American media conglomerate E.W. Scripps is interested in buying Tribune Company's 31% stake in Food Network, it has been revealed.

Scripps already holds the controlling interest in the food channel, which has attracted a cult following by airing shows that blend cookery with entertainment, such as Good Eats and Iron Chef.

"[Tribune knows] we would like to acquire it," Scripps CEO Kenneth Lowe told an investor conference hosted by Goldman Sachs. "We know they would like to sell it at some point, and the only thing separating us is just an agreement on price."

Lowe added, however, that the two companies have not had talks on the matter "in a couple of months."