UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

þ		QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 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		31-1223339
(State or other jurisdiction of		(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)		Identification Number)
312 Walnut Street
Cincinnati, Ohio		45202
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (513) 977-3000

Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.)

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 and 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). Yes o No o

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, or “small reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer o		Accelerated filer þ		Non-accelerated filer o		Smaller reporting company o

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. As of October 28, 2010 there were 45,993,507 of the Registrant’s Class A Common shares outstanding and 11,932,735 of the Registrant’s Common Voting shares outstanding.

 

 

INDEX TO THE E. W. SCRIPPS COMPANY
REPORT ON FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED September 30, 2010

Item No.						Page
PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
1				Financial Statements			3
2				Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations			3
3				Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk			3
4				Controls and Procedures			3
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
1				Legal Proceedings			3
1A				Risk Factors			3
2				Unregistered Sales of Equity and Use of Proceeds			3
3				Defaults Upon Senior Securities			3
4				(Removed and Reserved)			4
5				Other Information			4
6				Exhibits			4
				Signatures			5
Exhibit 31(a)
Exhibit 31(b)
Exhibit 32(a)
Exhibit 32(b)

PART I

As used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, 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.

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The information required by this item is filed as part of this Form 10-Q. See Index to Financial Information at page F-1 of this Form 10-Q.

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The information required by this item is filed as part of this Form 10-Q. See Index to Financial Information at page F-1 of this Form 10-Q.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The information required by this item is filed as part of this Form 10-Q. See Index to Financial Information at page F-1 of this Form 10-Q.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

The information required by this item is filed as part of this Form 10-Q. See Index to Financial Information at page F-1 of this Form 10-Q.

PART II

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are involved in legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business, such as defamation actions, employment actions and various governmental and administrative proceedings, none of which is expected to result in material loss.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes to the factors disclosed in Item 1A. Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY AND USE OF PROCEEDS

There were no sales of unregistered equity securities during the quarter for which this report is filed.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

There were no defaults upon senior securities during the quarter for which this report is filed.

ITEM 4. (REMOVED AND RESERVED)

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

The information required by this item is filed as part of this Form 10-Q. See Index to Exhibits at page E-1 of this Form 10-Q.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements 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

Index to Financial Information

Item		Page
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets			F-2
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations			F-4
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows			F-5
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity			F-6
Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements			F-7
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations			F-19
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk			F-28
Controls and Procedures			F-30

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

		September 30,				December 31,
(in thousands)		2010				2009
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	169,488			$	7,681
Short-term investments			24,599				12,180
Accounts and notes receivable (less allowances — $3,724 and $4,246)			99,122				115,245
Inventory			7,707				6,989
Deferred income taxes			16,614				16,614
Income taxes receivable			17,120				62,559
Assets of discontinued operations			—				24,948
Miscellaneous			11,726				11,959
Total current assets			346,376				258,175
Investments			10,469				10,660
Property, plant and equipment			392,132				417,745
Intangible assets			23,444				23,635
Deferred income taxes			33,391				57,132
Miscellaneous			12,544				13,176
Assets of discontinued operations — noncurrent			—				5,825
TOTAL ASSETS		$	818,356			$	786,348

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

		September 30,				December 31,
(in thousands, except share data)		2010				2009
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable		$	30,500			$	25,172
Customer deposits and unearned revenue			30,720				26,773
Accrued liabilities:
Employee compensation and benefits			40,787				29,124
Income taxes payable			11,114				—
Miscellaneous			21,181				21,763
Liabilities of discontinued operations			—				24,362
Other current liabilities			15,248				8,066
Total current liabilities			149,550				135,260
Long-term debt			893				35,916
Liabilities of discontinued operations — noncurrent			—				369
Other liabilities (less current portion)			114,586				181,552
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: 45,913,742 and 42,742,190 shares			459				427
Voting — authorized: 60,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding: 11,932,735 and 11,932,735 shares			119				119
Total			578				546
Additional paid-in capital			550,940				531,754
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)			86,816				(10,946	)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes:
Pension liability adjustments			(87,740	)			(92,049	)
Foreign currency translation adjustment			—				590
Total The E.W. Scripps Company shareholders’ equity			550,594				429,895
Noncontrolling interest			2,733				3,356
Total equity			553,327				433,251
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY		$	818,356			$	786,348

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

		Three months ended								Nine months ended
		September 30,								September 30,
(in thousands, except per share data)		2010				2009				2010				2009
Operating Revenues:
Advertising		$	142,783			$	130,410			$	425,357			$	411,228
Circulation			28,780				27,309				90,622				86,511
Other			12,024				11,354				40,673				38,180
Total operating revenues			183,587				169,073				556,652				535,919
Costs and Expenses:
Employee compensation and benefits			88,609				86,992				261,062				276,635
Programs and program licenses			15,274				13,228				44,847				39,104
Newsprint and press supplies			11,795				10,219				35,111				42,081
Other costs and expenses			52,786				53,278				167,512				166,734
Restructuring costs			3,206				1,221				10,269				4,155
Total costs and expenses			171,670				164,938				518,801				528,709
Depreciation, Amortization, and (Gains) Losses:
Depreciation			10,385				10,362				32,881				31,445
Amortization of intangible assets			339				382				1,039				1,485
Impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived assets			—				—				—				216,413
(Gains) losses, net on disposal of property, plant and equipment			525				(130	)			1,260				227
Net depreciation, amortization and losses			11,249				10,614				35,180				249,570
Operating income (loss)			668				(6,479	)			2,671				(242,360	)
Interest expense			(741	)			(1,149	)			(2,434	)			(1,558	)
Miscellaneous, net			39				702				950				(319	)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes			(34	)			(6,926	)			1,187				(244,237	)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes			(5,459	)			(1,235	)			(4,021	)			(32,942	)
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax			5,425				(5,691	)			5,208				(211,295	)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax			820				2,430				99,664				(10,560	)
Net income (loss)			6,245				(3,261	)			104,872				(221,855	)
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests			—				—				—				(147	)
Net income (loss) attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company		$	6,245			$	(3,261	)		$	104,872			$	(221,708	)
Net income (loss) per basic share of common stock attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company:
Income (loss) from continuing operations		$	.08			$	(.11	)		$	.08			$	(3.93	)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations			.01				.05				1.56				(.20	)
Net income (loss) per basic share of common stock		$	.10			$	(.06	)		$	1.64			$	(4.13	)
Net income (loss) per diluted share of common stock attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company:
Income (loss) from continuing operations		$	.08			$	(.11	)		$	.08			$	(3.93	)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations			.01				.05				1.55				(.20	)
Net income (loss) per diluted share of common stock		$	.10			$	(.06	)		$	1.64			$	(4.13	)

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

Net income (loss) per share amounts may not foot since each is calculated independently.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

		Nine months ended
		September 30,
(in thousands)		2010				2009
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)		$	104,872			$	(221,855	)
(Income) loss from discontinued operations			(99,664	)			10,560
Income (loss) from continuing operations			5,208				(211,295	)
Adjustments to reconcile income (loss) from continuing operations to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization			33,920				32,930
Impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived assets			—				216,413
Losses on sale of property, plant and equipment			1,260				227
Deferred income taxes			18,816				19,141
Excess tax benefits of share-based compensation plans			(10,346	)			—
Stock and deferred compensation plans			7,518				6,204
Pension expense, net of payments			(62,561	)			20,323
Other changes in certain working capital accounts, net			51,531				16,401
Miscellaneous, net			(2,377	)			(960	)
Net cash provided by continuing operating activities			42,969				99,384
Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued operating activities			6,509				(13,843	)
Net operating activities			49,478				85,541
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment			480				72
Additions to property, plant and equipment			(11,778	)			(35,389	)
Increase in short-term investments			(12,419	)			(124	)
Increase (decrease) in investments			193				(3,376	)
Purchase of intangible assets			(850	)			—
Miscellaneous, net			—				76
Net cash used in continuing investing activities			(24,374	)			(38,741	)
Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued investing activities			162,675				(150	)
Net investing activities			138,301				(38,891	)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Net payments on variable rate credit facility			(34,900	)			(31,711	)
Payments of financing costs			—				(3,062	)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest			(623	)			—
Proceeds from exercise of stock options			5,275				1,820
Tax payments related to shares withheld for vested stock and RSUs			(11,881	)			—
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation plans			10,346				—
Miscellaneous, net			582				(8,665	)
Net cash used in continuing financing activities			(31,201	)			(41,618	)
Change in cash — discontinued operations			5,229				(272	)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents			161,807				4,760
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period			7,681				3,869
End of period		$	169,488			$	8,629
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures
Income taxes paid			30,779				3,258

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (UNAUDITED)

										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, 2008		$	538			$	523,859			$	200,827			$	(133,655	)		$	3,398			$	594,967
Net loss											(221,708	)							(147	)			(221,855	)
Spin-off of SNI (Note 14)											7,749				1,536								9,285
Changes in defined pension plans															43,398								43,398
Currency translation adjustment															(30	)							(30	)
Compensation plans: 718,142 net shares issued			7				9,518																9,525
As of September 30, 2009		$	545			$	533,377			$	(13,132	)		$	(88,751	)		$	3,251			$	435,290
As of December 31, 2009		$	546			$	531,754			$	(10,946	)		$	(91,459	)		$	3,356			$	433,251
Net income											104,872												104,872
Spin-off of SNI (Note 14)											(7,115	)											(7,115	)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests																			(623	)			(623	)
Changes in defined pension plans															4,309								4,309
Currency translation adjustment															(590	)							(590	)
Excess tax benefits of compensation plans							16,653																16,653
Compensation plans: 3,171,652 net shares issued*			32				2,533				5												2,570
As of September 30, 2010		$	578			$	550,940			$	86,816			$	(87,740	)		$	2,733			$	553,327

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

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.

Basis of Presentation — The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. The interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto included in our 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K. In management’s opinion all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of the interim periods have been made. Certain amounts in prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current period’s presentation.

Results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for future interim periods or for the full year.

Nature of Operations — We are a diverse media concern with interests in newspaper publishing and broadcast television. All of our media businesses provide content and advertising services via the Internet. Our media businesses are organized into the following reportable business segments: Newspapers, Television, and Syndication and other. Additional information for our business segments is presented in Note 12.

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 recognition of certain revenues; rebates due to customers; the periods over which long-lived assets are depreciated or amortized; the fair value of long-lived assets and goodwill; income taxes payable and deferred income taxes; estimates for uncollectible accounts receivable; 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.

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.

The revenue recognition policies for each source of revenue are described in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

Share-Based Compensation — 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, 1.5 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.

Share-based compensation costs for continuing operations totaled $3.4 million for the third quarter of 2010 and $2.0 million for the third quarter of 2009. Year-to-date share-based compensation costs for continuing operations totaled $9.0 million and $7.0 million in 2010 and 2009, respectively.

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 allocated to common stock. We do not allocate losses to the participating securities.

		Three months ended								Nine months ended
		September 30,								September 30,
(in thousands)		2010				2009				2010				2009
Numerator (for basic earnings per share)
Net income (loss) attributable to the shareholders of The E. W. Scripps Company		$	6,245			$	(3,261	)		$	104,872			$	(221,708	)
Less income allocated to unvested restricted stock and RSUs			(649	)			—				(12,261	)			—
Numerator for basic earnings per share		$	5,596			$	(3,261	)		$	92,611			$	(221,708	)
Denominator
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding			57,435				53,986				56,512				53,734
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options held by employees and directors			67				—				129				—
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding			57,502				53,986				56,641				53,734
Anti-dilutive securities (1)			10,292				21,328				10,292				21,328

For the 2009 periods we incurred a net loss from continuing operations and the inclusion of unvested stock, RSU’s and stock options held by employees and directors would have been anti-dilutive and accordingly the diluted EPS calculation for the period excludes those common share equivalents.

2. ACCOUNTING CHANGES AND RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

Accounting Changes — In June 2009, the FASB issued new accounting guidance which amended the consolidation guidance applicable to variable interest entities which was effective for us on January 1, 2010. The adoption of this new guidance did not have an 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. The Company is currently assessing the impact on its consolidated financial position and results of operations.

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 September 30, 2010 are approximately $8.7 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.

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.

Operating results of our discontinued operations were as follows:

		Three months ended								Nine months ended
		September 30,								September 30,
(in thousands)		2010				2009				2010				2009
Operating revenues:
UML		$	—			$	17,328			$	27,979			$	49,008
Rocky Mountain News			—				13				—				50
Total operating revenues		$	—			$	17,341			$	27,979			$	49,058
Income (loss) from discontinued operations:
Gain on sale of Licensing, before tax		$	(311	)		$	—			$	161,690			$	—
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, before tax:
UML			(324	)			3,678				3,676				9,172
Rocky Mountain News			2,560				430				2,560				(21,587	)
Income tax (expense) benefit			(1,105	)			(1,678	)			(68,262	)			1,855
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		$	820			$	2,430			$	99,664			$	(10,560	)

4. OTHER CHARGES AND CREDITS

2010 — Restructuring costs include the costs to restructure our newspaper and television operations. These costs before taxes were $3.2 million in the third quarter and $10.3 million year-to-date.

2009 — Restructuring costs include the costs to separate and install separate information systems as well as other costs related to our separation from Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc. (“SNI”). These costs before taxes were $1.2 million in the third quarter and $4.2 million year-to-date.

In the first quarter we recorded a $215 million, non-cash charge to reduce the carrying value of our goodwill for our Television division. See Note 6.

We also recorded a $1 million non-cash charge to reduce the carrying value of the FCC license for our Lawrence, Kansas television station.

5. INCOME TAXES

We file a consolidated federal income tax return, unitary tax returns in certain states, and other separate state income tax returns for certain of our subsidiary companies.

The income tax provision for interim periods is determined based upon the expected effective income tax rate for the full year and the tax rate applicable to certain discrete transactions in the interim period. To determine the annual effective income tax rate, we must estimate both the total income (loss) before income tax for the full year and the jurisdictions in which that income (loss) is subject to tax. The actual effective income tax rate for the full year may differ from these estimates if income (loss) before income tax is greater or less than what was estimated or if the allocation of income (loss) to jurisdictions in which it is taxed is different from the estimated allocations. We review and adjust our estimated effective income tax rate for the full year each quarter based upon our most recent estimates of income (loss) before income tax for the full year and the jurisdictions in which we expect that income (loss) will be taxed.

The effective income tax rate for continuing operations was 339% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010. The primary difference between this rate and the U.S. Federal statutory rate of 35% is the impact of state taxes, the change in our reserve for uncertain tax positions and non-deductible expenses.

The effective income tax rate for continuing operations was 13.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2009. The primary difference between this rate and the U.S. Federal statutory rate of 35% is that approximately $150 million of the goodwill impairment recorded is not deductible for income tax purposes.

At September 30, 2010, we had net deferred tax assets of $50 million. We assess the realizability of our deferred tax assets as of each balance sheet date and record a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that a portion, or all, of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the timing of the reversal of temporary differences giving rise to the deferred tax assets, the generation of taxable income in the periods in which the temporary differences reverse, or, if taxable income is not expected in those periods, the ability to use the resulting tax losses to recover 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. Our current estimates of future taxable income could change based on economic conditions or our operating performance, which could require a valuation allowance 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.

Our liability for uncertain tax positions increased by $4.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010. There was an increase of $8.0 million primarily due to accruals for tax issues related to unitary vs. separate state filing positions which was offset by a release of $3.8 million related to the effective settlement of certain of our state filing positions.

Under the Tax Allocation Agreement between Scripps and SNI, SNI is responsible for its own pre-spin-off tax obligations. However due to regulations governing the U.S. federal consolidated tax return and certain combined state tax returns, we remain severally liable for SNI’s pre-spin-off federal taxes as well as certain state taxes. The September 30, 2010, liability for uncertain tax positions includes approximately $10 million of state taxes which, if paid by us, would be reimbursed by SNI.

6. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Intangible assets consisted of the following:

		As of				As of
		September 30,				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			(1,848	)			(1,617	)
Customer lists			(8,449	)			(7,831	)
Other			(4,506	)			(4,314	)
Total accumulated amortization			(14,803	)			(13,762	)
Net amortizable intangible assets			10,249				10,440
Indefinite-lived intangible assets — FCC licenses			13,195				13,195
Total intangible assets		$	23,444			$	23,635

Activity related to goodwill by business segment was as follows:

						Syndication
(in thousands)		Television				and Other				Total
Goodwill:
Balance as of December 31, 2008		$	215,414			$	18			$	215,432
Impairment of goodwill			(215,414	)			—				(215,414	)
Other adjustments			—				(18	)			(18	)
Balance as of September 30, 2009		$	—			$	—			$	—

Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for each of the next five years is expected to be $0.3 million for the remainder of 2010, $1.3 million in 2011, $1.0 million in 2012, $0.9 million in 2013, $0.7 million in 2014, $0.7 million in 2015 and $5.3 million in later years.

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. We also recorded a $1 million non-cash charge in the first quarter of 2009 to reduce the carrying value of the FCC license for our Lawrence, Kansas, television station to its estimated fair value.

7. LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt consisted of the following:

		As of				As of
		September 30,				December 31,
(in thousands)		2010				2009
Variable rate credit facility		$	—			$	34,900
Other notes			893				1,016
Total long-term debt		$	893			$	35,916
Fair value of long-term debt*		$	893			$	35,916

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 September 30, 2010, prior to the amendment, we had borrowing capacity of $111 million under our credit facility.

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 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.

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 credit facility was 3.0% at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009.

Commitment fees of 0.50% per annum of the total unused commitment are payable under the credit facility.

As of September 30, 2010, and December 31, 2009, we had outstanding letters of credit totaling $10.4 million and $9.7 million, respectively.

In October 2008, we entered into a 2-year $30 million notional interest rate swap expiring in October 2010. Under this agreement we receive payments based on the 3-month LIBOR and make payments based on a fixed rate of 3.2%. This swap has not been designated as a hedge in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and changes in fair value are recorded in miscellaneous-net with a corresponding adjustment to other long-term liabilities. The fair value at September 30, 2010, and December 31, 2009, was $0.2 million liability and $0.8 million liability, respectively. For the nine-months ended September 30, 2010, a $0.6 million gain was recorded in miscellaneous, net while a $0.2 million loss was recorded for the nine-months ended September 30, 2009.

8. OTHER LIABILITIES

Other liabilities consisted of the following:

		As of				As of
		September 30,				December 31,
(in thousands)		2010				2009
Employee compensation and benefits		$	16,197			$	17,805
Liability for pension benefits			54,039				124,412
Liabilities for uncertain tax positions			29,666				25,490
Other			14,684				13,845
Other liabilities (less current portion)		$	114,586			$	181,552

9. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT

We measure certain financial assets at fair value on a recurring basis, including short-term investments and derivatives. The fair value of these financial assets was determined based on three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable, that may be used to measure fair value which are the following:

•

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 tables set forth our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009:

		September 30, 2010
(in thousands)		Total				Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
Assets:
Short-term investments		$	24,599			$	24,599			$	—			$	—
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap		$	204			$	—			$	204			$	—

		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			$	—

10. NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

There are noncontrolling interests of approximately 4% in the capital stock of the subsidiary company that publishes our Memphis newspaper and approximately 6% in the capital stock of the subsidiary company that publishes our Evansville newspaper. The terms of the stock of these companies does not provide for or require the redemption of the noncontrolling interests by us.

A summary of the components of net income (loss) attributable to The E.W. Scripps Company shareholders is as follows:

		Three months ended								Nine months ended
		September 30,								September 30,
(in thousands)		2010				2009				2010				2009
Net income (loss) attributable to The E. W. Scripps Company shareholders:
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax		$	5,425			$	(5,691	)		$	5,208			$	(211,148	)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax			820				2,430				99,664				(10,560	)
Net income (loss)		$	6,245			$	(3,261	)		$	104,872			$	(221,708	)

11. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

We sponsor defined benefit pension plans that cover substantially all non-union and certain union-represented employees. Benefits are generally based upon the employee’s compensation and years of service.

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 benefits under 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. In addition we 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 match 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 effective July 2010.

Other union-represented employees are covered by union-sponsored multi-employer plans.

The components of the benefit plans expense consisted of the following:

		Three months ended								Nine months ended
		September 30,								September 30,
(in thousands)		2010				2009				2010				2009
Service cost		$	130			$	759			$	436			$	5,282
Interest cost			6,199				6,634				18,935				19,969
Expected return on plan assets, net of expenses			(6,055	)			(4,974	)			(18,133	)			(15,376	)
Amortization of prior service cost			4				43				14				334
Amortization of actuarial loss			954				1,270				3,068				7,701
Curtailment loss			8				—				58				5,111
Total for defined benefit plans			1,240				3,732				4,378				23,021
Multi-employer plans			112				260				451				579
SERP			350				349				909				242
Defined contribution plans			887				—				887				1,316
Net periodic benefit cost			2,589				4,341				6,625				25,158
Allocated to discontinued operations			—				(201	)			(103	)			(2,145	)
Net periodic benefit cost — continuing operations		$	2,589			$	4,140			$	6,522			$	23,013

We contributed $2.0 million to fund current benefit payments for our SERP during the first three quarters of 2010. We anticipate contributing an additional $2.9 million to fund the SERP’s benefit payments during the remainder of 2010. We contributed $66.4 million to our defined benefit plans during the nine months ended September 30, 2010.

In the quarter ended March 31, 2009, we completed the actuarial valuation of our defined benefit pension plan obligations, including final demographic information and updated assumptions related to future salaries as a result of pay and bonus decreases implemented in the first quarter. In addition the split of plan assets with SNI was completed in the first quarter of 2009. The changes in actuarial assumptions and plan assets reduced our pension liability and accumulated comprehensive loss by $23.4 million.

We remeasured our plan assets and liabilities in the second quarter of 2009, reflecting the freezing of benefit accruals under the plans. The actuarial assumptions used to remeasure the plan assets and liabilities were substantially the same as those used in the December 31, 2008, measurement, except for an increase in the discount rate to 7%. The remeasurement reduced our pension liabilities and accumulated comprehensive loss by $36 million.

12. 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.

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 to local and national advertisers and from the sale of newspapers to readers.

Our television business segment includes six ABC-affiliated stations, three NBC-affiliated stations and one independent station. Our television stations reach approximately 10% of the nation’s households. Television stations earn revenue primarily from the sale of advertising to local and national advertisers.

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.

Information regarding our business segments is as follows:

		Three months ended								Nine months ended
		September 30,								September 30,
(in thousands)		2010				2009				2010				2009
Segment operating revenues:
Newspapers		$	100,416			$	104,397			$	321,016			$	338,031
Television			78,515				59,782				220,164				181,286
Syndication and other			4,656				4,894				15,472				16,602
Total operating revenues		$	183,587			$	169,073			$	556,652			$	535,919
Segment profit (loss):
Newspapers		$	6,645			$	10,875			$	37,775			$	29,252
JOAs and newspaper partnerships			—				—				—				(211	)
Television			17,658				3,057				37,611				5,493
Syndication and other			(1,072	)			(537	)			(2,371	)			(1,355	)
Corporate and shared services			(8,108	)			(8,039	)			(24,895	)			(22,025	)
Depreciation and amortization			(10,724	)			(10,744	)			(33,920	)			(32,930	)
Impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived assets			—				—				—				(216,413	)
Gains (losses), net on disposal of property, plant and equipment			(525	)			130				(1,260	)			(227	)
Interest expense			(741	)			(1,149	)			(2,434	)			(1,558	)
Restructuring costs			(3,206	)			(1,221	)			(10,269	)			(4,155	)
Miscellaneous, net			39				702				950				(108	)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes		$	(34	)		$	(6,926	)		$	1,187			$	(244,237	)
Depreciation:
Newspapers		$	6,099			$	5,715			$	19,251			$	17,026
Television			4,083				4,305				12,790				13,399
Syndication and other			86				149				371				464
Corporate and shared services			117				193				469				556
Total depreciation		$	10,385			$	10,362			$	32,881			$	31,445
Amortization of intangibles:
Newspapers		$	243			$	297			$	756			$	1,234
Television			96				85				283				251
Total amortization of intangibles		$	339			$	382			$	1,039			$	1,485
Additions to property, plant and equipment:
Newspapers		$	16			$	11,804			$	680			$	34,069
JOAs and newspaper partnerships			—				17				—				17
Television			4,320				3,677				7,440				5,156
Syndication and other			65				23				186				177
Corporate and shared services			101				43				391				138
Total additions to property, plant and equipment		$	4,502			$	15,564			$	8,697			$	39,557