Verizon and Scripps Networks Reach Programming Agreement

Verizon and Scripps Networks Reach Programming Agreement

FiOS TV to Carry Scripps Networks' Lifestyle Portfolio Including New High-Definition Channels

NEW YORK, Oct. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon and Scripps Networks have come to terms for distribution of Scripps' popular lifestyle programming on Verizon's new video product, FiOS TV.

FiOS TV, which launched Sept. 22 in Keller, Texas, will carry the broad portfolio of Scripps Networks' content -- HGTV, Food Network, DIY Network, FINE LIVING, Great American Country (GAC) and Shop at Home -- as well as video-on-demand programming. FiOS TV also will carry Scripps Networks' new high-definition networks, HGTV-HD and Food Network-HD, which will be launched in early 2006. The agreement, which was completed prior to the Keller launch, also provided retransmission consent for the E.W. Scripps Co.'s local television stations, which are ABC affiliates.

"This solidifies our extensive programming lineup with the addition of the Scripps portfolio of popular lifestyle television networks," said Terry Denson, vice president of programming and marketing for FiOS TV.

"This deal further extends the reach of all of our brands into the marketplace via a new and exciting distribution platform," said John Baird, executive vice president of affiliate sales, marketing and ad sales for Scripps Networks. "We want our programming to be made available to as many homes as possible."

Verizon launched FiOS TV Sept. 22 in Keller, Texas, unveiling a broad collection of all-digital programming with more than 330 channels and more on the way. FiOS TV digital customers will also have access to a large selection of on-demand content that is easy to order and view.

About Scripps Networks

Scripps Networks is composed of the lifestyle television brands Home & Garden Television, Food Network, DIYNetwork, FINE LIVING, as well as country music network Great American Country (GAC) and electronic retailer Shop At Home. Scripps is the leading developer of lifestyle-oriented content for television and the Internet, where on-air programming is complemented with online content.

In addition, Scripps Networks is aggressively developing its emerging media platforms for broadband, video on demand, and Hispanic programming. Scripps Networks' brands collectively are available in more than 116 countries on six continents. They also are distributed to 1,000 outlets on U.S. military bases and U.S. embassies around the world via the American Armed Forces Radio and Television Service.

Headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Detroit, Atlanta and Nashville, Scripps Networks is owned by The E.W. Scripps Company (NYSE:SSP), a diverse media concern with interests in newspaper publishing, broadcast television, national television networks, interactive media, and television retailing. Scripps operates 21 daily newspapers, 10 broadcast TV stations, Scripps Howard News Service, United Media and Shopzilla.com.

About Verizon Communications Inc.

With more than $71 billion in annual revenues, Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) is one of the world's leading providers of communications services. Verizon has a diverse work force of more than 214,000 in four business units: Domestic Telecom provides customers based in 28 states with wireline and other telecommunications services, including broadband. Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 47.4 million voice and data customers across the United States. Information Services operates directory publishing businesses and provides electronic commerce services. International includes wireline and wireless operations and investments, primarily in the Americas and Europe. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

VERIZON'S ONLINE NEWS CENTER: Verizon news releases, executive speeches and biographies, media contacts, high quality video and images, and other information are available at Verizon's News Center on the World Wide Web at www.verizon.com/news. To receive news releases by e-mail, visit the News Center and register for customized automatic delivery of Verizon news releases.

Source: Verizon

CONTACT: Sharon Cohen-Hagar, Verizon, +1-972-718-6205, sharon.cohen-hagar@verizon.com; Susan Robertson, Scripps Networks, +1-865-560-4316, srobertson@scrippsnetworks.com

Web site: http://www.verizon.com/

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