EXHIBIT 99


                     TRIBUNE TO SPLIT COMMON STOCK 2 FOR 1;
             SHARES DISTRIBUTED SEPT. 9 TO HOLDERS OF RECORD AUG. 19


CHICAGO, Tues., July 27, 1999 - Tribune Company's (NYSE: TRB) board of directors
approved a two-for-one stock split at its meeting today. One share of common
stock will be distributed on Sept. 9, 1999 for each share owned by holders of
record at the close of business on Aug. 19, 1999.

"The value of Tribune stock has continued to increase as investors have
responded favorably to the consistent earnings growth in our broadcasting,
publishing and education businesses; the creation of the Tribune Interactive
business group; and our ability to capitalize on our investments in Internet and
new-media companies," John W. Madigan, chairman, president and CEO said. "With
our current momentum, we're confident in our ability to deliver long-term
shareholder value."

Tribune's previous stock splits, also two for one, occurred in January 1997 and
May 1987. Tribune became a public company in 1983. There were about 118 million
common shares outstanding at the end of the second quarter 1999.

The board also declared a regular quarterly dividend of $.18 per share of common
stock (on a pre-split basis) payable on Sept. 9, 1999 to shareholders of record
at the close of business on Aug. 19, 1999.

Tribune is a leading media company with operations in television and radio
broadcasting, publishing, education and interactive ventures. It is an industry
leader in venture partnerships with new-media companies. In 1999, for the second
straight year, Tribune ranked No. 1 among its industry peers in Fortune
magazine's list of America's most-admired companies.

Financial data and general information may be found on Tribune's World Wide Web
site: http://www.tribune.com. Earnings and other news releases also can be
accessed by calling 1-800-757-1694.

MEDIA AND INVESTOR CONTACT:
Ruthellyn Musil
312/222-3787  (Office)
312/222-1573  (Fax)
rmusil@tribune.com