Exhibit 5 April 24, 1997 OPINION OF COUNSEL Securities and Exchange Commission Room 1004 450 Fifth Street N.W. Washington, D.C. Ladies and Gentlemen: We have acted as counsel for Lee Enterprises, Incorporated, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), in connection with the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the "Registration Statement") of 3,293,286 shares of the Company's Common Stock, par value of $2.00 (the "Shares"). As counsel for the Company, we have examined the corporate organization of the Company and we have made such other examinations as we have deemed necessary and/or appropriate, including the Registration Statement on Form S-3 relating to the Shares, as a basis for the opinions hereinafter expressed. Based upon and subject to the foregoing and subject to the qualifications stated below, we express the following opinions: The Shares will be legally issued, fully paid and nonassessable shares of the Company's Common Stock, $2.00 par value. We consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. Sincerely, /s/ Lane & Waterman