Tribune Reports 2006 Third Quarter Results

Tribune Reports 2006 Third Quarter Results

CHICAGO, Oct. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Tribune Company (NYSE:TRB) today reported third quarter 2006 diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $.65 compared with $.06 in the third quarter of 2005.

Third quarter 2006 results from continuing operations included the following:

-- A net non-operating gain of $.22 per diluted share, $.19 of which
relates to the restructuring in September of TMCT, LLC and TMCT II,
LLC, two partnerships that Tribune inherited in its acquisition of
Times Mirror. Tribune recorded a one-time gain of $48 million, net of
tax, as a result of this transaction.

Third quarter 2005 results from continuing operations included the following:

-- A net non-operating loss of $.43 per diluted share related primarily to
an adverse tax ruling disallowing the 1998 tax-free reorganization of
Matthew Bender, a former subsidiary of Times Mirror. Tribune inherited
the preexisting tax dispute in its acquisition of Times Mirror.

Tribune presents earnings per share amounts on a generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") basis only. This differs from the pro forma earnings per share amounts supplied by broker analysts to databases such as First Call.

"Our third quarter financial results reflect the continued soft advertising environment," said Dennis FitzSimons, Tribune chairman, president and chief executive officer. "However, growth in our interactive business is solid and the newly-launched CW Network will drive improved prime time ratings and revenues at our television stations. We continue to make progress with our overall performance improvement plan as we focus on maximizing value for Tribune shareholders."

On Sept. 21, 2006, the company announced that its board of directors had established an independent special committee to oversee management's exploration of strategic alternatives for creating additional value for shareholders.

As part of its performance improvement plan, the company announced the sales of its Atlanta and Albany television stations in June 2006 and its Boston television station in September. The results of operations of these stations are now reported as discontinued operations. Tribune closed the sale of its Atlanta television station during the third quarter. The Boston and Albany sales will close upon regulatory approval.

THIRD QUARTER 2006 RESULTS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS(1) (Compared to Third Quarter 2005)

CONSOLIDATED

Tribune's 2006 third quarter operating revenues decreased 3 percent, or $35 million, to $1.35 billion. Consolidated cash operating expenses were up 1 percent, or $11 million, which included $4 million of stock-based compensation expense. Operating cash flow was down 14 percent to $293 million from $338 million, while operating profit declined 17 percent to $235 million from $283 million.

PUBLISHING

Publishing's third quarter operating revenues were $956 million, down 2 percent, or $24 million. Publishing cash operating expenses increased $3 million to $772 million. Publishing operating cash flow was $185 million, a 13 percent decrease from $212 million in 2005. Publishing operating profit decreased 17 percent to $141 million, down from $170 million in 2005.

Management Discussion

-- Advertising revenues decreased 2 percent, or $17 million, for the
quarter. Excluding Newsday, advertising revenues declined 1 percent,
or $6 million.

-- Retail advertising revenues were flat for the quarter. Increases at
South Florida, Orlando, Chicago and Newport News were offset by
decreases at Newsday and Hartford. Preprint revenues decreased 1
percent; excluding Newsday, preprint revenues were up 1 percent.

-- National advertising revenues were down 8 percent for the quarter, with
declines across most categories.

-- Classified advertising revenues declined 1 percent for the quarter:
real estate revenues rose 24 percent, auto revenues fell by 15 percent
and help wanted revenues declined 10 percent.

-- Interactive revenues, which are included in the above categories, were
up 28 percent to $61 million, mainly due to strength across all
classified categories.

-- Circulation revenues were down 6 percent, or $9 million, for the
quarter.

-- Individually paid circulation (home delivery plus single copy) for
Tribune's 11 metro newspapers averaged 2.8 million copies daily
(Mon-Fri) and 4.0 million copies Sunday, down about 0.8 percent and
2.5 percent respectively, from the same reporting period in 2005.

-- Total net paid circulation averaged 2.8 million copies daily
(Mon-Fri), off 3.8 percent from the prior year's third quarter, and
4.1 million copies Sunday, representing a decline of 4.6 percent
from the prior year as the company continued to reduce "other paid"
circulation.

-- Cash operating expenses increased $3 million primarily due to
$2 million of stock-based compensation expense and a $2 million
severance charge related to outsourcing circulation call centers. All
other cash expenses were down slightly as increases in mailed preprint
advertising postage, outside services and newsprint expense were more
than offset by lower compensation expense resulting from a 5 percent
reduction in full time equivalent employees.

BROADCASTING AND ENTERTAINMENT

Broadcasting and entertainment's third quarter operating revenues decreased 3 percent to $393 million, down from $403 million in 2005. Group cash operating expenses increased 3 percent, or $7 million, to $271 million. Operating cash flow was $121 million, down 13 percent from $139 million, and operating profit decreased 15 percent to $108 million from $127 million in 2005.

Television's third quarter revenues decreased 3 percent to $278 million, down from $288 million in 2005. Television cash operating expenses were up 3 percent, or $5 million from last year. Television operating cash flow was $86 million, a 15 percent decrease from $101 million in 2005. Television operating profit declined 18 percent to $74 million, down from $90 million.

Management Discussion

-- Station revenues in Los Angeles showed improvement in part due to
increased political advertising, while New York and Chicago were down
for the quarter. On a group basis, declines in the retail, health
care, auto and restaurant categories were partially offset by gains in
movies, telecom and education categories.

-- Television's cash operating expenses were up 3 percent, or $5 million,
due to a $6 million increase in broadcast rights and $1 million of
stock-based compensation expense, partially offset by current year cost
savings and the absence of approximately $2 million of costs related to
Hurricane Katrina at our two New Orleans stations in 2005.

-- Radio/entertainment revenues reflect reduced syndication revenues at
Tribune Entertainment and lower revenues at WGN Radio, partially offset
by higher revenues for the Chicago Cubs.

EQUITY RESULTS

Net equity income was $19 million in the third quarter of 2006, compared with $8 million in the third quarter of 2005. The increase reflects operating improvements at TV Food Network and CareerBuilder, as well as the absence of losses from The WB Network.

NON-OPERATING ITEMS

In the 2006 third quarter, Tribune recorded a pre-tax non-operating gain of $64 million primarily as a result of the restructuring of TMCT, LLC and TMCT II, LLC. Other non-operating items included a gain on the sale of 2.8 million shares of Time Warner stock unrelated to the PHONES and a loss from marking-to-market the derivative component of the company's PHONES and the related Time Warner investment. In addition, the company recorded a favorable $4 million income tax expense adjustment as a result of resolving certain state income tax issues. In the aggregate, non-operating items in the third quarter of 2006 resulted in an after-tax gain of $56 million, or $.22 per diluted share.

In the 2005 third quarter, Tribune recorded a pre-tax non-operating gain of $27 million primarily from marking-to-market the derivative component of the company's PHONES and the related Time Warner investment. In addition, the company recorded $150 million of additional income tax expense as a result of the Matthew Bender Tax Court ruling. The company has appealed the Tax Court ruling to the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. Tribune does not expect a ruling before the second half of 2007. The company cannot predict with certainty the outcome of this appeal. In the aggregate, non- operating items in the third quarter of 2005 resulted in an after-tax loss of $134 million, or $.43 per diluted share.

ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL DETAILS

Corporate expenses for the 2006 third quarter increased to $14 million from $13 million in the third quarter of 2005, primarily due to $1 million of stock-based compensation expense.

In conjunction with the leveraged recapitalization initiated in May, the company acquired 45 million shares of its common stock at a price of $32.50 per share on July 5, 2006. The company also acquired 10 million shares of its common stock from the McCormick Tribune Foundation and the Cantigny Foundation at a price of $32.50 per share on July 12. In addition, Tribune repurchased 11 million shares in the third quarter of 2006 in the open market. Diluted weighted average shares outstanding declined by 19 percent from the third quarter of 2005 due to the stock repurchases.

Interest expense for the 2006 third quarter increased to $84 million, up 118 percent from $39 million in the third quarter of 2005. The increase in interest expense was primarily due to higher debt levels and interest rates. Debt, excluding the PHONES, was $4.7 billion at the end of the 2006 third quarter and $2.0 billion at the end of the 2005 third quarter. The increase was due to financing the stock repurchases and paying the Matthew Bender and Mosby tax liabilities in the fourth quarter of 2005.

Capital expenditures were $57 million in the third quarter of 2006.

DETAILS OF CONFERENCE CALL

Today at 8 a.m., CT, management will host a conference call to discuss third quarter 2006 results. To access the call, dial 800/561-2601 (domestic) or 617/614-3518 (international) at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled 8 a.m. start. The participant access code is 72156881. Replays of the conference call will be available October 19 through October 26. To hear the replay, dial 888/286-8010 (domestic) or 617/801-6888 (international) and use access code 61413683. A live webcast will be accessible through http://www.tribune.com/ and http://www.earnings.com/ . An archive of the webcast will be available on these sites from October 19 through November 2.

More information about Tribune is available at http://www.tribune.com/ or by calling 800/757-1694.

TRIBUNE (NYSE:TRB) is one of the country's top media companies, operating businesses in publishing, interactive and broadcasting. It reaches more than 80 percent of U.S. households and is the only media organization with newspapers, television stations and websites in the nation's top three markets. In publishing, Tribune's leading daily newspapers include the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, Newsday (Long Island, NY), The Sun (Baltimore), South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Orlando Sentinel and Hartford Courant. The company's broadcasting group operates 25 television stations, Superstation WGN on national cable, Chicago's WGN-AM and the Chicago Cubs baseball team. Popular news and information websites complement Tribune's print and broadcast properties and extend the company's nationwide audience.

This press release contains certain comments or forward-looking statements that are based largely on the company's current expectations and are subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties. Such comments and statements should be understood in the context of Tribune's publicly available reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including the most current annual 10-K report and quarterly 10-Q report, which contain a discussion of various factors that may affect the company's business or financial results. Any of these factors could cause actual future performance to differ materially from current expectations. Tribune Company is not responsible for updating the information contained in this press release beyond the published date, or for changes made to this document by wire services or Internet service providers. This press release is being furnished to the SEC through a Form 8-K. The company's next 10-Q report to be filed with the SEC may contain updates to the information included in this release.

(1) "Operating profit" for each segment excludes interest and dividend income, interest expense, equity income and losses, non-operating items and income taxes. "Operating cash flow" is defined as operating profit before depreciation and amortization. "Cash operating expenses" are defined as operating expenses before depreciation and amortization. Tables accompanying this release include a reconciliation of operating profit to operating cash flow and operating expenses to cash operating expenses. References to individual daily newspapers include their related businesses.

TRIBUNE COMPANY
THIRD QUARTER RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share data)

THIRD QUARTER (A)
------------------------------------
%
2006 2005 Change
--------- --------- --------
OPERATING REVENUES $ 1,349,035 $ 1,383,703 (2.5)
OPERATING EXPENSES(B) 1,113,721 1,100,215 1.2
--------- ---------

OPERATING PROFIT(C) 235,314 283,488 (17.0)

Net Income on Equity Investments 18,743 8,051 132.8
Interest and Dividend Income 4,678 2,888 62.0
Interest Expense (84,324) (38,617) 118.4
Non-Operating Items(D) 63,525 27,175 133.8
--------- ---------
Income from Continuing Operations
Before Income Taxes 237,936 282,985 (15.9)

Income Taxes(D) (74,154) (261,298) (71.6)
--------- ---------
Income from Continuing Operations 163,782 21,687 NM

Income from Discontinued
Operations, net of tax (E) 558 2,324 (76.0)
--------- ---------

NET INCOME 164,340 24,011 NM

Preferred Dividends (2,103) (2,090) 0.6
--------- ---------
Net Income Attributable
to Common Shares $ 162,237 $ 21,921 NM
========= =========
EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic
Continuing Operations $ .65 $ .06 NM
Discontinued Operations - .01 NM
--------- ---------
Net Income $ .66 $ .07 NM
========= =========

Diluted(F)
Continuing Operations $ .65 $ .06 NM
Discontinued Operations - .01 NM
--------- ---------
Net Income $ .65 $ .07 NM
========= =========

DIVIDENDS PER COMMON SHARE $ .18 $ .18 -
--------- ---------
Diluted Weighted Average Common
Shares Outstanding(G) 252,808 313,797 (19.4)
--------- ---------

(A) 2006 third quarter: June 26, 2006 to Sept. 24, 2006. (13 weeks)
2005 third quarter: June 27, 2005 to Sept. 25, 2005. (13 weeks)

(B) Operating expenses for the third quarter of 2006 included $4 million,
or $.01 per diluted share, of stock-based compensation expense
($2 million for Publishing, $1 million for Broadcasting and
Entertainment and $1 million for Corporate) and $2 million of
severance expense in Publishing.

(C) Operating profit excludes interest and dividend income, interest
expense, equity income and losses, non-operating items and income
taxes.

(D) The third quarter of 2006 included the following non-operating items:

Pretax After-tax Diluted
Gain (Loss) Gain (Loss) EPS
--------- --------- ---------
Loss on derivatives and
related investments (1) $ (17,746)$ (10,825) $ (.04)
Gain on TMCT transactions (2) 59,596 47,988 .19
Gain on sales of investments,
net (3) 17,507 10,679 .04
Other, net 4,168 4,618 .02
Income tax adjustment (4) - 3,820 .02
--------- --------- ---------
Total non-operating items $ 63,525 $ 56,280 $ .22
========= ========= =========

The third quarter of 2005 included the following non-operating items:

Pretax After-tax Diluted
Gain Gain (Loss) EPS
--------- --------- ---------
Gain on derivatives and
related investments(1) $ 27,120 $ 16,543 $ .05
Other, net 55 34 -
Income tax adjustments (5) - (150,493) (.48)
--------- --------- ---------
Total non-operating items $ 27,175 $ (133,916) $ (.43)
========= ========= =========

(1) Gain (loss) on derivatives and related investments represents the
net change in fair values of the derivative component of the
Company's PHONES and the related Time Warner shares.

(2) The Company recorded a gain as a result of the restructuring of
the TMCT, LLC and TMCT II, LLC partnerships on Sept. 22, 2006.

(3) The 2006 gain on sale of investments consisted primarily of the
gain on sale of 2.8 million shares of Time Warner stock unrelated
to the PHONES.

(4) In the third quarter of 2006, the Company reduced its income tax
expense and liabilities by $4 million as a result of favorably
resolving certain state income tax issues.

(5) On Sept. 27, 2005, the United States Court issued an opinion
disallowing the 1998 tax-free reorganization of Matthew Bender, a
former subsidiary of The Times Mirror Company. Tribune acquired
Times Mirror in 2000, and inherited the preexisting tax dispute
at that time. Taxes and related interest for both the Matthew
Bender transaction and a similar transaction completed by Times
Mirror for its Mosby subsidiary in the same year total
approximately $1 billion. Over time, deductions for state taxes
and interest will reduce the net cash outlay to approximately
$840 million. The Company had a tax reserve of approximately $230
million, net of tax, related to the litigation. As a result of
the Tax Court ruling, the Company increased its tax reserve by
$609 million by recording additional income tax expense of $150
million and goodwill of approximately $459 million in the third
quarter of 2005.

(E) In June 2006, the Company announced agreements to sell its Atlanta and
Albany television stations. The sale of Atlanta closed in August
2006. In September 2006, the Company announced an agreement to sell
its Boston television station. Operating results for these stations
are now reported as discontinued operations. A gain is expected on
the Boston sale and will be recorded when the sale closes. Income from
discontinued operations in the third quarter included the following:

Third Quarter
------------------------
2006 2005
--------- ---------
Income from operations,
net of tax $ 72 $ 2,324
Adjustment to loss on sale of
Atlanta, net of tax 486 -
--------- ---------
Total $ 558 $ 2,324
========= =========

(F) For the third quarters of 2006 and 2005, weighted average common
shares outstanding used in the calculations of diluted earnings per
share ("EPS") were adjusted for the dilutive effect of stock-based
compensation grants. In addition, the third quarter 2006 diluted EPS
calculation assumed that the Company's Series C, D-1 and D-2 preferred
shares were converted into common shares. All of the Series C, D-1
and D-2 preferred shares were issued to and held by TMCT, LLC and TMCT
II, LLC. In connection with a restructuring of these partnerships,
all of these preferred shares were distributed to the Company on Sept.
22, 2006 and are no longer outstanding. Weighted average converted
shares through Sept. 22, 2006 were used in the third quarter 2006
calculation. The Series C, D-1 and D-2 preferred shares were not
reflected in the third quarter 2005 diluted EPS calculation because
their effects were anti- dilutive. Following are the calculations for
the third quarter:

Third Quarter
------------------------
2006 2005
--------- ---------

Income from continuing operations $ 163,782 $ 21,687
Income from discontinued
operations, net of tax 558 2,324
--------- ---------
Net income 164,340 24,011

Dividends for Series C, D-1
and D-2 preferred stock - (2,090)
--------- ---------
Adjusted net income attributable
to common shares $ 164,340 $ 21,921
========= =========
Weighted average common
shares outstanding 247,389 311,345
Adjustment for stock-based
compensation grants 2,116 2,452
Adjustment for assumed conversion
of Series C, D-1 and D-2
preferred stock 3,303 -
--------- ---------
Adjusted weighted average
common shares outstanding 252,808 313,797
--------- ---------

Diluted earnings per share:
Continuing operations $ .65 $ .06
Discontinued operations - .01
--------- ---------
Net Income $ .65 $ .07
========= =========

(G) The number of common shares outstanding, in thousands, at Sept. 24,
2006 was 238,769.

TRIBUNE COMPANY
THREE QUARTERS RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share data)

THREE QUARTERS (A)
-------------------------------------
%
2006 2005 Change
--------- --------- ------
OPERATING REVENUES $ 4,050,855 $ 4,119,287 (1.7)
OPERATING EXPENSES(B) 3,289,198 3,255,806 1.0
--------- ---------

OPERATING PROFIT(C) 761,657 863,481 (11.8)

Net Income on Equity Investments(D) 51,308 20,419 151.3
Interest and Dividend Income 9,330 5,135 81.7
Interest Expense (180,375) (109,075) 65.4
Non-Operating Items(E) 43,104 90,227 (52.2)
--------- ---------

Income from Continuing Operations
Before Income Taxes 685,024 870,187 (21.3)

Income Taxes(E) (256,257) (478,583) (46.5)
--------- ---------
Income from Continuing Operations 428,767 391,604 9.5

(Loss) Income from Discontinued
Operations, net of tax(F) (73,829) 8,644 NM
--------- ---------

NET INCOME 354,938 400,248 (11.3)

Preferred Dividends (6,309) (6,270) 0.6
--------- ---------

Net Income Attributable
to Common Shares $ 348,629 $ 393,978 (11.5)
========= =========
EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic
Continuing Operations $ 1.48 $ 1.22 21.3
Discontinued Operations (.26) .03 NM
--------- ---------
Net Income $ 1.22 $ 1.25 (2.4)
========= =========

Diluted(G)
Continuing Operations $ 1.47 $ 1.21 21.5
Discontinued Operations (.26) .03 NM
--------- ---------
Net Income $ 1.22 $ 1.24 (1.6)
========= =========

DIVIDENDS PER COMMON SHARE $ .54 $ .54 -
--------- ---------
Diluted Weighted Average Common
Shares Outstanding(H) 286,435 317,378 (9.7)
--------- ---------

(A) 2006 three quarters: Dec. 26, 2005 to Sept. 24, 2006. (39 weeks)
2005 three quarters: Dec. 27, 2004 to Sept. 25, 2005. (39 weeks)

(B) Operating expenses for the first three quarters of 2006 included
stock-based compensation expense of $27 million, or $.06 per diluted
share ($12 million for Publishing, $5 million for Broadcasting and
Entertainment and $10 million for Corporate), a charge of $20 million,
or $.04 per diluted share, for severance and other payments associated
with the new union contracts at Newsday, $2 million for other
severance charges in Publishing and a gain of $7 million, or $.02 per
diluted share, related to property sales in Publishing.

(C) Operating profit excludes interest and dividend income, interest
expense, equity income and losses, non-operating items and income
taxes.

(D) Net income on equity investments for the first three quarters of 2006
included the Company's $5.9 million share of a one-time favorable
income tax adjustment at CareerBuilder.

(E) The first three quarters of 2006 included the following non-operating
items:

Pretax After-tax Diluted
Gain (Loss) Gain (Loss) EPS
--------- --------- ---------

Loss on derivatives and
related investments (1) $ (34,184) $ (20,852) $ (.07)
Gain on TMCT transactions (2) 59,596 47,988 .17
Gain on sales of investments,
net (3) 20,811 12,695 .04
Other, net (3,119) 169 -
Income tax adjustments - 225 -
--------- --------- ---------
Total non-operating items $ 43,104 $ 40,225 $ .14
========= ========= =========

The first three quarters of 2005 included the following non-operating items:

Pretax After-tax Diluted
Gain Gain (Loss) EPS
--------- --------- ---------

Gain on derivatives and
related investments(1) $ 86,671 $ 52,869 $ .17
Other, net 3,556 2,169 .01
Income tax adjustments(4) - (138,664) (.44)
--------- --------- ---------
Total non-operating items $ 90,227 $ (83,626)$ (.26)
========= ========= =========

(1) Gain(loss) on derivatives and related investments represents the
net change in fair values of the derivative component of the
Company's PHONES and the related Time Warner shares.

(2) The Company recorded a gain as a result of restructuring of the
TMCT, LLC and TMCT II, LLC partnerships on Sept. 22, 2006.

(3) The 2006 gain on sale of investments consisted primarily of the
gain on sale of 2.8 million shares of Time Warner stock unrelated
to the PHONES.

(4) On Sept. 27, 2005, the United States Court issued an opinion
disallowing the 1998 tax-free reorganization of Matthew Bender, a
former subsidiary of The Times Mirror Company. Tribune acquired
Times Mirror in 2000, and inherited the preexisting tax dispute
at that time. Taxes and related interest for both the Matthew
Bender transaction and a similar transaction completed by Times
Mirror for its Mosby subsidiary in the same year total
approximately $1 billion. Over time, deductions for state taxes
and interest will reduce the net cash outlay to approximately
$840 million. The Company had a tax reserve of approximately
$230 million, net of tax, related to the litigation. As a result
of the Tax Court ruling, the Company increased its tax reserve
by $609 million by recording additional income tax expense of
$150 million and goodwill of approximately $459 million in the
third quarter 2005. In the first quarter of 2005, the Company
reduced its income tax expense and liabilities by a total of
$12 million as a result of favorably resolving certain federal
income tax issues.

(F) In June 2006, the Company announced agreements to sell its Atlanta and
Albany television stations. The sale of Atlanta closed in August
2006. In September 2006, the Company announced an agreement to sell
its Boston television station. Operating results for these stations
are now reported as discontinued operations. Income (loss) from
discontinued operations in the first three quarters included the
following:

Three Quarters
-------------------------
2006 2005
--------- ---------
Income from operations, net
of tax $ 3,704 $ 8,644
Loss on sales, net of tax (1) (77,533) -
--------- ---------
Total $ (73,829) $ 8,644
========= =========

(1) In the first three quarters of 2006, the Company recorded a
pretax loss of $89 million, including $80 million of allocated
television group goodwill, to write down the Atlanta and Albany
net assets to estimated fair value, less cost to sell. In
accordance with Financial Accounting Standard ("FAS") No. 142,
"Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets", the Company aggregates
all of its television stations into one reporting unit for
goodwill accounting purposes. Although no goodwill was recorded
when the Atlanta station was acquired and only $.3 million of
goodwill was recorded for the Albany acquisition, FAS 142
requires the Company to allocate a portion of its total
television group goodwill to stations that are sold based on the
fair value of the stations, relative to the fair value of the
Company's remaining stations. A gain is expected on the Boston
sale and will be recorded when the sale closes.

(G) For the first three quarters of 2006 and 2005, weighted average common
shares outstanding used in the calculations of diluted earnings per
share ("EPS") were adjusted for the dilutive effect of stock-based
compensation grants. The Company's Series C, D-1 and D-2 convertible
preferred shares were not included in the calculation of diluted EPS
for the first three quarters of either year because their effects were
antidilutive. All of the Series C, D-1 and D-2 preferred shares were
issued to and held by TMCT, LLC and TMCT II, LLC. In connection with
a restructuring of these partnerships, all of these preferred shares
were distributed to the Company on Sept. 22, 2006 and are no longer
outstanding. Following are the calculations for the first three
quarters:

Three Quarters
-------------------------
2006 2005
--------- ---------

Income from continuing operations $ 428,767 $ 391,604
(Loss) income from discontinued
operations, net of tax (73,829) 8,644
--------- ---------
Net income $ 354,938 $ 400,248
Dividends for Series C, D-1
and D-2 preferred stock (6,309) (6,270)
--------- ---------
Net income attributable
to common shares $ 348,629 $ 393,978
========= =========
Weighted average common
shares outstanding 284,764 314,706
Adjustment for stock-based
compensation grants 1,671 2,672
--------- ---------
Adjusted weighted average
common shares outstanding 286,435 317,378
--------- ---------

Diluted earnings per share:
Continuing operations 1.47 1.21
Discontinued operations (.26) .03
--------- ---------
Net Income $ 1.22 $ 1.24
========= =========

(H) The number of common shares outstanding, in thousands, at Sept. 24,
2006 was 238,769.

TRIBUNE COMPANY
BUSINESS SEGMENT DATA (Unaudited)
(In thousands)

THIRD QUARTER
----------------------------------------
%
2006 2005 Change
PUBLISHING --------- --------- ------
Operating Revenues $ 956,480 $ 980,354 (2.4)
Cash Operating Expenses
(A)(B)(C) (771,740) (768,326) 0.4
--------- ---------
Operating Cash Flow(D)(E) 184,740 212,028 (12.9)
Depreciation and Amortization
Expense (43,508) (42,298) 2.9
--------- ---------
Total Operating Profit(E) $ 141,232 $ 169,730 (16.8)
========= =========
BROADCASTING AND ENTERTAINMENT
Operating Revenues
Television $ 277,540 $ 287,542 (3.5)
Radio/Entertainment 115,015 115,807 (0.7)
--------- ---------
Total Operating Revenues 392,555 403,349 (2.7)

Cash Operating Expenses(A)(C)
Television (191,629) (186,709) 2.6
Radio/Entertainment (79,621) (77,543) 2.7
--------- ---------
Total Cash Operating
Expenses (271,250) (264,252) 2.6

Operating Cash Flow(D)(E)
Television 85,911 100,833 (14.8)
Radio/Entertainment 35,394 38,264 (7.5)
--------- ---------
Total Operating Cash Flow 121,305 139,097 (12.8)

Depreciation and Amortization
Expense
Television (11,834) (10,919) 8.4
Radio/Entertainment (1,671) (1,312) 27.4
--------- ---------
Total Depreciation and
Amortization Expense (13,505) (12,231) 10.4

Operating Profit (Loss) (E)
Television 74,077 89,914 (17.6)
Radio/Entertainment 33,723 36,952 (8.7)
--------- ---------
Total Operating Profit $ 107,800 $ 126,866 (15.0)
========= =========
CORPORATE EXPENSES
Operating Cash Flow(D)(E) $ (13,362)$ (12,694) 5.3
Depreciation and Amortization
Expense (356) (414) (14.0)
--------- ---------
Total Operating Loss(E) $ (13,718)$ (13,108) 4.7
========= =========
CONSOLIDATED
Operating Revenues $ 1,349,035 $ 1,383,703 (2.5)
Cash Operating Expenses
(A)(C) (1,056,352) (1,045,272) 1.1
--------- ---------
Operating Cash Flow(D)(E) 292,683 338,431 (13.5)
Depreciation and Amortization
Expense (57,369) (54,943) 4.4
--------- ---------
Total Operating Profit(E) $ 235,314 $ 283,488 (17.0)
========= =========

(A) The Company uses cash operating expenses to evaluate internal
performance. The Company has presented cash operating expenses
because it is a common measure used by rating agencies, financial
analysts and investors. Cash operating expenses are not a measure of
financial performance under generally accepted accounting principles
("GAAP") and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute
for measures of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Following is a reconciliation of operating expenses to cash operating
expenses for the third quarter of 2006:

Publishing B&E Corporate Consol.
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Operating
expenses $ 815,248 $ 284,755 $ 13,718 $ 1,113,721
Less:
depreciation
and
amortization
expense 43,508 13,505 356 57,369
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Cash operating
expenses $ 771,740 $ 271,250 $ 13,362 $ 1,056,352
========= ========= ========= =========

Following is a reconciliation of operating expenses to cash operating
expenses for the third quarter of 2005:

Publishing B&E Corporate Consol.
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Operating
expenses $ 810,624 $ 276,483 $ 13,108 $ 1,100,215
Less:
depreciation
and
amortization
expense 42,298 12,231 414 54,943
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Cash operating
expenses $ 768,326 $ 264,252 $ 12,694 $ 1,045,272
========= ========= ========= =========

(B) Publishing cash operating expenses for the third quarter of 2006
included $2 million of other severance charges.

(C) Cash operating expenses for the third quarter of 2006 included stock-
based compensation expense of $2 million for Publishing, $1 million
for Broadcasting and Entertainment and $1 million for Corporate.

(D) Operating cash flow is defined as operating profit before depreciation
and amortization. The Company uses operating cash flow along with
operating profit and other measures to evaluate the financial
performance of the Company's business segments. The Company has
presented operating cash flow because it is a common alternative
measure of financial performance used by rating agencies, financial
analysts and investors. These groups use operating cash flow along
with other measures as a way to estimate the value of a company. The
Company's definition of operating cash flow may not be consistent with
that of other companies. Operating cash flow does not represent cash
provided by operating activities as reflected in the Company's
consolidated statements of cash flows, is not a measure of financial
performance under GAAP and should not be considered in isolation or as
a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with
GAAP.

(E) Operating profit for each segment excludes interest and dividend
income, interest expense, equity income and losses, non-operating
items and income taxes.

Following is a reconciliation of operating profit (loss) to operating
cash flow for the third quarter of 2006:

Publishing B&E Corporate Consol.
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Operating profit
(loss) $ 141,232 $ 107,800 $ (13,718) $ 235,314
Add back:
depreciation and
amortization
expense 43,508 13,505 356 57,369
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Operating cash
flow $ 184,740 $ 121,305 $ (13,362) $ 292,683
========= ========= ========= =========

Following is a reconciliation of operating profit (loss) to operating
cash flow for the third quarter of 2005:

Publishing B&E Corporate Consol.
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Operating profit
(loss) $ 169,730 $ 126,866 $ (13,108) $ 283,488
Add back:
depreciation and
amortization
expense 42,298 12,231 414 54,943
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Operating cash
flow $ 212,028 $ 139,097 $ (12,694) $ 338,431
========= ========= ========= =========

TRIBUNE COMPANY
BUSINESS SEGMENT DATA (Unaudited)
(In thousands)

THREE QUARTERS
----------------------------------------
%
PUBLISHING 2006 2005 Change
--------- --------- ------
Operating Revenues $ 2,981,312 $ 3,024,490 (1.4)
Cash Operating Expenses
(A)(B)(C) (2,328,634) (2,306,416) 1.0
--------- ---------
Operating Cash Flow(D)(E) 652,678 718,074 (9.1)
Depreciation and Amortization
Expense (128,567) (132,154) (2.7)
--------- ---------
Total Operating Profit(E) $ 524,111 $ 585,920 (10.5)
========= =========

BROADCASTING AND ENTERTAINMENT

Operating Revenues
Television $ 852,922 $ 869,908 (2.0)
Radio/Entertainment 216,621 224,889 (3.7)
--------- ---------
Total Operating Revenues 1,069,543 1,094,797 (2.3)

Cash Operating Expenses(A)(C)
Television (569,043) (549,361) 3.6
Radio/Entertainment (176,940) (191,652) (7.7)
--------- ---------
Total Cash Operating
Expenses (745,983) (741,013) 0.7

Operating Cash Flow(D)(E)
Television 283,879 320,547 (11.4)
Radio/Entertainment 39,681 33,237 19.4
--------- ---------
Total Operating Cash Flow 323,560 353,784 (8.5)

Depreciation and Amortization
Expense
Television (33,395) (32,512) (2.7)
Radio/Entertainment (4,518) (3,683) 22.7
--------- ---------
Total Depreciation and
Amortization Expense (37,913) (36,195) 4.7

Operating Profit(Loss)(E)
Television 250,484 288,035 (13.0)
Radio/Entertainment 35,163 29,554 19.0
--------- ---------
Total Operating Profit $ 285,647 $ 317,589 (10.1)
========= =========
CORPORATE EXPENSES

Operating Cash Flow(D)(E) $ (47,060)$ (38,807) 21.3
Depreciation and Amortization
Expense (1,041) (1,221) (14.7)
--------- ---------
Total Operating Loss(E) $ (48,101)$ (40,028) 20.2
========= =========

CONSOLIDATED

Operating Revenues $ 4,050,855 $ 4,119,287 (1.7)
Cash Operating Expenses
(A)(C) (3,121,677) (3,086,236) 1.1
--------- ---------
Operating Cash Flow(D)(E) 929,178 1,033,051 (10.1)
Depreciation and Amortization
Expense (167,521) (169,570) (1.2)
--------- ---------
Total Operating Profit(E) $ 761,657 $ 863,481 (11.8)
========= =========

(A) The Company uses cash operating expenses to evaluate internal
performance. The Company has presented cash operating expenses
because it is a common measure used by rating agencies, financial
analysts and investors. Cash operating expenses are not a measure of
financial performance under generally accepted accounting principles
("GAAP") and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute
for measures of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Following is a reconciliation of operating expenses to cash operating
expenses for the first three quarters of 2006:

Publishing B&E Corporate Consol.
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Operating
expenses $ 2,457,201 $ 783,896 $ 48,101 $ 3,289,198
Less:
depreciation
and
amortization
expense 128,567 37,913 1,041 167,521
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Cash operating
expenses $ 2,328,634 $ 745,983 $ 47,060 $ 3,121,677
========= ========= ========= =========

Following is a reconciliation of operating expenses to cash operating
expenses for the first three quarters of 2005:

Publishing B&E Corporate Consol.
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Operating
expenses $ 2,438,570 $ 777,208 $ 40,028 $ 3,255,806
Less:
depreciation
and
amortization
expense 132,154 36,195 1,221 169,570
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Cash operating
expenses $ 2,306,416 $ 741,013 $ 38,807 $ 3,086,236
========== ========= ========= =========

(B) Publishing cash operating expenses for the first three quarters of
2006 included a charge of $20 million for severance and other payments
associated with the new union contracts at Newsday, $2 million for
other severance charges and a gain of $7 million related to property
sales.

(C) Cash operating expenses for the first three quarters of 2006 included
stock-based compensation expense of $12 million for Publishing,
$5 million for Broadcasting and Entertainment and $10 million for
Corporate.

(D) Operating cash flow is defined as operating profit before depreciation
and amortization. The Company uses operating cash flow along with
operating profit and other measures to evaluate the financial
performance of the Company's business segments. The Company has
presented operating cash flow because it is a common alternative
measure of financial performance used by rating agencies, financial
analysts and investors. These groups use operating cash flow along
with other measures as a way to estimate the value of a company. The
Company's definition of operating cash flow may not be consistent with
that of other companies. Operating cash flow does not represent cash
provided by operating activities as reflected in the Company's
consolidated statements of cash flows, is not a measure of financial
performance under GAAP and should not be considered in isolation or as
a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with
GAAP.

(E) Operating profit for each segment excludes interest and dividend
income, interest expense, equity income and losses, non-operating
items and income taxes.

Following is a reconciliation of operating profit(loss) to operating
cash flow for the first three quarters of 2006:

Publishing B&E Corporate Consol.
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Operating
profit
(loss) $ 524,111 $ 285,647 $ (48,101) $ 761,657
Add back:
depreciation
and
amortization
expense 128,567 37,913 1,041 167,521
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Operating cash
flow $ 652,678 $ 323,560 $ (47,060) $ 929,178
========= ========= ========= =========

Following is a reconciliation of operating profit(loss) to operating
cash flow for the first three quarters of 2005:

Publishing B&E Corporate Consol.
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Operating
profit
(loss) $ 585,920 $ 317,589 $ (40,028) $ 863,481
Add back:
depreciation
and
amortization
expense 132,154 36,195 1,221 169,570
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Operating cash
flow $ 718,074 $ 353,784 $ (38,807) $ 1,033,051
========= ========= ========= =========

TRIBUNE COMPANY
SUMMARY OF REVENUES AND NEWSPAPER ADVERTISING VOLUME (Unaudited)
(In thousands)

Third Quarter (13 weeks) Year-to-Date (39 weeks)
2006 2005 % 2006 2005 %
---------- ---------- --- ----------- ---------- ---
Publishing
----------
Advertising
Retail $ 306,769 $ 307,232 (0.2) $ 938,449 $ 943,050 (0.5)
National 157,490 171,893 (8.4) 518,346 562,660 (7.9)
Classified 291,928 294,195 (0.8) 910,011 878,002 3.6
---------- ---------- ----------- ----------
Sub-Total 756,187 773,320 (2.2) 2,366,806 2,383,712 (0.7)
Circulation 137,679 146,472 (6.0) 425,518 448,106 (5.0)
Other 62,614 60,562 3.4 188,988 192,672 (1.9)
---------- ---------- ----------- ----------
Segment
Total (A) 956,480 980,354 (2.4) 2,981,312 3,024,490 (1.4)
---------- ---------- ----------- ----------
Broadcasting &
Entertainment
--------------
Television 277,540 287,542 (3.5) 852,922 869,908 (2.0)
Radio/Enter. 115,015 115,807 (0.7) 216,621 224,889 (3.7)
---------- ---------- ----------- ----------
Segment
Total 392,555 403,349 (2.7) 1,069,543 1,094,797 (2.3)
---------- ---------- ----------- ----------
Consol.
Rev. $1,349,035 $1,383,703 (2.5) $ 4,050,855$ 4,119,287 (1.7)
========== ========== =========== ==========

Total Advertising Inches (B)
------------------------
Full Run
Retail 1,402 1,374 2.0 4,245 4,254 (0.2)
National 770 856 (10.0) 2,496 2,741 (8.9)
Classified 2,451 2,582 (5.1) 7,789 7,571 2.9
---------- ---------- ----------- ----------
Sub-Total 4,623 4,812 (3.9) 14,530 14,566 (0.2)
Part Run 5,218 4,917 6.1 15,767 15,216 3.6
---------- ---------- ----------- ----------
Total 9,841 9,729 1.2 30,297 29,782 1.7
========== ========== =========== ==========

Preprint Pieces (B)
---------------
Total 3,563,034 3,533,074 0.8 10,540,925 10,790,509 (2.3)
========== ========== =========== ==========

(A) Publishing advertising and other revenues for 2005 have been
reclassified to conform with the 2006 presentation. There was no
effect on total revenues.

(B) Volume for 2005 has been modified to conform with the 2006
presentation. Volume includes only the daily newspapers and is based
on preliminary internal data, which may be updated in subsequent
reports.

TRIBUNE COMPANY
SUMMARY OF REVENUES AND NEWSPAPER ADVERTISING VOLUME (Unaudited)
(In thousands)

Period 9 (4 weeks) Year-to-Date (39 weeks)
2006 2005 % 2006 2005 %
---------- ---------- --- ----------- ---------- ---
Publishing
----------
Advertising
Retail $ 105,160 $ 104,610 0.5 $ 938,449 $ 943,050 (0.5)
National 51,456 57,877 (11.1) 518,346 562,660 (7.9)
Classified 92,512 94,558 (2.2) 910,011 878,002 3.6
---------- ---------- ----------- ----------
Sub-Total 249,128 257,045 (3.1) 2,366,806 2,383,712 (0.7)
Circulation 42,631 45,513 (6.3) 425,518 448,106 (5.0)
Other 20,054 20,314 (1.3) 188,988 192,672 (1.9)
---------- ---------- ----------- ----------
Segment
Total (A) 311,813 322,872 (3.4) 2,981,312 3,024,490 (1.4)
---------- ---------- ----------- ----------

Broadcasting &
Entertainment
--------------
Television 89,797 94,506 (5.0) 852,922 869,908 (2.0)
Radio/Enter. 31,649 36,760 (13.9) 216,621 224,889 (3.7)
---------- ---------- ----------- ----------
Segment
Total 121,446 131,266 (7.5) 1,069,543 1,094,797 (2.3)
---------- ---------- ----------- ----------
Consol.
Rev. $ 433,259 $ 454,138 (4.6) $ 4,050,855 $4,119,287 (1.7)
========== ========== =========== ==========

Total Advertising Inches (B)
------------------------
Full Run
Retail 489 466 4.9 4,245 4,254 (0.2)
National 239 276 (13.4) 2,496 2,741 (8.9)
Classified 757 825 (8.2) 7,789 7,571 2.9
---------- ---------- ----------- ----------
Sub-Total 1,485 1,567 (5.2) 14,530 14,566 (0.2)
Part Run 1,635 1,580 3.5 15,767 15,216 3.6
---------- ---------- ----------- ----------
Total 3,120 3,147 (0.9) 30,297 29,782 1.7
========== ========== =========== ==========

Preprint Pieces (B)
---------------
Total 1,206,359 1,136,615 6.1 10,540,925 10,790,509 (2.3)
========== ========== =========== ==========

(A) Publishing advertising and other revenues for 2005 have been
reclassified to conform with the 2006 presentation. There was no
effect on total revenues.

(B) Volume for 2005 has been modified to conform with the 2006
presentation. Volume includes only the daily newspapers and is based
on preliminary internal data, which may be updated in subsequent
reports.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: salcaraz@tribune.com

Source: Tribune Company

CONTACT: Media, Gary Weitman, +1-312-222-3394 (office), or
+1-312-222-1573 (fax), or gweitman@tribune.com , or Investors, Ruthellyn
Musil, +1-312-222-3787 (office), or +1-312-222-1573 (fax), or
rmusil@tribune.com , both of Tribune Company

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

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