• November 17, 2004

Amid talk of mergers these days, the E. W. Scripps Company and Jones Media Networks completed an all-cash transaction that results in Scripps acquiring the Great American Country (GAC) cable and satellite television network for $140 million.

GAC is the fifth national programming network operated by Scripps and its Scripps Networks unit. Some other brands include Home & Garden Television, Food Network, DIY Network, and Fine Living.

GAC is a 24-hour country music video network launched in 1996. The network is distributed via cable and satellite television systems nationwide to about 34 million households. The media company first announced its intention to buy GAC in October, a Scripps representative said.