10-Q 1 g20071e10vq.htm FORM 10-Q e10vq
Table of Contents

 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark one)
     
þ   Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2009 or
     
o   Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from _________ to _________ .
Commission file number 1-13796
Gray Television, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Georgia   58-0285030
     
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
     
4370 Peachtree Road, NE, Atlanta, Georgia   30319
     
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)
(404) 504-9828
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.)
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter periods that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ      No o
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes o      No o
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
             
   Large accelerated filer: o   Accelerated filer: þ   Non-accelerated filer: o   Smaller reporting company: o
        (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o      No þ
     Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practical date.
     
Common Stock, (No Par Value)   Class A Common Stock, (No Par Value)
     
42,861,009 shares outstanding as of July 31, 2009   5,753,020 shares outstanding as of July 31, 2009
 
 

 


 

INDEX
GRAY TELEVISION, INC.
         
    PAGE  
       
 
       
       
 
       
    3  
 
       
    5  
 
       
    6  
 
       
    7  
 
       
    8  
 
       
    19  
 
       
    31  
 
       
    31  
 
       
       
 
       
    31  
 
       
    31  
 
       
    32  
 
       
    32  
 
       
    33  
 EX-31.1
 EX-31.2
 EX-32.1
 EX-32.2

2


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
GRAY TELEVISION, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)
(in thousands)
                 
    June 30,     December 31,  
    2009     2008  
Assets:
               
Current assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 9,786     $ 30,649  
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,372 and $1,543, respectively
    51,472       54,685  
Current portion of program broadcast rights, net
    3,100       10,092  
Deferred tax asset
    1,830       1,830  
Marketable securities
          1,384  
Prepaid and other current assets
    3,970       3,167  
 
           
Total current assets
    70,158       101,807  
 
               
Property and equipment, net
    153,758       162,903  
Deferred loan costs, net
    1,428       2,850  
Broadcast licenses
    818,981       818,981  
Goodwill
    170,522       170,522  
Other intangible assets, net
    1,599       1,893  
Investment in broadcasting company
    13,599       13,599  
Other
    4,629       5,710  
 
           
Total assets
  $ 1,234,674     $ 1,278,265  
 
           
 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
               

3


Table of Contents

GRAY TELEVISION, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)

(in thousands)
                 
    June 30,     December 31,  
    2009     2008  
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:
               
Current liabilities:
               
Trade accounts payable
  $ 6,843     $ 11,515  
Employee compensation and benefits
    8,554       9,603  
Accrued interest
    13,573       9,877  
Other accrued expenses
    4,293       9,128  
Interest rate hedge derivatives
    17,602        
Dividends payable
          3,000  
Federal and state income taxes
    4,181       4,374  
Current portion of program broadcast obligations
    8,181       15,236  
Acquisition related liabilities
    885       980  
Deferred revenue
    8,792       10,364  
Current portion of long-term debt
    8,080       8,085  
 
           
Total current liabilities
    80,984       82,162  
 
               
Long-term debt, less current portion
    787,769       792,295  
Program broadcast obligations, less current portion
    1,094       1,534  
Deferred income taxes
    137,970       143,975  
Long-term deferred revenue
    3,099       3,310  
Long-term accrued dividends
    10,500        
Accrued pension costs
    19,530       18,782  
Interest rate hedge derivatives
          24,611  
Other
    1,973       2,306  
 
           
Total liabilities
    1,042,919       1,068,975  
 
           
 
               
Commitments and contingencies (Note H)
               
 
               
Preferred stock, no par value; cumulative; redeemable; designated 1.00 shares, issued and outstanding 1.00 shares, ($100,000 aggregate liquidation value)
    92,785       92,183  
 
           
 
               
Stockholders’ equity:
               
Common stock, no par value; authorized 100,000 shares, issued 47,511 shares and 47,179 shares, respectively
    453,121       452,289  
Class A common stock, no par value; authorized 15,000 shares, issued 7,332 shares
    15,321       15,321  
Accumulated deficit
    (287,201 )     (263,532 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income tax benefit
    (19,758 )     (24,458 )
 
           
 
    161,483       179,620  
 
               
Treasury stock at cost, common stock, 4,655 shares
    (40,115 )     (40,115 )
Treasury stock at cost, Class A common stock, 1,579 shares
    (22,398 )     (22,398 )
 
           
Total stockholders’ equity
    98,970       117,107  
 
           
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 1,234,674     $ 1,278,265  
 
           
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

4


Table of Contents

GRAY TELEVISION, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
(in thousands except for per share data)
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
Revenues (less agency commissions)
  $ 65,057     $ 78,743     $ 126,411     $ 149,742  
Operating expenses before depreciation, amortization and gain on disposal of assets, net:
                               
Broadcast
    45,167       48,460       90,821       98,476  
Corporate and administrative
    3,592       2,722       7,638       6,261  
Depreciation
    8,253       8,708       16,514       17,593  
Amortization of intangible assets
    145       199       294       398  
Gain on disposals of assets, net
    (1,098 )     (84 )     (2,620 )     (1,005 )
 
                       
 
    56,059       60,005       112,647       121,723  
 
                       
Operating income
    8,998       18,738       13,764       28,019  
Other income (expense):
                               
Miscellaneous income, net
    1       63       13       90  
Interest expense
    (20,007 )     (13,402 )     (30,120 )     (29,201 )
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
                (8,352 )      
 
                       
(Loss) income before income taxes
    (11,008 )     5,399       (24,695 )     (1,092 )
Income tax (benefit) expense
    (4,360 )     2,184       (9,127 )     (457 )
 
                       
Net (loss) income
    (6,648 )     3,215       (15,568 )     (635 )
Preferred dividends (includes accretion of issuance cost of $301, $0, $602, and $0, respectively)
    4,051       125       8,101       125  
 
                       
Net ((loss) income available to common stockholders
  $ (10,699 )   $ 3,090     $ (23,669 )   $ (760 )
 
                       
 
                               
Basic per share information:
                               
Net (loss) income available to common stockholders
  $ (0.22 )   $ 0.06     $ (0.49 )   $ (0.02 )
 
                       
Weighted-average shares outstanding
    48,506       48,235       48,498       48,194  
 
                       
 
                               
Diluted per share information:
                               
Net (loss) income available to common stockholders
  $ (0.22 )   $ 0.06     $ (0.49 )   $ (0.02 )
 
                       
Weighted-average shares outstanding
    48,506       48,273       48,498       48,194  
 
                       
 
                               
Dividends declared per share
  $     $ 0.03     $     $ 0.06  
 
                       
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

5


Table of Contents

GRAY TELEVISION, INC.
CONDENSED CONSlOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Unaudited)
(in thousands except for number of shares)
                                                                                         
                                                                            Accumulated        
    Class A                             Class A     Common     Other        
    Common Stock     Common Stock     Accumulated     Treasury Stock     Treasury Stock     Comprehensive        
    Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Deficit     Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Loss     Total  
Balance at December 31, 2008
    7,331,574     $ 15,321       47,178,948     $ 452,289     $ (263,532 )     (1,578,554 )   $ (22,398 )     (4,654,750 )   $ (40,115 )   $ (24,458 )   $ 117,107  
Net loss
                            (15,568 )                                   (15,568 )
Gain on derivatives, net of income tax
                                                          4,700       4,700  
Preferred stock dividends
                            (8,101 )                                   (8,101 )
Issuance of common stock: 401(k) plan
                332,099       134                                           134  
Stock-based compensation
                      698                                           698  
 
                                                                 
Balance at June 30, 2009
    7,331,574     $ 15,321       47,511,047     $ 453,121     $ (287,201 )     (1,578,554 )   $ (22,398 )     (4,654,750 )   $ (40,115 )   $ (19,758 )   $ 98,970  
 
                                                                 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

6


Table of Contents

GRAY TELEVISION, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
(in thousands)
                 
    Six Months Ended  
    June 30,  
    2009     2008  
Operating activities
               
Net loss
  $ (15,568 )   $ (635 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation
    16,514       17,593  
Amortization of intangible assets
    294       398  
Amortization of deferred loan costs
    181       238  
Amortization of restricted stock awards
    122       198  
Amortization of stock option awards
    576       491  
Write-off loan acquisition costs from early extinguishment of debt
    8,352        
Amortization of program broadcast rights
    7,531       7,672  
Payments on program broadcast obligations
    (7,656 )     (6,441 )
Common stock contributed to 401(K) Plan
    133       1,569  
Deferred income taxes
    (9,010 )     (409 )
Gain on disposal of assets, net
    (2,620 )     (1,005 )
Pension expense net of contributions
    752       1,504  
Other
    (311 )     (304 )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of business acquisitions:
               
Receivables and other current assets
    4,001       4,211  
Accounts payable and other current liabilities
    (7,306 )     (4,143 )
Accrued interest
    4,392       (3,700 )
 
           
Net cash provided by operating activities
    377       17,237  
 
           
 
               
Investing activities
               
Purchases of property and equipment
    (10,224 )     (6,176 )
Proceeds from assets sales
    573       254  
Payments on acquisition-related liabilities
    (352 )     (330 )
Other
    405       (25 )
 
           
Net cash used in investing activities
    (9,598 )     (6,277 )
 
           
 
               
Financing activities
               
Proceeds from borrowings on long-term debt
          16,000  
Repayments of borrowings on long-term debt
    (4,531 )     (85,462 )
Deferred loan costs
    (7,111 )      
Dividends paid, net of accreted preferred dividend
          (2,896 )
Issuance of preferred stock
          68,638  
Other
          (10 )
 
           
Net cash used in financing activities
    (11,642 )     (3,730 )
 
           
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
    (20,863 )     7,230  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    30,649       15,338  
 
           
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 9,786     $ 22,568  
 
           
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

7


Table of Contents

GRAY TELEVISION, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
NOTE A — BASIS OF PRESENTATION
     The accompanying condensed balance sheet as of December 31, 2008, which was derived from audited financial statements, and the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as of and for the period ended June 30, 2009 of Gray Television, Inc. (“we,” “us,” or “our”) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In our opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair statement have been included. Our operations consist of one reportable segment. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 (“fiscal 2008”).
Seasonality
     Broadcast advertising revenues are generally highest in the second and fourth quarters each year, due in part to increases in advertising in the spring and in the period leading up to and including the holiday season. In addition, broadcast advertising revenues are generally higher during even numbered years due to spending by political candidates, which spending typically is heaviest during the fourth quarter. Operating results for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2009 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2009.
Use of Estimates
     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires our management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the unaudited consolidated financial statements and the notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements. Our actual results could differ from these estimates. Estimates are used for the allowance for doubtful accounts in receivables, valuation of goodwill and intangible assets, amortization of program rights and intangible assets, stock-based compensation, pension costs, income taxes, employee medical insurance claims, useful lives of property and equipment, contingencies and litigation.
Earnings Per Share
     Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The weighted-average number of common shares outstanding does not include unvested restricted shares. These shares, although classified as issued and outstanding, are considered contingently returnable until the restrictions lapse and will not be included in the basic earnings per share calculation until the shares are vested. Diluted earnings per share is computed by giving effect to all potentially dilutive common shares, including restricted stock and stock options. The following table reconciles basic weighted-average shares outstanding to diluted weighted-average shares outstanding for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 (in thousands):
                                 
    Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
    June 30,   June 30,
    2009   2008   2009   2008
Weighted-average shares outstanding — basic
    48,506       48,235       48,498       48,194  
Stock options and restricted stock
          38              
 
                               
Weighted-average shares outstanding — diluted
    48,506       48,273       48,498       48,194  
 
                               

8


Table of Contents

NOTE A — BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Continued)
Earnings Per Share (Continued)
     For the periods where we reported losses, all common stock equivalents are excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share, since the result would be antidilutive. Securities that could potentially dilute earnings per share in the future, but which were not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share because to do so would have been antidilutive for the periods presented, are as follows (in thousands):
                                 
    Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
    June 30,   June 30,
    2009   2008   2009   2008
Dilutive securities outstanding at end of period:
                               
Employee stock options
    1,926       2,113       1,926       2,113  
Non-vested restricted stock
    100       183       100       183  
 
                               
Total
    2,026       2,296       2,026       2,296  
Common stock equivalents included in diluted weighted-average shares outstanding
          (38 )            
 
                               
Dilutive securities excluded from diluted weighted-average shares outstanding
    2,026       2,258       2,026       2,296  
 
                               
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
     Our total comprehensive income includes net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss) items listed in the table below (in thousands):
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
Net (loss) income
  $ (6,648 )   $ 3,215     $ (15,568 )   $ (635 )
Change in value of cash flow hedges, net of income tax
    2,162       7,039       4,700       473  
 
                       
Comprehensive net (loss) income
  $ (4,486 )   $ 10,254     $ (10,868 )   $ (162 )
 
                       
Property and Equipment
     Property and equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation is computed principally by the straight-line method. Buildings, towers, improvements and equipment are generally depreciated over estimated useful lives of approximately 35 years, 20 years, 10 years and 5 years, respectively. Maintenance, repairs and minor replacements are charged to operations as incurred; major replacements and betterments are capitalized. The cost of any assets sold or retired and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts at the time of disposition, and any resulting profit or loss is reflected in income or expense for the period.

9


Table of Contents

NOTE A — BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Continued)
Property and Equipment (Continued)
     The following table lists components of property and equipment by major category (in thousands):
                 
    June 30,     December 31,  
    2009     2008  
Property and equipment:
               
Land
  $ 22,471     $ 22,452  
Buildings and improvements
    50,427       49,766  
Equipment
    292,470       296,013  
 
           
 
    365,368       368,231  
Accumulated depreciation
    (211,610 )     (205,328 )
 
           
 
  $ 153,758     $ 162,903  
 
           
Accounting forDerivatives
     We use swap agreements to convert a portion of our variable rate debt to a fixed rate, thus managing exposure to interest rate fluctuations. These risk management activities are transacted with one or more highly rated institutions, reducing the exposure to credit risk in the event of nonperformance by the counterparty. We do not enter into derivative financial investments for trading purposes.
     Under these swap agreements, we receive floating interest at the London interbank offered rate (“LIBOR”) and pay fixed interest. The variable LIBOR rate is reset in three-month periods for the swap agreements. Depending on which rate is lower, the variable LIBOR rate is reset in one-month or three-month periods for the hedged portion of our variable rate debt. Upon entering into the swap agreements, we designated them as hedges of variability of our floating-rate interest payments attributable to changes in three-month LIBOR, the designated interest rate. During the period of each swap agreement, we recognize the swap agreements at their fair value as an asset or liability in our balance sheet and mark the swap agreements to their fair value through other comprehensive income. We recognize floating-rate interest expense from our debt as interest expense in earnings. We recognize the offsetting effect of payments to or receipts from the swap agreements as an addition or offset to interest expense.
     Hedge effectiveness is evaluated at the end of each quarter. We compare the notional amount, the variable interest rate and the settlement dates of the swap agreements to the hedged portion of the debt. Historically, the swap agreements have been highly effective hedges. However, to the extent that any hedge ineffectiveness might occur, it is recognized in earnings during the period that it occurred.
     Upon entering into a swap agreement, we document our hedging relationships and our risk management objectives. Our swap agreements do not include written options. Our swap agreements are intended solely to modify the payments for a recognized liability from a variable rate to a fixed rate. Our swap agreements do not qualify for the short-cut method of accounting because the variable rate debt being hedged is pre-payable. See Note C — Long-Term Debt for further disclosure of our policies regarding derivatives.
Subsequent Events
     We evaluated subsequent events through August 7, 2009, the date of filing this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

10


Table of Contents

NOTE A — BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Continued)
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
     As of January 1, 2009, we adopted the requirements of the following accounting pronouncements without any impact upon our financial statements:
    Staff Position (“FSP”) No. 157-2, “Effective Date of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 157
 
    SFAS No. 141(R), “Business Combinations”
 
    SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements — an amendment of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51”
 
    FSP No. APB 14-1, “Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May Be Settled in Cash Upon Conversion”
 
    FSP No. Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) 03-6-1, “Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities”
 
    FSP No. SFAS 132(R)-1, “Employers’ Disclosures about Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets”
 
    EITF Issue No. 07-1, “Accounting for Collaborative Arrangements”
 
    EITF Issue No. 07-5, “Determining Whether an Instrument (or Embedded Feature) Is Indexed to an Entity’s Own Stock”
     The disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” which took effect on January 1, 2009, are presented in Note C — Long-Term Debt.
     The disclosure requirements of FSP No. FAS 142-3, “Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets,” which took effect on January 1, 2009, are presented in Note I — Goodwill and Intangible Assets.
     As of June 30, 2009, we adopted the requirements of the following accounting pronouncements:
    FSP No. 107-1 and APB 28-1, “Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments,” is effective for interim reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009. This FSP amends Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Statement No. 107, “Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments,” to require disclosures about fair value of financial instruments for interim reporting periods of publicly traded companies as well as in annual financial statements. This FSP also amends APB Opinion No. 28, “Interim Financial Reporting,” to require those disclosures in summarized financial information at interim reporting periods. As this pronouncement is only disclosure-related, it did not have an impact on our financial position and results of operations. The disclosure requirements of this FSP are presented in Note D — Fair Value Measurement.
 
    SFAS No. 165, “Subsequent Events,” is effective for interim reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009. As this pronouncement is only disclosure-related, it did not have an impact on our financial position and results of operations. The disclosure requirements of this FSP are presented below , in Note K — New York Stock Exchange Continued Listing Requirements and in
Note L — Subsequent Event.
 
    FSP No. 157-4, “Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly,” is effective for interim reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009. We adopted the requirements of this accounting pronouncement without any impact upon our financial statements.
Changes in Classifications
     The classification of certain prior period amounts in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets have been changed in order to conform to the current year presentation.

11


Table of Contents

NOTE B — MARKETABLE SECURITIES
     We have historically invested excess cash balances in a highly rated enhanced cash fund managed by Columbia Management Advisers, LLC, a subsidiary of Bank of America, N.A. (“Columbia Management”). We refer to this investment fund as the Columbia Fund.
     On December 6, 2007, Columbia Management initiated a series of steps which included the temporary suspension of all immediate cash distributions from the Columbia Fund and changed its method of valuation from a fixed asset valuation to a fluctuating asset valuation. Since that date, Columbia Management has commenced the liquidation of the Columbia Fund and is distributing cash to investors as quickly as practicable.
     During the six-month periods ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, we recorded a mark-to-market expense of $2,100 and $75,000, respectively.
     During the six-month period ended June 30, 2009, we received cash distributions totaling $1.4 million representing our remaining investment in the Columbia Fund at market value. This final distribution approximated the market value of the investment recorded as of December 31, 2008.
     As of December 31, 2008, our remaining balance in the Columbia Fund was $1.4 million which was net of a $290,000 mark-to-market reserve.
NOTE C — LONG-TERM DEBT
     Long-term debt consists of our senior credit facility as follows (dollars in thousands):
                 
    June 30,     December 31,  
    2009     2008  
Long-term debt:
               
Senior credit facility — current portion
  $ 8,080     $ 8,085  
Senior credit facility — long-term portion
    787,769       792,295  
 
           
Total long-term debt including current portion
  $ 795,849     $ 800,380  
 
           
 
               
Borrowing ability under our senior credit facility
  $ 27,134     $ 12,262  
 
               
Leverage ratio as defined under our senior credit facilty:
               
Actual
    7.98       7.14  
Maximum allowed
    8.25       7.25  
     Our senior credit facility consists of a term loan and a revolving loan. The amounts outstanding under our senior credit facility as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 were comprised solely of the term loan. The revolving loan did not have an outstanding balance as of June 30, 2009 or December 31, 2008. The commitment fee was 0.50% on the available credit under the senior credit facility. Our average debt balance was $798.6 million and $913.9 million during the six-month periods ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The average interest rates on our total debt balances were 7.2% and 6.1% during the six-month periods ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. These average interest rates include the effects of our interest rate swap agreements as described below.
     Under the revolving loan of our amended senior credit facility, the maximum credit available under the facility is $50.0 million. The amount that we can draw upon the revolving loan is limited by the restrictive covenants of our senior credit facility. As of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, we could have drawn $27.1 million and $12.3 million, respectively, of the $50 million maximum amount under the revolving loan.

12


Table of Contents

NOTE C — LONG-TERM DEBT (Continued)
Amendment of Senior Credit Facility
     Effective as of March 31, 2009, we amended our senior credit facility. The terms of our amended senior credit facility include, but are not limited to, an increase in the maximum ratio allowed under our leverage ratio covenant for the year ending December 31, 2009, a general increase in the restrictiveness of our remaining covenants and increased interest rates. In order to obtain this amendment, we incurred loan issuance costs of approximately $7.1 million including legal and professional fees. These fees were funded from our existing cash balances. The amendment of our senior credit facility was determined to be significant and as a result we recorded a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $8.4 million. The amendment to our senior credit facility is included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2008 (the “2008 Form 10-K”) as Exhibit 10.10.
     Without this amendment, we would not have been in compliance with the leverage ratio covenant and such noncompliance would have caused a default under the agreement. This amendment increased our cash interest rate by 2% per annum (200 basis points) and beginning April 1, 2009, requires an additional 3% per annum (300 basis point) facility fee. For the period beginning April 4, 2009 and ending April 30, 2010, the annual facility fee for the term loan and the revolving loan will accrue and be payable on the respective term loan and revolving loan maturity dates. For the period beginning after April 30, 2010 and for the remaining term of the senior credit facility, the annual facility fee will be payable in cash on a quarterly basis and interest will accrue at an annual rate of 6.5% on the facility fee balance accrued as of April 30, 2010.
     As stated above, our senior credit facility requires us to maintain our leverage ratio, as defined in the agreement, below certain maximum amounts. As of December 31, 2008, our leverage ratio was 7.14 compared to the maximum allowed by our senior credit facility of 7.25. As of March 31, 2009, our leverage ratio was 7.48 compared to the maximum ratio allowed by the amended senior credit facility of 8.00. As of June 30, 2009, our leverage ratio was 7.98 compared to the maximum ratio allowed by the amended senior credit facility of 8.25. Prior to the amendment, the maximum total net leverage ratio allowed would have been 7.25 as of March 31, 2009 and June 30, 2009.
     The continuing general economic recession, including the significant decline in advertising by the automotive industry, has adversely impacted our ability to generate cash from operations during the current period and the recent past. If these general economic trends do not begin to gradually improve, then our ability to maintain adequate liquidity and/or compliance with our leverage ratio covenant will come under increased pressure. Compliance with the leverage ratio covenant on or after March 31, 2010 will depend on the interrelationship of our ability to reduce outstanding debt and/or the results of our operations during the intervening future periods. Based upon our financial projections as of the date of filing this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we are likely not to be in compliance with our leverage ratio as of March 31, 2010.
     In the future, if we are unable to maintain compliance with these covenants, including the leverage ratio test, we would use reasonable efforts to seek an amendment or waiver to our senior credit facility. However, in such circumstances, we could provide no assurances that any amendment or waiver would be obtained nor of its terms. In the future, if we are unable to obtain any required waivers or amendments, we would be in default under the senior credit facility and any such default could allow a majority of the lenders to demand an acceleration of the repayment of all outstanding amounts under our senior credit facility.
Interest Rate Swap Agreements
     We entered into three swap agreements during fiscal 2007 for the purpose of converting $465.0 million of our variable rate debt under our senior credit facility to fixed rate debt. These swap agreements continued to be in effect during the six-month period ended June 30, 2009. As of June 30, 2009, the swap agreements had a negative market value of $17.6 million which was recorded as an other current liability. As of December 31, 2008, our swap agreements had a negative market value of $24.6 million. For the six-month periods ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, we recorded income, net of tax, on derivatives as other comprehensive income of $4.7 million and $473,000, respectively. Our three swap agreements are our only existing hedging activities and will expire in April of 2010.

13


Table of Contents

NOTE C — LONG-TERM DEBT (Continued)
Interest Rate Swap Agreements (Continued)
     Beginning in April of 2009, we chose to place our long-term debt, that is being hedged, into a one-month LIBOR contract that is renewed monthly rather than a three-month LIBOR contract that is renewed quarterly. By doing so, we have taken advantage of the lower one-month LIBOR rate. As a result, any hedge ineffectiveness resulting from selecting the one-month LIBOR rate has been recognized in our statement of operations.
     See Note A — Basis of Presentation for further disclosure of our policies regarding derivatives.
NOTE D — FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
     We are parties to financial instruments which are defined, with certain exceptions, as cash, evidence of an ownership interest in an entity and certain contracts. These financial instruments are listed below as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 as follows (in thousands):
                                 
    As of   As of
    June 30 2009   December 31, 2008
    Recorded   Fair   Recorded   Fair
    Value   Value   Value   Value
Assets:
                               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 9,786     $ 9,786     $ 30,649     $ 30,649  
Marketable securites
  $     $     $ 1,384     $ 1,384  
Investment in broadcasting company
  $ 13,599     $ 13,599     $ 13,599     $ 13,599  
 
                               
Liabilities:
                               
Long-term debt including current portion
  $ 795,849     $ 512,243     $ 800,380     $ 312,100  
Interest rate swap agreements
  $ 17,602     $ 17,602     $ 24,611     $ 24,611  
     Fair value of cash and cash equivalents is based upon quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets. These inputs are Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.
     Fair value of our marketable securities, long-term debt including current portion and interest rate swap agreements is based on quoted prices of similar assets in active markets. Valuation of these items does entail significant amount of judgment and the inputs that are significant to the fair value measurement are Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
     Fair value of investment in broadcasting company is based on unobservable inputs that are considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
NOTE E — PREFERRED STOCK
     As of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, we had 1,000 shares of Series D Perpetual Preferred Stock outstanding. The no par value Series D Perpetual Preferred Stock has a liquidation value of $100,000 per share for a total liquidation value of $100.0 million as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008.
     Dividends on our Series D Perpetual Preferred Stock accrued at 12.0% per annum through December 31, 2008 after which the dividend rate increased to 15.0% per annum. We did not fund the Series D Perpetual Preferred Stock cash dividend payments due on January 15, 2009, April 15, 2009 or July 15, 2009 that had accumulated for the three-month periods ended December 31, 2008, March 31, 2009 and June 30, 2009. Our accrued Series D Perpetual Preferred Stock dividend balance as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 was $10.5 million and $3.0 million, respectively. Such deferral of dividend payments is allowable under the terms of the Series D Perpetual Preferred Stock. When three consecutive cash dividend payments with respect to the Series D Perpetual Preferred Stock

14


Table of Contents

NOTE E — PREFERRED STOCK (Continued)
remain unfunded, the dividend rate will increase from 15.0% per annum (or $15 million) to 17.0% per annum (or $17 million). Thus, our Series D Perpetual Preferred Stock dividend began accruing at 17.0% per annum on July 16, 2009 and will accrue at that rate as long as at least three consecutive cash dividend payments remain unfunded.
     While any Series D Perpetual Preferred Stock dividend payments are in arrears, we are prohibited from repurchasing, declaring and/or paying any cash dividend with respect to any equity securities having liquidation preferences equivalent to or junior in ranking to the liquidation preferences of the Series D Perpetual Preferred Stock including our common stock and Class A common stock. We can provide no assurances when any future cash payments will be made on any accumulated and unpaid Series D Perpetual Preferred Stock cash dividends presently in arrears or that become in arrears in the future. The Series D Perpetual Preferred Stock has no mandatory redemption date but may be redeemed at the stockholders’ option on or after June 30, 2015. The deferral of paying cash dividends on our Series D Perpetual Preferred Stock and the corresponding suspension of paying cash dividends on our common and Class A common stock was made to reallocate cash resources to support our ability to pay increased interest costs and/or fees associated with the amendment to our senior credit facility.
NOTE F — RETIREMENT PLANS
     The following table provides the components of net periodic benefit cost for our pension plans for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively (in thousands):
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
Service cost
  $ 774     $ 671     $ 1,551     $ 1,456  
Interest cost
    550       482       1,100       962  
Expected return on plan assets
    (501 )     (406 )     (1,003 )     (882 )
Loss amortization
    102       26       205       49  
 
                       
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 925     $ 773     $ 1,853     $ 1,585  
 
                       
     During the six-month period ended June 30, 2009, we contributed $1.1 million to our pension plans. During the remainder of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 (“fiscal 2009”), we expect to contribute an additional $3.2 million to our pension plans.
NOTE G — STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
     We recognize compensation expense for share-based payment awards made to our employees and directors including stock options and restricted shares under our 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan and the Directors’ Restricted Stock Plan. The following table provides our share-based compensation expense and related income tax benefit for the three-month and six-month periods ending June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively (in thousands).
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
Stock-based compensation expense, gross
  $ 345     $ 395     $ 698     $ 689  
Income tax benefit associated with stock-based compensation
    (135 )     (154 )     (272 )     (269 )
 
                       
Stock-based compensation expense, net
  $ 210     $ 241     $ 426     $ 420  
 
                       

15


Table of Contents

NOTE G — STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Continued)
Long-term Incentive Plan
     During the six-month period ended June 30, 2009, we did not grant any options to our employees to acquire our common stock. During the six-month period ended June 30, 2008, we granted options to our employees to acquire 1.3 million shares of our common stock. The common stock purchase price per the option agreements was equal to the common stock’s closing market price on the date of the grant. The fair value for each stock option granted was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.
     A summary of stock option activity related to our common stock for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 is as follows (option amounts in thousands):
                                 
    Six Months Ended June 30,
    2009   2008
            Weighted-           Weighted-
            Average           Average
            Exercise           Exercise
    Options   Price   Options   Price
Common stock:
                               
Stock options outstanding — beginning of period
    1,949     $ 8.31       842     $ 9.96  
Options granted
        $       1,323     $ 7.53  
Options exercised
        $           $  
Options expired
    (12 )   $ 12.37       (41 )   $ 8.24  
Options forfeited
    (11 )   $ 8.11       (34 )   $ 8.02  
 
                               
Stock options outstanding — end of period
    1,926     $ 8.29       2,090     $ 8.49  
 
                               
 
                               
Exercisable at end of period
    643     $ 9.87       738     $ 10.16  
 
                               
Weighted-average fair value of options granted during the period
          $             $ 1.77  
     For the six-month period ended June 30, 2009, we did not have any options outstanding for our Class A common stock. As of June 30, 2009, the market price of our common stock was less than the exercise prices for all of our outstanding stock options. Therefore, as of that date, our options had no intrinsic value.
     During the six-month period ended June 30, 2009, we did not grant any shares of restricted stock to our directors. During the six-month period ended June 30, 2008, we granted 55,000 shares of our common stock, in total, to our directors under the Directors’ Restricted Stock Plan. The unearned compensation is being amortized as an expense over the vesting period of the restricted common stock. The total amount of unearned compensation is equal to the market value of the shares at the date of grant net of accumulated amortization.

16


Table of Contents

NOTE G — STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Continued)
Long-term Incentive Plan
     The following table summarizes our non-vested restricted shares during the six-month period ended June 30, 2009 (shares in thousands):
                 
            Weighted-
    Number of   Average
    Shares   Fair Value
Restricted Stock:
               
Non-vested common restricted shares, December 31, 2008
    100     $ 6.64  
Granted
           
Vested
           
 
               
Non-vested common restricted shares, June 30, 2009
    100     $ 6.64  
 
               
NOTE H — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Legal Proceedings and Claims
     We are subject to legal proceedings and claims that arise in the normal course of our business. In our opinion, the amount of ultimate liability, if any, with respect to these actions, will not materially affect our financial position.
Sports Marketing Agreement
     On October 12, 2004, the University of Kentucky (“UK”) jointly awarded a sports marketing agreement to us and IMG World, Inc. (“IMG”). The agreement with UK commenced on April 16, 2005 and has an initial term of seven years with the option to extend for three additional years.
     On July 1, 2006, the terms between us and IMG concerning the UK sports marketing agreement were amended. The amended agreement provides that we will share in profits in excess of certain amounts specified by the agreement, if any, but not losses. The agreement also provides that we would separately retain all local broadcast advertising revenue and pay all local broadcast expenses for activities under the agreement. Under the amended agreement, IMG agreed to make all license fee payments to UK. However, if IMG is unable to pay the license fee to UK, we will then pay the unpaid portion of the license fee to UK. As of June 30, 2009, the aggregate license fees to be paid by IMG to UK over the remaining portion of the full ten-year term (assuming, the option to extend is exercised) for the agreement is approximately $49.3 million. If advances are made by us on behalf of IMG, IMG will then reimburse us for the amount paid within 60 days subsequent to the close of each contract year ending on June 30th. IMG has also agreed to pay interest on any advance at a rate equal to the prime rate. As of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, no amounts were outstanding as an advance to UK on behalf of IMG under this agreement.
NOTE I — GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
     Our intangible assets are primarily comprised of network affiliations and broadcast licenses. We did not acquire any network affiliation agreements or broadcast licenses or have any of our network affiliation agreements or broadcast licenses renew during the six-month period ended June 30, 2009. Upon renewal of such intangible assets, we expense all related fees as incurred. There were no triggering events that required a test of impairment of our intangible assets during the six-month period ended June 30, 2009.

17


Table of Contents

NOTE J — INCOME TAXES
     Our recorded income tax expense (benefit) and incurred effective income tax rate are as follows for the respective periods (dollars in thousands):
                                 
    Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
    June 30,   June 30,
    2009   2008   2009   2008
Income tax (benefit) expense
  $ (4,360 )   $ 2,184     $ (9,127 )   $ (457 )
Effective income tax rate
    40 %     40 %     37 %     42 %
     The effective income tax rate for the six-month period ended June 30, 2009 as compared to the six-month period ended June 30, 2008 decreased as a percentage of pre-tax loss primarily as a result of increases to our reserve for uncertain tax positions during the period ended June 30, 2008 and decreases to our reserve for uncertain tax positions during the period ended June 30, 2009.
NOTE K — NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE CONTINUED LISTING REQUIREMENT
     The New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) requires all listed companies to maintain compliance with certain criteria to remain listed on the NYSE. Prior to June 30, 2009, among these listing criteria were requirements for a minimum average market capitalization of $25 million and a minimum average per share stock price of $1.00 over the most recent 30 trading-day period. On June 30, 2009, the NYSE permanently reduced the minimum market capitalization requirement from $25 million to $15 million and temporarily suspended the minimum per share stock price requirement until July 31, 2009. As of June 30, 2009, our average market capitalization was $33.2 million and our average per share stock price for our common stock and Class A common stock were $0.49 and $0.60, respectively. If our average per share stock price does not meet the minimum criteria as of July 31, 2009 and the criteria suspension is not extended beyond July 31, 2009, the NYSE could initiate delisting procedures against us on or about October 7, 2009. If that were to occur, we would seek an alternate exchange for trading of our common stock and Class A common stock.
NOTE L — SUBSEQUENT EVENT
     On July 30, 2009, we announced that Gray had been selected to be a management advisor for seven television stations that are currently operated by Young Broadcasting, Inc. as a Debtor in Possession under a Chapter 11 Bankruptcy filing.
     Gray will provide operational management services for these television stations. We anticipate promptly entering into a definitive management agreement for these services. The Bankruptcy Court has already approved the agreement. The definitive agreement should provide Gray with a $2.2 million per year management fee and further provide us an opportunity to earn additional specified incentive fees if certain performance targets are exceeded. The management services are currently expected to be provided through December 31, 2012.

18


Table of Contents

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Executive Overview
Introduction
     The following analysis of the financial condition and results of operations of Gray Television, Inc. (“we,” “us” or “our”) should be read in conjunction with our financial statements contained in this report and in our Annual Report filed on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, or the 2008 Form 10-K.
Overview
     We own 36 television stations serving 30 television markets. Seventeen of the stations are affiliated with CBS, ten are affiliated with NBC, eight are affiliated with ABC and one is affiliated with FOX. The combined station group has 21 markets with stations ranked #1 in local news audience and 21 markets with stations ranked #1 in overall audience within their respective markets based on the results of the average of the Nielsen November, July, May and February, 2008 ratings reports. Of the 30 markets that we serve, we operate the #1 or #2 ranked station in 29 of those markets. The combined TV station group reaches approximately 6.1% of total U.S. TV households. In addition, we currently operate 38 digital second channels including one affiliated with ABC, four affiliated with FOX, seven affiliated with CW, 16 affiliated with MyNetworkTV and one affiliated with Universal Sports Network, plus eight local news/weather channels and one independent channel in certain of our existing markets. With 17 CBS affiliated stations, we are the largest independent owner of CBS affiliates in the United States.
     Our operating revenues are derived primarily from broadcast and internet advertising and from other sources such as production of commercials, tower rentals and retransmission consent fees.
     Broadcast advertising is sold for placement either preceding or following a television station’s network programming and within local and syndicated programming. Broadcast advertising is sold in time increments and is priced primarily on the basis of a program’s popularity among the specific audience an advertiser desires to reach, as measured by Nielsen. In addition, broadcast advertising rates are affected by the number of advertisers competing for the available time, the size and demographic makeup of the market served by the station and the availability of alternative advertising media in the market area. Broadcast advertising rates are the highest during the most desirable viewing hours, with corresponding reductions during other hours. The ratings of a local station affiliated with a major network can be affected by ratings of network programming.
     Internet advertising is sold on our stations’ websites. These advertisements are sold as banner advertisements on the websites, pre-roll advertisements or video and other types of advertisements.
     Most advertising contracts are short-term and generally run only for a few weeks. Approximately 66.8% of the net revenues of our television stations for the six-month period ended June 30, 2009 were generated from local advertising (including political advertising revenues), which is sold primarily by a station’s sales staff directly to local accounts, and the remainder was represented primarily by national advertising, which is sold by a station’s national advertising sales representative. The stations generally pay commissions to advertising agencies on local, regional and national advertising and the stations also pay commissions to the national sales representative on national advertising.
     Broadcast advertising revenues are generally highest in the second and fourth quarters each year, due in part to increases in advertising in the spring and in the period leading up to and including the holiday season. In addition, broadcast advertising revenues are generally higher during even numbered years due to spending by political candidates, whose spending typically is heaviest during the fourth quarter.
     The primary broadcast operating expenses are employee compensation, related benefits and programming costs. In addition, the broadcasting operations incur overhead expenses, such as maintenance, supplies, insurance, rent and utilities. A large portion of the operating expenses of the broadcasting operations is fixed.

19


Table of Contents

Revenue
     Set forth below are the principal types of revenues, less agency commissions, earned by us for the periods indicated and the percentage contribution of each to our total revenues (dollars in thousands):
                                                                 
    Three Months Ended June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,  
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
            Percent             Percent             Percent             Percent  
    Amount     of Total     Amount     of Total     Amount     of Total     Amount     of Total  
Revenue:
                                                               
Local
  $ 43,272       66.5 %   $ 49,495       62.9 %   $ 82,558       65.3 %   $ 95,214       63.6 %
National
    12,373       19.0 %     18,479       23.4 %     25,248       20.0 %     34,816       23.2 %
Internet
    2,711       4.2 %     3,048       3.9 %     5,275       4.2 %     5,677       3.8 %
Political
    942       1.4 %     4,951       6.3 %     1,951       1.5 %     8,024       5.4 %
Retransmission consent
    3,959       6.1 %     801       1.0 %     7,599       6.0 %     1,447       1.0 %
Production and other
    1,628       2.5 %     1,763       2.2 %     3,470       2.7 %     4,184       2.8 %
Network compensation
    172       0.3 %     206       0.3 %     310       0.3 %     380       0.2 %
 
                                               
Total
  $ 65,057       100.0 %   $ 78,743       100.0 %   $ 126,411       100.0 %   $ 149,742       100.0 %
 
                                               
Results of Operations
Three Months Ended June 30, 2009 (“2009 three-month period”) Compared To Three Months Ended June 30, 2008 (“2008 three-month Period”)
     Revenue. Total revenue decreased $13.7 million, or 17%, to $65.1 million in the 2009 three-month period due primarily to decreased local, national, internet and political advertising revenues, decreased production and other revenue and decreased network compensation revenue. These decreases were partially offset by increased retransmission consent revenue in the current period. Retransmission consent revenue increased $3.2 million, or 394%, to $4.0 million reflecting the more profitable terms of our recently renewed contracts. Local advertising revenues decreased approximately $6.2 million, or 13%, to $43.3 million. National advertising revenues decreased approximately $6.1 million, or 33%, to $12.4 million. Local and national advertising revenue decreased due to reduced spending by advertisers in the current economic recession. Historically, our industry’s largest advertiser category has been the automotive industry. The current recession has significantly reduced the automotive industry’s advertising expenditures. Our automotive advertising revenue decreased approximately 48% compared to the comparable period in the prior year. Internet advertising revenues decreased $0.3 million, or 11%, to $2.7 million due to the same factors affecting our local and national advertising revenue but to a lesser extent. Political advertising revenues decreased $4.0 million, or 81%, to $0.9 million reflecting decreased advertising from political candidates during the “off year” of the two-year political advertising cycle. Production and other revenue decreased $0.1 million, or 8%, to $1.6 million.
     Broadcast expenses. Broadcast expenses (before depreciation, amortization and gain on disposal of assets) decreased $3.3 million, or 7%, to $45.2 million in the 2009 three-month period, due primarily to a reduction in compensation expense of $2.3 million, facility fees of $0.3 million and professional services of $0.3 million, partially offset by an increase in bad debt expense of $0.6 million. Payroll expense decreased primarily due to a reduction in the number of employees. As of June 30, 2009 and 2008, we employed 2,216 and 2,331 total employees, respectively, in our broadcast operations which included full-time and part-time employees. Professional services decreased primarily due to lower national representation fees which are paid based upon a percentage of our lower national revenue. Facility fees decreased primarily due to lower electricity expense resulting from the discontinuance of our analog broadcasts. Bad debt expense increased primarily due to an increased reserve for receivables due from Chrysler LLC.
     Corporate and administrative expenses. Corporate and administrative expenses (before depreciation, amortization and gain on disposal of assets) increased $0.9 million, or 32%, to $3.6 million in the 2009 three-month period due primarily to an increase in compensation expense of $0.6 million and an increase in professional services expense of $0.4 million. This increase in compensation expense was primarily due to increased incentive compensation-related expenses. During the first five months of 2008, we accrued compensation expense for

20


Table of Contents

executive officer bonuses. During the 2008 three-month period, we determined that these executive bonuses would not be paid and as a result the associated accrued expenses were reversed which resulted in a reduction of compensation expense of $780,000. Executive bonuses have not been accrued in fiscal 2009 and as a result we did not have a reduction in fiscal 2009 which was similar to that of the three-month period ended June 30, 2008. Professional services increased primarily due to an increase in legal expenses of $145,000 and an increase in consulting expenses of $100,000 resulting from a consulting agreement with our former Chairman. During the 2009 and 2008 three-month periods, we recorded non-cash stock-based compensation expense of $345,000 and $395,000, respectively.
     Depreciation. Depreciation of property and equipment decreased $0.5 million, or 5%, to $8.3 million during the 2009 three-month period. The decrease in depreciation was the result of reduced capital expenditures in recent years compared to that of prior years. As a result, more assets acquired in prior years have become fully depreciated than have been purchased in recent years.
     (Gain) loss on disposal of assets. Gain on disposal of assets increased $1.0 million to $1.1 million during the 2009 three-month period as compared to the comparable period in the prior year. The Federal Communications Commission (the “FCC”) has mandated that all broadcasters operating microwave facilities on certain frequencies in the 2 GHz band relocate to other frequencies and upgrade their equipment. The spectrum being vacated by broadcasters has been reallocated to third parties who, as part of the overall FCC-mandated spectrum reallocation project, must provide affected broadcasters with new digital microwave replacement equipment at no cost to the broadcaster and also reimburse them for certain associated out-of-pocket expenses. During the three-month period ended June 30, 2009, we recognized a gain of $1.7 million on the disposal of assets associated with the spectrum reallocation project. We did not recognize a similar gain in the three-month period ended June 30, 2008.
     Interest expense. Interest expense increased $6.6 million, or 49%, to $20.0 million for the 2009 three-month period. This increase was attributable to an increase in average interest rates partially offset by a decrease in our average principal outstanding. Average interest rates have increased due to an increase in the margin that we pay over and above the market London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). This margin increased as a result of our amendment of our senior credit facility on March 31, 2009. Our debt balance decreased as a result of repayments funded by our issuance in fiscal 2008 of the Series D Perpetual Preferred Stock. Our average debt balance was $797.5 million and $901.8 million during the 2009 and 2008 three-month periods, respectively. The average interest rates, including the effects of our interest rate swap agreements, on our total debt balances was 9.5% and 5.6% during the 2009 and 2008 three-month periods, respectively.
     Income tax expense or benefit. We recognized an income tax benefit of $4.4 million in the 2009 three-month period compared to an income tax expense of $2.2 million in the 2008 three-month period. The effective income tax rate was 40% for each of the three-month periods ended June 30, 2009 and 2008.
Six Months Ended June 30, 2009 (“2009 six-month period”) Compared To Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (“2008 six-month period”)
     Revenue. Total revenue decreased $23.3 million, or 16%, to $126.4 million in the 2009 six-month period due primarily to decreased local, national, internet and political advertising revenue, decreased production and other revenue and decreased network compensation revenue. These decreases were partially offset by increased retransmission consent revenue in the current period. Retransmission consent revenue increased $6.2 million, or 425%, to $7.6 million reflecting the more profitable terms of our recently renewed contracts. Local advertising revenue decreased approximately $12.7 million, or 13%, to $82.6 million. National advertising revenue decreased approximately $9.6 million, or 27%, to $25.2 million. Local and national advertising revenue decreased due to reduced spending by advertisers in the current economic recession. Historically, our industry’s largest advertiser category has been the automotive industry. The current recession has significantly reduced the automotive industry’s advertising expenditures. Our automotive advertising revenue decreased approximately 45% compared to comparable period of the prior year. The negative effects of the recession were partially offset by increased advertising during the Super Bowl. Net advertising revenue associated with broadcast of the 2009 Super Bowl on our ten NBC affiliated stations approximated $750,000 which is an increase from the approximate $130,000 of Super Bowl revenues earned in 2008 on our then six FOX affiliated channels. Internet advertising revenue

21


Table of Contents

decreased $0.4 million, or 7%, to $5.3 million due to the same factors affecting our local and national advertising revenue but to a lesser extent. Political advertising revenue decreased $6.1 million, or 76%, to $2.0 million reflecting decreased advertising from political candidates during the “off year” of the two-year political advertising cycle. Production and other revenue decreased $0.7 million, or 17%, to $3.5 million.
     Broadcast expenses. Broadcast expenses (before depreciation, amortization and gain on disposal of assets) decreased $7.7 million, or 8%, to $90.8 million in the 2009 six-month period, due primarily to a reduction in compensation expense of $4.5 million, professional services of $0.7 million, facility fees of $0.2 million and supply fees of $0.4 million, partially offset by an increase in bad debt expense of $0.1 million. Compensation expense decreased primarily due to a reduction in the number of employees. As of June 30, 2009 and 2008, we employed 2,216 and 2,331 total employees, respectively, in our broadcast operations which included full-time and part-time employees. Professional services decreased primarily due to lower national representation fees which are paid based upon a percentage of our lower national revenue. Facility fees decreased primarily due to lower electricity expense resulting from the discontinuance of our analog broadcasts. Supply fees decreased due to lower gasoline costs and controls on supply purchases. Bad debt expense increased primarily due to an increased reserve for receivables due from Chrysler LLC.
     Corporate and administrative expenses. Corporate and administrative expenses (before depreciation, amortization and gain on disposal of assets) increased $1.4 million, or 22%, to $7.6 million. The increase was due primarily to increases in compensation expense and professional service expense. This increase in compensation expense was primarily due to an increase in severance expense of $135,000 and an increase in relocation expense of $350,000. Professional services increased primarily due to an increase in legal expenses of $547,000 and an increase in consulting expense of $200,000 resulting from a consulting agreement with our former Chairman. During the 2009 six-month period and the 2008 six-month period, we recorded non-cash stock-based compensation expense of $698,000 and $689,000, respectively.
     Depreciation. Depreciation of property and equipment decreased $1.1 million, or 6%, to $16.5 million for the 2009 six-month period. The decrease in depreciation was the result of reduced capital expenditures in recent years compared to that of prior years. As a result, more assets acquired in prior years have become fully depreciated than have been purchased in recent years.
     (Gain) loss on disposal of assets. Gain on disposal of assets increased $1.6 million to $2.6 million during the 2009 six-month period as compared to the comparable period in the prior year. The FCC has mandated that all broadcasters operating microwave facilities on certain frequencies in the 2 GHz band relocate to other frequencies and upgrade their equipment. The spectrum being vacated by broadcasters has been reallocated to third parties who, as part of the overall FCC-mandated spectrum reallocation project, must provide affected broadcasters with new digital microwave replacement equipment at no cost to the broadcaster and also reimburse them for certain associated out-of-pocket expenses. During the six-month periods ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, we recognized gains of $3.3 million and $1.0 million, respectively, on the disposal of assets associated with the spectrum reallocation project.
     Interest expense. Interest expense increased $0.9 million, or 3%, to $30.1 million for the 2009 six-month period. This increase was attributable to an increase in average interest rates partially offset by a decrease in our average principal outstanding. Average interest rates have increased due to an increase in the margin that we pay over and above the market LIBOR. This margin increased as result of our amendment of our senior credit facility on March 31, 2009. Our debt balance decreased as a result of repayments funded by our issuance in fiscal 2008 of the Series D Perpetual Preferred Stock. Our average debt balance was $798.6 million and $913.9 million during the 2009 six-month period and the 2008 six-month period, respectively. The average interest rates on our total debt balances was 7.2% and 6.1% during the 2009 and 2008 six-month periods, respectively. These interest rates include the effects of our interest rate swap agreements.
     Loss on early extinguishment of debt. On March 31, 2009, we amended our senior credit facility. In order to obtain this amendment, we incurred loan issuance costs of approximately $7.1 million including legal and professional fees. These fees were funded from our existing cash balances. In connection with this transaction, we reported a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $8.4 million in the 2009 six-month period.

22


Table of Contents

     Income tax expense or benefit. We recognized an income tax benefit of $9.1 million in the 2009 six-month period compared to an income tax benefit of $0.5 million in the 2008 six-month period. The effective income tax rate was 37% for the 2009 six-month period and 42% in the 2008 six-month period. The effective income tax rate decreased as a percentage of pre-tax loss primarily as a result of increases to our reserve for uncertain tax positions during the period ended June 30, 2008 and decreases to our reserve for uncertain tax positions during the period ended June 30, 2009.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
General
     The following table presents data that we believe is helpful in evaluating our liquidity and capital resources (in thousands).
                 
    Six Months Ended June 30,
    2009   2008
Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ 377     $ 17,237  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (9,598 )     (6,277 )
Net cash used in financing activities
    (11,642 )     (3,730 )
 
           
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
  $ (20,863 )   $ 7,230  
 
           
 
    As of
    June 30, 2009   December 31, 2008
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 9,786     $ 30,649  
Long-term debt including current portion
  $ 795,849     $ 800,380  
Preferred stock
  $ 92,785     $ 92,183  
Borrowing ability under senior credit facility
  $ 27,134     $ 12,262  
 
               
Leverage ratio as defined under our senior credit facilty:
               
Actual
    7.98       7.14  
Maximum allowed
    8.25       7.25  
Senior Credit Facility
     Effective as of March 31, 2009, we amended our senior credit facility. The terms of our amended senior credit facility include, but are not limited to, an increase in the maximum ratio allowed under our leverage ratio covenant for the year ending December 31, 2009, a general increase in the restrictiveness of our remaining covenants and increased interest rates. In order to obtain this amendment, we incurred loan issuance costs of approximately $7.1 million including legal and professional fees. These fees were funded from our existing cash balances. The amendment of our senior credit facility was determined to be significant and as a result we recorded a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $8.4 million. The amendment to our senior credit facility is included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2008 (the “2008 Form 10-K”) as Exhibit 10.10.
     Without this amendment, we would not have been in compliance with the leverage ratio covenant and such noncompliance would have caused a default under the agreement. This amendment increased our cash interest rate by 2% per annum (200 basis points) and beginning April 1, 2009, requires an additional 3% per annum (300 basis point) facility fee. Our senior credit facility is comprised of a revolving loan and a term loan. For the period beginning April 4, 2009 and ending April 30, 2010, the annual facility fee for the term loan and the revolving loan will accrue and be payable on the respective term loan and revolving loan maturity dates. For the period beginning after April 30, 2010 and for the remaining term of the senior credit facility, the annual facility fee will be payable in cash on a quarterly basis and interest will accrue at an annual rate of 6.5% on the facility fee balance accrued as of April 30, 2010.

23


Table of Contents

     The amount outstanding under our senior credit facility as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 was $795.8 million and $800.4 million, respectively, comprised solely of the term loan. The revolving credit facility did not have an outstanding balance as of June 30, 2009 or December 31, 2008. Under the revolving loan of our amended senior credit facility, the maximum credit available under the facility is $50.0 million. The amount that we can draw upon the revolving loan is limited by the restrictive covenants of our senior credit facility. As of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, we could have drawn $27.1 million and $12.3 million, respectively, of the $50 million maximum amount under the revolving loan.
     As stated above, our senior credit facility requires us to maintain our leverage ratio, as defined in the agreement, below certain maximum amounts. As of December 31, 2008, our leverage ratio was 7.14 compared to the maximum allowed by our senior credit facility of 7.25. As of March 31, 2009, our leverage ratio was 7.48 compared to the maximum ratio allowed by the amended senior credit facility of 8.00. As of June 30, 2009, our leverage ratio was 7.98 compared to the maximum ratio allowed by our amended senior credit facility of 8.25. Prior to the amendment, the maximum total net leverage ratio allowed would have been 7.25 as of March 31, 2009 and June 30, 2009.
     Assuming we maintain compliance with our senior credit facility leverage ratio covenant, we believe that current cash balances, cash flows from operations and any available funds under the revolving credit line of our senior credit facility will be adequate to provide for our capital expenditures, debt service and working capital requirements through June 30, 2010. As of June 30, 2009, we are in compliance with all covenants under the senior credit facility.
     The continuing general economic recession, including the significant decline in advertising by the automotive industry, has adversely impacted our ability to generate cash from operations during the current period and the recent past. If these general economic trends do not begin to gradually improve, then our ability to maintain adequate liquidity and/or compliance with our leverage ratio covenant will come under increased pressure. Compliance with the leverage ratio covenant on or after March 31, 2010 will depend on the interrelationship of our ability to reduce outstanding debt and/or the results of our operations during the intervening future periods. Based upon our financial projections as of the date of filing this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we are likely not to be in compliance with our leverage ratio as of March 31, 2010.
     In the future, if we are unable to maintain compliance with these covenants, including the leverage ratio test, we would use reasonable efforts to seek an amendment or waiver to our senior credit facility. However, in such circumstances, we could provide no assurances that any amendment or waiver would be obtained nor of its terms. In the future, if we are unable to obtain any required waivers or amendments, we would be in default under the senior credit facility and any such default could allow a majority of the lenders to demand an acceleration of the repayment of all outstanding amounts under our senior credit facility.
Series D Perpetual Preferred Stock
     Dividends on our Series D Perpetual Preferred Stock accrued at 12.0% per annum through December 31, 2008 after which the dividend rate increased to 15.0% per annum. We did not fund the Series D Perpetual Preferred Stock cash dividend payments due on January 15, 2009, April 15, 2009 or July 15, 2009 that had accumulated for the three-month periods ended December 31, 2008, March 31, 2009 and June 30, 2009. Our accrued Series D Perpetual Preferred Stock dividend balance as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 was $10.5 million and $3.0 million, respectively. Such deferral of dividend payments is allowable under the terms of the Series D Perpetual Preferred Stock. When three consecutive cash dividend payments with respect to the Series D Perpetual Preferred Stock remain unfunded, the dividend rate will increase from 15.0% per annum (or $15 million) to 17.0% per annum (or $17 million). Thus, our Series D Perpetual Preferred Stock dividend began accruing at 17.0% per annum on July 16, 2009 and will accrue at that rate as long as at least three consecutive cash dividend payments remain unfunded.
     While any Series D Perpetual Preferred Stock dividend payments are in arrears, we are prohibited from repurchasing, declaring and/or paying any cash dividend with respect to any equity securities having liquidation preferences equivalent to or junior in ranking to the liquidation preferences of the Series D Perpetual Preferred

24


Table of Contents

Stock including our common stock and Class A common stock. We can provide no assurances when any future cash payments will be made on any accumulated and unpaid Series D Perpetual Preferred Stock cash dividends presently in arrears or that become in arrears in the future. The Series D Perpetual Preferred Stock has no mandatory redemption date but may be redeemed at the stockholders’ option on or after June 30, 2015. The deferral of paying cash dividends on our Series D Perpetual Preferred Stock and the corresponding suspension of paying cash dividends on our common and Class A common stock was made to reallocate cash resources to support our ability to pay increased interest costs and/or fees associated with the amendment to our senior credit facility.
Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Operating, Investing and Financing Activities
     Net cash provided by operating activities was $0.4 million in the 2009 six-month period compared to $17.2 million in the 2008 six-month period. The decrease in cash provided by operations is primarily due to a decrease in revenue and an increase in corporate expenses partially offset by a decrease in broadcast expenses.
     Net cash used in investing activities was $9.6 million in the 2009 six-month period compared to net cash used in investing activities of $6.3 million for the 2008 six-month period. The increase in cash used in investing activities was largely due to increased spending for equipment resulting from our transition to digital from analog broadcasting.
     Net cash used in financing activities in the 2009 six-month period was $11.6 million. Net cash used in financing activities in the 2008 six-month period was $3.7 million. This increase in cash used was due primarily to payments in 2009 of $7.1 million for the amendment of our senior credit facility. Also, we did not pay any common stock or preferred stock dividends in the six-month period ended June 30, 2009. In the 2008 six-month period, we issued Series D Perpetual Preferred Stock and used the net proceeds to reduce our outstanding long-term debt balance. We did not issue any Series D Perpetual Preferred Stock in the 2009 six-month period.
Income Taxes
     We file a consolidated federal income tax return and such state or local tax returns as are required. Although we may earn taxable operating income in future years, as of June 30, 2009, we anticipate that through the use of our available loss carryforwards we will not pay significant amounts of federal or state income taxes in the next several years. However, we estimate that we will pay state income taxes in certain states over the next several years.
Capital Expenditures
     Capital expenditures in the 2009 six-month period and the 2008 six-month period were $10.2 million and $6.2 million, respectively. The 2009 six-month period included, in part, capital expenditures relating to the conversion of analog broadcasts to digital broadcasts upon the final cessation of analog transmissions while the 2008 six-month period did not contain comparable projects.
Other
     During the 2009 six-month period, we contributed $1.1 million to our pension plans. During the remainder of fiscal 2009, we expect to contribute an additional $3.2 million to our pension plans.
     We do not believe that inflation has had a significant impact on our results of operations nor is inflation expected to have a significant effect upon our business in the near future.
Critical Accounting Policies
     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make judgments and estimations that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. We consider our accounting policies relating to intangible assets and income taxes to be critical policies that require judgments or estimations in their application where variances in those judgments or estimations could make a significant difference to future reported results. Our policies concerning intangible assets are disclosed below. See our 2008 Form 10-K for a full disclosure of our policies concerning income taxes.

25


Table of Contents

Annual Impairment Testing of Broadcast Licenses and Goodwill
     The annual impairment testing of broadcast licenses and goodwill for each individual television station requires an estimation of the “fair value” of each broadcast license and the fair value of the entire television station for evaluating goodwill. Such estimations generally rely on analysis of public and private comparative sales data as well as discounted cash flow analysis that inherently requires multiple assumptions relating to the future prospects of each individual television station including, but not limited to, the long-term market growth characteristics, a station’s viewing audience, station revenue shares within a market, future operating expenses, costs of capital and appropriate discount rates. We believe that the assumptions we utilize in analyzing potential impairment of broadcast licenses and/or goodwill for each of our television stations are reasonable individually and in the aggregate. However, these assumptions are highly subjective and changes in any one assumption, or a combination of assumptions, could produce significant differences in the calculated outcomes.
     To estimate the fair value of our reporting units, we utilize a discounted cash flow model. We believe that a discounted cash flow analysis is the most appropriate methodology to test the carrying value of long-term assets with a demonstrated long-lived / enduring franchise value. We believe the results of the discounted cash flow and market multiple approaches provide reasonable estimates of the fair value of our reporting units because these approaches are based on our actual results and best estimates of fiscal 2009 annual performance, as well as considering a number of other factors, including but not limited to, future market revenue growth, market revenue shares and operating profit margins in future periods. We have consistently used these approaches in determining the value of our goodwill. We also consider a market approach utilizing market multiples to corroborate the discounted cash flow analysis. We believe that this methodology is consistent with the approach that any strategic market participant would utilize if they were to value one of our television stations.
     As of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the book value of our broadcast licenses and goodwill was approximately $819.0 million and $170.5 million, respectively. During the fourth quarter of 2008, we recorded a non-cash impairment expense of $338.7 million resulting from a write-down of $98.6 million in the carrying value of our goodwill and a write-down of $240.1 million in the carrying value of our broadcast licenses.
     We test for impairment of broadcast licenses and goodwill on an annual basis on the last day of each fiscal year. However, we will test for impairment during any reporting period if certain triggering events were to occur. No such triggering events occurred in the six-month period ended June 30, 2009. Therefore, the two most recent impairment testing dates were as of December 31, 2008 and 2007. A summary of the significant assumptions used in our impairment analysis of broadcast licenses and goodwill as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 are presented below. Following the summary of assumptions is a sensitivity analysis of those assumptions. Our reporting units, allocations of our broadcast licenses and goodwill and our methodologies were consistent as of both testing dates.

26


Table of Contents

Summary:
                 
    As of December 31,
    2008   2007
    (dollars in millions)
Pre-tax impairment charge:
               
Broadcast licenses
  $ 240.1   $
Goodwill
  $ 98.6   $
 
               
Significant assumptions:
               
Forecast period
    10 years     10 years
Increase or (decrease) in market advertising revenue for projection year 1 compared to latest historical period (1)
    (15.8)% to (2.3)%     9.7% to 26.1%
Positive or (negative) advertising revenue growth rate for forecast period (1)
    1.1% to 3.4%     (2.6)% to (1.1)%
Operating cash flow margin:
               
Broadcast licenses
    11.0% to 50.0%     9.7% to 58.7%
Goodwill
    11.5% to 50.0%     9.7% to 58.7%
Discount rate:
               
Broadcast licenses
    10.50%     8.00%
Goodwill
    11.50%     8.00%
 
(1)   Assumptions relating to advertising growth rates can vary significantly from year to year depending on if the first year of the respective projection period is an even or odd numbered year reflecting the significant cyclical impact of political advertising in even numbered years. The fiscal 2007 analysis anticipated substantial increases in revenues for fiscal 2008. As a result, overall future revenue growth rates, throughout the projection period for each station, are low given the cyclical high starting point of these projections. Conversely, since the fiscal 2008 analysis anticipated cyclically low revenues for fiscal 2009, the subsequent growth rates are higher given this low starting point for the projections.
                 
    Hypothetical Increase In Recorded
    Impairment Charge
    As of December 31, 2008
    Broadcast License   Goodwill
    (in millions)
Hypothetical change:
               
A 100 basis point decrease in advertising revenue growth rate throughout the forecast period
  $ 111.3     $ 22.7  
A 100 basis point decrease in operating cash flow margin throughout the forecast period
  $ 22.6     $ 3.6  
A 100 basis point increase in the applicable discount rate
  $ 107.2     $ 23.8  
A 5% reduction in the fair value of broadcast licenses and enterprise values
  $ 33.6     $ 8.1  
A 10% reduction in the fair value of broadcast licenses and enterprise values
  $ 69.3     $ 16.2  
 
               
     These non-cash impairment charges do not have any direct impact on our liquidity, senior credit facility compliance or future results of operations. Our historical operating results may not be indicative of our future operating results. Our future ten-year discounted cash flow analysis which fundamentally supports our fiscal 2008 impairment charges reflected assumptions relating to the impact of the current general economic recession and dislocation of the credit markets. As a result, we lowered our projected overall advertising revenues available in each of our markets throughout our ten-year projection period and we in turn lowered our projections for individual television station revenues, operating cash flow margins and net cash flows for our impairment testing in fiscal 2008

27


Table of Contents

compared to fiscal 2007. The current general economic climate has also caused us to assume that the general economic conditions would begin a gradual recovery in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 but that future growth rates in advertising revenues would be lower than rates assumed in previous years.
     In addition, the current dislocation of the credit markets caused us to increase our assumed discount rate to 10.5% for valuing broadcast licenses and to 11.5% for valuing goodwill in fiscal 2008 as compared to the 8.0% discount rate used to value both broadcast licenses and goodwill in fiscal 2007. The discount rates used in our impairment analysis were based upon the after-tax rate determined using a weighted-average cost of capital calculation for media companies. In calculating the discount rates, we considered estimates of the long-term mean market return, industry beta, corporate borrowing rate, average industry debt to capital ratio, average industry equity capital ratio, risk free rate and the tax rate. We believe using a discount rate based on a weighted-average cost of capital calculation for media companies is appropriate because it would be reflective of rates active participants in the media industry would utilize in valuing broadcast licenses and/or broadcast enterprises.
Valuation of Broadcast Licenses
     Broadcast licenses of television stations acquired prior to January 1, 2002 are valued using a residual basis methodology (analogous to “goodwill”) where the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of all identified tangible and intangible assets was attributed to the broadcast license. This residual basis approach will generally produce higher valuations of broadcast licenses when compared to applying an income method as discussed below. The book value of these broadcast licenses as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 was approximately $341.0 million. The pre-tax impairment charge recorded as of December 31, 2008 for these broadcast licenses approximated $129.6 million. We did not record a similar impairment charge during the six-month period ended June 30, 2009.
     Broadcast licenses of television stations acquired after December 31, 2001 are valued using an income approach. Under this approach, a broadcast license is valued based on analyzing the estimated after-tax discounted future cash flows of the station, assuming an initial hypothetical start-up operation maturing into an average performing station in a specific television market and giving consideration to other relevant factors such as the technical qualities of the broadcast license and the number of competing broadcast licenses within that market. This income approach will generally produce lower valuations of broadcast licenses when compared to applying a residual method as discussed above. The book value of these broadcast licenses as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 was approximately $478.0 million. The pre-tax impairment charge recorded as of December 31, 2008 for these broadcast licenses approximated $110.5 million. We did not record a similar impairment charge during the six-month period ended June 30, 2009.
     At the September 2004 meeting of the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”), the SEC Observer clarified the SEC Staff’s position on the use of the residual method for valuation of acquired assets other than goodwill which is referred to as topic D-108. The SEC Staff believed that the residual method did not comply with the requirements of SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations” (“SFAS No. 141”) when used to value certain intangible assets that arise from legal or contractual rights. Accordingly, the SEC Staff believed that the residual method should no longer be used to value intangible assets other than goodwill. Registrants were required to apply the income approach to such assets acquired in business combinations completed after September 29, 2004, and perform impairment tests using an income approach on all intangible assets that were previously valued using the residual method no later than the beginning of their first fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2004.
     Effective January 1, 2005, we adopted the provisions of this announcement and performed a valuation assessment of its broadcast licenses using the income approach. The implementation of this pronouncement did not require us to record an impairment charge in the first quarter of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005. However, applying the income approach to value broadcast licenses originally valued using a residual method may place a greater possibility of future impairment charges on those broadcast licenses due to the inherent “miss-match” of the fundamental assumptions between the current valuation method (a hypothetical start-up value) in comparison to the method utilized to first establish the initial value of the broadcast license (a mature station’s residual enterprise value).

28


Table of Contents

Valuation of Goodwill
     For purposes of testing goodwill impairment, each of our individual television stations is a separate reporting unit. We review each television station for possible goodwill impairment by comparing the estimated market value of each respective reporting unit to the carrying value of that reporting unit’s net assets. If the estimated market values exceed the net assets, no goodwill impairment is deemed to exist. If the fair value of the reporting unit does not exceed the carrying value of that reporting unit’s net assets, we then perform, on a notional basis, a purchase price allocation applying the guidance of SFAS No. 141 by allocating the reporting unit’s fair value to the fair value of all tangible and identifiable intangible assets with residual fair value representing the implied fair value of goodwill of that reporting unit. The carrying value of goodwill for the reporting unit is written down to this implied value.
     To estimate the fair value of our reporting units, we utilize a discounted cash flow model. We believe that a discounted cash flow analysis is the most appropriate methodology to test the carrying value of long-term assets with a demonstrated long-lived / enduring franchise value. We believe the results of the discounted cash flow and market multiple approaches provide reasonable estimates of the fair value of our reporting units because these approaches are based on our actual results and best estimates of fiscal 2009 annual performance, as well as considering a number of other factors, including but not limited to, future market revenue growth, market revenue shares and operating profit margins in future periods. We have consistently used these approaches in determining the value of our goodwill. We also consider a market approach utilizing market multiples to corroborate the discounted cash flow analysis. We believe that this methodology is consistent with the approach that any strategic market participant would utilize if they were to value one of our television stations.
Valuation of Network Affiliation Agreements
     Some broadcast companies may use methods to value acquired network affiliations different than those that we use. These different methods may result in significant variances in the amount of purchase price allocated to these assets among broadcast companies.
     Some broadcasting companies account for network affiliations as a significant component of the value of a station. These companies believe that stations are popular because they have generally been affiliating with networks from the inception of network broadcasts, stations with network affiliations have the most successful local news programming and the network affiliation relationship enhances the audience for local syndicated programming. As a result, these broadcast companies allocate a significant portion of the purchase price for any station that they may acquire to the network affiliation relationship.
     We ascribe no incremental value to the incumbent network affiliation relationship in a market beyond the cost of negotiating a new agreement with another network and the value of any terms of the affiliation agreement that were more favorable or unfavorable than those generally prevailing in the market. Instead, we believe that the value of a television station is derived primarily from the attributes of its broadcast license. These attributes have a significant impact on the audience for network programming in a local television market compared to the national viewing patterns of the same network programming.
     We have acquired a total of 19 television stations since 2002. The methodology we used to value these stations was based on our evaluation of the broadcast licenses acquired and the characteristics of the markets in which they operated. Given our assumptions and the specific attributes of the stations we acquired during 2002 through 2009, we ascribed no incremental value to the incumbent network affiliation relationship in each market beyond the cost of negotiating a new agreement with another network and the value of any terms of the affiliation agreement that were more favorable or unfavorable than those generally prevailing in the market.
     Certain other broadcasting companies have valued network affiliations on the basis that it is the affiliation and not the other attributes of the station, including its broadcast license, which contributes to the operational performance of that station. As a result, we believe that these broadcasting companies include in their network affiliation valuation amounts related to attributes which we believe are more appropriately reflected in the value of the broadcast license or goodwill.

29


Table of Contents

     If we were to assign higher values to all of our network affiliations and less value to our broadcast licenses or goodwill and if it is further assumed that such higher values of the network affiliations are definite-lived intangible assets, this reallocation of value might have a significant impact on our operating results. It should be noted that there is a diversity of practice and some broadcast companies have considered such network affiliation intangible assets to have a life ranging from 15 to 40 years depending on the specific assumptions utilized by those broadcast companies.
     The following table reflects the hypothetical impact of the hypothetical reassignment of value from broadcast licenses to network affiliations for all our prior acquisitions (the first acquisition being in 1994) and the resulting increase in amortization expense assuming a hypothetical 15-year amortization period as of our most recent impairment testing date of December 31, 2008 (in thousands, except per share data):
                         
            Percentage of Total
            Value reassigned to
            Network
    As   Affiliation Agreements
    Reported   50%   25%
Balance Sheet (As of December 31, 2008):
                       
Broadcast licenses
  $ 818,981     $ 487,969     $ 653,475  
Other intangible assets, net (including network affiliation agreements)
    1,893       332,905       167,399  
Statement of Operations (For the year ended December 31, 2008):
                       
Amortization of intangible assets
    792       37,884       19,338  
Operating loss
    (258,895 )     (295,987 )     (277,441 )
Net loss
    (202,016 )     (224,642 )     (213,329 )
Net loss available to common stockholders
    (208,609 )     (231,235 )     (219,922 )
Net loss available to common stockholders, per share — basic and diluted
  $ (4.32 )   $ (4.79 )   $ (4.55 )
     In future acquisitions, the valuation of the network affiliations may differ from the values of previous acquisitions due to the different characteristics of each station and the market in which it operates.
Market Capitalization
     When we test our broadcast licenses and goodwill for impairment, we also give consideration to our market capitalization. During 2008, we experienced a decline in our market capitalization due to a decline in our stock price. As of December 31, 2008, our market capitalization was less than our book value and it remains less than book value as of the date of this filing. We believe the decline in our stock price has, in part, been influenced by the current national credit crises and national economic recession. We believe that it is appropriate to view the current credit crisis and recession as relatively temporary in relation to reporting units that have demonstrated long-lived / enduring franchise value. Accordingly, we believe that a variance between market capitalization and fair value can exist and that difference could be significant at points in time due to intervening macroeconomic influences.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
     Various authoritative accounting organizations have issued accounting pronouncements that we will be required to adopt at a future date. Either we have reviewed these pronouncements and concluded that their adoption will not have a material affect upon our liquidity or results of operations or we are continuing to evaluate the pronouncements. See Note A. “Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere herein for further discussion of recent accounting principles.

30


Table of Contents

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
     This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this Quarterly Report, the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates” and similar words and expressions are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. Statements that describe our projected senior credit facility compliance, our anticipated contract to manage Young Broadcasting stations and NYSE continued listing compliance are also forward-looking statements. Readers of this Quarterly Report are cautioned that any forward-looking statements, including those regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of our management, are not guarantees of future performance, results or events and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results and events may differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors including, but not limited to, those listed in Item 1A of our 2008 Form 10-K and the other factors described from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The forward-looking statements included in this Quarterly Report are made only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except as required by law.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk
     We believe that the market risk of our financial instruments as of June 30, 2009 has not materially changed since December 31, 2008. The market risk profile on December 31, 2008 is disclosed in our 2008 Form 10-K.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
     As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, an evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, the CEO and the CFO have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or furnish under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and to ensure that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the six months ended June 30, 2009 identified in connection with this evaluation that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
     The information contained in “Note H — Commitments and Contingencies” to our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements filed as part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
     Please refer to Part I, Item 1A in our 2008 Form 10-K for a complete description of our risk factors. There have been no subsequent material changes in our risk factors.

31


Table of Contents

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
     The following matters were voted upon at our 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, on June 10, 2009, and votes were cast as indicated:
     (a) Our shareholders voted on the election of the following nominees for director and votes were cast as indicated. Each nominee was elected as a director:
                 
    Class A Votes and
    Common Stock Votes
Nominee   For   Withheld
Richard L. Boger
    86,423,618       914,300  
Ray M. Deaver
    86,237,909       1,100,009  
T. L. Elder
    86,445,885       892,033  
Hilton H. Howell, Jr.
    86,359,277       978,641  
William E. Mayher, III
    86,451,185       886,733  
Zell B. Miller
    86,474,879       863,039  
Howell W. Newton
    86,461,978       875,940  
Hugh E. Norton
    85,367,268       1,970,650  
Robert S. Prather, Jr.
    86,494,066       843,852  
Harriett J. Robinson
    86,448,371       889,547  
J. Mack Robinson
    86,375,006       962,912  
     (b) Our shareholders voted on a proposal to amend our Employee Stock Purchase Plan, or ESPP, to increase by 600,000 the number of shares of our common stock reserved for issuance under our ESPP. The proposal was approved.
                                 
    Class A Votes and Common Stock Votes
                            Broker
    For   Against   Abstain   Non-Votes
Amendment of our ESPP
    61,671,887       458,869       313,052       24,894,109  
Item 6. Exhibits
Exhibit 31.1 Rule 13(a) — 14(a) Certificate of Chief Executive Officer
Exhibit 31.2 Rule 13(a) — 14(a) Certificate of Chief Financial Officer
Exhibit 32.1 Section 1350 Certificate of Chief Executive Officer
Exhibit 32.2 Section 1350 Certificate of Chief Financial Officer

32


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
         
  GRAY TELEVISION, INC.
(Registrant)
 
 
Date: August 7, 2009  By:   /s/ James C. Ryan    
    James C. Ryan,   
    Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer   

33