8-K

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

November 8, 2002

(Date of Report)

FISHER COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

Washington	000-22439	91-0222175
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)	(Commission File No.)	(IRS Employer Identification No.)

1525 One Union Square, 600 University Street, Seattle, Washington, 98101-3185

(Address of Principal Executive Offices, including Zip Code)

(206) 404-7000

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

Item 5.    Other Events.

On November 8, 2002, Fisher Communications, Inc. (the “Company”) issued a press release announcing that the Company has retained Goldman Sachs & Co. to assist it in its evaluation of strategic alternatives for the Company. A copy of that press release is attached hereto as exhibit 99.1.

Item 7.    Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits

(c)  Exhibits

99.1	Press Release issued November 8, 2002.
99.2	Letter to Shareholders dated November 8, 2002.

Item 9.    Regulation FD Disclosure.

On November 8, 2002, the Company mailed to shareholders a letter regarding the determination by the Company’s board of directors for the Company to review a range of strategic alternatives. A copy of that letter to shareholders is furnished and not filed hereto as Exhibit 99.2 pursuant to Regulation FD. Some of the alternatives being reviewed include a sale of selected assets, a re-capitalization, a sale or merger, or continuing the Company’s business as presently conducted.

SIGNATURE

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 hereunto duly authorized.

	FISHER COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Dated: November 12, 2002	By	/S/    DAVID HILLARD
	David D. Hillard Senior Vice President Chief Financial Officer

3

Exhibit Index

99.1	Press Release issued November 8, 2002.
99.2	Letter to Shareholders dated November 8, 2002.

4

EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Christopher G. Wheeler of Fisher Communications, Inc. 206-404-6784 Drew Brown, Citigate Sard Verbinnen 212-687-8080

FISHER TO EVALUATE STRATEGIC ALTERNATIVES

Retains Goldman Sachs to Assist in Review Process

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON—November 8, 2002—Fisher Communications (NASDAQ:FSCI) today announced that the company has retained Goldman, Sachs & Co. as financial advisor to assist in reviewing its strategic alternatives.

In announcing its decision to review strategic alternatives, the company issued the following statement: “Our Board of Directors is fully committed to acting in the best interests of the company and its shareholders. Accordingly, and in light of industry conditions, we have determined that it is appropriate at this time to review a range of strategic alternatives for the company. As always, we remain focused on creating long-term value for shareholders and acting in the interest of the company’s constituencies.”

Fisher Communications, Inc. is a Seattle-based communications and media company focused on creating, aggregating, and distributing information and entertainment to a broad range of audiences. Its 12 network-affiliated television stations are located in the Northwest and Southeast, and its 28 radio stations broadcast in Washington, Oregon, and Montana. Other media operations include Fisher Entertainment, a program production business, as well as Fisher Pathways, a satellite and fiber transmission provider, and Fisher Plaza, a digital communications hub located in Seattle.

# # #

EX-99.2

Exhibit 99.2

November 8, 2002

Dear Shareholder:

We announced today in the attached press release our decision to review a range of strategic alternatives and that we have retained Goldman, Sachs & Co. as financial advisor to assist in this review.

For the past 76 years as a leading broadcaster, Fisher Communications has successfully adapted to both changes in the broadcasting sector and the cyclical nature of advertising. During the past two years, an extremely difficult period for media companies, our company has restructured and streamlined its operations, made great strides in achieving company-wide expense reductions, and worked to capitalize on initiatives and products that extend the reach of its broadcasting content – all while maintaining the highest standards for content across its media outlets.

Throughout its history, Fisher Communications has focused on creating long-term value for its shareholders and acting in the interest of the company’s constituencies. Consistent with this focus, and in light of industry conditions, the Board determined that it is appropriate for the Company to review a range of strategic alternatives.

We are grateful for your continued support.

Sincerely,

/S/    DONALD G. GRAHAM, JR. Donald G. Graham, Jr. Chairman of the Board /S/    WILLIAM W. KRIPPAEHNE, JR. William W. Krippaehne Jr. President & CEO