10-Q 1 form10q.htm JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC 10-Q 3-30-2014

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-Q

x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended:  March 30, 2014
or

o
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:
1-31805
 
JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Wisconsin
 
20-0020198
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

333 W. State Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
 
53203
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)

(414) 224-2000
Registrant's telephone number, including area code

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 x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes x   No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company.  See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large Accelerated Filer o
Accelerated Filer x
Non-accelerated Filer o
 Smaller reporting company o

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

Number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock as of April 23, 2014:

Class
Outstanding at April 23, 2014
Class A Common Stock
44,813,853
Class B Common Stock
6,049,220
 


JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

INDEX

 
 
 
Page No.
 
 
 
 
Part I.
Financial Information
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
 
 
2
 
 
 
 
 
3
 
 
 
 
 
4
 
 
 
 
 
5
 
 
 
 
 
6
 
 
 
 
 
7
 
 
 
 
 
8
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
20
 
 
 
 
 
Item 3.
29
 
 
 
 
 
Item 4.
29
 
 
 
 
Part II.
Other Information
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
30
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1A.
30
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
30
 
 
 
 
 
Item 3.
30
 
 
 
 
 
Item 4.
30
 
 
 
 
 
Item 5.
30
 
 
 
 
 
Item 6.
31

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 
 
March 30, 2014
   
December 29, 2013
 
ASSETS
 
   
 
Current assets:
 
   
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
1,837
   
$
1,912
 
Receivables, net
   
62,200
     
66,670
 
Inventories, net
   
2,053
     
2,191
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
   
4,396
     
3,305
 
Syndicated programs
   
2,671
     
2,816
 
Deferred income taxes
   
2,401
     
2,508
 
Current assets of discontinued operations
   
-
     
7,048
 
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
   
75,558
     
86,450
 
 
               
Property and equipment, at cost, less accumulated depreciation of $248,344 and $246,531, respectively
   
156,790
     
160,549
 
Syndicated programs
   
4,638
     
5,162
 
Goodwill
   
121,987
     
124,702
 
Broadcast licenses
   
135,166
     
135,166
 
Other intangible assets, net
   
57,054
     
57,763
 
Deferred income taxes
   
18,774
     
20,125
 
Other assets
   
5,808
     
6,101
 
TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
575,775
   
$
596,018
 
 
               
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
 
$
21,784
   
$
22,154
 
Accrued compensation
   
9,526
     
9,134
 
Accrued employee benefits
   
5,485
     
4,865
 
Deferred revenue
   
16,558
     
15,459
 
Syndicated programs
   
2,171
     
2,247
 
Accrued income taxes
   
7,508
     
3,286
 
Other current liabilities
   
5,692
     
5,560
 
Current portion of unsecured subordinated notes payable
   
2,656
     
2,656
 
Current portion of long-term notes payable to banks
   
15,000
     
15,000
 
Current portion of long-term liabilities
   
269
     
276
 
Current liabilities of discontinued operations
   
-
     
885
 
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
   
86,649
     
81,522
 
 
               
Accrued employee benefits
   
64,451
     
64,541
 
Syndicated programs
   
5,182
     
5,741
 
Long-term notes payable to banks
   
142,300
     
179,950
 
Unsecured subordinated notes payable
   
10,623
     
10,623
 
Other long-term liabilities
   
3,667
     
3,554
 
Equity:
               
Class B - authorized 120,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding: 6,057,198 shares at March 30, 2014 and 6,134,093 shares at December 29, 2013
   
57
     
57
 
Class A - authorized 170,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding: 44,807,215 shares at March 30, 2014 and 44,669,851 shares at December 29, 2013
   
448
     
447
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
257,077
     
256,734
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
(39,369
)
   
(39,654
)
Retained earnings
   
44,690
     
32,503
 
TOTAL EQUITY
   
262,903
     
250,087
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
$
575,775
   
$
596,018
 
 
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

2

JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
 (in thousands, except per share amounts)

 
 
First Quarter Ended
 
 
 
March 30, 2014
   
March 31, 2013
 
Revenue:
 
   
 
Television
 
$
45,969
   
$
40,811
 
Radio
   
15,226
     
15,866
 
Publishing
   
35,600
     
36,580
 
Corporate eliminations
   
(183
)
   
(54
)
Total revenue
   
96,612
     
93,203
 
 
               
Operating costs and expenses:
               
Television
   
23,212
     
21,025
 
Radio
   
6,207
     
6,378
 
Publishing
   
24,657
     
25,053
 
Corporate eliminations
   
(183
)
   
(54
)
Total operating costs and expenses
   
53,893
     
52,402
 
 
               
Selling and administrative expenses
   
30,750
     
32,472
 
Total operating costs and expenses and selling and administrative expenses
   
84,643
     
84,874
 
 
               
Operating earnings
   
11,969
     
8,329
 
 
               
Other income and (expense):
               
Interest expense
   
(1,626
)
   
(2,133
)
Net total other income and (expense)
   
(1,626
)
   
(2,133
)
 
               
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
   
10,343
     
6,196
 
 
               
Provision for income taxes
   
4,177
     
2,503
 
 
               
Earnings from continuing operations
   
6,166
     
3,693
 
 
               
Earnings from discontinued operations, net of $4,078 and $27 applicable income tax provision, respectively
   
6,021
     
100
 
 
               
Net earnings
 
$
12,187
   
$
3,793
 
 
               
Earnings per share:
               
Basic - Class A and B common stock:
               
Continuing operations
 
$
0.12
   
$
0.08
 
Discontinued operations
   
0.12
     
-
 
Net earnings per share - basic
 
$
0.24
   
$
0.08
 
 
               
Diluted - Class A and B common stock:
               
Continuing operations
 
$
0.12
   
$
0.08
 
Discontinued operations
   
0.12
     
-
 
Net earnings per share - diluted
 
$
0.24
   
$
0.08
 
 
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

3

JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
 (in thousands)

 
 
First Quarter Ended
 
 
 
March 30, 2014
   
March 31, 2013
 
 
 
   
 
Net earnings
 
$
12,187
   
$
3,793
 
 
               
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
               
Change in pension and postretirement liabilities, net of tax of $188 and $248, respectively
   
285
     
391
 
 
               
Comprehensive income
 
$
12,472
   
$
4,184
 
 
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

4

JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Equity
For the First Quarter Ended March 30, 2014
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 
 
   
   
   
Accumulated
   
   
 
 
 
   
   
Additional
   
Other
   
   
 
 
 
Common Stock
   
Paid-in
   
Comprehensive
   
Retained
   
 
 
 
Class B
   
Class A
   
Capital
   
Loss
   
Earnings
   
Total
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
Balance at December 29, 2013
 
$
57
   
$
447
   
$
256,734
   
$
(39,654
)
 
$
32,503
   
$
250,087
 
 
                                               
Net earnings
                                   
12,187
     
12,187
 
Comprehensive income, net of tax
                           
285
             
285
 
Issuance of shares:
                                               
Conversion of class B to class A
   
(1
)
   
1
                             
-
 
Stock grants
   
2
             
7
                     
9
 
Employee stock purchase plan
                   
150
                     
150
 
Shares withheld from employees for tax withholding
   
(1
)
           
(589
)
                   
(590
)
Stock-based compensation
                   
548
                     
548
 
Income tax benefits from vesting of restricted stock
                   
227
                     
227
 
 
                                               
Balance at March 30, 2014
 
$
57
   
$
448
   
$
257,077
   
$
(39,369
)
 
$
44,690
   
$
262,903
 
 
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

5

JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Equity
For the First Quarter Ended March 31, 2013
 (in thousands, except per share amounts)

 
 
   
   
   
Accumulated
   
   
 
 
 
   
   
Additional
   
Other
   
Retained
   
 
 
 
Common Stock
   
Paid-in
   
Comprehensive
   
Earnings
   
 
 
 
Class B
   
Class A
   
Capital
   
Loss
   
(Deficit)
   
Total
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
Balance at December 30, 2012
 
$
63
   
$
438
   
$
254,437
   
$
(55,739
)
 
$
6,302
   
$
205,501
 
 
                                               
Net earnings
                                   
3,793
     
3,793
 
Comprehensive income, net of tax
                           
391
             
391
 
Issuance of shares:
                                               
Conversion of class B to class A
   
(3
)
   
2
                             
(1
)
Stock grants
   
2
             
16
                     
18
 
Employee stock purchase plan
                   
144
                     
144
 
Shares withheld from employees for tax withholding
                   
(371
)
                   
(371
)
Stock-based compensation
                   
553
                     
553
 
Income tax benefits from vesting of restricted stock
                   
57
                     
57
 
Other
                   
533
                     
533
 
 
                                               
Balance at March 31, 2013
 
$
62
   
$
440
   
$
255,369
   
$
(55,348
)
 
$
10,095
   
$
210,618
 
 
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

6

JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)

 
 
First Quarter Ended
 
 
 
March 30, 2014
   
March 31, 2013
 
Cash flow from operating activities:
 
   
 
Net earnings
 
$
12,187
   
$
3,793
 
Less earnings from discontinued operations
   
6,021
     
100
 
Earnings from continuing operations
   
6,166
     
3,693
 
Adjustments for non-cash items:
               
Depreciation
   
4,865
     
4,988
 
Amortization
   
709
     
716
 
Provision for doubtful accounts
   
122
     
113
 
Deferred income taxes
   
1,496
     
2,401
 
Non-cash stock-based compensation
   
572
     
586
 
Net (gain) loss from disposal of assets
   
(86
)
   
(2
)
Impairment of long-lived assets
   
-
     
238
 
Net changes in operating assets and liabilities, excluding effect of sales and acquisitions:
               
Receivables
   
5,497
     
6,102
 
Inventories
   
138
     
(38
)
Accounts payable
   
(370
)
   
(5,401
)
Other assets and liabilities
   
2,795
     
(5,124
)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
   
21,904
     
8,272
 
 
               
Cash flow from investing activities:
               
Capital expenditures for property and equipment
   
(1,105
)
   
(2,486
)
Proceeds from sales of assets
   
86
     
2
 
NET CASH USED FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES
   
(1,019
)
   
(2,484
)
 
               
Cash flow from financing activities:
               
Proceeds from long-term notes payable to banks
   
55,905
     
43,000
 
Payments on long-term notes payable to banks
   
(93,555
)
   
(49,690
)
Principal payments under capital lease obligations
   
(19
)
   
(15
)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net
   
135
     
129
 
Income tax benefits from vesting of restricted stock
   
227
     
65
 
NET CASH USED FOR FINANCING ACTIVITIES
   
(37,307
)
   
(6,511
)
 
               
Cash flow from discontinued operations:
               
Net operating activities
   
(227
)
   
468
 
Net investing activities
   
16,574
     
(44
)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
   
16,347
     
424
 
 
               
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
   
(75
)
   
(299
)
 
               
Cash and cash equivalents:
               
Beginning of year
   
1,912
     
2,429
 
At March 30, 2014 and March 31, 2013
 
$
1,837
   
$
2,130
 
 
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
7

JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

1
BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by Journal Communications, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and reflect normal and recurring adjustments, which we believe to be necessary for a fair presentation.  As permitted by these regulations, these statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for annual financial statements.  However, we believe that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.  The condensed consolidated balance sheet at December 29, 2013 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date, but does not include all the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.  The operating results for the first quarter ended March 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending December 28, 2014.  You should read these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2013.

2 ACCOUNTING PERIODS

We report on a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the last Sunday of December in each year.  In addition, we have four quarterly reporting periods, each consisting of 13 weeks and ending on a Sunday, provided that once every six years, the fourth quarterly reporting period will be 14 weeks.

3 NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-08 (ASU 2014-08) “Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant and Equipment (Topic 360):  Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity.”  ASU 2014-08 raises the threshold for a disposal to quality as a discontinued operation and requires new disclosures of both discontinued operations and certain other disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation.  It is effective for annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014.  Early adoption is permitted but only for disposals that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued.  We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact of the adoption on our consolidated financial statements.

4 EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period.  Diluted earnings per share is computed similarly to basic earnings per share except that the weighted average number of common shares outstanding is increased to include the number of additional shares outstanding that would have been outstanding if the potentially dilutive common shares had been issued.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share as of March 30, 2014 and March 31, 2013 for class A and B common stock:
8

JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

4 EARNINGS PER SHARE continued

 
 
First Quarter Ended
   
First Quarter Ended
 
 
 
March 30, 2014
   
March 31, 2013
 
 
 
   
 
Earnings from continuing operations
 
$
6,166
   
$
3,693
 
Earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax
   
6,021
     
100
 
Net earnings
 
$
12,187
   
$
3,793
 
 
               
 
               
Weighted average shares outstanding - Class A and B:
               
Basic
   
50,424
     
50,171
 
Impact of non-vested restricted shares and performance-based restricted stock units
   
173
     
164
 
Adjusted weighted average shares outstanding - Class A and B
   
50,597
     
50,335
 
 
               
Earnings per share:
               
Basic - Class A and B common stock:
               
Continuing operations
 
$
0.12
   
$
0.08
 
Discontinued operations
   
0.12
     
-
 
Net earnings per share - basic
 
$
0.24
   
$
0.08
 
 
               
Diluted - Class A and B common stock:
               
Continuing operations
 
$
0.12
   
$
0.08
 
Discontinued operations
   
0.12
     
-
 
Net earnings per share - diluted
 
$
0.24
   
$
0.08
 

For the first quarter of 2014, 356 non-vested restricted class B common shares and 153 performance-based restricted stock units are not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because they are anti-dilutive.

5 VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITY

In March 2014, Journal Broadcast Group entered into agreements with Spartan-TV, L.L.C. (“Spartan”) which is the licensee of television station WHTV in Lansing, Michigan.  Under a joint sales agreement, we will sell the advertising time on WHTV and provide sales-related services.  We will also provide Spartan with studio and office space to use in the operation of WHTV pursuant to a separate agreement. Spartan maintains complete responsibility for and control over the programming, finances, personnel and operations of WHTV.  We will continue to provide services to WHTV under these agreements until the termination of such agreements.  The initial term of these agreements is three years, unless terminated earlier in accordance with their terms.  In addition, we have an option to purchase the assets and assume the liabilities of WHTV under certain circumstances in the future.  As a result of rule changes recently announced by the FCC relating to joint sales agreements, these agreements will need to be modified or terminated prior to the end of their initial term unless a waiver can be obtained from the FCC.

We have determined that we have a variable interest in WHTV.  We have evaluated our arrangements with Spartan and determined that we are not the primary beneficiary of the variable interests because we do not have the ultimate power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the station, including the establishment of advertising rates, programming and editorial policies.  Therefore, we have not consolidated WHTV under the authoritative guidance related to the consolidation of variable interest entities.

6 INVENTORIES

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first in, first out method) or market.  Inventories as of March 30, 2014 and December 29, 2013 consisted of the following:
9

JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

6 INVENTORIES continued

 
 
March 30, 2014
   
December 29, 2013
 
 
 
   
 
Paper and supplies
 
$
2,115
   
$
2,224
 
Work in process
   
39
     
59
 
Less obsolescence reserve
   
(101
)
   
(92
)
Inventories, net
 
$
2,053
   
$
2,191
 

7 RECEIVABLES

Our non-interest bearing accounts receivable arise primarily from the sale of advertising, commercial printing, commercial distribution and the retransmission of our television programs by Multichannel Video Programming Distributors (MVPDs).  We record accounts receivable at original invoice amounts.  The accounts receivable balance is reduced by an estimated allowance for doubtful accounts.  We evaluate the collectability of our accounts receivable based on a combination of factors.  We specifically review historical write-off activity by market, large customer concentrations, customer creditworthiness and changes in our customer payment patterns and terms when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts.  In circumstances where we are aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations, we record a specific reserve to reduce the amounts recorded to what we believe will be collected.  For all other customers, we recognize allowances for bad debts based on historical experience of bad debts as a percent of accounts receivable and/or sales for each business unit.  We write off uncollectible accounts against the allowance for doubtful accounts after collection efforts have been exhausted.  The allowance for doubtful accounts at March 30, 2014 and December 29, 2013 was $2,252 and $1,688, respectively.

In partial consideration for the sale of certain publishing assets of Journal Community Publishing Group, Inc. in December 2012, we received a $772 promissory note bearing interest at 3% and repayable over three years.  At the time of the sale, we recorded a $738 receivable representing the estimated fair value of the note discounted at 6.25%.  These fair value measurements fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.  The notes receivable balance at March 30, 2014 and December 29, 2013 was $454 and $524, respectively.

Interest income and the unamortized discount on our notes receivable are recorded using the effective interest method.

8 IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS

Property and equipment and other definite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.  If an asset is considered impaired, a charge is recognized for the difference between the fair value and carrying value of the asset or group of assets.  Such analyses necessarily involve significant judgment.  During the first quarter of 2013, we recorded a property impairment charge of $238 at our radio segment, representing the excess of indicated fair value over the carrying value of a building held for sale.  Fair value was determined pursuant to an offer to purchase the property.  This fair value measurement is considered a level 3 measurement under the fair value hierarchy.  The charges were reported in selling and administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of operations.

9 GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Definite-lived Intangibles
Our definite-lived intangible assets consist primarily of network affiliation agreements, customer lists, non-compete agreements and trade names.  We amortize the network affiliation agreements over a period of 25 years based on our good relationships with the networks, our long history of renewing these agreements and because 25 years is deemed to be the length of time before a material modification of the underlying contract would occur.  We amortize customer lists over a period of five to 15 years, non-compete agreements and franchise agreement fees over the terms of the contracts and trade names over a period of 25 years.  Management determined there were no significant adverse changes in the value of these assets as of March 30, 2014.

Amortization expense was $709 for the first quarter ended March 30, 2014 and $716 for the first quarter ended March 31, 2013.  Estimated amortization expense for our next five fiscal years is $2,818 for 2014, $2,809 for both 2015 and 2016, and $2,784 for both 2017 and 2018.

The gross carrying amount, accumulated amortization and net carrying amount of the major classes of definite-lived intangible assets as of March 30, 2014 and December 29, 2013 are as follows:
10

JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

9 GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS continued

 
 
Gross
   
   
Net
 
 
 
Carrying
   
Accumulated
   
Carrying
 
 
 
Amount
   
Amortization
   
Amount
 
March 30, 2014
 
   
   
 
Network affiliation agreements
 
$
66,078
   
$
(10,566
)
 
$
55,512
 
Customer lists
   
4,149
     
(3,693
)
   
456
 
Non-compete agreements
   
8,510
     
(8,510
)
   
-
 
Other
   
2,726
     
(1,640
)
   
1,086
 
Total
 
$
81,463
   
$
(24,409
)
 
$
57,054
 
 
                       
December 29, 2013
                       
Network affiliation agreements
 
$
66,078
   
$
(9,905
)
 
$
56,173
 
Customer lists
   
4,149
     
(3,661
)
   
488
 
Non-compete agreements
   
8,510
     
(8,510
)
   
-
 
Other
   
2,726
     
(1,624
)
   
1,102
 
Total
 
$
81,463
   
$
(23,700
)
 
$
57,763
 

Indefinite-lived Intangibles
Television and radio broadcast licenses are deemed to have indefinite useful lives because we have renewed these agreements without issue in the past and we intend to renew them indefinitely in the future.  Accordingly, we expect the cash flows from our television and radio broadcast licenses to continue indefinitely.  The net carrying amount of our television and radio broadcast licenses was $73,904 and $61,262, respectively for both March 30, 2014 and December 29, 2013.

The costs incurred to renew or extend the term of our broadcast licenses and certain customer relationships are expensed as incurred.

Goodwill
In the first quarter of 2014, we made an organizational change to our leadership team in our broadcasting segment reflecting focus on our two primary businesses:  television and radio.  We reallocated goodwill to our television and radio segments based upon the relative fair value of each reporting unit as of December 31, 2013.  We considered this change a triggering event and have determined there was no impairment of goodwill in the first quarter of 2014.

Goodwill recorded at our television, radio and publishing reporting units was $88,759, $33,009 and $2,934, respectively, as of December 29, 2013.  Television goodwill was reduced by $2,715 during the first quarter of 2014, related to the sale of stations KMIR-TV and My 13 KPSE-TV in Palm Springs, California.  As of March 30, 2014, we have $86,044 of goodwill recorded at our television reporting unit, $33,009 of goodwill recorded at our radio reporting unit, and $2,934 of goodwill recorded at our publishing reporting unit.  The valuation methodology used to estimate the fair value of our reporting units for purposes of testing goodwill for impairment requires inputs and assumptions (i.e., market growth, operating cash flow margins and discount rates) that reflect current market conditions as well as management judgment.  These assumptions may change due to changes in market conditions and such changes may result in an impairment of our goodwill.

We determined that the fair value of television, radio and publishing segments was significantly in excess of the respective carrying value and that there was no impairment of goodwill in the first quarter of 2014.

10 DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

On October 4, 2013, our television business, agreed to the sale of stations KMIR-TV and My 13 KPSE-TV in Palm Springs, California to OTA Broadcasting, LLC an affiliate of Virginia based OTA Broadcasting, LLC for $17,000 in cash and certain other contingent considerations.  The transaction closed effective January 1, 2014.  We recorded a pre-tax book gain of $10,177 in the first quarter of 2014.

The following table summarized Palm Spring’s revenue and earnings before income taxes as reported in the earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of applicable income taxes in the consolidated statements of operations for all periods presented:
11

JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

10 DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS continued

 
 
First Quarter Ended
 
 
 
March 30, 2014
   
March 31, 2013
 
Revenue
 
$
48
   
$
1,492
 
Earnings (loss) before income taxes
 
$
10,099
   
$
127
 
 
There were no assets or liabilities reported as discontinued operations at March 30, 2014.  Palm Spring’s current assets and current liabilities reported as discontinued operations in the consolidated balance sheet at December 29, 2013 consisted of the following:

Assets:
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
1
 
Receivables, net
   
1,149
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
   
11
 
Program and barter rights
   
620
 
Deferred income taxes
   
713
 
Property and equipment, net
   
1,852
 
Network affiliations, net
   
1,935
 
Income tax receivable
   
767
 
Total assets
 
$
7,048
 
 
       
Liabilities:
       
Accounts payable
 
$
37
 
Accrued compensation
   
133
 
Deferred revenue
   
57
 
Syndicated programs
   
640
 
Other current liabilities
   
18
 
Total liabilities
 
$
885
 

11 WORKFORCE REDUCTIONS AND BUSINESS IMPROVEMENTS

During the first quarter of 2014, we recorded a pre-tax charge of $56 for workforce reduction benefits in our radio and publishing operations.  Of the costs recorded in the first quarter of 2014, $11 is included in radio operating costs and expenses, and $45 is included in publishing selling and administrative expenses.  We expect payments to be completed by the first quarter of 2015.  Activity associated with the workforce reduction and business improvements during the first quarter of 2014 is as follows:

 
 
   
Charge for
   
Payments for
   
 
 
 
Balance as of
   
Separation
   
Separation
   
Balance as of
 
 
 
December 29, 2013
   
Benefits
   
Benefits
   
March 30, 2014
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
Television
 
$
43
   
$
-
   
$
(26
)
 
$
17
 
Radio
   
-
     
11
     
(11
)
   
-
 
Publishing
   
330
     
45
     
(143
)
   
232
 
Total
 
$
373
   
$
56
   
$
(180
)
 
$
249
 

12 INCOME TAXES

We file tax returns in the United States federal jurisdiction, as well as in approximately 14 state and local jurisdictions.  The statute of limitations for assessing additional taxes is three years for federal purposes and typically between three and four years for state and local purposes.  Accordingly, our 2010 through 2012 tax returns are open for federal purposes, and our 2009 through 2012 tax returns remain open for state tax purposes, unless the statute of limitations has been previously extended.  Currently, we are under audit in Wisconsin for our 2004 through 2007 tax returns and in Illinois for our 2006 and 2007 tax returns.

As of March 30, 2014, our liability for unrecognized tax benefits was $727, which, if recognized, would have an impact on our effective tax rate.  We recognize interest income/expense and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in our provision for income taxes.  As of March 30, 2014, we had $279 accrued for interest expense and penalties.  During the first quarter of 2014, we recognized $3 in net tax expense and related interest.
12

JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

12 INCOME TAXES continued

As of March 30, 2014, it is reasonably possible for $1,006 of unrecognized tax benefits and related interest to be recognized within the next 12 months due to either settlements with taxing authorities or expiration of statutes of limitations.

13
GUARANTEES

We provided a guarantee to the landlord of our former New England publishing business, which was sold in 2007, with respect to tenant liabilities and obligations associated with a lease which expires in December 2016.  As of March 30, 2014, our potential obligation pursuant to the guarantee was $505, plus costs of collection, attorney fees and other charges incurred if the tenant defaults.  As part of the sales transaction, we received a guarantee from the parent entity of the buyer of our New England business that the buyer will satisfy all the liabilities and obligations of the assigned lease.  In the event that the buyer fails to satisfy its liabilities and obligations and the landlord invokes our guarantee, we have a right to indemnification from the buyer’s parent entity.

14 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

The components of our net periodic benefit costs for our defined benefit and non-qualified pension plans and our postretirement health benefit plan are as follows:

 
 
Pension Benefits
 
 
 
First Quarter Ended
 
 
 
March 30, 2014
   
March 31, 2013
 
 
 
   
 
Interest cost
 
$
1,899
   
$
1,753
 
Expected return on plan assets
   
(1,756
)
   
(1,831
)
Amortization of:
               
Unrecognized prior service cost
   
(3
)
   
(3
)
Unrecognized net loss
   
531
     
697
 
Net periodic benefit cost included in total operating costs and expenses and selling and administrative expenses
 
$
671
   
$
616
 

We have generally funded our defined benefit pension plan at the minimum amount required by the Pension Protection Act of 2006.  During the first quarter of 2014, we contributed $97 to our non-qualified pension plan and did not contribute to our qualified pension plan.  Based on the current projections and after giving effect to our election under the recently enacted Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) pension legislation, we do not expect to contribute to our qualified defined benefit pension plan in 2014.  We expect to contribute a total of $491 to our unfunded, non-qualified pension plan in 2014.

 
 
Other Postretirement Benefits
 
 
 
First Quarter Ended
 
 
 
March 30, 2014
   
March 31, 2013
 
 
 
   
 
Service cost
 
$
14
   
$
14
 
Interest cost
   
109
     
95
 
Amortization of:
               
Unrecognized prior service cost
   
(55
)
   
(55
)
Net periodic benefit cost included in total operating costs and expenses and selling and administrative expenses
 
$
68
   
$
54
 

15 NOTES PAYABLE

Long-term Notes Payable to Banks

On December 5, 2012, we entered into an amended and restated credit agreement for a secured term loan facility and a secured revolving credit facility with initial aggregate commitments of $350,000, including the term loan commitment of $150,000 and the revolving credit facility commitment of $200,000, both of which mature on December 5, 2017.  The secured term loan facility
13

JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

15 NOTES PAYABLE continued

amortizes at 10% per annum payable quarterly with the balance due at maturity.  As of March 30, 2014, the outstanding principal amount of revolving loans drawn under the credit agreement was $22,300, and the outstanding principal amount of term loans drawn under the credit agreement was $135,000.  Amounts under the secured revolving credit facility may be borrowed, repaid and reborrowed by us from time to time until the maturity date of the revolving loan facility.  Voluntary prepayments and commitment reductions are permitted at any time without fee upon proper notice and subject to a minimum dollar requirement.  Voluntary prepayments of the secured term loan facility represent a permanent reduction in credit available.  At our option, the commitments under the credit agreement may be increased from time to time by an aggregate amount not to exceed $100,000.  The increase option is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including, without limitation, the identification of lenders (which may include existing lenders or new lenders) willing to provide the additional commitments.

Our borrowings under the senior secured credit facility incur interest at either (a) LIBOR plus a margin that ranges from 150.0 basis points to 250.0 basis points, depending on our net debt ratio, or (b) (i) the base rate, which equals the highest of the prime rate set by U.S. Bank National Association, the Federal Funds Rate plus 50.0 basis points or one-month LIBOR plus 100.0 basis points, plus (ii) a margin that ranges from 50.0 basis points to 150.0 basis points, depending on our net debt ratio.  As of March 30, 2014, the pricing spread above LIBOR was 200.0 basis points.

Our obligations under the credit agreement are currently guaranteed by certain of our subsidiaries.  Subject to certain exceptions, the credit agreement is secured by liens on certain of our assets and contains affirmative, negative and financial covenants which are customary for financings of this type, including, among other things, limits on the creation of liens, limits on the incurrence of indebtedness, restrictions on dispositions and restrictions on the payment of dividends.  The senior secured credit facilities contain the following financial covenants which remain constant over the term of the agreement:

· A consolidated funded debt ratio of not greater than 3.75-to-1, as of the end of each fiscal quarter, as determined for the four fiscal quarters then ended.  This ratio compares, as of the date of determination, our consolidated funded debt on such date to consolidated EBITDA, defined in the credit agreement as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, restructuring charges, gains/losses on asset disposals, non-cash charges and certain other adjustments.

· A minimum interest coverage ratio of not less than 3-to-1, as of the end of each fiscal quarter, as determined for the four fiscal quarters then ended.  This ratio compares, for any period, our consolidated EBITDA, defined in the credit agreement as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, restructuring charges, gains/losses on asset disposals, non-cash charges and certain other adjustments.

As of March 30, 2014 and December 29, 2013, we had borrowings of $157,300 and $194,950, respectively, under our credit facilities at currently effective blended interest rates of 2.24% and 2.23%, respectively.  Remaining unamortized fees in connection with the credit facilities of $3,554, which are included in other assets, are being amortized over the term of the senior secured credit facilities using the straight-line method, which is not materially different than the result utilizing the effective interest method.

We estimate the fair value of our senior secured credit facilities at March 30, 2014 to be $151,544, based on discounted cash flows using an interest rate of 3.35%.  We estimated the fair value of our senior secured credit facility at December 29, 2013 to be $187,469, based on discounted cash flows using an interest rate of 3.36%.  Interest rates utilized are estimated based on observed market rates of interest for debt with similar maturities and seniority.  These fair value measurements fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Scheduled remaining minimum principal repayments of the senior secured term loan facility as of March 30, 2014 are $11,250 in 2014, $15,000 in 2015, $15,000 in 2016, and $93,750 in 2017.

Unsecured Subordinated Notes Payable
On August 13, 2012, the Company repurchased all 3,264 outstanding shares of our class C common stock, including all rights associated with such shares of class C common stock, in exchange for $6,246 in cash and the issuance of 15 unsecured subordinated promissory notes with an aggregate principal amount of $25,599 and bearing interest at a rate of 7.25% per annum.  The cash payment equaled the amount of the minimum unpaid and undeclared dividend on the class C common stock through August 12, 2012.
14

JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

15 NOTES PAYABLE continued

Seven of the subordinated notes, with an aggregate principal amount of approximately $9,664 were repaid in 2012. On September 30, 2013, we paid the first annual installment on the remaining eight subordinated notes. As of March 30, 2014, the remaining aggregate principal amount of these eight subordinated notes is approximately $13,279. The remaining subordinated notes are payable in equal annual installments on September 30 of each of 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, with no prepayment right.  Interest on the notes is payable quarterly.

We estimate the fair value of the subordinated notes at March 30, 2014 to be $13,526, based on discounted cash flows using an interest rate of 7.14%.  We estimated the fair value of the subordinated notes at December 29, 2013 to be $13,515, based on discounted cash flows using an interest rate of 7.19%.  Interest rates utilized are estimated based on observed market rates of interest for debt with similar maturities and seniority.  These fair value measurements fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.  As of March 30, 2014, $13,279 of the subordinated notes remains outstanding.

16 STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

2007 Journal Communications, Inc. Omnibus Incentive Plan
The purpose of the 2007 Journal Communications, Inc. Omnibus Incentive Plan (2007 Plan) is to promote our success by linking personal interests of our employees, officers and non-employee directors to those of our shareholders, and by providing participants with an incentive for outstanding performance.  The 2007 Plan is also intended to enhance our ability to attract, motivate and retain the services of employees, officers and directors upon whose judgment, interest and special effort the successful conduct of our operation is largely dependent.

Subject to adjustment as provided in the 2007 Plan, the aggregate number of shares of class A common stock or class B common stock reserved and available for issuance pursuant to awards granted under the 2007 Plan is 4,800 shares, which may be awarded in the form of nonstatutory or incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted or deferred stock units, performance awards, dividend equivalents or other stock-based awards.  The 2007 Plan also provides for the issuance of cash-based awards.  The 2007 Plan replaced the 2003 Equity Incentive Plan (2003 Plan) and, as of May 3, 2007, all equity grants are made from the 2007 Plan.  We will not grant any additional awards under the 2003 Plan.  As of March 30, 2014, there were 2,063 shares available for issuance under the 2007 Plan.

During the first quarter ended March 30, 2014 we recognized $572 in stock-based compensation expense.  Total income tax benefit recognized related to stock-based compensation for the first quarter ended March 30, 2014 was $227.  During the first quarter ended March 31, 2013, we recognized $569 in stock-based compensation expense.  The total income tax benefit recognized related to stock-based compensation for the first quarter ended March 31, 2013 was $228.

We recognize stock-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the service period based upon the fair value of the award on the grant date.  As of March 30, 2014, total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock-based compensation awards was $2,753, net of estimated forfeitures, which we expect to recognize over a weighted average period of 1.6 years.  Stock-based compensation expense is reported in selling and administrative expenses in our condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Stock Grants
The compensation committee of our board of directors has granted class B common stock to employees and non-employee directors under our 2007 Plan.  Each stock grant may have been accompanied by restrictions, or may have been made without any restrictions, as the compensation committee of our board of directors determined.  Such restrictions may have included requirements that the participant remain in our continuous employment for a specified period of time, or that we or the participant meet designated performance goals.  We value non-vested restricted stock grants at the closing market prices of our class A common stock on the grant date.

A summary of stock grant activity during the first quarter of 2014 is:
15

JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

16 STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION continued

 
 
   
Weighted
 
 
 
   
Average
 
 
 
   
Grant Date
 
 
 
Shares
   
Fair Value
 
 
 
   
 
Non-vested at December 29, 2013
   
435
   
$
5.58
 
Granted
   
118
     
9.46
 
Vested
   
(189
)
   
5.87
 
Forfeited
   
(8
)
   
6.10
 
Non-vested at March 30, 2014
   
356
   
$
7.04
 

Our non-vested restricted stock grants vest from one to four years from the grant date.  The total grant date fair value of shares vesting during the first quarter of 2014 was $1,121.  There was an aggregate of 175 unrestricted and non-vested restricted stock grants issued to our non-employee directors (3 shares) and employees (172 shares) in the first quarter of 2013 at a weighted average fair value of $6.31 per share, of which 55 of the non-vested restricted shares have since vested.

Performance Units
In the first quarters of 2012, 2013 and 2014, the compensation committee of our board of directors approved the grant of performance-based restricted stock units (performance units) under our 2007 Plan, which represent the right to earn shares of class B common stock based on continued employment and the achievement of specified targets for adjusted cumulative EBITDA over specified fiscal year performance periods.  We value performance unit awards at the closing market price of our class A common stock on the grant date.

A summary of stock grant activity during the first quarter of 2014 is:

 
 
   
Weighted
 
 
 
   
Average
 
 
 
   
Grant Date
 
 
 
Shares
   
Fair Value
 
 
 
   
 
Non-vested at December 29, 2013
   
151
   
$
5.95
 
Granted
   
48
     
9.47
 
Vested
   
-
     
-
 
Forfeited
   
-
     
-
 
Non-vested at March 30, 2014
   
199
   
$
6.80
 

Stock Appreciation Rights
A stock appreciation right, or SAR, is an award granted under our 2007 Plan and represents the right to receive an amount equal to the excess of the fair value of a share of our class B common stock on the exercise date over the base value of the SAR, which shall not be less than the fair value of a share of our class B common stock on the grant date.  Each SAR is settled only in shares of our class B common stock.  The term during which any SAR may be exercised is 10 years from the grant date, or such shorter period as determined by the compensation committee of our board of directors.

Our SARs vest over a three year graded vesting schedule and it is our policy to recognize compensation cost for awards with graded vesting on a straight-line basis over the vesting period for the entire award.  We ensure the compensation cost recognized at any date is at least equal to the portion of the grant-date value of the award that is vested at that date.  The fixed price SARs have a fixed base value equal to the closing price of our class A common stock on the date of grant.  The escalating price SARs have an escalating base value that starts with the closing price of our class A common stock on the date of grant and increases by six percent per year for each year that the SARs remain outstanding, starting on the first anniversary of the grant date.

16

JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

16 STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION continued
 
A summary of SAR activity during the first quarter of 2014 is:

 
 
   
   
Weighted
 
 
 
   
   
Average
 
 
 
   
Weighted
   
Contractual Term
 
 
 
   
Average
   
Remaining
 
 
 
SARS
   
Exercise Price
   
(years)
 
 
 
   
   
 
Outstanding and exercisable at December 29, 2013
   
742
   
$
13.30
     
3.9
 
Granted
   
-
                 
Exercised
   
-
                 
Forfeited
   
-
                 
Expired
   
-
                 
Outstanding and exercisable at March 30, 2014
   
742
   
$
13.30
     
3.2
 

All SARs have vested.  The aggregate intrinsic value of the SARS outstanding and exercisable at the end of the first quarter of 2014 is $26.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

The 2003 Employee Stock Purchase Plan permits eligible employees to purchase our class B common stock at 90% of the fair market value measured as of the closing market price of our class A common stock on the day of purchase.  We recognize compensation expense equal to the 10% discount of the fair market value.  Subject to certain adjustments, 3,000 shares of our class B common stock are authorized for sale under this plan.  There were 16 class B common shares sold to employees under this plan in the first quarter of 2014 at a weighted average fair value of $8.38.  As of March 30, 2014, there are 2,146 shares available for sale under the plan.

17 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

On August 13, 2012, we repurchased all 3,264 outstanding shares of our class C common stock, all of which were held by Matex Inc., members of the family of our former chairman Harry J. Grant, trusts for the benefit of members of the family, and Proteus Fund, Inc., a non-profit organization.  Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, we paid $6,246 in cash and issued 15 unsecured subordinated promissory notes with an aggregate principal amount of $25,599. The notes bear interest at a rate of 7.25% per annum and interest is payable quarterly. Six of the subordinated notes, with an aggregate principal amount of approximately $9,664, were repaid in 2012. On September 30, 2013, we paid the first annual installment on the remaining eight subordinated notes. As of March 30, 2014, the remaining aggregate principal amount of these eight subordinated notes is approximately $13,279.  The remaining subordinated notes are payable in equal annual installments on September 30 of each of 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, with no prepayment right.  Interest on the notes is payable quarterly.  One of the remaining subordinated notes, with an original principal amount of $7,617, was issued to the Judith Abert Meissner Marital Trust, a beneficial owner of more than 5.00% of the issued and outstanding shares of our class B common stock.  David G. Meissner, a former member of the Board, who did not stand for reelection to the Board of Directors at the 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, is a beneficiary and trustee of this trust.  An additional three of the remaining subordinated notes, with an original aggregate principal amount of $752, were originally issued to trusts for the benefit of Mr. Meissner’s children in which Mr. Meissner serves or previously served as trustee.  The cash used for the repurchase and delivered to the Judith Abert Meissner Marital Trust and the trusts for the benefit of Mr. Meissner’s children in which Mr. Meissner serves or previously served as trustee was $2,042.
17

JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

18 ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
 
The changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component, net of tax, for the first quarters of 2014 and 2013 are as follows:

 
 
Defined Benefit
Pension and
Postretirement
Plans
   
Total
 
 
 
   
 
Balance as of December 29, 2013
 
$
(39,654
)
 
$
(39,654
)
Net actuarial gain and amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
285
     
285
 
Net other comprehensive income (loss)
   
285
     
285
 
Balance as of March 30, 2014
 
$
(39,369
)
 
$
(39,369
)

 
 
Defined Benefit
Pension and
Postretirement
Plans
   
Total
 
 
 
   
 
Balance as of December 30, 2012
 
$
(55,739
)
 
$
(55,739
)
Net actuarial gain and amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
391
     
391
 
Net other comprehensive income (loss)
   
391
     
391
 
Balance as of March 31, 2013
 
$
(55,348
)
 
$
(55,348
)

The reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive loss is as follows:

 
 
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Loss
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
March 30, 2014
   
March 31, 2013
 
 
 
   
 
Amortization of defined benefit pension and postretirement plan items:
 
   
 
Prior service cost (1)
 
$
58
   
$
58
 
Unrecognized loss (1)
   
(531
)
   
(697
)
Income tax expense
   
188
     
248
 
Total reclassifications for the period
 
$
(285
)
 
$
(391
)

(1) These accumulated other comprehensive loss components are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement cost.  See Note 14 “Employee Benefit Plans” for more information.  Of the costs for the first quarter ended March 30, 2014, $52 is included in television operating costs and expenses, $24 is included in radio operating costs and expenses, $211 is included in publishing operating costs and expenses, and $186 is included in selling and administrative expenses.  Of the costs for the first quarter ended March 31, 2013, $65 is included in television operating costs and expenses, $43 is included in radio operating costs and expenses, $300 is included in publishing operating costs and expenses, and $231 is included in selling and administrative expenses.

19 SEGMENT REPORTING

Effective January 22, 2014, we made an organizational change to our leadership team in our Broadcasting segment reflecting focus on our two primary businesses:  television and radio.  As a result of this organizational change, we now have four reportable segments: television, radio, publishing and corporate.

Our business segments are based on the organizational structure used by management for making operating and investment decisions and for assessing performance.  Our reportable business segments are: (i) television; (ii) radio; (iii) publishing; and (iv) corporate.  Our television segment consists of 14 television stations in 8 states that we own or provide services to. Our radio segment consists of 35 radio stations in 8 states.  Our publishing segment consists of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, which serves as the only major daily newspaper for the Milwaukee metropolitan area, and a number of community newspapers, primarily in southeastern Wisconsin.  Our corporate segment consists of unallocated corporate expenses and revenue eliminations.
18

JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

19 SEGMENT REPORTING continued

The following tables summarize revenue, operating earnings (loss), depreciation and amortization, and capital expenditures for the first quarter ended March 30, 2014 and March 31, 2013 and identifiable total assets as of March 30, 2014 and December 29, 2013:

 
 
First Quarter Ended
 
 
 
March 30, 2014
   
March 31, 2013
 
 
 
   
 
Revenue
 
   
 
Television
 
$
45,969
   
$
40,811
 
Radio
   
15,226
     
15,866
 
Publishing
   
35,600
     
36,580
 
Corporate eliminations
   
(183
)
   
(54
)
 
 
$
96,612
   
$
93,203
 
 
               
Operating earnings (loss)
               
Television
 
$
11,178
   
$
6,972
 
Radio
   
2,133
     
2,422
 
Publishing
   
597
     
873
 
Corporate
   
(1,939
)
   
(1,938
)
 
 
$
11,969
   
$
8,329
 
 
               
Depreciation and amortization
               
Television
 
$
3,252
   
$
3,236
 
Radio
   
472
     
549
 
Publishing
   
1,732
     
1,747
 
Corporate
   
118
     
172
 
 
 
$
5,574
   
$
5,704
 
 
               
Capital expenditures
               
Television
 
$
824
   
$
1,630
 
Radio
   
207
     
106
 
Publishing
   
74
     
748
 
Corporate
   
-
     
2
 
 
 
$
1,105
   
$
2,486
 

 
 
March 30, 2014
   
December 29, 2013
 
Identifiable total assets
 
   
 
Television
 
$
347,898
   
$
356,032
 
Radio
   
108,571
     
111,473
 
Publishing
   
93,030
     
96,991
 
Corporate & discontinued operations
   
26,276
     
31,522
 
 
 
$
575,775
   
$
596,018
 

20 SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

In 2012, we filed a refund claim with the Wisconsin Tax Appeals Commission.  During the second quarter of 2014, we settled with the State of Wisconsin Department of Revenue for $510, which when recognized in our second quarter of 2014, will reduce our current income tax expense and have an impact on our effective tax rate.

19

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the first quarter ended March 30, 2014, including the notes thereto, and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2013.

More information regarding our business is available at www.journalcommunications.com.  We are not including the information contained in our website as a part of, or incorporating it by reference into, this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.  Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to those reports are made available to the public at no charge, other than a reader’s own internet access charges, through a link appearing on our website.  We provide access to such material through our website as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Forward-Looking Statements

We make certain statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (including the information that we incorporate by reference herein) that are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  We intend these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in that Act, and we are including this statement for purposes of those safe harbor provisions.  These forward-looking statements generally include all statements other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding our future financial position, business strategy, budgets, projected revenues and expenses, expected regulatory actions and plans and objectives of management for future operations.  We often use words such as "may," "will," "intend," "anticipate," "believe," or "should" and similar expressions in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to identify forward-looking statements.  These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond our control.  These risks, uncertainties and other factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements.  Among such risks, uncertainties and other factors that may impact us are the following as well as those contained in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2013, as may be amended or supplemented in Part II, Item 1A of our subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q (including this report):

· changes in network affiliation agreements, including increased costs;
· the availability of quality broadcast programming at competitive prices;
· quality and rating of network over-the-air broadcast programs, including programs changing networks and changing competitive dynamics regarding how and when network programs are made available to our viewers;
· changes in video programming distribution channels, including new Internet and mobile programming competitors;
· effects of the rapidly changing nature of the publishing, broadcasting and printing industries, including general business issues, competitive issues and the introduction of new technologies;
· changes in federal or state laws and regulations or their interpretations (including changes in regulations governing the number and types of broadcast and cable system properties, newspapers and licenses that a person may control in a given market or in total or the changes in spectrum allocation policies);
· effects of the loss of commercial inventory resulting from uninterrupted television news coverage and potential advertising cancellations due to war, terrorist acts, or other significant events;
· changes in advertising demand or the buying strategies of advertisers or the migration of advertising to digital platforms;
· changes in newsprint prices and other costs of materials;
· changes in legislation or customs relating to the collection, management and aggregation and use of consumer information through telemarketing and electronic communication efforts;
· an other than temporary decline in operating results and enterprise value that could lead to further non-cash impairment charges due to the impairment of goodwill, broadcast licenses, other intangible assets and property, plant and equipment;
· the impact of changing economic and financial market conditions and interest rates on our liquidity, on the value of our pension plan assets and on the availability of capital;
· our ability to remain in compliance with the terms of our credit agreement;
· changes in interest rates or statutory tax rates;
· the outcome of pending or future litigation;
· energy costs;
· the availability and effect of acquisitions, investments, dispositions and other capital expenditures including share repurchases on our results of operations, financial condition or stock price; and
· changes in general economic conditions.

We caution you not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which we have made as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and which we undertake no duty to update.
20

Overview

Our business segments are consistent with the organizational structure used by management for making operating and investment decisions and for assessing performance.  Our reportable business segments are: (i) television; (ii) radio; (iii) publishing; and (iv) corporate.  Our television segment consists of 14 television stations in 8 states that we own or provide services to. Our radio segment, operating in 8 states, consists of 35 radio stations.  Results from our digital media assets are included in our television and publishing segments.  Our publishing segment consists of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, which serves as the only major daily newspaper for the Milwaukee metropolitan area, and several community publications, primarily in southeastern Wisconsin, as well as print facilities in West Milwaukee and Waupaca, Wisconsin.  Our corporate segment consists of unallocated corporate expenses and revenue eliminations.

Revenue in the television and radio industries is derived primarily from the sale of advertising time to local, national, and political and issue advertisers, retransmission fees and, to a lesser extent, from barter, digital revenue and other revenue.  Our television and radio stations are attracting new local advertisers through the creation of new local content, digital products, and programs that combine television or radio with digital.  Because television and radio broadcasters rely upon advertising revenue, they are subject to cyclical changes in the economy.  The size of advertisers’ budgets, which are affected by broad economic trends, affects the radio industry in general and the revenue of individual television stations in particular.  Our television and radio businesses are also affected by audience fragmentation as audiences have an increasing number of options to access news and other programming.

Television advertising revenue and rates in even-numbered years typically benefit from political and issue advertising.  As the demand for advertising increases on the limited available inventory, we have the opportunity to increase average unit rates we charge our customers.  Even-numbered years also benefit from Olympics related advertising on our two NBC affiliates.  The expected increased ratings during the Olympics time period provide us the opportunity to sell advertising at premium rates.  Therefore, a decline in revenue during the odd-numbered years is typical and expected.

We earn television revenues from retransmission consent agreements with MVPDs in our markets.  The MVPDs are cable operators and satellite carriers who pay us to offer our programming to their customers. The revenue we receive is typically based on the number of subscribers the MVPD has in our local market.  When we have renewed retransmission consent agreements, they have generally been at higher rates.  Retransmission revenue accounted for 21.3% of our total television revenue in the first quarter of 2014.

Revenue from our television businesses increased 12.6% or $5.2 million in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the first quarter of 2013, as a result of increased retransmission revenue and $2.6 million in Olympics advertising revenue on our NBC affiliates.  Total expenses from our television business increased 2.8% in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the first quarter of 2013, primarily due to network fees.  Operating earnings from our television businesses increased $4.3 million in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the first quarter of 2013, primarily due to the $2.6 million of Olympics revenue and increased retransmission revenue.

Revenue from our radio businesses decreased 4.0% or $0.7 million in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the first quarter of 2013.  Revenue declines were experienced across several categories, including restaurants, financial, education, and pharmaceuticals.  Total expenses from our radio business decreased 2.6% in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the first quarter of 2013.  Operating earnings from our radio businesses decreased $0.3 million in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the first quarter of 2013, as the reduction in expenses did not offset declines in revenue.

In recent years, newspaper industry fundamentals have declined as a result of the 2009 recession and secular industry changes.  Retail and classified run-of-press (ROP) advertising have decreased from historic levels due in part to department store consolidation, weakened employment, automotive and real estate economics and a migration of advertising to the Internet and other advertising forms.  Circulation volume declines and online competition have also negatively impacted newspaper industry revenues.

Revenue levels in our television and radio business will continue to be affected by increased competition for audiences.  In addition, recent consolidations within the television industry signal the importance of scale to the negotiation of both retransmission revenue with MVPDs and network agreements.  We do not expect that revenues at our publishing business will return to revenue levels reported in 2013 or prior years given the secular changes affecting the newspaper industry.

We strive to grow our traditional and digital media, make capital investments in our businesses which we expect to positively impact revenue, and look for new acquisition opportunities within broadcast.  The execution of our acquisition strategy will hinge upon our ability to identify strategic candidates, negotiate definitive agreements on acceptable terms and, as necessary, secure additional financing.

Results of Operations

First Quarter Ended March 30, 2014 compared to the First Quarter Ended March 31, 2013

Our consolidated revenue in the first quarter of 2014 was $96.6 million, an increase of $3.4 million, or 3.7%, compared to $93.2 million in the first quarter of 2013.  Our consolidated operating costs and expenses in the first quarter of 2014 were $53.9 million, an increase of $1.5 million, or 2.8%, compared to $52.4 million in the first quarter of 2013.  Our consolidated selling and administrative expenses in the first quarter of 2014 were $30.7 million, a decrease of $1.8 million, or 5.3%, compared to $32.5 million in the first quarter of 2013.
21

The following table presents our total revenue by segment, total operating costs and expenses, selling and administrative expenses and total operating earnings as a percent of total revenue for the first quarter of 2014 and the first quarter of 2013:

 
 
   
Percent of
   
   
Percent of
 
 
 
   
Total
   
   
Total
 
 
 
2014
   
Revenue
   
2013
   
Revenue
 
 
 
(dollars in millions)
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
Revenue:
 
   
   
   
 
Television
 
$
46.0
     
47.6
%
 
$
40.8
     
43.7
%
Radio
   
15.2
     
15.7
     
15.9
     
17.1
 
Publishing
   
35.6
     
36.9
     
36.6
     
39.3
 
Corporate eliminations
   
(0.2
)
   
(0.2
)
   
(0.1
)
   
(0.1
)
Total revenue
   
96.6
     
100.0
     
93.2
     
100.0
 
 
                               
Total operating costs and expenses
   
53.9
     
55.8
     
52.4
     
56.2
 
Selling and administrative expense
   
30.7
     
31.9
     
32.5
     
34.9
 
Total operating costs and expenses and selling and administrative expenses
   
84.6
     
87.7
     
84.9
     
91.1
 
Total operating earnings
 
$
12.0
     
12.4
%
 
$
8.3
     
8.9
%

Revenue from our television business increased $5.2 million in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the first quarter of 2013. The increase was primarily due to $4.5 million in retransmission revenue and $2.6 million of Olympics revenue.  Total expenses from our television business increased 2.8% in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the first quarter of 2013, to increases in network fees and employee - related expenses. Operating earnings from our television business increased $4.3 million in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the first quarter of 2013, primarily due to increased retransmission revenue and Olympics advertising revenue.

Revenue from our radio business decreased $0.7 million in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the first quarter of 2013. The decrease was due primarily to decreases in local advertising revenue. Total expenses from our radio business decreased 2.6% in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the first quarter of 2013 primarily due to decreases in employee-related costs and programming rights fees. Operating earnings from our radio business decreased $0.3 million in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the first quarter of 2013, primarily due to decreased local and national advertising revenue.

In the first quarter of 2014, our publishing advertising revenue was flat, while circulation revenue and commercial distribution revenue were lower due to volume declines.  Total advertising revenue was $17.8 million in both the first quarter of 2014 and the first quarter of 2013. Retail advertising revenue increased $0.2 million in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the first quarter of 2013, primarily due to an increase in advertising from several large customers.  Classified advertising revenue decreased in the first quarter of 2014 by $0.1 million compared to the first quarter of 2013.  The declines were in both the employment and real estate & rentals categories. Publishing digital advertising revenue of $2.9 million increased 1.7%, primarily due to increases in digital retail sponsorships and other revenue, partially offset by declines in classified digital advertising revenue.  National advertising revenue decreased $0.1 million in the first quarter of 2014 due to a decrease in ROP advertising in the entertainment category.  Circulation revenue at our daily newspaper decreased $0.7 million in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the first quarter of 2013 due to a decline in circulation volume.  Commercial distribution revenue decreased $0.1 million in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the first quarter of 2013 due to declines in distribution volume. Commercial print revenue was essentially flat compared to the first quarter of 2013.  Total expenses at our publishing businesses decreased $0.7 million in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the first quarter of 2013, primarily due to expense savings from materials, delivery expenses, and other cost saving efforts.  Operating earnings at our publishing business decreased $0.3 million in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the first quarter of 2013 mainly due to decreased circulation classified advertising revenue.

The increase in total operating costs and expenses for the company in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the first quarter of 2013 was primarily due to increases in employee-related costs, network expenses, and affiliation fee amortization.  The decrease in selling and administrative expenses was primarily due to a decrease in employee-related costs.

Our consolidated operating earnings were $12.0 million in the first quarter of 2014, an increase of $3.7 million, or 43.7%, compared to $8.3 million in the first quarter of 2013.  The following table presents our operating earnings by segment for the first quarter of 2014 and the first quarter of 2013:
22

 
 
2014
   
2013
 
 
 
(dollars in millions)
 
 
 
   
 
Television
 
$
11.2
   
$
6.9
 
Radio
   
2.1
     
2.4
 
Publishing
   
0.6
     
0.9
 
Corporate
   
(1.9
)
   
(1.9
)
Total operating earnings
 
$
12.0
   
$
8.3
 

The increase in total operating earnings was primarily due to the increase in retransmission and Olympics revenue at our television business.

EBITDA in the first quarter of 2014 was $17.5 million, an increase of $3.5 million, or 25.0%, compared to $14.0 million in the first quarter of 2013.  We define EBITDA as net earnings excluding earnings from discontinued operations, net, provision for income taxes, total other expense, net (which is comprised of interest income and expense), depreciation and amortization.  Management primarily uses EBITDA, among other things, to evaluate our operating performance compared to our operating plans and/or prior years and to value prospective acquisitions.  We believe the presentation of this measure is relevant and useful for investors because it allows investors to view performance in a manner similar to the method used by management, helps to improve their ability to understand our operating performance and makes it easier to compare our results with other companies that have different financing and capital structures or tax rates.  EBITDA is also a primary measure used externally by our investors and our peers in our industry for purposes of valuation and comparing our operating performance to other companies in the industry.  EBITDA is not a measure of performance or liquidity calculated in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.  EBITDA should not be considered in isolation of, or as a substitute for, net earnings as an indicator of operating performance or cash flows from operating activities as a measure of liquidity.  EBITDA, as we calculate it, may not be comparable to EBITDA measures reported by other companies.

The following table presents a reconciliation of our consolidated net earnings to EBITDA for the first quarter of 2014 and the first quarter of 2013:

 
 
2014
   
2013
 
 
 
(dollars in millions)
 
 
 
   
 
Net earnings from continuing operations (1)
 
$
6.2
   
$
3.7
 
Provision for income taxes
   
4.1
     
2.5
 
Total other expense, net
   
1.6
     
2.1
 
Depreciation
   
4.9
     
5.0
 
Amortization
   
0.7
     
0.7
 
EBITDA
 
$
17.5
   
$
14.0
 

  (1) Included in net earnings for the first quarter of 2014 are workforce reduction charges of $0.1 million.  Included in net earnings for the first quarter of 2013 are pre-tax charges for  acquisition and integration related costs of $0.8 million, impairment of long-lived assets of $0.2 million, and workforce reduction charges of $0.1 million.

The increase in our EBITDA was consistent with the increase in our operating earnings for the reasons described above.

Television

Revenue from television in the first quarter of 2014 was $46.0 million, an increase of $5.2 million, or 12.6%, compared to $40.8 million in the first quarter of 2013.  Operating earnings from television in the first quarter of 2014 were $11.2 million, an increase of $4.3 million, or 60.3%, compared to $6.9 million in the first quarter of 2013.

The following table presents our television revenue and operating earnings for the first quarter of 2014 and the first quarter of 2013:
23

 
 
First Quarter
   
Percent
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
   
Change Total
 
 
 
(dollars in millions)
   
 
 
 
   
   
 
Revenue
 
$
46.0
   
$
40.8
     
12.6
%
 
                       
Operating earnings
 
$
11.2
   
$
6.9
     
60.3
%

Revenue increased in seven of our nine television markets.  On a consolidated basis, political and issue advertising revenue increased $0.1 million, or 14.1%, Olympics revenue increased $2.6 million, or 100%, and retransmission revenue increased $4.5 million, or 85.6%, each compared to the first quarter of 2013. The increase in retransmission revenue was due to rate increases resulting from recently negotiated contracts with MVPDs. Partially offsetting these revenue increases were decreases in national advertising revenue of $1.2 million, or 13.7%, and local revenue of $0.8 million, or 2.9%, each compared to the first quarter of 2013. Television advertising revenue and rates in even-numbered years typically benefit from political and issue and Olympics advertising.  In those years, as the demand for advertising increases on the limited available inventory, we have the opportunity to increase the average unit rates we charge our customers.
 
Our television stations experienced advertising revenue increases in a number of categories, specifically financial, communications and medical categories, partially offset by decreases in the restaurants, media and other professional services categories.  On a consolidated basis, automotive advertising revenue represented 19.1% of total television revenue in the first quarter of 2014 compared to 20.9% in the first quarter of 2013.  Automotive advertising revenue was $8.8 million in the first quarter of 2014, an increase of $0.3 million, or 2.9%, compared to $8.5 million in the first quarter of 2013.  Our television stations are working to grow their local customer base by creating new local content, digital products and programs that combine television with digital platforms.  On a consolidated basis, digital revenue was $1.0 million in the first quarter of 2014, an increase of 17.9%, compared to $0.9 million in the first quarter of 2013.  Digital revenue is reported in local advertising revenue.

The increase in operating earnings was primarily due to a $4.5 million increase in retransmission revenue.  Total television expenses in the first quarter of 2014 increased $1.0 million, or 2.8%, compared to the first quarter of 2013, primarily due to increased network fees and employee-related expenses.

Radio

Revenue from radio in the first quarter of 2014 was $15.2 million, a decrease of $0.7 million, or 4.0%, compared to $15.9 million in the first quarter of 2013.  Operating earnings from radio in the first quarter of 2014 were $2.1 million, a decrease of $0.3 million, or 11.9%, compared to $2.4 million in the first quarter of 2013.

The following table presents our radio revenue and operating earnings for the first quarter of 2014 and the first quarter of 2013:

 
 
First Quarter
   
Percent
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
   
Change Total
 
 
 
(dollars in millions)
   
 
 
 
   
   
 
Revenue
 
$
15.2
   
$
15.9
     
(4.0
)%
 
                       
Operating earnings
 
$
2.1
   
$
2.4
     
(11.9
)%

Revenue decreased in five of our eight radio markets.  On a consolidated basis, local advertising revenue decreased $0.4 million, or 3.0%, and national revenue decreased $0.3 million, or 18%, each compared to the first quarter of 2013.  Partially offsetting these revenue decreases was an increase in other revenue of $0.1 million, or 9.1% compared to the first quarter of 2013.

Our radio stations experienced advertising revenue increases in a number of categories, specifically in the medical, communications and home products categories, partially offset by decreases in the education, financial and restaurants categories.  On a consolidated basis, automotive advertising represented 15.1% of total radio revenue in the first quarter of 2014 compared to 14.9% in the first quarter of 2013.  Automotive advertising revenue was $2.3 million in the first quarter of 2014 and $2.4 million in the first quarter of 2013.  Our radio stations are working to grow their local customer base by creating new local content, digital products and programs that combine radio with digital platforms.  Digital revenue grew to 7.8% and was $0.6 million in both the first quarter of 2014 the first quarter of 2013.  Digital revenue is reported in local advertising revenue.
24

The decrease in operating earnings was primarily due to the decrease in local advertising revenue.  Total radio expenses in the first quarter of 2014 decreased $0.3 million, or 2.6%, compared to the first quarter of 2013, primarily due to decreases in employee-related costs and programming rights fees and a building impairment of $0.2 million recorded in 2013.

Publishing

Revenue from publishing in the first quarter of 2014 was $35.6 million, a decrease of $1.0 million, or 2.7%, compared to $36.6 million in the first quarter of 2013.  Operating earnings from publishing were $0.6 million in the first quarter of 2014, a decrease of $0.3 million, or 31.6%, compared to $0.9 million in the first quarter of 2013.

The following table presents our publishing revenue by category and operating earnings for the first quarter of 2014 and the first quarter of 2013:

 
 
First Quarter
   
 
 
 
   
   
Percent
 
 
 
   
   
Change
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
   
Total
 
 
 
(dollars in millions)
   
 
Advertising revenue:
 
   
   
 
Retail
 
$
13.8
   
$
13.6
     
1.3
%
Classified
   
3.5
     
3.6
     
(4.6
)
National
   
0.5
     
0.6
     
(7.2
)
Total advertising revenue
   
17.8
     
17.8
     
(0.1
)
Circulation revenue
   
11.7
     
12.4
     
(5.7
)
Other revenue
   
6.1
     
6.4
     
(3.9
)
Total revenue
 
$
35.6
   
$
36.6
     
(2.7
)%
 
                       
Operating earnings
 
$
0.6
   
$
0.9
     
(31.6
)%

Retail advertising revenue in the first quarter of 2014 was $13.8 million, an increase of $0.2 million, or 1.3% compared to $13.6 million in the first quarter of 2013, primarily due to the retail advertising revenue increases at our daily newspaper.

As a result of the ongoing secular trend of classified advertising transitioning to the internet and the current economic environment, our publishing businesses experienced a decrease in ROP classified advertising revenue in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the first quarter of 2013.  Classified advertising revenue in the first quarter of 2014 was $3.5 million, a decrease of $0.1 million, or 4.6%, compared to $3.6 million in the first quarter of 2013, primarily due to classified employment advertising decreases.

Total retail and classified digital advertising revenue at our daily newspaper was $2.9 million in both the first quarter of 2014, and the first quarter of 2013.  Digital retail advertising revenue increased 8.4% compared to the first quarter of 2013, primarily due to increases in retail sponsorships and other digital revenue.  Digital classified advertising revenue decreased 14.3% compared to the first quarter of 2013 due to a decrease in employment related classified advertising.  Digital advertising revenue is reported in the retail and classified advertising revenue categories.

National advertising revenue was $0.5 million in the first quarter of 2014, a decrease of $0.1 million, or 7.2%, compared to $0.6 million in the first quarter of 2013.  The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in ROP advertising in the Entertainment category.

Circulation revenue accounted for 32.9% of total publishing revenue in the first quarter of 2014 compared to 33.8% in the first quarter of 2013.  Circulation revenue was $11.7 million in the first quarter of 2014, a decrease of $0.7 million, or 5.7%, compared to $12.4 million in the first quarter of 2013.

Other revenue, which consists of revenue from commercial printing, commercial distribution and promotional revenue, accounted for 17.1% of publishing revenue in the first quarter of 2014 compared to 17.4% in the first quarter of 2013.  Other revenue was $6.1 million in the first quarter of 2014, a decrease of $0.3 million, or 3.9%, compared to $6.4 million in the first quarter of 2013.

Publishing operating earnings in the first quarter of 2014 were $0.6 million, a decrease of $0.3 million, or 31.6%, compared to $0.9 million in the first quarter of 2013.  The decrease in operating earnings was primarily due to decreased circulation and classified revenue.  Total expenses decreased $0.7 million the first quarter of 2014 as compared to the first quarter of 2013, primarily due to expense savings in materials and delivery expenses.  Total newsprint and paper costs for our publishing business were $3.5 million in the first quarter of 2014 compared to $3.8 million in the first quarter of 2013.  There was a 3.9% decrease in newsprint and paper consumption and a 2.1% decrease in average newsprint and paper pricing per metric ton.
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Corporate

The corporate segment reflects the unallocated costs of our corporate executive management, expenses related to corporate governance and revenue eliminations. Revenue and expense eliminations were $0.2 million in the first quarter of 2014 compared to $0.1 million in the first quarter of 2013. The unallocated expenses were $1.9 million in both the first quarter of 2014 and the first quarter of 2013.

Other Income and Expense and Income Taxes

Interest expense was $1.6 million in the first quarter of 2014 compared to $2.1 million in the first quarter of 2013.  The decrease in interest expense was due to a decrease in borrowings.  Amortization of deferred financing costs, which is reported in interest expense, was $0.3 million in both the first quarter of 2014 in the first quarter of 2013.

Our effective tax rate was 40.4% in both the first quarter of 2014 and the first quarter of 2013.

Discontinued Operations

Effective January 1, 2014, we closed on sale of stations KMIR-TV and My 13 KPSE-TV in Palm Springs, California to OTA Broadcasting, LLC, an affiliate of Virginia based OTA Broadcasting, LLC for $17.0 million in cash and certain other contingent considerations.  We recorded a pre-tax book gain of $10.2 million in the first quarter of 2014.

Earnings from discontinued operations, net of income tax expense, were $6.0 million in the first quarter of 2014 compared to $0.1 million in the first quarter of 2013 due to the after tax gain on the sale.  Income tax expense was $4.1 million in the first quarter of 2014 compared to $0.4 million in the first quarter of 2013.

Net Earnings

Our net earnings in the first quarter of 2014 were $12.2 million, an increase of $8.4 million, or 221.1%, compared to $3.8 million in the first quarter of 2013.  The increase was due to higher operating earnings for the reasons described above.

Earnings per Share for Class A and B Common Stock

Basic and diluted net earnings per share of class A and B common stock were both $0.12 in the first quarter of 2014 for continuing operations and discontinued operations.  There were no basic and diluted earnings per share of class A and B common stock from discontinued operations in the first quarter of 2013.  In the first quarter of 2013, basic and diluted net earnings per share of class A and B common stock were both $0.08 for continuing operations.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our cash balance was $1.8 million as of March 30, 2014.  We believe our expected cash flows from operations and additional borrowings available under our senior secured credit facilities of $177.7 million as of March 30, 2014 will meet our current needs.  During the first quarter of 2014, we reduced our notes payable to banks by $37.7 million.  We expect to use our operating cash flow to pay down our notes payable to banks, invest resources in broadcast acquisitions, digital initiatives, our brands, employees, programming, products and capital projects while remaining in compliance with our debt covenants, and repurchase shares opportunistically.

Long-term Notes Payable to Banks

We have senior secured credit facilities consisting of a secured term loan facility and a secured revolving credit facility.  Under these facilities, we had initial aggregate commitments of $350.0 million, including the term loan commitment of $150.0 million and the revolving credit facility commitment of $200.0 million, both of which mature on December 5, 2017.  The secured term loan facility amortizes at 10% per annum payable quarterly with the balance due at maturity.  As of March 30, 2014, the outstanding principal amount of revolving loans drawn under the credit agreement was $22.3 million, and the outstanding principal amount of term loans drawn under the credit agreement was $135.0 million.  Amounts under the secured revolving credit facility may be borrowed, repaid and reborrowed by us from time to time until the maturity date of the revolving loan facility.  Voluntary prepayments and commitment reductions are permitted at any time without fee upon proper notice and subject to a minimum dollar requirement.  Voluntary prepayments of the secured term loan facility represent a permanent reduction in credit available.  At our option, the commitments under the credit agreement may be increased from time to time by an aggregate amount not to exceed $100.0 million.  The increase option is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including, without limitation, the identification of lenders (which may include existing lenders or new lenders) willing to provide the additional commitments.
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Our borrowings under the secured credit facility incur interest at either (a) LIBOR plus a margin that ranges from 150.0 basis points to 250.0 basis points, depending on our net debt ratio, or (b) (i) the base rate, which equals the highest of the prime rate set by U.S. Bank National Association, the Federal Funds Rate plus 50.0 basis points or one-month LIBOR plus 100.0 basis points, plus (ii) a margin that ranges from 50.0 basis points to 150.0 basis points, depending on our net debt ratio.  As of March 30, 2014, the pricing spread above LIBOR was 200.0 basis points.

Our obligations under the senior secured credit agreement are currently guaranteed by certain of our subsidiaries.  Subject to certain exceptions, the senior secured credit agreement is secured by liens on certain of our assets and contains affirmative, negative and financial covenants which are customary for financings of this type, including, among other things, limits on the creation of liens, limits on the incurrence of indebtedness, restrictions on dispositions and restrictions on the payment of dividends.

As of March 30, 2014, we were in compliance with the financial covenants of the senior secured credit facilities.  The senior secured credit facilities contain the following financial covenants, which remain constant over the term of the agreement:

· A consolidated funded debt ratio of not greater than 3.75-to-1, as of the end of each fiscal quarter, as determined for the four fiscal quarters then ended.  This ratio compares, as of the date of determination, our consolidated funded debt on such date to consolidated EBITDA, defined in the credit agreement as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, restructuring charges, gains/losses on asset disposals, non-cash charges and certain other adjustments.  As of March 30, 2014, our consolidated funded debt ratio was 2.11-to-1.

· A minimum interest coverage ratio of not less than 3-to-1, as of the end of each fiscal quarter, as determined for the four fiscal quarters then ended.  This ratio compares, for any period, our consolidated EBITDA, defined in the credit agreement as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, restructuring charges, gains/losses on asset disposals, non-cash charges and certain other adjustments to consolidated interest expense.  As of March 30, 2014, our interest coverage ratio was 10.94-to-1.

As of March 30, 2014 and December 29, 2013, we had borrowings of $157.3 million and $195.0 million, respectively, under our senior secured credit facilities at a current effective blended interest rate of 2.24% and 2.23%, respectively.  Remaining unamortized fees in connection with the credit facilities of $3.6 million, which are included in other assets, are being amortized over the term of the senior secured credit facilities using the straight-line method.

We estimate the fair value of our senior secured credit facilities at March 30, 2014 to be $151.5 million, based on discounted cash flows using an interest rate of 3.35%.  We estimated the fair value of our secured credit facility at December 29, 2013 to be $187.5 million, based on discounted cash flows using an interest rate of 3.36%.  Interest rates utilized are estimated based on observed market rates of interest for debt with similar maturities and seniority.  These fair value measurements fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

One or more of the lenders in our secured credit facility syndicate could be unable to fund future draws thereunder or take other positions adverse to us, including with regard to the exercise of the accordion feature.  In such an event, our liquidity could be constrained with an adverse impact on our ability to operate our businesses.

Unsecured Subordinated Notes Payable

We estimate the fair value of the subordinated notes at March 30, 2014 to be $13.5 million, based on discounted cash flows using an interest rate of 7.14%.  We estimated the fair value of the subordinated notes at December 29, 2013 to be $13.5 million, based on discounted cash flows using an interest rate of 7.19%.  Interest rates utilized are estimated based on observed market rates of interest for debt with similar maturities and seniority.  These fair value measurements fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.  As of March 30, 2014 and December 29, 2013, $13.3 million of the subordinated notes remain outstanding.

We have $1.8 million of standby letters of credit for business insurance purposes.

Workforce Reductions and Business Improvements

Our liability for workforce reduction benefits of $0.3 million as of March 30, 2014 will be paid within the next year.  The ongoing activity of our liability for workforce reduction benefits during the first quarter of 2014 was as follows:
27

 
 
   
Charge for
   
Payments for
   
 
 
 
Balance as of
   
Separation
   
Separation
   
Balance as of
 
 
 
December 29, 2013
   
Benefits
   
Benefits
   
March 30, 2014
 
 
 
(dollars in millions)
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
Television
 
$
0.1
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
0.1
 
Radio
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Publishing
   
0.3
     
0.1
     
(0.1
)
   
0.2
 
Total
 
$
0.4
   
$
0.1
   
$
(0.1
)
 
$
0.3
 

Dividends

In April 2009, our board of directors suspended dividends on our class A and class B shares.  Our board of directors periodically reviews our dividend payment policy and our ability to pay cash dividends.

Share Repurchase Authorization

In July 2011, our board of directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to $45.0 million of our outstanding class A common stock and/or class B common stock until the end of fiscal 2013. In December 2013, out board of directors extended our share repurchase program until the end of fiscal 2015.  Under the program, shares may be repurchased from time to time in the open market and/or in private transactions and any repurchases will depend on market conditions, share price, trading volume, credit agreement covenants and other factors.  In the first quarter of 2014, we did not repurchase any shares of our class A common stock.  As of the end of the first quarter of 2014, $37.4 million worth of shares of our class A common stock and/or class B common stock remain available to be purchased under our July 2011 authorization.

Cash Flow

Continuing Operations

In the first quarter of 2014, cash provided by operating activities was $21.9 million in the first quarter of 2014 compared to $8.3 million in the first quarter of 2013.  The increase was primarily due to increased cash provided by working capital and increased net earnings.

Cash used for investing activities was $1.0 million in the first quarter of 2014 compared to $2.5 million in the first quarter of 2013.  Capital expenditures were $1.1 million in the first quarter of 2014 compared to $2.5 million in the first quarter of 2013.  Our capital expenditures in the first quarter of 2014 were primarily at our television and radio businesses for facility renovations.  We believe these capital expenditures will help us to better serve our advertisers, viewers and listeners and will facilitate our cost control initiatives.

Cash used for financing activities was $37.3 million in the first quarter of 2014 compared to $6.5 million in the first quarter of 2013.  Borrowings under our credit facility in the first quarter of 2014 were $55.9 million and we made payments of $93.6 million, reflecting a $37.7 million decrease in our notes payable to banks. This compares to borrowings of $43.0 million and payments of $49.7 million in the first quarter of 2013, reflecting a $6.7 million decrease in our notes payable to banks.

Discontinued Operations

As of March 30, 2014 and March 31, 2013, there was $16.3 million and $0.4 million of cash provided by the Palm Springs discontinued operations, respectively.

New Accounting Standards

In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-08 (ASU 2014-08) “Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant and Equipment (Topic 360):  Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity.”  ASU 2014-08 raises the threshold for a disposal to quality as a discontinued operation and requires new disclosures of both discontinued operations and certain other disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation.  It is effective for annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014.  Early adoption is permitted but only for disposals that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued.  We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact of the adoption on our consolidated financial statements.
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Critical Accounting Policies

There are no material changes to the disclosures regarding critical accounting policies made in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2013.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE OF MARKET RISK

There are no material changes to the disclosures regarding interest rate risk and foreign currency exchange risk made in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2013.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our Disclosure Committee, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.  Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to them to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

None.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There are no material changes to the disclosures regarding risk factors made in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2013.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

The following table provides information about our repurchases of our class A and class B common stock in the first quarter ended March 30, 2014:

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 
 
 
(a)
   
(b)
   
(c)
   
(d)
 
Period
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
   
Average Price
Paid Per Share
   
Total Number of shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans Or Programs
   
Dollar Value of Shares
that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs (1)
 
December 30, 2013 to January 26, 2014
   
-
     
-
     
-
   
$
37,353,739
 
January 27, 2014 to February 23, 2014
   
29,452
(2) 
   
-
     
-
   
$
37,353,739
 
February 24, 2014 to March 30, 2014
   
36,241
(3) 
   
-
     
-
   
$
37,353,739
 

(1) In July 2011, our board of directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to $45.0 million of our outstanding class A common stock and/or class B common stock until the end of fiscal 2013. In December 2013, our board of directors extended the repurchase program through fiscal 2015.
(2) Represents 29,452 shares of class B common stock transferred from employees to us to satisfy tax withholding requirements in connection with the vesting of restricted stock under the 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan.
(3) Represents 36,241 shares of class B common stock transferred from employees to us to satisfy tax withholding requirements in connection with the vesting of restricted stock under the 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

(a) Exhibits

Exhibit No.
Description
 
 
(31.1)
Certification by Steven J. Smith, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Journal Communications, Inc., pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
(31.2)
Certification by Jason R. Graham, Senior Vice President of Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Controller of Journal Communications, Inc.,  pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
(32)
Certification of Steven J. Smith, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Jason R. Graham, Senior Vice President of Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Controller of Journal Communications, Inc., pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
(101)
The following materials from Journal Communications, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 30, 2014, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 30, 2014 and December 29, 2013; (ii) the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the First Quarter Ended March 30, 2014 and March 31, 2013; (iii) the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the First Quarter Ended March 30, 2014 and March 31, 2013; (iv) the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Equity for the First Quarter Ended March 30, 2014; (v) the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Equity for the First Quarter Ended March 31, 2013; (vi) the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the First Quarter Ended March 30, 2014 and March 31, 2013; and (vii) Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, furnished herewith.
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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
Registrant
 
 
Date:  April 30, 2014
/s/ Steven J. Smith
 
Steven J. Smith, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
Date:  April 30, 2014
/s/ Jason R. Graham
 
Jason R. Graham, Senior Vice President of Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Controller

32

JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibit No.
Description
 
 
Certification by Steven J. Smith, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Journal Communications, Inc., pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
Certification by Jason R. Graham, Senior Vice President of Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Controller of Journal Communications, Inc.,  pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
Certification of Steven J. Smith, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Jason R. Graham, Senior Vice President of Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Controller of Journal Communications, Inc., pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
(101)
The following materials from Journal Communications, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 30, 2014, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 30, 2014 and December 29, 2013; (ii) the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the First Quarter Ended March 30, 2014 and March 31, 2013; (iii) the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the First Quarter Ended March 30, 2014 and March 31, 2013; (iv) the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Equity for the First Quarter Ended March 30, 2014; (v) the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Equity for the First Quarter Ended March 31, 2013; (vi) the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the First Quarter Ended March 30, 2014 and March 31, 2013; and (vii) Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, furnished herewith.

 
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