[opendtv] The numbers that really matter

  • From: Craig Birkmaier <craig@xxxxxxxxx>
  • To: OpenDTV Mail List <opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
  • Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 07:17:55 -0500

Bert is optimstic about improved ratings for the broadcast networks.

Here are the numbers that really matter for one representative broadcaster.


http://www.tvnewscheck.com/articles/2009/11/04/daily.12/

QUARTERLY EARNINGS REPORT
Sinclair's 3Q Broadcast Revenue Falls 9%
By Staff
TVNewsCheck, Nov 4 2009, 3:05 PM ET

Sinclair Broadcast Group today reported that its net broadcast revenues from continuing operations were $136.4 million for the three months ended Sept. 30, a decrease of 9.1% versus the prior year period result of $150.1 million.

The company had operating income of $35.7 million in the three-month period, as compared to operating income of $37.4 million in the prior year period.
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Political revenues were $1.9 million in the third quarter versus $8.7 million in third quarter 2008. Revenues from retransmission consent agreements were $28.0 million in the third quarter 2009 as compared to $17.9 million in the third quarter 2008.

Local advertising revenues were down 13.9% in the third quarter 2009 while national advertising revenues were down 26.7% versus the third quarter 2008.

Excluding political revenues, local advertising revenues were down 13.2% and national advertising revenues were down 16.2% in the third quarter.

Advertising spending categories that were down the most were automotive, services, paid programming, movies and telecommunications.

Services, Sinclair's largest category representing 15.6% of time sales, was down 10.9% while automotive, its second largest category representing 15.3% of time sales, was down 31.4% in the quarter.

Local advertising revenues, excluding political revenues, represented approximately 69% of advertising revenues in the third quarter.

Time sales on Sinclair's Fox, ABC, MNT, CW, CBS and NBC stations were down 17.4%, 21.2%, 13.0%, 22.6%, 24.5% and 30.9% in the third quarter 2009, respectively.

During the quarter, the company received digital equipment at four stations in exchange for comparable analog equipment as a result of vacating certain analog spectrum to be used for public safety. As a result, the company recorded a $500,000 non-cash gain on the equipment exchange. Looking ahead, the company said it expects fourth quarter revenue to drop 11.0% to 12.8% from the same period last year. This assumes $3 million in political revenues as compared to $25.6 million in 2008.

For the full year, the company is estimating net broadcast revenues of between $544.1 million and $547.1 million, down 14.4% to 14.9% from last year. The 2009 full-year estimate includes $5.9 million of political revenues versus $41.1 million in 2008.


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