SBGI 10-Q Quarterly Report Sept. 30, 2012 | Alphaminr
SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP INC

SBGI 10-Q Quarter ended Sept. 30, 2012

SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP INC
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10-Q 1 a12-19381_110q.htm 10-Q

Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2012

OR

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

For the transition period from                      to                       .

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 000-26076

SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)


Maryland

52-1494660

(State or other jurisdiction of
Incorporation or organization)

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

10706 Beaver Dam Road

Hunt Valley, Maryland 21030

(Address of principal executive office, zip code)

(410) 568-1500

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

None

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such file).  Yes x No o

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

Large accelerated filer o

Accelerated filer x

Non-accelerated filer o

Smaller reporting company o

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

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

Title of each class

Number of shares outstanding as of
November 5, 2012

Class A Common Stock

52,332,012

Class B Common Stock

28,933,859



Table of Contents

SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC.

FORM 10-Q

FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2012

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART 1. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

3

ITEM 1.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

3

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

3

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

4

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

5

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY (DEFICIT)

6

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

7

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

8

ITEM 2.

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

31

ITEM 3.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

40

ITEM 4.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

40

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

42

ITEM 1.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

42

ITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS

42

ITEM 2.

UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

42

ITEM 3.

DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

42

ITEM 4.

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

42

ITEM 5.

OTHER INFORMATION

42

ITEM 6.

EXHIBITS

43

SIGNATURE

44

EXHIBIT INDEX

45

2



Table of Contents

PART 1. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share and per share data) (Unaudited)

As of September 30,
2012

As of December 31,
2011

ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

44,625

$

12,967

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,187 and $3,008, respectively

151,517

132,915

Affiliate receivable

514

252

Income taxes receivable

225

Current portion of program contract costs

61,033

38,906

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

9,112

17,274

Deferred barter costs

3,401

2,238

Assets held for sale

14,605

Deferred tax assets

4,351

4,940

Total current assets

289,158

209,717

PROGRAM CONTRACT COSTS, less current portion

14,947

15,584

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net

365,685

281,521

RESTRICTED CASH, less current portion

42,874

58,726

GOODWILL

908,037

660,117

BROADCAST LICENSES

70,639

47,002

DEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net

379,757

175,341

OTHER ASSETS

174,439

123,409

Total assets (a)

$

2,245,536

$

1,571,417

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY (DEFICIT)

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

Accounts payable

$

6,207

$

8,872

Accrued liabilities

147,334

79,698

Income taxes payable

6,953

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

44,577

38,195

Current portion of notes and capital leases payable to affiliates

3,294

3,014

Current portion of program contracts payable

91,274

63,825

Deferred barter revenues

3,274

1,978

Liabilities held for sale

325

Total current liabilities

303,238

195,582

LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:

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

1,664,883

1,148,271

Notes payable and capital leases to affiliates, less current portion

14,035

16,545

Program contracts payable, less current portion

19,517

27,625

Deferred tax liabilities

245,277

247,552

Other long-term liabilities

50,970

47,204

Total liabilities (a)

2,297,920

1,682,779

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (See Note 4 )

EQUITY (DEFICIT):

SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT):

Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized, 52,306,808 and 55,022,086 shares issued and outstanding, respectively

523

520

Class B Common Stock, $.01 par value, 140,000,000 shares authorized, 28,933,859 shares issued and outstanding, convertible into Class A Common Stock

289

289

Additional paid-in capital

622,133

617,375

Accumulated deficit

(680,092

)

(734,511

)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(4,602

)

(4,848

)

Total Sinclair Broadcast Group shareholders’ deficit

(61,749

)

(121,175

)

Noncontrolling interests

9,365

9,813

Total deficit

(52,384

)

(111,362

)

Total liabilities and equity (deficit)

$

2,245,536

$

1,571,417

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


(a) Our consolidated total assets as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 include total assets of variable interest entities (VIEs) of $44.5 million and $33.5 million, respectively, which can only be used to settle the obligations of the VIEs.  Our consolidated total liabilities as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 include total liabilities of the VIEs of $8.5 million and $14.4 million, respectively, for which the creditors of the VIEs have no recourse to us.  See Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies .

3



Table of Contents

SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited)

Three Months Ended
September 30,

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

2012

2011

2012

2011

REVENUES:

Station broadcast revenues, net of agency commissions

$

226,377

$

151,875

$

637,553

$

467,206

Revenues realized from station barter arrangements

21,600

17,512

60,655

53,232

Other operating divisions revenues

12,512

11,655

38,609

32,073

Total revenues

260,489

181,042

736,817

552,511

OPERATING EXPENSES:

Station production expenses

61,967

41,493

185,247

126,755

Station selling, general and administrative expenses

43,604

31,341

121,776

92,095

Expenses recognized from station barter arrangements

19,693

15,815

55,645

48,073

Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments

14,495

12,833

44,197

38,117

Other operating divisions expenses

10,372

9,369

33,165

26,102

Depreciation of property and equipment

12,846

7,602

34,684

23,523

Corporate general and administrative expenses

8,286

5,789

25,166

21,526

Amortization of definite-lived intangible and other assets

10,669

4,393

26,694

14,201

Total operating expenses

181,932

128,635

526,574

390,392

Operating income

78,557

52,407

210,243

162,119

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):

Interest expense and amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs

(35,294

)

(24,463

)

(92,001

)

(78,564

)

Loss from extinguishment of debt

(117

)

(335

)

(4,519

)

Income from equity and cost method investments

1,919

2,080

8,343

2,906

Other income, net

547

409

1,733

2,994

Total other expense

(32,828

)

(22,091

)

(82,260

)

(77,183

)

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

45,729

30,316

127,983

84,936

INCOME TAX PROVISION

(19,153

)

(10,875

)

(42,211

)

(31,701

)

Income from continuing operations

26,576

19,441

85,772

53,235

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:

Loss from discontinued operations, includes income tax (benefit) provision of $(24), $110, $194 and $366, respectively

(224

)

(110

)

(214

)

(300

)

NET INCOME

26,352

19,331

85,558

52,935

Net (income) loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests

(107

)

(93

)

106

161

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP

$

26,245

$

19,238

$

85,664

$

53,096

Dividends declared per share

$

0.15

$

0.12

$

0.39

$

0.36

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP:

Basic earnings per share from continuing operations

$

0.33

$

0.24

$

1.06

$

0.66

Basic earnings per share

$

0.33

$

0.24

$

1.06

$

0.66

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations

$

0.33

$

0.24

$

1.06

$

0.66

Diluted earnings per share

$

0.32

$

0.24

$

1.05

$

0.66

Weighted average common shares outstanding

81,081

80,764

80,990

80,623

Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding

81,379

81,068

81,267

80,930

AMOUNTS ATTRIBUTABLE TO SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP COMMON SHAREHOLDERS:

Income from continuing operations, net of tax

$

26,469

$

19,348

$

85,878

$

53,396

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

(224

)

(110

)

(214

)

(300

)

Net income

$

26,245

$

19,238

$

85,664

$

53,096

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

4



Table of Contents

SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In thousands) (Unaudited)

Three months ended
September 30,

Nine months ended
September 30,

2012

2011

2012

2011

Net income

$

26,352

$

19,331

$

85,558

$

52,935

Amortization of net periodic pension benefit costs, net of taxes

57

41

246

122

Comprehensive income

26,409

19,372

85,804

53,057

Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests

(107

)

(93

)

106

161

Comprehensive income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group

$

26,302

$

19,279

$

85,910

$

53,218

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

5



Table of Contents

SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY (DEFICIT)

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2012

(In thousands) (Unaudited)

Sinclair Broadcast Group Shareholders

Class A
Common Stock

Class B
Common Stock

Additional
Paid-In

Accumulated

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive

Noncontrolling

Total Equity

Shares

Values

Shares

Values

Capital

Deficit

Loss

Interests

(Deficit)

BALANCE, December 31, 2011

52,022,086

$

520

28,933,859

$

289

$

617,375

$

(734,511

)

$

(4,848

)

$

9,813

$

(111,362

)

Dividends declared on Class A and Class B Common Stock

(31,245

)

(31,245

)

Class A Common Stock issued pursuant to employee benefit plans

284,722

3

4,551

4,554

Tax benefit on share based awards

207

207

Distributions to noncontrolling interests

(734

)

(734

)

Issuance of subsidiary share awards

392

392

Amortization of net periodic pension benefit costs, net of taxes

246

246

Net income

85,664

(106

)

85,558

BALANCE, September 30, 2012

52,306,808

$

523

28,933,859

$

289

$

622,133

$

(680,092

)

$

(4,602

)

$

9,365

$

(52,384

)

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

6



Table of Contents

SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands) (Unaudited)

Nine Months Ended September 30,

2012

2011

CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

Net income

$

85,558

$

52,935

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:

Amortization of deferred financing costs

5,461

4,423

Stock based compensation

4,737

4,226

Depreciation of property and equipment

35,527

23,725

Recognition of deferred revenue

(19,388

)

(14,662

)

Amortization of definite-lived intangible and other assets

26,877

14,201

Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments

44,247

38,117

Original debt issuance discount paid

(13,662

)

Deferred tax (benefit) provision

(523

)

25,299

Change in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:

Decrease in accounts receivable, net

9,801

3,454

Increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets

(11,375

)

(1,429

)

Increase in other assets

(20,354

)

(353

)

Increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities

41,025

32,640

Increase in income taxes payable

6,953

5,359

Increase in other long-term liabilities

2,657

2,277

Payments on program contracts payable

(52,312

)

(52,739

)

Other, net

4,413

4,539

Net cash flows from operating activities

163,304

128,350

CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

Acquisition of property and equipment

(30,157

)

(26,794

)

Acquisition of television stations

(590,917

)

Payments for acquisition of assets of other operating divisions

(242

)

Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts

(7,343

)

(6,930

)

Decrease (increase) in restricted cash

15,849

(14,943

)

Distributions from equity and cost method investees

9,514

2,632

Investments in equity and cost method investees

(6,176

)

(9,414

)

Purchase of investments

(4,820

)

Proceeds from insurance settlement

32

1,736

Proceeds from the sale of assets

31

66

Proceeds from sale of equity investments

1,166

Loans to affiliates

(236

)

(143

)

Proceeds from loans to affiliates

140

152

Net cash flows used in investing activities

(609,263

)

(57,534

)

CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

Proceeds from notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases

615,707

136,349

Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases

(95,845

)

(135,150

)

Proceeds from exercise of stock options, including excess tax benefits of share based payments of $0.2 million and $0.7 million, respectively

327

1,730

Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock

(31,245

)

(28,936

)

Payments for deferred financing costs

(8,364

)

(4,365

)

Proceeds from Class A Common Stock sold by variable interest entity

1,808

Noncontrolling interests distributions

(734

)

(346

)

Repayments of notes and capital leases to affiliates

(2,229

)

(2,513

)

Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities

477,617

(31,423

)

NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

31,658

39,393

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period

12,967

21,974

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period

$

44,625

$

61,367

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

7



Table of Contents

SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

Principles of Consolidation

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 interests 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.

Discontinued Operations

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 station in Lansing, Michigan (WLAJ-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). See Note 2. Acquisitions for more information. The operating results of WLAJ-TV, which is expected to divest in the first quarter of 2013, are not included in our consolidated results of operations from continuing operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012.

Interim Financial Statements

The consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 are unaudited.  In the opinion of management, such financial statements have been presented on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements and include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the consolidated balance sheets, consolidated statements of operations, consolidated statements of comprehensive income and consolidated statements of cash flows for these periods as adjusted for the adoption of recent accounting pronouncements discussed below.

As permitted under the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the consolidated financial statements do not include all disclosures normally included with audited consolidated financial statements and, accordingly, should be read together with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 filed with the SEC.  The consolidated statements of operations presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements are not necessarily representative of operations for an entire year.

Variable Interest Entities

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.  However, our senior secured credit facility (Bank Credit Agreement) contains cross-default provisions with the VIE debt of Cunningham Broadcasting Corporation (Cunningham).  See Note 7. Related Person Transactions for more information.

We have entered into Local Marketing Agreements (LMAs) to provide programming, sales and managerial services for television stations of Cunningham, the license owner of seven television stations as of September 30, 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 Federal Communications Commission (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 cross-default provisions with Cunningham whereby a default by Cunningham caused by insolvency 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 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 7. Related Person Transactions for more information on our arrangements

8



Table of Contents

with Cunningham.  Included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 are net broadcast revenues of $25.5 million and $20.9 million, respectively, that relate to LMAs with Cunningham.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, Cunningham’s stations provided us with approximately $73.5 million and $66.8 million, respectively, of net broadcast revenues.

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 owner 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 three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 are net broadcast revenues of $4.1 million and $2.6 million, respectively, that relate to these arrangements. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, are net broadcast revenues of $11.9 million and $8.7 million, respectively, that relate to these arrangements.

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 for the periods presented (in thousands):

As of September 30,
2012

As of December  31,
2011

ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

3,598

$

2,739

Accounts receivable

103

Income taxes receivable

158

142

Current portion of program contract costs

1,179

413

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

127

99

Total current asset

5,165

3,393

PROGRAM CONTRACT COSTS, less current portion

332

271

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net

6,114

6,658

GOODWILL

6,357

6,357

BROADCAST LICENSES

6,788

4,208

DEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net

8,545

6,601

OTHER ASSETS

11,175

5,980

Total assets

$

44,476

$

33,468

LIABILITIES

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

Accounts payable

$

15

$

37

Accrued liabilities

103

315

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

2,864

11,074

Current portion of program contracts payable

2,792

373

Total current liabilities

5,774

11,799

LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:

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

2,317

2,411

Program contracts payable, less current portion

434

173

Total liabilities

$

8,525

$

14,383

The amounts above represent the consolidated assets and liabilities of the VIEs related to our LMAs with Cunningham 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 payments made under the LMA as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 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 as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 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 eight stations owned by Freedom pursuant to an LMA.  Effective April 1, 2012, we completed the acquisition of these stations and the LMA was terminated.  We determined that the Freedom stations were VIEs during the period of the LMA 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 nine months ended September 30, 2012 are net broadcast revenues of $10.0 million and station production expenses of $7.8 million related to the Freedom LMAs, during the period prior to the acquisition.

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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.

The carrying amounts of our investments in these VIEs for which we are not the primary beneficiary for the periods presented (in thousands):

As of September 30, 2012

As of December  31, 2011

Carrying
amount

Maximum
exposure

Carrying
amount

Maximum
exposure

Investments in real estate ventures

$

3,752

$

3,752

$

8,009

$

8,009

Investments in investment companies

25,370

25,370

26,276

26,276

Total

$

29,122

$

29,122

$

34,285

$

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 $0.3 million and $1.3 million in the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  We recorded income of $7.0 million and $2.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Our maximum exposure is equal to the carrying value of our investments.  As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, our unfunded commitments related to private equity investment funds totaled $10.9 million for each of the periods.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

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 are 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 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 plan to adopt this new guidance in the fourth quarter of 2012 when completing our annual impairment analysis.  This guidance will impact how we perform our annual impairment testing for indefinite-lived intangible assets and may change our related disclosures; however, we do not believe it will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Use of Estimates

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

Restricted Cash

In July 2012, we entered into a definitive agreement to purchase the assets of Newport Television (Newport) for $412.5 million. Newport owns and operates six stations in five markets. The transaction is expected to close no earlier than December 2012, subject to the approval of the FCC. Pursuant to the asset purchase agreement, we deposited 10% of the purchase price into an escrow account. As of September 30, 2012, $41.3 million in restricted cash classified as noncurrent relates to the acquisition of Newport. See Pending Acquisitions and Divestments under Note 4. Commitments and Contingencies for more information.

In August, we entered into a definitive agreement to purchase the assets of KBTV located in Port Arthur, TX, for $14.0 million. Pursuant to the asset purchase agreement, we deposited 10% of the purchase price into an escrow account.  As of September 30, 2012, $1.4 million in restricted cash classified as noncurrent relates to the acquisition of KBTV. See Pending Acquisitions and Divestments under Note 4. Commitments and Contingencies for more information.

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Additionally, under the terms of certain lease agreements, as of September 30, 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.

Revenue Recognition

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.

Income Taxes

Our income tax provision for all periods consists of federal and state income taxes.  The tax provision for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 is based on the estimated effective tax rate applicable for the full year after taking into account discrete tax items and the effects of the noncontrolling interests. 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.

Our effective income tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 was greater than the statutory rate primarily due to state taxes. Our effective income tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was greater than the statutory rate primarily due to an increase in the income tax reserves related to a state audit settlement reached during the quarter.  Our effective income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was lower than the statutory rate primarily due to: 1) a release of valuation allowance in the first quarter 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, which was partially offset by 2) an increase in the income tax reserves related to a state audit settlement reached during the third quarter.  The valuation allowance release determination, in the first quarter of 2012, was based primarily on the sufficiency of forecasted taxable income necessary to utilize NOLs 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.

We believe it is reasonably possible that our liability for unrecognized tax benefits related to certain discontinued operations will be reduced by $5.0 million 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 settlements with certain state tax authorities.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior years’ consolidated financial statements to conform to the current year’s presentation.

2.     ACQUISITIONS

Four Points

Effective January 1, 2012, we completed the previously announced acquisition of the broadcast assets of Four Points Media Group LLC (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.

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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 initial purchase price has been allocated to the acquired assets and assumed liabilities based on estimated fair values.  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 is summarized as follows (in thousands):

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

$

456

Program contract costs

3,731

Property and equipment

34,578

Broadcast licenses

10,658

Definite-lived intangible assets

90,099

Other assets

548

Accrued liabilities

(381

)

Program contracts payable

(5,157

)

Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired

134,532

Goodwill

64,544

Total

$

199,076

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 $66.9 million, the decaying advertiser base of $9.4 million, and other intangible assets of $13.8 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 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.

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 three and nine months ended September 30, 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 $18.0 million and $4.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, and $53.9 million and $11.5 million for the nine months ended September, 2012, respectively.

Freedom

Effective April 1, 2012, we completed the previously announced 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-TV (ABC) in Lansing, MI; KTVL (CBS) in Medford-Klamath Falls, OR; and KFDM (CBS) in Beaumont/Port Arthur/Orange, TX.

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 initial purchase price has been allocated to the acquired assets and assumed liabilities based on estimated fair values.  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 is summarized as follows (in thousands):

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Prepaid expenses and other current assets

$

373

Program contract costs

3,520

Property and equipment

54,109

Broadcast licenses

10,424

Definite-lived intangible assets

132,475

Other assets

278

Accrued liabilities

(589

)

Program contracts payable

(3,404

)

Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired

197,186

Goodwill

188,097

Total

$

385,283

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 $93.1 million, the decaying advertiser base of $23.4 million, and other intangible assets of $16.0 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.  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.

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 three and nine months ended September 30, 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 $26.8 million and $7.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, and $52.5 million and $14.0 million for the nine months ended September, 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. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies .  Net broadcast revenues and operating losses of WLAJ-TV were $1.1 million and $0.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, and $2.1 million and less than $0.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively.  Additionally, during the first quarter, prior to the acquisition, we recorded net broadcast revenues of $10.0 million related to the Freedom LMAs.

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):

Three Months Ended September 30,

Nine Months Ended September 30,

2012

2011

2012

2011

Total revenues

$

260,489

$

217,975

$

750,571

$

666,595

Net Income

$

26,429

$

18,657

$

86,776

$

51,231

Net Income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group

$

26,322

$

18,564

$

86,882

$

51,392

Basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group

$

0.32

$

0.23

$

1.07

$

0.64

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 and the related tax effects of the adjustments . The pro forma revenues exclude the revenues of WLAJ-TV which are

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classified as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations.  Total revenues of WLAJ-TV which are excluded from the pro forma results above are $1.1 million and $0.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and $3.2 million and $2.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

In connection with these acquisitions, we incurred a total of $1.2 million of costs primarily related to legal and other professional services, which we expensed as incurred.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, $0.1 million and $0.6 million, respectively, of 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.

3. 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.  The change in the carrying amount of goodwill related to continuing operations was as follows (in thousands):

Broadcast

Other
Operating
Divisions

Consolidated

Balance at December 31, 2011

Goodwill

$

1,070,202

$

3,488

$

1,073,690

Accumulated impairment losses

(413,573

)

(413,573

)

656,629

3,488

660,117

Acquisition of television stations (a)

252,641

252,641

Reclassification of goodwill to assets held for sale (b)

(4,721

)

(4,721

)

Balance at September 30, 2012

Goodwill

1,318,122

3,488

1,321,610

Accumulated impairment losses

(413,573

)

(413,573

)

$

904,549

$

3,488

$

908,037


(a) In 2012, we acquired goodwill as a result of the acquisitions of the Four Points and Freedom stations as discussed in Note 2. Acquisitions.

(b) In 2012, we reclassified goodwill to assets held for sale as a result of the pending sale of WLAJ-TV in Lansing, Michigan as discussed in Pending Acquisitions and Divestments under Note 4. Commitments and Contingencies.

As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the carrying amount of our broadcast licenses related to continuing operations was as follows (in thousands):

2012

2011

Beginning balance

$

47,002

$

47,375

Broadcast license impairment charge

(398

)

Acquisition of television stations (a)

23,662

25

Reclassification of broadcast license to assets held for sale (b)

(25

)

Ending balance

$

70,639

$

47,002


(a) In 2011, Cunningham, a VIE for which we consolidate, acquired the license assets of WDBB-TV, in Birmingham, Alabama.  In 2012, we acquired broadcast licenses of the Four Points and Freedom stations discussed in Note 2. Acquisitions.

(b) In 2012, we reclassified the broadcast license of WLAJ-TV in Lansing, Michigan to assets held for sale as discussed in Pending Acquisitions and Divestments under Note 4. Commitments and Contingencies.

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 during those periods.  In the first quarter of 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.

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The following table shows the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of definite-lived intangibles related to continuing operations (in thousands):

As of September 30, 2012

Gross Carrying
Amount

Accumulated
Amortization

Net

Amortized intangible assets:

Network affiliation (a)

$

403,260

$

(154,462

)

$

248,798

Decaying advertiser base (b)

154,909

(120,307

)

34,602

Other (c)

143,126

(46,769

)

96,357

Total

$

701,295

$

(321,538

)

$

379,757

As of December 31, 2011

Gross Carrying
Amount

Accumulated
Amortization

Net

Amortized intangible assets:

Network affiliation

$

244,900

$

(141,202

)

$

103,698

Decaying advertiser base

122,375

(115,897

)

6,478

Other

106,243

(41,078

)

65,165

Total

$

473,518

$

(298,177

)

$

175,341


(a) The increase in network affiliation assets includes amounts acquired in the Four Points and Freedom acquisitions of $160.0 million. See Note 2. Acquisitions for more information.  Amounts also reflect the reclassification of the amounts related to WLAJ-TV to assets held for sale of $4.0 million.  See Pending Acquisitions and Divestments under Note 4. Commitments and Contingencies for more information.

(b) The increase in decaying advertiser base includes amounts acquired in the Four Points and Freedom acquisitions of $32.8 million.  See Note 2. Acquisitions for more information.  Amounts also reflect the reclassification of the amounts related to WLAJ-TV to assets held for sale of $0.3 million.  See Pending Acquisitions and Divestments under Note 4. Commitments and Contingencies for more information.

(c) The increase in other intangible assets includes the amounts acquired in the Four Points and Freedom acquisitions of $29.8 million.  See Note 2. Acquisitions for more information. Amounts also reflect the reclassification of the amounts related to WLAJ-TV to assets held for sale of $0.9 million.  See Pending Acquisitions and Divestments under Note 4. Commitments and Contingencies for more information.  The increase also includes the purchase of additional alarm monitoring contracts of $7.8 million, which is included in the other operating divisions segment.

Definite-lived intangible assets and other assets subject to amortization are being amortized on a straight-line basis over periods of 5 to 25 years.  The amortization expense of the definite-lived intangible assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 was $26.7 million and $14.2 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 nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011.

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

$

40,979

For the year ended December 31, 2014

38,649

For the year ended December 31, 2015

38,339

For the year ended December 31, 2016

38,181

For the year ended December 31, 2017

37,942

Thereafter

185,667

$

379,757

4. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:

Litigation

We are party to lawsuits and claims from time to time in the ordinary course of business.  Actions currently pending are in various preliminary stages and no judgments or decisions have been rendered by hearing boards or courts in connection with such actions.  After reviewing developments to date with legal counsel, our management is of the opinion that the outcome of our

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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 in Springfield/Champaign, Illinois 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.

Network Affiliations

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 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, 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, 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 are exercisable between July 1, 2012 and March 30, 2013.  The maximum total potential payments associated with the affiliation agreement and the option agreements is $50.0 million, which excludes any proceeds from the sale of stations upon FTS exercising its option, the $2.7 million purchase price we would pay to FTS for WUTB pursuant to our option, and ordinary course programming payments that will be due to FOX under the terms of the Company’s affiliation agreements.  If FTS decides to exercise its option to purchase one or more of the aforementioned stations, the total payments will be reduced by $25.0 million.  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 nine month period ending September 30, 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 if FTS does 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 $2.2 million and $3.3 million of amortization expense has been recorded in the consolidated statement of operations during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively.

Pending Acquisitions and Divestments

On July 17, 2012, we entered into an agreement to purchase the assets of Bay Television, Inc. (Bay TV), which owns the television station WTTA-TV in the Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida market, for $40.0 million.  The transaction has received FCC approval and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2012.  Concurrent with the acquisition, our LMA with Bay TV to provide certain sales, programming and other management services will be terminated.  As discussed in Note 7. Related Person Transactions , our controlling shareholders own a controlling interest in Bay TV. With that in mind, our board of directors obtained a fairness opinion from a third party valuation firm.  As this will be a transaction between entities under common control, the acquisition method of accounting will not be applied, and the assets acquired will be recorded at their historical cost basis, upon closing.  The difference between the purchase price and the historical cost basis of the assets will be recorded as a reduction in additional paid-in capital.

On July 19, 2012, we entered into a definitive agreement to purchase the broadcast assets of six television stations owned and/or operated by Newport for $412.5 million.  The six stations are located in five markets and have the following network affiliation or program service arrangements: WKRC (CBS) in Cincinnati, OH; WOAI (NBC) in San Antonio, TX; WHP (CBS) in Harrisburg/Lancaster/Lebanon/York, PA; WPMI (NBC) and WJTC (IND) in Mobile, AL/Pensacola, FL; and KSAS (FOX) in Wichita/Hutchinson, KS.  We will also acquire 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. The purchase agreement includes other customary provisions, including representations and warranties, covenants and indemnification provisions.   Upon entering into the asset purchase agreement we deposited 10% of the purchase price, $41.3 million, into escrow.  Upon closing, we will finance the $412.5 million purchase price, less the $41.3 million in escrow and the $6.0 million paid by Deerfield Media, Inc. (Deerfield) for certain license assets as described below, with the net proceeds from the 6.125% notes issued in October 2012. See Note 5. Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing for more information.

In July, we entered into agreements with Deerfield to sell Deerfield the license assets of one of our stations in San Antonio (KMYS CW) and our station in Cincinnati (WSTR MNT) for $5.6 million, subject to Fox Television Station’s purchase option with respect to WSTR which expires March 30, 2013, and assigned Deerfield the right to buy the license assets of WPMI and WJTC in the Mobile/Pensacola market for $6.0 million, after which we intend to provide sales and other non-programming services to each of these four stations pursuant to shared services and joint sales agreements.  All of the aforementioned transactions are expected to close no earlier than December 2012, subject to closing conditions, including without limitation approval of the FCC. Our acquisition of Newport received antitrust clearance by the Department of Justice on August 28, 2012.

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In August, we entered into an agreement to purchase the assets of KBTV (FOX) located in Port Arthur, TX, for $14.0 million, subject to approval of the FCC and other closing conditions.  Our right to purchase the license assets was assigned to Deerfield for $1.5 million, bringing our net purchase price to $12.5 million.  Upon closing, we intend to provide sales and other non-programming services to this station pursuant to shared services and joint sales agreements.

In October, we entered into an agreement to purchase the assets of the WUTB (MNT) station in Baltimore, MD owned by FOX for $2.7 million after exercising our purchase option as described under Network Affiliations above.  This transaction is subject to FCC approval and other closing conditions.  Our right to purchase the license assets under the agreement 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 shared services and joint sales agreements.

In October, we entered into an agreement to sell all of the assets of WLAJ-TV, to an unrelated third party for $14.4 million in cash.  The sale is subject to FCC approval and other closing conditions and we expect closing to occur in early 2013. As of September 30, 2012, the station is classified as held for sale and the results of operations are classified as discontinued operations during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012. Since we acquired the station in April 2012 and this agreement was entered into shortly after acquisition, we believe the sale price approximates the fair value of the station on the original acquisition date. Therefore we do not expect to record a gain or loss upon sale of the station.

5. NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING

Bank Credit Agreement

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.  During the three months ended September 30, 2012, we drew down $4.0 million on our revolver.  As of September 30, 2012, our revolver balance was $15.0 million.

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 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 expect to incur a total of $7.8 million in financing costs associated with this amendment, and during the three months ended September 30, 2012, we recorded $5.5 million of estimated fees to interest expense and capitalized $2.3 million of estimated fees as deferred financing costs, which are included in other assets in our consolidated financial statements, in accordance with the debt modification accounting guidance.

6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2022

On October 12, 2012, we issued $500.0 million of Senior Unsecured Notes (the 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.  Upon the sale of certain of our assets or certain changes of control, the holders of the Notes may require us to repurchase some or all of the notes.  The net proceeds from the offering of the Notes were used to pay down outstanding indebtedness under the revolving credit facility under our Bank Credit Agreement and will be used to fund the pending acquisitions as described under Note 4. Commitments and Contingencies , and for general corporate purposes. As of September 30, 2012, we capitalized $9.1 million in estimated fees to deferred financing costs, which are included in other assets in our consolidated financial statements.

In conjunction with the 6.125% Notes issuance, both Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s raised the issue-level rating on our senior secured second lien notes.

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6. EARNINGS PER SHARE

The following table reconciles income (numerator) and shares (denominator) used in our computations of diluted earnings per share for the periods presented (in thousands):

Three Months Ended September 30,

Nine Months Ended September 30,

2012

2011

2012

2011

Income (Numerator)

Income from continuing operations

$

26,576

$

19,441

$

85,772

$

53,235

Income impact of assumed conversion of the 4.875% Notes, net of taxes

45

42

135

125

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests included in continuing operations

(107

)

(93

)

106

161

Numerator for diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations available to common shareholders

26,514

19,390

86,013

53,521

Loss from discontinued operations

(224

)

(110

)

(214

)

(300

)

Numerator for diluted earnings available to common shareholders

$

26,290

$

19,280

$

85,799

$

53,221

Shares (Denominator)

Weighted-average common shares outstanding

81,081

80,764

80,990

80,623

Dilutive effect of stock settled appreciation rights, restricted stock awards and outstanding stock options

44

50

23

53

Dilutive effect of 4.875% Notes

254

254

254

254

Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding

81,379

81,068

81,267

80,930

Approximately 1.4 million and 1.1 million shares of common stock for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and 1.5 million and 1.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per common share for these periods because their effect would have been antidilutive. The increase in potentially dilutive securities is primarily related to the issuance of new stock settled appreciation rights in March 2012.  The net income 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.

7. RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS

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.

Related Person 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 $1.2 million for each of the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 and $3.4 million and $3.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

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 $0.5 million for each of the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 and $2.7 million and $1.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

On July 17, 2012, we entered into an agreement to purchase the assets of Bay TV for $40.0 million. The transaction has received FCC approval and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2012. Concurrent with the acquisition, our LMA with Bay TV will be terminated. Our board of directors obtained a fairness opinion from a third party valuation firm.

Cunningham Broadcasting Corporation .  As of September 30, 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

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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.

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 will be paid on October 1, 2012 as an additional LMA fee and will be 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, will be 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 September 30, 2012 was approximately $57.1 million.

Additionally, we reimburse Cunningham for 100% of its operating costs, as well as pay 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 $4.0 million and $4.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and $11.9 million and $12.5 million, for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  For the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, Cunningham’s stations provided us with approximately $25.5 million and $20.9 million, respectively, and approximately $73.5 million and $66.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, of net broadcast revenues.  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 licensees.  As of September 30, 2012, Cunningham was the sole material third-party licensee.

Atlantic Automotive Corporation. 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 less than $0.1 million for each of the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011. We received payments for advertising time of $0.1 million for each of the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011. We paid $0.5 million and $0.4 million for vehicles and related vehicle services from Atlantic Automotive during the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, we paid fees of $1.1 million and $1.0 million, respectively, for vehicles and related vehicle services.

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 $0.3 million and $0.1 million to Thomas & Libowitz for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, we paid fees of $0.7 million and $0.4 million, respectively, to Thomas & Libowitz.

Charter Aircraft. From time to time, we charter aircraft owned by certain controlling shareholders.  We incurred $0.2 million and less than $0.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, we incurred expenses of $0.5 million and less than $0.1 million, respectively.

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8. 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 should be accounted for as discontinued operations and are not included in our consolidated results of continuing operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 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, other operating divisions segment and corporate as of September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. We had $5.0 million in intercompany interest expense related to intercompany loans between the broadcast segment, other operating divisions segment and corporate for both the three months ended September 30, 2012, and 2011, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, we had $14.9 million and $14.7 million, respectively, in intercompany interest expense. Intercompany loans and interest expense are excluded from the tables below. All other intercompany transactions are immaterial.

Financial information for our operating segments are included in the following tables for the periods presented (in thousands):

For the three months ended September 30, 2012

Broadcast

Other
Operating
Divisions

Corporate

Consolidated

Revenue

$

247,977

$

12,512

$

$

260,489

Depreciation of property and equipment

12,084

380

382

12,846

Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets

9,663

1,006

10,669

Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments

14,495

14,495

General and administrative overhead expenses

7,325

215

746

8,286

Operating income (loss)

79,147

538

(1,128

)

78,557

Interest expense

962

34,332

35,294

Income from equity and cost method investments

1,919

1,919

For the three months ended September 30, 2011

Broadcast

Other
Operating
Divisions

Corporate

Consolidated

Revenue

$

169,387

$

11,655

$

$

181,042

Depreciation of property and equipment

6,874

331

397

7,602

Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets

3,474

919

4,393

Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments

12,833

12,833

General and administrative overhead expenses

5,019

265

505

5,789

Operating income (loss)

52,581

728

(902

)

52,407

Interest expense

634

23,829

24,463

Income from equity and cost method investments

2,080

2,080

For the nine months ended September 30, 2012

Broadcast

Other
Operating
Divisions

Corporate

Consolidated

Revenue

$

698,208

$

38,609

$

$

736,817

Depreciation of property and equipment

32,421

1,115

1,148

34,684

Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets

23,340

3,354

26,694

Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments

44,197

44,197

General and administrative overhead expenses

21,932

1,130

2,104

25,166

Operating income (loss)

213,680

(172

)

(3,265

)

210,243

Interest expense

2,517

89,484

92,001

Income from equity and cost method investments

8,343

8,343

Assets

1,956,754

279,027

9,755

2,245,536

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For the nine months ended September 30, 2011

Broadcast

Other
Operating
Divisions

Corporate

Consolidated

Revenue

$

520,438

$

32,073

$

$

552,511

Depreciation of property and equipment

21,357

961

1,205

23,523

Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets

11,568

2,633

14,201

Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments

38,117

38,117

General and administrative overhead expenses

18,837

863

1,826

21,526

Operating income (loss)

163,702

1,452

(3,035

)

162,119

Interest expense

1,893

76,671

78,564

Income from equity and cost method investments

2,906

2,906

9. FAIR VALUE MEASURMENTS:

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 commitments for the periods presented (in thousands):

As of September 30, 2012

As of December 31, 2011

Carrying Value

Fair Value

Carrying Value

Fair Value

Level 2:

9.25% Senior Second Lien Notes due 2017

$

490,135

$

555,315

$

489,052

$

549,690

8.375% Senior Notes due 2018

234,764

261,877

234,512

246,884

Term Loan A

266,031

264,701

115,000

112,700

Term Loan B

582,202

591,623

217,002

221,700

Cunningham Bank Credit Facility

2,742

2,742

10,967

11,100

Level 3:

4.875% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018

5,685

5,685

5,685

5,685

3.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2027

5,400

5,400

5,400

5,400

Active program contracts payable

110,791

104,107

91,450

88,699

Future program liabilities (a)

132,653

106,324

125,075

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 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 September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011. Significant increases (decreases) in the discount rate would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement.

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10. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING 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, 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 September 30, 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 9.25% Notes and the 8.375% Notes.  As of September 30, 2012 our consolidated total debt of $1,726.8 million included $1,637.1 million of debt related to STG and its subsidiaries of which SBG guaranteed $1,588.1 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 consolidating balance sheets, consolidating statements of operations and comprehensive income and consolidating 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 as of December 31, 2011 and the condensed consolidating statements of operations and comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 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 three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 increased depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses by $0.2 million and $0.5 million, respectively, and decreased net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests for the Non-guarantor Subsidiaries by $0.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011. In addition, the revisions increased net income attributable to noncontrolling interests for the Non-guarantor by $0.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, 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.

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Table of Contents

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2012

(in thousands) (unaudited)

Sinclair
Broadcast
Group, Inc.

Sinclair
Television
Group, Inc.

Guarantor
Subsidiaries
and KDSM,
LLC

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Sinclair
Consolidated

Cash

$

$

11,410

$

488

$

32,727

$

$

44,625

Accounts and other receivables

157

232

145,299

6,599

(256

)

152,031

Other current assets

869

2,460

69,822

5,030

(284

)

77,897

Assets held for sale

14,605

14,605

Total current assets

1,026

14,102

230,214

44,356

(540

)

289,158

Property and equipment, net

7,087

8,775

255,299

105,216

(10,692

)

365,685

Investment in consolidated subsidiaries

1,146,971

(1,146,971

)

Restricted cash — long-term

42,651

223

42,874

Other long-term assets

82,606

359,808

64,528

98,657

(416,213

)

189,386

Total other long-term assets

82,606

1,549,430

64,751

98,657

(1,563,184

)

232,260

Acquired intangible assets

1,302,843

89,799

(34,209

)

1,358,433

Total assets

$

90,719

$

1,572,307

$

1,853,107

$

338,028

$

(1,608,625

)

$

2,245,536

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

$

10

$

76,731

$

70,996

$

8,127

$

(2,323

)

$

153,541

Current portion of long-term debt

466

27,428

746

15,937

44,577

Current portion of affiliate long-term debt

1,102

2,192

112

(112

)

3,294

Other current liabilities

98,868

2,633

101,501

Liabilities held for sale

325

325

Total current liabilities

1,578

104,159

173,127

26,809

(2,435

)

303,238

Long-term debt

12,585

1,562,282

36,927

53,089

1,664,883

Affiliate long-term debt

6,560

7,475

262,583

(262,583

)

14,035

Dividends in excess of investment in consolidated subsidiaries

122,198

(122,198

)

Other liabilities

9,547

2,041

489,331

65,640

(250,795

)

315,764

Total liabilities

152,468

1,668,482

706,860

408,121

(638,011

)

2,297,920

Common stock

812

10

(10

)

812

Additional paid-in capital

622,133

(40,576

)

676,204

58,998

(694,626

)

622,133

Accumulated (deficit) earnings

(680,092

)

(52,663

)

472,239

(138,999

)

(280,577

)

(680,092

)

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income

(4,602

)

(2,936

)

(2,206

)

543

4,599

(4,602

)

Total Sinclair Broadcast Group (deficit) equity

(61,749

)

(96,175

)

1,146,247

(79,458

)

(970,614

)

(61,749

)

Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries

9,365

9,365

Total liabilities and equity (deficit)

$

90,719

$

1,572,307

$

1,853,107

$

338,028

$

(1,608,625

)

$

2,245,536

23



Table of Contents

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING 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

$

$

188

$

313

$

12,466

$

$

12,967

Accounts and other receivables

60

348

126,590

6,276

(107

)

133,167

Other current assets

2,430

2,561

55,855

3,021

(284

)

63,583

Total current assets

2,490

3,097

182,758

21,763

(391

)

209,717

Property and equipment, net

8,234

7,783

171,749

104,825

(11,070

)

281,521

Investment in consolidated subsidiaries

575,848

(575,848

)

Restricted cash

58,503

223

58,726

Other long-term assets

86,186

353,929

17,209

99,630

(417,961

)

138,993

Total other long-term assets

86,186

988,280

17,432

99,630

(993,809

)

197,719

Acquired intangible assets

826,175

83,387

(27,102

)

882,460

Total assets

$

96,910

$

999,160

$

1,198,114

$

309,605

$

(1,032,372

)

$

1,571,417

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

$

1,499

$

30,888

$

51,119

$

7,555

$

(2,491

)

$

88,570

Current portion of long-term debt

420

14,450

589

22,736

38,195

Current portion of affiliate long-term debt

998

2,016

210

(210

)

3,014

Other current liabilities

65,431

372

65,803

Total current liabilities

2,917

45,338

119,155

30,873

(2,701

)

195,582

Long-term debt

12,811

1,055,446

37,502

42,512

1,148,271

Affiliate long-term debt

7,405

9,140

246,552

(246,552

)

16,545

Dividends in excess of investment in consolidated subsidiaries

143,857

(143,857

)

Other liabilities

51,095

2,222

457,003

58,222

(246,161

)

322,381

Total liabilities

218,085

1,103,006

622,800

378,159

(639,271

)

1,682,779

Common stock

809

10

(10

)

809

Additional paid-in capital

617,375

7,755

264,413

52,710

(324,878

)

617,375

Accumulated (deficit) earnings

(734,511

)

(108,558

)

313,269

(131,527

)

(73,184

)

(734,511

)

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income

(4,848

)

(3,043

)

(2,378

)

450

4,971

(4,848

)

Total Sinclair Broadcast Group shareholders’ (deficit) equity

(121,175

)

(103,846

)

575,314

(78,367

)

(393,101

)

(121,175

)

Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries

9,813

9,813

Total liabilities and equity (deficit)

$

96,910

$

999,160

$

1,198,114

$

309,605

$

(1,032,372

)

$

1,571,417

24



Table of Contents

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2012

(in thousands) (unaudited)

Sinclair
Broadcast
Group, Inc.

Sinclair
Television
Group, Inc.

Guarantor
Subsidiaries
and KDSM,
LLC

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Sinclair
Consolidated

Net revenue

$

$

$

248,306

$

14,364

$

(2,181

)

$

260,489

Program and production

278

64,039

(1

)

(2,349

)

61,967

Selling, general and administrative

746

13,157

37,155

908

(76

)

51,890

Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses

382

618

54,738

12,508

(171

)

68,075

Total operating expenses

1,128

14,053

155,932

13,415

(2,596

)

181,932

Operating (loss) income

(1,128

)

(14,053

)

92,374

949

415

78,557

Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries

26,435

50,171

(76,606

)

Interest expense

(341

)

(32,560

)

(1,291

)

(6,352

)

5,250

(35,294

)

Other income (expense)

869

43

40

1,597

(83

)

2,466

Total other income (expense)

26,963

17,654

(1,251

)

(4,755

)

(71,439

)

(32,828

)

Income tax benefit (provision)

326

19,872

(39,456

)

105

(19,153

)

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

84

(68

)

(240

)

(224

)

Net income (loss)

26,245

23,405

51,427

(3,701

)

(71,024

)

26,352

Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests

(107

)

(107

)

Net income (loss) attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group

$

26,245

$

23,405

$

51,427

$

(3,808

)

$

(71,024

)

$

26,245

Comprehensive income (loss)

$

26,409

$

23,462

$

51,427

$

(3,808

)

$

(71,081

)

$

26,409

25



Table of Contents

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2011

(in thousands) (unaudited)

Sinclair
Broadcast
Group, Inc.

Sinclair
Television
Group, Inc.

Guarantor
Subsidiaries
and KDSM,
LLC

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Sinclair
Consolidated

Net revenue

$

$

$

169,673

$

13,583

$

(2,214

)

$

181,042

Program and production

331

43,062

83

(1,983

)

41,493

Selling, general and administrative

505

5,178

30,546

1,058

(157

)

37,130

Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses

397

121

38,432

11,200

(138

)

50,012

Total operating expenses

902

5,630

112,040

12,341

(2,278

)

128,635

Operating (loss) income

(902

)

(5,630

)

57,633

1,242

64

52,407

Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries

19,456

35,862

(55,318

)

Interest expense

(355

)

(21,942

)

(1,228

)

(6,154

)

5,216

(24,463

)

Other income (expense)

1,563

5,285

(5,343

)

928

(61

)

2,372

Total other income (expense)

20,664

19,205

(6,571

)

(5,226

)

(50,163

)

(22,091

)

Income tax (provision) benefit

(523

)

3,894

(14,457

)

211

(10,875

)

Loss from discontinued operations

(110

)

(110

)

Net income (loss)

19,239

17,359

36,605

(3,773

)

(50,099

)

19,331

Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests

(93

)

(93

)

Net income (loss) attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group

$

19,239

$

17,359

$

36,605

$

(3,866

)

$

(50,099

)

$

19,238

Comprehensive income (loss)

$

19,372

$

17,400

$

36,605

$

(3,866

)

$

(50,139

)

$

19,372

26



Table of Contents

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2012

(in thousands) (unaudited)

Sinclair
Broadcast
Group, Inc.

Sinclair
Television
Group, Inc.

Guarantor
Subsidiaries
and KDSM,
LLC

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Sinclair
Consolidated

Net revenue

$

$

$

699,175

$

44,179

$

(6,537

)

$

736,817

Program and production

291

191,318

158

(6,520

)

185,247

Selling, general and administrative

2,117

38,720

103,389

2,999

(283

)

146,942

Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses

1,148

1,282

152,766

39,636

(447

)

194,385

Total operating expenses

3,265

40,293

447,473

42,793

(7,250

)

526,574

Operating (loss) income

(3,265

)

(40,293

)

251,702

1,386

713

210,243

Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries

86,991

156,249

(243,240

)

Interest expense

(999

)

(84,277

)

(3,695

)

(18,651

)

15,621

(92,001

)

Other income (expense)

2,192

53

85

7,751

(340

)

9,741

Total other income (expense)

88,184

72,025

(3,610

)

(10,900

)

(227,959

)

(82,260

)

Income tax benefit (provision)

745

38,414

(88,511

)

7,141

(42,211

)

Loss from discontinued operations

(202

)

(12

)

(214

)

Net income (loss)

85,664

69,944

159,569

(2,373

)

(227,246

)

85,558

Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests

106

106

Net income (loss) attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group

$

85,664

$

69,944

$

159,569

$

(2,267

)

$

(227,246

)

$

85,664

Comprehensive income (loss)

$

85,804

$

70,190

$

159,569

$

(2,267

)

$

(227,492

)

$

85,804

27



Table of Contents

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2011

(in thousands) (unaudited)

Sinclair
Broadcast
Group, Inc.

Sinclair
Television
Group, Inc.

Guarantor
Subsidiaries
and KDSM,
LLC

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Sinclair
Consolidated

Net revenue

$

$

$

521,280

$

37,958

$

(6,727

)

$

552,511

Program and production

958

131,677

254

(6,134

)

126,755

Selling, general and administrative

1,830

18,962

90,440

2,738

(349

)

113,621

Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses

1,205

404

117,409

31,412

(414

)

150,016

Total operating expenses

3,035

20,324

339,526

34,404

(6,897

)

390,392

Operating (loss) income

(3,035

)

(20,324

)

181,754

3,554

170

162,119

Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries

57,906

102,960

(160,866

)

Interest expense

(2,934

)

(69,463

)

(3,717

)

(17,851

)

15,401

(78,564

)

Gain on sales of securities

391

(391

)

Other (expense) income

(793

)

16,047

(15,205

)

1,610

(278

)

1,381

Total other income (expense)

54,179

49,544

(18,922

)

(15,850

)

(146,134

)

(77,183

)

Income tax benefit (provision)

1,953

22,647

(57,278

)

977

(31,701

)

Loss from discontinued operations

(300

)

(300

)

Net income (loss)

53,097

51,567

105,554

(11,319

)

(145,964

)

52,935

Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests

161

161

Net income (loss) attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group

$

53,097

$

51,567

$

105,554

$

(11,158

)

$

(145,964

)

$

53,096

Comprehensive income (loss)

$

53,057

$

51,689

$

105,554

$

(11,158

)

$

(146,085

)

$

53,057

28



Table of Contents

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2012

(in thousands) (unaudited)

Sinclair
Broadcast
Group, Inc.

Sinclair
Television
Group, Inc.

Guarantor
Subsidiaries
and KDSM,
LLC

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Sinclair
Consolidated

NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

$

(460

)

$

(75,408

)

$

228,829

$

9,428

$

915

$

163,304

CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

Acquisition of property and equipment

(2,458

)

(25,624

)

(2,075

)

(30,157

)

Payments for acquisitions of television stations

(590,917

)

(590,917

)

Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts

(7,343

)

(7,343

)

Decrease in restricted cash

15,849

15,849

Distributions from investments

836

8,678

9,514

Investment in equity and cost method investees

(6,176

)

(6,176

)

Proceeds from insurance settlement

32

32

Proceeds from sales of assets

31

31

Loans to affiliates

(236

)

(236

)

Proceeds from loans to affiliates

140

140

Net cash flows from (used in) investing activities

740

13,391

(616,478

)

(6,916

)

(609,263

)

CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

Proceeds from notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases

596,275

19,432

615,707

Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases

(308

)

(79,077

)

(458

)

(16,002

)

(95,845

)

Proceeds from share based awards

327

327

Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock

(31,646

)

401

(31,245

)

Payments for deferred financing costs

(8,364

)

(8,364

)

Distributions to noncontrolling interests

(734

)

(734

)

Repayment of notes and capital leases to affiliates

(740

)

(1,489

)

(2,229

)

Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables

32,087

(435,595

)

389,771

15,053

(1,316

)

Net cash flows (used in) from financing activities

(280

)

73,239

387,824

17,749

(915

)

477,617

NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

11,222

175

20,261

31,658

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period

188

313

12,466

12,967

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period

$

$

11,410

$

488

$

32,727

$

$

44,625

29



Table of Contents

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2011

(in thousands) (unaudited)

Sinclair
Broadcast
Group, Inc.

Sinclair
Television
Group, Inc.

Guarantor
Subsidiaries
and KDSM,
LLC

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Sinclair
Consolidated

NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

$

(14,407

)

$

(47,986

)

$

189,301

$

3,366

$

(1,924

)

$

128,350

CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

Acquisition of property and equipment

(403

)

(25,126

)

(1,265

)

(26,794

)

Acquisition of intangibles

(242

)

(242

)

Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts

(6,930

)

(6,930

)

Increase in restricted cash

(14,943

)

(14,943

)

Dividends and distributions from equity and cost method investments

2,632

2,632

Investment in equity and cost method investees

(2,000

)

(7,414

)

(9,414

)

Purchase of investments

(4,820

)

(4,820

)

Proceeds from insurance settlement

1,736

1,736

Proceeds from sales of assets

56

10

66

Proceeds from sale of securities

1,808

(1,808

)

Proceeds from sale of equity investment

1,166

1,166

Loans to affiliates

(143

)

(143

)

Proceeds from loans to affiliates

152

152

Net cash flows used in investing activities

(1,991

)

(15,346

)

(23,334

)

(15,055

)

(1,808

)

(57,534

)

CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

Proceeds from notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases

124,719

11,630

136,349

Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases

(57,022

)

(60,976

)

(313

)

(16,839

)

(135,150

)

Proceeds from exercise of stock options, including excess tax benefits of share based payments

1,730

1,730

Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock

(29,105

)

169

(28,936

)

Payments for deferred financing costs

(4,299

)

(66

)

(4,365

)

Proceeds from Class A Common Stock sold by variable interest entity

1,808

1,808

Noncontrolling interests distributions

(346

)

(346

)

Repayment of notes and capital leases to affiliates

(645

)

(1,868

)

(2,513

)

Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables

101,440

44,507

(164,355

)

16,653

1,755

Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities

16,398

103,951

(166,536

)

11,032

3,732

(31,423

)

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

40,619

(569

)

(657

)

39,393

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period

5,071

1,022

15,881

21,974

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period

$

$

45,690

$

453

$

15,224

$

$

61,367

30



Table of Contents

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

This report includes or incorporates forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, 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 the purchase of 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;

31



Table of Contents

· the strength of ratings for our local news broadcasts including our news sharing arrangements;

· 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, including the Risk Factors set forth in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 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 speaks only as of the date on which it is 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, the forward-looking statements discussed in this report might not occur.

The following table sets forth certain operating data for the periods presented:

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS DATA

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

Three Months Ended September 30,

Nine Months Ended September 30,

2012

2011

2012

2011

Statement of Operations Data:

Net broadcast revenues (a)

$

226,377

$

151,875

$

637,553

$

467,206

Revenues realized from station barter arrangements

21,600

17,512

60,655

53,232

Other operating divisions revenues

12,512

11,655

38,609

32,073

Total revenues

260,489

181,042

736,817

552,511

Station production expenses

61,967

41,493

185,247

126,755

Station selling, general and administrative expenses

43,604

31,341

121,776

92,095

Expenses recognized from station barter arrangements

19,693

15,815

55,645

48,073

Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments

14,495

12,833

44,197

38,117

Depreciation and amortization expenses (b)

23,515

11,995

61,378

37,724

Other operating divisions expenses

10,372

9,369

33,165

26,102

Corporate general and administrative expenses

8,286

5,789

25,166

21,526

Operating income

78,557

52,407

210,243

162,119

Interest expense and amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs

(35,294

)

(24,463

)

(92,001

)

(78,564

)

Loss from extinguishment of debt

(117

)

(335

)

(4,519

)

Income from equity and cost method investees

1,919

2,080

8,343

2,906

Other income, net

547

409

1,733

2,994

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

45,729

30,316

127,983

84,936

Income tax provision

(19,153

)

(10,875

)

(42,211

)

(31,701

)

Income from continuing operations

26,576

19,441

85,772

53,235

Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes

(224

)

(110

)

(214

)

(300

)

Net income

26,352

19,331

85,558

52,935

Net (income) loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests

(107

)

(93

)

106

161

Net income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group

$

26,245

$

19,238

$

85,664

$

53,096

Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share Attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group:

Basic earnings per share from continuing operations

$

0.33

$

0.24

$

1.06

$

0.66

Basic earnings per share

$

0.33

$

0.24

$

1.06

$

0.66

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations

$

0.33

$

0.24

$

1.06

$

0.66

Diluted earnings per share

$

0.32

$

0.24

$

1.05

$

0.66

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Table of Contents

Balance Sheet Data:

September 30, 2012

December 31, 2011

Cash and cash equivalents

$

44,625

$

12,967

Total assets

$

2,245,536

$

1,571,417

Total debt (c)

$

1,726,789

$

1,206,025

Total deficit

$

(52,384

)

$

(111,362

)


(a) Net broadcast revenues are defined as station 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.

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

Executive Overview — financial events since June 30, 2012.

Results of Operations — an analysis of our revenues and expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, including comparisons between quarters and expectations for the three months ended December 31, 2012.

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 and an update of our debt refinancings during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012.

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

Third Quarter 2012 Events

· On July 17, 2012, we entered into an agreement to purchase the assets of Bay Television, Inc. (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 local marketing agreement (LMA) since January 1999. The transaction has received the approval of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2012.

· In July, we entered into a definitive agreement to purchase six stations from Newport Television (Newport) for $412.5 million. The Company will also acquire 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. The transaction is expected to close no earlier than December 2012, subject to closing conditions, including without limitation approval of the FCC. The transaction has received antitrust clearance from the Department of Justice. Upon entering into the asset purchase agreement we deposited 10% of the purchase price, $41.3 million, into escrow.  We intend to finance the purchase with the proceeds from our offering of 6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due October 2022, which closed in October 2012 as described below.

· In July, we entered into agreements with Deerfield Media, Inc. (Deerfield) to sell Deerfield the license assets of one of our stations in San Antonio (KMYS CW), and our station in Cincinnati (WSTR MNT), subject to Fox Television Stations, Inc. (FTS)’s purchase option with respect to WSTR which expires March 31, 2013, and to assign Deerfield the right to buy the license assets of WPMI and WJTC in the Mobile/Pensacola market for $6.0 million. Upon closing we intend to provide sales and other non-programming services to each of these four stations pursuant to shared services and joint sales agreements. These transactions are expected to close no earlier than December 2012, subject to approval of the FCC and other closing conditions.

· 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.

· In August, we entered into a multi-year retransmission consent agreement with DISH Network for continued carriage in all of our markets.

· In August, we entered into an agreement to purchase the assets of KBTV (FOX) located in Port Arthur, TX, for $14.0 million, subject to approval of the FCC and other closing conditions.  Our right to purchase the license assets was assigned to Deerfield for $1.5 million, bringing our net purchase price to $12.5 million.  Upon closing, we intend to provide sales and other non-programming services to this station pursuant to shared services and joint sales agreements.

· 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.

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Table of Contents

Other Events

· In October, we entered into an agreement to purchase substantially all the assets of the WUTB (MNT) station in Baltimore, MD owned by 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 shared services and joint sales agreements.

· In October, we entered into an agreement to sell all of the assets of WLAJ-TV, to an unrelated third party for $14.4 million. The sale is subject to FCC approval and other closing conditions and we expect closing to occur in early 2013.

· In October, we closed our previously announced private offering of $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 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. The Notes mature in October 2022 and are to be guaranteed by Sinclair and certain of Sinclair’s 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.

· 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.

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 Media Group LLC (Four Points) as of January 1, 2012 (acquisition date), and from Freedom Communications (Freedom) as of April 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, should be accounted for as discontinued operations and therefore the results are not included in our consolidated results of continuing operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012. Unless otherwise indicated, references in this discussion and analysis to the third quarter of 2012 and 2011 refer to the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Additionally, any references to the first, second or fourth quarter are to the three months ended March 31, June 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.

SEASONALITY/CYCLICALITY

Our operating results are usually subject to seasonal fluctuations.  Usually, the second and fourth quarter operating results are higher than 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.

BROADCAST SEGMENT

Broadcast Revenue

The following table presents our revenues from continuing operations, net of agency commissions, for the periods presented (in millions):

For the Three Months Ended September 30,

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

2012

2011

Percent
Change

2012

2011

Percent
Change

Local revenues:

Non-political

$

153.8

$

115.7

32.9%

$

466.3

$

359.3

29.8%

Political

2.7

0.7

(a)

5.0

1.2

(a)

Total local

156.5

116.4

34.5%

471.3

360.5

30.7%

National revenues:

Non-political

44.8

33.8

32.5%

128.6

103.7

24.0%

Political

25.1

1.7

(a)

37.7

3.0

(a)

Total national

69.9

35.5

96.9%

166.3

106.7

55.9%

Total net broadcast revenues

$

226.4

$

151.9

49.0%

$

637.6

$

467.2

36.5%


(a) Political revenue is not comparable from year to year due to cyclicality of elections.  See Political Revenues below for more information.

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Table of Contents

Net broadcast revenues. Net broadcast revenues increased $74.5 million when comparing the third quarter of 2012 to the same period in 2011, of which $45.7 million was related to stations acquired during the first and second quarters in 2012.  Net broadcast revenues increased $170.4 million when comparing the nine months ended September 30, 2012 to the same period in 2011, of which $108.9 million was related to stations acquired during the nine months ended September 30, 2012. Additionally, revenues earned pursuant to the Local Marketing Agreement (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, for both the three and nine month periods, was due to increases in advertising revenues generated from the political, automotive and direct response sectors. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in the schools, services, fast food and media sectors. Excluding the stations acquired in the first and second quarters of 2012, automotive, which typically is our largest category, represented 20.3% and 20.8% of net time sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively.

From a network affiliation or program service arrangement perspective, the following table sets forth our affiliate percentages of net time sales for the periods presented:

# of

Percent of Net Time
Sales for the
Three months ended
September 30,

Net Time
Sales
Percent

Percent of Net Time
Sales for the
Nine months ended
September 30,

Net Time
Sales
Percent

Stations (a)

2012

2011

Change

2012

2011

Change

FOX

20

35.0%

45.3%

11.9%

38.0%

47.3%

4.2%

ABC

10

20.0%

21.1%

37.9%

19.1%

20.1%

23.6%

MyNetworkTV

18

13.2%

17.1%

12.3%

13.3%

16.1%

7.0%

The CW

14

11.4%

12.8%

29.6%

12.0%

12.7%

21.9%

CBS

9

18.9%

2.8%

895.0%

16.4%

2.7%

676.5%

NBC

1

0.6%

0.5%

70.7%

0.5%

0.5%

39.2%

Azteca

1

0.1%

—%

—%

0.1%

—%

—%

Digital

(b)

0.8%

0.4%

180.3%

0.6%

0.6%

51.0%

Total

73


(a) During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, we acquired or entered into outsourcing agreements to provide certain non-programming related sales, operational and administrative services to 15 stations with the following network affiliation or program service arrangements: CBS (two stations in the first quarter and five stations in the second quarter), ABC (one station in the second quarter), CW (three stations in the first quarter and one station in the second quarter), MyNetworkTV (two stations in the first quarter), and Azteca (one station in the first quarter). We reclassified the results of operations of WLAJ-TV, an ABC station acquired in the second quarter, as discontinued operations as discussed in Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and therefore the net time sales of WLAJ-TV are not included in the percentages above.

(b) We broadcast programming from network affiliations or program service arrangements with The Country Network, CBS (rebroadcasted content from other primary channels within the same markets), The CW, MyNetworkTV, This TV LATV, Azteca, Telemundo and Estrella on additional channels through our stations’ second and third digital signals.

Political Revenues. Political revenues increased by $25.4 million to $27.8 million for the third quarter of 2012 when compared to the same period in 2011.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, political revenues increased by $38.5 million to $42.7 million when compared to the same period in 2011.  Political revenues are typically lower in non-election years such as 2011 and increased in 2012 due to the presidential election.

Local Revenues. Excluding political revenues, our local broadcast revenues, which include local times sales, retransmission revenues and other local revenues, were up $38.1 million for the third quarter of 2012 when compared to the same period in 2011, of which $19.9 million related to the stations acquired in the first and second quarters of 2012. Excluding political revenues, our local broadcast revenues were up $107.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011, of which $52.4 million related to the stations acquired in the first and second quarters of 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, for both the three and nine month periods, 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, services and fast food sectors and a change in networks for the Super Bowl programming from FOX to NBC.

National Revenues. Excluding political revenues, our national broadcast revenues, which include national time sales and other national revenues, were up $11.0 million for the third quarter of 2012 when compared to the same period in 2011, of which $9.7 million related to the stations acquired in the first and second quarters of 2012. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, when compared to the same period in 2011, our national broadcast revenues, excluding political revenues, were up $24.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011, of which 24.5 million related to the stations

35



Table of Contents

acquired in the first and second quarters of 2012.  The remaining increase for both the three and nine month periods was due to increases in advertising revenues generated from the services and direct response sectors.  These increases were partially offset by a decline in advertising revenues in the fast food and retail / department store sectors for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and in the telecommunications and the drugs / cosmetic sectors for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

Broadcast Expenses

The following table presents our significant expense categories in our broadcast segment for the periods presented (in millions):

For the Three Months Ended September 30,

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

Percent
Change
(Increase/

Percent
Change
(Increase/

2012

2011

(Decrease))

2012

2011

(Decrease))

Station production expenses

$

62.0

$

41.5

49.4%

$

185.2

$

126.8

46.1%

Station selling, general and administrative expenses

$

43.6

$

31.3

39.3%

$

121.8

$

92.1

32.2%

Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments

$

14.5

$

12.8

13.3%

$

44.2

$

38.1

16.0%

Corporate general and administrative expenses

$

7.3

$

5.0

46.0%

$

21.9

$

18.8

16.5%

Depreciation and Amortization expenses

$

21.7

$

10.3

110.7%

$

55.8

$

32.9

69.6%

Station production expenses. Station production expenses increased $20.5 million during the third quarter of 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011, of which $13.5 million related to the stations acquired in the first and second quarters of 2012.  The remaining increases for the three month period are primarily due to an increase in fees pursuant to network affiliation agreements, increased advertising expense, increased compensation expense and increased rating service fees due to annual scheduled rate increases.

Station production expenses increased $58.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011, of which $33.0 million related to the stations acquired in the first and second quarters of 2012 and $7.8 million of expenses pursuant to the LMA with Freedom stations during the first quarter of 2012.  The remaining increases for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 are primarily due to an increase in fees pursuant to network affiliation agreements, increased compensation expense and increased rating service fees due to annual scheduled rate increases.

Station selling, general and administrative expenses. Station selling, general and administrative expenses increased $12.3 million during the third quarter of 2012 compared to the same period in 2011, of which $11.1 million related to the stations acquired in the first and second quarters of 2012. Station selling, general and administrative expenses increased $29.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011, of which $25.6 million related to the stations acquired in the first and second quarters of 2012.  The remaining increases for both the three and nine month periods are primarily due to an increase in national sales commissions, compensation expense and employee / management incentive bonuses, partially offset by lower non-income based taxes.

We expect station production and station selling, general and administrative expenses in fourth quarter of 2012 to increase compared to third quarter of 2012.

Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments .  The amortization of program contract costs increased $1.7 million during the third quarter of 2012 compared to the same period in 2011, of which $1.5 million related to the stations acquired in the first and second quarters.  Amortization of program contract costs increased $6.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011, of which $4.7 million related to the stations acquired in the first and second quarters of 2012. The remaining increase for both the three and nine month periods are due to entering into new contracts.  We expect program contract amortization to trend higher in fourth quarter of 2012 compared to third quarter of 2012 due to cyclicality.

Depreciation and Amortization expenses. Depreciation of property and equipment and amortization of definite-lived intangibles and other assets increased $11.4 million during the third quarter of 2012 compared to the same period in 2011, of which $9.2 million related to the stations acquired in the first and second quarters of 2012.  The remaining increase is due to the extension of certain network affiliation agreements. Depreciation and amortization expenses increased $22.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the same period in 2012, of which $22.0 million related to the stations acquired in the first and second quarters of 2012.

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Table of Contents

Corporate general and administrative expenses. See explanation under Corporate and Unallocated Expenses.

OTHER OPERATING DIVISIONS SEGMENT

Triangle Sign & Service, LLC (Triangle), a sign designer / fabricator, Alarm Funding Associates, LLC (Alarm Funding), a regional security alarm operating and bulk acquisition company, real estate ventures and other nominal businesses make up our other operating divisions segment.  Revenues for our other operating divisions increased $0.8 million to $12.5 million during the third quarter of 2012 compared to $11.7 million during the same period in 2011.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, revenues for our other operating divisions increased $6.5 million to $38.6 million compared to $32.1 million during the same period in 2011.  The increase is primarily due to acquisitions of new alarm monitoring contracts for Alarm Funding, new Triangle Sign service contracts, increased revenues due to the Ring of Honor wrestling franchise we purchased in second quarter of 2011 and improved leasing activity for our consolidated real estate ventures.  Expenses of our other operating divisions include operating expenses, depreciation and amortization and applicable other income (expense) items such as interest expense, which increased $1.4 million to $12.7 million during the third quarter of 2012 compared to $11.3 million during the same period in 2011.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, expenses including other operating divisions expense, depreciation and amortization and applicable other income (expense) items, such as interest expense, which increased $8.6 million to $40.3 million compared to $31.7 million during the same period in 2011.  This increase was primarily due to the corresponding increase in revenue and an increase in our Ring of Honor expenses due to additional production costs in 2012 as compared to 2011.

Income from Equity and Cost Method Investments. 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 the three months ended September 30, 2012, we recorded income of $1.4 million related to our real estate ventures, which included a $2.1 million gain on the sale of two of our real estate ventures and income of $0.5 million related to certain private investment funds, partially offset by a $0.9 million impairment charge related to one of our real estate ventures.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, we recorded income of $7.3 million related to our real estate ventures, which included a $7.9 million gain on the sale of three of our real estate ventures and income of $1.0 million related to certain private investment funds, partially offset by a $0.9 million impairment charge related to one of our real estate ventures.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, we recorded income of $1.4 million related to our real estate ventures including a $0.8 million gain on sale of one of our real estate ventures and income of $1.5 million related to certain private investment funds.

CORPORATE AND UNALLOCATED EXPENSES

For the Three Months Ended
September 30,

For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,

Percent
Change
(Increase/

Percent
Change
(Increase/

2012

2011

(Decrease))

2012

2011

(Decrease))

Corporate general and administrative expenses

$

0.7

$

0.5

40.0%

$

2.1

$

1.8

16.7%

Interest expense

$

34.3

$

23.8

44.1%

$

89.5

$

76.7

16.7%

Loss from extinguishment of debt

$

$

(0.1

)

(100.0)%

$

(0.3

)

$

(4.5

)

(93.3)%

Income tax provision

$

(19.2

)

$

(10.9

)

76.1%

$

(42.2

)

$

(31.7

)

33.1%

Corporate general and administrative expenses. We allocate most of our corporate general and administrative expenses to the broadcast segment.  The explanation that follows combines the 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.

Corporate general and administrative expenses increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 when compared to the same periods 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.

We expect corporate general and administrative expenses to increase in the fourth quarter of 2012 compared to third quarter of 2012.

Interest expense. Interest expense has increased primarily due to the incremental borrowings on our Term Loan A and Term Loan B under our Bank Credit Agreement for our Four Points and Freedom acquisitions in 2012 as well as financing costs of $5.5 million related to the amendment of our Bank Credit Agreement incurred in the third quarter of 2012. We also recorded approximately $1.0 million of interest expense in the first quarter of 2012 primarily related to financing costs related to the incremental borrowings.  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.  We expect interest expense to increase in fourth quarter of 2012 compared to third quarter of 2012 as a

37



Table of Contents

result of the incremental borrowings under our Bank Credit Agreement and issuance of $500.0 million of 6.125% notes in October 2012.  See Liquidity and Capital Resources for more information.

Loss from extinguishment of debt. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, we drew down on our incremental borrowing for the Four Points acquisition and wrote off a portion of our deferred financing costs and discount on the Term Loan B, resulting in a loss of $0.3 million from extinguishment of debt.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, we amended our Bank Credit Agreement and paid down a portion of our Term Loan B and repurchased certain of our 8.375% Notes resulting in a combined loss of $1.0 million from extinguishment of debt.  Additionally, we completed the redemption of all $70.0 million of the 6.0% Notes at 100% of the face value of such notes resulting in a loss of $3.5 million.  We used the proceeds from our Term Loan A to pay for the redemption.

Income tax provision. The effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2012 including the effects of the noncontrolling interest was a provision of 42.0% as compared to a provision of 36.0% during the same period in 2011.  The increase in the effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011 is primarily due to an increase in the income tax reserves related to a state audit settlement in 2012.

The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 including the effects of the noncontrolling interest was a provision of 33.0% as compared to a provision of 37.3% during the same period in 2011.  The decrease in the effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 is primarily due to: 1) a release of valuation allowance in the first quarter 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, which was partially offset by 2) an increase in the income tax reserves related to a state audit settlement reached during the third quarter.  The valuation allowance release determination, in the first quarter of 2012, was based primarily on the sufficiency of forecasted taxable income necessary to utilize NOLs 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.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

As of September 30, 2012, we had $44.6 million in cash and cash equivalent balances and net negative working capital of approximately $14.1 million.  Cash generated by our operations and borrowing capacity under the Bank Credit Agreement are used as our primary source of liquidity.  As of September 30, 2012, we had $82.5 million of borrowing capacity available 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 incremental term loan capacity of $500.0 million 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 the remaining $350.0 million of the additional term loans to fund the acquisition of assets of Freedom, which closed in April 2012.  As of September 30, 2012, we had $15.0 million drawn on our revolver.

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 of 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 will use the proceeds of this offering to pay down outstanding indebtedness under our revolver, finance the pending acquisition as described under the Executive Overview , including the acquisition of certain television stations for Newport, and for general corporate purposes.

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Sources and Uses of Cash

The following table sets forth our cash flows for the periods presented (in millions):

For the Three Months
Ended September 30,

For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,

2012

2011

2012

2011

Net cash flows from operating activities

$

83.0

$

60.1

$

163.3

$

128.4

Cash flows (used in) from investing activities:

Acquisition of property and equipment

$

(11.7

)

$

(6.1

)

$

(30.2

)

$

(26.8

)

Acquisition of television stations

(590.9

)

(Increase) decrease in restricted cash

(42.7

)

(20.0

)

15.8

(14.9

)

Dividends and distributions from cost method investees

3.5

1.3

9.5

2.6

Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts

(1.7

)

(2.5

)

(7.3

)

(6.9

)

Investments in equity and cost method investees

(0.4

)

(1.1

)

(6.2

)

(9.4

)

Other

0.1

(3.7

)

(2.1

)

Net cash flows used in investing activities

$

(52.9

)

$

(32.1

)

$

(609.3

)

$

(57.5

)

Cash flows from (used in) financing activities:

Proceeds from notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases

$

60.6

$

3.4

$

615.7

$

136.4

Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases

(62.5

)

(10.6

)

(95.8

)

(135.2

)

Payments for deferred financing costs

(1.6

)

(8.4

)

(4.4

)

Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock

(12.0

)

(9.7

)

(31.2

)

(28.9

)

Noncontrolling interests (distributions) contributions

(0.3

)

(0.1

)

(0.7

)

(0.3

)

Other

(0.8

)

(0.9

)

(2.0

)

1.0

Net cash flows (used in) from financing activities

$

(16.6

)

$

(17.9

)

$

477.6

$

(31.4

)

Operating Activities

Net cash flows from operating activities increased during the third quarter of 2012 compared to the same period in 2011. This is primarily due to the receipt of more cash from customers, net of cash payments to vendors, partially offset by higher interest and program payments, as well as an increase in tax payments.

Net cash flows from operating activities increased during the nine months ended September 30, 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 we paid $25.0 million to FOX pursuant to the agreements entered into during the second quarter of 2012.

We expect program payments to increase in the fourth quarter of 2012 compared to the third quarter of 2012.  We expect net interest to increase in the fourth quarter of 2012 compared to the third quarter of 2012 as a result of additional interest on the $500.0 million of Senior Unsecured Notes, which were issued in October 2012.

Investing Activities

With the exception of restricted cash, net cash flows used in investing activities decreased slightly during the third quarter of 2012 compared to the same period in 2011.  Restricted cash increased in the third quarter of 2012, primarily due to the amount required to be deposited into an escrow account pursuant to the asset purchase agreement with Newport.  Restricted cash increased in the third quarter of 2011 due to the amount required to be deposited into an escrow account pursuant to the asset purchase agreement with Four Points.

Net cash flows used in investing activities increased during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011.  This increase is due to $590.9 million in payments for acquisitions of television stations, an increase in restricted cash held in escrow for the Newport acquisition, as well as an increase in purchases of alarm monitoring contracts, partially offset by the use of the restricted cash held in escrow for the Four Points and Freedom acquisitions.  This was also partially offset by distributions received upon sale of three of our equity method investments during 2012.

In the fourth quarter of 2012, we anticipate incurring more capital expenditures than incurred in the third quarter of 2012.

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Financing Activities

Net cash flows used in financing activities decreased during the third quarter of 2012 compared to the same period in 2011.  This decrease was primarily due to an increase in our revolver balance in third quarter of 2012 compared to the same period in 2011.  This was partially offset by a higher quarterly stock dividend paid in third quarter of 2012 compared to the same period in 2011.

Net cash flows from financing activities increased during the nine months ended September 30, 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.  This was slightly offset by higher quarterly stock dividends paid in 2012 totaling $0.39 per share versus $0.36 per share in 2011, as well as, $4.0 million more in payments for deferred financing cost related to the incremental borrowings under the Bank Credit Agreement in the first and second quarters of 2012 in connection with the Four Points and Freedom acquisitions.

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.

CONTRACTUAL CASH OBLIGATIONS

As of September 30, 2012, our contractual cash obligations increased from what was previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.  This was primarily due to changes in our debt, the extension of certain network affiliation agreements and the contractual obligations assumed with the Four Points and Freedom acquisitions.  As disclosed above under Liquidity and Capital Resources , during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, we drew $530.0 million of additional term loans to fund the asset acquisitions of Four Points and Freedom, which closed in January 2012 and April 2012, respectively. In October 2012, we issued $500.0 million of Senior Unsecured Notes bearing interest of 6.125% due October 1, 2022.

Additionally, amounts presented under contractual cash disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, related to potential obligations due pursuant to the LMA with Freedom, are no longer due because the LMA was terminated April 1, 2012, concurrent with the acquisition of those stations.

ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Other than the foregoing, there have been no material changes from the quantitative and qualitative discussion about market risk previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures and Internal Control over Financial Reporting

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 September 30, 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 company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

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:

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Table of Contents

· pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and disposition 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.

Assessment of Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Based on the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 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.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

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 September 30, 2012, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls

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.

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Table of Contents

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are party to lawsuits and claims from time to time in the ordinary course of business.  Actions currently pending are in various preliminary stages and no 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.

ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes to the Risk Factors contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

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

None.

ITEM 3.  DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None.

ITEM 5.  OTHER INFORMATION

None.

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Table of Contents

ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS

Exhibit
Number

Description

10.1

Fourth Amendment to the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of September 20, 2012, by and among Sinclair Television Group, Inc., the guarantors party thereto, JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto. (Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Report on Form 8-K filed September 26, 2012.)

31.1

Certification by David D. Smith, as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. § 7241).

31.2

Certification by David B. Amy, as Chief Financial Officer of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. § 7241).

32.1

Certification by David D. Smith, as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Exchange Act and § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C § 1350).

32.2

Certification by David B. Amy, as Chief Financial Officer of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Exchange Act and § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C § 1350).

101.INS*

XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH*

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema

101.CAL*

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase

101.LAB*

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase

101.PRE*

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase

101.DEF*

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase


* Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, these interactive data files are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 or Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and otherwise are not subject to liability.

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Table of Contents

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report on Form 10-Q to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized on the 8 th day of November 2012.

SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC.

By:

/s/ David R. Bochenek

David R. Bochenek

Vice President/Chief Accounting Officer

(Authorized Officer and Chief Accounting Officer)

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Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
Number

Description

10.1

Fourth Amendment to the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of September 20, 2012, by and among Sinclair Television Group, Inc., the guarantors party thereto, JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto. (Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Report on Form 8-K filed September 26, 2012.)

31.1

Certification by David D. Smith, as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. § 7241).

31.2

Certification by David B. Amy, as Chief Financial Officer of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. § 7241).

32.1

Certification by David D. Smith, as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Exchange Act and § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C § 1350).

32.2

Certification by David B. Amy, as Chief Financial Officer of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Exchange Act and § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C § 1350).

101.INS*

XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH*

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema

101.CAL*

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase

101.LAB*

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase

101.PRE*

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase

101.DEF*

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase


* Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, these interactive data files are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Section 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 or Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and otherwise are not subject to liability.

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