UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
FORM 10-K
| x | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003
OR
| ¨ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
for the transition period from to .
Commission File Number: 333-62916-02
MISSION BROADCASTING, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| Delaware | 51-0388022 | |
| (State of Organization or Incorporation) | (IRS Employer Identification No.) | |
| 409 Lackawanna Avenue Scranton, PA 18503 |
(570) 961-2222 | |
| (Address of Principal Executive Offices, including Zip Code) | (Registrants Telephone Number, Including Area Code) | |
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
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 it was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the Registrants knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). Yes ¨ No x
As of December 31, 2003, Mission Broadcasting, Inc. had one shareholder, David S. Smith. Mr. Smith held all 1,000 shares of the outstanding common stock of Mission Broadcasting, Inc. at December 31, 2003.
i
General
As used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and unless the context indicates otherwise, Mission refers to Mission Broadcasting, Inc. Mission has entered into time brokerage, shared services and joint sales agreements with certain television stations owned by Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. (Nexstar), but Mission does not own any equity interests in Nexstar. For a description of the relationship between Mission and Nexstar, see Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.
On December 30, 2003, Mission completed the acquisition of television stations KOLR, the CBS affiliated station in Springfield, Missouri; KHMT, the Fox affiliated station in Billings, Montana; and KAMC, the ABC affiliated station in Lubbock, Texas, from VHR Broadcasting, Inc. and its subsidiaries (VHR) and the acquisition of television stations KCIT, the Fox affiliated station in Amarillo, Texas, and KCPN-LP, an independent station in Amarillo, Texas, from Mission Broadcasting of Amarillo, Inc. (Mission of Amarillo). VHR merged with and into two affiliates of Mission of Amarillo, and then Mission of Amarillo and such affiliates merged with and into Mission. Prior to December 30, 2003, Quorum Broadcast Holdings, LLC (Quorum) provided management, sales or other services to KOLR, KHMT, KAMC, KCIT and KCPN-LP under local service agreements with VHR and Mission of Amarillo, as applicable, that were substantially similar to Nexstars local service agreements with Mission. On December 30, 2003, Nexstar Broadcasting Group, Inc., Nexstars ultimate parent, completed its acquisition of all the subsidiaries of Quorum. Upon completion of the Quorum acquisition and the Mission mergers, Nexstar became a party to these local service agreements as successor to the Quorum subsidiaries and Mission became a party to such agreements as the successor to VHR and Mission of Amarillo. Mission also entered into new option agreements with Nexstar for the purchase of these stations.
The mergers noted above constituted tax-free reorganizations and have been accounted for as mergers of entities under common control in a manner similar to pooling of interests. Accordingly, Missions financial statements herein have been restated to include the financial results of the VHR and Mission of Amarillo stations for all periods presented.
ABRY Partners, Nexstar Broadcasting Group Inc.s principal stockholder through its various funds both before and after the merger, holds more than 50% of the voting ownership of both Nexstar Broadcasting Group, Inc. and Quorum. Although Nexstar and Quorum do not own Mission, Mission of Amarillo or VHR and do not operate the television stations owned by Mission, Mission of Amarillo or VHR, Nexstar and Quorum are deemed to have controlling financial interests under GAAP in Mission. Mission of Amarillo and VHR due to their guarantees of Missions, Mission of Amarillos and VHRs debt and because of services and purchase options agreements with Mission, Mission of Amarillo and VHR. Due to these relationships and the common control therein, the acquisition of Mission of Amarillo and VHR was accounted for as a combination of entities under common control in a manner similar to a pooling of interests. This conclusion is based on the guidance in FASB Statement No. 141 Business Combinations and EITF 02-05 Definition of Commence Control in Relation of FASB Statement No. 141.
There are 210 generally recognized television markets, known as Designated Market Areas, or DMAs, in the United States. DMAs are ranked in size according to various factors based upon actual or potential audience. DMA rankings contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are from the Nielsen Station Index dated November 2003 as estimated by the A.C. Nielsen Company, and as published in BIA Investing in Television, 2003 4th edition.
Unless the context indicates otherwise: (1) data relating to market rank, television household data and audience share are from The Nielsen Station Index for Sunday to Saturday, 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. dated November 2003 and (2) the term station or commercial station means a television broadcast station and does not include non-commercial television stations, cable program services or networks (for example, CNN, MTV and ESPN) or stations that do not meet the minimum Nielsen reporting standards (for example, weekly cumulative audience share of at least 2.5% for Sunday to Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.); and (3) the term independent describes a commercial television station that is not affiliated with the ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, WB, PAX or UPN television networks.
Reference is made in this Annual Report on Form 10-K to the following trademarks/tradenames which are owned by the third parties referenced in parentheses: The Simpsons and King of The Hill (20th Century Fox Film Corporation); Seinfeld (Columbia Tristar Television Distribution, a unit of Sony Pictures); Judge Judy, Entertainment Tonight, Frasier, Montel Williams, Becker and Spin City (Paramount Distribution, a division of Viacom, Inc.); Friends (Warner Brothers Domestic Television Distribution, a division of Time Warner Entertainment Co. LP); The Maury Povich Show (Studios USA Television Distribution LLC); That 70s Show and Third Rock From The Sun (Carsey Werner Distribution LLC); Everybody Loves Raymond (Eyemark Entertainment); The Oprah Winfrey Show (King World Productions, Inc.); Starting Over (NBC Enterprises Domestic Syndication); Live with Regis and Kelly (Buena Vista); Family Feud (Tribune Entertainment Co.); and The Hughleys (20th Television, Inc.).
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements for purposes of federal and state securities laws, including: any projections or expectations of earnings, revenue, financial performance, liquidity and capital resources or other financial items; any assumptions or projections about the television broadcasting industry; any statements of our plans, strategies and objectives for our future operations, performance, liquidity and capital resources or other financial items; any statements concerning proposed new products, services or developments; any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance; any statements of belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Forward-looking statements may include the words may, will, should, could, would, predicts, potential, continue, expects, anticipates, future, intends, plans, believes, estimates, and other similar words.
Although we believe that the expectations reflected in any of our forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could differ from a projection or assumption in any of our forward-looking statements. Our future financial position and results of operations, as well as any forward-looking statements, are subject to change and inherent risks and uncertainties discussed under Item 1. BusinessRisks Related to Our Company and Business Risks Related to Our Industry elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K as well as in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements made in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are made only as of the date hereof, and, unless required by law, we do not have or undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
1
Overview
Mission Broadcasting, Inc. (Mission, the Company, or also referenced as we us and our), formerly known as Mission Broadcasting of Wichita Falls, Inc. (Mission of Wichita Falls), completed a merger with Bastet Broadcasting, Inc. (Bastet) and Mission Broadcasting of Joplin, Inc. (Mission of Joplin), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mission of Wichita Falls, on September 30, 2002. Bastet and Mission were separate entities, 100% owned by the same third party at the beginning of fiscal year 2002.
Bastet was formed in 1997 to own and operate television stations in small- and medium-sized markets across the United States. Bastet completed its first acquisition in January 1998, with the purchase of WYOU, the CBS affiliate in Wilkes Barre-Scranton, Pennsylvania. Bastet subsequently purchased WFXP, the Fox affiliate in Erie, Pennsylvania in November 1998. Mission of Wichita Falls was incorporated in 1998, and commenced operations on June 1, 1999, with its acquisition of KJTL, a Fox affiliated station, and KJBO-LP, a UPN affiliated station, both in Wichita Falls, Texas. In December 2001, Mission of Joplin entered into a Time Brokerage Agreement (TBA) with GOCOM Broadcasting of Joplin, L.L.C. (GOCOM) to provide certain programming to and to sell the advertising time of KODE, the ABC affiliate in Joplin, Missouri, pending the acquisition of certain of the stations assets, which closed on September 30, 2002.
In January 2003, operations under a local marketing agreement commenced between Mission and LIN Television Corporation and two of its subsidiaries, with regard to KRBC, the NBC affiliated station in Abilene-Sweetwater, Texas, and KSAN (formerly KACB), the NBC affiliated station in San Angelo, Texas. Operations under the local marketing agreement terminated in conjunction with Missions purchase of substantially all of the stations assets, which closed on June 13, 2003. On that date, Mission entered into a shared services agreement (SSA) with Nexstar regarding KRBC and KSAN.
In May 2003, Mission entered into a TBA with Bahakel Communications to provide certain programming to and to sell the advertising time of WBAK, the Fox affiliated station in Terre Haute, Indiana, pending Missions purchase of substantially all of stations assets, which is expected to close in the second quarter of 2004. In addition, in May 2003, Mission entered into an SSA and a joint sales agreement (JSA) with Nexstar regarding WBAK.
In December 2003, Mission entered into a purchase agreement with a subsidiary of Clear Channel Communications to acquire substantially all of the assets of WUTR, the ABC affiliated station in Utica, New York. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted its consent and the acquisition is expected to close in the second quarter of 2004.
On December 30, 2003, Mission completed the acquisition of television stations KOLR, the CBS affiliated station in Springfield, Missouri; KHMT, the Fox affiliated station in Billings, Montana; and KAMC, the ABC affiliated station in Lubbock, Texas, from VHR Broadcasting, Inc. and its subsidiaries (VHR) and the acquisition of television stations KCIT, the Fox affiliated station in Amarillo, Texas, and KCPN-LP, an independent station in Amarillo, Texas, from Mission Broadcasting of Amarillo, Inc. (Mission of Amarillo). VHR merged with and into two affiliates of Mission of Amarillo, and then Mission of Amarillo and such affiliates merged with and into Mission. Prior to December 30, 2003, Quorum Broadcast Holdings, LLC (Quorum) provided management, sales or other services to KOLR, KHMT, KAMC, KCIT and KCPN-LP under local service agreements with VHR and Mission of Amarillo, as applicable, that were substantially similar to Nexstars local service agreements with Mission. On December 30, 2003, Nexstar Broadcasting Group, Inc., Nexstars ultimate parent, completed its acquisition of all the subsidiaries of Quorum. Upon completion of the Quorum acquisition and the Mission mergers, Nexstar became a party to these local service agreements as successor to the Quorum subsidiaries and Mission became a party to such agreements as the successor to VHR and Mission of Amarillo. Mission also entered into new option agreements with Nexstar for the purchase of these stations.
The mergers noted above constituted tax-free reorganizations and have been accounted for as mergers of entities under common control in a manner similar to pooling of interests. Accordingly, Missions financial statements herein have been restated to include the financial results of the VHR and Mission of Amarillo stations for all periods presented.
ABRY Partners, Nexstar Broadcasting Group Inc.s principal stockholder through its various funds both before and after the merger holds more than 50% of the voting ownership of both Nexstar Broadcasting Group, Inc. and Quorum. Although Nexstar and Quorum do not own the Mission, Mission of Amarillo or VHR and do not operate the television stations owned by the Mission, Mission of Amarillo or VHR, Nexstar and Quorum are deemed to have controlling financial interests under GAAP in the Mission, Mission of Amarillo and VHR due to their guarantees of the Missions, Mission of Amarillos and VHRs debt and because of service and purchase option agreements with the Mission, Mission of Amarillo and VHR. Due to these relationships, the acquisition of Mission of Amarillo and VHR was accounted for as a combination of entities under common control in a manner similar to a pooling of interests. This conclusion is based on the guidance in FASB Statement No. 141 Business Combinations and EITF 02-05 Definition of Common Control in Relation to FASB Statement No. 141.
Mission has entered into various service agreements with Nexstar. WFXP and KHMT each has a TBA with Nexstar, which allows Nexstar to program most of each stations broadcast time, sell the stations advertising time and retain the advertising revenue generated by WFXP and KHMT in exchange for monthly payments to Mission. KJTL, KJBO-LP, KOLR, KCIT, KCPN-LP, KAMC
and WBAK each has an SSA with Nexstar, which allows the sharing of services including news production, technical maintenance and security, in exchange for Nexstars right to receive certain payments from Mission as described in the SSA. Pursuant to a JSA, Nexstar has also acquired the right to sell and receive the revenue from the advertising time on KJTL, KJBO-LP, KOLR, KCIT, KCPN-LP, KAMC and WBAK in return for monthly payments to Mission. The arrangements under these agreements have had the effect of Nexstar receiving substantially all of the available cash, after payment of debt service costs, generated by KJTL, KJBO-LP, KOLR, KCIT, KCPN-LP, KAMC and WBAK. The payment provisions for all the SSAs and JSAs discussed above were modified between December 30, 2003 and February 1, 2004. The revision of the payment terms had no effect on the services provided. Mission anticipates that under these agreements Nexstar will continue to receive substantially all of the available cash, after payment of debt service costs, generated by the stations.
2
WYOU, KODE, KRBC and KSAN each has an SSA with Nexstar, but each of WYOU, KODE, KRBC and KSAN has its own sales staff.
In addition to providing certain services to our television stations, Nexstar is also the guarantor of our debt. We are a guarantor of the senior credit facilities entered into and the senior subordinated notes issued by Nexstar.
Our shareholder has granted to Nexstar a purchase option to acquire the assets and liabilities of each Mission station for consideration equal to the greater of (i) seven times the stations broadcast cash flow as defined in the option agreement less the amount of its indebtedness as defined in the option agreement or (ii) the amount of its indebtedness. Broadcast cash flow is defined as income or loss from operations, plus depreciation and amortization (including amortization of broadcast rights), interest income, non-cash trade and barter expenses, nonrecurring expenses (including time brokerage agreement fees), network compensation payments received or receivable and corporate management fees, less payments for broadcast rights, non-cash trade and barter revenue and network compensation revenue. These option agreements are freely exercisable or assignable by Nexstar without consent or approval by our shareholder.
Nexstar does not own us or our television stations; however, under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP), Nexstar is deemed to have a controlling financial interest in them due to Nexstars guarantee of our debt and the service and purchase option agreements described above. In order for both Nexstar and Mission to continue to comply with FCC regulations, we must maintain complete responsibility for and control over programming, finances, personnel and operations of our stations.
Our principal offices are at 409 Lackawanna Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503. Our telephone number is (570) 961-2222.
Business Strategy
Emphasize Local Sales. We employ a high-quality local sales force at WYOU, KODE, KRBC and KSAN to capitalize on our investment in local programming. We believe that local advertising is attractive because our sales force is more effective with local advertisers, giving us a greater ability to influence this revenue source. Additionally, local advertising has historically been a more stable source of revenue than national advertising for television broadcasters. For the year ended December 31, 2003, the percentage of our total spot revenue, excluding political, from local advertising was 67.7%. We invest in our sales efforts by implementing comprehensive training programs and employing a sophisticated inventory tracking system to help maximize advertising rates and the amount of inventory sold in each time period.
Maintain Strict Cost Controls. We emphasize strict controls on operating and programming costs in order to increase broadcast cash flow. We continually seek to identify and implement cost savings at each of our stations.
Local Service Agreements. As of December 31, 2003, we have local service agreements in place with Nexstar in eleven markets: Erie, Pennsylvania; Wichita Falls, Texas Lawton, Oklahoma, Wilkes Barre-Scranton, Pennsylvania; Joplin, Missouri; Abilene-Sweetwater, Texas; San Angelo, Texas; Terre Haute, Indiana; Amarillo, Texas; Billings, Montana; Lubbock, Texas; and Springfield, Missouri.
In Erie, Pennsylvania, we have a time brokerage agreement dated as of April 1, 1996, as amended, which expires on August 16, 2006 and may be renewed for one term of five years with 90 days notice. This agreement allows Nexstar to program most of WFXPs broadcast time, sell the stations advertising time and retain the advertising revenue in exchange for monthly payments to us.
In Wichita Falls, Texas-Lawton, Oklahoma, we have a shared services agreement dated as of June 1, 1999, which has an initial term of 10 years. Under this agreement, Nexstar agreed to share the costs of certain services that Nexstars station KFDX and our stations KJTL and KJBO-LP individually incur. These shared services include news production, technical maintenance and security but do not include the services of senior management personnel, programming or sales. In consideration of services provided to KJTL and KJBO LP by KFDX personnel, we pay Nexstar a monthly service fee, calculated based on the cash flow of KJTL and KJBO-LP. On January 1, 2004, the shared services fee was amended to a flat fee of $70,000 per month.
Also in Wichita Falls, Texas-Lawton, Oklahoma, we have a joint sales agreement for the sale of commercial time dated as of June 1, 1999, which has an initial term of 10 years. Under this agreement, Nexstar purchases advertising time on KJTL and KJBO-LP and retains the advertising revenue, in return for payments to us of $100,000 per month, which may be adjusted according to our expenses. On January 1, 2004, the fee related to the joint sales agreement was amended. The revised fee will be 70% of the KJTL/KJBO-LP revenue collected each month.
In Wilkes Barre-Scranton, Pennsylvania, we have a shared services agreement dated as of January 5, 1998, which has an initial term of 10 years. The terms of this agreement are substantially similar to the terms of our shared services agreement in Wichita Falls except for the monthly fee, which is $250,000 per month. It obligates Nexstars station,WBRE, to perform certain services for our station, WYOU.
Also in Wilkes Barre-Scranton, Pennsylvania, we have a joint sales agreement for the sale of commercial time for WYOU dated as of June 30, 2003, the term of which will begin only at the later of (a) the 10th day after Nexstars written notice to us and (b) the satisfaction of certain requirements, if any, under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 (the HSR Act). The terms of this agreement are substantially similar to the terms of our joint sales agreements in Wichita Falls and Terre Haute.
3
In Joplin, Missouri-Pittsburg, Kansas, we have a shared services agreement dated as of April 1, 2002, which has an initial term of 10 years. The terms of this agreement are substantially similar to the terms of our shared services agreement in Wichita Falls. It obligates Nexstars station, KSNF, to perform certain services for our station, KODE.
Also in Joplin, Missouri-Pittsburg, Kansas, we have a joint sales agreement for the sale of commercial time for KODE dated as of June 30, 2003, the term of which will begin only at the later of (a) the 10th day after Nexstars written notice to us and (b) the satisfaction of certain requirements, if any, under the HSR Act. The terms of this agreement are substantially similar to the terms of our joint sales agreements in Wichita Falls and Terre Haute.
In Abilene-Sweetwater and San Angelo, Texas, we have a shared services agreement dated as of June 13, 2003, which has an initial term of 10 years. The terms of this agreement are substantially similar to the terms of our shared services agreement in Wichita Falls, except for the monthly fee, which is $150,000 per month. It obligates Nexstars station, KTAB, to perform certain services for our stations, KRBC and KSAN.
Also in Abilene-Sweetwater and San Angelo, Texas, we have a joint sales agreement for the sale of commercial time for KRBC and KSAN dated as of June 30, 2003, the term of which will begin only at the later of (a) the 10th day after Nexstars written notice to us and (b) the satisfaction of certain requirements, if any, under the HSR Act. The terms of this agreement are substantially similar to the terms of our joint sales agreements in Wichita Falls and Terre Haute.
In Terre Haute, Indiana, we have a shared services agreement dated as of May 9, 2003, which has an initial term of 10 years. The terms of this agreement are substantially similar to the terms of our shared services agreement in Wichita Falls. It obligates Nexstars station, WTWO, to perform certain services for our station, WBAK, which we will acquire in the second quarter of 2004. On January 13, 2004, the shared services fee was amended to a flat fee of $100,000 per month.
Also in Terre Haute, Indiana, we have a joint sales agreement for the sale of commercial time for WBAK dated as of May 9, 2003, which has an initial term of 10 years. Nexstar purchases advertising time from us for WBAK and retains the advertising revenue, in return for payments to us of $100,000 per month, which may be adjusted according to our expenses. On January 13, 2004, the fee related to the joint sales agreement was amended. The revised fee will be 70% of the WBAK revenue collected each month.
In Amarillo, Texas, we have a shared services agreement, dated as of May 1, 1999, which has an initial term of 10 years. Under this agreement, Nexstar shares the costs of certain services that Nexstars station, KAMR, and Missions stations, KCIT and KCPN-LP, individually incur. These shared services include news production, technical maintenance and security but do not include the services of senior management personnel, programming and sales. In consideration of services provided to KCIT and KCPN-LP by KAMR personnel, we pay Nexstar a monthly fee, calculated based on the cash flow of KCIT and KCPN-LP. On January 1, 2004, the shared services fee was amended to a flat fee of $60,000 per month.
Also in Amarillo, Texas, we have a joint sales agreement for the sale of commercial time, dated as of May 1, 1999, which has an initial term of nine years. Under this agreement, Nexstar purchases all of the advertising time from us for KCIT and KCPN-LP for $125,000 monthly payments (which may be adjusted according to KCIT and KCPN-LP expenses) to us. On January 1, 2004, the fee related to the joint sales agreement was amended. The revised fee will be 70% of the KCIT/KCPN-LP revenue collected each month.
In Billings, Montana, we have a time brokerage agreement, dated as of December 14, 1994 (as amended), which has an initial term of 10 years. This agreement allows Nexstar to program most of KHMTs broadcast time, sell the advertising time and retain the advertising revenue in exchange for monthly payments to us.
In Lubbock, Texas, we have a shared services agreement, dated as of February 16, 1999, which has an initial term of 10 years. Under this agreement, Nexstar shares the costs of certain services that Nexstars station, KLBK, and our station, KAMC, individually incur. These shared services include news production, technical maintenance and security but do not include the services of senior management personnel, programming and sales. In consideration of services provided to KAMC by KLBK personnel, we pay Nexstar a monthly servicing fee, calculated based on the cash flow of KAMC. On December 30, 2003, the shared services fee was amended to a flat fee of $150,000 per month.
Also in Lubbock, Texas, we have a joint sales agreement for the sale of commercial time, dated February 16, 1999, which has an initial term of 10 years. Under this agreement, Nexstar purchases all of the advertising time available from us for KAMC for certain monthly payments (which may be adjusted according to KAMCs expenses) to us. On December 30, 2003, the fee related to the joint sales agreement was amended. The revised fee will be 70% of the KAMC revenue collected each month.
In Springfield, Missouri, we have a shared services agreement, dated as of February 16, 1999, which has an initial term of 10 years. The terms of this agreement are substantially similar to the terms of our shared services agreement in Lubbock. The agreement obligates Nexstars station, KDEB, to perform certain services for our Springfield station KOLR. On December 30, 2003, the shared services fee was amended to a flat fee of $150,000 per month.
4
Also in Springfield, Missouri, we have a joint sales agreement for the sale of commercial time, dated February 16, 1999, which has an initial term of 10 years. Under this agreement, Nexstar purchases all of the advertising time from us for KOLR for monthly payments (which may be adjusted according to KOLRs expenses) to us. On December 30, 2003, the fee related to the joint sales agreement was amended. The revised fee will be 70% of the KOLR revenue collected each month.
The Stations
The following chart sets forth general information about the stations that we own and operate or provide services to:
| Market Rank |
Market |
Station |
Affiliation |
Station Rank(1) |
Commercial Stations in Market (1)(2) |
FCC License Expiration Date | ||||||
| 53 |
Wilkes Barre-Scranton, PA | WYOU | CBS | 3 | 5 | 8/1/07 | ||||||
| 78 |
Springfield, MO | KOLR | CBS | 2 | 4 | 2/1/06 | ||||||
| 129 |
Amarillo, TX | KCIT KCPN-LP |
Fox |
4 |
5 | 8/1/06 8/1/06 | ||||||
| 141 |
Erie, PA | WFXP | Fox | 4 | 4 | 8/1/07 | ||||||
| 143 |
Wichita Falls, TX- Lawton, OK | KJTL KJBO-LP |
Fox UPN |
4 |
5 | 8/1/06 8/1/06 | ||||||
| 146 |
Joplin, MO-Pittsburg, KS | KODE | ABC | 2(tied) | 4 | 2/1/06 | ||||||
| 147 |
Lubbock, TX | KAMC | ABC | 2(tied) | 6 | 8/1/06 | ||||||
| 148 |
Terre Haute, IN | WBAK | Fox | 3 | 3 | 8/1/05 | ||||||
| 163 |
Abilene-Sweetwater, TX | KRBC | NBC | 3 | 4 | 8/1/06 | ||||||
| 170 |
Billings, MT | KHMT | Fox | 4 | 4 | 4/1/06 | ||||||
| 195 |
San Angelo, TX | KSAN | NBC | 2 | 5 | 8/1/06 |
| (1) | Source: BIA Investing in Television 2003 4th Edition |
| (2) | The term commercial station means a television broadcast station and does not include non-commercial stations, religious stations, cable program services or networks, or stations, other than those that we own or provide services to, whose audience shares from Sunday to Saturday 9 a.m. to midnight were not measurable. |
Wilkes Barre-Scranton, PA
WYOU
Station Profile. We acquired WYOU, a CBS affiliate, in January 1998 and entered into a shared services agreement with Nexstar station, WBRE. For the November 2003 ratings period, WYOU ranked third in its market, with an in-market audience share of 20%. The stations syndicated programming includes Seinfeld, Entertainment Tonight and Judge Judy.
Springfield, MO
KOLR
Station Profile. We acquired KOLR, a CBS affiliate, from VHR on December 30, 2003. For the November 2003 ratings period, KOLR ranked second in its market, with an in-market audience share of 36%. The stations syndicated programming includes Entertainment Tonight, Judge Judy and Starting Over.
Amarillo, TX
KCIT
Station Profile. We acquired KCIT, a Fox affiliate, from Mission of Amarillo on December 30, 2003. For the November 2003 ratings period, KCIT ranked fourth in its market, with an in-market audience share of 12%. The stations syndicated programming includes Everybody Loves Raymond, Friends and Frasier.
KCPN-LP
Station Profile. We acquired KCPN-LP, an independent station, from Mission of Amarillo on December 30, 2003. The stations syndicated programming includes King of The Hill, That 70s Show and Becker.
5
Erie, PA
WFXP
Station Profile. In November 1998, we acquired WFXP, a Fox affiliate and became a party to an existing time brokerage agreement with Nexstar. For the November 2003 ratings period, WFXP ranked fourth in its market, with an in-market audience share of 10%. The stations syndicated programming includes Friends, The Simpsons and That 70s Show.
Wichita Falls, TX-Lawton, OK
KJTL
Station Profile. We acquired KJTL, a Fox affiliate, in June 1999. For the November 2003 ratings period, KJTL ranked fourth in its market, with an in-market audience share of 10%. The stations syndicated programming includes The Simpsons, Friends and Everybody Loves Raymond.
KJBO-LP
Station Profile. We acquired KJBO-LP, a UPN affiliate, in June 1999. The stations syndicated programming includes Spin City, Third Rock From The Sun and The Hughleys.
Joplin, MO-Pittsburg, KS
KODE
Station Profile. We acquired KODE, an ABC affiliate, in September 2002. From December 2001 through September 2002, we provided the programming and sold the advertising time on KODE pursuant to a time brokerage agreement. For the November 2003 ratings period, KODE ranked tied for second in its market, with an in-market audience share of 26%. The stations syndicated programming includes Seinfeld, Live with Regis and Kelly and The Oprah Winfrey Show.
Lubbock, TX
KAMC
Station Profile. We acquired KAMC, an ABC affiliate, from VHR on December 30, 2003. For the November 2003 ratings period, KAMC ranked tied for second in its market, with an in-market audience share of 20%. The stations syndicated programming includes Entertainment Tonight, Montel Williams and Live with Regis and Kelly.
Terre Haute, IN
WBAK
Station Profile. We entered into an agreement to acquire WBAK, a Fox affiliate, on May 9, 2003 with closing expected in the second quarter of 2004. For the November 2003 ratings period, WBAK ranked third in its market, with an in-market audience share of 8%. The stations syndicated programming includes Seinfeld, Friends and Frasier.
Abilene-Sweetwater, TX
KRBC
Station Profile. We acquired KRBC, an NBC affiliate, from LIN Television on June 13, 2003. We began providing programming to and selling the advertising time for KRBC under a local marketing agreement in January 2003. For the November 2003 ratings period, KRBC ranked third in its market, with an in-market audience share of 23%. The stations syndicated programming includes Entertainment Tonight, The Maury Povich Show and King of The Hill.
Billings, MT
KHMT
Station Profile. We acquired KHMT, a Fox affiliate, from VHR on December 30, 2003. For the November 2003 ratings period, KHMT ranked fourth in its market, with an in-market audience share of 7%. The stations syndicated programming includes King of The Hill, That 70s Show and The Simpsons.
6
San Angelo, TX
KSAN
Station Profile. We acquired KSAN, an NBC affiliate, from LIN Television on June 13, 2003. We began providing programming to and selling the advertising time for KSAN, which was known as KACB until October 30, 2003, under a local marketing agreement in January 2003. For the November 2003 ratings period, KSAN ranked second in its market, with an in-market audience share of 17%. The stations syndicated programming includes The Maury Povich Show, Family Feud and Entertainment Tonight.
Industry Background
Industry Overview
All television stations in the country are grouped by A.C. Nielsen Company, a national audience measuring service, into 210 generally recognized television markets, known as designated market areas, or DMAs, that are ranked in size according to various metrics based upon actual or potential audience. Each DMA is an exclusive geographic area consisting of all counties in which the home-market commercial stations receive the greatest percentage of total viewing hours. A.C. Nielsen periodically publishes data on estimated audiences for the television stations in the various television markets throughout the country. The estimates are expressed in terms of a rating, which is a stations percentage of the total potential audience in the market, or a share, which is the stations percentage of the audience actually watching television. A.C. Nielsen provides these data on the basis of local television households and selected demographic groupings in the market. A.C. Nielsen uses two methods of determining a stations ratings. In larger geographic markets, A.C. Nielsen uses a combination of meters connected directly to selected television sets and weekly diaries of television viewing, while in smaller markets A.C. Nielsen uses only weekly diaries.
Whether or not a station is affiliated with one of the four major networks (NBC, ABC, CBS or Fox) has a significant impact on the composition of the stations revenue, expenses and operations. A typical network affiliate receives a significant part of its programming, including prime-time hours, from the network. This programming, along with cash payments for NBC, ABC and CBS affiliates, is provided to the affiliate by the network in exchange for a substantial majority of the advertising time during network programs. The network then sells this advertising time and retains the revenue. The affiliate retains the revenue from the remaining advertising time sold during network programs and from advertising time sold during non-network programs.
Broadcast television stations compete for advertising revenue primarily with other commercial broadcast television stations, and, to a lesser extent, with newspapers, radio stations and cable system operators serving the same market. Non-commercial, religious and Spanish-language broadcasting stations in many markets also compete with commercial stations for viewers. In addition, the Internet and other leisure activities may draw viewers away from commercial television stations.
Television Broadcasting History
Commercial television broadcasting began in the United States on a regular basis in the 1940s. There are a limited number of channels available for broadcasting in any one geographic area. Television stations can be distinguished by the frequency on which they broadcast. Television stations that broadcast over the very high frequency or VHF band (channels 2-13) of the spectrum generally have some competitive advantage over television stations which broadcast over the ultra-high frequency or UHF band (channels above 13) of the spectrum because the former usually have better signal coverage and operate at a lower transmission cost. However, the improvement of UHF transmitters and receivers, the complete elimination from the marketplace of VHF-only receivers and the expansion of cable television systems have reduced the VHF signal advantage. Any disparity between VHF and UHF is likely to diminish even further in the coming era of digital television.
Through the 1970s, network television broadcasters enjoyed virtual dominance in viewership and television advertising revenue because network-affiliated stations competed only with each other in most local markets. Beginning in the 1980s and continuing through today, however, this level of dominance changed as more local stations were authorized by the FCC and marketplace choices expanded with the growth of independent stations, new networks such as UPN, WB and PAX, and cable and satellite television services.
Cable television systems, which grew at a rapid rate beginning in the early 1970s, were initially used to retransmit broadcast television programming to paying subscribers in areas with poor broadcast signal reception. In the aggregate, cable-originated programming has emerged as a significant competitor for viewers of broadcast television programming. With the increase in cable penetration, the advertising share of cable networks has increased. Notwithstanding these increases in cable viewership and advertising, over-the-air broadcasting remains the primary distribution system for mass market television advertising. Basic cable penetration (the percentage of television households which are connected to a cable system) in our television markets ranges from 50.0% to 80.0%.
Direct broadcast satellite, or DBS, systems have also rapidly increased their penetration rate in the last decade, capturing more than 16% of U.S. households. DBS services provide nationwide distribution of video programming (including in some cases pay-per-
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view programming and programming packages unique to DBS) using small receiving dishes and digital transmission technologies. In November 1999, Congress passed the Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act, which gives DBS operators the ability to distribute the signals of local television stations to subscribers in the stations local market areas, or local-into-local service. DirecTV and/or EchoStar currently provide satellite carriage of our stations in the Wilkes Barre-Scranton and Springfield markets.
In acquiring programming to supplement network programming, network affiliates compete with other broadcasting stations in their markets. Cable systems generally do not compete with local stations for programming. In the past, the cost of programming increased dramatically, primarily because of an increase in the number of new independent stations and a shortage of desirable programming. Recently, however, program prices have stabilized as a result of increases in the supply of programming.
The FCC finalized its allotment of new advanced television channels to existing broadcast stations in the first half of 1998. Advanced television is a digital television, or DTV, transmission system that delivers improved video and audio signals including high definition television and also has substantial multiplexing and data transmission capabilities. For each licensed television station, the FCC has allocated a matching DTV channel. Under current FCC guidelines, all commercial television station operators were required to complete construction of and begin broadcasting with their digital transmission systems no later than May 1, 2002, unless they obtained extensions of time. Network affiliated stations in the top 10 markets were required to begin digital broadcasting by May 1999, and in the top 30 markets by November 1, 1999. By the end of 2006, the FCC expects television broadcasters to cease non-digital broadcasting and return one of their channels to the U.S. government, provided that 85.0% of households within the relevant DMA have the capability to receive a digital signal.
Advertising Sales
General
Television station revenue is primarily derived from the sale of local and national advertising. Television stations compete for advertising revenue primarily with other broadcast television stations, radio stations, cable system operators and programmers, and newspapers serving the same market.
All network-affiliated stations are required to carry advertising sold by their networks which reduces the amount of advertising time available for sale by our stations. Except for our stations operated under joint sales or time brokerage agreements, our stations sell the remaining advertising to be inserted in network programming and the advertising in non-network programming, retaining all of the revenue received from these sales. A national syndicated program distributor will often retain a portion of the available advertising time for programming it supplies in exchange for no fees or reduced fees charged to the stations for such programming. These programming arrangements are referred to as barter programming.
Advertisers wishing to reach a national audience usually purchase time directly from the networks, or advertise nationwide on a case-by-case basis. National advertisers who wish to reach a particular region or local audience often buy advertising time directly from local stations through national advertising sales representative firms. Local businesses purchase advertising time directly from the stations local sales staff.
Advertising rates are based upon a number of factors, including:
| | a programs popularity among the viewers that an advertiser wishes to target; |
| | the number of advertisers competing for the available time; |
| | the size and the demographic composition of the market served by the station; |
| | the availability of alternative advertising media in the market area; |
| | the effectiveness of the sales forces; and |
| | development of projects, features and programs that tie advertiser messages to programming. |
Advertising rates are also determined by a stations overall ability to attract viewers in its market area, as well as the stations ability to attract viewers among particular demographic groups that an advertiser may be targeting. Advertising revenue is positively affected by strong local economies, national and regional political election campaigns, and certain events such as the Olympic Games or the Super Bowl. Because television broadcast stations rely on advertising revenue, declines in advertising budgets, particularly in recessionary periods, adversely affect the broadcast industry, and as a result may contribute to a decrease in the revenue of broadcast television stations.
Local Sales
Local advertising time is sold by each stations local sales staff who call upon advertising agencies and local businesses, which typically include car dealerships, retail stores and restaurants. Compared to revenue from national advertising accounts, revenue from local advertising is generally more stable and more controllable. We seek to attract new advertisers to television and to increase the amount of advertising time sold to existing local advertisers by relying on experienced local sales forces with strong community ties, producing news and other programming with local advertising appeal and sponsoring or co-promoting local events and activities. We place a strong emphasis on the experience of our local sales staff and maintain an on-going training program for sales personnel.
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National Sales
National advertising time is sold through national sales representative firms which call upon advertising agencies, whose clients typically include automobile manufacturers and dealer groups, telecommunications companies, fast food franchisers, and national retailers (some of which may advertise locally).
Network Affiliations
Each station which we own or provide services to is affiliated with its network pursuant to an affiliation agreement, as described in the following table:
| Station |
Market |
Affiliation |
Expiration | |||
| KRBC |
Abilene-Sweetwater, TX | NBC | December 2010 | |||
| KSAN |
San Angelo, TX | NBC | December 2010 | |||
| KHMT |
Billings, MT | Fox | November 2008 | |||
| WBAK |
Terre Haute, IN | Fox | June 2008 | |||
| KODE |
Joplin, MO-Pittsburg, KS | ABC | December 2007 | |||
| WYOU |
Wilkes Barre-Scranton, PA | CBS | December 2007 | |||
| KJTL |
Wichita Falls, TX-Lawton, OK | Fox | June 2006 | |||
| WFXP |
Erie, PA | Fox | March 2006 | |||
| KCIT |
Amarillo, TX | Fox | March 2006 | |||
| KAMC |
Lubbock, TX | ABC | October 2005 | |||
| KOLR |
Springfield, MO | CBS | June 2005 | |||
| KJBO-LP |
Wichita Falls, TX-Lawton, OK | UPN | September 2004(2) | |||
| KCPN-LP |
Amarillo, TX | (1) |
| (1) | Not affiliated with a network. |
| (2) | Or upon 30 days prior written notice by UPN. |
Each affiliation agreement provides the affiliated station with the right to broadcast all programs transmitted by the network with which it is affiliated. In exchange, the network has the right to sell a substantial majority of the advertising time during these broadcasts. In addition, for each hour that the station elects to broadcast network programming, the network pays the station a fee (with the exception of Fox and UPN), specified in each affiliation agreement, which varies with the time of day. Typically, prime-time programming (Monday through Saturday from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., Eastern Standard time and Sunday from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., Eastern Standard time) generates the highest hourly rates.
Competition in the Television Industry
Competition in the television industry takes place on several levels: competition for audience, competition for programming (including news) and competition for advertisers. Additional factors that are material to a television stations competitive position include signal coverage and assigned frequency. The broadcasting industry is continually faced with technological change and innovation, the possible rise in popularity of competing entertainment and communications media, and governmental restrictions or actions of federal regulatory bodies, including the FCC and the Federal Trade Commission, any of which could have a material effect on our operations.
Audience. Stations compete for viewership generally against other leisure activities in which one could choose to engage rather than watch television. Broadcast stations compete for audience share specifically on the basis of program popularity, which has a direct effect on advertising rates. A portion of the daily programming on the CBS, ABC, Fox and UPN affiliated stations that we own is supplied by the network with which each station is affiliated. In those periods, the stations are dependent upon the performance of the network programs in attracting viewers. Stations program non-network time periods with a combination of self-produced news, public affairs and other entertainment programming, including movies and syndicated programs purchased for cash, cash and barter, or barter only.
Through the 1970s, network television broadcasting enjoyed virtual dominance in viewership and television advertising revenue because network-affiliated stations competed only with each other in most local markets. However, the development of methods of video transmission other than over-the-air broadcasting, and in particular the growth of cable television, has significantly altered competition for audience share in the television industry. In addition, DBS providers, such as DirecTV and EchoStar, offer nationwide distribution of video programming (including, in some cases, pay-per-view programming and programming packages unique to DBS) using small receiving dishes and digital transmission technology. These other transmission methods can increase competition for a broadcasting station by bringing into its market distant broadcasting signals not otherwise available to the stations audience. Other sources of competition include home entertainment systems, such as VCRs, DVDs and television game devices. Transmission of video programming over broadband Internet may be a future source of competition to television broadcasters.
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Although cable television systems were initially used to retransmit broadcast television programming to subscribers in areas with poor broadcast signal reception, significant increases in cable television penetration and cable programming services occurred throughout the 1970s and 1980s in areas that did not have signal reception problems. As the technology of satellite program delivery to cable systems advanced in the late 1970s, development of programming for cable television accelerated dramatically, resulting in the emergence of multiple, national-scale program alternatives and the rapid expansion of cable television and higher subscriber growth rates. Historically, cable operators have not sought to compete with broadcast stations for a share of the local news audience. Recently, however, certain cable operators have elected to compete for these audiences and the increased competition could have an adverse effect on our advertising revenue.
Further advances in technology may increase competition for household audiences and advertisers. The increased use of digital technology by cable systems and DBS, along with video compression techniques, will reduce the bandwidth required for television signal transmission. These technological developments are applicable to all video delivery systems, including over-the-air broadcasting, and have the potential to provide vastly expanded programming to highly targeted audiences. Reductions in the cost of creating additional channel capacity could lower entry barriers for new channels and encourage the development of increasingly specialized niche programming. This ability to reach very narrowly defined audiences is expected to alter the competitive dynamics for advertising expenditures. We are unable to predict the effect that these or other technological changes will have on the broadcast television industry or on the future results of our operations.
Programming. Competition for programming involves negotiating with national program distributors or syndicators that sell first-run and rerun packages of programming. Our stations compete against in-market broadcast station operators for exclusive access to off-network reruns (such as Seinfeld) and first-run product (such as Entertainment Tonight) in their respective markets. Increasingly, our stations are competing against other networks with respect to first-run programming. The broadcast networks are rerunning the same episode of a network program on affiliated cable or broadcast networks, often in the same week that it aired on one of our stations. Cable systems generally do not compete with local stations for programming, although various national cable networks from time to time have acquired programs that would have otherwise been offered to local television stations. AOL Time Warner, Inc., General Electric Company, Viacom Inc., The News Corporation Limited and the Walt Disney Company each owns a television network and also owns or controls major production studios, which are the primary source of programming for the networks. It is uncertain whether in the future such programming, which is generally subject to short-term agreements between the studios and the networks, will be moved to the networks. Television broadcasters also compete for non-network programming unique to the marke