SAGA COMMUNICATIONS INC - Annual Report: 2010 (Form 10-K)

 

UNITED STATES
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 whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes o     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, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

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 the closing price of the Class A Common Stock on June 30, 2010 on the NYSE Amex: $86,943,259.

 

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 8, 2011 was 3,654,488 and 597,859, respectively.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

Portions of the Proxy Statement for the 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after the end of the Company’s fiscal year) are incorporated by reference in Part III hereof.

 

 

Saga Communications, Inc.
2010 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 2011 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.

PART I

 

 

We are a broadcast company primarily engaged in acquiring, developing and operating radio and television stations. As of February 28, 2011, we owned and/or operated five television stations and four low-power television stations serving three markets, five radio information networks, and sixty-one FM and thirty AM radio stations serving twenty-three markets, including Bellingham, Washington; Columbus, Ohio; Norfolk, Virginia; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Manchester, New Hampshire; Des Moines, Iowa; and Joplin, Missouri.

 

The following table sets forth information about our radio stations and the markets they serve as of February 28, 2011:

 

 

(footnotes follow tables)

 

(footnotes follow tables)

 

 

The following table sets forth information about our television stations and the markets they serve as of February 28, 2011:

 

 

 

 

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 ninety-one 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 14 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included with this Form 10-K, 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.

 

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, Classic Rock, News/Talk and Country. 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 MYTV affiliate and one Telemundo affiliate. In addition to securing network programming, we 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 affect 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.

 

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, the terms of our credit agreement, and compliance with the Communications Act of 1934 (the “Communications Act”) and FCC rules.

 

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 $120,142,000 or 86% of our gross revenue for the year ended December 31, 2010 (approximately $113,753,000 or 86% in fiscal 2009 and approximately $132,411,000 or 85% in fiscal 2008) 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 of 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 2010 was approximately $20,220,000 or 14% of our gross revenue (approximately $18,896,000 or 14% in fiscal 2009 and approximately $22,552,000 or 15% in fiscal 2008).

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 our 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.

 

Seasonality

 

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

 

Environmental Compliance

 

As the owner, lessee or operator of various real properties and facilities, we are subject to various federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations. Historically, compliance with these laws and regulations has not had a material adverse effect on our business. There can be no assurance, however, that compliance with existing or new environmental laws and regulations will not require us to make significant expenditures of funds.

 

Employees

 

As of December 31, 2010, we had approximately 821 full-time employees and 340 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” and “Risk Factors” contained elsewhere herein.

 

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.

 

The following table sets forth the market and broadcast power of each of our broadcast stations and the date on which each such station’s FCC license expires:

 

 

(footnotes follow tables)

 

(footnotes follow tables)

 

 

 

 

Ownership Matters.  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 grant or renew a broadcast license, the FCC considers a number of factors pertaining to the licensee, including 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. Although we serve as a holding company for most of our various radio station subsidiaries (where we could not have more than 25% of our stock owned or voted by Aliens), we directly own two radio stations and an FM translator so that we cannot have more than 20% of our stock owned 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. In its 2006 Quadrennial Regulatory Review, released February 4, 2008, the FCC adopted a presumption, in the top 20 Designated Market Areas (“DMAs”), that it is not inconsistent with the public interest for one entity to own a daily newspaper and a radio station or, under the following limited circumstances, a daily newspaper and a television station, if (1) the television station is not ranked among the top four stations in the DMA and (2) at least eight independent “major media voices” remain in the DMA. In all other instances, the FCC adopted a presumption that a newspaper/broadcast station combination would not be in the public interest, with two limited exceptions, and emphasized that the Commission is unlikely to approve such transactions. Taking into account these respective presumptions, in determining whether the grant of a transaction that would result in newspaper/broadcast cross-ownership is in the public interest, the Commission will consider the following factors: (1) whether the cross-ownership will increase the amount of local news disseminated through the affected media outlets in the combination; (2) whether each affected media outlet in the combination will exercise its own independent news judgment; (3) the level of concentration in the Nielsen DMA; and (4) the financial condition of the newspaper or broadcast outlet, and if the newspaper or broadcast station is in financial distress, the proposed owner’s commitment to invest significantly in newsroom operations.

 

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 affected. 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 a required termination date. 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 multiple ownership rules now permit opportunities for newspaper-broadcast combinations, as follows:

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Under the 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. By Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making (2006 Quadrennial Regulatory Review), released July 24, 2006, the Commission solicited comments. The only changes made to the multiple ownership rules in the 2006

Quadrennial Regulatory Review, were to the local television multiple ownership rule as noted above. On April 14, 2009, the Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit held in abeyance appeals of the 2006 Quadrennial Review Order, pending Commission action on a petition for reconsideration filed jointly by seven parties. On June 12, 2009, the Third Circuit issued an order continuing its 2003 stay of the Commission’s media ownership rules adopted in the 2002 Biennial Review Order. In its November 25, 2009, letter to the court, the Commission stated that it does not intend to act on the petition outside the scope of the 2010 Media Ownership Review proceeding and asked the court to continue to hold the cases in abeyance pending the Commission’s 2010 review.

 

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 that were 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, two 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.

 

On January 21, 2010, the FCC launched an initiative on the future of media and the information needs of communities in the digital age, which will examine the changes underway in the media marketplace, analyze the full range of future technologies and services that will provide communities with news and information in the digital age, and, as appropriate, make policy recommendations to the FCC, other government entities, and other parties. Initial topics under consideration include: the state of TV, radio, newspaper, and Internet news and information services; the effectiveness and nature of public interest obligations in a digital era; the role of public media and private sector foundations; and many others. The Company cannot predict what changes, if any, will be made as a result of the FCC’s initiative.

 

In addition to the FCC’s multiple ownership rules, the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission and some state governments have the authority to examine proposed transactions for compliance with antitrust statutes and guidelines. The Antitrust Division 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. In its Standardized and Enhanced Disclosure Requirements for Television Broadcast Licensee Public Interest Obligations, released January 24, 2008, the Commission required television stations to file on a quarterly basis, a new “Standardized Television Disclosure” form setting forth in detail the average hours per week of programming devoted to, inter alia, high definition programs, national news, local news, local civic affairs, local electoral affairs, independently produced programs and public service announcements. This requirement is not yet in effect. When it becomes effective, the form must also be posted on the television station licensee’s Internet web site. It is possible that the FCC will use the data recorded on these forms to

more stringently scrutinize licensees’ applications for renewal of their licenses, but at this time, the Company cannot predict the impact, if any, this new form may have on its television stations.

 

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.

 

On January 24, 2008, the Commission released its Report on Broadcast Localism and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in the Commission’s proceeding on Broadcast Localism which requested comment on several proposed rule changes. Those changes include, inter alia, proposals to require each broadcast licensee to convene a permanent community advisory board that would meet at least quarterly; require each station to locate its main studio in its community of license; require each station to have personnel present and on duty at all times when the station is on the air; and establish license renewal processing guidelines concerning the amount of local programming aired during the preceding license term. If adopted, these proposals could significantly increase the amount the Company would have to expend on regulatory compliance matters.

 

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 are 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 (“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 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 latest ownership review commenced in 2006 and the FCC has not yet released a decision in the proceeding resolving the issue of whether to attribute JSAs. 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 the date to be established in the ownership review proceeding. 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 licensed in Pittsburg, Kansas, serving Joplin, Missouri. 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 and Broker Agreement (not a TBA). In addition to these agreements, we have proposed to Surtsey that we enter into option agreements for KFJX-TV and KVCT-TV. 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 the return of NTSC channels to the government. The FCC has attempted to provide DTV coverage areas that are comparable to the former NTSC (analog) 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 previous NTSC technical standard. Our full-service television stations have begun providing DTV service on channels separate from their formerly-occupied NTSC channels, and have terminated NTSC operations. The Company has constructed full, authorized DTV facilities serving at least 80% of their analog population coverage. On August 4, 2004, the FCC adopted a Report and Order (“Order”) that implemented several steps necessary for the conversion to DTV. This Order, among other things, required broadcasters to include Program and System Information Protocol (“PSIP”) information in their digital broadcast signals. The Order 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.

 

At present KOAM-TV is providing DTV service on Channel 7. KAVU-TV is providing DTV service on Channel 15. WXVT is providing DTV service on Channel 15. Brokered Station KVCT is providing DTV

service on Channel 11. KFJX-TV, with which KOAM-TV shares certain services, is providing DTV services on Channel 13. KOAM-TV elected to use Channel 7 for DTV operations at the end of the digital transition and to make available to Surtsey the use of Channel 13 for KFJX-TV. We hold construction permits that authorize KOAM-TV to operate on Channel 7 for DTV and WXVT to operate on Channel 15 for DTV and a license for KAVU-TV to operate on Channel 15 for DTV, and applications seeking licenses to “cover” the construction permits are on file. All of the Company’s television stations terminated analog broadcasts on February 17, 2009.

 

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 and “permittees” 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.

 

White Spaces.  On September 23, 2010, the FCC adopted a Second Memorandum Opinion and Order in ET Docket No. 04-186 that updated the rules for unlicensed wireless devices that can operate in broadcast television spectrum at locations where that spectrum is unused by licensed services. This unused TV spectrum is commonly referred to as television “white spaces.” The rules allow for the use of unlicensed TV bands devices in the unused spectrum to provide broadband data and other services for consumers and businesses. It is possible that such operations have the potential for causing interference to broadcast operation, but we cannot yet judge whether such operations will have an adverse impact on the Company’s operations.

 

“Must-Carry” Rules.  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. Such must-carry rights will extend to the new DTV signals broadcast by our stations.

 

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 its Report on Broadcast Localism and Notice of Proposed Rule Making, released January 24, 2008, the Commission tentatively concluded that it should allow additional qualified LPTV stations to be granted Class A status, and sought comment on this tentative conclusion. 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 Company’s LPTV stations did not apply for a companion channel, and instead filed applications to “flash-cut” to implement DTV operation on their existing analog channels, or filed “displacement” applications to use different digital channels.

 

Low Power FM Radio.  The FCC created a “low power radio service” (“LPFM”) in which the FCC authorizes the construction and operation of two 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 granted construction permits and licenses for LPFM stations. On January 4, 2011, the President signed into law the Local Community Radio Act of 2010 which requires the Commission to modify the rules authorizing the operation of LPFM, as proposed in MM Docket No. 99-25. The law requires the Commission to: (1) Prescribe protection for co-channels and first- and second-adjacent channels; (2) Prohibit any applicant from obtaining a low-power FM license if the applicant has engaged in any manner in the unlicensed operation of any station in violation of the Communications Act; (3) Eliminate provisions prohibiting the FCC from extending the eligibility for application for low-power FM stations beyond the organizations and entities as proposed in the docket; and (4) Eliminate third-adjacent minimum distance separation requirements between: (i) LPFM stations and (ii) full-service FM stations, FM translator stations, and FM booster stations. The new law prohibits the FCC from reducing the minimum co-channel and first- and second-adjacent channel distance separation requirements in effect on the date of enactment of the law between LPFM stations and full-service FM stations. The new law authorizes a waiver of the second-adjacent channel distance separation requirement to any LPFM station that establishes that its proposed operations will not interfere with any authorized radio service, provided that, upon notification by the FCC that it is causing certain interference, such LPFM station must: (i) suspend operation; and (ii) resume operation only after interference has been eliminated or it demonstrates that such interference was not due to the low-power FM station’s emissions. The new law requires the FCC to comply with its existing minimum distance separation requirements for full-service FM stations, FM translator stations, and FM booster stations that broadcast radio reading services via an analog subcarrier frequency to avoid potential interference by LPFM stations; and when licensing new FM translator stations, FM booster stations, and low-power FM stations, to ensure that: (i) licenses are available to FM translator stations, FM booster stations, and low-power FM stations; (ii) such decisions are made based on the needs of the local community; and (iii) FM translator stations, FM booster stations, and LPFM stations remain equal in status and secondary to existing and modified full-service FM stations. The law requires the FCC to modify its rules to address the potential for predicted interference to FM translator input signals on third-adjacent channels set forth in a specified technical report; and modify the interference complaint process in specified ways. The FCC must study and report to Congress on the impact that low-power FM stations will have on full-service commercial FM stations. Before the new law can be implemented, the FCC must conduct a rulemaking proceeding, which has not yet been commenced. We cannot predict what, if any, impact the new LPFM stations will have on the Company’s full-service stations and FM translators.

 

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 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. On July 25, 2008, the Commission voted to approve the application of Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. and XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. to transfer control of the licenses and authorizations held by the two companies to one company, which is now known as Sirius XM Radio, Inc. We cannot predict the extent to which DARS will have an adverse impact on our business. Various companies have introduced devices that permit the reception of audio programming streamed over the Internet on home computers, on portable receivers, such as cell phones, and in automobiles. A number of digital music providers have developed and are offering their product through the Internet. Terrestrial radio operators are also making their product available through the Internet. 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. On November 23, 2010, the FCC released three orders that implemented the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act of 2010 (“STELA”). The FCC modified its SV rules to implement Section 203 of the STELA which amends Section 340 of the Communications Act to give satellite carriers the authority to offer out-of-market but SV broadcast television stations as part of their local service to subscribers. Section 203 of the STELA changes the restrictions on subscriber eligibility to receive SV network stations from satellite carriers. To implement the STELA, the FCC revised its satellite subscriber eligibility rules. The new rules could result in satellite carriers providing additional signals in DMAs where the Company operates television stations, but we cannot predict at this time, what, if any, impact the rules might have on the Company.

 

In-Band On-Channel “Hybrid Digital” Radio.  On May 31, 2007, the FCC released its Second Report and Order, First Order on Reconsideration and Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (Digital Audio Broadcasting Systems) that adopted rules permitting radio stations to broadcast using in-band, on-channel (IBOC) as the technology that allows AM and FM stations to operate using the IBOC systems developed by iBiquity Digital Corporation. This technology has become commonly known as “hybrid digital” or HD radio. Stations 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 can provide near CD-quality sound on FM channels and FM quality on AM channels. Hybrid IBOC also permits the transmission of up to two additional program streams over the radio stations. Hybrid IBOC operations will have minimal impact on the present broadcast service. At the present time, we are broadcasting in HD radio on 37 stations and we continue to convert stations to HD radio on an ongoing basis. On January 29, 2010, the FCC adopted an Order that permits FM radio stations to voluntarily increase digital power levels up to ten percent of analog power levels and establishes interference mitigation and remediation procedures to promptly resolve complaints of interference to analog stations. The Commission hopes the changes will boost digital signal coverage while safeguarding analog reception against interference from higher power digital transmissions.

 

Use of FM Translators by AM Stations and Digital Program Streams.  FM translator stations are relatively low power stations that rebroadcast the programs of full-power FM stations on a secondary basis, meaning they must terminate or modify their operation if they cause interference to a full-power station. Under new rules, effective October 1, 2009, the FCC permits AM stations to be rebroadcast on FM translator stations in order to improve reception of programs broadcast by AM stations. The Company intends to continue to use some of its existing FM translators in connection with some of its AM stations. The Company is using some of its existing FM translators to rebroadcast HD radio program streams generated by some of its FM stations.

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.

 

Recent Supreme Court Case on Political Broadcasting.  On January 21, 2010, in Citizens United v. FEC, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down portions of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act that prohibits corporations and unions from using their general treasury funds to make independent expenditures for speech that is an “electioneering communication” or for speech that expressly advocates the election or defeat of a candidate. The Company is unable to reliably predict what effect this may have on its operations.

 

Recent Changes to Application and Assignment Procedures.  In January 2010, the FCC adopted a First Report and Order that gives tribes a priority to obtain broadcast radio licenses in tribal communities. The Order provides an opportunity for tribes to establish new service specifically designed to offer programming that meets the needs of tribal citizens. In addition, the First Report and Order modified the Commission’s radio application and assignment procedures, assisting qualified applicants to more rapidly introduce new radio service to the public. These modifications (1) Prohibit an AM applicant that obtains a construction permit through a dispositive Section 307(b) preference from downgrading the service level that led to the dispositive preference; (2) Requires technical proposals for new or major change AM facilities filed with Form 175 applications to meet certain minimum technical standards to be eligible for further auction processing; and (3) Gives FCC operating bureaus authority to cap filing window applications. The FCC also adopted a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, seeking comment on: (1) whether the FCC should help applicants acquire new commercial radio stations by establishing an auction bidding credit for federally recognized Native American tribes and Alaska Native Villages; and (2) whether and how to extend the Tribal Priority to tribes that do not possess tribal lands. In a Public Notice released December 2, 2010, in GN Docket No. 10-244, the FCC sought comment on how it could design, adopt, and implement an additional new preference program in its competitive bidding process. Under the proposed preference, persons or entities who have overcome substantial disadvantage would be eligible for a bidding credit. The Company cannot predict whether such a preference will be adopted, or whether it would have any impact on the Company.

 

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 Company pays for the use of music on its stations by obtaining licenses from organizations called performing rights societies, e.g. Broadcast Music, Inc. (“BMI”), which, in turn pay composers, authors and publishers for their works. In 2009, a bill, H.R. 848, the Performance Rights Act, was introduced in Congress, but did not pass in the 111th Congress. If passed, this bill would have required the Company to pay additional fees to an organization called MusicFirst which would distribute the money to other entities. Efforts continue by MusicFirst to persuade Congress to enact a law that would require such payments. We cannot predict whether such a law might be enacted. Should such a law be enacted, it would impose an additional financial burden on the Company, but the extent of the burden would depend on how the fee payment requirement was structured.

 

On March 25, 2010, the FCC issued a Public Notice implementing the Common Alerting Protocol (“CAP”), which is an open, interoperable, data interchange format for collecting and distributing all-hazard

safety notifications and emergency warnings to multiple information networks, public safety alerting systems, and personal communications devices. CAP will allow the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”), the National Weather Service (“NWS”), a State Governor, or any other authorized initiator of a public alert and warning to automatically format and geo-target a particular alert simultaneously to the public over multiple media platforms, such as television, radio, cable, cell phones and electronic highway signs. CAP will also allow an alert initiator to send alerts specifically formatted for people with disabilities and for non-English speakers. The deadline for compliance with CAP has been extended to September 30, 2011. Compliance with CAP will require the Company to make a significant investment in new technical equipment, but the extent of the investment is not yet known since the equipment is not yet available on the market.

 

On November 30, 2010, the FCC adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in ET Docket No. 10-235 that proposes that wireless broadband providers have equal access to television broadcast frequencies that could become available in spectrum auctions. The Notice seeks comment on establishing new allocations for both fixed and mobile wireless services in the TV broadcast bands. The Notice also explores enabling TV stations to voluntarily combine their operations and distinct programming lineups on a single TV channel. The Notice requests comment on the proposed rules that would enable TV broadcasters to opt to share channels. The Notice also seeks comment on steps that would improve TV reception on the VHF channels (2-13), such as by increasing transmitting power and establishing minimum performance standards for indoor antennas. The Company cannot predict whether the rules will be adopted, or, if adopted, in what form. At this time, the Company has made no decision as to whether it will voluntarily participate in combining operations or spectrum auctions.

 

The 1996 Telecommunications Act 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 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, including 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.

 

Global Economic Conditions and Uncertainties May Continue to Affect our Business

 

The global economy, which experienced a significant downturn throughout 2008 and 2009, began showing signs of gradual improvement in 2010. However, while some economic indicators trended positively, the overall rate of global recovery experienced during the course of 2010 has been uneven, and uncertainty continues to exist over the stability of the recovery. Although consumer confidence in the U.S. has improved since the economic downturn, it still remains low, while unemployment remains high and the housing market remains depressed. There can be no assurance that any of the recent economic improvements will be broad based and sustainable, or that they will enhance conditions in markets relevant to us. Further, there can be no assurance that we will not experience further adverse effects that may be material to our cash flows, competitive position, financial condition, results of operations, or our ability to access capital.

If we are subject to an economic downturn, our ability to access the capital markets may be severely restricted at a time when we would like, or need, to do so, which could have an impact on our flexibility to react to changing economic and business conditions. Accordingly, if the economy does not fully recover or worsens, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.

 

We Have Substantial Indebtedness and Debt Service Requirements

 

At December 31, 2010 our long-term debt (including the current portion thereof and our guarantee of debt of Surtsey Productions) was approximately $96,078,000. 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, a downturn in our operating performance, or a decline in general economic conditions. The Revolving Commitments will be permanently reduced by $2.5 million at the end of each calendar quarter. In addition, each calendar quarter the Revolving Commitments shall be further reduced by 75% of Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the Credit Agreement). Any outstanding balance under the Credit Agreement will be due on the maturity date of July 29, 2012. We believe that cash flows 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, repurchase of equity, 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.

 

The weak economic conditions have reduced demand for advertising in general, including advertising on our radio and television stations. If our revenues were to be significantly less than planned due to difficult market conditions or for other reasons, our ability to maintain compliance with the financial covenants in our credit agreements would become increasingly difficult.

 

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 employment and non-competition agreements with Mr. Christian, which terminate on March 31, 2014, and certain other key personnel, including on-air personalities, 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 can give no assurance that all or any of these employees will remain with us or will retain their audiences. Many of our key employees are at-will employees who are under no legal obligation to remain with us. Our competitors may choose to extend offers to any of these individuals on terms which we may be unwilling to meet. In addition, any or all of our key employees may decide to leave for a variety of personal or other reasons beyond our control. Furthermore, the popularity and audience loyalty of our key on-air personalities is highly sensitive to rapidly changing public tastes. A loss of such popularity or audience loyalty is beyond our control and could limit our ability to generate revenues.

We Depend on Key Stations

 

Historically our top six markets when combined represented 44%, 45% and 47% of our net operating revenue for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Accordingly, we may have greater exposure to adverse events or conditions that affect the economy in any of these markets, which could have a material adverse effect on our revenue, results of operations and financial condition.

 

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 are 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. Our revenue has been and 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 radio (as applicable), cable television and/or 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 may continue to pursue acquisitions of additional radio and television stations, subject to the terms of our credit agreement. Broadcasting is a rapidly consolidating industry, with many companies seeking to consummate acquisitions and increase 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.

Certain of our acquisitions may prove unprofitable and fail to generate anticipated cash flows. In addition, 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 detailed 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. 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 March 8, 2011, Edward K. Christian, our President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, holds approximately 62% of the combined voting power of our Common Stock (not including options to acquire Class B Common Stock and based on Class B shares generally entitled to ten votes per share). 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) 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 11 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 their 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, and transmitter 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, 2010 the studios and offices of 27 of our 32 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 6 months to 3 years. We own or lease our transmitter and antenna sites, with lease terms that expire in 3 months to 79 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.

 

PART II

 

 

The Company’s Class A Common Stock trades on the NYSE Amex under the ticker symbol SGA. There is no public trading market for the Company’s 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 NYSE Amex for the calendar quarters indicated:

 

 

The closing price for the Company’s Class A Common Stock on March 8, 2011 as reported by the NYSE Amex was $29.20. As of March 8, 2011, there were approximately 298 holders of record of the Company’s Class A Common Stock, and one holder of the Company’s Class B Common Stock.

 

The Company has not paid any cash dividends on its Common Stock during the three most recent fiscal years. The Company is prohibited by the terms of its bank loan agreement from paying dividends on its 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, 2010, 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

 

Not applicable.

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

There were no repurchases of our equity securities during the quarter ended December 31, 2010.

Performance Graph

 

COMMON STOCK PERFORMANCE

 

Set forth below is a line graph comparing the cumulative total stockholder return for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 of our Class A Common Stock against the cumulative total return of the NYSE Amex Stock Market (US Companies) and a Peer Group selected by us consisting of the following radio and/or television broadcast companies: Arbitron Inc., Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc., CBS Corp., Citadel Broadcasting, CC Media Holdings, Inc., Cumulus Media Inc., Emmis Communications Corp., Entercom Communications Corp., Entravision Communications Corp., Fisher Communications Inc., Journal Communications, Inc., Radio One Inc., Saga Communications, Inc., Salem Communications Corp., Sirius XM Radio Inc., Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. and Westwood One, Inc. The graph and table assume that $100 was invested on December 31, 2005, in each of our Class A Common Stock, the NYSE Amex Stock Market (US Companies) and the Peer Group and that all dividends were reinvested. The information contained in this graph shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or “filed” with the SEC or subject to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate it by reference into a document filed under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.

 

Comparison of Five-Year Cumulative Total Return.

 

 

The comparisons in the above table are required by the SEC. This table is not intended to forecast or to be indicative of any future return of our Class A Common Stock.

 

 

 

 

 

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 (benefit) are managed on a consolidated basis and are 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 ninety-one 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 developing and operating radio and television stations.

 

Radio Segment

 

Our radio segment’s 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 for a few weeks only. The majority of our revenue is generated from local advertising, which is sold primarily by each radio markets’ sales staff. For each of the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, approximately 86% of our radio segment’s gross revenue was from local advertising. To generate national advertising sales, we engage independent advertising sales representative firms that specialize 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 include the first quarter of each year.

 

We had a significant increase in political advertising in 2010 due to the number of congressional, senatorial, gubernatorial and local elections in most of our markets. Since 2011 is not an election year, we expect political revenue in 2011 to significantly decline.

 

Beginning in the last quarter of 2008 and continuing throughout 2009, the global economic recession had significant adverse effects on our revenue. We began to see revenue improvements in the fourth quarter of 2009 and continuing in 2010 as compared to the same periods of the prior years. However, the level of advertising spending has not returned to pre-recession levels, and in June 2010 our uptrend in revenue slowed. We expect to continue to see revenue improvements in 2011, however, at a lower rate than we realized in 2010. Recent U.S. economic data has been below expectations, prompting concern about the sustainability and pace of the economic recovery, and renewed reductions in advertising spending could adversely affect our operating results.

 

Our net operating revenue, station operating expense and operating income varies from market to market based upon the market’s 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.

 

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. Because reaching a large and demographically attractive audience is crucial to a station’s financial success, we endeavor to develop strong listener loyalty. 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 and commissions, depreciation, programming expenses, and advertising and promotion expenses.

 

Although the recent global economic conditions have negatively affected advertising revenues for a wide variety of media businesses, radio revenue growth has been declining or stagnant over the last several years, primarily in major markets that are dependent on national advertising. The radio broadcasting industry is subject to rapid technological change, evolving industry standards and the emergence of new media technologies and services (such as the Internet, satellite radio and mp3 players). These recent technologies and media are gaining advertising share against radio and other traditional media.

 

We have begun several initiatives to offset the declines in revenue. We are continuing to expand our interactive initiative to provide a seamless audio experience across numerous platforms to connect with our listeners where and when they want, and have added online components including streaming our stations over the Internet and on-demand options. We are seeing development potential in this area and believe that revenues from our interactive initiatives will continue to increase.

 

We also continue the rollout of HD Radio^tm. HD Radio^tm utilizes digital technology that provides improved sound quality over standard analog broadcasts and also allows for the delivery of additional channels of diversified programming or data streams in each radio market. It is unclear what impact HD Radio^tm will have on the industry and our revenue as the availability of HD receivers, particularly in automobiles, is not widely available.

 

Our net operating revenue for the year ended December 31, 2010 was favorably affected by the strengthening of the economy and increases in advertising expenditures. Based upon our improved results for the fourth quarter 2010, as well as other economic indicators, we expect revenue to continue to grow into 2011. However, recent U.S. economic data has been below expectations, prompting concern about the sustainability and pace of the economic recovery, and renewed reductions in advertising spending could adversely affect our operating results. Poor economic conditions in 2009 led to lower demand for radio advertising and resulted in a significant decline in our net operating revenue for the year ended December 31, 2009.

During the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, our Bellingham, Washington; Des Moines, Iowa; Manchester, New Hampshire; and Milwaukee, Wisconsin markets, when combined, represented approximately 50%, 70% and 68%, respectively, of our consolidated operating income (excluding non-cash impairment charge). An adverse change in any of these radio markets or relative market position in those markets could have a significant impact on our operating results as a whole.

 

The following tables describe the percentage of our consolidated operating income (excluding non-cash impairment charge) 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, impairment of intangible assets, less gain on asset exchange). 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, 2010, 2009 and 2008, the radio stations in our four largest markets when combined, represented approximately 36%, 41% and 42%, 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:

 

 

 

 

Television Segment

 

Our television segment’s primary source of revenue is from the sale of advertising for broadcast on our stations. The number of advertisements available for broadcast on our television stations is limited by network affiliation and syndicated programming agreements and, with respect to children’s programs, federal regulation. Our television stations’ local market managers determine the number of advertisements to be broadcast in locally produced programs only, which are primarily news programming and occasionally local sports or information shows.

 

Our net operating revenue, station operating expense and operating income vary from market to market based upon the market’s rank or size, which is based upon population, available television advertising revenue in that particular market, and the popularity of programming being broadcast.

 

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, as measured principally by periodic reports by independent national rating services. 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 through locally produced news, sports and weather and as a result of syndication and network affiliation agreements, local market competition, the ability of television broadcasting to reach a mass appeal market compared to other advertising media, and signal strength including cable/satellite coverage, and government regulation and policies.

 

In 2009 we engaged in negotiations with cable and satellite providers as to the terms of their carriage of our television stations and the compensation we will receive for granting such carriage rights. We entered into retransmission consent agreements with certain of these providers and have recognized revenue of approximately $580,000 for the year ended December 31, 2010. We expect to recognize a comparable amount of retransmission consent revenue in 2011.

 

Our stations strive to maximize revenue by constantly adjusting prices for our commercial spots based upon local market conditions, advertising demands and ratings. While there may be shifts from time to time in the number of advertisements broadcast during a particular time of day, the total number of advertisements broadcast on a 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.

 

Because audience ratings in the local market are crucial to a station’s financial success, we endeavor to develop strong viewer loyalty by providing locally produced news, weather and sports programming. We believe that this emphasis on the local market provides us with the viewer loyalty we are trying to achieve.

 

Most of our revenue is generated from local advertising, which is sold primarily by each television markets’ sales staff. For the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, approximately 80%, 82% and 81%, respectively, of our television segment’s gross revenue was from local advertising. To generate national advertising sales, we engage independent advertising sales representatives that specialize in national sales for each of our television markets.

 

We had a significant increase in political advertising in 2010 due to the number of congressional, senatorial, gubernatorial and local elections in most of our markets. Since 2011 is not an election year, we expect political revenue in 2011 to decline significantly.

 

Beginning in the last quarter of 2008 and continuing throughout 2009, the global economic recession had significant adverse effects on our revenue. We began to see revenue improvements in the fourth quarter of 2009 and continuing in 2010 as compared to the same periods of the prior years. However, the level of advertising spending has not returned to pre-recession levels, and in June 2010 our uptrend in revenue slowed. We expect to continue to see revenue improvements in 2011, however, at a lower rate than we realized in 2010. Recent U.S. economic data has been below expectations, prompting concern about the sustainability and

pace of the economic recovery, and renewed reductions in advertising spending could adversely affect our operating results.

 

The primary operating expenses involved in owning and operating television stations are employee salaries and commissions, depreciation, programming expenses, including news production and the cost of acquiring certain syndicated programming, and advertising and promotion expenses.

 

Our television market in Joplin, Missouri represented approximately 13%, 14% and 14%, respectively, of our consolidated operating income (excluding non-cash impairment charge) for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008.

 

Results of Operations

 

The following tables summarize our results of operations for the three years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008.

 

Consolidated Results of Operations

 

 

Radio Broadcasting Segment

 

Television Broadcasting Segment

 

 

 

N/M=Not meaningful

 

Reconciliation of segment operating income (loss) to consolidated operating income (loss):