Lee Enterprises Inc., the Davenport-based owner of the Quad-City Times and other media operations in 49 markets, reported an increase in third-quarter earnings from a year ago on revenues that dropped nearly 5 percent from the same period. Lee said it earned $4.4 million, or 8 cents per share, up from $2.1 million, or 3 cents per share, on revenues of $150.9 million. Lee’s third quarter ended June 26. The company said it is using all available cash to pay down debt, which stood at $640 million at the end of the quarter. “In the third quarter, subscription revenue was nearly flat, decreasing just 0.5 percent. Digital retail advertising, which is more than 61 percent of total digital advertising, grew 8.3 percent. In total, digital advertising represented 24.1 percent of all ad revenue for the quarter,” President and CEO Kevin Mowbray said in a release. Operating costs were down 5.5 percent, driven by reduced staffing levels. Newsprint and ink expense decreased 11 percent, primarily the result of a reduction in newsprint volume and prices, according to the release. Lee stock had gained 10 cents, to $1.85 per share, this morning.