DEF 14A 1 ddef14a.htm DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT Definitive Proxy Statement

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

 

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

(Amendment No.     )

 

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x        Definitive Proxy Statement

         

¨         Definitive Additional Materials

         

¨         Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-11(c) or §240.14a-12

    

 

FISHER COMMUNICATIONS, INC.


(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

 

    


(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

 

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Note:


LOGO

 


 

FISHER COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

 

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

TO BE HELD APRIL 29, 2004

 

To the Shareholders of Fisher Communications, Inc:

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Fisher Communications, Inc. (the “Company”) will be held at Fisher Plaza, 140 4th Avenue North, Seattle, Washington, at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, April 29, 2004, for the purpose of considering and voting upon the following matters:

 

1.   ELECTION OF DIRECTORS. To elect four (4) directors for a term of three years or until their successors have been elected and qualified.

 

2.   ANY OTHER BUSINESS that may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof.

 

The Board of Directors has established the close of business on March 2, 2004 as the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting.

 

Further information regarding voting rights and the business to be transacted at the Annual Meeting is provided in the accompanying Proxy Statement. Family members are welcome to accompany you at the meeting.

 

March 26, 2004

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

LOGO

Sharon J. Johnston, Secretary

 

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT

 

Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, please sign and date your Proxy and return it in the enclosed postage prepaid envelope. It is important that your shares be represented and that a quorum is present. If you attend the meeting in person, your Proxy may be revoked and you may personally vote your shares, even though you have previously returned your Proxy.


PROXY STATEMENT

 

FISHER COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

100 4th Avenue N.

Suite 404

Seattle, Washington 98109

(206) 404-7000

 

This Proxy Statement and the accompanying form of Proxy are being sent to shareholders of Fisher Communications, Inc. (the “Company”) on or about March 26, 2004 for use in connection with the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company to be held on April 29, 2004.

 

ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING

 

When and where is the meeting?

 

The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Fisher Communications, Inc. (the “Annual Meeting”) will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 29, 2004 at Fisher Plaza, 140 4th Avenue North, Seattle, Washington. (The entrance to the Fisher Plaza garage is on John Street.)

 

What is the purpose of the meeting?

 

At the Annual Meeting, shareholders will act upon the matters outlined in the accompanying notice of meeting, including the election of directors. In addition, the Company’s management will report on the performance of the Company during 2003 and respond to questions from shareholders.

 

Who is entitled to vote?

 

Only shareholders of record at the close of business on the record date, March 2, 2004, are entitled to receive notice of the Annual Meeting and to vote the shares of common stock that they held on that date at the meeting, or any postponement or adjournment of the meeting.

 

Who can attend the meeting?

 

All shareholders as of the record date, or their duly appointed proxies, may attend the meeting. Family members are welcome to accompany you to the meeting. Admission to the meeting will be by admission card only. If you hold your shares in “street name” (that is, through a broker or other nominee), you may request an admission card by writing or phoning the Company; you will need to bring to the Annual Meeting a letter from the broker or other nominee confirming your beneficial ownership.

 

What constitutes a quorum?

 

The presence at the meeting, in person or by proxy, of the holders of at least a majority of the shares of common stock outstanding on the record date will constitute a quorum, permitting the meeting to conduct its business. As of the record date, 8,615,888 shares of common stock of the Company were outstanding.

 

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How do I vote?

 

If you complete and properly sign the accompanying proxy card and return it to the Company, it will be voted as you have directed. If you are a registered shareholder and attend the Annual Meeting, you may deliver your completed proxy card in person. “Street name” shareholders that wish to vote at the meeting will need to obtain a proxy form from the institution that holds their shares.

 

Can I change my vote after I return my proxy card?

 

After you have submitted your proxy, you may change your vote at any time before the proxy is exercised by submitting to the Secretary of the Company either a notice of revocation or a duly executed proxy bearing a later date. The powers of the proxy holders with respect to your shares will be suspended if you attend the meeting in person and so request to the Secretary of the Company, although attendance at the meeting will not by itself revoke a previously granted proxy.

 

What are the Board’s recommendations?

 

Unless you give other instructions on your proxy card, the persons named as proxy holders on the proxy card will vote in accordance with the recommendations of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote “FOR ALL NOMINEES” to be elected as directors as set forth in this Proxy Statement.

 

With respect to any other matter that properly comes before the meeting, the proxy holders will vote as recommended by the Board of Directors or, if no recommendation is given, in their own discretion.

 

What vote is required to approve each item?

 

Election of Directors.    Directors will be elected by a plurality of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting by Company shareholders present, in person or by proxy, and entitled to vote. In the election of directors, a shareholder may either (i) cumulate his or her shares and give one nominee (or divide in any proportion among some or all nominees) as many votes as the number of shares that such shareholder holds, multiplied by the number of nominees; or (ii) vote his or her shares, multiplied by the number of nominees, equally among the nominees for election. A properly executed proxy marked “WITHHOLD AUTHORITY” with respect to the election of one or more directors will not be voted with respect to the director or directors indicated, although it will be counted for purposes of determining whether there is a quorum. Under the rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers (“NASD”), brokers holding stock for the accounts of their clients who have not been given specific voting instructions by their clients as to the election of directors may vote their clients’ proxies in their own discretion with respect to such proposal. Accordingly, there cannot be any broker nonvotes on this matter.

 

Other Items.    If any other item is properly brought before the meeting, such item will be approved if the votes cast in favor of the item exceed the votes cast opposing the item. Abstentions with respect to any such matter will not be voted, although they will be counted for purposes of determining whether there is a quorum. Each outstanding share shall be entitled to one vote on each matter submitted. If you hold your shares in “street name” through a broker or other nominee, your broker or nominee may not be permitted to exercise voting discretion with respect to some of the matters to be acted upon. Thus, if you do not give your broker or nominee specific instructions, your

 

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shares may not be voted on those matters and, if so, will not be counted in determining the number of shares necessary for approval.

 

Who will bear the cost of soliciting votes for the meeting?

 

The enclosed Proxy is solicited by and on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Company, with the cost of solicitation borne by the Company. Solicitation may be made by directors and officers of the Company, via mail, or by telephone, facsimile or personal interview. The Company does not expect to pay any compensation for the solicitation of proxies, except to brokers, nominees and similar record holders for reasonable expenses in mailing proxy materials to beneficial owners and the expenses of Georgeson Shareholder Communications Inc. described below.

 

The Company has retained Georgeson Shareholder Communications Inc. to assist with the distribution of proxies. The Company will pay reasonable costs and expenses for this service.

 

BUSINESS OF THE MEETING

 

There is one matter being presented for consideration by the shareholders at the Annual Meeting.

 

Proposal No. 1—Election Of Directors

 

General

 

The Company’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (“Articles”) provide that the number of directors must fall within a range of 9 and 19, the exact number to be determined pursuant to the Company’s Bylaws. The Bylaws currently provide that the Board will consist of 11 directors. The number of directors may be changed by amending the Bylaws. The Articles also provide that the Board of Directors may fill vacancies created on the Board, provided that the number of directors shall at no time exceed 19.

 

Directors are elected for terms of three years and until their successors have been elected and qualified. The Company’s Articles and Bylaws require that the terms of the directors be staggered such that approximately one-third of the directors is elected each year.

 

In accordance with the above, the Board of Directors has nominated Carol H. Fratt, Donald G. Graham, Jr., Donald G. Graham, III and William W. Krippaehne, Jr. for election as directors for three-year terms to expire in the year 2007. All four nominees are presently directors of the Company. If such nominees should refuse or be unable to serve, your Proxy will be voted for such person as shall be designated by the Board of Directors to replace any such nominee. The Board of Directors presently has no knowledge that any of the nominees will refuse or be unable to serve.

 

The Board Of Directors Unanimously Recommends That You Vote

“FOR ALL NOMINEES” To Be Elected As Directors

 

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INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO NOMINEES AND

DIRECTORS WHOSE TERMS CONTINUE

 

The following tables set forth certain information with respect to director nominees and directors whose terms continue. The table below includes (i) the age of each director as of December 31, 2003, (ii) the principal occupation(s) of each director during the past five years, and (iii) the year each director was first elected or appointed.

 

Name and Age


  

Principal Occupation(s) Of Director

During Last Five Years


   Director
Since:


NOMINEES FOR DIRECTORS FOR THREE YEAR TERM EXPIRING IN 2007

Carol Fratt, 59

   Landscape design and community affairs    1993

Donald G. Graham, Jr., 80

   Chairman of the Board (June 1993 – April 2003); retired Chairman & CEO of the Company    1972

Donald G. Graham, III, 49

   Commercial Photography    1993

William W. Krippaehne, Jr., 52 (1)

   President & CEO of the Company    1982
CONTINUING DIRECTORS WITH TERM EXPIRING 2005

Richard L. Hawley, 54

   Executive Vice President and CFO of Nicor Inc. and Northern Illinois Gas Co. since December 2003; Vice President and CFO of Puget Energy, Inc. and Puget Sound Energy, Inc. (March 1998 – March 2002)    2003

George F. Warren, Jr., 69

   Business affairs and land development    1999

William W. Warren, Jr., 65

   Professor of Physics; Director, W.M. Keck Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Laboratory, Oregon State University    1992
CONTINUING DIRECTORS WITH TERM EXPIRING 2006

James W. Cannon, 76

   Retired Executive Vice President, SAFECO Corporation and Retired President of its Property and Casualty Insurance Companies    1993

Phelps K. Fisher, 69

   Chairman of the Board since April 2003; Executive Vice President – Marketing, Fisher Broadcasting Company (May 1993 – September 1999)    1979

Deborah L. Bevier, 52

   President & CEO of Laird Norton Financial Group, Inc. (1999 – 2003) and Laird Norton Trust Company (1996 – 2003); CEO of Wentworth, Hauser and Violich, Inc. (2001 – 2003)    2003

Jerry A. St. Dennis, 61

   Associated with Cascade Investment, L.L.C. since 2000; Managing Director of John Rutledge Investors II (1995 to 2000)    2003

(1)   Mr. Krippaehne is also a director of SAFECO Corporation, a publicly traded company.

 

The Board of Directors has determined that the following directors are independent directors of the Company within the meaning of Rule 4200 of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (the “NASD”): Mr. Cannon, Mr. Fisher, Ms. Bevier, Mr. St. Dennis, Ms. Fratt, Mr. Hawley, Mr. G. Warren, Jr. and Mr. W. Warren, Jr. The Board of Directors has also determined that, in the Board’s opinion, neither Mr. Graham, Jr. nor Mr. Graham III have any relationship which interferes with their exercise of independent judgment in carrying out their responsibilities as directors.

 

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INFORMATION REGARDING THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

AND ITS COMMITTEES

 

The following sets forth information concerning the Board of Directors and Committees of the Company during the fiscal year ended 2003.

 

How Often Did the Board Meet during 2003?

 

The Company held eight Board meetings in 2003. Each director attended at least 75 percent of the aggregate of (i) the total number of meetings of the Board of Directors, and (ii) the total number of meetings held by all committees on which he or she served. The Company does not have a formal policy regarding attendance by members of the Board of Directors at the Company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders. At the Company’s 2003 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, all of the Company’s 11 directors attended.

 

What Committees Has the Board Established?

 

The standing committees of the Board of Directors of the Company are the Executive Committee, the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Planning Committee.

 

The Executive Committee is empowered to exercise all of the authority of the Board of Directors, as permitted under Washington law. Additionally, the Executive Committee has the power and duty to vote the stock of all subsidiaries of the Company and to make all decisions and determinations with respect to such subsidiaries. The Committee met one time during the year. The current members of the Executive Committee are Messrs. Cannon, Fisher (Chair), D. Graham, Jr., Krippaehne, and W. Warren, Jr.

 

The Audit Committee oversees the accounting and financial reporting processes of the Company and the audits of the financial statements of the Company by reviewing the financial information to be provided to the shareholders and others, the systems of internal controls that management and the Board of Directors have established, and the Company’s audit process. The Board of Directors has adopted a charter governing the duties and responsibilities of the Audit Committee. A copy of the Audit Committee charter is included in this proxy statement as Appendix A. Pursuant to the Audit Committee’s charter, the responsibilities of the Audit Committee require it to, among other things:

 

    as necessary, consider with management and the outside auditor the rationale for employing audit firms other than the principal outside auditor;

 

    as necessary, take reasonable steps to confirm with the outside auditor that the outside auditor shall report directly to the Audit Committee;

 

    resolve disagreements between management and the outside auditor;

 

    approve the compensation of the outside auditor, and, as necessary, review and approve the discharge of the outside auditor;

 

    take reasonable steps to confirm the independence of the outside auditor;

 

    consider, in consultation with the outside auditor, the audit scope and plan;

 

    pre-approve the retention of the outside auditor for all audit and such non-audit services as the outside auditor is permitted to provide the Company;

 

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    review with the outside auditor the coordination of the audit effort for the effective use of audit resources;

 

    evaluate the outside auditor’s performance and independence;

 

    ensure that the outside auditor’s lead partner and reviewing partner are replaced every five years;

 

    review filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission;

 

    consider and review with the outside auditor the adequacy of the Company’s internal controls;

 

    review and discuss with management and the outside auditor, at the completion of the annual examination, the company’s audited financial statements and related footnotes, the outside auditor’s audit of the financial statements and their report thereon, and any serious difficulties or disputes with management encountered during the course of the audit;

 

    consider and review with management significant findings during the year and management’s responses thereto, any difficulties encountered in the course of the outside auditor’s audits, including any restrictions on the scope of their work or access to required information, and any changes required in the planned scope of the audit plan;

 

    review, develop and monitor compliance with the Company’s Code of Ethics for the Chief Executive Officer and senior financial officers; and

 

    establish procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters, and establish procedures for the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters.

 

The Audit Committee held eleven meetings during the year. The current members of the Audit Committee are Ms. Bevier, Mr. Cannon (Chair), Mr. Fisher, Mr. Hawley, Mr. St. Dennis and Mr. W. Warren, Jr. The Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Hawley is an audit committee financial expert, within the meaning of applicable SEC rules. All of the current members of the Audit Committee are independent directors within the meaning of Rule 4200 of the NASD.

 

The Compensation Committee reviews and approves, in advance, the Company’s retirement and benefit plans, determines the compensation of officers of the Company and, in certain circumstances, key management employees of the subsidiaries, and authorizes and approves bonus and incentive programs for executive personnel. The Compensation Committee also reviews and recommends changes in compensation for members of the Board of Directors and its Chairman and administers the Amended and Restated Fisher Communications Incentive Plan of 1995 and the Fisher Communications Incentive Plan of 2001. The Committee held eight meetings during the year. The current members of the Compensation Committee are Ms. Bevier, Mr. Cannon (Chair), Mr. Fisher and Mr. G. Warren, Jr. All of the current members of the Compensation Committee are independent directors within the meaning of Rule 4200 of the NASD.

 

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee identifies individuals qualified to become members of the Board, approves and recommends to the Board director candidates, develops, updates as necessary and recommends to the Board corporate governance principles and policies applicable to the Company, and monitors compliance with such principles and policies. The Committee held four meetings during 2003. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee currently consists of

 

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Mr. Cannon, Mr. Fisher, Ms. Fratt, Mr. Hawley, Mr. St. Dennis and Mr. W. Warren, Jr., Mr. W. Warren was elected Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee in February 2004. All of the members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are independent directors within the meaning of Rule 4200 of the NASD. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee acts pursuant to a written charter adopted by the Board. The charter will be available at the Company’s website at www.fsci.com under the section heading “Investor Relations” by the time of the Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

 

When considering potential director candidates for nomination or election, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers the following qualifications, among others, of each director candidate:

 

    high standard of personal and professional ethics, integrity and values;

 

    training, experience and ability at making and overseeing policy in business, government and/or education sectors;

 

    willingness and ability to devote the required time and effort to effectively fulfill the duties and responsibilities related to Board and committee membership;

 

    willingness not to engage in activities or interests that may create a conflict of interest with a director’s responsibilities and duties to the Company and its constituents; and

 

    willingness to act in the best interests of the Company and its constituents, and objectively assess Board, committee and management performances.

 

In addition, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers the following factors, among others, relating to overall Board composition in determining Board needs and evaluating director candidates to fill such needs:

 

    independence;

 

    diversity;

 

    professional experience;

 

    industry knowledge (e.g., relevant industry or trade association participation);

 

    skills and expertise (e.g., accounting or financial);

 

    leadership qualities;

 

    public company board and committee experience;

 

    non-business-related activities and experience (e.g., academic, civic, public interest);

 

    board continuity (including succession planning);

 

    board size;

 

    number and type of committees, and committee sizes; and

 

    legal requirements and Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc., or other applicable trading exchange or quotation system, requirements and recommendations, and other corporate governance-related guidance regarding board and committee composition.

 

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Other than the foregoing, there are no stated minimum criteria for director nominees, although the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may also consider such other factors as it may deem are in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.

 

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee identifies nominees by first evaluating the current members of the Board of Directors willing to continue in service. In the event of a vacancy on the Board, the charter of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee requires the Chairman to initiate the effort to identify appropriate director candidates. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also maintains a list of director candidates to consider and propose to the Board, as required. If necessary or desirable in the opinion of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will determine appropriate means for seeking additional director candidates, which may involve the engagement of an outside consultant to assist in the identification of director candidates.

 

The Company’s Bylaws contain provisions which address the process by which a stockholder may nominate an individual to stand for election to the Board at the Company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will also consider nominations made by shareholders. Potential director candidates should be referred to the Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee for consideration by the Committee and possible recommendation to the Board. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will review shareholder-recommended nominees based on the same criteria as Board-recommended nominees. To date, the Company has not received any recommendations from shareholders requesting that the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee consider a candidate for inclusion among the Committee’s slate of nominees in the Company’s proxy statement.

 

The Planning Committee meets and consults with management from time to time on management’s strategic and operational planning for the corporation and regularly oversees the progress being made by management in its implementation of strategic and operational plans. The Committee held four meetings during the year. The current members of the Planning Committee are Mr. Cannon, Mr. Fisher, Mr. D. Graham, Jr. (Chair) and Mr. St. Dennis. All members were elected to the Planning Committee in April 2003.

 

How Are Directors Compensated?

 

The Board of Directors of the Company is currently comprised of 11 directors, one of whom is a salaried employee of the Company. The members of the Company’s Board of Directors who are not officers of the Company or its subsidiaries receive an annual retainer of $16,000. The Chairman of the Board of Directors receives a total annual retainer of $55,000. In addition, every director receives a fee of $1,000 for each Board of Directors or Committee meeting attended. The Company also pays the Chairmen of the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee an additional annual retainer of $4,000. Directors are reimbursed for travel expenses incurred, and receive a per diem payment of $200, in connection with travel to and from Board of Directors or Committee meetings.

 

How Do I Communicate with the Board of Directors?

 

Shareholders and other parties interested in communicating directly with the Chairman of the Board or with the non-management directors as a group may do so by writing to: Chairman of the Board of Directors, Fisher Communications, Inc., 100 4th Avenue North, Suite 440, Seattle WA 98109-4932.

 

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Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

 

The current members of the Compensation Committee are Ms. Bevier, Mr. Cannon, Mr. Fisher and Mr. G. Warren, Jr. During fiscal year 2003, Donald Graham, Jr. served on the Compensation Committee. John Mangles served on the Compensation Committee until his retirement in February 2003. None of the members of the Compensation Committee was an officer or employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries during fiscal year 2003.

 

Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics

 

The Company has adopted a Code of Conduct which is applicable to all directors, officers and employees of the Company. The Company has also adopted a Code of Ethics for the Chief Executive Officer and senior financial officers. The Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics will be available on the Company’s website (www.fsci.com) under the section heading “Investor Relations” by the time of the Company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The Company intends to post any amendments to or waivers of its Code of Ethics for the Chief Executive Officer and senior financial officers at this location on its website.

 

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REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

 

Responsibilities.    The primary function of the Audit Committee is to oversee the accounting and financial reporting processes of the Company and the audits of the financial statements of the Company. The responsibilities of the Audit Committee include appointing an accounting firm as the Company’s independent auditors. The Audit Committee charter describes in greater detail the responsibilities of the Audit Committee. Management is responsible for the Company’s internal controls and financial reporting process. The independent auditors are responsible for performing an independent audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America and for issuing a report thereon. The Audit Committee’s responsibilities include, among others, considering, in consultation with the independent auditors, the audit scope and plan.

 

Review with Management and Independent Accountants.    In this context, the Audit Committee has met and held discussions with management and the independent auditors. The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed with management and the independent auditors the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 and the independent auditors’ report thereon. Management represented to the Audit Committee that the Company’s consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

The Audit Committee discussed with the independent auditors the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, Communication with Audit Committees, as amended, by the Auditing Standards Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

 

The Audit Committee also received and reviewed the written disclosures and the letter from the independent auditors required by Independence Standard No. 1, Independence Discussions with Audit Committees, as amended, by the Independence Standards Board, and has discussed with the independent auditors the auditors’ independence.

 

Summary.    Based on the reviews and discussions with management and the independent auditors referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the consolidated financial statements referred to above be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003.

 

In connection with its review of the Company’s consolidated audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, the Audit Committee relied on advice and information that it received in its discussions with management and advice and information it received in the audit report of and discussions with the independent auditors.

 

This report is submitted over the names of the members of the Audit Committee.

 

James W. Cannon, Chair

Deborah L. Bevier

Phelps K. Fisher

Richard L. Hawley

Jerry A. St. Dennis

William W. Warren, Jr.

 

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Audit and Non-Audit Fees

 

The following table presents fees for professional audit services rendered by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002, and fees billed for other services rendered by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP during those periods.

 

     Fiscal 2003

   Fiscal 2002

Audit Fees(1)(2)

   $ 437,571    $ 292,250

Audit Related Fees(3)

     23,415      26,500

Tax Fees(4)

     84,033      115,602

All Other Fees(5)

     —        —  

Total

   $ 545,019    $ 434,352

(1)   Audit Fees consist of fees billed for professional services rendered for the audit of the Company’s consolidated annual financial statements, review of the interim consolidated financial statements included in quarterly reports, and services that are normally provided by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements. The amount in 2003 includes fees related to assistance rendered in connection with the restatement of the Company’s financial statements.

 

(2)   Audit fee amounts are on an as-billed basis. On an as-accrued basis, the 2003 audit fees are $464,771 and the 2002 audit fees are $296,250.

 

(3)   Audit-Related Fees consist of fees billed for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the Company’s consolidated financial statements and are not reported under “Audit Fees.” This category includes fees for pension plan audits.

 

(4)   Tax Fees consist of fees billed for professional services rendered for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning. These services include assistance regarding federal and state tax compliance.

 

(5)   All Other Fees consist of fees for products and services other than the services reported above.

 

Policy on Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Non-Audit Services of Independent Auditor

 

The Audit Committee’s policy is to pre-approve all audit and non-audit services provided by the independent auditors. These services may include audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services. In considering whether to pre-approve any non-audit services, the Audit Committee or its delegee is required to consider whether the provision of such services is compatible with maintaining the independence of the auditor.

 

The Audit Committee has delegated to the Chairman of the Audit Committee the authority to pre-approve audit and non-audit services that the independent auditors may from time to time provide to the Company, if the provision of such services is not otherwise prohibited. The Chairman is required to provide a report of those services so approved by him to the Audit Committee at its next regularly scheduled meeting. The Audit Committee charter permits the Audit Committee to pre-approve services by establishing detailed pre-approval policies and procedures as to the particular service, provided that the Audit Committee is informed of each service pre-approved.

 

The SEC permits the independent auditor to provide certain services without pre-approval if the aggregate amount of all such services provided constitutes no more than five percent of the total revenues paid by the Company to the independent auditor during the fiscal year in which the services are provided. None of the fees paid to the independent auditors under the categories Audit-Related, Tax and All Other fees described above were rendered pursuant to this exception from the SEC’s general pre-approval requirements.

 

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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY

 

The following sets forth information concerning executive officers of the Company (or its subsidiaries) and their ages on December 31, 2003.

 

Name and Age


  

Position and Occupation(s) for Past Five Years


William W. Krippaehne Jr., 52

   President and CEO of Fisher Communications, Inc. since 1993

David D. Hillard, 61

   Senior Vice President and CFO since 1996
     Assistant Secretary of Fisher Communications, Inc. since February 2001
     Secretary of Fisher Communications, Inc. from 1992 to 2001

Benjamin W. Tucker, Jr., 56

   President of Fisher Broadcasting Company since 2001
     Executive Vice President of Broadcasting Operations of Fisher Broadcasting Company during 2001
     Senior Vice President of Fisher Television Regional Group—Fisher Broadcasting Company from 1999 to 2001
     Vice President of Retlaw Enterprises, Inc. from 1991 to 1999

Kirk G. Anderson, 46

   President of Fisher Media Services Company since 2001
     Vice President Management & Operations of Fisher Properties Inc. from 1991 to 2001

Sharon J. Johnston, 55

   Senior Vice President, Corporate Secretary of Fisher Communications, Inc. since 2001
     Assistant Secretary of Fisher Communications, Inc. from 2000 to 2001
     Senior Vice President/Administration & Corporate Secretary of Fisher Broadcasting Company from 1997 to 2001

Mel L. Martin, 55

   Senior Vice President, Chief Research Officer of Fisher Communications, Inc. since 2001
     Director of New Media of Fisher Communications, Inc. from 1998 to 2001

Laura J. Boyd, 48

   Vice President Human Resources of Fisher Communications, Inc. since 2001
     Director of Rewards, Benefits & HRIS of The Seattle Times Company from 1998 to 2001

Robert C. Bateman, 41

   Vice President Finance of Fisher Communications, Inc. since 2003
     Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Corporate Secretary of Applied Microsystems Corporation from 1999 to 2003
     Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, Corporate Secretary and Corporate Controller of Neopath, Inc. from 1996 to 1999

 

12


EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

Summary Compensation Table

 

The following information is provided regarding the compensation paid by the Company or its subsidiaries, as the case may be, to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the four other most highly compensated executive officers who served as executive officers of the Company or its subsidiaries at the end of fiscal year 2003, plus one additional executive officer who left the Company in December 2003, and who would have been among the four most highly compensated officers if he continued serving through the end of 2003.

 

          ANNUAL COMPENSATION

   LONG-TERM COMPENSATION

Name and Position


   Year

   Salary

   Bonus(1)

   Other Annual
Compensation
(2)(3)


   Restricted
Stock
Awards(4)


   Securities
Underlying
Options


   All Other
Compensation(5)


William W. Krippaehne Jr.
President and CEO

   2003
2002
2001
   $
 
 
500,000
500,000
535,000
   $
 
 
200,000
115,000
    
$
 

787
1,947
  

   18,800
27,000
27,000
   $
 
 
8,000
8,000
5,100

Benjamin W. Tucker Jr.
President, Fisher
Broadcasting Company.

   2003
2002
2001
   $
 
 
295,833
290,000
310,000
   $
 
 
120,000
75,000
    
 
 


  

   12,000
9,000
7,950
   $
 
 
8,000
8,000
5,100

David D. Hillard
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Assistant Secretary

   2003
2002
2001
   $
 
 
228,333
219,000
227,500
   $
 
 
100,000
80,000
    
$
 

145
358
  

   6,500
6,000
5,950
   $
 
 
7,175
8,000
5,100

Mel L. Martin
Senior Vice President, Chief Research Officer

   2003
2002
2001
   $
 
 
219,000
219,000
230,000
   $
 
 
20,000

    
 
 


  

   2,500
2,500
2,750
   $
 
 
6,935
8,000
5,100

Kirk G. Anderson
President, Fisher Media
Services Company

   2003
2002
2001
   $
 
 
185,000
185,000
175,000
   $
 
 
60,000
20,000
    
$
 

20
67
  

   5,000
5,000
2,950
   $
 
 
5,858
8,000
5,100

Mark A. Weed(6)
President, Fisher Properties Inc.

   2003
2002
2001
   $
 
 
208,376
214,000
230,000
    
$
 

75,000
57,000
    
$
 

135
348
  

  
5,000
6,800
   $
 
 
167,277
8,000
5,100

(1)   Bonuses in 2003 and 2001 were for performance in the year indicated, but were paid in subsequent year. Bonuses paid in 2002 were for performance in 2002.

 

(2)   Does not include amounts attributable to miscellaneous benefits received by executive officers, including an automobile allowance and the payment of certain club dues. In the opinion of management, the costs to the Company of providing such benefits to any individual executive officer during the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002, or 2001 did not exceed the lesser of $50,000 or 10% of the total annual salary and bonuses reported for the individual.

 

(3)   This column reflects dividends paid on stock rights awarded under the Amended and Restated Fisher Communications Incentive Plan of 1995, formerly known as the Fisher Companies Incentive Plan of 1995 (the “1995 Plan”). See footnote (4) below.

 

(4)   No restricted stock awards were made for 2003, 2002 or 2001 performance. The aggregate market value of unvested restricted stock rights held on December 31, 2003 are: Mr. Krippaehne $11,112 and Mr. Hillard $2,020. The 1995 Plan provides for the annual payment of additional compensation to persons holding restricted stock rights in an amount equal to any dividend that would have been payable to the holder of such rights if the holder had owned the stock subject to such rights.

 

13


(5)   This column reflects Company contributions to the Fisher 401(k) Retirement Plan. The Company suspended its contributions effective October 16, 2003. Mr. Weed’s amount includes $6,777 in Company contributions to the Fisher 401(k) Retirement Plan and $160,500 paid pursuant to an Employment Separation Agreement entered into in 2003.

 

(6)   Mr. Weed’s employment with the Company ended on December 20, 2003.

 

Stock Options

 

Option Grants.    The following table sets forth certain information about stock options granted during 2003 to the executive officers named in the “Summary Compensation Table” above (the “named executive officers”), pursuant to the Fisher Communications Incentive Plan of 2001. All such stock options were granted on April 24, 2003.

 

Option Grants in Fiscal Year 2003

 

Individual Grants


         

Name


   Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options
Granted(1)


   Percent of
Total
Options
Granted to
Employees
in Fiscal
Year


   

Exercise
Price

($/Sh)(2)


   Expiration
Date


  

Potential Realizable

Value at Assumed

Annual Rates of

Stock Price

Appreciation for

Option Term(3)


              5%

   10%

William W. Krippaehne, Jr.

   18,800    24.3 %   $ 46.88    4/24/13    $ 554,273    $ 1,404,635

Benjamin W. Tucker, Jr.

   12,000    15.5 %     46.88    4/24/13      353,791      896,576

David D. Hillard

   6,500    8.4 %     46.88    4/24/13      191,637      485,645

Mel L. Martin

   2,500    3.2 %     46.88    4/24/13      73,706      186,787

Kirk G. Anderson

   5,000    6.5 %     46.88    4/24/13      147,413      373,573

Mark A. Weed

                        

(1)   The options are non-qualified stock options and become exercisable in five equal annual installments beginning March 15, 2004, except the option granted to Mr. Hillard, which is exercisable in four equal annual installments.

 

(2)   The per-share option exercise price represents the fair market value of the Company’s Common Stock at the date of grant, based on the average of the high and low price of such Common Stock on such date.

 

(3)   The dollar amounts under these columns result from calculations at 5% and 10% assumed appreciation rates and, therefore, are not intended to forecast possible future appreciation, if any, of the price of Company common stock.

 

Option Exercises.    The following table sets forth certain information concerning exercises of stock options pursuant to stock option plans during the year ended December 31, 2003 by the named executive officers, and stock options held at year end.

 

14


Aggregated Option Exercises in Last Fiscal Year

And Year End Option Values

 

Name


  

Shares

Acquired

On
Exercise


   Value
Realized


   Number of Unexercised
Securities Underlying
Options at Year End


  

Value of In-the-Money

Unexercised Options at

Year End(1)


         Exercisable

   Unexercisable

   Exercisable

   Unexercisable

William W. Krippaehne, Jr.

   0    $ 0    86,300    69,600    $ 248,742    $ 363,084

Benjamin W. Tucker, Jr.

   0    $ 0    6,180    24,770      24,570      141,840

David D. Hillard

   0    $ 0    14,270    17,590      16,380      89,115

Mel L. Martin

   0    $ 0    2,840    6,910      6,825      36,375

Kirk G. Anderson

   0    $ 0    5,390    11,745      13,650      72,750

Mark A. Weed

   0    $ 0    27,330    7,680      48,276     

(1)   On December 31, 2003, the closing price of the Company common stock was $50.51. For purposes of the foregoing table, stock options with an exercise price less than that amount are considered to be “in-the-money” and are considered to have a value equal to the difference between this amount and the exercise price per share of the stock option multiplied by the number of shares covered by the stock option.

 

Employment Contracts, Termination of Employment and Change-In-Control Arrangements

 

Mark A. Weed.    In November 2003, the Company entered into an Employment Separation Agreement with Mark A. Weed. The agreement provided certain benefits as of December 18, 2003, the effective date of Mr. Weed’s termination of employment due to elimination of his position. Such benefits included severance payments equal to eighteen months’ base salary (gross amount of $321,000), payable in two lump sum payments of $160,500, up to eighteen months’ continued participation in the Company’s group medical, dental and vision plans and certain outplacement and financial services.

 

Amended and Restated Fisher Communications Incentive Plan of 1995 and the Fisher Communications Incentive Plan of 2001

 

The Fisher Companies Incentive Plan of 1995 (the “Original Plan”) was adopted by the Company and approved by the shareholders, effective April 27, 1995. In February 2001, the Board of Directors of the Company approved amendments to and a restatement of the Original Plan in the form of the Amended and Restated Fisher Communications Incentive Plan of 1995 (the “1995 Plan”). The 1995 Plan was approved by the shareholders effective April 26, 2001 and continued through April 27, 2002. The Fisher Communications Incentive Plan of 2001 (the “2001 Plan”) was adopted by the Company and approved by the shareholders, effective April 26, 2001 and will continue through April 26, 2008.

 

Purpose of the 1995 Plan and the 2001 Plan (the “Plans”).

 

The purpose of the Plans is to provide selected eligible key employees of the Company and its subsidiaries with an inducement to remain in the employ of the Company, to participate in the ownership of the Company and to provide them with additional incentive to advance the interests of the Company and increase the value of the Company’s common stock. The Plans are not subject to the Employment Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and are not qualified plans under Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

The Plans authorize the grant of (i) incentive stock options, (ii) non-statutory stock options, (iii) restricted stock rights and (iv) performance stock rights. A maximum of 560,000 shares of

 

15


Company common stock was available for issuance under the 1995 Plan; 360,000 shares were issued, net of forfeitures. The Company does not intend to grant any new options, rights or stock awards under the 1995 Plan. A maximum of 600,000 shares of Company common stock is available for issuance under the 2001 Plan; 176,100 shares have been issued, net of forfeitures.

 

Eligibility.

 

Participation in the Plans is limited to salaried key management employees of the Company and its subsidiaries (including officers and directors who are also salaried employees) who, in the judgment of the Committee appointed by the Board of Directors that administers the Plans, will perform services of special importance in the management, operation and development of the business of the Company and its subsidiaries. The Committee consists of not less than three members of the Board, all of whom are non-employee directors.

 

Vesting Schedule.

 

The restricted stock awards and stock options vest pursuant to a schedule determined by the Committee. Stock options are awarded at the fair market value of Company common stock on the grant date and typically vest in 20% increments on each of five annual target dates designated in the written agreement granting such awards and options, conditioned on the continued employment of the awardee through such target dates. The Plans provide for the annual payment of additional compensation to persons holding restricted stock rights, whether or not vested, in an amount equal to any dividend that would have been payable to the holder of such rights if the holder had owned the stock subject to such rights.

 

Retirement Plans

 

Supplemental Retirement Plans.    The Company and its subsidiaries maintain supplemental retirement plans (“SRPs”) for certain executive and management personnel of the Company and Fisher Broadcasting Company and certain former employees of Fisher Properties Inc. and Fisher Mills Inc. The SRPs are non-funded, non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit plans. The SRPs do not require funding, but generally the companies have acquired annuity contracts and life insurance policies on the lives of the individual participants to assist in payment of retirement benefits. The companies are the owners and beneficiaries of such policies. Participants who terminate voluntarily prior to age 65 are not entitled to any benefits under the SRPs. The SRPs provide that the SRP benefits, together with all other pension and retirement benefits provided by the employing entity, including an amount equal to one-half of the participant’s primary Social Security benefits, will represent a specified percentage (between 50% and 70%, depending upon the SRP) of the participant’s average annual compensation. “Average annual compensation” for purposes of the SRPs is determined by averaging the participant’s base salary over a period of the three consecutive fiscal years ending June 30th that will provide the highest average. The SRPs provide for payment of accrued benefits in the event of involuntary termination prior to age 65, and for death or disability benefits in the event of death or permanent disability prior to age 65. Mr. Krippaehne, Mr. Hillard, Mr. Anderson, and Mr. Weed are participants in a SRP. Mr. Donald Graham, Jr. and Mr. Phelps Fisher, non-employee directors of the Company, are also participants in a SRP.

 

Fisher 401(k) Retirement Plan.    The Company maintains a 401(k) Retirement Plan (the “Fisher 401(k) Plan”) to provide a savings incentive for employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. Through December 31, 2001, the Fisher 401(k) Plan involved a contribution by the Company and its

 

16


subsidiaries, matching participant contributions on a dollar for dollar basis up to a maximum of 3% of participant compensation, and Company contributions to the Fisher 401(k) Plan vested at the rate of 20% per year of service, commencing with the first year of completed service. Effective January 1, 2002, the Company and its subsidiaries, match participant contributions on a dollar-for-dollar basis up to a maximum of 4% of participant compensation and, effective July 1, 2001, Company contributions to the Fisher 401(k) Plan vest immediately. Full-time and part-time employees are eligible to participate in the Fisher 401(k) Plan immediately upon hire. Effective October 16, 2003, the Company and its subsidiaries suspended the match of participant contributions. Messrs. Krippaehne, Tucker, Hillard, Martin and Anderson participate in the Fisher 401(k) Plan.

 

17


REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

During 2003, four directors of the Company comprised the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Committee”). The Committee is responsible for: (i) reviewing and establishing the salary of officers and selected other key management employees of the Company and its subsidiaries; (ii) reviewing and establishing all cash bonuses under and pursuant to the Management Incentive Plans of the Company and its subsidiaries; (iii) reviewing and recommending changes in compensation for members of the Company’s Board of Directors and its Chairman; (iv) administering the equity incentive plans of the Company and reviewing and establishing all stock options and stock rights to be granted to officers and selected other key management employees of the Company and its subsidiaries; (v) authorizing the enrollment of selected management employees of the Company and its subsidiaries as new participants in the supplemental pension plans; (vi) recommending to the Board any additional compensation or employee benefit programs of a substantial nature and changes to existing programs of the Company and its subsidiaries; and (vii) administering the Company’s 401(k) Retirement Plan. The Compensation Committee met eight times in 2003. The current members of the Committee are James W. Cannon, Chair, Deborah L. Bevier, Phelps K. Fisher, and George F. Warren, Jr. In the course of discharging its duties, the Committee utilizes the services of appropriate independent consultants. The Committee has sole authority to retain and terminate compensation consultants, and the consultants report to the Committee.

 

Approach to Compensation

 

Under the supervision of the Committee, the Company has designed its executive pay programs to: (i) attract and retain high-caliber personnel on a long-term basis; (ii) encourage the creation of shareholder value; (iii) link compensation to business results and shareholder returns over time; and (iv) maintain an appropriate balance between base salary and short- and long-term incentive opportunities.

 

The Company does not have employment agreements with the CEO and the other executive officers named in the Company’s executive compensation tables contained elsewhere in this proxy statement.

 

Elements of Compensation

 

The Company’s executive compensation program is comprised of three main components: (i) base salaries; (ii) annual cash bonuses to focus maximum effort on achieving profitability, operating accountabilities and personal growth; and (iii) long-term incentives in the form of stock options and stock rights to focus efforts on achieving long-term growth in shareholder value.

 

The Committee believes that this three-part approach serves the interests of the Company and its shareholders. It enables the Company to meet the requirements of the highly competitive environment in which the Company operates while ensuring that executive officers are compensated in a way that advances both the short- and long-term interests of shareholders. Under this approach, compensation for these officers involves a high proportion of pay that is “at risk” – namely, the annual bonus and stock incentives. Annual cash bonuses permit individual performance to be recognized on an annual basis, and are based, in significant part, on an evaluation of the contribution made by the officer to Company performance. Stock options and stock rights cause a significant portion of long-term remuneration to be directly related to stock price performance. The Committee believes that the overall compensation of the executive officers is competitive with compensation offered by similar companies.

 

18


Base Salaries.    Base salaries are compared with independent salary surveys, and consultants are utilized on a regular basis to assure that the base compensation component is competitive with compensation offered by similar companies. We used the services of independent consultants who provided us with compensation information for the broadcasting industry and other selected industries. The most recent survey compared the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ overall compensation with overall compensation of companies representing each business segment in which the Company competes for executive talent and included 73 companies in the corporate segment and 38 from the broadcasting segment. Base salaries may be adjusted from time to time based on other factors.

 

Annual Cash Bonuses.    Annual cash bonuses may be awarded to executives and key management employees as provided by Management Incentive Plans designed to reward the achievement of high performance standards. Up to 40% of each bonus is based on operating performance. The balance of each bonus is based upon the attainment of one or more individual performance goals which will be: (i) objective and measurable; (ii) directly linked to the annual budget or business plan; and (iii) related to the accomplishment of milestones on long-term projects. The calculation of each bonus takes into account both the level of achievement and the importance of each goal. The achievement of each goal is determined separately, and no bonus for a specific goal is paid unless at least 90% of that goal is achieved.

 

Long-term Incentive Program.    In 1995 the Company’s shareholders approved the Fisher Companies Incentive Plan of 1995, a stock incentive program that has been an element of executive compensation since its approval. In 2001 the Company’s shareholders approved the Amended and Restated Fisher Communications Incentive Plan of 1995 (the “1995 Plan”) and the Fisher Communications Incentive Plan of 2001, a stock incentive program (the “2001 Plan”). The purpose of the 1995 Plan and the 2001 Plan is to provide selected key management employees of the Company and its subsidiaries with an inducement to remain in the employ of the Company and to participate in the ownership of the Company and to provide them added incentives to advance the interests of the Company and increase the value of the Company’s common stock. The Company does not intend to grant any new options, rights or stock awards under the 1995 Plan.

 

Under the 2001 Plan, the Committee in its sole discretion may grant stock options, performance stock rights, and restricted stock rights (“RSRs”) in amounts and on terms consistent with the Plan. Grants of stock options and RSRs are made on an individual basis. The Committee bases each grant on the individual’s responsibilities, potential for advancement, current salary, previous grants, the current price of Company common stock, the performance of Company common stock over time and, for all individuals other than the Chief Executive Officer, the recommendation of the Chief Executive Officer. The Committee considers previous grants as well as the different nature of stock options and RSRs in making awards.

 

Stock options are awarded at the fair market value of Company common stock on the grant date and typically vest in 20% increments on the first, second, third, fourth and fifth anniversary of the grant date. The Committee has never rescinded an outstanding option and reissued it at a lower exercise price.

 

RSRs entitle the holder to receive a specified number of shares of Company common stock or cash equal to the fair market value of such shares on the vesting date. RSRs typically vest and are settled in 20% increments on the first, second, third, fourth and fifth anniversary of the grant date. Holders of RSRs are paid amounts equivalent to the dividends that would have been paid on the same number of shares of Company common stock until the shares become vested.

 

19


At December 31, 2003, there were 29 participants in the Program; outstanding options to purchase an aggregate of 456,263 shares of Company common stock; and outstanding RSRs entitling the holders to receive an aggregate of 460 shares of Company common stock.

 

Retirement Program.    The Company’s retirement program includes two basic tax-qualified plans: The Retirement Plan for Certain Employees of Fisher Mills Inc. which was available to eligible employees of the Company, Fisher Mills Inc., Sam Wylde Four Company and Fisher Properties Inc., and the Fisher 401(k) Retirement Plan, which is available to eligible employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. All benefit accruals under the Retirement Plan for Certain Employees of Fisher Mills Inc. ceased as of July 31, 2001 and the Plan was terminated on May 16, 2003. In addition, the Company and its subsidiaries maintain supplemental retirement plans (“SRPs”) for certain executive and management personnel of the Company and its subsidiaries to provide for benefits in addition to those provided by the tax-qualified plans. These plans are described in more detail elsewhere in this Proxy Statement.

 

Other Employee Benefits.    The Company and its subsidiaries offer other benefit plans, e.g., vacation, sick leave, and medical, disability, life and accident insurance, to all full-time employees. In addition, certain benefits, e.g., auto allowances and club dues, are provided to selected executives, including the Named Executive Officers.

 

Considerations in Connection with Compensation Levels

 

Company Performance

 

The directors regularly review the Company’s performance and the achievement of shareholder value. This includes review of customary financial measures with respect to the Company, e.g., the Company common stock price and the common stock prices of comparable companies, the revenue and profit growth of the Company’s operating subsidiaries, and financial strength and management of financial resources.

 

Individual Performance

 

In connection with compensation for individual executive officers, the Committee consulted with the Chief Executive Officer in evaluating each individual’s leadership and managerial abilities, achievement of business unit and corporate objectives, potential for advancement or promotion and the relative value of the individual’s performance in the overall achievement of the Company’s objectives. In addition, in connection with the award of a stock option or RSR, the Committee considered the amount and terms of any previous award and the current price of the Company common stock. The Committee also reviewed information regarding compensation practices and levels of competitors of the Company and its operating subsidiaries, as well as non-competing companies of a similar size to the Company and its operating subsidiaries as compiled by an independent consulting firm or collected by the Company.

 

The Committee believes that the approach to compensation which it has adopted achieves the general purposes of the Company’s compensation objectives.

 

Chief Executive Officer’s Compensation

 

The Chief Executive Officer’s compensation is based on an evaluation of several performance factors. Where possible, objective measurements are used with heavy emphasis on the Company’s

 

20


financial results. In addition, a number of subjective evaluations of performance are used including, but not limited to, general leadership qualities, effective management of the Company’s human resources, the ability to anticipate and prepare for future opportunities and problems and the ability to maintain and augment the perception of the Company as a good corporate citizen in the communities in which it conducts business. These evaluations and independent survey data are used to establish the total compensation to be paid to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. Once total compensation has been determined, it is divided into the same component parts (base salary, cash bonus, stock options and rights) and in approximately the same proportion as for the other management employees participating in the Company’s executive compensation programs.

 

In addition to the achievement of profit goals, the determination of the amount of bonus to be paid included a careful evaluation of performance in several other areas, including: (i) the successful acquisition of or investment in additional businesses which have potential for long-term increase in shareholder value, (ii) effective management of the Company’s financial resources, (iii) strong strategic leadership in technology areas vital to the Company’s long-term success in the information and communications business, and (iv) effective development and management of the Company’s human resources. The Company’s Chief Executive Officer received a cash bonus of $200,000 for 2003 performance.

 

Additional Information

 

The tables under “Executive Compensation” accompany this report and reflect the decisions covered by the foregoing discussion.

 

Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”), enacted in 1993, generally disallows a tax deduction to public companies for compensation over $1 million paid to the Company’s executive officers. The Company may pay compensation that exceeds this amount.

 

This report is submitted over the names of the members of the Compensation Committee:

 

James W. Cannon, Chair

Deborah L. Bevier

Phelps K. Fisher

George F. Warren, Jr.

 

21


STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH

 

The graph presented below illustrates the cumulative total return, as of December 31 of each year presented, to shareholders of the Company compared with the S&P 500 index and a group of peer companies selected on a line-of-business basis and weighted for market capitalization assuming that $100 was invested in each on December 31, 1998 and that all dividends were reinvested. Our peer group includes: ACME Communications, Belo Corporation, Granite Broadcasting Corporation, Gray Television, Inc., Hearst-Argyle Television, Inc., Lin TV Corporation, Paxson Communications Corporation, Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., Young Broadcasting Inc., Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc., Clear Channel Communications, Inc., Cox Radio, Inc., Cumulus Media Inc., Emmis Communications Corporation, Entercom Communications Corporation, Radio One Inc., Regent Communications, Inc., Saga Communications, Inc., Salem Communications Corporation, and Westwood One, Inc. Historical stock price performance is not necessarily indicative of future price performance.

 

LOGO

 

Sources: Standard & Poor’s and Resource Data Group, Inc.

 

22


SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS

AND MANAGEMENT

 

The following tables set forth information as of December 31, 2003, with respect to the shares of Company common stock beneficially owned by (i) the directors of the Company, (ii) the non-director executive officers of the Company named in the Summary Compensation Table, and (iii) each person known by the Company to own beneficially more than 5% of Company common stock. The number of shares beneficially owned by each shareholder is determined according to rules of the SEC, and the information is not necessarily indicative of beneficial ownership for any other purpose. Under such rules, beneficial ownership includes any shares as to which the individual or entity has sole or shared voting power or investment power. As a consequence, several persons may be deemed to be the “beneficial owners” of the same shares. Except as noted below, each holder has sole voting and investment power with respect to shares of Company common stock listed as owned by such person or entity. When a person is a “co-trustee” or one of a number of directors of a corporation that owns shares of Company common stock, he or she has shared voting and investment power.

 

Directors:

 

Name


  

Shares of Common

Stock Beneficially Owned(1)


       Percentage of
Common Stock


 

Deborah L. Bevier

   0        *  

James W. Cannon

   500        *  

Phelps K. Fisher

   273,796 (2)      3.2 %

Carol H. Fratt

   550 (3)      *  

Donald G. Graham, Jr.

   906,205 (4)      10.5 %

Donald G. Graham, III

   451,131 (5)      5.2 %

William W. Krippaehne, Jr.

   95,866 (6)      1.1 %

Richard L. Hawley

   0        *  

Jerry A. St. Dennis

   0        *  

George F. Warren, Jr.

   745,251 (7)      8.7 %

William W. Warren, Jr.

   328,874 (8)      3.8 %

*   Less than 1%
(1)   Shares held directly with sole voting and sole investment power, unless otherwise indicated.
(2)   Mr. Phelps K. Fisher owns 84,960 shares. In addition, he has sole voting power and shared investment power as to 134,872 shares owned by K. R. Fisher Investment Company, and has sole voting power, pursuant to a power of attorney, as to 14,072 shares and 14,192 shares, respectively, owned by two of his adult sons. Mr. Fisher’s wife owns 23,000 shares. Includes 2,700 shares subject to purchase within sixty days of December 31, 2003 upon the exercise of stock options.
(3)   Ms. Fratt owns 200 shares, her husband owns 300 shares, and her daughter owns 50 shares.
(4)   Mr. Donald G. Graham, Jr. owns 51,410 shares. In addition, he has sole voting power and shared investment power as to the 436,731 shares owned by the O. D. Fisher Investment Company (see footnote 2 under the table entitled “Beneficial Ownership of 5% or More of the Company’s Stock”). Additionally, Mr. Graham has voting and investment power as to 36,960 shares held by the estate of his deceased wife, Felecia A. Graham, of which he is the personal representative and trustee. He also has voting power as to a total of 381,104 shares held by a trust under the will of Nellie Hughes Fisher, and a trust under the will of O. D. Fisher. Mr. Graham is the father of Donald G. Graham, III.

 

23


(5)   Mr. Donald G. Graham, III, owns 14,400 shares. In addition, he shares investment power as to 436,731 shares owned by the O. D. Fisher Investment Company (see footnote 2 under the table entitled “Beneficial Ownership of 5% or More of the Company’s Stock”). Mr. Graham is the son of Donald G. Graham, Jr.
(6)   Mr. Krippaehne holds 456 shares in an Individual Retirement Account and owns 8,630 shares jointly with his wife. Includes 86,300 shares subject to purchase within sixty days of December 31, 2003 upon the exercise of stock options.
(7)   Mr. George F. Warren, Jr. shares voting and investment power, as one of several trustees, as to 425,307 shares owned by the Lula Fisher Warren Trust and is an income beneficiary of such trust. In addition, he shares investment power with respect to 319,944 shares owned by the Warren Investment Company, of which he is a director. Mr. Warren is a first cousin of William W. Warren, Jr.
(8)   Mr. William W. Warren, Jr. owns 8,930 shares jointly with his wife. In addition, he shares investment power with respect to 319,944 shares owned by the Warren Investment Company, of which he is a director. Mr. Warren is a first cousin of George F. Warren, Jr.

 

 

Named Executive Officers (excluding officers who are also directors) and Directors and Executive Officers as a Group:

 

Name


  

Shares of Common

Stock Beneficially Owned(1)


   Percentage of
Common Stock


 

Benjamin W. Tucker, Jr.

   6,680    *  

David D. Hillard

   15,850    *  

Mel L. Martin

   2,840    *  

Kirk G. Anderson

   5,672    *  

Mark A. Weed

   30,110    *  

All Executive Officers and Directors as
a Group (16 persons)

   2,110,134    24.5 %

*   Less than 1%
(1)   Share amounts include options to purchase shares of Company common stock which are exercisable within 60 days of December 31, 2003 as follows: Benjamin W. Tucker, 6,180 shares; David D. Hillard, 14,270 shares; Mel L. Martin, 2,840 shares; Kirk G. Anderson, 5,390 shares; Mark A. Weed, 27,330 shares; directors and executive officers as a group 147,680 shares.

 

24


Beneficial Owners of 5% or More of the Company’s Stock (See also “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Managers—Directors”)

 

Name and Address


   Number of
Shares of
Common Stock


    Percentage of
Outstanding
Common Stock


 

Bank of America Corporation

100 South Tryon Street

Charlotte, NC 28255

   907,409 (1)   10.5 %

O. D. Fisher Investment Co.

2801 Alaskan Way, Suite 300

Seattle, WA 98121

   436,731 (2)   5.1 %

George D. Fisher

P.O. Box 98549

Des Moines, WA 98198

   619,768 (3)   7.2 %

GAMCO Investors, Inc.

One Corporate Center

Rye, NY 10580

   969,169 (4)   11.3 %

William H. Gates III

One Microsoft Way

Redmond, WA 98052

   455,700 (5)   5.3 %

Edward A. Gowey

17869 Ballinger Way NE

Seattle, WA 98155

   616,168 (6)   7.2 %

Robin Knepper

1634 Lake Washington Blvd.

Seattle, WA 98122

   622,411 (7)   7.2 %

Wendy Jean Wagner

1114 Tanglewood Drive

Cary, NC 27511

   745,251 (8)   8.7 %

Mary Elizabeth Warren

P.O. Box 155

Port Gamble, WA 98364

   746,031 (9)   8.7 %

(1)   Bank of America Corporation, as a fiduciary, possesses shared voting and investment power as to shares of Company common stock under a number of wills, trusts and agency arrangements.
(2)   Mr. Donald G. Graham, Jr. is President and director of O. D. Fisher Investment Company (“ODFICO”) and is a 19.4% shareholder of ODFICO individually or in his capacity as personal representative and trustee of the estates of his deceased wife and of his deceased mother, Juanita Fisher Graham. He has sole voting power with respect to the shares of Company common stock owned by ODFICO. Ms. Robin Knepper is Chairman of the Board of Directors of ODFICO, and a 5.5% shareholder thereof; Mr. Donald G. Graham, III is Vice President, a director, and a 4.3% shareholder of ODFICO. The 436,731 shares owned by ODFICO are also reported as beneficially owned by Ms. Knepper and Messrs. Donald G. Graham, Jr. and Donald G. Graham, III.
(3)   Mr. George D. Fisher owns 4,800 shares. In addition, he shares voting and investment power as one of three trustees of the D. R. Fisher Trust, as to the 413,504 shares held by such trust. Mr. Fisher is also President and a director of the D. R. Fisher Company, which owns 201,464 shares, and he shares voting and investment power with respect to such shares.
(4)  

Represents shares held by GAMCO Investors, Inc. and various other entities which are directly or indirectly controlled by either Mario J. Gabelli or Marc J. Gabelli and for which either acts as chief investment officer, including registered investment companies and pension plans. This information is based solely upon the

 

25


 

contents of a filing on Schedule 13D, dated January 5, 2004, made by Mario J. Gabelli, Marc J. Gabelli and related entities with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

(5)   Based on information provided by Mr. William H. Gates III in a Schedule 13D filed on March 7, 2003, the reported shares are owned by Cascade Investment, LLC (“Cascade”). Mr. Gates is the sole member of Cascade.
(6)   Mr. Gowey owns 1,200 shares jointly with his wife. In addition, he shares voting and investment power as one of three trustees of the D. R. Fisher Trust, as to the 413,504 shares held by such trust. Mr. Gowey is also an executive officer of the D. R. Fisher Company which owns 201,464 shares in which he has sole investment power with respect to such shares.
(7)   Ms. Knepper owns 142,680 shares. In addition, she shares voting power, as co-trustee, as to 43,000 shares held by Trust B Under the Will of Peggy Locke Newman. Additionally, Ms. Knepper shares investment power as to the 436,731 shares held by the O. D. Fisher Investment Company. Ms. Knepper’s husband owns 50 shares, and she disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares held by her husband.
(8)   Ms. Wagner shares voting and investment power, as one of several trustees, as to 425,307 shares owned by the Lula Fisher Warren Trust and is an income beneficiary of such trust. In addition, she shares investment power with respect to 319,944 shares owned by the Warren Investment Company, of which she is a director.
(9)   Ms. Warren owns 780 shares. Ms. Warren also shares voting and investment power, as one of several trustees, as to 425,307 shares owned by the Lula Fisher Warren Trust. In addition, she shares investment power with respect to 319,944 shares owned by the Warren Investment Company, of which she is a director.

 

26


TRANSACTIONS WITH MANAGEMENT

 

Certain directors and shareholders of the Company (together with employees and others), and/or entities in which such persons have direct or indirect interests, have made working capital loans to the Company. Such persons and/or entities hold promissory notes (“Notes”) from the Company reflecting such loans. At February 29, 2004, the total amount of Notes payable was approximately $706,000. The Notes are payable on demand and bear interest at a rate equal to the 90-day certificate of deposit (“CD”) rate for CDs of $100,000 or more as announced from time to time by Bank of America, less 0.25%. The Company currently anticipates that it will continue existing borrowings until payment is requested by the lender; however, no new borrowings in this manner will be made.

 

At February 29, 2004, the Company was indebted under the loans described above in the amount of $542,000 to a trust of which Mr. Donald G. Graham, Jr., is a trustee.

 

On December 19, 2003, the Company transferred its property management business, formerly conducted by its subsidiary, Fisher Properties Inc., to Egis Real Estate Services, L.L.C. (Egis), a private company formed by substantially all members of the former Fisher Properties management team, including Mark Weed. Mr. Weed is the President and a managing member of Egis. In exchange for a payment on closing of $200,000 to Egis, the Company received certain negotiated discounted rates for management, consulting and brokerage services, releases from 30 former Fisher Properties employees of all employment-related claims, including any severance payments, and certain other agreements in the Asset Purchase Agreement.

 

COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(a) FILING REQUIREMENTS

 

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (“Section 16(a)”) requires that all executive officers and directors of the Company and all persons who beneficially own more than 10 percent of outstanding Company common stock file reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to beneficial ownership of the Company’s securities. The Company has adopted procedures to assist its directors and executive officers in complying with the Section 16(a) filings.

 

27


Based solely upon the Company’s review of the copies of the filings which it received with respect to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, or written representations from certain reporting persons, the Company believes that all reporting persons made all filings required by Section 16(a) on a timely basis, except that Messrs. Kirk Anderson, David Hillard, William Krippaehne, Jr., and Ben Tucker, Jr. and Mesdames Laura Boyd and Sharon Johnston filed a late Form 4 to report stock options awarded on April 24, 2003. In March 2004, Donald G. Graham, Jr. refiled a Form 5 to report a distribution to Mr. Graham, Jr. of 14,450 shares of Company stock on March 22, 2002 from an estate of which Mr. Graham, Jr. was a residual beneficiary. The Company mailed to the SEC the original Form 5 to report the distribution in February 2003; however, in February 2004 the Company learned that the original Form 5 filing had not been recorded by the SEC for reasons that are unknown.

 

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

 

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the Company’s independent auditors, performed the audit of the consolidated financial statements for the Company for the year ended December 31, 2003. Representatives of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP will be present at the Annual Meeting, and will have the opportunity to make a statement if they so desire. They also will be available to respond to appropriate questions.

 

OTHER BUSINESS

 

The Board of Directors knows of no other matters to be brought before the shareholders at the Annual Meeting. If other matters are properly presented for a vote at the meeting, the Proxy holders will vote shares represented by properly executed Proxies in their discretion in accordance with their judgment on such matters.

 

At the meeting, management will report on the Company’s business and shareholders will have the opportunity to ask questions.

 

INFORMATION CONCERNING SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS

 

Proposals of shareholders that are intended to be presented at our 2005 Annual Meeting of Shareholders must be received by us not later than November 26, 2004 in order to be included in the proxy statement and form of Proxy relating to that annual meeting. A shareholder must have continuously held at least $2,000 in market value, or 1%, of the Company’s outstanding common stock for at least one year by the date of submission of the proposal, and the shareholder must continue to own such stock through the date of the meeting.

 

In addition, shareholders that intend to present a proposal that will not be included in the Proxy Statement and form of Proxy must give timely notice of the proposal to the Company not earlier than November 26, 2004 and not later than December 26, 2004. Furthermore, receipt by the Company of any such proposal from a qualified shareholder in a timely manner will not guarantee its inclusion in the proxy materials or its presentation at the 2005 Annual Meeting, because there are other relevant requirements in the SEC’s proxy rules.

 

28


ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS

 

Any shareholder may obtain without charge a copy of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the year ended December 31, 2003, including financial statements. Written requests for the Form 10-K should be addressed to Investor Relations, Fisher Communications, Inc., 100 4th Avenue N., Suite 440, Seattle, Washington 98109.

 

March 26, 2004

 

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

LOGO

Sharon J. Johnston, Secretary

 

 

29


APPENDIX A

 

FISHER COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

 

AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER

 

As amended February 10, 2004

 

I.    GENERAL FUNCTIONS, AUTHORITY, AND ROLE

 

The audit committee is a committee of the board of directors. Its primary function shall be to oversee the accounting and financial reporting processes of the company and the audits of the financial statements of the company by reviewing the financial information to be provided to the shareholders and others, the systems of internal controls that management and the board of directors have established, and the company’s audit process.

 

The audit committee shall have the power to conduct or authorize investigations into any matters within the committee’s scope of responsibilities. In connection with such investigations or otherwise in the course of fulfilling its responsibilities under this charter, the audit committee shall have the authority to retain special legal, accounting, or other consultants to advise it, and may request any officer or employee of the company, its outside legal counsel or outside auditor to attend a meeting of the audit committee or to meet with any members of, or consultants to, the audit committee.

 

The audit committee shall have the authority to provide appropriate funding, without board approval, for the payment of: (1) compensation of the outside auditor for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or performing other audit, review or attest services; (2) compensation for special legal, accounting, or other consultants retained by the audit committee; and (3) ordinary administrative expenses of the audit committee that are necessary or appropriate in carrying out its duties.

 

The company’s outside auditor shall be directly accountable the audit committee, and the audit committee shall have the authority and responsibility to select, evaluate, compensate and, where appropriate, replace the outside auditor. In the course of fulfilling its specific responsibilities hereunder, the audit committee shall strive to maintain an open avenue of communication between the company’s outside auditor and the board of directors.

 

The responsibilities of a member of the audit committee shall be in addition to such member’s duties as a member of the board of directors.

 

While the audit committee shall have the responsibilities and powers set forth in this charter, it shall not be the duty of the audit committee to plan or conduct audits or to determine whether the company’s financial statements are complete, accurate, or in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. These are the responsibilities of management and the outside auditor.

 

The audit committee when appropriate may form and delegate authority to subcommittees and may delegate authority to one or more designated members of the audit committee.

 

A-1


II.    MEMBERSHIP

 

The membership of the audit committee shall consist of at least five members of the board of directors who shall serve at the pleasure of the board of directors. The membership of the audit committee shall meet the independence and financial literacy and experience requirements of The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. or similar requirements of such other securities exchange or quotation system as may from time to time apply to the company. The audit committee is empowered to select its chairman from time to time.

 

Audit committee members shall be designated by the full board of directors.

 

Each audit committee member shall be financially literate (at a minimum, able to read and understand fundamental financial statements, including the company’s balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement).

 

At least one audit committee member shall have past employment experience in finance or accounting, requisite professional certification in accounting, or any other comparable experience or background which results in the member’s financial sophistication, including being or having been a chief executive officer, chief financial officer or other senior officer with financial oversight responsibilities.

 

The audit committee shall include a member with sufficient financial expertise in accounting and auditing so as to be a “financial expert,” in accordance with such regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) as may be applicable to the company from time to time, through (as set forth in SEC regulations):

 

(1)    education and experience as a chief financial officer, principal accounting officer, controller, public accountant or auditor, or experience in one or more positions involving the performance of similar functions;

 

(2)    experience actively supervising a chief financial officer, principal accounting officer, controller, public accountant, auditor or person performing similar functions;

 

(3)    experience overseeing or assessing the performance of companies or public accountants regarding the preparation, auditing or evaluation of financial statements; or

 

(4)    other relevant experience.

 

III. RESPONSIBILITIES

 

The responsibilities of the audit committee shall be as follows:

 

A.    GENERAL

 

1.    Meet at least quarterly, or more frequently as circumstances or the obligations of the audit committee require.

 

2.    Report audit committee actions to the board of directors with such recommendations as the committee may deem appropriate.

 

A-2


3.    Quarterly review and reassess the adequacy of this charter and submit it to the board of directors for approval.

 

4.    Perform such functions as may be assigned by law, the company’s articles of incorporation or bylaws, or the board of directors.

 

B.    OUTSIDE AUDITOR

 

1.    As necessary, consider with management and the outside auditor the rationale for employing audit firms other than the principal outside auditor.

 

2.    Appoint and oversee the outside auditor, and, as necessary, take reasonable steps to confirm with the outside auditor that the outside auditor shall report directly to the audit committee, with the understanding that the outside auditor shall be ultimately accountable to the audit committee.

 

3.    Approve the compensation of the outside auditor.

 

4.    As necessary, review and approve the discharge of the outside auditor.

 

5.    Take reasonable steps to confirm the independence of the outside auditor, which shall include (a) ensuring receipt from the outside auditor of a formal written statement delineating all relationships between the outside auditor and the company, consistent with Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1, (b) discussing with the outside auditor any disclosed relationships or services that may impact the objectivity and independence of the outside auditor, and (c) if the audit committee shall deem it appropriate, taking appropriate action to oversee the independence of the outside auditor.

 

6.    In performing Item 5 above, the audit committee shall consider whether the outside auditor’s provision of financial systems design and implementation services and any other non-audit services are compatible with the independence of the outside auditor.

 

7.    Resolve disagreements between management and the outside auditor.

 

8.    Pre-approve the retention of the outside auditor for all audit and such non-audit services as the outside auditor is permitted to provide the company. The audit committee may pre-approve services by establishing detailed pre-approval policies and procedures as to the particular service; provided that the audit committee is informed of each service pre-approved. Pre-approval of audit and non-audit services may not be delegated to management, but may be delegated to one or more members of the audit committee so long as that member or members report their decisions to the audit committee at all regularly scheduled meetings. In considering whether to pre-approve any non-audit services, the audit committee or its delegee(s) shall consider whether the provision of such services is compatible with maintaining the independence of the auditor.

 

9.    Ensure that the audit committee’s approval of any non-audit services is publicly disclosed pursuant to applicable laws, rules and regulations.

 

10.    At least annually, evaluate the outside auditor’s performance and independence.

 

11.    Discuss with the outside auditor the matters required to be discussed by Statement of Auditing Standards (“SAS”) No. 61, Communications with Audit Committee, SAS No. 89, Audit Adjustments, and SAS No. 90, Audit Committee Communications, all as amended from time to time.

 

A-3


12.    Ensure that the outside auditor’s lead partner and reviewing partner are replaced every five years.

 

C.    AUDIT PROCESS AND RESULTS

 

1.    Consider, in consultation with the outside auditor, the audit scope and plan of the internal auditors and the outside auditor.

 

2.    Review with the outside auditor the coordination of the audit effort for the effective use of audit resources.

 

3.    Consider and review with the outside auditor:

 

  a.   The adequacy of the company’s internal controls including computerized information system controls and security.

 

  b.   Any related significant findings and recommendations of the outside auditor together with management’s responses thereto.

 

  c.   The matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as the same may be modified and supplemented from time to time.

 

4.    Review and discuss with management and the outside auditor at the completion of the annual examination:

 

  a.   The company’s audited financial statements and related footnotes.

 

  b.   The outside auditor’s audit of the financial statements and their report thereon.

 

  c.   Any significant changes required in the outside auditor’s audit plan.

 

  d.   Any serious difficulties or disputes with management encountered during the course of the audit.

 

  e.   Other matters related to the conduct of the audit which are to be communicated to the committee under generally accepted auditing standards.

 

5.    Consider and review with management:

 

  a.   Significant findings during the year and management’s responses thereto.

 

  b.   Any difficulties encountered in the course of the outside auditor’s audits, including any restrictions on the scope of their work or access to required information.

 

  c.   Any changes required in the planned scope of the audit plan.

 

6.    Meet with the outside auditor and management in separate executive sessions to discuss any matters that the committee or these groups believe should be discussed privately with the audit committee.

 

7.    Obtain and review timely reports from the independent auditor regarding:

 

  a.   critical accounting policies to be used,

 

A-4


  b.   alternative treatments of financial information within GAAP that have been discussed with management, ramifications of the use of such alternative disclosures and treatments, and the treatment preferred by the independent auditor, and

 

  c.   other material written communications between the independent auditor and management, such as any management letter or schedule of unadjusted differences.

 

8.    Review with management and the outside auditor the effect of regulatory and accounting initiatives, as well as off-balance sheet structures, if any, on the financial statements of the company.

 

9.    Review and approve all related-party transactions, including transactions between the company and its officers or directors or affiliates of officers or directors.

 

D.    SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FILINGS

 

1.    Review filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and other published documents containing the company’s financial statements.

 

2.    Prepare the report required by the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission to be included in the company’s annual proxy statement.

 

E.    INTERNAL CONTROLS AND LEGAL MATTERS

 

1.    Review the company’s policies and procedures with respect to officers’ expense accounts and perquisites, including their use of corporate assets, and consider the results of any review of these areas by the outside auditor.

 

2.    Review any reports by management regarding the effectiveness of, or any deficiencies in, the design or operation of internal controls and any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the company’s internal controls. Review any report issued by the company’s outside auditor regarding management’s assessment of the company’s internal controls.

 

3.    Review the company’s code of ethics for the chief executive officer and senior financial officers. Develop and monitor compliance with a code of ethics for the chief executive officer and senior financial officers pursuant to and to the extent required by regulations applicable to the company from time to time.

 

4.    Establish procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters.

 

5.    Establish procedures for the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters.

 

 

A-5


Directions to Fisher Plaza

 

From I-5

 

If you are driving to Fisher Plaza take the Mercer Street exit, turn right onto Fairview Avenue and then left onto Valley Street which becomes Broad Street. Turn left off Broad onto 5th Avenue and then turn right onto John Street to enter the Fisher Plaza parking garage on the left.

 

Parking at Fisher Plaza

 

The Fisher Plaza Parking Garage entrance is on John Street. This is a three-level underground, parking garage providing elevator access to Fisher Plaza.

 

In the garage there are elevators marked “Public Elevators.” Once in the elevator, press the button labeled “Lobby.” This will take you to the first floor Lobby of Fisher Plaza. You will then be escorted into another elevator and taken to the 5th floor.

 

LOGO

 

FCI-PS-04


DETACH HERE


 

PROXY

 

PROXY FOR 2004 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS OF

 

FISHER COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

 

PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN IMMEDIATELY

 

This Proxy is Solicited on Behalf of the Board of Directors

 

The undersigned hereby appoints James W. Cannon, Phelps K. Fisher, Donald G. Graham, Jr. William W. Krippaehne, Jr. and William W. Warren, Jr. and each of them (with full power to act alone) as proxies, with the powers the undersigned would possess if personally present, and with full power of substitution, to vote all common shares of the undersigned of Fisher Communications, Inc. (the “Company”) at the 2004 annual meeting of its shareholders to be held at Fisher Plaza, 140–4th Avenue North, Seattle, Washington, at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, April 29, 2004, or any postponements, continuations and adjournments thereof, as indicated with respect to the proposal on the reverse side and, in their discretion, upon all other matters that may properly come before the meeting.

 

The undersigned acknowledges receipt of the Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and the accompanying Proxy Statement.

 

The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote “FOR” the proposal described on the reverse side. If no directions are given, the shares represented by the proxy will be voted “FOR ALL NOMINEES” in Item 1, and in accordance with the discretion of other persons named as proxies herein on any other matters that may properly come before the Annual Meeting.

 

HAS YOUR ADDRESS CHANGED?        DO YOU HAVE ANY COMMENTS?

 


      

 


 


      

 


 


      

 



FISHER COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

 

C/O EQUISERVE TRUST COMPANY, N.A.

P.O. BOX 8694

EDISON, NJ 08818-8694

 

 

 

DETACH HERE IF YOU ARE RETURNING YOUR PROXY CARD BY MAIL


 

x    Please mark
votes as in
this example.
         

 

 


       
FISHER COMMUNICATIONS, INC.          

       
1.   

Election of Directors.

To elect the nominees

to serve as directors for a three-year term:

   FOR
ALL
NOMINEES
¨
   WITHHOLD
FROM ALL
NOMINEES
¨
   Nominees:   

Carol H. Fratt

Donald G. Graham, Jr.

Donald G. Graham, III

William W. Krippaehne, Jr.

    

¨

 

 

  
To withhold authority to vote for any of the nominee(s), write the name(s) of such nominee(s) in the same space
above:

 

 

In giving this Proxy, I understand that I may personally vote my shares if I attend the meeting, notwithstanding that I have previously executed and returned the Proxy to the Company.       
Mark box at right if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting.    ¨  
Mark box at right if an address change or comment has been noted on the reverse side of this card.    ¨  
Please execute this Proxy whether or not you plan to attend in person, and return the Proxy promptly in the envelope provided so that your stock will be represented in all events and so that we may have a quorum. Please sign your name below. When signing as attorney, administrator, executor, guardian or trustee, please give title as such. Joint owners should each sign. An authorized person should sign on behalf of corporations, partnerships, associations, etc. and give his or her title.

 

Signature:                                            Date:                            Signature:                                            Date: