<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
September 30, 1995 Form 10-K for Lee Enterprises, Incorporated and is qualified
in its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          SEP-30-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1995
<CASH>                                          10,883
<SECURITIES>                                     8,946
<RECEIVABLES>                                   62,684
<ALLOWANCES>                                     4,100
<INVENTORY>                                     18,355
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               104,509
<PP&E>                                         253,463
<DEPRECIATION>                                 145,267
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 559,929
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          116,527
<BONDS>                                         75,511
<COMMON>                                        94,732
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<OTHER-SE>                                     216,310
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   559,929
<SALES>                                        434,911
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               443,188
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                        0
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                               339,756
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                 1,525
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              11,902
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 95,234
<INCOME-TAX>                                    36,775
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             58,459
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    58,459
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.24
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.24