WASHINGTON, Jan. 9 -- 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 $5.60 to $5.80 per share.

The dividend for the first quarter of 2003, $1.45 per share, is payable on February 7, 2003, to shareholders of record on January 24, 2003. SOURCE The Washington Post Company

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