SAGA COMMUNICATIONS INC - Annual Report: 2005 (Form 10-K)

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

Form 10-K

 

 

Commission file number 1-11588

 

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:

(313) 886-7070

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes o     No þ.  

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  Yes o    No þ.  

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed 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 þ    No o.  

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Rule 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 or any amendments to this Form 10-K. þ

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  Yes o     No þ.  

 

Aggregate market value of the Class A Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock (assuming conversion thereof into Class A Common Stock) held by nonaffiliates of the registrant, computed on the basis of $14.00 per share (the closing price of the Class A Common Stock on June 30, 2005 on the New York Stock Exchange): $252,218,750.

 

The number of shares of the registrant’s Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value, and Class B Common Stock, $.01 par value, outstanding as of March 7, 2006 was 18,098,028 and 2,369,577, respectively.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

1. Proxy Statement for the 2006 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or before May 1, 2006) is incorporated by reference in Part III hereof.

 

 

Saga Communications, Inc.
2005 Form 10-K Annual Report

 

Table of Contents

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

Statements contained in this Form 10-K that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In addition, words such as “believes,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “plans”, “expects,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are made as of the date of this report or as otherwise indicated, based on current expectations. We undertake no obligation to update this information. A number of important factors could cause our actual results for 2006 and beyond to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on our behalf. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance as they involve a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that may prove to be incorrect and that may cause our actual results and experiences to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements. The risks, uncertainties and assumptions that may affect our performance, which are described in Item 1A of this report, include our financial leverage and debt service requirements, dependence on key personnel, dependence on key stations, U.S. and local economic conditions, our ability to successfully integrate acquired stations, regulatory requirements, new technologies, natural disasters and terrorist attacks. We cannot be sure that we will be able to anticipate or respond timely to changes in any of these factors, which could adversely affect the operating results in one or more fiscal quarters. Results of operations in any past period should not be considered, in and of itself, indicative of the results to be expected for future periods. Fluctuations in operating results may also result in fluctuations in the price of our stock.

 

We are a broadcast company primarily engaged in acquiring, developing and operating radio and television stations. As of December 31, 2005 we owned or operated eighty-seven radio stations, five television stations, four low-power television stations and five radio information networks serving twenty-six markets throughout the United States. We actively seek and explore opportunities for expansion through the acquisition of additional broadcast properties. We review acquisition opportunities on an ongoing basis.

 

Recent Developments

 

Since January 1, 2005, we have entered into the following transactions regarding acquisitions, Time Brokerage Agreements (“TBAs”), and Shared Services Agreements for stations serving the markets indicated. The following are included in our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2005:

 

 

In addition, the following transaction was pending at December 31, 2005:

 

 

For additional information with respect to these acquisitions and disposals, see Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources.

 

Business

 

As of February 28, 2006, we owned, operated or shared services with five television stations and four low-power television stations serving three markets, five radio information networks, and fifty-seven FM and thirty AM radio stations serving twenty-three markets, including Columbus, Ohio; Norfolk, Virginia; and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The following table sets forth information about our radio stations and the markets they serve as of February 28, 2006:

 

(footnotes on page 7)

(footnotes on next page)

 

 

 

The following table sets forth information about our television stations and the markets they serve as of February 28, 2006:

 

 

 

 

For purposes of business segment reporting, we have aligned operations with similar characteristics into two business segments: Radio and Television. The Radio segment includes twenty-three markets, which includes all eighty-seven of our radio stations and five radio information networks. The Television segment includes three markets and consists of five television stations and four low power television (“LPTV”) stations.

For more information regarding our reportable segments, see Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Strategy

 

Our strategy is to operate top billing radio and television stations in mid-sized markets, which we define as markets ranked from 20 to 200 out of the markets summarized by Investing in Radio Market Report and Investing in Television Market Report. As of February 28, 2006, we owned and/or operated at least one of the top two billing stations in each of our radio and television markets for which independent data exists.

 

Based on the most recent information available, 16 of our 35 FM radio stations that subscribe to independent ratings services were ranked number one (by number of listeners) in their target demographic markets , and 2 of our 9 television stations were ranked number one (by number of viewers), in their markets. Programming and marketing are key components in our strategy to achieve top ratings in both our radio and television operations. In many of our markets, the three or four most highly rated stations (radio and/or television) receive a disproportionately high share of the market’s advertising revenues. As a result, a station’s revenue is dependent upon its ability to maximize its number of listeners/viewers within an advertiser’s given demographic parameters. In certain cases we use attributes other than specific market listener data for sales activities. In those markets where sufficient alternative data is available, we do not subscribe to an independent listener rating service.

 

The radio stations that we own and/or operate employ a variety of programming formats, including Classic Hits, Adult Contemporary, Album Oriented Rock, News/Talk, Country and Classical. We regularly perform extensive market research, including music evaluations, focus groups and strategic vulnerability studies. Our stations also employ audience promotions to further develop and secure a loyal following.

 

The television stations that we own and/or operate are comprised of two CBS affiliates, one ABC affiliate, two Fox affiliates, one Univision affiliate, one NBC affiliate, one UPN affiliate and one Telemundo affiliate. In addition to securing network programming, we also carefully select available syndicated programming to maximize viewership. We also develop local programming, including a strong local news franchise in each of our television markets.

 

We concentrate on the development of strong decentralized local management, which is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the stations we own and/or operate. We compensate local management based on the station’s financial performance, as well as other performance factors that are deemed to effect the long-term ability of the stations to achieve financial performance objectives. Corporate management is responsible for long-range planning, establishing policies and procedures, resource allocation and monitoring the activities of the stations.

 

We actively seek and explore opportunities for expansion through the acquisition of additional broadcast properties. Under the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (the “Telecommunications Act”), we are permitted to own as many as 8 radio stations in a single market. See “Federal Regulation of Radio and Television Broadcasting”. We seek to acquire reasonably priced broadcast properties with significant growth potential that are located in markets with well-established and relatively stable economies. We often focus on local economies supported by a strong presence of state or federal government or one or more major universities. Future acquisitions will be subject to the availability of financing and compliance with the Communications Act of 1934 (the “Communications Act”) and FCC rules. We review acquisition opportunities on an ongoing basis.

 

Advertising Sales

 

Our primary source of revenue is from the sale of advertising for broadcast on our stations. Depending on the format of a particular radio station, there are a predetermined number of advertisements broadcast each hour. The number of advertisements broadcast on our television stations may be limited by certain network affiliation and syndication agreements and, with respect to children’s programs, federal regulation. We determine the number of advertisements broadcast hourly that can maximize a station’s available revenue

dollars without jeopardizing listening/viewing levels. While there may be shifts from time to time in the number of advertisements broadcast during a particular time of the day, the total number of advertisements broadcast on a particular station generally does not vary significantly from year to year. Any change in our revenue, with the exception of those instances where stations are acquired or sold, is generally the result of pricing adjustments, which are made to ensure that the station efficiently utilizes available inventory.

 

Advertising rates charged by radio and television stations are based primarily on a station’s ability to attract audiences in the demographic groups targeted by advertisers, the number of stations in the market competing for the same demographic group, the supply of and demand for radio and television advertising time, and other qualitative factors including rates charged by competing radio and television stations within a given market. Radio rates are generally highest during morning and afternoon drive-time hours, while television advertising rates are generally higher during prime time evening viewing periods. Most advertising contracts are short-term, generally running for only a few weeks. This allows broadcasters the ability to modify advertising rates as dictated by changes in station ownership within a market, changes in listener/viewer ratings and changes in the business climate within a particular market.

 

Approximately $131,401,000 or 84% of our gross revenue for the year ended December 31, 2005 (approximately $124,878,000 or 83% in fiscal 2004 and approximately $109,666,000 or 81% in fiscal 2003) was generated from the sale of local advertising. Additional revenue is generated from the sale of national advertising, network compensation payments, barter and other miscellaneous transactions. In all our markets, we attempt to maintain a local sales force that is generally larger than our competitors. The principal goal in our sales efforts is to develop long-standing customer relationships through frequent direct contacts, which we believe represents a competitive advantage. We also typically provide incentives to our sales staff to seek out new opportunities resulting in the establishment of new client relationships, as well as new sources of revenue, not directly associated with the sale of broadcast time.

 

Each of our stations also engages independent national sales representatives to assist us in obtaining national advertising revenues. These representatives obtain advertising through national advertising agencies and receive a commission from us based on our net revenue from the advertising obtained. Total gross revenue resulting from national advertising in fiscal 2005 was approximately $25,162,000 or 16% of our gross revenue (approximately $25,419,000 or 17% in fiscal 2004 and approximately $25,470,000 or 19% in fiscal 2003).

 

Competition

 

Both radio and television broadcasting are highly competitive businesses. Our stations compete for listeners/viewers and advertising revenues directly with other radio and/or television stations, as well as other media, within their markets. Our radio and television stations compete for listeners/viewers primarily on the basis of program content and by employing on-air talent which appeals to a particular demographic group. By building a strong listener/viewer base comprised of a specific demographic group in each of its markets, we are able to attract advertisers seeking to reach these listeners/viewers.

 

Other media, including broadcast television and/or radio (as applicable), cable television, newspapers, magazines, direct mail, the internet, coupons and billboard advertising, also compete with us for advertising revenues.

 

The radio and television broadcasting industries are also subject to competition from new media technologies, such as the delivery of audio programming by cable and satellite television systems, satellite radio systems, direct reception from satellites, and streaming of audio on the Internet. We cannot predict what effect, if any, any of these new technologies may have on us or the broadcasting industry.

 

Seasonality

 

Our revenue varies throughout the year.  Advertising expenditures, our primary source of revenue, is generally lowest in the first quarter.

Employees

 

As of December 31, 2005, we had approximately 934 full-time employees and 407 part-time employees, none of whom are represented by unions. We believe that our relations with our employees are good.

 

We employ several high-profile personalities with large loyal audiences in their respective markets. We have entered into employment and non-competition agreements with our President and with most of our on-air personalities, as well as non-competition agreements with our commissioned sales representatives.

 

Available Information

 

You can find more information about us at our Internet website located at www.sagacommunications.com. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, our Current Reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to those reports are available free of charge on our Internet website as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

 

Federal Regulation of Radio and Television Broadcasting

 

Introduction.  The ownership, operation and sale of radio and television stations, including those licensed to us, 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 power of stations; issues, renews, revokes and modifies station licenses; determines whether to approve changes in ownership or control of 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. For additional information on the impact of FCC regulations and the introduction of new technologies on our operations, see “Forward Looking Statements; Risk Factors” below.

 

The following is a brief summary of certain provisions of the Communications Act and of specific FCC regulations and policies. Reference should be made to the Communications 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 Renewal.  Radio and television broadcasting licenses are granted for maximum terms of eight years, and are subject to renewal upon application to the FCC. Under its “two-step” renewal process, the FCC must grant a renewal application if it finds that during the preceding term the licensee has served the public interest, convenience and necessity, and there have been no serious violations of the Communications Act or the FCC’s rules which, taken together, would constitute a pattern of abuse. If a renewal applicant fails to meet these standards, the FCC may either deny its application or grant the application on such terms and conditions as are appropriate, including renewal for less than the full 8-year term. In making the determination of whether to renew the license, the FCC may not consider whether the public interest would be served by the grant of a license to a person other than the renewal applicant. If the FCC, after notice and opportunity for a hearing, finds that the licensee has failed to meet the requirements for renewal and no mitigating factors justify the imposition of lesser sanctions, the FCC may issue an order denying the renewal application, and only thereafter may the FCC accept applications for a construction permit specifying the broadcasting facilities of the former licensee. Petitions may be filed to deny the renewal applications of our stations, but any such petitions must raise issues that would cause the FCC to deny a renewal application under the standards adopted in the “two-step” renewal process. We have filed applications to renew the Company’s radio and television station licenses, as necessary, and we intend to timely file renewal applications, as required for the Company’s stations. Under the Communications Act, if a broadcast station fails to transmit signals for any consecutive 12-month period, the FCC license expires at the end of that period, unless the FCC exercises its discretion to extend or reinstate the license “to promote equity and fairness.” The FCC, to date, has refused to exercise such discretion.

compliance with the Communications Act’s limitations on alien ownership; compliance with various rules limiting common ownership of broadcast, cable and newspaper properties; and the “character” and other qualifications of the licensee and those persons holding “attributable or cognizable” interests therein.

 

Under the Communications Act, broadcast licenses may not be granted to any corporation having more than one-fifth of its issued and outstanding capital stock owned or voted by aliens (including non-U.S. corporations), foreign governments or their representatives (collectively, “Aliens”). The Communications Act also prohibits a corporation, without FCC waiver, from holding a broadcast license if that corporation is controlled, directly or indirectly, by another corporation in which more than 25% of the issued and outstanding capital stock is owned or voted by Aliens. The FCC has issued interpretations of existing law under which these restrictions in modified form apply to other forms of business organizations, including partnerships. Since we serve as a holding company for our various radio station subsidiaries, we cannot have more than 25% of our stock owned or voted by Aliens.

 

The Communications Act and FCC rules also generally prohibit or restrict the common ownership, operation or control of a radio broadcast station and a television broadcast station serving the same geographic market. The FCC’s rules permit the ownership of up to two television stations by the same entity if (a) at least eight independently owned and operated full-power commercial and noncommercial TV stations would remain in the Designated Market Area (“DMA”) in which the communities of license of the TV stations in question are located, and (b) the two merging stations are not both among the top four-ranked stations in the market as measured by audience share. The FCC established criteria for obtaining a waiver of the rules to permit the ownership of two television stations in the same DMA that would not otherwise comply with the FCC’s rules. Under certain circumstances, a television station may merge with a “failed” or “failing” station or an “unbuilt” station if strict criteria are satisfied. Additionally, the FCC now permits a party to own up to two television stations (if permitted under the modified TV duopoly rule) and up to six radio stations (if permitted under the local radio ownership rules), or one television station and up to seven radio stations, in any market where at least 20 independently owned media voices remain in the market after the combination is effected (“Qualifying Market”). The FCC will permit the common ownership of up to two television stations and four radio stations in any market where at least 10 independently owned media voices remain after the combination is effected. The FCC will permit the common ownership of up to two television stations and one radio station notwithstanding the number of voices in the market. The FCC also adopted rules that make television time brokerage agreements or TBA’s count as if the brokered station were owned by the brokering station in making a determination of compliance with the FCC’s multiple ownership rules. TBA’s entered into before November 5, 1996, are grandfathered until the FCC announces the required termination date when it conducts its review of the rules in 2006. As a result of the FCC’s rules, we would not be permitted to acquire a television broadcast station (other than low power television) in a non-Qualifying Market in which we now own any television properties. The FCC revised its rules to permit a television station to affiliate with two or more major networks of television broadcast stations under certain conditions. (Major existing networks are still subject to the FCC’s dual network ban).

 

We are permitted to own an unlimited number of radio stations on a nationwide basis (subject to the local ownership restrictions described below). We are permitted to own an unlimited number of television stations on a nationwide basis so long as the ownership of the stations would not result in an aggregate national audience reach (i.e., the total number of television households in the Arbitron Area of Dominant Influence (“ADI”) markets in which the relevant stations are located divided by the total national television households as measured by ADI data at the time of a grant, transfer or assignment of a license) of 35%. This so-called “national television station ownership rule” was appealed to the court, and on February 21, 2002, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit remanded the rule to the FCC for further consideration and vacated outright a related rule that prohibited a cable television system from carrying the signal of any television station it owned in the same local market. As a result, on July 2, 2003, the FCC released a “Report and Order and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking” in MB Docket No. 02-277 that

significantly modified the FCC’s multiple ownership rules. The new multiple ownership rules expand the opportunities for newspaper-broadcast combinations, as follows:

 

 

(A) A daily newspaper; one TV station; and up to half of the radio station limit for that market (i.e.  if the radio limit in the market is 6, the company can only own 3) OR

 

(B) A daily newspaper; and up to the radio station limit for that market; (i.e.  no TV stations) OR

 

(C) Two TV stations (if permissible under local TV ownership rule); up to the radio station limit for that market (i.e.  no daily newspapers).

 

 

Under the new rules, the number of radio stations one party may own in a local Arbitron-rated radio market is determined by the number of commercial and noncommercial radio stations in the market as determined by Arbitron and BIA Financial, Inc. Radio markets that are not Arbitron rated are determined by analysis of the broadcast coverage contours of the radio stations involved. Numerous parties, including the Company, have sought reconsideration of the new rules. In Prometheus Radio v. FCC, Case No. 03-3388, on September 3, 2003, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit granted a stay of the effective date of the FCC’s new rules. On June 24, 2004, the court remanded the case to the FCC for the FCC to justify or modify its approach to setting numerical limits and for the FCC to reconsider or better explain its decision to repeal the failed station solicitation rule, and lifted its stay on the effect of the new radio multiple ownership rules. The new rules could restrict the Company’s ability to acquire additional radio and television stations in some markets and could require the Company to terminate its arrangements with Surtsey Media, LLC. The Court and FCC proceedings are ongoing and we cannot predict what action, if any, the Court may take or what action the FCC may take to further modify its rules. The statements herein are based solely on the FCC’s multiple ownership rules in effect as of the date hereof and do not include any forward-looking statements concerning compliance with any future multiple ownership rules.

 

Under the Communications Act, we are permitted to own radio stations (without regard to the audience shares of the stations) based upon the number of radio stations in the relevant radio market as follows:

 

 

The FCC has eliminated its previous scrutiny of some proposed acquisitions and mergers on antitrust grounds and that was manifest in a policy of placing a “flag” soliciting public comment on concentration of control issues based on advertising revenue shares or other criteria, on the public notice announcing the acceptance of assignment and transfer applications. Notwithstanding this action, we cannot predict whether the FCC will adopt rules that would restrict our ability to acquire additional stations.

 

New rules to be promulgated under the Communications Act may permit us to own, operate, control or have a cognizable interest in additional radio broadcast stations if the FCC determines that such ownership,

operation, control or cognizable interest will result in an increase in the number of radio stations in operation. No firm date has been established for initiation of this rule-making proceeding.

 

In April 2003, the FCC issued a Report and Order resolving a proceeding in which it sought comment on the procedures it should use to license “non-reserved” broadcast channels (i.e., those FM channels not specifically reserved for noncommercial use) in which both commercial and noncommercial educational (“NCE”) entities have an interest. The FCC adopted a proposal to allow applicants for NCE stations to submit applications for non-reserved spectrum in a filing window, subject to being returned as unacceptable for filing if there is any mutually exclusive application for a commercial station, and to allow applicants for AM stations and secondary services a prior opportunity to resolve their mutually exclusive applications through settlements. Applicants for NCE stations in the full-power FM and TV services also have an opportunity to reserve channels at the allocation stage of the licensing process for use of those channels; however, this opportunity is not available to commercial applicants such as the Company.

 

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 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 20% or more of such stock in the case of certain passive investors that are holding stock for investment purposes only) are generally attributable, as are positions of an officer or director of a corporate parent of a broadcast licensee. Currently, three of our officers and directors have an attributable interest or interests in companies applying for or licensed to operate broadcast stations other than us.

 

In 2001, the FCC revised its ownership attribution rules to (a) apply to limited liability companies and registered limited liability partnerships the same attribution rules that the FCC applies to limited partnerships; and (b) create a new equity/debt plus (“EDP”) rule that attributes the other media interests of an otherwise passive investor if the investor is (1) a “major-market program supplier” that supplies over 15% of a station’s total weekly broadcast programming hours, or (2) a same-market media entity subject to the FCC’s multiple ownership rules (including broadcasters, cable operators and newspapers) so that its interest in a licensee or other media entity in that market will be attributed if that interest, aggregating both debt and equity holdings, exceeds 33% of the total asset value (equity plus debt) of the licensee or media entity. We could be prohibited from acquiring a financial interest in stations in markets where application of the EDP rule would result in us having an attributable interest in the stations. In reconsidering its rules, the FCC also eliminated the “single majority shareholder exemption” which provides that minority voting shares in a corporation where one shareholder controls a majority of the voting stock are not attributable; however, in December 2001 the FCC “suspended” the elimination of this exemption until the FCC resolved issues concerning cable television ownership.

 

In addition to the FCC’s multiple ownership rules, the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission have the authority to examine proposed transactions for compliance with antitrust statutes and guidelines. The Antitrust Division has become more active recently in reviewing proposed acquisitions. It has issued “civil investigative demands” and obtained consent decrees requiring the divestiture of stations in a particular market based on antitrust concerns.

 

Programming and Operation.  The Communications Act requires broadcasters to serve the “public interest”. Licensees are required to present programming that is responsive to community problems, needs and interests and to maintain certain records demonstrating such responsiveness. Complaints from listeners concerning a station’s programming often will 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 follow various rules promulgated under the Communications Act that regulate, among other things, political advertising, sponsorship identification, the advertisement of contests and lotteries, obscene and indecent broadcasts, and technical operations, including limits on radio frequency radiation. The FCC now requires the owners of antenna supporting structures (towers) to register them with the FCC. As an owner of such towers, we are subject to the registration requirements. The Children’s Television Act of 1990 and the FCC’s rules promulgated thereunder require television broadcasters to limit the amount of commercial matter which may be aired in children’s programming to 10.5 minutes per hour on

weekends and 12 minutes per hour on weekdays. The Children’s Television Act and the FCC’s rules also require each television licensee to serve, over the term of its license, the educational and informational needs of children through the licensee’s programming (and to present at least three hours per week of “core” educational programming specifically designed to serve such needs). Licensees are required to publicize the availability of this programming and to file quarterly a report with the FCC on these programs and related matters. Television stations are required to provide closed captioning for certain video programming according to a schedule that gradually increases the amount of video programming that must be provided with captions.

 

Equal Employment Opportunity Rules.  Equal employment opportunity (EEO) rules and policies for broadcasters prohibit discrimination by broadcasters and multichannel video programming distributors. They also require broadcasters to provide notice of job vacancies and to undertake additional outreach measures, such as job fairs and scholarship programs. The rules mandate a “three prong” outreach program; i.e., Prong 1: widely disseminate information concerning each full-time (30 hours or more) job vacancy, except for vacancies filled in exigent circumstances; Prong 2: provide notice of each full-time job vacancy to recruitment organizations that have requested such notice; and Prong 3: complete two (for broadcast employment units with five to ten full-time employees or that are located in smaller markets) or four (for employment units with more than ten full-time employees located in larger markets) longer-term recruitment initiatives within a two-year period. These include, for example, job fairs, scholarship and internship programs, and other community events designed to inform the public as to employment opportunities in broadcasting. The rules mandate extensive record keeping and reporting requirements. The EEO rules will be enforced through review at renewal time, at mid-term for larger broadcasters, and through random audits and targeted investigations resulting from information received as to possible violations. The FCC has not yet decided on whether and how to apply the EEO rule to part-time positions.

 

Failure to observe these or other rules and policies can result in the imposition of various sanctions, including monetary forfeitures, the grant of “short” (less than the full eight-year) renewal terms or, for particularly egregious violations, the denial of a license renewal application or the revocation of a license.

 

Time Brokerage Agreements.  As is common in the industry, we have entered into what have commonly been referred to as Time Brokerage Agreements, or “TBA’s”. While these agreements may take varying forms, under a typical TBA, separately owned and licensed radio or 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 agree to function cooperatively in terms of programming, advertising sales, and other matters, subject to the licensee of each station maintaining independent control over the programming and station operations of its own station. One typical type of TBA is a programming agreement between two separately-owned radio or television stations serving a common service area, whereby the licensee of one station purchases 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 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 purchase the blocks of time and which sell their own commercial advertising announcements during the time periods in question.

 

The FCC’s rules provide that a station purchasing (brokering) time on another station serving the same market will be considered to have an attributable ownership interest in the brokered station for purposes of the FCC’s multiple ownership rules. As a result, under the rules, a broadcast station will not be permitted to enter into a time brokerage agreement giving it the right to purchase more than 15% of the broadcast time, on a weekly basis, of another local station that it could not own under the local ownership rules of the FCC’s multiple ownership rules. 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) whether it owns the stations or through a TBA arrangement, where the brokered and brokering stations serve substantially the same geographic area

 

The FCC’s new multiple ownership rules count stations brokered under a joint sales agreement (“JSA”) toward the brokering station’s permissible ownership totals , as long as (1) the brokering entity owns or has an

attributable interest in one or more stations in the local market, and (2) the joint advertising sales amount to more than 15% of the brokered station’s advertising time per week. In a “Notice of Proposed Rulemaking” in MB Docket No. 04-256, released August 2, 2004, the FCC sought comment from the public on whether television JSAs should also be attributable to the brokering station. The next ownership review will commence in 2006. Since the FCC did not undertake an ownership review in 2004, the FCC invited comment as to whether it should nonetheless commence the reevaluation of grandfathered television LMAs in 2004 or postpone it until the next quadrennial ownership review in 2006. The FCC has not yet released a decision in the proceeding. The FCC adopted rules that permit, under certain circumstances, the ownership of two or more television stations in a Qualifying Market and requires the termination of certain non-complying existing television TBA’s. We currently have a television TBA in the Victoria, Texas market with Surtsey. Even though the Victoria market is not a Qualifying Market such that the duopoly would otherwise be permissible, as discussed above, we believe that the TBA is “grandfathered” under the FCC’s rules and need not be terminated earlier than 2006. See “Ownership Matters” above.

 

On March 7, 2003 we entered into an agreement of understanding with Surtsey, whereby we have guaranteed up to $1,250,000 of the debt incurred by Surtsey in closing on the acquisition of a construction permit for KFJX-TV station in Pittsburg, Kansas. In consideration for our guarantee, Surtsey has entered into various agreements with us relating to the station, including a Shared Services Agreement, Technical Services Agreement, Agreement for the Sale of Commercial Time, Option Agreement and Broker Agreement (not a TBA). Under the FCC’s ownership rules, we are prohibited from owning or having an attributable or cognizable interest in this station. As noted above, if the FCC decides to attribute television JSA’s, we would be required to terminate the Agreement for the Sale of Commercial Time.

 

Other FCC Requirements

 

The “V-Chip.” The FCC adopted methodology that will be used to send program ratings information to consumer TV receivers (implementation of “V-Chip” legislation contained in the Communications Act). The FCC also adopted the TV Parental Guidelines, developed by the Industry Ratings Implementation Group, which apply to all broadcast television programming except for news and sports. As a part of the legislation, television station licensees are required to attach as an exhibit to their applications for license renewal a summary of written comments and suggestions received from the public and maintained by the licensee that comment on the licensee’s programming characterized as violent.

 

Digital Television.  The FCC’s rules provide for the conversion by all U.S. television broadcasters to digital television (“DTV”), including build-out construction schedules, NTSC (current analog system) and DTV channel simulcasting, and the return of NTSC channels to the government. The FCC has attempted to provide DTV coverage areas that are comparable to the NTSC service areas. DTV licensees may use their DTV channels for a multiplicity of services such as high-definition television broadcasts, multiple standard definition television broadcasts, data, audio, and other services so long as the licensee provides at least one free video channel equal in quality to the current NTSC technical standard. Our television stations have begun providing low power DTV service on channels separate from their NTSC channels. Our television stations are required to cease broadcasting on the NTSC channels by February 17, 2009, and return the NTSC channels to the government to be auctioned. On August 4, 2004, the FCC adopted a Report and Order (“Order”) that implements several steps necessary for the conversion to DTV. This Order commenced a process for electing the channels on which DTV stations will operate in the future. The company’s television stations have timely filed with the FCC forms electing their preferred DTV channels. The Order established July 1, 2005 as the date on which station licensees affiliated with the top-four networks in the top 100 markets that receive a tentative digital channel designation in the channel election process on their current digital channel must construct full, authorized facilities. The Order established July 1, 2006, as the date on which all other commercial station licensees as well as noncommercial licensees that receive a tentative digital channel designation in the channel election process on their current digital channel must construct full, authorized DTV facilities. Such licensees must serve at least 80% of their analog population coverage. The company’s television stations, therefore, must, by July 1, 2006, construct full, authorized DTV facilities or lose interference protection to the un-served areas. The Order also required broadcasters to include Program and

System Information Protocol (“PSIP”) information in their digital broadcast signals. The Order eliminated, for now, the requirement that analog and digital programs be simulcast for part of the time; clarified the digital closed captioning rules and mandated that, after an 18-month transition period, all digital television receivers contain v-chip functionality that will permit the current TV ratings system to be modified.

 

The Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 has established February 17, 2009, as the date on which analog spectrum must be returned to the government to be auctioned. Under the Act, the FCC is authorized to extend the February 17, 2009, deadline if (1) one or more television stations affiliated with ABC, CBS, NBC, or Fox in a market are not broadcasting in DTV and the FCC determines that such stations have “exercised due diligence” in attempting to convert to DTV; or (2) less than 85% of the television households in the station’s market subscribe to a multichannel video service that carries at least one DTV channel from each of the local stations in that market and less than 85% of the television households in the market can receive DTV signals off the air using either set-top converters for NTSC broadcasts or a new DTV set. (The Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 creates a program through which households in the United States may obtain coupons that can be applied toward the purchase of digital-to-analog converter boxes.) At present KOAM-TV is providing NTSC service on Channel 7 and DTV service on Channel 13. KAVU-TV is providing NTSC service on Channel 25 and DTV service on Channel 15. WXVT is providing NTSC operations on Channel 15 and DTV service on Channel 17. Brokered Station KVCT is providing NTSC service on Channel 19 and DTV service on Channel 11. KOAM-TV elected to use Channel 7 for DTV operations. KAVU-TV elected to use Channel 15. WXVT elected to use Channel 15. KVCT elected to use Channel 19. On January 22, 2001, the FCC adopted rules on how the law requiring the carriage of television signals on local cable television systems should apply to DTV signals. The FCC decided that a DTV-only station could immediately assert its right to carriage on a local cable television system; however, the FCC decided that a television station may not assert a right to carriage of both its NTSC and DTV channels. On February 10, 2005, the FCC affirmed its conclusion. In October 2003, the FCC adopted rules requiring “plug and play” cable compatibility that will allow consumers to plug their cable directly into their digital TV set without the need for a set-top box. The FCC has adopted rules whereby television licensees are charged a fee of 5% of gross revenue derived from the offering of ancillary or supplementary services on DTV spectrum for which a subscription fee is charged. Licensees of DTV stations must file with the FCC a report by December 1 of each year describing such services. None of the Company’s stations to date are offering ancillary or supplementary services on their DTV channels.

 

Low Power and Class A Television Stations.  Currently, the service areas of low power television (“LPTV”) stations are not protected. LPTV stations can be required to terminate their operations if they cause interference to full power stations. LPTV stations meeting certain criteria were permitted to certify to the FCC their eligibility to be reclassified as “Class A Television Stations” whose signal contours would be protected against interference from other stations. Stations deemed “Class A Stations” by the FCC would thus be protected from interference. We own four operating LPTV stations, KUNU-LP, KVTX-LP, KXTS-LP, and KMOL-LP, Victoria, Texas. None of the stations qualifies under the FCC’s established criteria for Class A Status. In January 2006, the FCC announced a filing window from May 1 through May 12, 2006, during which analog LPTV stations may apply for a digital companion channel or implement DTV operation on their existing analog channels.

 

The Cable Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act of 1992, among other matters, requires cable television system operators to carry the signals of local commercial and non-commercial television stations and certain low power television stations. Cable television operators and other multi-channel video programming distributors may not carry broadcast signals without, in certain circumstances, obtaining the transmitting station’s consent. A local television broadcaster must make a choice every three years whether to proceed under the “must-carry” rules or waive the right to mandatory-uncompensated coverage and negotiate a grant of retransmission consent in exchange for consideration from the cable system operator. As noted above, such must-carry rights will extend to the new DTV signal to be broadcast by our stations, but will not extend simultaneously to the analog signal.

 

Low Power FM Radio.  The FCC has created a new “low power radio service” (“LPFM”). The FCC authorizes the construction and operation of two new classes of noncommercial educational FM stations, LP100 (up to 100 watts effective radiated power (“ERP”) with antenna height above average terrain (“HAAT”)

at up to 30 meters (100 feet) which is calculated to produce a service area radius of approximately 3.5 miles, and LP10 (up to 10 watts ERP and up to 30 meters HAAT) with a service area radius of approximately 1 to 2 miles. The FCC will not permit any broadcaster or other media entity subject to the FCC’s ownership rules to control or hold an attributable interest in an LPFM station or enter into related operating agreements with an LPFM licensee. Thus, absent a waiver, we could not own or program an LPFM station. LPFM stations are allocated throughout the FM broadcast band, i.e., 88 to 108 MHz, although they must operate with a noncommercial format. The FCC has established allocation rules that require FM stations to be separated by specified distances to other stations on the same frequency, and stations on frequencies on the first, second and third channels adjacent to the center frequency. The FCC has begun granting construction permits and licenses for LPFM stations. In 2005, the FCC released a Second Report and Order on Reconsideration and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking which may modify the existing LPFM rules and could, among other things, permit an LPFM station to continue to operate even when interference is predicted to occur within the 70 dBu contour of some second- or third-adjacent channel full service stations. These proposals could result in reduced coverage for some of our FM stations. The Company has filed comments opposing these proposals. We cannot predict what, if any, other possibly adverse effect future LPFM stations may have on our FM stations.

 

Digital Audio Radio Satellite Service and Internet Radio.  The FCC has adopted rules for the Digital Audio Radio Satellite Service (“DARS”) in the 2310-2360 MHz frequency band. In adopting the rules, the FCC stated, “although healthy satellite DARS systems are likely to have some adverse impact on terrestrial radio audience size, revenues and profits, the record does not demonstrate that licensing satellite DARS would have such a strong adverse impact that it threatens the provision of local service.” The FCC has granted two nationwide licenses, one to XM Satellite Radio, which began broadcasting in May 2001, and a second to Sirius Satellite Radio, which began broadcasting in February 2002. The satellite radio systems provide multiple channels of audio programming in exchange for the payment of a subscription fee. We cannot predict whether, or the extent to which, DARS will have an adverse impact on our business. In February 2005, Motorola, introduced a new “iRadio” receiver that will permit the reception of audio programming streamed over the internet in automobiles on portable receivers. We cannot predict whether, or the extent to which, such reception devices will have an adverse impact on our business.

 

Satellite Carriage of Local TV Stations.  The Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act (“SHVIA”), a copyright law, prevents direct-to-home satellite television carriers from retransmitting broadcast network television signals to consumers unless those consumers (1) are “unserved” by the over-the-air signals of their local network affiliate stations, and (2) have not received cable service in the preceding 90 days. According to the SHVIA, “unserved” means that a consumer cannot receive, using a conventional outdoor rooftop antenna, a television signal that is strong enough to provide an adequate television picture. In December 2001 the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia upheld the FCC’s rules for satellite carriage of local television stations which require satellite carriers to carry upon request all local TV broadcast stations in local markets in which the satellite carriers carry at least one TV broadcast station, also known as the “carry one, carry all” rule. In December 2004, Congress passed and the President signed the Satellite Home Viewer Extension and Reauthorization Act of 2004 (“SHVERA”), which again amends the copyright laws and the Communications Act. The SHVIA governs the manner in which satellite carriers offer local broadcast programming to subscribers, but the SHVIA copyright license for satellite carriers was more limited than the statutory copyright license for cable operators. Specifically, for satellite purposes, “local,” though out-of-market (i.e., “significantly viewed”) signals were treated the same as truly “distant” (e.g., hundreds of miles away) signals for purposes of the SHVIA’s statutory copyright licenses. The SHVERA is intended to address this inconsistency by giving satellite carriers the option to offer Commission-determined “significantly viewed” signals to subscribers. In November, 2005, the FCC adopted a Report and Order to implement SHVERA to enable satellite carriers to offer FCC-determined “significantly viewed” signals of out-of-market broadcast stations to subscribers subject to certain constraints set forth in SHVERA. The Order includes an updated list of stations currently deemed significantly viewed.

 

In-Band On-Channel “Hybrid Digital” Radio.  On April 15, 2004, the FCC released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“NPRM”) seeking comment on what rule changes and amendments are necessary due to the advent of digital audio broadcasting (“DAB”). The FCC also adopted a companion Notice of Inquiry

(“NOI”) addressing other matters relevant to the discussion on DAB. On October 11, 2002, the FCC selected in-band, on-channel (IBOC) as the technology that will allow AM (daytime operations only) and FM stations on a voluntary basis to begin interim digital transmissions immediately using the IBOC systems developed by iBiquity Digital Corporation. This technology has become commonly known as “hybrid digital” or HD radio. During the interim IBOC operations, stations will broadcast the same main channel program material in both analog and digital modes. IBOC technology permits “hybrid” operations, the simultaneous transmission of analog and digital signals with a single AM and FM channel. IBOC technology provides near CD-quality sound on FM channels and FM quality on AM channels. Hybrid IBOC operations will have minimal impact on the present broadcast service. We cannot predict what rules the FCC will ultimately adopt as a result of the NPRM and NOI. At the present time, we are broadcasting in HD radio on WMGX(FM), WBAE(AM) and WVAE(AM) in the Portland, Maine, market; WLRW(FM) in the Champaign, Illinois, market; and WJYI(AM) in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin, market. The Company is planning to begin broadcasting in HD radio on at least seven additional stations in the coming year.

 

Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976.  The Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice, the federal agencies responsible for enforcing the federal antitrust laws, may investigate certain acquisitions. Under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, an acquisition meeting certain size thresholds requires the parties to file Notification and Report Forms with the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice and to observe specified waiting period requirements before consummating the acquisition. Any decision by the Federal Trade Commission or the Department of Justice to challenge a proposed acquisition could affect our ability to consummate the acquisition or to consummate it on the proposed terms.

 

Proposed Changes.  The FCC has under consideration, and may in the future consider and adopt, new laws, regulations and policies regarding a wide variety of matters that could, directly or indirectly, affect us and the operation and ownership of our broadcast properties. Application processing rules adopted by the FCC might require us to apply for facilities modifications to our standard broadcast stations in future “window” periods for filing applications or result in the stations being “locked in” with their present facilities. The Balanced Budget Act of 1997 authorizes the FCC to use auctions for the allocation of radio broadcast spectrum frequencies for commercial use. The implementation of this law could require us to bid for the use of certain frequencies.

 

The FCC on January 13, 1999 released a study and conducted a forum on the impact of advertising practices on minority-owned and minority-formatted broadcast stations. The study provided evidence that advertisers often exclude radio stations serving minority audiences from ad placements and pay them less than other stations when they are included. On February 22, 1999, a “summit” was held at the FCC’s headquarters to continue this initiative where participants considered the advertising study’s recommendations to adopt a Code of Conduct to oppose unfair ad placement and payment, to encourage diversity in hiring and training and to enforce laws against unfair business practices. We cannot predict at this time whether the FCC will adopt new rules that would require the placement of part of an advertiser’s budget on minority-owned and minority-formatted broadcast stations, and if so, whether such rules would have an adverse impact on us.

 

Congress, the courts and the FCC have recently taken actions that may lead to the provision of video services by telephone companies. The 1996 Telecommunications Act has lifted previous restrictions on a local telephone company providing video programming directly to customers within the telephone company’s service areas. The law now permits a telephone company to distribute video services either under the rules applicable to cable television systems or as operators of so-called “wireless cable” systems as common carriers or under new FCC rules regulating “open video systems” subject to common carrier regulations. We cannot predict what effect these services may have on us. Likewise, we cannot predict what other changes might be considered in the future, nor can we judge in advance what impact, if any, such changes might have on our business.

Executive Officers

 

Our current executive officers are:

 

 

Officers are elected annually by our Board of Directors and serve at the discretion of the Board. Set forth below is information with respect to our executive officers.

 

Mr. Christian has been President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman since our inception in 1986.

 

Mr. Goldstein has been Executive Vice President and Group Program Director since 1988. Mr. Goldstein has been employed by us since our inception in 1986.

 

Mr. Lada has been Senior Vice President, Operations since 2000. He was Vice President, Operations from 1997 to 2000. From 1992 to 1997 he was Regional Vice President of our subsidiary, Saga Communications of New England, Inc.

 

Mr. Bush has been Senior Vice President since 2002, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer since September 1997. He was Vice President from 1997 to 2002. From 1988 to 1997 he held various positions with the Media Finance Group at AT&T Capital Corporation, most recently as Senior Vice President.

 

Ms. Lobaito has been Senior Vice President since 2005, Director of Business Affairs and Corporate Secretary since our inception in 1986 and Vice President from 1996 to 2005.

 

Ms. Bobinski has been Vice President since March 1999 and Chief Accounting Officer and Corporate Controller since September 1991. Ms. Bobinski is a certified public accountant.

 

The more prominent risks and uncertainties inherent in our business are described in more detail below. However, these are not the only risks and uncertainties we face. Our business may face additional risks and uncertainties that are unknown to us at this time.

 

We Have Substantial Indebtedness and Debt Service Requirements

 

At December 31, 2005 our long-term debt (including the current portion thereof and our guarantee of debt of Surtsey Productions) was approximately $148,911,000. We have borrowed and expect to continue to borrow to finance acquisitions and for other corporate purposes. Because of our substantial indebtedness, a significant portion of our cash flow from operations is required for debt service. Our leverage could make us vulnerable to an increase in interest rates or a downturn in our operating performance or a decline in general economic conditions. Under the terms of our Credit Agreement, on March 31, 2006, the Revolving Commitments (as defined in the Credit Agreement) will be permanently reduced quarterly, in amounts ranging from 3.125% to 12.5% of the total Revolving Commitments in effect on March 31, 2006. We believe that cash flow from operations will be sufficient to meet our debt service requirements for interest and scheduled quarterly payments of principal under the Credit Agreement. However, if such cash flow is not sufficient, we may be required to sell additional equity securities, refinance our obligations or dispose of one or more of our

properties in order to make such scheduled payments. We cannot be sure that we would be able to effect any such transactions on favorable terms, if at all.

 

Our Debt Covenants Restrict our Financial and Operational Flexibility

 

Our Credit Agreement contains a number of financial covenants which, among other things, require us to maintain specified financial ratios and impose certain limitations on us with respect to investment, additional indebtedness, dividends, distributions, guarantees, liens and encumbrances. Our ability to meet these financial ratios can be affected by operating performance or other events beyond our control, and we cannot assure you that we will meet those ratios. Certain events of default under our Credit Agreement could allow the lenders to declare all amounts outstanding to be immediately due and payable and, therefore, could have a material adverse effect on our business. Our indebtedness under the Credit Agreement is secured by a first priority lien on substantially all of our assets and of our subsidiaries, by a pledge of our subsidiaries’ stock and by a guarantee of our subsidiaries. If the amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement were accelerated, the lenders could proceed against such available collateral.

 

We Depend on Key Personnel

 

Our business is partially dependent upon the performance of certain key individuals, particularly Edward K. Christian, our President and CEO. Although we have entered into long-term employment and non-competition agreements with Mr. Christian and certain other key personnel, we cannot be sure that such key personnel will remain with us. We do not maintain key man life insurance on Mr. Christian’s life.

 

We Depend on Key Stations

 

Historically our top five markets when combined represented 43%, 47% and 50% of our net operating revenue for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

Local and National Economic Conditions May Affect our Advertising Revenue

 

Our financial results are dependent primarily on our ability to generate advertising revenue through rates charged to advertisers. The advertising rates a station is able to charge is affected by many factors, including the general strength of the local and national economies. Generally, advertising declines during periods of economic recession or downturns in the economy. As a result, our revenue is likely to be adversely affected during such periods, whether they occur on a national level or in the geographic markets in which we operate. During such periods we may also be required to reduce our advertising rates in order to attract available advertisers. Such a decline in advertising rates could also have a material adverse effect on our revenue, results of operations and financial condition.

 

Our Stations Must Compete for Advertising Revenues in Their Respective Markets

 

Both radio and television broadcasting are highly competitive businesses. Our stations compete for listeners/viewers and advertising revenues within their respective markets directly with other radio and/or television stations, as well as with other media, such as broadcast television and/or broadcast radio (as applicable), cable television and/or cable radio, satellite television and/or satellite radio systems, newspapers, magazines, direct mail, the internet, coupons and billboard advertising. Audience ratings and market shares are subject to change, and any change in a particular market could have a material adverse effect on the revenue of our stations located in that market. While we already compete in some of our markets with other stations with similar programming formats, if another radio station in a market were to convert its programming format to a format similar to one of our stations, if a new station were to adopt a comparable format or if an existing competitor were to strengthen its operations, our stations could experience a reduction in ratings and/or advertising revenue and could incur increased promotional and other expenses. Other radio or television broadcasting companies may enter into the markets in which we operate or may operate in the future. These companies may be larger and have more financial resources than we have. We cannot assure you that any of our stations will be able to maintain or increase their current audience ratings and advertising revenues.

Our Success Depends on our Ability to Identify, Consummate and Integrate Acquired Stations

 

As part of our strategy, we have pursued and intend to continue to pursue acquisitions of additional radio and television stations. Broadcasting is a rapidly consolidating industry, with many companies seeking to consummate acquisitions and increases their market share. In this environment, we compete and will continue to compete with many other buyers for the acquisition of radio and television stations. Some of those competitors may be able to outbid us for acquisitions because they have greater financial resources. As a result of these and other factors, our ability to identify and consummate future acquisitions is uncertain.

 

Our consummation of all future acquisitions is subject to various conditions, including FCC and other regulatory approvals. The FCC must approve any transfer of control or assignment of broadcast licenses. In addition, acquisitions may encounter intense scrutiny under federal and state antitrust laws. Our future acquisitions may be subject to notification under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 and to a waiting period and possible review by the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission. Any delays, injunctions, conditions or modifications by any of these federal agencies could have a negative effect on us and result in the abandonment of all or part of attractive acquisition opportunities. We cannot predict whether we will be successful in identifying future acquisition opportunities or what the consequences will be of any acquisitions.

 

The success of any completed acquisition will depend on our ability to effectively integrate the acquired stations. The process of integrating acquired stations may involve numerous risks, including difficulties in the assimilation of operations, the diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns, risk of entering new markets, and the potential loss of key employees of the acquired stations.

 

Our Business is Subject to Extensive Federal Regulation

 

The broadcasting industry is subject to extensive federal regulation which, among other things, requires approval by the FCC of transfers, assignments and renewals of broadcasting licenses, limits the number of broadcasting properties that may be acquired within a specific market, and regulates programming and operations. For a detail description of the material regulations applicable to our business, see “Federal Regulation of Radio and Television Broadcasting” and “Other FCC Requirements” in Item 1 of this Form 10-K. Failure to comply with these regulations could, under certain circumstances and among other things, result in the denial or revocation of FCC licenses, shortened license renewal terms, monetary fines or other penalties which would adversely affect our profitability. Changes in ownership requirements could limit our ability to own or acquire stations in certain markets.

 

New Technologies May Affect our Broadcasting Operations

 

The FCC has and is considering ways to introduce new technologies to the broadcasting industry, including satellite and terrestrial delivery of digital audio broadcasting and the standardization of available technologies which significantly enhance the sound quality of AM broadcasters. We are unable to predict the effect such technologies may have on our broadcasting operations. The capital expenditures necessary to implement such technologies could be substantial. We also face risks in implementing the conversion of our television stations to digital television as required by the FCC. We have and will continue to incur considerable expense in the conversion to digital television and are unable to predict the extent or timing of consumer demand for any such digital television services. Moreover, the FCC may impose additional public service obligations on television broadcasters in return for their use of the digital television spectrum. This could add to our operational costs. One issue yet to be resolved is the extent to which cable systems will be required to carry broadcasters’ new digital channels. Our television stations are highly dependent on their carriage by cable systems in the areas they serve. FCC rules that impose no or limited obligations on cable systems to carry the digital television signals of television broadcast stations in their local markets could adversely affect our television operations.

The Company is Controlled by our President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman

 

As of February 28, 2006, Edward K. Christian, our President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, holds approximately 57% of the combined voting power of our Common Stock. As a result, Mr. Christian generally is able to control the vote on most matters submitted to the vote of stockholders and, therefore, is able to direct our management and policies, except with respect to (i) the election of the two Class A directors, (ii) those matters where the shares of our Class B Common Stock are only entitled to one vote per share, and (iii) and other matters requiring a class vote under the provisions of our certificate of incorporation, bylaws or applicable law. For a description of the voting rights of our Common Stock, see Note 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included with this Form 10-K. Without the approval of Mr. Christian, we will be unable to consummate transactions involving an actual or potential change of control, including transactions in which stockholders might otherwise receive a premium for your shares over then-current market prices.

 

None.

 

Our corporate headquarters is located in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan. The types of properties required to support each of our stations include offices, studios, transmitter sites and antenna sites. A station’s studios are generally housed with its offices in business districts. The transmitter sites and antenna sites are generally located so as to provide maximum market coverage for our stations broadcast signals.

 

As of December 31, 2005 the studios and offices of 26 of our 31 operating locations, including our corporate headquarters in Michigan, are located in facilities we own. The remaining studios and offices are located in leased facilities with lease terms that expire in 1 to 6 years. We own or lease our transmitter and antenna sites, with lease terms that expire in 3 months to 85 years. We do not anticipate any difficulties in renewing those leases that expire within the next five years or in leasing other space, if required.

 

No one property is material to our overall operations. We believe that our properties are in good condition and suitable for our operations.

 

We own substantially all of the equipment used in our broadcasting business.

 

Our bank indebtedness is secured by a first priority lien on all of our assets and those of our subsidiaries.

 

We currently and from time to time are involved in litigation incidental to the conduct of our business. We are not a party to any lawsuit or proceeding which, in the opinion of management, is likely to have a material adverse effect on our financial position, cash flows or results of operations.

 

Not applicable.

 

Until January 20, 2004, our Class A Common Stock traded on the American Stock Exchange. Thereafter, our Class A Common Stock began trading on the New York Stock Exchange. There is no public trading

market for our Class B Common Stock. The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices of the Class A Common Stock as reported by the New York Stock Exchange for the calendar quarters indicated:

 

 

As of February 28, 2006, there were approximately 134 holders of record of our Class A Common Stock, and one holder of our Class B Common Stock.

 

We have not paid any cash dividends on our Common Stock during the three most recent fiscal years. We are prohibited by the terms of our bank loan agreement from paying dividends on our Common Stock without the banks’ prior consent. See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Position and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources and Note 4 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plan Information

 

The following table sets forth as of December 31, 2005, the number of securities outstanding under our equity compensation plans, the weighted average exercise price of such securities and the number of securities available for grant under these plans:

 

 

 

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

 

On June 1, 2005, we issued a total of 188,123 shares of our Class A Common Stock to Manley H. Thaler, Trustee. In connection with our acquisition of two FM and two AM radio stations (WQNY-FM, WYXL-FM, WNYY-AM and WHCU-AM) serving the Ithaca, New York market for a total aggregate cash and stock consideration of approximately $13,610,000.

 

Effective January 1, 2005, we issued 116,686 shares of our Class A Common Stock to Eure Communications, Inc. in connection with our acquisition of an AM (WINA-AM) and two FM (WWWV-FM and WQMZ-FM) radio stations serving the Charlottesville, Virginia market for total aggregate cash and stock consideration of approximately $22,490,000.

 

On October 1, 2003, we issued 55,740 shares of our Class A Common Stock to Skyway Broadcasting Company, Inc., EXL Management, Ltd., and Scantland Broadcasting, Ltd., in connection with our acquisition of two FM radio stations (WJZA-FM Lancaster, Ohio and WJZK-FM Richwood, Ohio) serving the Columbus, Ohio market for total aggregate cash and stock consideration of approximately $13,242,000, plus up to an additional $2,000,000 upon the occurrence of certain events.

 

We relied upon Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933 in connection with the issuance of these securities.

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

There were no repurchases by the issuer during the fourth quarter 2005.

 

 

 

 

 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with Item 1. Business, Item 6. Selected Financial Data and the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of Saga Communications, Inc. and its subsidiaries contained elsewhere herein. The following discussion is presented on both a consolidated and segment basis. Corporate general and administrative expenses, interest expense, other (income) expense, and income tax expense are managed on a consolidated basis and are therefore reflected only in our discussion of consolidated results.

 

Our discussion of the results of operations of our operating segments focuses on their operating income because we manage our operating segments primarily based on their operating income. We evaluate the operating performance of our markets individually. For purposes of business segment reporting, we have aligned operations with similar characteristics into two business segments: Radio and Television. The Radio segment includes twenty-three markets, which includes all eighty-seven of our radio stations and five radio information networks. The Television segment includes three markets and consists of five television stations and four low power television (“LPTV”) stations.

 

General

 

We are a broadcast company primarily engaged in acquiring, developing and operating radio and television stations. We actively seek and explore opportunities for expansion through the acquisition of additional broadcast properties. We review acquisition opportunities on an ongoing basis.

 

For additional information with respect to acquisitions, see “Liquidity and Capital Resources” below.

 

Radio Segment

 

In our radio segment our primary source of revenue is from the sale of advertising for broadcast on our stations. Depending on the format of a particular radio station there are a predetermined number of advertisements available to be broadcast each hour.

 

Most advertising contracts are short-term, and generally run only for a few weeks to a few months. Most of our revenue is generated from local advertising, which is sold primarily by each radio markets’ sales staff. For the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, approximately 85%, 84% and 81%, respectively, of our gross radio segment revenue was from local advertising. To generate national advertising sales, we engage an independent national advertising sales representative firm that specializes in national sales for each of our broadcast markets.

 

Our revenue varies throughout the year. Advertising expenditures, our primary source of revenue, generally have been lowest during the winter months, which includes the first quarter of each year.

 

Our net operating revenue, and the resulting station operating expenses, and operating income varies from market to market based upon the related markets rank or size which is based upon population and the available radio advertising revenue in that particular market.

 

Our financial results are dependent on a number of factors, the most significant of which is our ability to generate advertising revenue through rates charged to advertisers. The rates a station is able to charge are, in large part, based on a station’s ability to attract audiences in the demographic groups targeted by its advertisers. In a number of our markets this is measured by periodic reports generated by independent national rating services. In the remainder of our markets it is measured by the results advertisers obtain through the actual running of an advertising schedule. Advertisers measure these results based on increased demand for their goods or services and/or actual revenues generated from such demand. Various factors affect the rate a station can charge, including the general strength of the local and national economies, population growth, ability to provide popular programming, local market competition, target marketing capability of radio compared to other advertising media and signal strength. Because reaching a large and demographically attractive audience is crucial to a station’s financial success, we endeavor to develop strong listener loyalty. When we acquire and/or begin to operate a station or group of stations we generally increase programming

and advertising and promotion expenses to increase our share of our target demographic audience. Our strategy sometimes requires levels of spending commensurate with the revenue levels we plan on achieving in two to five years. During periods of economic downturns, or when the level of advertising spending is flat or down across the industry, this strategy may result in the appearance that our cost of operations are increasing at a faster rate than our growth in revenues, until such time as we achieve our targeted levels of revenue for the acquired station or group of stations.

 

The number of advertisements that can be broadcast without jeopardizing listening levels (and the resulting ratings) is limited in part by the format of a particular radio station. Our stations strive to maximize revenue by constantly managing the number of commercials available for sale and adjusting prices based upon local market conditions and ratings. While there may be shifts from time to time in the number of advertisements broadcast during a particular time of the day, the total number of advertisements broadcast on a particular station generally does not vary significantly from year to year. Any change in our revenue, with the exception of those instances where stations are acquired or sold, is generally the result of inventory sell out ratios and pricing adjustments, which are made to ensure that the station efficiently utilizes available inventory.

 

Our radio stations employ a variety of programming formats. We periodically perform market research, including music evaluations, focus groups and strategic vulnerability studies. Our stations also employ audience promotions to further develop and secure a loyal following. We believe that the diversification of formats on our radio stations helps to insulate us from the effects of changes in musical tastes of the public on any particular format.

 

The primary operating expenses involved in owning and operating radio stations are employee salaries including sales commissions, depreciation, programming expenses, advertising expenses, and promotion expenses.

 

Historically, our radio stations in the Columbus, Ohio, Manchester, New Hampshire, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Norfolk, Virginia markets have each represented 15% or more of our consolidated operating income. During the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, these markets when combined, represented approximately 75%, 73% and 81%, respectively, of our consolidated operating income. While radio revenues in each of the Columbus, Manchester, Milwaukee and Norfolk markets have remained relatively stable historically, an adverse change in any of these radio markets or our relative market position in those markets could have a significant impact on our operating results as a whole. Total radio advertising dollars available in the Columbus, Ohio and Norfolk, Virginia markets have resulted in a decline in our revenue and related operating income in our radio stations there. We anticipate that this decline is temporary in nature. None of our television markets represented more than 15% or more of our consolidated operating income. The following tables describe the percentage of our consolidated operating income represented by each of these markets:

 

 

We use certain financial measures that are not calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (GAAP) to assess our financial performance. For example, we evaluate the performance of our markets based on “station operating income” (operating income plus corporate general and administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization). Station operating income is generally recognized by the broadcasting industry as a measure of performance, is used by analysts who

report on the performance of the broadcasting industry and it serves as an indicator of the market value of a group of stations. In addition, we use it to evaluate individual stations, market- level performance, overall operations and as a primary measure for incentive based compensation of executives and other members of management. Station operating income is not necessarily indicative of amounts that may be available to us for debt service requirements, other commitments, reinvestment or other discretionary uses. Station operating income is not a measure of liquidity or of performance in accordance with GAAP, and should be viewed as a supplement to, and not a substitute for our results of operations presented on a GAAP basis.

 

During the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, the radio stations in our four largest markets when combined, represented approximately 48%, 52% and 58%, respectively, of our consolidated station operating income. The following tables describe the percentage of our consolidated station operating income represented by each of these markets: