J. Lease and Other Commitments

The company leases primarily real property under operating agreements. Many of the leases contain renewal options and escalation clauses that require payments of additional rent to the extent of increases in the related operating costs.

At December 28, 1997, future minimum rental payments under noncancelable operating leases approximate the following (in thousands):


 1998$ 25,300
199923,300
200019,600
200115,300
200211,900
Thereafter50,100
$145,500
 

Minimum payments have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals of $3,300,000 due in the future under noncancelable subleases.

Rent expense under operating leases included in operating costs and expenses was approximately $27,800,000, $24,900,000, and $22,900,000 in 1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively. Sublease income was approximately $400,000, $800,000, and $1,600,000 in 1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively.

The company's broadcast subsidiaries are parties to certain agreements that commit them to purchase programming to be produced in future years. At December 28, 1997, such commitments amounted to approximately $55,500,000. If such programs are not produced, the company's commitment would expire without obligation.

In conjunction with the construction of new newspaper production facilities in the Washington, D.C. area, the company has entered into certain commitments to purchase plant and equipment. As of December 28, 1997, the open commitments relating to this project were approximately $89,000,000. The company expects this project to be completed in late 1998.