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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, 2003.

OR

     
[   ]   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
    For the transition period from             to           .

Commission File Number   333-96619

Block Communications, Inc.


(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Ohio   34-4374555

 
(State or other jurisdiction of   (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)   Identification Number)

541 N. Superior Street, Toledo, Ohio 43660


(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip code)

(419) 724-6257


(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

N/A


(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 shorter periods that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for past 90 days. YES [X] NO [  ]

Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES [  ] NO [X]

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

     
Voting Common Stock , (par value $.10)   Non-voting Common Stock, (par value $.10)

 
29,400 shares as of November 7, 2003   428,613 shares as of November 7, 2003

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Position and Results of Operations
Item 4. Controls and procedures
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
SIGNATURES
Exhibit 10.1
Exhibit 31.1
Exhibit 31.2
Exhibit 32.1
Exhibit 32.2


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

Block Communications, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

                   
      September 30   December 31
      2003   2002
     
 
      (unaudited)   (note 1)
Assets
               
Current assets:
               
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 9,328,138     $ 9,781,645  
 
Receivables, less allowances for doubtful accounts and discounts of $3,877,000 and $3,552,000, respectively
    38,054,589       45,454,639  
 
Recoverable income taxes
    8,265,836       9,029,371  
 
Inventories
    8,594,603       7,032,626  
 
Prepaid expenses
    3,104,422       4,498,401  
 
Broadcast rights
    6,175,214       6,546,678  
 
Deferred income taxes
    9,671,950       9,271,000  
 
 
   
     
 
Total current assets
    83,194,752       91,614,360  
Property, plant and equipment:
               
 
Land and land improvements
    12,411,095       12,255,696  
 
Buildings and leasehold improvements
    42,900,871       41,483,466  
 
Machinery and equipment
    222,334,875       215,180,502  
 
Cable television distribution systems and equipment
    205,015,647       195,399,291  
 
Security alarm and video systems installation costs
    7,003,315       6,591,940  
 
Construction in progress
    34,013,663       13,777,267  
 
 
   
     
 
 
    523,679,466       484,688,162  
 
Less allowances for depreciation and amortization
    276,351,443       235,410,950  
 
 
   
     
 
 
    247,328,023       249,277,212  
Other assets:
               
 
Goodwill
    51,987,021       51,987,021  
 
Other intangibles, net of accumulated amortization
    38,317,356       39,471,513  
 
Cash value of life insurance
    26,847,207       25,594,543  
 
Deferred income taxes
    20,021,228       16,659,000  
 
Pension intangibles
    11,931,764       11,931,764  
 
Prepaid pension costs
    3,371,125       2,437,798  
 
Deferred financing costs
    10,624,716       12,099,099  
 
Broadcast rights, less current portion
    4,783,573       6,676,317  
 
Other
    1,221,060       3,976,050  
 
 
   
     
 
 
    169,105,050       170,833,105  
 
 
   
     
 
 
  $ 499,627,825     $ 511,724,677  
 
 
   
     
 

1


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements
                     
        September 30   December 31
        2003   2002
       
 
        (unaudited)   (note 1)
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
               
Current liabilities:
               
 
Accounts payable
  $ 8,500,190     $ 13,831,059  
 
Salaries, wages and payroll taxes
    15,965,476       19,046,005  
 
Workers’ compensation and medical reserves
    7,920,142       8,863,918  
 
Other accrued liabilities
    35,969,338       32,846,215  
 
Current maturities of long-term debt
    1,223,514       4,649,871  
 
 
   
     
 
Total current liabilities
    69,578,660       79,237,068  
Long-term debt, less current maturities
    264,769,465       255,786,939  
Other long-term obligations
    139,425,138       144,113,551  
Minority interest
    11,838,035       11,941,238  
Stockholders’ equity:
               
 
5% Non-cumulative, non-voting Class A Stock, par value $100 a share (entitled in liquidation to $100 per share in priority over Common Stock)-15,680 shares authorized; 12,620 shares issued and outstanding
    1,262,000       1,262,000  
 
Common Stock, par value $.10 a share:
               
   
Voting Common Stock-29,400 shares authorized, issued and outstanding
    2,940       2,940  
   
Non-voting Common Stock-588,000 shares authorized; 428,613 and 427,786 shares issued and outstanding
    42,861       42,779  
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (22,585,286 )     (22,860,033 )
 
Additional paid-in capital
    1,058,687       771,274  
 
Retained earnings
    34,235,325       41,426,921  
 
 
   
     
 
 
    14,016,527       20,645,881  
 
 
   
     
 
 
  $ 499,627,825     $ 511,724,677  
 
 
   
     
 

See accompanying notes.

2


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements

Block Communications, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited)

                                     
        Three months ended   Nine months ended
        September 30   September 30
        2003   2002   2003   2002
       
 
 
 
Revenue:
                               
 
Publishing
  $ 60,028,762     $ 62,100,899     $ 183,666,594     $ 188,310,327  
 
Cable
    27,441,732       25,204,115       81,705,836       75,541,372  
 
Broadcasting
    8,927,978       9,439,506       28,210,365       28,126,969  
 
Other Communications
    5,483,234       6,499,480       17,443,592       19,217,490  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
    101,881,706       103,244,000       311,026,387       311,196,158  
Expense:
                               
 
Publishing
    62,916,865       60,888,697       186,013,902       183,635,801  
 
Cable
    25,350,966       22,425,860       74,582,392       67,631,965  
 
Broadcasting
    9,021,176       8,589,109       27,302,938       26,598,294  
 
Other Communications
    5,359,794       5,872,134       16,074,191       17,721,018  
 
Corporate general and administrative
    1,511,632       1,512,473       3,348,451       2,969,548  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
    104,160,433       99,288,273       307,321,874       298,556,626  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
Operating income (loss)
    (2,278,727 )     3,955,727       3,704,513       12,639,532  
Nonoperating income (expense):
                               
 
Interest expense
    (4,795,664 )     (6,037,895 )     (15,016,194 )     (16,680,122 )
 
Gain on disposition of Monroe Cablevision
          (459,360 )           21,140,829  
 
Change in fair value of interest rate swaps
    4,007,138       (2,472,043 )     1,776,801       (2,193,986 )
 
Loss on extinquishment of debt
                      (8,989,786 )
 
Interest income
    86,785       115,573       186,545       146,520  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
    (701,741 )     (8,853,725 )     (13,052,848 )     (6,576,545 )
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interest
    (2,980,468 )     (4,897,998 )     (9,348,335 )     6,062,987  
Provision (credit) for income taxes
    (1,447,189 )     (1,769,633 )     (2,998,224 )     2,611,512  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before minority interest
    (1,533,279 )     (3,128,365 )     (6,350,111 )     3,451,475  
Minority interest
    78,646       (134,934 )     103,203       (222,055 )
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    (1,454,633 )     (3,263,299 )     (6,246,908 )     3,229,420  
Loss from discontinued operations (including loss on disposal of $235,591 in 2003)
          (186,325 )     (445,658 )     (929,573 )
Income tax benefit
          (76,393 )     (151,524 )     (381,125 )
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
Loss on discontinued operations
          (109,932 )     (294,134 )     (548,448 )
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
Net income (loss)
  $ (1,454,633 )   $ (3,373,231 )   $ (6,541,042 )   $ 2,680,972  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 

See accompanying notes.

3


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements

Block Communications, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity (unaudited)

                                                       
                          Common Stock
                         
          Class A Stock   Voting   Non-Voting
         
 
 
          Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount
         
 
 
 
 
 
Balances at January 1, 2003
    12,620     $ 1,262,000       29,400     $ 2,940       427,786     $ 42,779  
 
Net loss
                                               
 
Amortization of fair value of interest rate swaps at January 1, 2001 (net of deferred tax of $155,000)
                                               
 
Total comprehensive loss
                                               
 
Cash dividends declared:
                                               
   
Class A stock—$2.50 per share
                                               
   
Common Stock:
                                               
     
Voting—$1.35 per share
                                               
     
Non-voting—$1.35 per share
                                               
 
Executive stock incentives issued at $407.97 per share
                                    1,808       180  
 
Redemption of non-voting common shares at $458.50 per share
                                    (981 )     (98 )
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
Balances at September 30, 2003
    12,620     $ 1,262,000       29,400     $ 2,940       428,613     $ 42,861  
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
Balances at January 1, 2002
    12,620     $ 1,262,000       29,400     $ 2,940       427,786     $ 42,779  
 
Net income
                                               
 
Amortization of fair value of interest rate swaps at January 1, 2001 (net of deferred tax of $190,875)
                                               
 
Total comprehensive income
                                               
 
Cash dividends declared:
                                               
   
Class A stock—$2.50 per share
                                               
   
Common Stock:
                                               
     
Voting—$1.40 per share
                                               
     
Non-voting—$1.40 per share
                                               
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
Balances at September 30, 2002
    12,620     $ 1,262,000       29,400     $ 2,940       427,786     $ 42,779  
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
 

[Additional columns below]

[Continued from above table, first column(s) repeated]
                                       
          Accumulated                        
          Other   Additional                
          Comprehensive   Paid-in   Retained        
          Loss   Capital   Earnings   Total
         
 
 
 
Balances at January 1, 2003
  $ (22,860,033 )   $ 771,274     $ 41,426,921     $ 20,645,881  
 
Net loss
                    (6,541,042 )     (6,541,042 )
 
Amortization of fair value of interest rate swaps at January 1, 2001 (net of deferred tax of $155,000)
    274,747                       274,747  
 
                           
 
 
Total comprehensive loss
                            (6,266,295 )
 
Cash dividends declared:
                               
   
Class A stock—$2.50 per share
                    (31,550 )     (31,550 )
   
Common Stock:
                               
     
Voting—$1.35 per share
                    (39,690 )     (39,690 )
     
Non-voting—$1.35 per share
                    (579,314 )     (579,314 )
 
                   
     
 
 
                    (650,554 )     (650,554 )
 
Executive stock incentives issued at $407.97 per share
            737,103               737,283  
 
Redemption of non-voting common shares at $458.50 per share
            (449,690 )             (449,788 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
Balances at September 30, 2003
  $ (22,585,286 )   $ 1,058,687     $ 34,235,325     $ 14,016,527  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Balances at January 1, 2002
  $ (4,725,589 )   $ 771,274     $ 40,229,696     $ 37,583,100  
 
Net income
                    2,680,972       2,680,972  
 
Amortization of fair value of interest rate swaps at January 1, 2001 (net of deferred tax of $190,875)
    339,103                       339,103  
 
                           
 
 
Total comprehensive income
                            3,020,075  
 
Cash dividends declared:
                               
   
Class A stock—$2.50 per share
                    (31,550 )     (31,550 )
   
Common Stock:
                               
     
Voting—$1.40 per share
                    (41,160 )     (41,160 )
     
Non-voting—$1.40 per share
                    (598,901 )     (598,901 )
 
                   
     
 
 
                    (671,611 )     (671,611 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
Balances at September 30, 2002
  $ (4,386,486 )   $ 771,274     $ 42,239,057     $ 39,931,564  
 
   
     
     
     
 

See accompanying notes.

4


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements

Block Communications, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)

                     
        Nine months ended
        September 30
        2003   2002
       
 
Operating activities
               
Net income (loss)
  $ (6,541,042 )   $ 2,680,972  
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
 
Depreciation
    37,169,956       33,737,180  
 
Amortization of intangibles and deferred charges
    2,312,113       1,919,494  
 
Amortization of broadcast rights
    5,224,538       4,977,936  
 
Payments for broadcast rights
    (5,167,589 )     (4,121,864 )
 
Gain on sale of Monroe Cablevision
          (21,140,829 )
 
Loss on disposal of discontinued operation
    235,591        
 
Deferred income taxes (credit)
    (3,918,177 )     3,500,000  
 
Provision for bad debts
    1,289,173       1,033,655  
 
Minority interest
    (103,203 )     222,055  
 
Change in fair value of interest rate swaps
    (1,776,801 )     2,193,986  
 
(Gain) loss on disposal of property and equipment
    135,964       (571,220 )
 
Write-off of deferred charges related to extinquished debt
          2,697,784  
 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
   
Receivables
    6,110,877       4,116,003  
   
Inventories
    (1,576,913 )     (1,769,368 )
   
Prepaid expenses
    1,393,979       1,542,510  
   
Accounts payable
    (5,330,872 )     (833,469 )
   
Salaries, wages, payroll taxes and other accrued liabilities
    (3,459,799 )     594,136  
   
Other assets
    3,939,020       (2,044,730 )
   
Postretirement benefits and other long-term obligations
    (1,044,700 )     (2,454,918 )
 
   
     
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
    28,892,115       26,279,313  
Investing activities
               
Additions to property, plant and equipment
    (35,420,506 )     (20,059,706 )
Change in cash value of life insurance
    (1,252,664 )     (14,385,206 )
Proceeds from sale of Monroe Cablevision
          12,059,115  
Proceeds from sale of investment
    2,000,000        
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment
    72,162       890,386  
 
   
     
 
Net cash used in investing activities
    (34,601,008 )     (21,495,411 )
Financing activities
               
Borrowings under new term loan agreement
    10,000,000       75,000,000  
Payments under new term loan agreement
    (4,133,500 )      
Issuance of subordinated notes
          175,000,000  
Payments on long-term revolver
          (92,500,000 )
Payments on previous term loan
          (75,187,500 )
Payments on senior notes
          (67,499,000 )
Financing costs deferred
          (10,768,413 )
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
    737,283        
Payments on redemption of shares
    (449,788 )      
Cash dividends paid
    (650,554 )     (671,611 )
Payments on notes payable and capital leases
    (248,055 )     (400,606 )
 
   
     
 
Net cash provided by financing activities
    5,255,386       2,972,870  
 
   
     
 
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (453,507 )     7,756,772  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    9,781,645       5,882,732  
 
   
     
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 9,328,138     $ 13,639,504  
 
   
     
 
Non-cash borrowings for equipment under capital lease
  $ 76,856     $ 903,798  
 
   
     
 

See accompanying notes.

5


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements

BLOCK COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

NOTE 1—BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Block Communications, Inc. (the Company) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2003 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2003. For further information, refer to the December 31, 2002 audited consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto.

The balance sheet at December 31, 2002 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements.

New Accounting Standards

In June 2001, SFAS No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations, was issued and is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002. The pronouncement requires legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets to be recognized at their fair value at the time that the obligations are incurred. Upon initial recognition of a liability, that cost should be capitalized as part of the related long-lived asset and allocated to expense over the estimated useful life of the asset. The adoption of this standard on January 1, 2003 has had no impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2003.

In July 2002, SFAS No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities, was issued and applies to fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2002. SFAS No. 146 requires certain costs associated with a restructuring, discontinued operation or plant closing to be recognized as incurred rather that at the date of commitment to an exit or disposal plan. The adoption of this standard on January 1, 2003 has not materially impacted the Company’s financial position or results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2003.

In December 2002, SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure, was issued and provides alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. The Company has previously adopted the fair value method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. Therefore, all years presented reflect this method and no pro-forma disclosures are required.

In November 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Interpretation No. 45, Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others. This Interpretation significantly changes previous practice in the accounting for and disclosure of guarantees. Guarantees meeting the characteristics described in the Interpretation are required to be initially recorded at fair value, which is different from the general current practice of recording a liability only when a loss is probable and can be reasonably estimated. The Interpretation’s initial recognition and initial measurement provisions are applicable on a prospective basis to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. The Interpretation also requires a guarantor to make significant new disclosures for virtually all guarantees even if the likelihood of the guarantor having to make payments under the guarantee is remote. The Interpretation’s disclosure requirements were effective for financial statements beginning in 2002. The Company does not currently guarantee indebtedness of any party outside of the consolidated group. Please refer to Note 7 for disclosures relating to guarantees within the consolidated group.

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements

In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51 (FIN 46). FIN 46 requires consolidation of variable interest entities in which an enterprise absorbs a majority of the entity’s expected losses, receives a majority of the entity’s expected residual returns, or both, as a result of ownership, contractual or other financial interest in the entity. Currently, entities are generally consolidated by an enterprise that has a controlling financial interest through ownership or a majority voting interest in the entity. The adoption of FIN 46 is expected to have no impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In May 2003, SFAS No. 150, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity, was issued and establishes standards for how an issuer classifies certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity by requiring that all financial instruments within the scope of the statement be classified as liabilities. The adoption of SFAS No. 150 has had no impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2003.

NOTE 2—DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

As of May 31, 2003, the Company suspended operations of Community Communication Services, Inc. (CCS), an alternative advertising distribution company. In accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, the results of operations of CCS are reported separately from results of continuing operations for all periods presented. The reported loss from discontinued operations includes revenues of $135,274 for the three months ended September 30, 2002, and revenues of $151,258 and $422,456 for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Results for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2003 include a loss on disposal of the discontinued operations of $235,591. Previously, results of operations of CCS were included in the Other Communications segment.

NOTE 3—ACQUISITION

Effective March 29, 2002, the Company consummated an asset exchange agreement with Comcast Corporation which resulted in an exchange of 100% of the assets of Monroe Cablevision for 100% of the assets of Comcast’s Bedford, Michigan operations and $12.1 million cash. The Company recorded a $21.1 million gain on the disposition of Monroe Cablevision resulting from the difference in fair value versus the net book value of assets exchanged. For tax reporting, the transaction has been treated as a like kind exchange and the amount of the gain in excess of the cash received has been deferred. The operations of Monroe Cablevision are included in the Company’s financial statements through March 28, 2002.

The net assets of the acquired Bedford system have been recorded at their fair value and relate primarily to the cable distribution system and intangibles. The operations of the Bedford system have been included in the Company’s financial statements since March 29, 2002.

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Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements

NOTE 4—LONG-TERM DEBT

During the first nine months of 2003, the Company made $4,133,500 in payments on the outstanding Term Loan B, as required under the May 2002 credit agreement. On June 30, 2003 the Company borrowed $10,000,000 on Term Loan A under the same credit agreement. Effective September 30, 2003 the credit agreement was amended to transfer the $10,000,000 outstanding under Term Loan A to Term Loan B and to reduce the variable interest rate under Term Loan B by 50 basis points.

Long-term debt consists of the following:

                 
    September 30,   December 31,
    2003   2002
   
 
Subordinated notes
  $ 175,000,000     $ 175,000,000  
Fair value adjustment of subordinated notes
    7,519,583       7,658,715  
 
   
     
 
Subordinated notes, as adjusted
    182,519,583       182,658,715  
Senior term loan
    80,491,500       74,625,000  
Capital leases
    2,981,896       3,153,095  
 
   
     
 
 
    265,992,979       260,436,810  
Current maturities
    1,223,514       4,649,871  
 
   
     
 
 
  $ 264,769,465     $ 255,786,939  
 
   
     
 

The Company is exposed to market risk arising from changes in interest rates and therefore participates in interest-rate swap contracts as it deems necessary to minimize interest expense while stabilizing cash flows. At September 30, 2003, the Company participates in seventeen interest–rate swap contracts relating to its long-term debt. Two of these contracts are accounted for as fair value hedges; therefore, changes in the fair value of these derivatives have no impact on the Company’s results of operations. These hedge contracts qualified for the short-cut method of evaluating effectiveness at the inception of the contract; therefore, continuing assessments of their effectiveness are not performed.

The remaining contracts either do not qualify for hedge accounting or the Company has not elected to implement hedge accounting. Accordingly, the Company has recognized a derivative valuation gain of $4,007,138 for the three months ended September 30, 2003 and a loss of $2,472,043 for the same period of the prior year. For the nine months ended September 30, 2003, the Company has recognized a derivative valuation gain of $1,776,801 and a loss of $2,193,986 for the same period of the prior year.

NOTE 5—OTHER LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS

Other long-term obligations consist of the following:

                 
    September 30,   December 31,
    2003   2002
   
 
Other postretirement benefits
  $ 85,510,639     $ 83,365,000  
Pension liabilities
    31,747,737       36,171,121  
Deferred compensation obligations
    15,685,355       14,360,574  
Broadcast rights payable
    4,020,339       7,330,489  
Other
    2,461,068       2,886,367  
 
   
     
 
 
  $ 139,425,138     $ 144,113,551  
 
   
     
 

8


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements

NOTE 6—BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company has three reportable segments—publishing, cable and broadcasting. The publishing segment operates two daily newspapers located in Ohio and Pennsylvania. The cable segment includes two cablevision companies located in Ohio. The broadcasting segment has five television stations located in Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. The “Other” category includes non-reportable segments and corporate items. The non-reportable segments provide services such as telephony, security systems and monitoring, and cable plant construction. The following table presents certain financial information for the three reportable segments and the other category.

                                     
        Three months ended   Nine months ended
        September 30   September 30
       
 
        2003   2002   2003   2002
       
 
 
 
Revenues:
                               
   
Publishing
  $ 60,810,746     $ 63,232,636     $ 186,230,004     $ 191,075,509  
   
Intersegment
    781,984       1,131,737       2,563,410       2,765,182  
   
 
   
     
     
     
 
   
External Publishing
    60,028,762       62,100,899       183,666,594       188,310,327  
   
Cable
    27,472,630       25,227,800       81,782,680       75,599,179  
   
Intersegment
    30,898       23,685       76,844       57,807  
   
 
   
     
     
     
 
   
External Cable
    27,441,732       25,204,115       81,705,836       75,541,372  
   
Broadcasting
    8,927,978       9,439,506       28,210,365       28,126,969  
   
Other
    5,483,234       6,499,480       17,443,592       19,217,490  
   
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
    101,881,706       103,244,000       311,026,387       311,196,158  
Operating income (loss):
                               
   
Publishing
    (2,172,013 )     2,284,316       32,709       7,263,197  
   
Intersegment
    716,090       1,072,114       2,380,017       2,588,671  
   
 
   
     
     
     
 
   
Net Publishing
    (2,888,103 )     1,212,202       (2,347,308 )     4,674,526  
   
Cable
    1,366,066       1,665,492       4,665,657       5,202,338  
   
Intersegment
    (724,700 )     (1,112,763 )     (2,457,787 )     (2,707,069 )
   
 
   
     
     
     
 
   
Net Cable
    2,090,766       2,778,255       7,123,444       7,909,407  
   
Broadcasting
    (93,198 )     850,397       907,427       1,528,675  
   
Corporate expenses
    (1,511,632 )     (1,512,473 )     (3,348,451 )     (2,969,548 )
   
Other
    123,440       627,346       1,369,401       1,496,472  
   
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
    (2,278,727 )     3,955,727       3,704,513       12,639,532  
Nonoperating expense, net
    (701,741 )     (8,853,725 )     (13,052,848 )     (6,576,545 )
   
 
   
     
     
     
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interest
  $ (2,980,468 )   $ (4,897,998 )   $ (9,348,335 )   $ 6,062,987  
   
 
   
     
     
     
 

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Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements

NOTE 7—SUPPLEMENTAL GUARANTOR INFORMATION

The Company’s credit facilities are guaranteed jointly and severally by all of the Company’s wholly owned subsidiaries (collectively, the Guarantors). Such guarantees are full and unconditional. WAND (TV) Partnership, a partially owned subsidiary of the Company, is not a guarantor of the credit facilities.

Supplemental consolidating financial information of the Company, specifically including such information for the Guarantors, is presented below. Financial information for the Parent Company includes both the Holding Company and its one division, The Toledo Blade Company. Investments in subsidiaries are presented using the cost method of accounting and eliminated. Separate financial statements of the Guarantors are not provided as the consolidating financial information contained herein provides a more meaningful disclosure to allow investors to determine the nature of assets held and the operations of the combined groups.

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET
September 30, 2003

                                         
    Unconsolidated                        
   
                       
    Parent   Guarantor   Non-Guarantor                
    Company   Subsidiaries   Subsidiary   Eliminations   Consolidated
   
 
 
 
 
Assets:
                                       
Current assets
  $ 28,446,028     $ 51,775,097     $ 1,801,404     $ 1,172,223     $ 83,194,752  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    24,869,451       216,845,907       5,634,390       (21,725 )     247,328,023  
Intangibles, net
    4,172,171       57,864,759       28,068,958       198,489       90,304,377  
Cash value of life insurance
    26,617,959       229,248                   26,847,207  
Prepaid pension costs
          3,371,125                   3,371,125  
Pension intangibles
    1,442,550       10,489,214                   11,931,764  
Investments in subsidiaries
    165,149,916                   (165,149,916 )      
Other
    19,814,132       16,836,445                   36,650,577  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
 
  $ 270,512,207     $ 357,411,795     $ 35,504,752     $ (163,800,929 )   $ 499,627,825  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:
                                       
Current liabilities
  $ 17,999,296     $ 50,029,315     $ 373,236     $ 1,176,813     $ 69,578,660  
Long-term debt
    264,769,465                         264,769,465  
Other long-term obligations
    1,690,138       230,060,299             (92,325,299 )     139,425,138  
Minority interest
                      11,838,035       11,838,035  
Stockholders’ equity
    (13,946,692 )     77,322,181       35,131,516       (84,490,478 )     14,016,527  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
 
  $ 270,512,207     $ 357,411,795     $ 35,504,752     $ (163,800,929 )   $ 499,627,825  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 

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Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements

NOTE 7—SUPPLEMENTAL GUARANTOR INFORMATION (continued)

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET
December 31, 2002

                                         
    Unconsolidated                
   
               
    Parent   Guarantor Non-Guarantor          
    Company   Subsidiaries   Subsidiary   Eliminations   Consolidated
   
 
 
 
 
Assets:
                                       
Current assets
  $ 31,824,209     $ 57,565,103     $ 2,136,861     $ 88,187     $ 91,614,360  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    26,920,217       215,990,124       5,994,444       372,427       249,277,212  
Intangibles, net
    4,494,448       58,696,639       28,068,958       198,489       91,458,534  
Cash value of life insurance, net
    25,369,465       225,078                   25,594,543  
Prepaid pension costs
          2,437,798                   2,437,798  
Pension intangibles
    1,442,550       10,489,214                   11,931,764  
Investments in subsidiaries
    178,302,804                   (178,302,804 )      
Other
    18,618,079       20,792,387                   39,410,466  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
 
  $ 286,971,772     $ 366,196,343     $ 36,200,263     $ (177,643,701 )   $ 511,724,677  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:
                                       
Current liabilities
  $ 23,530,460     $ 54,864,676     $ 756,010     $ 85,922     $ 79,237,068  
Long-term debt
    255,786,939                         255,786,939  
Other long-term obligations
    11,310,112       238,274,771             (105,471,332 )     144,113,551  
Minority interest
                      11,941,238       11,941,238  
Stockholders’ equity
    (3,655,739 )     73,056,896       35,444,253       (84,199,529 )     20,645,881  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
 
  $ 286,971,772     $ 366,196,343     $ 36,200,263     $ (177,643,701 )   $ 511,724,677  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 

11


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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements

NOTE 7—SUPPLEMENTAL GUARANTOR INFORMATION (continued)

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF INCOME
Three Months Ended September 30, 2003

                                         
    Unconsolidated                
   
               
    Parent   Guarantor   Non-Guarantor                
    Company   Subsidiaries   Subsidiary   Eliminations   Consolidated
   
 
 
 
 
Revenue
  $ 20,367,935     $ 83,848,823     $ 1,485,276     $ (3,820,328 )   $ 101,881,706  
Expenses
    21,772,534       84,139,973       1,724,310       (3,476,384 )     104,160,433  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Operating loss
    (1,404,599 )     (291,150 )     (239,034 )     (343,944 )     (2,278,727 )
Nonoperating income (expense)
    (713,135 )     10,683       711             (701,741 )
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Loss from continuing operations before income tax and minority interest
    (2,117,734 )     (280,467 )     (238,323 )     (343,944 )     (2,980,468 )
Credit for income taxes
    (1,131,708 )     (315,481 )                 (1,447,189 )
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before minority interest
    (986,028 )     35,014       (238,323 )     (343,944 )     (1,533,279 )
Minority interest
                      78,646       78,646  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    (986,028 )     35,014       (238,323 )     (265,298 )     (1,454,633 )
Loss from discontinued operations, net
                             
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Net income (loss)
  $ (986,028 )   $ 35,014     $ (238,323 )   $ (265,298 )   $ (1,454,633 )
 
   
     
     
     
     
 

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF INCOME
Three Months Ended September 30, 2002

                                         
    Unconsolidated                
   
               
    Parent   Guarantor   Non-Guarantor                
    Company   Subsidiaries   Subsidiary   Eliminations   Consolidated
   
 
 
 
 
Revenue
  $ 20,810,725     $ 83,201,514     $ 2,006,458     $ (2,774,697 )   $ 103,244,000  
Expenses
    21,591,068       78,630,410       1,602,578       (2,535,783 )     99,288,273  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Operating income (loss)
    (780,343 )     4,571,104       403,880       (238,914 )     3,955,727  
Nonoperating income (expense)
    (8,860,176 )     1,439       5,012             (8,853,725 )
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax and minority interest
    (9,640,519 )     4,572,543       408,892       (238,914 )     (4,897,998 )
Provision (credit) for income taxes
    (3,600,091 )     1,830,458                   (1,769,633 )
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before minority interest
    (6,040,428 )     2,742,085       408,892       (238,914 )     (3,128,365 )
Minority interest
                      (134,934 )     (134,934 )
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    (6,040,428 )     2,742,085       408,892       (373,848 )     (3,263,299 )
Loss from discontinued operations, net
          (109,932 )                 (109,932 )
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Net income (loss)
  $ (6,040,428 )   $ 2,632,153     $ 408,892     $ (373,848 )   $ (3,373,231 )
 
   
     
     
     
     
 

12


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements

NOTE 7—SUPPLEMENTAL GUARANTOR INFORMATION (continued)

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF INCOME
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003

                                         
    Unconsolidated                
   
               
    Parent   Guarantor   Non-Guarantor                
    Company   Subsidiaries   Subsidiary   Eliminations   Consolidated
   
 
 
 
 
Revenue
  $ 62,062,165     $ 253,671,745     $ 4,679,312     $ (9,386,835 )   $ 311,026,387  
Expenses
    64,163,933       247,159,609       4,991,015       (8,992,683 )     307,321,874  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Operating income (loss)
    (2,101,768 )     6,512,136       (311,703 )     (394,152 )     3,704,513  
Nonoperating income (expense)
    (13,061,145 )     9,331       (1,034 )           (13,052,848 )
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax and minority interest
    (15,162,913 )     6,521,467       (312,737 )     (394,152 )     (9,348,335 )
Provision (credit) for income taxes
    (4,960,272 )     1,962,048                   (2,998,224 )
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before minority interest
    (10,202,641 )     4,559,419       (312,737 )     (394,152 )     (6,350,111 )
Minority interest
                      103,203       103,203  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    (10,202,641 )     4,559,419       (312,737 )     (290,949 )     (6,246,908 )
Loss from discontinued operations, net
          (294,134 )                 (294,134 )
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Net income (loss)
  $ (10,202,641 )   $ 4,265,285     $ (312,737 )   $ (290,949 )   $ (6,541,042 )
 
   
     
     
     
     
 

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF INCOME
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2002

                                         
    Unconsolidated                
   
               
    Parent   Guarantor   Non-Guarantor                
    Company   Subsidiaries   Subsidiary   Eliminations   Consolidated
   
 
 
 
 
Revenue
  $ 60,916,840     $ 252,131,021     $ 5,570,622     $ (7,422,325 )   $ 311,196,158  
Expenses
    62,656,881       238,623,191       4,910,014       (7,633,460 )     298,556,626  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Operating income (loss)
    (1,740,041 )     13,507,830       660,608       211,135       12,639,532  
Nonoperating income (expense)
    (6,594,767 )     5,935       12,287             (6,576,545 )
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax and minority interest
    (8,334,808 )     13,513,765       672,895       211,135       6,062,987  
Provision (credit) for income taxes
    (3,064,749 )     5,676,261                   2,611,512  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before minority interest
    (5,270,059 )     7,837,504       672,895       211,135       3,451,475  
Minority interest
                      (222,055 )     (222,055 )
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    (5,270,059 )     7,837,504       672,895       (10,920 )     3,229,420  
Loss from discontinued operations, net
          (548,448 )                 (548,448 )
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Net income (loss)
  $ (5,270,059 )   $ 7,289,056     $ 672,895     $ (10,920 )   $ 2,680,972  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 

13


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements

NOTE 7—SUPPLEMENTAL GUARANTOR INFORMATION (continued)

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003

                                         
    Unconsolidated                
   
               
    Parent   Guarantor   Non-Guarantor                
    Company   Subsidiaries   Subsidiary   Eliminations   Consolidated
   
 
 
 
 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
  $ (13,963,970 )   $ 42,688,003     $ 555,379     $ (387,297 )   $ 28,892,115  
Additions to property, plant and equipment
    (965,153 )     (34,319,304 )     (530,201 )     394,152       (35,420,506 )
Other investing activities
    758,656       60,842                   819,498  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    (206,497 )     (34,258,462 )     (530,201 )     394,152       (34,601,008 )
Borrowings on term loan
    10,000,000                         10,000,000  
Payments on term loan
    (4,133,500 )                       (4,133,500 )
Other financing activity
    7,715,277       (8,319,536 )           (6,855 )     (611,114 )
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    13,581,777       (8,319,536 )           (6,855 )     5,255,386  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents
    (588,690 )     110,005       25,178             (453,507 )
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period
    8,854,800       455,633       471,212             9,781,645  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Cash and equivalents at end of period
  $ 8,266,110     $ 565,638     $ 496,390     $     $ 9,328,138  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 

14


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements

NOTE 7—SUPPLEMENTAL GUARANTOR INFORMATION (continued)

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2002

                                         
    Unconsolidated                
   
               
    Parent   Guarantor   Non-Guarantor                
    Company   Subsidiaries   Subsidiary   Eliminations   Consolidated
   
 
 
 
 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
  $ (25,349,097 )   $ 51,327,298     $ 52,317     $ 248,795     $ 26,279,313  
Additions to property, plant and equipment
    (505,039 )     (18,647,903 )     (695,629 )     (211,135 )     (20,059,706 )
Other investing activities
    (2,288,273 )     852,568                   (1,435,705 )
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Net cash used in investing activities
    (2,793,312 )     (17,795,335 )     (695,629 )     (211,135 )     (21,495,411 )
Issuance of subordinated notes
    175,000,000                         175,000,000  
Borrowings on term loan
    75,000,000                         75,000,000  
Payments on long-term debt
    (235,186,500 )                       (235,186,500 )
Other financing activity
    22,597,748       (34,400,718 )           (37,660 )     (11,840,630 )
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    37,411,248       (34,400,718 )           (37,660 )     2,972,870  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents
    9,268,839       (868,755 )     (643,312 )           7,756,772  
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period
    3,186,078       (64,937 )     2,761,591             5,882,732  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Cash and equivalents at end of period
  $ 12,454,917     $ (933,692 )   $ 2,118,279     $     $ 13,639,504  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 

15


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Position and Results of Operations

     The following analysis of the financial condition and results of operations of Block Communications, Inc. (the “Company”) should be read in conjunction with our unaudited Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements and notes thereto included elsewhere herein and with the management’s discussion and analysis, consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002.

Overview

     We are a privately held diversified media company with our primary operations in cable television, newspaper publishing and television broadcasting. We provide cable television service to the greater Toledo, Ohio metropolitan area (Buckeye CableSystem) and the Sandusky, Ohio area (Erie County CableSystem). At December 31, 2002, we had approximately 152,000 subscribers. We publish two daily metropolitan newspapers, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and The Blade in Toledo, Ohio, each of which is the leading publication in its market. The aggregate average daily and Sunday paid circulation of our two newspapers is approximately 385,100 and 601,400, respectively, as of December 31, 2002. We own and operate four television stations: two in Louisville, Kentucky, and one each in Boise, Idaho and Lima, Ohio; and we are a two-thirds owner of a television station in Decatur, Illinois. We also have other communication operations including a telecom business and a commercial and residential security business.

     Since our diversified media operations include several advertising dependent companies, our financial performance is significantly impacted by advertising revenues. In general, advertising revenue is highest in the fourth quarter, due in part to increases in retail advertising in the period leading up to and including the holiday season. In addition, broadcasting advertising revenues are generally higher in even-numbered election years due to political advertising.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

     We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the related disclosures. We base our estimates and judgments on historical experience and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. We evaluate these estimates and judgments on a continual basis. Actual results may differ from these estimates and judgments.

     We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our significant estimates and judgments used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. If the financial condition of our customers were to change, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances could be required. We maintain various employment related liabilities, such as workers’ compensation and medical reserves, based on historical performance and current trends. Actual results could differ from estimates resulting in adjustments to the recorded liability. Actuarial assumptions have a significant impact on the determination of net periodic pension costs and credits and other post-employment benefits. If actual experience differs from these assumptions, future periodic pension and post-employment costs could be adversely affected.

General

     For the nine months ended September 30, 2003, we had revenues, operating income and a net loss from continuing operations of $311.0 million, $3.7 million and $6.2 million, respectively. This represents a decrease in revenues of $170,000 and a decrease in operating income of $8.9 million as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2002.

     Set forth below are the operating results and a reconciliation of net income to EBITDA for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2003 and 2002.

16


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Position and Results of Operations

Block Communications, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Results of Operations (unaudited)

                                   
      Three months ended September 30,
     
      2003   2002
     
 
Revenue:
                               
 
Publishing
  $ 60,028,762       58.9 %   $ 62,100,899       60.1 %
 
Cable
    27,441,732       26.9       25,204,115       24.4  
 
Broadcasting
    8,927,978       8.8       9,439,506       9.1  
 
Other Communications
    5,483,234       5.4       6,499,480       6.3  
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
    101,881,706       100.0       103,244,000       100.0  
Expense:
                               
 
Publishing
    62,916,865       61.8       60,888,697       59.0  
 
Cable
    25,350,966       24.9       22,425,860       21.7  
 
Broadcasting
    9,021,176       8.9       8,589,109       8.3  
 
Other Communications
    5,359,794       5.3       5,872,134       5.7  
 
Corporate general and administrative
    1,511,632       1.5       1,512,473       1.5  
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
    104,160,433       102.2       99,288,273       96.2  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Operating income (loss)
    (2,278,727 )     -2.2 %     3,955,727       3.8 %
Nonoperating income (expense):
                               
 
Interest expense
    (4,795,664 )             (6,037,895 )        
 
Loss on disposition of Monroe Cablevision
                  (459,360 )        
 
Change in fair value of interest rate swaps
    4,007,138               (2,472,043 )        
 
Interest income
    86,785               115,573          
 
   
             
         
 
    (701,741 )             (8,853,725 )        
 
   
             
         
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interest
    (2,980,468 )             (4,897,998 )        
Credit for income taxes
    (1,447,189 )             (1,769,633 )        
Minority interest
    78,646               (134,934 )        
 
   
             
         
Loss from continuing operations
    (1,454,633 )             (3,263,299 )        
Loss from discontinued operations, net
                  (109,932 )        
 
   
             
         
Net loss
    (1,454,633 )             (3,373,231 )        
Add:
                               
 
Interest expense
    4,795,664               6,037,895          
 
Provision for income taxes
    (1,447,189 )             (1,846,026 )        
 
Depreciation
    12,284,170               11,459,351          
 
Amortization of intangibles and deferred charges
    771,577               626,042          
 
Amortization of broadcast rights
    1,828,665               1,655,247          
 
Loss on disposal of property and equipment
    93,278               (974,034 )        
 
Change in fair value of interest rate swaps
    (4,007,138 )             2,472,043          
 
Loss on disposition of Monroe Cablevision
                  459,360          
Less:
                               
 
Payments on broadcast rights
    (1,769,823 )             (1,590,320 )        
 
   
             
         
EBITDA
  $ 11,094,571             $ 14,926,327          
 
   
             
         

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Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Position and Results of Operations

Block Communications, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Results of Operations (unaudited)

                                                   
      Nine months ended September 30,
     
      2003   2002
     
 
Revenue:
                                               
 
Publishing
  $ 183,666,594               59.1 %   $ 188,310,327               60.5 %
 
Cable
    81,705,836               26.3       75,541,372               24.3  
 
Broadcasting
    28,210,365               9.1       28,126,969               9.0  
 
Other Communications
    17,443,592               5.6       19,217,490               6.2  
 
   
             
     
             
 
 
    311,026,387               100.0       311,196,158               100.0  
Expense:
                                               
 
Publishing
    186,013,902               59.8       183,635,801               59.0  
 
Cable
    74,582,392               24.0       67,631,965               21.7  
 
Broadcasting
    27,302,938               8.8       26,598,294               8.5  
 
Other Communications
    16,074,191               5.2       17,721,018               5.7  
 
Corporate general and administrative
    3,348,451               1.1       2,969,548               1.0  
 
   
             
     
             
 
 
    307,321,874               98.8       298,556,626               95.9  
 
   
             
     
             
 
Operating income
    3,704,513               1.2 %     12,639,532               4.1 %
Nonoperating income (expense):
                                               
 
Interest expense
    (15,016,194 )                     (16,680,122 )                
 
Gain on disposition of Monroe Cablevision
                          21,140,829                  
 
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
                          (8,989,786 )                
 
Change in fair value of interest rate swaps
    1,776,801                       (2,193,986 )                
 
Interest income
    186,545                       146,520                  
 
   
                     
                 
 
    (13,052,848 )                     (6,576,545 )                
 
   
                     
                 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interest
    (9,348,335 )                     6,062,987                  
Provision (credit) for income taxes
    (2,998,224 )                     2,611,512                  
Minority interest
    103,203                       (222,055 )                
 
   
                     
                 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    (6,246,908 )                     3,229,420                  
Loss from discontinued operations, net
    (294,134 )                     (548,448 )                
 
   
                     
                 
Net income (loss)
    (6,541,042 )                     2,680,972                  
Add:
                                               
 
Interest expense
    15,016,194                       16,680,122                  
 
Provision (credit) for income taxes
    (3,149,748 )                     2,230,387                  
 
Depreciation
    37,169,956                       33,737,180                  
 
Amortization of intangibles and deferred charges
    2,312,113                       1,919,494                  
 
Amortization of broadcast rights
    5,224,538                       4,977,936                  
 
Loss (gain) on disposal of property and equipment
    135,964                       (571,220 )                
 
Change in fair value of interest rate swaps
    (1,776,801 )                     2,193,986                  
 
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations
    235,591                                        
 
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
                          8,989,786                  
 
Gain on disposal of Monroe Cablevision
                          (21,140,829 )                
Less:
                                               
 
Payments on broadcast rights
    (5,167,589 )                     (4,121,864 )                
 
   
                     
                 
EBITDA
  $ 43,459,176                     $ 47,575,950                  
 
   
                     
                 

18


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Position and Results of Operations

Set forth below is a reconciliation of net income to EBITDA by operating segment for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2003 and 2002.

Block Communications, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Reconciliation of Net Income to EBITDA by Segment

                                                   
      Publishing   Cable   Broadcasting   Other   Corporate   Consolidated
     
 
 
 
 
 
   
Three months ended September 30, 2003
Net income (loss)
  $ (1,949,271 )   $ 1,403,788     $ (93,661 )   $ 203,255     $ (1,018,744 )   $ (1,454,633 )
Adjustments to net income (loss):
                                               
 
Interest expense
    49,102                         4,746,562       4,795,664  
 
Provision (credit) for income taxes
    (987,199 )     687,966       87,766       (79,815 )     (1,155,907 )     (1,447,189 )
 
Depreciation
    2,485,218       8,049,246       720,625       1,029,081             12,284,170  
 
Amortization of intangibles and deferred charges
    88,283       184,890       4,234             494,170       771,577  
 
Amortization of broadcast rights
          72,770       1,755,895                   1,828,665  
 
Film payments
          (68,219 )     (1,701,604 )                 (1,769,823 )
 
(Gain) loss on disposal of assets
    (27,875 )     21,248       66,247       33,658             93,278  
 
Change in fair value of derivative
                            (4,007,138 )     (4,007,138 )
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
EBITDA
  $ (341,742 )   $ 10,351,689     $ 839,502     $ 1,186,179     $ (941,057 )   $ 11,094,571  
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
   
Three months ended September 30, 2002
Net income (loss)
  $ 250,556     $ 1,830,047     $ 537,403     $ 456,072     $ (6,447,309 )   $ (3,373,231 )
Adjustments to net income (loss):
                                               
 
Interest expense
    42,720                         5,995,175       6,037,895  
 
Provision (credit) for income taxes
    919,145       949,647       183,072       (15,051 )     (3,882,839 )     (1,846,026 )
 
Depreciation
    2,754,000       7,083,867       617,972       1,003,512             11,459,351  
 
Amortization of intangibles and deferred charges
    88,167       28,731       9,785             499,359       626,042  
 
Amortization of broadcast rights
          85,512       1,569,735                   1,655,247  
 
Film payments
          (43,107 )     (1,547,213 )                 (1,590,320 )
 
(Gain) loss on disposal of assets
    531       (986,303 )           11,738             (974,034 )
 
Change in fair value of derivative
                            2,472,043       2,472,043  
 
Loss on early extinquishment of debt
                            459,360       459,360  
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
EBITDA
  $ 4,055,119     $ 8,948,394     $ 1,370,754     $ 1,456,271     $ (904,211 )   $ 14,926,327  
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
   
Nine months ended September 30, 2003
Net income (loss)
  $ (2,309,203 )   $ 4,905,605     $ 549,870     $ 1,231,480     $ (10,918,794 )   $ (6,541,042 )
Adjustments to net income (loss):
                                               
 
Interest expense
    147,821                         14,868,373       15,016,194  
 
Provision (credit) for income taxes
    (184,994 )     2,221,035       467,672       (307,737 )     (5,345,724 )     (3,149,748 )
 
Depreciation
    8,217,216       23,622,521       2,160,332       3,169,887             37,169,956  
 
Amortization of intangibles and deferred charges
    264,617       554,672       12,704             1,480,120       2,312,113  
 
Amortization of broadcast rights
          226,696       4,997,842                   5,224,538  
 
Film payments
          (240,105 )     (4,927,484 )                 (5,167,589 )
 
(Gain) loss on disposal of assets
    (37,375 )     66,750       73,115       33,474             135,964  
 
Change in fair value of derivative
                            (1,776,801 )     (1,776,801 )
 
Loss on disposal of discontinued operation
                      235,591             235,591  
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
EBITDA
  $ 6,098,082     $ 31,357,174     $ 3,334,051     $ 4,362,695     $ (1,692,826 )   $ 43,459,176  
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
   
Nine months ended September 30, 2002
Net income (loss)
  $ 1,620,249     $ 4,897,917     $ 963,827     $ 1,118,081     $ (5,919,102 )   $ 2,680,972  
Adjustments to net income (loss):
                                               
 
Interest expense
    129,694                         16,550,428       16,680,122  
 
Provision (credit) for income taxes
    2,924,843       3,016,022       356,483       (551,182 )     (3,515,779 )     2,230,387  
 
Depreciation
    8,410,000       20,366,572       1,910,608       3,050,000             33,737,180  
 
Amortization of intangibles and deferred charges
    264,501       28,731       25,204       446,138       1,154,920       1,919,494  
 
Amortization of broadcast rights
          233,951       4,743,985                   4,977,936  
 
Film payments
          (150,387 )     (3,971,477 )                 (4,121,864 )
 
(Gain) loss on disposal of assets
    (6,713 )     (583,914 )           19,407             (571,220 )
 
Change in fair value of derivative
                            2,193,986       2,193,986  
 
Loss on early extinquishment of debt
                                    8,989,786       8,989,786  
 
Gain on sale of Monroe Cablevision
                            (21,140,829 )     (21,140,829 )
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
EBITDA
  $ 13,342,574     $ 27,808,892     $ 4,028,630     $ 4,082,444     $ (1,686,590 )   $ 47,575,950  
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
 

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Position and Results of Operations

     We define EBITDA as net income before interest expense, provision for income taxes, depreciation and amortization (including amortization of broadcast rights), other non-cash charges, gains or losses on disposition of assets, other non-recurring items, and extraordinary items and after payments for broadcast rights. Other media companies may measure EBITDA in a different manner. We have included EBITDA data because such data is commonly used as a measure of performance for media companies and is also used by investors to measure a company’s ability to service debt. EBITDA is also a significant component of the financial covenants contained in our senior debt agreements. EBITDA is not, and should not be used as, an indicator of or alternative to operating income (loss), net income (loss) or cash flow as reflected in our consolidated financial statements, is not intended to represent funds available for debt service, dividends or other discretionary uses, is not a measure of financial performance under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Refer to our financial statements, including our statement of cash flows, which appear elsewhere in this report. The foregoing calculations of EBITDA are not necessarily comparable to similarly titled amounts of other companies.

     Three Months Ended September 30, 2003 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2002

Revenues

     Total revenue for the three month period ended September 30, 2003 was $101.9 million, a decrease of $1.4 million, or 1.3%, as compared to the same period of the prior year. This decrease was attributable to reductions in publishing, broadcasting and other communications revenue, partially offset by cable revenue growth as discussed below.

     Cable Television. Cable revenue for the quarter was $27.4 million, an increase of $2.2 million, or 8.9%, as compared to the same period of 2002. The increase in cable revenue was principally the result of an increase of $5.73, to $60.46, in the average monthly revenue per basic subscriber, based on the average number of subscribers throughout the quarter. An increase in the monthly basic cable service charge and continued rollout of new services drove the increase in average monthly revenue per subscriber. Average monthly high-speed data revenue per customer of $45.43 decreased $.53 as compared to the third quarter of 2002. This decrease is primarily due to digital packaging discounts offered as part of the aggressive digital tiers marketing campaign launched during the last half of the third quarter of 2002. For the quarter ended September 30, 2003, average monthly digital revenue per home was $14.12, a decrease of $.39 as compared to the same period of the prior year. This decrease is due to a change in the composition of the digital subscriber base. At the start of the digital launch, the subscriber base consisted primarily of early adopters who, on average, purchased higher tiers of digital service, whereas, later subscribers opted, on average, for lower tiers of service, thereby reducing per-subscriber revenue. This shift in the subscriber base is the result of the aggressive marketing campaign mentioned above.

     Revenue generating units increased in the digital and high-speed data categories during the quarter ended September 30, 2003. Net digital additions totaled 2,708 during the quarter, resulting in 35,686 digital homes as of September 30, 2003. Net high-speed data additions totaled 1,930 during the quarter, resulting in 27,551 high-speed data customers as of September 30, 2003. Basic subscribers at the end of the period totaled 151,243, a decrease of 110 basic subscribers in the third quarter of 2003 due to a slight increase in the Toledo system resulting from a fall campaign promoting a bundled package, offset by seasonal decline in the Erie County system.

     Newspaper Publishing. Publishing revenue for the quarter was $60.0 million, a decrease of $2.1 million, or 3.3%, as compared to the third quarter of 2002. The decrease consisted of a $1.8 million, or 3.7%, decrease in advertising revenue due primarily to decreases in retail and classified advertising of $1.4 million, or 5.7%, and $1.6 million, or 8.4%, respectively, resulting from continued economic softness, offset by an increase in national advertising of $87,000, or 1.4%. Other advertising, net of trade expense, increased $1.0 million as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2002. For the third quarter of 2003, circulation revenue decreased $211,000, or 1.7%, primarily due to a decrease in home-delivery revenue resulting from an increase in subscription stops attributable to economic conditions and a decrease in the average earned rate per copy. Other revenue, which consists of third party and total market delivery, was consistent with the same quarter of the previous year.

     Television Broadcasting. Broadcasting revenue for the quarter was $8.9 million, a decrease of $512,000, or 5.4%, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2002. The decrease in broadcasting revenue was due to decreases in national and political advertising of $395,000 and $369,000, respectively, partially offset by an increase in local advertising of $194,000.

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Position and Results of Operations

     Other Communications. Other communications revenue for the quarter was $5.5 million, a decrease of $1.0 million, or 15.6%, as compared to same period of the prior year. This is partially due to a decrease in our security system sales revenue of $792,000, resulting from a planned reduction in the growth of our security business with the intent of improving operating margins and controlling capital investments. Telecom revenue for the quarter was $4.3 million, a decrease of $225,000, due to a planned decrease in long-distance revenue of $163,000 and a $62,000 decrease in switched services revenue. Effective June 14, 2003, an incumbent LEC invoked the FCC order on reciprocal compensation rate reduction. As a result, our telecom operation recognized a net reduction in reciprocal compensation revenue specifically attributable to the FCC order of approximately $65,000 per month from recent historical levels. This reduction in reciprocal compensation revenue was partially offset by revenue growth resulting from a 2.5% increase in the customer base during the third quarter of 2003, caused by the net addition of 16 new telecom customers.

Operating Expenses

     Operating expenses for the quarter were $104.2 million, an increase of $4.9 million, or 4.9%, as compared to the third quarter of 2002. The increase in operating expense was attributable to increased publishing, cable, and broadcasting expenses, offset by decreased expenses within the other communications segment.

     Cable Television. Cable operating expenses were $25.4 million, an increase of $2.9 million, or 13.0%, as compared to the same period of the prior year. The increase was primarily due to a $1.4 million, or 66.8%, increase in general and administrative expenses and a $965,000, or 13.6%, increase in depreciation. General and administrative expenses increased due to increases in personal property tax, worker’s compensation expense, expense related to employee pension benefits, a gain recognized on the disposal of assets during the third quarter of 2002, and an overall increase in property and casualty insurance rates. The increase in depreciation is attributable to the capital expenditures associated with the rebuild of our Toledo cable system and continued rollout of cable modems and digital cable service, as well as, acceleration of depreciation expense for the Erie County system in anticipation of a first quarter 2004 rebuild completion date. Basic cable programming expenses increased $551,000, or 10.2%, to $6.0 million, due to price increases from programming suppliers. Programming expense for the digital tier increased $246,000, due to an increase in the number of digital subscribers as compared to the same quarter of the prior year.

     Newspaper Publishing. Publishing operating expenses were $62.9 million, an increase of $2.0 million, or 3.3%, from the three months ended September 30, 2002. The increase was partially due to a $424,000, or 5.9%, increase in the cost of newsprint and ink, resulting from a weighted-average price per ton increase of $50.63, or 12.0%, partially offset by a 5.6% decrease in consumption from the same period of the prior year. Departmental operating costs increased primarily due to contractual wage increases and general and administrative expenses increased due to additional expense related to employee pension benefits.

     Television Broadcasting. Broadcasting operating expenses were $9.0 million, an increase of $432,000, or 5.0%, from the same period of the prior year. The increase results primarily from increases in general and administrative, broadcast film amortization, and depreciation expense of $147,000, $186,000, and $103,000, respectively.

     Other Communications. Other communications operating expenses were $5.4 million, a decrease of $512,000, or 8.7%, from the same period of 2002. This variance is primarily due to a decrease of $532,000, or 26.1%, in operating expenses related to security alarm system sales and monitoring caused by a planned decrease in sales volumes, as well as by cost control initiatives. Telecom operating expenses increased $43,000, or 1.1%, due to inflationary increases in departmental expenses partially offset by a decrease of $155,000 in long-distance expense.

Operating Income

     Operating income decreased $6.2 million as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2002. Cable operating income decreased $687,000 due to overall increases in general and administrative expenses, depreciation and cable programming expenses, partially offset by revenue growth generated from rate increases and rollout of new services. Publishing operating income decreased $4.1 million, primarily due to decreases in advertising revenue and increased operating expenses as discussed above. Broadcasting operating income decreased $944,000 due to decreases in advertising revenue, primarily national and political, and increased operating expenses. Other communications operating income decreased $504,000 due to decreased security system sales partially offset by decreased operating expenses. Corporate general and administrative expenses were consistent with the three months ended September 30, 2002.

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Position and Results of Operations

Net Income

     For the three months ended September 30, 2003, the company reported a loss from continuing operations of $1.5 million, compared to a loss from continuing operations of $3.3 million reported for the same period of the prior year. This decrease in the loss from continuing operations is primarily due to a decrease in interest expense of $1.2 million and a favorable variance of $6.5 million on the change in fair value of interest-rate swaps. The change in fair value of interest-rate swaps for the three months ended September 30, 2003 includes a $2.6 million derivative valuation gain related to an interest-rate swap contract that was liquidated in the third quarter. These favorable variances from prior year were partially offset by the decrease in operating income of $6.2 million.

     Effective May 31, 2003, the Company suspended operations of Community Communication Services, Inc. (CCS), an alternative advertising distribution company. Results of CCS are reported separately from results of continuing operations for all periods presented. Loss from discontinued operations net of tax decreased $110,000 from the prior year due to the discontinuation of operations in May. The Toledo Blade will fulfill the advertising needs of approximately 60% of CCS customers through the publishing group’s direct mail or total market delivery products.

     As a result of the foregoing, the company reported a net loss of $1.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2003, as compared to a net loss of $3.4 million for the same period of the prior year.

Depreciation and Amortization

     Depreciation and amortization increased $970,000, or 8.0%, as compared to the same period of the prior year. The increase was primarily due to asset additions resulting from the rebuild of our cable system in Toledo, accelerated depreciation expense on the Erie County system and other capital expenditures to maintain operations.

EBITDA

     EBITDA decreased $3.8 million, or 25.7%, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2002. A reconciliation of EBITDA to net income is provided above. EBITDA as a percentage of revenue for the quarter ended September 30, 2003 decreased to 10.9% from 14.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2002. The decrease in EBITDA as a percentage of revenue was primarily due to the increase in publishing and cable operating expenses and a decrease in publishing revenue, partially offset by the continued rollout of high margin advanced cable products. Net loss as a percentage of revenue was 1.4% as of September 30, 2003, as compared to net loss as a percentage of revenue at September 30, 2002 of 3.3%.

     Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2002

Revenues

     Total revenue for the nine month period ended September 30, 2003 was $311.0 million, a decrease of $170,000, or 0.1%, as compared to the same period of the prior year. This decrease was attributable to decreases in publishing and other communications revenue, partially offset by increases in cable revenue and broadcasting advertising revenue discussed below.

     Cable Television. Cable revenue was $81.7 million, an increase of $6.2 million, or 8.2%, as compared to the same period of 2002. The increase in cable revenue was principally the result of an increase of $5.44, to $59.82, in the average monthly revenue per basic subscriber, based on the average number of subscribers throughout the period. An increase in the monthly basic cable service charge and continued rollout of new services drove the increase in average monthly revenue per subscriber. Average monthly high-speed data revenue per customer was $45.47, a decrease of $.87, as compared to the first nine months of 2002. This decrease is primarily due to digital packaging discounts offered as part of the aggressive digital tiers marketing campaign launched during the last half of the third quarter of 2002. For the nine months ended September 30, 2003, average monthly digital revenue per home was $14.60, a decrease of $.50 as compared to the same period of the prior year. This decrease is due to a change in the composition of the digital subscriber base. At the start of the digital launch, the subscriber base consisted primarily of early adopters who, on average, purchased higher tiers of digital service, whereas, later subscribers opted, on average, for lower tiers of service, thereby reducing per-subscriber revenue. This shift in the subscriber base is the result of the aggressive marketing campaign mentioned above.

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Position and Results of Operations

     Revenue generating units increased in the digital and high-speed data categories during the nine months ended September 30, 2003. Net digital additions totaled 9,594 for the period, resulting in 35,686 digital homes as of September 30, 2003. Net high-speed data additions totaled 4,986 for the period, resulting in 27,551 high-speed data customers. Basic subscribers at the end of the period totaled 151,243, a decrease of 1,149 basic subscribers in the nine months ended September 30, 2003 due to weak economic conditions resulting in an increase in non-pay disconnects and fewer installations primarily in the Toledo system.

     Newspaper Publishing. Publishing revenue was $183.7 million, a decrease of $4.6 million, or 2.5%, as compared to the same period of 2002. The decrease consisted of a $4.1 million, or 2.7%, decrease in advertising revenue due primarily to a decrease in retail and classified advertising of $3.3 million, or 4.3%, and $3.9 million, or 6.9%, respectively, resulting from continued economic softness. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in national advertising of $1.7 million, or 8.7%. For the first nine months of 2003, circulation revenue decreased $526,000, or 1.4%, due to a decrease in single copy sales resulting from the impact of severe weather during the first quarter and a decrease in home-delivery revenue attributable to the continued economic softness. Other revenue, which consists of third party and total market delivery, was consistent with the same period of the previous year.

     Television Broadcasting. Broadcasting revenue was $28.2 million, an increase of $83,000, or 0.3%, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2002. The increase in broadcasting revenue was due to an increase in local advertising revenue of $826,000, or 4.4%, partially offset by a decrease in national and political advertising of $236,000 and $539,000, respectively.

     Other Communications. Other communications revenue was $17.4 million, a decrease of $1.8 million, or 9.2%, as compared to same period of the prior year. This is partially due to a decrease in our security system sales revenue of $1.8 million, resulting from a planned reduction in the growth of our security business with the intent of improving operating margins and controlling capital investments. Telecom revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 was $13.2 million, a decrease of $23,000 due to a planned decrease in long-distance revenue of $475,000, partially offset by an increase in telecom switched services revenue of $452,000. During the first nine months of 2003, the telecom switched services revenue increased due to the net addition of 79 new telecom customers, representing a 13.8% increase in the customer base. Effective June 14, 2003, an incumbent LEC invoked the FCC order on reciprocal compensation rate reduction. As a result, in the period subsequent to the rate reduction, our telecom operation recognized a net reduction in reciprocal compensation revenue specifically attributable to the FCC order of approximately $65,000 per month from recent historical levels.

Operating Expenses

     Operating expenses for the first nine months were $307.3 million, an increase of $8.8 million, or 2.9%, as compared to the first nine months of 2002. The increase in operating expense was attributable to increased publishing, cable, broadcast, and corporate general and administrative expenses, offset by decreased other communications expenses.

     Cable Television. Cable operating expenses were $74.6 million, an increase of $7.0 million, or 10.3%, as compared to the same period of the prior year. The increase was primarily due to a $3.3 million, or 16.0%, increase in depreciation, to $23.6 million. This increase in depreciation is attributable to the capital expenditures associated with the rebuild of our Toledo cable system and continued rollout of cable modems and digital cable service. In addition, depreciation expense for the Erie County system has been accelerated in anticipation of a first quarter 2004 rebuild completion date. Basic cable programming expenses increased $1.3 million, or 7.9%, to $18.0 million, due to price increases from programming suppliers. Programming expense for the digital tier increased $716,000, due to an increase in the number of digital subscribers as compared to the same quarter of the prior year. General and administrative expenses increased $1.3 million, or 15.1%, due to increases in personal property tax, worker’s compensation expense, employee pension expense, a gain recognized on the disposal of assets during the third quarter of 2002, and an overall increase in property and casualty insurance rates.

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Position and Results of Operations

     Newspaper Publishing. Publishing operating expenses were $186.0 million, an increase of $2.4 million, or 1.3%, from the nine months ended September 30, 2002. The increase was due to increases in circulation, advertising and production expenses of $476,000, $368,000 and $392,000, respectively, primarily due to contractual wage increases. Newsprint expense increased $71,000, or 0.3%, resulting from a weighted-average price per ton increase of $18.21, or 4.1%, partially offset by a 4.2% decrease in consumption from the same period of the prior year. General and administrative expenses increased $1.5 million, or 3.1%, as compared to the same period of the prior year partially due to contractual increases in wages and increased expense related to employee pension benefits. G&A expenses also increased from the nine months ended September 30, 2002, due to a favorable variance in bad debt expense recognized in the second quarter of 2002 resulting from cash collections on a significant retail account, which had been fully reserved.

     Television Broadcasting. Broadcasting operating expenses were $27.3 million, an increase of $705,000, or 2.7%, from the same period of the prior year. The increase results primarily from increases in programming, film amortization, sales and depreciation expenses of $287,000, $254,000, $167,000 and $250,000 respectively, partially offset by decreases in general and administrative expenses of $146,000. Other savings resulted from overall cost control initiatives.

     Other Communications. Other communications operating expenses were $16.1 million, a decrease of $1.6 million, or 9.3%, from the same period of 2002. This variance is primarily due to a decrease of $1.2 million, or 20.6%, in operating expenses related to security alarm system sales and monitoring caused by a planned decrease in sales volumes, as well as by cost control initiatives. Telecom operating expenses decreased $411,000, or 3.5%, due to a decrease of $473,000 in long-distance expense.

Operating Income

     Operating income decreased $8.9 million as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2002. Cable operating income decreased $786,000 due to overall increases in depreciation, general and administrative expenses, and cable programming expenses, partially offset by revenue growth generated from rate increases and rollout of new services. Publishing operating income decreased $7.0 million, primarily due to decreases in advertising revenue and contractual wage increases. Broadcasting operating income decreased $621,000 due primarily to inflationary increases in various departmental expenses. Other communications operating income decreased $127,000 due to decreased security system sales partially offset by decreased operating expenses. Corporate general and administrative expenses increased $379,000 from the prior year due to increases in salary expense, professional fees, and amortization of deferred financing costs.

Net Income

     For the nine months ended September 30, 2003, the company reported a loss from continuing operations of $6.2 million, compared to income from continuing operations of $3.2 million reported for the same period of the prior year. The decrease in income from continuing operations is primarily due to a $21.1 million gain recognized in 2002 attributable to the like-kind exchange of Monroe Cablevision, partially offset by a $9.0 million loss recognized in the second quarter of 2002 related to the early extinguishment of debt and the tax effect of both transactions. The variance from prior year also reflects the decrease in operating income, partially offset by a decrease in interest expense of $1.7 million and a $4.0 million favorable variance on the change in fair value of interest-rate swaps. The change in fair value of interest-rate swaps for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 includes a $2.6 million derivative valuation gain related to an interest-rate swap contract that was liquidated in the third quarter.

     Effective May 31, 2003, the Company suspended operations of Community Communication Services, Inc. (CCS), as discussed above. Results of CCS are reported separately from results of continuing operations for all periods presented. Loss from discontinued operations net of tax decreased $254,000 from the prior year due to cost control measures and the discontinuation of operations in May.

     As a result of the foregoing, the company reported a net loss of $6.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003, as compared to net income of $2.7 million for the same period of the prior year.

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Position and Results of Operations

Depreciation and Amortization

     Depreciation and amortization increased $3.8 million, or 10.7%, as compared to the same period of the prior year. The increase in depreciation expense was primarily due to asset additions resulting from the rebuild of our cable system in Toledo, accelerated depreciation expense on the Erie County system and other capital expenditures to maintain operations. Amortization expense increased due to the intangibles recorded as a result of the like-kind exchange of Monroe Cablevision.

EBITDA

EBITDA decreased $4.1 million, or 8.7%, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2002. A reconciliation of EBITDA to net income is provided above. EBITDA as a percentage of revenue decreased to 14.0% in the nine months ended September 30, 2003, from 15.3% in the same period of the prior year. The decrease in EBITDA as a percentage of revenue was primarily due to the reduction in publishing advertising revenue resulting from the economic conditions during 2003, offset by the continued rollout of high margin advanced cable products and the increase in cable service charges. Net loss as a percentage of revenue was 2.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2003, as compared to net income as a percentage of revenue at September 30, 2002 of 0.9%. As discussed above, the first nine months of 2002 included a $13.5 million gain, net of tax, related to the like-kind exchange and a $5.8 million loss, net of tax, on early extinguishment of debt.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

     Historically, our primary sources of liquidity have been cash flow from operations and borrowings under our senior credit facilities. The need for liquidity arises primarily from capital expenditures and interest payable on the senior subordinated notes and the senior credit facility.

     Net cash provided by operating activities was $29.0 million and $26.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and September 30, 2002, respectively. The net cash provided by operating activities is determined by adding back depreciation and amortization, and adjusting for other non-cash items. Cash used in investing activities was $34.6 million and $21.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and September 30, 2002, respectively. Cash used in investing activities during the first nine months of 2002 includes $12.7 million to payoff cash advances on life insurance policies, offset by $12.1 million of proceeds from the like-kind exchange of Monroe Cablevision. The remaining increase in 2003 investing activities is due to increase in capital expenditures discussed below.

     Our capital expenditures have historically been financed with cash flow from operations and borrowings under our senior credit facility. We made capital expenditures of $35.5 million and $21.0 million, including capital leases, for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and September 30, 2002, respectively. Capital expenditures for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 were used primarily to begin the rebuild of the Erie County Cable system, continue the rebuild of the Bedford, Michigan system acquired from Comcast in the like-kind exchange, begin the first stages of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette facility upgrade and maintain other operating assets. We expect to make capital expenditures of $30.9 million in the last quarter of 2003. These include the continued rollout of advanced cable services, continued rebuild of the Erie County system, continuation of the Post-Gazette production facility upgrade and various other improvements to the publishing and broadcasting operations.

     In April 2002, we issued $175 million of 9¼% senior subordinated notes. The notes are guaranteed on a senior subordinated basis by substantially all of our subsidiaries. The proceeds were used to repay our existing senior term loan and senior notes and to prepay a portion of our existing senior revolving credit facility. In May 2002, we entered into new senior credit facilities totaling $200.0 million. The proceeds were used to refinance the remaining balance of the existing senior revolving credit facility and capital expenditures. The new senior credit facilities are guaranteed by substantially all of our present and future domestic subsidiaries and are collateralized by a pledge of substantially all of our and the guarantor subsidiaries’ material assets.

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Position and Results of Operations

     Financing activities provided $5.3 million of cash for the nine months ended September 30, 2003, compared to $3.0 million from the same period of the prior year. The financing activities in the first nine months of 2003 includes a $10.0 million borrowing on the Term Loan A and a $3.6 million mandatory pre-payment on the senior credit facilities due to $7.1 million of excess cash flow generated during the year ended December 31, 2002. The expiration dates under Term Loan A required draws of $20.0 million prior to June 30, 2003, therefore the unborrowed portion of $10.0 million was cancelled on that date. During the first nine months of 2002, financing activities reflect the complete refinancing discussed above. At September 30, 2003, the balances outstanding and available under our new senior credit facilities and subordinated notes were $255.5 million and $91.5 million, respectively, and the average interest rate on the balance outstanding was 6.5%. At September 30, 2003, our covenants on our senior credit facilities would allow borrowing of up to $66.5 million based on our twelve month trailing EBITDA of $61.5 million. At September 30, 2002, the balances outstanding and available under our senior credit facility and senior notes were $249.8 million and $112.4 million, respectively, and the average interest rate on the balance outstanding was 8.06%. The decrease in the effective interest rate partially offset by an increase in the amount outstanding generated an overall decrease in interest expense of $1.7 million, or 10.0%.

     Effective September 30 2003, we amended our senior credit facilities dated May 15, 2002. The amendment reduced the applicable margin on the Term Loan B facility by 50 basis points. The amendment also converted the $10.0 million outstanding under the Term Loan A facility to loans under the Term Loan B facility. Therefore, as of September 30, 2003, the outstanding amounts under the amended Term Loan B and Term Loan A facilities are $80.5 million and zero, respectively. This conversion of Term Loan A to the amended Term Loan B effectively reduced the applicable margin on the $10.0 million by 25 basis points, based on our current leverage ratio, and changed the amortization schedule to mirror the terms of the Term Loan B facility. We estimate the amendment will reduce our interest expense over the next twelve months by approximately $377,000.

     We believe that funds generated from operations and the borrowing availability under our senior credit facilities will be sufficient to finance our current operations, our cash obligations in connection with the planned capital expenditures, and our current and future financial obligations.

Labor Negotiations

     Our labor agreements with the eight unions representing employees of The Blade expired in March 2003. We have reached tentative agreements with representatives of the eight unions on the terms of collective bargaining agreements that would run through March 21, 2006. Those tentative agreements are subject to ratification by union members. While we are hopeful the agreements will be ratified, we cannot give any assurance that they will be. If they are not, and we do not achieve ratified agreements, management will evaluate all alternatives available at that time.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk

     Our senior credit facilities bear interest at floating rates. Accordingly, we are exposed to potential losses related to changes in interest rates. We do not enter into derivatives or other financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes; however, in order to manage our exposure to interest rate risk, we have entered into interest-rate swaps. As of September 30, 2003, our interest rate swap agreements expire in varying amounts through April 2009.

     The fair value of $80.5 million of our long-term debt approximates its carrying value as it bears interest at floating rates. As of September 30, 2003, the estimated fair value of our interest rate swap agreements was $397,000, which represents the amount required to enter into offsetting contracts with similar remaining maturities based on quoted market prices. This is reflected in our financial statements as other non-current assets. Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments are recognized either in income or as an adjustment to the carrying value of the underlying debt depending on whether the derivative financial instruments qualify for hedge accounting. At September 30, 2003, we had $175.0 million outstanding on our 91/4% senior subordinated notes, with a carrying value of $182.5 million, as adjusted for the fair value hedge.

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Position and Results of Operations

     As of September 30, 2003, we had entered into interest-rate swaps that approximated $241.0 million, including the effect of any offsetting swaps, or 94.3%, of our borrowings under all of our credit facilities. The interest-rate swaps consist of $121.0 million relating to our revolving credit and term loan agreements, and $175.0 million principal amount of the senior subordinated notes. In addition, we had entered into an interest rate swap agreement that has the economic effect of substantially offsetting $55.0 million of the swap agreements totaling $121.0 million. In the event of an increase in market interest rates, the change in interest expense would be dependent upon the weighted average outstanding borrowings and derivative instruments in effect during the reporting period following the increase. Based on our outstanding borrowings and interest rate swap agreements as of September 30, 2003, our exposure to interest rate risk is not material. A hypothetical 100 basis point increase in interest rates along the entire interest rate yield curve would increase our interest expense for the following twelve month period by approximately $205,000.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

     In June 2001, SFAS No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations, was issued and is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002. The pronouncement requires legal obligations associated with the retirement of long- lived assets to be recognized at their fair value at the time that the obligations are incurred. Upon initial recognition of a liability, that cost should be capitalized as part of the related long-lived asset and allocated to expense over the estimated useful life of the asset. The adoption of this standard on January 1, 2003 has had no impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2003.

     In July 2002, SFAS No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities, was issued and applies to fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2002. SFAS No. 146 requires certain costs associated with a restructuring, discontinued operation or plant closing to be recognized as incurred rather that at the date of commitment to an exit or disposal plan. The adoption of this standard on January 1, 2003 has not materially impacted the Company’s financial position or results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2003.

     In December 2002, SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure, was issued and provides alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. The Company has previously adopted the fair value method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. Therefore, all years presented reflect this method and no pro-forma disclosures are required.

     In November 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Interpretation No. 45, Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others. This Interpretation significantly changes previous practice in the accounting for and disclosure of guarantees. Guarantees meeting the characteristics described in the Interpretation are required to be initially recorded at fair value, which is different from the general current practice of recording a liability only when a loss is probable and can be reasonably estimated. The Interpretation’s initial recognition and initial measurement provisions are applicable on a prospective basis to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. The Interpretation also requires a guarantor to make significant new disclosures for virtually all guarantees even if the likelihood of the guarantor having to make payments under the guarantee is remote. The Interpretation’s disclosure requirements were effective for financial statements beginning in 2002. The Company does not currently guarantee indebtedness of any party outside of the consolidated group. Please refer to Note 6 for disclosures relating to guarantees within the consolidated group.

     In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51 (FIN 46). FIN 46 requires consolidation of variable interest entities in which an enterprise absorbs a majority of the entity’s expected losses, receives a majority of the entity’s expected residual returns, or both, as a result of ownership, contractual or other financial interest in the entity. Currently, entities are generally consolidated by an enterprise that has a controlling financial interest through ownership or a majority voting interest in the entity. The adoption of FIN 46 is expected to have no impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Position and Results of Operations

     In May 2003, SFAS No. 150, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity, was issued and establishes standards for how an issuer classifies certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity by requiring that all financial instruments within the scope of the statement be classified as liabilities. The adoption of SFAS No. 150 has had no impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2003.

Forward-Looking Statements

     Certain statements contained herein may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations contained in such statements.

     Factors that may materially affect our future financial condition and results of operations, as well as any forward-looking statements, include economic and market conditions and many other factors beyond our control. For an additional discussion of risk factors relating to our future financial condition and results of operations, reference is made to the discussion under the caption “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated March 27, 2003.

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 4. Controls and procedures

     The Managing Director and the Chief Financial Officer of the Company (its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, respectively) have concluded, based on their evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this Report, that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports filed or submitted by it under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in such reports is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

     There was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2003 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

     (a)  Exhibits

     
 
 
Exhibit 10.1 Amendment No. 2 dated September 30, 2003 to the Credit Agreement dated May 15, 2002 by and among the Company and Bank of America N.A., as Administrative Agent.
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 31.1 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 31.2 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 32.1 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 32.2 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

     (b)  Reports on Form 8-K filed in the third quarter of 2003:

     
 
 
Form 8-K filed on August 5, 2003 – The Company issued a press release announcing earnings results for the quarter ended June 30, 2003.

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     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

             
        BLOCK COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
       
(Registrant)
             
    Date: November 12, 2003   By:   /s/ Allan Block

Allan Block
            Managing Director
             
    Date: November 12, 2003   By:   /s/ Gary J. Blair
Gary J. Blair
            Executive Vice President /
            Chief Financial Officer

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