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Sinclair Broadcast Group Inc – ‘10-K/A’ for 12/31/97

As of:  Friday, 3/27/98   ·   For:  12/31/97   ·   Accession #:  1005150-98-269   ·   File #:  0-26076

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  As Of                Filer                Filing    For·On·As Docs:Size              Issuer               Agent

 3/27/98  Sinclair Broadcast Group Inc      10-K/A     12/31/97    3:396K                                   Rci Group Inc/FA

Amendment to Annual Report   —   Form 10-K
Filing Table of Contents

Document/Exhibit                   Description                      Pages   Size 

 1: 10-K/A      Amendment to Annual Report                           109    690K 
 2: EX-12       Statement re: Computation of Ratios                    1      6K 
 3: EX-23.1     Consent of Experts or Counsel                          1      5K 


10-K/A   —   Amendment to Annual Report
Document Table of Contents

Page (sequential) | (alphabetic) Top
 
11st Page   -   Filing Submission
2Item 1. Business
3Television Broadcasting
6Counter-Programming
9Radio Broadcasting
13Broadcasting Acquisition Strategy
141998 Acquisitions
"Sullivan Acquisition
15Montecito Acquisition
"1997 Acquisitions
"Max Media Acquisition
16Lakeland Acquisition
"Heritage Acquisition
33Item 2. Properties
37Item 3. Legal Proceedings
"Item 4. Submission of Matters to A Vote of Security Holders
38Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters
"Item 6. Selected Financial Data
41Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
48Year 2000
"Item 7A. Quantitive and Qualitative Discussion About Market Price
"Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
"Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting Financial
49Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
53Item 11. Executive Compensation
"David D. Smith
56Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
58Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
"WPTT Note
"WIIB Note
"Bay Credit Facility
62Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K and Form 8-K/A
"Index to Financial Statements
64Report of Independent Public Accountants
85River City Acquisition
103Schedule II
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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K/A ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997COMMISSION FILE NUMBER : 0-26076 SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC. (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) ---------------- Maryland 52-1494660 (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) incorporation or organization) 2000 WEST 41ST STREET BALTIMORE, MARYLAND 21211 (Address of principal executive offices) (410) 467-5005 (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (b) of the Act: NONE Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (g) of the Act: Class A Common Stock, par value $.01 per share Series D Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be files by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes[X] No [ ] Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filings pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K/A or any amendment to this Form 10-K/A. [X] Based on the closing sale price of $55 15/16 per share as of March 16, 1998, the aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant was approximately $803.4 million. As of March 13, 1998, there are 14,380,770 shares of Class A Common stock, $.01 par value; 25,166,432 shares of Class B Common Stock, $.01 par value; 976,380 shares of Series B Preferred Stock, $.01 par value, convertible into 3,550,484 shares of Class A Common Stock; and 3,450,000 shares of Series D Preferred Stock, $.01 par value, convertible into 3,780,822 shares of Class A Common Stock of the Registrant issued and outstanding. In addition, 2,000,000 shares of $200 million aggregate liquidation value of 11 5/8% High Yield Trust Offered Preferred Securities of Sinclair Capital, a subsidiary trust of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., are issued and outstanding.
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PART I FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS The matters discussed in this Form 10-K/A include forward-looking statements. In addition, when used in this Form 10-K/A, the words "intends to," "believes," "anticipates," "expects" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results in the future could differ materially and adversely from those described in the forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including the impact of changes in national and regional economies, successful integration of acquired television and radio stations (including achievement of synergies and cost reductions), pricing fluctuations in local and national advertising, volatility in programming costs, the availability of suitable acquisitions on acceptable terms and the other risk factors set forth in the Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.'s ("Sinclair" or the "Company") prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 12, 1997, pursuant to rule 424(b)(5). The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect any future events or circumstances. ITEM 1. BUSINESS BUSINESS OF SINCLAIR The Company is a diversified broadcasting company that currently owns or programs pursuant to Local Marketing Agreements ("LMAs") 35 television stations and, upon consummation of all pending acquisitions and dispositions, the Company will own or program pursuant to LMAs 56 television stations. The Company owns or programs pursuant to LMAs 52 radio stations and upon consummation of all pending acquisitions and dispositions, the Company will own or program pursuant to LMAs 51 radio stations. The Company also has options to acquire two additional radio stations. The Company believes that upon completion of all pending acquisitions and dispositions it will be one of the top 10 radio groups in the United States, when measured by the total number of radio stations owned or programmed pursuant to LMAs. The 35 television stations the Company owns or programs pursuant to LMAs are located in 24 geographically diverse markets, with 23 of the stations in the top 51 television designated market areas ("DMAs") in the United States. Upon consummation of all pending acquisitions and dispositions, the Company will own or program television stations in 37 geographically diverse markets (with 30 of such stations in the top 51 DMAs) and will reach approximately 22.5% of the television households in the United States. The Company currently owns or programs 11 stations affiliated with Fox Broadcasting Company ("Fox"), 10 with WB Television Network ("WB"), four with ABC, two with NBC, two with United Paramount Television Network Partnership ("UPN"), and one with CBS. Five stations operate as independents. Upon consummation of all pending acquisitions and dispositions and the transfer of affiliations pursuant to existing agreements, 23 of the Company's owned or programmed television stations will be Fox affiliates, 11 will be WB affiliates, six will be UPN affiliates, five will be ABC affiliates, three will be NBC affiliates, one will be a CBS affiliate and seven will be operated as independents. Upon consummation of all pending acquisitions and dispositions and transfers of affiliations pursuant to existing agreements, the Company will own or program more stations affiliated with Fox than any other broadcaster. The Company's radio station group is geographically diverse with a variety of programming formats including country, urban, news/talk/sports, rock and adult contemporary. Of the 52 stations owned or provided programming services by the Company, 19 broadcast on the AM band and 33 on the FM band. The Company owns between three and eight stations in all but one of the 12 radio markets it serves. The Company has undergone rapid and significant growth over the course of the last seven years. Since 1991, the Company has increased the number of stations it owns or provides programming services to from three television stations to 35 television stations and 52 radio stations. From 1991 to 1997, net broadcast revenue and Adjusted EBITDA (as defined herein) increased from $39.7 million to $471.2 million, and from $15.5 million to $229.0 million, respectively. Pro forma for pending acquisitions and dispositions described 1
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below (except the agreement the Company entered into to acquire all of the capital stock of Montecito Broadcasting Corporation ("Montecito") for approximately $33 million (the "Montecito Acquisition"), the agreement the Company entered into to acquire 100% of the stock of Lakeland Group Television Inc. ("Lakeland") for a purchase price of approximately $50 million (the "Lakeland Acquisition"), and the execution of an LMA with respect to WSYX-TV), net broadcast revenue and Adjusted EBITDA would have been $715.1 million and $345.7 million, respectively. The Company is a Maryland corporation formed in 1986. The Company's principal offices are located at 2000 West 41st Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21211, and its telephone number is (410) 467-5005. TELEVISION BROADCASTING The Company owns and operates, provides programming services to, or has agreed to acquire the following television stations: MARKET MARKET RANK(A) STATIONS STATUS(B) CHANNEL ------------------------------- --------- ---------- ------------- --------- Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota .................... 14 KLGT Pending 23 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania ...... 19 WPGH O&O 53 WCWB(w) LMA 22 Sacramento, California ........ 20 KOVR O&O 13 St. Louis, Missouri ........... 21 KDNL O&O 30 Baltimore, Maryland ........... 23 WBFF O&O 45 WNUV LMA 54 Indianapolis, Indiana ......... 25 WTTV LMA (e) 4 WTTK LMA (e)(g) 29 Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina ............... 29 WLFL O&O 22 WRDC LMA 28 Cincinnati, Ohio .............. 30 WSTR O&O 64 Milwaukee, Wisconsin .......... 31 WCGV O&O 24 WVTV LMA 18 Kansas City, Missouri ......... 32 KSMO O&O 62 Nashville, Tennessee .......... 33 WZTV Pending (q) 17 WUXP Pending (r) 30 Columbus, Ohio ................ 34 WTTE O&O 28 Asheville, North Carolina and Greenville/ Spartanburg/ Anderson, South Carolina ............... 35 WFBC LMA 40 WLOS O&O 13 San Antonio, Texas ............ 38 KABB O&O 29 KRRT LMA 35 Norfolk, Virginia ............. 39 WTVZ O&O 33 Buffalo, New York ............. 40 WUTV Pending (q) 29 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 44 KOCB O&O 34 KOKH Pending (r) 25 Greensboro/Winston- Salem/High Point, North Carolina ............... 46 WXLV Pending (q) 45 WUPN Pending (r) 48 Birmingham, Alabama ........... 51 WTTO O&O (m) 21 WABM LMA 68 Dayton, Ohio .................. 53 WKEF Pending (n) 22 WRGT Pending (r) 45 [Enlarge/Download Table] NUMBER OF COMMERCIAL EXPIRATION STATIONS IN STATION DATE OF MARKET AFFILIATION THE MARKET (C) RANK(D) FCC LICENSE ------------------------------- ------------- ---------------- --------- ------------- Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota .................... WB 6 6 4/1/98 (f) Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania ...... FOX 6 4 8/1/99 WB 5 8/1/99 Sacramento, California ........ CBS 7 3 12/1/98 St. Louis, Missouri ........... ABC 6 5 2/1/06 Baltimore, Maryland ........... FOX 5 4 10/1/04 WB 5 10/1/04 Indianapolis, Indiana ......... IND (h)(u) 8 5 8/1/05 IND (h) 5 8/1/05 Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina ............... FOX 7 4 12/1/04 UPN 5 12/1/04 Cincinnati, Ohio .............. WB 5 5 10/1/05 Milwaukee, Wisconsin .......... IND 6 5 12/1/97 (f) WB 6 12/1/05 Kansas City, Missouri ......... IND (h)(v) 8 5 2/1/06 Nashville, Tennessee .......... FOX 6 4 8/1/05 UPN 5 8/1/05 Columbus, Ohio ................ FOX 5 4 10/1/05 Asheville, North Carolina and Greenville/ Spartanburg/ Anderson, South Carolina ............... IND (h) 6 5 12/1/04 ABC 6 3 12/1/04 San Antonio, Texas ............ FOX 7 4 8/1/98 WB 6 8/1/98 Norfolk, Virginia ............. FOX 6 4 10/1/04 Buffalo, New York ............. FOX 5 4 6/1/99 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma WB 5 5 6/1/98 (f) FOX 4 6/1/98 (f) Greensboro/Winston- Salem/High Point, North Carolina ............... ABC 7 4 12/1/04 UPN 5 12/1/04 Birmingham, Alabama ........... WB 6 5 4/1/05 IND (h) 6 4/1/05 Dayton, Ohio .................. NBC 4 3 10/1/05 FOX 4 10/1/05 2
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MARKET MARKET RANK(A) STATIONS STATUS(B) CHANNEL ----------------------------- --------- ---------- -------------- --------- Charleston/Huntington, West Virginia .............. 57 WCHS O&O 8 WVAH Pending (r) 11 Richmond, Virginia .......... 59 WRLH Pending (q) 35 Las Vegas, Nevada ........... 61 KUPN O&O 21 KFBT Pending (s) 33 Mobile, Alabama and Pensacola, Florida ......... 62 WEAR O&O 3 WFGX LMA 35 Flint/Saginaw/Bay City, Michigan ................... 63 WSMH O&O 66 Lexington, Kentucky ......... 67 WDKY O&O 56 Des Moines, Iowa ............ 69 KDSM O&O 17 Syracuse, New York .......... 72 WSYT Pending (n) 68 WNYS Pending (o) 43 Rochester, New York ......... 75 WUHF Pending (q) 31 Paducah, Kentucky and Cape Girardeau, Missouri ........ 79 KBSI Pending (n) 23 WDKA Pending (o) 49 Madison, Wisconsin .......... 84 WMSN Pending (q) 47 Burlington, Vermont and Plattsburgh, New York ...... 91 WPTZ O&O (i) 5 WNNE O&O (i)(k) 31 WFFF LMA (j) 44 Tri-Cities, Tennessee/ Virginia ................... 93 WEMT Pending (n) 39 Tyler/Longview, Texas ....... 107 KETK Pending (n) 56 KLSB Pending (o) 19 Peoria/Bloomington, Illinois ................... 110 WYZZ O&O 43 Charleston, South Carolina... 117 WMMP Pending (n) 36 WTAT Pending (r) 24 Utica, New York ............. 169 WFXV Pending (q) 33 WPNY Pending (q) 11 Tuscaloosa, Alabama ......... 187 WDBB LMA (m) 17
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[Enlarge/Download Table] NUMBER OF COMMERCIAL EXPIRATION STATIONS IN STATION DATE OF MARKET AFFILIATION THE MARKET (C) RANK(D) FCC LICENSE ----------------------------- ------------- ---------------- --------- --------------- Charleston/Huntington, West Virginia .............. ABC 4 3 10/1/04 FOX 4 10/1/04 Richmond, Virginia .......... FOX 5 4 10/1/04 Las Vegas, Nevada ........... WB 8 5 10/1/98 IND(h) 8 10/1/98 Mobile, Alabama and Pensacola, Florida ......... ABC 6 2 2/01/05 WB 6 2/01/05 Flint/Saginaw/Bay City, Michigan ................... FOX 4 4 10/1/05 Lexington, Kentucky ......... FOX 5 4 8/1/05 Des Moines, Iowa ............ FOX 4 4 2/1/06 Syracuse, New York .......... FOX 5 4 6/1/99 UPN 5 6/1/99 Rochester, New York ......... FOX 4 4 6/1/99 Paducah, Kentucky and Cape Girardeau, Missouri ........ FOX 5 4 2/1/06 UPN 5 (t) Madison, Wisconsin .......... FOX 4 4 12/1/05 Burlington, Vermont and Plattsburgh, New York ...... NBC 5 2 6/1/99 NBC 4 4/1/99 FOX (l) (l) Tri-Cities, Tennessee/ Virginia ................... FOX 5 4 8/1/05 Tyler/Longview, Texas ....... NBC 3 2 8/1/98 NBC (p) 8/1/98 Peoria/Bloomington, Illinois ................... FOX 4 4 12/1/05 Charleston, South Carolina... UPN 5 5 12/1/04 FOX 4 12/1/04 Utica, New York ............. FOX 4 3 6/1/99 UPN 4 6/1/98 (f) Tuscaloosa, Alabama ......... WB 2 2 4/1/05 ---------- (a) Rankings are based on the relative size of a station's DMA among the 211 generally recognized DMAs in the United States as estimated by Nielsen. (b) "O&O" refers to stations owned and operated by the Company, "LMA" refers to stations to which the Company provides programming services pursuant to an LMA and "Pending" refers to stations the Company has agreed to acquire. See "-- 1997 Acquisitions." (c) Represents the number of television stations designated by Nielsen as "local" to the DMA, excluding public television stations and stations which do not meet the minimum Nielsen reporting standards (weekly cumulative audience of at least 2.5%) for the Sunday-Saturday, 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. time period. (d) The rank of each station in its market is based upon the November 1997 Nielsen estimates of the percentage of persons tuned to each station in the market from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., Sunday-Saturday. (e) Certain assets relating to the operation of a television or radio station other than License Assets (as defined below) ("Non-License Assets") acquired from River City Broadcasting, L.P. ("River City") and option exercised to acquire the television and radio station assets essential for broadcasting a television or radio signal in compliance with regulatory guidelines, generally consisting of the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") license, fixtures and equipment ("License Assets"). Will become owned and operated upon FCC approval of transfer of License Assets and closing of acquisition of License Assets. (f) License renewal application pending. (g) WTTK currently simulcasts all of the programming aired on WTTV and the station rank applies to the combined viewership of these stations. (h) "IND" or "Independent" refers to a station that is not affiliated with any of ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, WB or UPN. 3
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(i) The Company has agreed to sell this station to a third party. (j) The Company has agreed to assign its right to program this station to the third party to whom the Company has agreed to sell WPTZ and WNNE. (k) WNNE currently simulcasts the programming broadcast on WPTZ. (l) This station began broadcast operations in August 1997 pursuant to program test authority and does not yet have a license. This station has not yet established a rank. (m) WDBB simulcasts the programming broadcast on WTTO. (n) This station will be owned upon the completion of the Max Media Acquisition. (o) The Company will provide programming services to this station upon the completion of the Max Media Acquisition. (p) KLSB simulcasts the programming broadcast of KETK. (q) This station will be owned upon the completion of the Sullivan Acquisition. (r) The Company anticipates that it will provide programming services to this station upon the completion of the Sullivan Acquisition. (s) The Company has entered into an agreement to provide programming to this station effective upon termination of the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended ("HSR Act") waiting period. The Company has also entered into an agreement to acquire this station's licensee. (t) This station has begun broadcast operations pursuant to program test authority and does not yet have a license. (u) WTTV will become an affiliate of WB effective April 6, 1998. (v) KSMO will become an affiliate of WB effective March 30, 1998. Operating Strategy The Company's television operating strategy includes the following key elements: Attracting Viewership --------------------- The Company seeks to attract viewership and expand its audience share through selective, high-quality programming. Popular Programming. The Company believes that an important factor in attracting viewership to its stations is their network affiliations with Fox, WB, ABC, NBC, CBS and UPN. These affiliations enable the Company to attract viewers by virtue of the quality first-run original programming provided by these networks and the networks' promotion of such programming. The Company also seeks to obtain, at attractive prices, popular syndicated programming that is complementary to the station's network affiliation. Examples of popular syndicated programming obtained by the Company for broadcast on its Fox, WB and UPN affiliates and independent stations are "Mad About You," "Frasier," "The Simpsons," "Home Improvement" and "Seinfeld." In addition to network programming, the Company's ABC and CBS affiliates broadcast news magazine, talk show, and game show programming such as "Hard Copy," "Entertainment Tonight," "Regis and Kathie Lee," "Wheel of Fortune" and "Jeopardy." Children's Programming. The Company seeks to be a leader in children's programming in each of its respective DMAs. The Company's nationally recognized "Kids Club" was the forerunner and model for the Fox network-wide marketing efforts promoting children's programming. Sinclair carries the Fox Children's Network ("FCN") and WB and UPN children's programming, all of which include significant amounts of animated programming throughout the week. In those markets where the Company owns or programs ABC, NBC or CBS affiliates, the Company broadcasts those networks' animated programming during weekends. In addition to this animated programming, the Company broadcasts other forms of children's programming, which may be produced by the Company or by an affiliated network or supplied by a syndicated programmer. Counter-Programming. The Company's programming strategy on its Fox, WB, UPN and independent stations also includes "counter-programming," which consists of broadcasting programs that are alternatives to the types of programs being shown concurrently on competing stations. This strategy is designed to attract additional audience share in demographic groups not served by concurrent programming on competing stations. The Company believes that implementation of this strategy enables its stations to achieve competitive rankings in households in the 18-34, 18-49 and 25-54 demographics and to offer greater diversity of programming in each of its DMAs. 4
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Local News. The Company believes that the production and broadcasting of local news can be an important link to the community and an aid to the station's efforts to expand its viewership. In addition, local news programming can provide access to advertising sources targeted specifically to local news. The Company carefully assesses the anticipated benefits and costs of producing local news prior to introduction at a Company station because a significant investment in capital equipment is required and substantial operating expenses are incurred in introducing, developing and producing local news programming. The Company currently provides local news programming at WBFF and WNUV in Baltimore, WLFL in Raleigh/Durham, KDNL in St. Louis, KABB in San Antonio, KOVR in Sacramento, WPGH in Pittsburgh and WLOS in Asheville and Greenville/Spartanburg/Anderson. The Company also broadcasts news programs on WDKY in Lexington, which are produced in part by the Company and in part through the purchase of production services from an independent third party, and on WTTV in Indianapolis, which are produced by a third party in exchange for a limited number of advertising spots. River City provides the Company certain services with respect to the production of news programming and on air talent on WTTE in Columbus. Pursuant to an agreement, River City provides these services to the Company in return for a fee equal to approximately $416,000 per year. The possible introduction of local news at the other Company stations is reviewed periodically. The Company's policy is to institute local news programming at a specific station only if the expected benefits of local news programming at the station are believed to exceed the associated costs after an appropriate start-up period. Popular Sporting Events. The Company attempts to capture a portion of advertising dollars designated to sports programming in selected DMAs. The Company's WB, UPN and independent stations generally face fewer restrictions on broadcasting live local sporting events than do their competitors that are affiliates of the major networks and Fox since affiliates of the major networks and Fox are subject to prohibitions against preemptions of network programming. The Company has been able to acquire the local television broadcast rights for certain sporting events, including NBA basketball, Major League Baseball, NFL football, NHL hockey, ACC basketball, Big Ten football and basketball, and SEC football. The Company seeks to expand its sports broadcasting in DMAs as profitable opportunities arise. In addition, the Company's stations that are affiliated with Fox, NBC, ABC and CBS broadcast certain Major League Baseball games, NFL football games and NHL hockey games as well as the Olympics and other popular sporting events. Innovative Local Sales and Marketing ------------------------------------ The Company believes that it is able to attract new advertisers to its stations and increase its share of existing customers' advertising budgets by creating a sense of partnership with those advertisers. The Company develops such relationships by training its sales forces to offer new marketing ideas and campaigns to advertisers. These campaigns often involve the sponsorship by advertisers of local promotional events that capitalize on the station's local identity and programming franchises. For example, several of the Company's stations stage local "Kids Fairs" which allow station advertisers to reinforce their on-air advertising with their target audience. Through its strong local sales and marketing focus, the Company seeks to capture an increasing share of its revenue from local sources, which are generally more stable than national advertising. Control of Operating and Programming Costs ------------------------------------------ By employing a disciplined approach to managing programming acquisition and other costs, the Company has been able to achieve operating margins that the Company believes are among the highest in the television broadcast industry. The Company has sought and will continue to seek to acquire quality programming for prices at or below prices paid in the past. As an owner or provider of programming services to a substantial number of television stations throughout the country, the Company believes that it is able to negotiate favorable terms for the acquisition of programming. Moreover, the Company emphasizes control of each of its stations' programming and operating costs through program-specific profit analysis, detailed budgeting, tight control over staffing levels and detailed long-term planning models. Attract and Retain High Quality Management ------------------------------------------ The Company believes that much of its success is due to its ability to attract and retain highly skilled and motivated managers, both at the corporate and local station levels. A portion of the compensation provided to regional managers, general managers, sales managers and other station managers is based on 5
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their achieving certain operating results. The Company also provides its corporate and station managers with deferred compensation plans offering options to acquire Class A Common Stock, par value $.01 per share ("Class A Common Stock"). Community Involvement --------------------- Each of the Company's stations actively participates in various community activities and offers many community services. The Company's activities include broadcasting programming of local interest and sponsorship of community and charitable events. The Company also encourages its station employees to become active members of their communities and to promote involvement in community and charitable affairs. The Company believes that active community involvement by its stations provides its stations with increased exposure in their respective DMAs and ultimately increases viewership and advertising support. Establish LMAs -------------- The Company believes that it can attain significant growth in operating cash flow through the utilization of LMAs. By expanding its presence in a market in which it owns a station, the Company can improve its competitive position with respect to a demographic sector. In addition, by providing programming services to an additional station in a market, the Company is able to realize significant economies of scale in marketing, programming, overhead and capital expenditures. After giving effect to all pending acquisitions and dispositions, the Company will provide programming services pursuant to an LMA to an additional station in 18 of the 37 television markets in which the Company will own or program a station. Programming and Affiliations The Company continually reviews its existing programming inventory and seeks to purchase the most profitable and cost-effective syndicated programs available for each time period. In developing its selection of syndicated programming, the Company balances the cost of available syndicated programs with their potential to increase advertising revenue and the risk of their reduced popularity during the term of the program contract. The Company seeks to purchase only those programs with contractual periods that permit programming flexibility and which complement a station's overall programming strategy. Programs that can perform successfully in more than one time period are more attractive due to the long lead time and multi-year commitments inherent in program purchasing. Of the 35 stations owned or provided programming services by the Company, 11 stations are Fox affiliates, 10 stations are WB affiliates, four stations are ABC affiliates, two stations are NBC affiliates, two stations are UPN affiliates, and one station is a CBS affiliate. The networks produce and distribute programming in exchange for each station's commitment to air the programming at specified times and for commercial announcement time during the programming. In addition, networks other than Fox and UPN pay each affiliated station a fee for each network-sponsored program broadcast by the stations. On August 21, 1996, the Company entered into an agreement with Fox (the "Fox Agreement") which, among other things, provides that the affiliation agreements between Fox and eight stations owned or provided programming services by the Company (except as noted below) would be amended to have new five-year terms commencing on the date of the Fox Agreement. Fox has the option to extend the affiliation agreements for additional five-year terms and must extend all of the affiliation agreements if it extends any (except that Fox may selectively renew affiliation agreements if any station has breached its affiliation agreement). The Fox Agreement also provides that the Company will have the right to purchase, for fair market value, any station Fox acquires in a market currently served by a Company-owned Fox affiliate (other than the Norfolk, Virginia and Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina markets) if Fox determines to terminate the affiliation agreement with the Company's station in that market and operate the station acquired by Fox as a Fox affiliate. The Fox Agreement confirmed that the affiliation agreements for WTVZ-TV (Norfolk) and WLFL-TV (Raleigh/Durham) will terminate on August 31, 1998. The Fox Agreement also includes provisions limiting the ability of the Company to preempt Fox programming except where it has existing programming conflicts or where the Company preempts to serve a public purpose. 6
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On July 4, 1997, the Company entered into the WB Agreement, pursuant to which the Company agreed that certain stations affiliated with UPN would terminate their affiliations with UPN at the end of the current affiliation term in January 1998, and would enter into affiliation agreements with WB effective as of that date. With respect to the following stations, the Company did not renew their affiliation agreements with UPN when their agreements expired on January 15, 1998: WCWB-TV, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, WNUV-TV, Baltimore, Maryland, WSTR-TV, Cincinnati, Ohio, KRRT-TV, San Antonio, Texas, KOCB-TV, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, KSMO-TV, Kansas City, Missouri, KUPN-TV, Las Vegas, Nevada, WCGV-TV, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and WABM-TV, Birmingham, Alabama. Additionally, the Company cancelled its UPN affiliation agreement with WTTV-TV/WTTK-TV, Indianapolis, Indiana. These stations (other than WCGV-TV, and WABM-TV, which will either operate as independents or enter into new affiliation agreements with WB or another network) entered into ten-year affiliation agreements with WB which became effective on January 16, 1998 (other than WTTV-TV/ WTTK-TV, with respect to which the affiliation agreement is expected to begin April 6, 1998 and KSMO-TV, with respect to which the affiliation agreement is expected to begin March 30, 1998). Pursuant to the agreement the Company entered into with WB on July 4, 1997 (the "WB Agreement"), the WB affiliation agreements of WVTV-TV, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and WTTO-TV, Birmingham, Alabama (whose programming is simulcast on WDBB-TV, Tuscaloosa, Alabama), have been extended to January 16, 2008. In addition, WFBC-TV in the Asheville, North Carolina and Greenville/Spartanburg/ Anderson, South Carolina market will become affiliated with WB on November 1, 1999 when WB's current affiliation with another station in that market expires. WTVZ-TV, Norfolk, Virginia and WLFL-TV, Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina, will become affiliated with WB when their affiliations with Fox expire. These Fox affiliations are scheduled to expire on August 31, 1998. Under the terms of the WB Agreement, WB has agreed to pay the Company $64 million in aggregate amount in monthly installments during the first eight years commencing on January 16, 1998 in consideration for the Company's entering into affiliation agreements with WB. In addition, WB will be obligated to pay an additional $10 million aggregate amount in monthly installments in each of the following two years provided that WB is in the business of supplying programming as a television network during each of those years. The affiliation agreements relating to stations that have been acquired by the Company are terminable by the network upon transfer to the Company of the License Assets of the station. The Company does not seek consents of the affected network to the transfer of License Assets in connection with its acquisitions. As of the date of this Form 10-K, no network has terminated an affiliation agreement following transfer of License Assets to the Company. RADIO BROADCASTING The following table sets forth certain information regarding the radio stations (i) owned and/or operated by the Company or (ii) which the Company has an option or has agreed to acquire: [Enlarge/Download Table] RANKING OF STATION RANK EXPIRATION GEOGRAPHIC STATION'S PRIMARY IN PRIMARY DATE MARKET MARKET BY PROGRAMMING DEMOGRAPHIC DEMOGRAPHIC OF FCC SERVED/STATION (A) REVENUE (B) FORMAT TARGET (C) TARGET (D) LICENSE ----------------------------- ------------- --------------------------- -------------- -------------- ----------- Los Angeles, California ..... 1 KBLA-AM(e) Korean N/A N/A 12/1/05 St. Louis, Missouri ......... 18 KPNT-FM Alternative Rock Adults 18-34 2 2/1/05 WVRV-FM Modern Adult Contemporary Adults 18-34 7 12/1/04 WRTH-AM Adult Standards Adults 25-54 23 2/1/05 WIL-FM Country Adults 25-54 1 2/1/05 KIHT-FM 70s Rock Adults 25-54 9 2/1/05 Portland, Oregon ............ 22 KKSN-AM (h) Adult Standards Adults 25-54 22 2/1/06 KKSN-FM (h)(u) 60s Oldies Adults 25-54 1 2/1/06 KKRH-FM (h)(u) 70s Rock Adults 25-54 9 2/1/06 Kansas City, Missouri ....... 29 KCAZ-AM (e)(t) Childrens N/A N/A 6/1/05 7
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[Enlarge/Download Table] RANKING OF STATION RANK EXPIRATION GEOGRAPHIC STATION'S PRIMARY IN PRIMARY DATE MARKET MARKET BY PROGRAMMING DEMOGRAPHIC DEMOGRAPHIC OF FCC SERVED/STATION (A) REVENUE (B) FORMAT TARGET (C) TARGET (D) LICENSE ------------------------------- ------------- -------------------------- -------------- -------------- ------------ KCFX-FM 70s Rock Adults 25-54 2 2/1/05 KQRC-FM Active Rock Adults 18-34 2 6/1/05 KCIY-FM Smooth Jazz Adults 25-54 9 2/1/05 KXTR-FM Classical Adults 25-54 13 2/1/05 Milwaukee, Wisconsin .......... 32 WEMP-AM 60s Oldies Adults 25-54 24 12/1/04 WMYX-FM Adult Contemporary Adults 25-54 6 12/1/04 WAMG-FM Rhythmic Adults 25-54 11 12/1/04 Nashville, Tennessee .......... 34 WLAC-FM (h) Adult Contemporary Women 25-54 8 8/1/04 WJZC-FM (h) Smooth Jazz Women 25-54 8 8/1/04 WLAC-AM (h) News/Talk/Sports Adults 35-64 8 8/1/04 New Orleans, Louisiana(r) ..... 38 WLMG-FM Adult Contemporary Women 25-54 3 6/1/04 KMEZ-FM (v) Urban Oldies Women 25-54 12 6/1/04 WWL-AM News/Talk/Sports Adults 35-64 2 6/1/04 WSMB-AM Talk/Sports Adults 35-64 17 6/1/04 WBYU-AM (g)(v) Adult Standards Adults 25-54 16 6/1/04 WEZB-FM (g)(i) Adult Contemporary Adults 25-54 9 6/1/04 WRNO-FM (g)(v) 70s Rock Adults 25-54 7 6/1/04 WLTS-FM (p) Adult Contemporary Women 25-54 5 6/1/04 WTKL-FM (p) Oldies Adults 25-54 5 6/1/04 Memphis, Tennessee ............ 40 WRVR-FM Soft Adult Contemporary Women 25-54 1 8/1/04 WJCE-AM Urban Oldies Women 25-54 19 8/1/04 WOGY-FM Country Adults 25-54 9 8/1/04 Norfolk, Virginia (r) ......... 41 WGH-AM Sports Talk Country Adults 25-54 18 10/1/03 WGH-FM Country Adults 25-54 3 10/1/03 WVCL-FM (j) 60s Oldies Adults 25-54 9 10/1/03 WFOG-FM (o) Soft Adult Contemporary Women 25-54 4 10/1/03 WPTE-FM (o) Adult Contemporary Adults 18-34 3 10/1/03 WWDE-FM (o) Adult Contemporary Women 25-54 4 10/1/03 WNVZ-FM (o) Contemporary Hit Radio Women 18-49 2 10/1/03 Buffalo, New York ............. 42 WMJQ-FM Adult Contemporary Women 25-54 3 6/1/98 WKSE-FM Contemporary Hit Radio Women 18-49 2 6/1/98 WBEN-AM News/Talk/Sports Adults 35-64 3 6/1/98 WWKB-AM Country Adults 35-64 18 6/1/98 WGR-AM Sports Adults 25-54 10 6/1/98 WWWS-AM Urban Oldies Adults 25-54 14 6/1/98 Greensboro/Winston Salem/High Point, North Carolina ............. 52 WMQX-FM (o) Oldies Adults 25-54 5 12/1/03 WQMG-FM (o) Urban Adult Contemporary Adults 25-54 4 12/1/03 WJMH-FM (o) Urban Adults 18-34 1 12/1/03 WQMG-AM (o) Gospel Adults 35-64 9 12/1/03 Rochester, New York ........... 53 WBBF-AM (h) Adult Standards Adults 25-54 13 6/1/98 WBEE-FM (h) Country Adults 25-54 1 6/1/98 WKLX-FM (h) 60s Oldies Adults 25-54 6 6/1/98 WQRV-FM (h) Classic Hits Adults 25-54 12 6/1/98 Asheville, North Carolina Greenville/Spartanburg, South Carolina .............. 60 8
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[Enlarge/Download Table] RANKING OF STATION RANK EXPIRATION GEOGRAPHIC STATION'S PRIMARY IN PRIMARY DATE MARKET MARKET BY PROGRAMMING DEMOGRAPHIC DEMOGRAPHIC OF FCC SERVED/STATION (A) REVENUE (B) FORMAT TARGET (C) TARGET (D) LICENSE -------------------- ------------- ------------------------- -------------- -------------- ------------ WFBC-FM(k) Contemporary Hit Radio Women 18-49 2 12/1/03 WORD-AM (k) News/Talk Adults 35-64 8 12/1/03 WYRD-AM (k) News/Talk Adults 35-64 14 12/1/03 WSPA-AM (k) Full Service/Talk Adults 35-64 21 12/1/03 WSPA-FM (k) Soft Adult Contemporary Women 25-54 1 12/1/03 WOLI-FM (k) Oldies Adults 25-54 12 12/1/03 WOLT-FM (k) Oldies Adults 25-54 16 12/1/03 9
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[Enlarge/Download Table] RANKING OF STATION RANK EXPIRATION GEOGRAPHIC STATION'S PRIMARY IN PRIMARY DATE MARKET MARKET BY PROGRAMMING DEMOGRAPHIC DEMOGRAPHIC OF FCC SERVED/STATION (A) REVENUE (B) FORMAT TARGET (C) TARGET (D) LICENSE ------------------------ ------------- ------------------------ -------------- -------------- ------------ Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Pennsylvania .......... 68 WKRZ-FM (l) Contemporary Hit Radio Adults 18-49 1 8/1/98 WGGY-FM Country Adults 25-54 3 8/1/98 WGGI-FM(q) Country Adults 25-54 21 8/1/98 WILK-AM (m) News/Talk/Sports Adults 35-64 5 8/1/98 WGBI-AM (m) News/Talk/Sports Adults 35-64 35 8/1/98 WWSH-FM (n) Soft Hits Women 25-54 23 8/1/98 WILP-AM (m) News/Talk/Sports Adults 35-64 40 8/1/98 WWFH-FM (n) Soft Hits Women 25-54 12 8/1/98 WKRF-FM (l) Contemporary Hit Radio Adults 18-49 30 8/1/98 WILT-AM(m)(s) News/Talk/Sports Adults 35-64 40 8/1/98 ---------- (a) Actual city of license may differ from the geographic market served. (b) Ranking of the principal radio market served by the station among all U.S. radio markets by 1996 aggregate gross radio broadcast revenue according to Duncan's Radio Market Guide -- 1997 Edition. (c) Due to variations that may exist within programming formats, the primary demographic target of stations with the same programming format may be different. (d) All information concerning ratings and audience listening information is derived from the Fall 1997 Arbitron Metro Area Ratings Survey (the "Fall 1997 Arbitron"). Arbitron is the generally accepted industry source for statistical information concerning audience ratings. Due to the nature of listener surveys, other radio ratings services may report different rankings; however, the Company does not believe that any radio ratings service other than Arbitron is accorded significant weight in the radio broadcast industry. "Station Rank in Primary Demographic Target" is the ranking of the station among all radio stations in its market that are ranked in its target demographic group and is based on the station's average persons share in the primary demographic target in the applicable Metro Survey Area. Source: Average Quarter Hour Estimates, Monday through Sunday, 6:00 a.m. to midnight, Fall 1997 Arbitron. (e) Programming is provided to this station by a third party pursuant to an LMA. (f) License renewal application pending. (g) The Company has the right to acquire the assets of this station in the Heritage Acquisition, subject to FCC approval. (h) The Company has agreed to sell this station to a third party, which currently programs the station pursuant to an LMA. (i) An application for review of the grant of this station's license renewal is pending. (j) EEO reporting conditions for 1997, 1998 and 1999 were placed on this station's most recent license renewal. (k) The Company has exercised its option to acquire Keymarket of South Carolina, Inc. ("Keymarket" or "KSC"), which owns and operates WYRD-AM, WORD-AM and WFBC-FM, and provides sales services pursuant to a JSA or LMA and has an option to acquire WOLI-FM and WOLT-FM. The Company has also agreed to acquire WSPA-AM and WSPA-FM, which KSC programs pursuant to an LMA. FCC approval of the Company's acquisition of WYRD-AM, WORD-AM, WFBC-FM, WSPA-AM, and WSPA-FM is pending. (l) WKRZ-FM and WKRF-FM simulcast their programming. (m) WILK-AM, WGBI-AM, WILP-AM and WILT-AM simulcast their programming. (n) WWSH-FM and WWFH-FM simulcast their programming. (o) The Company has the right to acquire this radio station in conjunction with the Max Media Acquisition. (p) The Company provides sales and programming services to this station pursuant to an LMA and has an option to acquire substantially all the assets of this station. (q) The Company provides sales and programming services to this radio station pursuant to an LMA and has received FCC approval to acquire substantially all the assets of this station. (r) The Company intends to sell two FM stations and one AM station in the New Orleans market and two FM stations in the Norfolk market in order to comply with current FCC or DOJ guidelines. (s) The Company provides sales and programming services to this station pursuant to an LMA. (t) A third party has exercised their option to purchase this station, the closing of which is subject to FCC approval. 10
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(u) A petition to deny the transfer of the licenses of these stations was filed with the FCC objecting to the acquisition of such licenses by the proposed assignee. (v) The Company has entered into an agreement to sell these radio stations to a third party, the closing of which is subject to FCC approval. Radio Operating Strategy The Company's radio strategy is to operate a cluster of radio stations in selected geographic markets throughout the country. In each geographic market, the Company employs broadly diversified programming formats to appeal to a variety of demographic groups within the market. The Company seeks to strengthen the identity of each of its stations through its programming and promotional efforts, and emphasizes that identity to a far greater degree than the identity of any local radio personality. The Company believes that its strategy of appealing to diverse demographic groups in selected geographic markets allows it to reach a larger share of the overall advertising market while realizing economies of scale and avoiding dependence on one demographic or geographic market. The Company realizes economies of scale by combining sales and marketing forces, back office operations and general management in each geographic market. At the same time, the geographic diversity of its portfolio of radio stations helps lessen the potential impact of economic downturns in specific markets and the diversity of target audiences served helps lessen the impact of changes in listening preferences. In addition, the geographic and demographic diversity allows the Company to avoid dependence on any one or any small group of advertisers. The Company's group of radio stations includes the top billing station group in four markets and one of the top three billing station groups in each of its markets other than Los Angeles, Milwaukee, Portland, Rochester and Nashville. Through ownership or LMAs, the group also includes duopolies in 12 of its 13 markets. Depending on the programming format of a particular station, there are a predetermined number of advertisements broadcast each hour. The Company determines the optimum number of advertisements available for sale during each hour without jeopardizing listening levels (and the resulting ratings). Although there may be shifts from time to time in the number of advertisements available for sale during a particular time of day, the total number of advertisements available for sale on a particular station normally does not vary significantly. Any change in net radio broadcasting revenue, with the exception of those instances where stations are acquired or sold, is generally the result of pricing adjustments made to ensure that the station effectively uses advertising time available for sale, an increase in the number of commercials sold or a combination of these two factors. Large, well-trained local sales forces are maintained by the Company in each of its radio markets. The Company's principal goal is to utilize its sales efforts to develop long-standing customer relationships through frequent direct contacts, which the Company believes provide it with a competitive advantage. Additionally, in some radio markets, duopolies permit the Company to offer creative advertising packages to local, regional and national advertisers. Each radio station owned by the Company also engages a national independent sales representative to assist it in obtaining national advertising revenues. These representatives obtain advertising through national advertising agencies and receive a commission from the radio station based on its gross revenue from the advertising obtained. BROADCASTING ACQUISITION STRATEGY On February 8, 1996, the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (the "1996 Act") was signed into law. The 1996 Act represents the most sweeping overhaul of the country's telecommunications laws since the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (the "Communications Act"). The 1996 Act relaxes the broadcast ownership rules and simplifies the process for renewal of broadcast station licenses. The Company believes that the enactment of the 1996 Act has presented a unique opportunity to build a larger and more diversified broadcasting company. Additionally, the Company expects that the opportunity to act as one of the consolidators of the industry will enable the Company to gain additional influence with program suppliers, television networks, other vendors, and alternative delivery media. 11
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The additions to the Company's management team as a result of the Company's acquisition of certain assets from River City Broadcasting L.P. ("River City Acquisition") have given it additional resources to take advantage of these developments. In implementing its acquisition strategy, the Company seeks to identify and pursue favorable station or group acquisition opportunities primarily in the 15th to 75th largest DMAs and Metro Service Areas ("MSAs"). In assessing potential acquisitions, the Company examines opportunities to improve revenue share, audience share and/or cost control. Additional factors considered by the Company in a potential acquisition include geographic location, demographic characteristics and competitive dynamics of the market. The Company also considers the opportunity for cross-ownership of television and radio stations and the opportunity it may provide for cross-promotion and cross-selling. In conjunction with its acquisitions, the Company may determine that certain of the acquired stations may not be consistent with the Company's strategic plan. In such an event, the Company reviews opportunities for swapping such stations with third parties for other stations or selling such stations outright. The Heritage Media Group, Inc. ("Heritage"), Max Media Properties, LLC ("Max Media"), and Sullivan Acquisitions may provide such opportunities. Certain terms of the Company's acquisitions in 1998 and 1997, and other pending acquisitions, are described below. 1998 ACQUISITIONS Sullivan Acquisition. In February 1998, the Company entered into merger agreements by which the Company agreed to acquire all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Sullivan Broadcast Holdings, Inc. ("Sullivan Holdings") and Sullivan Broadcasting Company II, Inc. ("Sullivan II" and, together with Sullivan Holdings, "Sullivan") for an aggregate purchase price expected to be approximately $950 million to $1 billion, less the amount of outstanding indebtedness of Sullivan Holdings assumed by the Company (the "Sullivan Acquisition"). The Sullivan Acquisition will be accomplished by two separate merger closings. At the initial closing, the Company will acquire all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Sullivan Holdings, after which the Company will indirectly own all of the operating assets (excluding the License Assets) of, and pursuant to LMAs will provide programming services to, 13 additional television stations (the "Sullivan Stations") in the following markets: Nashville, Tennessee; Buffalo, New York; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Greensboro/Winston-Salem/High Point, North Carolina; Dayton, Ohio; Charleston/Huntington, West Virginia; Richmond, Virginia; Las Vegas, Nevada; Rochester, New York; Madison, Wisconsin; and Utica, New York. The purchase price to be paid at the initial closing will be based on a multiple of Sullivan's projected 1998 cash flow calculated as of the time of the initial closing. As part of the total consideration to be paid at the initial closing, the Company, at its option, may issue to the Sullivan shareholders up to $100 million of the Company's Class A Common Stock based on an average closing price of the Class A Common Stock. The initial closing is subject to termination of the applicable waiting period under the HSR Act and is expected to occur during the second quarter of 1998. At the second closing, the Company will acquire all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Sullivan II. The second closing is subject to, among other things, FCC approval and is expected to close during the third quarter of 1998. FCC regulations require the Company to obtain waivers from the FCC of multiple ownership rules prior to the second closing. Although the Company is confident that it will receive FCC consents for the merger with Sullivan II, there can be no assurance that such consents will be obtained. After the second closing, the Company will indirectly own the License Assets of six of the 13 Sullivan Stations, and will continue to program the remaining seven Sullivan Stations pursuant to seven LMAs, five with Sullivan Broadcast Company III, Inc. ("Sullivan III"), which at the time of the second closing will hold the License Assets for such stations, and two with the existing owners of the License Assets of such stations. In connection with the Sullivan Acquisition, Glencairn, Ltd. ("Glencairn") has entered into a plan of merger with Sullivan III which, if completed, would result in Glencairn's ownership of all the issued 12
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and outstanding capital stock of Sullivan III. After the merger, the Company intends to enter into an LMA with Glencairn and continue to provide programming services to the five stations the License Assets of which are acquired by Glencairn in the merger. Montecito Acquisition. In February 1998, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire all of the capital stock of Montecito for approximately $33 million. Montecito owns all of the issued and outstanding stock of Channel 33, Inc., which owns and operates KFBT-TV in Las Vegas, Nevada. Sinclair cannot acquire Montecito unless and until FCC rules permit Sinclair to own the broadcast license for more than one station in the Las Vegas market, or unless Sinclair no longer owns the broadcast license for KUPN-TV in Las Vegas. The Company will operate KFBT-TV through an LMA, upon expiration of the applicable HSR Act waiting period. The Company expects to be able to enter into the LMA in the second quarter of 1998. Columbus Purchase Option. In connection with the Company's 1996 acquisition of the radio and television broadcasting assets of River City, the Company acquired a three-year option to purchase the assets of WSYX-TV in Columbus, Ohio (the "Columbus Option"). The exercise price for the Columbus Option is approximately $100 million plus an amount of indebtedness relating to the WSYX-TV assets on the date of exercise (such indebtedness not to exceed $135 million). The exercise price is expected to be financed through borrowings under the Company's Bank Credit Agreement. Pursuant to the Columbus Option, the Company is required to make certain quarterly "Option Extension Fee" payments, as defined in the Columbus Option . These fees began December 31, 1996, and continue until the exercise price on the Columbus Option is paid. The Option Extension Fees are calculated as 8% per annum of the option exercise price through the first anniversary of the date of grant, 15% per annum of the option exercise price through the second anniversary of the date of grant and 25% per annum of the option exercise price thereafter. As of December 31, 1997, the Company incurred Option Extension Fees and other costs relating to WSYX-TV totaling $22.9 million. The Company currently intends to pay $100 million of the option exercise price prior to May 31, 1998 (the date on which the Option Extension fee of 25% per annum goes into effect) in order to extinguish the Company's obligations to make continuing Option Extension Fee payments. Due to the Company's ownership of another television station in the Columbus, Ohio market, the Antitrust Division of the DOJ is currently reviewing the Company's acquisition of and the right to operate WSYX-TV pursuant to an LMA. The Company has entered into an agreement with the DOJ pursuant to which the Company is required to notify the DOJ 10 business days before it begins programming WSYX-TV pursuant to on LMA or exercises the Columbus Option or enters into a LMA with respect to WSYX-TV, which will give the DOJ the opportunity to enjoin the Company's action, if it chooses to do so. The Company has agreed to sell the License Assets of WTTE-TV in Columbus, Ohio to Glencairn and to enter into an LMA with Glencairn to provide programming services to WTTE-TV. The FCC has approved this transaction, but the Company does not believe that this transaction will be completed unless the Company acquires WSYX-TV. Other Dispositions. The Company has entered into on agreement to sell three radio stations in the Nashville, Tennessee market for approximately $35 million. The Company expects the closing to occur in the fourth quarter of 1998. 1997 ACQUISITIONS Max Media Acquisition. On December 2, 1997, the Company entered into agreements to acquire, directly or indirectly, all of the equity interests of Max Media. As a result of this transaction, the Company will acquire, or acquire the right to program pursuant to LMAs, nine television stations and eight radio stations in eight markets. The television stations serve the following markets: Dayton, Ohio; Syracuse, New York; Paducah, Kentucky and Cape Girardeau, Missouri; Tri-Cities, Tennessee/Virginia; Tyler/Longview, Texas; and Charleston, South Carolina. The radio stations serve the Norfolk, Virginia and Greensboro/Winston Salem/High Point, North Carolina markets. The aggregate purchase price is approximately $255 million payable in cash at closing (less a deposit of $12.8 million paid at the time of signing the acquisition agreement), a portion of which will be used to retire existing debt of Max Media at closing. Max Media's television station WKEF-TV in Dayton, Ohio has an overlapping service area 13
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with the Company's television stations WTTE-TV in Columbus, Ohio and WSTR-TV in Cincinnati, Ohio as well as with Company LMA station WTTV-TV in Indianapolis, Indiana. In addition, Max Media's television station WEMT-TV in Tri-Cities, Tennessee/Virginia has an overlapping service area with the Company's television station WLOS-TV in Asheville, North Carolina and Greenville/ Spartanburg/Anderson, South Carolina and Max Media's television station KBSI-TV in Paducah, Kentucky and Cape Girardeau, Missouri has an overlapping service area with the Company's television station KDNL-TV in St. Louis, Missouri. Furthermore, the Company owns a television station and three radio stations in the Norfolk, Virginia market, where four of Max Media's radio stations are located. Consequently, the Company has requested various waivers from the FCC to allow the Company to complete the Max Media Acquisition. There can be no assurance that such waivers will be granted. As a result of the Max Media Acquisition and the Heritage Acquisition, the Company intends to dispose of two of the FM radio stations in the Norfolk, Virginia radio market that it has agreed to acquire from Heritage and Max Media in order to be in compliance with the FCC regulations that limit the number of radio stations that can be owned in a market. The Company has sought FCC approval to assign the licenses of such radio stations and an additional radio station it presently owns in the Norfolk, Virginia market to an independent trustee. The Max Media Acquisition is subject to approval by the FCC and termination of the applicable waiting period under the HSR Act, and is expected to close in the second quarter of 1998. The transaction is expected to be financed through borrowings under the Company's Bank Credit Agreement. Lakeland Acquisition. On November 14, 1997, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of the stock of Lakeland Group Television, Inc. ("Lakeland"). In the Lakeland Acquisition, the Company will acquire television station KLGT in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota. The purchase price is approximately $50 million in cash plus the assumption of certain indebtedness of Lakeland not to exceed $2.5 million. KLGT-TV, Channel 23, is the WB affiliate in Minneapolis, the nation's 14th largest market. The Company intends to finance the purchase price from borrowings under the Bank Credit Agreement. The Lakeland Acquisition is subject to, among other things, approval by the FCC and termination of the applicable waiting period under the HSR Act, and is expected to close in the first or second quarter of 1998. Heritage Acquisition. On July 16, 1997, the Company entered into the Heritage Acquisition Agreements with certain subsidiaries of Heritage. The aggregate purchase price of the Heritage Acquisition is approximately $630 million, less deposits paid of $65.5 million and amounts paid in January 1998 relating to the closing of certain television assets of $215 million. Pursuant to the Heritage Acquisition Agreements, the Company obtained the right to acquire the assets of five television stations (the interests in three of which the Company has agreed to dispose or described herein), programming rights under LMAs with respect to two additional television stations (one of which the Company has agreed to dispose as described herein), and the assets of 24 radio stations (11 of which the Company has agreed to dispose as described herein). On January 29, 1998, the Company closed on the acquisitions of the Heritage television stations serving the Charleston/Huntington market, Mobile and Pensacola market and the Oklahoma City market for an aggregate purchase price of $215 million. Simultaneously with the closing, the Company disposed of television station KOKH-TV in Oklahoma City to Sullivan Broadcasting Company, Inc. for an aggregate sale price of $60 million. Also simultaneously with the closing, the Company entered into purchase option agreements pursuant to which the Company has the option to acquire KOKH-TV from Sullivan for an aggregate purchase price of $60 million and Sullivan has the option to acquire from the Company television station WCHS-TV in the Charleston/Huntington, West Virginia market for an aggregate purchase price of $30 million. In consideration for the execution of the purchase option agreements, the Company made an option grant payment to Sullivan of $45 million and Sullivan made an option grant payment to the Company of $15 million. In connection with the Sullivan Acquisition, the Company will reacquire KOKH-TV. On February 27, 1998 the Company closed on its acquisition of all of the Heritage radio stations except the three stations in the New Orleans market. On March 6, 1998, the Company closed on the acquisition of the Heritage television stations serving the Burlington, Vermont and Plattsburgh, New York market for an aggregate purchase price of $75 million. 14
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In January 1998, the Company entered into an agreement with Entertainment Communications, Inc. ("Entercom") pursuant to which the Company will sell to Entercom the Portland, Oregon and Rochester, New York radio stations which the Company acquired from Heritage for an aggregate sales price of approximately $126.5 million. Subject to approval by the FCC and termination of the applicable waiting period under the HSR Act, the Company anticipates it will close on the sale of the Portland and Rochester radio stations to Entercom during the second quarter of 1998. Entercom is operating these stations pursuant to an LMA pending closing of the sale. In February 1998, the Company entered into an agreement with STC pursuant to which STC has agreed to acquire the License and Non-License Assets of Burlington, Vermont and Plattsburgh, New York television stations WPTZ-TV, WNNE-TV, and the Non-License Assets of WFFF-TV for $75 million. The Company expects to close the sale to STC during the second quarter of 1998 subject to, among other conditions, approval by the FCC and termination of the applicable waiting period under the HSR Act. Acquisition of the Heritage radio stations in the New Orleans market is conditioned on, among other things, FCC approval and the expiration of the applicable waiting period under the HSR Act. The Company has entered into an agreement to divest certain radio stations it owns or has the right to acquire in the New Orleans market and expects to receive FCC approval and clearance under the HSR Act in connection with such disposition. In addition, the Company intends to dispose of two of the FM radio stations in the Norfolk, Virginia radio market that it has agreed to acquire from Heritage and Max Media in order to be in compliance with FCC regulations that limit the number of radio stations that can be owned in a market. See "-- Max Media Acquisition." A third party has also exercised its option to acquire from the Company radio station KCAZ in Kansas City, Missouri. Las Vegas Acquisition. On January 30, 1997, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire the assets of KUPN-TV, the UPN affiliate in Las Vegas, Nevada, for approximately $87.0 million. The Company completed this acquisition on May 30, 1997. ONGOING DISCUSSIONS In furtherance of its acquisition strategy, the Company routinely reviews and conducts investigations of potential television, radio station and related businesses acquisitions. When the Company believes a favorable opportunity exists, the Company seeks to enter into discussions with the owners of such businesses regarding the possibility of an acquisition, disposition or station swap. At any given time, the Company may be in discussions with one or more such business owners. The Company is in serious negotiations with various parties relating to the disposition and acquisition of television, radio and related properties which would be disposed of and acquired for aggregate consideration of approximately $75 million and $60 million, respectively. There can be no assurance that any of these or other negotiations will lead to definitive agreement or, if agreements are reached, that any transactions would be consummated. LOCAL MARKETING AGREEMENTS The Company currently has LMA arrangements with television stations in nine markets in which it owns a television station: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (WCWB), Baltimore, Maryland (WNUV), Raleigh/ Durham, North Carolina (WRDC), Milwaukee, Wisconsin (WVTV), Birmingham, Alabama (WABM), San Antonio, Texas (KRRT), Asheville, North Carolina and Greenville/Spartanburg/Anderson, South Carolina (WFBC), Mobile, Alabama and Pensacola, Florida (WFGX), and Burlington, Vermont and Plattsburgh, New York (WFFF). The Company will provide programming under an LMA to a station in a tenth market where it owns a television station (KFBT, Las Vegas) upon expiration of the applicable HSR Act waiting period. In addition, the Company has an LMA arrangement with a station in the Tuscaloosa, Alabama market (WDBB), which is adjacent to Birmingham. In each of these markets other than Pittsburgh, Tuscaloosa, Mobile and Pensacola, Las Vegas and Burlington and Plattsburgh, the LMA arrangement is with Glencairn and the Company owns the Non-License Assets of the stations. The Company also has LMA arrangements with radio stations in two markets in which it owns radio stations, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Pennsylvania and New Orleans, Louisiana. In addition, the Company 15
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entered into two LMAs with respect to WTTV and WTTK in Indianapolis, Indiana. At the Company's request, the FCC has withheld action on an application for the Company's acquisition of WTTV and WTTK in Indianapolis (and a pending application for the Controlling Stockholders to divest their attributable interests in WIIB) until the FCC completes its pending rulemaking proceeding considering the cross-interest policy. In addition, in connection with the pending acquisitions, the Company will enter into certain LMAs. See "-- 1998 Acquisitions" and "-- 1997 Acquisitions." The Company believes that it is able to increase its revenues and improve its margins by providing programming services to stations in selected DMAs and MSAs where the Company already owns a station. In certain instances, single station operators and stations operated by smaller ownership groups do not have the management expertise or the operating efficiencies available to the Company as a multi-station broadcaster. The Company seeks to identify such stations in selected markets and to provide such stations with programming services pursuant to LMAs. In addition to providing the Company with additional revenue opportunities, the Company believes that these LMA arrangements have assisted certain stations whose operations may have been marginally profitable to continue to air popular programming and contribute to diversity of programming in their respective DMAs and MSAs. In many cases where the Company enters into LMA arrangements in connection with a station whose acquisition by the Company is pending FCC approval, the Company (i) obtains an option to acquire the station assets essential for broadcasting a television or radio signal in compliance with regulatory guidelines, generally consisting of the FCC license, transmitter, transmission lines, technical equipment, call letters and trademarks, and certain furniture, fixtures and equipment (the "License Assets") and (ii) acquires the remaining assets (the "Non-License Assets") at the time it enters into the option. Following acquisition of the Non-License Assets, the License Assets continue to be owned by the owner-operator and holder of the FCC license, which enters into an LMA with the Company. After FCC approval for transfer of the License Assets is obtained, the Company exercises its option to acquire the License Assets and become the owner-operator of the station, and the LMA arrangement is terminated. USE OF DIGITAL TELEVISION TECHNOLOGY The Company believes that television broadcasting may be enhanced significantly by the development and increased availability of digital broadcasting service technology. This technology has the potential to permit the Company to provide viewers multiple channels of digital television over each of its existing standard channels, to provide certain programming in a high definition television format and to deliver various forms of data, including data on the Internet, to home and business computers. These additional capabilities may provide the Company with additional sources of revenue, although the Company may be required to incur significant additional costs in connection therewith. The Company is currently considering plans to provide high definition television ("HDTV"), to provide multiple channels of television including the provision of additional broadcast programming and transmitted data on a subscription basis, and to continue its current TV program channels on its allocated digital television ("DTV") channels. The FCC has granted authority for the Company to conduct experimental DTV multicasting operations in Baltimore, Maryland. The 1996 Act allows the FCC to charge a spectrum fee to broadcasters who use the digital spectrum to offer subscription-based services, and the FCC has opened a rulemaking to consider the spectrum fees to be charged to broadcasters for such use. In addition, Congress has held hearings on broadcasters' plans for the use of their digital spectrum. The Company cannot predict what future actions the FCC or Congress might take with respect to DTV, nor can it predict the effect of the FCC's present DTV implementation plan or such future actions on the Company's business. DTV technology is not currently available to the viewing public and a successful transition from the current analog broadcast format to a digital format may take many years. There can be no assurance that the Company's efforts to take advantage of the new technology will be commercially successful. FEDERAL REGULATION OF TELEVISION AND RADIO BROADCASTING The ownership, operation and sale of television and radio stations are subject to the jurisdiction of the FCC, which acts under authority granted by the Communications Act. Among other things, the FCC assigns frequency bands for broadcasting; determines the particular frequencies, locations and operating 16
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power of stations; issues, renews, revokes and modifies station licenses; regulates equipment used by stations; adopts and implements regulations and policies that directly or indirectly affect the ownership, operation and employment practices of stations; and has the power to impose penalties for violations of its rules or the Communications Act. The following is a brief summary of certain provisions of the Communications Act, the 1996 Act and specific FCC regulations and policies. Reference should be made to the Communications Act, the 1996 Act, FCC rules and the public notices and rulings of the FCC for further information concerning the nature and extent of federal regulation of broadcast stations. License Grant and Renewal. Television and radio stations operate pursuant to broadcasting licenses that are granted by the FCC for maximum terms of eight years. Television and radio station licenses are subject to renewal upon application to the FCC. During certain periods when renewal applications are pending, competing applicants may file for the radio or television frequency being used by the renewal applicant. During the same periods, petitions to deny license renewal applications may be filed by interested parties, including members of the public. The FCC is required to hold hearings on renewal applications if it is unable to determine that renewal of a license would serve the public interest, convenience and necessity, or if a petition to deny raises a "substantial and material question of fact" as to whether the grant of the renewal application would be prima facie inconsistent with the public interest, convenience and necessity. However, the FCC is prohibited from considering competing applications for a renewal applicant's frequency, and is required to grant the renewal application, if the FCC finds: (i) that the station has served the public interest, convenience and necessity; (ii) that there have been no serious violations by the licensee of the Communications Act or the rules and regulations of the FCC; and (iii) that there have been no other violations by the licensee of the Communications Act or the rules and regulations of the FCC that, when taken together, would constitute a pattern of abuse. All of the stations that the Company currently owns and operates or provides programming services to pursuant to LMAs, or intends to acquire or provide programming services pursuant to LMAs in connection with pending acquisitions, are presently operating under regular licenses, which expire as to each station on the dates set forth under "-- Television Broadcasting" and "-- Radio Broadcasting," above. Although renewal of license is granted in the vast majority of cases even when petitions to deny are filed, there can be no assurance that the licenses of such stations will be renewed. Ownership Matters General ------- The Communications Act prohibits the assignment of a broadcast license or the transfer of control of a broadcast licensee without the prior approval of the FCC. In determining whether to permit the assignment or transfer of control of, or the grant or renewal of, a broadcast license, the FCC considers a number of factors pertaining to the licensee, including compliance with various rules limiting common ownership of media properties, the "character" of the licensee and those persons holding "attributable" interests therein, and compliance with the Communications Act's limitations on alien ownership. To obtain the FCC's prior consent to assign a broadcast license or transfer control of a broadcast licensee, an appropriate application must be filed with the FCC. If the application involves a "substantial change" in ownership or control, the application must be placed on public notice for a period of approximately 30 days during which petitions to deny the application may be filed by interested parties, including members of the public. If the application does not involve a "substantial change" in ownership or control, it is a "pro forma" application. The "pro forma" application is not subject to petitions to deny or a mandatory waiting period, but is nevertheless subject to having informal objections filed against it. If the FCC grants an assignment or transfer application, interested parties have approximately 30 days from public notice of the grant to seek reconsideration or review of that grant. Generally, parties that do not file initial petitions to deny or informal objections against the application face difficulty in seeking reconsideration or review of the grant. The FCC normally has approximately an additional 10 days to set aside such grant on its own motion. When passing on an assignment or transfer application, the FCC is 17
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prohibited from considering whether the public interest might be served by an assignment or transfer to any party other than the assignee or transferee specified in the application. The FCC generally applies its ownership limits to "attributable" interests held by an individual, corporation, partnership or other association. In the case of corporations holding, or through subsidiaries controlling, broadcast licenses, the interests of officers, directors and those who, directly or indirectly, have the right to vote 5% or more of the corporation's stock (or 10% or more of such stock in the case of insurance companies, investment companies and bank trust departments that are passive investors) are generally attributable, except that, in general, no minority voting stock interest will be attributable if there is a single holder of more than 50% of the outstanding voting power of the corporation. The FCC has pending a rulemaking proceeding that, among other things, seeks comment on whether the FCC should modify its attribution rules by (i) raising the attribution stock benchmark from 5% to 10%; (ii) raising the attribution stock benchmark for passive investors from 10% to 20%; (iii) restricting the availability of the single majority shareholder exemption; and (iv) attributing certain interests such as non-voting stock, debt and certain holdings by limited liability corporations in certain circumstances. More recently, the FCC has solicited comment on proposed rules that would (i) treat an otherwise nonattributable equity or debt interest in a licensee as an attributable interest where the interest holder is a program supplier or the owner of a broadcast station in the same market and the equity and/or debt holding is greater than a specified benchmark; (ii) treat a licensee of a television station which, under an LMA, brokers more than 15% of the time on another television station serving the same market, as having an attributable interest in the brokered station; and (iii) in certain circumstances, treat the licensee of a broadcast station that sells advertising time on another station in the same market pursuant to a JSA as having an attributable interest in the station whose advertising is being sold. The Controlling Stockholders hold attributable interests in two entities owning media properties, namely: Channel 63, Inc., licensee of WIIB-TV, a UHF television station in Bloomington, Indiana, and Bay Television, Inc., licensee of WTTA-TV, a UHF television station in St. Petersburg, Florida. All of the issued and outstanding shares of Channel 63, Inc. are owned by the Controlling Stockholders. All of the issued and outstanding shares of Bay Television, Inc. are owned by the Controlling Stockholders (75%) and Robert L. Simmons (25%), a former stockholder of the Company. The Controlling Stockholders have agreed to divest their attributable interests in Channel 63, Inc. and the Company believes that, after doing so, such holdings will not materially restrict its ability to acquire or program additional broadcast stations. Under its "cross-interest" policy, the FCC considers certain "meaningful" relationships among competing media outlets in the same market, even if the ownership rules do not specifically prohibit the relationship. Under this policy, the FCC may consider significant nonattributable equity or debt interests in a media outlet combined with an attributable interest in another media outlet in the same market, joint ventures, and common key employees among competitors. The cross-interest policy does not necessarily prohibit all of these interests, but requires that the FCC consider whether, in a particular market, the "meaningful" relationships between competitors could have a significant adverse effect upon economic competition and program diversity. Heretofore, the FCC has not applied its cross-interest policy to LMAs and JSAs between broadcast stations. In its ongoing rulemaking proceeding concerning the attribution rules, the FCC has sought comment on, among other things, (i) whether the cross-interest policy should be applied only in smaller markets, and (ii) whether non-equity financial relationships such as debt, when combined with multiple business interrelationships such as LMAs and JSAs, raise concerns under the cross-interest policy. Moreover, in its most recent proposals in its ongoing attribution rulemaking proceeding, the FCC has proposed treating television LMAs, television and radio JSAs, and presently nonattributable debt or equity interests as attributable interests in certain circumstances without regard to the cross-interest policy. The Communications Act prohibits the issuance of broadcast licenses to, or the holding of a broadcast license by, any corporation of which more than 20% of the capital stock is owned of record or voted by non-U.S. citizens or their representatives or by a foreign government or a representative thereof, or by any corporation organized under the laws of a foreign country (collectively, "Aliens"). The Communications Act also authorizes the FCC, if the FCC determines that it would be in the public interest, to prohibit the issuance of a broadcast license to, or the holding of a broadcast license by, any corporation directly or indirectly controlled by any other corporation of which more than 25% of the capital stock is owned of record or voted by Aliens. The Company has been advised that the FCC staff has interpreted this provision 18
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to require a finding that such grant or holding would be in the public interest before a broadcast license may be granted to or held by any such corporation and that the FCC staff has made such a finding only in limited circumstances. The FCC has issued interpretations of existing law under which these restrictions in modified form apply to other forms of business organizations, including partnerships. As a result of these provisions, the licenses granted to Subsidiaries of the Company by the FCC could be revoked if, among other restrictions imposed by the FCC, more than 25% of the Company's stock were directly or indirectly owned or voted by Aliens. The Company and the Subsidiaries are domestic corporations, and the Controlling Stockholders are all United States citizens. The Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company (the "Amended Certificate") contain limitations on Alien ownership and control that are substantially similar to those contained in the Communications Act. Pursuant to the Amended Certificate, the Company has the right to repurchase Alien-owned shares at their fair market value to the extent necessary, in the judgment of the Board of Directors, to comply with the Alien ownership restrictions. Television ---------- National Ownership Rule. Prior to the 1996 Act, FCC rules generally prohibited an individual or entity from having an attributable interest in more than 12 television stations nationwide, or in television stations reaching more than 25% of the national television viewing audience. Pursuant to the 1996 Act, the FCC has modified its rules to eliminate any limitation on the number of television stations an individual or entity may own nationwide, subject to the restriction that no individual or entity may have an attributable interest in television stations reaching more than 35% of the national television viewing audience. Historically, very-high frequency ("VHF") stations have shared a larger portion of the market than ultra-high frequency ("UHF") stations. Therefore, only half of the households in the market area of any UHF station are included when calculating whether an entity or individual owns television stations reaching more than 35% of the national television viewing audience. All but six of the stations owned and operated by the Company, or to which the Company provides programming services, are UHF. Upon completion of all pending acquisitions and dispositions, the Company will reach approximately 14% of U.S. television households using the FCC's method of calculation. Duopoly Rule. On a local level, the television "duopoly" rule generally prohibits a single individual or entity from having an attributable interest in two or more television stations with overlapping Grade B service areas. While the 1996 Act did not eliminate the television duopoly rule, it did direct the FCC to initiate a rulemaking proceeding to determine whether to retain, modify, or eliminate the rule. The FCC has pending a rulemaking proceeding in which it has proposed, among other options, to modify the television duopoly rule to permit the common ownership of television stations in different DMAs, so long as the Grade A signal contours of the stations do not overlap. Pending resolution of its rulemaking proceeding, the FCC has adopted an interim waiver policy that permits the common ownership of television stations in different DMAs with no overlapping Grade A signal contours, conditioned on the final outcome of the rulemaking proceeding. The FCC has also sought comment on whether common ownership of two television stations in a market should be permitted (i) where one or more of the commonly owned stations is UHF, (ii) where one of the stations is in bankruptcy or has been off the air for a substantial period of time and (iii) where the commonly owned stations have very small audience or advertising shares, are located in a very large market, and/or a specified number of independently owned media voices would remain after the acquisition. Local Marketing Agreements. A number of television stations, including certain of the Company's stations, have entered into what have commonly been referred to as local marketing agreements, or LMAs. While these agreements may take varying forms, pursuant to a typical LMA, separately owned and licensed television stations agree to enter into cooperative arrangements of varying sorts, subject to compliance with the requirements of antitrust laws and with the FCC's rules and policies. Under these types of arrangements, separately owned stations could agree to function cooperatively in terms of programming, advertising sales, etc., subject to the requirement that the licensee of each station maintain independent control over the programming and operations of its own station. One typical type of LMA is a programming agreement between two separately owned television stations serving a common service area, whereby the licensee of one station programs substantial portions of the broadcast day on the other licensee's station, subject to ultimate editorial and other controls being exercised by the latter licensee, and sells advertising time during such program segments. Such arrangements are an extension 19
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of the concept of "time brokerage" agreements, under which a licensee of a station sells blocks of time on its station to an entity or entities which program the blocks of time and which sell their own commercial advertising announcements during the time periods in question. The staff of the FCC's Mass Media Bureau has held that LMAs are not contrary to the Communications Act, provided that the licensee of the station which is being substantially programmed by another entity maintains complete responsibility for and control over the programming and operations of its broadcast station and assures compliance with applicable FCC rules and policies. At present, FCC rules permit television station LMAs, and the licensee of a television station brokering time on another television station is not considered to have an attributable interest in the brokered station. However, in connection with its ongoing rulemaking proceeding regarding the television duopoly rule, the FCC has proposed to adopt rules providing that the licensee of a television station which brokers more than 15% of the time on another television station serving the same market would be deemed to have an attributable interest in the brokered station for purposes of the national and local multiple ownership rules. In connection with this proceeding, the FCC has solicited detailed information from parties to television LMAs as to the terms and characteristics of such LMAs. The 1996 Act provides that nothing therein "shall be construed to prohibit the origination, continuation, or renewal of any television local marketing agreement that is in compliance with the regulations of the [FCC]." The legislative history of the 1996 Act reflects that this provision was intended to grandfather television LMAs that were in existence upon enactment of the 1996 Act, and to allow television LMAs consistent with the FCC's rules subsequent to enactment of the 1996 Act. In its pending rulemaking proceeding regarding the television duopoly rule, the FCC has proposed to adopt a grandfathering policy providing that, in the event that television LMAs become attributable interests, LMAs that are in compliance with existing FCC rules and policies and were entered into before November 5, 1996, would be permitted to continue in force until the original term of the LMA expires. Under the FCC's proposal, television LMAs that are entered into, renewed, or assigned after November 5, 1996 would have to be terminated if LMAs are made attributable interests and the LMA in question resulted in a violation of the television multiple ownership rules. The Company's LMAs with television stations WPTT in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, WNUV in Baltimore, Maryland, WVTV in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, WRDC in Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina, WABM in Birmingham, Alabama, and WDBB in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, were in existence on both the date of enactment of the 1996 Act and November 5, 1996. The Company's LMAs with television stations WTTV and WTTK in Indianapolis, Indiana were entered into subsequent to the date of enactment of the 1996 Act but prior to November 5, 1996. The Company's LMA with television station KRRT in San Antonio, Texas was in existence on the date of enactment of the 1996 Act, but was assumed by the Company subsequent to that date but prior to November 5, 1996. The licensee's rights under the Company's LMA with KRRT-TV were assumed by Glencairn subsequent to November 5, 1996. The Company's LMAs with television stations WFGX-TV in Mobile, Alabama and Pensacola, Florida and WFFF-TV in Burlington, Vermont and Plattsburgh, New York were in existence on both the date of enactment of the 1996 Act and November 5, 1996, but were assumed by the Company subsequent to November 5, 1996. The Company's LMA with WFBC-TV in Asheville, North Carolina and Greenville/Spartanburg/Anderson, South Carolina, was entered into by the Company subsequent to the date of enactment of the 1996 Act but prior to November 5, 1996, and the licensee's rights under that LMA were assumed by Glencairn subsequent to November 5, 1996. The Company's LMA with KFBT in Las Vegas, Nevada (which will be effective upon expiration of the HSR waiting period) was entered into subsequent to November 5, 1996. The Company cannot predict if any or all of its LMAs will be grandfathered. The Conference Agreement adopted as part of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (the "Balanced Budget Act") clarifies Congress' intent with respect to LMAs and duopolies. The Conference Agreement states as follows: "The conferees do not intend that the duopoly and television-newspaper cross-ownership relief provided herein should have any bearing upon the [FCC's] current proceedings, which concerns more immediate relief. The conferees expect that the [FCC] will proceed with its own independent examination in these matters. Specifically, the conferees expect that the [FCC] will provide additional relief (e.g., VHF/UHF combinations) that it finds to be in the public interest, and will implement the permanent grandfather requirement for local marketing agreements as provided in the Telecommunications Act of 1996." 20
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The TV duopoly rule currently prevents the Company from acquiring the licenses of television stations with which it has LMAs in those markets where the Company owns a television station. As a result, if the FCC were to decide that the provider of programming services under a television LMA should be treated as having an attributable interest in the brokered station, and if it did not relax its television duopoly rule, the Company could be required to modify or terminate those of its LMAs that were not in existence on the date of enactment of the 1996 Act or on November 5, 1996. Furthermore, if the FCC adopts its present proposal with respect to the grandfathering of television LMAs, the Company could be required to terminate even those LMAs that were in effect prior to the date of enactment of the 1996 Act or prior to November 5, 1996, after the initial term of the LMA or upon assignment of the LMA. In such an event, the Company could be required to pay termination penalties under certain of such LMAs. Further, if the FCC were to find, in connection with any of the Company's LMAs, that the owners/licensees of the stations with which the Company has LMAs failed to maintain control over their operations as required by FCC rules and policies, the licensee of the LMA station and/or the Company could be fined or set for hearing, the outcome of which could be a monetary forfeiture or, under certain circumstances, loss of the applicable FCC license. The Company is unable to predict the ultimate outcome of possible changes to these FCC rules and the impact such changes may have on its broadcasting operations. On June 1, 1995, the Chief of the FCC's Mass Media Bureau released a Public Notice concerning the processing of television assignment and transfer of control applications proposing LMAs. Due to the pendency of the ongoing rulemaking proceeding concerning attribution of ownership, the Mass Media Bureau has placed certain restrictions on the types of television assignment and transfer of control applications involving LMAs that it will approve during the pendency of the rulemaking. Specifically, the Mass Media Bureau has stated that it will not approve arrangements where a time broker seeks to finance a station acquisition and hold an option to purchase the station in the future. The Company believes that none of the Company's LMAs fall within the ambit of this Public Notice. Radio ----- National Ownership Rule. Prior to the 1996 Act, the FCC's rules limited an individual or entity from holding attributable interests in more than 20 AM and 20 FM radio stations nationwide. Pursuant to the 1996 Act, the FCC has modified its rules to eliminate any limitation on the number of radio stations a single individual or entity may own nationwide. Local Ownership Rule. Prior to the 1996 Act, the FCC's rules generally permitted an individual or entity to hold attributable interests in no more than four radio stations in a local market (no more than two of which could be in the same service (AM or FM)), and then only if the aggregate audience share of the commonly owned stations did not exceed 25%. In markets with fewer than 15 commercial radio stations, an individual or entity could hold an attributable interest in no more than three radio stations in the market (no more than two of which could be in the same service), and then only if the number of the commonly owned stations did not exceed 50% of the total number of commercial radio stations in the market. Pursuant to the 1996 Act, the limits on the number of radio stations one entity may own locally have been increased as follows: (i) in a market with 45 or more commercial radio stations, an entity may own up to eight commercial radio stations, not more than five of which are in the same service (AM or FM); (ii) in a market with between 30 and 44 (inclusive) commercial radio stations, an entity may own up to seven commercial radio stations, not more than four of which are in the same service; (iii) in a market with between 15 and 29 (inclusive) commercial radio stations, an entity may own up to six commercial radio stations, not more than four of which are in the same service; and (iv) in a market with 14 or fewer commercial radio stations, an entity may own up to five commercial radio stations, not more than three of which are in the same service, except that an entity may not own more than 50% of the stations in such market. These numerical limits apply regardless of the aggregate audience share of the stations sought to be commonly owned. FCC ownership rules continue to permit an entity to own one FM and one AM station in a local market regardless of market size. Irrespective of FCC rules governing radio ownership, however, the DOJ and the Federal Trade Commission have the authority to determine, and in certain radio transactions have determined, that a particular transaction presents antitrust concerns. Moreover, in certain recent cases the 21
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FCC has signaled a willingness to independently examine issues of market concentration notwithstanding a transaction's compliance with the numerical station limits. The FCC has also indicated that it may propose further revisions to its radio multiple ownership rules. Local Marketing Agreements. As in television, a number of radio stations have entered into LMAs. The FCC's multiple ownership rules specifically permit radio station LMAs to be entered into and implemented, so long as the licensee of the station which is being programmed under the LMA maintains complete responsibility for and control over programming and operations of its broadcast station and assures compliance with applicable FCC rules and policies. For the purposes of the multiple ownership rules, in general, a radio station being programmed pursuant to an LMA by an entity is not considered an attributable ownership interest of that entity unless that entity already owns a radio station in the same market. However, a licensee that owns a radio station in a market, and brokers more than 15% of the time on another station serving the same market (i.e., a station whose principal community contour overlaps that of the owned station), is considered to have an attributable ownership interest in the brokered station for purposes of the FCC's multiple ownership rules. As a result, in a market in which the Company owns a radio station, the Company would not be permitted to enter into an LMA with another local radio station which it could not own under the local ownership rules, unless the Company's programming constituted 15% or less of the other local station's programming time on a weekly basis. The FCC's rules also prohibit a broadcast licensee from simulcasting more than 25% of its programming on another station in the same broadcast service (i.e., AM-AM or FM-FM) through a time brokerage or LMA arrangement where the brokered and brokering stations serve substantially the same area. Joint Sales Agreements. A number of radio (and television) stations have entered into cooperative arrangements commonly known as joint sales agreements, or JSAs. While these agreements may take varying forms, under the typical JSA, a station licensee obtains, for a fee, the right to sell substantially all of the commercial advertising on a separately-owned and licensed station in the same market. The typical JSA also customarily involves the provision by the selling licensee of certain sales, accounting, and "back office" services to the station whose advertising is being sold. The typical JSA is distinct from an LMA in that a JSA (unlike an LMA) normally does not involve programming. The FCC has determined that issues of joint advertising sales should be left to enforcement by antitrust authorities, and therefore does not generally regulate joint sales practices between stations. Currently, stations for which a licensee sells time under a JSA are not deemed by the FCC to be attributable interests of that licensee. However, in connection with its ongoing rulemaking proceeding concerning the attribution rules, the FCC is considering whether JSAs should be considered attributable interests or within the scope of the FCC's cross-interest policy, particularly when JSAs contain provisions for the supply of programming services and/or other elements typically associated with LMAs. If JSAs become attributable interests as a result of changes in the FCC rules, the Company may be required to terminate any JSA it might have with a radio station which the Company could not own under the FCC's multiple ownership rules. Other Ownership Matters ----------------------- There remain in place after the 1996 Act a number of additional cross-ownership rules and prohibitions pertaining to licensees of television and radio stations. FCC rules, the Communications Act, or both generally prohibit an individual or entity from having an attributable interest in both a television station and a radio station, a daily newspaper, or a cable television system that is located in or serves the same market area. Antitrust Regulation. The DOJ and the Federal Trade Commission have increased their scrutiny of the television and radio industry since the adoption of the 1996 Act, and have indicated their intention to review matters related to the concentration of ownership within markets (including LMAs and JSAs) even when the ownership or LMA or JSA in question is permitted under the laws administered by the FCC or by FCC rules and regulations. For instance, the DOJ has for some time taken the position that an LMA entered into in anticipation of a station's acquisition with the proposed buyer of the station constitutes a change in beneficial ownership of the station which, if subject to filing under the HSR Act, cannot be implemented until the waiting period required by that statute has ended or been terminated. 22
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Radio/Television Cross-Ownership Rule. The FCC's radio/television cross-ownership rule (the "one to a market" rule) generally prohibits a single individual or entity from having an attributable interest in a television station and a radio station serving the same market. However, in each of the 25 largest local markets in the United States, provided that there remain at least 30 separately owned television and radio stations in the particular market after the acquisition in question, the FCC has traditionally employed a policy that presumptively allows waivers of the one to a market rule to permit the common ownership of one AM, one FM and one TV station in the market. The 1996 Act directs the FCC to extend this policy to each of the top 50 markets. Moreover, the FCC has pending a rulemaking proceeding in which it has solicited comment on whether the one to a market rule should be eliminated altogether. The Company has pending several requests for waivers of the one to a market rule in connection with its applications to acquire radio stations in the Max Media Acquisition and from Keymarket of South Carolina, Inc. and Spartan Radiocasting, Inc., in markets where the Company owns or proposes to own a television station. However, the FCC does not apply its presumptive waiver policy in cases involving the common ownership of one television station, and two or more radio stations in the same service (AM or FM), in the same market. Pending its ongoing rulemaking proceeding to reexamine the one to a market rule, the FCC has stated that it will consider waivers of the rule in such instances on a case-by-case basis, considering (i) the public service benefits that will arise from the joint operation of the facilities such as economies of scale, cost savings and programming and service benefits; (ii) the types of facilities involved; (iii) the number of media outlets owned by the applicant in the relevant market; (iv) the financial difficulties of the stations involved; and (v) the nature of the relevant market in light of the level of competition and diversity after joint operation is implemented. Generally, any such waivers that are granted, and which allow common ownership of a television station and more than two same-service radio stations in the same market, are temporary and conditioned on the outcome of the rulemaking proceeding. The Company obtained such temporary, conditional waivers of the one to a market rule in connection with its acquisition of the Heritage radio stations in the Kansas City and St. Louis markets. In its ongoing rulemaking proceeding to reexamine the one to a market rule, the FCC has proposed the following options for modifying the rule in the event it is not eliminated: (i) extending the presumptive waiver policy to any television market in which a specified number of independently owned media "voices" would remain after common ownership of a television station and one or more radio stations is effectuated; (ii) extending the presumptive waiver policy to entities that seek to own more than one FM and/or one AM radio station; (iii) reducing the minimum number of independently owned voices that must remain after a transaction is effectuated; and (iv) modifying the five-factor case-by-case test for waivers. Local Television/Cable Cross-Ownership Rule. While the 1996 Act eliminates a previous statutory prohibition against the common ownership of a television broadcast station and a cable system that serve the same local market, the 1996 Act leaves the current FCC rule in place. The legislative history of the Act indicates that the repeal of the statutory ban should not prejudge the outcome of any FCC review of the rule. Broadcast Network/Cable Cross-Ownership Rule. The 1996 Act directs the FCC to eliminate its rules which formerly prohibited the common ownership of a broadcast network and a cable system, subject to the provision that the FCC revise its rules as necessary to ensure carriage, channel positioning, and non-discriminatory treatment of non-affiliated broadcast stations by cable systems affiliated with a broadcast network. In March 1996, the FCC issued an order implementing this legislative change. Broadcast/Daily Newspaper Cross-Ownership Rule. The FCC's rules prohibit the common ownership of a radio or television broadcast station and a daily newspaper in the same market. The 1996 Act does not eliminate or modify this prohibition. In October 1996, however, the FCC initiated a rulemaking proceeding to determine whether it should liberalize its waiver policy with respect to cross-ownership of a daily newspaper and one or more radio stations in the same market. Dual Network Rule. The 1996 Act directs the FCC to repeal its rule which formerly prohibited an entity from operating more than one television network. In March 1996, the FCC issued an order implementing this legislative change. Under the modified rule, a network entity is permitted to operate 23
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more than one television network, provided, however, that ABC, CBS, NBC, and/or Fox are prohibited from merging with each other or with another network television entity such as WB or UPN. The 1996 Act requires the FCC to review its broadcast ownership rules every two years to "determine whether any of such rules are necessary in the public interest as the result of competition," and to repeal or modify any rules that are determined to be no longer in the public interest. In March 1998, the FCC initiated a rulemaking proceeding to review certain of its broadcast ownership rules pursuant to the statutory mandate, including: (i) the rule limiting ownership of television stations nationally to stations reaching 35% of the national television audience; (ii) the rule attributing only 50% of television households in a market to the audience reach of a UHF television station for purposes of the 35% national audience reach limit; (iii) the rule prohibiting common ownership of a broadcast station and a daily newspaper in the same market; (iv) the rule prohibiting common ownership of a broadcast television station and a cable system in the same market; (v) the local radio multiple ownership rules; and (vi) the dual network rule. Additionally, the FCC stated that its already-pending proceedings to review the television duopoly and "one to a market" rules satisfy the 1996 Act's biennial review requirements. Expansion of the Company's broadcast operations on both a local and national level will continue to be subject to the FCC's ownership rules and any changes the FCC or Congress may adopt. Concomitantly, any further relaxation of the FCC's ownership rules may increase the level of competition in one or more of the markets in which the Company's stations are located, more specifically to the extent that any of the Company's competitors may have greater resources and thereby be in a superior position to take advantage of such changes. Must-Carry/Retransmission Consent Pursuant to the Cable Act of 1992, television broadcasters are required to make triennial elections to exercise either certain "must-carry" or "retransmission consent" rights in connection with their carriage by cable systems in each broadcaster's local market. By electing the must-carry rights, a broadcaster demands carriage on a specified channel on cable systems within its Area of Dominant Influence, in general as defined by the Arbitron 1991-92 Television Market Guide. These must-carry rights are not absolute, and their exercise is dependent on variables such as (i) the number of activated channels on a cable system; (ii) the location and size of a cable system; and (iii) the amount of programming on a broadcast station that duplicates the programming of another broadcast station carried by the cable system. Therefore, under certain circumstances, a cable system may decline to carry a given station. Alternatively, if a broadcaster chooses to exercise retransmission consent rights, it can prohibit cable systems from carrying its signal or grant the appropriate cable system the authority to retransmit the broadcast signal for a fee or other consideration. In October 1996, the Company elected must-carry or retransmission consent with respect to each of its markets based on its evaluation of the respective markets and the position of the Company's owned or programmed station(s) within the market. The Company's stations continue to be carried on all pertinent cable systems, and the Company does not believe that its elections have resulted in the shifting of its stations to less desirable cable channel locations. Certain of the Company's stations affiliated with Fox are required to elect retransmission consent because Fox's retransmission consent negotiations on behalf of the Company resulted in agreements which extend into 1998. Therefore, the Company will need to negotiate retransmission consent agreements for these Fox-affiliated stations to attain carriage on the relevant cable systems for the balance of this triennial period (i.e., through December 31, 1999). For subsequent elections beginning with the election to be made by October 1, 1999, the must-carry market will be the station's DMA, in general as defined by the Nielsen DMA Market and Demographic Rank Report of the prior year. Syndicated Exclusivity/Territorial Exclusivity The FCC has imposed syndicated exclusivity rules and expanded existing network nonduplication rules. The syndicated exclusivity rules allow local broadcast television stations to demand that cable operators black out syndicated non-network programming carried on "distant signals" (i.e., signals of broadcast stations, including so-called "superstations," which serve areas substantially removed from the cable system's local community). The network non-duplication rules allow local broadcast network television affiliates to require that cable operators black out duplicative network programming carried on 24
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distant signals. However, in a number of markets in which the Company owns or programs stations affiliated with a network, a station that is affiliated with the same network in a nearby market is carried on cable systems in the Company's market. This is not in violation of the FCC's network nonduplication rules. However, the carriage of two network stations on the same cable system could result in a decline of viewership adversely affecting the revenues of the Company owned or programmed station. Restrictions on Broadcast Advertising Advertising of cigarettes and certain other tobacco products on broadcast stations has been banned for many years. Various states restrict the advertising of alcoholic beverages. Congressional committees have examined legislation proposals which would eliminate or severely restrict the advertising of beer and wine. Although no prediction can be made as to whether any or all of such proposals will be enacted into law, the elimination of all beer and wine advertising would have an adverse effect upon the revenues of the Company's stations, as well as the revenues of other stations which carry beer and wine advertising. The FCC has imposed commercial time limitations in children's television programming pursuant to legislation. In television programs designed for viewing by children of 12 years of age and under, commercial matter is limited to 12 minutes per hour on weekdays and 10.5 minutes per hour on weekends. In granting renewal of the license for WBFF-TV, the FCC imposed a fine of $10,000 on the Company alleging that the station had exceeded these limitations. The Company has appealed this fine and the appeal is pending. In granting renewal of the license for WTTV-TV and WTTK-TV, stations that the Company programs pursuant to an LMA, the FCC imposed a fine of $15,000 on WTTV-TV and WTTK-TV's licensee alleging that the stations had exceeded these limitations. In granting renewal of the license for WTTE-TV, the FCC imposed a fine of $10,000 on the Company alleging that the station had exceeded these limitations. The Company has appealed this fine and the appeal is pending. The Communications Act and FCC rules also impose regulations regarding the broadcasting of advertisements by legally qualified candidates for elective office. Among other things, (i) stations must provide "reasonable access" for the purchase of time by legally qualified candidates for federal office; (ii) stations must provide "equal opportunities" for the purchase of equivalent amounts of comparable broadcast time by opposing candidates for the same elective office; and (iii) during the 45 days preceding a primary or primary run-off election and during the 60 days preceding a general or special election, legally qualified candidates for elective office may be charged no more than the station's "lowest unit charge" for the same class of advertisement, length of advertisement, and daypart. Recently, both the President of the United States and the Chairman of the FCC have called for rules that would require broadcast stations to provide free airtime to political candidates. The Company cannot predict the effect of such a requirement on its advertising revenues. Programming and Operation General. The Communications Act requires broadcasters to serve the "public interest." The FCC has relaxed or eliminated many of the more formalized procedures it had developed in the past to promote the broadcast of certain types of programming responsive to the needs of a station's community of license. FCC licensees continue to be required, however, to present programming that is responsive to their communities' issues, and to maintain certain records demonstrating such responsiveness. Complaints from viewers concerning a station's programming may be considered by the FCC when it evaluates renewal applications of a licensee, although such complaints may be filed at any time and generally may be considered by the FCC at any time. Stations also must pay regulatory and application fees, and follow various rules promulgated under the Communications Act that regulate, among other things, political advertising, sponsorship identifications, the advertisement of contests and lotteries, obscene and indecent broadcasts, and technical operations, including limits on radio frequency radiation. In addition, licensees must develop and implement affirmative action programs designed to promote equal employment opportunities, and must submit reports to the FCC with respect to these matters on an annual basis and in connection with a renewal application. Failure to observe these or other rules and policies can result in the imposition of various sanctions, including monetary forfeitures, the grant of a renewal for a "short" (i.e., less than the full) license term, or, for particularly egregious violations, the denial of a license renewal application or the revocation of a license. 25
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Children's Television Programming. Pursuant to rules adopted in 1996, television stations are required to broadcast a minimum of three hours per week of "core" children's educational programming, which the FCC defines as programming that (i) has serving the educational and informational needs of children 16 years of age and under as a significant purpose; (ii) is regularly scheduled, weekly and at least 30 minutes in duration; and (iii) is aired between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Furthermore, "core" children's educational programs, in order to qualify as such, are required to be identified as educational and informational programs over the air at the time they are broadcast, and are required to be identified in the children's programming reports required to be placed in stations' public inspection files. Additionally, television stations are required to identify and provide information concerning "core" children's programming to publishers of program guides and listings. Television Violence. The 1996 Act contains a number of provisions relating to television violence. First, pursuant to the 1996 Act, the television industry has developed a ratings system which the FCC has approved. Furthermore, also pursuant to the 1996 Act the FCC has adopted rules requiring certain television sets to include the so-called "V-chip," a computer chip that allows blocking of rated programming. Under these rules, half of television receiver models with picture screens 13 inches or greater will be required to have the "V-chip" by July 1, 1999, and all such models will be required to have the "V-chip" by January 1, 2000. In addition, the 1996 Act requires that all television license renewal applications filed after May 1, 1995 contain summaries of written comments and suggestions received by the station from the public regarding violent programming. Closed Captioning. The 1996 Act directs the FCC to adopt rules requiring closed captioning of all broadcast television programming, except where captioning would be "economically burdensome." The FCC has recently adopted such rules. The rules require generally that (i) 95% of all new programming first published or exhibited on or after January 1, 1998 must be closed captioned within eight years, and (ii) 75% of "old" programming which first aired prior to January 1, 1998 must be closed captioned within 10 years, subject to certain exemptions. Digital Television The FCC has taken a number of steps to implement DTV broadcasting service in the United States. In December 1996, the FCC adopted a DTV broadcast standard and, in April 1997, adopted decisions in several pending rulemaking proceedings that establish service rules and a plan for implementing DTV. The FCC adopted a DTV table of allotments that provides all authorized television stations with a second channel on which to broadcast a DTV signal. In February 1998, the FCC made slight revisions to the DTV rules and table of allotments in acting upon a number of appeals in the DTV proceeding. The FCC has attempted to provide DTV coverage areas that are comparable to stations' existing service areas. The FCC has ruled that television broadcast licensees may use their digital channels for a wide variety of services such as high-definition television, multiple standard definition television programming, audio, data, and other types of communications, subject to the requirement that each broadcaster provide at least one free video channel equal in quality to the current technical standard. DTV channels will generally be located in the range of channels from channel 2 through channel 51. The FCC is requiring that affiliates of ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC in the top 10 television markets begin digital broadcasting by May 1, 1999 (many stations affiliated with these networks in the top 10 markets have voluntarily committed to begin digital broadcasting by November 1998), and that affiliates of these networks in markets 11 through 30 begin digital broadcasting by November 1999. The FCC's plan calls for the DTV transition period to end in the year 2006, at which time the FCC expects that television broadcasters will cease non-digital broadcasting and return one of their two channels to the government, allowing that spectrum to be recovered for other uses. Under the Balanced Budget Act, however, the FCC is authorized to extend the December 31, 2006 deadline for reclamation of a television station's non-digital channel if, in any given case: (i) one or more television stations affiliated with ABC, CBS, NBC or Fox in a market is not broadcasting digitally, and the FCC determines that such stations have "exercised due diligence" in attempting to convert to digital broadcasting; or (ii) less than 85% of the television households in the station's market subscribe to a multichannel video service (cable, wireless cable or direct-to-home broadcast satellite television ("DBS")) that carries at least one digital channel from each of the local stations in that market, and less than 85% of the television households in the 26
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market can receive digital signals off the air using either a set-top converter box for an analog television set or a new DTV television set. The Balanced Budget Act also directs the FCC to auction the non-digital channels by September 30, 2002 even though they are not to be reclaimed by the government until at least December 31, 2006. The Balanced Budget Act also permits broadcasters to bid on the non-digital channels in cities with populations greater than 400,000, provided the channels are used for DTV. Thus, it is possible a broadcaster could own two channels in a market. The FCC has concluded a separate proceeding in which it reallocated television channels 60 through 69 to other services while protecting existing television stations on those channels from interference during the DTV transition period. Additionally, the FCC will open a separate proceeding to consider to what extent the cable must-carry requirements will apply to DTV signals. Implementation of digital television will improve the technical quality of television signals received by viewers. Under certain circumstances, however, conversion to digital operation may reduce a station's geographic coverage area or result in some increased interference. The FCC's DTV allotment plan allows present UHF stations that move to DTV channels considerably less signal power than present VHF stations that move to UHF DTV channels. Additionally, the DTV transmission standard adopted by the FCC may not allow certain stations to provide a DTV signal of adequate strength to be reliably received by certain viewers using inside television set antennas. Implementation of digital television will also impose substantial additional costs on television stations because of the need to replace equipment and because some stations will need to operate at higher utility costs and there can be no assurance that the Company's television stations will be able to increase revenue to offset such costs. The FCC is also considering imposing new public interest requirements on television licensees in exchange for their receipt of DTV channels. The Company is currently considering plans to provide HDTV, to provide multiple channels of television, including the provision of additional broadcast programming and transmitted data on a subscription basis, and to continue its current TV program channels on its allocated DTV channels. The 1996 Act allows the FCC to charge a spectrum fee to broadcasters who use the digital spectrum to offer subscription-based services. The FCC has opened a rulemaking to consider the spectrum fees to be charged to broadcasters for such use. In addition, Congress has held hearings on broadcasters' plans for the use of their digital spectrum. The Company cannot predict what future actions the FCC might take with respect to DTV, nor can it predict the effect of the FCC's present DTV implementation plan or such future actions on the Company's business. Proposed Changes The Congress and the FCC have under consideration, and in the future may consider and adopt, new laws, regulations and policies regarding a wide variety of matters that could affect, directly or indirectly, the operation, ownership and profitability of the Company's broadcast stations, result in the loss of audience share and advertising revenues for the Company's broadcast stations, and affect the ability of the Company to acquire additional broadcast stations or finance such acquisitions. In addition to the changes and proposed changes noted above, such matters may include, for example, the license renewal process, spectrum use fees, political advertising rates, potential restrictions on the advertising of certain products (beer, wine and hard liquor, for example), and the rules and policies to be applied in enforcing the FCC's equal employment opportunity regulations. Other matters that could affect the Company's broadcast properties include technological innovations and developments generally affecting competition in the mass communications industry, such as direct radio and television broadcast satellite service, the continued establishment of wireless cable systems and low power television stations, digital television and radio technologies, and the advent of telephone company participation in the provision of video programming service. Other Considerations The foregoing summary does not purport to be a complete discussion of all provisions of the Communications Act or other congressional acts or of the regulations and policies of the FCC. For further information, reference should be made to the Communications Act, other congressional acts, and regulations and public notices promulgated from time to time by the FCC. There are additional regulations and policies of 27
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the FCC and other federal agencies that govern political broadcasts, public affairs programming, equal employment opportunity, and other matters affecting the Company's business and operations. ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION Prior to the Company's ownership or operation of its facilities, substances or waste that are or might be considered hazardous under applicable environmental laws may have been generated, used, stored or disposed of at certain of those facilities. In addition, environmental conditions relating to the soil and groundwater at or under the Company's facilities may be affected by the proximity of nearby properties that have generated, used, stored or disposed of hazardous substances. As a result, it is possible that the Company could become subject to environmental liabilities in the future in connection with these facilities under applicable environmental laws and regulations. Although the Company believes that it is in substantial compliance with such environmental requirements, and has not in the past been required to incur significant costs in connection therewith, there can be no assurance that the Company's costs to comply with such requirements will not increase in the future. The Company presently believes that none of its properties have any condition that is likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition or results of operations. COMPETITION The Company's television and radio stations compete for audience share and advertising revenue with other television and radio stations in their respective DMAs or MSA's, as well as with other advertising media, such as newspapers, magazines, outdoor advertising, transit advertising, yellow page directories, direct mail and local cable and wireless cable systems. Some competitors are part of larger organizations with substantially greater financial, technical and other resources than the Company. Television Competition. Competition in the television broadcasting industry occurs primarily in individual DMAs. Generally, a television broadcasting station in one DMA does not compete with stations in other DMAs. The Company's television stations are located in highly competitive DMAs. In addition, certain of the Company's DMAs are overlapped by both over-the-air and cable carriage of stations in adjacent DMAs, which tends to spread viewership and advertising expenditures over a larger number of television stations. Broadcast television stations compete for advertising revenues primarily with other broadcast television stations, radio stations and cable system operators serving the same market. ABC, CBS and NBC programming generally achieves higher household audience levels than Fox, WB and UPN programming and syndicated programming aired by independent stations. This can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the efforts of ABC, CBS and NBC to reach a broader audience, generally better signal carriage available when broadcasting over VHF channels 2 through 13 versus broadcasting over UHF channels 14 through 69 and the higher number of hours of ABC, CBS and NBC programming being broadcast weekly. However, greater amounts of advertising time are available for sale during Fox, UPN and WB programming and non-network syndicated programming, and as a result the Company believes that the Company's programming typically achieves a share of television market advertising revenues greater than its share of a market's audience. Television stations compete for audience share primarily on the basis of program popularity, which has a direct effect on advertising rates. A large amount of the Company's prime time programming is supplied by Fox and WB, and to a lesser extent UPN, ABC, CBS and NBC. In those periods, the Company's affiliated stations are totally dependent upon the performance of the networks' programs in attracting viewers. Non-network time periods are programmed by the station primarily with syndicated programs purchased for cash, cash and barter, or barter-only, and also through self-produced news, public affairs and other entertainment programming. Television advertising rates are based upon factors which include the size of the DMA in which the station operates, a program's popularity among the viewers that an advertiser wishes to attract, the number of advertisers competing for the available time, the demographic makeup of the DMA served by the station, the availability of alternative advertising media in the DMA (including radio and cable), the aggressiveness and knowledge of sales forces in the DMA and development of projects, features and 28
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programs that tie advertiser messages to programming. The Company believes that its sales and programming strategies allow it to compete effectively for advertising within its DMAs. Other factors that are material to a television station's competitive position include signal coverage, local program acceptance, network affiliation, audience characteristics and assigned broadcast frequency. Historically, the Company's UHF broadcast stations have suffered a competitive disadvantage in comparison to stations with VHF broadcast frequencies. This historic disadvantage has gradually declined through (i) carriage on cable systems, (ii) improvement in television receivers, (iii) improvement in television transmitters, (iv) wider use of all channel antennae, (v) increased availability of programming, and (vi) the development of new networks such as Fox, WB and UPN. The broadcasting industry is continuously faced with technical changes and innovations, the popularity of competing entertainment and communications media, changes in labor conditions, and governmental restrictions or actions of federal regulatory bodies, including the FCC, any of which could possibly have a material effect on a television station's operations and profits. There are sources of video service other than conventional television stations, the most common being cable television, which can increase competition for a broadcast television station by bringing into its market distant broadcasting signals not otherwise available to the station's audience, serving as a distribution system for national satellite-delivered programming and other non-broadcast programming originated on a cable system and selling advertising time to local advertisers. Other principal sources of competition include home video exhibition, DBS entertainment services and multichannel multipoint distribution services ("MMDS"). Moreover, technology advances and regulatory changes affecting programming delivery through fiber optic telephone lines and video compression could lower entry barriers for new video channels and encourage the development of increasingly specialized "niche" programming. The 1996 Act permits telephone companies to provide video distribution services via radio communication, on a common carrier basis, as "cable systems" or as "open video systems," each pursuant to different regulatory schemes. The Company is unable to predict the effect that technological and regulatory changes will have on the broadcast television industry and on the future profitability and value of a particular broadcast television station. The FCC authorizes DBS services throughout the United States. Currently, two FCC permitees, DirecTV and United States Satellite Broadcasting, provide subscription DBS services via high-power communications satellites and small dish receivers, and other companies provide direct-to-home video service using lower powered satellites and larger receivers. Additional companies are expected to commence direct-to-home operations in the near future. DBS and MMDS, as well as other new technologies, will further increase competition in the delivery of video programming. The Company cannot predict what other video technologies might be considered or implemented in the future, nor can it judge in advance what impact, if any, the implementation of any of these proposals or changes might have on its business. The Company believes that television broadcasting may be enhanced significantly by the development and increased availability of DTV technology. This technology has the potential to permit the Company to provide viewers multiple channels of digital television over each of its existing standard channels, to provide certain programming in a high definition television format and to deliver various forms of data, including data on the Internet, to home and business computers. These additional capabilities may provide the Company with additional sources of revenue. The Company is currently considering plans to provide HDTV, to provide multiple channels of television including the provision of additional broadcast programming and transmitted data on a subscription basis, and to continue its current TV program channels on its allocated DTV channels. The Company has obtained FCC authority to conduct experimental DTV multicasting operations in Baltimore, Maryland. The 1996 Act allows the FCC to charge a spectrum fee to broadcasters who use the digital spectrum to offer subscription-based services. The FCC has opened a rulemaking to consider the spectrum fees to be charged to broadcasters for such use. In addition, Congress has held hearings on broadcasters' plans for the use of their digital spectrum. The Company cannot predict what future actions the FCC or Congress might take with respect to DTV, nor can it predict the effect of the FCC's present DTV implementation plan or such future actions on the Company's business. DTV technology is not currently available to the viewing public and a successful transition from the current analog television format to a 29
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digital format may take many years. There can be no assurance that the Company's efforts to take advantage of the new technology will be commercially successful. The Company also competes for programming, which involves negotiating with national program distributors or syndicators that sell first-run and rerun packages of programming. The Company's stations compete for exclusive access to those programs against in-market broadcast station competitors for syndicated products. Cable systems generally do not compete with local stations for programming, although various national cable networks from time to time have acquired programs that would have otherwise been offered to local television stations. Public broadcasting stations generally compete with commercial broadcasters for viewers but not for advertising dollars. Historically, the cost of programming has increased because of an increase in the number of new independent stations and a shortage of quality programming. However, the Company believes that over the past five years program prices generally have stabilized. The Company believes it competes favorably against other television stations because of its management skill and experience, the ability of the Company historically to generate revenue share greater than its audience share, its network affiliations and its local program acceptance. In addition, the Company believes that it benefits from the operation of multiple broadcast properties, affording it certain nonquantifiable economies of scale and competitive advantages in the purchase of programming. Radio Competition. Radio broadcasting is a highly competitive business, and each of the radio stations operated by the Company competes for audience share and advertising revenue directly with other radio stations in its geographic market, as well as with other media, including television, cable television, newspapers, magazines, direct mail and billboard advertising. The audience ratings and advertising revenue of each of such stations are subject to change, and any adverse change in a particular market could have a material adverse effect on the revenue of such radio stations located in that market. There can be no assurance that any one of the Company's radio stations will be able to maintain or increase its current audience ratings and radio advertising revenue market share. The Company attempts to improve each radio station's competitive position with promotional campaigns designed to enhance and reinforce its identities with the listening public. Extensive market research is conducted in order to identify specific demographic groups and design a programming format for those groups. The Company seeks to build a strong listener base composed of specific demographic groups in each market, and thereby attract advertisers seeking to reach these listeners. Aside from building its stations' identities and targeting its programming to specific demographic groups, management believes that the Company also obtains a competitive advantage by operating duopolies or multiple stations in the nation's larger mid-size markets. The radio broadcasting industry is also subject to competition from new media technologies that are being developed or introduced, such as the delivery of audio programming by cable television systems and by digital audio broadcasting ("DAB"). DAB may provide a medium for the delivery by satellite or terrestrial means of multiple new audio programming formats to local and national audiences. The FCC has issued licenses for two satellite DAB systems. Historically, the radio broadcasting industry has grown in terms of total revenues despite the introduction of new technologies for the delivery of entertainment and information, such as television broadcasting, cable television, audio tapes and compact disks. There can be no assurance, however, that the development or introduction in the future of any new media technology will not have an adverse effect on the radio broadcast industry. EMPLOYEES As of December 31, 1997, the Company had approximately 2,262 employees. With the exception of certain of the employees of KOVR-TV, KDNL-TV, WBEN-AM and WWL-AM, none of the employees is represented by labor unions under any collective bargaining agreement. No significant labor problems have been experienced by the Company, and the Company considers its overall labor relations to be good. 30
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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES Generally, each of the Company's stations has facilities consisting of offices, studios and tower sites. Transmitter and tower sites are located to provide maximum signal coverage of the stations' markets. The following table generally describes the Company's principal owned and leased real property in each of its markets of operation: TELEVISION PROPERTIES TYPE OF FACILITY AND USE ------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------- Pittsburgh Market Station Site for WPGH Space on WPGH Tower Site Baltimore Market WBFF Studio and Company Offices WBFF Parking Lot Space on Main WBFF Tower for Antenna Space on Main WBFF Tower for Transmission Disks Space on Main WBFF Tower for Receivers Milwaukee Market WVTV Studio Site WVTV Transmitter Site land WVTV Transmitter Site Building WCGV Studio Site WCGV Studio/Transmitter Site Raleigh/Durham Mkt WLFL / WRDC Studio Site WLFL Tower Site Land Columbus Market WTTE Studio Site WTTE Office Space WTTE Tower Site Norfolk Market WTVZ Studio Site Birmingham Market WTTO Tower and Old WTTO Studio WTTO Studio Site WABM Studio Site Flint/Saginaw/Bay City Market WSMH Studio & Office Site WSMH Transmitter Site Tuscaloosa Market WDBB Transmitter Site Kansas City Market KSMO Studio & Office Site KSMO Transmitter bldg. Cincinnati Market WSTR Studio & Office Site WSTR Transmitter Site W66AQ Translator Peoria Market WYZZ Studio & Office Site WYZZ Transmitter Site -- real property only WYZZ Transmitter Site -- tower, transmitter, building, and equipment Oklahoma City Market KOCB Studio & Office Site KOCB Transmitter Site Lexington Market WDKY Studio & Office Site WDKY Transmitter Site
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APPROXIMATE TELEVISION PROPERTIES OWNED OR LEASED(A) SIZE (SQ. FEET) ------------------------------- ----------------------------- ------------------ Pittsburgh Market Leased (expires 10/01/2028) 25,500 Leased (expires 02/23/2039) On site of station Baltimore Market Leased (expires 12/31/2010) 39,000 Leased (month to month) N/A Leased (expires 06/01/2007) N/A Leased (expires 04/01/2011) N/A Leased (expires 08/01/2012) N/A Milwaukee Market Owned 37,800 Leased (expires 01/30/2030) N/A Owned 6,200 Owned 22,296 Leased (expires 12/31/2029) N/A Raleigh/Durham Mkt Leased (expires 07/29/2021) 26,600 Leased (expires 12/31/2018) 1,800 Columbus Market Leased (expires 12/31/2002) 14,400 Leased (expires 06/01/2003) 4,500 Leased (month to month) 1,000 Norfolk Market Leased (expires 07/31/2009) 15,000 Birmingham Market Owned 9,500 Leased (expires 1/31/2016) 9,750 Leased (expires 1/31/2016) 9,750 Flint/Saginaw/Bay City Market Owned 13,800 Leased (expires 11/13/2004) N/A Tuscaloosa Market Leased (month to month) 678 Kansas City Market Leased (expires 02/28/2001) 11,055 Leased (expires 12/10/2010) 1,200 Cincinnati Market Owned 14,800 Owned 6,600 Owned N/A Peoria Market Owned 6,000 Leased (expires 12/01/2001) 1,100 Owned N/A Oklahoma City Market Owned 12,000 Owned Included above Lexington Market Leased (expires 12/31/2010) 12,000 Owned 2,900 31
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[Enlarge/Download Table] APPROXIMATE TELEVISION PROPERTIES TYPE OF FACILITY AND USE OWNED OR LEASED(A) SIZE (SQ. FEET) ------------------------------- --------------------------------------- ----------------------------- --------------------- Indianapolis Market WTTV/WTTK Studio & Office Site (bldg) Owned 19,900 WTTV/WTTK Studio & Office Site (lot) Owned 18.5 acres WTTV Transmitter Site/lot Owned 2,730/41.25 acres WTTK Transmitter Site/lot Owned 800/30 acres Bloomington microwave site (bldg.) Owned 216 Bloomington microwave site (land) Leased (expires 07/05/2077) 216 Sacramento Market KOVR Studio & Office Site Owned 42,600 KOVR Stockton Office Site Leased (expires 03/31/1999) 1,000 KOVR Transmitter Site 50% Ownership N/A KOVR Back-up Transmitter Site 1/3 Ownership N/A Mt. Oso Microwave Site Leased (expires 02/28/2001) N/A Volmer Peak Microwave Site Leased (expires 06/30/2000) N/A Downtown Sacramento Microwave Site Leased (expires 05/31/1999) N/A Elverta Microwave Site Leased (expires 07/31/1999) N/A San Antonio Market KABB/KRRT Studio & Office Site Owned by KABB 22,460 1200/1200/ KABB Transmitter bldg/tower/land Owned by KABB 35.562 acres KRRT Transmitter land Leased (expires 06/30/2007) 103.854 acres Asheville/Spartanburg WFBC/WLOS Studio & Office Site Owned by WLOS 28,000 Market WLOS Transmitter tower, bldg, land Leased (expires 12/31/2001) WFBC Transmitter Site Owned by WFBC 45.6 acres WFBC/WAXA studio Owned 6,000 St. Louis Market KDNL Studio & Office (Lot) Owned 53,550 KDNL Studio & Office (building) Owned 41,372 (TV) KDNL Transmitter Site (2 buildings) Owned 1,600 & 1,330 Des Moines Market KDSM Studio & Office Site Owned 13,000 KDSM Transmitter bldg/tower Owned 2,000 KDSM Transmitter land Leased (expires 11/08/2034) 40 Acres KDSM Translator tower/shed Leased (expires 12/31/98) 48 Las Vegas Market KUPN Studio & Office Site Leased (expires 6/26/99) 14,000 KUPN Transmitter Site/bldg. Owned .04 acres KUPN Microwave Transmitter Site Owned N/A KUPN Microwave Relay Site Owned N/A Plattsburgh/Burlington Market WPTZ Station Site Owned 12,400 WPTZ Studio & Office site Leased (expires 6/30/1998) 3,919 WPTZ Transmitter site Owned N/A WPTZ Tower and building site Leased (expires 10/31/2000) N/A WPTZ Tower and building site Leased (expires 5/30/2000) N/A WPTZ Tower and building site Leased (expires 10/31/2000) N/A WNNE Studio & Office site Leased (expires 1/31/2001) 8,500 WNNE Tower site Leased (expires 5/31/2003) N/A WNNE Transmitter building Owned 1,150 Pensacola/Mobile Market WEAR Studio & Office site Owned 22,400 WEAR Transmitter site Owned N/A WEAR Mobile Sales Office Site Leased (expires 6/30/1998) 1.164 WFGX Studio & Transmitter site Leased (expires 4/30/2000) 5,000 Charleston Market WCHS Studio & Office site Owned 15,776 WCHS Transmitter site Owned 3,712 [Enlarge/Download Table] APPROXIMATE RADIO PROPERTIES TYPE OF FACILITY AND USE OWNED OR LEASED SIZE (SQ. FEET) ------------------ -------------------------------- ----------------------------- ---------------- Buffalo Market WWKB/WKSE Studio & Office Site Leased (expires 09/30/1998) 5,000 WWKB/WKSE Office Site Leased (expires 09/30/1998) 5,200 WBEN/WMJQ Studio & Office Site Leased (expires 12/31/1998) 7,750 WBEN Transmitter Site Owned 1,024 WWKB Transmitter Site Owned 2,600 WMJQ Transmitter Site Leased (expires 12/31/1998) 825 WKSE Transmitter Site Owned 6,722 WWWS Transmitter Site/bldg. Leased (expires 5/24/2001 1,000/225 32
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[Enlarge/Download Table] APPROXIMATE RADIO PROPERTIES TYPE OF FACILITY AND USE OWNED OR LEASED SIZE (SQ. FEET) ------------------------------ --------------------------------------------- ----------------------------- ---------------- Memphis Market WJCE/WRVR/WOGY Studio & Office Site Leased (expires 12/02/98) 10,000 WJCE Transmitter Site Leased (expires 03/27/2035) 2,262 WRVR Transmitter Site Leased (expires 12/31/2003) 169 WOGY Transmitter Site (on 4.5 acres) Owned 340 New Orleans Market WWL/WSMB/WLMG/KMEZ Studio & Office Site Leased (expires 08/31/2002) 11,553 WWL Transmitter Site (on 64.62 acres) Owned 2,300 WSMB Transmitter Site (on 3,600 sq. ft) Owned 3,600 WLMG Transmitter Site Leased (expires 10/27/2014) N/A KMEZ Transmitter Site Leased (expires 03/14/2001) N/A WLAC-AM / WLAC-FM / WJZC / Road Gang /IRN Nashville/Russellville Studio & Office Site Leased (expires 06/30/1999) 18,800 Market Gang/IRN Studio & Office Site WLAC-AM Transmitter Site (+ 27.69 acres) Owned 5,800 WLAC-FM Transmitter Site (+18.12 acres) 1/3 Owned (3-way ownership) 2,700 WJZC Transmitter Site (land) Leased (expires 09/27/2019) 400 WJZC Transmitter Site (tower & building) Owned 1,324 Wilkes Barre/Scranton Market WILK/WGBI/WGGY/WKRZ Studio & Office Site Leased (expires 12/31/1998) 14,000 WILK Transmitter Site Leased (expires 08/31/1999) 1,000 WGBI Transmitter Site Leased (expires 02/28/2000) 1,000 WGGY Transmitter Site Leased (expires 02/28/2000) 300 WKRZ Transmitter Site Owned 4,052 (bldg) WKRF Office Site Leased (month to month) 100 WKRF Transmitter Site Leased (month to month) 1 acre WWSH Transmitter Site/bldg. Owned 1 acre/120 WWFH Transmitter Site and office/land Owned 2,320/1 acre WILP Transmitter Site/bldg. Owned 1 acre/750 St. Louis Market KPNT/WVRV Studio & Office Site Owned 1,753 (radio) KPNT Transmitter Site Owned 7450 WVRV Transmitter Site Owned 7,278 WVRV back up building Owned 240 Los Angeles Market KBLA Studio & Office Site- building Owned 6,000 KBLA Transmitter Site -- land Owned 3 acres Milwaukee Market WEMP, WAMG and WMYX Studio and Office Site Owned 9.200 WEMP/WMYX Transmitter site Owned 3,200 WAMG Transmitter site Owned N/A Kansas City Market KCFX, KCIY, and KXTR Studio and Office Site Leased (expires 2/28/2018) 20,914 KQRC Studio and Office Site Leased (expires 5/31/1999) 3,500 KCAZ Studio, Office and Transmitter site Owned 5,000 KCFX Transmitter site Leased (expires 6/25/2000 N/A KXTR Transmitter site Leased (expires 3/20/2002) N/A KCIY Transmitter site Leased (expires 7/25/2007) N/A 33
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[Enlarge/Download Table] APPROXIMATE RADIO PROPERTIES TYPE OF FACILITY AND USE OWNED OR LEASED SIZE (SQ. FEET) ------------------ ---------------------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------- Norfolk Market WGH/(AM), WGH/(FM) and WVCL Studio and Office Site Leased (expires 8/30.2007) 15,737 WGH-AM/FM Transmitter site Owned 1,000 WGH Nighttime Transmitter site Owned 1,800 WVCL Transmitter site Leased (expires N/A) N/A St. Louis Market WRTH, WIL and KIHT Studio and Office Site Leased (expires 3/15/2004) 12,000 WRTH Transmitter site Owned N/A WIL Transmitter site Leased (expires 5/31/1998) N/A KIHT Main FM Transmitter site Leased (expries 4/28/2000) N/A KIHT Auxilliary FM Transmitter site Leased (expires 3/15/2004 N/A ---------- (a) Lease expiration dates assume exercise of all renewal options of the lessee. The Company believes that all of its properties, both owned and leased, are generally in good operating condition, subject to normal wear and tear, and are suitable and adequate for the Company's current business operations. ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS On July 14, 1997, Sinclair publicly announced that it had reached an agreement for certain of its owned and/or programmed television stations which were affiliated with UPN to become affiliated with WB beginning January 16, 1998. On August 1, 1997, UPN informed Sinclair that it did not believe Sinclair or its affiliates had provided proper notice of its intention not to extend the UPN affiliation agreements beyond January 15, 1998, and, accordingly, that these agreements had been automatically renewed through January 15, 2001. In August 1997, UPN filed an action (the "California Action") in Los Angeles Superior Court against the Company, seeking declaratory relief and specific performance or, in the alternative, unspecified damages and alleging that neither the Company nor its affiliates provided proper notice of their intention not to extend the current UPN affiliations beyond January 15, 1998. Certain subsidiaries of the Company filed an action (the "Baltimore Action") in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City seeking declaratory relief that their notice was effective to terminate the affiliations on January 15, 1998. On December 9, 1997, the court in the Baltimore Action ruled that Sinclair gave timely and proper notice to effectively terminate the affiliations as of January 15, 1998 and granted Sinclair's motion for summary judgment. Based on the decision in the Baltimore Action, the court in the Los Angeles Superior Court has stayed all proceedings in the California Action. Following an appeal by UPN, the court of Special Appeals of Maryland upheld the ruling in the Baltimore Action and UPN is seeking further appellate review by the Maryland Court of Appeals. Although the Company believes that proper notice of intention not to extend was provided to UPN, there can be no assurance that the Company and its subsidiaries will prevail in these proceedings or that the outcome of these proceedings, if adverse to the Company and its subsidiaries, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company. The Company currently and from time to time is involved in litigation incidental to the conduct of its business. Except as described above, the Company is not a party to any lawsuit or proceeding that in the opinion of the Company will have a material adverse effect. ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS No matters were submitted to a vote of the Company's stockholders during the fourth quarter of 1997. 34
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PART II ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS Price Range of Common Stock Effective June 13, 1995, the common stock of the Company was listed for trading on the Nasdaq stock market under the symbol SBGI. The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the high and low sales prices on the Nasdaq stock market. 1995 HIGH LOW ----------------------------------------------- ----------- ------------ Second Quarter (from June 13) .......... $ 29.00 $ 23.50 Third Quarter .......................... 31.00 27.375 Fourth Quarter ......................... 27.75 16.25 1996 HIGH LOW -------------------------------- ----------- ------------ First Quarter ........... $ 26.50 $ 16.875 Second Quarter .......... 43.50 25.50 Third Quarter ........... 46.50 36.125 Fourth Quarter .......... 43.75 23.00 1997 HIGH LOW -------------------------------- ------------ ------------ First Quarter ........... $ 31.00 $ 23.00 Second Quarter .......... 30.875 23.25 Third Quarter ........... 40.375 28.50 Fourth Quarter .......... 46.625 33.625 As of March 16, 1998, there were approximately 77 stockholders of record of the common stock of the Company. This number does not include beneficial owners holding shares through nominee names. Based on information available to it, the Company believes it has more than 1,500 beneficial owners of its Class A Common Stock. The Company generally has not paid a dividend on its common stock and does not expect to pay dividends on its common stock in the foreseeable future. The 1997 Bank Credit Agreement and certain subordinated debt of the Company generally prohibit the Company from paying dividends on its common stock. Under the indentures governing the Company's 10% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2003, 10% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2005, 9% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007 and 8 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007, the Company is not permitted to pay dividends on its common stock unless certain specified conditions are satisfied, including that (i) no event of default then exists under the Indenture or certain other specified agreements relating to indebtedness of the Company and (ii) the Company, after taking account of the dividend, is in compliance with certain net cash flow requirements contained in the Indenture. In addition, under certain senior unsecured debt of the Company, the payment of dividends is not permissible during a default thereunder. ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA The selected consolidated financial data for the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, and 1997 have been derived from the Company's audited Consolidated Financial Statements. The Consolidated Financial Statements for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997 are included elsewhere in this Form 10-K/A. The information below should be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-K/A. 35
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STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) [Enlarge/Download Table] YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 ------------ ------------- ------------ --------------- ------------- STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA: Net broadcast revenue(a) ................... $ 69,532 $ 118,611 $ 187,934 $ 346,459 $ 471,228 Barter revenue ............................. 6,892 10,743 18,200 32,029 45,207 --------- ---------- ---------- ------------ ---------- Total revenue ............................ 76,424 129,354 206,134 378,488 516,435 --------- ---------- ---------- ------------ ---------- Operating costs(b) ......................... 26,665 41,338 64,326 142,576 198,262 Expenses from barter arrangements .......... 5,630 9,207 16,120 25,189 38,114 Depreciation and amortization(c) ........... 22,486 55,587 80,410 121,081 152,170 Stock-based compensation ................... -- -- -- 739 1,636 Special bonuses paid to executive officers ................................. 10,000 3,638 -- -- -- --------- ---------- ---------- ------------ ---------- Broadcast operating income ................. 11,643 19,584 45,278 88,903 126,253 Interest expense ........................... (12,852) (25,418) (39,253) (84,314) (98,393) Subsidiary trust minority interest expense(d) ............................... -- -- -- -- (18,600) Interest and other income .................. 2,131 2,447 4,163 3,478 2,228 Income (loss) before (provision) benefit for income taxes and extraordinary items .................................... $ 922 $ (3,387) $ 10,188 $ 8,067 $ 11,488 ========= ========== ========== ============ ========== Net income (loss) .......................... $ (7,945) $ (2,740) $ 76 $ 1,131 $ (10,566) ========= ========== ========== ============ ========== Net income (loss) available to common shareholders ............................. $ (7,945) $ (2,740) $ 76 $ 1,131 $ (13,329) ========= ========== ========== ============ ========== OTHER DATA: Broadcast cash flow(e) ..................... $ 37,498 $ 67,519 $ 111,124 $ 189,216 $ 243,406 Broadcast cash flow margin(f) .............. 53.9% 56.9% 59.1% 54.6% 51.7% Adjusted EBITDA(g) ......................... $ 35,406 $ 64,547 $ 105,750 $ 180,272 $ 229,000 Adjusted EBITDA margin(f) .................. 50.9% 54.4% 56.3% 52.0% 48.6% After tax cash flow(h) ..................... $ 20,850 $ 24,948 $ 54,645 $ 77,484 $ 104,884 Program contract payments .................. 8,723 14,262 19,938 30,451 51,059 Corporate overhead expense ................. 2,092 2,972 5,374 8,944 14,406 Capital expenditures ....................... 528 2,352 1,702 12,609 19,425 Cash flows from operating activities ....... 11,230 20,781 55,986 69,298 96,625 Cash flows from investing activities ....... 1,521 (249,781) (119,320) (1,012,225) (218,990) Cash flows from financing activities ....... 3,462 213,410 173,338 832,818 259,351 PER SHARE DATA: Basic net income (loss) per share before extraordinary items ...................... $ -- $ (.09) $ .15 $ .03 $ (.20) Basic net income (loss) per share after extraordinary items ...................... $ (.27) $ (.09) $ -- $ .03 $ (.37) Diluted net income (loss) per share before extraordinary items ............... $ -- $ (.09) $ .15 $ .03 $ (.20) Diluted net income (loss) per share after extraordinary items ................ $ (.27) $ (.09) $ -- $ .03 $ (.37) BALANCE SHEET DATA: Cash and cash equivalents .................. $ 18,036 $ 2,446 $ 112,450 $ 2,341 $ 139,327 Total assets ............................... 242,917 399,328 605,272 1,707,297 2,034,234 Total debt(i) .............................. 224,646 346,270 418,171 1,288,103 1,080,722 HYTOPS(j) .................................. -- -- -- -- 200,000 Total stockholders' equity (deficit) ....... (11,024) (13,723) 96,374 237,253 543,288 --------- ---------- ---------- ------------ ---------- 36
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---------- (a) "Net broadcast revenue" is defined as broadcast revenue net of agency commissions. (b) Operating costs include program and production expenses and selling, general and administrative expenses. (c) Depreciation and amortization includes amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments, depreciation and amortization of property and equipment, and amortization of acquired intangible broadcasting assets and other assets including amortization of deferred financing costs and costs related to excess syndicated programming. (d) Subsidiary trust minority interest expense represents the distributions on the HYTOPS. (e) "Broadcast cash flow" is defined as broadcast operating income plus corporate overhead expense, special bonuses paid to executive officers, stock-based compensation, depreciation and amortization (including film amortization and excess syndicated programming), less cash payments for program rights. Cash program payments represent cash payments made for current programs payable and do not necessarily correspond to program usage. Special bonuses paid to executive officers are considered unusual and non-recurring. The Company has presented broadcast cash flow data, which the Company believes are comparable to the data provided by other companies in the industry, because such data are commonly used as a measure of performance for broadcast companies. However, broadcast cash flow does not purport to represent cash provided by operating activities as reflected in the Company's consolidated statements of cash flows, is not a measure of financial performance under generally accepted accounting principles and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. (f) "Broadcast cash flow margin" is defined as broadcast cash flow divided by net broadcast revenues. "Adjusted EBITDA margin" is defined as Adjusted EBITDA divided by net broadcast revenues. (g) "Adjusted EBITDA" is defined as broadcast cash flow less corporate expenses and is a commonly used measure of performance for broadcast companies. Adjusted EBITDA does not purport to represent cash provided by operating activities as reflected in the Company's consolidated statements of cash flows, is not a measure of financial performance under generally accepted accounting principles and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. (h) "After tax cash flow" is defined as net income (loss) available to common shareholders plus extraordinary items (before the effect of related tax benefits), special bonuses paid to executive officers, stock-based compensation, depreciation and amortization (excluding film amortization), and the deferred tax provision (or minus the deferred tax benefit). After tax cash flow is presented here not as a measure of operating results and does not purport to represent cash provided by operating activities. After tax cash flow should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. (i) "Total debt" is defined as long-term debt, net of unamortized discount, and capital lease obligations, including current portion thereof. Total debt does not include the HYTOPS or the Company's preferred stock. (j) HYTOPS represents Company Obligated Mandatorily Redeemable Security of Subsidiary Trust Holding Solely KDSM Senior Debentures representing $200,000 aggregate liquidation value. 37
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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS INTRODUCTION The Company is a diversified broadcasting company that currently owns or programs pursuant to Local Marketing Agreements ("LMAs") 35 television stations and, upon consummation of all pending acquisitions and dispositions, the Company will own or program pursuant to LMAs 56 television stations. The Company owns or programs pursuant to LMAs 52 radio stations and upon consummation of all pending acquisitions and dispositions, the Company will own or program pursuant to LMAs 51 radio stations. The Company also has options to acquire two additional radio stations. The operating revenues of the Company are derived from local and national advertisers and, to a much lesser extent, from television network compensation. The Company's primary operating expenses involved in owning, operating or programming the television and radio stations are syndicated program rights fees, commissions on revenues, employee salaries, news-gathering and promotion. Amortization and depreciation of costs associated with the acquisition of the stations and interest carrying charges are significant factors in determining the Company's overall profitability. Set forth below are the principal types of broadcast revenue received by the Company's stations for the periods indicated and the percentage contribution of each type to the Company's total gross broadcast revenue: BROADCAST REVENUE (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) [Enlarge/Download Table] YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1995 1996 1997 ------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------ Local/regional advertising..... $ 104,299 47.5% $ 199,029 49.4% $ 287,860 52.7% National advertising .......... 113,678 51.7 191,449 47.6 250,445 45.9 Network compensation .......... 442 0.2 3,907 1.0 5,479 1.0 Political advertising ......... 197 0.1 6,972 1.7 1,189 0.2 Production .................... 1,115 0.5 1,142 0.3 1,239 0.2 --------- ----- --------- ----- --------- ----- Broadcast revenue ............. 219,731 100.0% 402,499 100.0% 546,212 100.0% ===== ===== ===== Less: agency commissions....... (31,797) (56,040) (74,984) --------- --------- --------- Broadcast revenue, net ........ 187,934 346,459 471,228 Barter revenue ................ 18,200 32,029 45,207 --------- --------- --------- Total revenue ................. $ 206,134 $ 378,488 $ 516,435 ========= ========= ========= The Company's primary types of programming and their approximate percentages of 1997 net broadcast revenue were network programming (14.9%), children's programming (5.3%) and other syndicated programming (79.8%). The Company's four largest categories of advertising and their approximate percentages of 1997 net broadcast revenue were automotive (20.0%), movies (6.7%), fast food advertising (6.4%) and retail/department stores (6.2%). No other advertising category accounted for more than 6% of the Company's net broadcast revenue in 1997. No individual advertiser accounted for more than 5% of any individual Company station's net broadcast revenue in 1997. 38
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The following table sets forth certain operating data of the Company for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997. Capitalized terms used in this section and not defined elsewhere in this Form 10-K/A are defined in Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company included elsewhere in this Form 10-K/A. OPERATING DATA (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) [Enlarge/Download Table] YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, ------------------------------------------- 1995 1996 1997 ------------- ------------- ------------- Net broadcast revenue ..................... $ 187,934 $ 346,459 $ 471,228 Barter revenue ............................ 18,200 32,029 45,207 --------- --------- --------- Total revenue ............................. 206,134 378,488 516,435 --------- --------- --------- Operating costs ........................... 64,326 142,576 198,262 Expenses from barter arrangements ......... 16,120 25,189 38,114 Depreciation and amortization ............. 80,410 121,081 152,170 Stock-based compensation .................. -- 739 1,636 --------- --------- --------- Broadcast operating income ................ $ 45,278 $ 88,903 $ 126,253 ========= ========= ========= BROADCAST CASH FLOW (BCF) DATA: Television BCF ............................ $ 111,124 $ 175,212 $ 221,631 Radio BCF ................................. -- 14,004 21,775 --------- --------- --------- Consolidated BCF .......................... $ 111,124 $ 189,216 $ 243,406 ========= ========= ========= Television BCF margin ..................... 59.1% 56.7% 54.4% Radio BCF margin .......................... -- 37.3% 34.1% Consolidated BCF margin ................... 59.1% 54.6% 51.7% OTHER DATA: Adjusted EBITDA ........................... $ 105,750 $ 180,272 $ 229,000 Adjusted EBITDA margin .................... 56.3% 52.0% 48.6% After tax cash flow ....................... $ 54,645 $ 77,484 $ 104,884 Program contract payments ................. 19,938 30,451 51,059 Corporate expense ......................... 5,374 8,944 14,406 Capital expenditures ...................... 1,702 12,609 19,425 RESULTS OF OPERATIONS YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1997 Net broadcast revenue increased $124.7 million, or 36.0%, to $471.2 million for the year ended December 31, 1997 from $346.5 million for the year ended December 31, 1996. The increase in net broadcast revenue for the year ended December 31, 1997 as compared to the year ended December 31, 1996 was comprised of $114.5 million related to television and radio station acquisitions and LMA transactions consummated during 1996 and 1997 (the "Acquisitions") and $10.2 million that resulted from an increase in net broadcast revenue on a same station basis. Also on a same station basis, revenue from local and national advertisers grew 7.7% and 4.9%, respectively, for a combined growth rate of 6.1%. Total operating costs increased $55.7 million, or 39.1%, to $198.3 million for the year ended December 31, 1997 from $142.6 million for the year ended December 31, 1996. The increase in operating costs for the year ended December 31, 1997 as compared to the year ended December 31, 1996 com- 39
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prised $49.0 million related to the Acquisitions, $5.4 million from an increase in corporate overhead expenses, and $1.3 million from an increase in operating costs on a same station basis. On a same station basis, operating costs increased 1.8%. Broadcast operating income increased to $126.3 million for the year ended December 31, 1997, from $88.9 million for the year ended December 31, 1996, or 42.1%. The increase in broadcast operating income for the year ended December 31, 1997 as compared to the year ended December 31, 1996 was primarily attributable to the Acquisitions. Interest expense increased to $98.4 million for the year ended December 31, 1997 from $84.3 million for the year ended December 31, 1996, or 16.7%. The increase in interest expense for the year ended December 31, 1997 primarily related to indebtedness incurred by the Company to finance the Acquisitions. Subsidiary trust minority interest expense of $18.6 million for the year ended December 31, 1997 is related to the issuance of the HYTOPS which was completed March 12, 1997. Subsidiary trust minority interest expense was partially offset by reductions in interest expense because a portion of the proceeds of the sale of the HYTOPS was used to reduce indebtedness under the Company's Bank Credit Agreement. Interest and other income decreased to $2.2 million for the year ended December 31, 1997 from $3.5 million for the year ended December 31, 1996. This decrease was primarily due to lower average cash balances during these periods. For the reasons described above, net loss for the year ended December 31, 1997 was $10.6 million or $.37 per share compared to net income of $1.1 million or $.03 per share for the year ended December 31, 1996. Broadcast Cash Flow increased $54.2 million to $243.4 million for the year ended December 31, 1997 from $189.2 million for the year ended December 31, 1996, or 28.6%. The increase in Broadcast Cash Flow was comprised of $45.0 million relating to the Acquisitions and $9.2 million that resulted from Broadcast Cash Flow growth on a same station basis, which had Broadcast Cash Flow growth of 8.2%. The Company's Broadcast Cash Flow Margin decreased to 51.7% for the year ended December 31, 1997 from 54.6% for the year ended December 31, 1996. The decrease in Broadcast Cash Flow Margin for the year ended December 31, 1997 as compared to the year ended December 31, 1996 primarily resulted from the lower margins related to the 1996 Acquisitions. In addition, 1996 Broadcast Cash Flow Margin benefited from a non-recurring $4.7 million timing lag of program contract payments relating to the River City Acquisition and certain other acquisitions. On a same station basis, Broadcast Cash Flow Margin improved from 57.3% for the year ended December 31, 1996 to 58.9% for the year ended December 31, 1997. Adjusted EBITDA represents broadcast cash flow less corporate expenses. Adjusted EBITDA increased to $229.0 million for the year ended December 31, 1997 from $180.3 million for the year ended December 31, 1996, or 27.0%. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 1997 as compared to the year ended December 31, 1996 resulted from the Acquisitions and to a lesser extent, increases in net broadcast revenues on a same station basis. The Company's Adjusted EBITDA margin decreased to 48.6% for the year ended December 31, 1997 from 52.0% for the year ended December 31, 1996. This decrease in Adjusted EBITDA margin resulted primarily from the circumstances affecting broadcast cash flow margins as noted above combined with an increase in corporate expenses. Corporate overhead expenses increased to $14.4 million for the year ended December 31, 1997 from $8.9 million for the year ended December 31, 1996, or 61.8%. The increase in corporate expenses primarily resulted from costs associated with managing a larger base of operations. During 1996, the Company increased the size of its corporate staff as a result of the addition of a radio business segment and a significant increase in the number of television stations owned, operated or programmed. The costs associated with this increase in staff were only incurred during a partial period of the year ended December 31, 1996. After Tax Cash Flow increased to $104.9 million for the year ended December 31, 1997 from $77.5 million for the year ended December 31, 1996, or 35.4%. The increase in After Tax Cash Flow for the year ended December 31, 1997 as compared to the year ended December 31, 1996 primarily resulted 40
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from the Acquisitions, an increase in revenue on a same station basis, a Federal income tax receivable of $10.6 million resulting from 1997 NOL carry-backs, offset by interest expense on the debt incurred to consummate the Acquisitions and subsidiary trust minority interest expense related to the private placement of the HYTOPS issued during March 1997. YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1996 Total revenue increased to $378.5 million, or 83.6%, for the year ended December 31, 1996 from $206.1 million for the year ended December 31, 1995. Excluding the effects of non-cash barter transactions, net broadcast revenue for the year ended December 31, 1996 increased by 84.4% over the year ended December 31, 1995. The increase in broadcast revenue was primarily the result of acquisitions and LMA transactions consummated by the Company in 1995 (the "1995 Acquisitions") and 1996. For stations owned, operated or programmed throughout 1995 and 1996, television broadcast revenue grew 2.1% for the year ended December 31, 1996 when compared to the year ended December 31, 1995. For stations owned, operated or programmed throughout 1994 and 1995, television broadcast revenue grew 12.8% for the year ended December 31, 1995 when compared to the year ended December 31, 1994. The decrease in 1996 revenue growth as compared to 1995 revenue growth primarily resulted from the loss in 1996 of the Fox affiliation at WTTO in the Birmingham market, the loss of the NBC affiliation at WRDC in the Raleigh/Durham market and decreases in ratings at WCGV and WNUV in the Milwaukee and Baltimore markets, respectively. Operating expenses excluding depreciation, amortization of intangible assets, stock-based compensation and excess syndicated programming costs increased to $167.8 million, or 108.7%, for the year ended December 31, 1996 from $80.4 million for the year ended December 31, 1995. The increase in expenses for the year ended December 31, 1996 as compared to the year ended December 31, 1995 was largely attributable to operating costs associated with the 1995 and 1996 Acquisitions, an increase in LMA fees resulting from LMA transactions and an increase in corporate overhead expenses. Broadcast operating income increased to $88.9 million for the year ended December 31, 1996, from $45.3 million for the year ended December 31, 1995, or 96.2%. The increase in broadcast operating income for the year ended December 31, 1996 as compared to the year ended December 31, 1995 was primarily attributable to the 1995 and 1996 Acquisitions. Interest expense increased to $84.3 million for the year ended December 31, 1996 from $39.3 million for the year ended December 31, 1995, or 114.5%. The increase in interest expense for the year ended December 31, 1996 was primarily related to senior bank indebtedness incurred by the Company to finance the River City Acquisition and other acquisitions. Interest and other income decreased to $3.5 million for the year ended December 31, 1996 from $4.2 million for the year ended December 31, 1995, or 16.7%. The decrease for the year ended December 31, 1996 was primarily due to lower cash balances and related interest income resulting from cash payments made in February 1996 when the Company made a $34.4 million payment relating to the WSMH acquisition and April 1996 when the Company made a $60 million down payment relating to the River City Acquisition. The decrease in interest income was offset by an increase in other income resulting from the 1995 and 1996 Acquisitions. For the reasons described above, net income for the year ended December 31, 1996 was $1.1 million or $0.03 per share compared to net income of $5.0 million or $0.15 per share for the year ended December 31, 1995 before the extraordinary loss on early extinguishment of debt. Broadcast Cash Flow increased to $189.2 million for the year ended December 31, 1996 from $111.1 million for the year ended December 31, 1995, or 70.3%. The increase in Broadcast Cash Flow for the year ended December 31, 1996 as compared to the year ended December 31, 1995 primarily resulted from the 1995 and 1996 Acquisitions. For stations owned, operated or programmed throughout 1995 and 1996, Broadcast Cash Flow grew 1.3% for the year ended December 31, 1996 when compared to the year ended December 31, 1995. For stations owned, operated or programmed throughout 1994 and 1995, Broadcast Cash Flow grew 23.7% for the year ended December 31, 1995 when compared to the year ended December 31, 1994. The decrease in 1996 Broadcast Cash Flow growth as compared to 1995 41
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Broadcast Cash Flow growth primarily resulted from the loss in 1996 of the Fox affiliation at WTTO in the Birmingham market, the loss of the NBC affiliation at WRDC in the Raleigh/Durham market and decreases in ratings at WCGV and WNUV in the Milwaukee and Baltimore markets, respectively. The Company's Broadcast Cash Flow margin decreased to 54.6% for the year ended December 31, 1996 from 59.1% for the year ended December 31, 1995. Excluding the effect of radio station Broadcast Cash Flow, television station Broadcast Cash Flow margin decreased to 56.7% for the year ended December 31, 1996 as compared to 59.1% for the year ended December 31, 1995. The decrease in Broadcast Cash Flow margins for the year ended December 31, 1996 as compared to the year ended December 31, 1995 primarily resulted from the lower margins of the acquired radio broadcasting assets and lower margins of certain of the acquired television stations. For stations owned, operated or programmed throughout 1996 and 1995, Broadcast Cash Flow margins were unchanged when comparing the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995. The Company believes that margins of certain of the acquired stations will improve as operating and programming synergies are implemented. Adjusted EBITDA increased to $180.3 million for the year ended December 31, 1996 from $105.8 million for the year ended December 31, 1995, or 70.4%. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 1996 as compared to the year ended December 31, 1995 resulted from the 1995 and 1996 Acquisitions. The Company's Adjusted EBITDA margin decreased to 52.0% for the year ended December 31, 1996 from 56.3% for the year ended December 31, 1995. The decrease in Adjusted EBITDA margins for the year ended December 31, 1996 as compared to the year ended December 31, 1995 primarily resulted from higher operating costs at certain of the acquired stations. After Tax Cash Flow increased to $77.5 million for the year ended December 31, 1996 from $54.6 million for the year ended December 31, 1995, or 41.9%. The increase in After Tax Cash Flow for the year ended December 31, 1996 as compared to the year ended December 31, 1995 primarily resulted from the 1995 and 1996 Acquisitions offset by interest expense on the debt incurred to consummate these acquisitions. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES As of December 31, 1997, the Company had $139.3 million in cash balances and net working capital of approximately $176.0 million. The Company's primary sources of liquidity are cash provided by operations and availability under the 1997 Bank Credit Agreement. As of March 10, 1998, the Company's cash balances decreased to approximately $10.1 million as a result of closing on certain of the Heritage television stations. Also as of March 10, 1998, approximately $239.8 million was available for borrowing under the 1997 Bank Credit Agreement. An additional $89.6 million is available to the Company under its Revolving Credit Commitment to the extent future acquisitions provide incremental EBITDA. In addition, the 1997 Bank Credit Agreement provides for a Tranche C Term Loan in the amount of up to $400 million which can be utilized upon approval by the agent bank and upon raising sufficient commitments to fund the additional loans. Net cash flows from operating activities increased to $96.6 million for the year ended December 31, 1997 from $69.3 million for the year ended December 31, 1996. The Company made income tax payments of $6.5 million for the year ended December 31, 1997 as compared to $6.8 million for the year ended December 31, 1996. The Company made interest payments on outstanding indebtedness of $98.5 million during the year ended December 31, 1997 as compared to $82.8 million for the year ended December 31, 1996. Additional interest payments for the year ended December 31, 1997 as compared to the year ended December 31, 1996 primarily related to additional interest costs on indebtedness incurred to finance the 1996 Acquisitions. The Company made subsidiary trust minority interest expense payments of $17.6 million for the year ended December 31, 1997 related to the issuance of HYTOPS completed in March 1997. Program rights payments increased to $51.1 million for the year ended December 31, 1997 from $30.5 million for the year ended December 31, 1996, primarily as a result of the 1996 Acquisitions. Net cash flows used in investing activities decreased to $219.0 million for the year ended December 31, 1997 from $1.0 billion for the year ended December 31, 1996. During the year ended December 31, 1997, the Company made cash payments of $87.5 million to acquire the license and non-license assets of 42
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KUPN-TV in Las Vegas, Nevada, utilizing indebtedness under the 1997 Bank Credit Agreement and existing cash balances. During the year ended December 31, 1997, the Company incurred option extension payments and other costs of $16.0 million relating to WSYX-TV in Columbus, Ohio. The Company made purchase option exercise payments of $11.1 million during the year ended December 31, 1997 exercising options to acquire certain FCC licenses related to the River City Acquisition. The Company made payments for property and equipment of $19.4 million for the year ended December 31, 1997. During the year ended December 31, 1997, the Company made deposits and incurred other costs relating to the Heritage Acquisition, the Max Media Acquisition and other acquisitions of $66.1 million, $12.8 million and $3.4 million, respectively. The Company anticipates that future requirements for capital expenditures will include capital expenditures incurred during the ordinary course of business (which will include costs associated with the implementation of digital television technology) and the cost of additional acquisitions of television and radio stations if suitable acquisitions can be identified on acceptable terms. Net cash flows provided by financing activities decreased to $259.4 million for the year ended December 31, 1997 from $832.8 million for the year ended December 31, 1996. In March 1997, the Company completed issuance of the HYTOPS. The Company utilized $135 million of the approximately $192.8 million net proceeds of the issuance of the HYTOPS to repay outstanding debt and retained the remainder for general corporate purposes, which included the acquisition of KUPN-TV in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Company made payments totaling $4.6 million to repurchase 186,000 shares of Class A Common Stock during the year ended December 31, 1997. In May 1997, the Company made payments of $4.7 million related to the amendment of its 1996 Bank Credit Agreement. In the fourth quarter of 1996, the Company negotiated the prepayment of syndicated program contract liabilities for excess syndicated programming assets. In the first quarter of 1997, the Company made final cash payments of $1.4 million related to these negotiations. In July 1997, the Company issued $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of 9% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007 and utilized $162.5 million of the approximately $195.6 million net proceeds to repay outstanding indebtedness, retaining the remainder to pay a portion of the $63 million cash down payment relating to the Heritage Acquisition. In December 1997, the Company completed an issuance of $250 million aggregate principal amount of 8 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007. The Company received net proceeds from the issuance of $242.8 million of which $106.2 million was used to repurchase $98.1 million aggregate principal amount of the 10% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2003. The Company retained the remainder of the net proceeds for general corporate purposes which included closing the acquisition of the Heritage television stations serving the Mobile/Pensacola and Charleston/Huntington markets in January 1998. The Company received net proceeds from the 1997 Preferred Stock Issuance and the 1997 Common Stock Issuance of approximately $166.9 million and $151.0 million, respectively. The Company used the majority of these funds to repay existing borrowings under the 1997 Bank Credit Agreement. Contemporaneously with the 1997 Preferred Stock Issuance and the 1997 Common Stock Issuance, the Company and the lenders under the 1997 Bank Credit Agreement entered into an amendment to the 1997 Bank Credit Agreement, the effect of which was to recharacterize $275 million of indebtedness from the Tranche A Term Loan under the 1997 Bank Credit Agreement to amounts owing under the revolving credit facility under the 1997 Bank Credit Agreement. The Company used $285.7 million of the net proceeds from the 1997 Preferred Stock Issuance and the 1997 Common Stock Issuance to repay outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility, $8.9 million to repay outstanding amounts under the Tranche A Term Loan and the remaining net proceeds of approximately $23.3 million for general corporate purposes. The Company has entered into agreements to acquire additional television stations and radio stations in the Heritage Acquisition, the Lakeland Acquisition, the Max Media Acquisition and the Sullivan Acquisition. The Company also has an option to acquire the assets of WSYX-TV in Columbus, Ohio. The aggregate cash consideration needed to complete the purchase of the remaining stations under the Heritage Acquisition and to complete the Lakeland Acquisition, the Max Media Acquisition and the Sullivan Acquisition and to exercise the WSYX-TV option is expected to be approximately $1.6 billion (net of anticipated proceeds from sales of stations involved in these acquisitions). 43
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The Company anticipates that funds from operations, existing cash balances and availability of the revolving credit facility under the 1997 Bank Credit Agreement will be sufficient to meet its working capital, capital expenditure commitments (other than commitments for pending acquisitions described above) and debt service requirements for the foreseeable future. The Company intends to finance pending acquisitions through a combination of available cash, the net proceeds from an offering of securities, and available borrowings under the 1997 Bank Credit Agreement. The current terms of the 1997 Bank Credit Agreement do not allow the Company to borrow an amount sufficient to finance all of the pending acquisitions. The Company intends to begin discussions with its banks to refinance the Bank Credit Agreement promptly upon the completion of an offering of securities. The Company believes that such a refinancing can be accomplished on terms reasonably satisfactory to the Company, but there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain such an amendment on satisfactory terms. The 1997 Bank Credit Agreement and the indentures relating to the Company's 8 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007, 9% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007 and 10% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2005 restrict the incurrence of additional indebtedness and the use of proceeds of an equity issuance, but these restrictions are not expected to restrict the incurrence of indebtedness or use of proceeds of an equity issuance to finance the pending acquisitions. INCOME TAXES Income tax provision increased to $16.0 million for the year ended December 31, 1997 from a provision of $6.9 million for the year ended December 31, 1996. The Company's effective tax rate increased to 139.1% for the year ended December 31, 1997 from 86.0% for the year ended December 31, 1996. The increase in the Company's effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 1997 as compared to the year ended December 31, 1996 primarily resulted from non-deductible goodwill amortization resulting from certain 1995 and 1996 stock acquisitions, a tax liability related to the dividends paid on the Company's Series C Preferred Stock (see Note 9, sub-note (a) to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements), and state franchise taxes which are not based upon pre-tax income. Management believes that pre-tax income and "earnings and profits" will increase in future years which will result in a lower effective tax rate and utilization of certain tax deductions related to dividends paid on the Company's Series C Preferred Stock. As of December 31, 1997, the Company has a net deferred tax liability of $21.5 million as compared to a net deferred tax asset of $782,000 as of December 31, 1996. This change in deferred taxes primarily relates to deferred tax liabilities associated with book and tax differences relating to the depreciation and amortization of fixed assets and intangible assets, a deferred tax liability generated as a result of a reduction in basis of Series C Preferred Stock (see Note 9, sub-note (a) to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements), offset by deferred tax assets resulting from Federal and state net operating tax losses (NOLs) incurred during 1997. During the year ended December 31, 1997, the Company carried back certain Federal NOLs to be applied against prior years' Federal taxes paid. These Federal NOL carry-backs resulted in an income tax receivable of $10.6 million as of December 31, 1997. The Company's income tax provision increased to $6.9 million for the year ended December 31, 1996 from $5.2 million for the year ended December 31, 1995. The Company's effective tax rate increased to 86% for the year ended December 31, 1996 from 51% for the year ended December 31, 1995. The increase for the year ended December 31, 1996 as compared to the year ended December 31, 1995 primarily related to certain financial reporting and income tax differences attributable to certain 1995 and 1996 Acquisitions (primarily non-deductible goodwill resulting from stock acquisitions), and state franchise taxes which are independent of pre-tax income. The net deferred tax asset decreased to $782,000 as of December 31, 1996 from $21.0 million at December 31, 1995. The decrease in the Company's net deferred tax asset as of December 31, 1996 as compared to December 31, 1995 is primarily due to the Company recording deferred tax liabilities of $18.1 million relating to the acquisition of all of the outstanding stock of Superior in May 1996, adjustments related to certain 1995 acquisitions, and resulting differences between the book and tax basis of the underlying assets. 44
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SEASONALITY The Company's results usually are subject to seasonal fluctuations, which result in fourth quarter broadcast operating income typically being greater than first, second and third quarter broadcast operating income. This seasonality is primarily attributable to increased expenditures by advertisers in anticipation of holiday season consumer spending and an increase in viewership during this period. YEAR 2000 Certain computer programs have been written using two digits rather than four to define the applicable year, which could result in the computer recognizing a date using "00" as the year 1900 rather than the year 2000. This, in turn, could result in major system failures and in miscalculations, and is generally referred to as the "Year 2000" problem. The Company and all of its subsidiaries have implemented computer systems which run substantially all of the Company's principal data processing and financial reporting software applications. The applications software used in these systems are Year 2000 compliant. Presently, the Company does not believe that Year 2000 compliance will result in any material investments, nor does the Company anticipate that the Year 2000 problem will have material adverse effects on the business operations or financial performance of the Company. In addition, the Company is not aware of any Year 2000 problems of its customers, suppliers or network affiliates that will have a material adverse effect on the business, operations or financial performance of the Company. There can be no assurance, however, that the Year 2000 problem will not adversely affect the Company and its business. ITEM 7A. QUANTITIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCUSSION ABOUT MARKET PRICE Not applicable. ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA The financial statement and supplementary data of the Company required by this item are filed as exhibits hereto, are listed under Item 14(a)(1) and (2), and are incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE None 45
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PART III ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT Set forth below is certain information relating to the Company's executive officers, directors, certain key employees and persons expected to become executive officers, directors or key employees. [Enlarge/Download Table] NAME AGE TITLE ------------------------------- ----- ------------------------------------------------- David D. Smith ................ 47 President, Chief Executive Officer, Director and Chairman of the Board Frederick G. Smith ............ 48 Vice President and Director J. Duncan Smith ............... 43 Vice President, Secretary and Director Robert E. Smith ............... 34 Vice President, Treasurer and Director David B. Amy .................. 45 Chief Financial Officer Barry Drake ................... 46 Chief Operating Officer, SCI Radio Robert Gluck .................. 39 Regional Director, SCI Michael Granados .............. 43 Regional Director, SCI Steven M. Marks ............... 41 Regional Director, SCI Stuart Powell ................. 56 Regional Director, SCI John T. Quigley ............... 54 Regional Director, SCI Frank Quitoni ................. 53 Regional Director, SCI Frank W. Bell ................. 42 Vice President, Programming, SCI Radio M. William Butler ............. 45 Vice President/Group Program Director, SCI Lynn A. Deppen ................ 40 Vice President, Engineering, SCI Radio Michael Draman ................ 48 Vice President/TV Sales and Marketing, SCI Stephen A. Eisenberg .......... 55 Vice President/Director of National Sales, SCI Nat Ostroff ................... 57 Vice President/New Technology Delbert R. Parks, III ......... 45 Vice President/Operations and Engineering, SCI Robert E. Quicksilver ......... 43 Vice President/General Counsel, SCI Thomas E. Severson ............ 34 Corporate Controller Michael E. Sileck ............. 37 Vice President/Finance, SCI Robin A. Smith ................ 41 Chief Financial Officer, SCI Radio Patrick J. Talamantes ......... 33 Director of Corporate Finance, Treasurer of SCI Lawrence E. McCanna ........... 54 Director Basil A. Thomas ............... 82 Director In addition to the foregoing, the following persons have agreed to serve as executive officers and/or directors of the Company as soon as permissible under the rules of the FCC and applicable laws. [Enlarge/Download Table] NAME AGE TITLE ------------------------------ ----- ----------------------------------------------- Barry Baker .................. 45 Executive Vice President of the Company, Chief Executive Officer of SCI and Director Kerby Confer ................. 56 Chief Executive Officer, SCI Radio Roy F. Coppedge, III ......... 49 Director In connection with the River City Acquisition, the Company agreed to increase the size of the Board of Directors from seven members to nine to accommodate the prospective appointment of each of Barry Baker and Roy F. Coppedge, III or such other designee as Boston Ventures Limited Partnership IV and Boston Ventures Limited Partnership IVA (collectively "Boston Ventures") may select. Mr. Baker and Mr. Confer currently serve as consultants to the Company. The Company's obligation to appoint Mr. Coppedge or another designee of Boston Ventures will end its Boston Ventures sells shares as expected in a pending offering. Members of the Board of Directors are elected for one-year terms and until their successors are duly elected and qualified. Executive officers are appointed by the Board of Directors annually to serve for one-year terms and until their successors are duly appointed and qualified. David D. Smith has served as President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board since September 1990. Prior to that, he served as General Manager of WPTT, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from 1984, and assumed the financial and engineering responsibility for the Company, including the construction 46
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of WTTE, Columbus, Ohio, in 1984. In 1980, Mr. Smith founded Comark Television, Inc., which applied for and was granted the permit for WPXT-TV in Portland, Maine and which purchased WDSI-TV in Chattanooga, Tennessee. WPXT-TV was sold one year after construction and WDSI-TV was sold two years after its acquisition. From 1978 to 1986, Mr. Smith co-founded and served as an officer and director of Comark Communications, Inc., a company engaged in the manufacture of high power transmitters for UHF television stations. His television career began with WBFF in Baltimore, where he helped in the construction of the station and was in charge of technical maintenance until 1978. David D. Smith, Frederick G. Smith, J. Duncan Smith and Robert E. Smith are brothers. Frederick G. Smith has served as Vice President of the Company since 1990 and as a Director since 1986. Prior to joining the Company in 1990, Mr. Smith was an oral and maxillofacial surgeon engaged in private practice and was employed by Frederick G. Smith, M.S., D.D.S., P.A., a professional corporation of which Mr. Smith was the sole officer, director and stockholder. J. Duncan Smith has served as Vice President, Secretary and a Director of the Company since 1988. Prior to that, he worked for Comark Communications, Inc. installing UHF transmitters. In addition, he also worked extensively on the construction of WPTT in Pittsburgh, WTTE in Columbus, WIIB in Bloomington and WTTA in St. Petersburg, as well as on the renovation of the new studio, offices and news facility for WBFF in Baltimore. Robert E. Smith has served as Vice President, Treasurer and a Director of the Company since 1988. Prior to that, he served as Program Director at WBFF from 1986 to 1988. Prior to that, he assisted in the construction of WTTE and also worked for Comark Communications, Inc. installing UHF transmitters. David B. Amy has served as Chief Financial Officer ("CFO") since October of 1994. In addition, he serves as Secretary of Sinclair Communications, Inc., the Company subsidiary which owns and operates the broadcasting operations. Prior to his appointment as CFO, Mr. Amy served as the Corporate Controller of the Company beginning in 1986 and has been the Company's Chief Accounting Officer since that time. Mr. Amy has over thirteen years of broadcast experience, having joined the Company as a business manager for WPTT in Pittsburgh. Mr. Amy received an MBA degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1981. Barry Drake has served as Chief Operating Officer of SCI Radio since completion of the River City Acquisition. Prior to that time, he was Chief Operating Officer -- Keymarket Radio Division of River City since July 1995. Prior to that time, he was President and Chief Operating Officer of Keymarket since 1988. From 1985 through 1988, Mr. Drake performed the duties of the President of each of the Keymarket broadcasting entities, with responsibility for three stations located in Houston, St. Louis and Detroit. Robert Gluck has served as Regional Director of the Company since August 1997. As Regional Director, Mr. Gluck is responsible for the Milwaukee and Raleigh/Durham markets. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Gluck served as General Manager at WTIC-TV in the Hartford-New Haven market. Prior to joining WTIC-TV in 1988, Mr. Gluck served as National Sales Manager and Local Sales Manager of WLVI-TV in Boston. Before joining WLVI-TV, Mr. Gluck served in various sales and management capacities with New York national sales representative firms. Michael Granados has served as a Regional Director of the Company since July 1996. As a Regional Director, Mr. Granados is responsible for the San Antonio, Des Moines, Peoria and Las Vegas markets. Prior to July 1996, Mr. Granados has served in various positions with the Company and, before the River City Acquisition, with River City. He served as the General Sales Manager of KABB from 1989 to 1993, the Station Manager and Director of Sales of WTTV from 1993 to 1994 and the General Manager of WTTV prior to his appointment as Regional Director in 1996. Steven M. Marks has served as Regional Director for the Company since October 1994. As Regional Director, Mr. Marks is responsible for the Baltimore, Norfolk, Flint and Birmingham markets. Prior to his appointment as Regional Director, Mr. Marks served as General Manager for WBFF since July 1991. From 1986 until joining WBFF in 1991, Mr. Marks served as General Sales Manager at WTTE. Prior to that time, he was national sales manager for WFLX-TV in West Palm Beach, Florida. Stuart Powell has served as a Regional Director since December 15, 1997. As a Regional Director, Mr. Powell is responsible for the Pittsburgh, Kansas City and Lexington markets. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Powell served as Vice President and General Manager at WXIX-TV in the Cincinnati 47
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market. Prior to joining WXIX-TV in 1992, Mr. Powell served as General Manager of WFLD in Chicago. Before joining WFLD, Mr. Powell served in various sales and management capacities with Scripps Howard in Phoenix and Kansas City. John T. Quigley has served as a Regional Director of the Company since June 1996. As Regional Director, Mr. Quigley is responsible for the Columbus, Cincinnati, and Oklahoma City markets. Prior to that time, Mr. Quigley served as general manager of WTTE since July 1985. Prior to joining WTTE, Mr. Quigley served in broadcast management positions at WCPO-TV in Cincinnati, Ohio and WPTV-TV in West Palm Beach, Florida. Frank Quitoni has served as a Regional Director since completion of the River City Acquisition. As Regional Director, Mr. Quitoni is responsible for the St. Louis, Sacramento, Indianapolis and Asheville/ Greenville/Spartanburg markets. Prior to joining the Company, he was Vice President of Operations for River City since 1995. Mr. Quitoni had served as the Director of Operations and Engineering for River City since 1994. Prior thereto Mr. Quitoni served as a consultant to CBS beginning in 1989. Mr. Quitoni was the Director of Olympic Operations for CBS Sports for the 1992 Winter Olympic Games and consulted with CBS for the 1994 Winter Olympic Games. Mr. Quitoni was awarded the Technical Achievement Emmy for the 1992 and 1994 CBS Olympic broadcasts. Frank W. Bell has served as Vice President/Radio Programming of SCI Radio since the Company's acquisition of the assets of River City in 1996. Prior to that time, he served in the same capacity in the Keymarket Radio Division of River City Broadcasting since 1995, and for Keymarket Communications since 1987. From 1981 through 1987, Mr. Bell owned and operated several radio stations in Pennsylvania and Kansas. Before that, he served two years as a Regional Manager for the National Association of Broadcasters. M. William Butler has served as Vice President/Group Program Director, SCI since 1997. From 1995 to 1997, Mr. Butler served as Director of Programming at KCAL, the Walt Disney Company station in Los Angeles, California. From 1991 to 1995, he was Director of Marketing and Programming at WTXF in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and prior to that he held the same position at WLVI in Boston, Massachusetts. Mr. Butler attended the Graduate Business School of the University of Cincinnati from 1975 to 1976. Lynn A. Deppen has served as Director of Engineering/Radio Division of SCI Radio since the Company's acquisition of the assets of River City in 1996. Prior to that time, he served in the same position for the Keymarket Radio Division of River City Broadcasting since 1995, and for Keymarket Communications since 1985. Mr. Deppen has owned and operated his own technical consulting firm as well as radio stations in Pennsylvania, New York and Ohio. Michael Draman has served as Vice President/TV Sales and Marketing, SCI since 1997. From 1995 until joining the Company, Mr. Draman served as Vice President of Revenue Development for New World Television. From 1983 to 1995, he was Director of Sales and Marketing for WSVN in Miami, Florida. Mr. Draman attended The American University and The Harvard Business School and served with the U.S. Marine Corps in Vietnam. Stephen A. Eisenberg has served as Director of National Sales, SCI since November 1996. Prior to joining the Company, he worked since 1975 in various capacities at Petry Television, including most recently as Vice President/Director of Sales with total national sales responsibility for KTTV in Los Angeles, California, KCPQ-TV in Seattle, Washington, WTNH-TV in New Haven, Connecticut, WKYC-TV in Cleveland, Ohio, WBIR-TV in Knoxville, Tennessee, WKEF-TV in Dayton, Ohio and WTMJ-TV in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Mr. Eisenberg received an MS degree in Journalism from Northwestern's Medill School and a BA degree from Brooklyn College. Nat Ostroff has served as Vice President for New Technology since joining the Company in January of 1996. From 1984 until joining the Company, he was the President and CEO of Comark Communication Inc., a leading manufacturer of UHF transmission equipment. While at Comark, Mr. Ostroff was nominated and awarded a Prime Time Emmy Award for outstanding engineering achievement for the development of new UHF transmitter technologies in 1993. In 1968, Mr. Ostroff founded Acrodyne 48
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Industries Inc., a manufacturer of TV transmitters and a public company and served as its first President and CEO. Mr. Ostroff holds a BSEE degree from Drexel University and an MEEE degree from New York University. He is a member of several industry organizations, including, AFCCE, IEEE and SBE. Delbert R. Parks III has served as Vice President of Operations and Engineering since the completion of the River City Acquisition. Prior to that time, he was Director of Operations and Engineering for WBFF and Sinclair since 1985, and has been with the Company for 25 years. He is responsible for planning, organizing and implementing operational and engineering policies and strategies as they relate to television and computer systems. Currently, he is consolidating facilities for Sinclair's television stations and has just completed a digital facility for Sinclair's news and technical operation in Pittsburgh. Mr. Parks was also a Lieutenant Colonel in the Maryland Army National Guard and commanded the 1st Battalion, 175th Infantry (Light). Robert E. Quicksilver has served as Vice President/General Counsel, SCI since completion of the River City Acquisition. Prior to that time he served as General Counsel of River City since September 1994. From 1988 to 1994, Mr. Quicksilver was a partner of the law firm of Rosenblum, Goldenhersh, Silverstein and Zafft, P.C. in St. Louis. Mr. Quicksilver holds a B.A. from Dartmouth College and a J.D. from the University of Michigan. Thomas E. Severson has served as Corporate Controller since January 1997. Prior to that time, Mr. Severson served as Assistant Controller of the Company since 1995. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Severson held positions in the audit departments of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP and Deloitte & Touche LLP from 1991 to 1995. Mr. Severson is a graduate of the University of Baltimore and is a Certified Public Accountant. Michael E. Sileck has served as Vice President/Finance of SCI since completion of the River City Acquisition. Prior to that time he served as the Director of Finance for River City since 1993. Mr. Sileck joined River City in July 1990 as Director of Finance and Business Affairs for KDNL-TV. Mr. Sileck is an active member of the Broadcast Cable Financial Management Association ("BCFM") and was a Director of BCFM from 1993 to 1996. Mr. Sileck, a Certified Public Accountant, received a B.S. degree in Accounting from Wayne State University and an M.B.A. in Finance from Oklahoma City University. Robin A. Smith has served as Chief Financial Officer, SCI Radio since June 1996. From 1993 until joining the Company, Ms. Smith served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Park Lane Group of Menlo Park, California, which owned and operated small market radio stations. From 1982 to 1993, she served as Vice President and Treasurer of Edens Broadcasting, Inc. in Phoenix, Arizona, which owns and operates radio stations in major markets. Ms. Smith is a graduate of the Arizona State University and is a Certified Public Accountant. Patrick J. Talamantes has served as Director of Corporate Finance and Treasurer of SCI since completion of the River City Acquisition. Prior to that time, he served as Treasurer for River City since April 1995. From 1991 to 1995, he was a Vice President with Chemical Bank, where he completed financings for clients in the cable, broadcasting, publishing and entertainment industries. Mr. Talamantes holds a B.A. degree from Stanford University and an M.B.A. from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Lawrence E. McCanna has served as a Director of the Company since July 1995. Mr. McCanna has been a partner of the accounting firm of Gross, Mendelsohn & Associates, P.A., since 1972 and has served as its managing partner since 1982. Mr. McCanna has served on various committees of the Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants and was chairman of the Management of the Accounting Practice Committee. He is also a former member of the Management of an Accounting Practice Committee of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Mr. McCanna is a member of the board of directors of Maryland Special Olympics. Basil A. Thomas has served as a Director of the Company since November 1993. He is of counsel to the Baltimore law firm of Thomas & Libowitz, P.A. and has been in the private practice of law since 1983. From 1961 to 1968, Judge Thomas served as an Associate Judge on the Municipal Court of Baltimore City and, from 1968 to 1983, he served as an Associate Judge of the Supreme Bench of Baltimore City. Judge Thomas is a trustee of the University of Baltimore and a member of the American Bar Association and the Maryland 49
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State Bar Association. Judge Thomas attended the College of William & Mary and received his L.L.B. from the University of Baltimore. Judge Thomas is the father of Steven A. Thomas, a senior attorney and founder of Thomas & Libowitz, counsel to the Company. Barry Baker has been the Chief Executive Officer of River City since 1989, and is the President of the corporate general partner of River City and Better Communications, Inc. ("BCI"). The principal business of both River City and BCI is television and radio broadcasting. In connection with the River City Acquisition, the Company agreed to appoint Mr. Baker Executive Vice President of the Company and to elect him as a Director at such time as he is eligible to hold those positions under applicable FCC regulations. He currently serves as a consultant to the Company. Kerby Confer served as a member of the Board of Representatives and Chief Executive Officer -- Keymarket Radio Division of River City since July 1995. Prior thereto, Mr. Confer served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Keymarket since its founding in December 1981. Prior to engaging in the acquisition of various radio stations in 1975, Mr. Confer held a number of jobs in the broadcast business, including serving as Managing Partner of a radio station in Annapolis, Maryland from 1969 to 1975. From 1966 to 1969, he hosted a pop music television show on WBAL-TV (Baltimore) and WDCA-TV (Washington, D.C.). Prior thereto, Mr. Confer served as program director or producer/director for radio and television stations owned by Susquehanna Broadcasting and Plough Broadcasting Company, Inc. Mr. Confer currently provides services to the Company and is expected to become Chief Executive Officer of SCI Radio at such time as he is eligible to hold this position under applicable FCC regulations. Roy F. Coppedge, III is a general partner of the general partner of each of the Boston Ventures partnerships, limited partnerships primarily involved in the business of investments. Mr. Coppedge is a director of Continental Cablevision, Inc., and American Media, Inc. and a member of the Board of Representatives of Falcon Holding Group, L.P. In connection with the River City Acquisition, the Company agreed to elect Mr. Coppedge as a Director at such time as he is eligible to hold that position under applicable FCC regulations. ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION The following table sets forth certain information regarding the annual and long-term compensation by the Company for services rendered in all capacities during the year ended December 31, 1997 by the Chief Executive Officer and the four other executive officers of the Company as to whom the total annual salary and bonus exceeded $100,000 in 1997: SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE [Enlarge/Download Table] LONG-TERM ANNUAL COMPENSATION COMPENSATION NAME AND ------------------------------- SECURITIES UNDERLYING ALL OTHER PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY BONUS (A) OPTIONS GRANTED (#) COMPENSATION (B) ------------------------------------------ ------ ------------- ----------- ----------------------- ----------------- David D. Smith President and Chief Executive Officer ... 1997 $1,354,490 $ 98,224 -- $ 6,306 1996 767,308 317,913 -- 6,748 1995 450,000 343,213 -- 4,592 Frederick G. Smith Vice President .......................... 1997 273,000 -- -- 5,912 1996 260,000 233,054 -- 6,704 1995 260,000 258,354 -- 20,361 J. Duncan Smith Secretary ............................... 1997 283,500 -- -- 15,569 1996 270,000 243,485 -- 18,494 1995 270,000 268,354 -- 21,467 Robert E. Smith Secretary ............................... 1997 259,615 -- -- 5,539 1996 250,000 233,054 -- 6,300 1995 250,000 258,354 -- 4,592 David B. Amy Chief Financial Officer ................. 1997 189,000 50,000 25,000 10,140 1996 173,582 31,000 -- 7,766 1995 132,310 20,000 7,500 7,868 ---------- 50
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(a) The bonuses reported in this column represent amounts awarded and paid during the fiscal years noted but relate to the fiscal year immediately prior to the year noted. (b) All other compensation consists of income deemed received for personal use of Company-leased automobiles, the Company's 401 (k) contribution, life insurance and long-term disability coverage. In addition to the foregoing, Mr. Barry Baker and Mr. Kerby Confer have agreed to serve as executive officers and/or directors of the Company as soon as permissible under the rules of the FCC and applicable laws and have received consulting fees during the year ended December 31, 1997 of $1,179,856 and $328,568 respectively. STOCK OPTIONS No grants of stock options were made during 1997 to the Named Executive Officers other than the options with respect to 25,000 shares of Class A Common Stock which were granted to David Amy. The following table shows the number of stock options exercised during 1997 and the 1997 year-end value of the stock options held by the Named Executive Officers: [Enlarge/Download Table] NUMBER OF SECURITIES UNDERLYING VALUE OF UNEXERCISED UNEXERCISED OPTIONS "IN-THE-MONEY" OPTIONS AT DECEMBER 31, 1997 AT DECEMBER 31, 1997(A) SHARES ACQUIRED VALUE ----------------------------- ---------------------------- NAME ON EXERCISE REALIZED EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE ---------------------------- ----------------- --------- ------------- --------------- ------------- -------------- David D. Smith ............. -- $-- -- -- $ -- $ -- Frederick G. Smith ......... -- -- -- -- -- -- J. Duncan Smith ............ -- -- -- -- -- -- Robert E. Smith ............ -- -- -- -- -- -- David B. Amy ............... -- -- 11,500 21,000 226,363 212,613 ---------- (a) An "In-the-Money" option is an option for which the option price of the underlying stock is less than the market price at December 31, 1997, and all of the value shown reflects stock price appreciation since the granting of the option. DIRECTOR COMPENSATION Directors of the Company who also are employees of the Company serve without additional compensation. Independent directors receive $15,000 annually. These independent directors also receive $1,000 for each meeting of the Board of Directors attended and $500 for each committee meeting attended. In addition, the independent directors are reimbursed for any expenses incurred in connection with their attendance at such meetings. EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS The Company has entered into an employment agreement with David D. Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. David Smith's employment agreement has an initial term of three years and is renewable for additional one-year terms, unless either party gives notice of termination not less than 60 days prior to the expiration of the then current term. As of January 1, 1998, Mr. Smith receives a base salary of approximately $1,386,750, subject to annual increases of 7 1/2% on January 1 of each year. Mr. Smith is also entitled to participate in the Company's Executive Bonus Plan based upon the performance of the Company during the year. The employment agreement provides that the Company may terminate Mr. Smith's employment prior to expiration of the agreement's term as a result of (i) a breach by Mr. Smith of any material covenant, promise or agreement contained in the employment agreement; (ii) a dissolution or winding up of the Company; (iii) the disability of Mr. Smith for more than 210 days in any twelve month period (as determined under the employment agreement); or (iv) for cause, which includes conviction of certain crimes, breach of a fiduciary duty to the Company or the stockholders, or repeated failure to exercise or undertake his duties as an officer of the Company (each, a "Termination Event"). 51
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In June 1995, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Frederick G. Smith, Vice President of the Company. Frederick Smith's employment agreement has an initial term of three years and is renewable for additional one-year terms, unless either party gives notice of termination not less than 60 days prior to the expiration of the then current term. Under the agreement, Mr. Smith receives a base salary of $260,000 and is also entitled to participate in the Company's Executive Bonus Plan based upon the performance of the Company and Mr. Smith during the year. The employment agreement provides that the Company may terminate Mr. Smith's employment prior to expiration of the agreement's term as a result of a Termination Event. In June 1995, the Company entered into an employment agreement with J. Duncan Smith, Vice President and Secretary of the Company. J. Duncan Smith's employment agreement has an initial term of three years and is renewable for additional one-year terms, unless either party gives notice of termination not less than 60 days prior to the expiration of the then current term. Under the agreement, Mr. Smith receives a base salary of $270,000 and is also entitled to participate in the Company's Executive Bonus Plan based upon the performance of the Company and Mr. Smith during the year. The employment agreement provides that the Company may terminate Mr. Smith's employment prior to expiration of the agreement's term as a result of a Termination Event. In June 1995, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Robert E. Smith, Vice President and Treasurer of the Company. Robert E. Smith's employment agreement has an initial term of three years and is renewable for additional one-year terms, unless either party gives notice of termination not less than 60 days prior to the expiration of the then current term. Under the agreement, Mr. Smith receives a base salary of $250,000 and is also entitled to participate in the Company's Executive Bonus Plan based upon the performance of the Company and Mr. Smith during the year. The employment agreement provides that the Company may terminate Mr. Smith's employment prior to expiration of the agreement's term as a result of a Termination Event. In connection with the River City Acquisition, the Company entered into an employment agreement (the "Baker Employment Agreement") with Barry Baker pursuant to which Mr. Baker will become President and Chief Executive Officer of SCI and Executive Vice President of the Company at such time as Mr. Baker is able to hold those positions consistent with applicable FCC regulations. Until such time as Mr. Baker is able to become an officer of the Company, he serves as a consultant to the Company pursuant to a consulting agreement and receives compensation that he would be entitled to as an officer under the Baker Employment Agreement. While Mr. Baker acts as consultant to the Company he will not direct employees of Sinclair in the operation of its television stations and will not perform services relating to any shareholder, bank financing or regulatory compliance matters with respect to the Company. In addition, Mr. Baker will remain the Chief Executive Officer of River City and will devote a substantial amount of his business time and energies to those services. As of January 1, 1998, Mr. Baker receives a base salary of approximately $1,155,625 per year, subject to annual increases of 7 1/2% on January 1 each year. Mr. Baker is also entitled to receive a bonus equal to 2% of the amount by which the Broadcast Cash Flow (as defined in the Baker Employment Agreement) of SCI for a year exceeds the Broadcast Cash Flow for the immediately preceding year. Mr. Baker has received options to acquire 1,382,435 shares of the Class A Common Stock (or 3.33% of the common equity of Sinclair determined on a fully diluted basis as of the date of the River City Acquisition). The option became exercisable with respect to 50% of the shares upon closing of the River City Acquisition, and became exercisable with respect to an additional 25% of the shares on the first anniversary of the closing of the River City Acquisition, and will become exercisable with respect to the remaining 25% on the second anniversary of the closing of the River City Acquisition. The exercise price of the option is approximately $30.11 per share. The term of the Baker Employment Agreement extends until May 31, 2001, and is automatically extended to the third anniversary of any Change of Control (as defined in the Baker Employment Agreement). If the Baker Employment Agreement is terminated as a result of a Series B Trigger Event (as defined below), then Mr. Baker shall be entitled to a termination payment equal to the amount that would have been paid in base salary for the remainder of the term of the agreement plus bonuses that would be paid for such period based on the average bonus paid to Mr. Baker for the previous three years, and all options shall vest immediately upon such termination. In addition, upon such a termination, Mr. Baker shall have the option to purchase from the Company for the fair market value thereof either (i) all broadcast operations of Sinclair in the St. Louis, Missouri DMA or (at the option of Mr. Baker) the 52
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Asheville, North Carolina/Greenville/Spartanburg, South Carolina DMA or (ii) all of the Company's radio broadcast operations. Mr. Baker shall also have the right following such a termination to receive quarterly payments (which may be paid either in cash or, at the Company's option, in additional shares of Class A Common Stock) equal to 5.00% of the fair market value (on the date of each payment) of all stock options and common stock issued pursuant to the exercise of such stock options or pursuant to payments of this obligation in shares of Class A Common Stock and held by him at the time of such payment (except that the first such payment shall be 3.75% of such value). The fair market value of unexercised options for such purpose shall be equal to the market price of underlying shares less the exercise price of the options. Following termination of Mr. Baker's employment agreement, the Company shall have the option to purchase the options and shares from Mr. Baker at their market value. A "Series B Trigger Event" means the termination of Barry Baker's employment with the Company prior to the expiration of the initial five-year term of the Baker Employment Agreement (i) by the Company for any reason other than "for cause" (as defined in the Baker Employment Agreement) or (ii) by Barry Baker under certain circumstances, including (a) on 60 days' prior written notice given at any time within 180 days following a Change of Control; (b) if Mr. Baker is not elected (and continued) as a director of Sinclair or SCI, as President and Chief Executive Officer of SCI or as Executive Vice President of Sinclair, or Mr. Baker shall be removed from any such board or office; (c) upon a material breach by Sinclair or SCI of the Baker Employment Agreement which is not cured; (d) if there shall be a material diminution in Mr. Baker's authority or responsibility, or certain of his economic benefits are materially reduced, or Mr. Baker shall be required to work outside Baltimore; or (e) the effective date of his employment as contemplated by clause (b) shall not have occurred by August 31, 1997. Mr. Baker cannot be appointed to such positions with the Company or SCI until the Company or SCI takes certain actions with respect to WTTV and WTTK in Indianapolis and WTTE or WSYX in Columbus. The Company has not taken these actions as of the date of this Form 10-K and, accordingly, Mr. Baker is able to terminate the Baker Employment Agreement at any time. COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION Other than as follows, no Named Executive Officer is a director of a corporation that has a director or executive officer who is also a director of the Company. Each of David D. Smith, Frederick G. Smith, J. Duncan Smith and Robert E. Smith (the "Controlling Stockholders") (all of whom are directors of the Company and Named Executive Officers) is a director and/or executive officer of each of various other corporations controlled by the Controlling Stockholders. During 1997, none of the Named Executive Officers participated in any deliberations of the Company's Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee relating to compensation of the Named Executive Officers. The members of the Compensation Committee are Messrs. Thomas and McCanna. Mr. Thomas is of counsel to the law firm of Thomas & Libowitz, and is the father of Steven A. Thomas, a senior attorney and founder of Thomas & Libowitz, P.A. During 1997, the Company paid Thomas & Libowitz, P.A., approximately $919,058 in fees and expenses for legal services. ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT The following table sets forth as of the date hereof the number and percentage of outstanding shares of the Company's Common Stock beneficially owned by (i) all persons known by the Company to beneficially own more than 5% of the Company's Common Stock, (ii) each director and each Named Executive Officer who is a stockholder, and (iii) all director and executive officers as a group. Unless noted otherwise, the business address of each of the following is 2000 West 41st Street, Baltimore, MD 21211: 53
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[Enlarge/Download Table] SHARES OF CLASS B SHARES OF SERIES B SHARES OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK PREFERRED STOCK COMMON STOCK PRERCENT OF BENEFICIALLY OWNED BENEFICIALLY OWNED BENEFICIALLY OWNED TOTAL ---------------------- -------------------- ---------------------- VOTING NAME NUMBER PERCENT NUMBER PERCENT NUMBER PERCENT POWER (A) ----------------------------------------- ------------ --------- ---------- --------- ------------ --------- ------------ David D. Smith(b) ....................... 6,924,999 27.5% 6,935,057 32.6% 25.7% Frederick G. Smith (b)(c) ............... 5,922,795 23.5% 5,926,853 29.2% 22.0% J. Duncan Smith (b)(d) .................. 6,569,994 26.2% 6,570,020 31.4% 24.4% Robert E. Smith (b)(e) .................. 5,748,644 22.8% 5,748,702 28.6% 21.3% David B. Amy (f) ........................ 102,258 * * Basil A. Thomas ......................... 2,000 * * Lawrence E. McCanna ..................... 300 * * Barry Baker (g)(h) ...................... 72,016 7.4% 1,644,311 10.3% * Putnam Investments, Inc. ................ 4,393,534 30.6% 1.6% One Post Office Square Boston, Massachusetts 02109 T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. (i) ...... 933,500 6.5% * 100 East Pratt Street Baltimore, Maryland 21202 Lynn & Mayer Inc. ....................... 819,000 5.7% * 520 Madison Avenue New York, New York 10022 The Equitable Companies Incorporated..... 1,162,725 8.1% * 787 Seventh Avenue New York, New York 10019 Better Communications, Inc. (h) ......... 134,858 13.8% 490,393 3.3% * 1215 Cole Street St. Louis, Missouri 63106 BancBoston Investments (h) .............. 150,335 13.8% 546,673 3.7% 150 Royal Street Canton, Massachusetts 02021 Pyramid Ventures, Inc. .................. 152,995 15.7% 556,345 3.7% * 1215 Cole Street St. Louis, Missouri 63106 Boston Ventures Limited Partnership IV (h) ..................... 253,800 26.0% 922,909 6.0% * 21 Custom House Street 10th Floor Boston, Massachusetts 02110 Boston Ventures Limited Partnership IVA (h) .................... 142,745 14.6% 519,073 3.5% * 21 Custom House Street 10th Floor Boston, Massachusetts 02110 All directors and executive officers as a group (7 persons) ........ 25,166,432 100.0% -- -- 25,285,190 63.8% 93.4% ---------- * Less than 1% (a) Holders of Class A Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share and holders of Class B Common Stock are entitled to ten votes per share except for votes relating to "going private" and certain other transactions. The Class A Common Stock, the Class B Common Stock and the Series B Preferred Stock vote altogether as a single class except as otherwise may be required by Maryland law on all matters presented for a vote, with each share of Series B Preferred Stock entitled to approximately 3.64 votes on all such matters. Holders of Class B Common Stock may at any time convert their shares into the same number of shares of Class A Common Stock and holders of Series B Preferred Stock may at any time convert each share of Series B Preferred Stock into approximately 3.64 shares of Class A Common Stock. (b) Shares of Class A Common Stock beneficially owned includes shares of Class B Common Stock beneficially owned, each of which is convertible into one share of Class A Common Stock. (c) Includes 430,145 shares held in irrevocable trusts established by Frederick G. Smith for the benefit of his children and as to which Mr. Smith has the power to acquire by substitution of trust property. Absent such substitution, Mr. Smith would have no power to vote or dispose of the shares. (d) Includes 456,695 shares held in irrevocable trusts established by J. Duncan Smith for the benefit of his children and as to which Mr. Smith has the power to acquire by substitution of trust property. Absent such substitution, Mr. Smith would have no power to vote or dispose of the shares. (e) Includes 782,855 shares held in irrevocable trusts established by Robert E. Smith for the benefit of his children and as to which Mr. Smith has the power to acquire by substitution of trust property. Absent such substitution, Mr. Smith would have no power to vote or dispose of the shares. (f) Includes 100,000 shares of Class A Common Stock that may be acquired upon exercise of options granted in 1995, 1996 and 1998 pursuant to the Incentive Stock Option Plan and Long Term Incentive Plan. 54
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(g) Consists of 1,382,435 shares of Class A Common Stock that may be acquired upon exercise of options granted in 1996 pursuant to the Long Term Incentive Plan. (h) Shares of Class A Common Stock beneficially owned includes 3.64 shares for each share of Series B Preferred Stock beneficially owned as each share of Series B Preferred Stock is immediately convertible into approximately 3.64 shares of Class A Common Stock. (i) These securities are owned by various individual and institutional investors to which T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. ("Price Associates") serves as investment advisor with power to direct investments and/or sole voting power to vote the securities. For purposes of the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Price Associates is deemed to be a beneficial owner of such securities; however, Price Associates expressly disclaims that it is, in fact, beneficial owner of such securities. ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS Since December 31, 1996, the Company has engaged in the following transactions with persons who are, or are members of the immediate family of, directors, persons expected to become a director, officers or beneficial owners of 5% or more of the issued and outstanding Common Stock, or with entities in which such persons or certain of their relatives have interests. WPTT NOTE In connection with the sale of WPTT in Pittsburgh by the Company to WPTT, Inc., WPTT, Inc., issued to the Company a 15-year senior secured term note of $6.0 million (the "WPTT Note"). The Company subsequently sold the WPTT Note to the late Julian S. Smith and Carolyn C. Smith, the parents of the Controlling Stockholders and both former stockholders of the Company, in exchange for the payment of $50,000 and the issuance of a $6.6 million note, which bears interest at 7.21% per annum and requires payments of interest only through September 2001. Monthly principal payments of $109,317 plus interest are payable with respect to this note commencing in November 2001 and ending in September 2006, at which time the remaining principal balance plus accrued interest, if any, is due. During the year ended December 31, 1997, the Company received $439,000 in interest payments on this note. At December 31, 1997, the balance on this note was $6.6 million. WIIB NOTE In September 1990, the Company sold all the stock of Channel 63, Inc., the owner of WIIB in Bloomington, Indiana, to the Controlling Stockholders for $1.5 million. The purchase price was delivered in the form of a note issued to the Company which was refinanced in June 1992 (the "WIIB Note"). The WIIB Note bears interest at 6.88% per annum, is payable in monthly principal and interest payments of $16,000 until September 30, 2000, at which time a final payment of approximately $431,000 is due. Principal and interest paid in 1997 on the WIIB Note was $211,000. As of December 31, 1997, $842,000 in principal amount of the WIIB Note remained outstanding. BAY CREDIT FACILITY In connection with the capitalization of Bay Television, Inc., the Company agreed on May 17, 1990 to loan the Controlling Stockholders up to $3.0 million (the "Bay Credit Facility"). Each of the loans to the Controlling Stockholders pursuant to the Bay Credit Facility is evidenced by an amended and restated secured note totaling $2.6 million due December 31, 1999 accruing interest at a fixed rate equal to 6.88%. Principal and interest are payable over six years commencing on March 31, 1994, and are required to be repaid quarterly and $530,000 was paid in 1997. $660,000 is payable in 1998 and $718,000 is payable in 1999. As of December 31, 1997, approximately $1.3 million in principal amount was outstanding under this note. AFFILIATED LEASES From 1987 to 1992, the Company entered into five lease transactions with CCI, a corporation wholly owned by the Controlling Stockholders, to lease certain facilities from CCI. Four of these leases are 10-year leases for rental space on broadcast towers, two of which are capital leases having renewable terms of 10 years. The other lease is a month-to-month lease for a portion of studio and office space at 55
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which certain satellite dishes are located. Aggregate annual rental payments related to these leases were $641,000 in 1997. The aggregate annual rental payments related to these leases are scheduled to be $679,000 in 1998 and $700,000 in 1999. In January 1991, CTI entered into a 10-year capital lease with KIG, a corporation wholly owned by the Controlling Stockholders, pursuant to which CTI leases both an administrative facility and studios for station WBFF and the Company's present corporate offices. Additionally, in June 1991, CTI entered into a one-year renewable lease with KIG pursuant to which CTI leases parking facilities at the administrative facility. Payments under these leases with KIG were $481,000 in 1997. The aggregate annual rental payments related to the administrative facility are scheduled to be $519,000 in 1998 and $540,000 in 1999. During 1997, the Company chartered airplanes owned by certain companies controlled by the Controlling Stockholders and incurred expenses of approximately $736,000 related to these charters. TRANSACTIONS WITH GERSTELL Gerstell LP, an entity wholly owned by the Controlling Stockholders, was formed in April 1993 to acquire certain personal and real property interests of the Company in Pennsylvania. In a transaction that was completed in September 1993, Gerstell LP acquired the WPGH office/studio, transmitter and tower site for an aggregate purchase price of $2.2 million. The purchase price was financed in part by a $2.1 million note from Gerstell LP bearing interest at 6.18% with principal payments beginning on November 1, 1994 and a final maturity date of October 1, 2013. Principal and interest paid in 1997 on the note was $183,000. At December 31, 1997, $1.9 million in principal amount of the note remained outstanding. Following the acquisition, Gerstell LP leased the office/studio, transmitter and tower site to WPGH, Inc. (a subsidiary of the Company) for $14,875 per month and $25,000 per month, respectively. The leases have terms of seven years, with four seven-year renewal periods. Aggregate annual rental payment related to these leases was $561,000 in 1997. The Company believes that the leases with Gerstell LP are on terms and conditions customary in similar leases with independent third parties. STOCK REDEMPTIONS On September 30, 1990, the Company issued certain notes (the "Founders' Notes") maturing on May 31, 2005, payable to the late Julian S. Smith and Carolyn C. Smith, former majority owners of the Company and the parents of the Controlling Stockholders. The Founders' Notes, which were issued in consideration for stock redemptions equal to 72.65% of the then outstanding stock of the Company, have principal amounts of $7.5 million and $6.7 million, respectively. The Founders' Notes include stated interest rates of 8.75%, which were payable annually from October 1990 until October 1992, then payable monthly commencing April 1993 to December 1996, and then semiannually thereafter until maturity. The effective interest rate approximates 9.4%. The Founders' Notes are secured by security interests in substantially all of the assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, and are personally guaranteed by the Controlling Stockholders. Principal and interest payments on the Founders' Note issued to the estate of Julian S. Smith are payable, in various amounts, each April and October, beginning October 1991 until October 2004, with a balloon payment due at maturity in the amount of $5.0 million. Additionally, monthly interest payments commenced on April 1993 and continued until December 1996. Principal and interest paid in 1997 on this Founders' Note was $653,000 and at December 31, 1997, $5.8 million in principal amount of this Founders' Note remained outstanding. Principal payments on the Founders' Note issued to Carolyn C. Smith are payable, in various amounts, each April and October, beginning October 1991 until October 2002. Principal and interest paid in 1997 on this Founders' Note was $1.1 million. At December 31, 1997, $3.7 million in principal amount of this Founders' Note remained outstanding. RELATIONSHIP WITH GLENCAIRN Glencairn is a corporation owned by (i) Edwin L. Edwards, Sr. (3%), (ii) Carolyn C. Smith, the mother of the Controlling Stockholders (7%), and (iii) certain trusts established by Carolyn C. Smith for the benefit of her grandchildren (the "Glencairn Trusts") (90%). The 90% equity interest in Glencairn 56
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owned by the Glencairn Trusts is held through the ownership of non-voting common stock. The 7% equity interest in Glencairn owned by Carolyn C. Smith is held through the ownership of common stock that is generally non-voting, except with respect to certain specified extraordinary corporate matters as to which this 7% equity interest has the controlling vote. Edwin L. Edwards, Sr. owns a 3% equity interest in Glencairn through ownership of all of the issued and outstanding voting stock of Glencairn and is Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Glencairn. There have been, and the Company expects that in the future there will be, transactions between the Company and Glencairn. Glencairn is the owner-operator and FCC licensee of WNUV in Baltimore, WVTV in Milwaukee, WRDC in Raleigh/Durham, WABM in Birmingham, KRRT in San Antonio and WFBC in Asheville/Greenville/Spartanburg. The Company has entered into LMAs with Glencairn pursuant to which the Company provides programming to Glencairn for broadcast on WNUV, WVTV, WRDC, WABM, KRRT and WFBC during the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. each day and has the right to sell advertising during this period, all in exchange for the payment by the Company to Glencairn of a monthly fee totaling $789,000. In June 1995, the Company acquired options from certain stockholders of Glencairn (the "Glencairn Options") which grant to the Company the right to acquire, subject to applicable FCC rules and regulations, stock comprising up to a 97% equity interest in Glencairn. Of the stock subject to the Glencairn Options, a 90% equity interest is non-voting and the remaining 7% equity interest is non-voting, except with respect to certain extraordinary matters as to which this 7% equity interest has the controlling vote. Each Glencairn Option was purchased by the Company for $1,000 ($5,000 in the aggregate) and is exercisable only upon the Company's payment of an option exercise price generally equal to the optionor's proportionate share of the aggregate acquisition cost of all stations owned by Glencairn on the date of exercise (plus interest at a rate of 10% from the respective acquisition date). The Company estimates that the aggregate option exercise price for the Glencairn Options, if currently exercised, would be approximately $14.8 million. In addition, the Company has agreed to sell to Glencairn for $2,000,000 the License Assets of WTTE in Columbus, Ohio, which the Company currently owns. In addition, the Company has an option to acquire from River City the assets of WSYX, which is in the same market as WTTE. See "Business--Broadcasting Acquisition Strategy." Upon the Company's assignment of the License Assets of WTTE to Glencairn (which the Company does not expect to occur unless the Company acquires WSYX), the Company intends to enter into an LMA with Glencairn relating to WTTE pursuant to which the Company will supply programming to Glencairn, obtain the right to sell advertising during the periods covered by the supplied programming and make payments to Glencairn in amounts to be negotiated. In connection with the Sullivan Acquisition, Glencairn has entered into a plan of merger with Sullivan III which, if completed, would result in Glencairn's ownership of all the issued and outstanding capital stock of Sullivan III. After the merger, the Company intends to enter into an LMA with Glencairn and continue to provide programming services to the five stations the License Assets of which are acquired by Glencairn in the merger. RIVER CITY TRANSACTIONS Roy F. Coppedge, who will become a director of the Company upon satisfaction of certain conditions, and Barry Baker, who will become a director and executive officer of the Company as soon as permissible under the rules of the FCC and applicable laws, each have a direct or indirect equity interest in River City Partners, L.P. Therefore, Messrs. Coppedge and Baker have an interest in the River City Acquisition, which is described above in "Business--Broadcasting Acquisition Strategy." During 1997, the Company made LMA payments of $896,000 to River City. In September 1996, the Company entered into a five-year agreement with River City pursuant to which River City will provide to the Company certain production services. Pursuant to this agreement, River City will provide certain services to the Company in return for an annual fee of $416,000, subject to certain adjustments on each anniversary date. KEYMARKET OF SOUTH CAROLINA Kerby Confer, who is expected to become an executive officer of the Company as soon as permissible under the rules of the FCC and applicable laws, is the owner of 100% of the common stock of 57
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Keymarket of South Carolina, Inc. ("KSC"). The Company has exercised its option to acquire all of the assets of KSC for forgiveness of debt in an aggregate principal amount of approximately $7.4 million, plus payment of approximately $1.0 million, less certain adjustments. The Company also purchased two properties from Mr. Confer for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $1.75 million. BEAVER DAM LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY In May 1996, the Company, along with the Controlling Stockholders, formed Beaver Dam Limited Liability Company ("BDLLC"), of which the Company owns a 45% interest. BDLLC was formed for the purpose of constructing and owning a building which may be the site for the Company's corporate headquarters. The Company made capital contributions to BDLLC in 1996 of approximately $380,000. During 1997, the Partnership made a liquidating distribution to the Company of approximately $380,000 and the Company no longer owns an interest in BDLP. HERITAGE AUTOMOTIVE GROUP In January 1997, David D. Smith, the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer and one of the Controlling Shareholders, made a substantial investment in, and became a member of the board of directors of, Summa Holdings, Ltd. which, through wholly owned subsidiaries, owns the Heritage Automotive Group ("Heritage") and Allstate Leasing ("Allstate"). Mr. Smith is not an officer, nor does he actively participate in the management, of Summa Holdings, Ltd., Heritage, or Allstate. Heritage owns and operates new and used car dealerships in the Baltimore metropolitan area. Allstate owns and operates an automobile and equipment leasing business with offices in the Baltimore, Richmond, Houston, and Atlanta metropolitan areas. The Company sells Heritage and Allstate advertising time on WBFF and WNUV, the television stations operated by the Company serving the Baltimore DMA. The Company believes that the terms of the transactions between the Company and Heritage and the Company and Allstate are and will be comparable to those prevailing in similar transactions with or involving unaffiliated parties. Payments from Heritage and Allstate to Sinclair for the year 1997 were approximately $263,200. 58
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PART IV ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K AND FORM 8-K/A (a) (1) Index to Financial Statements The financial statements required by this item are submitted in a separate section beginning on page F-1 of this report. Index to Financial Statements [Enlarge/Download Table] PAGE ------ Index to Financial Statements ................................................ F-1 Report of Independent Public Accountants ..................................... F-2 Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1996 and 1997 ................. F-3 Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997 ............................................................... F-4 Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Years Ended Decem- ber 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997 ................................................. F-5, F-6 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997 ............................................................... F-7, F-8 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ................................... F-9 (a) (2) Index to Financial Statements Schedules The financial statements schedules required by this item are submitted on pages S-1 through S-3 of this Report. PAGE ----- Index to Schedules .................................................... S-1 Report of Arthur Andersen LLP Independent Public Accountants .......... S-2 Schedule II -- Valuation and Qualifying Accounts ...................... S-3 All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the Financial Statements or the notes thereto. (a) (3) Index to Exhibits See Index to Exhibits (b) Reports on Form 8-K There were no reports on Form 8-K filed by the Registrant during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, except for the Registrant's Current Reports on Form 8-K and 8-K/A, filed October 8, 1997, November 26, 1997, December 5, 1997, December 12, 1997 and December 16, 1997. (c) Exhibits The exhibits required by this Item are listed under Item 14 (a) (3). (d) Financial Statements Schedules The financial statement schedules required by this Item are listed under Item 14 (a) (2). 59
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SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS [Enlarge/Download Table] PAGE --------- SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Report of Independent Public Accountants .............................................. F-2 Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1996 and 1997 .......................... F-3 Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997 ................................................................................ F-4 Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997 ....................................................................... F-5, F-6 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997 ................................................................................ F-7, F-8 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ............................................ F-9 F-1
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS To the Stockholders of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.: We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (a Maryland corporation) and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1997, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1997, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP Baltimore, Maryland, February 9, 1998, except for Note 24, as to which the date is February 23, 1998 F-2
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SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (IN THOUSANDS) [Enlarge/Download Table] AS OF DECEMBER 31, ------------------------------ 1996 1997 -------------- ------------- ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS: Cash, and cash equivalents .................................................. $ 2,341 $ 139,327 Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,472 and $2,920, respectively ......................................... 112,313 123,018 Current portion of program contract costs ................................... 44,526 46,876 Prepaid expenses and other current assets ................................... 3,704 4,673 Deferred barter costs ....................................................... 3,641 3,727 Refundable income taxes ..................................................... -- 10,581 Deferred tax assets ......................................................... 1,245 2,550 ---------- ---------- Total current assets ....................................................... 167,770 330,752 PROGRAM CONTRACT COSTS, less current portion ................................. 43,037 40,609 LOANS TO OFFICERS AND AFFILIATES ............................................. 11,426 11,088 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net .................................................. 154,333 161,714 NON-COMPETE AND CONSULTING AGREEMENTS, net of accumulated amortization of $54,236 and $64,229, respectively ............... 10,193 200 OTHER ASSETS ................................................................. 64,235 167,895 ACQUIRED INTANGIBLE BROADCASTING ASSETS, net of accumulated amortization of $85,155 and $138,061, respectively .............. 1,256,303 1,321,976 ---------- ---------- Total Assets ............................................................... $1,707,297 $2,034,234 ========== ========== LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES: Accounts payable ............................................................ $ 11,886 $ 5,207 Income taxes payable ........................................................ 730 -- Accrued liabilities ......................................................... 35,074 40,532 Current portion of long-term liabilities- ................................... Notes payable and commercial bank financing ................................ 62,144 35,215 Notes and capital leases payable to affiliates ............................. 1,774 3,073 Program contracts payable .................................................. 58,461 66,404 Deferred barter revenues ................................................... 3,576 4,273 ---------- ---------- Total current liabilities .................................................. 173,645 154,704 LONG-TERM LIABILITIES: Notes payable and commercial bank financing ................................. 1,212,000 1,022,934 Notes and capital leases payable to affiliates .............................. 12,185 19,500 Program contracts payable ................................................... 56,194 62,408 Deferred tax liability ...................................................... 463 24,092 Other long-term liabilities ................................................. 2,739 3,611 ---------- ---------- Total liabilities .......................................................... 1,457,226 1,287,249 ---------- ---------- MINORITY INTEREST IN CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES ............................... 3,880 3,697 ---------- ---------- COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES EQUITY PUT OPTIONS ........................................................... 8,938 -- ---------- ---------- COMPANY OBLIGATED MANDATORILY REDEEMABLE SECURITIES OF SUBSIDIARY TRUST HOLDING SOLELY KDSM SENIOR DEBENTURES ...................... -- 200,000 ---------- ---------- STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY: Series B Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized and 1,150,000 and 1,071,381 issued and outstanding ............................. 11 10 Series D Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 3,450,000 shares authorized and -0- and 3,450,000 shares issued and outstanding, respectively .............. -- 35 Class A Common stock, $.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized and 6,911,880 and 13,733,430 shares issued and outstanding, respectively ............................................................... 70 137 Class B Common stock, $.01 par value, 35,000,000 shares authorized and 27,850,581 and 25,436,432 shares issued and outstanding .................... 279 255 Additional paid-in capital .................................................. 256,954 552,949 Additional paid-in capital -- equity put options ............................ -- 23,117 Additional paid-in capital -- deferred compensation ......................... (1,129) (954) Accumulated deficit ......................................................... (18,932) (32,261) ---------- ---------- Total stockholders' equity ................................................. 237,253 543,288 ---------- ---------- Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity ................................. $1,707,297 $2,034,234 ========== ========== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements. F-3
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SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997 (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) [Enlarge/Download Table] 1995 1996 1997 ----------- ----------- ------------- REVENUE: Station broadcast revenue, net of agency commissions of $31,797, $56,040 and $74,984, respectively .......................... $ 187,934 $ 346,459 $ 471,228 Revenue realized from station barter arrangements ..................... 18,200 32,029 45,207 --------- --------- --------- Total revenue ....................................................... 206,134 378,488 516,435 --------- --------- --------- OPERATING EXPENSES: Program and production ................................................ 28,152 66,652 92,178 Selling, general and administrative ................................... 36,174 75,924 106,084 Expenses realized from station barter arrangements .................... 16,120 25,189 38,114 Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments ........................................ 29,021 47,797 66,290 Stock-based compensation .............................................. -- 739 1,636 Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment ............... 5,400 11,711 18,040 Amortization of acquired intangible broadcasting assets, non-compete and consulting agreements and other assets .............. 45,989 58,530 67,840 Amortization of excess syndicated programming ......................... -- 3,043 -- --------- --------- --------- Total operating expenses ............................................ 160,856 289,585 390,182 --------- --------- --------- Broadcast operating income .......................................... 45,278 88,903 126,253 --------- --------- --------- OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE): Interest and amortization of debt discount expense .................... (39,253) (84,314) (98,393) Subsidiary trust minority interest expense.. .......................... -- -- (18,600) Interest income ....................................................... 3,942 3,136 2,174 Other income. ......................................................... 221 342 54 --------- --------- --------- Income before provision for income taxes and extraordinary item ..... 10,188 8,067 11,488 PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES. ............................................ 5,200 6,936 15,984 --------- --------- --------- Net income (loss) before extraordinary item ........................... 4,988 1,131 (4,496) EXTRAORDINARY ITEM: Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net of related income tax benefit of $3,357 and $4,045, respectively. ..................... (4,912) -- (6,070) --------- --------- --------- NET INCOME (LOSS) ...................................................... $ 76 $ 1,131 $ (10,566) ========= ========= ========= NET INCOME (LOSS) AVAILABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS .......................................................... $ 76 $ 1,131 $ (13,329) ========= ========= ========= BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE: Income (loss) per share before extraordinary item ..................... $ .15 $ .03 $ (.20) ========= ========= ========= Net income (loss) per share ........................................... $ - $ .03 $ (.37) ========= ========= ========= Average shares outstanding ............................................ 32,198 34,748 35,951 ========= ========= ========= DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE: Income (loss) per share before extraordinary item ..................... $ .15 $ .03 $ (.20) ========= ========= ========= Net income (loss) per share ........................................... $ - $ .03 $ (.37) ========= ========= ========= Average shares outstanding ............................................ 32,205 37,381 40,078 ========= ========= ========= The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements. F-4
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PAGE 1 OF 2 ----------- SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997 (IN THOUSANDS) [Enlarge/Download Table] SERIES A SERIES B CLASS A CLASS B PREFERRED PREFERRED COMMON COMMON STOCK STOCK STOCK STOCK ----------- ----------- --------- --------- BALANCE, December 31, 1994 ..................... $ -- $-- $-- $ 290 Issuance of common shares, net of related expenses of $9,288 ................... -- -- 58 -- Non-cash distribution prior to KCI merger ..... -- -- -- -- Realization of deferred gain .................. -- -- -- -- Net income .................................... -- -- -- -- ------ --- --- ----- BALANCE, December 31, 1995 ..................... -- -- 58 290 Class B Common Stock converted into Class A Common Stock ......................... -- -- 11 (11) Issuance of Series A Preferred Stock .......... 12 -- -- -- Series A Preferred Stock converted into Series B Preferred Stock ................ (12) 12 -- -- Series B Preferred Stock converted into Class A Common Stock ......................... -- (1) 1 -- Repurchase of 30,000 shares of Class A Common Stock ......................... -- -- -- -- Stock option grants ........................... -- -- -- -- Income tax provision for deferred compensation ................................. -- -- -- -- Equity put options ............................ -- -- -- -- Amortization of deferred compensation. ................................ -- -- -- -- Net income. ................................... -- -- -- -- ------ ----- --- ----- BALANCE, December 31, 1996 ..................... $ -- $11 $70 $ 279 ====== ===== === ===== ADDITIONAL ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL - TOTAL PAID-IN DEFERRED ACCUMULATED STOCKHOLDERS' CAPITAL COMPENSATION DEFICIT EQUITY ------------ ------------------- ------------- -------------- BALANCE, December 31, 1994 ..................... $ 4,774 $ -- $ (18,787) $ (13,723) Issuance of common shares, net of related expenses of $9,288 ................... 111,403 -- -- 111,461 Non-cash distribution prior to KCI merger ..... (109) -- (1,352) (1,461) Realization of deferred gain .................. 21 -- -- 21 Net income .................................... -- -- 76 76 -------- -------- --------- --------- BALANCE, December 31, 1995 ..................... 116,089 -- (20,063) 96,374 Class B Common Stock converted into Class A Common Stock ......................... -- -- -- -- Issuance of Series A Preferred Stock .......... 125,067 -- -- 125,079 Series A Preferred Stock converted into Series B Preferred Stock ................ -- -- -- -- Series B Preferred Stock converted into Class A Common Stock ......................... -- -- -- -- Repurchase of 30,000 shares of Class A Common Stock ......................... (748) -- -- (748) Stock option grants ........................... 25,784 (1,868) -- 23,916 Income tax provision for deferred compensation ................................. (300) -- -- (300) Equity put options ............................ (8,938) -- -- (8,938) Amortization of deferred compensation. ................................ -- 739 -- 739 Net income. ................................... -- -- 1,131 1,131 -------- -------- --------- --------- BALANCE, December 31, 1996 ..................... $256,954 $ (1,129) $ (18,932) $ 237,253 ======== ======== ========= ========= The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements. F-5
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PAGE 2 OF 2 ----------- SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997 (IN THOUSANDS) [Enlarge/Download Table] SERIES B SERIES D CLASS A CLASS B PREFERRED PREFERRED COMMON COMMON STOCK STOCK STOCK STOCK ----------- ----------- --------- --------- BALANCE, December 31, 1996 ......................... $11 $-- $70 $ 279 Repurchase of 186,000 shares of Class A Common Stock ............................. -- -- (2) -- Class B Common Stock converted into Class A Common Stock ............................................ -- -- 24 (24) Series B Preferred Stock converted into Class A Common Stock ........................ (1) -- 2 -- Issuance of Class A Common Stock, net of related issuance costs of $7,572........... -- -- 43 -- Issuance of Series D Preferred Stock, net of related issuance costs of $5,601........... -- 35 -- -- Dividends payable on Series D Preferred Stock .................................. -- -- -- -- Income tax provision for deferred compensation ..................................... -- -- -- -- Equity put options ................................ -- -- -- -- Equity put options premium ........................ -- -- -- -- Stock option grants ............................... -- -- -- -- Stock option grants exercised ..................... -- -- -- -- Amortization of deferred compensation ............. -- -- -- -- Net loss .......................................... -- -- -- -- ----- --- ----- ----- BALANCE, December 31, 1997 ......................... $10 $35 $137 $ 255 ===== === ===== ===== ADDITIONAL ADDITIONAL PAID-IN PAID-IN ADDITIONAL CAPITAL - CAPITAL - TOTAL PAID-IN EQUITY PUT DEFERRED ACCUMULATED STOCKHOLDERS' CAPITAL OPTIONS COMPENSATION DEFICIT EQUITY -------------- ------------ -------------- ------------- -------------- BALANCE, December 31, 1996 ......................... $256,954 $ -- $ (1,129) $ (18,932) $ 237,253 Repurchase of 186,000 shares of Class A Common Stock ............................. (4,597) -- -- -- (4,599) Class B Common Stock converted into Class A Common Stock ............................................ -- -- -- -- -- Series B Preferred Stock converted into Class A Common Stock ........................ (1) -- -- -- -- Issuance of Class A Common Stock, net of related issuance costs of $7,572........... 150,978 -- -- -- 151,021 Issuance of Series D Preferred Stock, net of related issuance costs of $5,601........... 166,864 -- -- -- 166,899 Dividends payable on Series D Preferred Stock .................................. -- -- -- (2,763) (2,763) Income tax provision for deferred compensation ..................................... (240) -- -- -- (240) Equity put options ................................ (14,179) 23,117 -- -- 8,938 Equity put options premium ........................ (3,365) -- -- -- (3,365) Stock option grants ............................... 430 -- (430) -- -- Stock option grants exercised ..................... 105 -- -- -- 105 Amortization of deferred compensation ............. -- -- 605 -- 605 Net loss .......................................... -- -- -- (10,566) (10,566) ---------- ------- -------- --------- --------- BALANCE, December 31, 1997 ......................... $552,949 $23,117 $ (954) $ (32,261) $ 543,288 ========== ======= ======== ========= ========= The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements. F-6
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PAGE 1 OF 2 ----------- SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997 (IN THOUSANDS) [Enlarge/Download Table] 1995 1996 1997 ------------ ------------ ------------- CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income (loss) ................................................. $ 76 $ 1,131 $ (10,566) Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash flows from operating activities-- Extraordinary loss .............................................. 8,269 -- 10,115 Amortization of excess syndicated programming ................... -- 3,043 -- Amortization of debt discount ................................... -- -- 4 (Gain) loss on sales of assets .................................. (221) -- 226 Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment ......... 5,400 11,711 18,040 Amortization of acquired intangible broadcasting assets, non-compete and consulting agreements and other assets ......... 45,989 58,530 67,840 Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments .............................................. 29,021 47,797 66,290 Stock-based compensation ........................................ -- 739 1,636 Deferred tax provision (benefit) ................................ (5,089) 2,330 20,582 Realization of deferred gain .................................... (42) -- -- Net effect of change in deferred barter revenues and deferred barter costs ...................................... 230 (908) 591 Decrease in minority interest ................................... (38) (121) (183) Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions ................................... Increase in accounts receivable, net ............................ (12,245) (41,310) (9,468) Increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets ........... (273) (217) (591) Increase in refundable income taxes ............................. -- -- (10,581) Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities ............................................ 7,274 19,941 (4,360) Decrease in income taxes payable ................................ (2,427) (3,214) (970) Increase (decrease) in other long-term liabilities .............. -- 297 (921) Payments on program contracts payable ............................. (19,938) (30,451) (51,059) --------- --------- --------- Net cash flows from operating activities ....................... $ 55,986 $ 69,298 $ 96,625 ========= ========= ========= The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements. F-7
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PAGE 2 OF 2 ----------- SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997 (IN THOUSANDS) [Enlarge/Download Table] 1995 1996 1997 ------------- --------------- ------------ NET CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES ................................. $ 55,986 $ 69,298 $ 96,625 ---------- ------------ ---------- CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Acquisition of property and equipment ................................... (1,702) (12,609) (19,425) Payments for acquisition of television and radio station assets ......... (101,000) (74,593) (90,598) Payments related to the acquisition of the non-license assets of River City Broadcasting ............................................ -- (818,083) (2,992) Payments for acquisition of certain other non-license assets ............ (14,283) (29,532) -- Payments for the purchase of outstanding stock of Superior Communications, Inc. ......................................... -- (63,504) -- Payments to exercise options to acquire certain FCC licenses ............ -- (6,894) (11,079) Proceeds from assignment of FCC purchase option. ........................ 4,200 -- 2,000 Purchase option extension payments ...................................... -- (6,960) (15,966) Payments for consulting and non-compete agreements ...................... (1,000) (50) -- Payments to acquire and exercise purchase options ....................... (10,000) -- -- Distributions from (investments in) joint ventures ...................... 240 (380) 380 Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment ........................ 3,330 -- 470 Payment for WPTT subordinated convertible debenture ..................... (1,000) -- -- Loans to officers and affiliates ........................................ (205) (854) (1,199) Repayments of loans to officers and affiliates .......................... 2,177 1,562 1,694 Deposits and other costs relating to future acquisitions ................ (77) (328) (82,275) ---------- ------------ ---------- Net cash flows used in investing activities.. ........................ (119,320) (1,012,225) (218,990) ---------- ------------ ---------- CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from notes payable and commercial bank financing ............... 138,000 982,500 126,500 Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases .................................................... (362,928) (110,657) (693,519) Repayments of notes and capital leases to affiliates .................... (3,171) (1,867) (2,313) Payments of costs related to financing .................................. (3,200) (20,009) (4,707) Payments for interest rate derivative agreements.. ...................... -- (851) (474) Prepayments of excess syndicated program contract liabilities ........... -- (15,116) (1,373) Repurchases of the Company's Class A Common Stock ....................... -- (748) (4,599) Payments relating to redemption of 1993 Notes ........................... -- -- (98,101) Payment of premium and other costs related to redemption of 1993 Notes .............................................. -- -- (8,407) Payments for costs related to subsequent year securities offering ....... -- (434) -- Dividends paid on Series D Preferred Stock .............................. -- -- (2,357) Proceeds from exercise of stock options ................................. -- -- 105 Payment of equity put option premium .................................... -- -- (507) Net proceeds from issuances of Senior Subordinated Notes. ............... 293,176 -- 438,427 Net proceeds from issuance of Class A Common Stock ...................... 111,461 -- 151,021 Net proceeds from issuance of Series D Preferred Stock .................. -- -- 166,899 Net proceeds from subsidiary trust securities offering .................. -- -- 192,756 ---------- ------------ ---------- Net cash flows from financing activities ............................. 173,338 832,818 259,351 ---------- ------------ ---------- NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS ............................................................. 110,004 (110,109) 136,986 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period. .......................... 2,446 112,450 2,341 ---------- ------------ ---------- CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period ................................. $ 112,450 $ 2,341 $ 139,327 ========== ============ ========== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements. F-8
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SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: Basis of Presentation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., Sinclair Communications, Inc. and all other consolidated subsidiaries, which are collectively referred to hereafter as "the Company, Companies or SBG." The Company owns and operates television and radio stations throughout the United States. Additionally, included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements are the results of operations of certain television stations pursuant to local marketing agreements (LMAs) and radio stations pursuant to joint sales agreements (JSAs). Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. Minority interest represents a minority owner's proportionate share of the equity in two of the Company's subsidiaries. In addition, the Company uses the equity method of accounting for 20% to 50% ownership investments. All significant intercompany transactions and account balances have been eliminated. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses in the financial statements and in the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. While actual results could differ from those estimates, management believes that actual results will not be materially different from amounts provided in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Cash Equivalents Cash equivalents are stated at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value. Cash equivalents are highly liquid investment grade debt instruments with an original maturity of three months or less and consist of time deposits with a number of consumer banks with high credit ratings. Programming The Companies have agreements with distributors for the rights to television programming over contract periods which generally run from one to seven years. Contract payments are made in installments over terms that are generally shorter than the contract period. Each contract is recorded as an asset and a liability when the license period begins and the program is available for its first showing. The portion of the program contracts payable within one year is reflected as a current liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The rights to program materials are reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at the lower of unamortized cost or estimated net realizable value. Estimated net realizable values are based upon management's expectation of future advertising revenues net of sales commissions to be generated by the program material. Amortization of program contract costs is generally computed under either a four year accelerated method or based on usage, whichever yields the greater amortization for each program. Program contract costs, estimated by management to be amortized in the succeeding year, are classified as current assets. Payments of program contract liabilities are typically paid on a scheduled basis and are not affected by adjustments for amortization or estimated net realizable value. F-9
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SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997 - (CONTINUED) Barter Arrangements Certain program contracts provide for the exchange of advertising air time in lieu of cash payments for the rights to such programming. These contracts are recorded as the programs are aired at the estimated fair value of the advertising air time given in exchange for the program rights. Network programming is excluded from these calculations. The Company broadcasts certain customers' advertising in exchange for equipment, merchandise and services. The estimated fair value of the equipment, merchandise or services received is recorded as deferred barter costs and the corresponding obligation to broadcast advertising is recorded as deferred barter revenues. The deferred barter costs are expensed or capitalized as they are used, consumed or received. Deferred barter revenues are recognized as the related advertising is aired. Other Assets Other assets as of December 31, 1996 and 1997 consist of the following (in thousands): [Enlarge/Download Table] 1996 1997 ---------- ---------- Unamortized debt acquisition costs ................................ $26,453 $ 43,011 Investments in limited partnerships ............................... 3,039 2,850 Notes receivable .................................................. 10,773 11,102 Purchase options and related extension fees ....................... 22,902 27,826 Deposits and other costs relating to future acquisitions .......... 328 82,275 Other ............................................................. 740 831 ------- -------- $64,235 $167,895 ======= ======== Non-Compete and Consulting Agreements The Company has entered into non-compete and consulting agreements with various parties. These agreements range from two to three years. Amounts paid under these agreements are amortized over the life of the agreement. Acquired Intangible Broadcasting Assets Acquired intangible broadcasting assets are being amortized over periods of 1 to 40 years. These amounts result from the acquisition of certain television and radio station license and non-license assets (see Note 12). The Company monitors the individual financial performance of each of the stations and continually evaluates the realizability of intangible and tangible assets and the existence of any impairment to its recoverability based on the projected undiscounted cash flows of the respective stations. F-10
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SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997 - (CONTINUED) Intangible assets, at cost, as of December 31, 1996 and 1997, consist of the following (in thousands): [Download Table] AMORTIZATION PERIOD 1996 1997 --------------- ------------- ------------- Goodwill ............................... 40 years $ 676,219 $ 755,858 Intangibles related to LMAs ............ 15 years 120,787 128,080 Decaying advertiser base ............... 1 -- 15 years 93,896 95,657 FCC licenses ........................... 25 years 370,533 400,073 Network affiliations ................... 1 -- 25 years 55,966 55,966 Other .................................. 1 -- 40 years 24,057 24,403 ---------- ---------- 1,341,458 1,460,037 Less- Accumulated amortization ......... (85,155) (138,061) ---------- ---------- $1,256,303 $1,321,976 ========== ========== Accrued Liabilities Accrued liabilities consist of the following as of December 31, 1996 and 1997 (in thousands): 1996 1997 ---------- ---------- Compensation .......... $10,850 $10,608 Interest .............. 11,915 18,359 Other ................. 12,309 11,565 ------- ------- $35,074 $40,532 ======= ======= Supplemental Information - Statement of Cash Flows During 1995, 1996 and 1997 the Company incurred the following transactions (in thousands): [Enlarge/Download Table] 1995 1996 1997 --------- ---------- ---------- - Purchase accounting adjustments related to deferred taxes .................................................. $ 3,400 $ 18,051 $ -- ======= ======== ======= - Capital lease obligations incurred .................... $ -- $ -- $10,927 ======= ======== ======= - Issuance of Series A Preferred Stock (see Note 12)..... $ -- $125,079 $ -- ======= ======== ======= - Income taxes paid ..................................... $ 7,941 $ 6,837 $ 6,502 ======= ======== ======= - Subsidiary trust minority interest payments ........... $ -- $ -- $17,631 ======= ======== ======= - Interest paid ......................................... $24,770 $ 82,814 $98,521 ======= ======== ======= Local Marketing Agreements The Company generally enters into LMAs, JSAs and similar arrangements with stations located in markets in which the Company already owns and operates a station, and in connection with acquisitions, pending regulatory approval of transfer of License Assets. Under the terms of these agreements, the Company makes specified periodic payments to the owner-operator in exchange for the grant to the Company of the right to program and sell advertising on a specified portion of the station's inventory of F-11
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SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997 - (CONTINUED) broadcast time. Nevertheless, as the holder of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license, the owner-operator retains full control and responsibility for the operation of the station, including control over all programming broadcast on the station. Included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997, are net revenues of $49.5 million, $153.0 million (including $103.3 million relating to River City), and $135.0 million (including $71.9 million relating to River City) respectively, that relate to LMAs, JSAs and time brokerage agreements ("TBAs"). In connection with the River City Acquisition, the Company entered into an LMA in the form of TBAs with River City and the owner of KRRT with respect to each of the nine television and 21 radio stations with respect to which the Company acquired Non-License Assets. During 1997, the Company exercised its options and now owns the License Assets of (or has entered into an LMA with respect to) all of these stations other than WTTV-TV and WTTK-TV in Indianapolis, Indiana. Reclassifications Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior years' financial statements to conform with the current year presentation. 2. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT: Property and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed under the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives: [Download Table] Buildings and improvements .................................... 10 -- 35 years Station equipment ............................................. 5 -- 10 years Office furniture and equipment ................................ 5 -- 10 years Leasehold improvements ........................................ 10 -- 31 years Automotive equipment .......................................... 3 -- 5 years Property and equipment and autos under capital leases ......... Shorter of 10 years or the lease term Property and equipment consisted of the following as of December 31, 1996 and 1997 (in thousands): 1996 1997 ------------ ------------ Land and improvements .......................... $ 9,795 $ 10,225 Buildings and improvements ..................... 39,008 41,436 Station equipment .............................. 112,994 130,586 Office furniture and equipment ................. 10,140 14,037 Leasehold improvements ......................... 3,377 8,457 Automotive equipment ........................... 3,280 4,090 Construction in progress ....................... 6,923 -- --------- --------- 185,517 208,831 Less- Accumulated depreciation and amortization (31,184) (47,117) --------- --------- $ 154,333 $ 161,714 ========= ========= 3. INTEREST RATE DERIVATIVE AGREEMENTS: The Company entered into interest rate derivative agreements to reduce the impact of changing interest rates on its floating rate debt, primarily relating to the 1997 Bank Credit Agreement (see Note 4 ). The 1997 Bank Credit Agreement, as amended and restated, requires the Company to enter into Interest F-12
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SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997 - (CONTINUED) Rate Protection Agreements at rates not to exceed 9.5% per annum as to a notional principal amount at least equal to 60% of the Tranche A term loans scheduled to be outstanding from time to time and at rates not to exceed 9.75% per annum as to a notional principal amount of 60% of the aggregate amount of Tranche B scheduled to be outstanding from time to time. As of December 31, 1997, the Company had several interest rate swap agreements relating to the Company's indebtedness which expire from June 10, 1998 to July 15, 2007. The swap agreements set rates in the range of 5.64% to 9.0%. The notional amounts related to these agreements were $1.0 billion at December 31, 1997, and decrease to $200 million through the expiration dates. The Company has no intentions of terminating these instruments prior to their expiration dates unless it were to prepay a portion of its bank debt. The floating interest rates are based upon the three month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) rate, and the measurement and settlement is performed quarterly. Settlements of these agreements are recorded as adjustments to interest expense in the relevant periods. Premiums paid under these agreements were approximately $1.1 million in 1994, $851,000 in 1996 and $474,000 in 1997 and are amortized over the life of the agreements as a component of interest expense. The counter parties to these agreements are major national financial institutions. The Company estimates the aggregate cost to retire these instruments at December 31, 1997 to be $726,000. 4. NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING: FIRST AMENDED AND RESTATED BANK CREDIT AGREEMENT ------------------------------------------------ In connection with the 1994 Acquisitions, the Company amended and restated its Bank Credit Agreement (the "1994 Bank Credit Agreement"). The 1994 Bank Credit Agreement consisted of three classes: Facility A Revolving Credit and Term Loan, Facility B Credit Loan and Facility C Term Loan. In August 1995, the Company utilized the net proceeds from the 1995 Notes discussed below to repay amounts outstanding under the 1994 Bank Credit Agreement. The weighted average interest rates during 1995, while amounts were outstanding and as of August 28, 1995 (when outstanding indebtedness relating to Bank Credit Agreement were repaid) and December 31, 1995 were 8.44% and 7.63%, respectively. Interest expense relating to the Bank Credit Agreement was $15.6 million for the year ended December 31, 1995. Simultaneously with the acquisition of the non-license assets of River City, the 1994 Bank Credit Agreement was amended and restated with new terms as outlined below. SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED BANK CREDIT AGREEMENT ------------------------------------------------- In order to finance the acquisition of the non-license assets of River City and potential future acquisitions, the Company amended and restated its Bank Credit Agreement on May 31, 1996 (the "1996 Bank Credit Agreement"). The 1996 Bank Credit Agreement consisted of three classes: Tranche A Term Loan, Tranche B Term Loan and a Revolving Credit Commitment. The Tranche A Term Loan was a term loan in a principal amount not to exceed $550 million and was scheduled to be paid in quarterly installments beginning December 31, 1996 through December 31, 2002. The Tranche B Term Loan was a term loan in a principal amount not to exceed $200 million and was scheduled to be paid in quarterly installments beginning December 31, 1996 through November 2003. The Revolving Credit Commitment was a revolving credit facility in a principal amount not to exceed $250 million and was scheduled to have reduced availability quarterly beginning March 31, 1999 through November 30, 2003. The Company incurred amendment acquisition costs of approximately $20 million associated with this indebtedness which are being amortized over the life of the debt. F-13
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SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997 - (CONTINUED) The applicable interest rate for the Tranche A Term Loan and the Revolving Credit Commitment was either LIBOR plus 1.25% to 2.5% or the base rate plus zero to 1.25%. The applicable interest rate for the Tranche A Term Loan and the Revolving Credit Commitment was adjusted based on the ratio of total debt to four quarters trailing earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. The applicable interest rate for Tranche B was either LIBOR plus 2.75% or the base rate plus 1.75%. The weighted average interest rates for outstanding indebtedness relating to the 1996 Bank Credit Agreement during 1996 and as of December 31, 1996, were 8.08% and 8.12%, respectively. Interest expense relating to the 1996 Bank Credit Agreement was $40.4 million for the year ended December 31, 1996. The Company amended and restated the 1996 Bank Credit Agreement as discussed below. THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED BANK CREDIT AGREEMENT ------------------------------------------------ In order to expand its capacity and obtain more favorable terms with its syndicate of banks, the Company amended and restated its Bank Credit Agreement in May 1997 (the "1997 Bank Credit Agreement"). In connection with the amendment and restatement, the Company incurred amendment acquisition costs of approximately $4.7 million, which are being amortized over the life of the debt. Contemporaneously with the Preferred Stock Offering and the Common Stock Offering (see Notes 15 and 16) consummated in September 1997, the Company amended its 1997 Bank Credit Agreement. The 1997 Bank Credit Agreement, as amended, consists of two classes: Tranche A Term Loan and a Revolving Credit Commitment. The Tranche A Term Loan is a term loan in a principal amount not to exceed $325 million and is scheduled to be paid in quarterly installments through December 31, 2004. The Revolving Credit Commitment is a revolving credit facility in a principal amount not to exceed $675 million and is scheduled to have reduced availability quarterly through December 31, 2004. As of December 31, 1997, outstanding indebtedness under the Tranche A Term Loan and the Revolving Credit Commitment were $307.1 million and $-0- respectively. The applicable interest rate for the Tranche A Term Loan and the Revolving Credit Commitment is either LIBOR plus 0.5% to 1.875% or the base rate plus zero to 0.625%. The applicable interest rate for the Tranche A Term Loan and the Revolving Credit Commitment is adjusted based on the ratio of total debt to four quarters' trailing earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. The weighted average interest rates for outstanding indebtedness relating to the 1997 Bank Credit Agreement during 1997 and as of December 31, 1997 were 7.43% and 8.5%, respectively. The interest expense relating to the 1997 Bank Credit Agreement was $46.7 million for the year ended December 31, 1997. The Company is required to maintain certain debt covenants in connection with the 1997 Bank Credit Agreement. As of December 31, 1997, the Company is in compliance with all debt covenants. 8 3/4% SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2007: ------------------------------------------ In December 1997, the Company completed an issuance of $250 million aggregate principal amount of 8 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007 (the "8 3/4% Notes") pursuant to the Shelf Registration statement (see Note 14) and generated net proceeds to the Company of $242.8 million. Of the net proceeds from the issuance, $106.2 million was utilized to tender the Company's 1993 Notes with the remainder retained for general corporate purposes which may include payments relating to future acquisitions. Interest on the 8 3/4% Notes is payable semiannually on June 15 and December 15 of each year, commencing June 15, 1998. Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 1997 was $0.9 million. The 8 3/4% Notes are issued under an Indenture among SBG, its subsidiaries (the guarantors) and the trustee. Costs associated with the offering totaled $5.8 million, including an underwriting discount of $5.0 million. These costs were capitalized and are being amortized over the life of the debt. Based upon the quoted market price, the fair value of the 8 3/4% Notes as of December 31, 1997 is $250.6 million. F-14
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SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997 - (CONTINUED) 9% SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2007: -------------------------------------- In July 1997, the Company completed an issuance of $200 million aggregate principal amount of 9% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007 (the "9% Notes"). The 9% Notes were sold to "qualified institutional buyers" (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act) and a limited number of institutional "accredited investors" and the offering was exempt from registration under the Securities Act, pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act and Rule 144A thereunder. The Company utilized $162.5 million of the approximately $195.6 million net proceeds of the private issuance to repay outstanding revolving credit indebtedness under the 1997 Bank Credit Agreement and utilized the remainder to pay a portion of the $63 million cash down payment relating to the Heritage Acquisition (see Note 12). Pursuant to a Registration Rights Agreement entered into in connection with the private placement of the 9% Notes, the Company offered to holders of the 9% Notes the right to exchange the 9% Notes with new 9% Notes (the "Notes Exchange Offer") having the same terms as the existing notes, except that the exchange of the new Notes for the existing Notes will be registered under the Securities Act. On October 8, 1997 the Company filed a registration statement on Form S-4 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") for the purpose of registering the new 9% Notes to be offered in exchange for the aforementioned existing 9% Notes. The Company's Notes Exchange Offer became effective on October 10, 1997 and was closed on November 7, 1997, at which time all of the existing 9% Notes were exchanged for new 9% Notes. Interest on the 9% Notes is payable semiannually on January 15 and July 15 of each year, commencing January 15, 1998. Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 1997 was $9.0 million. The 9% Notes are issued under an Indenture among SBG, its subsidiaries (the guarantors) and the trustee. Costs associated with the offering totaled $4.8 million, including an underwriting discount of $4.0 million. These costs were capitalized and are being amortized over the life of the debt. Based upon the quoted market price, the fair value of the 9% Notes as of December 31, 1997 is $206.4 million. 10% SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2005 -------------------------------------- In August 1995, the Company completed an issuance of $300 million aggregate principal amount of 10% Senior Subordinated Notes (the "1995 Notes"), due 2005, generating net proceeds to the Company of $293.2 million. The net proceeds of this offering were utilized to repay outstanding indebtedness under the then existing Bank Credit Agreement of $201.8 million with the remainder being retained and eventually utilized to make payments related to certain acquisitions consummated during 1996. In conjunction with the repayment of outstanding indebtedness under the Bank Credit Agreement, the Company recorded an extraordinary loss of $4.9 million, net of a tax benefit of $3.4 million. Interest on the Notes is payable semiannually on March 30 and September 30 of each year, commencing March 30, 1996. Interest expense for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997, was $30.0 million and $30.0 million, respectively. The notes are issued under an indenture among SBG, its subsidiaries (the guarantors) and the trustee. Costs associated with the offering totaled $6.8 million, including an underwriting discount of $6.0 million and are being amortized over the life of the debt. Based upon the quoted market price, the fair value of the Notes as of December 31, 1997 is $322.2 million. 10% SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2003 AND 1997 TENDER OFFER ------------------------------------------------------------ In December 1993, the Company completed an issuance of $200 million aggregate principal amount of 10% Senior Subordinated Notes (the "1993 Notes"), due 2003. Subsequently, the Company determined that a redemption of $100.0 million was required. This redemption and a refund of $1.0 million of fees from the underwriters took place in the first quarter of 1994. F-15
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SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997 - (CONTINUED) In December 1997, the Company completed a tender offer of $98.1 million aggregate principal amount of the 1993 Notes (the "Tender Offer"). Total consideration per $1,000 principal amount note tendered was $1,082.08 resulting in total consideration paid to consummate the Tender Offer of $106.2 million. In conjunction with the Tender Offer, the Company recorded an extraordinary loss of $6.1 million, net of a tax benefit of $4.0 million. Interest on the Notes not tendered is payable semiannually on June 15 and December 15 of each year. Interest expense for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997, was $10.0 million, $10.0 million and $9.6 million, respectively. The Notes are issued under an Indenture among SBG, its subsidiaries (the guarantors) and the trustee. SUMMARY ------- Notes payable and commercial bank financing consisted of the following as of December 31, 1996 and 1997 (in thousands): [Enlarge/Download Table] 1996 1997 ------------- ------------- Bank Credit Agreement, Tranche A Term Loan .......................... $ 520,000 $ 307,125 Bank Credit Agreement, Tranche B Term Loan .......................... 198,500 -- Bank Credit Agreement, Revolving Credit Commitment .................. 155,000 -- 8 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes, due 2007 ......................... -- 250,000 9% Senior Subordinated Notes, due 2007 .............................. -- 200,000 10% Senior Subordinated Notes, due 2003 ............................. 100,000 1,899 10% Senior Subordinated Notes, due 2005 ............................. 300,000 300,000 Installment note for certain real estate interest at 8.0% ........... -- 101 Unsecured installment notes to former minority stockholders of CRI and WBFF, interest at 18% ...................................... 644 -- ---------- ---------- 1,274,144 1,059,125 Less: Discount on 8 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes, due 2007 ........ -- (976) Less: Current portion ............................................... (62,144) (35,215) ---------- ---------- $1,212,000 $1,022,934 ========== ========== F-16
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SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997 - (CONTINUED) The Revolving Credit Commitment is a revolving credit facility in a principal amount not to exceed $675 million and is scheduled to have reduced availability quarterly beginning March 31, 1999 through December 31, 2004. Indebtedness under Tranche A of the 1997 Bank Credit Agreement and notes payable as of December 31, 1997, mature as follows (in thousands): [Download Table] 1998 ................................................................ $ 35,215 1999 ................................................................ 37,924 2000 ................................................................ 48,758 2001 ................................................................ 48,759 2002 ................................................................ 48,759 2003 and thereafter ................................................. 839,710 ---------- 1,059,125 Less: Discount on 8 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes, due 2007 ........ (976) ---------- $1,058,149 ========== Substantially all of the Company's assets have been pledged as security for notes payable and commercial bank financing. See Note 23 for Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries under the Company's Indentures. 5. NOTES AND CAPITAL LEASES PAYABLE TO AFFILIATES: Notes and capital leases payable to affiliates consisted of the following as of December 31, 1996 and 1997 (in thousands): [Enlarge/Download Table] 1996 1997 ---------- ----------- Subordinated installment notes payable to former majority owners, interest at 8.75%, principal payments in varying amounts due annually beginning October 1991, with a balloon payment due at maturity in May 2005 ........................................... $ 10,448 $ 9,574 Capital lease for building, interest at 17.5% .......................... 1,372 1,198 Capital leases for broadcasting tower facilities, interest rates aver- aging 10% ............................................................. 249 3,720 Capitalization of time brokerage agreements, interest at 6.73% ......... -- 6,611 Capital leases for building and tower, interest at 8.25% ............... 1,890 1,470 -------- -------- 13,959 22,573 Less: Current portion .................................................. (1,774) (3,073) -------- -------- $ 12,185 $ 19,500 ======== ======== F-17
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SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997 - (CONTINUED) Notes and capital leases payable to affiliates, as of December 31, 1997, mature as follows (in thousands): [Download Table] 1998 ............................................................. $ 4,694 1999 ............................................................. 4,696 2000 ............................................................. 4,615 2001 ............................................................. 4,044 2002 ............................................................. 2,854 2003 and thereafter .............................................. 7,503 -------- Total minimum payments due ....................................... 28,406 Less: Amount representing interest ............................... (5,833) -------- Present value of future notes and capital lease payments ......... $ 22,573 ======== 6. PROGRAM CONTRACTS PAYABLE: Future payments required under program contracts payable as of December 31, 1997, are as follows (in thousands): 1998 ................................................... $ 66,404 1999 ................................................... 40,026 2000 ................................................... 20,375 2001 ................................................... 1,770 2002 ................................................... 208 2003 and thereafter .................................... 29 --------- 128,812 Less: Current portion .................................. (66,404) --------- Long-term portion of program contracts payable ......... $ 62,408 ========= Included in the current portion amounts are payments due in arrears of $14.3 million. In addition, the Companies have entered into noncancelable commitments for future program rights aggregating $56.9 million as of December 31, 1997. The Company has estimated the fair value of its program contract payables and noncancelable commitments at approximately $102.7 million and $43.1 million, respectively, as of December 31, 1996, and $118.9 million and $46.7 million, respectively, at December 31, 1997, based on future cash flows discounted at the Company's current borrowing rate. 7. PREPAYMENT OF SYNDICATED PROGRAM CONTRACT LIABILITIES: In connection with the 1996 acquisitions (see Note 12), the Company assumed certain syndicated program contracts payable for which the underlying value of the associated syndicated program assets was determined, by management, to be of little or no value. The Company negotiated the prepayment of syndicated program contracts payable for certain of the 1996 acquisitions, as well as certain other of the Company's subsidiaries. During the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997, the Company made cash payments totaling $15.1 million and $1.4 million, respectively, relating to these negotiations. For subsidiaries owned prior to 1996, the Company recognized related amortization of excess syndicated programming of $3.0 million for the year ended December 31, 1996. F-18
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SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997 - (CONTINUED) 8. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS: In connection with the start-up of an affiliate in 1990, certain SBG Class B Stockholders issued a note allowing them to borrow up to $3.0 million from the Company. This note was amended and restated June 1, 1994, to a term loan bearing interest of 6.88% with quarterly principal payments beginning March 31, 1996 through December 31, 1999. As of December 31, 1996 and 1997, the balance outstanding was approximately $1.8 and $1.3 million, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 1993, the Company loaned Gerstell Development Limited Partnership (a partnership owned by Class B Stockholders) $2.1 million. The note bears interest at 6.18%, with principal payments beginning on November 1, 1994, and a final maturity date of October 1, 2013. As of December 31, 1996 and 1997, the balance outstanding was approximately $1.9 million. Concurrently with the initial public offering (see Note 13), the Company acquired options from certain stockholders of Glencairn that will grant the Company the right to acquire, subject to applicable FCC rules and regulations, up to 97% of the capital stock of Glencairn. The Glencairn options were purchased by the Company for nominal consideration and will be exercisable only upon payment of an aggregate price equal to Glencairn's cost for the underlying stations, plus a 10% annual return. Glencairn is the owner-operator and FCC licensee of WNUV in Baltimore, WVTV in Milwaukee, WRDC in Raleigh/Durham, WABM in Birmingham, KRRT in Kerrville and WFBC in Asheville/Greenville/Spartanburg. The Company has entered into five-year LMA agreements (with five-year renewal options) with Glencairn pursuant to which the Company provides programming to Glencairn for airing on WNUV, WVTV, WRDC, WABM, KRRT and WFBC during the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. each day and has the right to sell advertising during this period. During the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997, the Company made payments of $5.6 million, $7.3 million and $8.4 million respectively, to Glencairn under these LMA agreements. During the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997, the Company from time to time entered into charter arrangements to lease airplanes owned by certain Class B Stockholders. During the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997, the Company incurred expenses of approximately $489,000, $336,000 and $736,000 related to these arrangements, respectively. In May 1996, the Company acquired certain assets from River City, obtained options to acquire other assets from River City and entered into an LMA to provide programming services to certain television and radio stations, of which River City is the owner of the License Assets. Certain individuals who have direct or indirect beneficial owners of equity interests in River City are affiliates of the Company. During the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997, the Company incurred LMA expenses relating to River City of $1.4 million and $896,000, respectively. In September 1996, the Company entered into a five-year agreement with River City pursuant to which River City will provide to the Company certain production services. Pursuant to this agreement, River City will provide certain services to the Company in return for an annual fee of $416,000, subject to certain adjustments on each anniversary date. During the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997, the Company incurred expenses relating to this agreement of $166,000 and $397,000, respectively. An individual who is an affiliate of the Company is the owner of 100% of the common stock of Keymarket of South Carolina, Inc. ("KSC"). The Company has exercised its option to acquire all of the assets of KSC for consideration of forgiveness of KSC debt in an aggregate principal amount of approximately $7.4 million, plus a payment of approximately $1.0 million, less certain adjustments. The Company will close this transaction upon FCC approval which is anticipated to occur during 1998. The Company also purchased two properties from this affiliate for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $1.75 million as required by certain leases assigned to the Company in connection with the River City acquisition. During May 1996, the Company, along with the Class B Stockholders, formed Beaver Dam Limited Partnership (BDLP), of which the Company owned a 45% interest. BDLP was formed for the purpose of F-19
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SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997 - (CONTINUED) constructing and owning a building which may be the site for the Company's corporate headquarters. The Company made capital contributions of approximately $380,000. During 1997, the Partnership made a liquidating distribution to the Company of approximately $380,000 and the Company no longer owns an interest in BDLP. Certain assets used by the Company's operating subsidiaries are leased from Cunningham, KIG and Gerstell (entities owned by the Class B Stockholders). Lease payments made to these entities were $1.3 million, $1.3 million, and $1.4 million for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively. 9. INCOME TAXES: The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return and separate company state tax returns. The provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of the following as of December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997 (in thousands): [Enlarge/Download Table] 1995 1996 1997 ----------- --------- ------------- Provision for income taxes before extraordinary item .......... $ 5,200 $6,936 $ 15,984 Income tax effect of extraordinary item ....................... (3,357) -- (4,045) -------- ------ --------- $ 1,843 $6,936 $ 11,939 ======== ====== ========= Current: Federal ...................................................... $ 5,374 $ 127 $ (10,581) State ........................................................ 1,558 4,479 1,938 -------- ------ --------- 6,932 4,606 (8,643) -------- ------ --------- Deferred: Federal ...................................................... (4,119) 2,065 18,177 State ........................................................ (970) 265 2,405 -------- ------ --------- (5,089) 2,330 20,582 -------- ------ --------- $ 1,843 $6,936 $ 11,939 ======== ====== ========= The following is a reconciliation of federal income taxes at the applicable statutory rate to the recorded provision (benefit): [Enlarge/Download Table] 1995 1996 1997 ---------- ---------- ---------- Statutory federal income taxes ............................................ 34.0% 34.0% 34.0% Adjustments- State income and franchise taxes, net of federal effect .................. 2.8 16.7 6.3 Goodwill amortization .................................................... 16.4 24.3 17.0 Non-deductible expense items.. ........................................... 3.7 6.1 8.5 Tax liability related to dividends on Parent Preferred Stock (a) ......... -- -- 70.3 Other .................................................................... (5.9) 4.9 3.0 ---- ---- ----- Provision for income taxes ................................................ 51.0% 86.0% 139.1% ==== ==== ===== ---------- (a) In March 1997, the Company issued the HYTOPS securities (see Note 17). In connection with this transaction, Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (the "Parent") issued $206.2 million of Series C Preferred Stock (the "Parent Preferred Stock") to KDSM, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary. Parent Preferred Stock dividends paid to KDSM, Inc. are considered taxable income for Federal tax purposes and not considered income for book purposes. Also for Federal tax purposes, KDSM, Inc. is allowed a tax deduction for dividends received on the Parent Preferred Stock in an amount equal to Parent Preferred Stock dividends received in each taxable year limited to the extent that the Parent's consolidated group has "earnings and profits". To the extent that dividends received by KDSM, Inc. are in excess of the Parent's consolidated group earnings and profits, the Parent will reduce its tax basis in the Parent Preferred Stock which gives rise to a deferred tax liability (to be recognized upon redemption) and KDSM, Inc.'s dividend income is treated as a permanent difference between taxable income and book income. During the year ended December 31, 1997, the Parent did not generate earnings and profits which resulted in a reduction in basis of the Parent's Series C Preferred Stock of $20.8 million which generated a related deferred tax liability of $8.4 million. F-20
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SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997 - (CONTINUED) Temporary differences between the financial reporting carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities give rise to deferred taxes. The Company had a net deferred tax asset and deferred tax liability of $782,000 and $21.5 million as of December 31, 1996 and 1997, respectively. The realization of deferred tax assets is contingent upon the Company's ability to generate sufficient future taxable income to realize the future tax benefits associated with the net deferred tax asset. Management believes that deferred assets will be realized through future operating results. The Company has total available Federal NOL's of approximately $57.3 million as of December 31, 1997, which expire during various years from 2004 to 2012. These NOL's are recorded within refundable income taxes and deferred taxes in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 1997. Certain of these NOL's are limited to use within a specific entity, and certain NOL's are subject to annual limitations under Internal Revenue Code Section 382 and similar state provisions. Total deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as of December 31, 1996 and 1997, including the effects of businesses acquired, and the sources of the difference between financial accounting and tax bases of the Company's assets and liabilities which give rise to the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities and the tax effects of each are as follows (in thousands): [Enlarge/Download Table] 1996 1997 ---------- --------- Deferred Tax Assets: Accruals and reserves ................................................. $ 2,195 $ 3,015 Loss on disposal of fixed assets ...................................... -- 148 Net operating losses .................................................. 4,829 10,435 Program contracts ..................................................... 2,734 3,410 Other ................................................................. 713 903 ------- ------- $10,471 $17,911 ======= ======= Deferred Tax Liabilities: FCC license ........................................................... $ 2,613 $ 5,346 Parent Preferred Stock deferred tax liability [see (a) above] ......... -- 8,388 Hedging instruments. .................................................. 188 15 Fixed assets and intangibles .......................................... 4,430 23,572 Capital lease accounting .............................................. 1,304 1,647 Affiliation agreement.. ............................................... 691 -- Investment in partnerships. ........................................... 209 420 Other ................................................................. 254 65 ------- ------- $ 9,689 $39,453 ======= ======= During 1996, the Company made a $1.1 million deferred tax adjustment to decrease its deferred tax asset and increase goodwill under the purchase accounting guidelines of APB 16 and in accordance with SFAS 109 related to the opening deferred tax asset balances of certain 1995 acquisitions. 10. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN: The Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and trust (the "SBG Plan") covers eligible employees of the Company. Contributions made to the SBG Plan include an employee elected salary reduction amount, company matching contributions and a discretionary amount determined each year by the Board of Directors. The Company's 401(k) expense for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997, was $271,000, $657,000 and $1.0 million, respectively. There were no discretionary contributions during these periods. During December 1997, the Company registered 400,000 shares of its Class "A" Common Stock with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") to be issued as a matching contribution for the 1997 plan year and subsequent plan years. F-21
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SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997 - (CONTINUED) 11. CONTINGENCIES AND OTHER COMMITMENTS: LITIGATION ---------- Lawsuits and claims are filed against the Company from time to time in the ordinary course of business. These actions are in various preliminary stages, and no judgments or decisions have been rendered by hearing boards or courts. Management, after reviewing developments to date with legal counsel, is of the opinion that the outcome of such matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations. OPERATING LEASES ---------------- The Company has entered into operating leases for certain property and equipment under terms ranging from three to ten years. The rent expense under these leases, as well as certain leases under month-to-month arrangements, for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997, aggregated approximately $1.1 million, $3.1 million and $3.9 million, respectively. Future minimum payments under the leases are as follows (in thousands): 1998 ........................ $ 3,427 1999 ........................ 2,226 2000 ........................ 1,583 2001 ........................ 1,382 2002 ........................ 1,172 2003 and thereafter ......... 4,988 ------- $14,778 ======= 12. ACQUISITIONS: 1995 ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS ---------------------------------- In January and May 1995, the Company acquired the non-license and license assets, respectively, of WTVZ in Norfolk, Virginia for a purchase price of $49.0 million. The acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting whereby the purchase price was allocated to property and programming assets, acquired intangible broadcasting assets and other intangible assets for $1.4 million, $12.6 million and $35.0 million, respectively, based upon an independent appraisal. Intangible assets are being amortized over 1 to 40 years. In January 1995, the Company acquired the license and non-license assets of the Paramount Station Group of Raleigh/Durham, Inc. which owned and operated WLFL in Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina for $55.5 million, plus the assumption of $3.7 million in liabilities. The acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting whereby the purchase price was allocated to property and programming assets, acquired intangible broadcasting assets and other intangible assets for $8.6 million, $15.9 million and $34.7 million, respectively, based upon an independent appraisal. Intangible assets are being amortized over periods of 1 to 40 years. On March 31, 1995, the Company exercised its option to acquire 100% of the voting stock of FSFA for the exercise price of $100. FSFA was merged into WLFL, Inc. and became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Simultaneously, the Company sold the license assets of FSFA to Glencairn for $2.0 million, and entered into a five-year LMA (with a five-year renewal option) with Glencairn (see Note 8). F-22
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SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997 - (CONTINUED) On May 5, 1995, Keyser Communications, Inc. (KCI), an affiliated entity wholly-owned by the stockholders of the Company, was merged into the Company for common stock. Certain assets and liabilities of KCI (other than programming items, an LMA agreement and consulting agreements), were distributed to the KCI shareholders immediately prior to the merger. The merger of KCI is being treated as a reorganization and has been accounted for as a pooling of interests transaction. Accordingly, the consolidated financial statements for all periods presented have been restated to include the accounts of KCI. In July 1995, the Company acquired the non-license assets of WABM in Birmingham, Alabama for a purchase price of $2.5 million. The acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting whereby $1.1 million of the purchase price was allocated to property and program assets, based upon an independent appraisal. The excess of the purchase price over the acquired assets of approximately $1.4 million was allocated to other intangible assets and is being amortized over 15 years. Simultaneously with the purchase, the Company entered into a five-year LMA agreement (with a five-year renewal option) with Glencairn. In November 1995, the Company acquired the non-license assets of WDBB in Tuscaloosa, Alabama for a purchase price of $400,000. In addition, the Company made "Option Grant Payments" of $11.3 million to certain parties for options to purchase the issued and outstanding stock of WDBB, Inc., which holds the license assets of WDBB. The option agreement further provides for the payment of option grant installments of $2.6 million over five years and a final option exercise price of $100,000. The acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting whereby $11.1 million was allocated to the property and program assets based upon an independent appraisal. The total of Option Grant Payments paid and grant installments accrued of $14.0 million was allocated to other intangible assets and is being amortized over 15 years. 1996 ACQUISITIONS ----------------- RIVER CITY ACQUISITION In April 1996, the Company entered into an agreement to purchase certain non-license assets of River City. In May 1996, the Company closed the transaction for a purchase price of $967.1 million, providing as consideration 1,150,000 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock with a fair market value of $125.1 million, 1,382,435 stock options with a fair market value of $23.9 million and cash payments totaling $818.1 million. The Company utilized indebtedness under its Bank Credit Agreement to finance the transaction. The acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting whereby the purchase price was allocated to property and programming assets, acquired intangible broadcasting assets and other intangible assets for $82.8 million, $375.6 million and $508.7 million, respectively, based upon an independent appraisal. Intangible assets are being amortized over 1 to 40 years. Simultaneously, the Company entered into option agreements to purchase certain license assets for an aggregate option exercise price of $20 million. In September 1996, after receiving FCC approval for license transfer, the Company made a cash payment of $6.9 million to acquire certain radio station FCC licenses. During 1997, the Company exercised its options to acquire certain other FCC licenses and now owns all of the License Assets (or has entered into an LMA with respect to) all of the television and radio stations with respect to which it acquired non-license assets from River City, other than WTTV-TV and WTTK-TV in Indianapolis, Indiana. Also, simultaneously with the acquisition, the Company entered into an option agreement to purchase the license and non-license assets of WSYX-TV in Columbus, Ohio. The option purchase price for this television station is $100 million plus the amount of River City indebtedness secured by the WSYX assets on the exercise date (not to exceed the amount at the date of closing of $135 million). Pursuant to F-23
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SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997 - (CONTINUED) the WSYX option agreement, the Company is required to make certain "Option Extension Fees", as defined. These fees are required to begin quarterly beginning with December 31, 1996, through the earlier of the "Option Grant Date" or the expiration date of June 30, 1999. The Option Extension Fees are calculated as 8% per annum of the option purchase price through the first anniversary of the Option Grant Date, 15% per annum of the option purchase price through the second anniversary of the Option Grant Date and 25% per annum of the option purchase price through the expiration of the WSYX option agreement. As of December 31, 1997, the Company incurred Option Extension Fees and other costs relating to WSYX-TV totaling $22.9 million. In conjunction with the River City acquisition, the Company entered into an agreement to purchase the non-license assets of KRRT, Inc., a television station in San Antonio, Texas, for a purchase price of $29.5 million. The acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting whereby the purchase price was allocated to property and programming assets, acquired intangible broadcasting assets and other intangible assets for $3.8 million, $0.4 million and $25.3 million, respectively, based upon an independent appraisal. Intangible assets are being amortized over 1 to 15 years. In connection with the River City acquisition, the Company consummated the following transactions concurrent with or subsequent to the closing: 1. In June 1996, the Board of Directors of the Company adopted, upon approval of the stockholders by proxy, an amendment to the Company's amended and restated charter. This amendment increased the number of Class A Common Stock shares authorized to be issued by the Company from 35,000,000 shares to 100,000,000 shares. The amendment also increased the number of shares of Preferred Stock authorized from 5,000,000 shares to 10,000,000 shares. 2. Series A Preferred Stock -- As partial consideration for the acquisition of the non-license assets of River City, the Company issued 1,150,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock. In June 1996, the Board of Directors of the Company adopted, upon approval of the stockholders by proxy, an amendment to the Company's amended and restated charter at which time Series A Preferred Stock was exchanged for and converted into Series B Preferred Stock. The Company recorded the issuance of Series A Preferred Stock based on the fair market value at the date the River City acquisition was announced at the exchange rate of 3.64 shares of Class A Common Stock for each share of Series A Preferred Stock. 3. Series B Preferred Stock -- Shares of Series B Preferred Stock are convertible at any time into shares of Class A Common Stock, with each share of Series B Preferred Stock convertible into approximately 3.64 shares of Series A Common Stock. The Company may redeem shares of Series B Preferred Stock only after the occurrence of certain events. If the Company seeks to redeem shares of Series B Preferred Stock and the stockholder elects to retain the shares, the shares will automatically be converted into common stock on the proposed redemption date. All shares of Series B Preferred Stock remaining outstanding as of May 31, 2001, will automatically convert into Class A Common Stock. Series B Preferred Stock is entitled to 3.64 votes on all matters with respect to which Class A Common Stock has a vote. F-24
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SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997 - (CONTINUED) 4. Stock Options and Awards: Long-Term Incentive Plan- In June 1996, the Board of Directors adopted, upon approval of the stockholders by proxy, the 1996 Long-Term Incentive Plan of the Company (the "LTIP"). The purpose of the LTIP is to reward key individuals for making major contributions to the success of the Company and its subsidiaries and to attract and retain the services of qualified and capable employees. A total of 2,073,673 shares of Class A Common Stock is reserved and available for awards under the plan. In connection with the River City acquisition, 244,500 options were granted to certain employees and 1,382,454 were granted to Barry Baker (see Executive Employment Agreement below) under this plan with an exercise price of $30.11 per share. The Company recorded deferred compensation of $1.9 million as additional paid-in capital at the stock option grant date. During the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997, compensation expense of $739,000 and $605,000 was recorded relating to the options issued under the LTIP, respectively. The remaining deferred compensation of approximately $954,000 will be recognized as expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. Incentive Stock Option Plan- In June 1996, the Board of Directors adopted, upon approval of the stockholders by proxy, certain amendment to the Company's Incentive Stock Option Plan. The purpose of the amendments was (i) to increase the number of shares of Class A Common Stock approved for issuance under the plan from 400,000 to 500,000, (ii) to delegate to Barry Baker the authority to grant certain options, (iii) to lengthen the period after the date of grant before options become exercisable, from two years to three (iv) and to provide immediate termination and three-year ratable vesting of options in certain circumstances. In connection with the River City acquisition, the Company granted 287,000 options to key management employees at an exercise price of $37.75, the fair market value at the date of grant. 5. Executive Employment Agreement In connection with the acquisition of River City, the Company entered into a five-year employment agreement (the "Baker Employment Agreement") with Barry Baker, pursuant to which Mr. Baker will become President and Chief Executive Officer of SCI and Executive Vice President of the Company, at such time as Mr. Baker is able to hold those positions consistent with applicable FCC regulations. Until such time as Mr. Baker is able to become an officer of the Company, he serves as a consultant to the Company pursuant to a consulting agreement and received compensation that he would be entitled to as an officer under the Baker Employment Agreement. If the Baker Employment Agreement is terminated by the Company other than for cause (as defined) or by Mr. Baker for good cause (constituting certain occurrences specified in the agreement), Mr. Baker shall be entitled to certain termination payments entitling him to his salary and bonuses which would have been paid under the agreement; to purchase certain television or radio assets acquired by the Company from River City at fair market value, and all stock options held by Mr. Baker shall vest immediately. OTHER 1996 ACQUISITIONS In May 1995, the Company entered into option agreements to acquire all of the license and non-license assets of WSMH-TV in Flint, Michigan (WSMH). In July 1995, the Company paid the $1.0 million option exercise price to exercise its option and in February 1996, the Company consummated the acquisition for a purchase price of $35.4 million. The acquisition was accounted for under the purchase F-25
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SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997 - (CONTINUED) method of accounting whereby the purchase price was allocated to property and programming assets, acquired intangible broadcasting assets and other intangible assets for $1.9 million, $6.0 million and $27.5 million, respectively, based upon an independent appraisal. In March 1996, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire the outstanding stock of Superior Communications, Inc. (Superior) which owns the license and non-license assets of the television stations KOCB in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and WDKY in Lexington, Kentucky. In May 1996, the Company consummated the acquisition for a purchase price of $63.5 million. The acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting whereby the purchase price was allocated to property and programming assets, acquired intangible broadcasting assets and other intangible assets for $7.3 million, $20.4 million and $35.8 million, respectively, based upon an independent appraisal. In January 1996, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire license and non-license assets of the television station WYZZ in Peoria, Illinois. In July 1996, the Company consummated the acquisition for a purchase price of $21.1 million. The acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting whereby the purchase price was allocated to property and programming assets, acquired intangible broadcasting assets and other intangible assets for $2.2 million, $4.3 million and $14.6 million, respectively, based upon an independent appraisal. In July 1996, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire license and non-license assets of the television station KSMO in Kansas City, Missouri through the exercise of its options described in Note 13 for a total purchase price of $10.0 million. The acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting whereby the purchase price was allocated to property and programming assets and acquired intangible broadcasting assets for $4.6 million and $5.4 million, respectively, based upon an independent appraisal. In August 1996, the Company acquired the license and non-license assets of the television station WSTR in Cincinnati, Ohio for a total purchase price of $8.7 million. The acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting whereby the purchase price was allocated to property and programming assets and acquired intangible broadcasting assets for $6.2 million and $2.5 million, respectively, based upon an independent appraisal. 1997 ACQUISITIONS AND AGREEMENTS TO ACQUIRE CERTAIN ASSETS: ----------------------------------------------------------- 1997 ACQUISITIONS In January 1997, the Company entered into a purchase agreement to acquire the license and non-license assets of KUPN-TV, the UPN affiliate in Las Vegas, Nevada, for a purchase price of $87.5 million. Under the terms of this agreement, the Company made cash deposit payments of $9.0 million and in May 1997, the Company closed on the acquisition making cash payments of $78.5 million for the remaining balance of the purchase price and other related closing costs. The acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting whereby the purchase price was allocated to property and programming assets, acquired intangible broadcasting assets and other intangible assets for $1.6 million, $17.9 million and $68.0 million, respectively, based upon an independent appraisal. The Company financed the transaction by utilizing proceeds from the HYTOPS offering (see Note 17) combined with indebtedness under the 1997 Bank Credit Agreement. In 1997, the Company exercised options to acquire the license and non-license assets of the following radio stations: WGR-AM and WWWS-AM (Buffalo, New York) and WWFH-FM, WILP-AM, WWSH-FM and WKRF-FM (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Pennsylvania). During the year ended December 31, 1997, the Company made payments totaling approximately $3.1 million to acquire the license and non-license assets of these radio stations. F-26
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SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997 - (CONTINUED) EXERCISE OF OPTIONS TO ACQUIRE RIVER CITY LICENSE ASSETS Since March 31, 1997, the FCC has granted approval for transfer of FCC licenses with respect to the following television stations: KDNL-TV (St. Louis, Missouri), KOVR-TV (Sacramento, California), WLOS-TV (Asheville, North Carolina), KABB-TV (San Antonio, Texas) and KDSM-TV (Des Moines, Iowa). The Company exercised options to acquire the License Assets (the television and radio assets essential for broadcasting a television or radio signal in compliance with regulatory guidelines) of each of these stations from River City Broadcasting, L.P. ("River City") for aggregate option exercise payments of $9.3 million. In July 1997, the Company made an option exercise payment of $0.5 million to River City related to the license assets of WFBC-TV (Greenville, South Carolina) and simultaneously assigned its option to acquire the License Assets of WFBC-TV to Glencairn, Ltd. ("Glencairn") for an option assignment fee of $2.0 million. The Company entered into a local marketing agreement ("LMA") with Glencairn whereby the Company, in exchange for an hourly fee, obtained the right to program and sell advertising on substantially all of the station's inventory of broadcast time. The Company also received FCC approval for the transfer of the FCC licenses of KPNT-FM and WVRV-FM in St. Louis, Missouri, and exercised its option to acquire the License Assets of these radio stations for an option exercise price of $1.2 million. As a result of these license approvals and option exercises, the Company now owns the License Assets of (or has entered into an LMA with Glencairn with respect to) all of the television and radio stations with respect to which it acquired Non-License Assets (assets involved in the operation of radio and television stations other than License Assets) from River City, other than WTTV-TV and WTTK-TV in Indianapolis, Indiana. AGREEMENT TO ACQUIRE HERITAGE On July 16, 1997, the Company entered into agreements (the "Heritage Acquisition Agreements") with The News Corporation Limited, Heritage Media Group, Inc. and certain subsidiaries of Heritage Media Corporation (collectively, "Heritage"), pursuant to which the Company agreed to acquire certain television and radio station assets. Under the Heritage Acquisition Agreements, the Company will acquire the assets of, or the right to program pursuant to LMAs, six television stations in three markets and the assets of 24 radio stations in seven markets (the "Heritage Acquisition"). The aggregate purchase price for the assets is $630 million payable in cash at closing, less deposits paid of $65.5 million. During the first quarter of 1998, the Company completed the acquisition of the Heritage television and radio stations except for the radio stations in the New Orleans, Louisiana market (see Note 24). AGREEMENT TO ACQUIRE LAKELAND GROUP In November 1997, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire 100% of the stock of Lakeland Group Television Inc. for a purchase price of $50 million (the "Lakeland Acquisition") and made a cash deposit of $1.5 million. Upon the closing of the Lakeland Acquisition, the Company will acquire television station KLGT in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Lakeland Acquisition is expected to close in the second quarter of 1998. AGREEMENT TO ACQUIRE MAX MEDIA On December 2, 1997, the Company entered into agreements to acquire, directly or indirectly, all of the equity interests of Max Media Properties, L.L.C. ("Max Media"). As a result of this transaction, the Company will acquire, or acquire the right to program pursuant to LMAs, nine television stations and eight radio stations in eight markets (the "Max Media Acquisition"). The aggregate purchase price is $255 million payable in cash at closing (less a deposit of $12.8 million paid at the time of signing the acquisition agreement), a portion of which will be used to retire existing debt of Max Media at closing. Max Media's television station WKEF-TV in Dayton, Ohio has an overlapping service area with the F-27
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SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997 - (CONTINUED) Company's television stations WTTE-TV in Columbus, Ohio, WSTR-TV in Cincinnati, Ohio, and with Company LMA station WTTV-TV in Indianapolis, Indiana. In addition, Max Media's television station WEMT-TV in Tri-Cities, Tennessee/Virginia has an overlapping service area with the Company's television station WLOS-TV in Asheville, North Carolina and Max Media's television station KBSI-TV in Paducah, Kentucky/Cape Girardeau, Missouri has an overlapping service area with the Company's television station KDNL-TV in St. Louis, Missouri. Furthermore, the Company owns a television station (and proposes to acquire radio stations from Heritage) in the Norfolk-Virginia Beach-Newport News, Virginia market, where four of Max Media's radio stations are located. Consequently, the Company has requested waivers from the FCC to allow the Company to complete the Max Media Acquisition. There can be no assurance that such waivers will be granted. As a result of the Max Media Acquisition and the Heritage Acquisition, the Company intends to dispose of two of the FM radio stations in the Norfolk-Virginia Beach-Newport News, Virginia radio market that it has agreed to acquire from Heritage and Max Media in order to be in compliance with the FCC regulations that limit the number of radio stations that can be owned in a market. The Max Media Acquisition is subject to FCC and Department of Justice (DOJ) approval and certain other conditions, and is anticipated to be completed in the second quarter of 1998. The transaction is expected to be financed through borrowings under the Company's Bank Credit Agreement. 13. INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING: In June 1995, the Company consummated an initial public offering of 5,750,000 shares of Class A Common Stock at an initial public offering price of $21.00 per share realizing net proceeds of approximately $111.5 million. The net proceeds to the Company from this offering were used to reduce long-term indebtedness. The Company consummated the following transactions concurrent with or prior to the offering: 1. The Company purchased the options to acquire the partnership interests and liabilities of KSMO in Kansas City, Missouri and WSTR in Cincinnati, Ohio ("Option Stations") from the stockholders for an aggregate purchase price was $9.0 million. The stockholders also assigned to the Company their rights and obligations under an option agreement among the stockholders and a commercial bank which held secured debt of KSMO and WSTR. 2. The stockholders assigned the subordinated convertible debenture relating to the sale of WPTT to the Company in exchange for $1.0 million, a portion of which was used to retire the outstanding balance of a note due from the controlling stockholders. 3. The Company acquired options from certain stockholders of Glencairn that will grant the Company the right to acquire, subject to applicable FCC rules and regulations, up to 97% of the capital stock of Glencairn. 4. The Board of Directors of the Company adopted Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to authorize up to 35,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, 35,000,000 shares of Class B Common Stock, par value $.01 per share and 5,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share; completed a reclassification and conversion of its outstanding common stock into shares of Class B Common Stock; and effected an approximately 49.1 for 1 stock split of the Company's common stock (resulting in 29,000,000 shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding). The reclassification, conversion and stock split have been retroactively reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and statements of stockholders' equity. In June 1996, the Company amended its charter, increasing the number of shares of Class A Common Stock authorized to be issued from 35,000,000 to 100,000,000 (see Note 12). F-28
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SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997 - (CONTINUED) 5. The Board of Directors of the Company adopted an Incentive Stock Option Plan for Designated Participants (the Designated Participants Stock Option Plan) pursuant to which options for shares of Class A Common Stock will be granted to certain designated employees of the Company upon adoption. 6. On March 27, 1995, the Board of Directors of the Company adopted an Incentive Stock Option Plan (the Stock Option Plan) pursuant to which options for shares of Class A Common Stock may be granted to certain designated classes of employees of the Company. The Stock Option Plan provides that the maximum number of shares of Class A Common Stock reserved for issuance under the Stock Option Plan is 500,000, as amended, and that options to purchase Class A Common Stock may be granted under the plan until the tenth anniversary of its adoption. 14. SHELF REGISTRATION STATEMENTS: In September 1996, the Company filed and in November 1996 obtained effectiveness of a registration statement on Form S-3 with the Commission with respect to the sale by certain selling stockholders of 5,564,253 shares of Class A Common Stock. These shares represent 4,181,818 shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion of Series B Preferred Stock and 1,382,435 shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon exercise of options held by Barry Baker. In October 1996, the Company filed a registration statement on Form S-3 with the Commission for the purpose of offering additional shares of its Class A Common Stock to the public. In August 1997, the Company amended this registration statement to reflect the registration of $1 billion of securities to be offered to the public, covering Class A Common Stock, Preferred Stock and debt securities (the "Shelf Registration"). In September 1997, the Company completed offerings of its Class A Common Stock and Series D Preferred Stock pursuant to the Shelf Registration. In December 1997, the Company issued the 8 3/4% Notes pursuant to the Shelf Registration. 15. SECONDARY PUBLIC OFFERING OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK: In September 1997, the Company and certain stockholders of the Company completed a public offering of 4,345,000 and 1,750,000 shares, respectively of Class A Common Stock (the "Common Stock Offering"). The shares were sold pursuant to the Shelf Registration for an offering price of $36.50 per share and generated proceeds to the Company of $151.0 million, net of underwriters' discount and other offering costs of $7.6 million. The Company utilized a significant portion of the Common Stock Offering proceeds to repay indebtedness under the 1997 Bank Credit Agreement (see Note 4). 16. PUBLIC OFFERING OF SERIES D PREFERRED STOCK: Concurrent with the Common Stock Offering, the Company completed a public offering of 3,450,000 shares of Series D Convertible Exchangeable Preferred Stock (the "Preferred Stock Offering"). The shares were sold pursuant to the Shelf Registration at an offering price of $50 per share and generated proceeds to the Company of $166.9 million, net of underwriters' discount and other offering costs of $5.0 million. The Convertible Exchangeable Preferred Stock has a liquidation preference of $50 per share and a stated annual dividend of $3.00 per share payable quarterly out of legally available funds and are convertible into shares of Class A Common Stock at the option of the holders thereof at a conversion price of $45.625 per share, subject to adjustment. The shares of Convertible Exchangeable Preferred Stock are exchangeable at the option of the Company, for 6% Convertible Subordinated Debentures of the Company, due 2012, and are redeemable at the option of the Company on or after September 20, 2000 at specified prices plus accrued dividends. F-29
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SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997 - (CONTINUED) The Company received total net proceeds of $317.9 million from the Preferred Stock Offering and the Common Stock Offering. The Company utilized $285.7 million of the net proceeds from the Common Stock Offering and the Preferred Stock Offering to repay outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility, $8.9 million to repay outstanding amounts under the Tranche A term loan of the 1997 Bank Credit Agreement and retained the remaining net proceeds of approximately $23.3 million for general corporate purposes. 17. COMPANY OBLIGATED MANDATORILY REDEEMABLE PREFERRED SECURITIES OF SUBSIDIARY TRUST: In March 1997, the Company completed a private placement of $200 million aggregate liquidation value of 11 5/8% High Yield Trust Offered Preferred Securities (the "HYTOPS") of Sinclair Capital, a subsidiary trust of the Company. The HYTOPS were issued March 12, 1997, mature March 15, 2009, and provide for quarterly distributions to be paid in arrears beginning June 15, 1997. The HYTOPS were sold to "qualified institutional buyers" (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended) and a limited number of institutional "accredited investors" and the offering was exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("the Securities Act"), pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act and Rule 144A thereunder. The Company utilized $135 million of the approximately $192.8 million net proceeds of the private placement to repay outstanding debt and retained the remainder for general corporate purposes, which included the acquisition of KUPN-TV in Las Vegas, Nevada. Pursuant to a Registration Rights Agreement entered into in connection with the private placement of the HYTOPS, the Company offered holders of the HYTOPS the right to exchange the HYTOPS for new HYTOPS having the same terms as the existing securities, except that the exchange of the new HYTOPS for the existing HYTOPS has been registered under the Securities Act. On May 2, 1997, the Company filed a registration statement on Form S-4 with the Commission for the purpose of registering the new HYTOPS to be offered in exchange for the aforementioned existing HYTOPS issued by the Company in March 1997 (the "Exchange Offer"). The Company's Exchange Offer was closed and became effective August 11, 1997, at which time all of the existing HYTOPS were exchanged for new HYTOPS. Amounts payable to the holders of HYTOPS are recorded as "Subsidiary trust minority interest expense" in the accompanying financial statements and were $18.6 million for the year ended December 31, 1997. 18. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS: As permitted under SFAS 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," the Company measures compensation expense for its stock-based employee compensation plans using the intrinsic value method prescribed by Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," and provides pro forma disclosures of net income and earnings per share as if the fair value-based method prescribed by SFAS 123 had been applied in measuring compensation expense. F-30
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SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997 - (CONTINUED) A summary of changes in outstanding stock options follows: [Enlarge/Download Table] WEIGHTED- WEIGHTED- AVERAGE AVERAGE EXERCISE EXERCISE OPTIONS PRICE EXERCISABLE PRICE ------------ ----------- ------------- ---------- Outstanding at end of 1994 ......... -- $ -- -- $ -- 1995 Activity: Granted ........................... 68,000 21.00 -- -- ------ ------ ------- ------ Outstanding at end of 1995 ......... 68,000 21.00 -- -- 1996 Activity: Granted ........................... 1,904,785 31.50 -- -- Exercised ......................... -- -- -- -- Forfeited ......................... 3,750 21.00 -- -- --------- ------ ------- ------ Outstanding at end of 1996 ......... 1,969,035 31.16 736,218 30.11 --------- ------ ------- ------ 1997 Activity: Granted ........................... 274,450 33.74 -- -- Exercised ......................... 5,000 21.00 -- -- Forfeited ......................... 126,200 35.69 -- -- --------- ------ ------- ------ Outstanding at end of 1997 ......... 2,112,285 $ 34.19 1,214,076 $ 29.82 ========= ======= ========= ======= Additional information regarding stock options outstanding at December 31, 1997, follows: [Download Table] WEIGHTED- WEIGHTED- AVERAGE AVERAGE REMAINING REMAINING WEIGHTED- VESTING CONTRACTUAL AVERAGE EXERCISE PERIOD LIFE EXERCISE OUTSTANDING PRICE (IN YEARS) (IN YEARS) EXERCISABLE PRICE ------------- ---------- ------------ ------------- ------------- ---------- 54,250 $ 21.00 0.13 7.44 38,250 $ 21.00 1,708,935 30.11 0.67 8.49 1,175,826 30.11 326,100 37.75 1.76 8.76 -- -- 23,000 41.875 2.97 9.97 -- -- ---------- --------- ---- ---- --------- -------- 2,112,285 $ 34.19 0.85 8.52 1,214,076 $ 29.82 ========== ========= ==== ==== ========= ======== F-31
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SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997 - (CONTINUED) Had compensation cost for the Company's 1995, 1996, and 1997 grants for stock-based compensation plans been determined consistent with SFAS 123, the Company's net income, net income applicable to common share before extraordinary items, and net income per common share for these years would approximate the pro forma amounts below (in thousands except per share data): [Enlarge/Download Table] 1995 1996 1997 ------------------------- ------------------------- -------------------------- AS REPORTED PRO FORMA AS REPORTED PRO FORMA AS REPORTED PRO FORMA ------------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ------------- ------------ Net income (loss) before extraor- dinary item ........................ $ 4,988 $4,799 $ 1,131 $ (1,639) $ (4,496) $ (5,871) ------- ------ ------- -------- --------- --------- Net income (loss) ................... $ 76 $ (113) $ 1,131 $ (1,639) $ (10,566) $ (11,941) ------- ------ ------- -------- --------- --------- Net income (loss) available to common shareholders ................ $ 76 $ (113) $ 1,131 $ (1,639) $ (13,329) $ (14,704) ------- ------ ------- -------- --------- --------- Basic net income per share before extraordinary items ................ $ .15 $ .15 $ .03 $ (.05) $ (.20) $ (.24) ------- ------ ------- -------- --------- --------- Basic net income per share after extraordinary items ................ $ -- $ -- $ .03 $ (.05) $ (.37) $ (.41) ------- ------ ------- -------- --------- --------- Diluted net income per share be- fore extraordinary items ........... $ .15 $ .15 $ .03 $ (.05) $ (.20) $ (.24) ------- ------ ------- -------- --------- --------- Diluted net income per share af- ter extraordinary items ............ $ -- $ -- $ .03 $ (.05) $ (.37) $ (.41) ------- ------ ------- -------- --------- --------- The Company has computed for pro forma disclosure purposes the value of all options granted during 1995, 1996, and 1997 using the Black-Scholes option pricing model as prescribed by SFAS No. 123 and the following weighted average assumptions: YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, --------------------------------------- 1995 1996 1997 ---------- ---------- ------------- Risk-free interest rate 5.78% 6.66% 5.66 - 6.35% Expected lives 5 years 5 years 5 years Expected volatility 35% 35% 35% Adjustments are made for options forfeited prior to vesting. 19. EQUITY PUT AND CALL OPTIONS: During December 1996, the Company entered into physically settled in cash put and call option contracts related to the Company's common stock. These option contracts were entered into for the purpose of hedging the dilution of the Company's common stock upon the exercise of stock options granted. The Company entered into 250,000 call options for common stock and 320,600 put options for common stock, with a strike price of $37.75 and $27.88 per common share, respectively. To the extent that the Company entered into put option contracts, the additional paid-in capital amounts were adjusted accordingly and reflected as Equity Put Options in the accompanying balance sheet as of December 31, 1996. In March 1997, the Company amended its put option contracts from physically settled in cash to physically or net physically settled in shares, at the election of the Company, and reclassified amounts reflected as Equity Put Options to "Additional paid-in capital -- equity put options" as reflected in the accompanying balance sheet as of December 31, 1997. In April 1997, the Company entered into put and call option contracts related to its common stock for the purpose of hedging the dilution of the common stock upon the exercise of stock options granted. The Company entered into 550,000 European style (that is, exercisable on the expiration date only) put F-32
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SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997 - (CONTINUED) options for common stock with a strike price of $25.78 per share which provide for settlement in cash or in shares, at the election of the Company. The Company entered into 550,000 American style (that is, exercisable any time on or before the expiration date) call options for common stock with a strike price of $25.78 per share which provide for settlement in cash or in shares, at the election of the Company. The option premium amount of $3.4 million for these contracts, which was recorded as a reduction of additional paid-in capital, is payable in quarterly installments at 8.1% interest per annum through the maturity date, July 13, 2000. 20. EARNINGS PER SHARE: The Company adopted SFAS 128 "Earnings per Share" which requires the restatement of prior periods and disclosure of basic and diluted earnings per share and related computations. [Enlarge/Download Table] THE YEARS ENDED ---------------------------------------- 1995 1996 1997 ----------- ----------- ------------ Weighted-average number of common shares ............................... 32,198 34,748 35,951 Dilutive effect of outstanding stock options ........................... 7 170 119 Dilutive effect of conversion of preferred shares ...................... -- 2,463 4,008 ------ ------ ------ Weighted-average number of common equivalent shares outstanding .......................................... 32,205 37,381 40,078 ====== ====== ====== Net income (loss) before extraordinary item ............................ $ 4,988 $ 1,131 $ (4,496) ======== ======== ========= Net income (loss) ...................................................... $ 76 $ 1,131 $ (10,566) Preferred stock dividends payable ...................................... -- -- (2,763) -------- -------- --------- Net income (loss) available to common shareholders ..................... $ 76 $ 1,131 $ (13,329) ======== ======== ========= Basic net income (loss) per share before extraordinary items ........... $ .15 $ .03 $ (.20) ======== ======== ========= Basic net income (loss) per share after extraordinary items ............ $ -- $ .03 $ (.37) ======== ======== ========= Diluted net income (loss) per share before extraordinary items ......... $ .15 $ .03 $ (.20) ======== ======== ========= Diluted net income (loss) per share after extraordinary items .......... $ -- $ .03 $ (.37) ======== ======== ========= 21. FINANCIAL INFORMATION BY SEGMENT: In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) 131 "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information." SFAS 131 establishes standards for reporting information about operating segments in annual financial statements and requires selected information about operating segments in interim financial statements. SFAS 131 supercedes SFAS 14, "Financial Reporting for Segments of a Business Enterprise" and is effective for financial statements for periods beginning after December 15, 1997. As of December 31, 1997, the Company consisted of two principal business segments - television broadcasting and radio broadcasting. Prior to the acquisition of River City Broadcasting, L.P. in May 1996, the Company did not own, operate or program radio stations. As of December 31, 1997 the Company owns or provides programming services pursuant to LMAs to 29 television stations located in 21 geographically diverse markets in the continental United States. The Company owns 30 radio stations in seven geographically diverse markets. Substantially all revenues represent income from unaffiliated companies. F-33
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SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997 - (CONTINUED) [Enlarge/Download Table] TELEVISION YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, ----------------------------- 1996 1997 ------------- ------------- Total revenue ................................................... $ 338,467 $ 449,878 Station operating expenses. ..................................... 142,231 192,049 Depreciation, program amortization and stock-based compensation.. 56,420 80,799 Amortization of intangibles and other assets. ................... 55,063 57,897 Amortization of excess syndicated programming.. ................. 3,043 -- ---------- ---------- Station broadcast operating income .............................. $ 81,710 $ 119,133 ========== ========== Total assets. ................................................... $1,400,521 $1,736,149 ========== ========== Capital expenditures. ........................................... $ 12,335 $ 16,613 ========== ========== [Enlarge/Download Table] RADIO YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, ------------------------ 1996 1997 ---------- ---------- Total revenue ................................................... $ 40,021 $ 66,557 Station operating expenses. ..................................... 25,534 44,327 Depreciation, program amortization and stock-based compensation.. 3,827 5,167 Amortization of intangibles and other assets. ................... 3,467 9,943 Amortization of excess syndicated programming.. ................. -- -- -------- -------- Station broadcast operating income.. ............................ $ 7,193 $ 7,120 ======== ======== Total assets. ................................................... $306,776 $298,085 ======== ======== Capital expenditures. ........................................... $ 274 $ 2,812 ======== ======== F-34
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SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997 - (CONTINUED) 22. UNAUDITED PRO FORMA SUMMARY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS: The unaudited pro forma summary consolidated results of operations for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997, assuming the 1996 and 1997 acquisitions had been consummated on January 1, 1996, are as follows (in thousands, except per share data): [Enlarge/Download Table] (UNAUDITED) (UNAUDITED) 1996 1997 ------------- ------------ Revenue, net ........................................................... $ 489,270 $ 520,359 ========== ========= Net loss before extraordinary item ..................................... $ (12,750) $ (3,643) ========== ========= Net Loss ............................................................... $ (12,750) $ (9,713) ========== ========= Net loss available to common shareholders .............................. $ (12,750) $ (12,476) ========== ========= Basic and diluted earnings per share before extraordinary item ......... $ (0.37) $ (0.18) ========== ========= Basic and diluted earnings per share ................................... $ (0.37) $ (0.35) ========== ========= 23. GUARANTOR AND NON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES: Prior to the HYTOPS issuance in March 1997, the 1993 Notes and the 10% Notes were guaranteed by all of the Company's subsidiaries other than Cresap Enterprises, Inc. (the Company believes that Cresap Enterprises, Inc. is inconsequential to its operations). In conjunction with the HYTOPS issuance, KDSM, Inc., KDSM Licensee, Inc. and Sinclair Capital (the "Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries") are no longer guarantors of indebtedness under the 1993 Notes or the 10% Notes. Furthermore, the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries are not guarantors under the Company's 1997 Bank Credit Agreement or the indentures relating to the 9% Notes or the 8 3/4% Notes issued in July 1997 and December 1997, respectively. The following supplemental financial information sets forth on a condensed basis the balance sheet and statement of operations as of and for the year ended December 31, 1997 for Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (without its subsidiaries, the "Parent"), the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries, and the subsidiaries (the "Guarantor Subsidiaries") that continue to guarantee indebtedness under the 1997 Bank Credit Agreement, the 1993 Notes, the 10% Notes, the 9% Notes and the 8 3/4% Notes. Certain reclassifications have been made to provide for uniform disclosure of all periods presented. The Company believes that these reclassifications are not material. F-35
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SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997 - (CONTINUED) Balance Sheet information as of December 31, 1997: [Enlarge/Download Table] GUARANTOR NON-GUARANTOR ELIMINATION PARENT SUBSIDIARIES SUBSIDIARIES ENTRIES TOTAL ------------- -------------- --------------- --------------- ------------- Cash and cash equivalents ..................... $ 137,683 $ 1,633 $ 11 $ -- $ 139,327 Accounts receivable, net ...................... 6,127 125,322 2,150 -- 133,599 Other current assets .......................... 1,826 53,794 2,206 -- 57,826 ---------- ---------- -------- ------------ ---------- Total current assets .......................... 145,636 180,749 4,367 -- 330,752 Other long-term assets and acquired in- tangible broadcasting assets, net ............ 1,390,698 1,259,250 254,173 (1,200,639) 1,703,482 ---------- ---------- -------- ------------ ---------- Total assets .................................. $1,536,334 $1,439,999 $258,540 $ (1,200,639) $2,034,234 ========== ========== ======== ============ ========== Accounts payable and accrued expenses.......... $ 27,507 $ 17,806 $ 426 $ -- $ 45,739 Notes payable and commercial bank fi- nancing ...................................... 35,207 8 -- -- 35,215 Other current liabilities ..................... 1,595 1,021,272 2,790 (951,907) 73,750 ---------- ---------- -------- ------------ ---------- Total current liabilities ..................... 64,309 1,039,086 3,216 (951,907) 154,704 Notes payable and commercial bank fi- nancing ...................................... 1,022,841 93 -- -- 1,022,934 Other long-term liabilities ................... 9,916 98,120 1,575 -- 109,611 ---------- ---------- -------- ------------ ---------- Total liabilities ............................. 1,097,066 1,137,299 4,791 (951,907) 1,287,249 Minority interest in consolidated subsid- iaries ....................................... -- 3,697 -- -- 3,697 Company Obligated Mandatorily Re- deemable Security of Subsidiary Trust Holding Solely KDSM Senior Deben- tures ........................................ -- -- 200,000 -- 200,000 Stockholders' equity .......................... 439,268 299,003 53,749 (248,732) 543,288 ---------- ---------- -------- ------------ ---------- Total liabilities and stockholders' equity . $1,536,334 $1,439,999 $258,540 $ (1,200,639) $2,034,234 ========== ========== ======== ============ ========== F-36
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SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997 - (CONTINUED) Statement of operations information for the year ended December 31, 1997: [Enlarge/Download Table] GUARANTOR NON-GUARANTOR ELIMINATION PARENT SUBSIDIARIES SUBSIDIARIES ENTRIES TOTAL ------------ -------------- --------------- ------------ ------------- Total revenue ................................. $ -- $ 507,897 $ 8,538 $ -- $ 516,435 --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------- Program and production including barter expenses ..................................... -- 128,810 1,482 -- 130,292 Selling, general and administrative ........... 7,501 96,124 2,459 -- 106,084 Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments ......... -- 64,711 1,579 -- 66,290 Amortization of acquired intangible broadcasting assets, non-compete and consulting agreements and other assets 4,916 61,336 1,588 -- 67,840 Other depreciation and amortization ........... 713 18,586 377 -- 19,676 --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------- Broadcast operating income .................... (13,130) 138,330 1,053 -- 126,253 Interest and amortization of debt dis- count expense ................................ (97,625) (98,392) (18,600) 97,624 (116,993) Interest and other income (expense) ........... 96,297 (17,271) 20,826 (97,624) 2,228 --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------- Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes and extraordinary item ......................................... (14,458) 22,667 3,279 -- 11,488 Provision (benefit) for income taxes .......... 14,740 (140) 1,384 -- 15,984 --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------- Net income before extraordinary item .......... (29,198) 22,807 1,895 -- (4,496) Extraordinary item net of income tax benefit ...................................... (5,239) (831) -- -- (6,070) --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------- Net income (loss) ............................. $ (34,437) $ 21,976 $ 1,895 $ -- $ (10,566) ========= ========= ========= ========= ========== 24. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS: Heritage Acquisition. As of the date hereof and pursuant to the Heritage Acquisition, (dispositions described below) the Company has acquired or is providing programming services to three television stations in two separate markets and 13 radio stations in four separate markets. The Company has made cash payments totaling $544 million in connection with the closing of these stations during the first quarter of 1998. The Company also has the right to acquire three radio stations in the New Orleans, Louisiana market. Acquisition of the Heritage radio stations in the New Orleans market is subject to approval by the FCC and termination of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the "HSR Act"). The Company has reached an agreement to divest certain radio stations it owns or has the right to acquire in the New Orleans market and expects to receive FCC approval and clearance under the HSR Act in connection with such disposition. The Company has entered into agreements to sell to STC Broadcasting of Vermont, Inc. ("STC") two television stations and the Non-License Assets and rights to program a third television station, all of which were acquired in the Heritage Acquisition. The three television stations are in the Burlington, Vermont and Plattsburgh, New York market and will be sold for aggregate consideration of approximately $72 million. The Company expects to close the sale to STC during the second quarter of 1998 subject to, among other conditions, approval by the FCC and termination of the applicable waiting period under the HSR Act. F-37
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SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997 - (CONTINUED) The Company has also agreed to sell to Entertainment Communications, Inc. ("Entercom") seven radio stations it acquired in the Heritage Acquisition. The seven stations are located in the Portland, Oregon and Rochester, New York markets and will be sold for aggregate consideration of approximately $126.5 million. Subject to approval by the FCC and termination of the applicable waiting period under the HSR Act, the Company anticipates it will close on the sale of the Portland and Rochester radio stations to Entercom during the second quarter of 1998. Entercom is operating these stations pursuant to an LMA pending closing of the sale. Montecito Acquisition. In February 1998, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire all of the capital stock of Montecito Broadcasting Corporation ("Montecito") for approximately $33 million (the "Montecito Acquisition"). Montecito owns all of the issued and outstanding stock of Channel 33, Inc. which owns and operates KFBT-TV in Las Vegas, Nevada. Currently, the Company is a Guarantor of Montecito Indebtedness of approximately $33 million. The Company cannot acquire Montecito unless and until FCC rules permit Sinclair to own the broadcast license for more than one station in the Las Vegas market, or unless Sinclair no longer owns the broadcast license for KUPN-TV in Las Vegas. The Company will operate KFBT-TV through an LMA upon expiration of the applicable HSR Act waiting period. The Company expects to be able to enter into the LMA in the second quarter of 1998. Sullivan Acquisition. In February 1998, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire all of the capital stock of Sullivan Broadcast Holdings, Inc. ("Sullivan Holdings") and Sullivan Broadcasting Company II, Inc. ("Sullivan II" and, together with Sullivan Holdings, "Sullivan") for a purchase price expected to be approximately $950 million to $1 billion, less the amount of certain outstanding indebtedness of Sullivan Holdings assumed by the Company (the "Sullivan Acquisition"). Upon the closing of all aspects of the Sullivan Acquisition, the Company will own or provide programming services to 13 additional television stations in 11 separate markets. The final purchase price will be based on a multiple of Sullivan's projected 1998 cash flow calculated at the initial closing of the Sullivan Acquisition. As part of the total consideration, the Company, at its option, may issue to the sellers up to $100 million of Class A Common Stock based on an average closing price of the Class A Common Stock. Among other conditions, the Sullivan Acquisition is subject to approval by the FCC and termination of the applicable waiting period under the HSR Act. An initial closing, at which the Company will acquire control of operating assets (excluding the License Assets) of, and acquire the right to program, the 13 television stations, is expected to occur in the second quarter of 1998. A second closing, at which the Company will acquire control of the License Assets of six of the stations, is expected to occur in the third quarter of 1998. F-38
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SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES INDEX TO SCHEDULES Schedule II -- Valuation and Qualifying Accounts ......... S - 3 All schedules except those listed above are omitted as not applicable or not required or the required information is included in the consolidated financial statements or in the notes thereto. S-1
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS To the Stockholders of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.: We have audited in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, the consolidated balance sheets, statements of operations, changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows balance sheets, statements of operations, changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries included in this Form 10-K registration statement and have issued our report thereon dated February 9, 1998, except for Note 24, as to which the date is February 23, 1998. Our audit was made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic financial statements taken as a whole. The schedules listed in the accompanying index is the responsibility of the Company's management and is presented for purposes of complying with the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and is not part of the basic financial statements. This schedule has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audit of the basic financial statements and, in our opinion, fairly states in all material respects the financial data required to be set forth therein in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole. Baltimore, Maryland, February 9, 1998 S-2
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SCHEDULE II SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997 (IN THOUSANDS) [Enlarge/Download Table] BALANCE AT CHARGED TO CHARGED BALANCE BEGINNING COSTS AND TO OTHER AT ENDED DESCRIPTION OF PERIOD EXPENSES ACCOUNTS DEDUCTIONS OF PERIODS ------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ------------ ----------- 1995 Allowance for doubtful accounts ..... $ 855 $ 978 $-- $ 767 $1,066 1996 Allowance for doubtful accounts ..... 1,066 1,563 575 (1) 732 2,472 1997 Allowance for doubtful accounts ..... 2,472 2,655 -- 2,207 2,920 ---------- (1) Amount represents allowance for doubtful account balances purchased in connection with the acquisition of certain television stations during 1996. S-3
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SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Section 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report on Form 10-K/A to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized on March 27, 1998. SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC. By: /s/ David B. Amy ------------------------------------ David B. Amy Chief Financial Officer Principal Accounting Officer Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant in the capacities indicated below. SIGNATURE TITLE DATE --------------------------- ------------------------------ --------------- /s/ David D. Smith ------------------------- Chairman of the Board, March 27, 1998 David D. Smith Chief Executive Officer (Principal executive officer) /s/ David B. Amy ------------------------- Chief Financial Officer March 27, 1998 David B. Amy (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer * Director March 27, 1998 ------------------------- Frederick G. Smith * Director March 27, 1998 ------------------------- J. Duncan Smith * Director March 27, 1998 ------------------------- Robert E. Smith Director ------------------------- Basil A. Thomas Director ------------------------- Lawrence E. McCanna *By: /s/ David B. Amy -------------------- David B. Amy Attorney-in-Fact II-1
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EXHIBIT NUMBER DESCRIPTION ---------- --------------------------------------------------------------------- 3.1 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (1) 3.2 By-laws (2) 4.1 Indenture, dated as of December 9, 1993, among Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., its wholly-owned subsidiaries and First Union National Banks of North Carolina, as trustee. (2) 4.2 Indenture, dated as of August 28, 1995, among Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., its wholly-owned subsidiaries and the United States Trust Company of New York as trustee. (2) 4.3 Form of Senior Subordinated Indenture among Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. and First Union National Bank, as trustee. (9) 4.4 Form of First Supplemental Indenture among Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. the Guarantors named therein and First Union National Bank, as trustee, including Form of Note. (9) 10.1 Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 10, 1996, by and between River City Broad- casting, L.P. as seller and Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. as buyer. (3) 10.2 Option Agreement, dated as of April 10, 1996, by and among River City Broadcasting, L.P., as sellers and Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (3) 10.3 Modification Agreement, dated as of April 10, 1996, by and between River City Broadcast Group, L.P. as seller, and Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. as buyer, with reference to Asset Purchase Agreement. (3) 10.4 Stock Option Agreement dated April 10, 1996 by and between Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. and Barry Baker. (10) 10.5 Employment Agreement, dated as of April 10, 1996, with Barry Baker. (1) 10.6 Indemnification Agreement, dated as of April 10, 1996, with Barry Baker. (1) 10.7 Time Brokerage Agreement, dated as of May 31, 1996, by and among Sinclair Communications, Inc., River City Broadcasting, L.P. and River City License Partnership and Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (1) 10.8 Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of May 31, 1996, by and between Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. and River City Broadcasting, L.P. (1) 10.9 Time Brokerage Agreement, dated as of August 3, 1995, by and between River City Broad- casting, L.P. and KRRT, Inc. and Assignment and Assumption Agreement dated as of May 31, 1996 by and among KRRT, Inc., River City Broadcasting, L.P. and KABB, Inc. (as Assignee of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.). (1) 10.10 Loan Agreement, dated as of July 7, 1995, by and between Keymarket of South Carolina, Inc. and River City Broadcasting, L.P. and First Amendment to Loan Agreement dated as of May 24, 1996. (1) 10.11 Option Agreement, dated as of July 7, 1995, by and among Keymarket of South Carolina, Kerby E. Confer and River City Broadcasting, L.P. (1) 10.12 Letter Agreement, dated August 20, 1996, between Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., River City Broadcasting, L.P. and Fox Broadcasting Company. (4) 10.13 Asset Purchase Agreement, dated January 31, 1997, by and between Channel 21, L.P. and KUPN, Inc. (10) 10.14 Promissory Note, dated as of May 17, 1990, in the principal amount of $3,000,000 among David D. Smith, Frederick G. Smith, J. Duncan Smith and Robert E. Smith (as makers) and Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., Channel 63, Inc., Commercial Radio Institute, Inc., WTTE, Channel 28, Inc. and Chesapeake Television, Inc. (as holders). (5) 10.15 Term Note, dated as of September 30, 1990, in the principal amount of $7,515,000 between Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (as borrower) and Julian S. Smith (as lender). (6)
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EXHIBIT NUMBER DESCRIPTION ------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------- 10.16 Replacement Term Note dated as of September 30, 1990 in the principal amount of $6,700,000 between Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (as borrower) and Carolyn C. Smith (as lender) (2) 10.17 Note dated as of September 30, 1990 in the principal amount of $1,500,000 between Frederick G. Smith, David D. Smith, J. Duncan Smith and Robert E. Smith (as borrowers and Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (as lender) (5) 10.18 Amended and Restated Note dated as of June 30, 1992 in the principal amount of $1,458,489 between Frederick G. Smith, David D. Smith, J. Duncan Smith and Robert E. Smith (as borrowers) and Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (as lender) (5) 10.19 Term Note dated August 1, 1992 in the principal amount of $900,000 between Frederick G. Smith, David D. Smith, J. Duncan Smith and Robert E. Smith (as borrowers) and Commer- cial Radio Institute, Inc. (as lender) (5) 10.20 Management Agreement dated as of January 6, 1992 between Keyser Communications, Inc. and WPGH, Inc. (5) 10.21 Promissory Note dated as of December 28, 1986 in the principal amount of $6,421,483.53 between Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (as maker) and Frederick H. Himes, B. Stanley Resnick and Edward A. Johnston (as representatives for the holders) (5) 10.22 Term Note dated as of March 1, 1993 in the principal amount of $6,559,000 between Julian S. Smith and Carolyn C. Smith (as makers-borrowers) and Commercial Radio Institute, Inc. (as holder-lender) (5) 10.23 Restatement of Stock Redemption Agreement by and among Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. and Chesapeake Television, Inc., et al. dated June 19, 1990 (5) 10.24 Corporate Guaranty Agreement dated as of September 30, 1990 by Chesapeake Television, Inc., Commercial Radio, Inc., Channel 63, Inc. and WTTE, Channel 28, Inc. (as guarantors) to Julian S. Smith and Carolyn C. Smith (as lenders) (5) 10.25 Security Agreement dated as of September 30, 1990 among Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., Chesapeake Television, Inc., Commercial Radio Institute, Inc., WTTE, Channel 28, Inc. and Channel 63, Inc. (as borrowers and subsidiaries of the borrower) and Julian S. Smith and Carolyn C. Smith (as lenders) (5) 10.26 Term Note dated as of September 22, 1993, in the principal amount of $1,900,000 between Gerstell Development Limited Partnership (as maker-borrower) and Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (as holder-lender) (5) 10.27 Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of May 20, 1997, by and among Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., Certain Subsidiary Guarantors, Certain Lenders and the Chase Manhattan Bank as Agent. (11) 10.28 Incentive Stock Option Plan for Designated Participants. (2) 10.29 Incentive Stock Option Plan of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (2) 10.30 First Amendment to Incentive Stock Option Plan of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., adopted April 10, 1996. (10) 10.31 Second Amendment to Incentive Stock Option Plan of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., adopted May 31, 1996. (10) 10.32 1996 Long Term Incentive Plan of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (10) 10.33 Employment Agreement by and between Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. and Robert E. Smith, dated as of June 12, 1995. (10) 10.34 Employment Agreement by and between Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. and J. Duncan Smith, dated as of June 12, 1995*. (10)
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EXHIBIT NUMBER DESCRIPTION ------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------- 10.35 Employment Agreement by and between Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. and Frederick G. Smith, dated as of June 12, 1995. (10) 10.36 Employment Agreement by and between Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. and David D. Smith, dated as of June 12, 1995. (10) 10.37 Common Stock Option dated as of August 26, 1994 by and between Communications Corporation of America (as optionee) and Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (as optionor) (2) 10.38 Common Non-Voting Capital Stock Option dated as of May 3, 1995 by and between Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. and William Richard Schmidt, as trustee (2) 10.39 Common Non-Voting Capital Stock Option dated as of May 3, 1995 by and between Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. and C. Victoria Woodward, as trustee (2) 10.40 Common Non-Voting Capital Stock Option dated as of May 3, 1995 by and between Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. and Dyson Ehrhardt, as trustee (2) 10.41 Common Non-Voting Capital Stock Option dated as of May 3, 1995 by and between Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. and Mark Knobloch, as trustee (2) 10.42 Agreement and Plan of Merger of Keyser Communications, Inc. into Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. dated May 4, 1995 and Articles of Merger dated May 4, 1995 (2) 10.43 Amended and Restated Asset Purchase Agreement by and between River City Broadcasting, L.P. and Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. dated as of April 10, 1996 and amended and restated as of May 31, 1996 (7) 10.44 Group I Option Agreement by and among River City Broadcasting, L.P. and Sinclair Broad- cast Group, Inc. dated as of May 31, 1996 (7) 10.45 Columbus Option Agreement by and among River City Broadcasting, L.P. and River City License Partnership and Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. dated as of May 31, 1996 (7) 10.46 Option Agreement dated as of May 24, 1994 between Kansas City TV 62 Limited Partnership and the Individuals Named Herein, on Behalf of an Entity To Be Formed (1) 10.47 Option Agreement dated as of May 24, 1994 between Cincinnati 64 Limited Partnership and the Individuals Named Herein, on Behalf of an Entity To Be Formed (1) 10.48 Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of March 1, 1996 by and between Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. and The Stockholders of Superior Communications Group, Inc. (1) 10.49 Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of January 16, 1996 by and between Bloomington Comco, Inc. And WYZZ, Inc. (1) 10.50 Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of June 10, 1996 by and between WTTE, Channel 28, Inc. and WTTE, Channel 28 Licensee, Inc. and Glencairn, Ltd. (1) 10.51 Asset Purchase Agreement dated April 10, 1996 by and between KRRT, Inc. and SBGI, Inc. (8) 10.52 Agreement for the purchase of assets dated as of January 16, 1996 and escrow agreement dated as of January 16, 1996 between Bloomington Comco, Inc. and Sinclair Broadcast Group (6) 10.53 Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of March 1, 1996 by and among Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. and PNC Capital Corp., Primus Capital Fund II, Ltd., Albert M. Holtz, Perry A. Sook, Richard J. Roberts, George F. Boggs, Albert M. Holtz, as Trustee for the Irrevocable Deed of Trust for Tara Ellen Holtz, dated December 6, 1994, and Albert M. Holtz as trustee for the Irrevocable Deed of Trust for Meghan Ellen Holtz, dated December 6, 1994 (6)
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EXHIBIT NUMBER DESCRIPTION ------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------- 10.54 Primary Television Affiliation Agreement dated as of March 24, 1997 by and between Amer- ican Broadcasting Companies, Inc., River City Broadcasting, L.P. and Chesapeake Television, Inc. (Confidential treatment has been requested. The copy filed omits the information subject to a confidentiality request.) (13) 10.55 Primary Television Affiliation Agreement dated as of March 24, 1997 by and between Amer- ican Broadcasting Companies, Inc., River City Broadcasting, L.P. and WPGH, Inc. (Confidential treatment has been requested. The copy filed omits the information subject to a confidentiality request.) (13) 10.56 Assets Purchase Agreement by and among Entertainment Communications, Inc., Tuscaloosa Broadcasting, Inc., Sinclair Radio of Portland Licensee, Inc. and Sinclair Radio of Rochester Licensee, Inc., dated as of January 26, 1998. (13) 10.57 Time Brokerage Agreement by and among Entertainment Communications, Inc., Tuscaloosa Broadcasting, Inc., Sinclair Radio of Portland Licensee, Inc. and Sinclair Radio or Rochester Licensee, Inc., dated as of January 26, 1998. (13) 10.58 Stock Purchase Agreement by and among the sole stockholders of Montecito Broadcasting Corporation, Montecito Broadcasting Corporation and Sinclair Communications, Inc., dated as of February 3, 1998. (13) 10.59 Stock Purchase Agreement by and among Sinclair Communications, Inc., the stockholders of Max Investors, Inc., Max Investors, Inc. and Max Media Properties LLC., dated as of Decem- ber 2, 1997 (13) 10.60 Asset Purchase Agreement by and among Sinclair Communications, Inc., Max Management LLC and Max Media Properties LLC., dated as of December 2, 1997. (13) 10.61 Asset Purchase Agreement by and among Sinclair Communications, Inc., Max Television Company, Max Media Properties LLC and Max Media Properties II LLC., dated as of De- cember 2, 1997. (13) 10.62 Asset Purchase Agreement by and among Sinclair Communications, Inc., Max Television Company, Max Media Properties LLC and Max Media Properties II LLC., dated as of Jan- uary 21, 1998. (13) 10.63 Asset Purchase Agreement by and among Tuscoloosa Broadcasting, Inc., WPTZ Licensee, Inc., WNNE Licensee, Inc., and STC Broadcasting of Vermont, Inc., dated as of February 3, 1998. (13) 10.64 Stock Purchase Agreement by and among Sinclair Communications, Inc. and the stockholders of Lakeland Group Television, Inc., dated as of November 14, 1997. (13) 10.65 Stock Purchase Agreement by and among Sinclair Communications, Inc., the stockholders of Max Radio, Inc., Max Radio Inc. and Max Media Properties LLC, dated as of December 2, 1997. (13) 10.66 Agreement and Plan of Merger among Sullivan Broadcasting Company II, Inc., Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., and ABRY Partners, Inc. Effective as of February 23, 1998. (13) 10.67 Agreement and Plan of Merger among Sullivan Broadcast Holdings, Inc., Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., and ABRY Partners, Inc. Effective as of February 23, 1998. (13) 10.68 Amendment No. 1 dated as of September 2, 1997 to the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of May 20, 1997 by and among Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., certain Subsidiary Guarantors, certain Lenders and The Chase Manhattan Bank as Agent. (12)
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EXHIBIT NUMBER DESCRIPTION -------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 12 Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges 23 Consent of Independent Public Accountants 27 Financial Data Schedule (13) ---------------- (1) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 1996 (2) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, No. 33-90682 (3) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 1996 (4) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 1996. (5) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, No. 33-69482 (6) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Report on Form 10-K for the annual period ended December 31, 1995. (7) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Amended Current Report on Form 8-K/A, filed May 9, 1996. (8) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed May 17, 1996. (9) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, dated as of December 16, 1997. (10) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Report on Form 10-K for the annual period ended December 31, 1996. (11) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 1997. (12) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 1997. (13) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Report on Form 10-k for the annual period ended December 31, 1997.

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10/1/135981
3/15/0992
1/16/089
7/15/0775
12/31/06282910-K,  11-K
5/31/05598-K,  8-K/A
12/31/04767910-K,  10-K/A,  11-K
11/30/0375
12/31/027510-K,  10-K/A,  11-K,  8-K
9/30/022910-Q
5/31/015586
1/15/0137
9/30/005810-Q
9/20/0091SC 13D/A
7/13/0095
1/1/0028
12/31/99268110-K,  11-K
11/1/999
10/1/9926
7/1/9928
6/30/998610-Q
5/1/9928
3/31/99757910-Q
8/31/9889
6/15/9876
6/10/9875
5/31/9815
4/6/9869
3/30/9869
Filed on:3/27/981048-K/A,  PRE 14A
3/16/98138
3/13/981
3/10/9845
3/6/9816
2/27/9816
2/23/9864108
2/9/9864102
2/3/98108
1/29/9816
1/26/98108
1/16/98937
1/15/98977
1/1/982855
For Period End:12/31/97110910-K,  11-K,  11-K/A
12/16/97621098-K
12/15/975095
12/12/97262424B5,  8-K/A
12/9/9737424B5
12/5/97628-K
12/2/97151088-K,  8-K/A
11/26/97628-K
11/14/9716108
11/7/9777
10/10/9777
10/8/9762778-K/A,  S-4/A
9/30/9710910-Q
9/2/97108
8/31/9756
8/11/9792SC 13G
8/1/9737
7/16/9716898-K,  8-K/A
7/14/97378-K
7/4/979
6/30/9710910-Q
6/15/9792
5/30/9717
5/20/97106108
5/2/9792S-4
3/31/978910-Q
3/24/97108
3/12/974392
1/31/97105SC 13G
1/30/9717
12/31/961510910-K,  10-K/A
11/5/962223
9/30/9610910-Q,  10-Q/A
8/21/968
8/20/96105
6/30/9610910-Q,  10-Q/A
6/10/96107
5/31/9675107
5/24/96105
5/17/961098-K,  PRE 14A
5/9/961098-K,  8-K/A
4/10/96105107
3/31/968110910-Q
3/30/9677
3/1/96107
2/8/9613
1/16/96107
1/1/9697
12/31/9538109
8/28/9575105
8/3/95105
7/7/95105SC 13G
6/13/9538
6/12/95106107
6/1/9523
5/5/9585
5/4/95107
5/3/95107
5/1/9528
3/31/9584
3/27/9591
12/31/943867
12/6/94107
11/1/945981
8/26/94107
6/1/9481
5/24/94107
3/31/9458
12/31/933881
12/9/93105
9/22/93106
3/1/93106
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