content: <HTML>
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  <TITLE>Form 8-K - October 21, 2005</TITLE>
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  <CENTER><FONT SIZE=4><B>UNITED STATES <BR>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</B></FONT> <br>
  <FONT SIZE=3><B>WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549</B></FONT></CENTER>
  
  <H1 ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=4>FORM 8-K</FONT></H1>
  
  
  <CENTER><B>CURRENT REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)<BR>
   OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934</B></CENTER>
  <br>
  <br>
  <CENTER><B>DATE OF REPORT:&nbsp;&nbsp;October 21, 2005</b></center>
  
  <br><center><b>Commission file number 1-8572</B></CENTER>
  <BR>
  <CENTER><FONT SIZE=4><B>TRIBUNE COMPANY</B></FONT> <br><FONT SIZE=3>(Exact
  name of registrant as specified in its charter)</FONT></CENTER>
  <BR>
  
  <table CELLSPACING="0" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%">
    <tr>
      <td WIDTH="60%" VALIGN="TOP"><p ALIGN="CENTER"><B>Delaware</B><BR>(State or other
      jurisdiction of<BR>incorporation or organization)<P></td>
      <td WIDTH="40%" VALIGN="TOP"><p ALIGN="CENTER"><B>36-1880355</B><BR>
      (I.R.S. Employer<BR>
      Identification No.)<BR></td></tr>
  <TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
       <TD ALIGN="LEFT"></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
    <tr>
      <td WIDTH="60%" VALIGN="TOP"><p ALIGN="CENTER"><B>435 North Michigan Avenue<BR>
      Chicago, Illinois</B><BR>
      (Address of principal executive offices)<BR></td>
      <td WIDTH="40%" VALIGN="TOP"><p ALIGN="CENTER"><B>60611</B><BR>
      (Zip code)</td>
    </tr>
  </table>
  <BR>
  
  <CENTER>Registrant's telephone number, including area code:&nbsp;&nbsp;(312) 222-9100</CENTER>
  <br>
  
  
  <P>Check the appropriate box below if
  the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the obligation of the registrant
  under any of the following provisions:</p>
  
  
  
  <p>[&nbsp;&nbsp;]&nbsp;&nbsp; Written communication 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>
  
  
  
  <HR>
  
  
  
  <!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Head Major Left Bold" FSL="Default" -->
  <A NAME=A001></A>
  <H1 ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>ITEM 1.01&nbsp;&nbsp; ENTRY INTO A
  MATERIAL DEFINITIVE AGREEMENT. </FONT></H1>
  
  <!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Para Flush" FSL="Default" -->
  <P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>As previously reported, on October 7,
  2005, Tribune Company (&#147;Tribune&#148;) announced the resignation of Patrick J. Mullen
  as president of Tribune Broadcasting Company, a subsidiary of Tribune. </FONT></P>
  
  <!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Para Flush" FSL="Default" -->
  <P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Pursuant to the terms of a Mutual
  Separation Agreement dated as of October 21, 2005 (the &#147;Separation Agreement&#148;),
  Mr. Mullen&#146;s employment with the Company and his tenure as an officer and director of
  various Company subsidiaries ended as of the close of business on October 10, 2005.
  Tribune, Tribune Broadcasting Company and Tribune subsidiaries and affiliates are
  collectively referred to herein as the &#147;Company.&#148; </FONT></P>
  
  <!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Para Flush" FSL="Default" -->
  <P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Under the Separation Agreement, Mr.
  Mullen is entitled to the following: </FONT></P>
  
  <!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Para Hang" FSL="Default" -->
  <TABLE WIDTH=100% CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0>
  <TR VALIGN=TOP>
  <TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>o </FONT></TD>
  <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
  <TD WIDTH=95%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>
  A lump sum separation payment of $808,500, less applicable deductions and taxes,
  representing 18 months of base pay. No management incentive bonus, perquisites or other
  compensation will be payable for 2005 or future years. </FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  </TABLE>
  <BR>
  
  <!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Para Hang" FSL="Default" -->
  <TABLE WIDTH=100% CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0>
  <TR VALIGN=TOP>
  <TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>o </FONT></TD>
  <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
  <TD WIDTH=95%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>
  Continuation of health and life insurance benefits through October 10, 2008 (the
  &#147;Benefits Termination Date&#148;), under the same terms and conditions as are then
  applicable to other Company employees, provided that Mr. Mullen continues to pay the
  required employee portion of these benefits. These benefits will cease if Mr. Mullen
  accepts a new employment or consulting position and is eligible for coverage under a group
  medical plan sponsored by the entity employing or retaining him. </FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  </TABLE>
  <BR>
  
  <!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Para Flush" FSL="Default" -->
  <P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>In addition, Mr. Mullen&#146;s
  unexpired stock options shall continue to vest and be exercisable through the Benefits
  Termination Date unless Mr. Mullen is removed from the Company payroll due to the
  Company&#146;s good faith determination that he engaged in illegal or unethical business
  practices while employed by the Company. </FONT></P>
  
  <!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Para Flush" FSL="Default" -->
  <P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>The Separation Agreement contains a
  customary broad form waiver and general release of claims by Mr. Mullen in favor of the
  Company. It also imposes customary restrictions on Mr. Mullen with respect to solicitation
  of the Company&#146;s business and employees and the use of the Company&#146;s
  confidential and proprietary business information. </FONT></P>
  
  <!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Head Major Left Bold" FSL="Default" -->
  <A NAME=A002></A>
  <H1 ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>ITEM 5.03.&nbsp;&nbsp; AMENDMENTS TO
  ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OR BY-<BR>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
  &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;LAWS; CHANGE IN FISCAL YEAR. </FONT></H1>
  
  <!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Para Flush" FSL="Default" -->
  <P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>On October 19, 2005, the Tribune
  Board of Directors approved amendments to Sections 3.9 and 4.6 of Tribune&#146;s By-Laws
  to reflect changes required in connection with the Board&#146;s decision to eliminate the
  Finance Committee and to divide the functions of the former Governance &amp; Compensation
  Committee into two newly-formed committees, the Compensation &amp; Organization Committee
  and the Nominating &amp; Governance Committee. The amendments became effective October 19,
  2005. A copy of the amended Tribune By-Laws is being filed with this report as Exhibit 99. </FONT></P>
  
  
  <HR>
  
  
  
  <!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Head Major Left Bold" FSL="Default" -->
  <A NAME=A003></A>
  <H1 ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>ITEM 9.01.&nbsp;&nbsp; FINANCIAL
  STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS. </FONT></H1>
  
  <P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Exhibit 99   &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;   By-Laws of Tribune Company, as amended and in effect on October
  19, 2005</FONT></P>
  
  <!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Head Major Center Bold" FSL="Default" -->
  <A NAME=A005></A>
  <H1 ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>SIGNATURE </FONT></H1>
  
  <!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Para Flush" FSL="Default" -->
  <P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>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 hereunto duly authorized. </FONT></P>
  
  
  <br>
  <table CELLSPACING="0" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%">
    <tr>
      <td WIDTH="40%" VALIGN="TOP"><p ALIGN="CENTER">&nbsp;<P></td>
      <td WIDTH="60%" VALIGN="TOP"><p ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;TRIBUNE COMPANY<BR>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
          (Registrant)</FONT><BR>&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</TD></tr>
    <tr>
      <td WIDTH="50%" VALIGN="TOP"><p ALIGN="left"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Date:&nbsp;&nbsp;October 21, 2005</FONT> </td>
      <td WIDTH="50%" VALIGN="TOP"><p ALIGN="left"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;Mark W. Hianik</u><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
          &nbsp;&nbsp;Mark W. Hianik<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Vice President/Assistant General Counsel</FONT></td>
    </tr>
  </table>
  
  </BODY>
  </HTML>
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metadata_filer: {"company-data": {"conformed-name": "TRIBUNE CO", "cik": "0000726513", "assigned-sic": "2711", "irs-number": "361880355", "state-of-incorporation": "DE", "fiscal-year-end": "1225"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "8-K", "act": "34", "file-number": "001-08572", "film-number": "051150536"}, "business-address": {"street1": "435 N MICHIGAN AVE", "street2": "STE 600", "city": "CHICAGO", "state": "IL", "zip": "60611", "phone": "3122229100"}}
text: Form 8-K - October 21, 2005
  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:  October 21, 2005
  Commission file number 1-8572
  TRIBUNE COMPANY
  (Exact
  name of registrant as specified in its charter)
  Delaware
  (State or other
      jurisdiction of
  incorporation or organization)
  36-1880355
  (I.R.S. Employer
  Identification No.)
  435 North Michigan Avenue
  Chicago, Illinois
  (Address of principal executive offices)
  60611
  (Zip code)
  Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (312) 222-9100
  Check the appropriate box below if
  the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the obligation of the registrant
  under any of the following provisions:
  [  ]   Written communication 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 1.01   ENTRY INTO A
  MATERIAL DEFINITIVE AGREEMENT.
  As previously reported, on October 7,
  2005, Tribune Company ("Tribune") announced the resignation of Patrick J. Mullen
  as president of Tribune Broadcasting Company, a subsidiary of Tribune.
  Pursuant to the terms of a Mutual
  Separation Agreement dated as of October 21, 2005 (the "Separation Agreement"),
  Mr. Mullen's employment with the Company and his tenure as an officer and director of
  various Company subsidiaries ended as of the close of business on October 10, 2005.
  Tribune, Tribune Broadcasting Company and Tribune subsidiaries and affiliates are
  collectively referred to herein as the "Company."
  Under the Separation Agreement, Mr.
  Mullen is entitled to the following:
  o
  A lump sum separation payment of $808,500, less applicable deductions and taxes,
  representing 18 months of base pay. No management incentive bonus, perquisites or other
  compensation will be payable for 2005 or future years.
  o
  Continuation of health and life insurance benefits through October 10, 2008 (the
  "Benefits Termination Date"), under the same terms and conditions as are then
  applicable to other Company employees, provided that Mr. Mullen continues to pay the
  required employee portion of these benefits. These benefits will cease if Mr. Mullen
  accepts a new employment or consulting position and is eligible for coverage under a group
  medical plan sponsored by the entity employing or retaining him.
  In addition, Mr. Mullen's
  unexpired stock options shall continue to vest and be exercisable through the Benefits
  Termination Date unless Mr. Mullen is removed from the Company payroll due to the
  Company's good faith determination that he engaged in illegal or unethical business
  practices while employed by the Company.
  The Separation Agreement contains a
  customary broad form waiver and general release of claims by Mr. Mullen in favor of the
  Company. It also imposes customary restrictions on Mr. Mullen with respect to solicitation
  of the Company's business and employees and the use of the Company's
  confidential and proprietary business information.
  ITEM 5.03.   AMENDMENTS TO
  ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OR BY-
  LAWS; CHANGE IN FISCAL YEAR.
  On October 19, 2005, the Tribune
  Board of Directors approved amendments to Sections 3.9 and 4.6 of Tribune's By-Laws
  to reflect changes required in connection with the Board's decision to eliminate the
  Finance Committee and to divide the functions of the former Governance & Compensation
  Committee into two newly-formed committees, the Compensation & Organization Committee
  and the Nominating & Governance Committee. The amendments became effective October 19,
  2005. A copy of the amended Tribune By-Laws is being filed with this report as Exhibit 99.
  ITEM 9.01.   FINANCIAL
  STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.
  Exhibit 99         By-Laws of Tribune Company, as amended and in effect on October
  19, 2005
  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 hereunto duly authorized.
  TRIBUNE COMPANY
  (Registrant)
  Date:  October 21, 2005
  /s/  Mark W. Hianik
  Mark W. Hianik
  Vice President/Assistant General Counsel