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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Television Broadcasting ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Forward-Looking Statements .................................................................................................................................................................................. 6
Selected Financial Data ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 8
Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operations ................................................................. 9
Quantitative And Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk ....................................................................................................................... 26
Market For Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters And Issuer Purchases Of Equity Securities ........................ 26
Controls And Procedures ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 28
Consolidated Balance Sheets ................................................................................................................................................................................. 30
Consolidated Statements Of Operations ............................................................................................................................................................ 31
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income ..................................................................................................................................... 32
Consolidated Statements Of Equity (Deficit) .................................................................................................................................................... 33
Notes To The Consolidated Financial Statements ............................................................................................................................................ 37
Report Of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm: ........................................................................................................................ 81
TELEVISION BROADCASTING
As of December 31, 2012, we own and operate, provide programming services to, provide sales services to or have agreed to
acquire the following television stations:
Market
Rank (a)
14
Stations
WTTA
Channel
Primary
Status (b)
O&O
Network/
Program Service
Arrangement (c)
MNT
Station Rank
in Market (d)
8 of 9
Expiration
Date of FCC
License
2/01/13 (f)
Market
Tampa/St. Petersburg,
Florida
Minneapolis/St. Paul,
Minnesota
St. Louis, Missouri
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Raleigh/Durham, North
Carolina
Baltimore, Maryland
Nashville, Tennessee
Columbus, Ohio
15
21
23
24
27
29
32
Salt Lake City/St. George,
33
Utah
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Cincinnati, Ohio
San Antonio, Texas
Asheville, North Carolina/
Greenville/Spartanburg/
Anderson, South
Carolina
West Palm Beach/Fort
Pierce, Florida
34
35
36
37
38
Grand Rapids/Kalamazoo,
Michigan
Las Vegas, Nevada
39
40
2 Sinclair Broadcast Group
WUCW
WUCW
KDNL
KDNL
WPGH
WPMY
WPGH
WLFL
WRDC
WLFL
WBFF
WNUV
WBFF
WBFF
WZTV
WUXP
WNAB
WNAB
WSYX
WTTE
WWHO
WSYX
KUTV
KMYU
KUTV
KMYU
WVTV
WCGV
WCGV
WKRC
WSTR
WKRC
WOAI
KABB
KMYS
KABB
WOAI
WLOS
WMYA
WLOS
WMYA
WPEC
WTVX
WTCN
WWHB
WPEC
WPEC
WTVX
WTVX
WTVX
WWMT
WWMT
KVMY
KVCW
KVMY
KVCW
KVCW
Primary
Second
Primary
Second
Primary
Primary
Second
Primary
Primary
Second
Primary
Primary
Second
Third
Primary
Primary
Primary
Second
Primary
Primary
Primary
Second
Primary
Primary
Second
Second
Primary
Primary
Second
Primary
Primary
Second
Primary
Primary
Primary
Second
Second
Primary
Primary
Second
Second
Primary
Primary
Primary
Primary
Second
Third
Second
Third
Fourth
Primary
Second
Primary
Primary
Second
Second
Third
O&O
O&O
O&O
O&O
O&O
O&O
O&O
LMA(g)
O&O
O&O
OSA(h)
O&O
LMA(g)
OSA(k)
O&O
O&O
O&O
O&O
O&O
OSA(q)
O&O
O&O
OSA(q)
O&O
LMA(g)
O&O
O&O
O&O
O&O
O&O
O&O
O&O
CW
The Country Network
ABC
The Country Network
FOX
MNT
The Country Network
CW
MNT
The Country Network
FOX
CW
This TV
The Country Network
FOX
MNT
CW
The Country Network
ABC
FOX
CW
This TV and MNT
CBS
This TV and MNT
This TV and MNT
CBS(p)
CW
MNT
The Country Network
CBS
MNT
CW
NBC
FOX
CW
The Country Network
Live Well Network
ABC
MNT
MNT
The Country Network
CBS
CW
MNT
AZTECA(t)
CBS(p)
Weather Radar
AZTECA(p)
MNT(p)
LATV
CBS
CW
MNT
CW
Estella TV
This TV
The Country Network
6 of 7
4 of 7
4 of 6
6 of 6
5 of 7
6 of 7
3 of 6
5 of 6
4 of 7
5 of 7
6 of 7
3 of 6
4 of 6
5 of 6
1 of 7
5 of 7
6 of 9
7 of 9
1 of 7
5 of 7
6 of 7
3 of 7
4 of 7
5 of 7
3 of 6
5 of 6
4/01/14
2/01/14
8/01/15
8/01/15
12/01/04 (e)
12/01/04 (e)
10/01/04 (e)
10/01/12 (f)
8/01/13
8/01/13
8/01/13
10/01/13
10/01/05 (e)
10/01/13
10/01/14
10/01/14
12/01/13
12/01/05 (e)
10/01/13
10/01/13
8/01/14
8/01/14
8/01/14
12/01/04 (e)
12/01/04 (e)
2 of 6
5 of 6
6 of 6
not available
2/01/13 (f)
2/01/13 (f)
2/01/13 (f)
2/01/13 (f)
1 of 6
5 of 7
6 of 7
10/01/13
10/01/14
10/01/14
Market
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Market
Rank (a)
41
Birmingham, Alabama
42
Harrisburg/Lancaster/
Lebanon/York,
Pennsylvania
Norfolk, Virginia
Austin, Texas
Greensboro/Winston-
Salem/Highpoint, North
Carolina
Buffalo, New York
43
44
45
46
52
Providence, Rhode Island/
53
New Bedford,
Massachusetts
Richmond, Virginia
Albany, New York
Mobile, Alabama/
Pensacola, Florida
Dayton, Ohio
Lexington, Kentucky
Charleston/Huntington,
West Virginia
Wichita/Hutchinson Plus,
Kansas
Flint/Saginaw/Bay City,
Michigan
Des Moines, Iowa
Rochester, New York
Portland, Maine
Cape Girardeau, Missouri/
Paducah, Kentucky
57
58
60
63
64
65
66
67
72
78
80
81
Stations
KOKH
KOCB
KOKH
WTTO
WABM
WDBB
WTTO
WDBB
WHP
WLYH
WHP
WLYH
WTVZ
WTVZ
KEYE
KEYE
WXLV
WMYV
WXLV
WUTV
WNYO
WUTV
WLWC
WLWC
Channel
Primary
Primary
Second
Primary
Primary
Primary
Second
Second
Primary
Primary
Second
Second
Primary
Second
Primary
Second
Primary
Primary
Second
Primary
Primary
Second
Primary
Second
Status (b)
O&O
O&O
O&O
O&O
LMA(g)
O&O
LMA(r)
O&O
O&O
O&O
O&O
O&O
O&O
O&O
WRLH
WRLH
WRGB
WCWN
WRGB
WCWN
WEAR
WPMI
WJTC
WFGX
WEAR
WPMI
Primary
Second
Primary
Primary
Second
Second
Primary
Pensacola, Florida
Primary
Pensacola, Florida
Primary
Primary
Second
Second
O&O
O&O
O&O
O&O
OSA(q)
OSA(q)
O&O
WKEF
WRGT
WRGT
WDKY
WCHS
WVAH
WVAH
KSAS (o)
KMTW
KSAS (o)
KMTW
WSMH
WSMH
KDSM
KDSM
WUHF
WHAM
WHAM
WGME
KBSI
WDKA
KBSI
WDKA
Primary
Primary
Second
Primary
Primary
Primary
Second
Primary
Primary
Second
Second
Primary
Second
Primary
Second
Primary
Primary
Second
Primary
Primary
Primary
Second
Second
O&O
LMA(g)
O&O
O&O
LMA(g)
O&O
LMA(r)
O&O
O&O
O&O(i)
OSA(s)
O&O
O&O
LMA
Network/
Program Service
Arrangement (c)
FOX
CW
The Country Network
CW
MNT
CW
The Country Network
The Country Network
CBS
CW
MNT
Live Well Network
MNT
The Country Network
CBS
Telemundo
ABC
MNT
The Country Network
FOX
MNT
The Country Network
CW
LATV
FOX
This TV and MNT
CBS
CW
This TV
CBS(p)
ABC
NBC
IND
This TV and MNT
The Country Network
The Weather Authority
Network
ABC
FOX
This TV and MNT
FOX
ABC
FOX
The Country Network
FOX
MNT
Antenna TV
The Country Network
FOX
The Country Network
FOX
The Country Network
FOX
ABC
CW
CBS
FOX
MNT
MNT
The Country Network
Station Rank
in Market (d)
4 of 7
5 of 7
Expiration
Date of FCC
License
6/01/14
6/01/14
5 of 8
6 of 8
5 of 8 (l)
4/01/05 (e)
4/01/13
4/01/13
3 of 8
5 of 8
6 of 7
3 of 6
4 of 6
5 of 6
4 of 6
6 of 6
5 of 7
4 of 6
1 of 6
5 of 6
2 of 7
4 of 7
5 of 7
7 of 7
3 of 5
4 of 5
4 of 6
2 of 6
4 of 6
4 of 6
6 of 6
3 of 6
4 of 6
not available
not available
2 of 6
4 of 6
5 of 6
8/01/15
8/01/07(e)
10/01/12 (f)
8/01/14
12/01/04 (e)
12/01/04 (e)
6/01/15
6/01/15
4/01/15
10/01/12 (f)
6/01/15
6/01/15
2/01/13 (f)
4/01/13
2/01/13 (f)
2/01/13 (f)
10/01/13
10/01/05 (e)
8/01/13
10/01/12 (f)
10/01/04 (e)
6/01/14
6/01/14
10/01/13
2/01/14
6/01/15
6/01/15
4/01/15
2/01/14
8/01/13
2012 Annual Report 3
Market
Springfield/Champaign/
Decatur, Illinois
Market
Rank (a)
83
Syracuse, New York
Madison, Wisconsin
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
84
85
87
90
Charleston, South Carolina
98
Tallahassee, Florida
Lansing, Michigan
Peoria/Bloomington,
Illinois
Medford, Oregon
Beaumont, Texas
106
115
116
140
141
Stations
WICS
WICD
WRSP
WBUI
WCCU
WICS
WRSP
WCCU
WBUI
WSYT
WNYS
WSYT
WMSN
WMSN
WTVC
WTVC
KGAN
KFXA
KFXA
WTAT
WMMP
WMMP
WTWC
WTWC
WLAJ
WLAJ
WYZZ
WYZZ
KTVL
KTVL
KFDM
KBTV
KFDM
KBTV
Status (b)
O&O
O&O
OSA
OSA
OSA
O&O
LMA
O&O
O&O
O&O
OSA(j)
LMA(g)
O&O
O&O
O&O(u)
O&O(i)
O&O
O&O
OSA(q)
Channel
Primary
Primary
Primary
Primary
Primary
Second
Second
Second
Second
Primary
Primary
Second
Primary
Second
Primary
Second
Primary
Primary
Second
Primary
Primary
Second
Primary
Second
Primary
Second
Primary
Second
Primary
Second
Primary
Primary
Second
Second
Network/
Program Service
Arrangement (c)
ABC
ABC
FOX
CW
FOX
The Country Network
ME TV
ME TV
This TV
FOX
MNT
The Country Network
FOX
The Country Network
ABC
This TV
CBS
FOX
The Country Network
FOX
MNT
The Country Network
NBC
The Country Network
ABC
CW
FOX
The Country Network
CBS
CW
CBS
FOX
CW
Bounce Network
Station Rank
in Market (d)
3 of 6
3 of 6 (m)
4 of 6
5 of 6
4 of 6 (n)
Expiration
Date of FCC
License
12/01/05 (e)
12/01/13
12/01/13
12/01/13
12/01/13
4 of 6
5 of 6
4 of 6
1 of 6
3 of 4
4 of 4
4 of 6
5 of 6
3 of 6
4 of 6
6/01/15
6/01/15
12/01/13
8/01/13
2/01/06 (e)
2/01/14
12/01/04 (e)
12/01/04 (e)
2/01/13 (f)
10/01/13
not available
12/01/13
2 of 6
1 of 6
3 of 6
2/01/15
8/01/14
8/01/06 (e)
(a) Rankings are based on the relative size of a station’s DMA among the 210 generally recognized DMAs in the United States as estimated by
Nielsen as of September 2012.
(b) “O & O” refers to stations that we own and operate. “LMA” refers to stations to which we provide programming services pursuant to a
local marketing agreement. “OSA” refers to stations to which we provide or receive sales services pursuant to an outsourcing agreement.
(c) When we negotiate the terms of our network affiliations or program service arrangements, we negotiate on behalf of all of our stations
affiliated with that entity simultaneously. This results in substantially similar terms for our stations, including the expiration date of the
network affiliations or program service arrangements. A summary of these expiration dates for our primary channels as of December 31,
2012 is as follows:
Network/
Program Service
Arrangement
FOX
MNT
ABC
CW
CBS
NBC
Azteca
Expiration Date
Of the 24 agreements, 22 agreements expire on December 31, 2017 and
2 expire on June 30, 2014
All 19 agreements expire in the Fall of 2014
Of the 12 agreements, 9 agreements expire on August 31, 2015, 2
agreements expire on December 31, 2015 and 1 agreement expires on
December 31, 2017
All 16 agreements expire on August 31, 2016
Of the 11 agreements, 4 agreements expire on January 31, 2016, 2
agreements expire on June 2, 2016, 1 agreement expires December 31,
2016, 2 agreements expire on April 29, 2017 and 2 agreements expire on
December 31, 2018
Of the 3 agreements, 2 expire on January 1, 2016 and 1 expires on
January 1, 2017
Agreement expired on February 8, 2013 (t)
(d) The first number represents the rank of each station in its market and is based upon the November 2012 Nielsen estimates of the
percentage of persons tuned into each station in the market from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., Monday through Sunday. The second number
4 Sinclair Broadcast Group
represents the estimated number of television stations designated by Nielsen as “local” to the DMA, excluding public television stations
and stations that do not meet the minimum Nielsen reporting standards (weekly cumulative audience of at least 0.1%) for the Monday
through Sunday 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. time period as of November 2012. This information is provided to us in a summary report by
Franco Research Group.
(e) We, or subsidiaries of Cunningham Broadcasting Company (Cunningham), timely filed applications for renewal of these licenses with the
FCC. Unrelated third parties have filed petitions to deny or informal objections against such applications. We opposed the petitions to
deny and the informal objections and those applications are pending. See Note 10. Commitments and Contingencies, in the Notes to our
Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
(f) We timely filed applications for renewal of these licenses with the FCC. We are currently waiting for FCC approval.
(g) The license assets for these stations are currently owned by a subsidiary of Cunningham.
(h) We have entered into an outsourcing agreement with the unrelated third party owner of WNAB-TV to provide certain non-programming
related sales, operational and administrative services to WNAB-TV. On July 21, 2005, we filed with the FCC an application to acquire the
license television broadcast assets of WNAB-TV in Nashville, Tennessee. The Rainbow / PUSH Coalition (“Rainbow / PUSH”) filed a
petition to deny that application and also requested that the FCC initiate a hearing to investigate whether WNAB-TV was improperly
operated with WZTV-TV and WUXP-TV, two of our stations also located in Nashville. The FCC is in the process of considering the
transfer of the broadcast license and we believe the Rainbow / PUSH petition has no merit.
(i) We have entered into outsourcing agreements with unrelated third parties, under which the unrelated third parties provide certain non-
programming related sales, operational and managerial services to these stations. We continue to own all of the assets of these stations and
to program and control each station’s operations.
(j) On February 1, 2008, we entered into an outsourcing agreement with the unrelated third party owner of KFXA-TV to provide certain non-
programming related sales, operational and administrative services to KFXA-TV. During 2008, we entered into an agreement with this
unrelated third party for the right to acquire the FCC license of KFXA-TV in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, pending FCC approval.
(k) On February 16, 2012, we entered into an outsourcing agreement with the unrelated third party owner of WWHO-TV to provide certain
non-programming related sales, operational and administrative services to WWHO-TV.
(l) WDBB-TV simulcasts the programming broadcast on WTTO-TV pursuant to a programming services agreement. The station rank
applies to the combined viewership of these stations. In fourth quarter 2010, the FCC approved Cunningham’s acquisition of WDBB’s
license assets. In February 2011, Cunningham acquired the license assets and we will continue to operate WDBB pursuant to a LMA
agreement.
(m) WICD-TV, a satellite of WICS-TV under FCC rules, simulcasts all of the programming aired on WICS-TV except the news broadcasts.
WICD-TV airs its own news broadcasts. The station rank applies to the combined viewership of these stations.
(n) WCCU-TV, a satellite of WRSP-TV under FCC rules, simulcasts all of the programming aired on WRSP-TV. The station rank applies to
the combined viewership of these stations.
(o) KAAS-TV, KOCW-TV, KSAS-LD-TV and KAAS-LD-TV are satellites of KSAS-TV under FCC rules. These stations simulcast all of the
programming aired on KSAS-TV’s primary and secondary channels.
(p) These stations are rebroadcasting program content from one of the primary stations listed within the same market.
(q) On December 1, 2012, Deerfield Media, Inc. (Deerfield) purchased from us the license assets of KMYS-TV and WSTR-TV, which we
previously owned. Also, on December 1, 2012, Deerfield purchased the license assets of WPMI-TV and WJTC-TV from Newport
Television LLC (Newport) and KBTV-TV from Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. (Nexstar). Concurrently, we entered into an outsourcing
agreement with Deerfield to provide certain non-programming related sales, operational and administrative services to these stations.
(r)
In December 2012, we acquired Newport’s rights under the local marketing agreements with WLYH-TV and KMTW-TV, as well as
options to acquire the license assets of these stations.
(s) On December 1, 2012, we purchased the non-license assets of WHAM-TV from Newport. Deerfield purchased the license assets of
WHAM-TV on February 1, 2013. We entered into an outsourcing agreement with Newport, on December 1, 2012, to provide certain
non-programming related sales, operational and administrative services to WHAM-TV, which was terminated upon Deerfield acquiring the
license assets on February 1, 2013.
(t) The station is continuing to operate under the existing affiliation agreement with Azteca on a temporary basis while we negotiate a new
affiliation agreement.
(u) Effective March 1, 2013, we closed on the sale of the assets of WLAJ-TV.
2012 Annual Report 5
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This report includes or incorporates forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), and 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 and credit and capital markets;
consumer confidence;
the potential impact of changes in tax law;
the activities of our competitors;
terrorist acts of violence or war and other geopolitical events;
natural disasters that impact our advertisers and our stations;
Industry risks
the business conditions of our advertisers particularly in the automotive and service industries;
competition with other broadcast television stations, radio stations, multi-channel video programming distributors
(MVPDs), internet and broadband content providers and other print and media outlets serving in the same markets;
availability and cost of programming and the continued volatility of networks and syndicators that provide us with
programming content;
the effects of the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC’s) National Broadband Plan and the auctioning and
potential reallocation of our broadcasting spectrum;
the effects of governmental regulation of broadcasting or changes in those regulations and court actions interpreting
those regulations, including ownership regulations, indecency regulations, retransmission fee regulations and political or
other advertising restrictions;
labor disputes and legislation and other union activity associated with film, acting, writing and other guilds and
professional sports leagues;
the broadcasting community’s ability to develop a viable mobile digital broadcast television (mobile DTV) strategy and
platform and the consumer’s appetite for mobile television;
the operation of low power devices in the broadcast spectrum, which could interfere with our broadcast signals;
the impact of reverse network compensation payments charged by networks pursuant to their affiliation agreements with
broadcasters requiring compensation for network programming;
the effects of new ratings system technologies including “people meters” and “set-top boxes,” and the ability of such
technologies to be a reliable standard that can be used by advertisers;
the impact of new FCC rules requiring broadcast stations to publish, among other information, political advertising rates
online;
changes in the makeup of the population in the areas where stations are located;
Risks specific to us
the effectiveness of our management;
our ability to attract and maintain local and national advertising;
our ability to service our debt obligations and operate our business under restrictions contained in our financing
agreements;
our ability to successfully renegotiate retransmission consent agreements;
our ability to renew our FCC licenses;
our ability to obtain FCC approval for any future acquisitions, as well as, in certain cases, customary antitrust clearance
for any future acquisitions;
our ability to successfully integrate any acquired businesses;
our ability to maintain our affiliation and programming service agreements with our networks and program service
providers and at renewal, to successfully negotiate these agreements with favorable terms;
our ability to effectively respond to technology affecting our industry and to increasing competition from other media
providers;
the popularity of syndicated programming we purchase and network programming that we air;
the strength of ratings for our local news broadcasts including our news sharing arrangements;
6 Sinclair Broadcast Group
the successful execution of our multi-channel broadcasting initiatives including mobile DTV; and
the results of prior year tax audits by taxing authorities.
Other matters set forth in this report and other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including
the Risk Factors set forth in Item 1A of this report may also cause actual results in the future to differ materially from those
described in the forward-looking statements. However, additional factors and risks not currently known to us or that we currently
deem immaterial may also cause actual results in the future to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking
statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on
which they are made. 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, events described in the forward-
looking statements discussed in this report might not occur.
2012 Annual Report 7
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The selected consolidated financial data for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009 and 2008 have been derived
from our audited consolidated financial statements. The consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31,
2012, 2011 and 2010 are included elsewhere in this report.
The information below should be read in conjunction with Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations and the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K.
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS DATA
(In thousands, except per share data)
For the years ended December 31,
Statements of Operations Data:
Net broadcast revenues (a)
Revenues realized from station barter arrangements
Other operating divisions revenues
Total revenues
Station production expenses
Station selling, general and administrative expenses
Expenses recognized from station barter
arrangements
Depreciation and amortization (b)
Amortization of program contract costs and net
realizable value adjustments
Other operating divisions expenses
Corporate general and administrative expenses
Gain on asset exchange
Impairment of goodwill, intangible and other assets
Operating income (loss)
Interest expense and amortization of debt discount
and deferred financing cost
(Loss) gain from extinguishment of debt
Income (loss) from equity and cost method
investees
Gain on insurance settlement
Other income, net
Income (loss) from continuing operations before
income taxes
Income tax (provision) benefit
Income (loss) from continuing operations
Discontinued operations:
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net
of related income taxes
Net income (loss)
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling
interests
Net income (loss) attributable to Sinclair
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
$ 920,593
86,905
54,181
1,061,679
255,556
171,279
$ 648,002
72,773
44,513
765,288
178,612
123,938
$ 655,836
75,210
36,598
767,644
154,133
127,091
$
79,834
85,172
60,990
46,179
33,391
—
—
329,278
65,742
51,103
52,079
39,486
28,310
—
398
225,620
(128,553)
(335)
(106,128)
(4,847)
9,670
47
2,233
212,340
(67,852)
144,488
3,269
1,742
1,717
121,373
(44,785)
76,588
67,083
55,141
60,862
30,916
26,800
—
4,803
240,815
(116,046)
(6,266)
(4,861)
344
1,865
115,851
(40,226)
75,625
555,110
58,182
43,698
656,990
142,415
122,833
48,119
65,247
73,087
45,520
25,632
(4,945)
249,799
(110,717)
(80,021)
18,465
354
11
1,448
(170,460)
32,512
(137,948)
$
639,624
59,877
55,434
754,935
158,965
136,142
53,327
63,105
84,422
59,987
26,285
(3,187)
463,887
(287,998)
(87,634)
5,451
(2,703)
—
3,000
(369,884)
121,362
(248,522)
465
$ 144,953
(411)
76,177
(577)
75,048
(81)
(138,029)
$
(141)
$ (248,663)
$
$
(287)
(379)
1,100
2,335
2,133
Broadcast Group
$ 144,666
$
75,798
$
76,148
$
(135,694)
$ (246,530)
Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share Attributable
to Sinclair Broadcast Group:
Basic earnings (loss) per share from continuing
operations
Basic earnings (loss) per share
Diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing
operations
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
Dividends declared per share
Balance Sheet Data:
Cash and cash equivalents
Total assets
Total debt (c)
Total (deficit) equity
$
$
$
$
$
1.78
1.79
1.78
1.78
1.54
$
$
$
$
$
0.95
0.94
0.95
0.94
0.48
$
$
$
$
$
0.96
0.95
0.95
0.94
0.43
$
$
$
$
$
(1.70)
(1.70)
(1.70)
(1.70)
—
$
$
$
$
$
(2.87)
(2.87)
(2.87)
(2.87)
0.80
$
22,865
$ 2,729,697
$ 2,273,379
(100,053)
$
$
12,967
$ 1,571,417
$ 1,206,025
(111,362)
$
$
21,974
$ 1,485,924
$ 1,212,065
(157,082)
$
$
23,224
$ 1,590,029
$ 1,366,308
(202,222)
$
$
16,470
$ 1,816,407
$ 1,362,278
(58,700)
$
(a) Net broadcast revenues is defined as broadcast revenues, net of agency commissions.
(b) Depreciation and amortization includes depreciation and amortization of property and equipment and amortization of definite-lived
intangible 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.
8 Sinclair Broadcast Group
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
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 – a description of our business, financial highlights from 2012, information about industry trends and sources of
revenues and operating costs;
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates – a discussion of the accounting policies that are most important in understanding the
assumptions and judgments incorporated in the consolidated financial statements and a summary of recent accounting
pronouncements;
Results of Operations – a summary of the components of our revenues by category and by network affiliation or program service
arrangement, a summary of other operating data and an analysis of our revenues and expenses for 2012, 2011 and 2010, including
comparisons between years and certain expectations for 2013; and
Liquidity and Capital Resources – a discussion of our primary sources of liquidity, an analysis of our cash flows from or used in
operating activities, investing activities and financing activities, a discussion of our dividend policy and a summary of our
contractual cash obligations and off-balance sheet arrangements.
We have two reportable operating segments, “broadcast” and “other operating divisions” that are disclosed separately from our
corporate activities. Our broadcast segment includes our stations. Our other operating divisions segment primarily earned
revenues in 2012 from sign design and fabrication; regional security alarm operating and bulk acquisitions; and real estate
ventures.
STG, included in the broadcast segment and a wholly owned subsidiary of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (SBG), is the primary
obligor under our Bank Credit Agreement, the 9.25% Notes, the 8.375% Notes and the 6.125% Notes. SBG is a guarantor under
the Bank Credit Agreement, the 9.25% Notes, the 8.375% Notes and the 6.125% Notes. Our Class A Common Stock, Class B
Common Stock, the 4.875% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018 (the 4.875% Notes) and the 3.0% Convertible Senior Notes due
2027 (the 3.0% Notes) remain obligations or securities of SBG and not obligations or securities of STG. SBG was the obligor of
the 6.0% Notes until they were fully redeemed in 2011.
2012 Annual Report 9
EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW
Acquisitions / Divestments:
In January, we closed the acquisition of the assets of Four Points Media Group LLC (Four Points) for $200.0 million,
and financed the acquisition with a $180.0 million draw under a recently raised incremental Term Loan B commitment
under our amended Bank Credit Agreement plus a $20.0 million cash escrow previously paid;
In April 2012, we closed the acquisition of the broadcast assets of Freedom Communications (Freedom) for $385.0
million, and financed the acquisition with an incremental draw of $157.5 on Term loan A and an incremental draw of
$192.5 million on Term loan B under our Bank Credit Agreement plus a $38.5 million escrow release previously paid in
November 2011;
In October, we entered into an agreement to purchase substantially all the assets of the WUTB-TV (MNT) station in
Baltimore, MD owned by Fox Television Stations, Inc. (FTS) for $2.7 million, subject to FCC approval and other
closing conditions. Our agreement to purchase the license assets was assigned to Deerfield for $0.3 million, bringing our
net purchase price to $2.4 million. Upon closing, we intend to provide sales and other non-programming services to this
station pursuant to outsourcing arrangements;
Effective December 1, 2012, we closed the asset acquisition of Bay TV, which owns WTTA-TV (MNT) in the Tampa /
St. Petersburg, Florida market, for $40.0 million. We have performed sales, programming and other management
services for this station pursuant to a LMA since January 1999. The LMA was terminated upon closing;
Effective December 1, 2012, we closed the asset acquisition of certain broadcast assets of Newport, for $460.5 million
(excludes amounts paid by Deerfield for the license assets of certain stations) as well as acquired Newport’s rights under
the local marketing agreements with WLYH-TV (CW) in Harrisburg, PA and KMTW-TV (MNT) in Wichita, KS, along
with options to acquire the license assets of these stations. We financed the acquisition with the proceeds from our
offering of 6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due October 2022, which closed in October 2012 as described below, plus a
$41.3 million cash escrow previously paid;
Effective December 1, 2012, we closed on our agreement to purchase the assets of KBTV-TV (FOX) located in
Beaumont, TX for $12.5 million (excluding amounts paid by Deerfield for the license assets);
Effective December 1, 2012, we closed on our agreements with Deerfield to sell Deerfield the license assets of one of
our stations in San Antonio (KMYS-TV CW) and our station in Cincinnati (WSTR-TV MNT) for a total of $10.7
million, and assigned to Deerfield the right to buy the license assets of WPMI-TV and WJTC-TV in the Mobile /
Pensacola market, WHAM-TV in the Rochester, NY market and KBTV-TV in the Beaumont, TX market for $13.5
million. We also acquired the options to acquire the license assets of these stations held by Deerfield. We provide sales
and other non-programming services to each of these five stations pursuant to outsourcing agreements; and
On December 31, 2012 we closed on the purchase of the non-license assets of GoCom Media, Inc’s (GoCom) three
television stations, WRSP-TV (FOX), WCCU-TV (FOX), WBUI-TV (CW), in the Champaign / Springfield / Decatur,
Illinois market for $25.7 million, along with options for the license assets. We provide sales and other non-programming
services to these stations pursuant outsourcing agreements;
Other:
In February, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.12 per share which was paid on March 15,
2012, to the holders of record at the close of business on March 1, 2012;
In May, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.12 per share which was paid on June 15, 2012,
to the holders of record at the close of business on June 1, 2012;
On May 14, 2012, the Company and the licensees of stations to which we provide services, representing 20 affiliates of
Fox Broadcast Company (FOX) in total, extended the network affiliation agreements with FOX from the existing term
of December 31, 2012 to December 31, 2017. Concurrently, we entered into an assignable option agreement with FTS
giving us or our assignee the right to purchase substantially all the assets of the WUTB-TV station (Baltimore, MD)
owned by FTS, which has a program service arrangement with MyNetwork, and entered into an option agreement giving
FTS the right to purchase our stations in up to three of the following four markets: Las Vegas, NV, Raleigh, NC,
Cincinnati, OH, and Norfolk, VA. The option was due to expire March 30, 2013; however, in January 2013, FTS
notified the Company that it would not exercise its option to purchase our stations in any of the aforementioned
markets. In the second quarter of 2012, we paid $25.0 million to FOX pursuant to the agreement and we are required to
pay the last installment payment in the amount of $25.0 million, due on April 26, 2013;
In August, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share which was paid on September 14,
2012, to the holders of record at the close of business on August 31, 2012;
10 Sinclair Broadcast Group
In August, we entered into a multi-year retransmission consent agreement with DISH Network for continued carriage in
all of our markets;
In September, we entered into an amendment of our Bank Credit Agreement to provide more flexibility with restrictive
covenants and permitted incremental indebtedness. There were no changes pertaining to interest rates or maturities of
the outstanding debt or commitments under the Bank Credit Agreement;
In October, we issued $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of Senior Unsecured Notes due 2022 (the Notes). The
Notes were priced at 100% of their principal amount and bear interest at a rate of 6.125% per annum payable semi-
annually on April 1 and October 1, commencing on April 1, 2013. The Notes mature in October 2022 and are
guaranteed by Sinclair and certain of its’ subsidiaries. See Liquidity and Capital Resources for more information;
In November, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.15 per share and a special cash dividend
of $1.00 per share payable on December 14, 2012, to the holders of record at the close of business on November 30,
2012; and
In November, we entered into a multi-year retransmission consent agreement with Mediacom for continued carriage of
our stations which are located in Mediacom’s markets.
Effective January 1, 2013, we entered into a six-year affiliation agreement with the CBS Network on its Portland, ME
and Cedar Rapids, IA affiliates, expiring December 31, 2018;
In January 2013, we entered into an agreement to sell the assets of WLWC-TV (CW) in Providence, Rhode Island to
OTA Broadcasting LLC for $13.8 million. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2013, subject to
FCC approval and other closing conditions. As of December, 31, 2012 the station is classified as held for sale and the
results of operations are classified as discontinued operations;
In February 2013, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share which is payable on March 15,
2013, to the holders of record at the close of business on March 1, 2013;
In February 2013, we entered into an agreement to purchase certain stock and/or broadcast assets of four television
stations, located in four markets, owned by COX Media Group for $99.0 million less $4.3 million of working capital
adjustments, less amounts to be paid by third party companies, and entered into an agreement to provide sales services
to one other station. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2013 subject to the approval of the
FCC and customary antitrust clearance;
In February 2013, we entered into an agreement to purchase the broadcast assets of 18 television stations owned by
Barrington Broadcasting Group, LLC for $370.0 million, less amounts to be paid by third parties, and entered into
agreements to operate or provide sales services to another six stations. Also, the Company will sell its station WSYT-TV
(FOX) and assign its LMA with WNYS-TV (MNT) in Syracuse, NY, and sell its station in Peoria IL, WYZZ-TV (FOX).
The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2013 subject to the approval of the FCC and customary
antitrust clearance;
In February, we entered into a retransmission consent agreement with DirecTV for continued carriage in all of our
markets; and
Effective March 1, 2013, we closed the sale of the assets of WLAJ-TV (ABC) in Lansing, MI to an unrelated third party
for $14.4 million. The related results from operations, net of related income taxes, have been reclassified from income
from continuing operations and reflected as net income from discontinued operations.
Political advertising increases in even-numbered years, such as 2012, due to the advertising expenditures from candidates
running in local and national elections and issue-related advertiser spending. In addition, political revenue has
consistently risen between presidential election or mid-term election years such as from 2008 to 2012 or from 2006 to
2010, respectively. In every fourth year, such as 2012, political advertising is usually elevated further due to presidential
elections;
The FCC has permitted broadcast television stations to use their digital spectrum for a wide variety of services including
multi-channel broadcasts. The FCC “must-carry” rules only apply to a station’s primary digital stream;
Retransmission consent rules provide a mechanism for broadcasters to seek payment from MVPDs who carry
broadcasters’ signals. Recognition of the value of the programming content provided by broadcasters, including local
news and other programming and network programming all in HD has generated increased local revenues;
We, as well as a number of other broadcasters, have joined and worked together in organizations such as the NAB
(along with OMVC now merged), M500 and the MCV to focus on efforts to accelerate the nationwide availability of
mobile DTV and other advanced digital distribution services and work through the many programming, advertising,
distribution and aggregation opportunities. There is potential for broadcasters to create an additional revenue stream by
2012 Annual Report 11
providing their signals to a wide variety of mobile / portable devices (tablets, laptops, smartphones, etc.) as well as
through other multi-channel / multi-platform initiatives;
Automotive-related advertising is a significant portion of our total net revenues in all periods presented and these
revenues trended downward in most of 2009 due to the economic turmoil. However, this sector has dramatically
trended upward in the past few years due to improved economic conditions;
Many broadcasters are enhancing / upgrading their websites to use the internet to deliver rich media content, such as
newscasts and weather updates, to attract advertisers and to compete with other internet sites and smart phone and
tablet device applications;
Seasonal advertising increases occur in the second and fourth quarters due to the anticipation of certain seasonal and
holiday spending by consumers;
Broadcasters have found ways to increase returns on their news programming initiatives while continuing to maintain
locally produced content through the use of news sharing arrangements;
Station outsourcing arrangements are becoming more common as broadcasters seek out ways to improve revenues and
margins;
Advertising revenue related to the Olympics occurs in even numbered years and the Super Bowl is aired on a different
network each year. Both of these popularly viewed events can have an impact on our advertising revenues; and
Compensation from networks to their affiliates in exchange for broadcasting of network programming has halted.
Networks now require compensation from broadcasters for the use of network programming.
Our operating revenues are derived from local and national advertisers and, to a much lesser extent, from political advertisers.
We also generate local revenues from our retransmission consent agreements with MVPDs. Our revenues from local advertisers
have seen a continued upward trend, with the exception of 2008 and 2009 when non-political revenues fell due to the economic
recession. Revenues from national advertisers have continued to trend downward when measured as a percentage of total
broadcast revenues. We believe this trend is the result of our focus on increasing local advertising revenues as a percentage of
total advertising revenues, combined with a decrease in overall spending by national advertisers and an increase in the number of
competitive media outlets providing national advertisers multiple alternatives in which to advertise their goods or services. Our
efforts to mitigate the effect of these increasingly competitive media outlets for national advertisers include continuing our efforts
to increase local revenues and developing innovative sales and marketing strategies to sell traditional and non-traditional services
to our advertisers including the success of multi-channel digital initiatives together with mobile DTV. In addition, our revenue
success is dependent on the success and advertising spending levels of the automotive industry.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
This discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our consolidated financial
statements which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The
preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amount of assets,
liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our
estimates including those related to bad debts, program contract costs, intangible assets, income taxes, property and equipment,
and investments. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be
reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets
and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. These estimates have been consistently applied for all years
presented in this report and in the past we have not experienced material differences between these estimates and actual results.
However, because future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty, actual results could differ from our
estimates and such differences could be material.
We have identified the policies below as critical to our business operations and to the understanding of our results of
operations. For a detailed discussion of the application of these and other accounting policies, see Note 1. Nature of Operations and
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Valuation of Goodwill, Long-Lived Assets, Intangible Assets and Equity and Cost Method Investments. We periodically evaluate our
goodwill, broadcast licenses, long-lived assets, intangible assets and equity and cost method investments for potential impairment
indicators. Our judgments regarding the existence of impairment indicators are based on estimated future cash flows, market
conditions, operating performance of our stations, legal factors and other various qualitative factors.
We have determined our broadcast licenses to be indefinite-lived intangible assets in accordance with the accounting guidance
for goodwill and other intangible assets, which requires such assets along with our goodwill to be tested for impairment on an
annual basis or more often when certain triggering events occur. As of December 31, 2012, we had $1,074.0 million of goodwill,
12 Sinclair Broadcast Group
$85.1 million in broadcast licenses, and $623.4 million in definite-lived intangibles. We perform our annual impairment tests for
goodwill and broadcast licenses at the beginning of the fourth quarter each year.
In 2011, we early adopted the accounting guidance related to the annual goodwill impairment assessment, which allowed us, to
first qualitatively assess whether it is more likely than not that goodwill has been impaired. As part of our qualitative assessment
for goodwill impairment, we consider the following factors related to the reporting units, where applicable:
Significant changes in the macroeconomic conditions;
Significant changes in the regulatory environment;
Significant changes in the operating model, management, products and services, customer base, cost structure and/or
margin trends;
Comparison of current and prior year operating performance and forecast trends for future operating performance; and
The excess of the fair value over carrying value of the reporting units determined in prior quantitative assessments.
If we conclude that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit is impaired, we will apply the quantitative two-step method
for goodwill. Prior to 2011, the annual impairment test for goodwill was performed using the quantitative two-step method, for
all reporting units. Our quantitative assessment for our goodwill consists of estimating the fair value of our reporting units, using
a combination of a market approach, using recent comparable market transactions and estimated market multiples, and an income
approach, using a discounted cash flow model. The key assumptions used to determine the fair value of our reporting units to
test our goodwill for impairment consist of discount rates, revenue and expense growth rates and comparable business multiples.
The projected growth rates are based on our internal forecast of future performance, historical trends, and projected long-range
inflation and long-term industry projections. The discount rate is based on a number of factors including market interest rates, a
weighted average cost of capital analysis based on the target capital structure for a television station, and includes adjustments for
market risk and company specific risk. For goodwill, if we determine that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the
carrying value, we then perform the second step which requires allocation of the reporting unit’s fair value to all of its assets and
liabilities in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation, with any residual fair value being allocated to goodwill to determine
the implied fair value. An impairment charge will be recognized only when the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill is
less than its carrying amount.
We early adopted the recent accounting guidance related to the annual indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment test, which
allowed us, beginning with our 2012 indefinite-lived intangible impairment test, to first qualitatively assess whether it is more likely
than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset has been impaired. As part of our qualitative assessment for indefinite-lived
intangible assets, we consider the following factors related to the indefinite-lived intangible asset, where applicable:
Significant changes in cost factors that could affect the inputs used to determine the fair value of the indefinite-lived
intangible asset;
Significant changes in the legal or regulatory environment;
Significant changes in management, key personnel, strategy or customers that could affect the inputs used to
determine the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset;
Significant changes in the industry and/or market;
Significant changes in macroeconomic conditions;
Comparison of current and prior year operating performance and forecast trends for future operating performance;
and
The excess of the fair value over carrying value of the indefinite-lived intangible assets determined in prior
quantitative assessments.
If we conclude that it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, we will calculate the fair market
value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset and compare to the book value. Prior to 2012, the annual impairment test for our
indefinite-lived intangibles, broadcast licenses, involved a quantitative assessment in which we estimated the fair market value of
our broadcast licenses and compared to the book value. We estimated the fair market value of our broadcast licenses using a
discounted cash flow model. The key assumptions used to determine the fair value of our broadcast licenses consist of discount
rates, normalized market share, normalized profit margin, expected future growth rates and estimated start-up costs. We then
compared the estimated fair market value to the book value of these assets to determine if impairment exists. For the broadcast
licenses, if the fair value is less than book value, we would record the resulting impairment.
We aggregate our stations by market for purposes of our goodwill and license impairment testing and we believe that our
markets are most representative of our broadcast reporting units because segment management views, manages and evaluates our
stations on a market basis. Furthermore, in our markets where we operate or provide services to more than one station, certain
2012 Annual Report 13
costs of operating the stations are shared including the use of buildings and equipment, the sales force and administrative
personnel. Our discounted cash flow model is based on our judgment of future market conditions within each designated
marketing area, as well as discount rates that would be used by market participants in an arms-length transaction.
Based on the results of our annual qualitative assessment for goodwill impairment performed in 2012, we concluded that we
would need to perform a quantitative “Step 1” test for three of our markets which had aggregate goodwill of $79.5 million as of
October 1, 2012, the date of our annual impairment test. These markets had a decrease in operating results for the past few years
and therefore, we estimated the fair value of these reporting units based on a market approach and income approach. For all
three markets, the fair value of the reporting unit exceeded the respective carrying value by more than 10%. For all our other
reporting units, we concluded based on the qualitative assessment that it was more likely than not that the fair values of these
reporting units would sufficiently exceed their carrying values and it was not necessary to perform the quantitative two-step
method. For the year ended December 31, 2012, an increase in our discount rate and/or a decrease in our multiple of 10% would
not result in goodwill impairment. Based on the annual qualitative assessment for goodwill impairment performed in 2011, we
concluded that it was more likely than not that the fair values of all reporting units would sufficiently exceed their carrying value
and thus it was not necessary to perform the quantitative two-step method. The qualitative factors for our reporting units
reviewed during our 2012 and 2011 assessments, with the exception of the three markets in which we performed a quantitative
assessment, indicated stable or improving margins and favorable or stable forecasted economic conditions including stable
discount rates and comparable business multiples. Additionally, the results of prior quantitative assessments supported significant
excess fair value over carrying value of our reporting units. As a result of our 2010 annual quantitative impairment assessment, all
of our reporting units had fair values in excess of carrying value and therefore, we did not record any goodwill impairment during
the year ended December 31, 2010.
Based on the annual qualitative assessment for broadcast license impairment performed in 2012, we concluded that it was more
likely than not that the fair values of all broadcast licenses would sufficiently exceed their carrying values and thus it was not
necessary to perform a quantitative test. The qualitative factors for our broadcast licenses indicated an increase in market
revenues, consistent expected market growth rates, stable market shares and stable cost factors from 2011 to 2012. We recorded
a $0.4 million interim impairment charge in the first quarter of 2011 due to an anticipated increase in construction costs for one of
our stations as a result of converting to full power. As a result of our annual impairment test for broadcast licenses in 2011, we
concluded that impairment did not exist. The revenue, expense and constant growth rates used in determining the fair value of
our broadcast licenses increased slightly from 2010 to 2011. The discount rates used to determine the fair value of our broadcast
licenses did not change significantly from 2010 to 2011. During the year ended December 31, 2010, we recorded $4.8 million in
impairment on our broadcast licenses and other assets. The $4.8 million impairment charge recorded in 2010 was primarily the
result of additional cash outflows for increased signal strength necessary to maintain competitive market positions.
We believe we have made reasonable estimates and utilized appropriate assumptions to evaluate whether it was more likely than
not that the fair value of our reporting units and broadcast licenses was less than their carrying values. If future results are not
consistent with our assumptions and estimates, including future events such as a deterioration of market conditions or significant
increases in discount rates, we could be exposed to impairment charges in the future. Any resulting impairment loss could have a
material adverse impact on our consolidated balance sheets, consolidated statements of operations and consolidated statements of
cash flows.
For all other long-lived assets, including fixed assets and definite-lived intangibles, we assess recoverability of the assets
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the net book value of the assets may not be recoverable. If we
conclude that such triggering event has occurred, we perform a two-step quantitative test to first assess whether the asset is
recoverable by comparing the sum of undiscounted cash flows of the asset group to the carrying value of the asset group,
including goodwill. If the sum of undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying value of the asset group, we then measure and
allocate the amount of impairment to record for each of the assets in the asset group by comparing the respective fair value of the
assets to their carrying values. We did not have any indicators of impairment of our long-lived assets in 2010, 2011 or 2012.
When factors indicate that there may be a decrease in value of an equity or cost method investment, we assess that investment
and determine whether a loss in value has occurred. If that loss is deemed to be other than temporary, an impairment loss is
recorded. For any investments that indicate a potential impairment, we estimate the fair value of those investments using
discounted cash flow models, unrelated third party valuations or industry comparables, based on the various facts available to us.
During 2012 and 2010, we recorded $1.3 million and $6.7 million of impairment on equity method investments, respectively. No
impairment of our equity or cost method investments was recorded 2011.
Revenue Recognition. Advertising revenues, net of agency commissions, are recognized in the period during which commercials
are aired. All other revenues are recognized as services are provided. The revenues realized from station barter arrangements are
recorded as the programs are aired at the estimated fair value of the advertising airtime given in exchange for the program rights.
Some of our retransmission consent agreements contain both advertising and retransmission consent elements that are paid in
14 Sinclair Broadcast Group
cash. We have determined that these agreements are revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables. Advertising and
retransmission consent deliverables sold under our agreements are separated into different units of accounting based on fair value.
Revenue applicable to the advertising element of the arrangement is recognized consistent with the advertising revenue policy
noted above. Revenue applicable to the retransmission consent element of the arrangement is recognized over the life of the
agreement.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from extending
credit to our customers that are unable to make required payments. If the economy and/or the financial condition of our
customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be
required. For example, a 10% increase in the balance of our allowance for doubtful accounts as of December 31, 2012, would
increase bad debt expense by approximately $0.3 million. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $3.1 million and $3.0 million
for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Program Contract Costs. We have agreements with distributors for the rights to televise programming over contract periods,
which generally run from one to seven years. Contract payments are made in installments over terms that are generally equal to
or shorter than the contract period. Each contract is recorded as an asset and a liability at an amount equal to its gross cash
contractual commitment when the license period begins and the program is available for its first showing. The portion of
program contracts which become payable within one year is reflected as a current liability in the consolidated balance sheets. As
of December 31, 2012 and 2011, we recorded $69.3 million and $54.5 million, respectively, in program contract assets and $104.4
million and $91.5 million, respectively, in program contract liabilities.
The programming rights are reflected in the consolidated balance sheets at the lower of unamortized cost or estimated net
realizable value (NRV). Estimated NRVs are based on management’s expectation of future advertising revenue, net of sales
commissions, to be generated by the remaining program material available under the contract terms. Amortization of program
contract costs is generally computed using a four-year accelerated method or a straight-line method, depending on the length of
the contract. Program contract costs estimated by management to be amortized within one year are classified as current assets.
Program contract liabilities are typically paid on a scheduled basis and are not impacted by adjustments for amortization or
estimated NRV. If our estimate of future advertising revenues declines, then additional write downs to NRV may be required.
Income Tax. We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the differences between the financial statements carrying
amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. As of December 31 2011, we recorded $4.9 million in deferred tax assets. As
of December 31, 2012 and 2011, we recorded $234.1 million and $247.6 million, respectively, in deferred tax liabilities. We
provide a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets if we determine that it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred
tax assets will not be realized. In evaluating our ability to realize net deferred tax assets, we consider all available evidence, both
positive and negative, including our past operating results, tax planning strategies and forecasts of future taxable income. In
considering these sources of taxable income, we must make certain judgments that are based on the plans and estimates used to
manage our underlying businesses on a long-term basis. A valuation allowance has been provided for deferred tax assets related
to a substantial portion of our available state net operating loss carryforwards, based on past operating results, expected timing of
the reversals of existing temporary book/tax basis differences, alternative tax strategies and projected future taxable income.
In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued new guidance for fair value measurements. The
purpose of the new guidance is to have a consistent definition of fair value between U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting
Principles (GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Many of the amendments to GAAP are not expected
to have a significant impact on practice; however, the new guidance does require new and enhanced disclosure about fair value
measurements. The amendments were effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011 and should be
applied prospectively. This guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements but we have included
the additional quantitative and qualitative disclosures required for our Level 3 fair value measurements beginning with the quarter
ended March 31, 2012.
In September 2011, the FASB issued the final Accounting Standards Update for goodwill impairment testing. The standard
allows an entity to first consider qualitative factors when deciding whether it is necessary to perform the current two-step goodwill
impairment test. An entity would need to perform step-one if it determines qualitatively that it is more-likely-than-not that the
fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. The changes are effective prospectively for annual and interim
goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. We adopted this new guidance in the
fourth quarter of 2011 in completing our annual impairment analysis. See Note 5. Goodwill, Broadcast Licenses and Other Intangible
Assets for further discussion of the results of our goodwill impairment analysis. This guidance impacts how we perform the
annual goodwill impairment test; however, it did not impact our consolidated financial statements as the guidance does not impact
the timing or amount of any resulting impairment charges.
2012 Annual Report 15
In July 2012, the FASB issued new guidance for testing indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment. The new guidance
allows companies to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether further impairment testing of indefinite-lived
intangible assets is necessary, similar to the approach now applied to goodwill. Companies can first determine based on certain
qualitative factors whether it is “more likely than not” (a likelihood of more than 50 percent) that an indefinite-lived intangible
asset is impaired. The new standard is intended to reduce the cost and complexity of testing indefinite-lived intangible assets for
impairment. The revised standard is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after
September 30, 2012 and early adoption is permitted. We adopted this new guidance in the fourth quarter of 2012 when
completing our annual impairment analysis. See Note 5. Goodwill, Broadcast Licenses and Other Intangible Assets for further discussion
of the results of our broadcast license impairment analysis. This guidance impacted how we perform our annual impairment
testing for indefinite-lived intangible assets and changed our related disclosures for 2012; however, it does not have an impact on
our consolidated financial statements as the guidance does not impact the timing or amount of any resulting impairment charges.
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. The results of the acquired stations from Four Points as of January
1, 2012 (acquisition date), from Freedom as of April 1, 2012 (acquisition date) and Newport as of December 1, 2012 (acquisition
date) are included in our results of our continuing operations. In 2012, we determined that the operating results of WLAJ-TV,
which was one of the stations acquired in the Freedom acquisition, and WLWC-TV, which was one of the stations acquired in the
Four Points acquisition, should be accounted for as discontinued operations and therefore the results are not included in our
consolidated results of continuing operations year ended December 31, 2012. Unless otherwise indicated, references in this
discussion and analysis to 2012, 2011 and 2010 are to our fiscal years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
Additionally, any references to the first, second, third or fourth quarters are to the three months ended March 31, June 30,
September 30 and December 31, respectively, for the year being discussed. We have two reportable segments, “broadcast” and
“other operating divisions” that are disclosed separately from our corporate activities.
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 numbered years, political spending is
usually significantly higher than in odd numbered years due to advertising expenditures preceding local and national elections.
Additionally, every four years, political spending is usually elevated further due to advertising expenditures preceding the
presidential election.
The following table sets forth certain of our operating data from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2012,
2011 and 2010 (in millions). For definitions of terms, see the footnotes to the table in Item 6. Selected Financial Data.
Net broadcast revenues
Revenues realized from station barter arrangements
Other operating divisions revenues
Total revenues
Station production expenses
Station selling, general and administrative expenses
Expenses recognized from station barter arrangements
Depreciation and amortization
Other operating divisions expenses
Corporate general and administrative expenses
Impairment of goodwill, intangible and other assets
Operating income
Net income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group
2012
920.6
86.9
54.2
1061.7
255.5
171.3
79.8
146.2
46.2
33.4
—
329.3
144.7
$
$
$
16 Sinclair Broadcast Group
$
$
Years Ended December 31,
2011
648.0
72.8
44.5
765.3
178.6
123.9
65.7
103.3
39.5
28.3
0.4
225.6
75.8
$
$
$
$
2010
655.8
75.2
36.6
767.6
154.1
127.1
67.1
116.0
30.9
26.8
4.8
240.8
76.1
BROADCAST SEGMENT
The following table presents our revenues from continuing operations, net of agency commissions, for the three years ended
December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 (in millions):
$
Local revenues:
Non-political
Political
Total local
National revenues:
Non-political
Political
Total national
Total net broadcast revenues
$
2012
643.5
12.9
656.4
180.2
84.0
264.2
920.6
2011
498.7
2.5
501.2
141.0
5.8
146.8
648.0
$
$
2010
’12 vs. ‘11
’11 vs. ‘10
Percent Change
$
$
464.0
12.8
476.8
149.8
29.2
179.0
655.8
29.0%
(a)
31.0%
27.8%
(a)
80.0%
42.1%
7.5%
(a)
5.1%
(5.9%)
(a)
(18.0%)
(1.2%)
(a) Political revenue is not comparable from year to year due to the cyclicality of elections. See Political Revenues below for more
information.
Our largest categories of advertising and their approximate percentages of 2012 net time sales, which include the advertising
portion of our local and national broadcast revenues, were automotive (20.8%), political (14.0%), services (13.9%), schools (5.9%)
and retail / department stores (5.0%). No other advertising category accounted for more than 5.0% of our net time sales in 2012.
No advertiser accounted for more than 1.2% of our consolidated revenue in 2012. We conduct business with thousands of
advertisers.
Our primary types of programming and their approximate percentages of 2012 net time sales were syndicated programming
(36.7%), network programming (24.2%), local news (25.1%), sports programming (8.1%) and direct advertising programming
(5.9%).
From a network affiliation or program service arrangement perspective, the following table sets forth our affiliate percentages
of net time sales for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011:
Percent of Net Time Sales for the
Twelve Months Ended December 31,
Net Time Sales
Percent Change
2012
2011
’12 vs. ‘11(c)
36.9%
19.5%
18.6%
12.5%
10.7%
1.0%
0.7%
0.1%
47.4%
20.5%
3.0%
15.8%
12.4%
0.5%
0.4%
N/A
9.6%
33.1%
786.2%
11.0%
22.0%
169.7%
110.8%
nm
’11 vs. ‘10
(2.1%)
(11.8%)
(7.4%)
(5.8%)
(10.9%)
(23.2%)
215.2%
nm
FOX
ABC
CBS
MyNetworkTV
The CW
NBC
Digital
Other
Total
# of
Stations(a)
24
11
11
19
15
3
(b)
2
85
nm- Not meaningful
N/A- Not applicable
(a) During 2012, we acquired or entered into outsourcing agreements to provide certain non-programming related sales, operational and
administrative services to 27 stations with the following network affiliation or program service arrangements: CBS (two stations in the
first quarter, five stations in the second quarter and two stations in the fourth quarter), NBC (two stations in the fourth quarter), FOX
(four stations in the fourth quarter), ABC (one station in the second quarter and one station in the fourth quarter), CW (two stations in
the first quarter, one station in the second quarter and two stations in the fourth quarter), MyNetworkTV (two stations in the first
quarter and one station in the fourth quarter), Other (one station in the first quarter and one station in the fourth quarter). We
reclassified the results of operations of WLAJ-TV, an ABC station acquired in the second quarter and WLWC-TV a CW station
acquired in the first quarter, as discontinued operations as discussed in Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and therefore the
net time sales of WLAJ-TV and WLWC-TV are not included in the percentages above and are excluded from the number of stations.
2012 Annual Report 17
(b) We broadcast programming from network affiliations or program service arrangements with CBS (rebroadcasted content from other
primary channels within the same markets), The CW, MyNetworkTV, This TV, ME TV, LATV, Weather Radar, The Weather
Authority Network, Live Well Network, Antenna TV, Bounce Network, The Country Network, Azteca, Telemundo and Estrella on
additional channels through our stations’ second and third digital signals.
(c) The amount of increases in net time sales related to 2012 acquisitions was: FOX 0.4%, ABC 10.4%, CBS 752.6%, MyNetworkTV
3.2%, CW 19.3%, NBC 124.0% and Digital 159.8%.
Net Broadcast Revenues. Net broadcast revenues increased $272.6 million for 2012 when comparing to 2011, of which $164.2
million was related to stations acquired during 2012. Additionally, revenues earned pursuant to the LMA with the Freedom
stations during the first quarter of 2012 included $2.2 million for management services performed and $7.8 million of pass-
through costs. The remaining increase was due to increases in advertising revenues generated from the political, direct response
and beer / wine sectors. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in the internet, soft drinks, movies and drugs /
cosmetic sectors. Excluding the stations acquired in 2012, automotive, which typically is our largest category, represented 20.3%
of net time sales for the year ended December 31, 2012.
From a revenue category standpoint, 2011 when compared to 2010 was impacted by increases in most of the advertising sectors
as the country’s economic conditions in general continued to strengthen. Automotive, our largest category in 2011, was up 9.7%
compared to 2010 as automotive dealers and manufacturers increased spending in response to an increase in auto sales.
Political Revenues. Political revenues, which include time sales from political advertising, increased by $88.6 million to $96.9
million for 2012 when compared to 2011. Political revenues decreased by $33.7 million to $8.3 million for 2011 when compared
to 2010. Political revenues are typically higher in election years such as 2012 and 2010. Accordingly, we expect political revenues
to decrease in 2013 from 2012 levels.
Local Revenues. Excluding political revenues, our local broadcast revenues, which include local times sales, retransmission
revenues and other local revenues, were up $144.8 million for 2012 when compared to 2011, of which $112.1 million related to
the stations acquired in 2012. The remaining increase is due to an increase in advertising spending particularly in the automotive
and direct response sectors and an increase in retransmission revenues from MVPDs. These increases were partially offset by a
decrease due to a decline in advertising revenues from the schools, fast food and services sectors and a change in networks for the
Super Bowl programming from FOX to NBC as we had 20 FOX stations compared to one NBC station at the time when the
Super Bowl aired in February 2012. Excluding political revenues, our local broadcast revenues, which include local times sales,
retransmission revenues and other local revenues, were up $34.7 million for 2011, compared to 2010. The increase is due to an
increase in advertising spending particularly in the automotive sector, an increase in retransmission revenues from MVPDs and
amounts earned for services performed pursuant to the Four Points and Freedom LMAs ($2.2 million for management services
performed and $7.8 million of pass-through costs).
National Revenues. Our national broadcast revenues, excluding political revenues, which include national time sales and other
national revenues, were up $39.2 million for 2012 when compared to 2011, of which $38.5 million related to the stations acquired
in 2012. The remaining increase was due to increases in advertising revenues generated from the direct response and services
sectors. These increases were partially offset by a decline in advertising revenues in telecommunications and the drugs / cosmetic
sectors. Excluding political revenues, our national broadcast revenues were down $8.8 million for 2011 when compared to 2010.
This was primarily due to a decrease in advertising spending by the media, telecommunications, home products, professional
services and movies sectors.
18 Sinclair Broadcast Group
The following table presents our significant operating expense categories for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and
2010 (in millions):
Station production expenses
Station selling, general and
administrative expenses
Amortization of program
contract costs and net
realizable value adjustments
Corporate general and
administrative expenses
Impairment of goodwill,
intangible and other assets
Depreciation and amortization
2012
255.5
$
2011
178.6
$
2010
154.1
$
Percent Change
(Increase/(Decrease))
’12 vs. ‘11
43.1%
’11 vs. ‘10
15.9%
$
171.3
$ 123.9
$ 127.1
38.3%
(2.5%)
$
61.0
$
52.1
$
60.9
$
28.9
$
24.8
$
23.7
17.1%
16.5%
(14.4%)
4.6%
$ —
$
0.4
$
4.8
(100.0%)
(91.7%)
expenses
$
77.5
$
44.6
$
49.2
73.8%
(9.3%)
Station production expenses. Station production expenses increased $76.9 million during 2012 compared to 2011, of which $42.7
million related to the stations acquired in 2012. The remaining increases for the year were primarily due to an increase in fees
pursuant to network affiliation agreements, increased compensation expense, increased employee / management incentive
bonuses, increased news profit sharing expenses and increased rating service fees due to annual scheduled rate increases.
Station production expenses increased $24.5 million during 2011 compared to 2010. This increase was primarily due to an
increase in fees pursuant to network affiliation agreements, increased compensation expense (including amounts related to the
Four Points and Freedom stations pursuant to the LMAs prior to acquisition, which were pass-through costs), increased
promotional advertising expenses and increased rating service fees due to annual scheduled rate increases. Additionally, news
profit share expenses increased due to better news performance which resulted in higher payments to our news share partners.
Station selling, general and administrative expenses. Station selling, general and administrative expenses increased $47.4 million during
2012 compared to 2011, of which $38.4 million related to the stations acquired in 2012. The remaining increases for the year were
primarily due to employee / management incentive bonuses, an increase in national sales commissions and increased
compensation expense.
Station selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $3.2 million during 2011 compared to 2010. This decrease was
primarily due to lower non-income based tax expense, a decrease in stock-based compensation and decreased national sales
agency and local commission costs. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in expenses related to rollout of
expanded digital product offerings.
We expect 2013 station production and station selling, general and administrative expenses, excluding barter and full year effect
on 2012 acquisitions, to trend higher than our 2012 results.
Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments. The amortization of program contract costs increased $8.9
million during 2012 compared to 2011, of which $7.1 million related to the stations acquired in 2012. The remaining increases for
the year are due to more long-term program contracts, which resulted in higher contract cost amortization.
The amortization of program contract costs decreased $8.8 million during 2011 compared to 2010. We had purchased more
barter and short-term program contracts which are less expensive and resulted in lower contract cost amortization.
Corporate general and administrative expenses. See explanation under Corporate and Unallocated Expenses
Impairment of goodwill, intangible and other assets. We completed our annual test of goodwill and broadcast licenses for impairment
in fourth quarter 2012, 2011 and 2010. We recorded no impairment in 2012. During 2011, we recorded impairments of $0.4
million related to our broadcast licenses. During 2010, we recorded impairments of $4.8 million related to our broadcast licenses
and other assets.
Depreciation and amortization expenses. Depreciation of property and equipment and amortization of definite-lived intangibles and
other assets increased $32.9 million during 2012 compared 2011, of which $32.2 million related to the stations acquired in 2012.
2012 Annual Report 19
Depreciation and amortization expenses decreased $4.6 million during 2011 compared to 2010. This decrease was primarily due
to older assets that were becoming fully depreciated.
OTHER OPERATING DIVISIONS SEGMENT REVENUE AND EXPENSE
The following table presents our other operating divisions segment revenue and expenses which is comprised of the following
for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 (in millions): Triangle Signs & Services, LLC (Triangle), a sign designer
and fabricator; Alarm Funding Associates, LLC. (Alarm Funding), a regional security alarm operating and bulk acquisition
company; real estate ventures and other nominal businesses.
2012
2011
2010
’12 vs. ‘11
’11 vs. ‘10
Percent Change
Revenues:
Triangle
Alarm Funding
Real Estate Ventures and
other
Expenses: (a)
Triangle
Alarm Funding
Real Estate Ventures and
$
$
26.5
16.0
$
$
23.1
12.8
$
$
19.1
10.0
$
11.7
$
8.6
$
7.5
$
$
25.9
12.9
$
$
21.8
12.7
$
$
19.8
8.0
other
$
17.2
$
12.3
$
9.8
14.7%
25.0%
36.0%
18.8%
1.6%
39.8%
20.9%
28.0%
14.7%
10.1%
58.8%
25.5%
(a) Comprises total expenses of the entity including other operating divisions expenses, depreciation and amortization and applicable
other income (expense) items such as interest expense and non-cash stock-based compensation expense related to issuances of
subsidiary stock awards.
The year over year increases in Triangle’s revenue and expenses during 2012 compared to 2011 and 2011 compared to 2010
was primarily due to increases in sales volume due to new service contracts. The increases in Alarm Funding’s revenue and
expenses during 2012 compared to 2011 and 2011 compared to 2010 was primarily due to the acquisition of new alarm
monitoring contracts. Revenues and expenses have increased for our consolidated real estate ventures over the same periods due
to an increase in leasing activity for operating real estate properties and sales of property under development in 2012 compared to
2011. As of December 31, 2012, we held $71.7 million of real estate for development and sale.
Income (loss) from Equity and Cost Method Investments. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, the carrying value of our investments in
private equity funds and real estate ventures, accounted for under the equity or cost method, was $27.3 million and $65.9 million
in 2012 and $26.3 million and $52.6 million in 2011, respectively. Results of our equity and cost method investments in private
investment funds and real estate ventures are included in income from equity and cost method investments in our consolidated
statements of operations. During 2012, we recorded income of $2.2 million related to certain private investment funds and
income of $7.4 million related to our real estate ventures, including a $7.9 million gain on the sale of three of our real estate
ventures, partially offset by a $0.9 million impairment charge related to one of our real estate ventures. During 2011, we recorded
income of $2.3 million related to certain private equity funds and income of $1.0 million related to our real estate ventures,
including a $1.1 million gain on sale of one of our real estate ventures. During 2010, we determined three of our investments
were impaired, primarily due to decreases in underlying values of our real estate investments, and we recorded impairments
totaling $6.7 million. Additionally, during 2010, we recorded losses of $1.7 million related to other real estate ventures and
income of $3.6 million related to certain private equity funds.
20 Sinclair Broadcast Group
CORPORATE AND UNALLOCATED EXPENSES
2012
2011
2010
’12 vs. ‘11
’11 vs. ‘10
Percent Change
(Increase/(Decrease))
Corporate general and
administrative expenses
Interest expense
Loss from extinguishment of
debt
Income tax provision
$
$
$
$
2.8
125.3
(0.3)
(67.9)
$
$
$
$
2.4
102.4
(4.8)
(44.8)
$
$
$
$
2.2
114.1
(6.3)
(40.2)
16.7%
22.4%
(93.8%)
51.6%
9.1%
(10.3%)
(23.8%)
11.4%
Corporate general and administrative expenses. We allocate most of our corporate general and administrative expenses to the
broadcast segment. The explanation that follows combines corporate general and administrative expenses found in the Broadcast
Segment section with the corporate general and administrative expenses found in this section, Corporate and Unallocated Expenses.
These results exclude general and administrative costs from our other operating divisions segment which are included in our
discussion of expenses in the Other Operating Divisions Segment section.
Combined corporate general and administrative expenses increased to $31.7 million in 2012 from $27.2 million in 2011. This is
primarily due to an increase in transaction costs due to our recent acquisitions, an increase in higher group insurance costs and
higher employee incentive / performance bonuses.
Combined corporate general and administrative expenses increased to $27.2 million in 2011 from $25.9 million in 2010. This is
primarily due to an increase in employee bonuses, stock-based compensation from the issuance of stock-settled appreciation
rights and the issuance of restricted and unrestricted common stock at higher stock prices when compared to 2010. The increases
were partially offset by lower health and other insurance costs.
We expect corporate general and administrative expenses to increase in 2013 compared to 2012.
Interest expense. Interest expense increased in 2012 compared to 2011 primarily due to the incremental borrowings on our Term
Loan A and Term Loan B under our Bank Credit Agreement for our acquisitions in 2012, the issuance of $500.0 million of
6.125% notes in the fourth quarter of 2012, as well as financing costs of $6.3 million related to the amendment of our Bank
Credit Agreement, which were incurred in 2012. The increase in interest was partially offset by a decrease due to the full
extinguishment of our 6.0% Notes in the second quarter of 2011.
Interest expense decreased in 2011 compared to 2010 primarily due to our amending and restating the Bank Credit Agreement
in third quarter 2010 and the first quarter 2011, resulting in lower interest rates. In addition, interest expense decreased due to the
redemption of our 8.0% Notes in fourth quarter 2010 and our 6.0% Notes in 2010 and second quarter 2011. These decreases
were partially offset by certain financing costs recorded as interest expense during 2011 and 2010 of $6.1 million and $3.6 million,
respectively, related to the amendments to the Bank Credit Agreement, mentioned previously, as well as the amendment in the
fourth quarter 2011.
We expect interest expense to increase in 2013 compared to 2012 due to the acquisition financing.
Loss from extinguishment of debt. During the year ended December 31, 2012, we drew down on our incremental borrowings under
the Bank Credit Agreement and wrote off a portion of our deferred financing costs and debt discount on the Term Loan B,
resulting in a loss of $0.3 million from extinguishment of debt.
During the year ended December 31, 2011, we amended our Bank Credit Agreement and paid down a portion of our Term
Loan B, completed the redemption of all $70.0 million of the remaining 6.0% Notes and repurchased certain of our 8.375%
Notes, resulting in a loss of $4.8 million from extinguishment of debt.
Income tax (provision) benefit. The 2012 income tax provision for our pre-tax income from continuing operations (including the
effects of the noncontrolling interest) of $212.1 million resulted in an effective tax rate of 32.0%. The 2011 income tax provision
for our pre-tax income from continuing operations (including the effects of the noncontrolling interest) of $121.0 million resulted
in an effective tax rate of 37.0%. The decrease in the effective tax rate from 2011 to 2012 is primarily due to a release of valuation
allowance of $7.7 million related to certain deferred tax assets of Cunningham, one of our consolidated VIEs, as the weight of all
available evidence supports realization of the deferred tax assets. The valuation allowance release determination was based
primarily on the sufficiency of forecasted taxable income necessary to utilize NOLs expiring in years 2022 – 2029. This VIE files
2012 Annual Report 21
separate income tax returns. Any resulting tax liabilities are nonrecourse to us and we are not entitled to any benefit resulting
from the deferred tax assets of the VIE.
As of December 31, 2012, we had a net deferred tax liability of $235.4 million (including $1.3 million classified as held for sale)
as compared to a net deferred tax liability of $242.6 million as of December 31, 2011. The decrease primarily relates to an
increase in deferred tax assets of Cunningham, one of our consolidated VIEs, primarily as a result of a release of valuation
allowance.
The 2011 income tax provision for our pre-tax income from continuing operations (including the effects of the noncontrolling
interest) of $121.0 million resulted in an effective tax rate of 37.0%. The 2010 income tax provision for our pre-tax income from
continuing operations (including the effects of the noncontrolling interest) of $117.0 million resulted in an effective tax rate of
34.4%. The increase in the effective tax rate from 2011 to 2010 is primarily due to a $2.3 million tax benefit recorded in 2010,
predominantly resulting from a change in estimate related to an increased deduction for the recovery of historical losses
attributable to a disposition that took place in 2009.
As of December 31, 2012, we had $26.0 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits. Of this total, $15.0 million (net of federal
effect on state tax issues) and $6.8 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. As of December 31, 2011, we had $26.1 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits. Of this total, $15.1 million (net
of federal effect on state tax issues) and $6.8 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. We recognized $1.5 million and $1.3 million of income tax expense for interest related to
uncertain tax positions for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. See Note 9. Income Taxes in the Notes to
our Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
As of December 31, 2012, we had $22.9 million in cash and cash equivalent balances and net negative working capital of
approximately $3.2 million. Cash generated by our operations and borrowing capacity under the Bank Credit Agreement are used
as our primary source of liquidity. As of December 31, 2012, we had $49.5 million of borrowing capacity available and $48.0
million drawn on our Revolving Credit Facility. We anticipate that existing cash and cash equivalents, cash flow from our
operations and borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility and general uncommitted incremental term loan capacity
of $500.0 million under our Bank Credit Agreement will be sufficient to satisfy our debt service obligations, capital expenditure
requirements and working capital needs for the next twelve months. For our long-term liquidity needs, in addition to the sources
described above, we may rely upon the issuance of long-term debt, the issuance of equity or other instruments convertible into or
exchangeable for equity, or the sale of non-core assets. However, there can be no assurance that additional financing or capital or
buyers of our non-core assets will be available, or that the terms of any transactions will be acceptable or advantageous to us.
We drew $180.0 million of the additional term loans to fund the acquisition of assets of Four Points, which closed in January
2012 and drew $350.0 million of the additional term loans to fund the acquisition of assets of Freedom, which closed in April
2012.
On September 20, 2012, we entered into an amendment (the Amendment) of our Bank Credit Agreement. Under the
Amendment, we increased our incremental term loan capacity from $300.0 million to $500.0 million. Also under the Amendment,
the level of permitted unsecured indebtedness increased from $450.0 million to $850.0 million, subject to certain limitations, and
increased our ratio of our First Lien Indebtedness from 3.25 times EBITDA to 3.75 times EBITDA through December 31, 2014
with a decrease to 3.50 times EBITDA through maturity of the agreement. Other amended terms provided us with increased
television station acquisition capacity, more flexibility under the other restrictive covenants and prepayments of the existing term
loans. There were no changes pertaining to interest rates or maturities of the outstanding debt or commitments under the Bank
Credit Agreement.
On October 12, 2012, we issued $500.0 million of Senior Unsecured Notes due on October 1, 2022, pursuant to an indenture
(the Indenture) dated October 12, 2012. The Notes were priced at 100% of their par value and will bear interest at a rate of
6.125% per annum payable semi-annually on April 1 and October 1, commencing on April 1, 2013. Prior to October 1, 2017, we
may redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of
the Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date, plus a “make-whole” premium as set forth in the
Indenture. Beginning on October 1, 2017, we may redeem some or all of the Notes at any time or from time to time at a
redemption price set forth in the Indenture. In addition, on or prior to October 1, 2015, we may redeem up to 35% of the Notes
using proceeds of certain equity offerings. We used part of the proceeds of this offering to finance the acquisitions in the fourth
22 Sinclair Broadcast Group
quarter, as described under the Executive Overview, including the acquisition of certain television stations from Newport. We used
the remaining proceeds of this offering to partially fund the special dividend paid in December.
The following table sets forth our cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 (in millions):
Net cash flows from operating activities
Cash flows from (used in) investing activities:
Acquisition of property and equipment
Acquisition of television stations
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash
Dividends and distributions from equity and cost
method investees
Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts
Investments in equity and cost method investees
Other
Net cash flows (used in) from investing activities
Cash flows from (used in) financing activities:
Proceeds from notes payable, commercial bank
financing and capital leases
Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank
financing and capital leases
Payments for deferred financing costs
Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common
Stock
Other
$
$
2012
237.5
(44.0)
(1,135.3)
58.5
9.6
(12.5)
(24.1)
(1.5)
$ (1,149.3)
2011
148.5
(35.8)
—
(53.4)
3.8
(8.9)
(11.6)
(6.3)
(112.2)
$
$
$
2010
155.0
(11.7)
—
59.6
0.9
(10.1)
(7.2)
0.4
31.9
$
$
$
$ 1,247.2
$
151.7
$
283.9
(179.3)
(18.7)
(123.9)
(3.6)
921.7
(150.4)
(5.5)
(38.4)
(2.7)
(45.3)
$
(427.4)
(7.0)
(34.2)
(3.4)
(188.1)
$
Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities
$
Net cash flows from operating activities increased during the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to the same period in
2011. During 2012, we received more cash receipts from customers, net of cash payments to vendors, partially offset by higher
interest and tax payments and the $25.0 million payments to FOX pursuant to the agreements entered into during the second
quarter of 2012.
Net cash flows from operating activities decreased during the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to the same period in
2010. During 2011, we received less cash receipts from customers, net of cash payments to vendors, in addition to other negative
working capital changes, which was partially offset by lower interest and program payments. Additionally, we received net tax
refunds in 2010 compared to net cash taxes paid in 2011.
We expect both interest expense and program payments to increase in 2013 compared to 2012.
Net cash flows used in investing activities increased during the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to the same period in
2011. This increase is due to $1,135.3 million in payments for acquisitions of television stations, additional investment in equity
investees, higher capital expenditures and the purchases of alarm monitoring contracts. This increase was partially offset by the
use of the restricted cash held in escrow for our acquisitions and distributions received upon sale of three of our equity method
investments during 2012.
With the exception of changes in restricted cash, net cash flows used in investing activities increased during the year ended
December 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010. During 2011, we had higher capital expenditures primarily for news
operations and upgrades to our master control systems in order to upgrade these operations to HD. Additionally, we made more
investments in our other operating divisions. Restricted cash increased due to amounts required to be deposited in escrow
accounts pursuant to the asset purchase agreements with Four Points and Freedom.
In 2013, we anticipate incurring fewer capital expenditures than incurred in 2012.
2012 Annual Report 23
Net cash flows from financing activities increased during the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to the same period in
2011. During 2012, we drew $530.0 million of incremental term loans to fund the asset acquisitions of both Four Points and
Freedom, which closed in January 2012 and April 2012, respectively. We also issued $500.0 million of Senior Unsecured Notes
and used the proceeds to fund the acquisitions in the fourth quarter. This was slightly offset by higher stock dividends paid in
2012 totaling $1.54 per share, which included the $1.00 per share special dividend paid in December, versus $0.48 per share in
2011, as well as, $13.2 million more in payments for deferred financing costs related to the incremental borrowings in 2012.
Net cash flows used in financing activities decreased during the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to the same period
in 2010. During 2011, we amended our Bank Credit Agreement resulting in a new Term Loan A of $115.0 million and reducing
our Term Loan B by $45.0 million. Additionally, we completed the redemption of the remaining $70.0 million of the 6.0% Notes
at 100% of the face value of such notes plus accrued and unpaid interest. The redemption of the 6.0% Notes was effected in
accordance with the terms of the indenture governing the 6.0% Notes and was funded from the net proceeds of our new Term
Loan A. During 2010, we purchased $117.7 million principal amount of our 3.0% Notes, 4.87%% Notes and 6.0% Notes
pursuant to a combination of tender offers, put rights and open market purchases. In addition, we fully extinguished the
outstanding $224.7 million principal amount of 8.0% Notes.
From time to time, we may repurchase additional outstanding debt and stock on the open market. We expect to fund any
repurchases with cash generated from operating activities and in some cases, borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility.
During 2011, our Board of Directors declared quarterly dividends on common stock, of $0.12 per share. Dividends of $0.12
per share were paid in March 2011, June 2011, September 2011 and December 2011, for total dividend payments of $0.48 per
share for the year ended December 31, 2011. During 2012, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.12 per
share in the months of February and May, which were paid in March and June, and $0.15 per share in the months of August and
November, which were paid in September and December. A special cash dividend of $1.00 per share was also declared in
November 2012, which was paid in December, for total dividend payments of $1.54 per share for the year ended December 31,
2012. In February 2013, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share. Future dividends on our
common shares, if any, will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on several factors including our results
of operations, cash requirements and surplus, financial condition, covenant restrictions and other factors that the Board of
Directors may deem relevant. The Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock holders have the same rights related to
dividends. Under our Bank Credit Agreement, in certain circumstances we may make up to $100.0 million in unrestricted annual
cash payments including but not limited to dividends, of which $50.0 million may carry over to the next year.
24 Sinclair Broadcast Group
We have various contractual obligations which are recorded as liabilities in our consolidated financial statements. Other items,
such as certain purchase commitments and other executory contracts are not recognized as liabilities in our consolidated financial
statements but are required to be disclosed. For example, we are contractually committed to acquire future programming and
make certain minimum lease payments for the use of property under operating lease agreements.
The following table reflects a summary of our contractual cash obligations as of December 31, 2012 and the future periods in
which such obligations are expected to be settled in cash (in millions):
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS RELATED TO CONTINUING OPERATIONS (a)
Total
2013
2014-2015
2016-2017
2018 and
thereafter (b)
Notes payable, capital leases and
commercial bank financing (c), (d)
$
2,954.5
$
150.0
$
305.0
$
1,519.0
$
980.5
Notes and capital leases payable to
affiliates (c)
Operating leases
Employment contracts
Program content (e)
Programming services (f)
Maintenance and support
Other operating contracts
LMA and outsourcing agreements (g)
Investments and loan commitments (h)
Total contractual cash obligations
33.1
24.8
20.2
752.7
93.6
9.2
10.0
0.2
8.9
3,907.2
$
4.2
4.7
11.5
191.9
40.1
2.4
0.7
0.1
8.9
414.5
$
8.6
8.3
8.2
301.4
26.0
3.4
1.3
0.1
—
662.3
$
7.9
7.5
0.5
241.3
19.2
3.4
1.4
—
—
1,800.2
$
12.4
4.3
—
18.1
8.3
—
6.6
—
—
1,030.2
$
(a) Excluded from this table are $26.0 million of accrued unrecognized tax benefits. Due to inherent uncertainty, we can not make
reasonable estimates of the amount and period payments will be made.
(b) Includes a one-year estimate of $8.3 million in payments related to contracts that automatically renew. We have not calculated
potential payments for years after 2018.
(c)
Includes interest on fixed rate debt and capital leases. Estimated interest on our recourse variable rate debt has been excluded.
Recourse variable rate debt represents $899.5 million of our $2.3 billion total face value of debt as of December 31, 2012.
(d) During 2012, we drew $530.0 million of incremental term loans to fund the asset acquisitions of both the Four Points and Freedom
stations. Additionally, we issued a private offering of $500.0 million of 6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes to fund the asset acquisition
of the Newport stations and other acquisitions. As of December 31, 2012, we drew $48.0 million on our revolver. Included in these
amounts is debt borrowed by Deerfield which is guaranteed by SBG and totals $20.0 million as of December 31, 2012.
(e) Our Program content includes contractual amounts owed through the expiration date of the underlying agreement for active and
future program contracts, network programming and additional advertising inventory in various dayparts. Active program contracts
are included in the balance sheet as an asset and liability while future program contracts are excluded until the cost is known, the
program is available for its first showing or telecast and the licensee has accepted the program. Industry protocol typically enables us
to make payments for program contracts on a three-month lag, which differs from the contractual timing within the table. Network
programming agreements may include variable fee components such as subscriber levels, which in certain circumstances have been
estimated and reflected in the table.
(f)
Includes obligations related to rating service fees, music license fees, market research, weather and news services.
(g) Excluded from the table are estimated amounts due pursuant to LMAs and outsourcing agreements where we consolidate the
counterparty. The fees that we are required to pay under these agreements total $5.8 million, $11.5 million, $3.5 million and $1.6
million for the periods 2013, 2014-2015, 2016-2017 and 2018 and thereafter, respectively. Certain station related operating expenses
are paid by the licensee and reimbursed by us under the LMA agreements. Certain of these expenses that are in connection with
contracts are included in table above.
(h) Commitments to contribute capital or provide loans to Allegiance Capital, LP, Sterling Ventures Partners, LP and Patriot Capital II,
LP.
Off balance sheet arrangements as defined by the SEC means any transaction, agreement or other contractual arrangement to
2012 Annual Report 25
which an entity unconsolidated with the registrant is a party, under which the registrant has: obligations under certain guarantees
or contracts; retained or contingent interest in assets transferred to an unconsolidated entity or similar arrangements; obligations
under certain derivative arrangements; and obligations arising out of a material variable interest in an unconsolidated entity. As of
December 31, 2012, we do not have any material off balance sheet arrangements.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates. At times 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. See Note 6. Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing, in the Notes to our Consolidated
Financial Statements. As of December 31, 2012, we did not have any outstanding derivative instruments.
In January 2012, we drew $180.0 million of the incremental Term Loan B under our Bank Credit Agreement to fund the asset
acquisition of Four Points, which closed January 1, 2012. In addition, in April 2012, we drew $157.5 million of the incremental
Term Loan A and $192.5 million of the incremental Term Loan B under our Bank Credit Agreement to fund the asset acquisition
of Freedom, which closed April 1, 2012. As of December 31, 2012, we had $48.0 million drawn on our revolver.
On September 20, 2012, we entered into an amendment of our Bank Credit Agreement. Under the Amendment, we increased
our incremental term loan capacity from $300.0 million to $500.0 million. Also under the Amendment, the level of permitted
unsecured indebtedness increased from $450.0 million to $850.0 million, subject to certain limitations, and we increased our ratio
of our First Lien Indebtedness from 3.25 times EBITDA to 3.75 times EBITDA through December 31, 2014 with a decrease to
3.50 times EBITDA through maturity of the agreement. Other amended terms provided us with increased television station
acquisition capacity, more flexibility under the other restrictive covenants and prepayments of the existing term loans. There were
no changes pertaining to interest rates or maturities of the outstanding debt or commitments under the Bank Credit Agreement.
We are 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. The carrying value and fair value of the
4.875% Notes, 3.0% Notes, 6.125% Notes, 8.375% Notes and 9.25% Notes combined was $1,236.5 million and $1,362.6 million,
respectively, as of December 31, 2012. We estimate that adding 1.0% to prevailing interest rates would result in a decrease in fair
value of these notes by $70.7 million as of December 31, 2012. Generally, the fair market value of these notes will decrease as
interest rates rise and increase as interest rates fall. We are also exposed to risk from the changing interest rates of our variable
rate debt, primarily related to our Bank Credit Agreement. For the year ended December 31, 2012, cash interest expense on our
term loans and revolver related to our Bank Credit Agreement was $27.9 million. We estimate that adding 1.0% to respective
interest rates would result in an increase in our interest expense of $7.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. We also
have variable rate debt associated with our other operating divisions. We estimate that adding 1.0% to respective interest rates
would result in $0.6 million of additional interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2012.
Under certain circumstances, we have contingent cash interest features related to the 3.0% Notes and the 4.875% Notes. The
contingent cash interest feature for both issuances were embedded derivatives which have negligible fair values.
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Our Class A Common Stock is listed for trading on the NASDAQ stock market under the symbol SBGI. Our Class B
Common Stock is not traded on a public trading market or quotation system. The following tables set forth for the periods
indicated the high and low closing sales prices on the NASDAQ stock market for our Class A Common Stock.
2012
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
2011
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
High
12.95
11.33
12.56
12.92
High
13.00
12.70
11.16
11.50
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Low
11.06
7.92
9.41
10.39
Low
7.82
9.24
6.90
6.95
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
26 Sinclair Broadcast Group
As of March 1, 2013, there were approximately 101 shareholders of record of our common stock. This number does not
include beneficial owners holding shares through nominee names.
During 2011, our Board of Directors declared quarterly dividends on common stock, of $0.12 per share. Dividends of $0.12
per share were paid in March 2011, June 2011, September 2011 and December 2011, for total dividend payments of $0.48 per
share for the year ended December 31, 2011. During 2012, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.12 per
share in the months of February and May, which were paid in March and June, and $0.15 per share in the months of August and
November, which were paid in September and December. A special cash dividend of $1.00 per share was also declared in
November 2012, which was paid in December, for total dividend payments of $1.54 per share for the year ended December 31,
2012. In February 2013, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share. Future dividends on our
common shares, if any, will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on several factors including our results
of operations, cash requirements and surplus, financial condition, covenant restrictions and other factors that the Board of
Directors may deem relevant. The Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock holders have the same rights related to
dividends. Under our Bank Credit Agreement, in certain circumstances, we may make up to $100.0 million in unrestricted annual
cash payments including but not limited to dividends, of which $50.0 million may carry over to the next year. Under the
indentures governing our 9.25% Second Lien Notes, due 2017 (the 9.25% Notes), our 8.375% Senior Notes, due 2018 (the
8.375% Notes) and our 6.125% Notes, due 2022 (the 6.125% Notes), we are restricted from paying dividends on our common
stock unless certain specified conditions are satisfied, including that:
no event of default then exists under each indenture or certain other specified agreements relating to our
indebtedness; and
after taking account of the dividends payment, we are within certain restricted payment requirements contained in
each indenture.
In addition, under certain of our debt instruments, the payment of dividends is not permissible during a default thereunder.
During 2012, we did not repurchase any shares of Class A Common Stock or other equity securities of Sinclair.
The following line graph compares the yearly percentage change in the cumulative total shareholder return on our Class A
Common Stock with the cumulative total return of the NASDAQ Composite Index and the cumulative total return of the
NASDAQ Telecommunications Index (an index containing performance data of radio and television broadcast companies and
communication equipment and accessories manufacturers) from December 31, 2007 through December 31, 2012. The
performance graph assumes that an investment of $100 was made in the Class A Common Stock and in each Index on December
31, 2007 and that all dividends were reinvested. Total shareholder return is measured by dividing total dividends (assuming
dividend reinvestment) plus share price change for a period by the share price at the beginning of the measurement period.
Company/Index/Market
Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.
NASDAQ Telecommunications
Index
NASDAQ Composite Index
12/31/07
100.00
12/31/08
44.09
12/31/09
57.32
12/31/10
122.61
12/31/11
178.44
12/31/12
228.35
100.00
100.00
59.03
57.58
82.25
72.97
97.32
86.05
98.63
90.30
110.78
89.62
2012 Annual Report 27
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Our management, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer,
evaluated the design and effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and our internal control over financial reporting
as of December 31, 2012.
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 provide reasonable assurance 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 provide reasonable assurance 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 our
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.
28 Sinclair Broadcast Group
The term “internal control over financial reporting,” as defined in Rules 13a-15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act, means a
process designed by, or under the supervision of our Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officers and effected by our Board of
Directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and
the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP)
and includes those policies and procedures that:
pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and
dispositions of our assets;
provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements
in accordance with GAAP and that our receipts and expenditures are being made in accordance with authorizations of
management or our Board of Directors; and
provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition
of our assets that could have a material adverse effect on our financial statements.
Based on the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2012, 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.
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Under the
supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we
assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012 based on the criteria set forth in
Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission
(COSO). Based on our assessment, management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2012, our internal control over financial
reporting was effective based on those criteria.
Management has excluded the operations of the fourth quarter acquisitions including WKRC-TV, WOAI-TV, WHP-TV, WPMI-
TV, WJTC-TV, KSAS-TV, WHAM-TV, WLYH-TV, KMTW-TV, KBTV-TV, WRSP-TV, WCCU-TV and WBUI-TV, from its
assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012. These assets acquired represent $514.8 million of
total assets as of December 31, 2012 and $12.3 million of total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2012.
The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012 has been audited by
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein.
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under
the Exchange Act) during the quarter ended December 31, 2012, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to
materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, do not expect that our disclosure controls and
procedures or our internal control over financial reporting will prevent all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well
designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met.
Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and the benefits of controls must be
considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide
absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within our company have been detected. These inherent
limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple
error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more
people, or by management’s override of the control. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain
assumptions about the likelihood of future events and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated
goals under all potential future conditions; over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the
degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control
system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.
2012 Annual Report 29
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
As of December 31,
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
2012
2011
Cash and cash equivalents
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,091 and
$
22,865
$
12,967
$3,008, respectively
Affiliate receivable
Income taxes receivable
Current portion of program contract costs
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Assets held for sale
Deferred barter costs
Deferred tax assets
Total current assets
PROGRAM CONTRACT COSTS, less current portion
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net
RESTRICTED CASH
GOODWILL
BROADCAST LICENSES
DEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net
OTHER ASSETS
Total assets (a)
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY (DEFICIT)
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable
Accrued liabilities
Income taxes payable
Current portion of notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing
Current portion of notes payable and capital leases payable to affiliates
Current portion of program contracts payable
Liabilities held for sale
Deferred barter revenues
Deferred tax liabilities
Total current liabilities
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing, less current portion
Notes payable and capital leases to affiliates, less current portion
Program contracts payable, less current portion
Deferred tax liabilities
Other long-term liabilities
Total liabilities (a)
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (See Note 10)
EQUITY (DEFICIT):
SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT):
Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized,
52,332,012 and 52,022,086 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
Class B Common Stock, $.01 par value, 140,000,000 shares authorized,
28,933,859 and 28,933,859 shares issued and outstanding, respectively,
convertible into Class A Common Stock
Additional paid-in capital
Accumulated deficit
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Total Sinclair Broadcast Group shareholders’ deficit
Noncontrolling interests
Total deficit
Total liabilities and equity (deficit)
$
$
183,480
416
—
56,581
7,404
30,357
3,345
—
304,448
12,767
439,713
225
1,074,032
85,122
623,406
189,984
2,729,697
10,086
143,731
9,939
47,622
1,704
88,015
2,397
3,499
607
307,600
2,210,866
13,187
16,341
233,465
48,291
2,829,750
$
$
132,915
252
225
38,906
17,274
—
2,238
4,940
209,717
15,584
281,521
58,726
660,117
47,002
175,341
123,409
1,571,417
8,872
79,698
—
38,195
3,014
63,825
—
1,978
—
195,582
1,148,271
16,545
27,625
247,552
47,204
1,682,779
523
520
289
600,928
(713,697)
(4,993)
(116,950)
16,897
(100,053)
2,729,697
$
289
617,375
(734,511)
(4,848)
(121,175)
9,813
(111,362)
1,571,417
$
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
(a) Our consolidated total assets as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 include total assets of variable interest entities (VIEs) of $107.9 million
and $33.5 million, respectively, which can only be used to settle the obligations of the VIEs. Our consolidated total liabilities as of
December 31, 2012 and 2011 include total liabilities of the VIEs of $7.9 million and $14.4 million, respectively, for which the creditors of
the VIEs have no recourse to us. See Note 1: Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.
30 Sinclair Broadcast Group
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010
(In thousands, except per share data)
REVENUES:
Station broadcast revenues, net of agency commissions
Revenues realized from station barter arrangements
Other operating divisions revenues
Total revenues
2012
2011
2010
$ 920,593
86,905
54,181
1,061,679
$ 648,002
72,773
44,513
765,288
$ 655,836
75,210
36,598
767,644
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Station production expenses
Station selling, general and administrative expenses
Expenses recognized from station barter arrangements
Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments
Other operating divisions expenses
Depreciation of property and equipment
Corporate general and administrative expenses
Amortization of definite-lived intangible and other assets
Impairment of goodwill, intangible and other assets
Total operating expenses
Operating income
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Interest expense and amortization of debt discount and deferred financing
costs
Loss from extinguishment of debt
Income (loss) from equity and cost method investments
Gain on insurance settlement
Other income, net
Total other expense
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
INCOME TAX PROVISION
Income from continuing operations
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, includes income tax provision
of $663, $477 and $77, respectively
NET INCOME
Net (income) loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP
Dividends declared per share
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO SINCLAIR
BROADCAST GROUP:
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations
Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations
Diluted earnings per share
Weighted average common shares outstanding
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding
$
$
$
$
$
$
255,556
171,279
79,834
60,990
46,179
47,073
33,391
38,099
—
732,401
329,278
(128,553)
(335)
9,670
47
2,233
(116,938)
212,340
(67,852)
144,488
465
144,953
(287)
144,666
1.54
1.78
1.79
1.78
1.78
81,020
81,310
178,612
123,938
65,742
52,079
39,486
32,874
28,310
18,229
398
539,668
225,620
(106,128)
(4,847)
3,269
1,742
1,717
(104,247)
121,373
(44,785)
76,588
(411)
76,177
(379)
75,798
0.48
0.95
0.94
0.95
0.94
80,217
80,532
$
$
$
$
$
$
154,133
127,091
67,083
60,862
30,916
36,307
26,800
18,834
4,803
526,829
240,815
(116,046)
(6,266)
(4,861)
344
1,865
(124,964)
115,851
(40,226)
75,625
$
$
$
$
$
$
(577)
75,048
1,100
76,148
0.43
0.96
0.95
0.95
0.94
80,245
83,606
AMOUNTS ATTRIBUTABLE TO SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP
COMMON SHAREHOLDERS:
Income from continuing operations, net of tax
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
Net income
$
$
144,201
465
144,666
$
$
76,209
(411)
75,798
$
$
76,725
(577)
76,148
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
2012 Annual Report 31
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010
(In thousands)
2012
2011
2010
Net income
Amortization of net periodic pension benefit
costs, net of taxes
Comprehensive income
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to
the noncontrolling interests
Comprehensive income attributable to Sinclair
Broadcast Group
$
144,953
$
76,177
$
75,048
(145)
144,808
(287)
(934)
75,243
(379)
299
75,347
1,100
$
144,521
$
74,864
$
76,447
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
32 Sinclair Broadcast Group
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (DEFICIT)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010
(In thousands, except share data)
BALANCE,
December 31, 2009
Dividends declared on Class
A and Class B Common
Stock
Class A Common Stock
issued pursuant to
employee benefit plans
Class B Common Stock
converted into Class A
Common Stock
Distributions to
noncontrolling interests
Tax provision on employee
stock awards
Change in pension funded
status and amortization of
net periodic pension
benefit costs, net of taxes
Net income (loss)
BALANCE,
December 31, 2010
Sinclair Broadcast Group Shareholders
Class A
Common Stock
Shares
Value
Class B
Common Stock
Shares
Value
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
Accumulated
Deficit
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Non-
controlling
Interests
Total
Equity
(Deficit)
47,375,437
$ 474
32,453,859
$ 325
$ 605,340
$
(813,876)
$
(4,213)
$ 9,728
$ (202,222)
—
—
538,575
5
—
—
—
—
2,370,040
—
—
—
—
24
—
—
—
—
(2,370,040)
(24)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(34,225)
4,423
—
—
(123)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(287)
—
(34,225)
4,428
—
(287)
(123)
—
—
—
76,148
299
—
—
(1,100)
299
75,048
50,284,052
$ 503
30,083,819
$ 301
$
609,640
$
(771,953)
$
(3,914)
$
8,341
$(157,082)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
2012 Annual Report 33
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (DEFICIT)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010
(In thousands, except share data)
BALANCE,
December 31, 2010
Dividends declared on Class
A and Class B Common
Stock
Class A Common Stock
issued pursuant to
employee benefit plans
Class B Common Stock
converted into Class A
Common Stock
Class A Common Stock sold
by variable interest entity
6% Notes converted into
Class A Common Stock
Tax benefit on share based
awards
Distributions to
noncontrolling interests
Issuance of subsidiary share
awards
Purchase of subsidiary shares
from noncontrolling
interests
Amortization of net periodic
pension benefit costs, net
of taxes
Net income
BALANCE,
December 31, 2011
Sinclair Broadcast Group Shareholders
Class A
Common Stock
Shares
Value
Class B
Common Stock
Shares
Value
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
Accumulated
Deficit
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Non-
controlling
Interests
Total
Equity
(Deficit)
50,284,052
$ 503
30,083,819
$ 301
$ 609,640
$
(771,953)
$
(3,914)
$ 8,341
$ (157,082)
—
—
586,759
5
—
—
—
—
1,149,960
12
(1,149,960)
(12)
—
1,315
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
5,826
—
1,808
30
734
—
—
(663)
—
—
—
(38,356)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(270)
3,201
(38,356)
5,831
—
1,808
30
734
(270)
3,201
(1,838)
(2,501)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
52,022,086
$ 520
28,933,859
$ 289
$
617,375
$
(734,511)
$
(4,848)
$
9,813
$(111,362)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
—
75,798
(934)
—
—
379
(934)
76,177
34 Sinclair Broadcast Group
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (DEFICIT)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010
(In thousands, except share data)
BALANCE,
December 31, 2011
Dividends declared on
Class A and Class B
Common Stock
Class A Common Stock
issued pursuant to
employee benefit plans
Purchase of assets from
entity under common
control
Tax benefit on share based
awards
Distributions to
noncontrolling interests
Issuance of subsidiary share
awards
Consolidation of variable
interest entity
Purchase of subsidiary
shares from
noncontrolling interests
Amortization of net
periodic pension benefit
costs, net of taxes
Net income
BALANCE,
December 31, 2012
Sinclair Broadcast Group Shareholders
Class A
Common Stock
Shares
Value
Class B
Common Stock
Shares
Value
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
Accumulated
Deficit
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Non-
controlling
Interests
Total
Equity
(Deficit)
52,022,086
$ 520
28,933,859
$ 289
$ 617,375
$
(734,511)
$
(4,848)
$ 9,813
$ (111,362)
—
(123,852)
—
—
309,926
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
3
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
5,102
(23,638)
271
—
—
—
1,818
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(123,852)
5,105
(23,638)
271
(1,142)
(1,142)
707
9,050
707
9,050
(1,818)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
144,666
(145)
—
—
287
(145)
144,953
52,332,012
$ 523
28,933,859
$ 289
$
600,928
$
(713,697)
$
(4,993)
$ 16,897
$(100,053)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
2012 Annual Report 35
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010
(In thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:
Amortization of debt discount, net of debt premium
Depreciation of property and equipment
Impairment of goodwill, intangible and other assets
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets
Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments
Loss on extinguishment of debt, non-cash portion
Original debt issuance discount paid
Deferred tax provision
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:
Increase in accounts receivable, net
Decrease in income taxes receivable
(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets
(Increase) decrease in other assets
Increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Increase (decrease) in income taxes payable
(Decrease) increase in other long-term liabilities
Payments on program contracts payable
Other, net
Net cash flows from operating activities
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment
Payments for acquisitions of television stations
Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash
Distributions from equity and cost method investees
Investments in equity and cost method investees
Investment in debt securities
Payments for acquisitions of assets of other operating divisions
Proceeds from the sale of assets
Proceeds from insurance settlements
Loans to affiliates
Proceeds from loans to affiliates
Net cash flows (used in) from investing activities
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases
Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases
Proceeds from exercise of stock options, including excess tax benefits of share based
payments of $0.3 million, $0.7 million and $0 million, respectively
Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interests
Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock
Payments for deferred financing costs
Proceeds from Class A Common Stock sold by variable interest entity
Noncontrolling interests distributions
Repayments of notes and capital leases to affiliates
Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of year
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of year
$
2012
2011
2010
$
144,953
$
76,177
$
75,048
3,469
48,871
—
38,671
61,943
335
—
8,313
(23,225)
—
(8,360)
(23,200)
35,885
9,150
(3,941)
(70,061)
14,672
237,475
(43,986)
(1,135,348)
(12,454)
58,501
9,590
(24,052)
(1,493)
—
10
42
(277)
183
(1,149,284)
1,247,255
(179,356)
391
—
(123,852)
(18,707)
—
(1,142)
(2,882)
921,707
9,898
12,967
22,865
3,347
33,153
398
18,229
52,079
4,985
(13,785)
43,972
(11,616)
74
(10,449)
(1,247)
8,878
(780)
913
(67,319)
11,504
148,513
(35,835)
—
(8,850)
(53,445)
3,798
(11,577)
(4,911)
(3,072)
69
1,739
(406)
242
(112,248)
151,733
(150,447)
1,794
(2,501)
(38,356)
(5,483)
1,808
(610)
(3,210)
(45,272)
(9,007)
21,974
12,967
$
4,963
36,563
4,803
18,834
60,862
5,525
(14,393)
38,636
(14,491)
8,073
196
393
9,928
298
(3,464)
(88,992)
12,179
154,961
(11,694)
—
(10,106)
59,602
894
(7,224)
—
—
110
372
(136)
117
31,935
283,930
(427,421)
—
—
(34,225)
(7,020)
—
(287)
(3,123)
(188,146)
(1,250)
23,224
21,974
$
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
36 Sinclair Broadcast Group
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. is a diversified television broadcasting company that owns or provides certain programming,
operating or sales services to television stations pursuant to broadcasting licenses that are granted by the Federal Communication
Commission (the FCC or Commission). We owned and provided programming and operating services pursuant to local
marketing agreements (LMAs) or provided or were provided sales services pursuant to outsourcing agreements to 87 television
stations in 47 markets, as of December 31, 2012. For the purpose of this report, these 87 stations are referred to as “our” stations.
Our broadcast group is a single reportable segment for accounting purposes and includes the following network affiliations:
FOX (24 stations); MyNetworkTV (19 stations; not a network affiliation; however, it is branded as such); ABC (12 stations); The
CW (16 stations); CBS (11 stations); NBC (3 stations), Azteca (1 station) and one independent station. In addition, certain
stations broadcast programming on second and third digital signals through network affiliation or program service arrangements
with CBS (rebroadcasted content from other primary channels within the same market), The CW, MyNetworkTV, This TV, ME
TV, Weather Radar, The Weather Authority Network, Live Well Network, Antenna TV, Bounce Network, The Country
Network, Estrella TV, LATV, Azteca and Telemundo.
The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and those of our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries
and VIEs for which we are the primary beneficiary. Noncontrolling interest represents a minority owner’s proportionate share of
the equity in certain of our consolidated entities. All intercompany transactions and account balances have been eliminated in
consolidation.
In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (FASB) guidance on reporting assets held for sale, we reported the
financial position and results of operations of our stations in Lansing, Michigan (WLAJ-TV) and Providence, Rhode Island
(WLWC-TV), as assets and liabilities held for sale in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements
of operations. Discontinued operations have not been segregated in the consolidated statements of cash flows and, therefore,
amounts for certain captions will not agree with the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of
operations. WLAJ-TV was recently acquired in the second quarter of 2012 in connection with the acquisition of the television
stations from Freedom Communications (Freedom). WLWC-TV was recently acquired in the first quarter of 2012 in connection
with the acquisition of the television stations from Four Points Media Group LLC (Four Points). See Note 2. Acquisitions for more
information. In October 2012, we entered into an agreement to sell all the assets of WLAJ-TV to an unrelated third party for
$14.4 million. In January 2013, we entered into an agreement to sell the assets of WLWC-TV to an unrelated third party for $13.8
million. The operating results of WLAJ-TV, which was sold effective March 1, 2013, and WLWC-TV, which is expected to divest
in the second quarter of 2013 are not included in our consolidated results of operations from continuing operations for the year
ended December 31, 2012. As of December 31, 2012, assets held for sale and liabilities held for sale included $1.5 million of
negative working capital and programming contracts payable, $6.2 million of property and equipment, net, $0.8 million of
broadcast licenses, $11.9 million of goodwill and $10.5 million of definite-lived intangible assets for WLAJ-TV and WLWC-TV.
Total revenues for WLAJ-TV and WLWC-TV which are included in discontinued operations for the year ended December 31,
2012 are $3.7 million and $6.3 million, respectively. Total income before taxes for WLAJ-TV and WLWC-TV which are included
in discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2012 are $0.9 million and $0.2 million, respectively. Basic and
diluted earnings per share from discontinued operations was less than $0.01 per share for the years ended December 31, 2012,
2011 and 2010
In determining whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE for financial reporting purposes, we consider whether we have
the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and whether we
have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive returns that would be significant to the VIE. We consolidate VIEs
when we are the primary beneficiary. The assets of each of our consolidated VIEs can only be used to settle the obligations of
the VIE. All the liabilities, including debt held by our VIEs, are non-recourse to us except for Deerfield Media, Inc.’s (Deerfield)
debt which we guarantee. See Note 6. Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing for more information.
2012 Annual Report 37
We have entered into LMAs to provide programming, sales and managerial services for television stations of Cunningham
Broadcasting Company (Cunningham), the license owner of seven television stations as of December 31, 2012. We pay LMA fees
to Cunningham and also reimburse all operating expenses. We also have an acquisition agreement in which we have a purchase
option to buy the license assets of the television stations which includes the FCC license and certain other assets used to operate
the station (License Assets). Our applications to acquire the FCC licenses are pending approval. We own the majority of the
non-license assets of the Cunningham stations and our Bank Credit Agreement contains certain default provisions whereby
insolvency of Cunningham would cause an event of default under our Bank Credit Agreement. We have determined that the
Cunningham stations are VIEs and that based on the terms of the agreements, the significance of our investment in the stations
and the cross-default provisions with our Bank Credit Agreement, we are the primary beneficiary of the variable interests because,
subject to the ultimate control of the licensees, we have the power to direct the activities which significantly impact the economic
performance of the VIEs through the sales and managerial services we provide and we absorb losses and returns that would be
considered significant to Cunningham. See Note 11. Related Person Transactions for more information on our arrangements with
Cunningham. Included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011
and 2010 are net revenues of $105.5 million, $90.3 million and $94.3 million, respectively, which relates to LMAs with
Cunningham.
Effective December 1, 2012, we have entered into joint sales agreements (JSAs) and shared services agreements (SSAs) to
provide certain non-programming related sales, operational and administrative services for the television stations of Deerfield, the
license owner of five television stations as of December 31, 2012. The initial term is for eight years from the commencement and
the agreement may be automatically renewed for successive eight year renewal terms. We also have a purchase option to buy the
license assets of the television stations. We own the majority of the non-license assets of the Deerfield stations and we have also
guaranteed the debt of Deerfield. Additionally, there is a lease in place whereby Deerfield leases assets owned by us in order to
perform its duties under FCC rules. We have determined that the Deerfield stations are VIEs and that based on the terms of the
agreements, the significance of our investment in the stations and our guarantee of Deerfield’s debt, we are the primary
beneficiary of the variable interests because, subject to the ultimate control of the licensees, we have the power to direct the
activities which significantly impact the economic performance of the VIEs through the sales and managerial services we provide
and we absorb losses and returns that would be considered significant to Deerfield. Included in the accompanying consolidated
statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2012 are net revenues of $30.3 million that relate to agreements with
Deerfield.
We have outsourcing agreements with certain other license owners, under which we provide certain non-programming related
sales, operational and administrative services. We pay a fee to the license owners based on a percentage of broadcast cash flow
and we reimburse all operating expenses. We also have a purchase option to buy the License Assets. We have determined that
the License Assets of these stations are VIEs, and, based on the terms of the agreements and the significance of our investment in
the stations, we are the primary beneficiary of the variable interests because, subject to the ultimate control of the licensees, we
have the power to direct the activities which significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE through the sales and
managerial services we provide and because we absorb losses and returns that would be considered significant to the VIEs.
Included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 are
net revenues of $18.8 million, $11.9 million and $13.2 million, respectively which relates to these arrangements.
38 Sinclair Broadcast Group
As of the dates indicated, the carrying amounts and classification of the assets and liabilities of the VIEs mentioned above
which have been included in our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 were as follows (in thousands):
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents
Accounts receivable
Income taxes receivable
Current portion of program contract costs
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Total current asset
PROGRAM CONTRACT COSTS, less current portion
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net
GOODWILL
BROADCAST LICENSES
DEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net
OTHER ASSETS
Total assets
LIABILITIES
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable
Accrued liabilities
Current portion of notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing
Current portion of program contracts payable
Total current liabilities
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing, less current portion
Program contracts payable, less current portion
Total liabilities
2012
3,805
110
94
6,113
124
10,246
1,484
10,806
6,357
14,927
51,368
12,723
107,911
15
186
2,123
8,991
11,315
20,238
2,080
33,633
$
$
$
$
2011
2,739
—
142
413
99
3,393
271
6,658
6,357
4,208
6,601
5,980
33,468
37
315
11,074
373
11,799
2,411
173
14,383
$
$
$
$
The amounts above represent the consolidated assets and liabilities of the VIEs related to our LMAs with Cunningham, JSAs
and SSAs with Deerfield and certain outsourcing agreements, for which we are the primary beneficiary, and have been aggregated
as they all relate to our broadcast business. Excluded from the amounts above are payments made to Cunningham under the
LMA which are treated as a prepayment of the purchase price of the stations and capital leases between us and Cunningham
which are eliminated in consolidation. The total payment made under these LMAs as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, which are
excluded from liabilities above, were $29.8 million and $22.7 million, respectively. The total capital lease assets excluded from
above were $11.7 million and $11.8 million, respectively for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The risk
and reward characteristics of the VIEs are similar.
In the fourth quarter of 2011, we began providing sales, programming and management services to the Four Points and
Freedom stations pursuant to LMAs. Effective January 1, 2012, we completed the acquisition of the Four Points stations and the
LMA was terminated. Effective April 1, 2012, we completed the acquisition of the Freedom stations and the LMA was
terminated. We determined that the Four Points and Freedom stations were VIEs during the period of the LMAs based on the
terms of the agreement. We were not the primary beneficiary because the owner of the stations had the power to direct the
activities of the VIEs that most significantly impacted the economic performance of the VIEs. In the consolidated statements of
operations for the year ended December 31, 2012 are net broadcast revenues of $10.0 million and station production expenses of
$7.8 million related to the Freedom LMAs, and for the year ended December 31, 2011 are net revenues of $10.8 million and
station production expenses of $7.7 million related to the Four Points and Freedom LMAs.
We have investments in other real estate ventures and investment companies which are considered VIEs. However, we do not
participate in the management of these entities including the day-to-day operating decisions or other decisions which would allow
us to control the entity, and therefore, we are not considered the primary beneficiary of these VIEs. We account for these entities
using the equity or cost method of accounting.
2012 Annual Report 39
The carrying amounts of our investments in these VIEs for which we are not the primary beneficiary as of December 31, 2012
and 2011 are as follows (in thousands):
Investments in real estate ventures
Investments in investment
companies
Total
2012
Carrying
amount
3,648
$
27,335
30,983
$
Maximum
exposure
3,648
27,335
30,983
$
$
2011
Carrying
amount
8,009
26,276
34,285
$
$
Maximum
exposure
8,009
26,276
34,285
$
$
The carrying amounts above are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. The income and loss related to
these investments are recorded in income from equity and cost method investments in the consolidated statement of operations.
We recorded income of $6.4 million, $2.8 million and $2.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010,
respectively, related to these investments.
Our maximum exposure is equal to the carrying value of our investments. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, our unfunded
commitments related to private equity investment funds totaled $8.9 million and $10.9 million, respectively.
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.
In May 2011, the FASB issued new guidance for fair value measurements. The purpose of the new guidance is to have a
consistent definition of fair value between U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and International Financial
Reporting Standards (IFRS). Many of the amendments to GAAP are not expected to have a significant impact on practice;
however, the new guidance does require new and enhanced disclosure about fair value measurements. The amendments were
effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011 and should be applied prospectively. This guidance
did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements but we have included the additional quantitative and
qualitative disclosures required for our Level 3 fair value measurements beginning with the quarter ended March 31, 2012.
In September 2011, the FASB issued the final Accounting Standards Update for goodwill impairment testing. The standard
allows an entity to first consider qualitative factors when deciding whether it is necessary to perform the current two-step goodwill
impairment test. An entity would need to perform step-one if it determines qualitatively that it is more-likely-than-not that the
fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. The changes are effective prospectively for annual and interim
goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. We adopted this new guidance in the
fourth quarter of 2011 in completing our annual impairment analysis. See Note 5. Goodwill, Broadcast Licenses and Other Intangible
Assets for further discussion of the results of our goodwill impairment analysis. This guidance impacts how we perform the
annual goodwill impairment test; however, it did not impact our consolidated financial statements as the guidance does not impact
the timing or amount of any resulting impairment charges.
In July 2012, the FASB issued new guidance for testing indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment. The new guidance
allows companies to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether further impairment testing of indefinite-lived
intangible assets is necessary, similar to the approach now applied to goodwill. Companies can first determine based on certain
qualitative factors whether it is “more likely than not” (a likelihood of more than 50 percent) that an indefinite-lived intangible
asset is impaired. The new standard is intended to reduce the cost and complexity of testing indefinite-lived intangible assets for
impairment. The revised standard is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after
September 30, 2012 and early adoption is permitted. We adopted this new guidance in the fourth quarter of 2012 when
completing our annual impairment analysis. See Note 5. Goodwill, Broadcast Licenses and Other Intangible Assets for further discussion
of the results of our broadcast license impairment analysis. This guidance impacted how we perform our annual impairment
testing for indefinite-lived intangible assets and changed our related disclosures for 2012; however, it does not have an impact on
our consolidated financial statements as the guidance does not impact the timing or amount of any resulting impairment charges.
40 Sinclair Broadcast Group
We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash
equivalents.
Under the terms of certain lease agreements, as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, we were required to hold $0.2
million of restricted cash related to the removal of analog equipment from some of our leased towers.
Additionally, during 2011, we entered into definitive agreements to purchase assets of Four Points and Freedom in September
2011 and November 2011, respectively, we were required to deposit 10% of the purchase price for each acquisition into an
escrow account. As of December 31, 2011, $58.5 million in restricted cash classified as noncurrent related to the amount held in
escrow for these acquisitions.
Management regularly reviews accounts receivable and determines an appropriate estimate for the allowance for doubtful
accounts based upon the impact of economic conditions on the merchant’s ability to pay, past collection experience and such
other factors which, in management’s judgment, deserve current recognition. In turn, a provision is charged against earnings in
order to maintain the appropriate allowance level.
A rollforward of the allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 is as follows (in
thousands):
2012
2011
2010
Balance at beginning of period
Charged to expense
Net write-offs
Balance at end of period
$
$
3,008
1,141
(1,058)
3,091
$
$
3,242
751
(985)
3,008
$
$
2,932
703
(393)
3,242
We have agreements with distributors for the rights to television programming over contract periods, which generally run from
one to seven years. Contract payments are made in installments over terms that are generally equal to or shorter than the contract
period. Pursuant to accounting guidance for the broadcasting industry, an asset and a liability for the rights acquired and
obligations incurred under a license agreement are reported on the balance sheet where the cost of each program is known or
reasonably determinable, the program material has been accepted by the licensee in accordance with the conditions of the license
agreement and the program is available for its first showing or telecast. The portion of program contracts which becomes payable
within one year is reflected as a current liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
The rights to this programming are reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at the lower of unamortized cost
or estimated net realizable value. With the exception of one-year contracts amortization of program contract costs is computed
using either a four-year accelerated method or based on usage, whichever method results in the earliest recognition of
amortization for each program. Program contract costs are amortized on a straight-line basis for one-year contracts. Program
contract costs estimated by management to be amortized in the succeeding year are classified as current assets. Payments of
program contract liabilities are typically made on a scheduled basis and are not affected by adjustments for amortization or
estimated net realizable value.
Estimated net realizable values are based on management’s expectation of future advertising revenues, net of sales
commissions, to be generated by the program material. We perform a net realizable value calculation quarterly for each of our
program contract costs in accordance with FASB guidance on Financial Reporting for Broadcasters. We utilize sales information
to estimate the future revenue of each commitment and measure that amount against the commitment. If the estimated future
revenue is less than the amount of the commitment, a loss is recorded in amortization of program contract costs and net
realizable value adjustments in the consolidated statements of operations.
2012 Annual Report 41
Certain program contracts provide for the exchange of advertising airtime in lieu of cash payments for the rights to such
programming. The revenues realized from station barter arrangements are recorded as the programs are aired at the estimated fair
value of the advertising airtime given in exchange for the program rights. Program service arrangements are accounted for as
station barter arrangements, however, network affiliation programming is excluded from these calculations. Revenues are
recorded as revenues realized from station barter arrangements and the corresponding expenses are recorded as expenses
recognized from station barter arrangements.
We broadcast certain customers’ advertising in exchange for equipment, merchandise and services. The estimated fair value of
the equipment, merchandise or services received is recorded as deferred barter costs and the corresponding obligation to
broadcast advertising is recorded as deferred barter revenues. The deferred barter costs are expensed or capitalized as they are
used, consumed or received and are included in station production expenses and station selling, general and administrative
expenses, as applicable. Deferred barter revenues are recognized as the related advertising is aired and are recorded in revenues
realized from station barter arrangements.
Other assets as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 consisted of the following (in thousands):
Equity and cost method investments
Unamortized costs related to debt issuances
Other
Total other assets
2012
94,924
40,260
54,800
189,984
$
$
2011
80,539
34,590
8,280
123,409
$
$
We have equity and cost method investments primarily in private investment funds and real estate ventures. These investments
are included in our other operating divisions segment. In the event that one or more of our investments are significant, we are
required to disclose summarized financial information. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, none of our
investments were significant individually or in the aggregate.
When factors indicate that there may be a decrease in value of an equity or cost method investment, we assess whether a loss in
value has occurred related to the investment. If that loss is deemed to be other than temporary, an impairment loss is recorded
accordingly. For any investments that indicate a potential impairment, we estimate the fair values of those investments using
discounted cash flow models, unrelated third party valuations or industry comparables, based on the various facts available to us.
For the year ended December 31, 2010, we recorded impairments of $6.7 million related to three of our investments. No
impairment was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2011. For the year ended December 31, 2012, we recorded
impairments of $1.3 million related to two of our investments. The impairments are recorded in the gain (loss) from equity and
cost method investees in our consolidated statement of operations.
Unamortized costs related to debt issuances represent direct costs incurred to obtain long-term financing and are amortized to
interest expense over the term of the related debt using the effective interest method. Previously capitalized debt financing costs
are expensed and included in loss on extinguishment of debt if we determine that there has been a substantial modification of the
related debt.
The increase in other, in the table above, in 2012 was primarily due to the up-front payments to FOX as discussed in Note 10.
Commitments and Contingencies.
We assess annually, in the fourth quarter, whether goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are impaired. Additionally,
impairment assessments may be performed on an interim basis when events or changes in circumstances indicate that impairment
potentially exists. We aggregate our stations by market for purposes of our goodwill and license impairment testing. We believe
that our markets are most representative of our broadcast reporting units because segment management views, manages and
evaluates our stations on a market basis. Furthermore, in our markets, where we operate or provide services to more than one
station, certain costs of operating the stations are shared including the use of buildings and equipment, the sales force and
administrative personnel. In our assessment of goodwill for impairment we first determined, based upon a qualitative assessment,
whether it is more likely than not a reporting unit has been impaired. Our qualitative assessment includes, but is not limited to,
assessing the changes in macroeconomic conditions, regulatory environment, industry and market conditions, and the specific
42 Sinclair Broadcast Group
financial performance of the reporting units, as well as any other events or circumstances specific to the reporting units. If we
conclude that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit is impaired, we will apply the quantitative two-step method. In the
first step, the Company determines the fair value of the reporting unit and compares that fair value to the net book value of the
reporting unit. The fair value of the reporting unit is determined using various valuation techniques, including quoted market
prices, observed earnings/cash flow multiples paid for comparable television stations and discounted cash flow models. Our
discounted cash flow model is based on our judgment of future market conditions within each designated market area, as well as
discount rates that would be used by market participants in an arms-length transaction. If the net book value of the reporting unit
were to exceed the fair value, we would then perform the second step of the impairment test, which requires allocation of the
reporting unit’s fair value to all of its assets and liabilities in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation, with any residual fair
value being allocated to goodwill to determine the implied fair value. An impairment charge will be recognized only when the
implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill is less than its carrying amount.
For our annual impairment test for indefinite-lived intangibles, broadcast licenses, we applied a qualitative assessment to assess
whether it is more likely than not that a broadcast license is impaired. Our qualitative assessment for indefinite-lived intangible
impairment includes, but it not limited to, assessing the changes in macroeconomic conditions, cost factors, regulatory
environment, industry and market conditions, and other events and circumstances that could affect the significant inputs used to
determine the fair value of our broadcast license assets. When evaluating our broadcast licenses for impairment, the qualitative
assessment is done at the unit of accounting level, each station’s broadcast license, and we aggregate the broadcast licenses for
each market because the broadcast licenses within the market are complementary and together enhance the single broadcast
license of each station. If we conclude that it is more likely than not that one of our broadcast licenses is impaired, we will
calculate the fair value of the broadcast license in accordance with the quantitative test for indefinite-lived intangible assets. If a
quantitative test is performed, we use the income approach method. The income approach method involves a discounted cash
flow model that incorporates several variables, including, but not limited to, discounted cash flows of a typical market participant,
market revenue and long term growth projections, estimated market share for the typical participant and estimated profit margins
based on market size and station type. The model also assumes outlays for capital expenditures, future terminal values, an
effective tax rate assumption and a discount rate based on the weighted-average cost of capital of the television broadcast
industry. We will compare the fair value of the broadcast licenses, at a market level, to the carrying amount of those same
broadcast licenses. If the carrying amount of the broadcast licenses exceeds the fair value, then an impairment loss is recorded to
the extent that the carrying value of the broadcast licenses exceeds the fair value.
We periodically evaluate our long-lived assets for impairment and continue to evaluate them as events or changes in
circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be fully recoverable. We evaluate the recoverability of
long-lived assets by measuring the carrying amount of the assets against the estimated undiscounted future cash flows associated
with them. At the time that such evaluations indicate that the future undiscounted cash flows of certain long-lived assets are not
sufficient to recover the carrying value of such assets, the assets are tested for impairment by comparing their estimated fair value
to the carrying value. We typically estimate fair value using discounted cash flow models and appraisals. See Note 5. Goodwill and
Other Intangible Assets, for more information.
Accrued liabilities consisted of the following as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):
Compensation and employee insurance
Interest
Other accruals relating to operating expenses (a)
Deferred revenue
Total accrued liabilities
2012
32,099
18,885
78,013
14,734
143,731
$
$
2011
16,665
12,191
37,498
13,344
79,698
$
$
(a) Included in other accruals relating to operating expenses as of December 31, 2012 is $25.0 million due to Fox in April 2013 as
discussed further in Network Affiliation Agreements and Program Service Agreements under Note 10. Commitments and Contingencies
We expense these activities when incurred.
We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and
the tax bases of assets and liabilities. We provide a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets if we determine that it is more
likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In evaluating our ability to realize net deferred tax
assets, we consider all available evidence, both positive and negative, including our past operating results, tax planning strategies
and forecasts of future taxable income. In considering these sources of taxable income, we must make certain judgments that are
2012 Annual Report 43
based on the plans and estimates used to manage our underlying businesses on a long-term basis. As of December 31, 2012, a
valuation allowance has been provided for deferred tax assets related to a substantial amount of our available state net operating
loss carryforwards, based on past operating results, expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary book/tax basis
differences, alternative tax strategies and projected future taxable income. Management periodically performs a comprehensive
review of our tax positions and accrues amounts for tax contingencies. Based on these reviews, the status of ongoing audits and
the expiration of applicable statute of limitations, accruals are adjusted as necessary in accordance with income tax accounting
guidance. The resolution of audits is unpredictable and could result in tax liabilities that are significantly higher or lower than for
what we have provided.
During 2012, 2011 and 2010, we had the following cash transactions (in thousands):
Income taxes paid related to continuing operations
Income tax refunds received related to continuing operations
Interest paid
2012
$ 46,964
194
$
$ 110,973
2011
897
$
5
$
$ 98,643
2010
1,211
$
8,435
$
$ 110,833
Non-cash transactions related to capital lease obligations were $0.3 million, $2.3 million and $1.4 million for the years ended
December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
Total revenues include: (i) cash and barter advertising revenues, net of agency commissions; (ii) retransmission consent fees; (iii)
network compensation; (iv) other broadcast revenues and (v) revenues from our other operating divisions.
Advertising revenues, net of agency commissions, are recognized in the period during which time spots are aired.
Our retransmission consent agreements contain both advertising and retransmission consent elements. We have determined
that our retransmission consent agreements are revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables. Advertising and retransmission
consent deliverables sold under our agreements are separated into different units of accounting at fair value. Revenue applicable
to the advertising element of the arrangement is recognized similar to the advertising revenue policy noted above. Revenue
applicable to the retransmission consent element of the arrangement is recognized over the life of the agreement.
Network compensation revenue is recognized over the term of the contract. All other significant revenues are recognized as
services are provided.
Advertising expenses are recorded in the period when incurred and are included in station production and other operating
division expenses. Total advertising expenses from continuing operations, net of advertising co-op credits, were $12.2 million,
$8.7 million and $6.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
Financial instruments, as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, consisted of cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable,
notes receivable (which are included in other current assets), accounts payable, accrued liabilities and notes payable. The carrying
amounts approximate fair value for each of these financial instruments, except for the notes payable. See Note 6. Notes Payable and
Commercial Bank Financing, for additional information regarding the fair value of notes payable.
We are required to recognize the funded status (i.e., the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the projected
benefit obligations) of our pension plan in our consolidated financial statements. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, we held a
liability of $5.5 million and $4.6 million, respectively, representing the underfunded status of our defined benefit pension plan.
Certain reclassifications have been made to prior years’ consolidated financial statements to conform to the current year’s
presentation.
44 Sinclair Broadcast Group
On February 25, 2013, we entered into an agreement to purchase certain stock and/or broadcast assets of four television
stations, located in four markets, owned by COX Media Group (CMG) for $99.0 million less $4.3 million of working capital
adjustments, less amounts to be paid by third party companies, and entered into an agreement to provide sales services to one
other station. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2013 subject to the approval of the FCC and
customary antitrust clearance. The Company expects to finance the acquisition through a bank loan and/or by accessing the
capital markets
On February 28, 2013, we entered into an agreement to purchase the broadcast assets of 18 television stations owned by
Barrington Broadcasting Group, LLC for $370.0 million, less amounts to be paid by third parties, and entered into agreements to
operate or provide sales services to another six stations. Also, the company will sell its station WSYT-TV (FOX) and assign its
LMA with WNYS-TV (MNT) in Syracuse, NY, and sell its station in Peoria IL, WYZZ-TV (FOX). The transaction is expected to
close in the second quarter of 2013 subject to the approval of the FCC and customary antitrust clearance. The Company expects
to finance the acquisition through a bank loan and/or by accessing the capital markets.
2. ACQUISITIONS:
Four Points
Effective January 1, 2012, we completed the acquisition of the broadcast assets of Four Points, which we had previously
operated pursuant to a LMA since October 1, 2011. The acquired assets consist of the following seven stations in four markets
along with the respective network affiliation or program service arrangements: KUTV (CBS) and KMYU (MNT / This TV) in
Salt Lake City / St. George, UT; KEYE (CBS) in Austin, TX; WTVX (CW), WTCN (MNT) and WWHB (Azteca) in West Palm
Beach / Fort Pierce / Stuart, FL; and WLWC (CW) in Providence, RI / New Bedford, MA. This acquisition provides expansion
into additional markets and increases value based on the synergies we can achieve.
We paid Four Points $200.0 million in cash, less a working capital adjustment of $0.9 million. The acquisition was financed
with a $180.0 million draw under an incremental Term B Loan commitment under our amended Bank Credit Agreement plus a
$20.0 million cash escrow previously paid in September 2011.
Under the acquisition method of accounting, the results of the acquired operations are included in the financial statements of
the Company beginning January 1, 2012. The purchase price has been allocated to the acquired assets and assumed liabilities
based on estimated fair values. The allocated fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities is summarized as follows (in
thousands):
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Program contract costs
Property and equipment
Broadcast licenses
Definite-lived intangible assets
Other assets
Accrued liabilities
Program contracts payable
Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired
Goodwill
Total
$
$
456
3,731
34,578
10,658
93,800
548
(381)
(5,157)
138,233
60,843
199,076
The final allocation presented above is based upon management’s estimate of the fair values using valuation techniques
including income, cost and market approaches. In estimating the fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities, the fair
value estimates are based on, but not limited to, expected future revenue and cash flows, expected future growth rates, and
estimated discount rates. The amount allocated to definite-lived intangible assets represents the estimated fair values of network
affiliations of $66.9 million, the decaying advertiser base of $9.8 million, and other intangible assets of $17.1 million. These
intangible assets will be amortized over the estimated remaining useful lives of 15 years for network affiliations, 10 years for the
decaying advertiser base and a weighted average of 14 years for the other intangible assets. Acquired property and equipment will
be depreciated on a straight-line basis over the respective estimated remaining useful lives. Goodwill is calculated as the excess of
the consideration transferred over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired and represents the future economic benefits
expected to arise from other intangible assets acquired that do not qualify for separate recognition, including assembled workforce
and noncontractual relationships, as well as expected future synergies. We expect that goodwill will be deductible for tax
2012 Annual Report 45
purposes. Certain measurement period adjustments have been made since the initial allocation in the first quarter of 2012, which
were not material to the consolidated financial statements.
Prior to the acquisition, since October 1, 2011, we provided sales, programming and management services to the stations
pursuant to an LMA. During that period, we funded the working capital needs of the stations, which totaled $8.1 million as of
December 31, 2011 and was reflected as cash flows used in operating activities within the consolidated statement of cash flows
for that period. This working capital is not reflected in the purchase price allocation presented above.
The results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2012 include the results of the Four Points stations since January 1,
2012. Net broadcast revenues and operating income of the Four Points stations included in our consolidated statements of
operations, were $70.0 million and $17.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, respectively. These amounts exclude the
operations of WLWC-TV which are classified as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations. See Note
1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. Net broadcast revenues and operating losses of WLWC-TV were
$5.5 million and $0.2 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2012.
Freedom
Effective April 1, 2012, we completed the acquisition of the broadcast assets of Freedom, which we had previously operated
pursuant to a LMA since December 1, 2011. The acquired assets consist of the following eight stations in seven markets along
with the respective network affiliation or program service arrangements: WPEC (CBS) in West Palm Beach, FL; WWMT (CBS) in
Grand Rapids/Kalamazoo/Battle Creek, MI; WRGB (CBS) and WCWN (CW) in Albany, NY; WTVC (ABC) in Chattanooga,
TN; WLAJ (ABC) in Lansing, MI; KTVL (CBS) in Medford-Klamath Falls, OR; and KFDM (CBS) in Beaumont/Port
Arthur/Orange, TX. This acquisition provides expansion into additional markets and increases value based on the synergies we
can achieve.
We paid Freedom $385.0 million plus a working capital adjustment of $0.3 million. The acquisition was financed with a draw
under a $157.5 million incremental Term Loan A and a $192.5 million incremental Term B Loan commitment under our
amended Bank Credit Agreement, plus a $38.5 million cash escrow previously paid in November 2011.
Under the acquisition method of accounting, the results of the acquired operations are included in the financial statements of
the Company beginning April 1, 2012. The purchase price has been allocated to the acquired assets and assumed liabilities based
on estimated fair values. The allocated fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities is summarized as follows (in
thousands):
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Program contract costs
Property and equipment
Broadcast licenses
Definite-lived intangible assets
Other assets
Accrued liabilities
Program contracts payable
Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired
Goodwill
Total
$
373
3,520
54,109
10,424
140,963
278
(589)
(3,404)
205,674
179,609
$ 385,283
The allocation presented above is based upon management’s estimate of the fair values using valuation techniques including
income, cost and market approaches. In estimating the fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities, the fair value
estimates are based on, but not limited to, expected future revenue and cash flows, expected future growth rates, and estimated
discount rates. The amount allocated to definite-lived intangible assets represents the estimated fair values of network affiliations
of $93.1 million, the decaying advertiser base of $25.1 million, and other intangible assets of $22.8 million. These intangible assets
will be amortized over the estimated remaining useful lives of 15 years for network affiliations, 10 years for the decaying advertiser
base and a weighted average life of 16 years for the other intangible assets. Acquired property and equipment will be depreciated
on a straight-line basis over the respective estimated remaining useful lives. Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the
consideration transferred over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired and represents the future economic benefits
expected to arise from other intangible assets acquired that do not qualify for separate recognition, including assembled workforce
and noncontractual relationships, as well as expected future synergies. We expect that goodwill will be deductible for tax
purposes. Certain measurement period adjustments have been made since the initial allocation in the second quarter of 2012,
which were not material to the consolidated financial statements
46 Sinclair Broadcast Group
Prior to the acquisition, since December 1, 2011, we provided sales, programming and management services to the stations
pursuant to an LMA. During that period, we funded the working capital needs of the stations, which totaled $1.5 million as of
December 31, 2011 and $9.6 million as of March 31, 2012 and was reflected as cash flows used in operating activities within the
consolidated statement of cash flows for those periods. This working capital is not reflected in the purchase price allocation
presented above.
The results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2012 includes the results of the Freedom stations since April 1,
2012. Net broadcast revenues and operating income of the Freedom stations included in our consolidated statements of
operations, were $91.0 million and $32.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, respectively. These amounts exclude the
operations of WLAJ-TV which are classified as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations. See Note 1.
Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. Net broadcast revenues and operating losses of WLAJ-TV were
$3.8 million and $0.9 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2012. Additionally, during the first quarter 2012,
prior to the acquisition, we recorded net broadcast revenues of $10.0 million related to the Freedom LMAs.
Newport
Effective December 1, 2012, we completed the acquisition of certain broadcast assets of Newport Television (Newport). The
acquired assets relate to the following seven stations in six markets along with the respective network affiliation or program
service arrangements: WKRC
in
Harrisburg/Lancaster/Lebanon/York, PA; WPMI (NBC) and WJTC (IND) in Mobile, AL/Pensacola, FL; KSAS (FOX) in
Wichita/Hutchinson, KS; and WHAM (ABC) in Rochester, NY. We also acquired Newport’s rights under the local marketing
agreements with WLYH (CW) in Harrisburg, PA and KMTW (MNT) in Wichita, KS, as well as options to acquire the license
assets. This acquisition provides expansion into additional markets and increases value based on the synergies we can achieve.
in San Antonio, TX; WHP
in Cincinnati, OH; WOAI
(NBC)
(CBS)
(CBS)
We paid Newport $460.5 million in cash, less a working capital adjustment of $1.0 million. We financed the $460.5 million
purchase price, less the $41.3 million in escrow with the net proceeds from the 6.125% Notes issued in October 2012. See Note 6.
Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing for more information.
Our right to acquire certain of the license assets of WPMI and WJTC in Mobile, AL was assigned to Deerfield and Deerfield
acquired these assets effective December 1, 2012 for $6.0 million. Additionally, Deerfield acquired the license assets of WHAM in
Rochester, NY effective February 1, 2013 for $6.0 million, using borrowings under its bank credit facility. Prior to Deerfield’s
acquisition of the assets of WHAM, the assets were owned by Newport. Concurrent with the acquisition of WKRC in Cincinnati,
OH and WOAI in San Antonio, TX from Newport, we sold to Deerfield the license assets of two of our existing stations located
in Cincinnati, OH (WSTR MNT) and San Antonio, TX (KMYS CW) for a total of $10.7 million. Deerfield financed these
purchases with third party bank financing which we have guaranteed. See Note 6. Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing for
more information. We have assignable purchase option agreements with Deerfield to acquire the license assets upon FCC
approval and operate the stations pursuant to shared services and joint sales agreements with Deerfield. We consolidate the
license assets owned by Deerfield because the licensee companies are VIEs and we are the primary beneficiary. Prior to Deerfield
acquiring the license assets of WHAM in Rochester, NY on February 1, 2013, we operated the station pursuant to a shared
services and joint sales agreement with Newport. We consolidated the license assets owned by Newport from December 1, 2012
to January 31, 2013 because the licensee company is a VIE and the Company is the primary beneficiary. See Variable Interest
Entities in Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. The purchase of the license assets by Deerfield in
February 2013 will be accounted for as a transaction between parties under common control.
Under the acquisition method of accounting, the results of the acquired operations are included in the financial statements of
the Company beginning December 1, 2012. The initial purchase price has been allocated to the acquired assets and assumed
liabilities based on estimated fair values. The initial purchase price allocated includes $460.5 million paid for certain broadcast
assets of the seven stations from Newport and the rights under the LMAs with the two other stations, $6.0 million paid by
Deerfield for the license assets of WPMI and WJTC, and $6.2 million of noncontrolling interests related to the WHAM and
WLYH VIEs, less a working capital adjustment of $1.0 million. The sale of the license assets of WSTR in Cincinnati, OH and
KMYS in San Antonio, TX was considered a transaction between parties under common control and therefore was not included
in the purchase price allocation. The purchase price allocation is preliminary pending a final determination of the fair values of the
assets and liabilities. The initial allocated fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities, including the assets owned by VIEs,
is summarized as follows (in thousands):
2012 Annual Report 47
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Program contract costs
Property and equipment
Broadcast licenses
Definite-lived intangible assets
Other assets
Accrued liabilities
Program contracts payable
Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired
Goodwill
Total
$
$
1,377
9,309
61,253
15,017
226,516
994
(3,498)
(10,539)
300,429
171,298
471,727
The preliminary allocation presented above is based upon management’s estimate of the fair values using valuation techniques
including income, cost and market approaches. In estimating the fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities, the fair
value estimates are based on, but not limited to, expected future revenue and cash flows, expected future growth rates, and
estimated discount rates. The amount allocated to definite-lived intangible assets represents the estimated fair values of network
affiliations of $167.7 million, the decaying advertiser base of $21.3 million, and other intangible assets of $37.5 million. These
intangible assets will be amortized over the estimated remaining useful lives of 15 years for network affiliations, 10 years for the
decaying advertiser base and a weighted average of 14 years for the other intangible assets. Acquired property and equipment will
be depreciated on a straight-line basis over the respective estimated remaining useful lives. Goodwill is calculated as the excess of
the consideration transferred over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired and represents the future economic benefits
expected to arise from other intangible assets acquired that do not qualify for separate recognition, including assembled workforce
and noncontractual relationships, as well as expected future synergies. We expect that goodwill will be deductible for tax
purposes. The initial purchase price allocation is based upon all information available to us at the present time and is subject to
change, and such changes could be material.
The results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2012 include the results of the Newport stations since December 1,
2012. Net broadcast revenues and operating income of the Newport stations included in our consolidated statements of
operations, were $11.7 million and $2.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, respectively.
Pro Forma Information
The following table sets forth unaudited pro forma results of operations, assuming that the above acquisitions, along with
transactions necessary to finance the acquisitions, occurred at the beginning of each annual period presented (in thousands, except
per share data):
Total revenues
Net Income
Net Income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group
Basic and diluted earnings per share
attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group
(Unaudited)
2012
1,210,257
151,751
151,352
$
$
$
$
1.86
2011
1,028,168
77,899
77,370
0.96
$
$
$
$
This pro forma financial information is based on historical results of operations, adjusted for the allocation of the purchase
price and other acquisition accounting adjustments, and is not necessarily indicative of what our results would have been had we
operated the businesses since the beginning of the annual period presented. The pro forma adjustments reflect depreciation
expense, amortization of intangibles and amortization of program contract costs related to the fair value adjustments of the assets
acquired, additional interest expense related to the financing of the transactions, exclusion of nonrecurring financing and
transaction related costs, alignment of accounting policies and the related tax effects of the adjustments. The pro forma revenues
exclude the revenues of WLAJ-TV and WLWC-TV which are classified as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements
of operations. Total revenues of WLAJ-TV and WLWC-TV which are excluded from the pro forma results above are $4.9
million and $6.3 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2012 and $3.3 million and $6.5 million, respectively for the
year ended December 31, 2011.
In connection with these acquisitions, we incurred a total of $1.8 million of costs primarily related to legal and other
professional services, which we expensed as incurred. For the year ended December 31, 2012, such costs were incurred in
corporate, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. These costs were not included in the
pro forma amounts above as they are nonrecurring in nature.
48 Sinclair Broadcast Group
Other Acquisitions
We acquired five other television stations during the year ended 2012 in three markets. The initial purchase price allocated
includes $45.1 million paid for certain broadcast assets of these stations, less working capital adjustments of $1.2 million, and $4.4
million of noncontrolling interests related to the license assets of certain of these stations owned by variable interest entities that
we consolidate. We allocated the total purchase price of these five stations as follows:
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Program contract costs
Property and equipment
Broadcast licenses
Definite-lived intangible assets
Accrued liabilities
Program contracts payable
Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired
Goodwill
Total
$
$
98
2,487
17,309
2,825
17,990
(1,590)
(4,900)
34,219
14,093
48,312
In conjunction with these acquisitions, we incurred transaction costs of approximately $0.7 million, which are reported in
general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The results of operations of
these acquisitions were not material to our consolidated statements of operations or our financial position for the 2012 year.
In December 2012, we acquired the license assets of WTTA-TV in Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida from Bay Television, Inc.
(Bay TV). Prior to December 1, 2012, we performed sales, programming and other management services to the station pursuant
to an LMA which was terminated upon closing. As discussed in Note 11. Related Person Transactions, our controlling shareholders
own a controlling interest in Bay TV. As this was considered a transaction between entities under common control, the
acquisition method of accounting was not applied, and the assets acquired were recorded at their historical cost basis and the
difference between the purchase price and the historical cost basis of the assets of $23.6 million, net of taxes of $15.6 million, was
recorded as a reduction in additional paid-in capital. A substantial portion of the purchase price will be deductible for tax
purposes in future periods.
3. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS:
We have seven types of stock-based compensation awards: compensatory stock options (options), restricted stock awards
(RSAs), an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), employer matching contributions (the Match) for participants in our 401(k)
plan, stock-settled appreciation rights (SARs), subsidiary stock awards and stock grants to our non-employee directors. Stock-
based compensation expense has no effect on our consolidated cash flows. Below is a summary of the key terms and methods of
valuation of our stock-based compensation awards:
Options. In June 1996, our Board of Directors adopted, upon approval of the shareholders by proxy, the 1996 Long-Term
Incentive Plan (LTIP). The purpose of the LTIP is to reward key individuals for making major contributions to our success and
the success of our subsidiaries and to attract and retain the services of qualified and capable employees. Options granted pursuant
to the LTIP must be exercised within 10 years following the grant date. A total of 14,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock
are reserved for awards under this plan. As of December 31, 2012, 9,477,809 shares (including forfeited shares) were available for
future grants. We have not issued any options subsequent to accelerating the vesting in 2005.
The following is a summary of changes in outstanding stock options:
Outstanding at December 31, 2011
2012 Activity:
Granted
Exercised
Cancelled
Outstanding at December 31, 2012
Options
179,000
—
(11,000)
(38,500)
129,500
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
11.69
$
Exercisable
179,000
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
$
11.69
—
10.89
11.87
11.73
$
—
—
—
129,500
—
—
—
11.73
$
2012 Annual Report 49
RSAs. RSAs are granted to employees pursuant to the LTIP. RSAs issued in 2012, 2011 and 2010 have certain restrictions that
lapse over two years at 50% and 50%, respectively. RSAs issued prior to 2010 have certain restrictions that lapse over three years
at 25%, 25% and 50%, respectively. As the restrictions lapse, the Class A Common Stock may be freely traded on the open
market. Unvested RSAs are entitled to dividends. The fair value assumes the value of the stock on the grant date.
The following is a summary of changes in unvested restricted stock:
Unvested shares at December 31, 2011
2012 Activity:
Granted
Vested
Forfeited
Unvested shares at December 31, 2012
RSAs
174,500
114,000
(130,000)
—
158,500
Weighted-Average
Price
8.97
$
11.68
7.91
—
11.79
$
For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, we recorded compensation expense of $1.2 million, $1.0 million and
$0.8 million, respectively. The majority of the unrecognized compensation expense of $0.9 million, as of December 31, 2012, will
be recognized in 2013.
ESPP. In March 1998, the Board of Directors adopted, subject to approval of the shareholders, the ESPP. The ESPP
provides our employees with an opportunity to become shareholders through a convenient arrangement for purchasing shares of
Class A Common Stock. On the first day of each payroll deduction period, each participating employee receives options to
purchase a number of shares of our common stock with money that is withheld from his or her paycheck. The number of shares
available to the participating employee is determined at the end of the payroll deduction period by dividing the total amount of
money withheld during the payroll deduction period by the exercise price of the options (as described below). Options granted
under the ESPP to employees are automatically exercised to purchase shares on the last day of the payroll deduction period unless
the participating employee has, at least thirty days earlier, requested that his or her payroll contributions stop. Any cash
accumulated in an employee’s account for a period in which an employee elects not to participate is distributed to the employee.
The initial exercise price for options under the ESPP is 85% of the lesser of the fair market value of the common stock as of
the first day of the quarter and as of the last day of that quarter. No participant can purchase more than $25,000 worth of our
common stock over all payroll deduction periods ending during the same calendar year. We value the stock options under the
ESPP using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which incorporates the following assumptions as of December 31, 2012,
2011 and 2010:
Risk-free interest rate
Expected life
Expected volatility
Weighted average volatility
Annual dividend yield
Weighted average dividend yield
2012
0.1%
3 months
38%-53%
44%
4.3%-6.7%
5.2%
2011
0.4%
3 months
38%-67%
51%
3.8%-6.6%
5.4%
2010
0.3%
3 months
64%-88%
77%
—%
—%
We use the Black-Scholes model as opposed to a lattice pricing model because employee exercise patterns are not relevant to
this plan. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant with short-term
maturities that approximate the expected life of the options. The expected life is based on the approximate number of days in the
quarter assuming the option was issued on the first day of the quarter. The expected volatility is based on our historical stock
prices over the previous three month period. The annual dividend yield is based on the annual dividend per share divided by the
share price on the grant date.
The stock-based compensation expense recorded related to the ESPP for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010
was $0.2 million, $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively. Less than 0.1 million shares were issued to employees during the year
ended December 31, 2012.
Match. The Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and Trust (the 401(k) Plan) is available as a benefit for
our eligible employees. Contributions made to the 401(k) Plan include an employee elected salary reduction amount, the Match
and an additional discretionary amount determined each year by the Board of Directors. The Match and any additional
discretionary contributions may be made using our Class A Common Stock if the Board of Directors so chooses. Typically, we
make the Match using our Class A Common Stock.
50 Sinclair Broadcast Group
The value of the Match is based on the level of elective deferrals into the 401(k) plan. The amount of shares of our Class A
Common Stock used to make the Match is determined using the closing price on or about March 1st of each year for the previous
calendar year’s Match. The Match is discretionary and is equal to a maximum of 50% of elective deferrals by eligible employees,
capped at 4% of the employee’s total cash compensation. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, we recorded
$1.6 million, $1.3 million and $1.5 million, respectively, of compensation expense related to the Match.
SARs. On March 9, 2012, 400,000 SARs were granted to David Smith, our President and Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to
the LTIP. The base value of each SAR is $11.68 per share, which was the closing price of our Class A Common Stock on the
grant date. The SARs had a grant date fair value of $2.0 million. On March 22, 2011, 300,000 SARs were granted to David Smith,
our President and Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to the LTIP. The base value of each SAR is $12.07 per share, which was the
closing price of our Class A Common Stock on the grant date. The SARs had a grant date fair value of $2.2 million. On March
12, 2010, 300,000 SARs were granted to David Smith, pursuant to the LTIP. The base value of each SAR is $5.75 per share,
which was the closing price of our Class A Common Stock on the grant date. The SARs had a grant date fair value of $1.6
million. The SARs have a 10-year term and vest immediately. We valued the SARs using the Black-Scholes model and the
following assumptions:
Risk-free interest rate
Expected life
Expected volatility
Annual dividend yield
2012
0.9%
5 years
73%
5.2%
2011
3.6%
10 years
68%
2.3%
2010
3.9%
10 years
110%
—%
The following is a summary of the changes in SARS:
Outstanding at December 31, 2011
2012 Activity:
Granted
Exercised
Outstanding SARs at December 31, 2012
SARs
Weighted-
Average Price
500,000 $
13.55
400,000
—
900,000 $
11.68
—
12.72
For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, we recorded compensation expense, at the grant date, of $2.0 million,
$2.2 million and $1.6 million, respectively, related to these grants. In 2011, David Smith exercised 650,000 of his then outstanding
SARs for 237,947 shares. During 2012, 2011 and 2010, outstanding SARs increased the weighted average shares outstanding for
purposes of determining dilutive earnings per share. As of December 31, 2012, 900,000 SARs were outstanding.
Subsidiary Stock Awards. From time to time, we grant subsidiary stock awards to employees. The subsidiary stock is typically in
the form of a membership interest in a consolidated limited liability company, not traded on a public exchange and valued based
on the estimated fair value of the subsidiary. Fair value is typically estimated using discounted cash flow models and/or
appraisals. These stock awards vest immediately. For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, we recorded compensation
expense of $0.7 million and $2.9 million, respectively, related to these awards. We did not issue any subsidiary stock awards in
2010, and therefore no compensation expense was recorded. These awards have no effect on the shares used in our basic and
diluted earnings per share.
Stock Grants to Non-Employee Directors. In addition to directors fees paid, on the date of each of our annual meetings of
shareholders, each non-employee director receives a grant of shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to the LTIP. In 2012,
2011 and 2010, each non-employee director received 5,000 shares, respectively. On June 14, 2012, June 3, 2011 and June 3, 2010,
we granted 25,000 shares that had a fair value of $8.12 per share, 25,000 shares that had a fair value of $9.39 per share and 25,000
shares that had a fair value of $6.61 per share, respectively. The fair value assumes the closing value of the stock on the date of
grant. We recorded expense of $0.2 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010. Additionally, these
shares are included in the total shares outstanding, which results in a dilutive effect on our basic and diluted earnings (loss) per
share.
2012 Annual Report 51
4. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:
Property and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is generally computed under the
straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:
Buildings and improvements
Station equipment
Office furniture and equipment
Leasehold improvements
Automotive equipment
Property and equipment under capital leases
10 - 30 years
5 - 10 years
5 - 10 years
Lesser of 10 - 30 years or lease term
3 - 5 years
Lease term
Acquired property and equipment as discussed in Note 2. Acquisitions, is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the respective
estimated remaining useful lives
Property and equipment consisted of the following as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):
Land and improvements
Real estate held for development and sale
Buildings and improvements
Station equipment
Office furniture and equipment
Leasehold improvements
Automotive equipment
Capital leased assets
Construction in progress
Less: accumulated depreciation
2012
33,932
56,419
135,162
425,823
41,134
18,362
20,634
79,126
18,274
828,866
(389,153)
439,713
$
$
2011
20,303
55,517
98,283
306,041
37,305
14,495
12,578
79,259
6,647
630,428
(348,907)
281,521
$
$
Capital leased assets are related to building, tower and equipment leases. Depreciation related to capital leases is included in
depreciation expense in the consolidated statements of operations. We recorded capital lease depreciation expense of $3.5
million, $3.8 million and $4.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
5. GOODWILL, BROADCAST LICENSES AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS:
Goodwill, which arises from the purchase price exceeding the assigned value of the net assets of an acquired business,
represents the value attributable to unidentifiable intangible elements being acquired. Goodwill totaled $1,074.0 million and
$660.1 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The change in the carrying amount of goodwill related to continuing
operations was as follows (in thousands):
Balance at December 31, 2010
Goodwill
Accumulated impairment losses
Acquisition of other operating divisions companies (a)
Balance at December 31, 2011 (d)
Goodwill (a)
Accumulated impairment losses
Acquisition of television stations (b)
Reclassification of goodwill to assets held for sale (c)
Balance at December 31, 2012 (d)
Goodwill
Accumulated impairment losses
52 Sinclair Broadcast Group
Broadcast
$ 1,070,202
(413,573)
656,629
—
1,070,202
(413,573)
656,629
425,822
(11,907)
1,484,117
(413,573)
1,070,544
$
$
Other
Operating
Divisions
Consolidated
$
3,388
—
3,388
100
3,488
—
3,488
—
—
3,488
—
3,488
$
$
1,073,590
(413,573)
660,017
100
1,073,690
(413,573)
660,117
425,822
(11,907)
1,487,605
(413,573)
1,074,032
(a)
In May 2011 we recorded $0.1 million of goodwill when we acquired the Ring of Honor wrestling franchise.
(b) In 2012, we acquired goodwill as a result of acquisitions as discussed in Note 2. Acquisitions.
(c)
In 2012, we reclassified goodwill to assets held for sale as a result of the pending sales of WLAJ-TV in Lansing, Michigan, and
WLWC-TV in Providence, Rhode Island as discussed in Discontinued Operations under Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of
Significant Accounting Policies.
(d) Approximately $6.4 million of goodwill relates to consolidated VIEs as of December 31, 2012 and 2011.
As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, the carrying amount of our broadcast licenses related to continuing operations was as
follows (in thousands):
Beginning balance
Broadcast license impairment charge
Acquisition of television stations (a)
Reclassification of broadcast license to assets held for sale (b)
Ending balance (c)
$
$
2012
47,002
—
38,924
(804)
85,122
$
$
2011
47,375
(398)
25
—
47,002
(a)
In 2012, we acquired broadcast licenses as a result of acquisitions as discussed in Note 2. Acquisitions. In 2011, Cunningham, a VIE
for which we consolidate, acquired the license assets of WDBB-TV, in Birmingham, Alabama.
(b) In 2012, we reclassified the broadcast license of WLAJ-TV in Lansing, Michigan and WLWC-TV in Providence, Rhode Island to
assets held for sale as discussed in Discontinued Operations under Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting
Policies.
(c) Approximately $14.9 million and $4.2 million of broadcast licenses relate to consolidated VIEs as of December 31, 2012 and
2011, respectively.
We did not have any indicators of impairment in the first, second or third quarters of 2012 and therefore did not perform
interim impairment tests for goodwill or broadcast licenses during those periods. We performed our annual impairment tests in
the fourth quarter of 2012 based on the new guidance for testing goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment,
and we did not recognize any impairment to goodwill or broadcast licenses in 2012 as a result of our qualitative and/or
quantitative assessments. Based on the results of our annual qualitative assessment for goodwill impairment performed in 2012,
we concluded that we would need to perform a quantitative “Step 1” test for three of our markets which had aggregate goodwill
of $79.5 million as of October 1, 2012, the date of our annual impairment test. These markets had a decrease in operating results
for the past few years and therefore, we estimated the fair value of these reporting units based on a market approach and income
approach. For all three markets, the fair value of the reporting unit exceeded the respective carrying value by more than 10%.
For all our other reporting units, we concluded based on the qualitative assessment that it was more likely than not that the fair
values of these reporting units would sufficiently exceed their carrying values and it was not necessary to perform the quantitative
two-step method.
We did not have any indicators of impairment in the first, second or third quarters of 2011 and therefore did not perform
interim impairment tests for goodwill during those periods. In the first quarter 2011, we recorded an impairment charge of $0.4
million for our broadcast licenses due to anticipated increase in costs for one of our stations as a result of converting to full
power. We performed our annual impairment tests in the fourth quarter of 2011, and did not recognize any impairment as a
result of the assessments. Based on the annual qualitative assessment for goodwill impairment performed in 2011, we concluded
that it was more likely than not that the fair values of all reporting units would sufficiently exceed their carrying value and thus it
was not necessary to perform the quantitative two-step method.
The qualitative factors for our reporting units reviewed during our 2012 and 2011 assessments, with the exception of the three
markets in which we performed a quantitative assessment, indicated stable or improving margins and favorable or stable
forecasted economic conditions including stable discount rates and comparable business multiples. Additionally, the results of
prior quantitative assessments supported significant excess fair value over carrying value of our reporting units.
As a result of our 2010 annual impairment test, we recorded an impairment charge related to our broadcast licenses of $4.6
million. Broadcast licenses were impaired in 7 of 35 markets and were primarily the result of additional cash outflows for
increased signal strength necessary to maintain competitive market positions. There was no impairment to goodwill in 2010 as all
of our reporting units had fair values in excess of carrying values.
2012 Annual Report 53
The carrying value, fair value and impairment loss of the broadcast licenses which were impaired during 2011 and 2010 were as
follows (in thousands):
Fair Value Measurements Using
Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Carrying Value
$
$
1,265
$
14,850
$
—
—
$
$
—
$
1,265
—
$
14,850
Total
Impairment
Losses
$
$
398
4,613
Description
Year Ended December 31, 2011
Broadcast licenses (a)
Year Ended December 31, 2010
Broadcast licenses (a)
(a) The fair value above represents the fair value of the broadcast licenses that were impaired in 2011 and 2010 and written down to fair
value. It excludes carrying values of $45.7 million and $32.5 million related to broadcast licenses as of December 31, 2011 and 2010,
respectively, which were not impaired during those years and had fair values in excess of carrying value.
The key assumptions used to determine the fair value of our broadcast licenses consist of discount rates, estimated market
revenues, normalized market share, normalized profit margin, and estimated start-up costs. The qualitative factors for our
broadcast licenses indicated an increase in market revenues, stable market shares and stable cost factors from 2011 to 2012. The
revenue, expense and constant growth rates used in determining the fair value of our broadcast licenses increased slightly from
2010 to 2011. The growth rates are based on market studies, industry knowledge and historical performance. The discount rates
used to determine the fair value of our broadcast licenses did not change significantly from 2011 to 2012 or 2010 to 2011. The
discount rate is based on a number of factors including market interest rates, a weighted average cost of capital analysis based on
the target capital structure for a television station, and includes adjustments for market risk and company specific risk.
The following table shows the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of definite-lived intangibles related to
continuing operations (in thousands):
Gross Carrying Amount
As of December 31, 2012
Accumulated
Amortization
Amortized intangible assets:
Network affiliation (a)
Decaying advertiser base (b)
Other (c)
Total
$
$
580,929
178,094
195,103
954,126
$ (160,166)
(121,919)
(48,635)
$ (330,720)
Gross Carrying Amount
As of December 31, 2011
Accumulated
Amortization
Amortized intangible assets:
Network affiliation
Decaying advertiser base
Other (d)
Total
$
$
244,900
122,375
106,243
473,518
$
(141,202)
(115,897)
(41,078)
$ (298,177)
Net
$
$
420,763
56,175
146,468
623,406
Net
$
$
103,698
6,478
65,165
175,341
(a) The increase in network affiliation assets includes amounts from acquisitions of $343.0 million. See Note 2. Acquisitions for more
information. Amounts also reflect the reclassification of the amounts related to WLAJ-TV and WLWC-TV to assets held for sale
of $6.9 million. See Discontinued Operations under Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies for more
information.
(b) The increase in decaying advertiser base includes amounts from acquisitions of $56.9 million. See Note 2. Acquisitions for more
information. Amounts also reflect the reclassification of the amounts related to WLAJ-TV and WLWC-TV to assets held for sale
54 Sinclair Broadcast Group
of $1.2 million. See Discontinued Operations under Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies for more
information.
(c) The increase in other intangible assets includes the amounts from acquisitions of $79.4 million. See Note 2. Acquisitions for more
information. Amounts also reflect the reclassification of the amounts related to WLAJ-TV and WLWC-TV to assets held for sale
of $3.1 million. See Discontinued Operations under Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies for more
information. The increase also includes the purchase of additional alarm monitoring contracts of $13.9 million, which is included
in the other operating divisions segment.
(d) During 2011, we purchased $8.9 million in additional alarm monitoring contracts related to a business within our other operating
divisions.
Definite-lived intangible assets and other assets subject to amortization are being amortized on a straight-line basis over their
estimated useful lives which generally range from 5 to 25 years. The total weighted average useful life of all definite-lived
intangible assets and other assets subject to amortization acquired as a result of the acquisitions discussed in Note 2. Acquisitions is
14 years. The amortization expense of the definite-lived intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010
was $38.1 million, $18.2 million and $18.8 million, respectively. We analyze specific definite-lived intangibles for impairment
when events occur that may impact their value in accordance with the respective accounting guidance for long-lived assets. There
were no impairment charges recorded for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.
The following table shows the estimated amortization expense of the definite-lived intangible assets for the next five years (in
thousands):
For the year ended December 31, 2013
For the year ended December 31, 2014
For the year ended December 31, 2015
For the year ended December 31, 2016
For the year ended December 31, 2017
Thereafter
$
$
56,741
55,634
55,325
55,111
54,658
345,937
623,406
6. NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING:
In 2011, we entered into amendments (the Amendments) of our Bank Credit Agreement to help fund the acquisitions of Four
Points and Freedom. A summary of the changes on interest of these Amendments are as follows:
A new Term Loan A facility (Term Loan A). The Term Loan A bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.25%.
Interest on the Term Loan B facility (Term Loan B) was reduced to LIBOR plus 3.00% with a 1.00% LIBOR floor.
The maturity date of the Term Loan B was extended to October 29, 2016.
We increased our revolving line of credit and extended the maturity from 2013 to be coterminous with the Term Loan A
maturity of March 2016. Pricing on the revolving line of credit was reduced from LIBOR plus 4.00% with a 2.00%
LIBOR floor down to LIBOR plus 2.25%, with no LIBOR floor.
We began to incur fees on the undrawn commitments beginning January 17, 2012. The fees are calculated based on an
annual rate of 0.5% for the Term Loan A, which increased to 1.0% after March 30, 2012, and 1.5% for the Term Loan B
which increased to 3.0% after March 30, 2012.
In January 2012, we drew $180.0 million of the incremental Term Loan B under our Bank Credit Agreement to fund the asset
acquisition of Four Points, which closed January 1, 2012. In addition, in April 2012, we drew $157.5 million of the incremental
Term Loan A and $192.5 million of the incremental Term Loan B under our Bank Credit Agreement to fund the asset acquisition
of Freedom, which closed April 1, 2012. As of December 31, 2012, we had $48.0 million drawn on our revolver.
In September 2012, we further amended certain terms of our Bank Credit Agreement. The final terms of the amendment are as
follows:
We increased our incremental uncommitted term loan capacity from $300.0 million to $500.0 million. Also under this
new amendment,
2012 Annual Report 55
The level of permitted unsecured indebtedness increased from $450.0 million to $850.0 million, subject to certain
limitations, and we increased our ratio of our First Lien Indebtedness from 3.25 times EBITDA to 3.75 times EBITDA
through December 31, 2014 with a decrease to 3.50 times EBITDA through maturity of the agreement.
Other amended terms provided us with increased television station acquisition capacity, more flexibility under the other
restrictive covenants and prepayments of the existing term loans.
There were no changes pertaining to interest rates or maturities of the outstanding debt or commitments under the Bank
Credit Agreement.
Interest expense related to the Bank Credit Agreement, including the revolver, on our consolidated statement of operations was
$35.7 million, $19.6 million and $23.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Included in
these amounts were debt refinancing costs of $6.3 million and $6.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011,
respectively, in accordance with debt modification accounting guidance that applied to the amendments. In addition, in
connection with the amendments we capitalized $2.3 million and $5.5 million as deferred financing costs, which are included in
other assets in our consolidated financial statements during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The
weighted average effective interest rate of the Term Loan B for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 was 4.40% and
4.96%, respectively. The weighted average effective interest rate of the Term Loan A for the years ended December 31, 2012 and
2011 was 2.53% and 2.45%, respectively.
Our Bank Credit Agreement contains certain cross-default provisions with certain material third-party licensees. As of
December 31, 2012, Cunningham was the sole material third party licensee as defined in our Bank Credit Agreement. A default
by a material third-party licensee under our agreements with such parties, including a default caused by insolvency, would cause an
event of default under our Bank Credit Agreement. As of December 31, 2012, Cunningham had repaid the total outstanding
principal balance of their term loan facility.
On October 12, 2012, we issued $500.0 million of senior unsecured notes, which bear interest at a rate of 6.125% per annum
and mature on October 1, 2022 (the 6.125% Notes), pursuant to an indenture dated October 12, 2012 (the 2012 Indenture). The
6.125% Notes were priced at 100% of their par value and interest is payable semi-annually on April 1 and October 1,
commencing on April 1, 2013. Prior to October 1, 2017, we may redeem the 6.125% Notes, in whole or in part, at any time or
from time to time at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 6.125% Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any,
to the redemption date, plus a “make-whole” premium as set forth in the 2012 Indenture. Beginning on October 1, 2017, we may
redeem some or all of the 6.125% Notes at any time or from time to time at a redemption price set forth in the 2012 Indenture.
In addition, on or prior to October 1, 2015, we may redeem up to 35% of the 6.125% Notes using proceeds of certain equity
offerings. Upon the sale of certain of our assets or certain changes of control, the holders of the 6.125% Notes may require us to
repurchase some or all of the notes. The net proceeds from the offering of the 6.125% Notes were used to pay down outstanding
indebtedness under the revolving credit facility under our Bank Credit Agreement and fund the acquisitions as described under
Note 2. Acquisitions, and for general corporate purposes. Concurrent with entering into the 2012 Indenture, we also entered into a
registration rights agreement requiring us to complete an offer of an exchange of the 6.125% Notes for registered securities with
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) by July 8, 2013. As of December 31, 2012, we capitalized $9.1 million in
estimated fees to deferred financing costs, which are included in other assets in our consolidated financial statements.
Interest expense was $6.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The weighted average effective interest rate for the
6.125% Notes was 6.125% for the year ended December 31, 2012.
On October 4, 2010, we issued $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes, which bear interest at a
rate of 8.375% per annum and mature on October 15, 2018 (the 8.375% Notes), pursuant to an indenture dated as of October 4,
2010 (the 2010 Indenture). The 8.375% were issued at 98.567% of their par value and interest is payable semi-annually on April
15 and October 15 of each year, commencing on April 15, 2011. Prior to October 15, 2014, we may redeem the 8.375% Notes in
whole or in part, at any time or from time to time at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 8.375% Notes plus
accrued and unpaid interest, plus a “make-whole premium” as set forth in the 2010 Indenture. Beginning on October 15, 2014,
we may redeem some or all of the 8.375% Notes at any time or from time to time at the redemption prices set forth in the 2010
Indenture. In addition, on or prior to October 15, 2013, we may redeem up to 35% of the 8.375% Notes using the proceeds of
certain equity offerings. Upon certain changes of control, we must offer to purchase the 8.375% Notes at a price equal to 101%
of the face amount of the notes plus accrued and unpaid interest. The net proceeds from the offering of the 8.375% Notes were
used to fund the tender offers for our 6.0% and 8.0% Notes described below. Upon the sale of certain of our assets or certain
changes of control, the holders of the 8.375% Notes may require us to repurchase some or all of the 8.375% Notes. Concurrent
to entering into the 2010 Indenture we also entered into a registration rights agreement requiring us to complete an offer of an
56 Sinclair Broadcast Group
exchange of the 8.375% Notes for registered securities with the SEC by July 1, 2011. The 8.375% Notes registration became
effective on November 23, 2010.
In 2011, we repurchased, in the open market, $12.5 million principal amount of the 8.375% Notes. We recognized a loss on
these extinguishments of $0.3 million. As of December 31, 2012, the principal amount of the outstanding 8.375% Notes was
$237.5 million.
Interest expense was $20.2 million, $21.0 million and $5.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010,
respectively. The weighted average effective interest rate of the 8.375% Notes, including amortization of its bond discount, was
8.62% and 8.64% for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
On October 29, 2009, we issued $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes, which bear interest at a rate
of 9.25% per annum and mature on November 1, 2017 (the 9.25% Notes), pursuant to an indenture dated as of October 29, 2009
(the 2009 Indenture). The 9.25% Notes were issued at 97.264% of their par value and interest is payable semi-annually on May 1
and November 1 of each year, commencing on May 1, 2010. Prior to November 1, 2013, we may redeem the 9.25% Notes in
whole, but not in part, at any time at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 9.25% Notes plus accrued and unpaid
interest, plus a “make-whole premium” as set forth in the 2009 Indenture. Beginning on November 1, 2013, we may redeem
some or all of the 9.25% Notes at any time or from time to time at the redemption prices set forth in the 2009 Indenture. Upon
the sale of certain of our assets or certain changes of control, the holders of the 9.25% Notes may require us to repurchase some
or all of the 9.25% Notes. The 9.25% Notes are collateralized by $2,037.5 million of our tangible and intangible assets.
Interest expense was $47.7 million, $47.6 million and $47.3 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010,
respectively. The weighted average effective interest rate for the 9.25% Notes, including the amortization of its bond discount,
was 9.74% for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.
Any holder of the 4.875% Convertible Senior Notes (the 4.875% Notes) may surrender all or any portion of their notes for a
conversion into our Class A Common Stock at any time. As of December 31, 2012, the conversion price of the 4.875% Notes
was $22.37 per share and the number of Class A Common Stock that would be delivered upon conversion was 254,128. The
4.875% Notes bore cash interest at an annual rate of 4.875% until January 15, 2011 and now bear cash interest at an annual rate
of 2.00% from January 15, 2011 through maturity, July 15, 2018. The principal amount of the 4.875% Notes will accrete to
125.66% of the original par amount from January 15, 2011 to maturity. As of January 15, 2011, no put rights were exercised for
the 4.875% Notes and the put right expired.
Upon certain conditions, the 3.0% Convertible Senior Notes (the 3.0% Notes) are convertible into cash and, in certain
circumstances, shares of Class A Common Stock at any time on or before November 15, 2026. Holders of the 3.0% Notes will
have the right on 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. As of December 31, 2012, the conversion price of the 3.0% Notes was $17.35 per share and the number of
Class A Common Stock that would be delivered upon conversion was 311,239. The 3.0% Notes bear interest at an annual rate of
3.0%, payable semi-annually in May and November. We recorded the difference between the initial proceeds received from the
debt issuance and the fair value of the liability component of the debt as a discount. The 3.0% Notes mature on May 15, 2027.
During 2010, we completed tender offers to purchase for cash any and all of the outstanding 3.0% Notes and 4.875% Notes at
100% of the face value of such notes. We redeemed approximately $12.3 million and $14.3 million of the 3.0% and 4.875%
Notes, respectively. Additionally, during 2010, the put right period for the 3.0% Notes expired and holders representing $10.0
million in principal amount of the 3.0% Notes exercised their put rights. During the third quarter of 2010, we redeemed $17.0
million of the 4.875% Notes in a private transaction.
As of December 31, 2012, we have embedded derivatives related to contingent cash interest features in our 4.875% Notes and
3.0% Notes, which had negligible fair values.
Interest expense for the 4.875% Notes was $0.3 million, $0.3 million and $1.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2012,
2011 and 2010, respectively. Interest expense for the 3.0% Notes was $0.2 million, $0.2 million and $0.5 million, respectively.
The weighted average effective interest rate for the 4.875% Notes was 4.84% for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.
The weighted average effective interest rate on the liability portion of the 3.0% Notes was 3.0% for the years ended December 31,
2012 and 2011.
2012 Annual Report 57
In 2002 and 2003, we issued $650.0 million aggregate principal amount of 8.0% Senior Subordinated Notes, due 2012 (the 8.0%
Notes). Interest on the 8.0% Notes was paid semiannually on March 15 and September 15 of each year, beginning September 15,
2002. The 8.0% Notes were issued under an indenture among us, certain of our subsidiaries (the guarantors) and the trustee.
On September 20, 2010, we commenced a tender offer to purchase for cash any and all of the outstanding 8.0% Notes. We
offered to purchase the 8.0% Notes at a purchase price of $1,002.50 per $1,000 principal amount, if tendered within the first ten
business days of the tender offer period or $972.50 per $1,000 principal amount if tendered after such time, plus accrued and
unpaid interest. The tender offers expired October 19, 2010 and approximately $175.7 million principal amount of the 8.0%
Notes were tendered and purchased. On November 19, 2010, we completed the redemption of the remaining $49.0 million
outstanding of 8.0% Notes. These notes were redeemed for cash at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount of the
8.0% Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest. The redemption of the notes was effected in accordance with the terms of the
indenture governing the notes and was funded from the net proceeds of the 8.375% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2018 (8.375%
Notes) offering described above and available cash on hand. As a result of these redemptions, we recorded a gain from
extinguishment of debt of $0.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2010.
Interest expense was $13.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The weighted average effective interest rate for the
8.0% Notes including the amortization of its bond premium was 7.88% for the year ended December 31, 2010.
In 2005, we completed an exchange of our Series D Convertible Exchangeable Preferred Stock (the Preferred Stock) into 6.0%
Convertible Debentures, due 2012 (the 6.0% Notes). The 6.0% Notes were due to mature September 15, 2012, and bore interest
at a rate of 6.0% per annum, payable quarterly on each March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15, beginning September
15, 2005. The 6.0% Notes were convertible into Class A Common Stock at the option of the holders at a conversion price of
$22.813 per share, subject to adjustment. The difference in the carrying amount of the Preferred Stock and the fair value of the
6.0% Notes was recorded as a $31.7 million discount on the 6.0% Notes and was being amortized over the life of the 6.0% Notes
using the effective interest method.
During 2010, we repurchased, on the open market, $6.1 million in principal amount of the 6.0% Notes. In September 2010, we
commenced tender offers to purchase for cash up to $60.0 million in principal amount of the outstanding 6.0% Notes. We
offered to purchase the 6.0% Notes at a purchase price of $987.50 per $1,000 principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest.
The tender offer expired October 19, 2010 and approximately $58.0 million of the 6.0% Notes were tendered and purchased.
The net proceeds from the offering of the 8.375% Notes described below and cash on hand were used to fund this tender offer.
In April 2011, we completed the redemption of the remaining $70.0 million of outstanding 6.0% Notes at 100% of the face
value of such notes plus accrued and unpaid interest. The redemption of the 6.0% Notes was effected in accordance with the
terms of the indenture governing the 6.0% Notes and was funded from the net proceeds of our new Term Loan A. As a result of
this redemption, we recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of $3.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2011.
Interest expense was $1.9 million and $10.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The
weighted average effective interest rate for the 6.0% Notes including the amortization of its bond discount was 9.18% and 8.96%
for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
Deerfield, one of our consolidated VIEs, entered into a $27.1 million credit agreement with a third party on November 30,
2012 in order to purchase the license assets of certain stations. See Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting
Policies and Note 2. Acquisitions for more information. The credit agreement matures on November 30, 2017 and bears interest of
LIBOR plus 2.50%. We have jointly and severally, unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed the debt of Deerfield, as a primary
obligor, including the payment of all unpaid principal of and interest on the loans.
As of December 31, 2012, the outstanding principal amount of the debt was $20.0 million. For the year ended December 31,
2012, the interest expense relating to Deerfield’s term loan facility was $0.1 million and the interest rate as of December 31, 2012
was 2.81%.
58 Sinclair Broadcast Group
Cunningham, one of our consolidated VIEs, held a $33.5 million term loan facility originally entered into in March 2002, with
an unrelated third party. Primarily all of Cunningham’s assets was collateral for its term loan facility, which was non-recourse.
The interest rate of the term loan was LIBOR plus 4.50% with a 2.00% floor. The facility was paid in full as of October 1, 2012.
See Note 11. Related Person Transactions for more information.
For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the interest expense relating to Cunningham’s term loan facility was
$0.3 million, $1.0 million and $1.7 million, respectively.
Other operating divisions segment debt includes the debt of our consolidated subsidiaries with non-broadcast related
operations. This debt is non-recourse to us. Interest is paid on this debt at rates typically ranging from LIBOR plus 2.5% to a
fixed 6.11% during 2012. During 2012, 2011 and 2010, interest expense on this debt was $3.1 million, $3.7 million and $4.3
million, respectively.
Notes payable, capital leases and the Bank Credit Agreement consisted of the following as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 (in
thousands):
Bank Credit Agreement, Term Loan A
Bank Credit Agreement, Term Loan B
Revolving Credit Facility
9.25% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes, due 2017
8.375% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2018
4.875% Convertible Senior Notes, due 2018
6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2022
3.0% Convertible Senior Notes, due 2027
Deerfield Bank Credit Facility
Cunningham Term Loan Facility (non-recourse)
Other operating divisions segment debt (all non-recourse)
Capital leases
Total outstanding principal
Plus: Accretion on 4.875% Convertible Senior Notes, due 2018
Less: Discount on Bank Credit Agreement, Term Loan B
Less: Discount on 9.25% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes, due 2017
Less: Discount on 8.375% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2018
Less: Current portion
Net carrying value
2012
$ 263,875
587,656
48,000
500,000
237,530
5,685
500,000
5,400
19,950
—
65,663
43,364
2,277,123
332
(6,807)
(9,483)
(2,677)
(47,622)
$ 2,210,866
2011
$ 115,000
221,700
12,000
500,000
237,530
5,685
—
5,400
—
10,967
51,614
45,075
1,204,971
158
(4,698)
(10,947)
(3,018)
(38,195)
$ 1,148,271
2012 Annual Report 59
Indebtedness under the notes payable, capital leases and the Bank Credit Agreement as of December 31, 2012 matures as
follows (in thousands):
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018 and thereafter
Total minimum payments
Less: Discount on Term Loan B
Less: Discount on 9.25% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes,
due 2017
Less: Discount on 8.375% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2018
Less: Amount representing future interest
$
Notes and Bank
Credit
Agreement
46,805
34,866
64,374
810,514
511,970
766,689
2,235,218
(6,807)
Capital Leases
$
6,169
6,247
5,435
5,033
5,078
49,324
77,286
—
$
Total
52,974
41,113
69,809
815,547
517,048
816,013
2,312,504
(6,807)
(9,483)
(2,677)
(1,127)
2,215,124
$
—
—
(33,922)
43,364
(9,483)
(2,677)
(35,049)
$ 2,258,488
$
Our Bank Credit Agreement and indentures governing our outstanding notes contain a number of covenants that, among other
things, restrict our ability and our subsidiaries’ ability to incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends, incur liens, engage in
mergers or consolidations, make acquisitions, investments or disposals and engage in activities with affiliates. In addition, under
the Bank Credit Agreement, we are required to satisfy specified financial ratios. As of December 31, 2012, we were in compliance
with all financial ratios and covenants.
Substantially all of our stock in our wholly-owned subsidiaries has been pledged as security for the Bank Credit Agreement.
As of December 31, 2012, our broadcast segment had 29 capital leases with non-affiliates, including 26 tower leases, two
building leases and one software lease; our other operating divisions segment had six capital equipment leases and corporate has
one building lease. All of our tower leases will expire within the next 19 years and the building leases will expire within the next 4
years. Most of our leases have 5-10 year renewal options and it is expected that these leases will be renewed or replaced within
the normal course of business. For more information related to our affiliate notes and capital leases, see Note 11. Related Person
Transactions.
7. PROGRAM CONTRACTS:
Future payments required under program contracts as of December 31, 2012 were as follows (in thousands):
2013
2014
2015
2016
Total
Less: Current portion
Long-term portion of program contracts payable
$
$
88,015
10,994
5,148
199
104,356
(88,015)
16,341
Each future periods’ film liability includes contractual amounts owed, however, what is contractually owed does not necessarily
reflect what we are expected to pay during that period. While we are contractually bound to make the payments reflected in the
table during the indicated periods, industry protocol typically enables us to make film payments on a three-month lag. Included in
the current portion amounts are payments due in arrears of $20.0 million. In addition, we have entered into non-cancelable
commitments for future program rights aggregating to $140.5 million as of December 31, 2012.
60 Sinclair Broadcast Group
8. COMMON STOCK:
Holders of Class A Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share and holders of Class B Common Stock are entitled to ten
votes per share, except for votes relating to “going private” and certain other transactions. The Class A Common Stock and the
Class B Common Stock vote together as a single class, except as otherwise may be required by Maryland law, on all matters
presented for a vote. Holders of Class B Common Stock may at any time convert their shares into the same number of shares of
Class A Common Stock. During 2011, 1,149,960 Class B Common Stock shares were converted into Class A Common Stock
shares. There were no Class B Common Stock shares converted into Class A Common Stock shares in 2012.
Our Bank Credit Agreement and some of our subordinated debt instruments have restrictions on our ability to pay dividends.
Under our Bank Credit Agreement, in certain circumstances, we may make up to $100.0 million in unrestricted annual cash
payments including but not limited to dividends, of which $50.0 million may carry over to the next year. Under the indentures
governing the 9.25% Notes, 8.375% Notes and 6.125% Notes, we are restricted from paying dividends on our common stock
unless certain specified conditions are satisfied, including that:
no event of default then exists under the indenture or certain other specified agreements relating to our
indebtedness; and
after taking into account the dividends payment, we are within certain restricted payment requirements contained in
the indenture.
In addition, under certain of our debt instruments, the payment of dividends is not permissible during a default thereunder.
During 2011, our Board of Directors declared quarterly dividends on common stock, of $0.12 per share. Dividends of $0.12
per share were paid in March 2011, June 2011, September 2011 and December 2011, for total dividend payments of $0.48 per
share for the year ended December 31, 2011. During 2012, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.12 per
share in the months of February and May, which were paid in March and June, and $0.15 per share in the months of August and
November, which were paid in September and December. A special cash dividend of $1.00 per share was also declared in
November 2012, which was paid in December, for total dividend payments of $1.54 per share for the year ended December 31,
2012. In February 2013, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share. Future dividends on our
common shares, if any, will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on several factors including our results
of operations, cash requirements and surplus, financial condition, covenant restrictions and other factors that the Board of
Directors may deem relevant. The Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock holders have the same rights related to
dividends.
9. INCOME TAXES:
The provision (benefit) for income taxes consisted of the following for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 (in
thousands):
Provision for income taxes - continuing operations
Provision for income taxes - discontinued operations
Current:
Federal
State
Deferred:
Federal
State
2012
67,852
663
68,515
56,106
4,095
60,201
9,151
(837)
8,314
68,515
$
$
$
$
2011
44,785
477
45,262
678
1,055
1,733
41,361
2,168
43,529
45,262
$
$
$
$
2010
40,226
77
40,303
1,263
596
1,859
37,010
1,434
38,444
40,303
$
$
$
$
2012 Annual Report 61
The following is a reconciliation of federal income taxes at the applicable statutory rate to the recorded provision from
continuing operations:
Federal statutory rate
Adjustments-
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit
Non-deductible expenses
Basis in subsidiaries stock
Taxes on consolidated VIEs
Other
Effective income tax rate
2012
35.0%
1.3%
0.3%
—%
(3.4%)
(1.2%)
32.0%
2011
35.0%
1.7%
0.4%
—%
(0.7%)
0.6%
37.0%
2010
35.0%
1.5%
0.4%
(2.1%)
(1.2%)
0.8%
34.4%
We recorded a deferred tax benefit of $2.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2010 related to the recovery of
historical losses attributable to the basis in stock of certain subsidiaries.
For the year ended December 31, 2012, the taxes on consolidated VIEs include a release of $7.7 million of valuation allowance
related to certain deferred tax assets of Cunningham, one of our consolidated VIEs, as the weight of all available evidence
supports realization of the deferred tax assets. This assessment was based primarily on the sufficiency of forecasted taxable
income necessary to utilize net operating loss carryforwards expiring in years 2022 – 2029. This VIE files separate income tax
returns. Any resulting tax liabilities are nonrecourse to us, and we are not entitled to any benefit resulting from the deferred tax
assets of the VIE.
Temporary differences between the financial reporting carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities give rise to
deferred taxes. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, total deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities, including those classified
as held for sale of $1.3 million, as of December 31, 2012, were as follows (in thousands):
Current and Long-Term Deferred Tax Assets:
Net operating and capital losses:
Federal
State
Broadcast licenses
Intangibles
Other
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets
Total deferred tax assets
Current and Long-Term Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Broadcast licenses
Intangibles
Property & equipment, net
Contingent interest obligations
Other
Total deferred tax liabilities
Net tax liabilities
2012
2011
$
$
$
$
5,738
66,990
29,170
5,871
33,803
141,572
(59,407)
82,165
(13,090)
(216,505)
(25,359)
(52,388)
(10,213)
(317,555)
(235,390)
$
$
$
$
1,550
87,623
18,087
5,390
20,965
133,615
(79,136)
54,479
(10,115)
(204,230)
(24,877)
(52,298)
(5,571)
(297,091)
(242,612)
Our remaining federal and state capital and net operating losses will expire during various years from 2013 to 2032.
As discussed in Note 1. Income taxes, we establish valuation allowances in accordance with the guidance related to accounting for
income taxes. As of December 31, 2012, a valuation allowance has been provided for deferred tax assets related to a substantial
portion of our available state net operating loss carryforwards, based on past operating results, expected timing of the reversals of
existing temporary book/tax basis differences, alternative tax strategies and projected future taxable income. Although realization
is not assured for the remaining deferred tax assets, we believe it is more likely than not that they will be realized in the future.
During the year ended December 31, 2012, we decreased our valuation allowance by $19.7 million. The reduction in valuation
allowance was primarily due to the settlement of several audits, which resulted in the utilization of certain state net operating loss
carryforwards which were previously fully reserved, as well as due to changes in estimates of apportionment for certain states.
During the year ended December 31, 2011, we increased our valuation allowance by $1.6 million, from $77.6 million, and during
the year December 31, 2010, we increased our valuation allowance by $0.7 million, from $76.8 million. The change in valuation
allowance was primarily due to the creation of additional state net operating loss carryforwards.
62 Sinclair Broadcast Group
As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, we had $26.0 million and $26.1 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits, respectively.
Of this total, for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, $15.0 and $15.1 million respectively (net of federal effect on state
tax issues) and $6.8 million for both years (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.
The following table summarizes the activity related to our accrued unrecognized tax benefits (in thousands):
Balance at January 1,
(Reductions) increases related to prior years tax
position
Increases related to current year tax positions
Reductions related to settlements with taxing
authorities
Reductions related to expiration of the
applicable statute of limitations
Balance at December 31,
2012
26,088
$
(123)
—
—
—
25,965
$
2011
26,125
(127)
90
—
—
26,088
$
$
2010
26,148
(210)
187
—
—
26,125
$
$
In addition, we recognize accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. We
recognized $1.5 million, $1.3 million and $1.0 million of income tax expense for interest related to uncertain tax positions for the
years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
Management periodically performs a comprehensive review of our tax positions and accrues amounts for tax contingencies.
Based on these reviews, the status of ongoing audits and the expiration of applicable statute of limitations, these accruals are
adjusted as necessary. Amounts accrued for these tax matters are included in the table above and long-term liabilities in our
consolidated balance sheets. We believe that adequate accruals have been provided for all years.
We are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax of multiple state jurisdictions. All of our 2009 and subsequent
federal and state tax returns remain subject to examination by various tax authorities. Some of our pre-2009 federal and state tax
returns may also be subject to examination. In addition, our 2006 and 2007 federal tax returns are currently under audit, and
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, we believe it is reasonably possible
that our liability for unrecognized tax benefits related to continuing and certain discontinued operations will be reduced by $1.2
million and $5.1 million, respectively, in the next twelve months as a result of expected statute of limitations expirations, the
application of limits under available state administrative practice exceptions, and the resolution of examination issues and
expected settlements with federal and certain state tax authorities.
10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:
We are a party to lawsuits and claims from time to time in the ordinary course of business. Actions currently pending are in
various stages and no material 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.
Various parties have filed petitions to deny our applications or our LMA partners’ applications for the following stations’
license renewals: WXLV-TV, Winston-Salem, North Carolina; WMYV-TV, Greensboro, North Carolina; WLFL-TV, Raleigh /
Durham, North Carolina; WRDC-TV, Raleigh / Durham, North Carolina; WLOS-TV, Asheville, North Carolina, WMMP-TV,
Charleston, South Carolina; WTAT-TV, Charleston, South Carolina; WMYA-TV, Anderson, South Carolina; WICS-TV
Springfield, Illinois; WBFF-TV, Baltimore, Maryland; KGAN-TV, Cedar Rapids, Iowa WTTE-TV, Columbus, Ohio; WRGT-TV,
Dayton, Ohio; WVAH, Charleston / Huntington, West Virginia and WCGV-TV in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The FCC is in the
process of considering the renewal applications and we believe the petitions have no merit.
2012 Annual Report 63
We have entered into operating leases for certain property and equipment under terms ranging from one to 40 years. The rent
expense from continuing operations under these leases, as well as certain leases under month-to-month arrangements, for the
years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was approximately $6.7 million, $3.9 million and $3.7 million, respectively.
Future minimum payments under the leases are as follows (in thousands):
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018 and thereafter
$
$
4,682
4,512
3,820
3,557
3,863
4,316
24,750
We had no material outstanding letters of credit as of December 31, 2012.
On May 14, 2012, the Company and the licensees of stations to which we provide services, representing 20 affiliates of Fox
Broadcast Company (FOX), extended the network affiliation agreements with FOX from the existing term of December 31, 2012
to December 31, 2017. Concurrently, we entered into an assignable option agreement with Fox Television Stations, Inc. (FTS)
giving us or our assignee the right to purchase substantially all the assets of the WUTB station (Baltimore, MD) owned by FTS,
which has a program service arrangement with MyNetworkTV, for $2.7 million. In October 2012, we exercised our option and
entered into an agreement to purchase the assets of WUTB and we expect the sale to close in the first quarter of 2013 subject to
FCC approval and other closing conditions. We also entered into an option agreement giving FTS the right to purchase our
stations in up to three of the following four markets: Las Vegas, NV, Raleigh, NC, Norfolk, VA, and Cincinnati, OH. Our
stations in these markets are affiliated with the following networks or program service providers: Las Vegas (The CW and
MyNetworkTV), Raleigh (The CW and MyNetworkTV), Norfolk (MyNetworkTV) and Cincinnati (MyNetworkTV). These
options were exercisable between July 1, 2012 and March 30, 2013, however, FOX notified us of their intent to not exercise these
options in January 2013. In the second quarter of 2012, we paid $25.0 million to FOX pursuant to the agreements, which is
reflected as cash flows used in operating activities within the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended December
31, 2012. During the second quarter of 2012, we recorded $50.0 million in other assets and $25.0 million of other accrued
liabilities within the consolidated balance sheet, representing the additional obligation due to FOX in April 2013 because FTS did
not exercise its option to acquire any of our stations. The $50.0 million asset is being amortized through the current term of the
affiliation agreement ending on December 31, 2017. Approximately $5.6 million of amortization expense has been recorded in
the consolidated statement of operations during the year ended December 31, 2012. In addition, we are required to pay to FOX
programming payments under the terms of the affiliation agreements. These payments are recorded in station production
expenses as incurred.
Certain of our stations have entered into what have commonly been referred to as local marketing agreements or LMAs. One
typical type of LMA is a programming agreement between two separately owned television stations serving the same market,
whereby the licensee of one station programs substantial portions of the broadcast day and sells advertising time during such
programming segments on the other licensee’s station subject to the latter licensee’s ultimate editorial and other controls. We
believe these arrangements allow us to reduce our operating expenses and enhance profitability.
If we are required to terminate or modify our LMAs, our business could be affected in the following ways:
Losses on investments. In some cases, we own the non-license assets used by the stations we operate under LMAs. If
certain of these LMA arrangements are no longer permitted, we would be forced to sell these assets, restructure our
agreements or find another use for them. If this happens, the market for such assets may not be as good as when we
purchased them and, therefore, we cannot be certain of a favorable return on our original investments.
Termination penalties. If the FCC requires us to modify or terminate existing LMAs before the terms of the LMAs expire,
or under certain circumstances, we elect not to extend the terms of the LMAs, we may be forced to pay termination
penalties under the terms of some of our LMAs. Any such termination penalties could be material.
64 Sinclair Broadcast Group
The following paragraphs discuss various proceedings relevant to our LMAs.
In 1999, the FCC established a new local television ownership rule. LMAs fell under this rule, however the rule grandfathered
LMAs that were entered into prior to November 5, 1996, and permitted the applicable stations to continue operations pursuant to
the LMAs until the conclusion of the FCC’s 2004 biennial review. The FCC stated it would conduct a case-by-case review of
grandfathered LMAs and assess the appropriateness of extending the grandfathering periods. The FCC did not initiate any review
of grandfathered LMAs in 2004 or as part of its 2006 quadrennial review. We do not know when, or if, the FCC will conduct any
such review of grandfathered LMAs. For LMAs executed on or after November 5, 1996, the FCC required compliance with the
1999 local television ownership rule by August 6, 2001. We challenged the 1999 rules in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C.
Circuit (D.C. Circuit), resulting in the exclusion of post-November 5, 1996 LMAs from the 1999 rules. In 2002, the D.C. Circuit
ruled in Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. v. F.C.C., 284 F.3d 114 (D.C. Cir. 2002) that the 1999 local television ownership rule was
arbitrary and capricious and sent the rule back to the FCC for further refinement.
In 2003, the FCC revised its ownership rules, including the local television ownership rule; however the U. S. Court of Appeals
for the Third Circuit (Third Circuit) did not enable the 2003 rules to become effective and sent the 2003 rules back to the FCC
for further refinement. Due to the court decisions, the FCC concluded the 1999 rules could not be justified as necessary in the
public interest and as a result, we took the position that an issue exists regarding whether the FCC has any current legal right to
enforce any rules prohibiting the acquisition of television stations. Several parties, including us, filed petitions with the Supreme
Court of the United States seeking review of the Third Circuit decision, but the Supreme Court denied the petitions in June 2005.
In July 2006, the FCC released a Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making seeking comment on how to address the issues
raised by the Third Circuit’s decision. In January 2008, the FCC released an order containing ownership rules that re-adopted the
1999 rules. On February 29, 2008, several parties, including us, separately filed petitions for review in a number of federal
appellate courts challenging the 1999 rules. Those petitions were consolidated in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
(Ninth Circuit) and in November 2008, transferred by the Ninth Circuit to the Third Circuit. On July 7, 2011, the Third Circuit
upheld the FCC’s local television ownership rules. On December 5, 2011, we joined with a number of other parties on a Petition
for a Writ of Certiorari filed with the Supreme Court requesting that the Court overrule the decision of the Third Circuit. That
request remains pending before the Supreme Court.
On November 15, 1999, we entered into an agreement to acquire WMYA-TV (formerly WBSC-TV) in Anderson, South
Carolina from Cunningham Broadcasting Corporation (Cunningham), but that transaction was denied by the FCC. Since none of
the FCC rule changes ever became effective, we filed a petition for reconsideration with the FCC and amended our application to
acquire the license of WMYA-TV. We also filed applications in November 2003 to acquire the license assets of, at that time, the
remaining five Cunningham stations: WRGT-TV, Dayton, Ohio; WTAT-TV, Charleston, South Carolina; WVAH-TV,
Charleston, West Virginia; WNUV-TV, Baltimore, Maryland; and WTTE-TV, Columbus, Ohio. Rainbow / PUSH filed a
petition to deny these five applications and to revoke all of our licenses. The FCC dismissed our applications and denied the
Rainbow / PUSH petition due to the abovementioned 2003 Third Circuit decision. Rainbow / PUSH filed a petition for
reconsideration of that denial and we filed an application for review of the dismissal. In 2005, we filed a petition with the D. C.
Circuit requesting that the Court direct the FCC to take final action on our applications, but that petition was dismissed. On
January 6, 2006, we submitted a motion to the FCC requesting that it take final action on our applications. The applications and
the associated petition to deny are still pending. We believe the Rainbow / PUSH petition is without merit. On February 8, 2008,
we filed a petition with the D.C. Circuit requesting that the Court direct the FCC to act on our applications and cease its use of
the 1999 rules. In July 2008, the D.C. Circuit transferred the case to the Ninth Circuit, and we filed a petition with the D.C.
Circuit challenging that decision; however, it was denied. We also filed with the Ninth Circuit a motion to transfer that case back
to the D.C. Circuit. In November 2008, the Ninth Circuit consolidated and sent our petition seeking final FCC action on our
applications to the Third Circuit. In December 2008, we agreed voluntarily with the parties to our proceeding to dismiss our
petition seeking final FCC action on our applications.
11. RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS:
Transactions with our controlling shareholders. David, Frederick, J. Duncan and Robert Smith (collectively, the controlling
shareholders) are brothers and hold substantially all of the Class B Common Stock and some of our Class A Common Stock. We
engaged in the following transactions with them and/or entities in which they have substantial interests.
Leases. 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 $4.7 million, $4.4 million and $4.5 million for the years ended
December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
2012 Annual Report 65
Bay TV. In January 1999, we entered into a LMA with Bay TV, which owns the television station WTTA-TV in Tampa / St.
Petersburg, Florida market. Each of our controlling shareholders owns a substantial portion of the equity of Bay TV and
collectively has controlling interests. Payments made to Bay TV were $2.9 million, $2.2 million and $1.7 million for the years
ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. We received $0.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 from
Bay TV for certain equipment leases which expired on November 1, 2010.
On December 1, 2012, we purchased substantially all of the assets of Bay TV for $40.0 million. Our board of directors obtained
a fairness opinion on the purchase price from a third party valuation firm. Concurrent with the acquisition, our LMA with Bay TV
was terminated.
Charter Aircraft. From time to time, we charter aircraft owned by certain controlling shareholders. We incurred expenses of
$0.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2012. For each of the years ended December 2011 and 2010, we incurred $0.2
million related to these arrangements.
Notes and capital leases payable related to the aforementioned relationships consisted of the following as of December 31,
2012 and 2011 (in thousands):
Capital lease for building, interest at 8.54%
Capital leases for building and tower, interest at 7.93%
Capital leases for broadcasting tower facilities, interest at 9.0%
Capital leases for broadcasting tower facilities, interest at 10.5%
Liability payable to affiliate for local marketing agreement, interest at 7.69%
Less: Current portion
2012
7,405
1,221
1,275
4,990
—
14,891
(1,704)
13,187
$
$
2011
8,402
1,295
1,641
5,038
3,183
19,559
(3,014)
16,545
$
$
Notes and capital leases payable related to the aforementioned relationships as of December 31, 2012 mature as follows (in
thousands):
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018 and thereafter
Total minimum payments due
Less: Amount representing interest
$
$
3,306
3,406
3,371
3,056
2,965
6,806
22,910
(8,019)
14,891
Cunningham Broadcasting Corporation. As of December 31, 2012, Cunningham was the owner-operator and FCC licensee of:
WNUV-TV Baltimore, Maryland; WRGT-TV Dayton, Ohio; WVAH-TV Charleston, West Virginia; WTAT-TV Charleston,
South Carolina; WMYA-TV Anderson, South Carolina; WTTE-TV Columbus, Ohio; and WDBB-TV Birmingham, Alabama
(collectively, the Cunningham Stations).
Trusts established for the benefit of the children of our controlling shareholders, and the estate of Carolyn C. Smith, a parent of
our controlling shareholders, own Cunningham. We have options from these trusts which grant us the right to acquire, subject to
applicable FCC rules and regulations, 100% of the capital stock of Cunningham owned by the trusts. We also have options from
each of Cunningham’s subsidiaries, which are the FCC licensees of the Cunningham stations, which grant us the right to acquire,
and grant Cunningham the right to require us to acquire, subject to applicable FCC rules and regulations, 100% of the capital
stock or the assets of Cunningham’s individual subsidiaries.
In addition to the option agreements, we have LMAs with the Cunningham stations to provide programming, sales and
managerial services to the stations. Each of the LMAs has a current term that expires on July 1, 2016 and there are three
additional 5-year renewal terms remaining with final expiration on July 1, 2031.
Effective November 5, 2009, we entered into amendments and/or restatements of the following agreements between
Cunningham and us: (i) the LMAs, (ii) option agreements to acquire Cunningham stock and (iii) certain acquisition or merger
agreements relating to the Cunningham Stations.
66 Sinclair Broadcast Group
Pursuant to the terms of the LMAs, options and other agreements, beginning on January 1, 2010 and ending on July 1, 2012,
we were obligated to pay Cunningham the sum of approximately $29.1 million in 10 quarterly installments of $2.75 million and
one quarterly payment of approximately $1.6 million, which amounts were used to pay down Cunningham’s bank credit facility
and which amounts were credited toward the purchase price for each Cunningham station. An additional $1.2 million was paid
on July 1, 2012 and another installment of $2.75 million was paid on October 1, 2012 as an additional LMA fee and was used to
pay off the remaining balance of Cunningham’s bank credit facility. The aggregate purchase price of the television stations, which
was originally $78.5 million pursuant to certain acquisition or merger agreements subject to 6% annual increases, was decreased by
each payment made by us to Cunningham, through 2012, up to $29.1 million in the aggregate, pursuant to the foregoing
transactions with Cunningham as such payments are made. Beginning on January 1, 2013, we will be obligated to pay
Cunningham an annual LMA fee for the television stations equal to the greater of (i) 3% of each station’s annual net broadcast
revenue and (ii) $5.0 million, of which a portion of this fee will be credited toward the purchase price to the extent of the annual
6% increase. The remaining purchase price as of December 31, 2012 was approximately $57.1 million.
Additionally, we reimburse Cunningham for 100% of its operating costs, and paid Cunningham a monthly payment of $50,000
through December 2012 as an LMA fee.
We made payments to Cunningham under these LMAs and other agreements of $15.7 million, $16.6 million and $17.3 million
for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010,
Cunningham’s stations provided us with approximately $105.5 million, $90.3 million and $94.3 million, respectively, of total
revenue. The financial statements for Cunningham are included in our consolidated financial statements for all periods presented.
Our Bank Credit Agreement contains certain cross-default provisions with certain material third-party licenses. As of December
31, 2012, Cunningham was the sole material third-party licensee.
Atlantic Automotive. We sold advertising time to and purchased vehicles and related vehicle services from Atlantic Automotive
Corporation (Atlantic Automotive), a holding company that owns automobile dealerships and an automobile leasing company.
David D. Smith, our President and Chief Executive Officer, has a controlling interest in, and is a member of the Board of
Directors of Atlantic Automotive. We received payments for advertising totaling $0.1 million, $0.2 million and $0.3 million
during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. We paid $1.8 million, $1.1 million and $0.8 million for
vehicles and related vehicle services from Atlantic Automotive during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010,
respectively. Additionally, in August 2011, Atlantic Automotive entered into an office lease agreement with Towson City Center,
LLC (Towson City Center), a subsidiary of one of our real estate ventures. Atlantic Automotive paid $0.4 million in rent during
the year ended December 31, 2012.
Leased property by real estate ventures. Certain of our real estate ventures have entered into leases with entities owned by David
Smith to lease restaurant space. There are leases for three restaurants in a building owned by one of our consolidated real estate
ventures in Baltimore, MD. Total rent received under these leases was $0.3 million, $0.1 million and $0.1 million for the years
ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010. There is also one lease for a restaurant in a building owned by one of our real estate
ventures, accounted for under the equity method, in Towson, MD. Annual rent under this lease will be approximately $0.2 million
once the restaurant is opened in 2013.
Thomas & Libowitz, P.A. Basil A. Thomas, a member of our Board of Directors, is the father of Steven A. Thomas, a partner
and founder of Thomas & Libowitz, P.A. (Thomas & Libowitz), a law firm providing legal services to us on an ongoing basis.
We paid fees of $1.0 million, $0.5 million and $0.5 million to Thomas & Libowitz during 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
2012 Annual Report 67
12. EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE:
The following table reconciles income (numerator) and shares (denominator) used in our computations of earnings per share
for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):
Income (Numerator)
Income from continuing operations
Income impact of assumed conversion of the 4.875%
Notes, net of taxes
Income impact of assumed conversion of the 6.0%
Notes, net of taxes
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling
interests included in continuing operations
Numerator for diluted earnings per common share
from continuing operations available to common
shareholders
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of
taxes
Numerator for diluted earnings available to common
2012
2011
2010
$ 144,488
$
76,588
$
75,625
180
—
(287)
144,381
465
180
—
(379)
76,389
(411)
166
2,521
1,100
79,412
(577)
shareholders
$
144,846
$
75,978
$
78,835
Shares (Denominator)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding
Dilutive effect of outstanding stock settled
appreciation rights, restricted stock awards and
stock options
Dilutive effect of 4.875% Notes
Dilutive effect of 6.0% Notes
Weighted-average common and common equivalent
shares outstanding
81,020
36
254
—
81,310
80,217
61
254
—
80,532
80,245
37
254
3,070
83,606
Potentially dilutive securities representing 1.5 million, 1.1 million and 1.4 million shares of common stock for the years ended
December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per common
share for these periods because their effect would have been antidilutive. The increase in 2012 compared to 2011 of potentially
dilutive securities is primarily related to the issuance of new stock settled appreciation rights in 2012. The decrease in 2011
compared to 2010 of potentially dilutive securities is primarily related to the exercise of some of our stock-settled appreciation
rights in 2011. The net earnings per share amounts are the same for Class A and Class B Common Stock because the holders of
each class are legally entitled to equal per share distributions whether through dividends or in liquidation.
13. SEGMENT DATA:
We measure segment performance based on operating income (loss). Our broadcast segment includes stations in 45 markets,
located predominately in the eastern, mid-western and southern United States. In 2012, we determined that the operating results
of WLAJ-TV and WLWC-TV, which were acquired in early 2012, should be accounted for as discontinued operations and are not
included in our consolidated results of continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2012. Our other operating
divisions segment primarily earned revenues from sign design and fabrication; regional security alarm operating and bulk
acquisitions and real estate ventures. All of our other operating divisions are located within the United States. Corporate costs
primarily include our costs to operate as a public company and to operate our corporate headquarters location. Corporate is not a
reportable segment. We had approximately $171.2 million and $170.0 million of intercompany loans between the broadcast
segment, operating divisions segment and corporate as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. We had $20.0 million, $19.7
million and $19.3 million in intercompany interest expense related to intercompany loans between the broadcast segment, other
operating divisions segment and corporate for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Intercompany
loans and interest expense are excluded from the tables below. All other intercompany transactions are immaterial.
68 Sinclair Broadcast Group
Financial information for our operating segments is included in the following tables for the years ended December 31, 2012,
2011 and 2010 (in thousands):
For the year ended December 31, 2012
Revenue
Depreciation of property and equipment
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets
Broadcast
$ 1,007,498
44,054
and other assets
Amortization of program contract costs and
net realizable value adjustments
General and administrative overhead expenses
Operating income (loss)
Interest expense
Income from equity and cost method
investments
Goodwill
Assets
Capital expenditures
33,701
60,990
28,854
333,164
—
—
1,070,544
2,436,537
35,161
For the year ended December 31, 2011
Revenue
Depreciation of property and equipment
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets
$
Broadcast
720,775
29,929
and other assets
Amortization of program contract costs and
net realizable value adjustments
Impairment of goodwill, intangible and other
assets
General and administrative overhead expenses
Operating income (loss)
Interest expense
Income from equity and cost method
investments
Goodwill
Assets
Capital expenditures
14,643
52,079
398
24,760
230,679
—
—
656,629
1,303,604
34,453
For the year ended December 31, 2010
Revenue
Depreciation of property and equipment
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets
$
Broadcast
731,046
33,260
and other assets
Amortization of program contract costs and
net realizable value adjustments
Impairment of goodwill, intangible and other
assets
General and administrative overhead expenses
Operating income (loss)
Interest expense
Loss from equity and cost method investments
15,974
60,862
4,803
23,685
244,297
—
—
Other
Operating
Divisions
54,181
1,496
$
4,398
—
1,697
491
3,282
9,670
3,488
284,583
2,341
Other
Operating
Divisions
44,513
1,323
$
3,586
—
—
1,158
(1,041)
2,528
3,269
3,488
256,408
1,382
Other
Operating
Divisions
36,598
1,291
$
2,860
—
—
918
478
1,943
(4,861)
$
Corporate
—
1,523
$
Consolidated
1,061,679
47,073
—
—
2,840
(4,377)
125,271
—
—
8,577
6,484
38,099
60,990
33,391
329,278
128,553
9,670
1,074,032
2,729,697
43,986
$
Corporate
—
1,622
$
Consolidated
765,288
32,874
—
—
—
2,392
(4,018)
103,600
—
—
11,405
—
18,229
52,079
398
28,310
225,620
106,128
3,269
660,117
1,571,417
35,835
$
Corporate
—
1,756
$
Consolidated
767,644
36,307
—
—
—
2,197
(3,960)
114,103
—
18,834
60,862
4,803
26,800
240,815
116,046
(4,861)
2012 Annual Report 69
14. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Accounting guidance provides for valuation techniques, such as the market approach (comparable market prices), the income
approach (present value of future income or cash flow), and the cost approach (cost to replace the service capacity of an asset or
replacement cost). A fair value hierarchy using three broad levels prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure
fair value. The following is a brief description of those three levels:
Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These
include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or
liabilities in markets that are not active.
Level 3: Unobservable inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions.
The carrying value and fair value of our notes, debentures, program contracts payable and non-cancelable programming
commitments as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 were as follows (in thousands):
2012
2011
Carrying Value
Fair Value
Carrying Value
Fair Value
Level 2:
$
9.25% Senior Second Lien Notes due 2017
8.375% Senior Notes due 2018
6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2022
Term Loan A
Term Loan B
Cunningham Bank Credit Facility
Deerfield Bank Credit Facility
Level 3
Active program contracts payable
Future program liabilities (a)
490,517
234,853
500,000
263,875
580,850
—
19,950
104,356
140,535
$ 552,500
265,886
533,125
262,556
589,125
—
19,950
102,768
120,922
$
489,052
$
234,512
—
115,000
217,002
10,967
—
91,450
125,075
549,690
246,884
—
112,700
221,700
11,100
—
88,699
105,166
(a) Future program liabilities reflect a license agreement for program material that is not yet available for its first showing or telecast and
is, therefore, not recorded as an asset or liability on our balance sheet. The carrying value reflects the undiscounted future payments.
Our estimates of the fair value of active program contracts payable and future program liabilities in the table above, were based
on discounted cash flows using Level 3 inputs described above. The discount rate represents an estimate of a market participants’
return and risk applicable to program contracts. The discount rate used to determine the fair value of active and future program
liabilities was 8.0% as of December 31, 2012. Significant increases (decreases) in the discount rate would result in a significantly
lower (higher) fair value measurement.
Not included in the table above are the fair values and carrying values for our 4.875% Notes and 3.0% Notes, which we believe
their fair values approximate their carrying values based on discounted cash flows using Level 3 inputs described above.
Additionally, Cunningham, one of our consolidated VIEs has investments which are accounted for as trading securities and
recorded at fair value using Level 1 inputs described above. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, $6.4 million and $4.9 million
were included in other assets in our consolidated balance sheets.
70 Sinclair Broadcast Group
15. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
Sinclair Television Group, Inc. (STG), a wholly-owned subsidiary and the television operating subsidiary of Sinclair Broadcast
Group, Inc. (SBG), is the primary obligor under the Bank Credit Agreement, 6.125% Notes, the 8.375% Notes and the 9.25%
Notes. Our Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, the 4.875% Notes and the 3.0% Notes, as of December 31, 2012,
were obligations or securities of SBG and not obligations or securities of STG. SBG was the obligor of the 6.0% Notes until they
were fully redeemed in 2011. SBG is a guarantor under the Bank Credit Agreement, the 6.125% Notes, 9.25% Notes and the
8.375% Notes. As of December 31, 2012 our consolidated total debt of $2,273.4 million included $2,184.6 million of debt related
to STG and its subsidiaries of which SBG guaranteed $2,138.0 million.
SBG, KDSM, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SBG, and STG’s wholly-owned subsidiaries (guarantor subsidiaries), have
fully and unconditionally guaranteed, subject to certain customary automatic release provisions, 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 SEC Regulation S-X, Rule 3-10.
Certain revisions have been made to correct immaterial errors in the condensed consolidating balance sheet, the condensed
consolidating statements of operations and comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2011. The revisions to the
condensed consolidating balance sheet increased certain noncurrent assets by $17.3 million and noncontrolling interests in
consolidated subsidiaries by $9.8 million and decreased additional paid-in capital by $1.6 million and accumulated deficit by $9.1
million of the Non-guarantor Subsidiaries, with corresponding offsetting adjustments to the same items in the Eliminations
column. The revisions to the condensed consolidating statements of operations and comprehensive income, for the year ended
December 31, 2011 and 2010, increased depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses by $0.7 million and $0.6 million,
respectively, and increased net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests for the Non-guarantor Subsidiaries by $0.4 million, for
the year ended 2011 and increased net income attributable to noncontrolling interests for the Non-guarantor Subsidiaries by $1.1
million for the year ended 2010, with corresponding offsetting adjustments to the same items in the Eliminations column. These
revisions had no effect on amounts presented for SBG, STG, the Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC or Sinclair
Consolidated.
2012 Annual Report 71
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2012
(In thousands)
Sinclair
Broadcast
Group, Inc.
Sinclair
Television
Group, Inc.
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
and KDSM,
LLC
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries Eliminations
Sinclair
Consolidated
Cash
Accounts and other receivables
Other current assets
Assets held for sale
Total current assets
Property and equipment, net
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries
Restricted cash – long term
Other long-term assets
Total other long-term assets
Goodwill and other intangible assets
$
—
152
2,821
—
2,973
6,315
—
—
84,055
84,055
—
$
7,230
907
2,342
—
10,479
$
199
175,837
56,522
30,357
262,915
$
15,436
7,622
9,028
—
32,086
$
—
(622)
(3,383)
—
(4,005)
$ 22,865
183,896
67,330
30,357
304,448
8,938
321,873
113,454
(10,867)
439,713
1,636,504
2
375,687
2,012,193
1,956
223
60,114
62,293
—
—
112,757
112,757
(1,638,460)
—
(429,862)
(2,068,322)
—
225
202,751
202,976
—
1,706,646
153,961
(78,047)
1,782,560
Total assets
$ 93,343
$ 2,031,610
$ 2,353,727
$ 412,258
$ (2,161,241)
$ 2,729,697
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt
Current portion of affiliate long-term debt
Other current liabilities
Liabilities held for sale
Total current liabilities
$
Long-term debt
Affiliate long-term debt
Dividends in excess of investment in
consolidated subsidiaries
Other liabilities
Total liabilities
Common stock
Additional paid-in capital
Accumulated (deficit) earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)
gain
Total Sinclair Broadcast Group
shareholders’ (deficit) equity
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated
subsidiaries
Total liabilities and equity (deficit)
$
326
483
1,102
—
—
1,911
12,502
6,303
178,869
10,708
210,293
$
61,165
31,113
—
—
—
92,278
2,088,586
—
—
2,509
2,183,373
$
83,049
800
602
96,288
2,397
183,136
36,705
6,884
—
491,845
718,570
$
9,379
15,226
433
8,871
—
33,909
73,073
267,521
—
103,007
477,510
812
600,928
(713,697)
—
(175,973)
27,597
10
1,084,302
553,777
—
64,096
(147,299)
$
(102)
—
(433)
(3,099)
—
(3,634)
$ 153,817
47,622
1,704
102,060
2,397
307,600
—
(267,521)
2,210,866
13,187
(178,869)
(309,972)
(759,996)
(10)
(972,425)
(434,075)
—
298,097
2,829,750
812
600,928
(713,697)
(4,993)
(3,387)
(2,932)
1,054
5,265
(4,993)
(116,950)
(151,763)
1,635,157
(82,149)
(1,401,245)
(116,950)
—
93,343
—
$ 2,031,610
—
$ 2,353,727
16,897
$ 412,258
—
$ (2,161,241)
16,897
$ 2,729,697
72 Sinclair Broadcast Group
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2011
(In thousands)
Sinclair
Broadcast
Group, Inc.
Sinclair
Television
Group, Inc.
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
and KDSM,
LLC
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries Eliminations
Sinclair
Consolidated
Cash
Accounts and other receivables
Other current assets
Total current assets
Property and equipment, net
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries
Restricted cash – long term
Other long-term assets
Total other long-term assets
Goodwill and other intangible assets
$
—
60
2,430
2,490
8,234
—
—
86,186
86,186
—
$
188
348
2,561
3,097
7,783
575,848
58,503
353,929
988,280
$
313
126,590
55,855
182,758
$
12,466
6,276
3,021
21,763
$
—
(107)
(284)
(391)
$
12,967
133,167
63,583
209,717
171,749
104,825
(11,070)
281,521
—
223
17,209
17,432
—
—
99,630
99,630
83,387
(575,848)
—
(417,961)
(993,809)
—
58,726
138,993
197,719
(27,102)
882,460
—
826,175
Total assets
$ 96,910
$ 999,160
$ 1,198,114
$ 309,605
$ (1,032,372)
$ 1,571,417
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt
Current portion of affiliate long-term debt
Other current liabilities
Total current liabilities
$
1,499
420
998
—
2,917
$
30,888
14,450
—
—
45,338
$
12,811
7,405
143,857
51,095
218,085
1,055,446
—
—
2,222
1,103,006
809
617,375
(734,511)
—
7,755
(108,558)
Long-term debt
Affiliate long-term debt
Dividends in excess of investment in
consolidated subsidiaries
Other liabilities
Total liabilities
Common stock
Additional paid-in capital
Accumulated (deficit) earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)
income
Total Sinclair Broadcast Group
shareholders’ (deficit) equity
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated
subsidiaries
Total liabilities and equity (deficit)
$
51,119
589
2,016
65,431
119,155
37,502
9,140
—
457,003
622,800
10
264,413
313,269
$
7,555
22,736
210
372
30,873
42,512
246,552
—
58,222
378,159
—
52,710
(131,527)
$
(2,491)
—
(210)
—
(2,701)
$
88,570
38,195
3,014
65,803
195,582
—
(246,552)
(143,857)
(246,161)
(639,271)
(10)
(324,878)
(73,184)
1,148,271
16,545
—
322,381
1,682,779
809
617,375
(734,511)
(4,848)
(3,043)
(2,378)
450
4,971
(4,848)
(121,175)
(103,846)
575,314
(78,367)
(393,101)
(121,175)
—
96,910
—
$ 999,160
—
$ 1,198,114
9,813
$ 309,605
—
$ (1,032,372)
9,813
$ 1,571,417
2012 Annual Report 73
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE
INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012
(In thousands)
Sinclair
Broadcast
Group, Inc.
Sinclair
Television
Group, Inc.
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
and KDSM,
LLC
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries Eliminations
Sinclair
Consolidated
Net revenue
$
—
$
—
$
1,008,146
$
64,909
$
(11,376)
$ 1,061,679
Program and production
Selling, general and administrative
Depreciation, amortization and other
operating expenses
Total operating expenses
—
2,853
1,523
4,376
322
28,762
1,890
30,974
263,802
168,540
213,688
646,030
Operating (loss) income
(4,376)
(30,974)
362,116
1,400
6,082
55,802
63,284
1,625
(9,968)
(1,567)
(728)
(12,263)
255,556
204,670
272,175
732,401
887
329,278
Equity in losses of consolidated
subsidiaries
Interest expense
Other income (expense)
Total other (expense) income
Income tax benefit
Loss from discontinued operations,
net of taxes
Net (loss) income
Net loss attributable to the
noncontrolling interests
Net (loss) income attributable to
Sinclair Broadcast Group
Comprehensive Income
144,620
(1,317)
5,245
148,548
194,686
(118,491)
38,677
114,872
(123)
(4,840)
(39,774)
(44,737)
—
(24,780)
8,690
(16,090)
(339,183)
20,875
(1,223)
(319,531)
—
(128,553)
11,615
(116,938)
494
41,709
(118,519)
8,464
—
(67,852)
—
144,666
(269)
125,338
734
199,594
—
—
—
—
(6,001)
(287)
—
(318,644)
465
144,953
—
(287)
$ 144,666
$ 144,808
$
$
125,338
125,193
$
$
199,594
199,594
$
$
(6,288)
(6,288)
$
$
(318,644)
(318,499)
$
$
144,666
144,808
74 Sinclair Broadcast Group
Equity in earnings of consolidated
subsidiaries
Interest expense
Gain on Sales of Securities
Other income (expense)
Total other income (expense)
Income tax (provision) benefit
Loss from discontinued operations,
net of taxes
Net income (loss)
Net loss attributable to the
noncontrolling interests
Net income (loss) attributable to
Sinclair Broadcast Group
Comprehensive Income
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE
INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011
(In thousands)
Sinclair
Broadcast
Group, Inc.
Sinclair
Television
Group, Inc.
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
and KDSM,
LLC
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries Eliminations
Sinclair
Consolidated
Net revenue
$
—
$
—
$
721,936
$
52,295
$
(8,943)
$
765,288
Program and production
Selling, general and administrative
Depreciation, amortization and other
operating expenses
Total operating expenses
—
2,396
1,622
4,018
1,298
25,160
688
27,146
185,038
121,391
160,432
466,861
Operating (loss) income
(4,018)
(27,146)
255,075
338
3,765
46,618
50,721
1,574
—
(23,978)
391
1,560
(22,027)
(8,062)
(464)
(552)
(9,078)
178,612
152,248
208,808
539,668
135
225,620
(218,350)
20,622
(391)
(573)
(198,692)
—
(106,128)
—
1,881
(104,247)
83,354
(3,285)
—
1,781
81,850
134,996
(94,556)
—
35,255
75,695
—
(4,931)
—
(36,142)
(41,073)
(2,034)
29,783
(75,449)
2,915
—
(44,785)
—
75,798
—
(411)
77,921
—
—
138,553
—
(17,538)
—
(198,557)
(411)
76,177
—
(379)
—
(379)
$
$
75,798
75,243
$
$
77,921
76,987
$
$
138,553
138,553
$
$
(17,917)
(17,917)
$
$
(198,557)
(197,623)
$
$
75,798
75,243
2012 Annual Report 75
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE
INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010
(In thousands)
Sinclair
Broadcast
Group, Inc.
Sinclair
Television
Group, Inc.
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
and KDSM,
LLC
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries Eliminations
Sinclair
Consolidated
Net revenue
$
—
$
—
$
732,214
$
45,351
$
(9,921)
$
767,644
Program and production
Selling, general and administrative
Depreciation, amortization and other
operating expenses
Total operating expenses
—
2,205
1,756
3,961
893
23,530
518
24,941
161,746
125,106
179,345
466,197
Operating (loss) income
(3,961)
(24,941)
266,017
369
3,597
37,600
41,566
3,785
—
(22,334)
(7,026)
(29,360)
(8,875)
(547)
(414)
(9,836)
154,133
153,891
218,805
526,829
(85)
240,815
(222,789)
20,192
(441)
(203,038)
—
(116,046)
(8,918)
(124,964)
136,815
(95,089)
33,389
75,115
—
(5,204)
(36,506)
(41,710)
85,974
(13,611)
1,666
74,029
6,080
—
76,148
—
31,654
(84,073)
6,113
—
(40,226)
(577)
81,251
—
—
140,234
—
(19,462)
—
(203,123)
(577)
75,048
—
1,100
—
1,100
$
$
76,148
75,347
$
$
81,251
81,550
$
$
140,234
140,234
$
$
(18,362)
(18,362)
$
$
(203,123)
(203,422)
$
$
76,148
75,347
Equity in earnings of consolidated
subsidiaries
Interest expense
Other income (expense)
Total other income (expense)
Income tax benefit (provision)
Loss from discontinued operations,
net of taxes
Net income (loss)
Net loss attributable to the
noncontrolling interests
Net income (loss) attributable to
Sinclair Broadcast Group
Comprehensive Income
76 Sinclair Broadcast Group
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012
(In thousands)
NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN)
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment
Payments for acquisitions of television
stations
Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash
Distributions from investments
Investments in equity and cost method
investees
Investment in debt securities
Proceeds from sale of assets
Proceeds from insurance settlement
Loans to affiliates
Proceeds from loans to affiliates
Net cash flows (used in) from
investing activities
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable,
commercial bank financing and
capital leases
Repayments of notes payable,
commercial bank financing and
capital leases
Proceeds from share based awards
Dividends paid on Class A and Class B
Common Stock
Payments for deferred financing costs
Distribution from noncontrolling
interests
Repayments of notes and capital leases
to affiliates
Increase (decrease) in intercompany
payables
Net cash flows from (used in)
financing activities
Sinclair
Broadcast
Group, Inc.
Sinclair
Television
Group, Inc.
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
and KDSM,
LLC
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries Eliminations
Sinclair
Consolidated
$
(4,038)
$
(56,760)
$ 282,446
$
12,999
$
2,828
$ 237,475
396
—
—
—
836
(2,000)
—
—
—
(277)
183
(4,057)
(37,635)
(2,690)
—
(43,986)
(1,127,848)
—
58,501
—
—
—
10,700
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
10
42
—
—
(18,200)
(12,454)
—
8,754
(22,052)
(1,493)
—
—
—
—
10,700
—
—
—
—
—
(10,700)
—
—
—
(1,135,348)
(12,454)
58,501
9,590
(24,052)
(1,493)
10
42
(277)
183
(862)
(1,062,704)
(37,583)
(48,135)
—
(1,149,284)
—
1,201,275
—
45,980
(419)
391
(154,989)
—
(586)
—
(23,362)
—
(125,100)
—
—
(17,660)
—
(998)
—
—
—
—
—
—
(1,047)
(1,142)
(1,884)
—
—
—
—
1,248
—
—
—
1,247,255
(179,356)
391
(123,852)
(18,707)
(1,142)
(2,882)
131,026
97,880
(242,507)
17,677
(4,076)
—
4,900
1,126,506
(244,977)
38,106
(2,828)
921,707
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS,
beginning of period
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS,
end of period
$
—
—
—
7,042
188
(114)
313
2,970
12,466
$
7,230
$
199
$
15,436
$
—
—
—
9,898
12,967
$
22,865
2012 Annual Report 77
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011
(In thousands)
NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment
Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts
Increase in restricted cash
Distributions from investments
Investments in equity and cost method
investees
Investment in debt securities
Payments for acquisitions of assets of
other operating divisions
Proceeds from sale of assets
Proceeds from sale of securities
Proceeds from insurance settlement
Loans to affiliates
Proceeds from loans to affiliates
Net cash flows used in investing
Sinclair
Broadcast
Group, Inc.
Sinclair
Television
Group, Inc.
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
and KDSM,
LLC
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries Eliminations
Sinclair
Consolidated
$
(10,424)
$
(65,150)
$ 225,516
$
704
$
(2,133)
$ 148,513
—
—
—
—
(4,000)
—
—
—
—
—
(194)
199
(3,503)
—
(53,445)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(212)
—
(30,950)
—
—
—
—
—
—
59
—
1,739
—
—
(1,382)
(8,850)
—
3,798
(7,577)
(4,911)
(3,072)
10
1,808
—
—
43
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(1,808)
—
—
—
(35,835)
(8,850)
(53,445)
3,798
(11,577)
(4,911)
(3,072)
69
—
1,739
(406)
242
activities
(3,995)
(57,160)
(29,152)
(20,133)
(1,808)
(112,248)
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable,
commercial bank financing and
capital leases
Repayments of notes payable,
commercial bank financing and
capital leases
Proceeds from share based awards
Purchase of subsidiary shares from
noncontrolling interests
Dividends paid on Class A and Class B
Common Stock
Payments for deferred financing costs
Proceeds from Class A Common Stock
sold by variable interest entity
Distributions from noncontrolling
interests
Repayments of notes and capital leases
to affiliates
Increase (decrease) in intercompany
—
136,719
—
15,014
(57,120)
1,794
(70,234)
—
(432)
—
—
—
(38,820)
—
—
(5,417)
—
—
(869)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(2,341)
(22,661)
—
(2,501)
—
(66)
—
(610)
—
payables
109,434
56,359
(194,300)
26,838
Net cash flows from (used in)
financing activities
14,419
117,427
(197,073)
16,014
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND
CASH EQUIVALENTS
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS,
beginning of period
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS,
end of period
$
—
—
—
(4,883)
5,071
(709)
(3,415)
1,022
15,881
$
188
$
313
$ 12,466
$
—
—
—
—
464
—
1,808
—
—
1,669
3,941
—
—
—
151,733
(150,447)
1,794
(2,501)
(38,356)
(5,483)
1,808
(610)
(3,210)
—
(45,272)
(9,007)
21,974
$
12,967
78 Sinclair Broadcast Group
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010
(In thousands)
Sinclair
Broadcast
Group, Inc.
Sinclair
Television
Group, Inc.
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
and KDSM,
LLC
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries Eliminations
Sinclair
Consolidated
$
(25,213)
$
(76,450)
$ 265,706
$
(5,731)
$
(3,351)
$ 154,961
—
—
—
709
(2,000)
—
(136)
117
—
(3,686)
—
59,342
—
—
—
—
—
—
(6,173)
—
260
—
—
110
—
—
372
(1,835)
(10,106)
—
185
(5,224)
—
—
—
—
investing activities
(1,310)
55,656
(5,431)
(16,980)
—
264,068
—
19,862
—
283,930
(103,878)
(302,350)
(317)
(20,876)
(34,557)
—
—
(7,016)
—
(753)
—
—
—
—
—
(2,370)
—
(4)
(287)
—
165,711
60,799
(256,783)
27,254
26,523
15,501
(259,470)
25,949
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS,
beginning of period
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS,
end of period
$
—
—
—
(5,293)
10,364
805
217
3,238
12,643
$
5,071
$
1,022
$ 15,881
$
NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment
Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts
Decrease in restricted cash
Distributions from investments
Investments in equity and cost method
investees
Proceeds from sale of assets
Loans to affiliates
Proceeds from loans to affiliates
Proceeds from insurance settlement
Net cash flows (used in) from
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable,
commercial bank financing and
capital leases
Repayments of notes payable,
commercial bank financing and
capital leases
Dividends paid on Class A and Class B
Common Stock
Payments for deferred financing costs
Distributions from noncontrolling
interests
Repayments of notes and capital leases
to affiliates
Increase (decrease) in intercompany
payables
Net cash flows from (used in)
financing activities
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(11,694)
(10,106)
59,602
894
(7,224)
110
(136)
117
372
31,935
—
332
—
—
—
3,019
3,351
—
—
—
(427,421)
(34,225)
(7,020)
(287)
(3,123)
—
(188,146)
(1,250)
23,224
$
21,974
2012 Annual Report 79
16. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED):
(in thousands, except per share data)
For the Quarter Ended
03/31/12
06/30/12
09/30/12
12/31/12
Total revenues, net
Operating income
Income from continuing operations
(Loss) income from discontinued operations
Net income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast
Group
Basic earnings per common share from
continuing operations attributable to Sinclair
Broadcast Group
Basic earnings per common share attributable to
Sinclair Broadcast Group
Diluted earnings per common share from
continuing operations attributable to Sinclair
Broadcast Group
Diluted earnings per common share attributable
to Sinclair Broadcast Group
For the Quarter Ended
Total revenues, net
Operating income
Loss on extinguishment of debt
Income from continuing operations
Loss from discontinued operations
Net income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast
Group
Basic earnings per common share from
continuing operations attributable to Sinclair
Broadcast Group
Basic earnings per common share attributable to
Sinclair Broadcast Group
Diluted earnings per common share from
continuing operations attributable to Sinclair
Broadcast Group
Diluted earnings per common share attributable
to Sinclair Broadcast Group
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
222,375
59,895
29,126
(51)
29,360
0.36
0.36
0.36
0.36
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
251,074
71,887
30,131
(1)
$
$
$
$
258,713
78,399
26,479
(126)
30,058
$
26,246
0.37
0.37
0.37
0.37
$
$
$
$
0.33
0.33
0.33
0.32
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
329,517
119,097
58,752
643
59,002
0.72
0.73
0.72
0.73
03/31/11
06/30/11
09/30/11
12/31/11
182,609
51,472
(924)
15,235
(108)
15,279
0.19
0.19
0.19
0.19
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
188,861
58,238
(3,478)
18,559
(82)
18,579
0.24
0.23
0.24
0.23
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
181,042
52,410
(117)
19,441
(110)
19,238
0.24
0.24
0.24
0.24
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
212,776
63,500
(328)
23,353
(111)
22,702
0.28
0.28
0.28
0.28
80 Sinclair Broadcast Group
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM:
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of operations, of equity
(deficit), of comprehensive income, and of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Sinclair
Broadcast Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the Company) at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012 in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material
respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal
Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial
reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the Report of
Management on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on
these financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We
conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all
material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts
and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting
included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists,
and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also
included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinions.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that
(i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of
the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of
financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the
company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide
reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s
assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also,
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate
because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
As described in the Report of Management on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A, management
has excluded the operations of WKRC-TV, WOAI-TV, WHP-TV, WPMI-TV, WJTC-TV, KSAS-TV, WHAM-TV, WLYH-TV,
KMTW-TV, KBTV-TV, WRSP-TV, WCCU-TV and WBUI-TV from its assessment of internal control over financial reporting
as of December 31, 2012 because these television stations were acquired by the Company in a purchase business combination
during the fourth quarter of 2012. We have also excluded WKRC-TV, WOAI-TV, WHP-TV, WPMI-TV, WJTC-TV, KSAS-TV,
WHAM-TV, WLYH-TV, KMTW-TV, KBTV-TV, WRSP-TV, WCCU-TV and WBUI-TV from our audit of internal control
over financial reporting. These assets acquired represent $514.8 million of total assets as of December 31, 2012 and $12.3 million
of total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2012.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Baltimore, Maryland
March 12, 2013
2012 Annual Report 81
TELEVISION STATION MANAGEMENT
Each of our stations or markets has a general manager and a group manager. The group managers are responsible for managing a number of
stations and in some cases are also the general managers for a station or market. Below is a list of our group managers and general managers as
well as the station or market for which they serve as the general manager.
GROUP MANAGERS
William J. Fanshawe – Baltimore, Maryland
Alan B. Frank – Rochester, New York and Peoria/Bloomington, Illinois
Daniel P. Mellon – Columbus, Ohio
Jonathan P. Lawhead – Cincinnati, Ohio
John Seabers – San Antonio, Texas
GENERAL MANAGERS
Lisa Barhorst – Dayton, Ohio
Robert Butterfield – West Palm Beach/Fort Pierce, Florida
Tina Castano – Providence, Rhode Island-New Bedford, Massachusetts
Terry Cole – Pensacola, Florida
Chad Conklin – Flint/Saginaw/Bay City, Michigan
John Connors – Asheville, North Carolina-Greenville/Spartanburg/Anderson, South Carolina
Harold Cooper – Charleston/ Huntington, West Virginia
Ronna Corrente – Lexington, Kentucky
Mike Costa – Chattanooga, Tennessee
Kent Crawford – Salt Lake City/St. George, Utah
John Dittmeier – Tallahassee, Florida
Rix Garey – Beaumont, Texas
Terry Gaughan – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Steven Genett – Richmond, Virginia
Arthur Hasson – Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
John Hayes – Greensboro/Highpoint/Winston-Salem, North Carolina
John Hummel – Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina
Tom Humpage – Portland, Maine
Kerry Johnson – Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Madison, Wisconsin
Mary Margaret Nelms – Charleston, South Carolina
Kingsley Kelley – Medford, Oregon
Jim Lapiana – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Jay C. Lowe – Birmingham, Alabama
Jim Lutton – Grand Rapids, Michigan
Nick Magnini – Buffalo, New York
Dominic Mancuso – Nashville, Tennessee
Tim Mathis – Springfield/Champaign, Illinois
Jeff McCallister – Norfolk, Virginia
Jeff McCausland – Wichita, Kansas
Vince Nelson – Albany, New York
Don O’Connor – Syracuse, New York
Noreen Parker – Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida
Paula Peden – Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota
Michael Pumo – West Palm Beach, Florida
Dean Radla – San Antonio, Texas
John Rossi – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Mike Smythe – Cape Girardeau, Missouri-Paducah, Kentucky
Audra Swain – Las Vegas, Nevada
Thomas Tipton – St. Louis, Missouri
Bobby Totsch – Mobile, Alabama
Amy Villarreal – Austin, Texas
Mike Wilson – Des Moines, Iowa
82 Sinclair Broadcast Group