E.W. Scripps and Legends Channel Enter Into Exclusive Distribution Deal

CINCINNATI  – The E.W. Scripps Company and Legends Channel have entered into an exclusive distribution agreement for a top 25 college football poll that is determined by a panel of legendary coaches.  The “Scripps Legends Poll” will be distributed by the Scripps Howard News Service (SHNS), one of the leading news wire services in the United States with hundreds of media clients and a total reach of 20 million readers.

“We are excited to be named the exclusive distributors of the Scripps Legends Poll,” said John Lindsay, sports editor of SHNS.  “Scripps and SHNS produce and distribute unique, high-quality college football content, and the Scripps Legends Poll fits the bill. If you look at the names on the coaches’ panel, one word comes to mind: legendary. That’s what nine national championships (the number the panelists have combined to win) will do for you.”

The Scripps Legends Poll is the only top 25 college football poll determined by a panel of former coaches, and the only poll whose members’ votes are published independently as well. The current Scripps Legends Poll voting panel includes coaching icons Bobby Bowden (Florida State), Frank Broyles (Arkansas), John Cooper (Ohio State), Fisher DeBerry (Air Force), Vince Dooley (Georgia), Terry Donahue (UCLA), Pat Dye (Auburn), LaVell Edwards (BYU), Don James (Washington), Frank Kush (Arizona State), Dick MacPherson (Syracuse), Bill Mallory (Indiana), Don Nehlen (West Virginia), John Ralston (Stanford), John Robinson (USC), Bobby Ross (Georgia Tech), R.C. Slocum (Texas A&M), Gene Stallings (Alabama) and George Welsh (Virginia).

When coaches join the panel, they commit to doing the research and analysis required to make informed decisions, and they pledge to cast their votes themselves, rather than relying on staff or others.

“The Legends’ coaches put their names and reputations on the line,” said Andrew Curtin, CEO of Legends Channel LLC. “We are excited to join The E.W. Scripps Company in this partnership, as both companies are committed to creating quality content for consumers.”

The first Scripps Legends Poll of the 2011 season will be announced on Monday, September 19, and will continue to be published weekly until after the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) national title game in January. More information about the Scripps Legends Poll can be found on the web at http://legendschannel.com.

About Scripps

The E.W. Scripps Company is a diverse media enterprise with interests in television stations, newspapers, local news and information websites, and syndication of news features and comics. For a full listing of Scripps media companies and their associated Web sites, visit http://www.scripps.com/.

About Legends Channel LLC

Legends Channel LLC is a sports media organization that aims to connect fans with the legendary names in sports. The company was established around an advisory top 25 college football poll — the Scripps Legends Poll — comprised of 19 retired, Hall of Fame caliber coaches. For more information, visit http://www.legendschannel.com.

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