WASHINGTON, Jan 20, 2005 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- 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 $7.00 to $7.40 per share.

The dividend for the first quarter of 2005, $1.85 per share, is payable on February 4, 2005, to shareholders of record on January 31, 2005.

SOURCE The Washington Post Company

Rima Calderon of The Washington Post Company, +1-202-334-6617

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