For Immediate Release – Food Network and Chef Emeril Lagasse have signed a five-year, multi-million dollar deal for 90 new episodes per year of the network’s top-rated show Emeril Live!, it was announced today by Judy Girard, President, Food Network. As part of the deal, Food Network will also produce 26 episodes annually of fan-favorite Essence Of Emeril, as well as multiple network specials. Terms of the arrangement were not disclosed. “Emeril remains the cornerstone of the network. His energy and enthusiasm are incomparable and his connection to viewers is unparalleled,” said Girard. “We are excited to continue our strong relationship with Emeril and to call Food Network his home.“The deal also includes international rights enabling those outside the U.S. and Canada to experience the fun and enthusiasm of Lagasse’s shows for the first time. Food Network will gain VOD, DVD and home video rights for both series, and as the network expands its brand extensions and merchandising efforts it will continue to work closely with Lagasse to develop within these areas.“I am thrilled to continue my long relationship with Food Network, added Lagasse. “The relationship that started 10 years ago with the launch of the network is constantly evolving and I am proud of the great work we are doing here. Ken Lowe and Judy Girard are pioneers in the industry and I truly respect their commitment to the growth of the network. I am looking forward to developing some great programming with Food Network in the years to come.”“Emeril has the rare distinction of being one of the most recognizable and popular talents on television and has touched millions of people with his warmth, charisma and vitality,” added Ken Lowe, president and CEO of The E.W. Scripps Company, which owns the majority share of Food Network. “He has been vital to Food Network’s growth and will be integral to the network’s future success. Emeril Lagasse became adept in the art of bread and pastry making as a boy in a Portuguese bakery in his Fall River, MA neighborhood. He later followed his culinary dream and worked his way through the Johnson and Wales University culinary program, earning a doctorate degree. From the day its doors opened in 1990, Emeril’s Restaurant drew ecstatic praise. Following the success of Emeril’s Restaurant, Emeril has opened six more establishments: NOLA, in New Orleans in 1992; Emeril’s New Orleans Fish House at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas in 1995; Delmonico’s in New Orleans in 1998; Emeril’s Orlando at Universal Studios and Delmonico Steakhouse in Las Vegas in 1999; Tchoup Chop in Orlando in 2003; Emeril’s Restaurant Atlanta, will open summer 2003, and he has announced plans for another Emeril’s restaurant in Miami, slated to open November 2003.FOOD NETWORK (www.foodnetwork.com) is a unique lifestyle network where viewers will always be surprised and engaged by likeable hosts and personalities and the variety of things it does with food. The network is committed to exploring new, different, and interesting ways to approach food – through pop culture, adventure, travel – while also expanding its repertoire of technique-based programs. Now distributed to more than 78 million U.S. households, FOOD NETWORK ranks first among ad-supported cable networks on year-to-year subscriber growth. With headquarters in New York City and offices in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Chicago, Detroit and Knoxville, FOOD NETWORK can be seen internationally in Canada, Australia, Korea, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Monaco, Andorra, France and the French-speaking territories in the Caribbean and Polynesia. The E.W. Scripps Company (NYSE:SSP), which also owns and operates Home & Garden Television Network (HGTV), Do It Yourself (DIY), and Fine Living, is the managing general partner.