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<TITLE>Meredith Corporation</TITLE>
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<B><FONT SIZE=3><P ALIGN="CENTER">UNITED STATES<BR>
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION<BR>
Washington, D.C. 20549<BR>
</P>
</FONT><FONT SIZE=4><P ALIGN="CENTER">FORM 8-K<BR>
</P>
</FONT><P ALIGN="CENTER">CURRENT REPORT</P>
<P ALIGN="CENTER">Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934</P>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER">Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;January 8, 2009</P>
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<B><FONT SIZE=5><P ALIGN="CENTER">MEREDITH CORPORATION</B></FONT></TD>
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<TR><TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
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<FONT SIZE=1><P ALIGN="CENTER">(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)</FONT></TD>
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<B><FONT SIZE=3><P ALIGN="CENTER">IOWA</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%" VALIGN="TOP">
<B><FONT SIZE=3><P ALIGN="CENTER">1-5128</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP" COLSPAN=2>
<B><FONT SIZE=3><P ALIGN="CENTER">42-0410230</B></FONT></TD>
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<FONT SIZE=1><P ALIGN="CENTER">(State or other jurisdiction of<BR>
incorporation or organization)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=1><P ALIGN="CENTER">(Commission file number)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP" COLSPAN=2>
<FONT SIZE=1><P ALIGN="CENTER">(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)</FONT></TD>
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<TR><TD WIDTH="41%" VALIGN="TOP" COLSPAN=2>&nbsp;</TD>
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<B><FONT SIZE=3><P ALIGN="CENTER">1716 Locust Street, Des Moines, Iowa</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP" COLSPAN=2>
<B><FONT SIZE=3><P ALIGN="CENTER">50309-3023</B></FONT></TD>
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<TR><TD WIDTH="41%" VALIGN="TOP" COLSPAN=2>
<FONT SIZE=1><P ALIGN="CENTER">(Address of principal executive offices)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP" COLSPAN=2>
<FONT SIZE=1><P ALIGN="CENTER">(Zip Code)</FONT></TD>
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<TR><TD WIDTH="41%" VALIGN="TOP" COLSPAN=2>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP" COLSPAN=2>&nbsp;</TD>
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<TR><TD WIDTH="41%" VALIGN="TOP" COLSPAN=2>&nbsp;</TD>
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<B><FONT SIZE=3><P ALIGN="CENTER">(515) 284-3000</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP" COLSPAN=2>&nbsp;</TD>
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<TR><TD WIDTH="29%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="46%" VALIGN="TOP" COLSPAN=3>
<FONT SIZE=1><P ALIGN="CENTER">(Registrant's telephone number,<BR>
 including area code)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
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<TR><TD WIDTH="41%" VALIGN="TOP" COLSPAN=2>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP" COLSPAN=2>&nbsp;</TD>
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<FONT SIZE=3><P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:</P>

</FONT><FONT SIZE=2><P>[&nbsp;&nbsp;]&nbsp;&nbsp;Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)</P>

<P>[&nbsp;&nbsp;]&nbsp;&nbsp;Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)</P>

<P>[&nbsp;&nbsp;]&nbsp;&nbsp;Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))</P>

<P>[&nbsp;&nbsp;]&nbsp;&nbsp;Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))</P>

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<B><P>Item 2.05</B></TD>
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<B><P>Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities.</B></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
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</FONT><FONT SIZE=3><P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>On January 8, 2009, Meredith Corporation (the "Company") announced that it had recorded a pre-tax special charge of approximately $16 million in the second quarter of its fiscal year ended June 30, 2009.  The charge included:</P>
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<FONT SIZE=3><P>1)</FONT></TD>
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<FONT SIZE=3><P>A $10 million charge related to the cost of a Companywide workforce reduction of approximately 275 employees.  Approximately 25 of these positions will be offset with new positions created as the Company relocates certain functions including the relocation of the creative functions of ReadyMade magazine and Parents.com to its Des Moines headquarters.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
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<TR><TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="93%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
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<FONT SIZE=3><P>2)</FONT></TD>
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<FONT SIZE=3><P>The write-off of deferred subscriber costs, manuscripts and artwork of $6 million related to Country Home magazine which will be closed effective with the March 2009 issue.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
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<FONT SIZE=3>
<P>These actions were committed to in December 2008 and are related to an effort to improve operating efficiencies as the recessionary economy has significantly impacted the Company's advertising revenue.  The $10 million charge associated with the workforce reduction relates to severance costs and will result in future cash expenditures.  These actions will largely be completed by the end of the Company's 2009 fiscal year.</P>

<P>The Company's news release concerning same is attached as an exhibit.</P>

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<B><P>Item 9.01</B></TD>
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<B><P>Financial Statements and Exhibits</B></TD>
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</FONT><FONT SIZE=3><P>&nbsp;</P></FONT>
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<FONT SIZE=3><P>(c)</FONT></TD>
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<FONT SIZE=3><P>Exhibits</FONT></TD>
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<FONT SIZE=3><P>99</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="79%" VALIGN="TOP" HEIGHT=7>
<FONT SIZE=3><P>News release issued by Meredith Corporation dated January 8, 2009, concerning special charge taken in the second quarter of its fiscal year ended June&nbsp;30, 2009.</FONT></TD>
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<B><FONT SIZE=3><P ALIGN="CENTER">SIGNATURE</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="32%" VALIGN="TOP" COLSPAN=2>&nbsp;</TD>
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<FONT SIZE=3><P>Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="TOP" COLSPAN=2>&nbsp;</TD>
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<FONT SIZE=3><P>MEREDITH CORPORATION<BR>
Registrant</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="23%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
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<TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="TOP" COLSPAN=2>&nbsp;</TD>
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<FONT SIZE=3><P>/s/ Joseph H. Ceryanec</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="23%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
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<TR><TD WIDTH="32%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="TOP" COLSPAN=2>
<U><FONT SIZE=3><P>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</U></FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="TOP" COLSPAN=2>
<FONT SIZE=3><P>Joseph H. Ceryanec<BR>
Vice President - Chief Financial Officer<BR>
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="23%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="32%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="TOP" COLSPAN=2>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="23%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
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<FONT SIZE=3><P>Date:&nbsp;&nbsp;January 13, 2009</FONT></TD>
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<B><P ALIGN="CENTER">Index to Exhibits<BR>
</B></TD>
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<FONT SIZE=3><P>Exhibit Number</FONT></TD>
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Item</FONT></TD>
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<FONT SIZE=3><P ALIGN="CENTER">99</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=3><P>News release issued by Meredith Corporation dated January 8, 2009, concerning special charge taken in the second quarter of its fiscal year ended June&nbsp;30, 2009.</FONT></TD>
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Meredith Corporation
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):
January 8, 2009
MEREDITH CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
IOWA
1-5128
42-0410230
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(Commission file number)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
1716 Locust Street, Des Moines, Iowa
50309-3023
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
(515) 284-3000
(Registrant's telephone number,
including area code)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
[  ]  Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
[  ]  Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
[  ]  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
[  ]  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Item 2.05
Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities.
On January 8, 2009, Meredith Corporation (the "Company") announced that it had recorded a pre-tax special charge of approximately $16 million in the second quarter of its fiscal year ended June 30, 2009.  The charge included:
1)
A $10 million charge related to the cost of a Companywide workforce reduction of approximately 275 employees.  Approximately 25 of these positions will be offset with new positions created as the Company relocates certain functions including the relocation of the creative functions of ReadyMade magazine and Parents.com to its Des Moines headquarters.
2)
The write-off of deferred subscriber costs, manuscripts and artwork of $6 million related to Country Home magazine which will be closed effective with the March 2009 issue.
These actions were committed to in December 2008 and are related to an effort to improve operating efficiencies as the recessionary economy has significantly impacted the Company's advertising revenue.  The $10 million charge associated with the workforce reduction relates to severance costs and will result in future cash expenditures.  These actions will largely be completed by the end of the Company's 2009 fiscal year.
The Company's news release concerning same is attached as an exhibit.
Item 9.01
Financial Statements and Exhibits
(c)
Exhibits
99
News release issued by Meredith Corporation dated January 8, 2009, concerning special charge taken in the second quarter of its fiscal year ended June 30, 2009.
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
MEREDITH CORPORATION
Registrant
/s/ Joseph H. Ceryanec
Joseph H. Ceryanec
Vice President - Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
Date:  January 13, 2009
Index to Exhibits
Exhibit Number
Item
99
News release issued by Meredith Corporation dated January 8, 2009, concerning special charge taken in the second quarter of its fiscal year ended June 30, 2009.