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  ¨      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  ¨      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  ¨

 

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  þ      No  ¨

 

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.   ¨

 

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.

(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  ¨      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 28, 2013 on the NYSE MKT: $215,596,299.

 

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 3, 2014 was 4,920,640 and 815,945, respectively.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

 Portions of the Proxy Statement for the 2014 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.

 2013 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 2014 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

 

Item 1.   Business

 

We are a broadcast company primarily engaged in acquiring, developing and operating broadcast properties. As of February 28, 2014, we owned and/or operated four television stations and four low-power television stations serving two markets, five radio information networks, and sixty-two 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, 2014:

 

 

 (footnotes follow tables)

 

 

 

				2013		2013
				Market		Market
				Ranking		Ranking
				By Radio		By Radio				Target
Station		Market (a)		Revenue (b)		Market (b)		Station Format		Demographics
WYMG		Springfield, IL		N/A		N/A		Classic Rock		Men 25-54
WQQL		Springfield, IL		N/A		N/A		Classic Hits/Oldies		Adults 45-64
WDBR		Springfield, IL		N/A		N/A		Contemporary Hits		Adults 18-34
WLFZ		Springfield, IL		N/A		N/A		Country		Adults 25-54
WDBR-HD2		Springfield, IL		N/A		N/A		Variety Hits		Adults 25-54
WOXL-FM		Asheville, NC		149		159		Adult Contemporary		Women 25-54
WTMT		Asheville, NC		149		159		Rock		Men 18-49
WTMT-HD2		Asheville, NC		149		159		Sports		Men 25-54
WOXL-HD2		Asheville, NC		149		159		Adult Album Alternative		Adults 18-49
WNAX-FM		Yankton, SD		192		261		Country		Adults 35+
WWWV		Charlottesville, VA		N/A		N/A		Rock		Men 25-54
WQMZ		Charlottesville, VA		N/A		N/A		Adult Contemporary		Women 25-54
WCNR		Charlottesville, VA		N/A		N/A		Adult Album Alternative		Adults 18-49
KEGI		Jonesboro, AR		232		226		Classic Hits		Men 25-54
KDXY		Jonesboro, AR		232		226		Country		Adults 25-54
KJBX		Jonesboro, AR		232		226		Adult Contemporary		Women 25-54
KDXY-HD2		Jonesboro, AR		232		226		Contemporary Hits		Adults 18-34
KDXY-HD3		Jonesboro, AR		232		226		Contemporary Christian		Adults 25-54
WCVQ		Clarksville, TN — Hopkinsville, KY		N/A		N/A		Hot Adult Contemporary		Women 25-54
WVVR		Clarksville, TN — Hopkinsville, KY		N/A		N/A		Country		Adults 25-54
WZZP		Clarksville, TN — Hopkinsville, KY		N/A		N/A		Rock		Men 18-34
WEGI-FM		Clarksville, TN — Hopkinsville, KY		N/A		N/A		Classic Hits		Adults 35-54
KISM		Bellingham, WA		N/A		N/A		Classic Rock		Men 25-54
KAFE		Bellingham, WA		N/A		N/A		Adult Contemporary		Women 25-54
KICD-FM		Spencer, IA		N/A		N/A		Country		Adults 35+
KLLT		Spencer, IA		N/A		N/A		Adult Contemporary		Women 25-54
KMIT		Mitchell, SD		N/A		N/A		Country		Adults 35+
KUQL		Mitchell, SD		N/A		N/A		Classic Hits/Oldies		Adults 45-64
WKVT-FM		Brattleboro, VT		N/A		N/A		Classic Hits		Adults 25-54
WKNE		Keene, NH		N/A		N/A		Hot Adult Contemporary		Women 25-54
WSNI		Keene, NH		N/A		N/A		Adult Contemporary		Women 35-54
WINQ		Keene, NH		N/A		N/A		Country		Adults 25-54
WKNE-HD2		Keene, NH		N/A		N/A		Classic Rock		Men 25-54
WKNE-HD3		Keene, NH		N/A		N/A		Classic Hits/Oldies		Adults 45-64
WQEL		Bucyrus, OH		N/A		N/A		Classic Hits		Adults 25-54
WIII		Ithaca, NY		N/A		N/A		Classic Rock		Men 25-54
WQNY		Ithaca, NY		N/A		N/A		Country		Adults 25-54
WYXL		Ithaca, NY		N/A		N/A		Adult Contemporary		Women 25-54
WYXL-HD2		Ithaca, NY		N/A		N/A		Adult Album Alternative		Adults 35-54
WYXL-HD3		Ithaca, NY		N/A		N/A		Sports		Men 25-54
WQNY-HD2		Ithaca, NY		N/A		N/A		Progressive Talk		Adults 35+
WQNY-HD3		Ithaca, NY		N/A		N/A		News Talk		Adults 35+
WFIZ-FM		Ithaca, NY		N/A		N/A		Contemporary Hits		Adults 18-34
WFIZ-HD2		Ithaca, NY		N/A		N/A		Classic Hits/Oldies		Adults 35+

 

(footnotes follow tables)

 

 

 

				2013		2013
				Market		Market
				Ranking		Ranking
				By Radio		By Radio				Target
Station		Market (a)		Revenue (b)		Market (b)		Station Format		Demographics
AM:
WJYI		Milwaukee, WI		30		38		Christian		Adults 18+
WJOI		Norfolk, VA		40		44		Adult Standards		Adults 45+
KRNT		Des Moines, IA		69		74		Adult Standards/Sports		Adults 45+
KPSZ		Des Moines, IA		69		74		Christian		Adults 18+
WGAN		Portland, ME		77		90		News/Talk		Adults 35+
WZAN		Portland, ME		77		90		News/Talk/Sports		Men 25-54
WBAE		Portland, ME		77		90		News/Talk/Sports		Adults 45+
WGIN		Portland, ME		77		90		News/Talk/Sports		Adults 45+
WHMP		Northampton, MA		N/A		N/A		News/Talk		Adults 35+
WHNP		Springfield, MA		98		92		News/Talk		Adults 35+
WHMQ		Greenfield, MA		N/A		N/A		News/Talk		Adults 35+
WFEA		Manchester, NH		115		196		Adult Standards		Adults 45+
WTAX		Springfield, IL		N/A		N/A		News/Talk		Adults 35+
WISE		Asheville, NC		149		159		Sports/Talk		Men 18+
WYSE		Asheville, NC		149		159		Sports/Talk		Men 18+
WNAX		Yankton, SD		192		261		News/Talk		Adults 35+
WINA		Charlottesville, VA		N/A		N/A		News/Talk		Adults 35+
WVAX		Charlottesville, VA		N/A		N/A		Sports Talk		Men 18+
WEGI		Clarksville, TN — Hopkinsville, KY		N/A		N/A		Classic Hits		Adults 35-54
WKFN		Clarksville, TN — Hopkinsville, KY		N/A		N/A		Sports/Talk		Men 18+
KGMI		Bellingham, WA		N/A		N/A		News/Talk		Adults 35+
KPUG		Bellingham, WA		N/A		N/A		Sports/Talk		Men 18+
KBAI		Bellingham, WA		N/A		N/A		Progressive Talk		Adults 35+
KICD		Spencer, IA		N/A		N/A		News/Talk		Adults 35+
WKVT		Brattleboro, VT		N/A		N/A		News/Talk		Adults 35+
WKBK		Keene, NH		N/A		N/A		News/Talk		Adults 35+
WZBK		Keene, NH		N/A		N/A		Sports Talk		Men 18+
WBCO		Bucyrus, OH		N/A		N/A		Adult Standards		Adults 45+
WNYY		Ithaca, NY		N/A		N/A		Progressive Talk		Adults 35+
WHCU		Ithaca, NY		N/A		N/A		News/Talk		Adults 35+

 

 

 

 The following table sets forth information about the television stations that we own or operate and the markets they serve as of February 28, 2014:

 

				2013 Market
				Ranking by				Fall 2013
				Number of TV		Station		Station Ranking
Station		Market (a)		Households (b)		Affiliate		(by # of viewers) (b)
KOAM-TV		Joplin, MO — Pittsburg, KS		150		CBS		1
KFJX(d)		Joplin, MO — Pittsburg, KS		150		FOX		3
KAVU-TV		Victoria, TX		203		ABC		N/S
KVCT(c)		Victoria, TX		203		FOX		N/S
KMOL-LD		Victoria, TX		203		NBC		N/S
KXTS-LD		Victoria, TX		203		CBS		N/S
KUNU-LD		Victoria, TX		203		Univision		N/S
KVTX-LP		Victoria, TX		203		Telemundo		N/S

 

___________________________________________________________________________________________ 

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 two markets and consists of four television stations and four low power television (“LPTV”) stations. For more information regarding our reportable segments, see Note 13 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, 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 facility, and compliance with the Communications Act of 1934 (the “Communications Act”) and Federal Communications Commission (“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 $122,400,000 or 87% of our gross revenue for the year ended December 31, 2013 (approximately $124,700,000 or 87% in fiscal 2012 and approximately $116,274,000 or 85% in fiscal 2011) 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 2013 was approximately $18,904,000 or 13% of our gross revenue (approximately $18,084,000 or 13% in fiscal 2012 and approximately $21,288,000 or 15% in fiscal 2011).

 

 

 

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, 2013, we had approximately 790 full-time employees and 350 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 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 the broadcast stations that we own or operate with an attributable interest and the date on which each such station’s FCC license expires:

 

				Power		Expiration Date of
Station		Market (1)		(Watts) (2)		FCC Authorization
FM:
WSNY		Columbus, OH		50,000		October 1, 2020
WNNP		Columbus, OH		6,000		October 1, 2020
WNND		Columbus, OH		6,000		October 1, 2020
WVMX		Columbus, OH		6,000		October 1, 2020
WQEL		Bucyrus, OH		3,000		October 1, 2020
WKLH		Milwaukee, WI		50,000		December 1, 2020
WHQG		Milwaukee, WI		50,000		December 1, 2020
WNRG		Milwaukee, WI		6,000		December 1, 2020
WJMR		Milwaukee, WI		6,000		December 1, 2012(6)
WNOR		Norfolk, VA		50,000		October 1, 2011(6)
WAFX		Norfolk, VA		100,000		October 1, 2019
KSTZ		Des Moines, IA		100,000		February 1, 2021
KIOA		Des Moines, IA		100,000		February 1, 2021
KAZR		Des Moines, IA		100,000		February 1, 2021
KMYR		Des Moines, IA		100,000		February 1, 2021
WMGX		Portland, ME		50,000		April 1, 2014(6)
WYNZ		Portland, ME		25,000		April 1, 2014(6)

 

(footnotes follow tables)

 

 

 

				Power		Expiration Date of
Station		Market (1)		(Watts) (2)		FCC Authorization
WPOR		Portland, ME		50,000		April 1, 2014(6)
WCLZ		Portland, ME		50,000		April 1, 2014(6)
WLZX		Springfield, MA		6,000		April 1, 2014(6)
WAQY		Springfield, MA		50,000		April 1, 2006(6)
WZID		Manchester, NH		50,000		April 1, 2014(6)
WMLL		Manchester, NH		6,000		April 1, 2014(6)
WYMG		Springfield, IL		50,000		December 1, 2020
WLFZ		Springfield, IL		50,000		December 1, 2020
WDBR		Springfield, IL		50,000		December 1, 2012(6)
WQQL		Springfield, IL		25,000		December 1, 2020
WLRW		Champaign, IL		50,000		December 1, 2020
WIXY		Champaign, IL		25,000		December 1, 2020
WCFF		Champaign, IL		25,000		December 1, 2020
WYXY		Champaign, IL		50,000		December 1, 2020
WNAX		Yankton, SD		100,000		April 1, 2021
KISM		Bellingham, WA		100,000		February 1, 2022
KAFE		Bellingham, WA		100,000		February 1, 2022
KICD		Spencer, IA		100,000		February 1, 2021
KLLT		Spencer, IA		25,000		February 1, 2021
WCVQ		Clarksville, TN/Hopkinsville, KY		100,000		August 1, 2020
WZZP		Clarksville, TN/Hopkinsville, KY		6,000		August 1, 2020
WVVR		Clarksville, TN/Hopkinsville, KY		100,000		August 1, 2020
WEGI		Clarksville, TN/Hopkinsville, KY		6,000		August 1, 2020
KMIT		Mitchell, SD		100,000		April 1, 2021
KUQL		Mitchell, SD		100,000		April 1, 2021
WHAI		Greenfield, MA		3,000		April 1, 2014(6)
WKNE		Keene, NH		50,000		April 1, 2014(6)
WRSI		Northampton, MA		3,000		April 1, 2014(6)
WRSY		Brattleboro, VT		3,000		April 1, 2014(6)
WPVQ		Greenfield, MA		3,000		April 1, 2014(6)
WKVT		Brattleboro, VT		6,000		April 1, 2014(6)
WSNI		Keene, NH		6,000		April 1, 2014(6)
WINQ		Keene, NH		6,000		April 1, 2014(6)
WOXL		Asheville, NC		25,000		December 1, 2019
WTMT		Asheville, NC		50,000		December 1, 2011(6)
KEGI		Jonesboro, AR		50,000		June 1, 2020
KDXY		Jonesboro, AR		25,000		June 1, 2020
KJBX		Jonesboro, AR		6,000		June 1, 2020
WWWV		Charlottesville, VA		50,000		October 1, 2019
WQMZ		Charlottesville, VA		6,000		October 1, 2019
WCNR		Charlottesville, VA		6,000		October 1, 2019
WYXL		Ithaca, NY		50,000		June 1, 2014(6)
WQNY		Ithaca, NY		50,000		June 1, 2014(6)
WIII		Ithaca, NY		50,000		June 1, 2014(6)

 

(footnotes follow tables)

 

 

 

				Power		Expiration Date of
Station		Market (1)		(Watts) (2)		FCC Authorization
AM:
WJYI		Milwaukee, WI		1,000		December 1, 2020
WJOI		Norfolk, VA		1,000		October 1, 2019
KRNT		Des Moines, IA		5,000		February 1, 2013(6)
KPSZ		Des Moines, IA		10,000		February 1, 2021
WGAN		Portland, ME		5,000		April 1, 2014(6)
WZAN		Portland, ME		5,000		April 1, 2014(6)
WBAE		Portland, ME		1,000		April 1, 2014(6)
WGIN		Portland, ME		1,000		April 1, 2014(6)
WHNP		Springfield, MA		2,500(5)		April 1, 2014(6)
WHMP		Northampton, MA		1,000		April 1, 2014(6)
WFEA		Manchester, NH		5,000		April 1, 2014(6)
WTAX		Springfield, IL		1,000		December 1, 2012(6)
WNAX		Yankton, SD		5,000		April 1, 2021
KGMI		Bellingham, WA		5,000		February 1, 2022
KPUG		Bellingham, WA		10,000		February 1, 2022
KBAI		Bellingham, WA		1,000(5)		February 1, 2022
KICD		Spencer, IA		1,000		February 1, 2021
WEGI		Clarksville, TN/Hopkinsville, KY		1,000(5)		August 1, 2020
WKFN		Clarksville, TN		1,000(5)		August 1, 2020
WHMQ		Greenfield, MA		1,000		April 1, 2014(6)
WKBK		Keene, NH		5,000		April 1, 2014(6)
WZBK		Keene, NH		1,000(5)		April 1, 2014(6)
WKVT		Brattleboro, VT		1,000		April 1, 2014(6)
WISE		Asheville, NC		5,000(5)		December 1, 2019
WYSE		Asheville, NC		5,000(5)		December 1, 2019
WBCO		Bucyrus, OH		5,000(5)		October 1, 2020
WINA		Charlottesville, VA		5,000		October 1, 2019
WVAX		Charlottesville, VA		1,000		October 1, 2019
WHCU		Ithaca, NY		5,000(5)		June 1, 2014(6)
WNYY		Ithaca, NY		5,000(5)		June 1, 2014(6)
TV/Channel:
KOAM (DTV Ch 7)		Joplin, MO/Pittsburg, KS		DTV 14,800		June 1, 2006(6)
KAVU (DTV Ch 15)		Victoria, TX		DTV 900,000		August 1, 2006(6)
KVCT(3) (DTV Ch 11)		Victoria, TX		DTV 11,350		August 1, 2006(6)
KUNU-LD(4) (Digital Ch 28)		Victoria, TX		DTV 15,000		August 1, 2006(6)
KVTX-LP(4) (Operating on Digital Ch 45 Pursuant to Program Test Authority)		Victoria, TX		Analog 1,000		August 1, 2006(6)
KXTS-LD(4) (Digital Ch 19)		Victoria, TX		DTV 15,000		August 1, 2006(6)
KMOL-LD(4) (Digital Ch 17)		Victoria, TX		DTV 15,000		August 1, 2006(6)

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 two FM translators 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 Nielsen 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 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 (if permitted under the FCC’s local television multiple ownership rule) 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 DMAs in which the relevant stations are located divided by the total national television households as measured by DMA data at the time of a grant, transfer or assignment of a license. For purposes of making this calculation, UHF television stations are attributed with 50 percent of the television households in their DMA market) of 39%. The multiple ownership rules now permit opportunities for newspaper-broadcast combinations, as follows:

    

	•	In markets with three or fewer TV stations, no cross-ownership is permitted among TV, radio and newspapers. A company may obtain a waiver of that ban if it can show that the television station does not serve the area served by the cross-owned property (i.e., the radio station or the newspaper).
	•	In markets with between 4 and 8 TV stations, combinations are limited to one of the following:
		(A)	A daily newspaper; one TV station; and up to half of the radio station limit for that market (i.e., if the radio limit in the market is 6, the company can only own 3) or
		(B)	A daily newspaper; and up to the radio station limit for that market; (i.e., no TV stations) or
		(C)	Two TV stations (if permissible under local TV ownership rule); and up to the radio station limit for that market (i.e., no daily newspapers).
	•	In markets with nine or more TV stations, the FCC eliminated the newspaper-broadcast cross-ownership ban and the television-radio cross-ownership ban.

Under the rules, the number of radio stations one party may own in a local Nielsen Audio-rated radio market is determined by the number of full-power commercial and noncommercial radio stations in the market as determined by Nielsen Audio and BIA/Kelsey Radio that are not Nielsen Audio 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 multiple ownership rules. In Prometheus Radio v. FCC, Case No. 03-3388 (U.S. Court of Appeals D.C. Circuit), 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 a previously-imposed stay on the effect of the revised radio multiple ownership rules. By Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making (2006 Quadrennial Regulatory Review), released July 24, 2006, the Commission solicited comments. The rules adopted in the 2006 Quadrennial Regulatory Review were vacated in part by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals in Prometheus Radio Project v. FCC (652 F. 3d 432 (2011)) because the FCC’s procedures in the rule making proceeding did not satisfy the Administrative Procedure Act. The newspaper-broadcast cross-ownership rule was vacated, but the media ownership rules were affirmed. The FCC had created special benefits for so-called “eligible entities.” Because there was no data attempting to show a connection between the FCC’s eligible entity definition and the goal of increasing ownership of minorities and women under §309(j) of the Telecommunication Act of 1996, the “eligible entity” definition adopted was vacated as arbitrary and capricious. In its 2010 Quadrennial Regulatory Review, released December 22, 2011, the Commission proposed to eliminate the radio/television cross-ownership rule in favor of reliance on the local radio rule and local television rule. Other rules were left largely unchanged:

 

 

 

 

The FCC also sought comment on whether television local news service (“LNS”) agreements and shared service agreements (“SSA”) are substantively equivalent to agreements that are already subject to the FCC’s attribution rules, and are therefore attributable now or should be in the future.

 

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. The Court and FCC proceedings are ongoing and we cannot predict what action, if any, the Court or 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 full-power radio stations in the relevant radio market as follows:

 

 

 

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.

 

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, none of our directors has an attributable interest or interests in companies applying for or licensed to operate broadcast stations other than us.

 

 

 

The FCC’s ownership attribution rules (a) apply to limited liability companies and registered limited liability partnerships the same attribution rules that the FCC applies to limited partnerships; and (b) include an 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. Proposals are before the FCC whereby the government would take back part of the spectrum allotted for over-the-air television in favor of wireless broadband. The FCC is conducting a proceeding whereby broadcasters may voluntarily participate in an auction of their over-the-air broadcast spectrum, otherwise agree to modifications in the spectrum available to them, move from the UHF to the VHF band (with or without compensations), or become subject to restrictions on their usage of the spectrum. 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. On April, 27, 2012, the FCC released a Second Report and Order that requires television stations to post their public files online in a central, Commission-hosted database, rather than maintaining the files locally at their main studios. It did not impose any new reporting obligation on the Company. The FCC did not adopt new disclosure obligations for sponsorship identification and shared services agreements as had been proposed. The FCC deferred considering whether to adopt online posting of public files for radio stations until the FCC has gained experience with online posting files of television broadcasters. Television stations are required to provide closed captioning for certain video programming.

 

 

 

Equal Employment Opportunity Rules.  Equal employment opportunity (EEO) rules and policies for broadcasters prohibit discrimination by broadcasters and multichannel video programming distributors (“MVPDs”). 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 (“TBAs”). Such arrangements are an extension of the concept of 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. 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.

 

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 issue of whether to make attributable Shared Services Agreements and Local News Service Agreements is among the subjects being considered in the 2010 Quadrennial Regulatory Review. We cannot predict whether the FCC will make such agreements attributable. The FCC rules permit, under certain circumstances, the ownership of two or more television stations in a Qualifying Market and require 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, a television station in Pittsburg, Kansas, serving the Joplin, Missouri television market. In consideration for our guarantee, Surtsey has entered into various agreements with us relating to the station, including a Shared Services Agreement, Agreement for Use of Ancillary Digital Spectrum and Agreement for the Sale of Commercial Time. On January 31, 2012, the Company and Surtsey amended these agreements and entered into an agreement which included an assignable option with Surtsey for KFJX-TV. Under the FCC’s ownership rules, we are prohibited from owning or having an attributable or cognizable interest in KFJX-TV. On January 31, 2012, we entered into an agreement which included an extension of the grandfathered TBA for KVCT-TV and an assignable option with Surtsey for KVCT-TV. As noted above, if the FCC decides to attribute television SSA’s and 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 rules requiring every television receiver, 13 inches or larger, sold in the United States since January 2000 to contain a “V-chip” which allows parents to block programs on a standardized rating system. 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.  Under the FCC’s rules all U.S. television broadcasters have been required to convert their operations from NTSC (analog) to digital television (“DTV”). 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 currently provide DTV service and have terminated NTSC operations. The Company has constructed DTV facilities serving at least 80% of their NTSC population coverage. We hold licenses that authorize KOAM-TV to operate on Channel 7 for DTV and KAVU-TV to operate on Channel 15 for DTV. The FCC’s rules require broadcasters to include Program and System Information Protocol (“PSIP”) information in their digital broadcast signals.

 

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.

 

In October 2003, the FCC adopted rules requiring “plug and play” cable compatibility which would allow consumers to plug their cable directly into their digital TV set without the need for a set-top box. In January 2013, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit vacated the rules. The Company cannot predict whether the FCC will adopt other proposals to address this matter. 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 MVPDs 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 MVPD. Such must-carry rights extend to the DTV signals broadcast by our stations. For the three-year period commencing on January 1, 2012, we generally elected “retransmission consent” in notifying MVPDs that carry our television programming in our television markets.

 

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-LD, KVTX-LP, KXTS-LD, and KMOL-LD, Victoria, Texas, all of which operate in the digital mode. None of the stations qualifies under the FCC’s established criteria for Class A status. In January 2006, the FCC announced a filing window from May 1 through May 12, 2006, during which NTSC LPTV stations could apply for a digital companion channel or implement DTV operation on their existing NTSC channels. The Company’s LPTV stations did not apply for companion channels, and instead filed applications to “flash-cut” to implement DTV operation on their existing NTSC channels, or filed “displacement” applications to use different digital channels. The FCC has set September 1, 2015, as the terminal date for transition of LPTV to digital transmission.

 

Low Power FM Radio.  The FCC has created a “low power radio service” on the FM band (“LPFM”) in which the FCC authorizes the construction and operation of noncommercial educational FM stations with up to 100 watts effective radiated power (“ERP”) with antenna height above average terrain (“HAAT”) at up to 30 meters (100 feet). This combination is calculated to produce a service area radius of approximately 3.5 miles. The FCC’s rules 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., 88.1 to 107.9 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 LPFM 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 LPFM 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 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 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 LPFM station's emissions. The 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 LPFM stations, to ensure that: (i) licenses are available to FM translator stations, FM booster stations, and LPFM 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.

 

 

 

On January 5, 2012, the FCC released a Report to Congress on the impact that LPFM stations will have on full-service commercial FM stations. The FCC “found no statistically reliable evidence that low-power FM stations have a substantial or consistent economic impact on full-service commercial FM stations,” and that “low-power FM stations generally do not have, and in the future are unlikely to have, a demonstrable economic impact on full-service commercial FM radio stations.” In an order released December 4, 2012, the FCC modified its rules to implement the new law. The FCC has dismissed approximately 3,000 so-called “short-form” applications for construction permits for new FM translator stations to accommodate a filing opportunity for construction permits for new LPFM stations. Two of the Company’s short-form applications have been dismissed pursuant to this process. The FCC opened a “filing window” from October 17 through November 14, 2013, during which it received over 2,800 applications for new stations and major modifications of authorized LPFM stations. Some of these applications have been granted, including applications for LPFM stations in markets where the Company operates radio stations. Applications that are “mutually-exclusive” with other LPFM applications filed in the window are the subject of the FCC’s ongoing procedures to resolve the mutually exclusive situations. In December 2013, the FCC opened a 60-day “window” to permit mutually-exclusive LPFM applicants to attempt to resolve the mutually-exclusive conditions. 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.  In adopting its rules for the Digital Audio Radio Satellite Service (“DARS”) in the 2310-2360 MHz frequency band, 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. The FCC approved 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 (including the Company) are also making their product available through the Internet. We cannot predict whether, or the extent to which, such competing reception devices will have an adverse impact on our business.

 

Satellite Carriage of Local TV Stations and “Aereo” Technology.  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 Significantly Viewed (“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. A technology company, Aereo, Inc., in 2012 launched a service that allows subscribers to view live as well as time-shifted streams of over-the-air television programs on Internet-connected devices. On April 1, 2013, a federal appeals court upheld a lower court’s ruling, finding that Aereo, Inc.’s streams to subscribers were not “public performances”, and thus did not constitute copyright infringement. The matter is subject to ongoing litigation. We cannot predict whether this technology will have an impact on the Company.

 

 

 

In-Band On-Channel “Hybrid Digital” Radio.  The FCC has 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. HD radio technology permits “hybrid” operations, the simultaneous transmission of analog and digital signals with a single AM and FM channel. HD radio technology can provide near CD-quality sound on FM channels and FM quality on AM channels. HD radio technology also permits the transmission of up to three additional program streams over the radio stations. At the present time, we are configured to broadcast in HD radio on 51 stations and we continue to convert stations to HD radio on an ongoing basis.

 

Use of FM Translators by AM Stations and Digital Program Streams.  FM translator stations are relatively low power radio stations (maximum ERP: 250 Watts) 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. 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. In a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, released October 31, 2013, the Commission tentatively concluded that it should afford an opportunity, restricted to AM licensees and permittees, to apply for and receive authorizations for new FM translator stations for the sole and limited purpose of enhancing their existing service to the public. It, therefore, proposed to open a one-time filing window during which only AM broadcasters may participate.  In the filing window, qualifying AM licensees may apply for one, and only one, new FM translator station, in the non-reserved FM band to be used solely to re-broadcast the AM licensee’s AM signal to provide fill-in and/or nighttime service. The Company is an AM licensee and expects to participate in the filing opportunity. The Company is using some of its existing FM translators to rebroadcast HD radio program streams generated by some of its FM stations, which is permitted by the FCC.

 

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. 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.

 

 

 

Changes to Application and Assignment Procedures.  In January 2010, the FCC adopted a First Report and Order that gives Native American 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 (i.e., FCC “short-form” Auction) 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. On December 29, 2011, the FCC released its Third Report and Order which limits eligibility for authorizations associated with allotments added to the FM Table of Allotments using the “Tribal Priority” to the tribes whom the Tribal Priority was intended to benefit. In a Public Notice released December 2, 2010 (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 for persons or entities that have overcome substantial disadvantage and would be eligible for a bidding credit. In the Quadrennial Regulatory Review NPRM, the Commission also sought comment on a proposal for applicants to be accorded licensing preferences if they could demonstrate that they have overcome “significant social and economic disadvantages.” The Company cannot predict whether such preferences will be adopted, or whether they would have any impact on the Company.

 

Spectrum Auctions and Channel Sharing.  On November 30, 2010, the FCC adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in ET Docket No. 10-235 that proposed that wireless broadband providers have equal access to television broadcast frequencies that could become available in spectrum auctions. On April 27, 2012, the adopted new rules in that docket that establish a framework for how two or more television licensees may voluntarily share a single six MHz channel in conjunction with the auction process:

 

 

The new rules apply to full power and Class A television stations, including both commercial and noncommercial educational television stations. The rules neither increase nor decrease the cable and satellite carriage rights currently afforded broadcast licensees. Nor do the new rules address the proposals in the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to establish fixed and mobile allocations in the UHF/VHF bands or to improve TV service on VHF channels. The FCC said it will address the allocation issue in a future rulemaking, and may address the VHF issues at a later date as well. At this time, the Company has made no decision as to whether it will voluntarily participate in combining operations or spectrum auctions.

 

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 FCC is authorized 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 broadcast 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. Federal law grants a performance right for sound recordings in favor of recording companies and performing artists for non-interactive digital transmissions and Internet radio. As a result, users of music, including the Company, are required to pay royalties for these uses through Sound Exchange, a non-profit performance rights organization. In 2009, a bill, H.R. 848, the Performance Rights Act, was introduced in Congress, but did not pass in the 111^th 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 January 3, 2013, the FCC released the Sixth Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, which seeks comment on the requirement that persons with attributable interests in broadcast licensees and other entities filing an FCC Ownership Report provide an “FCC Registration Number” (“FRN”) linked to their social security numbers. Questions have been raised about the security of the FCC’s Registration System where this data would be stored. The FCC is also seeking comment on whether to expand the biennial ownership reporting requirement to include interests, entities and individuals that are not attributable because of (a) the single majority shareholder exemption and (b) the exemption for interests held in eligible entities pursuant to the higher EDP threshold. The Company has utilized the single majority shareholder exemption in reporting ownership interests in the Company. The Company cannot predict whether these proposals will be adopted, and if so, whether information provided by those persons with a reportable attributable interest in the Company will be secure.

 

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 allows an alert initiator to send alerts specifically formatted for people with disabilities and for non-English speakers. The Company has complied with the CAP requirements.

 

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:

 

Name		Age		Position
Edward K. Christian		69		President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman; Director
Steven J. Goldstein		57		Executive Vice President and Group Program Director
Warren S. Lada		59		Executive Vice President, Operations
Samuel D. Bush		56		Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
Marcia K. Lobaito		65		Senior Vice President, Corporate Secretary, and Director of Business Affairs
Catherine A. Bobinski		54		Senior Vice President/Finance, Chief Accounting Officer and Corporate Controller

 

 

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 Executive Vice President, Operations since March 2012. He was Senior Vice President, Operations from 2000 to 2012 and 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 and 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 Senior Vice President/Finance since March 2012 and Chief Accounting Officer and Corporate Controller since September 1991. She was Vice President from March 1999 to March 2012. Ms. Bobinski is a certified public accountant.

 

 Item 1A. Risk Factors

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

 

We derive revenues from the sale of advertising and expenditures by advertisers tend to be cyclical and are reflective of economic conditions. Periods of a slowing economy, recession or economic uncertainty may be accompanied by a decrease in advertising. The global economic downturn that began in 2008 caused a decline in advertising and marketing by our customers, which had an adverse effect on our revenue, profit margins and cash flows. Global economic conditions have been slow to recover and remain uncertain. The U.S. economy grew less than 2% in 2013 and unemployment remained relatively high. 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. If economic conditions do not continue to improve, economic uncertainty increases or economic conditions deteriorate again; global economic conditions may once again adversely impact our business. Due to the continued uncertain pace of economic growth, we cannot predict future revenue trends. Further, there can be no assurance that we will not experience future adverse effects that may be material to our cash flows, competitive position, financial condition, results of operations, or our ability to access capital.

 

 

 

The volatility in global financial markets may also limit our ability to access the capital markets 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, 2013 our long-term debt (including the current portion thereof and our guarantee of debt of Surtsey Media, LLC) was approximately $46,078,000. We have borrowed and expect to continue to borrow to finance acquisitions and for other corporate purposes. Because of our indebtedness, a 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 term loan principal under our credit facility amortizes in equal installments of 5% of the term loan during each year, however, upon satisfaction of certain conditions, as defined in the credit facility, no amortization payment is required. The credit facility is also subject to mandatory prepayment requirements, including but not limited to, certain sales of assets, certain insurance proceeds, certain debt issuances and certain sales of equity. Any outstanding balance under the credit facility will be due on the maturity date of May 31, 2018. We believe that cash flows from operations will be sufficient to meet our debt service requirements for interest and scheduled payments of principal under the credit facility. 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 facility 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 investments, additional indebtedness, dividends, distributions, guarantees, liens and encumbrances. Our ability to meet these financial ratios can be affected by operating performance or other events beyond our control, and we cannot assure you that we will meet those ratios. Certain events of default under our credit facility 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. We have pledged substantially all of our assets (excluding our FCC licenses and certain other assets) in support of the credit facility and each of our subsidiaries has guaranteed the credit facility and has pledged substantially all of their assets (excluding their FCC licenses and certain other assets) in support of the credit facility.

 

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, 2018, 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%, 44% and 43% of our net operating revenue for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, 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 facility. 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.

 

 

 

Future Impairment of our FCC Broadcasting Licenses Could Affect our Operating Results

 

As of December 31, 2013, our FCC broadcasting licenses represented 45.8% of our total assets. We are required to test our FCC broadcasting licenses for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that our FCC broadcasting licenses might be impaired which may result in future impairment losses. For further discussion, see Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates included with this Form 10-K.

 

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 Federal Regulations or Fees Could Affect our Broadcasting Operations

 

There has been proposed legislation in the past and there could be again in the future that requires radio broadcasters to pay additional fees such as a spectrum fee for the use of the spectrum or a royalty fee to record labels and performing artists for use of their recorded music. Currently, we pay royalties to song composers and publishers indirectly through third parties. Any proposed legislation that is adopted into law could add an additional layer of royalties to be paid directly to the record labels and artists. While this proposed legislation did not become law, it has been the subject of considerable debate and activity by the broadcast industry and other parties affected by the legislation. It is currently unknown what impact any potential required royalty payments would have on our results of operations, cash flows or financial position.

 

The FCC’s Vigorous Enforcement of Indecency Rules Could Affect our Broadcasting Operations

 

Federal law regulates the broadcast of obscene, indecent or profane material. The FCC has increased its enforcement efforts relating to the regulation of indecency violations, and Congress has increased the penalties for broadcasting obscene, indecent or profane programming, and these penalties may potentially subject broadcasters to license revocation, renewal or qualification proceedings in the event that they broadcast such material. In addition, the FCC’s heightened focus on the indecency regulations against the broadcast industry may encourage third parties to oppose our license renewal applications or applications for consent to acquire broadcast stations. Because the FCC may investigate indecency complaints prior to notifying a licensee of the existence of a complaint, a licensee may not have knowledge of a complaint unless and until the complaint results in the issuance of a formal FCC letter of inquiry or notice of apparent liability for forfeiture. We have stations that are currently subject to indecency-related inquiries and/or proposed fines at the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau, and we may in the future become subject to additional inquiries or proceedings related to our stations’ broadcast of obscene, indecent or profane material. To the extent that any inquiries or other proceedings result in the imposition of fines, a settlement with the FCC, revocation of any of our station licenses or denials of license renewal applications, our result of operations and business could be materially adversely affected.