $12.7 million.
2009 —Separation costs and costs to restructure our operations were $9.9 million.
In the first quarter we recorded a $215 million, non-cash charge to reduce the carrying value of our goodwill for our Television division.
We also recorded a $1 million non-cash charge to reduce the carrying value of the FCC license for our Lawrence, Kansas, television station.
2008 — Separation and restructuring costs, including costs to reduce our newspaper workforce by 350 employees, increased the loss from continuing operations by $38.5 million for the year.
During the year we recorded a $779 million, non-cash charge to reduce the carrying value of goodwill, an $11.4 million charge to reduce the carrying value of our FCC license and a $19.6 million charge to write-down the carrying value of long-lived assets, primarily a television network affiliation agreement. We also recorded a non-cash charge of $20.9 million to reduce the carrying value of our investment in the Prairie Mountain Publishing newspaper partnership to our share of the estimated fair value of their net assets. The impairment charges increased loss from continuing operations by $830.9 million in the year.

 

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We redeemed the remaining balances of our outstanding notes and recorded a $26.4 million loss on the extinguishment of debt.
Investment results, reported in the caption “Miscellaneous, net” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations, include realized gains from the sale of certain investments of $7.6 million.
5. Income Taxes
We file a consolidated federal income tax return, consolidated unitary returns in certain states, and other separate state income tax returns for certain of our subsidiary companies.
The provision for income taxes consisted of the following:
                         
    For the years ended December 31,  
(in thousands)   2010     2009     2008  
Current:
                       
Federal
  $ (27,710 )   $ (74,053 )   $ 1,273  
State and local
    (11,033 )     4,774       6,112  
Foreign
                1,316  
 
                 
Total
    (38,743 )     (69,279 )     8,701  
Tax benefits of compensation plans allocated to additional paid-in capital
    13,992       (4,653 )     3,604  
 
                 
Total current income tax provision
    (24,751 )     (73,932 )     12,305  
 
                 
Deferred:
                       
Federal
    28,270       68,096       (317,876 )
Other
    3,414       (2,585 )     (18,380 )
 
                 
Total
    31,684       65,511       (336,256 )
Deferred tax allocated to other comprehensive income
    (6,093 )     (23,942 )     58,359  
 
                 
Total deferred income tax provision
    25,591       41,569       (277,897 )
 
                 
Provision for income taxes
  $ 840     $ (32,363 )   $ (265,592 )
 
                 
The difference between the statutory rate for federal income tax and the effective income tax rate was as follows:
                         
    For the years ended December 31,  
    2010     2009     2008  
Statutory rate
    35.0 %     35.0 %     35.0 %
Effect of:
                       
State and local income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit
    7.3       2.0       2.1  
Permanent item — Goodwill Impairment
          (22.4 )     (4.4 )
Reserve for uncertain tax positions
    (48.9 )     (2.4 )     (0.3 )
Miscellaneous
    9.5       1.8       (0.2 )
 
                 
Effective income tax rate
    2.9 %     14.0 %     32.2 %
 
                 
We believe adequate provision has been made for all open tax years.
The approximate effect of the temporary differences giving rise to deferred income tax (liabilities) assets were as follows:
                 
    As of December 31,  
(in thousands)   2010     2009  
Temporary differences:
               
Property, plant and equipment
  $ (54,410 )   $ (60,141 )
Goodwill and other intangible assets
    31,791       51,977  
Investments, primarily gains and losses not yet recognized for tax purposes
    1,539       2,878  
Accrued expenses not deductible until paid
    13,187       6,591  
Deferred compensation and retiree benefits not deductible until paid
    41,672       62,179  
Other temporary differences, net
    339       3,045  
 
           
Total temporary differences
    34,118       66,529  
State net operating loss carryforwards
    6,554       8,414  
Valuation allowance for state deferred tax assets
    (914 )     (1,197 )
 
           
Net deferred tax asset
  $ 39,758     $ 73,746  
 
           

 

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Total state operating loss carryforwards were $170 million at December 31, 2010. Our state tax loss carryforwards expire between 2011 and 2028. Because separate state income tax returns are filed for certain of our subsidiary companies, we are not able to use state tax losses of a subsidiary company to offset state taxable income of another subsidiary company.
Deferred tax assets totaled $39.8 million at December 31, 2010. Almost all of our deferred tax assets reverse in 2011. We can use any tax losses resulting from the deferred tax assets reversing in 2011 to claim refunds of taxes paid in prior periods. Management believes that it is more likely than not that we will realize the benefits of our Federal deferred tax assets and therefore has not recorded a valuation allowance for our deferred tax assets. If economic conditions worsen, future estimates of taxable income could be lower than our current estimates, which may require valuation allowances to be recorded in future reporting periods.
State carryforwards are recognized as deferred tax assets, subject to valuation allowances. At each balance sheet date, we estimate the amount of carryforwards that are not expected to be used prior to expiration of the carryforward period. The tax effect of the carryforwards that are not expected to be used prior to their expiration is included in the valuation allowance.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the total amounts of gross unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
                         
    For the years ended December 31,  
(in thousands)   2010     2009     2008  
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year
  $ 27,910     $ 22,710     $ 68,400  
Increases in tax positions for prior years
    400       7,100       30  
Decreases in tax positions for prior years
    (15,900 )     (2,100 )     (1,700 )
Increases in tax positions for current year
    8,400       1,400       5,800  
Settlements
    (800 )     (1,200 )     (1,400 )
Lapse in statute of limitations
                (220 )
Transfer of gross unrecognized tax benefits due to spin-off of SNI
                (48,200 )
 
                 
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at end of year
  $ 20,010     $ 27,910     $ 22,710  
 
                 
The total amount of net unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate was $14.5 million at December 31, 2010. We accrue interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in our provision for income taxes. At December 31, 2010 and 2009, we had accrued interest related to unrecognized tax benefits of $2.6 million and $8.5 million, respectively.
We file income tax returns in the U.S. and in various state, local and foreign jurisdictions. We are routinely examined by tax authorities in these jurisdictions. During 2010, we settled the examinations of several state and local tax returns for periods through 2008. Our tax provision was reduced by $14.0 million due to the realization of previously unrecognized tax benefits for settlement of issues for state and local jurisdictions.
In 2009, we reached an agreement with the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) to settle the examination of our 2005 and 2006 federal income tax returns. Our tax benefit in 2009 was increased by $0.9 million due to the realization of previously unrecognized tax benefits.
The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) is currently examining our 2007 to 2009 consolidated federal income tax returns. Due to the potential for resolution of Federal and state examinations, and the expiration of various statutes of limitation, it is reasonably possible that our gross unrecognized tax benefits balance may change within the next twelve months by as much as $5.0 million.
6. Joint Operating Agreements and Partnerships
In connection with the closure of the Rocky Mountain News, we also transferred our 50% interest in Prairie Mountain Publishing (“PMP”) a newspaper partnership with a subsidiary of MNG that operated certain of both companies’ other newspapers in Colorado, to MNG. Under the terms of the agreement we received a $5 million secured promissory note from MNG, which we have recorded at $4.4 million, the carrying value of the assets we gave up. We recorded no gain or loss on the transfer of our interest. In 2008, we recorded a non-cash charge of $20.9 million to reduce the carrying value in PMP to its estimated fair value.

 

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7. Investments
Investments consisted of the following:
                 
    As of December 31,  
(in thousands)   2010     2009  
 
   
Investments held at cost
  $ 10,366     $ 10,405  
Equity method investments
    286       255  
 
           
Total investments
  $ 10,652     $ 10,660  
 
           
Our investments do not trade in public markets, so they do not have readily determinable fair values. We estimate the fair values of the investments to approximate their carrying values at December 31, 2010 and 2009. There can be no assurance we would realize the carrying values of these securities upon their sale.
8. Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following:
                 
    As of December 31,  
(in thousands)   2010     2009  
Land and improvements
  $ 72,732     $ 68,310  
Buildings and improvements
    220,102       231,586  
Equipment
    510,169       528,370  
Computer software
    40,372       38,605  
 
           
Total
    843,375       866,871  
Accumulated depreciation
    453,725       449,126  
 
           
Net property, plant and equipment
  $ 389,650     $ 417,745  
 
           
In 2009 and 2008, $0.5 million and $1.9 million, respectively, of interest was capitalized for a long-term construction project.
9. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill and other intangible assets consisted of the following:
                 
    As of December 31,  
(in thousands)   2010     2009  
Intangible assets:
               
Amortizable intangible assets:
               
Carrying amount:
               
Television network affiliation relationships
  $ 5,641     $ 5,641  
Customer lists
    12,469       12,469  
Other
    6,942       6,092  
 
           
Total carrying amount
    25,052       24,202  
 
           
Accumulated amortization:
               
Television network affiliation relationships
    (1,925 )     (1,617 )
Customer lists
    (8,657 )     (7,831 )
Other
    (4,558 )     (4,314 )
 
           
Total accumulated amortization
    (15,140 )     (13,762 )
 
           
Net amortizable intangible assets
    9,912       10,440  
Other indefinite-lived intangible assets — FCC licenses
    13,195       13,195  
 
           
Total intangible assets
  $ 23,107     $ 23,635  
 
           
Other indefinite-lived assets are tested for impairment annually and if an event or conditions change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. Such indicators of impairment include, but are not limited to, changes in business climate and operating or cash flow losses related to such assets.
Due primarily to increases in the cost of capital for local media businesses and declines in our stock price and that of other publicly traded television companies during the first quarter of 2009, we determined that indications of impairment existed for our Television goodwill as of March 31, 2009. We concluded the fair value of our television reporting unit did not exceed the carrying value of our television net assets as of March 31, 2009, and we recorded a $215 million, non-cash charge in the first quarter of 2009, to reduce the carrying value of goodwill to zero. We also recorded a $1 million non-cash charge to reduce the carrying value of the FCC license for our Lawrence, Kansas, television station to its estimated fair value in the first quarter of 2009.

 

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In 2008, due primarily to the continuing negative effects of the economy on our advertising revenues and those of other publishing companies, and the difference between our stock price following the spin-off of SNI to shareholders and the per share carrying value of our remaining net assets, we determined that indications of impairment existed as of June 30, 2008. We concluded the fair value of our newspaper reporting unit did not exceed the carrying value of our newspaper net assets as of June 30, 2008. We recorded a $779 million, non-cash charge in the quarter ended June 30, 2008 to reduce the carrying value to zero.
In connection with our 2008 annual impairment test for indefinite lived assets we determined that the carrying value of the FCC license for our Lawrence, Kansas, television station exceeded its fair value. We recorded an $11.4 million non-cash charge to write-down the FCC license to fair value.
We also determined that we had indicators of impairment in the fourth quarter of 2008 for the long-lived assets of our Baltimore television station and recorded an $18 million charge to write-down the carrying value of the network affiliation agreement to fair value.
Management must make significant judgments to determine fair values, including the valuation methodology and the underlying financial information used in the valuation. These judgments include, but are not limited to, long-term projections of future financial performance and the selection of appropriate discount rates used to determine the present value of future cash flows. Changes in such estimates or the application of alternative assumptions could produce significantly different results.
Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for each of the next five years is $1.2 million in 2011, $1.0 million in 2012, $0.9 million in 2013, $0.7 million in 2014, $0.7 million in 2015, and $5.4 million in later years.
10. Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt consisted of the following:
                 
    As of December 31,  
(in thousands)   2010     2009  
 
   
Variable rate credit facilities
  $     $ 34,900  
Other notes
    850       1,016  
 
           
Total long-term debt
  $ 850     $ 35,916  
 
           
Fair value of long-term debt *
  $ 850     $ 35,916  
 
           
     
*   Fair value was estimated based on current rates available to the Company for debt of the same remaining maturity.
On October 20, 2010, we amended our Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement (Agreement), which expires June 30, 2013. Under the amended agreement, the maximum amount of availability under the facility is $100 million. Borrowings under the Agreement are limited to a borrowing base, as follows:
  a)   100% of cash maintained in a blocked account (up to $20 million),
  b)   85% of eligible accounts receivable,
  c)   40% of eligible newsprint inventory, and
  d)   50% of the fair market value of eligible real property (limited to $25 million).
At December 31, 2010, we had borrowing capacity of $83 million under our credit agreement.
Under the terms of the Agreement we granted the lenders mortgages on certain of our real property, pledges of our equity interests in our subsidiaries and security interests in substantially all other personal property, including cash, accounts receivables, inventories and equipment. If at any time, the amount of excess availability (defined as the amount by which the borrowing base exceeds the aggregate borrowings and letters of credit under the Agreement) is equal to or less than $30 million, we must then maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio (as defined therein) of at least 1.1 to 1.0.
The 2010 Amendment allows us to make acquisitions or return capital of up to $150 million, respectively, over the remaining term of the Credit Facility, up to a maximum aggregate of $200 million.
Borrowings under the Agreement bear interest at variable interest rates based on either LIBOR or a base rate, in either case plus an applicable margin that varies depending upon average excess availability. The margin for LIBOR based loans ranges from 2.75% to 3.25% per annum. The margin for base rate loans ranges from 1.75% to 2.25% per annum. The weighted-average interest rate on borrowings under the Revolver was 3.0% at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

 

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Commitment fees of 0.50% per annum of the total unused commitment are payable under the credit facility.
As of December 31, 2010 and 2009, we had outstanding letters of credit totaling $10.4 million and $9.7 million, respectively.
In June 2008, we redeemed the remaining balance of our 4.25% notes, our 4.3% notes, and our 5.75% notes prior to maturity resulting in a loss on extinguishment of $26 million.
In October 2008, we entered into a 2-year $30 million notional interest rate swap which expired in October 2010. Under this agreement we received payments based on the 3-month LIBOR and made payments based on a fixed rate of 3.2%. This swap was not designated as a hedge in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and changes in fair value were recorded in miscellaneous-net with a corresponding adjustment to other long-term liabilities. The fair value at December 31, 2009 was $0.8 million liability. For the year ended December 31, 2010, $0.8 million gain was recorded in other income (expense). For the year ended December 31, 2009, no gain or loss was recorded while $0.8 million loss was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2008.
11. Other Liabilities
Other liabilities consisted of the following:
                 
    As of December 31,  
(in thousands)   2010     2009  
 
               
Employee compensation and benefits
  $ 16,011     $ 17,805  
Liability for pension benefits
    46,135       124,412  
Liabilities for uncertain tax positions
    16,205       25,490  
Other
    18,325       13,845  
 
           
Other liabilities (less current portion)
  $ 96,676     $ 181,552  
 
           
12. Fair Value Measurement
Fair value is determined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value, falls into three broad levels as follows:
    Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
    Level 2 — Inputs, other than quoted market prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly.
    Level 3 — Unobservable inputs based on our own assumptions.
The following table sets forth our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2009:
                                 
    December 31, 2009  
(in thousands)   Total     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3  
 
                               
Assets:
                               
Short-term investments
  $ 12,180     $ 12,180     $     $  
 
                               
Liabilities:
                               
Interest rate swap
  $ 844     $     $ 844     $  
 
                       

 

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13. Noncontrolling Interests
Individuals and other entities own a 4% noncontrolling interest in the capital stock of the subsidiary company that publishes our Memphis newspaper and a 6% noncontrolling interest in the capital stock of the subsidiary company that publishes our Evansville newspaper. We are not required to redeem the noncontrolling interests in these subsidiary companies.
Noncontrolling interest from discontinued operations included a 10% interest in Fine Living and a 30% interest in the Food Network.
A summary of the components of net income (loss) attributable to The E.W. Scripps Company shareholders is as follows:
                         
    For the years ended December 31,  
(in thousands)   2010     2009     2008  
Net income (loss) attributable to The E.W. Scripps
                       
Company shareholders:
                       
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax
  $ 28,973     $ (198,910 )   $ (558,878 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
    101,536       (10,695 )     82,288  
 
                 
Net income (loss)
  $ 130,509     $ (209,605 )   $ (476,590 )
 
                 
14. Supplemental Cash Flow Information
The following table presents additional information about the change in certain working capital accounts:
                         
    For the years ended December 31,  
(in thousands)   2010     2009     2008  
Other changes in certain working capital accounts, net
                       
Accounts and notes receivable
  $ (233 )   $ 34,869     $ 25,742  
Inventories
    (870 )     5,286       (3,506 )
Income taxes receivable/payable-net
    (5,025 )     (54,849 )      
Accounts payable
    12,067       (28,839 )     1,433  
Accrued employee compensation and benefits
    7,857       (7,533 )     (9,138 )
Accrued interest
                (5,715 )
Other accrued liabilities
    570       8,986       (27,279 )
Other, net
    18,022       10,550       6,122  
 
                 
Total
  $ 32,388     $ (31,530 )   $ (12,341 )
 
                 
Information regarding supplemental cash flow disclosures is as follows:
                         
    For the years ended December 31,  
(in thousands)   2010     2009     2008  
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures:
                       
Interest paid, excluding amounts capitalized
  $ 1,264     $ 1,855     $ 17,299  
Income taxes paid
  $ 40,492     $ 2,620     $ 102,393  
 
                 
In 2010 we entered into a $2.2 million capital lease obligation for the purchase of computer software.

 

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15. Employee Benefit Plans
We sponsor defined benefit pension plans that cover substantially all non-union and certain union-represented employees. Benefits earned by employees are generally based upon employee compensation and years of service credits.
We also have a non-qualified Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”). The SERP, which is unfunded, provides defined pension benefits in addition to the defined benefit pension plan to eligible participants based on average earnings, years of service and age at retirement.
Effective June 30, 2009, we froze the accrual of service credits under certain of our defined benefit pension plans that cover a majority of our employees, including our SERP. The freeze resulted in the recognition of a curtailment loss of $4.2 million in the first quarter of 2009 and a gain of $1.1 million in the second quarter of 2009. We also recognized a curtailment loss of $0.9 million in 2009 related to the closure of our Denver newspaper.
We sponsor a defined contribution plan covering substantially all non-union and certain union employees. We historically matched a portion of employees’ voluntary contributions to this plan. We suspended our matching contributions in the second quarter of 2009. Our matching contributions were reinstated in July 2010.
Other union-represented employees are covered by defined benefit pension plans jointly sponsored by us and the union, or by union-sponsored multi-employer plans.
We use a December 31 measurement date for our retirement plans. Retirement plans expense is based on valuations as of the beginning of each fiscal year. The components of the expense consisted of the following:
                         
    For the years ended December 31,  
(in thousands)   2010     2009     2008  
Service cost
  $ 413     $ 5,597     $ 20,518  
Interest cost
    25,071       26,631       30,777  
Expected return on plan assets, net of expenses
    (24,256 )     (20,432 )     (36,748 )
Amortization of prior service cost
    70       378       882  
Amortization of actuarial (gain)/loss
    3,651       8,692       1,765  
Curtailment/Settlement losses
          6,591       131  
 
                 
Total for defined benefit plans
    4,949       27,457       17,325  
Multi-employer plans
    561       1,226       675  
SERP
    2,328       1,626       8,955  
Defined contribution plans
    1,891       1,317       7,386  
 
                 
Net periodic benefit cost
    9,729       31,626       34,341  
Allocated to discontinued operations
    (103 )     (3,797 )     (8,094 )
SNI employee participation, post-spin
                (5,936 )
 
                 
Net periodic benefit cost — continuing operations
  $ 9,626     $ 27,829     $ 20,311  
 
                 
Pursuant to the Employees Matters Agreement, employees of SNI continued to participate in our pension plans for the period July 1, 2008 (spin-off) until December 31, 2008. Pension expense for SNI for the first half of 2008 is included in discontinued operations.
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows:
                         
    For the years ended December 31,  
(in thousands)   2010     2009     2008  
 
   
Current year actuarial gain/(loss)
  $ 11,896       38,432       (151,414 )
Curtailment effects
                1,011  
Amortization of actuarial (gain)/loss
    4,141       20,305       (1,765 )
Current year prior service (credit)/cost
                2,023  
Amortization of prior service (credit)/cost
    70       4,597       (882 )
Acquisitions
          (1,054 )      
 
                 
Total
  $ 16,107     $ 62,280       (151,027 )
 
                 

 

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In addition to the amounts summarized above, amortization of actuarial losses of $1.4 million and $0.5 million were recorded through other comprehensive income in 2010 and 2009 and $1.2 million of estimated prior service credits were recorded through other comprehensive income in 2009, related to our SERP plan. A current year actuarial loss of $0.6 million and a current year actuarial gain of $3.2 million was recognized in 2010 and 2009, respectively, related to our SERP plan. In 2010, a settlement loss of $0.6 million was recorded through other comprehensive income related to our SERP plan.
Assumptions used in determining the annual retirement plans expense were as follows:
                         
    2010     2009     2008  
 
   
Discount rate
    5.97 %   *6.25 and 7.00%     6.25 %
 
                       
Long-term rate of return on plan assets
    7.60 %     7.50 %     7.50 %
 
                       
Increase in compensation levels
  0% for 2010 and                  
 
  3.3% thereafter       3.3 %     4.8 %
 
     
(*)  
The discount rate was 6.25% for the period Janunary 1 to May 15. When we remeasured our plan liabilities due to the June 2009 freeze, the discount rate was increased to 7.0%.
The discount rate used to determine our future pension obligations is based on a dedicated bond portfolio approach that includes securities rated Aa or better with maturities matching our expected benefit payments from the plans. The increase in compensation levels assumption is based on actual past experience and the near-term outlook.
The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is based upon the weighted-average expected rate of return and capital market forecasts for each asset class employed. Our expected rate of return on plan assets also considers our historical compounded return on plan assets for 10 and 15 year periods.

 

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Obligations and Funded Status — Defined benefit plans pension obligations and funded status is actuarially valued as of the end of each year. The following table presents information about our employee benefit plan assets and obligations:
                                 
    For the years ended December 31,  
    Defined Benefit Plans     SERP  
(in thousands)   2010     2009     2010     2009  
Accumulated benefit obligation
  $ 442,394     $ 424,026     $ 15,202     $ 17,957  
 
                       
Change in projected benefit obligation:
                               
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year
  $ 435,736     $ 453,643     $ 17,957     $ 24,369  
Service cost
    413       5,597             202  
Interest cost
    25,071       26,631       953       1,278  
Benefits paid
    (16,845 )     (23,813 )     (2,047 )     (2,206 )
Actuarial losses (gains)
    1,490       (14,939 )     554       (2,441 )
Acquisitions
          2,010              
Curtailments/Settlements
    (489 )     (13,393 )     (2,114 )     (3,245 )
 
                       
Projected benefit obligation at end of year
    445,376       435,736       15,303       17,957  
 
                       
Plan assets:
                               
Fair value at beginning of year
    326,881       292,137              
Actual return on plan assets
    37,643       42,258              
Company contributions
    65,265       20,294       4,786       6,367  
Benefits paid
    (16,845 )     (23,813 )     (2,047 )     (2,206 )
Settlements
          (4,152 )     (2,739 )     (4,161 )
Acquisitions
          157              
 
                       
Fair value at end of year
    412,944       326,881              
 
                       
Funded status
  $ (32,432 )   $ (108,855 )   $ (15,303 )   $ (17,957 )
 
                       
Amounts recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets:
                               
Current liabilities
  $     $     $ (1,600 )   $ (2,400 )
Noncurrent liabilities
    (32,432 )     (108,855 )     (13,703 )     (15,557 )
 
                       
Total
  $ (32,432 )   $ (108,855 )   $ (15,303 )   $ (17,957 )
 
                       
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss consist of:
                               
Unrecognized net actuarial loss
  $ 122,464     $ 138,501     $ 7,776     $ 7,972  
Unrecognized prior service cost (credit)
    8       78              
 
                       
Total
  $ 122,472     $ 138,579     $ 7,776     $ 7,972  
 
                       
In 2011, for our defined benefit pension plans, we expect to recognize amortization of actuarial loss from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit costs of $2.9 million (including $0.2 million for the SERP).
Information for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets was as follows:
                                 
    As of December 31,  
    Defined Benefit Plans     SERP  
(in thousands)   2010     2009     2010     2009  
Accumulated benefit obligation
  $ 442,394     $ 424,026     $ 15,202     $ 17,957  
Projected benefit obligation
    445,376       435,736       15,303       17,957  
Fair value of plan assets
    412,944       326,881              
Information for pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets was as follows:
                                 
    As of December 31,  
    Defined Benefit Plans     SERP  
(in thousands)   2010     2009     2010     2009  
Projected benefit obligation
  $ 445,376     $ 435,736     $ 15,303     $ 17,957  
Fair value of plan assets
    412,944       326,881              

 

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Assumptions used to determine the defined benefit plans benefit obligations were as follows:
                         
    2010     2009     2008  
Weighted average discount rate
    5.85 %     5.97 %     6.25 %
Increase in compensation levels
  1-3% for 2011
and 3.3%
thereafter
    0% for 2010
and 3.3%
thereafter
      3.4 %
We expect to contribute $1.6 million in 2011 to fund SERP benefits. We have met the minimum funding requirements for our qualified defined benefit pension plans and do not expect to make contributions in 2011.
Estimated future benefit payments expected to be paid for the next ten years are $20.4 million in 2011, $20.8 million in 2012, $21.7 million in 2013, $22.8 million in 2014, $24.1 million in 2015 and a total of $139 million for the five years ending 2020.
Plan Assets and Investment Strategy
Our long-term investment strategy for pension assets is to earn a rate of return over time that minimizes future contributions to the plan while reducing the volatility of pension assets relative to pension liabilities. The strategy reflects the fact that we have frozen the accrual of service credits for certain of our defined benefit plans covering the majority of employees. Asset allocation target ranges for equity, fixed income and other investments are evaluated annually. Actual asset allocations are monitored monthly and adjusted as necessary. Risk is controlled through diversification among multiple asset classes, managers and styles. Risk is further monitored both at the manager and asset class level by evaluating performance against appropriate benchmarks.
Information related to our pension plan asset allocations by asset category were as follows:
                         
    Target     Percentage of plan assets  
    allocation     as of December 31,  
    2011     2010     2009  
US equity securities
    10 %     13 %     31 %
Non-US equity securities
    15       15       18  
Fixed-income securities
    70       69       46  
Other
    5       3       5  
 
                 
Total
    100 %     100 %     100 %
 
                 
U.S. equity securities include common stocks of large, medium, and small capitalization companies, which are predominantly U.S. based. Non-U.S. equity securities include companies domiciled outside the U.S. and American depository receipts. Fixed-income securities include securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, mortgage backed securities and corporate debt obligations. Other investments include hedge funds and real estate funds.
The company transitioned the defined benefit plan assets from a more traditional 65/35% equity/fixed income allocation to a “liability-driven investing” (LDI) approach in 2010. The rationale for this change is to better align the returns and duration of plan assets with the duration and behavior of plan liabilities. This approach will ultimately reduce volatility in the funded status of the plan. Volatility in the funded status is caused by differences in the discount rate used to value plan liabilities and returns on plan assets. We intend to institute this change gradually based upon the funding level of plan assets relative to ERISA’s Funding Target (“Funding Target Attainment Percentage”). At the end of the process, approximately 75% of plan assets will be invested in long duration fixed income products and 25% in return-seeking assets.

 

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The following table presents our plan assets using the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2010 and 2009:
                                 
    December 31, 2010  
(in thousands)   Total     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3  
 
                               
Equity securities
                               
Common/collective trust funds
  $ 106,819     $     $ 106,819     $  
Other
    12,904       12,904              
 
Fixed income
                               
Common/collective trust funds
    275,439             275,439        
Other
    7,551       7,551              
 
Hedge fund
    228                   228  
Real estate fund
    8,724                   8,724  
Cash equivalents
    1,279       1,279              
 
                       
Fair value of plan assets
  $ 412,944     $ 21,734     $ 382,258     $ 8,952  
 
                       
                                 
    December 31, 2009  
(in thousands)   Total     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3  
 
                               
Equity securities
                               
Common/collective trust funds
  $ 150,154     $     $ 150,154     $  
Other
    11,402       11,402              
 
Fixed income
                               
Common/collective trust funds
    146,167             146,167        
Other
    7,511       7,511              
 
Hedge fund
    2,024                   2,024  
Real estate fund
    8,315                   8,315  
Cash equivalents
    1,308       1,308              
 
                       
Fair value of plan assets
  $ 326,881     $ 20,221     $ 296,321     $ 10,339  
 
                       
Equity securities-common/collective trust funds and fixed income-common/collective trust funds are comprised of shares or units in commingled funds that are not publically traded. The underlying assets in these funds (equity securities and fixed income securities) are publically traded on exchanges and price quotes for the assets held by these funds are readily available.
Real estate pertains to an investment in a real estate fund which invests in limited partnerships, limited liability corporations, real estate investment trusts, other funds and insurance company group annuity contracts. The valuations for these holdings are based on property appraisals using cash flow analysis and market transactions.
The following table presents a reconciliation of Level 3 assets held during 2010 and 2009:
                         
    Hedge     Real Estate        
(in thousands)   Fund     Fund     Total  
 
                       
As of December 31, 2008
  $ 6,109     $ 15,302     $ 21,411  
Realized gains/(losses)
    (1,115 )     434       (681 )
Unrealized gains/(losses)
    67       (4,543 )     (4,476 )
Sales
    (3,037 )     (2,878 )     (5,915 )
 
                 
As of December 31, 2009
    2,024       8,315       10,339  
Realized gains/(losses)
    (562 )           (562 )
Unrealized gains/(losses)
    (459 )     409       (50 )
Purchases
    191       247       438  
Sales
    (966 )     (247 )     (1,213 )
 
                 
As of December 31, 2010
  $ 228     $ 8,724     $ 8,952  
 
                 

 

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16. Segment Information
We determine our business segments based upon our management and internal reporting structure. Our reportable segments are strategic businesses that offer different products and services.
Television includes six ABC-affiliated stations, three NBC-affiliated stations and one independent station. Our television stations reach approximately 10% of the nation’s television households. Television stations earn revenue primarily from the sale of advertising time to local and national advertisers.
Our newspaper business segment includes daily and community newspapers in 13 markets in the U.S. Newspapers earn revenue primarily from the sale of advertising space to local and national advertisers and from the sale of newspapers to readers.
Prior to ceasing publication, our Albuquerque newspaper operated pursuant to the terms of a joint operating agreement. The newspaper maintained an independent editorial operation and received a share of the operating profits of the combined newspaper operations. We continue to maintain our ownership interest in the Albuquerque partnership; however, we do not include the equity earnings of the partnership in segment profit after publication of the newspaper ceased in 2008.
Syndication and other media primarily include syndication of news features and comics and other features for the newspaper industry.
We allocate a portion of certain corporate costs and expenses, including information technology, pensions and other employee benefits, and other shared services, to our business segments. The allocations are generally amounts agreed upon by management, which may differ from an arms-length amount. Corporate assets are primarily cash, cash equivalents and other short-term investments, property and equipment primarily used for corporate purposes, and deferred income taxes.
Our chief operating decision maker evaluates the operating performance of our business segments and makes decisions about the allocation of resources to our business segments using a measure called segment profit. Segment profit excludes interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, divested operating units, restructuring activities, investment results and certain other items that are included in net income (loss) determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

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Information regarding our business segments is as follows:
                         
    For the years ended December 31,  
(in thousands)   2010     2009     2008  
Segment operating revenues:
                       
Television
  $ 321,148     $ 255,220     $ 326,860  
Newspapers
    434,988       455,166       568,667  
JOA and newspaper partnerships
                4  
Syndication and other
    20,754       22,012       26,081  
Corporate and shared services
                3,594  
 
                 
Total operating revenues
  $ 776,890     $ 732,398     $ 925,206  
 
                 
 
                       
Segment profit (loss):
                       
Television
  $ 74,890     $ 20,168     $ 80,589  
Newspapers
    52,480       49,249       71,475  
JOA and newspaper partnerships
          (211 )     (707 )
Syndication and other
    (2,767 )     (1,352 )     (1,759 )
Corporate and shared services
    (34,235 )     (27,313 )     (42,207 )
Depreciation and amortization of intangibles
    (44,894 )     (44,360 )     (46,574 )
Impairment of goodwill, indefinite and long-lived assets
          (216,413 )     (809,936 )
Gains (losses), net on disposal of property, plant and equipment
    (1,218 )     444       5,809  
Interest expense
    (3,666 )     (2,554 )     (10,740 )
Separation and restructuring costs
    (12,678 )     (9,935 )     (33,506 )
Write-down of investment in newspaper partnership
                (20,876 )
Losses on repurchases of debt
                (26,380 )
Miscellaneous, net
    1,798       962       10,332  
 
                 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
  $ 29,710     $ (231,315 )   $ (824,480 )
 
                 
 
                       
Depreciation:
                       
Television
  $ 17,195     $ 17,837     $ 19,057  
Newspapers
    25,261       23,365       21,905  
JOA and newspaper partnerships
                1,219  
Syndication and other
    458       592       460  
Corporate and shared services
    603       736       713  
 
                 
Total depreciation
  $ 43,517     $ 42,530     $ 43,354  
 
                 
Amortization of intangibles:
                       
Television
  $ 378     $ 335     $ 1,132  
Newspapers
    999       1,495       2,088  
 
                 
Total amortization of intangibles
  $ 1,377     $ 1,830     $ 3,220  
 
                 
                         
    For the years ended December 31,  
(in thousands)   2010     2009     2008  
Additions to property, plant and equipment:
                       
Television
  $ 14,165     $ 6,844     $ 27,841  
Newspapers
    2,346       34,254       59,075  
JOA and newspaper partnerships
          26       75  
Syndication and other
    207       250       399  
Corporate and shared services
    526       485       1,506  
 
                 
Total additions to property, plant and equipment
  $ 17,244     $ 41,859     $ 88,896  
 
                 
                         
    As of December 31,  
(in thousands)   2010     2009     2008  
Assets:
                       
Television
  $ 213,776     $ 210,949     $ 442,796  
Newspapers
    321,518       350,865       349,813  
JOA and newspaper partnerships
    4,822       4,447       14,483  
Syndication and other
    7,789       6,510       5,842  
Investments
    10,295       10,330       8,570  
Corporate and shared services
    269,342       172,474       205,027  
 
                 
Total assets of continuing operations
    827,542       755,575       1,026,531  
Discontinued operations
          30,773       62,445  
 
                 
Total assets
  $ 827,542     $ 786,348     $ 1,088,976  
 
                 

 

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No single customer provides more than 10% of our revenue.
Other additions to long-lived assets include investments and capitalized intangible assets.
17. Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Comprehensive income (loss) consists of the following:
                         
    For the years ended December 31,  
(in thousands)   2010     2009     2008  
 
                       
Net income (loss)
  $ 130,509     $ (209,605 )   $ (476,590 )
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of tax of $79
                (682 )
Adjustment for gains in income on investments, net of tax of $1,968
                (3,655 )
Changes in defined pension plans, net of tax of $6,092; $23,942 and $58,808
    10,214       39,633       (90,639 )
Equity in investee’s adjustment for pensions, net of tax of $743 and $0
          1,324       (100 )
Currency translation adjustment, net of tax of $0, $0, $307
    43       (48 )     195  
Other, net of tax of $0 and $142
    288       (249 )      
 
                 
Total comprehensive income (loss)
  $ 141,054     $ (168,945 )   $ (571,471 )
 
                 
There were no material items of other comprehensive income (loss) for the noncontrolling interest.
18. Commitments and Contingencies
We are involved in litigation arising in the ordinary course of business, none of which is expected to result in material loss.
Minimum payments on noncancelable leases at December 31, 2010, were: 2011, $3.5 million; 2012, $3.0 million; 2013, $2.3 million; 2014, $1.9 million; 2015, $1.6 million; and later years, $3.5 million. We expect our operating leases will be replaced with leases for similar facilities upon their expiration. Rental expense for cancelable and noncancelable leases from continuing operations was $8.5 million in 2010, $10.2 million in 2009 and $11.9 million in 2008. Rental expense for cancelable and noncancelable leases from discontinued operations was $1.1 million in 2010, $2.5 million in 2009, and $12.4 million in 2008.
In the ordinary course of business, we enter into long-term contracts to obtain talent or other services. Liabilities for such commitments are recorded when the related services are rendered. Minimum payments on such contractual commitments at December 31, 2010, were: 2011, $27.0 million; 2012, $16.0 million; 2013, $8.5 million; 2014, $5.1 million; 2015, $2.4 million; and later years, $1.8 million. We expect these contracts will be replaced with similar contracts upon their expiration.
19. Capital Stock and Share Based Compensation Plans
Capital Stock — We have two classes of common shares, Common Voting Shares and Class A Common shares. The Class A Common shares are only entitled to vote on the election of the greater of three or one-third of the directors and other matter as required by Ohio law.
Share Repurchase Plan — In October 2010, the board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to $75 million of our Class A Common Shares. The shares may be repurchased from time to time at management’s discretion, either in the open market, through pre-arranged trading plans or in privately negotiated block transactions. The authorization expires December 31, 2012. We did not repurchase any shares under this program in 2010.
Incentive Plans — On May 13, 2010, we adopted The E.W. Scripps Company 2010 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). The Plan replaces The E.W. Scripps 1997 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended (the “1997 Plan”). The Plan permits the granting of Nonqualified Stock Options, Incentive Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units and Other Stock-Based Awards. We have reserved 3 million Class A Common Shares for issuance under the Plan. In addition, 1.6 million Class A Common Shares remain available under the 1997 Plan, and any shares previously granted under the 1997 Plan that are subsequently forfeited, terminated, settled in cash or used to satisfy tax withholding obligations become available for issuance under the 2010 Plan. The Plan terminates on February 15, 2020.

 

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We satisfy stock option exercises and vested stock awards with newly issued shares. As of December 31, 2010, 4.6 million shares were available for future stock compensation grants.
Stock Options — Stock options grant the recipient the right to purchase Class A Common shares at not less than 100% of the fair market value on the date the option is granted. Stock options granted to employees generally vest over a three-year period, conditioned upon the individual’s continued employment through that period. Awards vest immediately upon the retirement, death or disability of the employee or upon a change in control of Scripps or in the business in which the individual is employed. Unvested awards are forfeited if employment is terminated for other reasons. Options granted to employees prior to 2005 generally expire ten years after grant, while options granted in 2005 and later generally have eight-year terms. Stock options granted to non-employee directors generally vest over a one-year period and have a ten-year term.
Compensation costs of stock options are estimated on the date of grant using a binomial lattice model. The weighted-average assumptions used in the model are as follows:
                         
    For the years ended December 31,  
    2010     2009     2008  
 
                       
Weighted-average fair value of stock options granted
    N/A       N/A     $ 27.54  
Assumptions used to determine fair value:
                       
Dividend yield
    N/A       N/A       1.3 %
Risk-free rate of return
    N/A       N/A       3.1 %
Expected life of options (years)
    N/A       N/A       6.00  
Expected volatility
    N/A       N/A       19.3 %
Dividend yield considers our historical dividend yield paid and expected dividend yield over the life of the options. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. Expected life is an output of the valuation model, and primarily considers historical exercise patterns. Unexercised options for grants included in the historical period are assumed to be exercised at the midpoint of the current date and the full contractual term. Expected volatility is based on a combination of historical stock price volatility for a longer period and the implied volatility of exchange-traded options on our Class A Common shares.
Effective as of the spin-off of SNI, each Company share option and restricted share held by individuals who became employees of SNI was converted to a comparable award covering SNI Class A common shares. The number of shares covered by each award and the exercise price of each stock option were adjusted to maintain the award’s economic value. All other terms of the awards, including the terms and conditions relating to vesting, the post-termination exercise period, and the applicable exercise and tax withholding methods, remained the same. All Company stock options and restricted shares held by individuals who remained employed by the Company were adjusted as follows: (i) vested stock options were split 80% — 20% between SNI stock options and Company stock options, (ii) unvested stock options remained unvested Company stock options, and (iii) restricted shares were split between Company restricted shares and SNI restricted shares based on the 1-to-1 distribution ratio. In each case, the number of shares covered by each award and the exercise price of each stock option were adjusted to maintain the award’s economic value. All other terms of the awards, including the terms and conditions relating to vesting, the post-termination exercise period, and the applicable exercise and tax withholding methods, remained the same.
The following table summarizes information about stock option transactions:
                         
            Weighted-     Range of  
    Number     Average     Exercise  
    of Shares     Exercise Price     Prices  
 
                       
Outstanding at December 31, 2007
    4,409,185     $ 124.50     $ 60 - 162  
Granted in 2008
    970,100       23.85       7 - 139  
Exercised in 2008
    (485,978 )     34.81       6 - 146  
Forfeited in 2008
    (197,399 )     45.84       9 - 154  
Impact of spin-off of SNI
    7,952,370              
 
                   
Outstanding at December 31, 2008
    12,648,278       9.20     $ 5 - 11  
 
                   
 
                       
Options exercisable at December 31, 2008
    5,797,660     $ 8.79     $ 5 - 11  
 
                 
 
                       
Outstanding at December 31, 2008
    12,648,278     $ 9.20     $ 5 - 11  
Exercised in 2009
    (554,028 )     5.63       6 - 8  
Forfeited in 2009
    (377,269 )     8.43       5 - 11  
 
                   
Outstanding at December 31, 2009
    11,716,981       9.39     $ 5 - 11  
 
                   
 
                       
Options exercisable at December 31, 2009
    9,126,716     $ 9.36     $ 5 - 11  
 
                       
Outstanding at December 31, 2009
    11,716,981     $ 9.39     $ 5 - 11  
Exercised in 2010
    (1,103,197 )     7.64       5 - 10  
Forfeited in 2010
    (111,701 )     9.75       5 - 11  
 
                   
Outstanding at December 31, 2010
    10,502,083       9.57     $ 6 - 11  
 
                   
 
                       
Options exercisable at December 31, 2010
    9,765,510     $ 9.61     $ 6 - 11  
 
                 

 

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The following table presents additional information about exercises of stock options:
                         
    For the years ended December 31,  
(in thousands)   2010     2009     2008  
 
                       
Cash received upon exercise
  $ 8,394     $ 3,114     $ 15,097  
Intrinsic value (market value on date of exercise less exercise price)
    1,935       872       9,851  
Tax benefits realized
    726       327       3,694  
Information about options outstanding and options exercisable by year of grant is as follows:
                                                                 
                    Options Outstanding     Options Exercisable  
            Average             Weighted     Aggregate             Weighted     Aggregate  
(dollars in millions,   Range of     Remaining     Options     Average     Intrinsic     Options     Average     Intrinsic  
except per share amounts)   Exercise     Term     on Shares     Exercise     Value     on Shares     Exercise     Value  
Year of Grant   Prices     (in years)     Outstanding     Price     (in millions)     Exercisable     Price     (in millions)  
2001 - expire in 2011
  $ 6 - 7       0.23       87,712     $ 6.86       0.3       87,712     $ 6.86       0.3  
2002 - expire in 2012
    8       1.18       456,242       8.05       1.0       456,242       8.05       1.0  
2003 - expire in 2013
    8 - 10       2.19       719,056       8.55       1.2       719,056       8.55       1.2  
2004 - expire in 2014
    10 - 11       3.21       930,062       10.49             930,062       10.49        
2005 - expire in 2013
    10 - 11       2.16       825,964       9.99       0.2       825,964       9.99       0.2  
2006 - expire in 2014
    10 - 11       3.19       1,804,176       10.31       0.1       1,804,176       10.31       0.1  
2007 - expire in 2015
    9 - 10       4.15       2,127,261       10.37       0.1       2,127,261       10.36       0.1  
2008 - expire in 2016
    7 - 10       5.22       3,551,610       8.85       4.6       2,815,037       8.79       3.8  
 
                                               
Total
  $ 6-11       3.81       10,502,083     $ 9.57     $ 7.5       9,765,510     $ 9.61     $ 6.7  
 
                                               
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units — Awards of Class A Common shares (“restricted stock”) and Restricted Stock Units (“RSU”) generally require no payment by the employee. RSUs are converted into an equal number of Class A Common shares when vested. These awards generally vest over a three or four year period, conditioned upon the individual’s continued employment through that period. Awards vest immediately upon the retirement, death or disability of the employee or upon a change in control of Scripps or in the business in which the individual is employed. Unvested awards may be forfeited if employment is terminated for other reasons. Awards are nontransferable during the vesting period, but the awards are entitled to all the rights of an outstanding share. There are no post-vesting restrictions on awards granted to employees and non-employee directors.
Long-term incentive compensation includes performance share awards. Performance share awards represent the right to receive an award of restricted shares if certain performance measures are met. Each award specifies a target number of shares to be issued and the specific performance criteria that must be met. The number of shares that an employee receives may be less or more than the target number of shares depending on the extent to which the specified performance measures are met or exceeded.

 

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Information and activity for our restricted stock and RSUs is presented below:
                         
            Grant Date Fair Value  
    Number     Weighted     Range of  
    of Shares     Average     Prices  
 
                       
Unvested shares at December 31, 2007
    75,364     $ 141.72     $ 123 - 153  
Shares issued for performance share awards
    39,500       146.46       146  
Shares awarded in 2008
    266,426       36.96       7 - 141  
Shares vested in 2008
    (46,701 )     143.06       134 - 154  
Shares forfeited in 2008
    (2,264 )     145.98       133 - 147  
Impact of spin-off of SNI
    (84,547 )     136.66        
 
                     
 
                       
Unvested shares at December 31, 2008
    247,778     $ 31.31     $ 7 - 147  
Shares and units awarded in 2009
    9,493,347       0.90       1-7  
Shares and units vested in 2009
    (299,210 )     13.63       1 - 147  
Shares and units forfeited in 2009
    (125,751 )     0.91       1 - 133  
 
                     
 
                       
Unvested shares and units at December 31, 2009
    9,316,164     $ 1.28     $ 1 - 146  
Shares and units awarded in 2010
    891,047       9.47       7 - 11  
Shares and units vested in 2010
    (3,925,842 )     1.71       1 - 146  
Shares and units forfeited in 2010
    (96,743 )     1.46       1 - 9  
 
                     
 
                       
Unvested shares and units at December 31, 2010
    6,184,626     $ 2.19     $ 1 - 141  
 
                 
There are 6.1 million RSUs outstanding as of December 31, 2010. We recognize the fair value of the awards as the employee’s rights to the awards vest. In the first quarter of 2011, approximately 2.4 million of the RSUs will vest and the holders will receive approximately 1.6 million shares, net of tax withholdings. Employees are not restricted from selling shares received upon the vesting of their RSUs.
The following table presents additional information about restricted stock and restricted stock unit vesting:
                         
    For the years ended December 31,  
(in thousands)   2010     2009     2008  
Fair value of shares and units vested
  $ 36,670     $ 739     $ 5,948  
Tax benefits realized on shares and units vested
    13,753       277       2,231  
Stock Compensation Costs – Because of the distribution of SNI to our shareholders, employees holding share-based equity awards received modified awards in either Scripps, SNI or both companies based on whether the awards were vested or unvested at the time of the spin-off of SNI and whether the employee is an Scripps or SNI employee. The adjustments to the outstanding share-based equity awards are modifications and accordingly we compared the fair value of the awards immediately prior to the modifications to the fair value of the awards immediately after the modifications to measure the incremental share-based compensation. In 2008, we recorded a one-time compensation charge of $19.6 million for the vested options, which is included in Separation Costs in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
                         
    For the years ended December 31,  
(in thousands, except per share data)   2010     2009     2008  
Share-based compensation:
                       
Stock options
  $ 1,767     $ 3,886     $ 12,059  
Restricted stock and RSUs
    9,150       5,062       6,748  
 
                 
 
                       
Total stock compensation
    10,917       8,948       18,807  
Included in discontinued operations
          (31 )     (3,026 )
 
                 
Included in continuing operations
  $ 10,917     $ 8,917     $ 15,781  
 
                 
 
                       
Share-based compensation, net of tax
  $ 6,823     $ 5,573     $ 9,863  
 
                 
As of December 31, 2010, $0.2 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of less then a year and $7.1 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock, RSUs and performance shares is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.7 years.

 

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20. Summarized Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)
Summarized financial information is as follows:
                                         
(in thousands, except per share data)   1st     2nd     3rd     4th        
2010   Quarter     Quarter     Quarter     Quarter     Total  
Operating revenues
  $ 184,280     $ 188,785     $ 183,587     $ 220,238     $ 776,890  
Costs and expenses
    (173,157 )     (173,974 )     (171,670 )     (180,399 )     (699,200 )
Depreciation and amortization of intangibles
    (11,619 )     (11,577 )     (10,724 )     (10,974 )     (44,894 )
Gains (losses), net on disposal of property, plant and equipment
    (713 )     (22 )     (525 )     42       (1,218 )
Interest expense
    (848 )     (845 )     (741 )     (1,232 )     (3,666 )
Miscellaneous, net
    (387 )     1,298       39       848       1,798  
Benefit (provision) for income taxes
    379       (1,817 )     5,459       (4,861 )     (840 )
 
                             
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    (2,065 )     1,848       5,425       23,662       28,870  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
    1,185       97,659       820       1,872       101,536  
 
                             
Net income (loss)
    (880 )     99,507       6,245       25,534       130,406  
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
                      (103 )     (103 )
 
                             
Net income (loss) attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company
  $ (880 )   $ 99,507     $ 6,245     $ 25,637     $ 130,509  
 
                             
Net income (loss) per basic share of common stock attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company:
                                       
Income (loss) from continuing operations
  $ (.04 )   $ .03     $ .08     $ .37     $ .45  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
    .02       1.53       .01       .03       1.59  
 
                             
Net income (loss) per basic share of common stock
  $ (.02 )   $ 1.56     $ .10     $ .40     $ 2.04  
 
                             
Net income (loss) per diluted share of common stock attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company:
                                       
Income (loss) from continuing operations
  $ (.04 )   $ .03     $ .08     $ .37     $ .45  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
    .02       1.52       .01       .03       1.58  
 
                             
Net income (loss) per diluted share of common stock:
  $ (.02 )   $ 1.55     $ .10     $ .40     $ 2.03  
 
                             
Weighted average shares outstanding:
                                       
Basic
    55,076       57,001       57,435       57,882       56,857  
Diluted
    55,076       57,213       57,502       58,057       56,998  
 
                             
Cash dividends per share of common stock
  $ .00     $ .00     $ .00     $ .00     $ .00  
 
                             
                                         
    1st     2nd     3rd     4th        
2009   Quarter     Quarter     Quarter     Quarter     Total  
Operating revenues
  $ 187,396     $ 179,450     $ 169,073     $ 196,479     $ 732,398  
Costs and expenses
    (196,521 )     (167,250 )     (164,938 )     (172,870 )     (701,579 )
Depreciation and amortization of intangibles
    (11,581 )     (10,605 )     (10,744 )     (11,430 )     (44,360 )
Impairment of goodwill, indefinite and long-lived assets
    (216,413 )                       (216,413 )
Gains (losses), net on disposal of property, plant and equipment
    (53 )     (304 )     130       671       444  
Interest expense
    (92 )     (317 )     (1,149 )     (996 )     (2,554 )
Miscellaneous, net
    (1,609 )     588       702       1,068       749  
Benefit (provision) for income taxes
    30,935       772       1,235       (579 )     32,363  
 
                             
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    (207,938 )     2,334       (5,691 )     12,343       (198,952 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
    (12,909 )     (81 )     2,430       (135 )     (10,695 )
 
                             
Net income (loss)
    (220,847 )     2,253       (3,261 )     12,208       (209,647 )
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
    (147 )                 105       (42 )
 
                             
Net income (loss) attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company
  $ (220,700 )   $ 2,253     $ (3,261 )   $ 12,103     $ (209,605 )
 
                             
Net income (loss) per basic share of common stock attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company:
                                       
Income (loss) from continuing operations
  $ (3.88 )   $ .04     $ (.11 )   $ .19     $ (3.69 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
    (.24 )     .00       .05       .00       (.20 )
 
                             
Net income (loss) per basic share of common stock:
  $ (4.12 )   $ .04     $ (.06 )   $ .19     $ (3.89 )
 
                             
Net income (loss) per diluted share of common stock attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company:
                                       
Income (loss) from continuing operations
  $ (3.88 )   $ .04     $ (.11 )   $ .19     $ (3.69 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
    (.24 )     .00       .05       .00       (.20 )
 
                             
Net income (loss) per diluted share of common stock:
  $ (4.12 )   $ .04     $ (.06 )   $ .19     $ (3.89 )
 
                             
Weighted average shares outstanding:
                                       
Basic
    53,573       53,636       53,986       54,383       53,902  
Diluted
    53,573       53,636       53,986       54,383       53,902  
 
                             
Cash dividends per share of common stock
  $ .00     $ .00     $ .00     $ .00     $ .00  
 
                             
The sum of the quarterly net income per share amounts may not equal the reported annual amount because each is computed independently based upon the weighted-average number of shares outstanding for the period.

 

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The E. W. Scripps Company
Index to Consolidated Financial Statement Schedules
         
    S-2  

 

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Table of Contents

     
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts    
for the Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008   Schedule II
                                         
Column A   Column B     Column C     Column D     Column E     Column F  
                    Increase      
          Additions     Deductions     (Decrease)        
  Balance     Charged to     Amounts     Recorded     Balance  
(in thousands)   Beginning     Revenues,     Charged     Acquisitions     End of  
Classification   of Period     Costs, Expenses     Off-Net     (Divestitures)     Period  
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable Year Ended December 31:
                                       
2010
  $ 4,246     $ 181     $ 1,341       (297 )   $ 2,789  
 
                             
2009
    7,620       3,889       7,165       (98 )     4,246  
 
                             
2008
    4,277       7,652       4,166       (143 )     7,620  
 
                             

 

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Table of Contents

The E. W. Scripps Company
                             
Exhibit         File           Report
Number   Exhibit Description   Form   Number   Exhibit     Date
 
  2.01    
Separation and Distribution Agreement by and between The E.W. Scripps Company and Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc. dated as of June 12, 2008
  8-K   000-16914     2.01     6/12/2008
  2.1    
Interest Purchase Agreement By and Among Iconix Brang Group, Inc., United Feature Syndicate, Inc. and The E.W. Scripps Company
  8-K   000-16914     2.1     6/3/2010
  3.01    
Amended Articles of Incorporation
  8-K   000-16914     3 (i)   2/17/2009
  3.02    
Amended and Restated Code of Regulations
  8-K   000-16914     3.02     5/10/2007
  4.01    
Class A Common Share Certificate
  10-K   000-16914     4     12/31/1990
  10.01    
Transition Services Agreement by and between The E.W. Scripps Company and Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc. dated as of July 1, 2008
  8-K   000-16914     10.01     6/30/2008
  10.02    
Employee Matters Agreement by and between The E.W. Scripps Company and Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc. dated as of July 1, 2008
  8-K   000-16914     10.02     6/30/2008
  10.03    
Tax Allocation Agreement by and between The E.W. Scripps Company and Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc. dated as of July 1, 2008
  8-K   000-16914     10.03     6/30/2008
  10.04    
Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement Dated August 5, 2009
  10-Q   000-16914     10.04     6/30/2009
  10.05    
First Amendment dated October 20, 2010 to the Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement
  8-K   000-16914     99.11     10/20/2010
  10.07    
The E.W. Scripps Company 2010 Long-Term Incentive Plan
  8-K   000-16914     99.08     5/13/2010
  10.08    
Amended and Restated 1997 Long-Term Incentive Plan
  8-K   000-16914     10.01     5/8/2008
  10.09    
Form of Executive Officer Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement
  8-K   000-16914     10.03 A   2/9/2005
  10.10    
Form of Independent Director Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement
  8-K   000-16914     10.03 B   2/9/2005
  10.11    
Form of Performance-Based Restricted Share Agreement
  8-K   000-16914     10.03 C   2/9/2005
  10.12    
Form of Restricted Share Agreement (Nonperformance Based)
  8-K   000-16914     10.02 C   2/28/2006
  10.12    
Performance-Based Restricted Share Agreement between The E.W. Scripps Company and Mark G. Contreras
  8-K   000-16914     10.03 D   2/9/2006
  10.13    
Executive Bonus Plan, as amended April 14, 2005
  8-K   000-16914     10.04     2/9/2006
  10.55    
Board Representation Agreement, dated March 14, 1986, between The Edward W. Scripps Trust and John P. Scripps
  S-1   33-21714     10.44     3/14/1986
  10.56    
Shareholder Agreement, dated March 14, 1986, between the Company and the Shareholders of John P. Scripps Newspapers
  S-1   33-21714     10.45     3/14/1986
  10.57    
Scripps Family Agreement dated October 15, 1992
  8-K   000-16914     1     10/15/1992
  10.57 A  
Amendments to the Scripps Family Agreement
  8-K   000-16914     10.57 A   5/8/2008
  10.59    
Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan
  S-8   333-27623     4 A    
  10.61    
1997 Deferred Compensation and Stock Plan for Directors, as amended
  8-K   000-16914     10.61     5/8/2008
  10.74    
Amended and Restated Scripps Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
  8-K   000-16914     10.74     5/8/2008
  10.65    
Employment Agreement between the Company and Richard A. Boehne
  8-K   000-16914     10.65     8/6/2008
  10.66    
Employment Agreement between the Company and Richard A. Boehne
  8-K   000-16914     10.66     2/15/2011
  10.75    
Scripps Senior Executive Change in Control Plan
  10-Q   000-16914     10.65     9/30/2004
  10.76    
Scripps Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended
  8-K   000-16914     10.76     5/8/2008
  10.77    
Short-Term Incentive Plan
  8-K   000-16914     99.01     2/17/2009
  10.78    
Independent Director Restricted Stock Unit Agreement
  8-K   000-16914     99.02     2/17/2009
  10.79    
Employee Restricted Stock Unit Agreement
  8-K   000-16914     10.79     3/5/2009
  14    
Code of Ethics for CEO and Senior Financial Officers
  10-K   000-16914     14     12/31/2004
  21    
Subsidiaries of the Company
                   
  23    
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
                   
  31 (a)  
Section 302 Certifications
                   
  31 (b)  
Section 302 Certifications
                   
  32 (a)  
Section 906 Certifications
                   
  32 (b)  
Section 906 Certifications
                   

 

S-3