-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, JDovo09YPT/ce7Q6w2qmrPlpAOa88EgfQ9crkbkMpLiipcbrzAtkTX0ZpD+dZQO/ 6qy1oIepcPNWPzw3NgzVXA== 0000889156-07-000010.txt : 20071214 0000889156-07-000010.hdr.sgml : 20071214 20071214171319 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000889156-07-000010 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 5 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20070930 FILED AS OF DATE: 20071214 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20071214 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: ALLBRITTON COMMUNICATIONS CO CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000889156 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: TELEVISION BROADCASTING STATIONS [4833] IRS NUMBER: 781803105 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 0930 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-02302 FILM NUMBER: 071308078 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1000 WILSON BOULEVARD STREET 2: SUITE 2700 CITY: ARLINGTON STATE: VA ZIP: 22209 BUSINESS PHONE: 7036478700 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1000 WILSON BOULEVARD STREET 2: SUITE 2700 CITY: ARLINGTON STATE: VA ZIP: 22209 10-K 1 form10k_093007.txt FORM 10-K UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 Form 10-K |X| ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007 OR |_| TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from to ------------------- ------------------- Commission File No. 333-02302 ALLBRITTON COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 74-1803105 (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No.) 1000 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 2700 Arlington, VA 22209 (Address of principal executive offices) (703) 647-8700 (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. YES |_| NO |X| Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. YES |X| NO |_| Indicate by check mark whether this 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 |_| NO |X| (1) Indicate by check mark if the disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy of information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. |X| Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of "accelerated filer and large accelerated filer" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Large accelerated filer |_| Accelerated filer |_| Non-accelerated filer |X| Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES |_| NO |X| The aggregate market value of the registrant's Common Stock held by non-affiliates is zero. As of December 12, 2007, there were 20,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $.05 per share, outstanding. DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE None ______________ (1) Although the Company has not been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days, it has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months. Pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company's duty to file reports is automatically suspended as a result of having fewer than 300 holders of record of each class of its debt securities outstanding as of October 1, 2007, but the Company has agreed under the terms of certain long-term debt to continue these filings in the future. As used herein, the terms "Allbritton," "our," "us," "we" or the "Company" refer to Allbritton Communications Company and its subsidiaries, and "ACC" refers solely to Allbritton Communications Company. Depending on the context in which they are used, the following "call letters" refer either to the corporate owner of the station indicated or to the station itself: "WJLA" and "NewsChannel 8" together refer to WJLA-TV/NewsChannel 8, a division of ACC (operator of WJLA-TV and NewsChannel 8, Washington, D.C.); "WHTM" refers to Harrisburg Television, Inc. (licensee of WHTM-TV, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania); "KATV" refers to KATV, LLC (licensee of KATV, Little Rock, Arkansas); "KTUL" refers to KTUL, LLC (licensee of KTUL, Tulsa, Oklahoma); "WCIV" refers to WCIV, LLC (licensee of WCIV, Charleston, South Carolina); "WSET" refers to WSET, Incorporated (licensee of WSET-TV, Lynchburg, Virginia); "WCFT," "WBMA" and "WJSU" refer to TV Alabama, Inc. (licensee of WCFT-TV, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, WBMA-LP, Birmingham, Alabama and WJSU-TV, Anniston, Alabama). The term "The Politico" refers to Capitol News Company, LLC. The term "ACCLI" refers to ACC Licensee, Inc. (licensee of WJLA). The term "ATP" refers to Allbritton Television Productions, Inc. and the term "Perpetual" refers to Perpetual Corporation, which is controlled by Joe L. Allbritton. "AGI" refers to Allbritton Group, Inc., which is controlled by Perpetual and is ACC's parent. "Allfinco" refers to Allfinco, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of ACC and parent company of Harrisburg Television, Inc. and TV Alabama, Inc. TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ---- Part I Item 1. Business................................................... 1 Item 1A. Risk Factors............................................... 17 Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.................................. 22 Item 2. Properties................................................. 23 Item 3. Legal Proceedings.......................................... 25 Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders........ 25 Part II Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities........ 25 Item 6. Selected Consolidated Financial Data....................... 26 Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations...................... 29 Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. 47 Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data... 47 Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure................................. 47 Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.................................... 47 Item 9B. Other Information.......................................... 47 Part III Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance..... 48 Item 11. Executive Compensation..................................... 50 Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters............... 54 Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.................................... 55 Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services..................... 57 Part IV Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules ................... 58 THIS ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K, INCLUDING ITEM 7 "MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS," CONTAINS FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS WITHIN THE MEANING OF SECTION 21E OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS AMENDED, THAT ARE NOT HISTORICAL FACTS AND INVOLVE A NUMBER OF RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES. THERE ARE A NUMBER OF FACTORS THAT COULD CAUSE OUR ACTUAL RESULTS TO DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE PROJECTED IN SUCH FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. THESE FACTORS INCLUDE, WITHOUT LIMITATION, OUR OUTSTANDING INDEBTEDNESS AND OUR HIGH DEGREE OF LEVERAGE; THE RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED ON US BY THE TERMS OF OUR INDEBTEDNESS; THE HIGH DEGREE OF COMPETITION FROM BOTH OVER-THE-AIR BROADCAST STATIONS AND PROGRAMMING ALTERNATIVES SUCH AS CABLE TELEVISION, WIRELESS CABLE, IN-HOME SATELLITE DISTRIBUTION SERVICE, PAY-PER-VIEW SERVICES AND HOME VIDEO AND ENTERTAINMENT SERVICES; THE IMPACT OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES; CHANGES IN FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION ("FCC") REGULATIONS; FCC LICENSE RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS; DECREASES IN THE DEMAND FOR ADVERTISING DUE TO WEAKNESS IN THE ECONOMY; AND THE VARIABILITY OF OUR QUARTERLY RESULTS AND OUR SEASONALITY. ALL WRITTEN OR ORAL FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE COMPANY ARE EXPRESSLY QUALIFIED BY THE FOREGOING CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS. READERS ARE CAUTIONED NOT TO PLACE UNDUE RELIANCE ON THESE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS WHICH REFLECT MANAGEMENT'S VIEW ONLY AS OF THE DATE HEREOF. PART I ITEM 1. OUR BUSINESS The Company We own and operate ABC network-affiliated television stations serving seven geographic markets: WJLA in Washington, D.C.; WCFT in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, WJSU in Anniston, Alabama and WBMA-LP, a low power television station licensed to Birmingham, Alabama (we operate WCFT and WJSU in tandem with WBMA-LP serving the viewers of the Birmingham, Tuscaloosa and Anniston market as a single programming source); WHTM in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; KATV in Little Rock, Arkansas; KTUL in Tulsa, Oklahoma; WSET in Lynchburg, Virginia; and WCIV in Charleston, South Carolina. Our owned and operated stations broadcast to the 9th, 40th, 41st, 57th, 60th, 67th and 100th largest national media markets in the United States, respectively, as defined by Nielsen Media Research, Inc. ("Nielsen"), and reach approximately 4.9% of United States television households. We also own NewsChannel 8, which provides 24-hour per day basic cable television programming primarily focused on regional and 1 local news for the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Additionally, in January 2007 we launched The Politico, a specialized newspaper and Internet site (politico.com) that serves Congress, congressional staffers and those interested in the actions of our national legislature and the political electoral process. The operations of NewsChannel 8 and The Politico are integrated with WJLA. Our stations are owned and operated by ACC (WJLA-TV/NewsChannel 8), Harrisburg Television, Inc. (WHTM), KATV, LLC (KATV), KTUL, LLC (KTUL), WSET, Incorporated (WSET), WCIV, LLC (WCIV) and TV Alabama, Inc. (WCFT, WJSU and WBMA). Each company other than ACC is either a directly or indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary of ACC. The Company was founded in 1974 and is a subsidiary of AGI, which is controlled by Perpetual Corporation, which in turn is controlled by Mr. Joe L. Allbritton. ACC and its subsidiaries are Delaware corporations or limited liability companies. Our corporate headquarters are located at 1000 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 2700, Arlington, VA 22209, and our telephone number at that address is (703) 647-8700. Television Industry Background Commercial television broadcasting began in the United States on a regular basis in the 1940s. Currently, there is a limited number of channels available for broadcasting in any one geographic area, and the license to operate a broadcast television station is granted by the FCC. Television stations that broadcast over the VHF band (channels 2-13) of the spectrum generally have some competitive advantage over television stations that broadcast over the UHF band (channels 14-69) of the spectrum because VHF channels usually have better signal coverage and operate at a lower transmission cost. However, the improvement of UHF transmitters and receivers, the complete elimination from the marketplace of VHF-only receivers and the expansion of cable television systems have reduced the competitive advantage of television stations broadcasting over the VHF band. Television station revenues are primarily derived from local, regional and national advertisers and, to a much lesser extent, from networks and program syndicators for the broadcast of programming and from other broadcast-related activities, including retransmission fees from multi-channel video providers such as direct broadcast satellite ("DBS") providers. Advertising rates are set based upon a variety of factors, including the size and demographic makeup of the market served by the station, a program's popularity among viewers whom an advertiser wishes to attract, the number of advertisers competing for the available time, the availability of alternative advertising media in the market area, a station's overall ability to attract viewers in its market area and the station's ability to attract viewers among particular demographic groups that an advertiser may be targeting. Advertising rates are also affected by an aggressive and knowledgeable sales force and the development of projects, features and programs that tie advertiser messages to programming. Because broadcast television stations rely on advertising revenues, they are sensitive to cyclical changes in the economy. The size of advertisers' budgets, which are affected by broad economic trends, affect both the broadcast industry in general and the revenues of individual broadcast television stations. 2 United States television stations are grouped by Nielsen into 210 generally recognized television market areas that are ranked in size according to various formulae based upon actual or potential audience. Each market area is designated as an exclusive geographic area consisting of all counties in which the home-market commercial stations receive the greatest percentage of total viewing hours. The specific geographic markets are called Designated Market Areas, or DMAs. Nielsen, which provides audience-measuring services, periodically publishes data on estimated audiences for television stations in the various DMAs throughout the country. These estimates are expressed in terms of both the percentage of the total potential audience in the DMA viewing a station (the station's "rating") and the percentage of the audience actually watching television (the station's "share"). Nielsen provides such data on the basis of total television households and selected demographic groupings in the DMA. Nielsen uses three methods of determining a station's ratings and share. In most larger DMAs, ratings are determined by a combination of meters connected directly to selected household television sets and weekly viewer-completed paper diaries of television viewing (so called "set meter" measurement), while in smaller markets ratings are determined by weekly paper diaries only. A select number of the largest markets are measured by people meter technology (so called "local people meter" measurement). The local people meter records individual viewing behavior in real time, producing viewer demographic data on a daily basis. Of the market areas in which we conduct business, Birmingham, Alabama and Tulsa, Oklahoma are set metered markets while Washington, D.C. is a local people metered market. The remaining markets are weekly diary markets. In September 2007, Nielsen announced its intention to convert all set metered markets to local people meter measurement by October 2011. Historically, three major broadcast networks--ABC, NBC and CBS--dominated broadcast television. In the past two decades, FOX has evolved into the fourth major network, although the hours of network programming produced by FOX for its affiliates are fewer than those produced by the other three major networks. In addition, CW, ION and myNetworkTV have been launched as new broadcast television networks, along with specialized networks, Telemundo, Univision and TV Azteca. The affiliation by a station with one of the four major networks has a significant impact on the composition of the station's programming, revenues, expenses and operations. A typical affiliate station receives approximately 9 to 13 hours of each day's programming from the network. This programming, along with cash payments ("network compensation") in some instances, is provided to the affiliate by the network in exchange for a substantial majority of the advertising time sold during the airing of network programs. The network then sells this advertising time for its own account. The affiliate retains the revenues from time sold during breaks in and between network programs and during programs produced by the affiliate or purchased from non-network sources. In acquiring programming to supplement network programming, network affiliates compete primarily with affiliates of other networks and independent stations in their market areas. Cable systems generally do not compete with local stations for programming, although various national cable networks from time to time have acquired programs that would have otherwise been offered to local television stations. In addition, a television station may acquire programming through barter arrangements. Under 3 barter arrangements, a national program distributor can receive advertising time in exchange for the programming it supplies, with the station paying no fee or a reduced fee for such programming. An affiliate of CW, myNetworkTV or ION network receives a smaller portion of each day's programming from its network compared to an affiliate of ABC, CBS, NBC or FOX. As a result, affiliates of CW, myNetworkTV or ION network must purchase or produce a greater amount of their programming, resulting in generally higher programming costs. These stations, however, retain a larger portion of the inventory of advertising time and the revenues obtained therefrom compared to stations affiliated with the major networks, which may partially offset their higher programming costs. In contrast to a network affiliated station, an independent station purchases or produces all of the programming that it broadcasts, generally resulting in higher programming costs, although the independent station is, in theory, able to retain its entire inventory of advertising time and all of the revenue obtained from the sale of such time. Barter and cash-plus-barter arrangements, however, have become increasingly popular among all stations. Public broadcasting outlets in most communities compete with commercial broadcasters for viewers but not directly for advertising dollars. Broadcast television stations compete for local and national advertising revenues with other television stations in their respective markets as well as with other advertising media, such as newspapers, radio, magazines, outdoor advertising, transit advertising, Internet/website, yellow page directories, direct mail and local cable systems. In addition, our stations compete for national advertising revenues with broadcast and cable television networks, program syndicators and Internet websites. Traditional network programming generally achieves higher audience levels than syndicated programs aired by independent stations. However, as greater amounts of advertising time are retained and available for sale by FOX affiliates, smaller network affiliates and independent stations, those stations typically achieve a share of the television market advertising revenues greater than their share of the market area's audience. Consolidation of cable system ownership in discrete markets (so-called "clustering") has enabled some cable operators to more efficiently sell time to local advertisers as well as to bid on local sports programming in competition with traditional broadcasters. Through the 1970s, network television broadcasting enjoyed virtual dominance in viewership and television advertising revenues because network-affiliated stations only competed with each other in local markets. Beginning in the 1980s, this level of dominance began to change as the FCC authorized more local stations and marketplace choices expanded with the growth of independent stations and cable television services. Cable television systems were first constructed in significant numbers in the 1970s and were initially used to retransmit broadcast television programming to paying subscribers in areas with poor broadcast signal reception. In the aggregate, cable-originated programming has emerged as a significant competitor for viewers of broadcast television programming, although no single cable programming network regularly attains audience levels amounting to more than a 4 small fraction of any of the major broadcast networks. The advertising share of cable networks increased during the 1970s and 1980s as a result of the growth in cable penetration (the percentage of television households that are connected to a cable system). Notwithstanding such increases in cable viewership and advertising, over-the-air broadcasting remains the dominant distribution system for mass market television advertising. Cable system operators have traditionally enjoyed near monopoly status as terrestrial distributors of multi-channel programming. "Overbuilders" (competing local distributors in the same local franchise area) were rare based upon the high costs associated with the cable system infrastructure. Recently, however, some telephone companies have begun using their fiber optic facilities to begin offering multi-channel programming in competition with the local franchised cable systems. These telco operators seek program carriage arrangements with local broadcasters and other national program distributors. In the 1990s, DBS service was introduced as a new competitive distribution method. Home users purchase or lease satellite dish receiving equipment and subscribe to a monthly service of programming options. Local stations, under specified conditions, are carried on satellites which then retransmit those signals back to the originating market. As DBS providers, such as DirecTV and EchoStar, continue to expand their facilities, an increasing number of local stations will be carried as "local-to-local" signals, aided by a legal requirement that mandates the carriage of all local broadcast signals if one is retransmitted. All of our stations are currently carried on DBS systems. We believe that the market shares of television stations affiliated with ABC, NBC and CBS declined during the 1980s and 1990s because of the emergence of FOX and certain strong independent stations and because of increased cable penetration. Affiliates of the minor networks have emerged as viable competitors for television viewership share, particularly as a result of the availability of first-run, major network-quality and regional sports programming. In addition to cable and satellite programming, there has been substantial growth in video recording technology and playback systems, television game devices and new wireless/internet connected devices permitting "podcasting", wireless video distribution systems, satellite master antenna television systems and some low-power services. In addition, local broadcast stations themselves may now use excess capacity within their digital television channel to "multicast" discrete program offerings. This has further expanded the number of programming alternatives available to household audiences, along with non-broadcast alternatives, especially with respect to news, available over the rapidly expanding Internet. Video programming via the Internet is now emerging as an option for viewers who wish to see full-length episodes of broadcast shows or brief clips of alternative fare on computers or other video devices. Each of the major broadcast networks offer "video player" buttons on their websites or those of broadcast affiliates. In addition, multiple Internet sites such as YouTube.com offer alternative video programming. It is uncertain at this time whether and to what extent those new services will be a measurable competitor to us. 5 Terrestrially-distributed television broadcast stations traditionally used analog transmission technology. Recent advances in digital transmission technology formats have enabled broadcasters to begin migration from analog to digital broadcasting. Digital technologies provide cleaner video and audio signals as well as the ability to transmit "high definition television" with theatre screen aspect ratios, higher resolution video and "noise-free" sound. Digital transmission also permits dividing the transmission frequency into multiple discrete channels of standard definition television. The FCC has authorized a transition plan to convert existing analog stations to digital by temporarily offering a second channel to transmit programming digitally with the return of the analog channel after the transition period. See "Legislation and Regulation--Digital Television." All of our full power stations broadcast with both an analog and digital signal. 6 Station Information The following table sets forth general information for each of our owned stations as of May 2007, unless otherwise indicated:
Market Total Rank Commercial Analog Digital or Competitors Station Rank in Designated Network Channel Channel DMA in Market Audience Market Acquisition Market Area Station Affiliation Frequency Allocation Share Date ----------- ------- ----------- --------- ---------- ------ ----------- --------- ------- ----------- Washington, D.C. WJLA ABC 7/VHF 39 9 6 22% 2 01/29/76 Birmingham (Anniston and Tuscaloosa), AL WBMA/WCFT/WJSU ABC -- -- 40 6 25% 2 -- Birmingham WBMA ABC 58/UHF -- -- -- -- -- 08/01/97 Anniston WJSU ABC 40/UHF 9 -- -- -- -- 03/22/00 Tuscaloosa WCFT ABC 33/UHF 5 -- -- -- -- 03/15/96 Harrisburg- Lancaster-York- Lebanon, PA WHTM ABC 27/UHF 10 41 4 23% 2 03/01/96 Little Rock, AR KATV ABC 7/VHF 22 57 5 33% 1 04/06/83 Tulsa, OK KTUL ABC 8/VHF 10 60 6 23% 2 04/06/83 Roanoke-Lynchburg, VA WSET ABC 13/VHF 34 67 4 24% 2 01/29/76 Charleston, SC WCIV ABC 4/VHF 34 100 4 21% 3 01/29/76 _______________ Represents market rank based on the U.S. Television Household Estimates published by Nielsen in September 2007. Represents the total number of commercial broadcast television stations in the DMA with an audience share of at least 1% in the 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., Sunday through Saturday, time period, based on the Nielsen Station Index for May 2007. Represents the station's share of total viewing of commercial broadcast television stations in the DMA for the time period of 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., Sunday through Saturday, based on the Nielsen Station Index for May 2007. Represents the station's rank in the DMA based on its share of total viewing of commercial broadcast television stations in the DMA for the time period of 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., Sunday through Saturday, based on the Nielsen Station Index for May 2007. TV Alabama serves the Birmingham market by simultaneously broadcasting identical programming over WBMA, WCFT and WJSU. The stations are listed on a combined basis by Nielsen as WBMA+, the call sign of the low power television station. We began programming WJSU pursuant to a local marketing agreement in December 1995. In connection with the local marketing agreement, we entered into an option to purchase the assets of WJSU. We exercised our option to acquire WJSU and completed our acquisition of WJSU on March 22, 2000. See "Owned Stations--WBMA/WCFT/WJSU: Birmingham (Anniston and Tuscaloosa), Alabama." WSET and WCIV have been indirectly owned and operated by Joe L. Allbritton since 1976. On March 1, 1996, WSET and WCIV became wholly-owned subsidiaries of ACC.
7 Business and Operating Strategy Our business strategy is to focus on building net operating revenues and net cash provided by operating activities. We intend to pursue selective acquisition or other expansion opportunities as they arise. Our acquisition strategy is to target network-affiliated television stations where we believe we can successfully apply our operating strategy and where such stations can be acquired on attractive terms. Targets include stations in midsized growth markets with what we believe to be advantageous business climates. Although we continue to review strategic investment and acquisition opportunities, no agreements or understandings are currently in place regarding any material investments or acquisitions. In addition, we continually seek to enhance net operating revenues at a marginal incremental cost through our use of existing personnel and programming capabilities. For example, KATV operates the Arkansas Razorback Sports Network ("ARSN"), which provides University of Arkansas sports programming to a network of 55 radio stations in two states. Certain broadcast television, cable pay-per-view and home video rights are also controlled by ARSN. The broadcast and cable news services of WJLA and NewsChannel 8 are fully integrated along with The Politico. This combination represents the first and only newsgathering triopoly in the Nation's Capital. We have also sought to make use of the excess capacity of our digital broadcast channels. All but one of our stations operate local weather channels using this digital spectrum, and WJLA has also just launched Local POINT TV utilizing one of its digital subchannels. Local POINT TV generally consists of short segments focusing on local talent and local interests to the Washington, D.C. area as well as current news and entertainment information. Our operating strategy focuses on four key elements: Local News and Community Leadership. Our stations strive to be local news leaders to exploit the revenue potential associated with local news leadership. Since the acquisition of each station, we have focused on building that station's local news programming franchise as the foundation for building significant audience share. In each of our market areas, we develop additional information-oriented programming designed to expand the stations' hours of commercially valuable local news and other programming with relatively small incremental increases in operating expenses. Local news programming is commercially valuable because of its high viewership level, the attractiveness to advertisers of the demographic characteristics of the typical news audience (allowing stations to charge higher rates for advertising time) and the enhanced ratings of other programming in time periods adjacent to the news. In addition, we believe strong local news product has helped differentiate local broadcast stations from the increasing number of cable programming competitors that generally do not provide this material. High Quality Non-Network Programming. Our stations are committed to attracting viewers through an array of syndicated and locally-produced programming to fill those periods of the broadcast day not programmed by the network. This programming is selected by us based 8 on its ability to attract audiences highly valued in terms of demographic makeup on a cost-effective basis and reflects a focused strategy to migrate and hold audiences from program to program throughout dayparts. Audiences highly valued in terms of demographic makeup include women aged 18-49 and all adults aged 25-54. These demographic groups are perceived by advertisers as the groups with the majority of buying authority and decision-making in product selection. Local Sales Development Efforts. We believe that television stations with a strong local presence and active community relations can realize additional revenue from advertisers through the development and promotion of special programming and community events as well as through expanded production of regularly scheduled local news and information programming. Each of our stations has developed such additional products, including high quality programming of local interest and sponsored community events. Such sponsored events have included health fairs, contests, job fairs, parades and athletic events and have provided advertisers, who are offered participation in such events, an opportunity to direct a marketing program to targeted audiences. These additional local interest programs and sponsored community events have proven successful in attracting incremental local advertising revenues. The stations also seek to maximize their local sales efforts through the use of extensive research and targeted demographic studies. Cost Control. We believe that controlling costs is an essential factor in achieving and maintaining the profitability of our stations. We believe that by delivering highly targeted audience levels and controlling programming and operating costs, our stations can achieve increased levels of revenue and operating cash flow. Each station rigorously manages its expenses through a budgetary control process and project accounting, which include an analysis of revenue and programming costs by daypart. Moreover, each station closely monitors its staffing levels. Owned Stations WJLA/NewsChannel 8/The Politico: Washington, D.C. Acquired by ACC in 1976, WJLA is an ABC network affiliate pursuant to an affiliation agreement that expires on December 31, 2012. The station's FCC license (held by ACCLI) expires on October 1, 2012. Washington, D.C. is the ninth largest DMA, with approximately 2,308,000 television households. We believe that stations in this market generally earn higher advertising rates than stations in smaller markets because many national advertising campaigns concentrate their spending in the top ten media markets and on issue-oriented advertising in Washington, D.C. The Washington, D.C. market is served by six commercial television stations. On September 16, 2002, ACC acquired the operations of NewsChannel 8, which provides 24-hour per day basic cable television programming primarily focused on regional and local news for the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. NewsChannel 8 is party to affiliation agreements with cable operators and other terrestrial multi-channel video program distributors 9 ("MVPD's") for the carriage of its programming to subscribers. Each of the cable operator affiliation agreements has an expiration date of December 31, 2011. In January 2007, we launched The Politico, a specialized newspaper and Internet site (politico.com) that serves Congress, congressional staffers and those interested in the actions of our national legislature and political electoral process. The Politico is advertising supported, with free, targeted distribution of over 25,000 print copies per issue. Publication is generally three times per week when Congress is in session and once per week when Congress is in recess. Print and other original content is continuously available without charge on politico.com. The operations of NewsChannel 8 and The Politico are integrated with those of WJLA in its studio and office facility, creating the first newsgathering triopoly in the Nation's Capital. The combination of these three operations allows for certain operational efficiencies, primarily in the areas of newsgathering, administration, finance, operations, promotions and human resources. WBMA/WCFT/WJSU: Birmingham (Anniston and Tuscaloosa), Alabama We acquired WCFT in March 1996 and WJSU in March 2000 after previously programming the station pursuant to a time brokerage agreement. We also own a low power television station licensed to Birmingham, Alabama (WBMA). We serve the Birmingham market by simultaneously transmitting identical programming from our studio in Birmingham over WCFT, WJSU and WBMA. The stations are listed on a combined basis by Nielsen as WBMA+. TV Alabama maintains studio facilities in Birmingham for the operation of the stations. We have retained a news and sales presence in both Tuscaloosa and Anniston, while at the same time maintaining our primary news and sales presence in Birmingham. The ABC network affiliation is based upon carriage on both WCFT and WJSU and expires on December 31, 2012. The FCC licenses for the three stations expire on April 1, 2013. In October 1998, Nielsen collapsed the Tuscaloosa DMA and the Anniston DMA into the Birmingham DMA creating what is now the 40th largest DMA with approximately 730,000 television households. The Birmingham DMA is served by six commercial television stations. WHTM: Harrisburg-Lancaster-York-Lebanon, Pennsylvania Acquired by us in 1996, WHTM is an ABC network affiliate pursuant to an affiliation agreement that expires on December 31, 2012. The station's FCC license expired August 1, 2007. An application for license renewal has been filed and is pending. The Harrisburg-Lancaster-York-Lebanon market, which consists of ten contiguous counties located in central Pennsylvania, is the 41st largest DMA, reaching approximately 724,000 television households. Harrisburg is the capital of Pennsylvania, and the government represents the area's largest employer. The Harrisburg market is served by four commercial television stations, one of which is a VHF station. 10 KATV: Little Rock, Arkansas Acquired by us in 1983, KATV is an ABC network affiliate pursuant to an affiliation agreement that expires on December 31, 2012. The station's FCC license expired on June 1, 2005. An application for license renewal has been filed and is pending. The Little Rock market is the 57th largest DMA, with approximately 552,000 television households. The Little Rock market has a diversified economy, serving as the seat of both state and local government and as home to numerous commercial businesses. The Little Rock market is served by five commercial television stations. Capitalizing on its exclusive rights to the University of Arkansas basketball and football schedules through the year 2011, KATV operates ARSN, which provides University of Arkansas sports programming to a network of 55 radio stations in two states. Certain broadcast television, cable pay-per-view and home video rights are also controlled by ARSN. KTUL: Tulsa, Oklahoma Acquired by us in 1983, KTUL is an ABC network affiliate pursuant to an affiliation agreement that expires on December 31, 2012. The station's FCC license expires on June 1, 2014. Tulsa, Oklahoma is the 60th largest DMA, with approximately 520,000 television households. The Tulsa market is served by six commercial television stations. WSET: Roanoke-Lynchburg, Virginia Acquired by us in 1996, WSET has been indirectly owned and operated by Joe L. Allbritton since 1976. The station is an ABC network affiliate pursuant to an affiliation agreement that expires on December 31, 2012. WSET's FCC license expires on October 1, 2012. The hyphenated central Virginia market comprised of Lynchburg, Roanoke and Danville is the 67th largest DMA, with approximately 452,000 television households. The Lynchburg DMA is served by four commercial television stations. WCIV: Charleston, South Carolina Acquired by us in 1996, WCIV has been indirectly owned and operated by Joe L. Allbritton since 1976. The station is an ABC affiliate pursuant to an affiliation agreement that expires on December 31, 2012. WCIV's FCC license expires on December 1, 2012. Charleston, South Carolina is the 100th largest DMA, with approximately 294,000 television households. The Charleston DMA is served by four commercial television stations. Network Affiliation Agreements and Relationship Each of our stations is an ABC affiliate with affiliation agreements that expire on December 31, 2012. ABC has routinely renewed the affiliation agreements with our stations; however, we cannot assure you that these affiliation agreements will be renewed in the future or under the 11 same general terms. As one of the largest group owners of ABC network affiliates in the nation, we believe that we enjoy excellent relations with the ABC network. Generally, each affiliation agreement provides our stations with the right to broadcast programs transmitted by the network that includes designated advertising time, the revenue from which the network retains. For every hour or fraction thereof that the station broadcasts network programming, the network pays the station compensation, as specified in each affiliation agreement, or as agreed upon by the network and the stations. Typically, prime-time programming generates the highest hourly rates. Competition Competition in the television industry, including each of the market areas in which our stations compete, takes place on several levels: competition for audience, competition for programming (including news) and competition for advertisers. Additional factors material to a television station's competitive position include signal coverage and assigned frequency. The television broadcasting industry is continually faced with technological change and innovation, the possible rise or fall in popularity of competing entertainment and communications media and actions of federal regulatory bodies, including the FCC, any of which could possibly have a material adverse effect on our operations. Audience: Stations compete for audience on the basis of program popularity, which has a direct effect on advertising rates. A substantial portion of the daily programming at our stations is supplied by ABC. In those periods, the stations are totally dependent upon the performance of the ABC network programs in attracting viewers. Non-network time periods are programmed by the station with a combination of self-produced news, public affairs and entertainment programming, including news and syndicated programs purchased for cash, cash and barter or barter-only. Minor network stations, the number of which has increased significantly over the past decade, have also emerged as viable competitors for television viewership share, particularly as the result of the availability of first-run major network-quality programming. The development of methods of television transmission other than over-the-air broadcasting and, in particular, the growth of cable television and DBS have significantly altered competition for audience share in the television industry. These alternative transmission methods can increase competition for a broadcasting station both by bringing into its market area distant broadcasting signals not otherwise available to the station's audience and by serving as a distribution system for programming originated on the cable or DBS systems. Although historically cable operators have not sought to compete with broadcast stations for a share of the local news audience, cable operators have made recent inroads to this market as well, particularly in the area of local sports channels. Increased competition for local audiences could have an adverse effect on our advertising revenues. Other sources of competition include home entertainment systems (including video recording and playback systems, television game devices and new wireless/internet connected devices permitting "podcasting"), wireless video distribution systems, satellite master antenna 12 television systems and some low-power services. In addition, local broadcast stations themselves may now use excess capacity within their digital television channel to "multicast" discrete program offerings. Programming alternatives, especially news, available on the Internet also provide non-broadcast alternatives available to the potential broadcast television audience. Video programming via the Internet is now also emerging as an option for viewers who wish to see full-length episodes of broadcast shows or brief clips of alternative fare on computers or other video devices. Each of the major broadcast networks offer "video player" buttons on their websites or those of broadcast affiliates. In addition, multiple Internet sites such as YouTube.com offer alternative video programming. Further advances in technology may increase competition for household audiences and advertisers. Video compression techniques now under development for use with current cable channels, internet-relayed video and direct broadcast satellites, are expected to reduce the bandwidth required for television signal transmission. These compression techniques, as well as other technological developments, are applicable to all video delivery systems, including over-the-air broadcasting, and have the potential to provide vastly expanded programming to highly targeted audiences. Reduction in the cost of creating additional channel capacity could lower entry barriers for new channels and encourage the development of increasingly specialized niche programming. This ability to reach very defined audiences is expected to alter the competitive dynamics for advertising expenditures. We are unable to predict the effect that technological changes will have on the broadcast television industry or the future results of our operations. Programming: Competition for programming involves negotiating with national program distributors or syndicators which sell first-run and rerun packages of programming. Our stations compete against in-market broadcast station competitors for off-network reruns (such as "Frasier") and first-run products (such as "The Oprah Winfrey Show") for exclusive access to those programs. Cable systems generally do not compete with local stations for programming; however, local cable operators are increasingly consolidating ownership of systems within various markets, enabling them to bid on local sports programming in competition with traditional broadcasters. In addition, various national cable networks from time to time have acquired programs that would have otherwise been offered to local television stations. Competition for exclusive news stories and features is also endemic to the television industry. Advertising: Advertising rates are set based upon a variety of factors, including the size and demographic makeup of the market served by the station, a program's popularity among viewers whom an advertiser wishes to attract, the number of advertisers competing for the available time, the availability of alternative advertising media in the market area, a station's overall ability to attract viewers in its market area and the station's ability to attract viewers among particular demographic groups that an advertiser may be targeting. Advertising rates are also affected by an aggressive and knowledgeable sales force and the development of projects, features and programs that tie advertiser messages to programming. Our television stations compete for local and national advertising revenues with other television stations in their respective markets as well as with other advertising media, such as newspapers, radio, magazines, outdoor advertising, transit advertising, yellow page directories, direct mail and local cable systems. In addition, our stations compete for national advertising revenues with broadcast and cable television networks, program syndicators and Internet websites. Competition for 13 advertising dollars in the broadcasting industry occurs primarily in individual market areas. Generally, a broadcast television station in one market does not compete with stations in other market areas. Our television stations are located in highly competitive market areas. Legislation and Regulation The ownership, operation and sale of television stations are subject to the jurisdiction of the FCC under the Communications Act of 1934 (the "Communications Act"). Matters subject to FCC oversight include the assignment of frequency bands for broadcast television; the approval of a television station's frequency, location and operating power; the issuance, renewal, revocation or modification of a television station's FCC license; the approval of changes in the ownership or control of a television station's licensee; the regulation of equipment used by television stations; and the adoption and implementation of regulations and policies concerning the ownership, operation, programming and employment practices of television stations. The FCC has the power to impose penalties, including fines or license revocations, upon a licensee of a television station for violations of the FCC's rules and regulations. The following is a brief summary of certain provisions of the Communications Act and of specific FCC regulations and policies affecting broadcast television. Reference should be made to the Communications Act, FCC rules and the public notices and rulings of the FCC for further information concerning the nature and extent of FCC regulation of broadcast television stations. License Renewal: Broadcast television licenses are generally granted for maximum terms of eight years. The main licenses are supported by various "auxiliary" licenses for point-to-point microwave, remote location electronic newsgathering and program distribution between the studio and transmitter locations. License terms are subject to renewal upon application to the FCC, but they may be renewed for a shorter period upon a finding by the FCC that the "public interest, convenience and necessity" would be served thereby. Under the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (the "Telecommunications Act"), the FCC must grant a renewal application if it finds that the station has served the public interest, there have been no serious violations of the Communications Act or FCC rules, and there have been no other violations of the Communications Act or FCC rules by the licensee that, taken together, would constitute a pattern of abuse. If the licensee fails to meet these requirements, the FCC may either deny the license or grant it on terms and conditions as are appropriate after notice and opportunity for hearing. In the vast majority of cases, television broadcast licenses are renewed by the FCC even when petitions to deny or competing applications are filed against broadcast license renewal applications. However, we cannot assure that each of our broadcast licenses will be renewed in the future. License renewal applications are currently pending for KATV and WHTM. These stations continue to operate under their expired licenses until the FCC takes action on the renewal applications. The licenses for WBMA/WCFT/WJSU and KTUL were renewed during Fiscal 2007 for full terms and are currently in effect with expiration dates of April 1, 2013 and June 1, 2014, respectively. The licenses for WSET and WCIV are currently in effect with expiration dates of October 1, 2012 and December 1, 2012, respectively. WJLA's license was renewed on October 19, 2007 for a full term and is currently in effect with an expiration date of October 1, 2012. 14 Programming and Operation: The Communications Act requires broadcasters to serve the "public interest." Since the late 1970s, the FCC gradually has relaxed or eliminated many of the more formalized procedures it had developed to promote the broadcast of certain types of programming responsive to the needs of a station's community of license. However, broadcast station licensees must continue to present programming that is responsive to local community problems, needs and interests and to maintain certain records demonstrating such responsiveness. Complaints from viewers concerning a station's programming often will be considered by the FCC when it evaluates license renewal applications, although such complaints may be filed at any time and generally may be considered by the FCC at any time. Stations also must follow various FCC rules that regulate, among other things, political advertising, sponsorship identifications, the advertisements of contests and lotteries, obscene and indecent broadcasts and technical operations, including limits on radio frequency radiation. The FCC also has adopted rules that place additional obligations on television station operators for closed-captioning of programming for the hearing impaired, equal employment opportunity obligations, maximum amounts of advertising and minimum amounts of programming specifically targeted for children and special obligations relating to political candidate advertising, as well as additional public information and reporting requirements. Digital Television: The FCC has adopted rules for implementing digital (including high-definition) television service in the United States. Implementation of DTV is intended to improve the technical quality of television. Under certain circumstances, however, conversion to DTV operations may reduce a station's geographical coverage area. The FCC has allotted a second broadcast channel to each full-power commercial television station for DTV operation. The FCC's DTV allotment plan is based on the use of a "core" DTV spectrum between channels 2 and 51. Under the FCC's rules, stations will be required to phase-in their DTV operations on the second channel over a transition period and to surrender their non-DTV channel later. This period is designed to facilitate the supply of television receivers and cable demodulation boxes that will operate with the new DTV frequencies. The FCC has adopted standards for the transmission of DTV signals. These standards will serve as the basis for the phased conversion to digital transmission. The end date for the transition has been set as February 17, 2009. Our stations have been assigned the following digital channel allocations by the FCC: WJLA-39, WCFT-5, WJSU-9, WHTM-10, KATV-22, KTUL-10, WSET-34 and WCIV-34. All of these stations are currently operating on their assigned DTV channels. Subsequent to the final transition to digital operations, our stations will operate on the following channels: WJLA-7, WCFT-33, WJSU-9, WHTM-10, KATV-22, KTUL-10, WSET-13 and WCIV-34. KATV is operating pursuant to special temporary authority at slightly lower antenna height until the conversion to DTV takes place. At that time, it will raise its antenna to the fully authorized height. Implementation of DTV service has imposed substantial additional costs on television stations providing the new duplicative service because of the need to purchase additional equipment and because some stations need to operate at higher utility costs. Further, we are currently unable to predict how the conversion to solely digital transmission will affect our 15 business after the elimination of analog service. While the industry-wide transition from analog to digital delivery has currently yielded only limited opportunities to generate incremental revenue from the DTV service, we have sought to make use of the excess capacity of our digital broadcast channels. See "Our Business - Business and Operating Strategy." Ownership Matters: The Communications Act, in conjunction with various antitrust statutes, contains restrictions on the ownership and control of broadcast licenses. Together with the FCC's rules, those laws place limitations on alien ownership, common ownership of television, radio and newspaper properties, and ownership by those persons not having the requisite "character" qualifications and those persons holding "attributable" interests in the license. On June 2, 2003, the FCC approved modifications to several of its media ownership rules. Under the FCC's order, the national limits on the number of stations that can be commonly owned was increased and restrictions on common ownership of local television, radio and newspapers were relaxed in certain markets under certain circumstances. Additional flexibility would be available to allow owners of media properties, including ACC, to acquire additional media outlets in some circumstances not previously permitted, if they so choose. The U.S. Court of Appeals, however, reversed and remanded these rules to the FCC for additional justification. The FCC is in the process of reevaluating the rules and continues to operate under the prior regulations. FCC rules governing national ownership limits generally permit ownership of attributable interests in stations reaching 39% of the nation's television households. The rules governing local ownership generally permit a single entity to have an attributable interest in no more than two television stations that serve the same DMA under limited circumstances. Similar restrictions limit the number of radio stations that could be co-owned with a television station in a market as well as common newspaper/broadcast station ownership. The rule prescribing common ownership of television stations and newspapers is not applicable to WJLA and The Politico since, as a specialty newspaper, it does not meet the definition of a "daily" newspaper or "general circulation" under FCC Rules. An individual or entity that acquires an attributable interest in ACC may violate the FCC's ownership rules if that acquirer also has an attributable interest in other television or radio stations, or daily newspapers, depending on the number and location of those radio or television stations, or daily newspapers. Such an acquirer also may be restricted in the companies in which it may invest, to the extent that those investments give rise to an attributable interest. If an individual or entity with an attributable interest in ACC violates any of these ownership rules, we may be unable to obtain from the FCC the authorizations needed to conduct our television station business, may be unable to obtain FCC consents for certain future acquisitions, may be unable to obtain renewals of our licenses and may be subject to other material adverse consequences. Additional Competition in the Video Services Industry: The Telecommunications Act also eliminates the overall ban on telephone companies offering video services and permits the ownership of cable television companies by telephone companies in their service areas (or vice versa) in certain circumstances. Telephone companies providing such video services will be 16 regulated according to the transmission technology they use. The Telecommunications Act also permits telephone companies to hold an ownership interest in the programming carried over such systems. Video programming via the Internet is now emerging as an option for viewers who wish to see full-length episodes of broadcast shows or brief clips of alternative fare on computers or other video devices. Each of the major broadcast networks offer "video player" buttons on their websites or those of broadcast affiliates. In addition, multiple Internet sites such as YouTube.com offer alternative video programming. Although we cannot predict the effect of the removal of these barriers to telephone company participation in the video services industry, it may have the effect of increasing competition in the television broadcast industry in which we operate. Other Legislation: The foregoing does not purport to be a complete summary of all the provisions of the Telecommunications Act, the Communications Act or of the regulations and policies of the FCC thereunder. Congress and the FCC have under consideration, and in the future may consider and adopt, (i) other changes to existing laws, regulations and policies or (ii) new laws, regulations and policies regarding a wide variety of matters that could affect, directly or indirectly, the operation, ownership and profitability of our broadcast stations. Also, certain of the foregoing matters are now, or may become, the subject of litigation, and we cannot predict the outcome of any such litigation or the impact on our business. Employees As of September 30, 2007, we employed in full and part-time positions 1,046 persons, including 338 at WJLA/NewsChannel 8/The Politico, 137 at KATV, 132 at KTUL, 118 at WHTM, 112 at WBMA/WCFT/WJSU, 110 at WSET, 85 at WCIV and 14 in our corporate office. Of the employees at WJLA/NewsChannel 8, 128 are represented by one of three unions: the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists ("AFTRA"), the Directors Guild of America ("DGA") or the National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians/Communications Workers of America ("NABET/CWA"). The NABET/CWA collective bargaining agreement expires on December 31, 2010. The AFTRA collective bargaining agreement expires on September 30, 2009. The DGA collective bargaining agreement expires on January 27, 2009. No employees of our other owned stations are represented by unions. We believe our relations with our employees are satisfactory. ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS (dollars in thousands) The risks described below, together with the other information included in this Form 10-K, should be carefully considered. We cannot identify nor can we control all circumstances that could occur in the future that may adversely affect our business and results of operations. If any of the following risks actually occurs, our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects could be materially affected. 17 Our substantial debt could adversely affect our financial condition and operational flexibility. We have a substantial amount of debt. As of September 30, 2007, our total debt, net of applicable discounts, consisted of $453,100 of 7 3/4% senior subordinated notes due December 15, 2012 and $31,000 outstanding under our $70,000 senior credit facility which matures August 23, 2011. Subject to the limitations of our debt instruments, we could also incur additional debt in certain circumstances. The degree to which we are leveraged could adversely affect us. For example, it could: o make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to our existing debt; o require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our debt, which will reduce amounts available for working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes; o result in the sale of one or more of our stations to reduce our debt service obligations; o limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate; o increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions; o place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors with less debt; and o limit our ability to borrow additional funds. In addition, debt incurred under our senior credit facility bears interest at variable rates. An increase in the interest rates on our debt will reduce the funds available to repay our debt and for operations and future business opportunities and will make us more vulnerable to the consequences of our leveraged capital structure. The agreements governing our debt contain certain restrictive financial and operating covenants. These covenants, among other things, restrict our ability to incur additional debt and issue preferred stock, pay dividends and make distributions, issue stock of subsidiaries, make certain investments, repurchase stock or debt, create liens, enter into transactions with affiliates, transfer and sell assets, and merge or consolidate. Any failure to comply with these covenants could result in an event of default under the applicable instrument, which could permit acceleration of the debt under such instrument and in some cases acceleration of debt under other instruments that contain cross-default or cross-acceleration provisions. If our indebtedness were to be accelerated, we cannot assure you that we would be able to repay it. To service our debt, we will require a significant amount of cash, which depends on many factors beyond our control. Our ability to make payments on and to refinance our debt will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future. This, to an extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control. We cannot assure you that our business will generate sufficient cash flow or that future borrowings will be available to us in an amount sufficient to enable us to pay our debt or to fund our other liquidity needs. If our future cash flow from operations and existing sources of funds are insufficient to pay our obligations as they mature or to fund our liquidity needs, we may be forced to reduce or delay our business activities and capital expenditures, sell assets, obtain additional equity capital or restructure or refinance all or a portion of our debt on or before maturity. We cannot assure you that we will be able to refinance any of our debt on a timely basis or on satisfactory terms, if 18 at all. In addition, the terms of our existing debt and other future debt may limit our ability to pursue any of these alternatives. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Liquidity and Capital Resources." We operate in a very competitive business environment that could adversely affect our operations. The television industry is highly competitive. Stations compete for audience on the basis of program popularity, which has a direct effect on advertising rates. Broadcast television stations compete for local and national advertising revenues with other television stations in their respective markets as well as with other advertising media, such as newspapers, radio, magazines, outdoor advertising, transit advertising, Internet/website, yellow page directories, direct mail and local cable systems. In addition, our stations compete for national advertising revenues with broadcast and cable television networks, program syndicators and Internet websites. Some of our competitors are subsidiaries of large national or regional companies that have greater resources, including financial resources, than we do. Our television stations are located in highly competitive markets. Accordingly, our results of operations will be dependent upon the ability of each station to compete successfully in its market, and there can be no assurance that any one of our stations will be able to maintain or increase its current audience share or revenue share. To the extent that certain of our competitors have or may, in the future, obtain greater resources, our ability to compete successfully in our broadcasting markets may be impeded. We depend on advertising revenue, which can vary substantially from period to period based on many factors beyond our control. The broadcast television industry is cyclical in nature, being affected by prevailing economic conditions. Because we rely on sales of advertising time for substantially all of our revenues, our operating results are sensitive to general economic conditions and regional conditions in each of the local markets in which our stations operate. For Fiscal 2005, 2006 and 2007, the Washington, D.C. advertising market accounted for approximately one-half of our total revenues. As a result, our results of operations are highly dependent on WJLA/News Channel 8 and, in turn, the Washington, D.C. economy and, to a lesser extent, on each of the other local economies in which our stations operate. We are also dependent on automotive-related advertising. Approximately 28%, 26% and 23% of our total broadcast revenues for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively, consisted of automotive-related advertising. A significant decrease in such advertising could adversely affect our operating results. Federal regulation of the broadcasting industry limits our operating flexibility. The ownership, operation and sale of television stations are subject to the jurisdiction of the FCC under the Communications Act. Matters subject to FCC oversight include the assignment of frequency bands for broadcast television; the approval of a television station's frequency, location and operating power; the issuance, renewal, revocation or modification of a television station's FCC license; the approval of changes in the ownership or control of a television station's licensee; the regulation of equipment used by television stations; and the adoption and implementation of regulations and policies concerning the ownership, operation, programming and employment practices of television stations. The FCC has the power to impose penalties, 19 including fines or license revocations, upon a licensee of a television station for violations of the FCC's rules and regulations. License Renewal. Our business is dependent upon our continuing to hold broadcasting licenses from the FCC that are issued for terms of eight years. While in the vast majority of cases such licenses are renewed by the FCC even when petitions to deny or competing applications are filed against broadcast license renewal applications, we cannot assure you that our licenses will be renewed upon their expiration dates. License renewal applications are currently pending for KATV and WHTM, which are currently operating under expired licenses. These stations will continue to operate under their expired licenses until the FCC takes action on the renewal applications. The licenses for all other of our stations are currently in effect with expiration dates ranging from October 1, 2012 to June 1, 2014. If we fail to renew any of our licenses, or renew them with substantial conditions or modifications, it could prevent us from operating the affected stations and generating revenues. See "Our Business--Legislation and Regulation--License Renewal." Ownership Matters. The Communications Act, in conjunction with various antitrust statutes, contains restrictions on the ownership and control of broadcast licenses. Together with the FCC's rules, those laws place limitations on alien ownership, common ownership of television, radio and newspaper properties, and ownership by those persons not having the requisite "character" qualifications and those persons holding "attributable" interests in the license. We must comply with current FCC regulations and policies in the ownership of our stations, and any future actions by Congress or the FCC with respect to the ownership rules may adversely impact our business. Programming and Operation. Broadcast station licensees must present programming that is responsive to local community problems, needs and interests and to maintain certain records demonstrating such responsiveness. Stations also must follow various FCC rules that regulate, among other things, political advertising, sponsorship identifications, the advertisements of contests and lotteries, obscene and indecent broadcasts and technical operations, including limits on radio frequency radiation. The FCC also has adopted rules that place additional obligations on television station operators for closed-captioning of programming for the hearing impaired, equal employment opportunity obligations, maximum amounts of advertising and minimum amounts of programming specifically targeted for children and special obligations relating to political candidate advertising, as well as additional public information and reporting requirements. In recent years, the FCC has also vigorously enforced a number of rules, typically in connection with license renewals. Violations of these rules could lead to fines and penalties which may adversely affect our business and results of operations. Congress and the FCC may in the future adopt new laws, regulations or policies regarding a wide variety of matters that could, directly or indirectly, adversely affect the operation and ownership of our television stations. It is impossible to predict the outcome of federal legislation or the potential effect thereof on our business. See "Our Business--Legislation and Regulation." 20 We are dependent on our affiliation with the ABC television network. All of our television stations are affiliated with the ABC network. Our television viewership levels, and ultimately advertising revenues, are in large part dependent upon programming provided by ABC, and there can be no assurance that such programming will achieve and maintain satisfactory viewership levels in the future. Each of our television stations has entered into a long-term affiliation agreement with the ABC network which expires on December 31, 2012. Although ABC has continually renewed its affiliation with our television stations for as long as we have owned them and we expect to continue to be able to renew such affiliation agreements, we cannot assure you that such renewals will be obtained or that they will reflect the same general terms. The non-renewal or termination of one or more of our network affiliation agreements or alteration of terms could have an adverse effect on our results of operations. NewsChannel 8 is dependent on cable operators for carriage of its programming. NewsChannel 8 is party to affiliation agreements with cable operators and other terrestrial multi-channel video program distributors ("MVPD's") for the carriage of its programming to subscribers. Each of the cable operator affiliation agreements has an expiration date of December 31, 2011. The news service operated by NewsChannel 8 is entirely dependent upon carriage by the MVPD's. Although these agreements have been renewed by the MVPD's in the past, there can be no assurance that these agreements will be renewed upon expiration or whether the same general terms and conditions can be retained. The non-renewal or termination of one or more of these affiliation agreements or alteration of terms could adversely affect our results of operations. Possible strategic initiatives may impact our business. We are evaluating, and will continue to evaluate, the nature and scope of our operations and various short-term and long-term strategic considerations. There are uncertainties and risks relating to strategic initiatives. For example, acquisition opportunities may become more limited as a consequence of the consolidation of ownership occurring in the television broadcast industry. Also, prospective competitors may have greater financial resources than we do. Future acquisitions may not be available on attractive terms, or at all. Also, if we do make acquisitions, we may not be able to successfully integrate the acquired stations or businesses. With respect to divestitures, we may experience varying success in making such divestitures on favorable terms, if at all, or in reducing fixed costs or transferring liabilities previously associated with the divested television stations or businesses. Finally, any such acquisitions or divestitures will be subject to FCC approval and FCC rules and regulations. Any of these efforts would require varying levels of management resources, which may divert our attention from other business operations. If we do not realize the expected benefits or synergies of such transactions, there may be an adverse effect on our financial condition and operating results. Our controlling stockholder may have interests that conflict with holders of our debt. Joe L. Allbritton controls our Company. Accordingly, Mr. Allbritton is able to control our operations and policies, and the vote on all matters submitted to a vote of our stockholder, including, but not limited to, electing directors, adopting amendments to ACC's certificate of incorporation and approving mergers or sales of substantially all of ACC's assets. Circumstances may occur in which the interests of Mr. Allbritton, as the controlling equity holder, could be in conflict with the interests of the holders of our debt. In addition, Mr. Allbritton could pursue acquisitions, divestitures or other transactions that, in his judgment, could enhance his equity 21 investment, even though such transactions might involve risks to the holders of the notes. See "Ownership of Capital Stock-- ACC Common Stock" and "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions." We have paid dividends and made advances to related parties, and we expect to continue to do so in the future. ACC has made advances to certain related parties. Because, at present, such related parties' primary sources of repayment of the advances is through our ability to pay dividends or to make other distributions, these advances have been treated as reductions to stockholder's investment in our consolidated balance sheets. The stockholder's deficit at September 30, 2006 and 2007 was $327,770 and $366,527, respectively. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Liquidity and Capital Resources" and "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions." Under our debt instruments, future advances, loans, dividends and distributions by us are subject to certain restrictions. We anticipate that, subject to such restrictions, applicable law and payment obligations with respect to our debt, ACC will make advances, distributions or dividends to related parties in the future. Our business may be negatively affected by work stoppages, slowdowns or strikes by our employees. Currently, there are three bargaining agreements with unions representing 128 of our full and part-time employees at WJLA/NewsChannel 8. Although we have reached agreements with all of these unions, we cannot assure you about the results of negotiation of future collective bargaining agreements, whether future collective bargaining agreements will be negotiated without interruptions in our business, or the possible effect of future collective bargaining agreements on our financial condition or results of operations. We also cannot assure you that strikes will not occur in the future in connection with labor negotiations or otherwise. Any prolonged strike or work stoppage could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. See "Our Business - Employees." Changes in accounting standards can significantly impact reported operating results. Generally accepted accounting principles and accompanying pronouncements and implementation guidelines for many aspects of our business, including those related to intangible assets and income taxes, are complex and involve significant judgments. Changes in these rules or their interpretation could significantly change our reported operating results. See "Management's Discussions and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates." ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS Not Applicable. 22 ITEM 2. PROPERTIES We maintain our corporate headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, occupying leased office space of approximately 14,200 square feet. The types of properties required to support each of the stations include offices, studios, transmitter sites and antenna sites. The stations' studios are co-located with their office space while transmitter sites and antenna sites are generally located away from the studios in locations determined to provide maximum market signal coverage. The following table describes the general characteristics of our principal real property: 23
Lease Expiration Facility Market/Use Ownership Approximate Size Date - -------------------- ---------------------- ------------- ------------------ ----------- WJLA/NewsChannel 8 Rosslyn, VA Office/Studio Leased 79,870 sq. ft. 6/30/17 Prince George's, MD Tower - Weather Leased 1 acre 3/31/11 Washington, D.C. Tower/Transmitter Joint Venture 108,000 sq. ft. N/A Office Leased 1,500 sq. ft. 12/28/11 WHTM Harrisburg, PA Office/Studio Owned 14,000 sq. ft. N/A Adjacent Land Owned 59,337 sq. ft. N/A Tower/Transmitter Owned 2,801 sq. ft. N/A Office Leased 3,000 sq. ft. 10/31/08 KATV Little Rock, AR Office/Studio Owned 20,500 sq. ft. N/A Office/Studio Leased 1,500 sq. ft. 1/31/09 Office/Studio Leased 1,570 sq. ft. Monthly Tower/Transmitter Owned 188 acres N/A Annex/Garage Owned 67,400 sq. ft. N/A KTUL Tulsa, OK Office/Studio Owned 13,520 sq. ft. N/A Tower/Transmitter Owned 160 acres N/A WSET Lynchburg, VA Office/Studio Owned 15,500 sq. ft. N/A Tower/Transmitter Owned 2,700 sq. ft. N/A Danville, VA Office/Studio Leased 2,150 sq. ft. 2/28/09 Roanoke, VA Office/Studio Leased 2,688 sq. ft. 11/30/11 WCIV Mt. Pleasant, SC Office/Studio Owned 21,700 sq. ft. N/A Tower/Transmitter Leased 2,000 sq. ft. 6/25/11 WBMA/WCFT/WJSU Birmingham, AL Office/Studio/Dish Farm Leased 26,357 sq. ft./0.5 acre 9/30/21 Tower/Relay-Pelham Leased .08 acres 10/31/11 Tower/Relay-Red Mtn. Owned .21 acres N/A Tuscaloosa, AL Office/Studio Owned 9,475 sq. ft. N/A Tower-Tuscaloosa Owned 10.5 acres N/A Tower-AmSouth Leased 134.3 acres 4/30/11 Anniston, AL Office/Studio Leased 6,100 sq. ft. 4/1/11 Tower-Blue Mtn. Owned 1.7 acres N/A Tower-Bald Rock Leased 1 acre 8/29/16
24 ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS We currently and from time to time are involved in litigation incidental to the conduct of our business, including suits based on defamation and employment activity. We are not currently a party to any lawsuit or proceeding which, in our opinion, could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS Not Applicable. PART II ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES Not Applicable. 25 ITEM 6. SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA (dollars in thousands) The selected consolidated financial data for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 are derived from our consolidated financial statements. The information in this table should be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere herein.
Fiscal Year Ended September 30, ------------------------------------------------------------------ 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Statement of Operations Data: Operating revenues, net.................................. $ 202,590 $ 203,270 $ 200,427 $ 223,399 $ 226,146 Television operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization...................................... 125,224 127,586 124,082 124,871 138,588 Depreciation and amortization........................ 10,785 9,908 9,170 8,666 8,712 Corporate expenses....................................... 6,379 4,908 6,012 5,000 6,106 Operating income......................................... 60,202 60,868 61,163 84,862 72,740 Interest expense......................................... 40,647 36,759 36,729 36,234 37,213 Interest income.......................................... 343 24 71 147 208 Interest income-related party............................ 88 162 262 226 430 Loss on early repayment of debt...................... 23,194 -- -- -- -- (Loss) income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle.................................. (2,951) 13,581 13,642 31,509 22,614 Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle..................................... 2,973 -- -- 48,728 -- Net (loss) income........................................ (5,924) 13,581 13,642 (17,219) 22,614 As of September 30, ------------------------------------------------------------------ 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Balance Sheet Data: Total assets............................................. $ 262,010 $ 253,978 $ 241,744 $ 176,021 $ 169,049 Total debt........................................... 467,688 465,675 460,755 452,846 484,100 Stockholder's investment................................. (275,800) (281,176) (287,414) (327,770) (366,527) Fiscal Year Ended September 30, ------------------------------------------------------------------ 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Cash Flow Data: Cash flow from operating activities...................... $ 23,938 $ 30,959 $ 27,266 $ 41,374 $ 31,092 Cash flow from investing activities...................... (7,634) (5,712) (4,593) (6,670) (5,889) Cash flow from financing activities...................... (19,325) (21,268) (25,725) (31,309) (30,401) Financial Ratios and Other Data: Operating income margin.................................. 29.7% 29.9% 30.5% 38.0% 32.2% Capital expenditures..................................... 7,700 5,816 4,660 8,836 6,052 (Footnotes on following page) 26 Footnotes (dollars in thousands) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," was issued in June 2001. SFAS No. 142 addresses the financial accounting and reporting for acquired goodwill and other intangible assets. Under SFAS No. 142, goodwill and intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives are no longer amortized but are subject to annual impairment tests. Other intangible assets continue to be amortized over their useful lives. SFAS No. 142 became effective for the Company's fiscal year ended September 30, 2003. As required, effective October 1, 2002 we changed our method of accounting for intangible assets. As a result, we ceased amortization of our broadcast license intangible assets effective October 1, 2002. In addition, we performed the first of the required impairment tests on our indefinite lived intangible assets. As a result of these tests, we determined that one of our broadcast licenses was impaired. Accordingly, we recorded a non-cash, after-tax impairment charge of $2,973 relating to the carrying value of our broadcast licenses. This charge was recorded as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle. On December 20, 2002, we issued $275,000 principal amount of 7 3/4% senior subordinated notes at par. As of January 21, 2003, we had used the net proceeds from the offering, together with approximately $15,500 of borrowings under our senior credit facility, to purchase and redeem all of our outstanding 9 3/4% senior subordinated debentures as well as to pay the fees and expenses associated with the offering of the 7 3/4% notes. On February 6, 2003, we issued an additional $180,000 principal amount of our 7 3/4% notes at a price of 98.305%. We used the net proceeds to redeem our existing 8 7/8% senior subordinated notes, fund the redemption premium for the 8 7/8% notes, pay the fees and expenses associated with the offering of the additional 7 3/4% notes and repay borrowings outstanding under our senior credit facility. On March 10, 2003, all of the 8 7/8% notes were redeemed. As a result of the purchase and redemption of our 9 3/4% debentures and the redemption of the 8 7/8% notes, we recorded a pre-tax charge of $23,194 during the quarter ended March 31, 2003. Such charge was reflected as a nonoperating expense during Fiscal 2003. On February 14, 2003, we commenced a registered exchange offer of a new series of 7 3/4% notes in exchange for the initial series of 7 3/4% notes issued December 20, 2002 and consummated the exchange offer following its expiration on March 17, 2003 by issuing the new series of notes in exchange for notes of the initial series properly tendered. On June 17, 2003, we commenced a registered exchange offer of the same new series of 7 3/4% notes in exchange for the initial series of 7 3/4% notes issued February 6, 2003 and consummated the exchange offer following its expiration on July 16, 2003 by issuing such new series of notes in exchange for notes of the initial series properly tendered. The terms of the exchange notes are substantially identical to those of the initial notes in each case, except that transfer restrictions and registration rights relating to the initial notes do not apply to the exchange notes. 27 In September 2004, the Securities Exchange Commission ("SEC") announced, in conjunction with the issuance of Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") Topic No. D-108, "Use of the Residual Method to Value Acquired Assets Other than Goodwill," that the "residual method" should no longer be used to value intangible assets other than goodwill. Rather, a "direct value method" is required to be used to determine the fair value of all intangible assets for purposes of impairment testing, including those assets previously valued using the residual method. Any impairment resulting from application of a direct value method should be reported as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle. Application of EITF Topic No. D-108 became effective at the beginning of our year ended September 30, 2006. As a result of the implementation of EITF Topic No. D-108, we recorded a non-cash, pre-tax impairment charge related to the carrying value of certain of our FCC licenses of $80,000. This charge was recorded, net of the related tax benefit of $31,272, as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle during the quarter ended December 31, 2005. See "Consolidated Financial Statements--Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements--Note 4." Total debt is defined as long-term debt (including the current portion thereof, and net of discount) and capital lease obligations. Cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities were determined in accordance with GAAP. See "Consolidated Financial Statements--Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows."
28 ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (dollars in thousands) General Factors Affecting Our Business The Company We own ABC network-affiliated television stations serving seven geographic markets: WJLA in Washington, D.C.; WCFT in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, WJSU in Anniston, Alabama and WBMA-LP, a low power television station licensed to Birmingham, Alabama (we operate WCFT and WJSU in tandem with WBMA-LP serving the viewers of the Birmingham, Tuscaloosa and Anniston market as a single programming source); WHTM in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; KATV in Little Rock, Arkansas; KTUL in Tulsa, Oklahoma; WSET in Lynchburg, Virginia; and WCIV in Charleston, South Carolina. We also provide 24-hour per day basic cable television programming to the Washington, D.C. market, through NewsChannel 8, primarily focused on regional and local news for the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Additionally, in January 2007 we launched The Politico, a specialized newspaper and Internet site (politico.com) that serves Congress, congressional staffers and those interested in the actions of our national legislature and political electoral process. The operations of NewsChannel 8 and The Politico are integrated with WJLA. During the quarter ended March 31, 2007, Perpetual acquired from the Robert Lewis Allbritton Revocable Trust its 20% ownership interests in TV Alabama, Inc. and Harrisburg Television, Inc., our subsidiaries which operate our television stations in the Birmingham and Harrisburg markets, respectively. The 20% ownership interests were then contributed to us. As a result, we now own 100% of these and all other of our subsidiaries. As the entities involved in these transactions are considered to be under common control, we were required to account for this contribution at its book value. Since the book value of the 20% ownership interests acquired by Perpetual and then contributed to us was zero, no amount has been recorded in the accompanying consolidated financial statements related to the contribution. Business Our operating revenues are derived from local and national advertisers and, to a much lesser extent, the ABC network and program syndicators for the broadcast of programming, cable operators and DBS providers in the form of subscriber fees, and other broadcast-related activities. The primary operating expenses involved in owning and operating television stations are employee compensation, programming, newsgathering, production, promotion and the solicitation of advertising. Television stations receive revenues for advertising sold for placement within and adjoining locally originated and network programming. Advertising rates are set based upon a variety of factors, including the size and demographic makeup of the market served by the station, a program's popularity among viewers whom an advertiser wishes to attract, the number of advertisers competing for the available time, the availability of alternative advertising media in 29 the market area, a station's overall ability to attract viewers in its market area and the station's ability to attract viewers among particular demographic groups that an advertiser may be targeting. Advertising rates are also affected by an aggressive and knowledgeable sales force and the development of projects, features and programs that tie advertiser messages to programming. Our advertising revenues are generally highest in the first and third quarters of each fiscal year, due in part to increases in retail advertising in the period leading up to and including the holiday season and active advertising in the spring. The fluctuation in our operating results is generally related to fluctuations in the revenue cycle. In addition, advertising revenues are generally higher during election years due to spending by political candidates, which is typically heaviest during our first and fourth fiscal quarters. During years in which Olympic Games are held, there is additional demand for advertising time and, as a result, increased advertising revenue associated with Olympic broadcasts. The 2006 Winter Olympic Games were broadcast by NBC in February 2006 in connection with NBC's United States television rights to the Olympic Games, which extend through 2012. Our cash flow from operations is also affected on a quarterly basis by the timing of cash collections and interest payments on our debt. Cash receipts are usually greater during the second and fourth fiscal quarters, as the collection of advertising revenue typically lags the period in which such revenue is recorded. Scheduled semi-annual interest payments on our long-term fixed interest rate debt occur during the first and third fiscal quarters. As a result, our cash flows from operating activities as reflected in our consolidated financial statements are generally significantly higher during our second and fourth fiscal quarters, and such quarters comprise a substantial majority of our cash flow from operating activities for the full fiscal year. The broadcast television industry is cyclical in nature, being affected by prevailing economic conditions. Because we rely on sales of advertising time for substantially all of our revenues, our operating results are sensitive to general economic conditions and regional conditions in each of the local market areas in which our stations operate. For Fiscal 2005, 2006 and 2007, the Washington, D.C. advertising market accounted for approximately one-half of our total revenues. As a result, our results of operations are highly dependent on WJLA/NewsChannel 8 and, in turn, the Washington, D.C. economy and, to a lesser extent, on each of the other local economies in which our stations operate. We are also dependent on automotive-related advertising. Approximately 28%, 26% and 23% of our total broadcast revenues for the years ended September 30, 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively, consisted of automotive-related advertising. A significant decrease in such advertising in the future could materially and adversely affect our operating results. 30 Operating Revenues The following table depicts the principal types of operating revenues, net of agency commissions, earned by us during each of the last three fiscal years and the percentage contribution of each to our total operating revenues, before fees.
Fiscal Year Ended September 30, ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 2005 2006 2007 -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- Dollars Percent Dollars Percent Dollars Percent ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Local and national................ $ 179,043 87.5% $ 197,334 86.5% $ 194,662 84.3% Political......................... 4,536 2.2% 8,180 3.6% 9,826 4.3% Subscriber fees................... 8,375 4.1% 9,260 4.1% 10,410 4.5% Network compensation.............. 2,867 1.4% 2,796 1.2% 3,771 1.6% Trade and barter.................. 5,884 2.9% 5,628 2.5% 6,104 2.6% Other revenues........................ 3,888 1.9% 4,907 2.1% 6,120 2.7% --------- ------ --------- ------ --------- ------ Operating revenues.................... 204,593 100.0% 228,105 100.0% 230,893 100.0% ====== ====== ====== Fees.............................. (4,166) (4,706) (4,747) --------- --------- --------- Operating revenues, net............... $ 200,427 $ 223,399 $ 226,146 ========= ========= ========= ______________ Represents sale of advertising to local and national advertisers, either directly or through agencies representing such advertisers, net of agency commission. Represents sale of advertising to political advertisers. Represents subscriber fees earned from cable operators and DBS providers. Represents payment by network for broadcasting or promoting network programming. Represents value of commercial time exchanged for goods and services (trade) or syndicated programs (barter). Represents fees paid to national sales representatives and fees paid for music licenses.
Local and national advertising constitutes our largest category of operating revenues, representing 84% to 88% of our total operating revenues in each of the last three fiscal years. Local and national advertising revenues decreased 0.2% in Fiscal 2005, increased 10.2% in Fiscal 2006, and decreased 1.4% in Fiscal 2007. 31 Results of Operations--Fiscal 2007 Compared to Fiscal 2006 Set forth below are selected consolidated financial data for Fiscal 2006 and 2007, respectively, and the percentage change between the years.
Fiscal Year Ended Percentage September 30, Change ------------------------ ---------- 2006 2007 --------- --------- Operating revenues, net......................... $ 223,399 $ 226,146 1.2% Total operating expenses........................ 138,537 153,406 10.7% --------- --------- Operating income................................ 84,862 72,740 (14.3)% Nonoperating expenses, net...................... 35,011 36,309 3.7% Income tax provision............................ 18,342 13,817 (24.7)% --------- --------- Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle...................... 31,509 22,614 (28.2)% Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income tax benefit......... 48,728 -- -- --------- --------- Net (loss) income............................... $ (17,219) $ 22,614 -- ========= =========
Net Operating Revenues Net operating revenues for Fiscal 2007 totaled $226,146, an increase of $2,747, or 1.2%, as compared to Fiscal 2006. Local and national advertising revenues decreased $2,672, or 1.4%, from Fiscal 2006. The decrease in local and national advertising revenues primarily reflected decreased demand for local and national advertising in our Washington, D.C. market partially offset by increased local and national advertising revenues from The Politico which launched on January 23, 2007. The decreased local and national advertising revenues during Fiscal 2007 were also impacted by displacement of local and national advertisers during the peak political advertising period leading up to the November 7, 2006 elections as well as incremental revenue generated in the prior year associated with the February 2006 broadcast of the Super Bowl by the ABC network (broadcast by the CBS network in 2007). Political advertising revenues increased by $1,646, or 20.1%, in Fiscal 2007 from Fiscal 2006. Political advertising revenues increased due to various high-profile local political elections in November 2006, which generated substantial revenue in the first quarter of Fiscal 2007. This increase was partially offset by advertising generated during the first quarter of Fiscal 2006 related to the November 2005 Virginia Governor's election, advertising during the second and 32 third quarters of Fiscal 2006 related to local primary elections, and advertising during the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2006 leading up to the November 2006 elections. Subscriber fees increased $1,150, or 12.4%, during Fiscal 2007 as compared to the prior fiscal year. This increase was due to an increase in the overall number of subscribers as well as various contractual increases in the monthly per subscriber rates. Network compensation revenue increased $975, or 34.9%, during the year ended September 30, 2007 versus Fiscal 2006. This increase was due primarily to the July 31, 2006 expiration of certain provisions of ABC's National Football League ("NFL") programming rights arrangement with its affiliates, which principally involved the exchange of additional primetime inventory for reduced network compensation, in conjunction with ABC's non-renewal of NFL programming rights beyond the 2005 NFL season. This increase was partially offset by a decreased rate of compensation in Fiscal 2007 as compared to Fiscal 2006 pursuant to our long-term affiliation agreement with ABC. No individual advertiser accounted for more than 5% of our operating revenues during Fiscal 2007 or 2006. Total Operating Expenses Total operating expenses in Fiscal 2007 were $153,406, an increase of $14,869, or 10.7%, compared to total operating expenses of $138,537 in Fiscal 2006. This net increase consisted of an increase in television operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization, of $13,717, an increase in depreciation and amortization of $46 and an increase in corporate expenses of $1,106. Television operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization, totaled $138,588 in Fiscal 2007, an increase of $13,717, or 11.0%, when compared to television operating expenses of $124,871 in Fiscal 2006. This increase was due primarily to an overall increase in employee compensation and benefits, increased programming expense and new operating expenses for The Politico. Employee compensation and benefits increased 11.0% during Fiscal 2007 as compared to the prior fiscal year principally due to the hiring of additional personnel leading up to and associated with the January 2007 launch of The Politico. The increase in programming expense of 8.0% resulted primarily from renewals of several existing programs as well as the replacement of certain programming with new programming at higher rates. In addition to new personnel as discussed above, operating expenses associated with producing and distributing The Politico since its January 2007 launch also contributed to the increase in overall operating expenses during Fiscal 2007. Corporate expenses in Fiscal 2007 increased $1,106, or 22.1%, from Fiscal 2006 due to a variety of increased expenses primarily including executive compensation and related costs. 33 Operating Income Operating income of $72,740 in Fiscal 2007 decreased $12,122, or 14.3%, compared to operating income of $84,862 in Fiscal 2006. The operating income margin in Fiscal 2007 decreased to 32.2% from 38.0% for the prior fiscal year. The decreases in operating income and margin during Fiscal 2007 were primarily the result of total operating expenses increasing by a greater amount than net operating revenues, as discussed above. Nonoperating Expenses, Net Interest Expense. Interest expense increased by $979, or 2.7%, from $36,234 in Fiscal 2006 to $37,213 in Fiscal 2007. The increase in interest expense was primarily due to the increase in the average balance of debt outstanding during Fiscal 2007 as compared to the prior fiscal year. The average balance of debt outstanding, including capital lease obligations, for Fiscal 2006 and 2007 was $460,837 and $475,871, respectively, and the weighted average interest rate on debt during each year was 7.7%. Other, Net. Other, net nonoperating income was $266 for Fiscal 2007 as compared to $850 for the prior fiscal year. The difference of $584 primarily resulted from a gain on the sale of our corporate aircraft during Fiscal 2006, partially offset by a gain on the exchange of equipment with Sprint Nextel Corporation ("Nextel") during Fiscal 2007 as discussed below. The FCC has granted to Nextel the right to reclaim a portion of the spectrum in the 2 GHz band from broadcasters across the country. In order to claim this spectrum, Nextel must replace all of the broadcasters' electronic newsgathering equipment currently using this spectrum with digital equipment capable of operating in the reformatted portion of the 2 GHz band retained by the broadcasters. This exchange of equipment will be completed on a market by market basis. As the equipment is exchanged and placed into service in each of our markets, a gain will be recorded to the extent that the fair market value of the equipment received exceeds the book value of the analog equipment exchanged. Two of our markets have exchanged equipment with Nextel. During the year ended September 30, 2007, the excess of fair market value as compared to book value of equipment exchanged and placed into service of $1,256 was recorded as a non-cash gain in other, net nonoperating income. Income Taxes The provision for income taxes in Fiscal 2007 totaled $13,817, a decrease of $4,525, or 24.7%, when compared to the provision for income taxes of $18,342 in Fiscal 2006. The decrease in the provision for income taxes was primarily due to the $13,420, or 26.9%, decrease in pre-tax income. Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Priniciple In September 2004, the SEC announced, in conjunction with the issuance of EITF Topic No. D-108, "Use of the Residual Method to Value Acquired Assets Other than Goodwill," that the "residual method" should no longer be used to value intangible assets other than goodwill. 34 Rather, a "direct value method" is required to be used to determine the fair value of all intangible assets for purposes of impairment testing, including those assets previously valued using the residual method. Any impairment resulting from application of a direct value method should be reported as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle. Application of EITF Topic No. D-108 was effective as of the beginning of our fiscal year ended September 30, 2006. We used the residual method to value our FCC licenses in conjunction with acquisitions made in 1996 and 2000. Upon our implementation of EITF Topic No. D-108 during the first quarter of the fiscal year ended September 30, 2006, we performed an impairment test using a direct value method on our FCC licenses previously valued using the residual method. The direct value method, which differs markedly from the residual value method, requires us to value our FCC licenses using an average market participant concept. This concept assumes that cash flows associated with FCC licenses are limited to those cash flows that could be expected by an average market participant. In contrast, the residual value method formerly used by us included other elements of cash flows which contributed to station value. As a result of the implementation of EITF Topic No. D-108, we recorded a non-cash, pre-tax impairment charge related to the carrying value of certain of our FCC licenses of $80,000. This charge was recorded, net of the related tax benefit of $31,272, as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle during the quarter ended December 31, 2005. Net Income For Fiscal 2007, the Company recorded net income of $22,614 as compared to a net loss of $17,219 for Fiscal 2006. The increase in net income during Fiscal 2007 was primarily due to the cumulative effect of change in accounting principle during the prior year, partially offset by decreased operating income, as discussed above. 35 Results of Operations--Fiscal 2006 Compared to Fiscal 2005 Set forth below are selected consolidated financial data for Fiscal 2005 and 2006, respectively, and the percentage change between the years.
Fiscal Year Ended Percentage September 30, Change ------------------------ ---------- 2005 2006 --------- --------- Operating revenues, net......................... $ 200,427 $ 223,399 11.5% Total operating expenses........................ 139,264 138,537 (0.5)% --------- --------- Operating income................................ 61,163 84,862 38.7% Nonoperating expenses, net...................... 38,100 35,011 (8.1)% Income tax provision............................ 9,421 18,342 94.7% --------- --------- Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle............... 13,642 31,509 131.0% Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income tax benefit......... -- 48,728 -- --------- --------- Net income (loss)............................... $ 13,642 $ (17,219) -- ========= =========
Net Operating Revenues Net operating revenues for Fiscal 2006 totaled $223,399, an increase of $22,972, or 11.5%, as compared to Fiscal 2005. Local and national advertising revenues increased $18,291, or 10.2%, from Fiscal 2005. The increase in local and national advertising revenues reflected increased local and national advertising revenues in a majority of our markets, with particular growth in demand by local and national advertisers in our Washington, D.C., Birmingham and Charleston markets. This increase in demand was partially attributable to established increases in ratings for certain ABC primetime programming during Fiscal 2006, the strength of our local news franchises and our continued focus on new local business development. Additionally, the increase reflected increased advertising revenue related to the broadcast of the Super Bowl by the ABC network in February 2006 (broadcast by the FOX network in 2005 and the CBS network in 2004). Political advertising revenues increased by $3,644, or 80.3%, in Fiscal 2006 from Fiscal 2005. Political advertising revenues increased in all but one of our markets during the second half of Fiscal 2006 due to advertising leading up to high-profile local elections in November 2006 with no comparable activity during the same period of the prior year with the exception of the November 2005 election for Governor in Virginia. This increase of $4,929 during the second half of Fiscal 2006 as compared to the second half of Fiscal 2005 was partially offset by a 36 decrease in advertising during the first quarter of Fiscal 2006 related to the national presidential election in November 2004, which generated substantial political advertising revenue in the first quarter of Fiscal 2005. No individual advertiser accounted for more than 5% of our operating revenues during Fiscal 2006 or 2005. Total Operating Expenses Total operating expenses in Fiscal 2006 were $138,537, a decrease of $727, or 0.5%, compared to total operating expenses of $139,264 in Fiscal 2005. This net decrease consisted of an increase in television operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization, of $789, a decrease in depreciation and amortization of $504 and a decrease in corporate expenses of $1,012. Television operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization, totaled $124,871 in Fiscal 2006, an increase of $789, or 0.6%, when compared to television operating expenses of $124,082 in Fiscal 2005. This increase was due primarily to increased employee compensation and benefits, mitigated by reduced syndicated programming costs. Employee compensation and benefits increased 6.8% during Fiscal 2006 as compared to the prior fiscal year principally due to increased local sales commissions associated with increased local advertising revenues, an increased number of sales personnel related to our continued focus on new business development and increased news personnel costs in several markets, due in large part to increases in locally produced news and related programming. The decrease in syndicated programming costs resulted from renewals of several of our existing programs under more favorable terms, the conversion of certain time periods from syndicated programming to local news or other locally produced programming as well as non-recurring rights fees incurred during the prior year associated with the airing of certain sporting events. Corporate expenses in Fiscal 2006 decreased $1,012, or 16.8%, from Fiscal 2005 due to a variety of decreased expenses including the cessation of management fees to Joe L. Allbritton effective October 1, 2005, decreased corporate aircraft costs as a result of the sale of our aircraft during the first quarter of Fiscal 2006 (see "Nonoperating expenses, net") and elevated costs related to Sarbanes-Oxley internal control compliance incurred during the prior year. Operating Income Operating income of $84,862 in Fiscal 2006 increased $23,699, or 38.7%, compared to operating income of $61,163 in Fiscal 2005. The operating income margin in Fiscal 2006 increased to 38.0% from 30.5% for the prior fiscal year. The increases in operating income and margin during Fiscal 2006 were primarily the result of increased net operating revenues, as discussed above. Our operating income for Fiscal 2006 was a record high. 37 Nonoperating Expenses, Net Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased by $495, or 1.3%, from $36,729 in Fiscal 2005 to $36,234 in Fiscal 2006. The decrease in interest expense was primarily due to the decrease in the average balance of debt outstanding during Fiscal 2006 as compared to the previous fiscal year. The average balance of debt outstanding, including capital lease obligations, for Fiscal 2005 and 2006 was $466,092 and $460,837, respectively, and the weighted average interest rate on debt during each year was 7.7%. Other, Net. Other, net nonoperating income was $850 for Fiscal 2006 as compared to other, net nonoperating expense of $1,704 for the same period in the prior year. The difference of $2,554 primarily resulted from a gain on the sale of our corporate aircraft during the quarter ended December 31, 2005. Income Taxes The provision for income taxes in Fiscal 2006 totaled $18,342, an increase of $8,921, or 94.7%, when compared to the provision for income taxes of $9,421 in Fiscal 2005. The increase in the provision for income taxes was primarily due to the $26,788, or 116.2%, increase in pre-tax income. Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Priniciple In September 2004, the SEC announced, in conjunction with the issuance of EITF Topic No. D-108, "Use of the Residual Method to Value Acquired Assets Other than Goodwill," that the "residual method" should no longer be used to value intangible assets other than goodwill. Rather, a "direct value method" is required to be used to determine the fair value of all intangible assets for purposes of impairment testing, including those assets previously valued using the residual method. Any impairment resulting from application of a direct value method should be reported as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle. Application of EITF Topic No. D-108 was effective as of the beginning of our fiscal year ended September 30, 2006. We used the residual method to value our FCC licenses in conjunction with acquisitions made in 1996 and 2000. Upon our implementation of EITF Topic No. D-108 during the first quarter of the fiscal year ended September 30, 2006, we performed an impairment test using a direct value method on our FCC licenses previously valued using the residual method. The direct value method, which differs markedly from the residual value method, requires us to value our FCC licenses using an average market participant concept. This concept assumes that cash flows associated with FCC licenses are limited to those cash flows that could be expected by an average market participant. In contrast, the residual value method formerly used by us included other elements of cash flows which contributed to station value. As a result of the implementation of EITF Topic No. D-108, we recorded a non-cash, pre-tax impairment charge related to the carrying value of certain of our FCC licenses of $80,000. This charge was recorded, net of the related tax benefit of $31,272, as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle during the quarter ended December 31, 2005. 38 Net Income For Fiscal 2006, the Company recorded a net loss of $17,219 as compared to net income of $13,642 for Fiscal 2005. The decrease in net income during Fiscal 2006 was primarily due to the cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, partially offset by increased net operating revenues, as discussed above. Liquidity and Capital Resources Cash Provided by Operations Our principal sources of working capital are cash flow from operations and borrowings under our senior credit facility. As discussed above, our operating results are cyclical in nature primarily as a result of seasonal fluctuations in advertising revenues, which are generally highest in the first and third quarters of each fiscal year. Our cash flow from operations is also impacted on a quarterly basis by the timing of cash collections and interest payments on our debt. Cash receipts are usually greater during the second and fourth fiscal quarters as the collection of advertising revenue typically lags the period in which such revenue is recorded. Scheduled semi-annual interest payments on our long-term fixed interest rate debt occur during the first and third fiscal quarters. As a result, our cash flows from operating activities as reflected in our consolidated financial statements are generally significantly higher during our second and fourth fiscal quarters, and such quarters comprise a substantial majority of our cash flows from operating activities for the full fiscal year. As reported in our consolidated statements of cash flows, our net cash provided by operating activities was $27,266, $41,374 and $31,092 for Fiscal 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively. The increase in cash provided by operating activities from Fiscal 2005 to Fiscal 2006 was the result of increased income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle (exclusive of the gain on sale of our corporate aircraft) during Fiscal 2006. The decrease in cash provided by operating activities from Fiscal 2006 to Fiscal 2007 was the result of decreased income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle during Fiscal 2007. Distributions to Related Parties We have periodically made advances in the form of distributions to Perpetual. For Fiscal 2005, 2006 and 2007, we made cash advances net of repayments to Perpetual of $19,880, $23,137 and $61,371, respectively. The advances to Perpetual are non-interest bearing and, as such, do not reflect market rates of interest-bearing loans to unaffiliated third parties. At present, the primary sources of repayment of net advances is through our ability to pay dividends or make other distributions, and there is no immediate intent for the amounts to be repaid. Accordingly, these advances have been treated as a reduction of stockholder's investment and are described as "distributions" in our consolidated financial statements. 39 Under the terms of the agreements relating to our indebtedness, future advances, distributions and dividends to related parties are subject to certain restrictions. We anticipate that, subject to such restrictions, applicable law and payment obligations with respect to our indebtedness, we will make advances, distributions or dividends to related parties in the future. Subsequent to September 30, 2007 and through December 12, 2007, we made additional net distributions to owners of $8,995. During Fiscal 2005, 2006 and 2007, we were charged by Perpetual and made payments under a tax sharing agreement with Perpetual for federal and state income taxes totaling $6,853, $15,480 and $9,734, respectively. Stockholder's deficit amounted to $366,527 at September 30, 2007, an increase of $38,757, or 11.8%, from the September 30, 2006 deficit of $327,770. The increase was due to a net increase in distributions to owners of $61,371, partially offset by net income of $22,614. Indebtedness Our total debt, including the current portion of long-term debt, increased from $452,846 at September 30, 2006 to $484,100 at September 30, 2007. This debt, net of applicable discounts, consists of $453,100 of 7 3/4% senior subordinated notes due December 15, 2012 and $31,000 outstanding under our senior credit facility. The increase of $31,254 in total debt from September 30, 2006 to September 30, 2007 was primarily due to net draws under the senior credit facility of $31,000. Our $70,000 senior credit facility is secured by the pledge of stock of ACC and its subsidiaries and matures August 23, 2011. Interest is payable quarterly at various rates either from prime or from LIBOR plus 0.75% depending on certain financial operating tests. Under our existing borrowing agreements, we are subject to restrictive covenants that place limitations upon payments of cash dividends, issuance of capital stock, investment transactions, incurrence of additional obligations and transactions with affiliates. In addition, under the senior credit facility, we must maintain compliance with certain financial covenants. Compliance with the financial covenants is measured at the end of each quarter, and as of September 30, 2007, we were in compliance with those financial covenants. We are also required to pay a commitment fee ranging from 0.25% to 0.375% per annum based on the amount of any unused portion of the senior credit facility. The indenture for our long-term debt provides that, whether or not required by the rules and regulations of the SEC, so long as any senior notes are outstanding, we, at our expense, will furnish to each holder (i) all quarterly and annual financial information that would be required to be contained in a filing with the SEC on Forms 10-Q and 10-K, if we were required to file such forms, including a "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and, with respect to the annual financial information only, a report thereon by our certified independent accountants and (ii) all current reports that would be required to be filed with the SEC on Form 8-K if we were required to file such reports. In addition, the indenture 40 also provides that, whether or not required by the rules and regulations of the SEC, we will file a copy of all such information and reports with the SEC for public availability (unless the SEC will not accept such a filing) and make such information available to securities analysts and prospective investors upon request. Although our duty to file such reports with the SEC was automatically suspended pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, effective October 1, 2003, we will continue to file such reports in accordance with the indenture. Other Uses of Cash During Fiscal 2005, 2006 and 2007, we made $4,660, $8,836 and $6,052, respectively, of capital expenditures. At this time, we estimate that capital expenditures for Fiscal 2008 will be in the approximate range of $7,000 to $9,000 and will primarily be for the acquisition of technical equipment and vehicles to support ongoing operations across our stations, including the conversion of WJLA/NewsChannel 8 to full high-definition local production during the latter part of the fiscal year. We expect that the source of funds for these anticipated capital expenditures will be cash provided by operations and borrowings under the senior credit facility. We regularly enter into program contracts for the right to broadcast television programs produced by others and program commitments for the right to broadcast programs in the future. Such programming commitments are generally made to replace expiring or cancelled program rights. During Fiscal 2005, 2006 and 2007, we made cash payments of approximately $16,800, $11,600 and $10,800, respectively, for rights to television programs. The decreases in cash paid for programming during Fiscal 2006 and Fiscal 2007 as compared to Fiscal 2005 were the result of renewals of certain syndicated programming contracts under more favorable terms as well as the conversion of certain time periods from syndicated programming to local news or other locally produced programming. We anticipate cash payments for program rights will be in the approximate range of $11,000 to $13,000 per year for Fiscal 2008 through 2012. We currently intend to fund these commitments with cash provided by operations. 41 The following table presents the long-term debt maturities, required payments under contractual agreements for broadcast rights, future minimum lease payments under noncancellable leases and guaranteed payments under employment contracts and deferred compensation agreements as of September 30, 2007:
Fiscal Year Ending September 30, ---------------------------------------------------------- 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Thereafter Total -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ---------- --------- Long-term debt.................... $ -- $ -- $ -- $ 31,000 $ -- $ 455,000 $ 486,000 Programming contracts -- currently available............ 12,476 620 623 385 -- -- 14,104 Programming contracts -- future commitments............. 2,536 12,346 11,904 10,882 4,071 -- 41,739 Operating leases.................. 4,582 4,464 4,350 4,296 4,191 23,729 45,612 Employment contracts.............. 11,345 1,751 595 75 -- -- 13,766 Deferred compensation............. 369 369 369 369 168 96 1,740 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- Total....................... $ 31,308 $ 19,550 $ 17,841 $ 47,007 $ 8,430 $ 478,825 $ 602,961 ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========= =========
We also have certain obligations and commitments under various executory agreements to make future payments for goods and services. These agreements secure the future rights to certain goods and services to be used in the normal course of operations. Based upon our current level of operations, we believe that available cash, together with cash flows generated by operating activities and amounts available under the senior credit facility, will be adequate to meet our anticipated future requirements for working capital, capital expenditures and scheduled payments of interest on our debt for the next twelve months. ACC's cash flow from operations and consequent ability to service its debt is, in part, dependent upon the earnings of its subsidiaries and the distribution (through dividends or otherwise) of those earnings to ACC, or upon loans, advances or other payments of funds by those subsidiaries to ACC. As of September 30, 2007, 58% of the assets of ACC were held by operating subsidiaries and for Fiscal 2007, approximately 50% of ACC's net operating revenues were derived from the operations of ACC's subsidiaries. Income Taxes Our operations are included in a consolidated federal income tax return filed by Perpetual. In accordance with the terms of a tax sharing agreement between ACC and Perpetual, we are required to pay to Perpetual our federal income tax liability, computed based upon statutory federal income tax rates applied to our consolidated taxable income. We file separate state income tax returns with the exception of Virginia, which is included in a combined state income tax return filed by Perpetual. In accordance with the terms of the tax sharing agreement, we are required to pay to Perpetual our combined Virginia income tax liability, computed based upon statutory Virginia income tax rates applied to our combined Virginia net taxable income. Taxes payable to Perpetual are not reduced by losses generated in prior years by us. In addition, the 42 amounts payable by us to Perpetual under the tax sharing agreement are not reduced if losses of other members of the Perpetual group are utilized to offset our taxable income for purposes of the Perpetual consolidated federal or Virginia state income tax returns. The provision for income taxes is determined in accordance with SFAS No. 109, which requires that the consolidated amount of current and deferred income tax expense for a group that files a consolidated income tax return be allocated among members of the group when those members issue separate financial statements. Perpetual allocates a portion of its consolidated current and deferred income tax expense to us as if we and our subsidiaries were separate taxpayers. We record deferred tax assets, to the extent it is considered more likely than not that such assets will be realized in future periods, and deferred tax liabilities for the tax effects of the differences between the bases of our assets and liabilities for tax and financial reporting purposes. To the extent a deferred tax asset would be recorded due to the incurrence of losses for federal or Virginia state income tax purposes, any such benefit recognized is effectively distributed to Perpetual as such benefit will not be recognized in future years pursuant to the tax sharing agreement. Inflation The impact of inflation on our consolidated financial condition and consolidated results of operations for each of the periods presented was not material. Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires us to make judgments and estimates that affect the amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. We base our estimates on historical experience and assumptions we consider reasonable at the time of making those estimates. We evaluate our estimates on an on-going basis. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different circumstances or using different assumptions. We consider the following accounting policies to be critical to our business operations and the understanding of our financial condition and results of operations. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. As is customary in the broadcasting industry, we do not require collateral for our credit sales, which are typically due within thirty days. If the economy and/or the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make their payments, additional allowances may be required. 43 Intangible Assets Intangible assets consist of values assigned to broadcast licenses as well as favorable terms on contracts and leases. The amounts originally assigned to intangible assets were based on the results of independent valuations. Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization, were $42,486 and $42,327 as of September 30, 2006 and 2007, respectively. SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," was issued in June 2001 and became effective for our fiscal year ended September 30, 2003. SFAS No. 142 addresses the financial accounting and reporting for acquired goodwill and other intangible assets. Under the new rules, goodwill and intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives are no longer amortized but are subject to annual impairment tests. Other intangible assets continue to be amortized over their useful lives (11 to 25 years). SFAS No. 142 became effective for our Fiscal 2003. In September 2004, the SEC announced, in conjunction with the issuance of EITF Topic No. D-108, "Use of the Residual Method to Value Acquired Assets Other than Goodwill," that the "residual method" should no longer be used to value intangible assets other than goodwill. Rather, a "direct value method" is required to be used to determine the fair value of all intangible assets for purposes of impairment testing, including those assets previously valued using the residual method. Any impairment resulting from application of a direct value method should be reported as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle. Application of EITF Topic No. D-108 became effective at the beginning of our Fiscal 2006. Our indefinite lived intangible assets, consisting of broadcast licenses, are subject to periodic impairment tests. Prior to the implementation of EITF Topic No. D-108, we had used the residual method to determine the value of our broadcast licenses for purposes of testing for impairment. Upon implementation of EITF Topic No. D-108 during the first quarter of Fiscal 2006, we use the direct value method. The direct value method, which differs markedly from the residual value method, requires us to value our broadcast licenses using an average market participant concept. This concept assumes that cash flows associated with broadcast licenses are limited to those cash flows that could be expected by an average market participant. In contrast, the residual value method formerly used by us included other elements of cash flows which contributed to station value. As a result of the implementation of EITF Topic No. D-108, we recorded a non-cash, pre-tax impairment charge related to the carrying value of certain of our broadcast licenses of $80,000. This charge was recorded, net of the related tax benefit of $31,272, as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle during the first quarter of Fiscal 2006. Other intangible assets continue to be amortized over the terms of the related contracts and leases, and the recoverability of these assets is assessed on an ongoing basis by evaluating whether amounts can be recovered through undiscounted cash flows over the remaining amortization period. The performance of impairment tests under SFAS No. 142, including the new requirements of EITF Topic No. D-108, requires significant management judgment. Future events affecting 44 cash flows, market conditions or accounting standards could result in further impairment losses. Any resulting impairment loss could have a material adverse impact on our consolidated financial statements. Income Taxes We account for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes". We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. We regularly review our deferred tax assets for recoverability and establish a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized. This assessment is based on historical taxable income, projected future taxable income and the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences. If we are unable to generate sufficient taxable income, or if there is a material change in the actual effective tax rates or time period within which the underlying temporary differences become taxable or deductible, we could be required to establish a valuation allowance against all or a significant portion of our deferred tax assets resulting in a substantial increase in our effective tax rate and an adverse impact on our operating results. Our operations are included in a consolidated federal income tax return filed by Perpetual. In accordance with the terms of a tax sharing agreement between us and Perpetual, we are required to pay to Perpetual our federal income tax liability, computed based upon statutory federal income tax rates applied to our consolidated taxable income. We file separate state income tax returns with the exception of Virginia, which is included in a combined state income tax return filed by Perpetual. In accordance with the terms of the tax sharing agreement, we are required to pay to Perpetual our combined Virginia income tax liability, computed based upon statutory Virginia income tax rates applied to our combined Virginia net taxable income. Taxes payable to Perpetual are not reduced by losses generated in prior years by us. In addition, the amounts payable to Perpetual under the tax sharing agreement are not reduced if losses of other members of the Perpetual group are utilized to offset our taxable income for purposes of the Perpetual consolidated federal or Virginia income tax returns. SFAS No. 109 requires that the consolidated amount of current and deferred income tax expense for a group that files a consolidated income tax return be allocated among members of the group when those members issue separate financial statements. Perpetual allocates a portion of its consolidated current and deferred income tax expense to us as if we and our subsidiaries were separate taxpayers. We record deferred tax assets, to the extent it is more likely than not that such assets will be realized in future periods, and deferred tax liabilities for the tax effects of the differences between the bases of our assets and liabilities for tax and financial reporting purposes. To the extent a deferred tax asset would be recorded due to the incurrence of net losses for federal or Virginia state income tax purposes, any such benefit recognized is effectively distributed to Perpetual as such benefit will not be recognized in future years pursuant to the tax sharing agreement. 45 Our provision for income taxes and related deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect our estimates of actual future taxes to be paid. Such estimates are based on items reflected in the consolidated financial statements, considering timing as well as the sustainability of our tax filing positions. Actual income taxes paid could vary from our estimates as a result of future changes in income tax law or reviews by federal or various state and local tax authorities. New Accounting Standards In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued FASB Interpretation ("FIN") No. 48, "Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes." FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes by prescribing a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 is effective for our fiscal year ending September 30, 2008. We are currently evaluating the impact, if any, that FIN 48 may have on our financial position or results of operations. In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 157, "Fair Value Measurements." SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 does not expand or require any new fair value measures but is applicable whenever another accounting pronouncement requires or permits assets and liabilities to be measured at fair value. SFAS No. 157 is effective for our fiscal year ending September 30, 2009. We are currently evaluating the impact, if any, that SFAS No. 157 may have on our financial position or results of operations. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements We have no off-balance sheet arrangements as defined by Item 303 of Regulation S-K. 46 ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK (dollars in thousands) At September 30, 2007, we had other financial instruments consisting primarily of long-term fixed interest rate debt. Such debt, with future principal payments of $455,000, matures December 15, 2012. At September 30, 2007, the carrying value of such debt was $453,100, the fair value was approximately $460,000 and the interest rate was 7 3/4%. The fair market value of long-term fixed interest rate debt is subject to interest rate risk. Generally, the fair market value of fixed interest rate debt will increase as interest rates fall and decrease as interest rates rise. We estimate the fair value of our long-term debt using either quoted market prices or by discounting the required future cash flows under our debt using borrowing rates currently available to us, as applicable. We actively monitor the capital markets in analyzing our capital raising decisions. ITEM 8. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA See Index on page F-1. ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE Not applicable. ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES The Company has performed an evaluation of its disclosure controls and procedures (as defined by Exchange Act rule 15d-15(e)) as of September 30, 2007. Based on this evaluation, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective in providing reasonable assurances that material information required to be in this Form 10-K is made known to them by others on a timely basis. There were no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2007 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting. ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION None. 47 PART III ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE Executive Officers and Directors Executive officers and directors of ACC are as follows:
Name Age Title - ----------------------- --- ---------------------------------------------- Barbara B. Allbritton 70 Executive Vice President and Director Robert L. Allbritton 38 Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director Frederick J. Ryan, Jr. 52 Vice Chairman, President, Chief Operating Officer and Director Jerald N. Fritz 56 Senior Vice President, Legal and Strategic Affairs, General Counsel Stephen P. Gibson 42 Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer James C. Killen, Jr. 45 Vice President, Sales
_____________ BARBARA B. ALLBRITTON has been a Director of ACC since its inception, Vice President of ACC from 1980 to 2001 and Executive Vice President since 2001. She currently serves as an officer and/or director of each of ACC's television subsidiaries, as well as Perpetual, The Allbritton Foundation and the Allbritton Art Institute. She currently serves as a trustee of Baylor College of Medicine and a director of Blair House Restoration Fund. She was formerly a director of Riggs Bank N.A. and The Foundation for the National Archives. Mrs. Allbritton is the wife of Joe L. Allbritton and the mother of Robert L. Allbritton. See "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions." ROBERT L. ALLBRITTON has been Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of ACC since February 2001 and a Director of ACC since 1993. He also serves as a member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of ACC. Mr. Allbritton was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of ACC from 1994 to 1998 and President of ACC from 1998 to 2001. He is also an officer and/or director of Perpetual, each of ACC's subsidiaries, The Allbritton Foundation and the Allbritton Art Institute. He has been involved in management of the television properties at both the corporate and daily operational levels, including financial, technical, strategic, programming, sales, news and promotion. He is also Publisher of The Politico, which launched in January 2007. In addition to his positions with ACC, Mr. Allbritton was the Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of Riggs National Corporation ("Riggs") from 2001 until 2005 and a Director of Riggs from 1994 until 2005. Mr. Allbritton has served on the Board of Directors of the Washington Hospital Center and the Lyndon B. Johnson Foundation since 2002. He has also served on the Board of 48 Trustees of The George Washington University since 2002 and Wesleyan University since 2003. He served on the Board of Directors of Juniper Content Corporation from January to November 2007. He is the son of Joe L. and Barbara B. Allbritton. See "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions." FREDERICK J. RYAN, JR. has been President of ACC since February 2001, Chief Operating Officer since 1998 and a Director and its Vice Chairman since 1995. He has served as Senior Vice President and Executive Vice President of ACC and is an officer of each of its television subsidiaries. He is also President and Chief Executive Officer of The Politico, which launched in January 2007. He previously served as Chief of Staff to former President Ronald Reagan (1989-1995) and Assistant to the President in the White House (1982-1989). Prior to his government service, Mr. Ryan was an attorney with the Los Angeles firm of Hill, Farrer and Burrill. Mr. Ryan presently serves as Chairman of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Foundation, Vice Chairman of the White House Historical Association, a trustee of Ford's Theatre, a trustee of Ronald Reagan Institute of Emergency Medicine at George Washington University and a member of the Board of Councilors of the Annenberg School of Communications at the University of Southern California. JERALD N. FRITZ has been part of ACC's management since 1987, currently serving as a Senior Vice President. He serves as its General Counsel and also oversees strategic planning and governmental affairs. From 1981 to 1987, Mr. Fritz held several positions with the FCC, including Chief of Staff and Legal Counsel to the Chairman. Mr. Fritz was in private practice from 1978 to 1981, specializing in communications law, and from 1980 to 1983 was on the adjunct faculty of George Mason University Law School teaching communications law and policy. Mr. Fritz began his career in broadcasting in 1973 with WGN-TV, Chicago. He is a former director of the National Association of Broadcasters ("NAB"). Mr. Fritz is a former division chair of the Communications Forum of the American Bar Association and currently serves on the NAB's Copyright Committee and Digital TV Task Force as well as the Co-Chair of the Pre-Publication Committee of the Media Law Resource Center. STEPHEN P. GIBSON has been a Senior Vice President of ACC since February 2001 and a Vice President since 1997. He has served as Chief Financial Officer since 1998 and Controller from 1997, when he joined the Company, to 1998. He is also Assistant Treasurer of The Allbritton Foundation and Vice President of Perpetual and each of ACC's subsidiaries. Prior to joining ACC, Mr. Gibson served as Controller for COMSAT RSI Plexsys Wireless Systems, a provider of wireless telecommunications equipment and services, from 1994 to 1997. From 1987 to 1994, Mr. Gibson held various positions with the accounting firm of Price Waterhouse LLP, the latest as Audit Manager. He served as an elected director of the Broadcast Cable Financial Management Association from 2002 until 2005. JAMES C. KILLEN, JR. joined ACC as Vice President, Sales in November 2004 to oversee, coordinate and support all aspects of advertising sales for the Company. Prior to joining ACC, Mr. Killen held various sales positions with NBC from 1992 until 2004, most recently Local Sales Manager and New York National Sales Manager of NBC4 in Washington, D.C. His network experience included several years as an NBC Account Manager selling the NBC owned and operated stations. 49 Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers Our Board of Directors has adopted a Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers. A copy of the Code of Ethics is incorporated by reference as an exhibit to this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Audit Committee Financial Expert The members of our Audit Committee are Robert L. Allbritton and Frederick J. Ryan, Jr. The Board of Directors has determined that it does not currently have an "audit committee financial expert" as defined by Item 401(h) of Regulation S-K. As the Company is privately held, the Board of Directors is not currently considering expanding its members in order to include an "audit committee financial expert" as defined. ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION Compensation Discussion and Analysis Overview and Objectives Our executive compensation program is designed to attract, retain and reward qualified executives and encourage decisions and actions that have a positive impact on Company performance. It is our objective to set total executive compensation at a level that attracts and retains strong, competent leadership for the Company. A further objective of the compensation program is to provide incentives and rewards to each executive for their contribution to the Company. The Company's compensation program, primarily consisting of salary and bonus payments to the Company's executive officers, who are named in the Summary Compensation Table appearing elsewhere in this Item and are referred to as the "named executive officers," is a cash program. At this time, there are no stock options, stock awards or any other equity-based programs as part of the Company's compensation program. The Company's executives do not have employment agreements that might include provisions for change in control, severance arrangements, equity or security ownership, or other such matters. Compensation Process We do not have a compensation committee of our Board of Directors, and our Board generally does not seek input from outside compensation consultants with respect to annual compensation decisions. 50 Our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, with input from our President and Chief Operating Officer, annually reviews the performance of each of the named executive officers and determines their compensation levels. Compensation levels for our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and President and Chief Operating Officer are established in the same manner as our other executive officers in consultation with the third member of our Board of Directors. Elements of Compensation The principal elements of the Company's executive compensation consist of the following: o Base Salary; o Annual Cash Bonuses; o Perquisites and Other Compensation; and o Health Benefits. Base Salary. The base salary component of the Company's executive compensation program provides each named executive officer with a fixed minimum amount of cash compensation throughout the year. Salaries are determined by position, which takes into consideration the responsibilities and job performance of each named executive officer and competitive market compensation paid by other companies for similar positions. Base salary amounts are determined in the first quarter of the fiscal year. Annual Cash Bonuses. The Company does not utilize defined formulas for bonuses paid to its executive officers, including its named executive officers. The payment of cash bonuses is made on a discretionary basis and is determined based on an evaluation of each executive's individual performance. The annual cash bonuses are intended to reward individuals based on their contributions to the overall success of the Company. Bonuses are generally paid in the first quarter following the end of the fiscal year for which performance is being rewarded. Perquisites and Other Compensation. We also provide our named executive officers with other benefits that we believe are reasonable and consistent with the stated objectives of the Company's executive compensation program. Such benefits include the following: o Company contributions to our defined contribution 401(k) savings plan; o Use of a Company-provided automobile or payment of an automobile allowance; o Company-paid parking; and o Reimbursement for membership in certain clubs. The Company provides all eligible employees a 50% matching contribution on up to 6% of compensation deferred through an IRS qualified 401(k) savings plan. Under the 401(k) plan, employees may contribute a portion of their compensation subject to IRS limitations. The Company does not have a defined benefit pension plan. 51 Health Benefits. All full-time employees, including our named executive officers, may participate in our group health benefit program, including medical, dental and vision care coverage, disability insurance and life insurance. In addition, our named executive officers are also covered under a supplemental executive long-term disability insurance program. Determination of Fiscal 2007 Compensation Our goals for Fiscal 2007 were to provide an executive compensation program that was equitable in a competitive marketplace and recognized and rewarded individual achievements. To achieve such goals, we relied primarily on base salaries, cash bonuses and other compensation for each of our named executive officers. Compensation levels for each named executive officer were determined based on the position and responsibility of such executive, his impact on the operation and financial performance of the Company and the knowledge and experience of such executive. These factors were considered as a group, without particular weight given to any single factor, and were necessarily subjective in nature. 52 Summary Compensation Table The following table sets forth certain compensation information for our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and each of our three other most highly compensated executive officers for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007:
Fiscal All Other Name and Principal Position Year Salary Bonus Compensation Total - -------------------------------- ------ --------- --------- ---------------- --------- Robert L. Allbritton 2007 $ 550,000 $ 250,000 $ -- $ 800,000 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Frederick J. Ryan, Jr. 2007 500,000 250,000 40,554 790,554 President and Chief Operating Officer Stephen P. Gibson 2007 300,000 125,000 36,073 461,073 Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer James C. Killen, Jr. 2007 300,000 110,000 38,956 448,956 Vice President, Sales Jerald N. Fritz 2007 275,000 100,000 35,847 410,847 Senior Vice President, Legal and Strategic Affairs ______________ Robert L. Allbritton is paid cash compensation by Perpetual for services to Perpetual and other interests of Joe L. Allbritton, including ACC. The portion of such compensation related to ACC is allocated to ACC and also included as compensation above. Frederick J. Ryan, Jr. is paid cash compensation by ACC for services to ACC, which is included as compensation above. In addition, Mr. Ryan is also separately paid cash compensation by Perpetual for services to Perpetual and other interests of Joe L. Allbritton. Stephen P. Gibson is paid cash compensation by ACC for services to ACC, which is included as compensation above. In addition, Mr. Gibson is also separately paid cash compensation by Perpetual for services to Perpetual and other interests of Joe L. Allbritton. Jerald N. Fritz is paid cash compensation by ACC for services to ACC and Perpetual. Of the compensation shown in the table for Mr. Fritz, $11,000 represents the portion of such compensation related to Perpetual, and has been allocated to Perpetual. Amounts in this column consist of dollar values of perquisites and other benefits including amounts contributed by the Company on behalf of our named executive officers to our defined contribution 401(k) savings plan, use of a Company-provided automobile or an automobile allowance, premiums for group health and term life insurance and executive disability plans, parking and club membership reimbursements.
Compensation of Directors Our directors are not separately compensated for membership on the Board of Directors. 53 Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation We do not have a compensation committee of our Board of Directors. Our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, with input from our President and Chief Operating Officer, annually reviews the performance of each of the named executive officers and determines their compensation levels. Compensation levels for our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and President and Chief Operating Officer are established in the same manner as our other executive officers in consultation with the third member of our Board of Directors, who is also an Exective Officer of the Company. Compensation Committee Report Our Board of Directors has reviewed and discussed with management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis contained in this Form 10-K. Based on this review and discussion, our Board of Directors recommends that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007. Barbara B. Allbritton Robert L. Allbritton Frederick J. Ryan, Jr. ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS The authorized capital stock of ACC consists of 20,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.05 per share (the "ACC Common Stock"), all of which is outstanding, and 1,000 shares of preferred stock, 200 shares of which have been designated for issue as Series A Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $1.00 per share (the "Series A Preferred Stock"), no shares of which are issued and outstanding. ACC Common Stock Joe L. Allbritton controls Perpetual. Perpetual owns 100% of the outstanding common stock of AGI, and AGI owns 100% of the outstanding ACC Common Stock. Perpetual's address is 1000 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 2700, Arlington, Virginia 22209. There is no established public trading market for ACC Common Stock. Each share of ACC Common Stock has an equal and ratable right to receive dividends when and as declared by the Board of Directors of ACC out of assets legally available therefor. In the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of ACC, holders of ACC Common Stock are entitled to share ratably in assets available for distribution after payments to creditors and to holders of any preferred stock of ACC that may at the time be outstanding. The holders of ACC Common Stock have no preemptive rights to subscribe to additional shares of capital stock 54 of ACC. Each share of ACC Common Stock is entitled to one vote in elections of directors and all other matters submitted to a vote of ACC's stockholder. Equity Compensation Plans ACC does not have any compensation plans or individual compensation arrangements under which ACC Common Stock or Series A Preferred Stock are authorized for issuance. ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE (dollars in thousands) Distributions to Related Parties ACC has periodically made advances in the form of distributions to Perpetual. For Fiscal 2007, ACC made cash advances to Perpetual of $73,181 and Perpetual made repayments on these cash advances of $11,810. The advances to Perpetual are non-interest bearing and, as such, do not reflect market rates of interest-bearing loans to unaffiliated third parties. In addition, ACC was charged by Perpetual and made payments to Perpetual for federal and state income taxes in the amount of $9,734. As a result of making advances of tax payments in accordance with the terms of the tax sharing agreement between ACC and Perpetual, we earned interest income from Perpetual in the amount of $430. See "Income Taxes" below. At present, the primary source of repayment of net advances is through our ability to pay dividends or make other distributions, and there is no immediate intent for the amounts to be repaid. Accordingly, these advances have been treated as a reduction of stockholder's investment and are described as "distributions" in our consolidated financial statements. Under the terms of the agreements governing our indebtedness, future advances, distributions and dividends to related parties are subject to certain restrictions. We anticipate that, subject to such restrictions, applicable law and payment obligations with respect to the notes and our other debt, ACC will make advances, distributions or dividends to related parties in the future. Subsequent to September 30, 2007 and through December 12, 2007, we made additional net distributions to owners of $8,995. Management Fees We paid management fees of $750 to Perpetual for Fiscal 2007, and we expect that management fees to be paid to Perpetual during Fiscal 2008 will approximate the amount paid for Fiscal 2007. These management fees reflect the compensation allocations referenced in the Executive Compensation Table as well as the net allocation of other shared costs. We believe that payments to Perpetual will continue in the future and that the amount of the management fees is at least as favorable to us as those prevailing for comparable transactions with or involving unaffiliated parties. 55 Income Taxes Our operations are included in a consolidated federal income tax return filed by Perpetual. In accordance with the terms of a tax sharing agreement between ACC and Perpetual, ACC is required to pay to Perpetual its federal income tax liability, computed based upon statutory federal income tax rates applied to our consolidated taxable income. We file separate state income tax returns with the exception of Virginia which is included in a combined state income tax return filed by Perpetual. In accordance with the terms of the tax sharing agreement, we are required to pay to Perpetual our combined Virginia income tax liability, computed based upon statutory Virginia income tax rates applied to our combined Virginia net taxable income. Taxes payable to Perpetual are not reduced by losses generated in prior years by us. In addition, the amounts payable by us to Perpetual under the tax sharing agreement are not reduced if losses of other members of the Perpetual group are utilized to offset our taxable income for purposes of the Perpetual consolidated federal or Virginia state income tax returns. The provision for income taxes is determined in accordance with SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes," which requires that the consolidated amount of current and deferred income tax expense for a group that files a consolidated income tax return be allocated among members of the group when those members issue separate financial statements. Perpetual allocates a portion of its consolidated current and deferred income tax expense to us as if we and our subsidiaries were separate taxpayers. We record deferred tax assets, to the extent it is considered more likely than not that such assets will be realized in future periods, and deferred tax liabilities for the tax effects of the differences between the bases of its assets and liabilities for tax and financial reporting purposes. To the extent a deferred tax asset would be recorded due to the incurrence of losses for federal or Virginia state income tax purposes, any such benefit recognized is effectively distributed to Perpetual as such benefit will not be recognized in future years pursuant to the tax sharing agreement. Office Space We lease certain office space to Irides, LLC ("Irides"). Irides is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Allbritton New Media, Inc. ("ANMI") which in turn is an 80%-owned subsidiary of Perpetual. The remaining 20% of ANMI is owned by Mr. Robert L. Allbritton who has options to acquire up to a total of 80% ownership of ANMI. Charges for this space totaled $141 for Fiscal 2007, and we expect to receive $145 during Fiscal 2008. We believe that the terms of the lease are substantially the same or at least as favorable to ACC as those prevailing for comparable leases involving nonaffiliated companies. Internet Services We have entered into various agreements with Irides to provide our stations with web site design, hosting and maintenance services. We incurred fees of $416 to Irides during Fiscal 2007, and we expect to pay fees to Irides during Fiscal 2008 for services performed of approximately $550. We believe that the terms and conditions of the agreements are substantially the same or at least as favorable to us as those prevailing for comparable transactions with or involving nonaffiliated companies. 56 Director Independence There are no independent members of our Board of Directors as each member of our Board is also an executive officer of the Company. As the Company is privately held, the Board of Directors is not currently considering expanding its members in order to include independent directors. Review and Approval of Transactions with Related Parties The Company is subject to various restrictive covenants covering transactions with related parties under its existing debt agreements. Our directors and executive officers are made aware of the Company's obligations to identify, process, and disclose such transactions in order to comply with these covenants. Our directors and executive officers are also expected to promptly disclose to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer or the President and Chief Operating Officer, for review and approval, the material facts of any transaction that could be considered a related party transaction that is otherwise permissible under the terms of the Company's debt covenants. On an annual basis, each director and executive officer of the Company must complete and certify to a Director and Officer Questionnaire that requires disclosure of any transaction, arrangement or relationship with the Company during the last fiscal year in which the director or executive officer, or any member of his or her immediate family, had a direct or indirect material interest. Any transaction, arrangement, or relationship disclosed in the Director and Officer Questionnaire is reviewed and considered by our General Counsel with respect to any conflicts of interest. ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES (dollars in thousands) PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP audited our consolidated financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2007 and our Board of Directors has appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm to audit our consolidated financial statements for the year ending September 30, 2008. 57 The fees billed by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for 2006 and 2007 were as follows:
2006 2007 ----- ----- Audit fees............................. $ 298 $ 297 Audit-related fees..................... 28 28 Tax fees............................... -- -- All other fees......................... 5 5 ----- ----- Total................................. $ 331 $ 330 ===== =====
Fees for audit services included fees associated with the annual audit and the reviews of our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q as well as any other documents filed with the SEC. Audit-related fees consisted of fees associated with the audit of our defined contribution savings plan. All other fees consisted of fees associated with the compilation of advertising revenue information for the Washington, D.C. market as well as the license of accounting research software. Our Board of Directors pre-approves all audit and permitted non-audit services, including the fees and terms thereof. PART IV ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES (a) The following documents are filed as part of this report: (1) Consolidated Financial Statements See Index on p. F-1 hereof. (2) Financial Statement Schedule II--Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves See Index on p. F-1 hereof. (3) Exhibits See Index on p. A-1 hereof. 58 ALLBRITTON COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Page Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.................. F-2 Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2006 and 2007............ F-3 Consolidated Statements of Operations and Retained Earnings for Each of the Years Ended September 30, 2005, 2006 and 2007......... F-4 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for Each of the Years Ended September 30, 2005, 2006 and 2007............................... F-5 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements............................... F-6 Financial Statement Schedule for the Years Ended September 30, 2005, 2006 and 2007 II--Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves.................. F-21 All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the consolidated financial statements or the notes thereto. F-1 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm To the Board of Directors and Stockholder of Allbritton Communications Company In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the index on page F-1 present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Allbritton Communications Company (an indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary of Perpetual Corporation) and its subsidiaries at September 30, 2007 and 2006, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2007 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the index on page F-1 presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. /s/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP McLean, VA December 12, 2007 F-2 ALLBRITTON COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Dollars in thousands except share information)
September 30, --------------------- 2006 2007 -------- -------- ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents ....................................................... $ 7,600 $ 2,402 Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,240 and $1,547 .. 41,293 44,048 Program rights .................................................................. 10,113 10,610 Deferred income taxes ........................................................... 1,319 1,441 Other ........................................................................... 1,602 2,140 --------- --------- Total current assets ...................................................... 61,927 60,641 Property, plant and equipment, net .................................................... 45,145 43,863 Intangible assets, net ................................................................ 42,486 42,327 Cash surrender value of life insurance ................................................ 12,224 12,611 Program rights ........................................................................ 1,469 1,262 Deferred income taxes ................................................................. 5,925 2,643 Deferred financing costs and other .................................................... 6,845 5,702 --------- --------- $ 176,021 $ 169,049 ========= ========= LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S INVESTMENT Current liabilities Current portion of long-term debt ............................................... $ 30 $ -- Accounts payable ................................................................ 3,040 3,328 Accrued interest payable ........................................................ 10,383 10,595 Program rights payable .......................................................... 12,154 12,476 Accrued employee benefit expenses ............................................... 5,593 6,322 Other accrued expenses .......................................................... 7,570 4,822 --------- --------- Total current liabilities ................................................. 38,770 37,543 Long-term debt ........................................................................ 452,816 484,100 Program rights payable ................................................................ 1,125 1,628 Accrued employee benefit expenses ..................................................... 1,801 1,565 Deferred rent and other ............................................................... 9,279 10,740 --------- --------- Total liabilities ......................................................... 503,791 535,576 --------- --------- Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 9) Stockholder's investment Preferred stock, $1 par value, 1,000 shares authorized, none issued ............. -- -- Common stock, $.05 par value, 20,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding .................................................................. 1 1 Capital in excess of par value .................................................. 49,631 49,631 Retained earnings ............................................................... 5,040 27,654 Distributions to owners, net (Note 7) ........................................... (382,442) (443,813) --------- --------- Total stockholder's investment ............................................ (327,770) (366,527) --------- --------- $ 176,021 $ 169,049 ========= =========
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. F-3 ALLBRITTON COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND RETAINED EARNINGS (Dollars in thousands)
Year Ended September 30, ---------------------------------- 2005 2006 2007 -------- -------- -------- Operating revenues, net ................................................. $ 200,427 $ 223,399 $ 226,146 --------- --------- --------- Television operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization .. 124,082 124,871 138,588 Depreciation and amortization ........................................... 9,170 8,666 8,712 Corporate expenses ...................................................... 6,012 5,000 6,106 --------- --------- --------- 139,264 138,537 153,406 --------- --------- --------- Operating income ........................................................ 61,163 84,862 72,740 Nonoperating income (expense) Interest income Related party ............................................... 262 226 430 Other ....................................................... 71 147 208 Interest expense .................................................. (36,729) (36,234) (37,213) Other, net ........................................................ (1,704) 850 266 --------- --------- --------- Income before income taxes and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle ......................................... 23,063 49,851 36,431 Provision for income taxes .............................................. 9,421 18,342 13,817 --------- --------- --------- Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle ............................................ 13,642 31,509 22,614 Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income tax benefit of $31,272 (Note 4) .......................... -- 48,728 -- --------- --------- --------- Net income (loss) ....................................................... 13,642 (17,219) 22,614 Retained earnings, beginning of year .................................... 8,617 22,259 5,040 --------- --------- --------- Retained earnings, end of year .......................................... $ 22,259 $ 5,040 $ 27,654 ========= ========= =========
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. F-4 ALLBRITTON COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Dollars in thousands)
Year Ended September 30, -------------------------------- 2005 2006 2007 -------- -------- -------- Cash flows from operating activities: Net income (loss) ................................................ $ 13,642 $(17,219) $ 22,614 -------- -------- -------- Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization ............................... 9,170 8,666 8,712 Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle ......... -- 48,728 -- Other noncash charges ....................................... 1,746 1,304 1,326 Provision for doubtful accounts ............................. 599 587 1,265 Loss (gain) on disposal of assets ........................... 133 (1,962) (1,382) Changes in assets and liabilities: (Increase) decrease in assets: Accounts receivable ............................... (1,382) (4,916) (4,020) Program rights .................................... 5,208 (1,834) (290) Other current assets .............................. (125) 365 (538) Deferred income taxes ............................. (433) 1,293 3,160 Other noncurrent assets ........................... (216) (245) (286) Increase (decrease) in liabilities: Accounts payable .................................. 378 688 288 Accrued interest payable .......................... 35 (53) 212 Program rights payable ............................ (5,966) 484 825 Accrued employee benefit expenses ................. 1,000 296 493 Other accrued expenses ............................ (1,575) 1,929 (2,748) Deferred income taxes ............................. 2,408 -- -- Deferred rent and other liabilities ............... 2,644 3,263 1,461 -------- -------- -------- Total adjustments ........................... 13,624 58,593 8,478 -------- -------- -------- Net cash provided by operating activities ... 27,266 41,374 31,092 -------- -------- -------- Cash flows from investing activities: Capital expenditures ............................................. (4,660) (8,836) (6,052) Proceeds from disposal of assets ................................. 67 2,166 163 -------- -------- -------- Net cash used in investing activities ....... (4,593) (6,670) (5,889) -------- -------- -------- Cash flows from financing activities: Principal payments on long-term debt and capital leases .......... (162) (172) (30) (Repayments) draws under line of credit, net ..................... (5,000) (8,000) 31,000 Deferred financing costs ......................................... (683) -- -- Distributions to owners and dividends, net of certain charges .... (35,505) (36,472) (73,181) Repayments of distributions to owners ............................ 15,625 13,335 11,810 -------- -------- -------- Net cash used in financing activities ....... (25,725) (31,309) (30,401) -------- -------- -------- Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents ................... (3,052) 3,395 (5,198) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year ........................... 7,257 4,205 7,600 -------- -------- -------- Cash and cash equivalents, end of year ................................. $ 4,205 $ 7,600 $ 2,402 ======== ======== ======== Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: Cash paid for interest ...................................... $ 36,328 $ 35,920 $ 36,620 ======== ======== ======== Cash paid for state income taxes ............................ $ -- $ 207 $ 217 ======== ======== ========
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. F-5 ALLBRITTON COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Dollars in thousands except share information) NOTE 1--THE COMPANY Allbritton Communications Company (ACC or the Company) is an indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary of Perpetual Corporation (Perpetual), a Delaware corporation, which is controlled by Mr. Joe L. Allbritton. The Company owns ABC network-affiliated television stations serving seven geographic markets: Station Market - ----------------------- -------------------------------------------------- WJLA Washington, D.C. WBMA/WCFT/WJSU Birmingham (Anniston and Tuscaloosa), Alabama WHTM Harrisburg-Lancaster-York-Lebanon, Pennsylvania KATV Little Rock, Arkansas KTUL Tulsa, Oklahoma WSET Roanoke-Lynchburg, Virginia WCIV Charleston, South Carolina The Company also provides 24-hour per day basic cable television programming to the Washington, D.C. market, through NewsChannel 8, primarily focused on regional and local news for the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Additionally, in January 2007 the Company launched The Politico, a specialized newspaper and Internet site (politico.com) that serves Congress, congressional staffers and those interested in the actions of the national legislature and political electoral process. The operations of NewsChannel 8 and The Politico are integrated with WJLA. Based upon regular assessments of its operations, the Company has determined that the economic characteristics, services, production processes, customer type and distribution methods for the Company's operations are substantially similar and have therefore been aggregated as one reportable segment. NOTE 2--SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Consolidation--The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries after elimination of all significant intercompany accounts and transactions. Use of estimates and assumptions--The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions. F-6 ALLBRITTON COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) (Dollars in thousands except share information) Revenue recognition--Revenues are generated principally from sales of commercial advertising and are recorded as the advertisements are broadcast net of agency and national representative commissions and music license fees. For certain program contracts which provide for the exchange of advertising time in lieu of cash payments for the rights to such programming, revenue is recorded as advertisements are broadcast at the estimated fair value of the advertising time given in exchange for the program rights. Such barter revenue was $5,450, $5,133 and $5,579 for the years ended September 30, 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively. Subscriber fee revenues are recognized in the period during which programming is provided, pursuant to affiliation agreements with cable television systems and direct broadcast satellite service providers. Cash and cash equivalents--The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Program rights--The Company has entered into contracts for the rights to television programming. Payments related to such contracts are generally made in installments over the contract period. Program rights which are currently available and the liability for future payments under such contracts are reflected in the consolidated balance sheets. The vast majority of the Company's program rights represent one-year contracts for first-run syndicated programming. As each broadcast over the term of the contract generally provides the same advertising value, such program rights are amortized on a straight-line basis over the term. A limited number of multi-year program contracts representing off-network syndicated programming are amortized on an accelerated basis due to the generally higher advertising value of the early broadcasts. Program rights expected to be amortized in the succeeding year and amounts payable within one year are classified as current assets and liabilities, respectively. The program rights are reflected in the consolidated balance sheets at the lower of unamortized cost or estimated net realizable value based on management's expectation of the net future cash flows to be generated by the programming. Property, plant and equipment--Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Maintenance and repair expenditures are charged to expense as incurred and expenditures for modifications and improvements which increase the expected useful lives of the assets are capitalized. Depreciation expense is computed using the straight-line method for buildings and straight-line and accelerated methods for furniture, machinery and equipment. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the lesser of the term of the related lease or the estimated useful lives of the assets. The useful lives of property, plant and equipment for purposes of computing depreciation and amortization expense are: Buildings............................................. 15-40 years Leasehold improvements................................ 5-16 years Furniture, machinery and equipment and equipment under capital leases................................ 3-20 years F-7 ALLBRITTON COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) (Dollars in thousands except share information) Intangible assets--Intangible assets consist of values assigned to broadcast licenses as well as favorable terms on contracts and leases. The amounts originally assigned to intangible assets were based on the results of independent valuations. Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," was issued in June 2001. SFAS No. 142 addresses the financial accounting and reporting for acquired goodwill and other intangible assets. Under the new rules, goodwill and intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives are no longer amortized but are subject to annual impairment tests. Other intangible assets continue to be amortized over their useful lives (11 to 25 years). SFAS No. 142 became effective for the Company's fiscal year ended September 30, 2003. In September 2004, the Securities Exchange Commission ("SEC") announced, in conjunction with the issuance of Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") Topic No. D-108, "Use of the Residual Method to Value Acquired Assets Other than Goodwill," that the "residual method" should no longer be used to value intangible assets other than goodwill. Rather, a "direct value method" is required to be used to determine the fair value of all intangible assets for purposes of impairment testing, including those assets previously valued using the residual method. Any impairment resulting from application of a direct value method should be reported as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle. Application of EITF Topic No. D-108 became effective at the beginning of the Company's year ended September 30, 2006 (See Note 4). The Company's indefinite lived intangible assets, consisting of broadcast licenses, are subject to periodic impairment tests. Prior to the implementation of EITF Topic No. D-108, the Company had used the residual method to determine the value of its broadcast licenses for purposes of testing for impairment. Upon implementation of EITF Topic No. D-108 during the quarter ended December 31, 2005, the Company uses the direct value method. The direct value method, which differs markedly from the residual value method, requires the broadcast licenses to be valued using an average market participant concept. This concept assumes that cash flows associated with broadcast licenses are limited to those cash flows that could be expected by an average market participant. In contrast, the residual method formerly used included other elements of cash flows which contributed to station value. Other intangible assets continue to be amortized over the terms of the related contracts and leases, and the recoverability of these assets is assessed on an ongoing basis by evaluating whether amounts can be recovered through undiscounted cash flows over the remaining amortization period. Deferred financing costs--Costs incurred in connection with the issuance of long-term debt are deferred and amortized to other nonoperating expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the underlying financing agreement. F-8 ALLBRITTON COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) (Dollars in thousands except share information) Deferred rent--Rent concessions and scheduled rent increases in connection with operating leases are recognized as adjustments to rental expense on a straight-line basis over the associated lease term. Concentration of credit risk--Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of certain cash and cash equivalents and receivables from advertisers. The Company invests its excess cash with high-credit quality financial institutions and at September 30, 2007 had an overnight repurchase agreement for $779. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to receivables from advertisers are limited as the Company's advertising base consists of large national advertising agencies and high-credit quality local advertisers. As is customary in the broadcasting industry, the Company does not require collateral for its credit sales, which are typically due within thirty days. Income taxes--The operations of the Company are included in a consolidated federal income tax return filed by Perpetual. In accordance with the terms of a tax sharing agreement between the Company and Perpetual, the Company is required to pay to Perpetual its federal income tax liability, computed based upon statutory federal income tax rates applied to the Company's consolidated taxable income. The Company files separate state income tax returns with the exception of Virginia, which is included in a combined state income tax return filed by Perpetual. In accordance with the terms of the tax sharing agreement, the Company is required to pay to Perpetual its combined Virginia income tax liability, computed based upon statutory Virginia income tax rates applied to the Company's combined Virginia net taxable income. Taxes payable to Perpetual are not reduced by losses generated in prior years by the Company. In addition, the amounts payable by the Company to Perpetual under the tax sharing agreement are not reduced if losses of other members of the Perpetual group are utilized to offset taxable income of the Company for purposes of the Perpetual consolidated federal or Virginia income tax returns. The provision for income taxes is determined in accordance with SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes," which requires that the consolidated amount of current and deferred income tax expense for a group that files a consolidated income tax return be allocated among members of the group when those members issue separate financial statements. Perpetual allocates a portion of its consolidated current and deferred income tax expense to the Company as if the Company and its subsidiaries were separate taxpayers. The Company records deferred tax assets, to the extent it is more likely than not that such assets will be realized in future periods, and deferred tax liabilities for the tax effects of the differences between the bases of its assets and liabilities for tax and financial reporting purposes. To the extent a deferred tax asset would be recorded due to the incurrence of net losses for federal or Virginia state income tax purposes, any such benefit recognized is effectively distributed to Perpetual as such benefit will not be recognized in future years pursuant to the tax sharing agreement. Fair value of financial instruments--The carrying amount of the Company's cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses and program rights payable approximate fair value due to the short maturity of those instruments. The Company estimates F-9 ALLBRITTON COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) (Dollars in thousands except share information) the fair value of its long-term debt using either quoted market prices or by discounting the required future cash flows under its debt using borrowing rates currently available to the Company, as applicable. Earnings per share--Earnings per share data are not presented since the Company has only one shareholder. New Accounting Standards-- In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued FASB Interpretation ("FIN") No. 48, "Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes." FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes by prescribing a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 is effective for the Company's fiscal year ending September 30, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the impact, if any, that FIN 48 may have on its financial position or results of operations. In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, "Fair Value Measurements." SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 does not expand or require any new fair value measures but is applicable whenever another accounting pronouncement requires or permits assets and liabilities to be measured at fair value. SFAS No. 157 is effective for the Company's fiscal year ending September 30, 2009. The Company is currently evaluating the impact, if any, that SFAS No. 157 may have on its financial position or results of operations. NOTE 3--PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Property, plant and equipment consists of the following:
September 30, --------------------- 2006 2007 -------- -------- Buildings and leasehold improvements .. $ 32,403 $ 32,673 Furniture, machinery and equipment ..... 137,005 135,327 Equipment under capital leases ......... 773 -- --------- --------- 170,181 168,000 Less accumulated depreciation .......... (131,110) (128,506) --------- --------- 39,071 39,494 Land ................................... 2,902 2,902 Construction-in-progress ............... 3,172 1,467 --------- --------- $ 45,145 $ 43,863 ========= =========
F-10 ALLBRITTON COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) (Dollars in thousands except share information) Depreciation and amortization expense was $9,005, $8,502 and $8,553 for the years ended September 30, 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively, which includes amortization of equipment under capital leases. The FCC has granted to Sprint Nextel Corporation ("Nextel") the right to reclaim a portion of the spectrum in the 2 GHz band from broadcasters across the country. In order to claim this spectrum, Nextel must replace all of the broadcasters' electronic newsgathering equipment currently using this spectrum with digital equipment capable of operating in the reformatted portion of the 2 GHz band retained by the broadcasters. This exchange of equipment will be completed on a market by market basis. As the equipment is exchanged and placed into service in each of the Company's markets, a gain will be recorded to the extent that the fair market value of the equipment received exceeds the book value of the analog equipment exchanged. During the year ended September 30, 2007, two of the Company's markets have exchanged equipment with Nextel. The fair market value of the equipment received and placed into service during the year ended September 30, 2007 was $1,263. This amount has been recorded as an addition to property, plant and equipment, but is not included in capital expenditures in the accompanying consolidated statement of cash flows as no cash was involved in the exchange. The excess of fair market value as compared to the book value of equipment exchanged and placed into service of $1,256 was recorded as a non-cash gain in other, net nonoperating income in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. NOTE 4--INTANGIBLE ASSETS In September 2004, the SEC announced, in conjunction with the issuance of EITF Topic No. D-108, "Use of the Residual Method to Value Acquired Assets Other than Goodwill," that the "residual method" should no longer be used to value intangible assets other than goodwill. Rather, a "direct value method" is required to be used to determine the fair value of all intangible assets for purposes of impairment testing, including those assets previously valued using the residual method. Any impairment resulting from application of a direct value method should be reported as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle. Application of EITF Topic No. D-108 became effective at the beginning of the Company's year ended September 30, 2006. The Company had used the residual method to value its FCC licenses in conjunction with acquisitions made in 1996 and 2000. Upon its implementation of EITF Topic No. D-108 during the first quarter of the year ended September 30, 2006, the Company performed an impairment test using a direct value method on its FCC licenses previously valued using the residual method. The direct value method, which differs markedly from the residual value method, requires the Company to value its FCC licenses using an average market participant concept. This concept assumes that cash flows associated with FCC licenses are limited to those cash flows that could be expected by an average market participant. In contrast, the residual value method formerly used by the Company included other elements of cash flows which contributed to station value. F-11 ALLBRITTON COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) (Dollars in thousands except share information) As a result of the implementation of EITF Topic No. D-108, the Company recorded a non-cash, pre-tax impairment charge related to the carrying value of certain of its FCC licenses of $80,000. This charge was recorded, net of the related tax benefit of $31,272, as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle during the quarter ended December 31, 2005. The carrying value of the Company's indefinite lived intangible assets, consisting of its broadcast licenses, at September 30, 2006 and 2007 was $42,290. The carrying value of the Company's other intangible assets, consisting of favorable terms on contracts and leases, was as follows:
September 30, ----------------- 2006 2007 ------ ------ Gross carrying amount .......... $ 6,174 $ 6,174 Less accumulated amortization .. (5,978) (6,137) ------- ------- Net carrying amount ............ $ 196 $ 37 ======= =======
Amortization expense was $165, $164 and $159 for the years ended September 30, 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively. Amortization expense is expected to be $37 for the year ending September 30, 2008. F-12 ALLBRITTON COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) (Dollars in thousands except share information) NOTE 5--LONG-TERM DEBT Outstanding debt consists of the following:
September 30, ----------------------- 2006 2007 -------- -------- Senior Subordinated Notes, due December 15, 2012 with interest payable semi-annually at 7 3/4%............................... $ 455,000 $ 455,000 Credit Agreement, maximum amount of $70,000, expiring August 23, 2011, secured by the outstanding stock of the Company and its subsidiaries, interest payable quarterly at various rates either from prime or from LIBOR plus 0.75% depending on certain financial operating tests (7.18% at September 30, 2007)......................................................... -- 31,000 Master Equipment Lease Agreement, expired June 30, 2002 for new acquisitions, secured by the assets acquired, interest payable monthly at variable rates as determined on the acquisition date for each asset purchased................................. 30 -- --------- --------- 455,030 486,000 Less unamortized discount........................................ (2,184) (1,900) --------- --------- 452,846 484,100 Less current maturities.......................................... (30) -- --------- --------- $ 452,816 $ 484,100 ========= =========
Unamortized deferred financing costs of $6,355 and $5,313 at September 30, 2006 and 2007, respectively, are included in deferred financing costs and other noncurrent assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Amortization of the deferred financing costs for the years ended September 30, 2005, 2006 and 2007 was $1,504, $1,041 and $1,042 respectively, which is included in other nonoperating expenses. Under the existing financing agreements, the Company is subject to restrictive covenants, which place limitations upon payments of cash dividends, issuance of capital stock, investment transactions, incurrence of additional obligations and transactions with affiliates. In addition, under the Credit Agreement, the Company must maintain compliance with certain financial covenants as measured at the end of each quarter. As of September 30, 2007, the Company was in compliance with such covenants. The Company is also required to pay a commitment fee ranging from 0.25% to 0.375% per annum based on the amount of any unused portion of the Credit Agreement. F-13 ALLBRITTON COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) (Dollars in thousands except share information) The Company estimates the fair value of its Senior Subordinated Notes to be approximately $458,000 and $460,000 at September 30, 2006 and 2007, respectively. The carrying value of the Company's Credit Agreement approximates fair value as borrowings bear interest at market rates. NOTE 6--INCOME TAXES The provision for income taxes consists of the following:
Years Ended September 30, ------------------------------- 2005 2006 2007 -------- -------- -------- Current Federal ........... $ 6,853 $ 15,480 $ 9,734 State ............. 593 1,569 923 -------- -------- -------- 7,446 17,049 10,657 -------- -------- -------- Deferred Federal ........... 2,086 1,856 2,966 State ............. (111) (563) 194 -------- -------- -------- 1,975 1,293 3,160 -------- -------- -------- $ 9,421 $ 18,342 $ 13,817 ======== ======== ========
The implementation of EITF Topic No. D-108 on October 1, 2005 resulted in the Company recording an $80,000 pre-tax impairment charge during the year ended September 30, 2006 (see Note 4). The charge was recorded as a cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income tax benefit of $31,272, in the accompanying statement of operations and retained earnings. The $31,272 benefit for income taxes represented a deferred tax benefit. F-14 ALLBRITTON COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) (Dollars in thousands except share information) The components of deferred income tax assets (liabilities) are as follows:
September 30, -------------------- 2006 2007 -------- -------- Deferred income tax assets: State and local operating loss carryforwards ... $ 4,626 $ 4,912 Amortization ................................... 5,346 1,561 Accrued employee benefits ...................... 1,237 1,150 Deferred rent .................................. 2,060 2,046 Allowance for accounts receivable .............. 490 611 Other .......................................... 1,446 1,549 -------- -------- 15,205 11,829 Less valuation allowance ....................... (4,429) (4,332) -------- -------- 10,776 7,497 -------- -------- Deferred income tax liabilities: Depreciation ................................... (3,532) (3,413) -------- -------- Net deferred income tax assets ....................... $ 7,244 $ 4,084 ======== ========
The Company has approximately $103,600 in state and local operating loss carryforwards in certain jurisdictions available for future use for state and local income tax purposes which expire in various years from 2008 through 2027. The change in the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets of $193, ($10) and ($97) during the years ended September 30, 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively, principally resulted from management's evaluation of the recoverability of the loss carryforwards. F-15 ALLBRITTON COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) (Dollars in thousands except share information) The following table reconciles the statutory federal income tax rate to the Company's effective income tax rate for income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle:
Years ended September 30, ------------------------- 2005 2006 2007 ---- ---- ---- Statutory federal income tax rate ......................... 35.0% 35.0% 35.0% State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit ..... 1.8 1.9 3.1 Permanent items, principally insurance premiums and meals and entertainment ................................ 0.7 (0.1) 0.2 Change in valuation allowance ............................. 1.1 0.0 (0.3) Effect of change in statutory federal income tax rate on deferred taxes....................................... 2.1 0.0 0.0 Other, net ................................................ 0.1 0.0 (0.1) ----- ----- ----- Effective income tax rate ................................. 40.8% 36.8% 37.9% ===== ===== =====
NOTE 7--TRANSACTIONS WITH OWNERS AND RELATED PARTIES Distributions to Owners, Net In the ordinary course of business, the Company makes cash advances in the form of distributions to Perpetual. At present, the primary source of repayment of the net advances from the Company is through the ability of the Company to pay dividends or make other distributions. There is no immediate intent for these amounts to be repaid. Accordingly, such amounts have been treated as a reduction of stockholder's investment and described as "distributions" in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The weighted average amount of non-interest bearing advances outstanding was $342,555, $366,622, and $409,190 during Fiscal 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively. The operations of the Company are included in a consolidated federal income tax return and a combined Virginia state income tax return filed by Perpetual. The Company is charged by Perpetual and makes payments to Perpetual for federal and Virginia state income taxes, which are computed in accordance with the terms of a tax sharing agreement between the Company and Perpetual. F-16 ALLBRITTON COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) (Dollars in thousands except share information) The components of distributions to owners and the related activity during Fiscal 2005, 2006 and 2007 consist of the following:
Federal and Distributions Virginia State Net to Owners and Income Tax Distributions Dividends Receivable to Owners ------------- -------------- ------------- Balance as of September 30, 2004............... $ 339,425 $ -- $ 339,425 Cash advances and dividends to Perpetual....... 35,505 35,505 Repayment of cash advances from Perpetual...... (15,625) (15,625) Benefit for federal and state income taxes..... (6,853) (6,853) Distribution of tax benefit.................... 6,853 6,853 --------- --------- --------- Balance as of September 30, 2005............... 359,305 -- 359,305 Cash advances to Perpetual..................... 36,472 36,472 Repayment of cash advances from Perpetual...... (13,335) (13,335) Charge for federal and state income taxes...... (15,480) (15,480) Payment of income taxes........................ 15,480 15,480 --------- --------- --------- Balance as of September 30, 2006............... 382,442 -- 382,442 Cash advances to Perpetual..................... 73,181 73,181 Repayment of cash advances from Perpetual...... (11,810) (11,810) Charge for federal and state income taxes...... (9,734) (9,734) Payment of income taxes........................ 9,734 9,734 --------- --------- --------- Balance as of September 30, 2007............... $ 443,813 $ -- $ 443,813 ========= ========= =========
Subsequent to September 30, 2007 and through December 12, 2007 the Company made additional net distributions to owners of $8,995. Other Transactions with Related Parties During the years ended September 30, 2005, 2006 and 2007, the Company earned interest income from Perpetual of $262, $226 and $430 respectively, as a result of making advances of tax payments in accordance with the terms of the tax sharing agreement between the Company and Perpetual. Management fees of $500, $550 and $750 were paid to Perpetual by the Company for each of the years ended September 30, 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively. The Company also paid management fees to Mr. Joe L. Allbritton in the amount of $550 and to Mr. Robert L. Allbritton F-17 ALLBRITTON COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) (Dollars in thousands except share information) in the amount of $200 for the year ended September 30, 2005. Management fees are included in corporate expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. No management fees were paid to Mr. Joe L. Allbritton or Mr. Robert L. Allbritton for the years ended September 30, 2006 or 2007. Effective for the year ended September 30, 2006, Mr. Joe L. Allbritton is no longer an executive officer of the Company, and Mr. Robert L. Allbritton receives cash compensation for all services to the Company from Perpetual, which is allocated to the Company through the Perpetual management fee. During the quarter ended March 31, 2007, Perpetual acquired from the Robert Lewis Allbritton Revocable Trust its 20% ownership interests in TV Alabama, Inc. and Harrisburg Television, Inc., the Company's subsidiaries which operate its television stations in the Birmingham and Harrisburg markets, respectively. The 20% ownership interests were then contributed into the Company. As a result, the Company now owns 100% of these and all other of its subsidiaries. As the entities involved in these transactions are considered to be under common control, the Company was required to account for this contribution at its book value. Since the book value of the 20% ownership interests acquired by Perpetual and then contributed to the Company was zero, no amount has been recorded in the accompanying consolidated financial statements related to the contribution. The Company has entered into various agreements with Irides, LLC (Irides) to provide the Company's stations with certain web site design, hosting and maintenance services. Irides is an indirect subsidiary of Perpetual. The Company paid fees of $180, $262 and $416 to Irides during the years ended September 30, 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively. These fees are included in television operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. Effective October 1, 2002, Irides leased certain office space from the Company. Charges for this space totaled $133, $137 and $141 for the years ended September 30, 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively, and such amounts are included as an offset to television operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. In conjunction with its move to a new headquarters office location during the year ended September 30, 2006, the Company sold to Perpetual certain furnishings, which were not being moved to the new office location. Such furnishings were sold at their independently appraised value of $123, which approximated book value. The Company has historically maintained banking relationships with and leased certain office space from Riggs Bank. Riggs Bank was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Riggs National Corporation ("Riggs"), of which Mr. Joe L. Allbritton was a significant stockholder. Effective May 13, 2005, The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. acquired the stock of Riggs, and Mr. Joe L. Allbritton is not a significant stockholder of the acquiring company. During the period from October 1, 2004 through May 13, 2005, the Company paid $260 to Riggs Bank related to the rental of office space. F-18 ALLBRITTON COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) (Dollars in thousands except share information) NOTE 8--RETIREMENT PLANS A defined contribution savings plan is maintained for eligible employees of the Company and certain of its affiliates. Under the plan, employees may contribute a portion of their compensation subject to Internal Revenue Service limitations and the Company contributes an amount equal to 50% of the contribution of the employee not to exceed 6% of the compensation of the employee. The amounts contributed to the plan by the Company on behalf of its employees totaled approximately $933, $1,065 and $970 for the years ended September 30, 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively. The Company also contributes to certain other multi-employer union pension plans on behalf of certain of its union employees. The amounts contributed to such plans totaled approximately $564, $611 and $618 for the years ended September 30, 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively. NOTE 9--COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES The Company leases office and studio facilities and machinery and equipment under operating leases expiring in various years through 2021. Certain leases contain provisions for renewal and extension. Future minimum lease payments under operating leases, which have remaining noncancellable lease terms in excess of one year as of September 30, 2007, are as follows:
Year ending September 30, 2008.......................................... $ 4,582 2009.......................................... 4,464 2010.......................................... 4,350 2011.......................................... 4,296 2012.......................................... 4,191 2013 and thereafter........................... 23,729 -------- $ 45,612 ========
Rental expense under operating leases aggregated approximately $4,100, $4,200 and $4,500 for the years ended September 30, 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively. F-19 ALLBRITTON COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) (Dollars in thousands except share information) The Company has entered into contractual commitments in the ordinary course of business for the rights to television programming which is not yet available for broadcast as of September 30, 2007. Under these agreements, the Company must make specific minimum payments approximating the following:
Year ending September 30, 2008.......................................... $ 2,536 2009.......................................... 12,346 2010.......................................... 11,904 2011.......................................... 10,882 2012.......................................... 4,071 -------- $ 41,739 ========
The Company has entered into various employment contracts. Future guaranteed payments under such contracts as of September 30, 2007 approximate the following:
Year ending September 30, 2008.......................................... $ 11,345 2009.......................................... 1,751 2010.......................................... 595 2011.......................................... 75 -------- $ 13,766 ========
The Company has entered into various deferred compensation agreements with certain employees. Under these agreements, the Company is required to make payments aggregating $1,740 during the years 2008 through 2013. At September 30, 2006 and 2007, the Company has recorded a deferred compensation liability of approximately $1,732 and $1,536, respectively, which is included as a component of accrued employee benefit expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company also has certain obligations and commitments under various executory agreements to make future payments for goods and services. These agreements secure the future rights to certain goods and services to be used in the normal course of operations. The Company currently and from time to time is involved in litigation incidental to the conduct of its business, including suits based on defamation and employment activity. The Company is not currently a party to any lawsuit or proceeding which, in the opinion of management, could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. F-20 SCHEDULE II ALLBRITTON COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES (Dollars in thousands)
Balance at Charged Charged to beginning of to costs other Balance at Classification year and expenses accounts Deductions end of year - --------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ---------- ----------- Year ended September 30, 2005: Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 1,231 $ 599 -- $ (642) $ 1,188 ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= Valuation allowance for deferred income tax assets $ 4,246 $ 650 -- $ (457) $ 4,439 ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= Year ended September 30, 2006: Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 1,188 $ 587 -- $ (535) $ 1,240 ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= Valuation allowance for deferred income tax assets $ 4,439 $ 1,860 -- $(1,870) $ 4,429 ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= Year ended September 30, 2007: Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 1,240 $ 1,265 -- $ (958) $ 1,547 ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= Valuation allowance for deferred income tax assets $ 4,429 $ 372 -- $ (469) $ 4,332 ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ___________ Represents valuation allowance established related to certain net operating loss carryforwards and other deferred tax assets for state income tax purposes. Write-off of uncollectible accounts, net of recoveries and collection fees. Represents reduction of valuation allowance relating to certain net operating loss carryforwards.
F-21 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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. ALLBRITTON COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY By: /s/ ROBERT L. ALLBRITTON ------------------------------------ Robert L. Allbritton Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Date: December 14, 2007 Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. /s/ BARBARA B. ALLBRITTON Executive Vice President December 14, 2007 - ------------------------------ and Director Barbara B. Allbritton /s/ ROBERT L. ALLBRITTON Chairman, Chief Executive December 14, 2007 - ------------------------------ Officer and Director Robert L. Allbritton (principal executive officer) /s/ FREDERICK J. RYAN, JR. Vice Chairman, President, December 14, 2007 - ------------------------------ Chief Operating Officer Frederick J. Ryan, Jr. and Director /s/ STEPHEN P. GIBSON Senior Vice President and December 14, 2007 - ------------------------------ Chief Financial Officer Stephen P. Gibson (principal financial officer) /s/ ELIZABETH A. HALEY Vice President and December 14, 2007 - ------------------------------ Controller (principal Elizabeth A. Haley accounting officer) EXHIBIT INDEX Exhibit No. Description of Exhibit Page No. - ----------- ---------------------- -------- 1.1 Purchase Agreement dated December 6, 2002 by and among * ACC, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and Fleet Securities, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 of the Company's Form 10-K, No. 333-02302, dated December 17, 2002) 1.2 Purchase Agreement dated January 28, 2003 by and among * ACC, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and Fleet Securities, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.2 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, No. 333-02302, dated February 3, 2003) 3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of ACC. (Incorporated by * reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4, No. 333-02302, dated March 12, 1996) 3.2 Bylaws of ACC. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 * of Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4, No. 333-02302, dated March 12, 1996) 4.1 Indenture dated as of December 20, 2002 between ACC and * State Street Bank and Trust Company, as Trustee, relating to the 7 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2012. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company's Report on Form 8-K, No. 333-02302, dated December 23, 2002) 4.2 Supplemental Indenture dated as of February 6, 2003 * between ACC and U.S. Bank National Association (successor-in-interest to State Street Bank and Trust Company), as Trustee, to the Indenture dated as of December 20, 2002 between ACC and State Street Bank and Trust Company, as Trustee, relating to the 7 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2012. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company's Report on Form 8-K, No. 333-02302, dated February 6, 2003) 4.3 Form of 7 3/4% Series B Senior Subordinated Notes due * 2012. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, No. 333-02302, dated February 3, 2003) 4.4 Credit Agreement dated as of August 23, 2005 by and among * ACC, certain financial institutions, and Bank of America, N.A., as the Administrative Agent, and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as the Syndication Agent. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company's Report on Form 8-K, No. 333-02302, dated August 23, 2005) A-1 Exhibit No. Description of Exhibit Page No. - ----------- ---------------------- -------- 10.1 Registration Rights Agreement by and among ACC, Deutsche * Bank Securities Inc. and Fleet Securities Inc. dated December 20, 2002. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, No. 333-02302, dated February 3, 2003) 10.2 Registration Rights Agreement by and among ACC, Deutsche * Bank Securities Inc. and Fleet Securities Inc. dated February 6, 2003. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4, No. 333-02302, dated April 11, 2003) 10.3 Primary Television Affiliation Agreement (WSET, * Incorporated) (with a schedule attached for other stations' substantially identical affiliation agreements). (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, No. 333-02302, dated May 13, 2004)** 10.4 Tax Sharing Agreement effective as of September 30, 1991 * by and among Perpetual Corporation, ACC and ALLNEWSCO, Inc., amended as of October 29, 1993. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 of Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4, No. 333-02302, dated March 12, 1996) 10.5 Second Amendment to Tax Sharing Agreement effective as of * October 1, 1995 by and among Perpetual Corporation, ACC and ALLNEWSCO, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of the Company's Form 10-K, No. 333-02302, dated December 22, 1998) 10.6 Pledge Agreement dated as of August 23, 2005 by and among * ACC, Allbritton Group, Inc., Allfinco, Inc., and Bank of America, N.A., as Agent. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Report on Form 8-K, No. 333-02302, dated August 23, 2005) 10.7 Unlimited Guaranty dated as of August 23, 2005 by each of * the subsidiaries of ACC in favor of Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company's Report on Form 8-K, No. 333-02302, dated August 23, 2005) 10.8 Collateral Assignment of Proceeds and Security Agreement * dated as of August 23, 2005 by and among certain subsidiaries of ACC and Bank of America, N.A., as Agent. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company's Report on Form 8-K, No. 333-02302, dated August 23, 2005) A-2 Exhibit No. Description of Exhibit Page No. - ----------- ---------------------- -------- 14. Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers. * (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14 of the Company's Form 10-K, No. 333-02302, dated December 12, 2003) 21. Subsidiaries of Registrant. 24. Powers of Attorney. 31.1 Certification of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. 31.2 Certification of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. - ----------------- *Previously filed **Portions have been omitted pursuant to confidential treatment A-3
EX-21 2 exhibit_21.txt EXHIBIT 21 EXHIBIT 21 SUBSIDIARIES OF ALLBRITTON COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY KATV, LLC KTUL, LLC WSET, Incorporated Allfinco, Inc. Harrisburg Television, Inc. TV Alabama, Inc. WCIV, LLC Allbritton Television Productions, Inc. ACC Licensee, Inc. Capitol News Company, LLC The state of incorporation/formation for each of the subsidiaries listed above is Delaware. EX-24 3 exhibit_24.txt EXHIBIT 24 POWER OF ATTORNEY ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K OF ALLBRITTON COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director or officer, or both, of Allbritton Communications Company (the "Company") constitutes and appoints Jerald N. Fritz and Stephen P. Gibson her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents with full power of substitution and resubstitution, and each of them with full power to act without the other for her and in her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to execute and file, or cause to be filed, with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") an Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Company's fiscal year ended September 30, 2007 and any and all amendments thereto, and all matters required by the Commission in connection with such Annual Report on Form 10-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done as fully to all intents and purposes as she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set her name and seal the 11th day of December 2007. /s/ Barbara B. Allbritton ------------------------------- Barbara B. Allbritton POWER OF ATTORNEY ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K OF ALLBRITTON COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director or officer, or both, of Allbritton Communications Company (the "Company") constitutes and appoints Jerald N. Fritz and Stephen P. Gibson his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents with full power of substitution and resubstitution, and each of them with full power to act without the other for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to execute and file, or cause to be filed, with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") an Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Company's fiscal year ended September 30, 2007 and any and all amendments thereto, and all matters required by the Commission in connection with such Annual Report on Form 10-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his name and seal the 11th day of December 2007. /s/ Robert L. Allbritton ------------------------------- Robert L. Allbritton POWER OF ATTORNEY ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K OF ALLBRITTON COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director or officer, or both, of Allbritton Communications Company (the "Company") constitutes and appoints Jerald N. Fritz and Stephen P. Gibson his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents with full power of substitution and resubstitution, and each of them with full power to act without the other for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to execute and file, or cause to be filed, with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") an Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Company's fiscal year ended September 30, 2007 and any and all amendments thereto, and all matters required by the Commission in connection with such Annual Report on Form 10-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his name and seal the 11th day of December 2007. /s/ Frederick J. Ryan, Jr. ------------------------------- Frederick J. Ryan, Jr. POWER OF ATTORNEY ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K OF ALLBRITTON COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director or officer, or both, of Allbritton Communications Company (the "Company") constitutes and appoints Jerald N. Fritz his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent with full power of substitution and resubstitution, and with full power to act for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to execute and file, or cause to be filed, with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") an Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Company's fiscal year ended September 30, 2007 and any and all amendments thereto, and all matters required by the Commission in connection with such Annual Report on Form 10-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his name and seal the 11th day of December 2007. /s/ Stephen P. Gibson ------------------------------- Stephen P. Gibson POWER OF ATTORNEY ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K OF ALLBRITTON COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director or officer, or both, of Allbritton Communications Company (the "Company") constitutes and appoints Jerald N. Fritz and Stephen P. Gibson her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents with full power of substitution and resubstitution, and each of them with full power to act without the other for her and in her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to execute and file, or cause to be filed, with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") an Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Company's fiscal year ended September 30, 2007 and any and all amendments thereto, and all matters required by the Commission in connection with such Annual Report on Form 10-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done as fully to all intents and purposes as she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set her name and seal the 11th day of December 2007. /s/ Elizabeth A. Haley ------------------------------- Elizabeth A. Haley EX-31 4 exhibit31_1.txt EXHIBIT 31.1 Certification I, Robert L. Allbritton, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Allbritton Communications Company (the "registrant"); 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have: (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; (b) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and (c) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): (a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and (b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls over financial reporting. Date: December 14, 2007 /s/ Robert L. Allbritton -------------------------------------------- Robert L. Allbritton Chairman and Chief Executive Officer EX-31 5 exhibit31_2.txt EXHIBIT 31.2 Certification I, Stephen P. Gibson, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Allbritton Communications Company (the "registrant"); 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have: (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; (b) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and (c) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): (a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and (b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls over financial reporting. Date: December 14, 2007 /s/ Stephen P. Gibson --------------------------------------------- Stephen P. Gibson Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
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