The E.W. Scripps Co. board has approved a plan to separate its media company into two public companies, to begin July 1, the Associated Press reported Friday.

Completion of the plan must still meet government regulatory approval.

Scripps Networks Interactive will include the company's cable networks and online shopping sites uSwitch and Shopzilla, while the other company, E.W. Scripps, will contain newspapers and 10 broadcast television stations in 15 U.S. markets, according to the AP article, posted by the Houston Chronicle.

In October, the board authorised the company's management to look into separation plans.