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Scripps, Time Warner Sign Deal

Scripps Networks, Time Warner Cable Sign Multi-Network Deal
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Scripps Networks has signed several long-term agreements with Time Warner Cable to boost distribution of its lifestyle channels by nearly 12 million viewers within the next two years.

The agreement lets Time Warner Cable carry HGTV (Home & Garden Television), Food Network and DIY Network (Do It Yourself), all owned by Scripps.

Time Warner also will carry Scripps' newest network, Fine Living, which is set to launch in early 2002.

The Food Network will be added to Time Warner Cable systems in several markets, including Houston, Tampa, Minneapolis, Milwaukee and Charlotte, N.C.

Time Warner also will add HGTV to some of its systems that aren't currently carrying it.

Food Network is currently distributed to 67 million homes; HGTV, 74 million homes. DIY Network, primarily available through satellite systems, is expected to reach 20 million subscribers by 2003, with Fine Living reaching 5 million in its first year.

The deal, announced Monday, marks the first time Scripps has made a long-term distribution agreement for all four of its networks. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Scripps Networks, based in Knoxville, is an operating unit of The E. W. Scripps Company, a media corporation based in Cincinnati. Time Warner Cable, an operating unit of AOL Time Warner Inc. [NYSE:AOL - news], owns and manages cable operations serving 12.7 million customers.

http://biz.yahoo.com/apf/011016/scripps_time_warner_1.html