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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 June 30, 2004.
 
   
  OR
 
   
o
  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
  For the transition period from                     to                    .

Commission File Number 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 o

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

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

     
Voting Common Stock , (par value $.10)

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

 
 
 
29,400 shares as of August 10, 2004   428,613 shares as of August 10, 2004

 


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
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 4. Controls and procedures
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
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

                 
    June 30   December 31
    2004
  2003
    (unaudited)   (note 1)
Assets
               
Current assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 15,141,532     $ 11,461,283  
Receivables, less allowances for doubtful accounts and discounts of $3,498,000 and $3,548,000, respectively
    42,617,642       43,956,593  
Recoverable income taxes
    6,620,396       11,115,152  
Inventories
    7,015,766       6,642,095  
Prepaid expenses
    4,306,942       5,884,309  
Broadcast rights
    6,411,519       6,870,822  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total current assets
    82,113,797       85,930,254  
Property, plant and equipment:
               
Land and land improvements
    12,665,895       12,561,091  
Buildings and leasehold improvements
    43,140,341       43,109,468  
Machinery and equipment
    228,467,755       226,659,605  
Cable television distribution systems and equipment
    238,749,365       224,958,491  
Security alarm and video systems installation costs
    7,320,956       7,123,115  
Construction in progress
    20,565,671       16,646,671  
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
    550,909,983       531,058,441  
Less allowances for depreciation and amortization
    297,990,665       277,333,636  
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
    252,919,318       253,724,805  
Other assets:
               
Goodwill
    52,034,273       51,987,021  
Other intangibles, net of accumulated amortization
    28,839,131       29,559,724  
Cash value of life insurance
    28,073,880       27,703,741  
Pension intangibles
    11,812,858       11,812,858  
Prepaid pension costs
    2,778,300       2,778,300  
Deferred financing costs
    9,150,333       10,133,255  
Broadcast rights, less current portion
    1,697,588       4,292,528  
Other
    836,893       758,144  
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
    135,223,256       139,025,571  
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
  $ 470,256,371     $ 478,680,630  
 
   
 
     
 
 

1


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements

                 
    June 30   December 31
    2004
  2003
    (unaudited)   (note 1)
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit)
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 7,221,238     $ 15,076,769  
Salaries, wages and payroll taxes
    15,243,567       15,181,990  
Workers’ compensation and medical reserves
    10,178,058       9,381,579  
Other accrued liabilities
    33,743,768       31,150,605  
Current maturities of long-term debt
    1,751,255       1,481,143  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total current liabilities
    68,137,886       72,272,086  
Long-term debt, less current maturities
    266,047,355       270,779,168  
Other long-term obligations
    156,890,097       153,862,651  
Minority interest
    9,046,884       9,080,434  
Stockholders’ equity (deficit):
               
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 shares issued and outstanding
    42,861       42,861  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (29,270,136 )     (29,303,806 )
Additional paid-in capital
    1,058,687       1,058,687  
Retained deficit
    (2,962,203 )     (376,391 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
    (29,865,851 )     (27,313,709 )
 
  $ 470,256,371     $ 478,680,630  
 
   
 
     
 
 

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 June 30,
  Six months ended June 30,
    2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
Revenue:
                               
Publishing
  $ 64,376,216     $ 64,172,610     $ 125,304,591     $ 123,637,832  
Cable
    29,383,680       27,355,527       58,101,196       54,264,104  
Broadcasting
    9,785,531       10,214,156       19,500,873       19,282,387  
Other Communications
    5,035,896       5,157,202       10,168,969       10,096,853  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
    108,581,323       106,899,495       213,075,629       207,281,176  
Expense:
                               
Publishing
    63,932,486       62,313,037       128,640,574       123,097,037  
Cable
    26,645,955       24,542,132       52,797,474       49,231,426  
Broadcasting
    8,599,744       8,936,736       17,793,545       18,281,762  
Other Communications
    4,365,256       4,483,707       8,784,495       8,681,759  
Corporate general and administrative
    1,319,240       757,363       3,071,452       1,836,819  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
    104,862,681       101,032,975       211,087,540       201,128,803  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Operating income
    3,718,642       5,866,520       1,988,089       6,152,373  
Nonoperating income (expense):
                               
Interest expense
    (4,846,880 )     (5,273,158 )     (9,509,409 )     (10,220,530 )
Change in fair value of interest rate swaps
    9,800,683       (1,402,215 )     5,218,027       (2,230,337 )
Investment income
    21,819       69,556       162,344       99,760  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
    4,975,622       (6,605,817 )     (4,129,038 )     (12,351,107 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interest
    8,694,264       (739,297 )     (2,140,949 )     (6,198,734 )
Provision (credit) for income taxes:
                               
Federal:
                               
Current
          580             580  
Deferred
    (9,475 )     (300,248 )     (18,950 )     (2,476,302 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
    (9,475 )     (299,668 )     (18,950 )     (2,475,722 )
State and local
    (29,018 )     189,853       191,005       1,022,270  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
    (38,493 )     (109,815 )     172,055       (1,453,452 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before minority interest
    8,732,757       (629,482 )     (2,313,004 )     (4,745,282 )
Minority interest
    17,080       (15,154 )     33,550       24,557  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    8,749,837       (644,636 )     (2,279,454 )     (4,720,725 )
Loss from discontinued operations (including loss on disposal of $235,591 in 2003)
          (415,372 )           (614,791 )
Income tax benefit
          (161,618 )           (249,107 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Loss on discontinued operations
          (253,754 )           (365,684 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net income (loss)
  $ 8,749,837     $ (898,390 )   $ (2,279,454 )   $ (5,086,409 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

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
  Accumulated          
    Class A Stock
  Voting
  Non-Voting
  Other
Comprehensive
  Additional
Paid-in
  Retained    
    Shares
  Amount
  Shares
  Amount
  Shares
  Amount
  Loss
  Capital
  Earnings
  Total
Balances at January 1, 2004
    12,620     $ 1,262,000       29,400     $ 2,940       428,613     $ 42,861     $ (29,303,806 )   $ 1,058,687     $ (376,391 )   $ (27,313,709 )
Net loss
                                                                    (2,279,454 )     (2,279,454 )
Amortization of fair value of interest rate swaps at January 1, 2001 (net of deferred tax of $18,950)
                                                    33,670                       33,670  
 
                                                                           
 
 
Total comprehensive loss
                                                                            (2,245,784 )
Cash dividends declared:
                                                                               
Class A stock—$2.50 per share
                                                                    (31,550 )     (31,550 )
Common Stock:
                                                                               
Voting—$0.60 per share
                                                                    (17,640 )     (17,640 )
Non-voting—$0.60 per share
                                                                    (257,168 )     (257,168 )
 
                                                                   
 
     
 
 
 
                                                                    (306,358 )     (306,358 )
Balances at June 30, 2004
    12,620     $ 1,262,000       29,400     $ 2,940       428,613     $ 42,861     $ (29,270,136 )   $ 1,058,687     $ (2,962,203 )   $ (29,865,851 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Balances at January 1, 2003
    12,620     $ 1,262,000       29,400     $ 2,940       427,786     $ 42,779     $ (22,860,033 )   $ 771,274     $ 41,426,921     $ 20,645,881  
Net loss
                                                                    (5,086,409 )     (5,086,409 )
Amortization of fair value of interest rate swaps at January 1, 2001 (net of deferred tax of $63,500)
                                                    226,068                       226,068  
 
                                                                           
 
 
Total comprehensive income
                                                                            (4,860,341 )
Cash dividends declared:
                                                                               
Class A stock—$2.50 per share
                                                                    (31,550 )     (31,550 )
Common Stock:
                                                                               
Voting—$0.70 per share
                                                                    (20,580 )     (20,580 )
Non-voting—$0.70 per share
                                                                    (300,715 )     (300,715 )
 
                                                                   
 
     
 
 
 
                                                                    (352,845 )     (352,845 )
Executive stock incentives at $407.97 per share
                                    1,808       180               737,103               737,283  
Redemption of non-voting common shares at $458.50 per share
                                    (981 )     (98 )             (449,690 )             (449,788 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Balances at June 30, 2003
    12,620     $ 1,262,000       29,400     $ 2,940       428,613     $ 42,861     $ (22,633,965 )   $ 1,058,687     $ 35,987,667     $ 15,720,190  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

4


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements

Block Communications, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)

                 
    Six months ended June 30,
    2004
  2003
Operating activities
               
Net loss
  $ (2,279,454 )   $ (5,086,409 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation
    25,044,488       24,885,786  
Amortization of intangibles and deferred charges
    1,489,765       1,540,536  
Amortization of broadcast rights
    3,084,563       3,395,873  
Payments for broadcast rights
    (3,206,411 )     (3,397,766 )
Loss on disposal of discontinued operation
          235,591  
Deferred income taxes (credit)
    (18,950 )     (2,725,409 )
Provision for bad debts
    1,767,205       549,051  
Minority interest
    (33,550 )     (24,557 )
Change in fair value of interest rate swaps
    (5,218,027 )     2,230,337  
Cash received on swap contracts
    3,044,000       2,563,000  
Loss on disposal of property and equipment
    264,143       42,686  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Receivables
    (428,254 )     2,697,994  
Inventories
    (373,671 )     375,268  
Prepaid expenses
    1,577,367       1,078,830  
Accounts payable
    (7,855,528 )     (5,062,085 )
Salaries, wages, payroll taxes and other accrued liabilities
    3,816,464       (4,378,720 )
Other assets
    4,687,888       (27,603 )
Postretirement benefits and other long-term obligations
    4,131,208       4,077,026  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
    29,493,246       22,969,429  
Investing activities
               
Additions to property, plant and equipment
    (24,581,960 )     (23,478,139 )
Change in cash value of life insurance
    (370,139 )     (738,314 )
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment
    54,416       28,013  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net cash used in investing activities
    (24,897,683 )     (24,188,440 )
Financing activities
               
Borrowings on term loan
          10,000,000  
Payments on term loan
    (425,000 )     (3,946,000 )
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
          737,283  
Payments on redemption of shares
          (449,788 )
Cash dividends paid
    (306,358 )     (352,845 )
Payments on capital leases
    (183,956 )     (163,727 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (915,314 )     5,824,923  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Increase in cash and cash equivalents
    3,680,249       4,605,912  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    11,461,283       9,781,645  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 15,141,532     $ 14,387,557  
 
   
 
     
 
 

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 of America 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 six-month periods ended June 30, 2004 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2004. For further information, refer to the December 31, 2003 audited consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto.

The balance sheet at December 31, 2003 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 of America for complete financial statements.

New Accounting Standards

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 than at the date of commitment to an exit or disposal plan. Losses recognized in connection with the discontinuation of operations in 2003 reflect the adoption of this standard. See Note 2 for disclosures relating to discontinued operations.

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. See Note 9 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 has had 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.

6


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements

NOTE 2—DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

Effective May 31, 2003, the Company suspended operations of Community Communication Services, Inc. (CCS), an alternative advertising distribution company. Effective December 31, 2003, the Company sold the net assets of certain divisions of Corporate Protection Services, Inc. (CPS) and ceased operating those divisions, which were previously involved in the sale, installation, and testing of commercial security and fire protection systems. In accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, the results of operations of CCS and the affected divisions of CPS are reported separately from results of continuing operations for all periods presented. The reported loss from discontinued operations includes revenues of $972,226 and $2,014,763 for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2003. Previously, results of operations of CCS and the affected divisions of CPS were included in the Other Communications segment.

NOTE 3—RETIREMENT AND PENSION PLANS

The Company and certain subsidiaries have several defined benefit pension plans covering substantially all active and retired employees. Benefits are generally based on compensation and length of service. The components of net periodic pension cost are as follows:

                 
    Six months ended June 30
    2004
  2003
Service cost
  $ 2,597,853     $ 2,641,024  
Interest cost
    7,417,693       7,374,150  
Expected return on plan assets
    (7,467,005 )     (7,683,600 )
Amortization of transition amount
          (17,011 )
Amortization of prior service cost
    872,870       925,589  
Actuarial (gain) loss recognized
    1,216,245       614,327  
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
  $ 4,637,655     $ 3,854,478  
 
   
 
     
 
 

The assumptions used in the determination of 2004 net periodic pension cost include a discount rate of 6.25%, expected return on plan assets of 8.16%, and a rate of compensation increase of 4.62%, all calculated on a weighted average basis.

The Company has contributed $2,373,000 to these defined benefit pension plans during the six months ended June 30, 2004 and estimates that total 2004 contributions to these plans will be approximately $8,700,000. Various factors may cause actual contributions to differ from this estimate.

NOTE 4—POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS OTHER THAN PENSIONS

The Company and certain subsidiaries provide access to health care benefits for certain retired employees. The components of non-pension post-retirement benefit cost are as follows:

                 
    Six months ended June 30
    2004
  2003
Service cost
  $ 1,348,500     $ 1,145,000  
Interest cost
    3,054,500       3,004,500  
Amortization of prior service cost
    (500,000 )      
Actuarial (gain) loss recognized
    750,000       26,000  
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
  $ 4,653,000     $ 4,175,500  
 
   
 
     
 
 

The 2004 non-pension post-retirement benefit cost reflects an assumed discount rate of 6.25%.

The Company has contributed $2,928,000 to these post-retirement benefit plans during the six months ended June 30, 2004 and estimates that total 2004 contributions to these plans will be approximately $5,000,000. Various factors may cause actual contributions to differ from this estimate.

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements

NOTE 4—POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS OTHER THAN PENSIONS (continued)

On December 8, 2003, the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (the Act) was enacted. Provisions of the Act include a prescription drug benefit under Medicare (Medicare Part D) as well as a federal subsidy to sponsors of retiree health care benefit plans that provide a benefit that is at least actuarially equivalent to Medicare Part D. The Company provides a prescription drug benefit for certain groups of retirees; however the Company has not yet assessed its eligibility to receive a subsidy under the Act, nor is it able to predict the impact of the behavior of its retiree population in response to the provisions of the Act. Accordingly, the Company has elected to defer recognition of the effects of the Act in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Staff Position No. FAS 106-1, Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (FSP FAS 106-1). Therefore, measures of the accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation and net periodic post-retirement benefit cost included in the condensed consolidated balance sheets and presented above do not reflect the effects of the Act on the plans.

During the second quarter of 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Staff Position No. FAS 106-2 (FSP FAS 106-2), which provides authoritative guidance on the recognition and disclosure of anticipated subsidies under the Act and is effective for interim or annual periods beginning after June 15, 2004. Accordingly, the Company intends to adopt FSP FAS 106-2 for the interim period ended September 30, 2004. Due to continued assessment of our eligibility for a subsidy under the Act, the Company has not yet estimated the impact of adoption of this standard on its financial position or results of operations.

NOTE 5—LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt consists of the following:

                 
    June 30,   December 31,
    2004
  2003
Subordinated notes
  $ 175,000,000     $ 175,000,000  
Fair value adjustment of subordinated notes
    242,241       4,094,987  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Subordinated notes, as adjusted
    175,242,241       179,094,987  
Senior term loan
    89,854,000       90,279,000  
Capital leases
    2,702,369       2,886,324  
 
    267,798,610       272,260,311  
Current maturities
    1,751,255       1,481,143  
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
  $ 266,047,355     $ 270,779,168  
 
   
 
     
 
 

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 June 30, 2004, the Company participates in eight 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 $5,218,027 for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and a loss of $2,230,337 for the same period of the prior year. For the three months ended June 30, 2004, the Company has recognized a derivative valuation gain of $9,800,683 and a loss of $1,402,215 for the same period of the prior year.

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements

NOTE 6—OTHER LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS

Other long-term obligations consist of the following:

                 
    June 30,   December 31,
    2004
  2003
Other postretirement benefits
  $ 88,391,561     $ 86,606,000  
Pension liabilities
    52,068,623       49,602,966  
Deferred compensation obligations
    8,785,462       8,544,121  
Broadcast rights payable
    3,320,992       6,051,156  
Other
    4,323,459       3,058,408  
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
  $ 156,890,097     $ 153,862,651  
 
   
 
     
 
 

NOTE 7—INCOME TAXES

The provision for income taxes reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2004 includes adjustments necessary to maintain a full valuation allowance against the net balance of deferred tax assets. The Company believes that, based on a number of factors, the available objective evidence creates sufficient uncertainty regarding the realization of the net deferred tax asset balance such that a full valuation allowance is warranted. Factors considered include the existence of cumulative losses in the most recent fiscal years, the length of time over which temporary differences are expected to reverse, and the availability of prudent and feasible tax strategies.

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements

NOTE 8—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 commercial 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 June 30,   Six months ended June 30,
    2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
Revenues:
                               
Publishing
  $ 65,372,993     $ 65,094,199     $ 127,271,327     $ 125,419,258  
Intersegment
    (996,777 )     (921,589 )     (1,966,736 )     (1,781,426 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
External Publishing
    64,376,216       64,172,610       125,304,591       123,637,832  
Cable
    29,426,557       27,378,690       58,173,316       54,310,050  
Intersegment
    (42,877 )     (23,163 )     (72,120 )     (45,946 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
External Cable
    29,383,680       27,355,527       58,101,196       54,264,104  
Broadcasting
    9,785,531       10,214,156       19,500,873       19,282,387  
Other
    5,035,896       5,157,202       10,168,969       10,096,853  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
  $ 108,581,323     $ 106,899,495     $ 213,075,629     $ 207,281,176  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Operating income (loss):
                               
Publishing
  $ 1,370,402     $ 2,721,342     $ (1,498,270 )   $ 2,204,722  
Intersegment
    (926,672 )     (861,769 )     (1,837,713 )     (1,663,927 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net Publishing
    443,730       1,859,573       (3,335,983 )     540,795  
Cable
    1,790,279       1,933,741       3,401,153       3,299,591  
Intersegment
    947,446       879,654       1,902,569       1,733,087  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net Cable
    2,737,725       2,813,395       5,303,722       5,032,678  
 
   
 
     
 
                 
Broadcasting
    1,185,787       1,277,420       1,707,328       1,000,625  
Corporate expenses
    (1,319,240 )     (757,363 )     (3,071,452 )     (1,836,819 )
Other
    670,640       673,495       1,384,474       1,415,094  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
    3,718,642       5,866,520       1,988,089       6,152,373  
Nonoperating income (expense), net
    4,975,622       (6,605,817 )     (4,129,038 )     (12,351,107 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interest
  $ 8,694,264     $ (739,297 )   $ (2,140,949 )   $ (6,198,734 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

NOTE 9—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.

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements

NOTE 9—SUPPLEMENTAL GUARANTOR INFORMATION (continued)

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET

June 30, 2004

                                         
    Unconsolidated
       
    Parent   Guarantor   Non-Guarantor        
    Company
  Subsidiaries
  Subsidiary
  Eliminations
  Consolidated
Assets:
                                       
Current assets
  $ 24,085,562     $ 55,155,021     $ 2,467,617     $ 405,597     $ 82,113,797  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    23,652,690       225,773,659       4,982,534       (1,449,565 )     252,919,318  
Intangibles, net
    3,903,881       57,080,134       19,690,900       198,489       80,873,404  
Cash value of life insurance
    28,073,880                         28,073,880  
Prepaid pension costs
          2,778,300                   2,778,300  
Pension intangibles
    2,695,373       9,117,485                   11,812,858  
Investments in subsidiaries
    165,738,646                   (165,738,646 )      
Other
    (7,804,200 )     19,489,014                   11,684,814  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
  $ 240,345,832     $ 369,353,613     $ 27,141,051     $ (166,584,125 )   $ 470,256,371  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:
                                       
Current liabilities
  $ 16,575,848     $ 50,701,572     $ 467,570     $ 392,896     $ 68,137,886  
Long-term debt
    266,047,355                         266,047,355  
Other long-term obligations
    10,186,121       239,600,714             (92,896,738 )     156,890,097  
Minority interest
                      9,046,884       9,046,884  
Stockholders’ equity
    (52,463,492 )     79,051,327       26,673,481       (83,127,167 )     (29,865,851 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
  $ 240,345,832     $ 369,353,613     $ 27,141,051     $ (166,584,125 )   $ 470,256,371  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

11


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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements

NOTE 9—SUPPLEMENTAL GUARANTOR INFORMATION (continued)

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET

December 31, 2003

                                         
    Unconsolidated
       
    Parent   Guarantor   Non-Guarantor        
    Company
  Subsidiaries
  Subsidiary
  Eliminations
  Consolidated
Assets:
                                       
Current assets
  $ 25,790,099     $ 57,688,341     $ 2,013,029     $ 438,785     $ 85,930,254  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    24,430,830       224,727,950       5,476,277       (910,252 )     253,724,805  
Intangibles, net
    4,069,888       57,587,468       19,690,900       198,489       81,546,745  
Cash value of life insurance, net
    27,466,424       237,317                   27,703,741  
Prepaid pension costs
          2,778,300                   2,778,300  
Pension intangibles
    2,695,373       9,117,485                   11,812,858  
Investments in subsidiaries
    173,607,302                   (173,607,302 )      
Other
    (6,914,956 )     22,098,883                   15,183,927  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
  $ 251,144,960     $ 374,235,744     $ 27,180,206     $ (173,880,280 )   $ 478,680,630  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:
                                       
Current liabilities
  $ 17,061,841     $ 54,367,604     $ 405,057     $ 437,584     $ 72,272,086  
Long-term debt
    270,779,168                         270,779,168  
Other long-term obligations
    8,911,722       245,727,823             (100,776,894 )     153,862,651  
Minority interest
                      9,080,434       9,080,434  
Stockholders’ equity
    (45,607,771 )     74,140,317       26,775,149       (82,621,404 )     (27,313,709 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
  $ 251,144,960     $ 374,235,744     $ 27,180,206     $ (173,880,280 )   $ 478,680,630  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

12


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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements

NOTE 9—SUPPLEMENTAL GUARANTOR INFORMATION (continued)

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF INCOME

Three Months Ended June 30, 2004

                                         
    Unconsolidated
       
    Parent   Guarantor   Non-Guarantor        
    Company
  Subsidiaries
  Subsidiary
  Eliminations
  Consolidated
Revenue
  $ 21,664,906     $ 88,979,425     $ 1,663,561     $ (3,726,569 )   $ 108,581,323  
Expenses
    21,960,176       85,009,633       1,716,309       (3,823,437 )     104,862,681  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Operating income (loss)
    (295,270 )     3,969,792       (52,748 )     96,868       3,718,642  
Nonoperating income (expense)
    4,975,409       (776 )     989             4,975,622  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax and minority interest
    4,680,139       3,969,016       (51,759 )     96,868       8,694,264  
Credit for income taxes
    (9,475 )     (29,018 )                 (38,493 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before minority interest
    4,689,614       3,998,034       (51,759 )     96,868       8,732,757  
Minority interest
                      17,080       17,080  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net income (loss)
  $ 4,689,614     $ 3,998,034     $ (51,759 )   $ 113,948     $ 8,749,837  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF INCOME

Three Months Ended June 30, 2003

                                         
    Unconsolidated
       
    Parent   Guarantor   Non-Guarantor        
    Company
  Subsidiaries
  Subsidiary
  Eliminations
  Consolidated
Revenue
  $ 22,043,184     $ 85,940,752     $ 1,704,980     $ (2,789,421 )   $ 106,899,495  
Expenses
    21,221,127       80,878,506       1,656,889       (2,723,547 )     101,032,975  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Operating income (loss)
    822,057       5,062,246       48,091       (65,874 )     5,866,520  
Nonoperating expense
    (6,602,912 )     (735 )     (2,170 )           (6,605,817 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax and minority interest
    (5,780,855 )     5,061,511       45,921       (65,874 )     (739,297 )
Provision (credit) for income taxes
    (1,884,120 )     1,774,305                   (109,815 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before minority interest
    (3,816,735 )     3,287,206       45,921       (65,874 )     (629,482 )
Minority interest
                      (15,154 )     (15,154 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    (3,816,735 )     3,287,206       45,921       (81,028 )     (644,636 )
Loss from discontinued operations, net
          (253,754 )                 (253,754 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net income (loss)
  $ (3,816,735 )   $ 3,033,452     $ 45,921     $ (81,028 )   $ (898,390 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

13


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements

NOTE 9—SUPPLEMENTAL GUARANTOR INFORMATION (continued)

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF INCOME

Six Months Ended June 30, 2004

                                         
    Unconsolidated
       
    Parent   Guarantor   Non-Guarantor        
    Company
  Subsidiaries
  Subsidiary
  Eliminations
  Consolidated
Revenue
  $ 41,726,245     $ 177,828,070     $ 3,296,978     $ (9,775,664 )   $ 213,075,629  
Expenses
    44,223,144       172,700,364       3,400,383       (9,236,351 )     211,087,540  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Operating income (loss)
    (2,496,899 )     5,127,706       (103,405 )     (539,313 )     1,988,089  
Nonoperating income (expense)
    (4,105,084 )     (25,691 )     1,737             (4,129,038 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax and minority interest
    (6,601,983 )     5,102,015       (101,668 )     (539,313 )     (2,140,949 )
Provision (credit) for income taxes
    (18,950 )     191,005                   172,055  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before minority interest
    (6,583,033 )     4,911,010       (101,668 )     (539,313 )     (2,313,004 )
Minority interest
                      33,550       33,550  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net income (loss)
  $ (6,583,033 )   $ 4,911,010     $ (101,668 )   $ (505,763 )   $ (2,279,454 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF INCOME

Six Months Ended June 30, 2003

                                         
    Unconsolidated
       
    Parent   Guarantor   Non-Guarantor        
    Company
  Subsidiaries
  Subsidiary
  Eliminations
  Consolidated
Revenue
  $ 41,694,230     $ 167,959,417     $ 3,194,036     $ (5,566,507 )   $ 207,281,176  
Expenses
    42,391,399       160,986,998       3,266,705       (5,516,299 )     201,128,803  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Operating income (loss)
    (697,169 )     6,972,419       (72,669 )     (50,208 )     6,152,373  
Nonoperating expense
    (12,348,010 )     (1,352 )     (1,745 )           (12,351,107 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax and minority interest
    (13,045,179 )     6,971,067       (74,414 )     (50,208 )     (6,198,734 )
Provision (credit) for income taxes
    (3,828,564 )     2,375,112                   (1,453,452 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before minority interest
    (9,216,615 )     4,595,955       (74,414 )     (50,208 )     (4,745,282 )
Minority interest
                      24,557       24,557  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    (9,216,615 )     4,595,955       (74,414 )     (25,561 )     (4,720,725 )
Loss from discontinued operations, net
          (365,684 )                 (365,684 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net income (loss)
  $ (9,216,615 )   $ 4,230,271     $ (74,414 )   $ (25,561 )   $ (5,086,409 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

14


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements

NOTE 9—SUPPLEMENTAL GUARANTOR INFORMATION (continued)

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Six months ended June 30, 2004

                                         
    Unconsolidated
       
    Parent   Guarantor   Non-Guarantor        
    Company
  Subsidiaries
  Subsidiary
  Eliminations
  Consolidated
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
  $ (207,339 )   $ 29,525,363     $ 726,035     $ (550,813 )   $ 29,493,246  
Additions to property, plant and equipment
    (1,334,760 )     (23,739,598 )     (46,915 )     539,313       (24,581,960 )
Other investing activities
    (597,956 )     282,233                   (315,723 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    (1,932,716 )     (23,457,365 )     (46,915 )     539,313       (24,897,683 )
Payments on term loan
    (425,000 )                       (425,000 )
Other financing activity
    5,610,874       (6,112,688 )           11,500       (490,314 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    5,185,874       (6,112,688 )           11,500       (915,314 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents
    3,045,819       (44,690 )     679,120             3,680,249  
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period
    10,828,912       89,752       542,619             11,461,283  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Cash and equivalents at end of period
  $ 13,874,731     $ 45,062     $ 1,221,739     $     $ 15,141,532  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

15


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements

NOTE 9—SUPPLEMENTAL GUARANTOR INFORMATION (continued)

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Six months ended June 30, 2003

                                         
    Unconsolidated
       
    Parent   Guarantor   Non-Guarantor        
    Company
  Subsidiaries
  Subsidiary
  Eliminations
  Consolidated
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
  $ (8,261,815 )   $ 30,537,570     $ 743,262     $ (49,588 )   $ 22,969,429  
Additions to property, plant and equipment
    (768,288 )     (22,332,666 )     (427,393 )     50,208       (23,478,139 )
Other investing activities
    (754,869 )     44,568                   (710,301 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    (1,523,157 )     (22,288,098 )     (427,393 )     50,208       (24,188,440 )
Borrowings on term loan
    10,000,000                         10,000,000  
Payments on term loan
    (3,946,000 )                       (3,946,000 )
Other financing activity
    7,713,667       (7,942,124 )           (620 )     (229,077 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    13,767,667       (7,942,124 )           (620 )     5,824,923  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Increase in cash and equivalents
    3,982,695       307,348       315,869             4,605,912  
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period
    8,854,800       455,633       471,212             9,781,645  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Cash and equivalents at end of period
  $ 12,837,495     $ 762,981     $ 787,081     $     $ 14,387,557  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

16


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition 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, 2003.

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, including Michigan suburbs, (Buckeye CableSystem) and the Sandusky, Ohio area (Erie County CableSystem). At December 31, 2003, we had approximately 149,000 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 384,600 and 593,850, respectively, as of December 31, 2003. 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 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. Advertising growth has been soft due in part to the lagging response to the economic rebound by the Midwest markets in which we operate.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

     We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and reflect practices appropriate to our businesses. 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. Management has discussed with the Board of Directors the development, selection and disclosure of the critical accounting policies and estimates and the application of these policies and estimates.

     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 self-insurance liabilities and 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. We also make estimates and judgments in determining certain tax liabilities and in the determination of the recoverability of certain of the deferred tax assets, which arise from temporary differences between the tax and financial statement recognition of revenue and expense. Our other critical accounting policies include accounting for broadcast rights, goodwill and other intangible assets, stock-based compensation, and our revenue recognition policies. Please refer to our 2003 Form 10-K filed March 24, 2004, for a more detailed discussion of our critical accounting policies and estimates. In addition, there are other items within the financial statements that require estimation, but are not deemed to be critical accounting policies and estimates. Changes in the estimates used in these and other items could have a material impact on the financial statements.

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Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

General

     For the six months ended June 30, 2004, we had revenues, operating income and a net loss from continuing operations of $213.1 million, $2.0 million and $2.3 million, respectively. This represents an increase in revenues of $5.8 million and a decrease in operating income of $4.2 million as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2003. Advertising revenues are generally 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. Although our total advertising revenue improved slightly from prior year, operating expenses increased $10.0 million due to several components detailed in the following discussions.

     Set forth below are the operating results and a reconciliation of net income to adjusted EBITDA for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2004 and 2003.

18


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Block Communications, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Results of Operations (unaudited)

                                 
    Three months ended June 30,
    2004
  2003
Revenue:
                               
Publishing
  $ 64,376,216       59.3 %   $ 64,172,610       60.0 %
Cable
    29,383,680       27.1       27,355,527       25.6  
Broadcasting
    9,785,531       9.0       10,214,156       9.6  
Other Communications
    5,035,896       4.6       5,157,202       4.8  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
    108,581,323       100.0       106,899,495       100.0  
Expense:
                               
Publishing
    63,932,486       58.9       62,313,037       58.3  
Cable
    26,645,955       24.5       24,542,132       23.0  
Broadcasting
    8,599,744       7.9       8,936,736       8.4  
Other Communications
    4,365,256       4.0       4,483,707       4.2  
Corporate general and administrative
    1,319,240       1.2       757,363       0.7  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
    104,862,681       96.6       101,032,975       94.5  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Operating income
    3,718,642       3.4 %     5,866,520       5.5 %
Nonoperating income (expense):
                               
Interest expense
    (4,846,880 )             (5,273,158 )        
Change in fair value of interest rate swaps
    9,800,683               (1,402,215 )        
Investment income
    21,819               69,556          
 
   
 
             
 
         
 
    4,975,622               (6,605,817 )        
 
   
 
             
 
         
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interest
    8,694,264               (739,297 )        
Credit for income taxes
    (38,493 )             (109,815 )        
Minority interest
    17,080               (15,154 )        
 
   
 
             
 
         
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    8,749,837               (644,636 )        
Loss on discontinued operations, net of tax
                  (253,754 )        
 
   
 
             
 
         
Net income (loss)
    8,749,837               (898,390 )        
Add:
                               
Interest expense
    4,846,880               5,273,158          
Credit for income taxes
    (38,493 )             (271,433 )        
Depreciation
    12,978,372               12,424,633          
Amortization of intangibles and deferred charges
    717,327               775,907          
Amortization of broadcast rights
    1,532,397               1,672,460          
Loss on disposal of property and equipment
    24,489               3,224          
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations
                  235,591          
Change in fair value of interest rate swaps
    (9,800,683 )             1,402,215          
Less:
                               
Payments on broadcast rights
    (1,572,139 )             (1,638,874 )        
 
   
 
             
 
         
EBITDA
  $ 17,437,987             $ 18,978,491          
 
   
 
             
 
         

19


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Block Communications, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Results of Operations (unaudited)

                                 
    Six months ended June 30,
    2004
  2003
Revenue:
                               
Publishing
  $ 125,304,591       58.8 %   $ 123,637,832       59.6 %
Cable
    58,101,196       27.3       54,264,104       26.2  
Broadcasting
    19,500,873       9.2       19,282,387       9.3  
Other Communications
    10,168,969       4.8       10,096,853       4.9  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
    213,075,629       100.0       207,281,176       100.0  
Expense:
                               
Publishing
    128,640,574       60.4       123,097,037       59.4  
Cable
    52,797,474       24.8       49,231,426       23.8  
Broadcasting
    17,793,545       8.4       18,281,762       8.8  
Other Communications
    8,784,495       4.1       8,681,759       4.2  
Corporate general and administrative
    3,071,452       1.4       1,836,819       0.9  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
    211,087,540       99.1       201,128,803       97.0  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Operating income
    1,988,089       0.9 %     6,152,373       3.0 %
Nonoperating income (expense):
                               
Interest expense
    (9,509,409 )             (10,220,530 )        
Change in fair value of interest rate swaps
    5,218,027               (2,230,337 )        
Investment income
    162,344               99,760          
 
   
 
             
 
         
 
    (4,129,038 )             (12,351,107 )        
 
   
 
             
 
         
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interest
    (2,140,949 )             (6,198,734 )        
Provision (credit) for income taxes
    172,055               (1,453,452 )        
Minority interest
    33,550               24,557          
 
   
 
             
 
         
Loss from continuing operations
    (2,279,454 )             (4,720,725 )        
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
                  (365,684 )        
 
   
 
             
 
         
Net loss
    (2,279,454 )             (5,086,409 )        
Add:
                               
Interest expense
    9,509,409               10,220,530          
Provision (credit) for income taxes
    172,055               (1,702,559 )        
Depreciation
    25,044,488               24,885,786          
Amortization of intangibles and deferred charges
    1,489,765               1,540,536          
Amortization of broadcast rights
    3,084,563               3,395,873          
Loss on disposal of property and equipment
    264,143               42,686          
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations
                  235,591          
Change in fair value of interest rate swaps
    (5,218,027 )             2,230,337          
Less:
                               
Payments on broadcast rights
    (3,206,411 )             (3,397,766 )        
 
   
 
             
 
         
EBITDA
  $ 28,860,531             $ 32,364,605          
 
   
 
             
 
         

20


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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Set forth below is a reconciliation of net income to adjusted EBITDA by operating segment for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2004 and 2003.

Block Communications, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Reconciliation of Net Income to EBITDA by Segment

                                                 
    Publishing
  Cable
  Broadcasting
  Other
  Corporate
  Consolidated
   
Three months ended June 30, 2004
Net income
  $ 430,197     $ 2,738,738     $ 1,201,856     $ 670,640     $ 3,708,406     $ 8,749,837  
Adjustments to net income:
                                               
Interest expense
    44,738                         4,802,142       4,846,880  
Provision (credit) for income taxes
    (31,018 )           2,000             (9,475 )     (38,493 )
Depreciation
    2,548,957       8,685,505       681,393       1,062,517             12,978,372  
Amortization of intangibles and deferred charges
    89,143       184,891       4,235             439,058       717,327  
Amortization of broadcast rights
          57,123       1,475,274                   1,532,397  
Film payments
          (55,932 )     (1,516,207 )                 (1,572,139 )
(Gain) loss on disposal of assets
          22,176       3,363       (1,050 )           24,489  
Change in fair value of derivative
                            (9,800,683 )     (9,800,683 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
EBITDA
  $ 3,082,017     $ 11,632,501     $ 1,851,914     $ 1,732,107     $ (860,552 )   $ 17,437,987  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
   
Three months ended June 30, 2003
Net income (loss)
  $ 806,505     $ 1,953,598     $ 817,359     $ 422,649     $ (4,898,501 )   $ (898,390 )
Adjustments to net income (loss):
                                               
Interest expense
    50,112                         5,223,046       5,273,158  
Provision (credit) for income taxes
    1,003,120       860,874       442,737       (164,526 )     (2,413,638 )     (271,433 )
Depreciation
    2,865,999       7,745,190       740,975       1,072,469             12,424,633  
Amortization of intangibles and deferred charges
    88,167       184,891       4,235             498,614       775,907  
Amortization of broadcast rights
          74,249       1,598,211                   1,672,460  
Film payments
          (72,679 )     (1,566,195 )                 (1,638,874 )
(Gain) loss on disposal of assets
    (9,500 )     6,113       6,868       (257 )           3,224  
Change in fair value of derivative
                            1,402,215       1,402,215  
Loss on disposal of discontinued operation
                      235,591             235,591  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
EBITDA
  $ 4,804,403     $ 10,752,236     $ 2,044,190     $ 1,565,926     $ (188,264 )   $ 18,978,491  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
   
Six months ended June 30, 2004
Net income (loss)
  $ (3,639,906 )   $ 5,305,264     $ 1,740,615     $ 1,384,474     $ (7,069,901 )   $ (2,279,454 )
Adjustments to net income (loss):
                                               
Interest expense
    115,201                         9,394,208       9,509,409  
Provision (credit) for income taxes
    189,005             2,000             (18,950 )     172,055  
Depreciation
    4,817,895       16,729,409       1,367,625       2,129,559             25,044,488  
Amortization of intangibles and deferred charges
    178,286       369,782       8,470             933,227       1,489,765  
Amortization of broadcast rights
          119,860       2,964,703                   3,084,563  
Film payments
          (114,371 )     (3,092,040 )                 (3,206,411 )
(Gain) loss on disposal of assets
    (9,500 )     271,299       3,163       (819 )           264,143  
Change in fair value of derivative
                            (5,218,027 )     (5,218,027 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
EBITDA
  $ 1,650,981     $ 22,681,243     $ 2,994,536     $ 3,513,214     $ (1,979,443 )   $ 28,860,531  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
   
Six months ended June 30, 2003
Net income (loss)
  $ (359,932 )   $ 3,501,817     $ 643,531     $ 1,028,225     $ (9,900,050 )   $ (5,086,409 )
Adjustments to net income (loss):
                                               
Interest expense
    98,719                         10,121,811       10,220,530  
Provision (credit) for income taxes
    802,205       1,533,069       379,906       (227,922 )     (4,189,817 )     (1,702,559 )
Depreciation
    5,731,998       15,573,275       1,439,707       2,140,806             24,885,786  
Amortization of intangibles and deferred charges
    176,334       369,782       8,470             985,950       1,540,536  
Amortization of broadcast rights
          153,926       3,241,947                   3,395,873  
Film payments
          (171,886 )     (3,225,880 )                 (3,397,766 )
(Gain) loss on disposal of assets
    (9,500 )     45,502       6,868       (184 )           42,686  
Change in fair value of derivative
                            2,230,337       2,230,337  
Loss on disposal of discontinued operation
                      235,591             235,591  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
EBITDA
  $ 6,439,824     $ 21,005,485     $ 2,494,549     $ 3,176,516     $ (751,769 )   $ 32,364,605  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     We define adjusted 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 adjusted EBITDA in a different manner. We have included adjusted 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. Adjusted EBITDA is also a significant component of the financial covenants contained in our senior debt agreements. Adjusted 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 of America, 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 of America. Refer to our financial statements, including our statement of cash flows, which appear elsewhere in this report. The foregoing calculations of adjusted EBITDA are not necessarily comparable to similarly titled amounts of other companies.

Three Months Ended June 30, 2004 Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2003

Revenues

     Total revenue for the three month period ended June 30, 2004 was $108.6 million, an increase of $1.7 million, or 1.6%, as compared to the same period of the prior year. This increase was attributable to revenue growth in the publishing and cable operations, partially offset by revenue declines in broadcasting and other communications.

     Cable Television. Cable revenue for the quarter was $29.4 million, an increase of $2.0 million, or 7.4%, as compared to the same period of 2003. The increase in cable revenue was principally the result of an increase of $5.80, to $65.91, 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 data customer of $43.98 decreased $1.36 as compared to the second quarter of 2003. The decrease in high-speed data average revenue resulted from packaging discounts and promotional offers. For the quarter ended June 30, 2004, average monthly digital revenue per digital home was $14.64, an increase of $.05 as compared to the same period of the prior year. The increase in average digital revenue resulted from an increase in Video on Demand buys, partially offset by packaging discounts and promotional offers. The discounts and promotional offers were continued throughout the second quarter of 2004 due to the increasingly competitive environment, primarily in the Toledo market.

     Revenue generating units increased in the high-speed data and digital categories during the three month period ended June 30, 2004. The net increase in high-speed data subscribers totaled 923 and the net increase in digital homes totaled 2,269, during the quarter. This resulted in 33,033 high-speed data subscribers and 45,612 digital homes as of June 30, 2004. Basic subscribers at the end of the period totaled 148,054, a decrease of 1,110 in the second quarter of 2004. Buckeye Cablesystem recognized a net decrease of 1,742 basic subscribers. This was due to a seasonal reduction resulting from the large number of college students in the Toledo market, an increase in the number of disconnects resulting from economic conditions, and continued competition. The Erie County system recognized a net increase of 632 basic subscribers, resulting from seasonal growth in our Erie County subscriber base due to the tourism component of the Sandusky market.

     Newspaper Publishing. Publishing revenue for the quarter was $64.4 million, an increase of $204,000, or 0.3%, as compared to the second quarter of 2003. The increase consisted of a $370,000, or 0.7%, increase in advertising revenue due primarily to increases in classified and internet advertising of $755,000, or 4.2%, and $167,000, or 26.9%, respectively, partially offset by reduction in national advertising of $417,000, or 5.1%. Retail advertising was consistent with the second quarter of 2003, while other advertising, net of trade expense, decreased $201,000. Circulation revenue decreased $230,000, or 1.9%, as compared to the same period of 2003, primarily due to a decrease in both daily and Sunday circulation compounded by declining average earned rates per copy. The variance in rates is the result of lower rates received from event, sponsor, and Newspapers In Education copies sold during the second quarter of 2004 as compared to the second quarter of 2003. Other revenue, which consists of third party and total market delivery, increased $64,000 as compared to the same quarter of the previous year.

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     Television Broadcasting. Broadcasting revenue for the quarter was $9.8 million, a decrease of $429,000, or 4.2%, as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2003. The decrease in broadcasting revenue was due to decreases in local, national and political advertising of $274,000, $168,000, and $81,000, respectively, partially offset by a decrease in agency commissions of $94,000.

     Other Communications. Other communications revenue from continuing operations for the quarter was $5.0 million, a decrease of $121,000, or 2.4%, as compared to same period of the prior year. Telecom revenue for the quarter was $4.4 million, a decrease of $91,000, due primarily to a FCC mandated reduction in reciprocal compensation revenue and carrier access billings of $316,000 and $176,000. These declines were partially offset by an increase in competitive access and local exchange revenue of $272,000 and $78,000, respectively, resulting from a net increase of 106, or 16.7%, in the number of commercial telecom customers since the second quarter of 2003. Long-distance revenue for the second quarter of 2004 increased $26,000 as compared to the same period of the prior year. Revenue from the home security business decreased $30,000 as compared to the second quarter of 2003.

Operating Expenses

     Operating expenses for the quarter were $104.9 million, an increase of $3.8 million, or 3.8%, as compared to the second quarter of 2003. The increase in operating expense was attributable to increased publishing, cable, and corporate general and administrative expenses, partially offset by decreased broadcasting and other communications expenses.

     Cable Television. Cable operating expenses were $26.6 million, an increase of $2.1 million, or 8.6%, as compared to the same period of the prior year. The increase was primarily due to a $664,000, or 11.0%, increase in basic programming expenses, a $940,000, or 12.1%, increase in depreciation, a $199,000, or 39.4%, increase in cable modem associated expenses, and a $318,000, or 83.8%, increase in programming expenses for the digital tier. Basic cable programming expenses increased due to price increases from programming suppliers and programming expenses related to Buckeye Cable Sports Network. The increase in depreciation is attributable to the capital expenditures associated with the rebuild of our Erie County cable system, accelerated depreciation for analog converters and continued rollout of cable modems and digital cable converters. Cable modem expenses increased as a result of additional customer service representatives and network and product improvements implemented in response to subscriber growth. Programming expense for the digital tier increased due to an increase in the number of digital subscribers as compared to the same quarter of the prior year. Further, marketing and advertising expenses increased $164,000, or 12.0%, due to various promotional offers and advertising campaigns launched in response to increased competition. Other departmental expenses increased marginally due to inflationary factors.

     Newspaper Publishing. Publishing operating expenses were $63.9 million, an increase of $1.6 million, or 2.6%, over the three months ended June 30, 2003. The increase was partially due to a $650,000, or 8.6%, increase in the cost of newsprint and ink, resulting from a weighted-average price per ton increase of $55.85, or 12.1%, partially offset by a 3.0% decrease in consumption from the same period of the prior year. Departmental salaries and wages increased primarily due to contractual increases at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. General and administrative expenses, which include employee benefit costs, increased $804,000, or 4.7%, primarily due to increases in the Post Gazette’s other post-employment benefits, pension, and workers’ compensation costs of $166,000, $193,000 and $557,000, respectively, as compared to the second quarter of 2003. The Blade’s general and administrative costs, inclusive of employee benefits, increased $85,000, primarily due to increases in other post-employment costs, partially offset by savings in medical and legal and professional fees.

     Television Broadcasting. Broadcasting operating expenses were $8.6 million, a decrease of $337,000, or 3.8%, from the same period of the prior year. The decrease results primarily from decreases in sales and promotion expense, general and administrative expenses, and broadcast film amortization of $237,000, $173,000, and $123,000, respectively, partially offset by increases in engineering, news and programming departmental expenses of $107,000, $78,000, and $79,000.

     Other Communications. Other communications operating expenses from continuing operations were $4.4 million, a decrease of $118,000, or 2.6%, from the same period of 2003. Telecom operating expenses decreased $218,000, or 5.7%, due primarily to decreases in gross receipts tax and long-distance expense of $137,000 and $107,000, respectively. Operating expenses related to security alarm system sales and monitoring increased $100,000, or 15.6%, due primarily to increases in inventory obsolescence reserves, specifically related to inventory maintained for future warranty work.

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Operating Income

     Operating income decreased $2.1 million as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2003. Cable operating income decreased $76,000 due to increases in depreciation, marketing and advertising, and programming expenses, partially offset by revenue growth generated from rate increases and rollout of new services. Publishing operating income decreased $1.4 million, primarily due to increased newsprint and employee related expenses, partially offset by slight advertising revenue growth. Broadcasting operating income decreased $92,000 due to decreases in advertising revenue, partially offset by decreased operating expenses. Other communications operating income was consistent with the three months ended June 30, 2003. Corporate general and administrative expenses increased $562,000, due to overall increases in employee benefits and legal and professional fees. Employee benefits increased due to favorable medical expense trending realized and recorded in the second quarter of 2003.

Net Income

     For the three months ended June 30, 2004, the company reported net income of $8.7 million, compared to a net loss of $898,000 reported for the same period of the prior year. This increase in net income is primarily due to a favorable variance of $11.2 million on the change in fair value of interest-rate swaps and a decrease in interest expense of $426,000, partially offset by a decrease in operating income of $2.1 million. The variance in the change in fair value of our non-hedge interest rate swaps is due to the specific swaps in effect during the two periods and changes in the interest rate environment. This variance also includes a $3.0 million derivative valuation gain related to interest-rate swap contracts that were liquidated during the second quarter. The credit for income taxes was $38,000 for the second quarter of 2004 compared to a credit for income taxes of $110,000 for the same quarter of the previous year. The second quarter 2003 credit included a $300,000 deferred tax credit. The variance is primarily due to the determination that a 100% valuation allowance of our deferred tax assets is still required as of June 30, 2004. Furthermore, discontinued operations generated a loss of $254,000, net of tax benefit, during the second quarter of 2003.

Depreciation and Amortization

     Depreciation and amortization increased $355,000, or 2.4%, as compared to the same period of the prior year. The increase was primarily due to an increase in cable operations depreciation expense of $940,000 resulting from continued rollout of advanced services and accelerated depreciation on analog converters, partially offset by a decrease in publishing depreciation expense of $317,000, resulting from assets acquired during the 1992 Pittsburgh Press acquisition becoming fully depreciated by the end of 2003. In addition, broadcasting depreciation and amortization decreased $183,000 due primarily to a $123,000 reduction in broadcast film amortization.

Adjusted EBITDA

     Adjusted EBITDA decreased $1.5 million, or 8.1%, as compared to the second quarter of 2003. A reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to net income is provided above. Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue for the quarter ended June 30, 2004 decreased to 16.1% from 17.8% for the three months ended June 30, 2003. The decrease in adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue was primarily due to the increase in publishing and cable operating expenses and corporate general and administrative expenses, partially offset by the continued rollout of high margin advanced cable products, the increase in cable service charges and the marginal increase in publishing advertising revenues. Net income as a percentage of revenue was 8.1% as of June 30, 2004, as compared to net loss as a percentage of revenue at June 30, 2003 of 0.8%. This is primarily due to the favorable variance on the change in fair value of interest rate swaps discussed above.

Six Months Ended June 30, 2004 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2003

Revenues

     Total revenues for the six month period ended June 30, 2004 were $213.1 million, an increase of $5.8 million, or 2.8%, as compared to the same period of the prior year. This increase was attributable to revenue growth in all operating segments.

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     Cable Television. Cable revenue was $58.1 million, an increase of $3.8 million, or 7.1%, as compared to the same period of 2003. The increase in cable revenue was principally the result of an increase of $5.55, to $65.08, 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 data customer of $44.19 decreased $1.42, as compared to the first six months of 2003. For the six months ended June 30, 2004, average monthly digital revenue per digital home of $14.67 decreased $.18 as compared to the same period of the prior year. The decrease in both high-speed data and digital average revenue resulted from promotions and packaging discounts offered in response to increased competition throughout the first six months of 2004.

     Revenue generating units increased in the high-speed data and digital categories during the six months ended June 30, 2004. Net high-speed data additions totaled 3,226 for the period, resulting in 33,033 high-speed data customers. Net digital additions totaled 7,539 for the period, resulting in 45,612 digital homes as of June 30, 2004. Basic subscribers at the end of the period totaled 148,054, a decrease of 1,124 in the six months ended June 30, 2004 due to a seasonal reduction resulting from the large number of college students in the Toledo market, an increase in the number of disconnects resulting from economic conditions, and continued competition, partially offset by seasonal growth in the Erie County system.

     Newspaper Publishing. Publishing revenue was $125.3 million, an increase of $1.7 million, or 1.4%, as compared to the same period of 2003. The increase consisted of a $2.0 million, or 2.0%, increase in advertising revenue due primarily to increases in retail, national and classified advertising of $85,000, or 0.2%, $819,000, or 5.4%, and $1.2 million, or 3.3%, respectively. The favorable variance in classified advertising is solely attributable to our Pittsburgh market, with the Toledo Blade reporting decreased classified adverting of $365,000. Both markets recognized equivalent increases in retail and national advertising. For the first six months of 2004, circulation revenue decreased $464,000, or 1.9%, due to a decrease in both daily and Sunday circulation compounded by declining average earned rates per copy. Other revenue, which consists of third party and total market delivery, increased $157,000 as compared with the same period of the previous year.

     Television Broadcasting. Broadcasting revenue was $19.5 million, an increase of $218,000, or 1.1%, as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2003. The increase in broadcasting revenue was due to an increase in national and political advertising revenue of $327,000, or 5.1%, and $260,000, or 56.0%, respectively, partially offset by a decrease in local advertising of $347,000, or 2.3%, and an increase in agency commissions of $28,000, or 0.8%.

     Other Communications. Other communications revenue from continuing operations was $10.2 million, an increase of $72,000, or 0.7%, as compared to same period of the prior year. This is due to an increase in our home security system sales revenue of $97,000 resulting from an increase in monitoring revenue as compared to the first six months of 2003. Telecom revenue for the six months was $8.9 million, a decrease of $25,000, due primarily to an FCC mandated reduction in reciprocal compensation revenue and carrier access billings of $604,000 and $285,000. These declines were partially offset by an increase in competitive access and local exchange revenue of $479,000 and $350,000, respectively, resulting from a net increase of 75, or 11.3%, in the number of commercial telecom customers during the first six months of 2004.

Operating Expenses

     Operating expenses for the first six months were $211.1 million, an increase of $10.0 million, or 5.0%, as compared to the first six months of 2003. The increase in operating expense was attributable to increased publishing, cable, other communications, and corporate general and administrative expenses, offset by decreased broadcasting expenses.

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     Cable Television. Cable operating expenses were $52.8 million, an increase of $3.6 million, or 7.2%, as compared to the same period of the prior year. Basic cable programming expenses increased $1.3 million, or 11.1%, to $13.4 million, due to price increases from programming suppliers and the launch of Buckeye Cable Sports Network, partially offset by the decrease in basic subscribers. Programming expense for the digital tier increased $513,000, due to an increase in the number of digital subscribers as compared to the same period of the prior year. In addition, cable modem operating expenses and marketing and advertising expenses increased $368,000, or 38.5%, and $296,000, or 10.5%, respectively. Cable modem expenses increased as a result of additional customer service representatives and network and product improvements implemented in response to subscriber growth. Marketing and advertising expense increased due to various promotional offers and advertising campaigns launched in response to increased competition. Depreciation expense increased $1.2 million, or 7.4%, to $16.7 million. This increase in depreciation is attributable to the capital expenditures associated with the rebuild of our cable systems, accelerated depreciation of analog converters and continued rollout of cable modems and digital cable service.

     Newspaper Publishing. Publishing operating expenses were $128.6 million, an increase of $5.5 million, or 4.5%, from the six months ended June 30, 2003. The increase was partially due to a $1.4 million, or 9.3%, increase in the cost of newsprint and ink, resulting from a weighted-average price per ton increase of $53.54, or 11.8%, partially offset by a 1.3% decrease in consumption from the same period of the prior year. Departmental salaries and wages increased primarily due to contractual increases at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. General and administrative expenses, which include employee benefit costs, increased $3.9 million, or 11.4%, primarily due to increases in the Post Gazette’s medical, pension, and workers’ compensation costs of $1.3 million, $386,000, and $1.9 million, respectively, as compared to the first six months of 2003. The Blade’s general and administrative costs, inclusive of employee benefits, increased $358,000, primarily due to increases in other post-employment costs and union pension expense, partially offset by savings in medical and legal and professional fees.

     Television Broadcasting. Broadcasting operating expenses were $17.8 million, a decrease of $488,000, or 2.7%, from the same period of the prior year. The decrease results primarily from decreases in sales and promotion expense, programming departmental expenses, general and administrative expenses, depreciation, and broadcast film amortization of $250,000, $75,000, $101,000, $72,000, and $277,000, respectively. These savings were partially offset by increases in engineering and news departmental expenses of $146,000 and $148,000, respectively.

     Other Communications. Other communications operating expenses from continuing operations were $8.8 million, an increase of $103,000, or 1.2%, from the same period of 2003. This variance is primarily due to an increase of $206,000, or 16.7%, in operating expenses related to security alarm system sales and monitoring, due primarily to increases in cost of sales along with increases in inventory obsolescence reserves recorded in the second quarter of 2004. Telecom operating expenses decreased $103,000, or 1.4%, due primarily to a decrease of $232,000 in long-distance expense, partially offset by an increase in general and administrative expenses of $109,000.

Operating Income

     Operating income decreased $4.2 million as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2003. Cable operating income increased $271,000 due to revenue growth generated from rate increases and rollout of new services, partially offset by increases in depreciation, marketing and advertising, and cable programming expenses. Publishing operating income decreased $3.9 million, due to increased employee related expenses, partially offset by advertising revenue growth. Broadcasting operating income increased $707,000 due primarily to increases in advertising revenue and tight cost controls. Other communications operating income decreased $31,000 due to increased expenses related to the home security operations, partially offset by revenue growth and reduction in telecom operations long-distance expense. Corporate general and administrative expenses increased $1.2 million from the prior year due to overall increases in employee benefits and legal and professional fees. Employee benefit expenses increased due to favorable medical expense trending realized and recorded in the second quarter of 2003. Legal and professional fees increased from the six months ended June 30, 2003, due to an amendment fee paid during the first quarter of 2004 for the third amendment to our senior credit facilities dated March 19, 2004.

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Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Net Income

     For the six months ended June 30, 2004, the company reported a loss from continuing operations of $2.3 million, compared to a net loss from continuing operations of $4.7 million reported for the same period of the prior year. The decrease in net loss from continuing operations is primarily due to a favorable variance of $7.4 million on the change in fair value of interest-rate swaps and a decrease in interest expense of $728,000, partially offset by a decrease in operating income of $4.2 million. The variance in the change in fair value of our non-hedge interest rate swaps is due to the specific swaps in effect during the two periods and changes in the interest rate environment. This variance also includes a $3.0 million derivative valuation gain related to interest-rate swap contracts that were liquidated during the second quarter. The provision for income taxes was $172,000 for the first six months of 2004 compared to a credit for income taxes of $1.5 million for the same period of the previous year. The credit recorded in the first six months of 2003 included a $2.5 million deferred tax credit. The variance is primarily due to the determination that a 100% valuation allowance of our deferred tax assets is still required as of June 30, 2004.

     Effective May 31, 2003, the Company suspended operations of Community Communication Services, Inc. (CCS). Results of CCS are reported separately from results of continuing operations for all periods presented. Discontinued operations generated a loss of $366,000, net of tax benefit, during the first six months of 2003.

     As a result of the foregoing, the company reported a net loss of $2.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004, as compared to a net loss of $5.1 million for the same period of the prior year.

Depreciation and Amortization

     Depreciation and amortization decreased $203,000, or 0.7%, as compared to the same period of the prior year. The decrease was primarily due to a $914,000 reduction in publishing depreciation expense resulting from assets acquired during the 1992 Pittsburgh Press acquisition becoming fully depreciated by the end of 2003. Broadcasting depreciation and amortization decreased $349,000, primarily due to a reduction in broadcast film amortization. These were partially offset by increases in cable depreciation expense of $1.2 million primarily due to the continued rollout of advanced services, and the accelerated depreciation of analog converters.

Adjusted EBITDA

     Adjusted EBITDA decreased $3.5 million, or 10.8%, as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2003. A reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to net income is provided above. Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue decreased to 13.5% in the six months ended June 30, 2004, from 15.6% in the same period of the prior year. The decrease in adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue was primarily due to the increase in corporate general and administrative expenses and publishing and cable operating expenses, partially offset by the continued rollout of high margin advanced cable products, the increase in cable service charges and the marginal increase in publishing advertising revenues. Net loss as a percentage of revenue was 1.1% for the six months ended June 30, 2004, as compared to net loss as a percentage of revenue at June 30, 2003 of 2.4%. This is primarily due to the favorable variance in the change in fair value of interest rate swaps discussed above, offset by the deferred tax credit recorded in the first six months of 2003.

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 $29.5 million and $23.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and June 30, 2003, 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 $24.9 million and $24.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and June 30, 2003, respectively.

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     Our capital expenditures have historically been financed with cash flow from operations and borrowings under our senior credit facility. We made capital expenditures of $24.6 million and $23.5 million, including capital leases, for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and June 30, 2003, respectively. Capital expenditures in 2004 were used primarily in the rebuild of the Erie County Cable system, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette facility upgrade, and the maintenance of other operating assets. We expect to make capital expenditures of $28.1 million in the last half of 2004. These include the continued rollout of advanced cable services, completion of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette production facility upgrade, and various other improvements to our operations.

     Financing activities used $915,000 of cash for the six months ended June 30, 2004, compared to $5.8 million of cash provided from financing activities from the same period of the prior year. The financing activities provided in the first six months of 2003 include a $10.0 million borrowing on the Term Loan A; partially offset by 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. At June 30, 2004, the balances outstanding and available under our senior credit facilities and subordinated notes were $264.9 million and $70.9 million, respectively, and the average interest rate on the balance outstanding was 6.9%. At June 30, 2004, our covenants on our senior credit facilities would allow additional borrowing of $37.6 million based on our twelve month trailing EBITDA of $58.0 million. At June 30, 2003, the balances outstanding and available under our senior credit facility and senior notes were $255.7 million and $91.5 million, respectively, and the average interest rate on the balance outstanding was 7.26%. The decrease in the effective interest rate, partially offset by an increase in the amount outstanding, generated an overall decrease in interest expense of $711,000, or 7.0%.

     Effective March 19, 2004, we amended our senior credit facilities to restate various covenant levels and to substitute the fixed charge coverage test with a debt service coverage test. The amendment also places limits on capital expenditures throughout the term of the credit agreement. This amendment was filed as an exhibit to our 2003 Form 10-K dated March 24, 2004.

     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 planned capital expenditures, and our current and future financial obligations.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures 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 June 30, 2004, our interest rate swap agreements expire in varying amounts through April 2009.

     The fair value of $89.9 million of our long-term debt approximates its carrying value as it bears interest at floating rates. As of June 30, 2004, the estimated fair value of our interest rate swap agreements was a liability of $2.5 million, 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 long-term obligations. 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 June 30, 2004, we had $175.0 million outstanding on our 9¼% senior subordinated notes, with a carrying value of $175.2 million, as adjusted for the fair value hedge.

     As of June 30, 2004, we had entered into interest-rate swaps that approximated $205.0 million, including the effect of any offsetting swaps, or 77.4%, of our borrowings under all of our credit facilities. The interest-rate swaps consist of $85.0 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 $85.0 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 June 30, 2004, 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 $1.7 million.

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

     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. Losses recognized in connection with the discontinuation of operations in 2003 reflect the adoption of this standard. See Note 2 for disclosures relating to discontinued operations.

     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. See Note 9 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 has had 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.

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 24, 2004.

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

     Information relating to market risk is included in Item 2, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, under the caption “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk”.

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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 June 30, 2004 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

  (a)   Exhibits

         
  Exhibit 31.1   Certification of the Managing Director pursuant to Rule 15d-14(a)
 
       
  Exhibit 31.2   Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 15d-14(a)
 
       
  Exhibit 32.1   Certification of the Managing Director pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Sec. 1350
 
       
  Exhibit 32.2   Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Sec. 1350

  (b)   Reports on Form 8-K filed in the second quarter of 2004:

 
Form 8-K filed on May 11, 2004 — The Company issued a press release announcing earnings results for the quarter ended March 31, 2004.

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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: August 12, 2004
  By:   /s/ Allan Block
     
 
      Allan Block
      Managing Director
 
       
Date: August 12, 2004
  By:   /s/ Gary J. Blair
     
 
      Gary J. Blair
      Executive Vice President /
      Chief Financial Officer

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