CINCINNATI – Tim Peterman, a media industry financial strategist and, most recently, chief financial officer for the cable television division at USA Networks Inc., has been named vice president of corporate development for The E. W. Scripps Company, effective March 1.In the newly created position, Peterman will coordinate strategic planning and corporate development and will help the various Scripps operating divisions in their development efforts.Peterman comes to Scripps after three years at USA Networks, first as chief financial officer of the company’s broadcast division and then chief financial officer of the cable television network division. While at USA, Peterman assisted in the acquisition of the TRIO and News World International (NWI) networks. In addition to his roles at USA, Peterman has held financial management positions at Sinclair Communications Inc. and Tribune Co.“Tim Peterman is a valuable addition to the Scripps management team,” said Kenneth W. Lowe, president and chief executive officer for Scripps. “His strong credentials as a financial strategist and manager, and his thorough understanding of our industry adds depth to our corporate development and investment planning process. He will play an important role as we work to create additional value for the company and its shareholders.” Peterman, who graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1989 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, began his career as a senior auditor for Peat Marwick in Chicago. In 1991, he joined the Tribune Co. as a senior auditor and two years later was named director of business affairs for Tribune Entertainment, reporting to the company’s president. In 1997, he joined Sinclair Communications as regional business manager. A year later he was named director of finance for Sinclair’s television station group. Peterman, a certified public accountant, joined USA Networks in 1999.The E.W. Scripps Company is a diverse media concern with interests in newspaper publishing, broadcast television, national television networks and interactive media. Scripps operates 21 daily newspapers, 10 broadcast TV stations and three cable television networks, with plans to launch a fourth.Scripps national television network brands include Home & Garden Television, Food Network, DIY — Do It Yourself Network and Fine Living, due to launch in March 2002.The company also operates Scripps Howard News Service, United Media, the worldwide licensing and syndication home of PEANUTS and DILBERT, and 31 Web sites, including hgtv.com, foodtv.com, diynet.com and comics.com.