10-Q 1 a07-19202_110q.htm 10-Q

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

 

 

 

 

 

x

 

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

 

 

 

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2007

 

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: 000-26076

 

SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

Maryland

 

 

 

52-1494660

(State or other jurisdiction of Incorporation or organization)

 

 

 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

10706 Beaver Dam Road
Hunt Valley, Maryland 21030

(Address of principal executive offices, zip code)

 

(410) 568-1500

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

None

(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 period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.   Yes x      No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.  See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (check one):

Large accelerated filer o         Accelerated filer x         Non-accelerated filer o

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock as of the latest practicable date.

Title of each class

 

Number of shares outstanding as of
August 3, 2007

Class A Common Stock

 

52,818,338

Class B Common Stock

 

34,453,859

 

 




 

SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC.

FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2007

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I.

 

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 1.

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 2.

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 3.

 

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 4.

 

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PART II.

 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 1.

 

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 1A.

 

RISK FACTORS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 4.

 

SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 6.

 

EXHIBITS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

 

 

2




 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

As of June 30,
2007

 

As of December 31,
2006

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

9,181

 

$

67,408

 

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,982 and $3,985, respectively

 

133,752

 

130,227

 

Affiliate receivable

 

12

 

12

 

Current portion of program contract costs

 

39,623

 

65,322

 

Income taxes receivable

 

12,665

 

3,625

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

14,661

 

12,904

 

Deferred barter costs

 

3,260

 

2,509

 

Deferred tax assets

 

8,313

 

8,340

 

Total current assets

 

221,467

 

290,347

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROGRAM CONTRACT COSTS, less current portion

 

31,739

 

49,187

 

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net

 

263,721

 

274,962

 

GOODWILL, net

 

1,017,813

 

1,007,268

 

BROADCAST LICENSES, net

 

409,620

 

409,620

 

DEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net

 

194,854

 

205,147

 

OTHER ASSETS

 

43,568

 

35,049

 

Total assets

 

$

2,182,782

 

$

2,271,580

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

4,189

 

$

4,849

 

Accrued liabilities

 

76,200

 

89,695

 

Current portion of notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing

 

43,441

 

98,265

 

Current portion of notes and capital leases payable to affiliates

 

3,804

 

3,985

 

Current portion of program contracts payable

 

66,706

 

85,746

 

Deferred barter revenues

 

3,044

 

2,388

 

Total current liabilities

 

197,384

 

284,928

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing, less current portion

 

1,292,060

 

1,290,899

 

Notes payable and capital leases to affiliates, less current portion

 

18,674

 

20,474

 

Program contracts payable, less current portion

 

76,919

 

97,369

 

Deferred tax liabilities

 

278,357

 

282,317

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

61,687

 

28,263

 

Total liabilities

 

1,925,081

 

2,004,250

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MINORITY INTEREST IN CONSOLIDATED ENTITIES

 

705

 

685

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

 

 

 

 

 

Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized, 51,570,203 and 47,552,682 shares issued and outstanding, respectively

 

516

 

476

 

Class B Common Stock, $.01 par value, 140,000,000 shares authorized, 35,687,593 and 38,348,331 shares issued and outstanding, respectively, convertible into Class A Common Stock

 

357

 

383

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

613,579

 

596,667

 

Accumulated deficit

 

(355,100

)

(328,406

)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(2,356

)

(2,475

)

Total shareholders’ equity

 

256,996

 

266,645

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

2,182,782

 

$

2,271,580

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

3




 

SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited)

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

REVENUES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Station broadcast revenues, net of agency commissions

 

$

161,427

 

$

163,771

 

$

311,596

 

$

311,696

 

Revenues realized from station barter arrangements

 

15,772

 

13,629

 

29,571

 

25,434

 

Other operating divisions’ revenues

 

3,466

 

7,692

 

6,353

 

11,429

 

Total revenues

 

180,665

 

185,092

 

347,520

 

348,559

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING EXPENSES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Station production expenses

 

39,279

 

37,085

 

75,905

 

75,194

 

Station selling, general and administrative expenses

 

34,637

 

34,633

 

68,915

 

68,780

 

Expenses recognized from station barter arrangements

 

14,279

 

12,503

 

26,744

 

23,328

 

Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments

 

23,108

 

22,683

 

44,492

 

41,306

 

Other operating divisions’ expenses

 

4,079

 

7,773

 

7,625

 

11,762

 

Depreciation of property and equipment

 

11,632

 

12,686

 

22,529

 

24,973

 

Corporate general and administrative expenses

 

7,427

 

6,113

 

13,391

 

11,919

 

Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets

 

4,365

 

4,435

 

8,732

 

8,760

 

Total operating expenses

 

138,806

 

137,911

 

268,333

 

266,022

 

Operating income

 

41,859

 

47,181

 

79,187

 

82,537

 

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense and amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs

 

(25,887

)

(28,625

)

(52,269

)

(58,335

)

Interest income

 

1,701

 

304

 

2,089

 

350

 

Gain (loss) from sale of assets

 

4

 

18

 

(8

)

(269

)

Loss from extinguishment of debt

 

(14,967

)

(256

)

(30,648

)

(879

)

(Loss) gain from derivative instruments

 

(1,654

)

26

 

(597

)

2,907

 

(Loss) income from equity and cost method investments

 

(880

)

36

 

(892

)

6,135

 

Other income, net

 

455

 

607

 

676

 

482

 

Total other expense

 

(41,228

)

(27,890

)

(81,649

)

(49,609

)

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

 

631

 

19,291

 

(2,462

)

32,928

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME TAX BENEFIT (PROVISION)

 

1,195

 

(8,498

)

2,038

 

(15,059

)

Income (loss) from continuing operations

 

1,826

 

10,793

 

(424

)

17,869

 

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of related income tax benefit (provision) of $371, ($510), $232 and $604, respectively

 

371

 

(510

)

232

 

658

 

Gain from discontinued operations, net of related income tax provision of $0, $0, $0 and $885, respectively

 

 

 

 

1,774

 

NET INCOME (LOSS)

 

$

2,197

 

$

10,283

 

$

(192

)

$

20,301

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per common share from continuing operations

 

$

0.02

 

$

0.13

 

$

 

$

0.21

 

(Loss) earnings per common share from discontinued operations

 

$

 

$

(0.01

)

$

 

$

0.03

 

Earnings per common share

 

$

0.03

 

$

0.12

 

$

 

$

0.24

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding

 

87,122

 

85,692

 

86,634

 

85,593

 

Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding

 

87,282

 

85,734

 

86,634

 

85,634

 

Dividends declared per common share

 

$

0.15

 

$

0.10

 

$

0.30

 

$

0.20

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

4




SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2007
(In thousands) (Unaudited)

 

 

Class A
Common
Stock

 

Class B
Common
Stock

 

Additional
Paid-In
Capital

 

Accumulated
Deficit

 

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss

 

Total
Shareholders’
Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BALANCE, December 31, 2006

 

$

476

 

$

383

 

$

596,667

 

$

(328,406

)

$

(2,475

)

$

266,645

 

Adjustment related to adoption of FIN 48, effective January 1, 2007

 

 

 

 

(589

)

 

(589

)

Dividends declared on Class A and Class B Common Stock

 

 

 

 

(25,913

)

 

(25,913

)

Class A Common Stock issued pursuant to employee benefit plans

 

14

 

 

15,068

 

 

 

15,082

 

Class B Common Stock converted into Class A Common Stock

 

26

 

(26

)

 

 

 

 

Tax benefit of nonqualified stock options exercised

 

 

 

1,844

 

 

 

1,844

 

Amortization of net periodic pension benefit costs

 

 

 

 

 

119

 

119

 

Net loss

 

 

 

 

(192

)

 

(192

)

BALANCE, June 30, 2007

 

$

516

 

$

357

 

$

613,579

 

$

(355,100

)

$

(2,356

)

$

256,996

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive loss:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

(192

)

$

 

$

(192

)

Amortization of net periodic pension benefit costs

 

 

 

 

 

119

 

119

 

Comprehensive (loss) income

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

(192

)

$

119

 

$

(73

)

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

5




SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands) (Unaudited)

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Net (loss) income

 

$

(192

)

$

20,301

 

Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of debt discount, net of debt premium

 

1,154

 

889

 

Depreciation of property and equipment

 

22,529

 

24,974

 

Recognition of deferred revenue

 

(114

)

(2,819

)

Accretion of capital leases

 

463

 

275

 

Loss (income) from equity and cost method investments

 

1,059

 

(6,135

)

Loss on sale of property

 

8

 

269

 

Gain on sale of broadcast assets related to discontinued operations

 

 

(2,659

)

Loss (gain) from derivative instruments

 

597

 

(2,907

)

Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets

 

8,732

 

8,760

 

Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments

 

44,492

 

41,306

 

Amortization of deferred financing costs

 

1,364

 

1,366

 

Stock-based compensation

 

2,673

 

1,020

 

Excess tax benefits for stock options exercised

 

(1,844

)

 

Loss on extinguishment of debt, non-cash portion

 

3,399

 

831

 

Amortization of net periodic pension benefit costs

 

119

 

 

Amortization of derivative instruments

 

558

 

269

 

Deferred tax provision related to operations

 

4,274

 

17,528

 

Deferred tax benefit related to discontinued operations

 

 

(1,177

)

Net effect of change in deferred barter revenues and deferred barter costs

 

(95

)

(131

)

Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:

 

 

 

 

 

Decrease in accounts receivable, net

 

1,727

 

235

 

Increase in affiliate receivable

 

 

(4,250

)

Increase in income taxes receivable

 

(6,568

)

(2,431

)

Decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

1,195

 

4,618

 

(Increase) decrease in other assets

 

(399

)

403

 

(Increase) decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

(421

)

4,498

 

Decrease in income taxes payable

 

 

(772

)

Decrease in other long-term liabilities

 

(4,731

)

(1,675

)

Increase in minority interest

 

20

 

38

 

Dividends and distributions from equity and cost method investees

 

1,088

 

6,219

 

Payments on program contracts payable

 

(40,835

)

(49,052

)

Net cash flows from operating activities

 

40,252

 

59,791

 

CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisition of property and equipment

 

(9,962

)

(9,536

)

Payments for acquisition of television station

 

 

(1,710

)

Payments for acquisition of an other operating divisions’ company

 

(15,997

)

 

Dividends and distributions from cost method investees

 

720

 

 

Investments in equity and cost method investees

 

 

(131

)

Proceeds from the sale of assets

 

12

 

1,376

 

Proceeds from the sale of broadcast assets related to discontinued operations

 

 

1,400

 

Loans to affiliates

 

(79

)

(71

)

Proceeds from loans to affiliates

 

79

 

69

 

Net cash flows used in investing activities

 

(25,227

)

(8,603

)

CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases

 

671,700

 

69,000

 

Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases

 

(726,083

)

(99,403

)

Proceeds from exercise of stock options, including excess tax benefits of $1,844

 

13,696

 

 

Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock

 

(23,562

)

(16,960

)

Payments for deferred financing costs

 

(6,756

)

 

Payments for derivative terminations

 

 

(3,750

)

Repayments of notes and capital leases to affiliates

 

(2,247

)

(2,120

)

Net cash flows used in financing activities

 

(73,252

)

(53,233

)

NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

(58,227

)

(2,045

)

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period

 

67,408

 

9,655

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period

 

$

9,181

 

$

7,610

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

6




 

SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.   SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. and those of our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries and variable interest entities for which we are the primary beneficiary.  Minority interest represents a minority owner’s proportionate share of the equity in certain of our consolidated entities.  All significant intercompany transactions and account balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Discontinued Operations

In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, we reported the financial position and results of operations of WEMT-TV in Tri-Cities, Tennessee as discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of operations.  Discontinued operations have not been segregated in the consolidated statements of cash flows; therefore, amounts for certain captions will not agree with the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of operations.  The operating results of WEMT-TV are not included in our consolidated results from continuing operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006.  See Note 10. Discontinued Operations, for additional information.

Interim Financial Statements

The consolidated financial statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 are unaudited.  In the opinion of management, such financial statements have been presented on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements and include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated balance sheets, consolidated statements of operations and consolidated statements of cash flows for these periods.

As permitted under the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the consolidated financial statements do not include all disclosures normally included with audited consolidated financial statements and, accordingly, should be read together with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  The consolidated statements of operations presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements are not necessarily representative of operations for an entire year.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities—Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 (SFAS 159). The fair value option established by this Statement permits all entities to choose to measure eligible items at fair value at specified election dates. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected are to be reported in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. This Statement is effective for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2008. We are currently evaluating the impact that adoption of SFAS 159 will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2007, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) FIN 48-1, Definition of ‘Settlement’ in FASB Interpretation No. 48. This FSP amends FASB Interpretation No.48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (FIN 48), to provide guidance on how an enterprise should determine whether a tax position is effectively settled for the purpose of recognizing previously unrecognized tax benefits. The guidance in this FSP should be applied by companies upon the initial adoption of FIN 48. This statement did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2007, the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) issued the consensus on Issue No. 06-11, Accounting for Income Tax Benefits of Dividends on Share-Based Payment Awards. The provisions require companies to recognize the tax benefits of dividends on unvested share-based payments in equity and reclassify the tax benefits from additional paid-in capital to the income statement when the related award is forfeited. The provisions are effective prospectively starting January 1, 2008. We do not expect the impact of this issue to have a material effect to our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2007, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants issued Statement of Position (SOP) 07-1, Clarification of the Scope of the Audit and Accounting Guide on Investment Companies and Accounting by Parent Companies and Equity Method Investors for Investments in Investment Companies. This SOP provides guidance for applicable principle and disclosure requirements for parent companies and

7




equity method investors in investment companies that retain investment company accounting in the parent company’s consolidated financial statements or the financial statements of an equity method investor. The provisions of this SOP are effective for fiscal years beginning January 1, 2008.  We are currently evaluating the impact this statement will have on our consolidated financial statements.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses in the consolidated financial statements and in the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Acquisition

In May 2007, we acquired Triangle Sign & Service, Inc. (Triangle), a Baltimore-based company whose primary business is to design and fabricate commercial signs for retailers, sports complexes and other commercial businesses, for $16.0 million.  We consolidate Triangle’s financial statements and expect to finalize the purchase price allocation in third quarter 2007.  The acquisition of Triangle is not material to our consolidated financial statements.  This acquisition is shown in the statement of cash flows as payments for acquisition of an other operating divisions’ company.

Restructuring Costs

During the year ended December 31, 2006, we incurred costs associated with restructuring the news operations at certain of our stations.  Specifically, on or before March 31, 2006, we ceased our locally-produced news broadcasts in nine of our markets and, consequently, let go of our news employees and cancelled our news-related contracts.  As of June 30, 2007, there is no remaining unpaid balance related to the restructuring plan.  We recorded restructuring charges in station production expenses.  All restructuring costs were associated with our broadcast segment.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior periods’ consolidated financial statements to conform with the current period’s presentation.

2.   STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION:

On April 2, 2007, 200,000 stock-settled stock appreciation rights (SARs) were granted pursuant to the 1996 Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP).  The SARs have a 10-year term and vest immediately.  The SARs had a grant date fair value of $1.0 million.  We valued the SARs in accordance with SFAS No. 123R, Share-Based Payment, using the Black-Scholes model and the following assumptions:

Risk-free interest rate

 

5.17%

 

Expected life

 

10 years

 

Expected volatility

 

36.16%

 

Annual dividend yield

 

3.96%

 

 

For each of the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, we recorded expense of $1.0 million related to this grant.  We did not issue any SARs in 2006.  This expense reduced our consolidated income, but had no effect on our consolidated cash flows.

3.   COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:

Litigation

We are a party to lawsuits and claims from time to time in the ordinary course of business.  Actions currently pending are in various preliminary stages and no judgments or decisions have been rendered by hearing boards or courts in connection with such actions.  After reviewing developments to date with legal counsel, our management is of the opinion that the outcome of our pending and threatened matters will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated balance sheets, consolidated statements of operations or consolidated statements of cash flows.

8




Changes in the Rules on Television Ownership and Local Marketing Agreements

There have been no material changes to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules on television ownership and local marketing agreements during the six months ended June 30, 2007.  Please refer to Note 11. Commitments and Contingencies in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.

Children’s Television Programming

Television stations are required to broadcast a minimum of three hours per week of “core” children’s educational programming, which the FCC defines as programming that:

·                  has the significant purpose of serving the educational and informational needs of children 16 years of age and under;

·                  is regularly scheduled weekly and at least 30 minutes in duration; and

·                  is aired between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. local time.

In addition, the FCC concluded that starting on January 2, 2007, a digital broadcaster must air an additional half hour of “core” children’s programming per every increment of 1 to 28 hours of free video programming provided in addition to the main DTV program stream.  Furthermore, “core” children’s educational programs, in order to qualify as such, are required to be identified as educational and informational programs over-the-air at the time they are broadcast and are required to be identified in the children’s programming reports, which are required to be placed quarterly in stations’ public inspection files and filed quarterly with the FCC.

On April 17, 2007, the FCC requested comments on the status of children’s television programming and compliance with the Children’s Television Act and the FCC’s rules.

FCC License Renewals

On August 1, 2005, we filed applications with the FCC requesting renewal of the broadcast licenses for WCGV-TV and WVTV-TV in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  On November 1, 2005, the Milwaukee Public Interest Media Coalition filed a petition with the FCC to deny these renewal applications.  On June 13, 2007, the Video Division of the FCC denied the petition to deny, and subsequently, the Milwaukee Public Interest Media Coalition filed a petition for reconsideration of that decision, which is pending.

On June 18, 2007, the FCC granted the license renewal application of WABM-TV in Birmingham, Alabama.

Other FCC Adjudicatory Proceedings

As a result of the February 2, 2007 retransmission consent agreement reached with Mediacom, on February 5, 2007, Mediacom filed a motion to withdraw and dismiss with prejudice the application with the full commission for review and its other associated pleadings.  On June 18, 2007, the FCC granted Mediacom’s motion to withdraw.

On November 7, 2006, the FCC sent a letter to us requesting information regarding the broadcast of certain programming, by forty-one stations licensed to us, without proper sponsorship identification in alleged violation of federal law and the FCC’s rules.  We denied that the stations violated federal law or the FCC’s rules.  On July 23, 2007, the FCC dismissed the complaints and closed its investigation.

On April 26, 2007, the FCC sent letters to two of our stations, WUHF-TV in Rochester, New York and WSYX-TV in Columbus, Ohio, requesting information regarding the broadcast of certain video news releases without proper sponsorship identification in alleged violation of federal law and the FCC’s rules.  We denied that the stations violated federal law or the FCC’s rules.  The inquiry proceeding is currently in process.

On May 1, 2007, the FCC sent a letter to WRLH-TV in Richmond, Virginia, requesting information regarding the alleged broadcast of indecent material during an advertisement.  We denied that the station broadcast indecent material.  The inquiry proceeding is currently in process.

9




Liquidity Assurance

On May 26, 2005, we entered into a twelve-month limited scope liquidity assurance with Acrodyne Communications, Inc. (Acrodyne), one of our majority-owned consolidated subsidiaries.  On July 14, 2006, we extended the liquidity assurance for an additional twelve-month period.  Pursuant to this agreement, we provided Acrodyne sufficient funding to cover any necessary working capital needs through May 25, 2007, when Acrodyne was not able to provide that funding on its own.  In connection with this liquidity assurance, we established a $0.5 million line of credit for Acrodyne.  Interest on any unpaid indebtedness is calculated on a daily basis at LIBOR plus 225 basis points per annum.  As of June 30, 2007, Acrodyne had borrowed $0.5 million under this line of credit.  The liquidity assurance was not extended in 2007.

4.   SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

During the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, our supplemental cash flow information was as follows (in thousands):

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income taxes paid related to continuing operations

 

$

48

 

$

599

 

Income taxes paid related to sale of discontinued operations

 

$

 

$

4,028

 

Income tax refunds received related to continuing operations

 

$

59

 

$

1,739

 

Income tax refunds received related to sale of discontinued operations

 

$

153

 

$

88

 

Interest paid

 

$

56,830

 

$

56,439

 

Payments related to extinguishment of debt

 

$

27,249

 

$

48

 

 

Non-cash barter and trade expense are presented in the consolidated statements of operations.  Non-cash transactions related to capital lease obligations were less than $0.1 million and $0.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

5.   NOTES PAYABLE:

On January 19, 2007, we borrowed net proceeds of $225.0 million under our Term Loan A-1 pursuant to our amended and restated Bank Credit Agreement.  On January 22, 2007, we used these proceeds along with $59.4 million of cash on hand and additional borrowings of $23.0 million under our Revolving Credit Facility to redeem the aggregate principal amount of $307.4 million of our 8.75% Senior Subordinated Notes, due 2011 (the 2011 Notes).  The redemption was effected in accordance with the terms of the indenture governing the 2011 Notes at a redemption price of 104.375% of the principal amount of the 2011 Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest.  As a result of the redemption, we recorded a loss from extinguishment of debt of $15.7 million representing the redemption premium and write-off of certain debt acquisition costs.

On May 10, 2007, we completed an offering of $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of Convertible Senior Notes, due 2027 (the 2027 Notes) at an interest rate of 3% per year.   Upon certain conditions, the 2027 Notes are convertible into cash and, in certain circumstances, shares of class A common stock prior to maturity at an initial conversion price of $20.43 per share, subject to adjustment, which is equal to an initial conversion rate of approximately 48.9476 shares of class A common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes.

The 2027 Notes may be surrendered for conversion at any time on or before November 15, 2026 if the following conditions are met:

·                  during any calendar quarter commencing after the date of original issuance of the 2027 Notes, if the closing sale price of our class A common stock for at least 20 trading days in the period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the calendar quarter preceding the quarter in which the conversion occurs is more than 130% of the conversion price in effect on that last trading day;

·                  during the ten consecutive trading day period following any five consecutive trading day period in which the trading price for the 2027 Notes for each such trading day was less than 95% of the closing sale price of our class A common stock on such date multiplied by the then current conversion rate;

·                  if the notes have been called for redemption; or

10




·                  if we make certain significant distributions to our class A common stock shareholders, we enter into specified corporate transactions or our class A common stock ceases to be listed on The Nasdaq Global Select Market and is not listed for trading on another U.S. national or regional securities exchange.

The 2027 Notes may be surrendered for conversion after November 15, 2026, and at any time prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the maturity date regardless of whether any of the foregoing conditions have been satisfied.  Upon a fundamental change, holders of the 2027 Notes may require us to repurchase for cash all or part of their notes at a repurchase price equal to 100.0% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. Holders of the 2027 Notes will also have the right to require us to repurchase the notes for cash on May 15, 2010, May 15, 2017 and May 15, 2022 or any other such date to be determined by us at a repurchase price payable in cash equal to the aggregate principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest (including contingent cash interest), if any, through the repurchase date. The 2027 Notes require us to settle the principal amount in cash and the conversion spread in cash or net shares at our option.

We are required to pay contingent cash interest to the holders of the 2027 Notes during any six-month period from May 15 to November 14 and from November 15 to May 14, commencing with the period beginning May 20, 2010 if the average note price for the applicable five trading day period equals 120% or more of the principal amount of such notes and in certain other circumstances.  The amount of contingent cash interest payable per note in respect of any six-month period will equal 0.375% per year of the average note price for the applicable five trading day period.  The 2027 Notes may not be redeemed prior to May 20, 2010 and may thereafter be redeemed by us at par.

On May 18, 2007, the underwriters of the notes exercised their option to purchase up to an additional aggregate $45.0 million principal amount of the 2027 Notes.  The offering was made pursuant to our universal shelf registration statement previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

On June 11, 2007 and June 18, 2007, we partially redeemed $300.0 million and $45.0 million, respectively, of our existing 8.0% Senior Subordinated Notes, due 2012 (the 2012 Notes) at a redemption price of 104% of the principal amount of the 2012 Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest with net proceeds from the offering of the 2027 Notes and cash on hand.  As of June 30, 2007, the face amount of the 2012 Notes outstanding was $273.3 million.  As a result of the partial redemption, we recorded a loss from extinguishment of debt of $15.0 million representing the redemption premium and write-off of certain debt acquisition costs, a debt premium and an unamortized derivative asset.

6.   DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS:

We enter into derivative instruments primarily for the purpose of reducing the impact of changing interest rates on our floating rate debt and to reduce the impact of changing fair market values on our fixed rate debt.  We account for our derivative instruments under SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended.

As of June 30, 2007, we had two derivative instruments.  Both of these instruments are interest rate swap agreements.  One of these swap agreements, with a notional amount of $180.0 million and expiring on March 15, 2012, is accounted for as a fair value hedge; therefore, any changes in its fair market value are reflected as an adjustment to the carrying value of our 8.0% Senior Subordinated Notes, due 2012 which is the underlying debt being hedged.  During 2006, the other interest rate swap agreement was undesignated as a fair value hedge due to a reassignment of the counterparty; therefore, any subsequent changes in the fair market value are reflected as an adjustment to income.  The notional amount of this swap agreement is $120.0 million and it expires on March 15, 2012.  The interest we pay on the $180.0 million interest rate swap agreement is floating based on the three-month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 2.28% and the interest we receive is 8.0%.  The $120.0 million swap is structured identically with the exception of a difference in the interest spread where it is 2.35%.  The fair market value of these agreements is estimated by obtaining quotations from the international financial institution which is a party to the contract.  The fair value is an estimate of the net amount that we would pay on the balance sheet date if we cancelled the contracts or transferred them to other parties and includes net accrued interest receivable or payable.  This amount was a net asset of $4.8 million and $5.7 million as of June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively.

During May 2003, we completed an issuance of $150.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.875% Convertible Senior Notes, due 2018.  During May 2007, we completed an issuance of $345.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.0% Convertible Senior Notes, due 2027.  Under certain circumstances, we will pay contingent cash interest to the holders of convertible notes commencing on January 15, 2011 and May 20, 2010 for the 4.875% Notes and 3.0% Notes, respectively.  The contingent cash interest feature for both issuances are embedded derivatives which have a negligible fair value as of June 30, 2007.

11




7.   INCOME TAXES AND CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE:

Our income tax provision for all periods consists of federal and state income taxes.  The tax provision for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 is based on the estimated effective tax rate applicable for the full year, which is expected to be 41.6%.  Our effective income tax rate differs from the federal statutory rate of 35% and can vary from period to period due to fluctuations in operating results, new or revised tax legislation and accounting pronouncements, state taxes, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, accruals related to contingent tax liabilities and the results of audits and examinations of previously filed tax returns.  Both the second quarter and estimated annual 2007 effective rates are different from the statutory rate due primarily to the impact of state income taxes, certain items not deductible for tax purposes, new state tax legislation and our contingent tax liability accrual.

We adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (FIN 48) on January 1, 2007. The adoption of FIN 48 did not cause a material change to our contingent liability for unrecognized tax benefits.  We decreased the January 1, 2007 balance of retained earnings by $0.6 million to apply the cumulative effect of FIN 48 adoption.  As of the date of adoption, we had $32.9 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits.  Of this total, $17.6 million (net of federal effect on state tax issues) and $7.8 million (net of federal effect on state tax issues) represent the amounts of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably affect our effective tax rates from continuing operations and discontinued operations, respectively.  At June 30, 2007, we had $32.2 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits.  Of this total, $17.4 million (net of federal effect on state tax issues) and $7.4 million (net of federal effect on state tax issues) represent the amounts of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably affect our effective tax rates from continuing operations and discontinued operations, respectively.

We recognize accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.  We had $6.7 million and $0 accrued for interest and penalties, respectively, at January 1, 2007.  We recognized $0.4 million and $1.1 million of income tax expense for interest related to uncertain tax positions during the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, respectively.

We are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax of multiple state jurisdictions.  All of our 2003 and subsequent federal and state tax returns remain subject to examination by various tax authorities.  Some of our pre-2003 state tax returns may also be subject to examination.  In addition, several of our subsidiaries are currently under state examinations for various years.  We do not anticipate the resolution of these matters will result in a material change to our consolidated financial statements.  In addition, it is reasonably possible that various state statutes of limitations could expire by June 30, 2008.  Such expirations, if any, could result in a reduction of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits by up to $3.9 million.

12




8.   EARNINGS PER SHARE:

The following table reconciles income (numerator) and shares (denominator) used in our computations of earnings per share for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 (in thousands):

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

Income (Numerator)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

 

$

1,826

 

$

10,793

 

$

(424

)

$

17,869

 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, including gain on sale of broadcast assets related to discontinued operations

 

371

 

(510

)

232

 

2,432

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

2,197

 

$

10,283

 

$

(192

)

$

20,301

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares (Denominator)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average common shares outstanding

 

87,122

 

85,692

 

86,634

 

85,593

 

Dilutive effect of outstanding stock options and restricted stock

 

160

 

42

 

 

41

 

Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding

 

87,282

 

85,734

 

86,634

 

85,634

 

 

We applied the treasury stock method to measure the dilutive effect of our outstanding stock options and restricted stock awards and include the respective common share equivalents in the denominator of the diluted EPS computation.  For the six months ended June 30, 2007, our outstanding stock options and restricted stock and for each of the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, our 6% Convertible Debentures, due 2012 and 4.875% Convertible Senior Notes, due 2018 were anti-dilutive; therefore, they were not included in the computation of diluted EPS.  For each of the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, our 3% Convertible Senior Notes, due 2027 and issued May 2007 were excluded from our diluted EPS computation since our average stock price was less than the conversion price.  For each of the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, the outstanding SARS were excluded from our diluted EPS computation since our average stock price was less than the grant date base value of the SARS.

9.   RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS:

David, Frederick, Duncan and Robert Smith (collectively, the controlling shareholders) are brothers and hold substantially all of the Class B Common Stock.

Certain assets used by us and our operating subsidiaries are leased from Cunningham Communications Inc., Keyser Investment Group, Gerstell Development Limited Partnership and Beaver Dam, LLC (entities owned by the controlling shareholders).  Lease payments made to these entities were $1.3 million and $1.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  Lease payments made to these entities were $2.6 million and $2.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

In January 1999, we entered into a local marketing agreement (LMA) with Bay Television, Inc. (Bay TV), which owns the television station WTTA-TV in Tampa, Florida.  Our controlling shareholders own a substantial portion of the equity of Bay TV.  The LMA provides that we deliver television programming to Bay TV, which broadcasts the programming in return for a monthly fee to Bay TV of $143,500.  We must also make an annual payment equal to 50% of the adjusted annual broadcast cash flow of the station (as defined in the LMA) that is in excess of $1.7 million.  An additional payment of $1.8 million was made during the six months ended June 30, 2007 related to the excess adjusted broadcast cash flow for the year ended December 31, 2006.  Lease payments made to Bay TV were $0.4 million for each of the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 and $0.9 million for each of the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006.

David D. Smith, our President and Chief Executive Officer, has a controlling interest in Atlantic Automotive and is a member of the Board of Directors.  Atlantic Automotive Corporation is a holding company which owns automobile dealerships and a leasing company.  We sold advertising time to Atlantic Automotive on our stations in Baltimore, Maryland and Norfolk, Virginia and received payments totaling $0.1 million and $0.3 million during the three months and six months ended June 30, 2007, respectively.  We received payments totaling $0.1 million and $0.2 million during the three months and six months ended June 30, 2006, respectively.  We purchased a total of $0.3 million and $0.5 million in vehicles and related vehicle services from Atlantic Automotive during the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, respectively.  We purchased a total of $0.3 million and $0.7 million in vehicles and related vehicle services from Atlantic Automotive during the three and six months ended June 30, 2006, respectively.

13




10.   DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:

WEMT Disposition

On May 16, 2005, we entered into an agreement to sell WEMT-TV in Tri-Cities, Tennessee, including the FCC license (the broadcast license) to an unrelated third party for $7.0 million.  On the same day, we completed the sale of the WEMT non-license television broadcast assets for $5.6 million of the total $7.0 million sales price and recorded a deferred gain of $3.2 million, which is stated separately on the December 31, 2005 consolidated balance sheet.  The FCC approved the transfer of the broadcast license to the unrelated third party and we completed the sale of the license assets, including the broadcast license, on February 8, 2006 for a cash price of approximately $1.4 million.  We recorded $1.8 million, net of $0.9 million in taxes, as gain from discontinued operations in our consolidated statements of operations for the quarter ended March 31, 2006.  The gain is comprised of the previously deferred gain of $2.1 million and the loss of $0.3 million from the sale of the license assets, net of taxes, respectively.  The net cash proceeds were used in the normal course of operations and for capital expenditures.

Other

During the three months and six months ended June 30, 2007, we recognized a $0.4 million and $0.2 million tax benefit, respectively, relating to an adjustment of certain state tax contingencies.

11.   SEGMENT DATA:

We have one reportable operating segment, “Broadcast”, that is disclosed separately from our corporate and other business activities.  “Corporate and Other” primarily includes our costs to operate as a public company and to operate our corporate headquarters location, our investment activity and our other operating divisions’ activities.  Currently, our other operating divisions primarily earn revenues from internet technology and transmitter manufacturing.  Transactions between our operating segment and “Corporate and Other” are not material.

Financial information for our operating segment is included in the following tables for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 (in thousands):

For the three months ended June 30, 2007

 

 

 

Broadcast

 

Corporate and
Other

 

Consolidated

 

Revenue

 

$

177,192

 

$

3,473

 

$

180,665

 

Depreciation of property and equipment

 

11,098

 

534

 

11,632

 

Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets

 

4,365

 

 

4,365

 

Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments

 

23,108

 

 

23,108

 

General and administrative overhead expenses

 

1,582

 

5,845

 

7,427

 

Operating income (loss)

 

48,943

 

(7,084

)

41,859

 

Loss from equity and cost method investments

 

 

(880

)

(880

)

 

For the three months ended June 30, 2006

 

 

 

Broadcast

 

Corporate and
Other

 

Consolidated

 

Revenue

 

$

177,400

 

$

7,692

 

$

185,092

 

Depreciation of property and equipment

 

12,127

 

559

 

12,686

 

Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets

 

4,435

 

 

4,435

 

Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments

 

22,683

 

 

22,683

 

General and administrative overhead expenses

 

2,082

 

4,031

 

6,113

 

Operating income (loss)

 

51,985

 

(4,804

)

47,181

 

Income from equity and cost method investments

 

 

36

 

36

 

 

14




 

For the six months ended June 30, 2007

 

 

 

Broadcast

 

Corporate and
Other

 

Consolidated

 

Revenue

 

$

341,160

 

$

6,360

 

$

347,520

 

Depreciation of property and equipment

 

21,454

 

1,075

 

22,529

 

Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets

 

8,732

 

 

8,732

 

Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments

 

44,492

 

 

44,492

 

General and administrative overhead expenses

 

3,470

 

9,921

 

13,391

 

Operating income (loss)

 

91,643

 

(12,456

)

79,187

 

Loss from equity and cost method investments

 

 

(892

)

(892

)

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2006

 

 

 

Broadcast

 

Corporate and
Other

 

Consolidated

 

Revenue

 

$

337,130

 

$

11,429

 

$

348,559

 

Depreciation of property and equipment

 

23,874

 

1,099

 

24,973

 

Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets

 

8,760

 

 

8,760

 

Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments

 

41,306

 

 

41,306

 

General and administrative overhead expenses

 

3,923

 

7,996

 

11,919

 

Operating income (loss)

 

92,265

 

(9,728

)

82,537

 

Income from equity and cost method investments

 

 

6,135

 

6,135

 

 

12.   CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:

Sinclair Television Group, Inc. (STG), a wholly owned subsidiary of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (SBG), is the primary obligor under our existing Bank Credit Agreement, as amended, the 8.75% Senior Subordinated Notes, due 2011, which were redeemed in full on January 22, 2007, and the 8% Senior Subordinated Notes, due 2012.  Our Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, the 6.0% Convertible Debentures, due 2012, the 4.875% Convertible Senior Notes, due 2018 and the 3.0% Convertible Senior Notes, due 2027 remain obligations or securities of SBG and are not obligations or securities of STG.

SBG, KDSM, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SBG, and STG’s wholly-owned subsidiaries (guarantor subsidiaries), have fully and unconditionally guaranteed all of STG’s obligations.  Those guarantees are joint and several.  There are certain contractual restrictions on the ability of SBG, STG or KDSM, LLC to obtain funds from their subsidiaries in the form of dividends or loans.

The following condensed consolidating financial statements present the consolidated balance sheets, consolidated statements of operations and consolidated statements of cash flows of SBG, STG, KDSM, LLC and the guarantor subsidiaries, the direct and indirect non-guarantor subsidiaries of SBG and the eliminations necessary to arrive at our information on a consolidated basis.  These statements are presented in accordance with the disclosure requirements under Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X, Rule 3-10.

15




 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
AS OF JUNE 30, 2007
(in thousands) (unaudited)

 

 

Sinclair
Broadcast
Group, Inc.

 

Sinclair
Television
Group, Inc.

 

Guarantor
Subsidiaries
and KDSM,
LLC

 

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Sinclair
Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash

 

$

 

$

2,806

 

$

3,434

 

$

2,941

 

$

 

$

9,181

 

Accounts and other receivables

 

17,100

 

43,324

 

79,353

 

10,518

 

(3,866

)

146,429

 

Other current assets

 

2,877

 

5,101

 

52,244

 

6,359

 

(724

)

65,857

 

Total current assets

 

19,977

 

51,231

 

135,031

 

19,818

 

(4,590

)

221,467

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

 

6,816

 

1,529

 

253,645

 

25,866

 

(24,135

)

263,721

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment in consolidated subsidiaries

 

866,983

 

1,411,973

 

 

 

(2,278,956

)

 

Other long-term assets

 

31,660

 

48,283

 

34,516

 

12,235

 

(51,387

)

75,307

 

Total other long-term assets

 

898,643

 

1,460,256

 

34,516

 

12,235

 

(2,330,343

)

75,307

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquired intangible assets

 

 

24,555

 

1,532,149

 

57,014

 

8,569

 

1,622,287

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

925,436

 

$

1,537,571

 

$

1,955,341

 

$

114,933

 

$

(2,350,499

)

$

2,182,782

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

$

20,123

 

$

10,980

 

$

41,846

 

$

50,910

 

$

(43,470

)

$

80,389

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

1,413

 

5,000

 

2,775

 

39,747

 

(1,690

)

47,245

 

Other current liabilities

 

 

 

69,426

 

324

 

 

69,750

 

Total current liabilities

 

21,536

 

15,980

 

114,047

 

90,981

 

(45,160

)

197,384

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

 

629,743

 

612,056

 

63,759

 

41,468

 

(36,292

)

1,310,734

 

Other liabilities

 

6,882

 

41,284

 

365,691

 

6,590

 

(2,779

)

417,668

 

Total liabilities

 

658,161

 

669,320

 

543,497

 

139,039

 

(84,231

)

1,925,786

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock

 

873

 

 

11

 

761

 

(772

)

873

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

613,581

 

612,865

 

843,615

 

65,653

 

(1,522,135

)

613,579

 

(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings

 

(347,179

)

255,386

 

570,574

 

(92,540

)

(741,341

)

(355,100

)

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

 

(2,356

)

2,020

 

(2,020

)

(2,356

)

Total shareholders’ equity

 

267,275

 

868,251

 

1,411,844

 

(24,106

)

(2,266,268

)

256,996

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

925,436

 

$

1,537,571

 

$

1,955,341

 

$

114,933

 

$

(2,350,499

)

$

2,182,782

 

 

16




 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2006
(in thousands)

 

 

Sinclair
Broadcast
Group, Inc.

 

Sinclair
Television
Group, Inc.

 

Guarantor
Subsidiaries
and KDSM,
LLC

 

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Sinclair
Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash

 

$

 

$

62,252

 

$

2,788

 

$

2,368

 

$

 

$

67,408

 

Accounts and other receivables

 

8,636

 

28,863

 

89,387

 

9,135

 

(2,157

)

133,864

 

Other current assets

 

4,770

 

8,278

 

75,679

 

3,795

 

(3,447

)

89,075

 

Total current assets

 

13,406

 

99,393

 

167,854

 

15,298

 

(5,604

)

290,347

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

 

7,771

 

1,135

 

265,962

 

25,005

 

(24,911

)

274,962

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment in consolidated subsidiaries

 

540,684

 

1,442,423

 

 

 

(1,983,107

)

 

Other long-term assets

 

25,795

 

35,391

 

52,325

 

13,299

 

(42,574

)

84,236

 

Total other long-term assets

 

566,479

 

1,477,814

 

52,325

 

13,299

 

(2,025,681

)

84,236

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquired intangible assets

 

 

24,555

 

1,542,550

 

46,300

 

8,630

 

1,622,035

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

587,656

 

$

1,602,897

 

$

2,028,691

 

$

99,902

 

$

(2,047,566

)

$

2,271,580

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

$

17,041

 

$

20,939

 

$

50,404

 

$

50,262

 

$

(44,102

)

$

94,544

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

1,337

 

64,400

 

3,013

 

34,358

 

(858

)

102,250

 

Other current liabilities

 

 

 

87,632

 

502

 

 

88,134

 

Total current liabilities

 

18,378

 

85,339

 

141,049

 

85,122

 

(44,960

)

284,928

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

 

283,830

 

962,701

 

64,842

 

28,570

 

(28,570

)

1,311,373

 

Other liabilities

 

6,438

 

20,854

 

380,051

 

5,901

 

(4,610

)

408,634

 

Total liabilities

 

308,646

 

1,068,894

 

585,942

 

119,593

 

(78,140

)

2,004,935

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock

 

859

 

 

11

 

761

 

(772

)

859

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

596,667

 

295,400

 

922,888

 

68,604

 

(1,286,892

)

596,667

 

(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings

 

(318,516

)

238,603

 

522,325

 

(89,310

)

(681,508

)

(328,406

)

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

 

(2,475

)

254

 

(254

)

(2,475

)

Total shareholders’ equity

 

279,010

 

534,003

 

1,442,749

 

(19,691

)

(1,969,426

)

266,645

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

587,656

 

$

1,602,897

 

$

2,028,691

 

$

99,902

 

$

(2,047,566

)

$

2,271,580

 

 

17




 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2007
(in thousands) (unaudited)

 

 

Sinclair 
Broadcast
Group, Inc.

 

Sinclair
Television
Group, Inc.

 

Guarantor
Subsidiaries
and KDSM,
LLC

 

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Sinclair
Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenue

 

$

 

$

 

$

177,809

 

$

5,755

 

$

(2,899

)

$

180,665

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Program and production

 

 

343

 

41,221

 

 

(2,285

)

39,279

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

5,746

 

1,364

 

33,885

 

1,123

 

(54

)

42,064

 

Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses

 

514

 

87

 

52,575

 

4,667

 

(380

)

57,463

 

Total operating expenses

 

6,260

 

1,794

 

127,681

 

5,790

 

(2,719

)

138,806

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating (loss) income

 

(6,260

)

(1,794

)

50,128

 

(35

)

(180

)

41,859

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

 

13,185

 

23,330

 

 

 

(36,515

)

 

Interest income (loss)

 

516

 

1,644

 

 

25

 

(484

)

1,701

 

Interest expense

 

(6,902

)

(16,834

)

(1,563

)

(1,631

)

1,043

 

(25,887

)

Other (expense) income

 

(3,221

)

3,951

 

(16,690

)

(783

)

(299

)

(17,042

)

Total other income (expense)

 

3,578

 

12,091

 

(18,253

)

(2,389

)

(36,255

)

(41,228

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax (provision) benefit

 

5,170

 

4,695

 

(9,179

)

509

 

 

1,195

 

Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes

 

 

 

371

 

 

 

371

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

2,488

 

$

14,992

 

$

23,067

 

$

(1,915

)

$

(36,435

)

$

2,197

 

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2006
(in thousands) (unaudited)

 

 

Sinclair
Broadcast
Group, Inc.

 

Sinclair
Television
Group, Inc.

 

Guarantor
Subsidiaries
and KDSM,
LLC

 

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Sinclair
Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenue

 

$

 

$

 

$

178,000

 

$

9,834

 

$

(2,742

)

$

185,092

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Program and production

 

 

417

 

38,871

 

 

(2,203

)

37,085

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

4,146

 

1,630

 

34,367

 

718

 

(115

)

40,746

 

Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses

 

538

 

80

 

51,560

 

8,391

 

(489

)

60,080

 

Total operating expenses

 

4,684

 

2,127

 

124,798

 

9,109

 

(2,807

)

137,911

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating (loss) income

 

(4,684

)

(2,127

)

53,202

 

725

 

65

 

47,181

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

 

14,034

 

23,649

 

 

 

(37,683

)

 

Interest income

 

168

 

303

 

 

1

 

(168

)

304

 

Interest expense

 

(5,124

)

(21,453

)

(1,416

)

(1,364

)

732

 

(28,625

)

Other income (expense)

 

4,363

 

634

 

(4,727

)

193

 

(32

)

431

 

Total other income (expense)

 

13,441

 

3,133

 

(6,143

)

(1,170

)

(37,151

)

(27,890

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax benefit (provision)

 

1,690

 

7,916

 

(17,832

)

(272

)

 

(8,498

)

Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes

 

 

 

(510

)

 

 

(510

)

Net income (loss)

 

$

10,447

 

$

8,922

 

$

28,717

 

$

(717

)

$

(37,086

)

$

10,283

 

 

18




 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2007
(in thousands) (unaudited)

 

 

Sinclair
Broadcast
Group, Inc.

 

Sinclair
Television
Group, Inc.

 

Guarantor
Subsidiaries
and KDSM,
LLC

 

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Sinclair
Consolidated

 

Net revenue

 

$

 

$

 

$

342,387

 

$

10,833

 

$

(5,700

)

$

347,520

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Program and production

 

 

697

 

79,647

 

 

(4,439

)

75,905

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

9,751

 

3,113

 

67,427

 

2,132

 

(117

)

82,306

 

Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses

 

1,028

 

170

 

100,874

 

8,951

 

(901

)

110,122

 

Total operating expenses

 

10,779

 

3,980

 

247,948

 

11,083

 

(5,457

)

268,333

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating (loss) income

 

(10,779

)

(3,980

)

94,439

 

(250

)

(243

)

79,187

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

 

14,438

 

48,285

 

 

 

(62,723

)

 

Interest income

 

728

 

2,027

 

3

 

27

 

(696

)

2,089

 

Interest expense

 

(12,051

)

(35,958

)

(3,096

)

(2,980

)

1,816

 

(52,269

)

Other income (expense)

 

1,145

 

(10,656

)

(20,348

)

(1,009

)

(601

)

(31,469

)

Total other income (expense)

 

4,260

 

3,698

 

(23,441

)

(3,962

)

(62,204

)

(81,649

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax benefit

 

6,921

 

17,118

 

(22,983

)

982

 

 

2,038

 

Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes

 

 

 

232

 

 

 

232

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

402

 

$

16,836

 

$

48,247

 

$

(3,230

)

$

(62,447

)

$

(192

)

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2006
(in thousands) (unaudited)

 

 

Sinclair
Broadcast
Group, Inc.

 

Sinclair
Television
Group, Inc.

 

Guarantor
Subsidiaries
and KDSM,
LLC

 

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Sinclair
Consolidated

 

Net revenue

 

$

 

$

 

$

338,286

 

$

15,927

 

$

(5,654

)

$

348,559

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Program and production

 

 

816

 

78,597

 

 

(4,219

)

75,194

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

8,223

 

3,568

 

67,676

 

1,410

 

(178

)

80,699

 

Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses

 

1,058

 

648

 

96,403

 

13,257

 

(1,237

)

110,129

 

Total operating expenses

 

9,281

 

5,032

 

242,676

 

14,667

 

(5,634

)

266,022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating (loss) income

 

(9,281

)

(5,032

)

95,610

 

1,260

 

(20

)

82,537

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

 

24,103

 

47,925

 

 

 

(72,028

)

 

Interest income

 

325

 

348

 

 

2

 

(325

)

350

 

Interest expense

 

(10,284

)

(44,014

)

(2,837

)

(2,644

)

1,444

 

(58,335

)

Other income (expense)

 

14,332

 

4,825

 

(10,131

)

(95

)

(555

)

8,376

 

Total other income (expense)

 

28,476

 

9,084

 

(12,968

)

(2,737

)

(71,464

)

(49,609

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax benefit (provision)

 

1,573

 

15,348

 

(32,070

)

90

 

 

(15,059

)

Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes

 

 

 

658

 

 

 

658

 

Gain from sale of discontinued operations, net of taxes

 

 

 

1,774

 

 

 

1,774

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

20,768

 

$

19,400

 

$

53,004

 

$

(1,387

)

$

(71,484

)

$

20,301

 

 

19




 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2007
(in thousands) (unaudited)

 

 

Sinclair
Broadcast
Group, Inc.

 

Sinclair
Television
Group, Inc.

 

Guarantor
Subsidiaries
and KDSM,
LLC

 

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Sinclair
Consolidated

 

NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

$

(13,551

)

$

(36,869

)

$

88,874

 

$

975

 

$

823

 

$

40,252

 

CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisition of property and equipment

 

(40

)

(567

)

(8,945

)

(410

)

 

(9,962

)

Payment for acquisition of an other operating divisions’ company

 

 

 

 

(15,997

)

 

(15,997

)

Distributions from investments

 

720

 

 

 

 

 

720

 

Proceeds from sale of property

 

 

 

12

 

 

 

12

 

Loans to affiliates

 

(79

)

 

 

 

 

(79

)

Proceeds from loans to affiliates

 

79

 

 

 

 

 

79

 

Net cash flows from (used in) investing activities

 

680

 

(567

)

(8,933

)

(16,407

)

 

(25,227

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases

 

345,000

 

317,000

 

 

9,700

 

 

671,700

 

Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases

 

(92

)

(725,900

)

(91

)

 

 

(726,083

)

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

13,696

 

 

 

 

 

13,696

 

Payments for deferred financing costs

 

(6,573

)

(119

)

 

(64

)

 

(6,756

)

Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables

 

(314,812

)

395,009

 

(77,511

)

(1,185

)

(1,501

)

 

Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock

 

(23,794

)

 

 

 

232

 

(23,562

)

Repayments of notes and capital leases to affiliates

 

(554

)

(8,000

)

(1,693

)

7,554

 

446

 

(2,247

)

Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities

 

12,871

 

(22,010

)

(79,295

)

16,005

 

(823

)

(73,252

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

 

(59,446

)

646

 

573

 

 

(58,227

)

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period

 

 

62,252

 

2,788

 

2,368

 

 

67,408

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period

 

$

 

$

2,806

 

$

3,434

 

$

2,941

 

$

 

$

9,181

 

 

20




 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2006
(in thousands) (unaudited)

 

 

Sinclair
Broadcast
Group, Inc.

 

Sinclair
Television
Group, Inc.

 

Guarantor
Subsidiaries
and KDSM,
LLC

 

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Sinclair
Consolidated

 

NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

$

3,795

 

$

(19,984

)

$

70,591

 

$

5,685

 

$

(296

)

$

59,791

 

CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisition of property and equipment

 

(224

)

(8

)

(9,257

)

(41

)

(6

)

(9,536

)

Payment for acquisition of television stations

 

 

 

(1,710

)

 

 

(1,710

)

Investments in equity and cost method investees

 

 

 

(131

)

 

 

(131

)

Proceeds from the sale of property

 

 

 

1,376

 

 

 

1,376

 

Proceeds from the sale of broadcast assets related to discontinued operations

 

 

 

1,400

 

 

 

1,400

 

Loans to affiliates

 

(71

)

 

 

 

 

(71

)

Proceeds from loans to affiliates

 

69

 

 

 

 

 

69

 

Net cash flows (used in) from investing activities

 

(226

)

(8

)

(8,322

)

(41

)

(6

)

(8,603

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases

 

 

69,000

 

 

 

 

69,000

 

Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases

 

(7,602

)

(91,739

)

(62

)

 

 

(99,403

)

Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables

 

21,609

 

43,223

 

(59,902

)

(4,981

)

51

 

 

Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock

 

(17,076

)

 

 

 

116

 

(16,960

)

Payments for derivative termination

 

 

(3,750

)

 

 

 

(3,750

)

Proceeds from notes and capital leases to affiliates

 

 

 

 

139

 

(139

)

 

Repayments of notes and capital leases to affiliates

 

(500

)

 

(1,620

)

(274

)

274

 

(2,120

)

Net cash flows (used in) from financing activities

 

(3,569

)

16,734

 

(61,584

)

(5,116

)

302

 

(53,233

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

 

(3,258

)

685

 

528

 

 

(2,045

)

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period

 

 

5,892

 

2,138

 

1,625

 

 

9,655

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period

 

$

 

$

2,634

 

$

2,823

 

$

2,153

 

$

 

$

7,610

 

 

21




 

13.   SUBSEQUENT EVENT:

WGGB-TV Disposition

On July 31, 2007, we entered into an agreement to sell WGGB-TV in Springfield, Massachusetts, including the FCC license, to an unrelated third party for $21.2 million in cash.  The sale will be completed upon approval from the FCC for the transfer of the license to the unrelated third party.  We expect closing to occur in the fourth quarter of 2007.

22




 

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

This report includes or incorporates forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events.  These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions about us, including, among other things, the following risks:

General risks

·                  the impact of changes in national and regional economies;

·                  the activities of our competitors;

·                  terrorist acts of violence or war and other geopolitical events;

Industry risks

·                  the business conditions of our advertisers;

·                  competition with other broadcast television stations, radio stations, multi-channel video programming distributors and internet and broadband content providers serving in the same markets;

·                  availability and cost of programming;

·                  the effects of governmental regulation of broadcasting or changes in those regulations and court actions interpreting those regulations, including ownership regulations, indecency regulations, retransmission regulations, political advertising restrictions and regulations and timing regarding the transition from analog to digital over-the-air broadcasting;

·                  the continued viability of networks and syndicators that provide us with programming content;

Risks specific to us

·                  the effectiveness of our management;

·                  our ability to successfully negotiate retransmission consent agreements;

·                  our ability to attract and maintain local and national advertising;

·                  our ability to service our outstanding debt;

·                  FCC license renewals;

·                  our ability to maintain our affiliation agreements with the top four networks;

·                  the popularity of syndicated programming we purchase and network programming that we air;

·                  successful integration of outsourcing and news share agreements;

·                  the strength of ratings for our local news broadcasts;

·                  changes in the makeup of the population in the areas where our stations are located;

·                  acceptance by viewers and advertisers of The CW Television Network and MyNetworkTV;

·                  the success of our multi-channel broadcasting initiatives; and

·                  the results of prior year tax audits by taxing authorities.

Other matters set forth in this report, including the Risk Factors set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, may also cause actual results in the future to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements.  We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.  In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking statements discussed in this report might not occur.

23




 

The following table sets forth certain operating data for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006: 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA

(in thousands, except for per share data) (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

Statement of Operations Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net broadcast revenues(a)

 

$

161,427

 

$

163,771

 

$

311,596

 

$

311,696

 

Revenues realized from station barter arrangements

 

15,772

 

13,629

 

29,571

 

25,434

 

Other operating divisions’ revenues

 

3,466

 

7,692

 

6,353

 

11,429

 

Total revenues

 

180,665

 

185,092

 

347,520

 

348,559

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Station production expenses

 

39,279

 

37,085

 

75,905

 

75,194

 

Station selling, general and administrative expenses

 

34,637

 

34,633

 

68,915

 

68,780

 

Expenses recognized from station barter arrangements

 

14,279

 

12,503

 

26,744

 

23,328

 

Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments

 

23,108

 

22,683

 

44,492

 

41,306

 

Depreciation and amortization expenses(b)

 

15,997

 

17,121

 

31,261

 

33,733

 

Other operating divisions’ expenses

 

4,079

 

7,773

 

7,625

 

11,762

 

Corporate general and administrative expenses

 

7,427

 

6,113

 

13,391

 

11,919

 

Operating income

 

41,859

 

47,181

 

79,187

 

82,537

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense and amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs

 

(25,887

)

(28,625

)

(52,269

)

(58,335

)

Interest income

 

1,701

 

304

 

2,089

 

350

 

Gain (loss) from sale of assets

 

4

 

18

 

(8

)

(269

)

Loss from extinguishment of debt

 

(14,967

)

(256

)

(30,648

)

(879

)

(Loss) gain from derivative instruments

 

(1,654

)

26

 

(597

)

2,907

 

(Loss) income from equity and cost method investments

 

(880

)

36

 

(892

)

6,135

 

Other income, net

 

455

 

607

 

676

 

482

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

 

631

 

19,291

 

(2,462

)

32,928

 

Income tax benefit (provision)

 

1,195

 

(8,498

)

2,038

 

(15,059

)

Income from continuing operations

 

1,826

 

10,793

 

(424

)

17,869

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discontinued Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes

 

371

 

(510

)

232

 

658

 

Gain from discontinued operations, net of taxes

 

 

 

 

1,774

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

2,197

 

$

10,283

 

$

(192

)

$

20,301

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations

 

$

0.02

 

$

0.13

 

$

 

$

0.21

 

Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share from discontinued operations

 

$

 

$

(0.01

)

$

 

$

0.03

 

Basic and diluted earnings per common share

 

$

0.03

 

$

0.12

 

$

 

$

0.24

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding

 

87,122

 

85,692

 

86,634

 

85,593

 

Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding

 

87,282

 

85,734

 

86,634

 

85,634

 

Dividends declared per common share

 

$

0.15

 

$

0.10

 

$

0.30

 

$

0.20

 

 

Balance Sheet Data:

 

June 30, 2007

 

December 31, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

9,181

 

$

67,408

 

Total assets

 

$

2,182,782

 

$

2,271,580

 

Total debt(c)

 

$

1,357,979

 

$

1,413,623

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

$

256,996

 

$

266,645

 


(a)          “Net broadcast revenues” is defined as station broadcast revenues, net of agency commissions.

(b)         Depreciation and amortization includes depreciation of property and equipment and amortization of definite-lived intangible broadcasting assets and other assets.

(c)          “Total debt” is defined as notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing, including the current and long-term portions thereof.

24




 

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis provides qualitative and quantitative information about our financial performance and condition and should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes to those statements.  This discussion consists of the following sections:

Executive Overview — financial highlights since March 31, 2007;

Recent Accounting Pronouncements — a description of new accounting pronouncements that apply to us;

Results of Operations — an analysis of our revenues and expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, including comparisons between quarters and expectations for the third quarter 2007; and

Liquidity and Capital Resources — an analysis of our cash flows from or used in operating activities, investing activities and financing activities and an update of our debt repurchases during the quarter.

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

Second Quarter 2007 Highlights

·                  In April 2007, we entered into a retransmission consent agreement with Charter Communications, Inc. for the carriage of the analog and digital signals of 28 stations in 19 markets, representing approximately 1.9 million subscribers;

·                  In April 2007, our FOX affiliate, KOKH-TV in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma expanded its Monday through Friday news offering through the addition of a three hour morning newscast;

·                  In April 2007, we became a part of the Open Mobile Video Coalition, which we and eight other broadcasters formed to promote the development of mobile digital broadcasting applications;

·                  In May 2007, we acquired Triangle Sign & Service, Inc., a Baltimore-based company whose primary business is to design and fabricate commercial signs for retailers, sports complexes and other commercial businesses for $16.0 million;

·                  In May 2007, we completed an offering of $345.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3% Convertible Senior Notes, due 2027 and used the proceeds to partially redeem our 8% Senior Subordinated Notes, due 2012 generating a $15.0 million loss on extinguishment of debt;

·                  In June 2007, we entered into a retransmission consent agreement with COX Communications, Inc. for the carriage of the analog and digital signals of nine stations in six markets, representing approximately 1.3 million subscribers;

·                  Our retransmission consent agreements, including the advertising component, generated $14.6 million in total net broadcast revenues during the second quarter of 2007 compared to $6.2 million during the same period in 2006; and

·                  Excluding political, local and national net time sales were down 3.5% in the second quarter 2007 versus the second quarter 2006 primarily due to weakness in our Ohio markets and our MyNetworkTV stations.

25




 

Other Highlights

·                  With all but four markets reported, market survey results reflect that our stations’ share of the television advertising market in the second quarter 2007 declined slightly to 18.3% share, on an excluding political basis, versus the same period last year; and

·                  On July 31, 2007, we entered into an agreement to sell WGGB-TV in Springfield, Massachusetts, including the FCC license to an unrelated third party for $21.2 million in cash.  The sale will be completed upon approval from the FCC for the transfer of the license to the unrelated third party.  We expect closing to occur in the fourth quarter of 2007.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In February 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities—Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 (SFAS 159). The fair value option established by this Statement permits all entities to choose to measure eligible items at fair value at specified election dates. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected are to be reported in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. This Statement is effective for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2008. We are currently evaluating the impact that adoption of SFAS 159 will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2007, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) FIN 48-1, Definition of ‘Settlement’ in FASB Interpretation No. 48. This FSP amends FASB Interpretation No.48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (FIN 48), to provide guidance on how an enterprise should determine whether a tax position is effectively settled for the purpose of recognizing previously unrecognized tax benefits. The guidance in this FSP should be applied by companies upon the initial adoption of FIN 48. This statement did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2007, the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) issued the consensus on Issue No. 06-11, Accounting for Income Tax Benefits of Dividends on Share-Based Payment Awards. The provisions require companies to recognize the tax benefits of dividends on unvested share-based payments in equity and reclassify the tax benefits from additional paid-in capital to the income statement when the related award is forfeited. The provisions are effective prospectively starting January 1, 2008. We do not expect the impact of this issue to have a material effect to our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2007, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants issued Statement of Position (SOP) 07-1, Clarification of the Scope of the Audit and Accounting Guide on Investment Companies and Accounting by Parent Companies and Equity Method Investors for Investments in Investment Companies. This SOP provides guidance for applicable principle and disclosure requirements for parent companies and equity method investors in investment companies that retain investment company accounting in the parent company’s consolidated financial statements or the financial statements of an equity method investor. The provisions of this SOP are effective for fiscal years beginning January 1, 2008.  We are currently evaluating the impact this statement will have on our consolidated financial statements.

26




 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

In general, this discussion is related to the results of our continuing operations, except for discussions regarding our cash flows, which also include the results of our discontinued operations.  Unless otherwise indicated, references in this discussion and analysis to the second quarter of 2007 and 2006 refer to the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  Additionally, any references to the first, third or fourth quarter are to the three months ended March 31, September 30 and December 31, respectively, for the year being discussed.

Operating Results

The following table presents our revenues from continuing operations, net of agency commissions, for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 (in millions):

 

 

For the Three Months Ended June 30,

 

For the Six Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

Percent
Change

 

2007

 

2006

 

Percent
Change

 

Local revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-political

 

$

96.0

 

$

96.3

 

(0.3

%)

$

187.1

 

$

187.4

 

(0.2

%)

Political

 

0.1

 

0.6

 

(83.3

%)

0.2

 

0.7

 

(71.4

%)

Total local

 

96.1

 

96.9

 

(0.8

%)

187.3

 

188.1

 

(0.4

%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

National revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-political

 

48.4

 

53.3

 

(9.2

%)

93.2

 

100.3

 

(7.1

%)

Political

 

1.0

 

1.1

 

(9.1

%)

1.4

 

1.7

 

(17.6

%)

Total national

 

49.4

 

54.4

 

(9.2

%)

94.6

 

102.0

 

(7.3

%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other revenues

 

15.9

 

12.5

 

27.2

%

29.7

 

21.6

 

37.5

%

Total net broadcast revenues

 

$

161.4

 

$

163.8

 

(1.5

%)

$

311.6

 

$

311.7

 

%

 

Net broadcast revenues.  From a revenue category standpoint, the second quarter 2007, when compared to the same period in 2006, was negatively impacted by a decrease in advertising revenues generated from the automotive, retail-department stores, fast food, services and paid programming sectors.  These decreases were offset by increases in the medical, telecommunications, media, travel-leisure, entertainment and other sectors.  Automotive, our single largest category representing 21.1% of the 2007 year-to-date’s net time sales, was down 8.0% for the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to the same period in 2006.

The following table presents our time sales revenue from continuing operations, net of agency commissions, by network affiliates for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 (dollars in millions):

 

 

# of

 

Percent of Sales
for the six
months ended

 

For the three months
ended June 30,

 

Percent

 

For the six months
ended June 30,

 

Percent

 

 

 

Stations

 

June 30, 2007

 

2007

 

2006(a)

 

Change

 

2007

 

2006(a)

 

Change

 

FOX

 

19

 

43.8%

 

$

64.1

 

$

62.3

 

2.9

%

$

123.5

 

$

117.1

 

5.5

%

ABC

 

10

 

22.0%

 

33.2

 

33.3

 

(0.3

%)

61.9

 

65.5

 

(5.5

%)

MyNetworkTV(a)

 

17

 

18.1%

 

25.3

 

32.1

 

(21.2

%)

51.1

 

62.3

 

(18.0

%)

The CW(a)

 

9

 

13.5%

 

19.0

 

19.7

 

(3.6

%)

38.0

 

38.3

 

(0.8

%)

CBS

 

2

 

1.8%

 

2.8

 

2.8

 

%

5.2

 

4.9

 

6.1

%

NBC

 

1

 

0.7%

 

0.9

 

1.0

 

(10.0

%)

1.9

 

1.9

 

%

Digital(b)

 

4

 

0.1%

 

0.2

 

0.1

 

100.0

%

0.3

 

0.1

 

200.0

%

Total

 

62

 

 

 

$

145.5

 

$

151.3

 

(3.8

%)

$

281.9

 

$

290.1

 

(2.8

%)


(a)                                  In September 2006, our composition of network affiliates changed as a result of our agreement to air MyNetworkTV programming and the merger of UPN and The WB into a network called The CW.  We have reclassified the revenue from those stations in prior quarters for comparability.

(b)                                 Some of our television stations are broadcasting a second digital signal in accordance with FCC rules.

Political Revenues.  Political revenues decreased by $0.6 million to $1.1 million for the second quarter 2007 when compared to the same period in 2006. For the six months ended June 30, 2007, political revenues decreased by $0.8 million to $1.6 million when compared to the same period in 2006.  We expect fourth quarter political revenues to be strong for a non-election year due to the many state primaries that have been moved into early 2008.

27




 

Local Revenues.  Our revenues from local advertisers, excluding political revenues, were down $0.3 million for each of the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 when compared to 2006.  Revenues decreased primarily due to weakness at our MyNetworkTV stations.  Revenues from our new business initiatives increased during the second quarter 2007 to $8.2 million from $7.7 million during the same period in 2006.  For the six months ended June 30, 2007, revenues from our new business initiatives increased to $14.9 million from $14.6 million when compared to the same period 2006.  We continue to provide an enhanced sales training course for all of our salespeople with a focus on local revenue sales.  We expect to continue these efforts throughout 2007.

National Revenues.  Our revenues from national advertisers, excluding political revenues, have continued to trend downward over time.  We believe this trend represents a shift in the way national advertising dollars are being spent and we believe this trend will continue in the future.  Advertisers in major categories like automotive, soft drink and packaged goods are shifting significant portions of their advertising budgets away from spot television into non-traditional media, in-store promotions and product placement in network shows.  Automotive decreases are due to automotive companies reducing advertising budgets and shifting advertising to specific markets.  We expect this trend to continue throughout 2007.  In 2007, Super Bowl advertising revenues were $2.0 million less than the same period in 2006 due to the shift in network affiliation from ABC to CBS.  During the six months ended June 30, 2007, we also had decreases in national revenues, excluding political from our Ohio markets of $2.1 million and decreases in revenue of $7.0 million related to MyNetworkTV stations.

Other Revenues.   Our other revenues consist primarily of revenues from retransmission consent agreements with cable, satellite and telecommunication providers, network compensation, production revenues and revenues from our outsourcing agreements.  Our retransmission consent agreements, including the advertising component, generated $14.6 million in total broadcast revenues during the second quarter 2007 compared with $6.2 million during the same period in 2006.  This growth trend is the result of our ability to monetize our existing relationships as cable providers struggle with increased competition from alternative video delivery providers and have begun to recognize the value of our digital and high definition signals and network programming.  During the second quarter 2007, $11.7 million of the total $14.6 million in revenues generated from our retransmission consent agreements are included in other revenues, while the remaining $2.9 million is included in net time sales.  During the second quarter 2006, $5.0 million of the total $6.2 million in revenues generated from our retransmission consent agreements are included in other revenues, while the remaining $1.2 million is included in net time sales.  We expect further monetization of our agreements throughout 2007, however, not as robust as the first six months of 2007.

For the six months ended June 30, 2007, $20.9 million of the total $25.6 million in revenues generated from our retransmission consent agreements are included in other revenues, while the remaining $4.7 million is included in net time sales.  For the six months ended June 30, 2006, $10.0 million of the total $12.0 million in revenues generated from our retransmission consent agreements are included in other revenues, while the remaining $2.0 million is included in net time sales.

The following table presents our significant expense categories for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 (in millions):

 

 

For the Three Months Ended June 30,

 

For the Six Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

  2007  

 

  2006  

 

Percent
Change

 

  2007  

 

  2006  

 

Percent
Change

 

Station production expenses

 

$

39.3

 

$

37.1

 

5.9

%

$

75.9

 

$

75.2

 

0.9

%

Station selling, general and administrative expenses

 

$

34.6

 

$

34.6

 

%

$

68.9

 

$

68.8

 

0.1

%

Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments

 

$

23.1

 

$

22.7

 

1.8

%

$

44.5

 

$

41.3

 

7.7

%

Depreciation of property and equipment

 

$

11.6

 

$

12.7

 

(8.7

%)

$

22.5

 

$

25.0

 

(10.0

%)

Corporate general and administrative expenses

 

$

7.4

 

$

6.1

 

21.3

%

$

13.4

 

$

11.9

 

12.6

%

Interest expense

 

$

25.9

 

$

28.6

 

(9.4

%)

$

52.3

 

$

58.3

 

(10.3

%)

Interest income

 

$

1.7

 

$

0.3

 

466.7

%

$

2.1

 

$

0.4

 

425.0

%

Loss from extinguishment of debt

 

$

15.0

 

$

0.3

 

4,900.0

%

$

30.6

 

$

0.9

 

3,300.0

%

(Loss) gain from derivative instruments

 

$

(1.7

)

$

 

(100.0

%)

$

(0.6

)

$

2.9

 

(120.7

%)

(Loss) income from equity and cost method investments

 

$

(0.9

)

$

 

(100.0

%)

$

(0.9

)

$

6.1

 

(114.8

%)

Income tax benefit (provision)

 

$

1.2

 

$

(8.5

)

114.1

%

$

2.0

 

$

(15.1

)

113.2

%

 

28




 

Station Production Expenses.  Station production expenses increased during the second quarter 2007 compared to the same period in 2006 as a result of increases in news expenses of $1.1 million, promotion expenses of $0.6 million, music license fees of $0.4 million, engineering expenses of $0.2 million, production expenses of $0.1 million and programming expenses of $0.1 million.  These increases were offset by decreases in rating service expenses of $0.3 million.

Station production expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2007 increased compared to the same period in 2006 due to increases in promotion expense of $1.3 million, engineering expense of $0.6 million, music license fees of $0.6 million and production expenses of $0.2 million.  These increases were offset by savings from the restructuring of our news operations of $1.1 million and decreases in rating service expenses of $0.6 million, programming expenses of $0.1 million, costs related to LMAs and outsourcing agreements of $0.1 million and on-air operations of $0.1 million.

Station Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.   Station selling, general and administrative expenses remained flat during the second quarter 2007 compared to same period in 2006 as a result of increases in national sales representative firm commissions of $0.4 million, offset by decreases in local sales commissions and other sales expenses of $0.4 million.

Station selling, general and administrative expense for the six months ended June 30, 2007, increased slightly compared to the same period in 2006 as a result of increases in national sales representative firm commissions of $0.8 million and bad debt expenses of $0.4 million.  These increases were offset by decreases in local sales commissions and other sales expenses of $0.9 million and other expenses of $0.2 million.

We expect third quarter 2007 station production and station selling, general and administrative expenses, excluding barter, to trend lower than our second quarter 2007 results.

Amortization of Program Contract Costs.   The amortization of program contract costs increased during the second quarter 2007 compared to the same period in 2006 and for the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to the same period in 2006 primarily due to significant program additions during 2006. We expect program contract amortization to trend lower in third quarter 2007 compared to second quarter 2007.

Depreciation of Property and Equipment.  Depreciation of property and equipment decreased in the second quarter 2007 when compared to the same period in 2006 and for the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to the same period in 2006.  The decrease is primarily related to a large number of assets that had become fully depreciated during 2006. We expect depreciation on property and equipment to trend lower in third quarter 2007 compared to second quarter 2007.

Corporate General and Administrative Expenses.  Corporate general and administrative expenses represent the costs to operate our corporate headquarters location.  Such costs include, among other things, corporate departmental salaries, bonuses and fringe benefits, directors’ and officers’ insurance, rent, telephone, consulting fees, legal, accounting, director fees and strategic development initiatives.  Corporate departments include executive, treasury, finance and accounting, human resources, technology, corporate relations, legal, sales, engineering, operations and purchasing.

Corporate general and administrative expenses increased in the second quarter 2007 when compared to the same period in 2006 due to increases of stock-based compensation expense for stock-settled stock appreciation rights of $1.0 million and restricted and unrestricted stock awards of $0.4 million.  In addition, there were increases in salary and bonus expense of $0.1 million, director’s fees of $0.1 million and other expenses of $0.2 million.  These increases were offset by decreases in costs related to the shutdown of unprofitable local news programming at several stations in 2006 of $0.3 million and health insurance costs of $0.2 million.

Corporate general and administrative expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2007 increased compared to the same period in 2006 due to increases of stock-based compensation expense for stock-settled stock appreciation rights of $1.0 million, restricted and unrestricted stock awards of $0.4 million, investment consulting fees of $0.2 million, 401k match expense of $0.2 million, director’s fees of $0.2 million, salary and bonus expense of $0.1 million and other expenses of $0.1 million.  These increases were offset by decreases in health insurance costs of $0.4 million, insurance expense of $0.1 million, workers’ compensation expense of $0.1 million and legal fees of $0.1 million.

We expect corporate overhead expenses to decrease in third quarter 2007 compared to second quarter 2007.

Interest Expense.   Interest expense has been decreasing since 2004.  The decrease during the second quarter 2007 compared to the same period in 2006 and for the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to the same period in 2006 is due to the redemption of the 8.75% Senior Subordinated Notes, due 2011 (the 2011 Notes) on January 22, 2007 and the partial redemption of the 8% Senior Subordinated Notes, due 2012 (the 2012 Notes) on June 11, 2007 and June 18, 2007.  These decreases were offset by an increase in our Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan interest and interest on the 3% Convertible Senior Notes, due 2027.

Interest Income.  Interest income increased for both the three and six months ended June 30, 2007.  The primary driver for this increase was interest earned on the proceeds from our 2007 debt issuances before the proceeds were used to redeem or partially redeem our existing debt.

29




 

We expect interest expense net of interest income to decrease in the third quarter 2007 compared to second quarter 2007, assuming no changes in the current interest rate yield curve or changes in our assumption of debt levels for 2007.

Loss from Extinguishment of Debt.  In January 2007 and June 2007, we redeemed and partially redeemed our 2011 Notes and our 2012 Notes, respectively.  The redemption of the 2011 Notes resulted in a $15.7 million loss from extinguishment of debt.  The partial redemption of the 2012 Notes resulted in a $15.0 million loss from extinguishment of debt.  For further information see Liquidity and Capital Resources.

(Loss) gain from Derivative Instruments.  We record gains and losses related to certain of our derivative instruments not treated as hedges in accordance with SFAS 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended.  The fair value of our derivative instruments is primarily based on the anticipated future interest rate curves at the end of each period. The loss from our derivative instruments during the first and second quarter 2007 when compared to the same periods in 2006 is primarily due to normal market fluctuations.

(Loss) income from Equity and Cost Method Investments.  For the three months ended June 30, 2007, we recorded an impairment of $1.0 million related to one of our venture capital companies.  For the six months ended June 30, 2006, we recorded $6.8 million of income from Allegiance Capital LP.  This was a result of the sale and initial public offering of certain of Allegiance’s portfolio companies and was offset by miscellaneous decreases in other investments.

Income Tax Provision.  We adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (FIN 48) on January 1, 2007.  The adoption of FIN 48 did not cause a material change to our contingent liability for unrecognized tax benefits.  We decreased the January 1, 2007 balance of retained earnings by $0.6 million to apply the cumulative effect of FIN 48 adoption.  As of the date of adoption, we had $32.9 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits.  Of this total, $17.6 million (net of federal effect on state tax issues) and $7.8 million (net of federal effect on state tax issues) represent the amounts of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably affect our effective tax rates from continuing operations and discontinued operations, respectively.  At June 30, 2007, we had $32.2 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits.  Of this total, $17.4 million (net of federal effect on state tax issues) and $7.4 million (net of federal effect on state tax issues) represent the amounts of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably affect our effective tax rates from continuing operations and discontinued operations, respectively.

We recognize accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.  We had $6.7 million and $0 accrued for interest and penalties, respectively, at January 1, 2007.  We recognized $0.4 million and $1.1 million of income tax expense for interest related to uncertain tax positions for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, respectively.

The effective tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 was a benefit of 189.4% and 82.8%, respectively, as compared to a provision of 44.1% and 45.7% during the same periods in 2006, respectively.  The reduction in our effective tax rate is primarily attributable to the impact of a $1.6 million deferred tax benefit as a result of two state tax law changes enacted in 2007. This change was further magnified by a negligible pre-tax income and a small pre-tax loss for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to the larger pre-tax income in 2006.

Other Operating Divisions’ Revenue and Expense

The following table presents Other Operating Divisions’ revenue and expenses related to G1440 Holdings, Inc. (G1440), our software development and consulting company and Acrodyne Communications, Inc. (Acrodyne), a manufacturer of television transmissions systems, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 (in millions):

 

 

For the Three Months Ended June 30,

 

For the Six Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

‘07 vs. ‘06

 

2007

 

2006

 

‘07 vs. ‘06

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

G1440

 

$

2.3

 

$

2.2

 

4.5

%

$

4.6

 

$

4.4

 

4.5

%

Acrodyne

 

$

1.2

 

$

5.5

 

(78.2

%)

$

1.7

 

$

7.1

 

(76.1

%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

G1440

 

$

2.4

 

$

2.2

 

9.1

%

$

4.8

 

$

4.4

 

9.1

%

Acrodyne

 

$

1.6

 

$

5.6

 

(71.4

%)

$

2.8

 

$

7.3

 

(61.6

%)

 

30




 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Sinclair Television Group, Inc. (STG), a wholly owned subsidiary of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (SBG), is the primary obligor under our existing Bank Credit Agreement, as amended (the Bank Credit Agreement), and the 8% Senior Subordinated Notes, due 2012, which were partially redeemed on June 11, 2007 and June 18, 2007, and STG was the primary obligor under the 8.75% Senior Subordinated Notes, due 2011, which were redeemed in full on January 22, 2007. Our Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, the 6.0% Convertible Debentures, due 2012, 4.875% Convertible Senior Notes, due 2018 and 3.0% Convertible Senior Notes, due 2027 are obligations or securities of SBG and are not obligations or securities of STG.

 

Our primary sources of liquidity are cash provided by operations and availability under our Bank Credit Agreement, as amended.  As of June 30, 2007, we had $9.2 million in cash and cash equivalent balances and working capital of approximately $24.1 million.  We anticipate that cash flow from our operations and borrowings under the Revolver will be sufficient to continue paying dividends under our current policy and to satisfy our debt service obligations, capital expenditure requirements and working capital needs for the next year.  As of June 30, 2007, we had borrowed $97.5 million under our Term Loan A, $225.0 million under our Term Loan A-1 and $21.0 million under our Revolver.  Our ability to draw on our Revolver is based on pro forma trailing cash flow levels as defined in our Bank Credit Agreement.  As of June 30, 2007, $154.0 million of current borrowing capacity was available under our Revolver.  As of June 30, 2007, we had $5.0 million of availability under our universal shelf registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission that expires on November 30, 2008.

On January 22, 2007, we redeemed in full, the $307.4 million aggregate principal amount of our 8.75% Senior Subordinated Notes, due 2011 (the 2011 Notes).  The redemption was effected in accordance with the terms of the indenture governing the 2011 Notes at a redemption price of 104.375% of the principal amount of the 2011 Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest.  As a result of the redemption, we recorded a loss from extinguishment of debt of $15.7 million representing the redemption premium and write-off of certain debt acquisition costs.  The redemption of the 2011 Notes and payment of accrued interest was funded from the net proceeds of the $225.0 million Term Loan A-1, additional borrowings under the Revolver of $23.0 million and cash on hand of $59.4 million.

On May 10, 2007, we completed an offering of $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of Convertible Senior Notes, due 2027 (the 2027 Notes) at an interest rate of 3% per year.   Upon certain conditions, the 2027 Notes are convertible into cash and, in certain circumstances, shares of class A common stock prior to maturity at an initial conversion price of $20.43 per share, subject to adjustment, which is equal to an initial conversion rate of approximately 48.9476 shares of class A common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes.  Under certain provisions of the indenture we may be required to pay contingent cash interest to the holders of notes.  The 2027 Notes may not be redeemed prior to May 20, 2010 and may thereafter be redeemed by us at par.  On May 18, 2007, the underwriters of the notes exercised their option to purchase up to an additional aggregate $45.0 million principal amount of the notes.  The offering was made pursuant to our universal shelf registration statement previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. For additional information, refer to Note 5. Notes Payable, in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

On June 11, 2007 and June 18, 2007, we partially redeemed $300.0 million and $45.0 million, respectively, of our existing 8.0% Senior Subordinated Notes, due 2012 (the 2012 Notes) at a redemption price of 104% of the principal amount of the 2012 Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest with net proceeds from the offering and cash on hand.  As of June 30, 2007, the face amount of the 2012 Notes outstanding was $273.3 million.  As a result of the partial redemption, we recorded a loss from extinguishment of debt of $15.0 million representing the redemption premium and write-off of certain debt acquisition costs, a debt premium and an unamortized derivative asset.

We expect to continue to monitor the trading of our debt in the open market and when it makes financial sense, we may repurchase additional amounts from time to time.  We also will consider the options available to us regarding the redemption of our various debt instruments outstanding.

31




 

Sources and Uses of Cash

The following table sets forth our cash flows for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 (in millions):

 

 

For the Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

For the Six Months Ended
 June 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

Net cash flows from operating activities

 

$

17.0

 

$

36.3

 

$

40.3

 

$

59.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from (used in) investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisition of property and equipment

 

$

(3.4

)

$

(4.8

)

$

(10.0

)

$

(9.5

)

Payments for acquisition of television stations

 

 

 

 

(1.7

)

Payments for acquisition of an other operating divisions’ company

 

(16.0

)

 

(16.0

)

 

Dividends and distributions from cost method investees

 

0.3

 

 

0.7

 

 

Proceeds from the sale of broadcast assets related to discontinued operations

 

 

 

 

1.4

 

Proceeds from the sale of assets

 

 

 

 

1.4

 

Other

 

 

(0.1

)

0.1

 

(0.2

)

Net cash flows used in investing activities

 

$

(19.1

)

$

(4.9

)

$

(25.2

)

$

(8.6

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from (used in) financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases

 

$

395.2

 

$

20.0

 

$

671.7

 

$

69.0

 

Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases

 

(380.9

)

(38.3

)

(726.1

)

(99.4

)

Payments for deferred financing costs

 

(6.8

)

 

 

(6.8

)

 

 

Proceeds from exercise of stock options, including excess tax benefits of $1,844

 

2.3

 

 

13.7

 

 

Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock

 

(12.9

)

(8.5

)

(23.6

)

(17.0

)

Payments on derivative terminations

 

 

(3.8

)

 

(3.8

)

Other

 

(1.0

)

(1.0

)

(2.2

)

(2.0

)

Net cash flows used in financing activities

 

$

(4.1

)

$

(31.6

)

$

(73.3

)

$

(53.2

)

 

Operating Activities

Net cash flows from operating activities decreased during the second quarter 2007 compared to the same period in 2006.  During second quarter 2007, cash receipts from customers, net of cash payments to vendors for operating expenses and other working capital cash activities were $11.5 million less in second quarter 2007 compared to the same period in 2006.  Additionally, in the second quarter 2007, we paid $13.4 million more for the extinguishment of debt due to the partial redemption of the 8% Senior Subordinated Notes, due 2012 (2012 Notes) and $1.1 million less was received in tax refunds, net of taxes paid.  These amounts were partially offset by decreases in interest payments of $3.4 million and program payments of $2.5 million and an increase in distributions from equity and cost method investees of $0.8 million.

Net cash flows from operating activities decreased during the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to the same period in 2006.  During the six months of 2007, we paid $27.2 million more for the extinguishment of debt due to the full redemption of the 8.75% Senior Subordinated Notes, due 2011 (the 2011 Notes) and the partial redemption of the 2012 Notes.  We received $5.1 million less in distributions from equity and cost method investees and made $0.4 million more in interest payments.  These amounts were offset in part by cash receipts from customers, net of cash payments to vendors for operating expenses and other working capital cash activities that were $2.0 million greater in the six months 2007 compared to the same period in  2006.  Additionally, in the six months of 2007, we made $8.2 million less in program payments and $4.6 million less in cash tax payments, offset by receiving $1.6 million less in cash tax refunds.   Tax payments in 2006 primarily related to station sales.

We expect to have a lower interest payments in the third quarter 2007 compared to the second quarter 2007.  We expect program payments to decrease in the third quarter 2007 compared to the second quarter 2007.

Investing Activities

Net cash flows used in investing activities increased during the second quarter 2007 compared to the same period in 2006.  During the second quarter 2007, we paid $16.0 million related to our acquisition of Triangle Sign & Service, Inc. (Triangle).  These cash outflows were partially offset by a decrease in capital expenditures of $1.4 million during the second quarter 2007 as compared to the second quarter 2006.  Additionally, we received distributions of our investment of $0.3 million from our cost method investees, in the second quarter 2007.

32




 

Net cash flows used in investing activities increased during the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to the same period in 2006.  During the six months of 2007, we received less than $0.1 million related to the sale of certain broadcasting assets.  During the six months of 2006, we received $1.4 million related to the sale of WEMT-TV in Tri-Cities, Tennessee and $1.4 million related to the sale of certain broadcasting assets.  During the six months of 2007, there was an increase in capital expenditures of $0.5 million as compared to the same period in 2006.  This increase is primarily related to spending on building improvement projects.  Additionally, we paid $16.0 million related to our acquisition of Triangle.  These cash outflows were partially offset by a decrease in payments related to station purchase options.  During the six months of 2006, we paid $1.7 million related to the purchase option for WDKA-TV in Paducah, Kentucky.  Additionally, we received distributions of our investment of $0.7 million from our cost method investees during the six months of 2007.

For third quarter 2007, we anticipate incurring higher capital expenditures than incurred in the second quarter 2007 primarily related to station maintenance, equipment replacement and consolidation of building and tower needs in some markets.  We expect to fund such capital expenditures with cash generated from operating activities and borrowings under our Bank Credit Agreement.

Financing Activities

Net cash flows used in financing activities decreased significantly in the second quarter of 2007 compared to the same period in 2006.  Our debt issuances to non-affiliates, net of debt repayments in second quarter 2007, were $14.3 million compared to debt repayments, net of debt issuances of $18.3 million in 2006.  Additionally, we received proceeds from the exercise of stock options for second quarter 2007 of $2.3 million and paid $3.8 million to terminate a derivative obligation during the second quarter 2006.  These cash inflows were partially offset by $4.4 million more in payments for common stock dividends during the second quarter 2007 as compared to the second quarter 2006 and $6.8 million of deferred financing cost payments primarily related to the offering of the 2027 Notes.

Net cash flows used in financing activities increased in the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to the same period in 2006.  Our debt repayments to non-affiliates, net of debt issuances in the six months of 2007, were $54.4 million compared to $30.4 million in 2006 and we paid deferred financing costs of $6.8 million during the six months of 2007 primarily related to the offering of the 2027 Notes.  Additionally, we paid $6.6 million more in common stock dividends during the first six months of 2007 as compared to the same period in 2006.  These cash outflows were partially offset by proceeds from the exercise of stock options for the first six months of 2007 of $13.7 million and the absence in 2007 of cash paid to terminate derivative obligations of $3.8 million.

Currently, we expect to continue to pay a quarterly dividend rate of $0.15 per share and to fund these dividends with cash generated from operating activities and borrowings under our Bank Credit Agreement.

Seasonality/Cyclicality

Our operating results are usually subject to seasonal fluctuations.  Usually, the second and fourth quarter operating results are higher than the first and third quarters because advertising expenditures are increased in anticipation of certain seasonal and holiday spending by consumers.

Our operating results are usually subject to fluctuations from political advertising.  In even years, political spending is usually significantly higher than in odd years due to advertising expenditures preceding local and national elections.  Additionally, every four years, political spending is elevated further due to advertising expenditures preceding the presidential election.  However, we expect the television industry to begin to generate increased revenues in odd-number years preceding presidential elections such as 2007 due to earlier state primary dates and an increase in political advertising budgets.

CONTRACTUAL CASH OBLIGATIONS

During first quarter 2007, we redeemed in full the $307.4 million aggregate principal amount of the 2011 Notes.  This redemption was funded from the net proceeds of the $225.0 million Term Loan A-1, additional borrowings under the Revolver of $23.0 million and cash on had of $59.4 million.

During second quarter 2007, we partially redeemed $345.0 million of the 2012 Notes.  This redemption was funded from the net proceeds of the $345.0 million 2027 Notes.

There were no other material changes outside the ordinary course of business to our contractual cash obligations disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.  For additional information regarding the payment terms of the 2027 Notes, see Liquidity and Capital Resources above.

33




 

ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates.  We enter into derivative instruments primarily for the purpose of reducing the impact of changing interest rates on our floating rate debt and to reduce the impact of changing fair market values on our fixed rate debt.  We account for our derivative instruments under SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended.

As of June 30, 2007, we had two derivative instruments.  Both of these instruments are interest rate swap agreements.  One of these swap agreements with a notional amount of $180.0 million and expiring on March 15, 2012, is accounted for as a fair value hedge; therefore, any changes in its fair market value are reflected as an adjustment to the carrying value of our 8.0% Senior Subordinated Notes, due 2012, which is the underlying debt being hedged.  During 2006, the other interest rate swap agreement was undesignated as a fair value hedge due to a reassignment of the counterparty; therefore, any subsequent changes in the fair market value are reflected as an adjustment to income.  The notional amount of this swap agreement is $120.0 million and it expires on March 15, 2012.  The interest we pay on the $180.0 million interest rate swap agreement is floating based on the three-month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 2.28% and the interest we receive is 8.0%.  The $120.0 million swap is structured identically with the exception of a difference in the interest spread where it is 2.35%.  The fair market value of these agreements is estimated by obtaining quotations from the international financial institution which is a party to the contract.  The fair value is an estimate of the net amount that we would pay on the balance sheet date if we cancelled the contracts or transferred them to other parties and includes net accrued interest receivable or payable.  This amount was a net asset of $4.8 million and $5.7 million as of June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively.

To determine the sensitivity of these derivative instruments to changes in interest rates, we also obtain quotations from the party to the contract that estimate the pro forma fair market value of the instruments on June 30, 2007 if current interest rates were higher by 1% or lower by 1%.  As of June 30, 2007, the fair market value of these instruments would be a liability of $4.9 million if interest rates were 1% higher and an asset of $12.4 million if interest rates were 1% lower than current rates.

During May 2003, we completed an issuance of $150.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.875% Convertible Senior Notes, due 2018.  During May 2007, we completed an issuance of $345.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.0% Convertible Senior Notes, due 2027.  Under certain circumstances, we will pay contingent cash interest to the holders of convertible notes commencing on January 15, 2011 and May 20, 2010 for the 4.875% Notes and 3.0% Notes, respectively.  The contingent cash interest feature for both issuances are embedded derivatives which have a negligible fair value as of June 30, 2007.

We are also exposed to risk from a change in interest rates to the extent we are required to refinance existing fixed rate indebtedness at rates higher than those prevailing at the time the existing indebtedness was incurred.  As of June 30, 2007, we had senior subordinated notes totaling $273.3 million, convertible senior bonds totaling $150.0 million, convertible subordinated bonds totaling $153.2 million and convertible senior notes totaling $345.0 million expiring in the years 2012, 2018, 2012 and 2027, respectively.  Based on the quoted market price, the fair value of the notes and bonds was $918.7 million as of June 30, 2007.  Generally, the fair market value of the notes and bonds will decrease as interest rates rise and increase as interest rates fall.  We estimate that a 1.0% increase from prevailing interest rates would result in a decrease in fair value of the notes and bonds by $75.7 million as of June 30, 2007.  The estimates related to the increase or decrease of interest rates are based on assumptions for forecasted future interest rates.

The fair value of the notes and bonds was $1.2 billion as of December 31, 2006 and at that time we estimated that a 1.0% increase in prevailing interest rates would have resulted in a decrease of $57.4 million in fair value.  This indicates that our exposure to risk from a change in interest rates has not materially changed since December 31, 2006.

On January 22, 2007, we redeemed in full our 8.75% Senior Subordinated Notes, due 2011 using the proceeds from our $225.0 million Term Loan A-1 and borrowing under the Revolver.  This transaction increases our risk to increases in interest rates as the Term Loan A-1 and Revolver both accrue interest with a variable rate.

On May 10, 2007, we completed an offering of $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of Convertible Senior Notes, due 2027 (the 2027 Notes) at an interest rate of 3% per year.   Upon certain conditions, the 2027 Notes are convertible into cash and, in certain circumstances, shares of class A common stock prior to maturity at an initial conversion price of $20.43 per share, subject to adjustment, which is equal to an initial conversion rate of approximately 48.9476 shares of class A common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes.  Under certain provisions of the indenture we may be required to pay contingent cash interest to the holders of notes.  The 2027 Notes may not be redeemed prior to May 20, 2010 and may thereafter be redeemed by us at par.  On May 18, 2007, the underwriters of the notes exercised their option to purchase up to an

34




 

additional aggregate $45.0 million principal amount of the notes.  The offering was made pursuant to our universal shelf registration statement previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. For additional information, refer to Note 5. Notes Payable, in the Notes to our Consolidted Financial Statements.

On June 11, 2007 and June 18, 2007, we partially redeemed $300.0 million and $45.0 million, respectively, of our existing 8.0% Senior Subordinated Notes, due 2012 (the 2012 Notes) at a redemption price of 104% of the principal amount of the 2012 Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, with net proceeds from the offering and cash on hand.  As of June 30, 2007, the face amount of the 2012 Notes outstanding was $273.3 million.  As a result of the partial redemption, we recorded a loss from extinguishment of debt of $15.0 million representing the redemption premium and write-off of certain debt acquisition costs, a debt premium and an unamortized derivative asset.

This transaction decreased the fair value of our total debt as of June 30, 2007 due to the 2012 Notes trading at a premium and the 2027 Notes trading at a discount.

ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our Management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of June 30, 2007.  The term “disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.  Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.  Based on the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of June 30, 2007, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting during or subsequent to the quarter ended June 30, 2007 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, such internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are a party to lawsuits and claims from time to time in the ordinary course of business.  Actions currently pending are in various preliminary stages and no judgments or decisions have been rendered by hearing boards or courts in connection with such actions.  After reviewing developments to date with legal counsel, our management is of the opinion that the outcome of our pending and threatened matters will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated balance sheets, consolidated statements of operations or consolidated statements of cash flows.

ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS

The following section entitled Digital Conversion, represents an update to Risk Factors contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.

Digital Conversion

On May 18, 2007, the FCC released a notice of proposed rulemaking commencing its third periodic review of the nation’s conversion from analog to digital television.  The order proposes deadlines and procedures to ensure that broadcasters complete construction of their post-transition, digital facilities by the statutory deadline of February 17, 2009.  We cannot predict the outcome of this notice or how it will impact our business.

ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

The annual meeting of shareholders of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. was held on May 11, 2006.  At the meeting, three items, as set forth in the proxy statement dated April 10, 2007, were submitted to the shareholders for a vote.  In response to Proposal I, the shareholders elected all persons nominated for directors as set forth in our proxy statement dated April 10, 2007, for a term expiring May 10, 2008.  Approximately 95.7% of the eligible votes were cast.  The table below sets for the results of the voting for nominated directors:

Election of Directors

 

For

 

Against or Withheld

 

David D. Smith

 

382,524,983

 

15,806,978

 

Frederick G. Smith

 

381,994,574

 

16,337,387

 

J. Duncan Smith

 

381,994,074

 

16,337,887

 

Robert E. Smith

 

382,334,674

 

15,997,287

 

Basil A. Thomas

 

376,710,904

 

21,621,057

 

Lawrence E. McCanna

 

395,214,447

 

3,117,514

 

Daniel C. Keith

 

397,598,551

 

733,410

 

Martin R. Leader

 

397,596,749

 

735,212

 

 

In response to Proposal II, the shareholders ratified the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent auditors for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007.  The table below sets forth the results of the voting for Ernst & Young LLP:

For

 

Against

 

Abstain

 

398,276,789

 

30,618

 

24,554

 

 

In response to Proposal III, the shareholders voted to approve the material terms of executive officer performance goals to qualify as performance-based compensation.  The table below sets for the results of the voting material terms of executive officer performance goals to qualify as performance-based compensation:

For

 

Against

 

Abstain

 

394,551,299

 

3,750,758

 

29,904

 

 

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ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS

Exhibit
Number

 

Description

          4.1

 

Indenture, dated as of May 10, 2007, between Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee. (Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Report on Form 8-K filed on May 11, 2007).

 

 

 

          4.2

 

First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 10, 2007, between Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee. (Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Report on Form 8-K filed on May 11, 2007).

 

 

 

        31.1

 

Certification by David D. Smith, as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., pursuant to § 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (15 U.S.C. § 7241)

 

 

 

        31.2

 

Certification by David B. Amy, as Chief Financial Officer of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., pursuant to § 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (15 U.S.C. § 7241)

 

 

 

        32.1

 

Certification by David D. Smith, as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C § 1350)

 

 

 

        32.2

 

Certification by David B. Amy, as Chief Financial Officer of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C § 1350)

 

 

 

 

37




 

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report on Form 10-Q to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized on the 9th day of August 2007.

 

SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

/s/ David R. Bochenek

 

 

 

 

David R. Bochenek

 

 

 

 

Vice President/Chief Accounting Officer

 

38




 

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
Number

 

Description

     4.1

 

Indenture, dated as of May 10, 2007, between Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee. (Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Report on Form 8-K filed on May 11, 2007).

 

 

 

     4.2

 

First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 10, 2007, between Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee. (Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Report on Form 8-K filed on May 11, 2007).

 

 

 

   31.1

 

Certification by David D. Smith, as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., pursuant to § 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (15 U.S.C. § 7241)

 

 

 

   31.2

 

Certification by David B. Amy, as Chief Financial Officer of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., pursuant to § 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (15 U.S.C. § 7241)

 

 

 

   32.1

 

Certification by David D. Smith, as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C § 1350)

 

 

 

   32.2

 

Certification by David B. Amy, as Chief Financial Officer of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C § 1350)

 

 

 

 

39