Distribution Agreements in Europe, Asia Demonstrate Fine Living's International Appeal

Latest Licensing Deals Brings 2 Million Additional Households to Scripps Networks' Newest Lifestyle Television Network

KNOXVILLE, Tenn., April 3 -- Fine Living, which has enjoyed one of the fastest starts in television history since its launch by Scripps Networks last year, is extending its presence in the international arena with new distribution deals in Europe and Asia. Licensing agreements with Sweden's Titan Media on behalf of TV4 Plus, Thailand's United Broadcasting Corporation, and Iceland's Screen One are adding more than 2 million households to the Fine Living distribution roster.

Sweden's TV4 is airing two of Fine Living's most popular automotive series -- "A CARography" and "Road & Track Presents: Ride of Your Life" -- from the network's library of 100 percent original programming encompassing five lifestyle categories. The two programs have been licensed by the broadcaster as part of a new basic cable service, TV4 Plus, that became available to 1.5 million Swedish households last month. "A CARography" chronicles the public's fascination with the automobile, while "Ride of Your Life" takes viewers inside the world of motion and driving machines.

"These are the best series I have seen about the history of cars. The production quality is very high," said Mats Orbrink, senior vice president of Titan Media, the Swedish production house that packaged factual programming for the new TV4 Plus service.

Noting that Fine Living programming "will complement the HGTV and Food Network programs we've already licensed from Scripps," Arthit Promprasit, Manager, Programme Acquisitions for United Broadcasting Corporation confirmed that Thailand's UBC Series channel will air two Fine Living programs beginning April 1. Reaching about 437,000 UBC households, these series are "Breathing Room," on the sanctuary of home, and "The Genuine Article," on many of the world's finest products and services. "Breathing Room" also is a new addition to The Icelandic Broadcasting Corporation, with distribution on Iceland's only free-to-air network, Screen One, beginning in February. The series is broadcast to approximately 225,000 households.

"We here at ITC Screen One are very happy with 'Breathing Room'," added Helgi Hermannsson, Head of Acquisitions, Screen One. "It fits well into our Tuesday ladies night concept."

Kristen Jordan, vice president of international development for Scripps Networks, said, "The concept behind Fine Living is 'Live Like You Mean It,' and every program on the network has been designed with appeal that crosses all borders. This is exemplified by the significant number of episodes shot on location around the world.

"We welcome the viewers from Sweden, Thailand and Iceland to Fine Living's growing international audience," Jordan added.

Fine Living -- with programming categories covering Adventure, Personal Space, Favorite Things, Transport, and Fine Living Every Day -- made its international debut in New Zealand in February. The network, which inspires and empowers people to realize their dreams and live better, currently reaches more than 14 million homes in the United States.

With Fine Living, HGTV, Food Network and DIY-Do It Yourself Network, Scripps Networks' brands collectively are available in 33 countries. They also are distributed to 1,000 outlets on U.S. military bases and U.S. embassies around the world on the American Armed Forces Radio and Television Network.

About Scripps Networks

Scripps Networks is owned by the E.W. Scripps Company , 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 and four cable television networks. Most recently, the company acquired the Shop At Home network. Scripps also operates Scripps Howard News Service, United Media, the worldwide licensing and syndication home of PEANUTS and DILBERT, and 31 websites sites including HGTV.com, foodnetwork.com, diynet.com, fineliving.com and comics.com.