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Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Meredith Reports Fiscal 2008 and Fourth Quarter Earnings

Meredith Reports Fiscal 2008 and Fourth Quarter Earnings

DES MOINES, Iowa, July 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Meredith Corporation (NYSE:MDP) , the leading media and marketing company serving American women, today reported fiscal 2008 earnings per share of $2.83, including a special charge of $0.34. Excluding the special charge, Meredith's earnings per share were $3.17, in-line with prior company estimates. Fiscal 2007 earnings per share were $3.31. Revenues in fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007 were $1.6 billion.

Fourth quarter fiscal 2008 earnings per share were $0.41. Excluding the special charge, earnings per share were $0.76. Fiscal 2007 fourth-quarter earnings per share were $1.05. Fiscal 2008 fourth-quarter revenues were $385 million, compared to $428 million in the prior-year quarter.

Meredith recorded an after-tax special charge of $16 million in the fourth fiscal quarter, related primarily to the further repositioning of its book publishing business and selected reductions in force. Additional information on the special charge is available in Tables 1 and 2, and in Meredith's press release dated June 5, 2008.

After strong performance in the first half of fiscal 2008, the economic slowdown impacted Meredith's full-year performance, most notably in the fourth quarter. Meredith experienced lower advertising demand; a soft retail marketplace resulting in weaker sales and higher-than-expected returns in its book operation; and higher input costs, particularly for paper.

"We believe current economic trends are cyclical in nature and not structural as they pertain to our industry or Meredith in particular," said Stephen M. Lacy, Meredith's President and CEO, citing recently released data detailing audience measurement gains for the magazine and television industries. "We possess great brands, sound growth strategies, strong management and a committed and talented workforce. I'm confident we will emerge from this cycle in an even stronger and more competitive position."

Meredith is executing a three-pronged performance improvement plan to address the current environment. Meredith's strategies include:

   1. Special sales incentives and new marketing programs to maximize market      share in its core publishing and broadcasting businesses;   2. Aggressive expense management, including tight control of labor and      vendor costs; and   3. Revenue diversification initiatives to accelerate growth of new revenue      streams, many of which are not dependent on traditional advertising.      For example, in fiscal 2008 Meredith:       - Acquired two leading-edge companies -- Big Communications and         Directive -- that further expand the capabilities of Meredith         Integrated Marketing.  Big Communications is a leader in business-         to-business healthcare marketing.  Directive possesses expertise in         the sought-after field of database marketing.       - Expanded its brand licensing activities through an agreement with         Wal-Mart for a line of more than 500 home products that will be         available in Wal-Mart stores across the country beginning this fall.         Meredith also entered into a licensing agreement with Realogy for a         nationwide real estate franchise system that launched this month,         and expanded its successful licensing agreement with Universal         Furniture.  All three programs leverage the tremendous power and         versatility of the Better Homes and Gardens brand.       - Invested in new tools and platforms across its 40+ Web sites,         including the launch of the Parents.com super-portal.       - Broadened the reach of Meredith Video Solutions -- its in-house         video creation unit -- by distributing the Better daily lifestyle         television show.  Meredith also created a Parents-branded video on         demand channel for Comcast and launched Parents.tv, a broadband         video channel.       - Renegotiated several retransmission agreements for Meredith         television stations, increasing fees 50 percent over the prior year.    

Additionally, Meredith returned capital to shareholders in fiscal 2008 by repurchasing 3.2 million shares, nearly triple the amount repurchased in fiscal 2007. Meredith also increased its quarterly dividend rate by 16 percent -- its 15th consecutive annual dividend increase.

   OPERATING DETAIL    Publishing  

Fiscal 2008 Publishing operating profit was $190 million. Excluding the special charge, operating profit was $215 million. Fiscal 2007 operating profit was $216 million. Total revenues were $1.3 billion and advertising revenues were $641 million, both comparable with the prior fiscal year.

Fourth quarter operating profit was $26 million. Excluding the special charge, operating profit was $50 million. Fiscal 2007 operating profit was $70 million. Total revenues were $306 million and advertising revenues were $153 million, compared to $345 million and $178 million, respectively, in fiscal 2007.

While overall fiscal 2008 Publishing advertising performance was comparable to the prior fiscal year, there was a marked contrast between the first half, when Meredith posted strong 11 percent growth, and weaker results in the second half, particularly in the fourth quarter.

This shift was attributed to the challenging economic environment faced by companies that operate in Meredith's largest advertising categories - food, prescription and non-prescription drugs, and home. Combined, advertising pages in these categories declined more than 20 percent, accounting for about 75 percent of total fourth-quarter advertising page declines.

"These categories are staples of the American economy, and have consistently outpaced advertising industry growth rates," Lacy said, noting the 15 percent overall gain for Meredith in the food category in fiscal 2008. "We're confident they will serve us well in the long-term. In addition, we increased net advertising revenue per page in fiscal 2008, due to a very detailed and aggressive pricing strategy."

Meredith's growing consumer connection was confirmed in the Spring 2008 Mediamark Research and Intelligence report, which is heavily used by advertisers. Meredith titles increased their total audience by more than 4 percent. And eight of the 10 Meredith magazines measured gained total audience, including Better Homes and Gardens, Ladies' Home Journal and Parents.

Meredith's circulation profit contribution and related margin in its subscription activities increased in both fiscal 2008 and the fourth quarter, reflecting the strength of Meredith's consumer appeal. Circulation revenues declined, as expected, due primarily to the ongoing transition of Parents, Family Circle and Fitness magazines away from third-party sources to Meredith's more profitable direct-to-publisher model.

Meredith Integrated Marketing delivered another outstanding year as operating profit rose almost 75 percent to $30 million and revenues rose nearly 50 percent to $156 million. Results included increased contributions from three acquisitions in the last two years: Genex, New Media Strategies and Directive. On a comparable basis, Meredith Integrated Marketing revenues rose 25 percent and operating profit rose 30 percent, due to continued growth in custom publishing activities and strong performance from online agency O'Grady Myers, acquired in April 2006.

Publishing's retail book operations experienced softer retail sales and higher-than-expected returns during fiscal 2008. Meredith has taken a number of actions to reposition its book operations, including focusing on titles with the Better Homes and Gardens imprint and certain other licensed brands. These steps are expected to improve financial performance going forward.

Broadcasting

Fiscal 2008 Broadcasting operating profit was $78 million. Excluding the special charge, operating profit was $79 million. Fiscal 2007 operating profit was $107 million, which included $33 million in net political advertising revenues. EBITDA was $105 million, compared to $131 million in fiscal 2007. Revenues were $319 million, compared to $348 million in fiscal 2007.

For the fourth quarter, operating profit was $18 million. Excluding the special charge, operating profit was $19 million. Fiscal 2007 operating profit was $28 million. EBITDA was $26 million, compared to $34 million in fiscal 2007. Revenues were $79 million, compared to $84 million in fiscal 2007.

In the first half of the fiscal year, non-political advertising revenues increased 4 percent, driven by growth in online advertising and the categories of professional services and telecommunications. In the second half, a decline in automotive advertising, along with weaker performance in retail and movies, led to a decline in non-political advertising revenues.

"In fiscal 2008 we increased our emphasis on developing non-traditional sources of revenues such as unique sales initiatives, our station Web sites, retransmission fees and our video creation business," Lacy said.

For example, Broadcasting online and video-related revenues increased more than 80 percent in fiscal 2008. Average unique visitors increased more than 300 percent and page views doubled. More than 1.3 million videos were streamed each month during the year.

Meredith Video Solutions is growing rapidly. The Better show, which features content inspired by Meredith's publishing brands, will be carried in more than 35 markets beginning this fall. Additionally, Comcast video on demand customers downloaded more than 600,000 Parents TV videos in fiscal 2008.

OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Meredith generated more than $150 million in free cash flow during fiscal 2008, including nearly $20 million in the fourth quarter. Meredith repurchased approximately 3.2 million shares in fiscal 2008, nearly triple the 1.1 million shares repurchased in fiscal 2007. Meredith has 2.7 million shares remaining under current share repurchase authorizations.

Meredith increased its quarterly dividend rate 16 percent to 21-1/2 cents per share in January. Meredith has paid a dividend for 61 consecutive years and has increased its dividend for 15 consecutive years.

Despite significant increases in paper and postage costs and the special charge, Meredith limited its increase in expenses to just 1 percent in fiscal 2008, reflecting disciplined expense management. Unallocated corporate expenses decreased during the year, primarily due to lower employee benefit costs and management incentives accruals.

Total debt was $485 million and the weighted average interest rate was approximately 4.7 percent as of June 30, 2008. Meredith's debt-to-EBITDA ratio is a conservative 1.5-to-1.

All earnings per share figures in the text of this release are diluted. Both basic and diluted earnings per share can be found in the attached consolidated statements of earnings.

OUTLOOK

Many of Meredith's largest advertisers continue to face a challenging economic environment and the resulting advertising weakness -- along with increased paper costs -- will impact the company's performance at least through the first half of fiscal 2009.

Currently, fiscal 2009 first-quarter Publishing advertising revenues are down in the high-teens compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2008, when Meredith posted 11 percent growth in Publishing advertising revenues. Broadcasting advertising pacings are currently down in the mid-teens. Meredith expects approximately $20 to $25 million in political advertising revenues at its television stations in fiscal 2009, with the majority coming in the second fiscal quarter.

Meredith expects fiscal 2009 paper prices will average approximately 25 percent higher than fiscal 2008. Meredith expects its average tax rate will be approximately 43.5 percent in the first quarter, and 39.5 percent for full fiscal 2009.

Currently, Meredith expects full-year fiscal 2009 earnings per share to be in the $2.50 to $3.00 range, and first quarter earnings per share to be in the $0.40 to $0.45 range.

A number of uncertainties remain that may affect Meredith's outlook as stated in this press release for fiscal 2009 and the first quarter. These include overall advertising volatility; the amount of political advertising revenues generated at its broadcast television stations, particularly in the first and second quarters; the performance of Meredith's retail businesses; and paper prices and postal rates. These and other uncertainties are referenced below under "Safe Harbor" and in certain SEC filings.

CONFERENCE CALL WEBCAST

Meredith will host a conference call on July 30, 2008, at 11 a.m. EDT (10 a.m. CDT) to discuss fiscal 2008 results. A live webcast will be accessible to the public on http://www.meredith.com/, and a replay will be available for one week after the call. A transcript will be available within 48 hours following the call on http://www.meredith.com/.

RATIONALE FOR USE AND ACCESS TO NON-GAAP MEASURES

Management uses and presents GAAP and non-GAAP results to evaluate and communicate Meredith's performance. Non-GAAP measures should not be construed as alternatives to GAAP measures. EBITDA and free cash flow are common supplemental measures of performance used by investors and financial analysts. Management believes that EBITDA and free cash flow provide additional analytical tools to clarify Meredith's results from core operations and delineate underlying trends. Meredith does not use EBITDA or free cash flow as a measure of liquidity or funds available for management's discretionary use as they include certain contractual and non-discretionary expenditures.

Results excluding the special charge recorded in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008 are also supplemental non-GAAP financial measures. Management believes the special charge is not reflective of Meredith's ongoing business activities. While results excluding the special charge are not a substitute for reported earnings results under GAAP, management believes this information is useful as an aid in better understanding Meredith's current performance, performance trends and financial condition. Reconciliations of non-GAAP to GAAP measures are included in the attached tables. The attached consolidated financial statements and reconciliation tables will be made available at http://www.meredith.com/.

SAFE HARBOR

This release contains certain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These statements are based on management's current knowledge and estimates of factors affecting Meredith's operations. Statements in this announcement that are forward-looking include, but are not limited to, the statements regarding broadcasting pacings and publishing advertising revenues, along with Meredith's earnings per share outlook. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated. Factors that could adversely affect future results include, but are not limited to, downturns in national and/or local economies; a softening of the domestic advertising market; world, national or local events that could disrupt broadcast television; increased consolidation among major advertisers or other events depressing the level of advertising spending; the unexpected loss or insolvency of one or more major clients; the integration of acquired businesses; changes in consumer reading, purchasing and/or television viewing patterns; increases in paper, postage, printing or syndicated programming costs; changes in television network affiliation agreements; technological developments affecting products or methods of distribution; changes in government regulations affecting Meredith's industries; unexpected changes in interest rates; and the consequences of acquisitions and/or dispositions. Meredith undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

ABOUT MEREDITH CORPORATION

Meredith Corporation (NYSE:MDP:) (NYSE:http://www.meredith.com) is the leading media and marketing company serving American women. Meredith combines well- known national brands -- including Better Homes and Gardens, Parents, Ladies' Home Journal, Family Circle, American Baby, Fitness and More -- with local television brands in fast growing markets. Meredith is the industry leader in creating content in key consumer interest areas such as home, family, health and wellness and self-development. Meredith then uses multiple distribution platforms -- including print, television, online, mobile and video -- to give consumers content they desire and to deliver the messages of its marketing partners. Additionally, Meredith uses its many assets to create powerful custom marketing solutions for many of the nation's top brands and companies. The goals of these programs are to increase consumer loyalty and produce repeated consumer interaction. In the last two years, Meredith has significantly added to its capabilities in this area through the acquisition of cutting-edge companies in areas such as online, word-of-mouth and database marketing. Meredith employs approximately 3,500 people throughout the United States. Meredith's 2008 annual revenues were $1.6 billion.

    Shareholder/Financial Analyst Contact:   Media Contact:    Mike Lovell                              Art Slusark    Director of Investor Relations           VP/Corporate Communications    Phone: (515) 284.3622                    Phone: (515) 284.3404    E-mail: Mike.Lovell@Meredith.com         E-mail: Art.Slusark@Meredith.com      Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries   Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Unaudited)                                        Three Months        Twelve Months   Period Ended June 30,              2008      2007      2008       2007   (In thousands except per share    data)   Revenues   Advertising                      $227,522  $259,260   $951,325   $981,953   Circulation                        73,299    81,707    313,616    335,706   All other                          84,372    87,503    321,590    298,326     Total revenues                  385,193   428,470  1,586,531  1,615,985   Operating expenses   Production, distribution, and    editorial                        176,601   170,555    688,868    663,345   Selling, general, and    administrative                   157,993   159,001    606,987    619,361   Depreciation and amortization      13,172    11,681     49,171     45,030     Total operating expenses        347,766   341,237  1,345,026  1,327,736   Income from operations             37,427    87,233    241,505    288,249   Interest income                       192       414      1,090      1,586   Interest expense                   (5,106)   (5,849)   (22,390)   (27,182)     Earnings from continuing      operations before income taxes  32,513    81,798    220,205    262,653   Income taxes                       13,505    32,148     86,100     93,823     Earnings from continuing      operations                      19,008    49,650    134,105    168,830   Income (loss) from discontinued    operations, net of taxes             151     1,864        567     (6,484)   Net earnings                      $19,159   $51,514   $134,672   $162,346    Basic earnings per share   Earnings from continuing    operations                         $0.42     $1.03      $2.86      $3.51   Discontinued operations               -        0.04       0.01      (0.13)   Basic earnings per share            $0.42     $1.07      $2.87      $3.38   Basic average shares outstanding   45,957    48,120     46,928     48,048    Diluted earnings per share   Earnings from continuing    operations                         $0.41     $1.01      $2.82      $3.44   Discontinued operations               -        0.04       0.01      (0.13)   Diluted earnings per share          $0.41     $1.05      $2.83      $3.31   Diluted average shares    outstanding                       46,177    49,259     47,585     49,108    Dividends paid per share           $0.215    $0.185     $0.800     $0.690      Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries   Segment Information (Unaudited)                                      Three Months         Twelve Months   Period Ended June 30,            2008      2007       2008        2007   (In thousands)   Revenues   Publishing                     $306,322  $344,718  $1,267,926  $1,268,153   Broadcasting      Non-political advertising     73,246    81,230     304,922     309,350      Political advertising          1,507       292       5,447      33,216      Other revenues                 4,118     2,230       8,236       5,266        Total broadcasting          78,871    83,752     318,605     347,832   Total revenues                 $385,193  $428,470  $1,586,531  $1,615,985    Operating profit   Publishing                      $25,557   $69,724    $190,194    $216,356   Broadcasting                     18,030    27,762      77,860     106,804   Unallocated corporate            (6,160)  (10,253)    (26,549)    (34,911)   Income from operations          $37,427   $87,233    $241,505    $288,249    Depreciation and amortization   Publishing                       $4,794    $4,845     $20,391     $18,714   Broadcasting                      7,686     6,153      26,655      24,171   Unallocated corporate               692       683       2,125       2,145   Total depreciation and    amortization                   $13,172   $11,681     $49,171     $45,030    EBITDA(1)   Publishing                      $30,351   $74,569    $210,585    $235,070   Broadcasting                     25,716    33,915     104,515     130,975   Unallocated corporate            (5,468)   (9,570)    (24,424)    (32,766)   Total EBITDA(1)                 $50,599   $98,914    $290,676    $333,279    (1) EBITDA is earnings from continuing operations before interest, taxes,       depreciation, and amortization.      Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries   Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)                                                   June 30,          June 30,   Assets                                           2008              2007   (In thousands)   Current assets   Cash and cash equivalents                      $37,644           $39,220   Accounts receivable, net                       230,978           267,419   Inventories                                     44,085            48,836   Current portion of subscription acquisition    costs                                          59,939            70,553   Current portion of broadcast rights             10,779            11,307   Other current assets                            19,665            15,305   Total current assets                           403,090           452,640   Property, plant, and equipment                 446,935           445,846   Less accumulated depreciation                 (247,147)         (239,820)   Net property, plant, and equipment             199,788           206,026   Subscription acquisition costs                  60,958            66,309   Broadcast rights                                 7,826             9,309   Other assets                                    74,472           101,178   Intangibles assets, net                        781,154           794,996   Goodwill                                       532,332           459,493   Total assets                                $2,059,620        $2,089,951    Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity   Current liabilities   Current portion of long-term debt              $75,000          $100,000   Current portion of long-term broadcast rights    payable                                        11,141            12,069   Accounts payable                                79,028            78,156   Accrued expenses and other liabilities         124,600           105,359   Current portion of unearned subscription    revenues                                      175,261           191,445   Total current liabilities                      465,030           487,029   Long-term debt                                 410,000           375,000   Long-term broadcast rights payable              17,186            18,584   Unearned subscription revenues                 157,872           167,873   Deferred income taxes                          139,598           166,597   Other noncurrent liabilities                    82,079            41,667   Total liabilities                            1,271,765         1,256,750   Shareholders' equity   Common stock                                    36,295            38,970   Class B stock                                    9,181             9,262   Additional paid-in capital                      52,693            54,842   Retained earnings                              701,205           727,628   Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)  (11,519)            2,499   Total shareholders' equity                     787,855           833,201   Total liabilities and shareholders' equity  $2,059,620        $2,089,951      Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries   Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)     Twelve Months Ended June 30,                    2008              2007   (In thousands)   Net cash provided by operating activities     $255,964          $210,522    Cash flows from investing activities     Acquisitions of businesses                   (73,645)          (30,303)     Additions to property, plant, and equipment  (29,620)          (42,599)     Proceeds from disposition of assets            7,855             7,658   Net cash used in investing activities          (95,410)          (65,244)    Cash flows from financing activities     Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt     335,000           190,000     Repayments of long-term debt                (325,000)         (280,000)     Purchases of Company stock                  (150,377)          (58,710)     Proceeds from common stock issued             14,265            41,673     Dividends paid                               (37,344)          (33,248)     Excess tax benefits from share-based      payments                                      1,475             3,514     Other                                           (149)                -   Net cash used in financing activities         (162,130)         (136,771)   Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash    equivalents                                    (1,576)            8,507   Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of    year                                           39,220            30,713   Cash and cash equivalents at end of year       $37,644           $39,220      Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries                             Table 1   Supplemental Disclosures Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures    Special Charge - During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, Meredith   recorded a special charge which relates primarily to further focusing the   scope of its book operations. The special charge included adjusting   certain book royalties, art and editorial, and inventory accounts, as   well as severance for eliminated positions in book and elsewhere in the   Company. Please see Meredith's press release dated June 5, 2008, for   additional information relating to the special charge.    The following table shows results of operations excluding the special   charge and as reported with the difference being the special charge.   Results of operations excluding the special charge are non-GAAP measures.   Management's rationale for presenting non-GAAP measures is included in   the text of this earnings release.    Period Ended June 30, 2008                      Three Months                                         Excluding                                          Special     Special                                           Charge      Charge     As Reported   (In thousands except per share data)   Revenues   Advertising                            $227,522         $-      $227,522   Circulation                              73,299          -        73,299   All other                                93,051     (8,679)(a)    84,372     Total revenues                        393,872     (8,679)      385,193   Operating expenses   Production, distribution, and editorial 172,115      4,486 (b)   176,601   Selling, general, and administrative    144,727     13,266 (c)   157,993   Depreciation and amortization            13,172          -        13,172     Total operating expenses              330,014     17,752       347,766   Income from operations                   63,858    (26,431)       37,427   Interest income                             192          -           192   Interest expense                         (5,106)         -        (5,106)     Earnings from continuing operations      before income taxes                   58,944    (26,431)       32,513   Income taxes                             23,839    (10,334)       13,505     Earnings from continuing operations    35,105    (16,097)       19,008   Income from discontinued operations,    net of taxes                               151          -           151   Net earnings                            $35,256   $(16,097)      $19,159    Basic earnings per share   Earnings from continuing operations       $0.77     $(0.35)        $0.42   Discontinued operations                     -          -             -   Basic earnings per share                  $0.77     $(0.35)        $0.42   Basic average shares outstanding         45,957     45,957        45,957    Diluted earnings per share   Earnings from continuing operations       $0.76     $(0.35)        $0.41   Discontinued operations                     -          -             -   Diluted earnings per share                $0.76     $(0.35)        $0.41   Diluted average shares outstanding       46,177     46,177        46,177      Period Ended June 30, 2008                        Twelve Months                                           Excluding                                            Special    Special                                             Charge     Charge    As Reported   (In thousands except per share data)   Revenues   Advertising                              $951,325        $-      $951,325   Circulation                               313,616         -       313,616   All other                                 330,269    (8,679)(a)   321,590     Total revenues                        1,595,210    (8,679)    1,586,531   Operating expenses   Production, distribution, and editorial   684,382     4,486 (b)   688,868   Selling, general, and administrative      593,721    13,266 (c)   606,987   Depreciation and amortization              49,171         -        49,171     Total operating expenses              1,327,274    17,752     1,345,026   Income from operations                    267,936   (26,431)      241,505   Interest income                             1,090         -         1,090   Interest expense                          (22,390)        -       (22,390)     Earnings from continuing operations      before income taxes                    246,636   (26,431)      220,205   Income taxes                               96,434   (10,334)       86,100     Earnings from continuing operations     150,202   (16,097)      134,105   Income from discontinued operations,    net of taxes                                 567         -           567   Net earnings                             $150,769  $(16,097)     $134,672    Basic earnings per share   Earnings from continuing operations         $3.20    $(0.34)        $2.86   Discontinued operations                      0.01       -            0.01   Basic earnings per share                    $3.21    $(0.34)        $2.87   Basic average shares outstanding           46,928    46,928        46,928    Diluted earnings per share   Earnings from continuing operations         $3.16    $(0.34)        $2.82   Discontinued operations                      0.01       -            0.01   Diluted earnings per share                  $3.17    $(0.34)        $2.83   Diluted average shares outstanding         47,585    47,585        47,585    Notes   (a) Increase in book sales return allowance   (b) Write-down of book inventory and editorial prepaid expenses   (c) Severance expense, write-down of book royalty, and bad debt reserve       for Home Interiors Group receivable      Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries                         Table 2   Segment Information (Unaudited)    The following table shows results of operations excluding the special   charge and as reported with the difference being the special charge.   Results of operations excluding the special charge are non-GAAP   measures. Management's rationale for presenting non-GAAP measures is   included in the text of this earnings release.    Period Ended June 30, 2008                      Three Months                                         Excluding                                          Special    Special                                           Charge     Charge     As Reported   (In thousands)   Revenues   Publishing                             $315,001    $(8,679)(a)  $306,322   Broadcasting      Non-political advertising             73,246          -        73,246      Political advertising                  1,507          -         1,507      Other revenues                         4,118          -         4,118        Total broadcasting                  78,871          -        78,871   Total revenues                         $393,872    $(8,679)     $385,193    Operating profit   Publishing                              $50,424   $(24,867)(b)   $25,557   Broadcasting                             19,449     (1,419)(c)    18,030   Unallocated corporate                    (6,015)      (145)(d)    (6,160)   Income from operations                  $63,858   $(26,431)      $37,427    Depreciation and amortization   Publishing                               $4,794         $-        $4,794   Broadcasting                              7,686          -         7,686   Unallocated corporate                       692          -           692   Total depreciation and amortization     $13,172         $-       $13,172    EBITDA(1)   Publishing                              $55,218   $(24,867)(b)   $30,351   Broadcasting                             27,135     (1,419)(c)    25,716   Unallocated corporate                    (5,323)      (145)(d)    (5,468)   Total EBITDA(1)                         $77,030   $(26,431)      $50,599      Period Ended June 30, 2008                      Twelve Months                                         Excluding                                          Special    Special                                           Charge     Charge     As Reported   (In thousands)   Revenues   Publishing                            $1,276,605  $(8,679)(a) $1,267,926   Broadcasting      Non-political advertising             304,922        -        304,922      Political advertising                   5,447        -          5,447      Other revenues                          8,236        -          8,236       Total broadcasting                   318,605        -        318,605   Total revenues                        $1,595,210  $(8,679)    $1,586,531    Operating profit   Publishing                              $215,061 $(24,867)(b)   $190,194   Broadcasting                              79,279   (1,419)(c)     77,860   Unallocated corporate                    (26,404)    (145)(d)    (26,549)   Income from operations                  $267,936 $(26,431)      $241,505    Depreciation and amortization   Publishing                               $20,391       $-        $20,391   Broadcasting                              26,655        -         26,655   Unallocated corporate                      2,125        -          2,125   Total depreciation and amortization      $49,171       $-        $49,171    EBITDA(1)   Publishing                              $235,452 $(24,867)(b)   $210,585   Broadcasting                             105,934   (1,419)(c)    104,515   Unallocated corporate                    (24,279)    (145)(d)    (24,424)   Total EBITDA(1)                         $317,107 $(26,431)      $290,676    (1) EBITDA is earnings from continuing operations before interest,       taxes, depreciation, and amortization.    Notes   (a) Increase in book sales return allowance   (b) Increase in book sales return allowance; write-down of book       inventory, book royalty, and editorial prepaid expense; bad debt       reserve for Home Interiors Group receivable, and severance       expense for Publishing operations   (c) Severance expense for Broadcasting operations   (d) Severance expense for Corporate personnel      Meredith Corporation and Subsidiaries                              Table 3   Supplemental Disclosures Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures    EBITDA   Consolidated EBITDA, which is reconciled to earnings from continuing   operations in the following tables, is defined as earnings from continuing   operations before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization.    Segment EBITDA is a measure of segment earnings before depreciation and   amortization.    Segment EBITDA margin is defined as segment EBITDA divided by segment   revenues.                                        Three Months Ended June 30, 2008                                                          Unallocated                                   Publishing Broadcasting Corporate  Total   (In thousands)   Revenues                         $306,322    $78,871        $-   $385,193    Operating profit                  $25,557    $18,030   $(6,160)   $37,427   Depreciation and amortization       4,794      7,686       692     13,172   EBITDA                            $30,351    $25,716   $(5,468)    50,599   Less:   Depreciation and amortization                                     (13,172)   Net interest expense                                               (4,914)   Income taxes                                                      (13,505)   Earnings from continuing operations                               $19,008    Segment EBITDA margin                9.9%       32.6%                                       Twelve Months Ended June 30, 2008                                                        Unallocated                                Publishing Broadcasting  Corporate   Total   (In thousands)   Revenues                      $1,267,926    $318,605        $- $1,586,531    Operating profit                $190,194     $77,860  $(26,549)  $241,505   Depreciation and amortization     20,391      26,655     2,125     49,171   EBITDA                          $210,585    $104,515  $(24,424)   290,676   Less:   Depreciation and amortization                                     (49,171)   Net interest expense                                              (21,300)   Income taxes                                                      (86,100)   Earnings from continuing    operations                                                      $134,105    Segment EBITDA margin               16.6%       32.8%                                        Three Months Ended June 30, 2007                                                         Unallocated                                 Publishing Broadcasting  Corporate   Total   (In thousands)   Revenues                        $344,718     $83,752        $-   $428,470    Operating profit                 $69,724     $27,762  $(10,253)   $87,233   Depreciation and amortization      4,845       6,153       683     11,681   EBITDA                           $74,569     $33,915   $(9,570)    98,914   Less:   Depreciation and amortization                                     (11,681)   Net interest expense                                               (5,435)   Income taxes                                                      (32,148)   Earnings from continuing operations                               $49,650    Segment EBITDA margin               21.6%       40.5%                                      Twelve Months Ended June 30, 2007                                                        Unallocated                                 Publishing Broadcasting Corporate    Total   (In thousands)   Revenues                      $1,268,153    $347,832        $- $1,615,985    Operating profit                $216,356    $106,804  $(34,911)  $288,249   Depreciation and    amortization                     18,714      24,171     2,145     45,030   EBITDA                          $235,070    $130,975  $(32,766)   333,279   Less:   Depreciation and    amortization                                                     (45,030)   Net interest expense                                              (25,596)   Income taxes                                                      (93,823)   Earnings from continuing    operations                                                      $168,830    Segment EBITDA margin               18.5%       37.7%                                                                         Table 4   FREE CASH FLOW   Free cash flow, which is reconciled to earnings from continuing operations   in the following tables, is defined as earnings from continuing operations   plus depreciation and amortization less capital expenditures.                                          Three Months       Twelve Months   Period Ended June 30,                 2008     2007      2008      2007   (In thousands)   Free cash flow                       $17,972  $47,746  $153,656  $171,261   Depreciation and amortization        (13,172) (11,681)  (49,171)  (45,030)   Capital expenditures                  14,208   13,585    29,620    42,599   Earnings from continuing operations  $19,008  $49,650  $134,105  $168,830  

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Meredith Corporation

CONTACT: Shareholder|Financial Analyst, Mike Lovell, Director of
Investor Relations, +1-515-284-3622, Mike.Lovell@Meredith.com, or Media, Art
Slusark, VP|Corporate Communications, +1-515-284-3404,
Art.Slusark@Meredith.com, both of Meredith Corporation

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


Profile: International Entertainment

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