Document:

exh10-15_lacy.htm

    Exhibit
10.15

    

    EMPLOYMENT
AGREEMENT

    

    

    AGREEMENT
entered into as of January 30, 2006, by and between MEREDITH CORPORATION, an
Iowa corporation (the "Company"), and STEPHEN M. LACY ("Lacy"), to become
effective July 1, 2006.

    

    WITNESSETH:

    

    WHEREAS,
Lacy has been employed by the Company as its President; and

    

    WHEREAS,
the Company wishes to continue to employ Lacy pursuant to the terms and
conditions hereof, and in order to induce Lacy to enter into this agreement (the
"Agreement") and to secure the benefits to accrue from his performance hereunder
is willing to undertake the obligations assigned to it herein; and

    

    WHEREAS,
Lacy is willing to continue his employment with the Company under the terms
hereof and to enter into the Agreement;

    

    NOW
THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants contained
herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is
hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

    

    1.           Position; Duties;
Responsibilities.

    

    1.1           Lacy
shall initially serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company
effective July 1, 2006.  Lacy shall at all times report to and be
subject to the supervision, control and direction of the Board of Directors of
the Company.  Lacy shall at all times be the most senior executive
officer of the Company.  Subject only to Lacy’s duty to report to the
Board, Lacy’s responsibilities and authorities hereunder shall include day to
day and strategic authority over the Company and its affiliates, P&L
authority over all operations of the Company and its affiliates, and the duty
and authority to hire, make employment decisions, and terminate all subordinates
employed by the Company or its affiliates and Lacy shall report directly and
exclusively to the Board, and all other officers, employees, and consultants of
the Company shall (except to the extent otherwise prescribed by law, regulation,
or principles of good corporate governance) report directly (or indirectly
through subordinates) to Lacy.  Lacy shall have such other
responsibilities and authorities consistent with the status, titles and
reporting requirements set forth herein as are appropriate to said positions,
subject to change (other than diminution in position, authority, duties or
responsibilities) from time to time by the Board of Directors of the
Company.

    

    1.2           During
the course of his employment, Lacy agrees to devote his full time and attention
and give his best efforts and skills to furthering the business and interests of
the Company, which, subject to the mutual agreement of Lacy and the Board of
Directors, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, may include Lacy
volunteering his time and efforts on behalf of charitable, civic, professional
organizations and boards of other corporations.

    

    2.           Term.

    

    The term
of employment under this Agreement shall commence as of July 1, 2006, and
shall continue through June 30, 2009, unless sooner terminated in
accordance with this Agreement, and thereafter as herein
provided.  Lacy's term of employment shall automatically renew for
subsequent one (1) year terms, the first of which would begin on July 1,
2009, subject to the terms of this Agreement unless either party gives written
notice six (6) months or more prior to the expiration of the then existing term
of its decision not to renew (the "Term").

    

    In the
event this Agreement expires at the end of the Term, as extended if applicable,
after the Company has delivered a Non-Renewal Notice to Lacy, such termination
of Lacy’s employment with the Company will be treated for all purposes hereunder
as a termination of employment by the Company Without Cause pursuant to Section
9.4.

    

    3.           Base
Salary.

    

    3.1           The
Company shall pay Lacy a base salary during the Term of this Agreement at the
minimum annual rate of Eight Hundred Ten Thousand Dollars ($810.000) ("Base
Salary"), payable in accordance with the standard payroll practices of the
Company.

    

    3.2           It
is understood that the Base Salary is to be Lacy's minimum annual compensation
during the Term.  The Base Salary may increase at the discretion of
the Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of Directors ("Compensation
Committee").  Base Salary shall include all such increased amounts,
and, if increased, Base Salary shall not thereafter be decreased.

    

    4.           Long-Term Incentive
Plans.

    

    During
the Term of this Agreement, Lacy shall be eligible to participate in all
long-term incentive plans, including, without limitation, stock incentive plans
adopted by the Company and in effect (collectively, "Long-Term Incentive
Plans"), at levels of awards to be granted by the Compensation Committee
commensurate with the level of Lacy's responsibilities and performance
thereof.  At its regular August 2006 meeting the Compensation
Committee shall approve an award to Lacy of One Hundred Six Thousand (106,000)
stock options with a three (3) year cliff vesting schedule and a strike price
equal to the fair market value of Meredith common stock on the date of such
award.

    

    5.           Bonus.

    

    5.1           During
the Term of this Agreement, Lacy shall be eligible to participate in the
Meredith Management Incentive Plan (or any successor or replacement annual
incentive plan of the Company) ("MIP"), for such periods as it continues in
effect, subject to the terms of the MIP, and to the discretion vested in the
Compensation Committee under the MIP; provided, however, that the percentage of
Base Salary payable as a target bonus under the MIP shall not be less than one
hundred percent (100%) (actual Company financial results may result in an actual
bonus paid to Lacy equal to less than or more than one hundred percent (100%) of
Base Salary).

    

    5.2           All
bonuses pursuant to this Section 5 shall be paid to Lacy in conformance with the
Company's normal bonus pay policies following the end of the respective fiscal
year.  For the purpose of this Section 5, bonuses paid with respect to
the fiscal year shall include payments made outside of the fiscal year but for
such fiscal year and shall exclude payments made in the fiscal year that are for
another fiscal year.

    

    6.           Short-Term
Disability.

    

    During
any period of short-term disability, the Company will continue to pay to Lacy
the Base Salary throughout the period of short-term disability, but in no event
beyond the end of Term.  In addition, Lacy will continue to receive
all rights and benefits under the benefit plans and programs of the Company in
which Lacy is a participant as determined in accordance with the terms of such
plans and programs, and Lacy shall be eligible to receive the benefit of his
target MIP bonus for the initial year in which the short-term disability occurs
without reduction for the period of short-term disability.  In the
event of Lacy's death during a period of short-term disability, the provisions
of Section 9.1 shall apply.  For the purposes of this Agreement,
short-term disability shall be defined as the incapacitation of Lacy by reason
of sickness, accident or other physical or mental disability which continues for
a period not to exceed the fifth month anniversary of the date of the cause or
onset of such incapacitation.  All benefits provided under this
Section 6 shall be in replacement of and not in addition to benefits payable
under the Company’s short-term and long-term disability plan(s), except to the
extent such disability plan(s) provide greater benefits than the disability
benefits provided under this Agreement, in which case the applicable disability
plan(s) would supersede the applicable provisions of this
Agreement.  In the event Lacy is determined to be permanently disabled
(as determined under Section 9.2), the provisions of Section 9.2 shall
apply.

    

    7.           Employee Benefit
Plans.

    

    7.1           During
the Term of this Agreement and subject to all eligibility requirements, and to
the extent permitted by law, Lacy will have the opportunity to participate in
all employee benefit plans and programs generally available to the Company's
employees in accordance with the provisions thereof as in effect from time to
time, including, without limitation, medical coverage, group life insurance,
holidays and vacations, Meredith Savings and Investment Plan (401k) and the
Meredith Employees' Retirement Income Plan, but not including the Company's
short-term and long-term disability plans, except to the extent that such
disability plans provide greater benefits than the disability benefits provided
under this Agreement, in which case the applicable disability plan would
supersede the applicable provisions of this Agreement.

    

    7.2           In
addition to benefits described in Section 7.1 during the Term of this Agreement,
Lacy shall also receive or participate in, to the extent permitted by law, the
various perquisites and plans generally available to officers of the Company in
accordance with the provisions thereof as in effect from time to time including,
without limitation, the following perquisites to the extent the Company
continues to offer them: an automobile or automobile allowance, country club
dues, dining club dues, tax and estate planning, supplemental medical plan and
executive life insurance (if insurable). All such reimbursements or in-kind
benefits shall be payable by the Company on or before the last day of Lacy’s
taxable year following the taxable year in which the expense was incurred. The
expenses paid or in-kind benefits provided by the Company during any taxable
year of Lacy will not affect the expenses paid or in-kind benefits provided by
the Company in another taxable year. This right to reimbursement or in-kind
benefits is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit. In
addition, Lacy shall participate in the Meredith Replacement Benefit Plan and
the Meredith Supplemental Benefit Plan.

    

    8.           Expense
Reimbursements.

    

    During
Lacy's employment with the Company, Lacy will be entitled to receive
reimbursement by the Company for all reasonable, out-of-pocket expenses incurred
by him (in accordance with policies and procedures established by the Company),
in connection with his performing services hereunder, provided Lacy properly
accounts therefor. All such reimbursements shall be payable by the Company on or
before the last day of Lacy’s taxable year following the taxable year in which
the expense was incurred. The expenses paid by the Company during any taxable
year of Lacy will not affect the expenses paid by the Company in another taxable
year.  This right to reimbursement is not subject to liquidation or
exchange for another benefit.

    

    9.           Consequences of Termination
of Employment.

    

    9.1           Death. In the event
of the death of Lacy during the Term of this Agreement or during the period when
payments are being made pursuant to Sections 6 or 9.2, this Agreement shall
terminate and all obligations to Lacy shall cease as of the date of death except
that, (a) the Company will pay to the legal representative of his estate in
substantially equal installments the Base Salary until the end of the month of
the first anniversary of Lacy's death with each installment treated as a
separate “payment” for purposes of Section 409A of the Code, such that any
payment that would otherwise be payable within 2 1⁄2 months after Lacy’s taxable
year in which his employment with the Company is terminated or, if later, within
2 1⁄2 months after the end of the Company’s taxable year in which Lacy’s
employment with the Company is terminated (the “Short Term Deferral Period”) is
exempt from Section 409A of the Code, and (b) all rights and benefits of Lacy
under the benefit plans and programs of the Company in which Lacy is a
participant, will be provided as determined in accordance with the terms and
provisions of such plans and programs. Any bonus (or amounts in lieu thereof)
pursuant to Section 5, payable for the fiscal year in which Lacy's death occurs,
shall be determined by the Compensation Committee at its meeting following the
end of such fiscal year pro rata to the date of death and promptly paid to
Lacy's estate. All awards of restricted stock, stock options and any other
benefits under the Long-Term Incentive Plans shall be handled in accordance with
the terms of the relevant plan and agreements entered into between Lacy and the
Company with respect to such awards.

    

    9.2           Disability. If Lacy
shall become permanently incapacitated by reasons of sickness, accident or other
physical or mental disability, as such incapacitation is certified by a
physician chosen by the Company and reasonably acceptable to Lacy (if he is then
able to exercise sound judgment), and shall therefore be unable to perform any
substantial gainful activity, then the employment of Lacy hereunder and this
Agreement may be terminated by Lacy or the Company upon thirty (30) days'
written notice to the other party following such certification. Should Lacy not
acquiesce (or should he be unable to acquiesce) in the selection of the
certifying doctor, a doctor chosen by Lacy (or if he is not then able to
exercise sound judgment, by his spouse or personal representative) and
reasonably acceptable to the Company shall be required to concur in the medical
determination of incapacitation, failing which the two doctors shall designate a
third doctor whose decision shall be determinative as of the end of the calendar
month in which such concurrence or third-doctor decision, as the case may be, is
made. After the final certification is made and the 30-day written notice is
provided, the Company shall pay to Lacy, at such times as Base Salary provided
for in Section 3 of this Agreement would normally be paid, 100% of Base Salary
for the first twelve months following such termination, 75% of Base Salary for
the next twelve-month period and 50% of Base Salary for the remaining period of
what would have constituted the current Term of employment but for termination
by reason of disability with each installment treated as a separate “payment”
for purposes of Section 409A of the Code, such that any payment that would
otherwise be payable during the Short Term Deferral Period is exempt from
Section 409A of the Code. Following the termination pursuant to this Section
9.2, the Company shall pay or provide to Lacy such other rights and benefits of
participation under the employee benefit plans and programs of the Company to
the extent that such continued participation is not otherwise prohibited by
applicable law or by the express terms and provisions of such plans and
programs.  Furthermore, nothing contained in this Section 9.2 shall
preclude Lacy from receiving the benefit of his target MIP bonus for the initial
year in which a short-term disability occurs pursuant to the provisions of
Section 6.  All benefits provided under this Section 9.2 shall be in
replacement of and not in addition to benefits payable under the Company's
short-term and long-term disability plans, except to the extent such disability
plans provide greater benefits than the disability benefits provided under this
Agreement, in which case the applicable disability plan(s) would supersede the
applicable provisions of this Agreement.  All awards of restricted
stock, stock options and any other benefits under the Long-Term Incentive Plans
shall be handled in accordance with the terms of the relevant plan and
agreements entered into between Lacy and the Company with respect to such
awards.

    

    9.3           Due
Cause.  The Company may terminate Lacy's employment, remove him
as an officer and director of the Company and terminate this Agreement at any
time for Due Cause.  In the event of such termination for Due Cause,
Lacy shall continue to receive Base Salary payments provided for in this
Agreement only through the date of such termination for Due
Cause.  Any bonus (or amounts in lieu thereof) pursuant to Section 5,
payable for the fiscal year in which a Due Cause termination occurs, shall be
determined by the Compensation Committee at its meeting following the end of
such fiscal year pro rata to the date of termination and promptly paid to Lacy,
and Lacy shall be entitled to no further benefits under this Agreement, except
that any rights and benefits Lacy may have under the employee benefit plans and
programs of the Company, in which Lacy is a participant, shall be determined in
accordance with the terms and provisions of such plans and
programs.  Lacy understands and agrees that in the event of the
termination of employment, removal as an officer and director and termination of
this Agreement pursuant to this Section 9.3: (a) All awards of restricted
stock, stock options and any other benefits under the Long-Term Incentive Plans
shall be handled in accordance with the terms of the relevant plan and
agreements entered into between Lacy and the Company with respect to such awards
and (b) except as otherwise provided in this Section 9.3, the Company shall have
no further obligation to pay any bonus to Lacy under the terms of the MIP or
this Agreement, but that the obligations of Lacy under Section 10 shall remain
in full force and effect.  The term “Due Cause” shall mean (i) the
willful and continued failure of Lacy to attempt to perform substantially his
duties with the Company (other than any such failure resulting from Disability),
after a demand for substantial performance is delivered to Lacy by the Board,
which specifically identifies the manner in which Lacy has not attempted to
substantially perform his duties, or (ii) the engaging by Lacy in willful
misconduct which is materially injurious to the Company, monetarily or
otherwise.  For purposes of this definition, no act, or failure to
act, on the part of Lacy shall be considered “willful” unless it is done, or
omitted to be done, by Lacy in bad faith and without reasonable belief that
Lacy’s action or omission was in the best interests of the
Company.  Any act, or failure to act, based upon authority given
pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board or based upon the advice of
counsel for the Company shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to
be done, by Lacy in good faith and in the best interests of the
Company.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Lacy shall not be deemed to
have been terminated for Due Cause unless and until there have been delivered to
him a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of at least 3⁄4 of
the Board (excluding Lacy) at a meeting of the Board called and held for such
purpose (after reasonable notice is provided to Lacy and he is given an
opportunity, together with counsel, to be heard before the Board) finding that
in the good faith opinion of the Board Lacy was guilty of conduct set forth
herein and specifying the particulars thereof.

    

    9.4           Without Cause. The
other provisions of this Agreement notwithstanding, the Company may terminate
Lacy's employment, remove him as an officer and director and terminate this
Agreement at any time for whatever reason it deems appropriate, with or without
cause and with or without prior notice. In the event of such a termination of
Lacy's employment and this Agreement, Lacy shall have no further obligations of
any kind under or arising out of the Agreement (except for the obligations of
Lacy under Section 10) and the Company shall be obligated only to promptly pay
Lacy within the Short Term Deferral Period the following in a lump sum payment:
(a) 200% of Base Salary through the end of the then current Term of this
Agreement (the “Remaining Term”) as provided for under Section 2 of this
Agreement, but no less than a total of twenty-four months of 200% of Base
Salary; and (b) any other amounts due and owing not then paid; provided,
however, that in the event that as a result of such termination of employment
Lacy would otherwise be entitled to a severance payment (a “Change of Control
Severance Payment”) under Section 4 of the Amended and Restated Severance
Agreement dated as of the 30th day of December, 2008, between Lacy and
the Company, (the “Severance Agreement”), Lacy shall be entitled to the amounts
described in clause (b) above and the greater of: (i) the cash severance
benefits described in clause (a) of this sentence and (ii) the cash severance
benefits described in Section 4(a) of the Severance Agreement, but in no event
to both payments.

    

    

    After the
date of termination under this Section 9.4 or Section 9.6, Lacy shall not be
treated as an employee for purposes of the Company's employee benefit plans or
programs even though he may continue to receive payments as provided in this
Section 9.4, except: that Lacy and his eligible dependents shall continue,
to the extent permitted by law, to be covered by health and welfare insurance
plans or programs in which Lacy and his eligible dependents participate
immediately prior to Lacy's termination of employment for the Remaining Term;
provided, however, that if during such time period Lacy should enter into
employment with a new employer and become eligible to receive comparable
insurance benefits, the continued insurance benefits described herein shall
automatically cease. In the event that Lacy is ineligible, for whatever reason,
to continue to be so covered with respect to any of the above-referenced plans
or programs, the Company shall provide substantially equivalent coverage through
other sources (determined on an after-tax basis). In the event Lacy would
otherwise be entitled to a Change of Control Severance Payment under the
Severance Agreement as a result of a termination of employment under this
Section 9.4, Lacy may elect to receive the continued health and welfare
insurance benefits under this Section 9.4 or under Section 4(b) of the Severance
Agreement, but in no event both benefits.

    

    Furthermore,
in the event of a termination Without Cause, Lacy shall be presumed to have met
eligibility requirements specified in Section 2.4 of the Meredith Replacement
Benefit Plan and the Meredith Supplemental Benefit Plan or any successor
thereto. He shall be presumed to have met eligibility requirements for the
Company’s Retiree Health Care coverage at end of the Term provided, however,
that if subsequent to such termination Lacy should enter into employment with
another employer and become eligible for health insurance benefits, Lacy’s
eligibility for Retirement Health Care coverage shall automatically cease. All
awards of restricted stock and stock options shall automatically vest and be
exercisable for the full unexpired term of the option.

    

    Lacy
agrees that the payments described in this Section 9.4 shall be full and
adequate compensation to Lacy for all damages Lacy may suffer as a result of the
termination of his employment pursuant to this Sections 9.4 or 9.6, and in
consideration of the payments and benefits provided in this Section 9.4, Lacy
agrees to execute a Waiver and Release Agreement in the form attached hereto as
Attachment A; provided, however, that, except as specifically provided for under
this Section 9.4, any rights and benefits Lacy may have under the employee
benefit plans and programs of the Company, in which Lacy is a participant, shall
be determined in accordance with the terms and provisions of such plans and
programs.

    

    9.5           Employee
Voluntary.  In the event Lacy terminates his employment of his
own volition prior to the end of the term of this Agreement, except for a
termination as described in Section 9.6 and except for termination for Good
Reason as specifically provided otherwise in the Severance Agreement, such
termination shall constitute a voluntary termination and in such event the
Company's only obligation to Lacy shall be to make Base Salary payments provided
for in this Agreement through the date of such voluntary
termination.  Any rights and benefits Lacy may have under the employee
benefit plans and programs of the Company, in which he is a participant, shall
be determined in accordance with the terms and provisions of such plans and
programs.  Lacy understands and agrees that in the event of the
termination of employment pursuant to this Section 9.5: (a) All awards of
restricted stock, stock options and any other benefits under the Long-Term
Incentive Plans shall be handled in accordance with the terms of the relevant
plan and agreements entered into between Lacy and the Company with respect to
such awards; and (b) the Company shall have no further obligation to pay any
bonus to Lacy under the terms of the MIP or this Agreement.

    

    9.6           Failure to Re-elect as Chief
Executive Officer or Director. If at any time prior to the end of the
Term of this Agreement Lacy is not re-elected to or is removed from the office
of Chief Executive Officer or as a Director of the Company or the Company
materially violates Section 1.1 of this Agreement (for reasons other than Due
Cause), Lacy shall have the right to terminate his employment with the Company
after first giving the Company written notice of the violation within ninety
(90) days of its initial existence and providing a period of thirty (30) days in
which the violation may be cured and by thereafter, if such violation has not
been corrected or cured, by giving written notice within ninety (90) days of his
termination, and such termination shall be deemed to be termination by the
Company without “Due Cause,” and such termination shall be treated in accordance
with the terms of Section 9.4 above.

    

    9.7           The
Company agrees to continue Lacy’s coverage under such directors and officers’
liability insurance policies as shall from time to time be in effect for active
officers and employees for not less than six years following Lacy’s termination
of employment.

    

    10.           Covenants of
Lacy.

    

    10.1           Lacy
acknowledges that as a result of the services to be rendered to the Company
hereunder, Lacy will be brought into close contact with many confidential
affairs of the Company, its subsidiaries and affiliates, not readily available
to the public.  Lacy further acknowledges that the services to be
performed under this Agreement are of a special, unique, unusual, extraordinary
and intellectual character; that the business of the Company is international in
scope; that its goods and services are marketed throughout the United States and
various parts of the world and that the Company competes with other
organizations that are or could be located in nearly any part of the United
States and in various parts of the world.

    

    10.2           In
recognition of the foregoing, Lacy covenants and agrees that, except as is
necessary in providing services under this Agreement or to the extent necessary
to comply with law or the valid order of a court or government agency of
competent jurisdiction, Lacy will not knowingly use for his own benefit nor
knowingly divulge any Confidential Information and Trade Secrets of the Company,
its subsidiaries and affiliated entities, which are not otherwise in the public
domain and, so long as they remain Confidential Information and Trade Secrets
not in the public domain, will not intentionally disclose them to anyone outside
of the Company either during or after his employment.  For the
purposes of this Agreement, "Confidential Information and Trade Secrets" of the
Company means information which is secret to the Company, its subsidiaries and
affiliated entities.  It may include, but is not limited to,
information relating to the magazines, books, publications, products, services,
television stations, integrated marketing, interactive media, electronic
commerce, new and future concepts and business of the Company, its subsidiaries
and affiliates, in the form of memoranda, reports, computer software and data
banks, customer lists, employee lists, books, records, financial statements,
manuals, papers, contracts and strategic plans.  As a guide, Lacy is
to consider information originated, owned, controlled or possessed by the
Company, its subsidiaries or affiliated entities which is not disclosed in
printed publications stated to be available for distribution outside the
Company, its subsidiaries and affiliated entities as being secret and
confidential.  In instances where doubt does or should reasonably be
understood to exist in Lacy's mind as to whether information is secret and
confidential to the Company, its subsidiaries and affiliated entities, Lacy
agrees to request an opinion, in writing, from the Board of
Directors.

    

    10.3           Anything
to the contrary in this Section 10 notwithstanding, Lacy shall disclose to the
public and discuss such information as is customary or legally required to be
disclosed by a Company whose stock is publicly traded, or that is otherwise
legally required to disclose, or that is in the best interests of the Company to
do so.

    

    10.4           Lacy
will deliver promptly to the Company on the termination of his employment with
the Company, or at any other time the Company may so request, all memoranda,
notes, records, reports and other documents relating to the Company, its
subsidiaries and affiliated entities, and all property owned by the Company, its
subsidiaries and affiliated entities, which Lacy obtained while employed by the
Company, and which Lacy may then possess or have under his control.

    

    10.5           During
and for a period of twenty-four (24) months after the termination of employment
with the Company (except that the time period of such restrictions shall be
extended by any period during which Lacy is in violation of this Section 10.5),
Lacy will not knowingly interfere with, disrupt or attempt to disrupt, any then
existing relationship, contractual or otherwise between the Company, its
subsidiaries or affiliated entities, and any customer, client, supplier, or
agent, or knowingly solicit, or assist any other entity in soliciting for
employment, any person known to Lacy to be an agent or executive employee of the
Company, its subsidiaries, or affiliated entities, it being understood that the
right to seek or enter into contractual arrangements with independent
contractors, including, without limitation, consultants, professionals, authors,
advertisers and the like, shall not be abridged by reason of this Section
10.  In addition, in the event of a voluntary termination under
Section 9.5, during and for a period of twenty-four (24) months after the
termination of employment with the Company, Lacy will not render services
directly or indirectly as an employee, officer, director, consultant,
independent contractor or in any other capacity to any person or entity that is
a competitor of the Company.

    

    10.6           Lacy
will promptly disclose to the Company all inventions, processes, original works
of authorship, trademarks, patents, improvements and discoveries related to the
business of the Company, its subsidiaries and affiliated entities (collectively
"Developments"), conceived or developed during Lacy's employment with the
Company and based upon information to which he had access during the term of
employment, whether or not conceived during regular working hours, through the
use of the Company time, material or facilities or otherwise.  All
such Developments shall be the sole and exclusive property of the Company, and
upon request Lacy shall deliver to the Company all outlines, descriptions and
other data and records relating to such Developments, and shall execute any
documents deemed necessary by the Company to protect the Company's rights
hereunder.  Lacy agrees upon request to assist the Company to obtain
United States or foreign letters patent and copyright registrations covering
inventions and original works of authorship belonging to the Company
hereunder.  If the Company is unable because of Lacy's mental or
physical incapacity to secure Lacy's signature to apply for or to pursue any
application for any United States or foreign letters patent or copyright
registrations covering inventions and original works of authorship belonging to
the Company hereunder, then Lacy hereby irrevocably designates and appoints the
Company and its duly authorized officers and agents as his agent and attorney in
fact, to act for and in his behalf and stead to execute and file any such
applications and to do all other lawfully permitted acts to further the
prosecution and issuance of letters patent or copyright registrations thereon
with the same legal force and effect as if executed by him.  Lacy
hereby waives and quitclaims to the Company any and all claims, of any nature
whatsoever, that he may hereafter have for infringement of any patents or
copyright resulting from any such application for letters patent or copyright
registrations belonging to the Company hereunder.

    

    10.7           Lacy
agrees that the remedy at law for any breach or threatened breach of any
covenant contained in this Section 10 may be inadequate and that the Company, in
addition to such other remedies as may be available to it, in law or in equity,
shall be entitled to injunctive relief without bond or other
security.

    

    10.8           Although
the restrictions contained in Sections 10.1, 10.2, 10.4 and 10.5 above are
considered by the parties hereto to be fair and reasonable in the circumstances,
it is recognized that restrictions of such nature may fail for technical
reasons, and accordingly it is hereby agreed that if any of such restrictions
shall be adjudged to be void or unenforceable for whatever reason, but would be
valid if part of the wording thereof were deleted, or the period thereof reduced
or the area dealt with thereby reduced in scope, the restrictions contained in
Section 10.1, 10.2, 10.4 and 10.5 shall be enforced to the maximum extent
permitted by law, and the parties consent and agree that such scope or wording
may be accordingly judicially modified in any proceeding brought to enforce such
restrictions.

    

    10.9           Notwithstanding
that Lacy's employment hereunder may expire or be terminated as provided in
Sections 2 or 9 above, this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect
insofar as is necessary to enforce the covenants and agreements of Lacy
contained in this Section 10.  In addition, the Company obligations
under Sections 9, 11 and 19 shall continue in full force and effect with respect
to Lacy or his estate.

    

    11.           Arbitration.

    

    The
parties shall use their best efforts and good will to settle all disputes by
amicable negotiations.  The Company and Lacy agree that, with the
express exception of any dispute or controversy arising under Section 9.2 or
Section 10 of this Agreement or as may be required under Section 3(g) of the
Severance Agreement, any controversy or claim arising out of or in any way
relating to Lacy's employment with the Company, including, without limitation,
any and all disputes concerning this Agreement and the termination of this
Agreement that are not amicably resolved by negotiation, shall be settled by
arbitration in Des Moines, Iowa, or such other place agreed to by the parties,
as follows:

    

    (a)           
Any such arbitration shall be heard before an arbitrator who shall be
impartial.  Except as the parties may otherwise agree, the arbitrator
shall be appointed by the American Arbitration Association in accordance with
its rules and procedures.  In determining the appropriate background
of the arbitrator, the appointing authority shall give due consideration to the
issues to be resolved, but its decision as to the identity of the arbitrator
shall be final.

    

    (b)           
An arbitration may be commenced by any party to this Agreement by the service of
a written Request for Arbitration upon the other affected party.  Such
Request for Arbitration shall summarize the controversy or claim to be
arbitrated, and shall be referred by the complaining party to the appointing
authority for appointment of arbitrators ten (10) days following such
service.  If an arbitrator is not appointed by the appointing
authority within sixty (60) days following such reference, any party may apply
to any court within the State of Iowa for an order appointing arbitrators
qualified as set forth below.  No Request for Arbitration shall be
valid if it relates to a claim, dispute, disagreement or controversy that would
have been time barred under the applicable statute of limitations had such
claim, dispute, disagreement or controversy been submitted to the courts of the
State of Iowa.

    

    (c)           
Judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrators may be entered in any court
having jurisdiction thereof.

    

    (d)           
It is intended that controversies or claims submitted to arbitration under this
Section 11 shall remain confidential, and to that end it is agreed by the
parties that neither the facts disclosed in the arbitration, the issues
arbitrated, nor the views or opinions of any persons concerning them, shall be
disclosed by third persons, any employees of the Company involved in such
arbitration proceedings, or Lacy’s or the Company’s representatives, at any
time, except to the extent necessary to enforce an award or judgment or as
required by law or in response to legal process or in connection with such
arbitration.  In addition, Lacy shall be entitled to disclose the
facts disclosed in arbitration, the issues arbitrated, and the views or opinions
of any persons concerning them to legal and tax advisors so long as such
advisors agree to be bound by the terms of this Agreement.

    

    12.           Successors and
Assigns.

    

    12.1           Assignment by the
Company.  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and
shall be binding upon the successors and assigns of the Company.

    

    12.2           Assignment by
Lacy.  Lacy may not assign this Agreement or any part thereof;
provided, however, that nothing herein shall preclude one or more beneficiaries
of Lacy from receiving any amount that may be payable following the occurrence
of his legal incompetency or his death and shall not preclude the legal
representative of his estate from receiving such amount or from assigning any
right hereunder to the person or persons entitled thereto under his will or, in
the case of intestacy, to the person or persons entitled thereto under the laws
of the intestacy applicable to his estate.

    

    13.           Governing
Law.

    

    This
Agreement shall be deemed a contract made under, and for all purposes shall be
construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Iowa without reference to
the principles of conflict of laws.

    

    14.           Entire
Agreement.

    

    This
Agreement and those plans and agreements referenced herein contain all the
understandings and representations between the parties hereto pertaining to the
subject of the employment of Lacy by the Company and supersede all undertakings
and agreements, whether oral or in writing, if any there be, previously entered
into by them with respect thereto.

    

    15.           Amendment or Modification;
Waiver.

    

    No
provision of this Agreement may be amended or modified unless such amendment or
modification is agreed to in writing, signed by Lacy and by a duly authorized
officer of the Company and approved in advance by the Compensation
Committee.  Except as otherwise specifically provided in this
Agreement, no waiver by either party hereto of any breach by the other party of
any condition or provision of the Agreement to be performed by such other party
shall be deemed a waiver of a similar or dissimilar provision or condition at
the same or any prior or subsequent time.

    

    16.           Notices.

    

    Any
notice to be given hereunder shall be in writing and delivered personally or
sent by overnight mail, such as Federal Express, addressed to the party
concerned at the address indicated below or to such other address as such party
may subsequently give notice of hereunder in writing:

    

    If to
Company:

    

    Chairman
of the Compensation Committee

    Board of
Directors

    Meredith
Corporation

    1716
Locust Street

    Des
Moines, Iowa 50309-3023

    

    with a
copy to:

    

    John
Zieser, Esquire

    Vice
President-General Counsel & Secretary

    Meredith
Corporation

    1716
Locust Street

    Des
Moines, Iowa 50309-3023

    

    

    If to
Lacy:

    

    Stephen
M. Lacy

    Chief
Executive Officer Meredith Corporation

    1716
Locust Street

    Des
Moines, Iowa 50309-3023

    

    with a
copy to:

    

    Margo C.
Soule, Esquire

    Sonnenschein
Nath & Rosenthal LLP

    4520 Main
Street

    Kansas
City, Missouri 64111

    

    17.           Severability.

    

    In the
event that any provision or portion of this Agreement shall be determined to be
invalid or unenforceable for any reason, the remaining provisions or portions of
this Agreement shall be unaffected thereby and shall remain in full force and
effect to the fullest extent permitted by law.

    

    18.           Withholding.

    

    Anything
to the contrary notwithstanding, all payments required to be made by the Company
hereunder to Lacy or his beneficiaries, including his estate, shall be subject
to withholding and deductions as the Company may reasonably determine it should
withhold or deduct pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.  In
lieu of withholding or deducting, such amounts, in whole or in part, the Company
may, in its sole discretion, accept other provision for payment as permitted by
law, provided it is satisfied in its sole discretion that all requirements of
law affecting its responsibilities to withhold such taxes have been
satisfied.

    

    19.           Deferred
Payments.

    

    Any
amounts required under this Agreement to be paid to Lacy that Lacy can and does
elect to defer under any Company benefit plan or program shall be deemed to have
been paid to him for purposes of this Agreement; provided, however, that if the
Company breaches the terms of any deferred compensation plan, arrangement or
agreement with respect to which such amounts are to be paid, Lacy may claim a
breach of this Agreement.

    

    Notwithstanding
anything in this Agreement or elsewhere to the contrary:

    

    (a)           If
payment or provision of any amount or other benefit that is “deferred
compensation” subject to Section 409A of the Code at the time otherwise
specified in this Agreement or elsewhere would subject such amount or benefit to
additional tax pursuant to Section 409A(a)(1)(B) of the Code, and if payment or
provision thereof at a later date would avoid any such additional tax, then the
payment or provision thereof shall be postponed to the earliest date on which
such amount or benefit can be paid or provided without incurring any such
additional tax.  In the event this Section requires a deferral of any
payment, such payment shall be accumulated and paid in a single lump sum on such
earliest date together with interest for the period of delay, compounded
annually, equal to the prime rate (as published in The Wall Street Journal), and
in effect as of the date the payment should otherwise have been
provided.

    

    (b)           If
any payment or benefit permitted or required under this Agreement, or otherwise,
is reasonably determined by either party to be subject for any reason to a
material risk of additional tax pursuant to Section 409A(a)(1)(B) of the Code,
then the parties shall promptly agree in good faith on appropriate provisions to
avoid such risk without materially changing the economic value of this Agreement
to either party.

    

    20.           Survivorship.

    

    The
respective rights and obligations of the parties hereunder shall survive any
termination of this Agreement to the extent necessary to the intended
preservation of such rights and obligations.

    

    21.           Duty to Mitigate:
Set-off.

    

    Lacy
shall not be required to seek employment, nor shall the amount of any payment
provided for under this Agreement be reduced by any compensation earned by Lacy
as the result of employment by another employer after the date of termination of
Lacy's employment, or otherwise, except as may be provided under Section 9.4
with respect to health and welfare insurance benefits.  The Company's
obligation to make the payments provided for in this Agreement and otherwise to
perform its obligations hereunder shall not be affected by any set off,
counterclaim, recoupment, defense, or other claim, right or action that the
Company may have against Lacy or others, except to be extent such employment
violates Section 10.5.

    

    22.           Headings.

    

    Headings
of the sections of this Agreement are intended solely for convenience and no
provision of this Agreement is to be construed by reference to the title of any
section.

    

    23.           Knowledge and
Representation.

    

    Lacy
acknowledges that the terms of this Agreement have been fully explained to him,
that Lacy understands the nature and extent of the rights and obligations
provided under this Agreement, and that Lacy has been represented by legal
counsel in the negotiation and preparation of this Agreement.

    

    
      
         

      

      
         

        
          

        

      

      
         

      

    

    IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have re-executed and acknowledged this
Agreement as of the date set forth below.

     

    MEREDITH
CORPORATION

     

    

    By:           _/s/ John S.
Zieser______________

    John S. Zieser

    Chief Development Officer,

    General Counsel and
Secretary

     

     

     

    STEPHEN
M. LACY

    

     

      /s/ Stephen M.
Lacy                                                                

     

     

    Date:  August
24, 2009exh10-16_griffin.htm

    Exhibit
10.16

    EMPLOYMENT
AGREEMENT

    

    AGREEMENT
entered into as of March 9, 2008, by and between MEREDITH CORPORATION, an Iowa
corporation (the "Company"), and JACK GRIFFIN ("Griffin"), to become effective
March 6, 2008 (“Effective Date”).

    

    WITNESSETH:

    

    WHEREAS,
Griffin has been employed by the Company as President, Meredith Publishing
Group; and

    

    WHEREAS,
the Company wishes to continue to employ Griffin pursuant to the terms and
conditions hereof, and in order to induce Griffin to enter into this agreement
(the "Agreement") and to secure the benefits to accrue from his performance
hereunder is willing to undertake the obligations assigned to it herein;
and

    

    WHEREAS,
Griffin is willing to continue his employment with the Company under the terms
hereof and to enter into the Agreement;

    

    NOW
THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants contained
herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is
hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

    

    1.           Position; Duties;
Responsibilities.

    

    1.1           Meredith
shall employ Griffin in New York, New York, as President, Meredith Publishing
Group, reporting to Steve Lacy (or his successor, if
applicable).  While employed hereunder, Griffin shall have such
responsibility and authority as has historically attached to being President of
Meredith Publishing Group.

    

    1.2           During
the course of his employment, Griffin agrees to devote his full time and
attention and give his best efforts and skills to furthering the business and
interests of the Company, which, subject to the mutual agreement of Griffin and
Steve Lacy (or his successor, if applicable), which shall not be unreasonably
withheld, may include Griffin volunteering his time and efforts on behalf of
charitable, civic, professional organizations and boards of other
corporations.

    

    2.           Term.

    

    The term
of employment under this Agreement shall commence as of March 6, 2008, and shall
continue through June 30, 2011, unless sooner terminated in accordance with this
Agreement, and thereafter as herein provided. Griffin's term of employment shall
automatically renew for subsequent one (1) year terms, the first of which would
begin on July 1, 2011, subject to the terms of this Agreement unless either
party gives written notice six (6) months or more prior to the expiration of the
then existing term of its decision not to renew (the "Term").

    In the
event this Agreement expires at the end of the Term, as extended if applicable,
after the Company has delivered a Non-Renewal Notice to Griffin, such
termination of Griffin’s employment with the Company will be treated for all
purposes hereunder as a termination of employment by the Company Without Cause
pursuant to Section 9.4.

    

    3.           Base
Salary.

    

    3.1           The
Company shall pay Griffin a base salary at the annual rate of Seven Hundred
Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($725,000) ("Base Salary"), beginning on the
Effective Date and continuing through June 30, 2009, payable in accordance with
the standard payroll practices of the Company.

    

    3.2           It
is understood that the Base Salary is to be Griffin's minimum annual
compensation during the Term. The Base Salary may increase beginning July 1,
2009 at the discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of
Directors ("Compensation Committee").  Base Salary shall include all
such increased amounts, and, if increased, Base Salary shall not thereafter be
decreased.

    

    4.           Long-Term Incentive
Plans.

    

    During
the Term of this Agreement, Griffin shall be eligible to participate in all
long-term incentive plans, including, without limitation, stock incentive plans
adopted by the Company and in effect (collectively, "Long-Term Incentive
Plans"), at levels of awards to be granted by the Compensation Committee
commensurate with the level of Griffin's responsibilities and performance
thereof.  At its regular August 2008 meeting, the Compensation
Committee, in the exercise of its discretion, shall approve an award to Griffin
of: (a) 50,000 non-qualified stock options with a three (3) year cliff vesting
schedule and a strike price equal to the fair market value of Meredith common
stock on the date of such award, and (b) 7,500 Restricted Stock Units of
Meredith common stock with a three (3) year cliff vesting schedule.

    

    5.           Bonus.

    

    5.1           During
the Term of this Agreement, Griffin shall be eligible to participate in the
Meredith Management Incentive Plan (or any successor or replacement annual
incentive plan of the Company) ("MIP"), for such periods as it continues in
effect, subject to the terms of the MIP, and to the discretion vested in the
Compensation Committee under the MIP; provided, however, that the percentage of
Base Salary payable as a target bonus under the MIP shall not be less than
eighty percent (80%) (actual Company financial results may result in an actual
bonus paid to Griffin equal to less than or more than eighty percent (80%) of
Base Salary).

    

    5.2           The
MIP bonus pursuant to this Section 5.1 shall be paid to Griffin in conformance
with the Company's normal MIP bonus pay policies following the end of the
respective fiscal year. For the purpose of Section 5.1, MIP bonuses paid with
respect to the fiscal year shall include payments made outside of the fiscal
year but for such fiscal year and shall exclude payments made in the fiscal year
that are for another fiscal year.

    

    5.3           For
each year during the term of this Agreement, Griffin will receive an annual Stay
Bonus ("Stay Bonus") of Seventy-Five Thousand Dollars ($75,000) less applicable
withholdings and deductions, to be payable in twelve (12) equal installments of
Six Thousand Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($6,250) on the first regular payday of
each month, thereafter conditioned on Griffin's continuing employment with
Meredith on each such payday.

    

    6.           Short-Term
Disability.

    

    During
any period of short-term disability, the Company will continue to pay to Griffin
the Base Salary throughout the period of short-term disability, but in no event
beyond the end of Term.  In addition, Griffin will continue to receive
all rights and benefits under the benefit plans and programs of the Company in
which Griffin is a participant as determined in accordance with the terms of
such plans and programs, and Griffin shall be eligible to receive the benefit of
his target MIP and Stay Bonuses for the initial year in which the short-term
disability occurs without reduction for the period of short-term
disability.  In the event of Griffin's death during a period of
short-term disability, the provisions of Section 9.1 shall apply. For the
purposes of this Agreement, short-term disability shall be defined as the
incapacitation of Griffin by reason of sickness, accident or other physical or
mental disability which continues for a period not to exceed the fifth month
anniversary of the date of the cause or onset of such
incapacitation.  All benefits provided under this Section 6 shall be
in replacement of and not in addition to benefits payable under the Company’s
short-term and long-term disability plan(s), except to the extent such
disability plan(s) provide greater benefits than the disability benefits
provided under this Agreement, in which case the applicable disability plan(s)
would supersede the applicable provisions of this Agreement.  In the
event Griffin is determined to be permanently disabled (as determined under
Section 9.2), the provisions of Section 9.2 shall apply.

    

    7.           Employee Benefit
Plans.

    

    7.1           During
the Term of this Agreement and subject to all eligibility requirements, and to
the extent permitted by law, Griffin will have the opportunity to participate in
all employee benefit plans and programs generally available to the Company's
employees in accordance with the provisions thereof as in effect from time to
time, including, without limitation, medical coverage, group life insurance,
holidays and vacations, Meredith Savings and Investment Plan (401k) and the
Meredith Employees' Retirement Income Plan, but not including the Company's
short-term and long-term disability plans, except to the extent that such
disability plans provide greater benefits than the disability benefits provided
under this Agreement, in which case the applicable disability plan would
supersede the applicable provisions of this Agreement.

    

    7.2           In
addition to benefits described in Section 7.1 during the Term of this Agreement,
Griffin shall also receive or participate in, to the extent permitted by law,
the various perquisites and plans generally available to officers of the Company
in accordance with the provisions thereof as in effect from time to time
including, without limitation, the following perquisites to the extent the
Company continues to offer them: an automobile or automobile allowance, tax and
estate planning, and executive life insurance (if insurable). Griffin shall also
be reimbursed for the regular annual dues for the Yale Club and the New York
Athletic Club and for the initiation fees and regular annual dues at a mutually
agreed upon country club incurred by Griffin in furtherance of the Company's
business.  All such reimbursements or in-kind benefits shall be
payable by the Company on or before the last day of Griffin’s taxable year
following the taxable year in which the expense was incurred.  The
expenses paid or in-kind benefits provided by the Company during any taxable
year of Griffin will not affect the expenses paid or in-kind benefits provided
by the Company in another taxable year.  This right to reimbursement
or in-kind benefits is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another
benefit.  In addition, Griffin shall participate in the Meredith
Replacement Benefit Plan and the Meredith Supplemental Benefit
Plan.

    

    8.           Expense
Reimbursements.

    

    During
Griffin's employment with the Company, Griffin will be entitled to receive
reimbursement by the Company for all reasonable, out-of-pocket expenses incurred
by him (in accordance with policies and procedures established by the Company),
in connection with his performing services hereunder, provided Griffin properly
accounts therefor.  All such reimbursements shall be payable by the
Company on or before the last day of Griffin’s taxable year following the
taxable year in which the expense was incurred. The expenses paid by the Company
during any taxable year of Griffin will not affect the expenses paid by the
Company in another taxable year.  This right to reimbursement is not
subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

    

    9.           Consequences of Termination
of Employment.

    

    9.1           Death. In the event
of the death of Griffin during the Term of this Agreement or during the period
when payments are being made pursuant to Sections 6 or 9.2, this Agreement shall
terminate and all obligations to Griffin shall cease as of the date of death
except that, (a) the Company will pay to the legal representative of his estate
in substantially equal installments the Base Salary and Stay Bonus under Section
5.3 until the end of the month of the first anniversary of Griffin's death (but
not beyond June 30, 2011) with each installment treated as a separate “payment”
for purposes of Section 409A of the Code, such that any payment that would
otherwise be payable within 2 1⁄2 months after Griffin’s taxable year in
which his employment with the Company is terminated or, if later, within 2 1⁄2
months after the end of the Company’s taxable year in which Griffin’s employment
with the Company is terminated (the “Short Term Deferral Period”) is exempt from
Section 409A of the Code, and (b) all rights and benefits of Griffin under the
benefit plans and programs of the Company in which Griffin is a participant,
will be provided as determined in accordance with the terms and provisions of
such plans and programs. Any MIP bonus (or amounts in lieu thereof) pursuant to
Section 5, payable for the fiscal year in which Griffin's death occurs, shall be
determined by the Compensation Committee at its meeting following the end of
such fiscal year pro rata to the date of death and promptly paid to Griffin's
estate. All awards of restricted stock, stock options and any other benefits
under the Long-Term Incentive Plans shall be handled in accordance with the
terms of the relevant plan and agreements entered into between Griffin and the
Company with respect to such awards.

    9.2           Disability. If
Griffin shall become permanently incapacitated by reasons of sickness, accident
or other physical or mental disability, as such incapacitation is certified by a
physician chosen by the Company and reasonably acceptable to Griffin (if he is
then able to exercise sound judgment), and shall therefore be unable to perform
any substantial gainful activity, then the employment of Griffin hereunder and
this Agreement may be terminated by Griffin or the Company upon thirty (30)
days' written notice to the other party following such certification. Should
Griffin not acquiesce (or should he be unable to acquiesce) in the selection of
the certifying doctor, a doctor chosen by Griffin (or if he is not then able to
exercise sound judgment, by his spouse or personal representative) and
reasonably acceptable to the Company shall be required to concur in the medical
determination of incapacitation, failing which the two doctors shall designate a
third doctor whose decision shall be determinative as of the end of the calendar
month in which such concurrence or third-doctor decision, as the case may be, is
made. After the final certification is made and the 30-day written notice is
provided, the Company shall pay to Griffin, at such times as Base Salary
provided for in Section 3 of this Agreement would normally be paid, 100% of Base
Salary for the first twelve months following such termination, 75% of Base
Salary for the next twelve-month period and 50% of Base Salary for the remaining
period of what would have constituted the current Term of employment but for
termination by reason of disability (but in no event beyond June 30, 2011) with
each installment treated as a separate “payment” for purposes of Section 409A of
the Code, such that any payment that would otherwise be payable during the Short
Term Deferral Period is exempt from Section 409A of the Code. Following the
termination pursuant to this Section 9.2, the Company shall pay or provide to
Griffin such other rights and benefits of participation under the employee
benefit plans and programs of the Company to the extent that such continued
participation is not otherwise prohibited by applicable law or by the express
terms and provisions of such plans and programs. Furthermore, nothing contained
in this Section 9.2 shall preclude Griffin from receiving the benefit of his
target MIP bonus and Stay Bonus for the initial year in which a short-term
disability occurs pursuant to the provisions of Section 6. All benefits provided
under this Section 9.2 shall be in replacement of and not in addition to
benefits payable under the Company's short-term and long-term disability plans,
except to the extent such disability plans provide greater benefits than the
disability benefits provided under this Agreement, in which case the applicable
disability plan(s) would supersede the applicable provisions of this Agreement.
All awards of restricted stock, stock options and any other benefits under the
Long-Term Incentive Plans shall be handled in accordance with the terms of the
relevant plan and agreements entered into between Griffin and the Company with
respect to such awards.

    

    9.3           Due
Cause.  The Company may terminate Griffin's employment, remove
him as an officer of the Company and terminate this Agreement at any time for
Due Cause. In the event of such termination for Due Cause, Griffin shall
continue to receive Base Salary and Stay Bonus payments provided for in this
Agreement only through the date of such termination for Due
Cause.  Griffin shall be entitled to no further benefits under this
Agreement, except that any rights and benefits Griffin may have under the
employee benefit plans and programs of the Company, in which Griffin is a
participant, shall be determined in accordance with the terms and provisions of
such plans and programs. Griffin understands and agrees that in the event of the
termination of employment, removal as an officer and termination of this
Agreement pursuant to this Section 9.3: (a) All awards of restricted stock,
stock options and any other benefits under the Long-Term Incentive Plans shall
be handled in accordance with the terms of the relevant plan and agreements
entered into between Griffin and the Company with respect to such awards and (b)
the Company shall have no further obligation to pay any bonus to Griffin under
the terms of the MIP or this Agreement, but that the obligations of Griffin
under Section 10 shall remain in full force and effect. The term “Due Cause”
shall mean (i) the willful and continued failure of Griffin to attempt to
perform substantially his duties with the Company (other than any such failure
resulting from Disability), after a demand for substantial performance is
delivered to Griffin, which specifically identifies the manner in which Griffin
has not attempted to substantially perform his duties and for those matters
which are subject to cure, a ten (10) day notice to cure is provided, or (ii)
the engaging by Griffin in willful misconduct which is materially injurious to
the Company, monetarily or otherwise.  For purposes of this
definition, no act, or failure to act, on the part of Griffin shall be
considered “willful” unless it is done, or omitted to be done, by Griffin in bad
faith and without reasonable belief that Griffin’s action or omission was in the
best interests of the Company.  Any act, or failure to act, based upon
authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board or based upon
the advice of counsel for the Company shall be conclusively presumed to be done,
or omitted to be done, by Griffin in good faith and in the best interests of the
Company.

    

    9.4           Without Cause. The
other provisions of this Agreement notwithstanding, the Company may terminate
Griffin's employment, remove him as an officer and terminate this Agreement at
any time for whatever reason it deems appropriate, with or without cause and
with or without prior notice. In the event of such a termination of Griffin's
employment and this Agreement, Griffin shall have no further obligations of any
kind under or arising out of the Agreement (except for the obligations of
Griffin under Section 10) and the Company shall be obligated only to promptly
pay Griffin within the Short Term Deferral Period the following in a lump sum
payment: (a) 180 percent of Base Salary, and the Stay Bonus amounts provided in
Section 5 of this Agreement through the end of the then current Term of this
Agreement (the "Remaining Term") as provided for under Section 2 of this
Agreement, but no less than a total of twenty-one months of 180 percent of Base
Salary, and Stay Bonus; and (b) any other amounts due and owing not then paid;
provided, however, that in the event that as a result of such termination of
employment Griffin would otherwise be entitled to a severance payment (a "Change
of Control Severance Payment") under Section 4 of the Amended and Restated
Severance Agreement dated as of  the 30th day of December, 2008, between Griffin
and the Company (the "Severance Agreement"), Griffin shall be entitled to the
amounts described in clause (b) above and the greater of: (i) the cash severance
benefits described in clause (a) of this sentence and (ii) the cash severance
benefits described in Section 4(a) of the Severance Agreement, but in no event
to both payments.

    

    After the
date of termination under this Section 9.4 or Section 9.6, Griffin shall not be
treated as an employee for purposes of the Company's employee benefit plans or
programs even though he may continue to receive payments as provided in this
Section 9.4, except: that Griffin and his eligible dependents shall
continue, to the extent permitted by law, to be covered by health and welfare
insurance plans or programs in which Griffin and his eligible dependents
participate immediately prior to Griffin's termination of employment for the
Remaining Term; provided, however, that if during such time period Griffin
should enter into employment with a new employer and become eligible to receive
comparable insurance benefits, the continued insurance benefits described herein
shall automatically cease. In the event that Griffin is ineligible, for whatever
reason, to continue to be so covered with respect to any of the above-referenced
plans or programs, the Company shall provide substantially equivalent coverage
through other sources (determined on an after-tax basis).  In the
event Griffin would otherwise be entitled to a Change of Control Severance
Payment under the Severance Agreement as a result of a termination of employment
under this Section 9.4, Griffin may elect to receive the continued health and
welfare insurance benefits under this Section 9.4 or under Section 4(b) of the
Severance Agreement, but in no event both benefits.

    

    Furthermore,
in the event of a termination Without Cause, Griffin shall be presumed to have
met eligibility requirements specified in Section 2.4 of the Meredith
Replacement Benefit Plan and the Meredith Supplemental Benefit Plan or any
successor thereto and he shall be entitled to the amounts that have accrued
under such plans through the date of his termination without
cause.  All awards of restricted stock and stock options shall
automatically vest and be exercisable for the full unexpired term of the
option.

    

    Griffin
agrees that the payments described in this Section 9.4 shall be full and
adequate compensation to Griffin for all damages Griffin may suffer as a result
of the termination of his employment pursuant to this Sections 9.4 or 9.6, and
in consideration of the payments and benefits provided in this Section 9.4,
Griffin agrees to execute a Waiver and Release Agreement in the form attached
hereto as Attachment A; provided, however, that, except as specifically provided
for under this Section 9.4, any rights and benefits Griffin may have under the
employee benefit plans and programs of the Company, in which Griffin is a
participant, shall be determined in accordance with the terms and provisions of
such plans and programs.

    

    9.5           Employee
Voluntary.  In the event Griffin terminates his employment of
his own volition prior to the end of the term of this Agreement, except for a
termination as described in Section 9.6 and except for termination for Good
Reason as specifically provided otherwise in the Severance Agreement, such
termination shall constitute a voluntary termination and in such event the
Company's only obligation to Griffin shall be to make Base Salary payments
provided for in this Agreement through  the date of such voluntary
termination.  Any rights and benefits Griffin may have under the
employee benefit plans and programs of the Company, in which he is a
participant, shall be determined in accordance with the terms and provisions of
such plans and programs.  Griffin understands and agrees that in the
event of the termination of employment pursuant to this Section 9.5: (a) All
awards of restricted stock, stock options and any other benefits under the
Long-Term Incentive Plans shall be handled in accordance with the terms of the
relevant plan and agreements entered into between Griffin and the Company with
respect to such awards; and (b) the Company shall have no further obligation to
pay any bonuses to Griffin under the terms of the MIP or this
Agreement.

    

    9.6           Change in Title, Duties,
Reporting Relationship or Location. If at any time prior to the end of
the Term of this Agreement (a) an adverse change is made to Griffin's title as
President, Meredith Publishing Group, (b) an adverse material change is made
with respect to Griffin's having such responsibility and authority as has
historically attached to being President, Meredith Publishing Group, (c) a
change is made in Griffin's reporting relationship to Steve Lacy or his
successor, or (d) an involuntary change is made to the location of Griffin's
principal office more than twenty-five (25) miles from its current location or
more than twenty-five (25) miles from where he maintains his primary residence,
Griffin shall have the right to terminate his employment with the Company after
first giving the Company written notice of the violation within ninety (90) days
of its initial existence and providing a period of thirty (30) days in which the
violation may be cured and by thereafter, if such violation has not been
corrected or cured, by giving written notice within ninety (90) days of his
termination, and such termination shall be deemed to be termination by the
Company without "Due Cause," and such termination shall be treated in accordance
with the terms of Section 9.4 above.

    

    9.7           The
Company agrees to continue Griffin’s coverage under such directors and officers’
liability insurance policies as shall from time to time be in effect for active
officers and employees for not less than six years following Griffin’s
termination of employment.

    

    10.           Covenants of
Griffin.

    

    10.1           Griffin
acknowledges that as a result of the services to be rendered to the Company
hereunder, Griffin will be brought into close contact with many confidential
affairs of the Company, its subsidiaries and affiliates, not readily available
to the public. Griffin further acknowledges that the services to be performed
under this Agreement are of a special, unique, unusual, extraordinary and
intellectual character; that the business of the Company is international in
scope; that its goods and services are marketed throughout the United States and
various parts of the world and that the Company competes with other
organizations that are or could be located in nearly any part of the United
States and in various parts of the world.

    

    10.2           In
recognition of the foregoing, Griffin covenants and agrees that, except as is
necessary in providing services under this Agreement or to the extent necessary
to comply with law or the valid order of a court or government agency of
competent jurisdiction, Griffin will not knowingly use for his own benefit nor
knowingly divulge any Confidential Information and Trade Secrets of the Company,
its subsidiaries and affiliated entities, which are not otherwise in the public
domain and, so long as they remain Confidential Information and Trade Secrets
not in the public domain, will not intentionally disclose them to anyone outside
of the Company either during or after his employment. For the purposes of this
Agreement, "Confidential Information and Trade Secrets" of the Company means
information which is secret to the Company, its subsidiaries and affiliated
entities. It may include, but is not limited to, information relating to the
magazines, books, publications, products, services, television stations, real
estate franchise operations, new and future concepts and business of the
Company, its subsidiaries and affiliates, in the form of memoranda, reports,
computer software and data banks, customer lists, employee lists, books,
records, financial statements, manuals, papers, contracts and strategic plans.
As a guide, Griffin is to consider information originated, owned, controlled or
possessed by the Company, its subsidiaries or affiliated entities which is not
disclosed in printed publications stated to be available for distribution
outside the Company, its subsidiaries and affiliated entities as being secret
and confidential. In instances where doubt does or should reasonably be
understood to exist in Griffin's mind as to whether information is secret and
confidential to the Company, its subsidiaries and affiliated entities, Griffin
agrees to request an opinion, in writing, from Meredith's Chief Executive
Officer.

    

    10.3           Anything
to the contrary in this Section 10 notwithstanding, Griffin shall disclose to
the public and discuss such information as is customary or legally required to
be disclosed by a Company whose stock is publicly traded, or that is otherwise
legally required to disclose, or that is in the best interests of the Company to
do so.

    

    10.4           Griffin
will deliver promptly to the Company on the termination of his employment with
the Company, or at any other time the Company may so request, all memoranda,
notes, records, reports and other documents relating to the Company, its
subsidiaries and affiliated entities, and all property owned by the Company, its
subsidiaries and affiliated entities, which Griffin obtained while employed by
the Company, and which Griffin may then possess or have under his
control.

    

    10.5           During
and for a period of twenty-four (24) months after the termination of employment
with the Company (except that the time period of such restrictions shall be
extended by any period during which Griffin is in violation of this Section
10.5), Griffin will not knowingly interfere with, disrupt or attempt to disrupt,
any then existing relationship, contractual or otherwise between the Company,
its subsidiaries or affiliated entities, and any customer, client, supplier, or
agent, or knowingly solicit, or assist any other entity in soliciting for
employment, any person known to Griffin to be an agent or executive employee of
the Company, its subsidiaries, or affiliated entities, it being understood that
the right to seek or enter into contractual arrangements with independent
contractors, including, without limitation, consultants, professionals, authors,
advertisers and the like, shall not be abridged by reason of this Section 10. In
addition, in the event of a voluntary termination under Section 9.5, during and
for a period of twenty-four (24) months after the termination of employment with
the Company, Griffin will not render services directly or indirectly as an
employee, officer, director, consultant, independent contractor or in any other
capacity to any person or entity that is a competitor of the Company, including,
but not limited to, those entities identified on Schedule A.

    

    10.6           Griffin
will promptly disclose to the Company all inventions, processes, original works
of authorship, trademarks, patents, improvements and discoveries related to the
business of the Company, its subsidiaries and affiliated entities (collectively
"Developments"), conceived or developed during Griffin's employment with the
Company and based upon information to which he had access during the term of
employment, whether or not conceived during regular working hours, through the
use of the Company time, material or facilities or otherwise. All such
Developments shall be the sole and exclusive property of the Company, and upon
request Griffin shall deliver to the Company all outlines, descriptions and
other data and records relating to such Developments, and shall execute any
documents deemed necessary by the Company to protect the Company's rights
hereunder.  Griffin agrees upon request to assist the Company to
obtain United States or foreign letters patent and copyright registrations
covering inventions and original works of authorship belonging to the Company
hereunder. If the Company is unable because of Griffin's mental or physical
incapacity to secure Griffin's signature to apply for or to pursue any
application for any United States or foreign letters patent or copyright
registrations covering inventions and original works of authorship belonging to
the Company hereunder, then Griffin hereby irrevocably designates and appoints
the Company and its duly authorized officers and agents as his agent and
attorney in fact, to act for and in his behalf and stead to execute and file any
such applications and to do all other lawfully permitted acts to further the
prosecution and issuance of letters patent or copyright registrations thereon
with the same legal force and effect as if executed by him. Griffin hereby
waives and quitclaims to the Company any and all claims, of any nature
whatsoever, that he may hereafter have for infringement of any patents or
copyright resulting from any such application for letters patent or copyright
registrations belonging to the Company hereunder.

    

    10.7           Griffin
agrees that the remedy at law for any breach or threatened breach of any
covenant contained in this Section 10 may be inadequate and that the Company, in
addition to such other remedies as may be available to it, in law or in equity,
shall be entitled to injunctive relief without bond or other
security.

    

    10.8           Although
the restrictions contained in Sections 10.1, 10.2, 10.4 and 10.5 above are
considered by the parties hereto to be fair and reasonable in the circumstances,
it is recognized that restrictions of such nature may fail for technical
reasons, and accordingly it is hereby agreed that if any of such restrictions
shall be adjudged to be void or unenforceable for whatever reason, but would be
valid if part of the wording thereof were deleted, or the period thereof reduced
or the area dealt with thereby reduced in scope, the restrictions contained in
Section 10.1, 10.2, 10.4 and 10.5 shall be enforced to the maximum extend
permitted by law, and the parties consent and agree that such scope or wording
may be accordingly judicially modified in any proceeding brought to enforce such
restrictions.

    

    10.9           Notwithstanding
that Griffin's employment hereunder may expire or be terminated as provided in
Sections 2 or 9 above, this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect
insofar as is necessary to enforce the covenants and agreements of Griffin
contained in this Section 10. In addition, the Company obligations under
Sections 9, 11 and 19 shall continue in full force and effect with respect to
Griffin or his estate.

    

    11.           Arbitration.

    

    The
parties shall use their best efforts and good will to settle all disputes by
amicable negotiations.  The Company and Griffin agree that, with the
express exception of any dispute or controversy arising under Section 9.2 or
Section 10 of this Agreement or as may be required under Section 3(g) of the
Severance Agreement, any controversy or claim arising out of or in any way
relating to Griffin's employment with the Company, including, without
limitation, any and all disputes concerning this Agreement and the termination
of this Agreement that are not amicably resolved by negotiation, shall be
settled by arbitration in New York, New York, or such other place agreed to by
the parties, as follows:

    

    (a)           Any
such arbitration shall be heard before an arbitrator who shall be
impartial.  Except as the parties may otherwise agree, the arbitrator
shall be appointed by the American Arbitration Association, from its panel of
commercial arbitrators, in accordance with its rules and procedures. In
determining the appropriate background of the arbitrator, the appointing
authority shall give due consideration to the issues to be resolved, but its
decision as to the identity of the arbitrator shall be final.

    

    (b)           An
arbitration may be commenced by any party to this Agreement by the service of a
written Request for Arbitration upon the other affected party.  Such
Request for Arbitration shall summarize the controversy or claim to be
arbitrated, and shall be referred by the complaining party to the appointing
authority for appointment of arbitrators ten (10) days following such
service.  If an arbitrator is not appointed by the appointing
authority within sixty (60) days following such reference, any party may apply
to any court within the State of New York for an order appointing arbitrators
qualified as set forth below.  No Request for Arbitration shall be
valid if it relates to a claim, dispute, disagreement or controversy that would
have been time barred under the applicable statute of limitations had such
claim, dispute, disagreement or controversy been submitted to the courts of the
State of New York.

    

    (c)           Judgment
on the award rendered by the arbitrators may be entered in any court having
jurisdiction thereof.

    

    (d)           It
is intended that controversies or claims submitted to arbitration under this
Section 11 shall remain confidential, and to that end it is agreed by the
parties that neither the facts disclosed in the arbitration, the issues
arbitrated, nor the views or opinions of any persons concerning them, shall be
disclosed by third persons at any time, except to the extent necessary to
enforce an award or judgment or as required by law or in response to legal
process or in connection with such arbitration. In addition, Griffin shall be
entitled to disclose the facts disclosed in arbitration, the issues arbitrated,
and the views or opinions of any persons concerning them to legal and tax
advisors so long as such advisors agree to be bound by the terms of this
Agreement.

    

    12.           Successors and
Assigns.

    

    12.1           Assignment by the
Company.  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and
shall be binding upon the successors and assigns of the Company.

    

    12.2           Assignment by
Griffin.  Griffin may not assign this Agreement or any part
thereof; provided, however, that nothing herein shall preclude one or more
beneficiaries of Griffin from receiving any amount that may be payable following
the occurrence of his legal incompetency or his death and shall not preclude the
legal representative of his estate from receiving such amount or from assigning
any right hereunder to the person or persons entitled thereto under his will or,
in the case of intestacy, to the person or persons entitled thereto under the
laws of the intestacy applicable to his estate.

    

    13.           Governing
Law.

    

    This
Agreement shall be deemed a contract made under, and for all purposes shall be
construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York without
reference to the principles of conflict of laws.

    

    14.           Entire
Agreement.

     

    This
Agreement and those plans and agreements referenced herein, including, but not
limited to, the Severance Agreement entered into between the Company and Griffin
on the 30th day
of December,
2008, contain
all the understandings and representations between the parties hereto pertaining
to the subject of the employment of Griffin by the Company and supersede all
undertakings and agreements, whether oral or in writing, if any there be,
previously entered into by them with respect thereto.

    

    15.           Amendment or Modification;
Waiver.

    

    No
provision of this Agreement may be amended or modified unless such amendment or
modification is agreed to in writing, signed by Griffin and by a duly authorized
officer of the Company and approved in advance by the Compensation
Committee.  Except as otherwise specifically provided in this
Agreement, no waiver by either party hereto of any breach by the other party of
any condition or provision of the Agreement to be performed by such other party
shall be deemed a waiver of a similar or dissimilar provision or condition at
the same or any prior or subsequent time.

    

    16.           Notices.

    

    Any
notice to be given hereunder shall be in writing and delivered personally or
sent by overnight mail, such as Federal Express, addressed to the party
concerned at the address indicated below or to such other address as such party
may subsequently give notice of hereunder in writing:

    

    If to
Company:

    

    Steve
Lacy

    President
and CEO

    Meredith
Corporation

    1716
Locust Street

    Des
Moines, Iowa 50309-3023

    

    with a
copy to:

    

    John
Zieser, Esquire

    Chief
Development Officer, General Counsel

         &
Secretary

    Meredith
Corporation

    1716
Locust Street

    Des
Moines, Iowa 50309-3023

    

    If to
Griffin:

    

    Jack
Griffin

    271
Westway Road

    Southport,
CT  06890

    

    

    

    with a
copy to:

    

    Martin
Edel

    Miller
& Wrubel P.C.

    250 Park
Avenue

    New York,
New York 10177

    

    

    17.           Severability.

    

    In the
event that any provision or portion of this Agreement shall be determined to be
invalid or unenforceable for any reason, the remaining provisions or portions of
this Agreement shall be unaffected thereby and shall remain in full force and
effect to the fullest extent permitted by law.

    

    18.           Withholding.

    

    Anything
to the contrary notwithstanding, all payments required to be made by the Company
hereunder to Griffin or his beneficiaries, including his estate, shall be
subject to withholding and deductions as the Company may reasonably determine it
should withhold or deduct pursuant to any applicable law or regulation. In lieu
of withholding or deducting, such amounts, in whole or in part, the Company may,
in its sole discretion, accept other provision for payment as permitted by law,
provided it is satisfied in its sole discretion that all requirements of law
affecting its responsibilities to withhold such taxes have been
satisfied.

    

    19.           Deferred
Payments.

    

    Any
amounts required under this Agreement to be paid to Griffin that Griffin can and
does elect to defer under any Company benefit plan or program shall be deemed to
have been paid to him for purposes of this Agreement; provided, however, that if
the Company breaches the terms of any deferred compensation plan, arrangement or
agreement with respect to which such amounts are to be paid, Griffin may claim a
breach of this Agreement.

    

    Notwithstanding
anything in this Agreement or elsewhere to the contrary:

    

    (a)           If
payment or provision of any amount or other benefit that is “deferred
compensation” subject to Section 409A of the Code at the time otherwise
specified in this Agreement or elsewhere would subject such amount or benefit to
additional tax pursuant to Section 409A(a)(1)(B) of the Code, and if payment or
provision thereof at a later date would avoid any such additional tax, then the
payment or provision thereof shall be postponed to the earliest date on which
such amount or benefit can be paid or provided without incurring any such
additional tax.  In the event this Section requires a deferral of any
payment, such payment shall be accumulated and paid in a single lump sum on such
earliest date together with interest for the period of delay, compounded
annually, equal to the prime rate (as published in The Wall Street Journal), and
in effect as of the date the payment should otherwise have been
provided.

    
      
         

      

      
         

        
          

        

      

      
         

      

    

    (b)           If
any payment or benefit permitted or required under this Agreement, or otherwise,
is reasonably determined by either party to be subject for any reason to a
material risk of additional tax pursuant to Section 409A(a)(1)(B) of the Code,
then the parties shall promptly agree in good faith on appropriate provisions to
avoid such risk without materially changing the economic value of this Agreement
to either party.

    

    20.           Survivorship.

    

    The
respective rights and obligations of the parties hereunder shall survive any
termination of this Agreement to the extent necessary to the intended
preservation of such rights and obligations.

    

    21.           Duty to Mitigate:
Set-off.

    

    Griffin
shall not be required to seek employment, nor shall the amount of any payment
provided for under this Agreement be reduced by any compensation earned by
Griffin as the result of employment by another employer after the date of
termination of Griffin's employment, or otherwise, except as may be provided
under Section 9.4 with respect to health and welfare insurance benefits. The
Company's obligation to make the payments provided for in this Agreement and
otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall not be affected by any set
off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense, or other claim, right or action that the
Company may have against Griffin or others, except to be extent such employment
violates Section 10.5.

    

    22.           Headings.

    

    Headings
of the sections of this Agreement are intended solely for convenience and no
provision of this Agreement is to be construed by reference to the title of any
section.

    

    23.           Knowledge and
Representation.

    

    Griffin
acknowledges that the terms of this Agreement have been fully explained to him,
that Griffin understands the nature and extent of the rights and obligations
provided under this Agreement, and that Griffin has been represented by legal
counsel in the negotiation and preparation of this Agreement.

    
      
         

      

      
         

        
          

        

      

      
         

      

    

     

    IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have re-executed and acknowledged this
Agreement as of the date set forth below.

     

     

    MEREDITH
CORPORATION

     

    By:           /s/ Stephen M.
Lacy                                                                

     

     

     

     

     

    JACK
GRIFFIN

      /s/ Jack
Griffin                                                                

     

     

    Date:  August
24, 2009

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