WASHINGTON, Jan. 15 -- The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO) said today that its Board of Directors has approved an increase in the annual dividend rate on the company's common stock, from $5.80 to $7.00 per share.

The dividend for the first quarter of 2004, $1.75 per share, is payable on February 6, 2004, to shareholders of record on January 26, 2004.

CONTACT: Rima Calderon of The Washington Post Company,
202-334-6617

http://www.washpostco.com/