WASHINGTON--Jan. 11, 2001--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 $5.40 to $5.60 per share.

The dividend for the first quarter of 2001, $1.40 per share, is payable on February 9, 2001, to shareholders of record on January 26, 2001.