10-Q 1 form10q.htm JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS INC 10-Q 9-25-2011 form10q.htm


UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-Q

x       QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended:  September 25, 2011
or

o        TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from                                                 to                                                                                                                                   
Commission File Number:                                                           1-31805                                                                                                                       
                                                                                        
JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Wisconsin
  20-0020198 
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation  or organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
333 W. State Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin   53203
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)
(414) 224-2000
Registrant's telephone number, including area code
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes x  No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes x   No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company.  See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large Accelerated Filer o Accelerated Filer x Non-accelerated Filer o Smaller reporting company o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o  No x
 
Number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock as of October 28, 2011 (excluding 8,676,705 shares of class B common stock held by our subsidiary, The Journal Company):
 
Class
 
Outstanding at October 28, 2011
Class A Common Stock
 
44,193,857
Class B Common Stock
 
7,261,004,282
Class C Common Stock
 
3,264,000
 


 
 

 
 
JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

 
     
Page No.
Part I.
Financial Information
 
       
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements
 
       
   
2
       
   
3
       
   
4
       
   
5
       
   
6
       
   
7
       
 
Item 2.
23
       
 
Item 3.
39
       
 
Item 4.
39
       
Part II.
Other Information
 
       
 
Item 1.
39
       
 
Item 1A.
39
       
 
Item 2.
40
       
 
Item 3.
40
       
 
Item 4.
40
       
 
Item 5.
40
       
 
Item 6.
40

 
 


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

    September 25, 2011     December 26, 2010  
ASSETS
           
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 1,686     $ 2,056  
Investments of variable interest entity
    500       500  
Receivables, net
    51,427       55,309  
Inventories, net
    2,007       1,035  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    4,304       3,961  
Syndicated programs
    3,595       7,361  
Deferred income taxes
    3,516       4,809  
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
    67,035       75,031  
                 
Property and equipment, at cost, less accumulated depreciation of $236,730 and $228,820
    171,171       179,725  
Syndicated programs
    4,877       3,083  
Goodwill
    8,670       9,098  
Broadcast licenses
    82,426       82,426  
Other intangible assets, net
    21,790       22,988  
Deferred income taxes
    46,128       54,077  
Other assets
    4,555       5,342  
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 406,652     $ 431,770  
                 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 18,969     $ 22,895  
Accrued compensation
    9,104       13,703  
Accrued employee benefits
    5,345       5,087  
Deferred revenue
    14,487       13,899  
Syndicated programs
    5,549       8,685  
Accrued income taxes
    312       7,332  
Other current liabilities
    5,866       6,493  
Current portion of long-term liabilities
    486       561  
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
    60,118       78,655  
                 
Accrued employee benefits
    56,205       58,534  
Syndicated programs
    6,502       5,114  
Long-term notes payable to banks
    54,999       74,570  
Other long-term liabilities
    7,325       5,970  
Equity:
               
Preferred stock, $0.01 par – authorized 10,000,000 shares; no shares outstanding at September 25, 2011 and December 26, 2010
    --       --  
Common stock, $0.01 par:
               
Class C – authorized 10,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding: 3,264,000 shares at September 25, 2011 and December 26, 2010
    33       33  
Class B – authorized 120,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding (excluding treasury stock): 7,265,573.282 shares at September 25, 2011 and 8,594,541.684 shares at December 26, 2010
    152       165  
Class A – authorized 170,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding: 44,228,213 shares at September 25, 2011 and 43,196,321 shares at December 26, 2010
    442       432  
                 
Additional paid-in capital
    259,792       260,376  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (31,704     (32,295
Retained earnings
    100,339       87,767  
Treasury stock, at cost (8,676,705 class B shares)
    (108,715     (108,715
Total Journal Communications, Inc. shareholders’ equity
    220,339       207,763  
Noncontrolling interest
    1,164       1,164  
TOTAL EQUITY
    221,503       208,927  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
  $ 406,652     $ 431,770  
 
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements.
 
 
2

 
JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations
 (in thousands, except per share amounts)

   
Third Quarter Ended
   
Three Quarters Ended
 
   
September 25, 2011
   
September 26, 2010
   
September 25, 2011
   
September 26, 2010
 
                         
Revenue:
                       
Broadcasting
  $ 46,937     $ 48,482     $ 135,129     $ 138,099  
Publishing
    40,888       43,439       126,807       135,377  
Corporate eliminations
    (41     (104     (189     (403
Total revenue
    87,784       91,817       261,747       273,073  
                                 
Operating costs and expenses:
                               
Broadcasting
    24,383       24,502       68,387       68,398  
Publishing
    27,521       28,802       82,439       86,670  
Corporate eliminations
    (41     (104     (189     (403
Total operating costs and expenses
    51,863       53,200       150,637       154,665  
                                 
Selling and administrative expenses
    27,828       27,541       85,518       84,197  
Total operating costs and expenses and selling and administrative expenses
    79,691       80,741       236,155       238,862  
                                 
Operating earnings
    8,093       11,076       25,592       34,211  
Other income and (expense):
                               
Interest income
    14       25       52       58  
Interest expense
    (838     (996     (2,846     (2,102
Total other income and (expense)
    (824     (971     (2,794     (2,044
                                 
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
    7,269       10,105       22,798       32,167  
                                 
Provision for income taxes
    2,823       3,782       9,177       12,660  
                                 
Earnings from continuing operations
    4,446       6,323       13,621       19,507  
                                 
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of $0, $(15), $221 and $72 applicable income tax provision (benefit), respectively
    --       (28     341       191  
                                 
Net earnings
  $ 4,446     $ 6,295     $ 13,962     $ 19,698  
                                 
Earnings per share:
                               
Basic – Class A and B common stock:
                               
Continuing operations
  $ 0.07     $ 0.11     $ 0.22     $ 0.33  
Discontinued operations
    --       --       0.01       --  
Net earnings
  $ 0.07     $ 0.11     $ 0.23     $ 0.33  
Diluted – Class A and B common stock:
                               
Continuing operations
  $ 0.07     $ 0.11     $ 0.22     $ 0.33  
Discontinued operations
    --       --       0.01       --  
Net earnings
  $ 0.07     $ 0.11     $ 0.23     $ 0.33  
Basic and diluted – Class C common stock:
                               
Continuing operations
  $ 0.21     $ 0.25     $ 0.64     $ 0.76  
Discontinued operations
    --       --       0.01       --  
Net earnings
  $ 0.21     $ 0.25     $ 0.65     $ 0.76  
 
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements.

 
3

 
Journal Communications, Inc.
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Equity
For the Three Quarters Ended September 25, 2011
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
    Preferred     Common Stock    
Additional
    Accumulated Other Comprehensive    
Retained
   
Noncontrolling
    Treasury Stock,        
   
Stock
   
Class C
   
Class B
   
Class A
   
Paid-in-Capital
   
Loss
   
Earnings
   
Interests
   
at cost
   
Total
 
                                                             
Balance at December 26, 2010
  $ -     $ 33     $ 165     $ 432     $ 260,376     $ (32,295 )   $ 87,767     $ 1,164     $ (108,715 )   $ 208,927  
                                                                                 
Net earnings
                                                    3,375                       3,375  
Change in pension and postretirement (net of deferred tax of $127)
                                            197                               197  
Class C dividends declared ($0.142 per share)
                                                    (464 )                     (464 )
Issuance of shares:
                                                                               
Conversion of class B to class A
                    (11 )     11                                               -  
Stock grants
                    3               17                                       20  
Employee stock purchase plan
                    -               181                                       181  
Shares withheld from employees for tax withholding
                    (1 )             (505 )                                     (506 )
Stock-based compensation
                                    261               1                       262  
Income tax benefits from vesting of non-vested restricted stock
                                    368                                       368  
                                                                                 
Balance at March 27, 2011
    -       33       156       443       260,698       (32,098 )     90,679       1,164       (108,715 )     212,360  
                                                                                 
Net earnings
                                                    6,141                       6,141  
Change in pension and postretirement (net of deferred tax of $128)
                                            197                               197  
Class C dividends declared ($0.142 per share)
                                                    (464 )                     (464 )
Issuance of shares:
                                                                               
Conversion of class B to class A
                    (4 )     4                                               -  
Stock grants
                    1               432                                       433  
Shares withheld from employees for tax withholding
                                    (13 )                                     (13 )
Stock-based compensation
                                    285                                       285  
                                                                                 
Balance at June 26, 2011
    -       33       153       447       261,402       (31,901 )     96,356       1,164       (108,715 )     218,939  
                                                                                 
Net earnings
                                                    4,446                       4,446  
Change in pension and postretirement (net of deferred tax of $128)
                                            197                               197  
Class C dividends declared ($0.142 per share)
                                                    (463 )                     (463 )
Issuance of shares:
                                                                               
Conversion of class B to class A
                    (1 )     1                                               -  
Stock grants
                                    20                                       20  
Employee stock purchase plan
                                    147                                       147  
Shares purchased and retired
                            (6 )     (2,060 )                                     (2,066 )
Shares withheld from employees for tax withholding
                                    (26 )                                     (26 )
Stock-based compensation
                                    284                                       284  
Income tax benefits from vesting of non-vested   restricted stock
                                    25                                       25  
                                                                                 
Balance at September 25, 2011
  $ -     $ 33     $ 152     $ 442     $ 259,792     $ (31,704 )   $ 100,339     $ 1,164     $ (108,715 )   $ 221,503  
 
 
4


Journal Communications, Inc.
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Equity
Three Quarters Ended September 26, 2010
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
    Preferred     Common Stock     Additional     Accumulated Other Comprehensive     Retained     Noncontrolling     Treasury Stock,        
   
Stock
   
Class C
   
Class B
   
Class A
   
Paid-in-Capital
   
Loss
   
Earnings
   
Interests
   
at cost
   
Total
 
                                                             
Balance at December 27, 2009
  $ -     $ 33     $ 174     $ 418     $ 258,413     $ (34,487 )   $ 55,239     $ -     $ (108,715 )   $ 171,075  
                                                                                 
Net earnings
                                                    5,303                       5,303  
Change in pension and postretirement (net of deferred tax of $280)
                                            441                               441  
Class C dividends declared ($0.142 per share)
                                                    (464 )                     (464 )
Issuance of shares:
                                                                               
Conversion of class B to class A
                    (4 )     4                                               -  
Stock grants
                    2               30                                       32  
Employee stock purchase plan
                    1               162                                       163  
Shares withheld from employees for tax withholding
                    (1 )             (267 )                                     (268 )
Stock-based compensation
                                    294                                       294  
Consolidation of variable interest entity
                                                            1,164               1,164  
Income tax benefits from vesting of non-vested   restricted stock
                                    95                                       95  
                                                                                 
Balance at March 28, 2010
    -       33       172       422       258,727       (34,046 )     60,078       1,164       (108,715 )     177,835  
                                                                                 
Net earnings
                                                    8,100                       8,100  
Change in pension and postretirement (net of deferred tax of $278)
                                            442                               442  
Class C dividends declared ($0.142 per share)
                                                    (464 )                     (464 )
Issuance of shares:
                                                                               
Conversion of class B to class A
                    (7 )     7                                               -  
Stock grants
                    1               493                                       494  
Stock-based compensation
                                    302                                       302  
                                                                                 
Balance at June 27, 2010
    -       33       166       429       259,522       (33,604 )     67,714       1,164       (108,715 )     186,709  
                                                                                 
Net earnings
                                                    6,295                       6,295  
Change in pension and postretirement (net of deferred tax of $281)
                                            441                               441  
Class C dividends declared ($0.142 per share)
                                                    (463 )                     (463 )
Issuance of shares:
                                                                               
Conversion of class B to class A
                    (1 )     1                                               -  
Stock grants
                                    22                                       22  
Employee stock purchase plan
                    -               140                                       140  
Shares withheld from employees for tax withholding
                                    (25 )                                     (25 )
Stock-based compensation
                                    274                                       274  
Income tax benefits from vesting of non-vested   restricted stock
                                    25                                       25  
                                                                                 
Balance at September 26, 2010
  $ -     $ 33     $ 165     $ 430     $ 259,958     $ (33,163 )   $ 73,546     $ 1,164     $ (108,715 )   $ 193,418  

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements.

 
5

 
JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
 
   
Three Quarters Ended
 
   
September 25, 2011
   
September 26, 2010
 
Cash flow from operating activities:
           
Net earnings
  $ 13,962     $ 19,698  
Less earnings from discontinued operations
    341       191  
Earnings from continuing operations
    13,621       19,507  
Adjustments for non-cash items:
               
Depreciation
    16,305       17,145  
Amortization
    1,177       1,456  
Provision for doubtful accounts
    499       381  
Deferred income taxes
    9,206       7,830  
Non-cash stock-based compensation
    1,304       1,364  
Net (gain) loss from disposal of assets
    (529     89  
Net changes in operating assets and liabilities, excluding effect of sales and acquisitions:
               
Receivables
    3,052       4,227  
Inventories
    (972     93  
Accounts payable
    (3,926     207  
Other assets and liabilities
    (13,382     (6,785
Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities
    26,355       45,514  
                 
Cash flow from investing activities:
               
Capital expenditures for property and equipment
    (8,095     (7,323
Proceeds from sales of businesses
    1,558       25  
Proceeds from sales of assets
    76       792  
Insurance proceeds from tower collapse and replacement
    --       728  
Net Cash Used For Investing Activities
    (6,461     (5,778
                 
Cash flow from financing activities:
               
Financing costs for long-term notes payable to banks
    --       (3,223
Proceeds from long-term notes payable to banks
    74,738       73,655  
Payments on long-term notes payable to banks
    (94,309     (112,605
Shares purchased and retired
    (1,787     --  
Principal payments under capital lease obligations
    (256 )     (235
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
    295       272  
Income tax benefits from vesting of non-vested restricted stock
    455       120  
Net Cash Used For Financing Activties
    (20,864     (42,016
                 
Cash from discontinued operations:
               
Net operating activities of discontinued operations
    (223     2,322  
Net investing activities of discontinued operations
    823       (387
                 
Net Cash Provided by Discontinued Operations
    600       1,935  
Net Increase (Decrease) In Cash And Cash Equivalents
    (370     (345
                 
Cash and cash equivalents:
               
Beginning of year
    2,056       3,369  
At September 25, 2011 and September 26, 2010
  $ 1,686     $ 3,024  
 
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements.
 
 
6

 
JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

1
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
The accompanying unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements include the accounts of Journal Communications, Inc., its wholly owned subsidiaries and a variable interest entity (VIE) for which we are the primary beneficiary in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and reflect normal and recurring adjustments, which we believe to be necessary for a fair presentation.  As permitted by these regulations, these statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for annual financial statements.  However, we believe that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.  The gain on the sale of NorthStar Print Group Inc.’s (NorthStar) real estate holdings, the operations of PrimeNet Marketing Services (PrimeNet), our former direct marketing services business, and IPC Print Services, Inc. (IPC), our former printing services business, have been reflected as discontinued operations in our consolidated condensed statement of operations.   The balance sheet as of December 26, 2010 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date, but does not include all the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.  The operating results for the third quarter and three quarters ended September 25, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending December 25, 2011.  You should read these unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 26, 2010.

2
ACCOUNTING PERIODS

We report on a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the last Sunday of December in each year.  In addition, we have four quarterly reporting periods, each consisting of 13 weeks and ending on a Sunday, provided that once every six years, the fourth quarterly reporting period will be 14 weeks.  The fourth quarterly reporting period in our 2012 fiscal year will consist of 14 weeks.

3
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
 
In September 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued amended guidance for goodwill impairment. The guidance simplifies how entities test goodwill for impairment. The new guidance allows an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. Under these amendments, an entity will be required to perform the two-step impairment test only if it concludes that the fair value of a reporting unit is more likely than not, less than its carrying value.  This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted.  We will adopt this guidance in the first quarter of 2012.  We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued amended guidance for comprehensive income. The guidance requires an entity to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The new guidance eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of shareholders’ equity. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted.  We will adopt this guidance in the first quarter of 2012.  We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2011, the FASB issued amended guidance for fair value measurement and disclosure requirements between U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).  The new guidance includes amendments to clarify the definition of fair value and ensure that the fair value measurement and disclosure requirements are similar between U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and IFRS. The guidance also changes certain fair value measurement principles and enhances the disclosure requirements particularly for level 3 fair value measurements.  This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011.  We will adopt this guidance in the first quarter of 2012.  We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 
7


JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
3
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS continued

In December 2010, the FASB issued amended guidance for goodwill.  The guidance applies to entities that have recognized goodwill and have one or more reporting units whose carrying amount for purposes of performing step one of the goodwill impairment test is zero or negative.  The guidance modifies step one so that for those reporting units, an entity is required to perform step two of the goodwill impairment test if it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists.  In determining whether it is more likely than not that goodwill impairment exists, an entity should consider whether there are any adverse qualitative factors indicating that impairment may exist.  The qualitative factors are consistent with existing guidance, which requires that goodwill of a reporting unit be tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount.  This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2010, with no early adoption permitted. We adopted this guidance in the first quarter of 2011.  There has been no impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In December 2010, the FASB issued amended guidance for business combinations.  The guidance requires a public entity that presents comparative financial statements to disclose revenue and earnings of the combined entity as though the material business combination(s) on an individual or aggregate basis that occurred during the current year had occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period only.  This guidance also expands the supplemental pro forma disclosures to include a description of the nature and amount of material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to the business combination included in the reported pro forma revenue and earnings.  This guidance is effective prospectively for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2010, with early adoption permitted.  We adopted this guidance in the first quarter of 2011 for future business combinations.  There has been no impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In July 2010, the FASB issued amended guidance for receivables.  The guidance for disclosures about activity that occurs during a period is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2010.  We adopted this guidance for activity that occurs for our financing receivables beginning in the first quarter of 2011.  The adoption of these disclosures did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.  See Note 9, “Receivables,” for disclosures regarding our adoption of the FASB’s amended guidance for financing receivables.

In January 2010, the FASB issued amended guidance for fair value measurements and disclosures.  The guidance requires new disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements in the roll forward of activity for level 3 fair value measurements. Those disclosures are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010 and for interim periods within those fiscal years.  We adopted this guidance in the first quarter of 2011.  The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
 
 
In October 2009, the FASB amended the accounting standards related to revenue recognition for arrangements with multiple deliverables.  This new guidance requires that arrangement consideration be allocated at the inception of the arrangement to all deliverables, based on their relative selling price.  The guidance also establishes a hierarchy for determining the selling price of a deliverable which is based on vendor-specific objective evidence, third-party evidence, or management’s best estimate of selling price.  We adopted this guidance in the first quarter of 2011.  The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.  See Note 4, “Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements,” for disclosures regarding our adoption of the FASB’s amended guidance for revenue recognition for arrangements with multiple deliverables.
 
4
MULTIPLE-DELIVERABLE REVENUE ARRANGEMENTS

Our daily newspaper sells print and online advertising in bundled arrangements, where multiple products are involved.  Significant deliverables within these arrangements include advertising in the printed daily newspaper and advertising placed on various company websites, each of which are considered separate units of accounting.  Our broadcast business sells airtime on television and radio stations and online advertising in bundled arrangements, where multiple products are involved.  Significant deliverables within these arrangements include advertising on television and radio stations and advertising placed on various company websites, each of which are considered separate units of accounting.  There were no significant changes in units of accounting, the allocation process or the pattern and timing of revenue recognition upon adoption of the amended guidance related to revenue recognition for arrangements with multiple deliverables.

 
8

 
JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
5
EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic

We apply the two-class method for calculating and presenting our basic earnings per share.  As noted in the FASB’s guidance for earnings per share, the two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for each class of common stock according to dividends declared (or accumulated) and participation rights in undistributed earnings.  Under that method:

 
a)
Income (loss) from continuing operations (“net earnings (loss)”) is reduced by the amount of dividends declared in the current period for each class of stock and by the contractual amount of dividends that must be paid or accrued during the current period.

 
b)
The remaining earnings, which may include earnings from discontinued operations (“undistributed earnings”), are allocated to each class of common stock to the extent that each class of stock may share in earnings if all of the earnings for the period were distributed.

 
c)
The remaining losses (“undistributed losses”) are allocated to the class A and B common stock.  Undistributed losses are not allocated to the class C common stock and non-vested restricted stock because the class C common stock and the non-vested restricted stock are not contractually obligated to share in the losses.  Losses from discontinued operations are allocated to class A and B shares and may be allocated to class C shares and non-vested restricted stock if there is undistributed earnings after deducting earnings distributed to class C shares from income from continuing operations.

 
d)
The total earnings (loss) allocated to each class of common stock are then divided by the number of weighted average shares outstanding of the class of common stock to which the earnings (loss) are allocated to determine the earnings (loss) per share for that class of common stock.

 
e)
Basic earnings (loss) per share data are presented for class A and B common stock in the aggregate and for class C common stock.  The basic earnings (loss) per share for class A and B common stock are the same; hence, these classes are reported together.

In applying the two-class method, we have determined that undistributed earnings should be allocated equally on a per share basis among each class of common stock due to the lack of any contractual participation rights of any class to those undistributed earnings.  Undistributed losses are allocated to only the class A and B common stock for the reason stated above.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic earnings per share under the two-class method:
 
   
Third Quarter Ended
   
Three Quarters Ended
 
   
September 25, 2011
   
September 26, 2010
   
September 25, 2011
   
September 26, 2010
 
Numerator for basic earnings from continuing operations for each class of common stock and non-vested restricted stock:
                       
Earnings from continuing operations
                       
Less dividends declared or accrued:
  $ 4,446     $ 6,323     $ 13,621     $ 19,507  
Class A and B
    --       --       --       --  
Class C
    463       463       1,391       1,391  
Non-vested restricted stock
    --       --       --       --  
Total undistributed earnings from continuing operations
  $ 3,983     $ 5,860     $ 12,230     $ 18,116  

 
9


JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
5
EARNINGS PER SHARE continued
 
   
Third Quarter Ended
   
Three Quarters Ended
 
   
September 25, 2011
   
September 26, 2010
   
September 25, 2011
   
September 26, 2010
 
Class A and B undistributed earnings from continuing operations
  $ 3,697     $ 5,416     $ 11,347     $ 16,736  
Class C undistributed earnings from continuing operations
    236       348       723       1,076  
Non-vested restricted stock undistributed earnings from continuing operations
    50       96       160       304  
Total undistributed earnings from continuing operations
  3,983     $ 5,860     12,230     $ 18,116  
                                 
Numerator for basic earnings from continuing operations per class A and B common stock:
                               
Dividends on class A and B
  $ --     $ --     $ --     $ --  
Class A and B undistributed earnings
    3,697       5,416       11,347       16,736  
Numerator for basic earnings from continuing operations per class A and B common stock
  $ 3,697     $ 5,416     11,347     $ 16,736  
                                 
Numerator for basic earnings from continuing operations per class C common stock:
                               
Dividends accrued on class C
  $ 463     $ 463     $ 1,391     $ 1,391  
Class C undistributed earnings
    236       348       723       1,076  
Numerator for basic earnings from continuing operations per class C common stock
  $ 699     $ 811     $ 2,114     $ 2,467  
                                 
Denominator for basic earnings from continuing operations for each class of common stock:
                               
Weighted average shares outstanding –
                               
Class A and B
    51,316       50,866       51,254       50,755  
Class C
    3,264       3,264       3,264       3,264  
                                 
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations:
                               
Class A and B
  $ 0.07     $ 0.11     $ 0.22     $ 0.33  
Class C
  $ 0.21     $ 0.25     $ 0.64     $ 0.76  
                                 
Numerator for basic earnings from discontinued operations for each class of common stock and non-vested restricted stock:
                               
Total undistributed earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
  $ --     $ (28   $ 341     $ 191  
                                 
Undistributed earnings (loss) from discontinued operations:
                               
Class A and B
  $ --     $ (26   $ 316     $ 177  
Class C
    --       (2     20       12  
Non-vested restricted stock
    --       --       5       2  
Total undistributed earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
  $ --     $ (28 )   $ 341     $ 191  

 
10

 
JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

5
EARNINGS PER SHARE continued
 
   
Third Quarter Ended
   
Three Quarters Ended
 
   
September 25, 2011
   
September 26, 2010
   
September 25, 2011
   
September 26, 2010
 
                         
Denominator for basic earnings from  discontinued operations for each class  of common stock:
                       
Weighted average shares outstanding –
                       
Class A and B
    51,316       50,866       51,254       50,755  
Class C
    3,264       3,264       3,264       3,264  
                                 
Basic earnings per share from discontinued operations:
                               
Class A and B
  $ --     $ --     $ 0.01     $ --  
Class C
  $ --     $ --     $ 0.01     $ --  
                                 
Numerator for basic net earnings for each class of common stock:
                               
Net earnings
  $ 4,446     $ 6,295     $ 13,962     $ 19,698  
Less dividends declared or accrued
                               
Class A and B
    --       --       --       --  
Class C
    463       463       1,391       1,391  
Non-vested restricted stock
    --       --       --       --  
Total undistributed net earnings
  $ 3,983     $ 5,832     $ 12,571     $ 18,307  
                                 
Undistributed net earnings:
                               
Class A and B
  $ 3,697     $ 5,390     $ 11,663     $ 16,913  
Class C
    236       346       743       1,088  
Non-vested restricted stock
    50       96       165       306  
Total undistributed net earnings
  $ 3,983     $ 5,832     $ 12,571     $ 18,307  
                                 
Numerator for basic net earnings per class A and Bcommon stock:
                               
Dividends declared on class A and B
  $ --     $ --     $ --     $ --  
Class A and B undistributed net earnings
    3,697       5,390       11,663       16,913  
Numerator for basic net earnings per  class A and B common stock
  $ 3,697     $ 5,390     $ 11,663     $ 16,913  
                                 
Numerator for basic net earnings per class C common stock:
                               
Dividends accrued on class C
  $ 463     $ 463     $ 1,391     $ 1,391  
Class C undistributed net earning
    236       346       743       1,088  
Numerator for basic net earnings per class C common stock
  $ 699     $ 809     $ 2,134     $ 2,479  
                                 
Denominator for basic net earnings for each class of common stock:
                               
Weighted average shares outstanding –
                               
Class A and B
    51,316       50,866       51,254       50,755  
Class C
    3,264       3,264       3,264       3,264  
                                 
Basic net earnings per share:
                               
Class A and B
  $ 0.07     $ 0.11     $ 0.23     $ 0.33  
Class C
  $ 0.21     $ 0.25     $ 0.65     $ 0.76  

 
11

 
JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

5
EARNINGS PER SHARE continued

Diluted

Diluted earnings per share is computed based upon the assumption that common shares are issued upon exercise of our non-statutory stock options or stock appreciation rights when the exercise price is less than the average market price of our common shares and common shares will be outstanding upon expiration of the vesting periods for our non-vested restricted stock.  For the third quarter and three quarters of 2011, 207 and 247 non-vested restricted class B common shares, respectively, are not deemed to be outstanding upon expiration of the vesting periods because they are anti-dilutive.  For the third quarter and three quarters of 2010, 449 and 445 non-vested restricted class B common shares, respectively, are not deemed to be outstanding upon expiration of the vesting periods because they are anti-dilutive.  The class C shares are not converted into class A and B shares because they are anti-dilutive for all periods presented.  Therefore, the class C shares are not included in the diluted weighted average shares outstanding.

The following table sets forth the computation of diluted net earnings per share for class A and B common stock:

   
Third Quarter Ended
   
Three Quarters Ended
 
   
September 25, 2011
   
September 26, 2010
   
September 25, 2011
   
September 26, 2010
 
                         
Numerator for diluted net earnings per share:
                       
Dividends on class A and B common stock
  $ --     $ --     $ --     $ --  
Total undistributed earnings from continuing operations
    3,697       5,416       11,347       16,736  
Total undistributed earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
    --       (26     316       177  
Net earnings
  $ 3,697     $ 5,390     $ 11,663     $ 16,913  
                                 
Denominator for diluted net earnings per share:
                               
Weighted average shares outstanding - class A and B
    51,316       50,866       51,254       50,755  
                                 
Diluted earnings per share:
                               
Continuing operations
  $ 0.07     $ 0.11     $ 0.22     $ 0.33  
Discontinued operations
    --       --       0.01       --  
Net earnings
  $ 0.07     $ 0.11     $ 0.23     $ 0.33  
 
Diluted earnings per share for the class C common stock is the same as basic earnings per share for class C common stock because there are no class C common stock equivalents.

Each of the 3,264,000 class C shares outstanding is convertible at any time at the option of the holder into either (i) 1.363970 class A shares (or a total of 4,451,998 class A shares) or (ii) 0.248243 class A shares (or a total of 810,265 class A shares) and 1.115727 class B shares (or a total of 3,641,733 class B shares).

6      COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The following table sets forth our comprehensive income:

   
Third Quarter Ended
   
Three Quarters Ended
 
   
September 25, 2011
   
September 26, 2010
   
September 25, 2011
   
September 26, 2010
 
 
                       
Net earnings
  $ 4,446     $ 6,295     $ 13,962     $ 19,698  
Change in pension and post-retirement (net of tax of $128, $281, $383 and $839, respectively)
    197       441       591       1,324  
Comprehensive income
  $ 4,643     $ 6,736     $ 14,553     $ 21,022  
 
 
12

 
JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

7      VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITY

We have an affiliation agreement with ACE TV, Inc. for the rights under a local marketing agreement for WACY-TV in Appleton, Wisconsin and to acquire certain assets of ACE TV, Inc. including the broadcast license of WACY-TV, pending FCC rule changes and approval.  Under the affiliation agreement, ACE TV, Inc. provides the programming for WACY-TV and we sell advertising time, provide all other television operating activities and own the non-broadcast license assets used by WACY-TV.  Based on our power to direct certain activities and our right to ultimately acquire the broadcast license, we have determined that ACE TV, Inc. is a VIE and that we are the primary beneficiary of the variable interests of WACY-TV.  As a result, we have consolidated the net assets of ACE TV, Inc., aggregating $1,164, which consists primarily of a broadcast license and investments.  The investments of ACE TV, Inc. can be used only to settle obligations of ACE TV, Inc.  Creditors of ACE TV, Inc. have no recourse to our general credit.  We have not provided financial or other support that we are not contractually required to provide.

8      INVENTORIES
 
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first in, first out method) or market.  Inventories as of September 25, 2011 and December 26, 2010 consist of the following:

   
September 25, 2011
    December 26, 2010  
             
Paper and supplies
  $ 2,010     $ 1,043  
Work in process
    40       36  
Less obsolescence reserve
    (43     (44
Inventories, net
  $ 2,007     $ 1,035  
 
9      RECEIVABLES

Our non-interest bearing accounts receivable arise primarily from the sale of advertising, commercial printing, commercial distribution and the retransmission of our television programs by cable, satellite and telecommunications providers.  We record accounts receivable at original invoice amounts.  The accounts receivable balance is reduced by an estimated allowance for doubtful accounts. We evaluate the collectability of our accounts receivable based on a combination of factors.  We specifically review historical write-off activity by market, large customer concentrations, customer creditworthiness and changes in our customer payment patterns and terms when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts.  In circumstances where we are aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations, we record a specific reserve to reduce the amounts recorded to what we believe will be collected.  For all other customers, we recognize allowances for bad debts based on historical experience of bad debts as a percent of accounts receivable for each business unit.  We write off uncollectible accounts against the allowance for doubtful accounts after collection efforts have been exhausted.  The allowance for doubtful accounts as of September 25, 2011 and December 26, 2010 was $1,895 and $3,286, respectively.

We have a $450 secured note resulting from the sale of two radio stations in Boise, Idaho in September 2009.  Interest-only payments are due monthly and the principal balance of the note is due on September 25, 2014.  The note receivable balance as of September 25, 2011 and December 26, 2010 was $430.  This note receivable is reported in other assets in the consolidated condensed balance sheets.  Management monitors the level of payment activity and, to date, all monthly interest-only payments have been received on time and in full.  We believe that we will collect the amount owed to us.

In consideration for the sale of the Clearwater, Florida-based operations of PrimeNet in February 2010, we received a $700 promissory note repayable over four years and a $147 working capital note repayable over three years.  At the time of the sale, we recorded receivables of $587 and $129, respectively, representing the fair value of the notes discounted at 6.785% and 9.08%, respectively.  As of September 25, 2011, the notes receivable balances were $426 and $65, respectively, and as of December 26, 2010, the notes receivable balances were $624 and $96, respectively.  As of September 25, 2011, the current portion of the notes receivable balances was $205 and is reported in receivables, net in the consolidated condensed balance sheets.  The non-current portion of the notes receivable was $286 and is reported in other assets in the consolidated condensed balance sheets.  Management monitors the operating performance of the buyer by reviewing quarterly revenue performance reports and annual financial statements.  Based on our monitoring, we believe that we will collect all amounts owed to us pursuant to these notes receivable.

Interest income and the unamortized discount on our notes receivable are recorded using the effective interest method.
 
 
13

 
JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

10    GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Definite-lived Intangibles
Our definite-lived intangible assets consist primarily of network affiliation agreements, customer lists, non-compete agreements and trade names.  We amortize the network affiliation agreements over a period of 25 years based on our good relationships with the networks, our long history of renewing these agreements and because 25 years is deemed to be the length of time before a material modification of the underlying contract would occur.  We amortize the customer lists over a period of five to 15 years, the non-compete agreements and franchise agreement fees over the terms of the contracts and the tradenames over a period of 25 years.  Management determined there were no significant adverse changes in the value of these assets as of September 25, 2011.

Amortization expense was $393 and $1,177 for the third quarter and three quarters ended September 25, 2011, respectively, and $477 and $1,456 for the third quarter and three quarters ended September 26, 2010.  Estimated amortization expense for our next five fiscal years is $1,567 for 2011, $1,485 for 2012, $1,367 for 2013, $1,273 for 2014 and $1,263 for 2015.

The gross carrying amount, accumulated amortization and net carrying amount of the major classes of definite-lived intangible assets as of September 25, 2011 and December 26, 2010 are as follows:

   
Gross
         
Net
 
   
Carrying
   
Accumulated
   
Carrying
 
   
Amount
   
Amortization
   
Amount
 
September 25, 2011                  
Network affiliation agreements
  $ 26,930     $ (7,862   $ 19,068  
Customer lists
    5,952       (4,781     1,171  
Non-compete agreements
    10,120       (10,091     29  
Other
    3,824       (2,302     1,522  
Total
  $ 46,826     $ (25,036   $ 21,790  
                         
December 26, 2010                        
Network affiliation agreements
  $ 26,930     $ (7,062 )   $ 19,868  
Customer lists
    6,794       (5,353     1,441  
Non-compete agreements
    10,435       (10,392     43  
Other
    3,896       (2,260     1,636  
Total
  $ 48,055     $ (25,067   $ 22,988  
 
During 2011, our community newspapers and shoppers business reporting unit sold several businesses in Florida.  As part of the transactions, we wrote-off customer lists, non-compete agreements and other intangible assets with a net carrying amount of $22.

Indefinite-lived Intangibles
Broadcast licenses are deemed to have indefinite useful lives because we have renewed these agreements without issue in the past and we intend to renew them indefinitely in the future.  Accordingly, we expect the cash flows from our broadcast licenses to continue indefinitely.  The net carrying amount of our broadcast licenses was $82,426 as of September 25, 2011 and December 26, 2010.

The costs incurred to renew or extend the term of our broadcast licenses and certain customer relationships are expensed as incurred.

Goodwill
Goodwill recorded at our community newspapers and shoppers and broadcasting reporting units was $4,285 and $4,813, respectively, as of December 26, 2010. In 2011, our community newspapers and shoppers reporting unit sold its Florida businesses, and we disposed of $428 of goodwill allocated to those businesses. Goodwill recorded at our community newspapers and shoppers and broadcasting reporting units was $3,857 and $4,813, respectively, as of September 25, 2011.  We do not believe our broadcasting reporting unit is at risk for failing the step one impairment test in accordance with the FASB’s guidance for accounting for goodwill and intangible assets.
 
 
14

 
JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

10    GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS continued

Interim Impairment Test
During the third quarter, we sold the remaining Florida-based businesses of our community newspapers and shoppers reporting unit.  In conjunction with the sale, an interim impairment test as of September 25, 2011 was performed on the carrying value of $3,857 of goodwill associated with this reporting unit.  Our interim impairment test indicated there was no goodwill impairment.  The percentage by which estimated fair value exceeded carrying value was 11.8%.  We will continue to monitor events and economic conditions in the markets in which our community newspapers and shoppers operate.  We cannot predict at this time when, or if, we will have another triggering event which would cause us to test for impairment of our goodwill.

For purposes of testing the carrying value of goodwill related to our community newspaper and shoppers reporting unit, we estimated fair value using an income and a market valuation approach.  The income approach uses expected cash flows of the reporting unit.  The cash flows are discounted for risk and time value.  In addition, the present value of the projected residual value is estimated and added to the present value of the cash flows.  The market approach is based on price multiples of publicly traded stocks of comparable companies to derive fair value.  Each approach estimated a fair value exceeding carrying value.  Each approach is weighted equally to determine a fair value estimate of the reporting unit.  We based our fair value estimates on various assumptions about our projected operating results, including continuing declines in publishing revenues as well as an expectation that we will achieve cash flow benefits from our continuing cost cutting measures.  The valuation methodology used to estimate the fair value of our reporting unit requires inputs and assumptions (i.e., market growth, operating profit margins, and discount rates) that reflect current market conditions as well as management judgment.  These assumptions may change due to changes in market conditions and such changes may result in an impairment of our goodwill.

11    WORKFORCE REDUCTIONS

During the third quarter and three quarters of 2011, we recorded a pre-tax charge of $1,308 and $1,322, respectively, for workforce separation benefits.  These charges are recorded in operating costs and expenses and selling and administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of operations.  Activity associated with the workforce separation benefits during the three quarters of 2011 was as follows:

         
Charge for
   
Payments for
       
   
Balance as of
   
Separation
   
Separation
   
Balance as of
 
    December 26, 2010    
Benefits
   
Benefits
   
September 25, 2011
 
Daily newspaper
  $ 1,365     $ 1,295     $ (674   $ 1,986  
Community newspapers and shoppers
    72       27       (93     6  
Total
  $ 1,437     $ 1,322     $ (767   $ 1,992  
 
12    INCOME TAXES                                      

We file tax returns in the United States federal jurisdiction, as well as approximately 16 state and local jurisdictions.  The statute of limitations for assessing additional taxes is three years for federal purposes and typically between three and four years for state and local purposes, unless the statute of limitations has been previously extended.  Accordingly, our 2008 through 2010 tax returns are open for federal purposes, and our 2006 through 2010 tax returns remain open for state tax purposes.  Currently, we are under audit in Wisconsin for our 2004 through 2007 tax returns and Illinois for our 2006 and 2007 tax returns.
 
As of September 25, 2011, our liability for unrecognized tax benefits was $885, which, if recognized, would have an impact on our effective tax rate.  We recognize interest income/expense and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in our provision for income taxes.  As of September 25, 2011, we had $271 accrued for interest expense and penalties.  We recognized $9 in interest expense during the third quarter of 2011.

As of September 25, 2011, it is possible for $276 of unrecognized tax benefits and related interest to be recognized within the next 12 months due to settlements with taxing authorities.
 
 
15

 
JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
13    GUARANTEES
 
We provided a guarantee to the landlord of our former New England community newspapers and shopper business, which was sold in 2007, with respect to tenant liabilities and obligations associated with a lease which expires in December 2016.  As of September 25, 2011, our maximum potential obligation pursuant to the guarantee was $1,030 and possible late fees, interest and collection costs.  As part of the sales transaction, we received a guarantee from the parent entity of the buyer of our New England business that the buyer will satisfy all the liabilities and obligations of the assigned lease.  In the event that the buyer fails to satisfy its liabilities and obligations and the landlord invokes our guarantee, we have a right to indemnification from the buyer’s parent entity.  During the third quarter of 2011, we received notification from the landlord that the buyer of our former New England business is delinquent in its rental payments dating back to April 2011.  The amount owed as of September 25, 2011 is approximately $70, including assessed late fees and interest per the lease.  The landlord has not demanded payment from us.

We provided a guarantee to the landlord of our former Clearwater, Florida-based operations of PrimeNet, which was sold in February 2010, with respect to tenant liabilities and obligations associated with a lease which expired in May 2011.  In addition, the buyer assumed certain leases for equipment and we provided a guarantee for the remaining lease obligations.  During the third quarter of 2011, we received notification from the buyer that it traded-in the equipment pursuant to the aforementioned lease for a new equipment lease commencing in September 2011.  Therefore, we are no longer obligated as a guarantor for the remaining lease obligations for the equipment leases assumed by the buyer.

14    EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

 
The components of our net periodic benefit costs for our defined benefit and non-qualified pension plans and our postretirement health benefit plan are as follows:

   
Third Quarter Ended
   
Three Quarters Ended
 
   
September 25, 2011
   
September 26, 2010
   
September 25, 2011
   
September 26, 2010
 
Service cost
  $ --     $ --     $ --     $ --  
Interest cost
    1,962       2,085       5,887       6,255  
Expected return on plan assets
    (2,398     (2,572     (7,195     (7,714
Amortization of:
                               
Unrecognized prior service cost
    (2     (40     (7     (122
Unrecognized net loss
    244       679       734       2,039  
Net periodic benefit (income) cost included in total operating costs and expenses and selling and administrative expenses
  $ (194   $ 152     $ (581   $ 458  

We fund our defined benefit pension plan at the minimum amount required by the Pension Protection Act of 2006.   We do not expect to contribute to the qualified pension plan in 2011.  Based on current projections, we expect to contribute approximately $4,200 to our qualified defined benefit pension plan in 2012.  We expect to contribute $469 and $517 to our unfunded non-qualified pension plan in 2011 and 2012, respectively.

   
Third Quarter Ended
   
Three Quarters Ended
 
   
September 25, 2011
   
September 26, 2010
   
September 25, 2011
   
September 26, 2010
 
Service cost
  $ 13     $ 21     $ 40     $ 63  
Interest cost
    207       238       620       714  
Amortization of:
                               
Unrecognized prior service cost
    (54     (55     (164     (165
Unrecognized net transition obligation
    137       137       412       411  
Net periodic benefit cost included in total operating costs and expenses and selling and administrative expenses
  $ 303     $ 341     $ 908     $ 1,023  
 
 
16

 
JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

15
NOTES PAYABLE TO BANKS

On August 13, 2010, we entered into an amendment of our formerly unsecured credit facility which, among other things, provided for the pledge of certain collateral by us and our subsidiaries (as amended, the secured credit facility).  In connection with this amendment, certain lenders reduced their commitments to $225,000 and extended the expiration date to December 2, 2013 (extending lenders).  The maturity date for the remaining lenders, with terms and commitments that remain unchanged at $74,000, was June 2, 2011 (non-extending lenders).  The secured credit facility is secured by liens on certain of our assets and the assets of our subsidiaries and contains affirmative, negative and financial covenants which are customary for financings of this type, including, among other things, limits on the creation of liens, limits on the incurrence of indebtedness, restrictions on dispositions and restrictions on dividends.  At our option, the commitments under the secured credit facility may be increased from time to time to an aggregate amount of incremental commitments not to exceed $100,000.  The increase option is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including the identification of lenders (which may include existing lenders or new lenders) willing to provide the additional commitments.

Our borrowings from extending lenders under the secured credit facility incur interest at either LIBOR plus a margin that ranges from 225.0 basis points to 350.0 basis points, depending on our leverage, or (i) the base rate, which equals the highest of the prime rate set by U.S. Bank National Association, the Federal Funds Rate plus 100.0 basis points or one-month LIBOR plus 150.0 basis points, plus (ii) a margin that ranges from 125.0 basis points to 250.0 basis points, depending on our leverage.  As of September 25, 2011 and December 26, 2010, we had borrowings of $54,999 and $74,570, respectively, under our credit facility at a weighted average rate of 2.59% and 3.06%, respectively.

Fees in connection with the secured credit facility of $3,338 and the unamortized deferred financing costs from the unsecured revolving credit facility of $213 are being amortized over the term of the secured credit facility using the effective interest method.  Unamortized deferred financing costs related to the non-extending lenders of $39 are fully amortized.

We estimate the fair value of our secured credit facility as of September 25, 2011 to be $54,933 based on discounted cash flows using an interest rate of 2.66%.  We estimated the fair value of our secured revolving facility as of December 26, 2010 to be $72,547, based on discounted cash flows using an interest rate of 4.05%.  These fair value measurements fall within level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

The secured credit facility contains the following financial covenants, which remain constant over the term of the agreement:

 
·
A consolidated funded debt ratio of not greater than 3.50-to-1, as determined for the four fiscal quarter period preceding the date of determination.  This ratio compares, for any period, our funded debt to our consolidated EBITDA, defined in the secured credit agreement as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, restructuring charges, gains/losses on asset disposals and non-cash charges.

 
·
A minimum interest coverage ratio of not less than 3-to-1, as determined for the four fiscal quarter period preceding the date of determination.  This ratio compares, for any period, our consolidated EBITDA, defined in the secured credit agreement as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, restructuring charges, gains/losses on asset disposals and non-cash charges, to our interest expense.

One or more of the lenders in our secured credit facility syndicate could be unable to fund future draws thereunder or take other positions adverse to us.  In such an event, our liquidity could be constrained with an adverse impact on our ability to operate our businesses.
 
 
17

 
JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

16    STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

2007 Journal Communications, Inc. Omnibus Incentive Plan
The purpose of the 2007 Journal Communications, Inc. Omnibus Incentive Plan (2007 Plan) is to promote our success by linking personal interests of our employees, officers and non-employee directors to those of our shareholders, and by providing participants with an incentive for outstanding performance.  The 2007 Plan is also intended to enhance our ability to attract, motivate and retain the services of employees, officers, and directors upon whose judgment, interest, and special effort the successful conduct of our operation is largely dependent.

Subject to adjustment as provided in the 2007 Plan, the aggregate number of shares of class A common stock or class B common stock reserved and available for issuance pursuant to awards granted under the 2007 Plan is 4,800,000 shares which may be awarded in the form of nonstatutory or incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted or deferred stock units, performance awards, dividend equivalents or other stock-based awards.  The 2007 Plan also provides for the issuance of cash-based awards.  The 2007 Plan replaced the 2003 Equity Incentive Plan (2003 Plan) and, as of May 3, 2007, all equity grants are made from the 2007 Plan.  We will not grant any additional awards under the 2003 Plan.  As of September 25, 2011, there are 2,673,629 shares available for issuance under the 2007 Plan.

During the third quarter and three quarters ended September 25, 2011 we recognized $313 and $1,332, respectively, in stock-based compensation expense.  Total income tax benefit recognized related to stock-based compensation for the third quarter and three quarters ended September 25, 2011 was $122 and $536 respectively.  During the third quarter ended September 26, 2010, we recognized $298 and $1,439 respectively, in stock-based compensation expense, including $13 and $55, respectively, recorded in earnings from discontinued operations.  Total income tax benefit recognized related to stock-based compensation for the third quarter and three quarters ended September 26, 2010 was $112 and $566, respectively.  We recognize stock-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the service period based upon the fair value of the award on the grant date.  As of September 25, 2011, total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock-based compensation awards (consisting of non-vested restricted stock) was $1,913 net of estimated forfeitures, which we expect to recognize over a weighted average period of 1.1 years.  Stock-based compensation expense is reported in selling and administrative expenses and earnings from discontinued operations in our consolidated condensed statements of operations.

Stock grants
The compensation committee of our board of directors has granted class B common stock to employees and non-employee directors under our 2003 Plan and our 2007 Plan.  Each stock grant may have been accompanied by restrictions, or may have been made without any restrictions, as the compensation committee of our board of directors determined.  Such restrictions could have included requirements that the participant remain in our continuous employment for a specified period of time, or that we or the participant meet designated performance goals.  We value non-vested restricted stock grants at the closing market prices of our class A common stock on the grant date.  A summary of stock grant activity during the three quarters of 2011 is as follows:

         
Weighted
 
         
Average
 
   
Shares
   
Fair Value
 
Non-vested at December 26, 2010
    777,872     $ 2.69  
Granted
    359,670       5.67  
Vested
    (425,689     3.17  
Forfeited
    (22,328     4.60  
Non-vested at September 25, 2011
    689,525       3.89  
 
Our non-vested restricted stock grants vest from one to four years from the grant date.  The total fair value of shares vesting during the three quarters of 2011 was $1,348.  There was an aggregate of 350,035 unrestricted and non-vested restricted stock grants issued to our non-employee directors (99,035 unrestricted shares) and employees (251,000 restricted shares) in the three quarters of 2010 at a weighted average fair value of $4.24 per share, of which 75,591 of the non-vested restricted shares have since vested.

 
18


JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

16    STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION continued

Employee stock purchase plan
The 2003 Employee Stock Purchase Plan permits eligible employees to purchase our class B common stock at 90% of the fair market value measured as of the closing market price of our class A common stock on the day of purchase.  We recognize compensation expense equal to the 10% discount of the fair market value.  Subject to certain adjustments, 3,000,000 shares of our class B common stock are authorized for sale under this plan.  There were 64,224 class B common shares sold to employees under this plan in the three quarters of 2011 at a weighted average fair value of $4.59.  As of September 25, 2011, there are 2,263,623 shares available for sale under the plan.
 
Stock appreciation rights
A stock appreciation right, or SAR, represents the right to receive an amount equal to the excess of the fair value of a share of our class B common stock on the exercise date over the base value of the SAR, which shall not be less than the fair value of a share of our class B common stock on the grant date.  Each SAR is settled only in shares of our class B common stock.  The term during which any SAR may be exercised is 10 years from the grant date, or such shorter period as determined by the compensation committee of our board of directors.

Our SARs vest over a three year graded vesting schedule and it is our policy to recognize compensation cost for awards with graded vesting on a straight-line basis over the vesting period for the entire award.  We ensure the compensation cost recognized at any date is at least equal to the portion of the grant-date value of the award that is vested at that date.  The fixed price SARs have a fixed base value equal to the closing price of our class A common stock on the date of grant.  The escalating price SARs have an escalating base value that starts with the closing price of our class A common stock on the date of grant and increases by six percent per year for each year that the SARs remain outstanding, starting on the first anniversary of the grant date.  A summary of SAR activity during the three quarters of 2011 is as follows:

     
Weighted
 
     
Average
 
   
Weighted
   
Contractual Term
 
   
Average
   
Remaining
 
   
SARs
   
Exercise Price
   
(years)
 
                   
Outstanding at December 26, 2010
    1,083,207     $ 10.71       6.6  
Exercisable at December 26, 2010
    909,527       11.21       6.5  
Outstanding and exercisable at September 25, 2011
    1,083,207       10.71       5.9  
 
173,680 SARs vested during the three quarters of 2011.  The aggregate intrinsic value of the SARs outstanding and exercisable at the end of the third quarter of 2011 is zero because the fair market value of our class B common stock on September 25, 2011 was lower than the weighted average exercise price of the SARs.

Nonstatutory stock options
The compensation committee of our board of directors has granted nonstatutory stock options to employees and non-employee directors at a purchase price equal to at least the fair market value of our class B common stock on the grant date for an exercise term determined by the committee, not to exceed 10 years from the grant date.  It is our policy to issue new class B common stock upon the exercise of nonstatutory stock options.

 
19


JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

16    STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION continued

In 2003 and 2004, our non-employee directors and certain of our employees were granted options to purchase class B common stock.  These options were exercisable for a period of up to seven years from the grant date and are no longer outstanding.  There have been no options granted since 2004.

A summary of stock option activity during the three quarters of 2011 is:

               
Average
 
         
Weighted
   
Contractual Term
 
   
Weighted
   
Average
   
Remaining
 
   
Options
   
Exercise Price
   
(years)
 
Outstanding and exercisable at December 26, 2010
    26,500     $ 18.06       0.3  
Expired
    (26,500     18.06       --  
Outstanding and exercisable at September 25, 2011
    --       --       --  
 
17    DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

NorthStar Print Group, Inc.
During 2005, Multi-Color Corporation (Multi-Color) acquired substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of NorthStar Print Group, Inc. (NorthStar), our former label printing business.  Certain liabilities were excluded from the sale of NorthStar and primarily consisted of environmental site closure costs for both the Green Bay, Wisconsin real estate and real estate located in Norway, Michigan.  In January 2011, upon environmental site closure in Green Bay, Wisconsin, we sold the real estate holdings to Multi-Color according to the 2005 sale agreement.  The net proceeds were $822 and we recorded a pre-tax gain of $610.  We continue to have environmental site closure obligations with respect to the Norway, Michigan real estate, which was sold to Multi-Color in 2005.

The following table summarizes NorthStar’s revenue and earnings before income taxes as reported in earnings from discontinued operations, net of applicable income taxes, in the consolidated condensed statement of operations for the third quarter and three quarters ended September 25, 2011 and September 26, 2010:

   
Third Quarter Ended
   
Three Quarters Ended
 
   
September 25, 2011
   
September 26, 2010
   
September 25, 2011
   
September 26, 2010
 
                         
Revenue
  $ --     $ --     $ --     $ --  
Earnings before income taxes
  $ --     $ --     $ 562     $ --  
 
PrimeNet Marketing Services
During 2010, we sold substantially all of the operating assets of PrimeNet, our former direct marketing services business, located in St. Paul, Minnesota and Clearwater, Florida in two separate transactions.  We received a $700 note repayable over four years and a $147 working capital note repayable over three years for the sale of the Clearwater, Florida based operations.

The following table summarizes PrimeNet’s revenue and loss before income taxes as reported in earnings from the discontinued operations, net of applicable income taxes, in the consolidated condensed statement of operations for the third quarter and three quarters ended September 25, 2011 and September 26, 2010.

   
Third Quarter Ended
   
Three Quarters Ended
 
   
September 25, 2011
   
September 26, 2010
   
September 25, 2011
   
September 26, 2010
 
Revenue
  $ --     $ --     $ --     $ 2,144  
Loss before income taxes
  $ --     $ --     $ --     $ (1,060

 
20

 
JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

17    DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS continued

IPC Print Services, Inc.
During 2010, we sold substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of IPC, our former printing services business, to Walsworth Publishing Company (Walsworth).  An escrow fund in the amount of $731 has been established to secure our representations and warranties pursuant to the purchase agreement for two years from the date of the sale, after which time any remaining funds will be delivered to us.
 
The following table summarizes IPC’s revenue and earnings before income taxes as reported in earnings from discontinued operations, net of applicable taxes, in the consolidated condensed statement of operations for the third quarter and three quarters ended September 25, 2011 and September 26, 2010:

   
Third Quarter Ended
   
Three Quarters Ended
 
   
September 25, 2011
   
September 26, 2010
   
September 25, 2011
   
September 26, 2010
 
Revenue
  $ --     $ 9,842     $ --     $ 31,589  
Earnings (loss) before income taxes
  $ --     $ (43   $ --     $ 1,323  
 
Certain liabilities were excluded from the sale of IPC and were included in continuing operations in the December 26, 2010 consolidated condensed balance sheet.  These liabilities included certain expenses which were incurred prior to closing, and a working capital overpayment due back to Walsworth pursuant to the sale agreement.  The liabilities were paid in the third quarter of 2011.

18
SALES OF BUSINESSES

In June, 2011, Journal Community Publishing Group, Inc., our community newspapers and shoppers business, completed the sale of Pelican Press and Pelican Press Marketplace businesses, which operated in Sarasota, Florida, for $502.  We recorded a pre-tax gain on the sale, net of transaction expenses, of $245.  In August 2011, Journal Community Publishing Group, Inc. completed the sale of the remaining Florida-based community newspapers and shoppers businesses for aggregate consideration of $757.  The publications and web-sites included Florida Mariner, Clay Today, Clay County Leader, Ponte Vedra Recorder, St. Augustine Underground, First Coast Register and Car Connection, and were distributed in the Clay, St. John’s and Duval, Florida counties.  We recorded a total pre-tax gain on the sales, net of transaction expenses, of $253.  These sales allow us to focus our efforts on operating our Wisconsin-based community newspapers and shoppers businesses.
 
 
21

 
JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

19    SEGMENT REPORTING

Our business segments are based on the organizational structure used by management for making operating and investment decisions and for assessing performance.  Our reportable business segments are: (i) broadcasting; (ii) publishing; and (iii) corporate.  Our broadcasting segment, operating in 12 states, consists of 33 radio stations and 13 television stations and the operation of a television station under a local marketing agreement.  Our publishing segment consists of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, which serves as the only major daily newspaper for the Milwaukee metropolitan area, and several community newspapers and shoppers in Wisconsin.  Our corporate segment consists of unallocated corporate expenses and revenue eliminations.

The following tables summarize revenue, operating earnings (loss), depreciation and amortization and capital expenditures for the third quarter and three quarters ended September 25, 2011 and September 26, 2010 and identifiable total assets as of September 25, 2011 and December 26, 2010:

   
Third Quarter Ended
   
Three Quarters Ended
 
   
September 25, 2011
   
September 26, 2010
   
September 25, 2011
   
September 26, 2010
 
                         
Revenue
                       
Broadcasting
  $ 46,937     $ 48,482     $ 135,129     $ 138,099  
Publishing
    40,888       43,439       126,807       135,377  
Corporate eliminations
    (41     (104     (189     (403
    $ 87,784     $ 91,817     $ 261,747     $ 273,073  
Operating earnings (loss)
                               
Broadcasting
  $ 6,991     $ 9,987     $ 21,309     $ 27,381  
Publishing
    2,822       3,066       9,994       13,078  
Corporate
    (1,720     (1,977     (5,711     (6,248
    $ 8,093     $ 11,076     $ 25,592     $ 34,211  
Depreciation and amortization
                               
Broadcasting
  $ 3,140     $ 3,205     $ 9,155     $ 9,609  
Publishing
    2,616       2,825       7,872       8,625  
Corporate
    154       123       455       367  
    $ 5,910     $ 6,153     $ 17,482     $ 18,601  
Capital expenditures
                               
Broadcasting
  $ 1,951     $ 1,571     $ 6,521     $ 6,114  
Publishing
    353       269       931       883  
Corporate
    386       319       643       326  
    $ 2,690     $ 2,159     $ 8,095     $ 7,323  
 
   
September 25, 2011
    December 26, 2010  
             
Identifiable total assets
           
Broadcasting
  $ 264,196      $ 275,985  
Publishing
    114,795       125,870  
Corporate
    27,661       29,915  
    $ 406,652     $ 431,770  
 
 
22

 
ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with our unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements for the third quarter and three quarters ended September 25, 2011, including the notes thereto.

More information regarding us is available at our website at www.journalcommunications.com.  We are not including the information contained in our website as a part of, or incorporating it by reference into, this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.  Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to those reports are made available to the public at no charge, other than a reader’s own internet access charges, through a link appearing on our website.  We provide access to such material through our website as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Forward-Looking Statements

We make certain statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (including the information that we incorporate by reference herein) that are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  We intend these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in that Act, and we are including this statement for purposes of those safe harbor provisions.  These forward-looking statements generally include all statements other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding our future financial position, business strategy, budgets, projected revenues and expenses, expected regulatory actions and plans and objectives of management for future operations.  We often use words such as "may," "will," "intend," "anticipate," "believe," or "should" and similar expressions in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to identify forward-looking statements.  These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond our control.  These risks, uncertainties and other factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements.  Among such risks, uncertainties and other factors that may impact us are the following as well as those contained in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 26, 2010:
 
 
·
changes in advertising demand or the buying strategies of advertisers or the migration of advertising to the internet;
 
·
changes in newsprint prices and other costs of materials;
 
·
changes in federal or state laws and regulations or their interpretations (including changes in regulations governing the number and types of broadcast and cable system properties, newspapers and licenses that a person may control in a given market or in total or changes in spectrum allocation policies);
 
·
changes in legislation or customs relating to the collection, management and aggregation and use of consumer information through telemarketing and electronic communication efforts;
 
·
the availability of quality broadcast programming at competitive prices;
 
·
changes in network affiliation agreements, including increased sharing of retransmission revenue;
 
·
quality and rating of network over-the-air broadcast programs, including programs changing networks and changing competitive dynamics regarding how and when programs are made available to our viewers;
 
·
effects of the loss of commercial inventory resulting from uninterrupted television news coverage and potential advertising cancellations due to war or terrorist acts;
 
·
effects of the rapidly changing nature of the publishing, broadcasting and printing industries, including general business issues, competitive issues and the introduction of new technologies;
 
·
an other than temporary decline in operating results and enterprise value that could lead to further non-cash impairment charges due to the impairment of goodwill, broadcast licenses, other intangible assets and property, plant and equipment;
 
·
the impact of changing economic and financial market conditions and interest rates on our liquidity, on the value of our pension plan assets and on the availability of capital;
 
·
our ability to remain in compliance with the terms of our credit agreement;
 
·
changes in interest rates or statutory tax rates;
 
·
the outcome of pending or future litigation;
 
·
energy costs;
 
·
the availability and effect of acquisitions, investments, dispositions and other capital expenditures including share repurchases on our results of operations, financial condition or stock price; and
 
·
changes in general economic conditions.
 
We caution you not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which we have made as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 
23


Overview

Our business segments are based on the organizational structure used by management for making operating and investment decisions and for assessing performance.  Our reportable business segments are: (i) broadcasting; (ii) publishing; and (iii) corporate.  Our broadcasting segment, operating in 12 states, consists of 33 radio stations and 13 television stations and the operation of a television station under a local marketing agreement.  Our publishing segment consists of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, which serves as the only major daily newspaper for the Milwaukee metropolitan area, and several community newspapers and shoppers in Wisconsin.  Results from our interactive media assets are included in our publishing and broadcasting segments.  Our corporate segment consists of unallocated corporate expenses and revenue eliminations.

Revenues in the broadcast industry are derived primarily from the sale of advertising time to local, national and political and issue advertisers and, to a lesser extent, from barter, digital revenues, retransmission fees, network compensation and other revenues.  Our television and radio stations are attracting new local advertisers through the creation of new and enhancing the presentation of existing local content and programs that combine television or radio with digital.  Because television and radio broadcasters rely upon advertising revenue, they are subject to cyclical changes in the economy.  The size of advertisers’ budgets, which are affected by broad economic trends, affects the radio industry in general and the revenue of individual television stations, in particular.  Our broadcasting business continues to experience an uneven economic recovery across the markets in which we operate due to continued challenges in employment and the housing markets.  Our broadcasting business also is affected by audience fragmentation as audiences have an increasing number of options to access news and other programming.  Television advertising revenue and rates in even-numbered years typically benefit from political and issue advertising because there tends to be more pressure on available inventory as the demand for advertising increases and we have the opportunity to increase average unit rates we charge our customers.

Revenue from our broadcasting businesses decreased $1.6 million in the third quarter of 2011 compared to the third quarter of 2010 primarily due to a $2.5 million decrease in political and issue advertising revenue, partially offset by a $0.6 million increase in local advertising revenue and a $0.5 million increase in retransmission revenue.  Operating earnings from our broadcasting business decreased $3.0 million in the third quarter of 2011 compared to the third quarter of 2010, primarily due to the impact from the decrease in advertising revenue and an increase in expenses.  Total expenses increased $1.4 million, or 3.8%, in the third quarter of 2011 compared to the third quarter of 2010 primarily due to increases in employee related costs and promotional expenses.

Over the past several years, fundamentals in the newspaper industry have deteriorated significantly.  Retail and classified run-of-press (ROP) advertising has decreased from historic levels due in part to department store consolidation, weakened employment, automotive and real estate economics and a migration of advertising to the internet and other advertising forms.  Circulation declines and online competition have also negatively impacted newspaper industry revenues.  Additionally, the continued housing market downturn has adversely impacted the newspaper industry, including real estate classified advertising as well as the home improvement, furniture and financial services advertising categories.

In the third quarter of 2011, we sold our remaining Florida-based community newspapers and shoppers businesses in two separate transactions.  Net proceeds were $0.8 million and we recorded pre-tax gains on the sales, net of transaction expenses, of $0.3 million.  The divestitures allow us to focus our efforts on operating our Wisconsin-based community newspapers and shoppers businesses.  Revenue and operating earnings in the third quarter of 2011 for the Florida-based community newspapers and shoppers businesses were $0.5 million and $0.3 million, respectively.  Revenue and operating earnings in the third quarter of 2010 for the Florida-based community newspapers and shoppers businesses were $1.3 million and $0.2 million, respectively, including the Florida community newspapers and shoppers businesses sold in the second quarter of 2011.

In the third quarter of 2011, our publishing businesses continued to be impacted by the uneven economic recovery and the secular and cyclical influences affecting the newspaper industry.  Revenue from our publishing businesses decreased $2.5 million in the third quarter compared to the third quarter of 2010.  We have seen advertisers reduce their advertising spending in virtually all advertising categories.  We had a slight increase in the average rate per inch of advertising in the third quarter of 2011 compared to the third quarter of 2010.  The increase in the average rate per inch for retail advertising was partially offset by a decrease in the average rate per inch for classified and national advertising.  Retail advertising revenue decreased $1.6 million in the third quarter of 2011 compared to the third quarter of 2010 primarily due to a decrease in ROP and preprint advertising primarily in the automotive, finance, furniture and real estate categories.  Classified advertising revenue decreased $1.1 million primarily in the real estate and automotive categories in the third quarter of 2011 compared to the third quarter of 2010.  Interactive advertising revenue decreased $0.1 million at our daily newspaper in the third quarter of 2011 compared to the third quarter of 2010 primarily due to a decrease in retail sponsorships and classified packages sold.  National advertising revenue decreased $0.5 million in the third quarter of 2011 primarily due to a decrease in ROP advertising in the health services, finance and home improvement categories.  At our daily newspaper, commercial delivery revenue increased $0.3 million and commercial printing revenue increased $0.2 million in the third quarter of 2011 compared to the third quarter of 2010.  Operating earnings at our publishing businesses decreased $0.3 million in the third quarter of 2011 compared to the third quarter of 2010, including a $1.3 million workforce reduction charge to align our expenses in our publishing business with lower revenue.  The decrease in operating earnings was primarily due to the impact of the decrease in advertising revenue.  Total expenses decreased $2.2 million, or 8.0%, in the third quarter of 2011 compared to the third quarter of 2010 primarily due to a decrease in employee related costs and a decrease in newsprint and paper costs, partially offset by the workforce reduction charge and an increase in delivery costs for our total market coverage product.
 
 
24

 
Advertising revenue at our publishing and broadcasting businesses reflects continued cautious behavior of both our advertisers and consumers.  While we are seeing some improvement at our broadcasting businesses, persistent high unemployment, lack of strong economic growth and continued economic uncertainty temper our optimism with respect to improved revenue in the near term.  Although our broadcasting business will be affected by increased competition for audiences, we are working to deliver relevant, differentiated local content, allowing us to provide value to local advertisers and maintain a focus on growing our local market revenue share.  We do not expect that revenues at our daily newspaper will return to revenue levels reported in 2010 or prior years given the secular changes affecting the newspaper industry.

We continue to seek in-market growth opportunities in traditional or digital media, make capital investments in our businesses and consider value-creating broadcast acquisition opportunities. Our acquisition strategy will continue to be subject to our ability to identify strategic acquisition candidates, negotiate definitive agreements on acceptable terms and, as necessary, secure additional financing.

Interim Impairment Test
During the third quarter, we sold the remaining Florida-based businesses of our community newspapers and shoppers reporting unit.  In conjunction with the sale, an interim impairment test as of September 25, 2011 was performed on the carrying value of $3.9 million of goodwill associated with this reporting unit.  Our interim impairment test indicated there was no goodwill impairment.  The percentage by which estimated fair value exceeded carrying value was 11.8%.  We will continue to monitor events and economic conditions in the markets in which our community newspapers and shoppers operate.  We cannot predict at this time when, or if, we will have another triggering event which would cause us to test for impairment of our goodwill.

For purposes of testing the carrying value of goodwill related to our community newspaper and shoppers reporting unit, we estimated fair value using an income and a market valuation approach.  The income approach uses expected cash flows of the reporting unit.  The cash flows are discounted for risk and time value.  In addition, the present value of the projected residual value is estimated and added to the present value of the cash flows.  The market approach is based on price multiples of publicly traded stocks of comparable companies to derive fair value.  Each approach estimated a fair value exceeding carrying value.  Each approach is weighted equally to determine a fair value estimate of the reporting unit.  We based our fair value estimates on various assumptions about our projected operating results, including continuing declines in publishing revenues as well as an expectation that we will achieve cash flow benefits from our continuing cost cutting measures.  The valuation methodology used to estimate the fair value of our reporting unit requires inputs and assumptions (i.e., market growth, operating profit margins, and discount rates) that reflect current market conditions as well as management judgment.  These assumptions may change due to changes in market conditions and such changes may result in an impairment of our goodwill.

Results of Operations

Third Quarter Ended September 25, 2011 compared to the Third Quarter Ended September 26, 2010

Our consolidated revenue in the third quarter of 2011 was $87.8 million, a decrease of $4.0 million, or 4.4%, compared to $91.8 million in the third quarter of 2010.  Our consolidated operating costs and expenses in the third quarter of 2011 were $51.9 million, a decrease of $1.3 million, or 2.5%, compared to $53.2 million in the third quarter of 2010.  Our consolidated selling and administrative expenses in the third quarter of 2011 were $27.8 million, an increase of $0.3 million, or 1.0%, compared to $27.5 million in the third quarter of 2010.

The following table presents our total revenue by segment, total operating costs and expenses, selling and administrative expenses and total operating earnings as a percent of total revenue for the third quarter of 2011 and the third quarter of 2010:

         
Percent of
         
Percent of
 
         
Total
         
Total
 
   
2011
   
Revenue
   
2010
   
Revenue
 
         
(dollars in millions)
       
                         
Revenue:
                       
Broadcasting
  $ 46.9       53.4 %   $ 48.5       52.8 %
Publishing
    40.9       46.6       43.4       47.3  
Corporate eliminations
    --       --       (0.1     (0.1
Total revenue
    87.8       100.0       91.8       100.0  
                                 
Total operating costs and expenses
    51.9       59.1       53.2       57.9  
Selling and administrative expense
    27.8       31.7       27.5       30.0  
Total operating costs and expenses and selling and administrative expenses
    79.7       90.8       80.7       87.9  
Total operating earnings
  $ 8.1       9.2 %   $ 11.1       12.1 %

 
25


At our broadcasting businesses, advertising revenue decreased in the third quarter of 2011 compared to the third quarter of 2010 primarily due to decreases in political and issue, and national advertising revenue.  Political and issue advertising revenue decreased $2.5 million as 2011 is considered a non-political and issue advertising year.  Automotive advertising decreased $0.3 million in the third quarter of 2011 compared to the third quarter of 2010.  The above revenue decreases were partially offset by increases in retransmission and local advertising revenue in the third quarter of 2011 compared to the third quarter of 2010.
 
Our publishing businesses experienced an 8.5% decrease in retail advertising revenue in the third quarter of 2011 compared to the third quarter of 2010 primarily in consumer-driven categories.  The retail advertising revenue decreases were in the automotive, finance, furniture and real estate categories.  Classified advertising revenue decreased 18.4% in the third quarter of 2011 compared to the third quarter of 2010 primarily due to a decrease in the real estate and other categories.  Partially offsetting these revenue decreases was a 20.8% increase in commercial delivery revenue and a 9.6% increase in commercial printing revenue at our daily newspaper in the third quarter of 2011 compared to the third quarter of 2010.  We believe consumers are still cautious in regards to spending discretionary income.  Secular changes affecting the newspaper industry also are resulting in the need to continue to reduce costs and align our cost structure in the face of continued decreasing revenues.

The decrease in total operating costs and expenses in the third quarter of 2011 compared to the third quarter of 2010 was primarily due to decreases in employee related costs reflecting the savings from workforce reduction initiatives implemented in 2010, syndicated programming expenses and newsprint and paper costs, partially offset by the workforce reduction charge and an increase in delivery fees for our re-launched, mail-based total market coverage product at our publishing businesses and an increase in network programming fees.  The increase in selling and administrative expenses was primarily due to the expense related to our enhanced company-wide 401(k) match and an increase in promotional expenses, partially offset by a decrease in executive incentive compensation expense and employee related costs.

Our consolidated operating earnings were $8.1 million in the third quarter of 2011, a decrease of $3.0 million, or 26.9%, compared to $11.1 million in the third quarter of 2010.  The following table presents our operating earnings (loss) by segment for the third quarter of 2011 and the third quarter of 2010:

   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(dollars in millions)
 
Broadcasting
  $ 7.0     $ 10.0  
Publishing
    2.8       3.1  
Corporate
    (1.7     (2.0
Total operating earnings
  $ 8.1     $ 11.1  
 
The decrease in total operating earnings was primarily due to the decrease in revenue at our publishing and broadcasting businesses and the increase in selling and administrative expenses, partially offset by the decrease in total operating costs and expenses.

EBITDA in the third quarter of 2011 was $14.0 million, a decrease of $3.2 million, or 18.7%, compared to $17.2 million in the third quarter of 2010.  We define EBITDA as net earnings (loss) excluding earnings/loss from discontinued operations, net, provision (benefit) for income taxes, total other expense, net (which is entirely comprised of interest income and expense), depreciation and amortization.  Management primarily uses EBITDA, among other things, to evaluate our operating performance compared to our operating plans and/or prior years and to value prospective acquisitions.  We believe the presentation of this measure is relevant and useful for investors because it allows investors to view performance in a manner similar to the method used by management, helps to improve their ability to understand our operating performance and makes it easier to compare our results with other companies that have different financing and capital structures or tax rates.  EBITDA is also a primary measure used externally by our investors and our peers in our industry for purposes of valuation and comparing our operating performance to other companies in the industry.  EBITDA is not a measure of performance or liquidity calculated in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.  EBITDA should not be considered in isolation of, or as a substitute for, net earnings as an indicator of operating performance or cash flows from operating activities as a measure of liquidity.  EBITDA, as we calculate it, may not be comparable to EBITDA measures reported by other companies.

 
26


The following table presents a reconciliation of our consolidated net earnings to EBITDA for the third quarter of 2011 and the third quarter of 2010:

   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(dollars in millions)
 
             
Net earnings
  $ 4.4     $ 6.3  
Provision for income taxes
    2.8       3.8  
Total other expense, net (which is entirely comprised of interest income and expense)
    0.8       1.0  
Depreciation
    5.6       5.6  
Amortization
    0.4       0.5  
EBITDA
  $ 14.0     $ 17.2  
 
The decrease in our EBITDA was consistent with the decrease in our operating earnings for the reasons described above.

Broadcasting

Revenue from broadcasting in the third quarter of 2011 was $46.9 million, a decrease of $1.6 million, or 3.2%, compared to $48.5 million in the third quarter of 2010.  Operating earnings from broadcasting in the third quarter of 2011 were $7.0 million, a decrease of $3.0 million, or 30.0%, compared to $10.0 million in the third quarter of 2010.

The following table presents our broadcasting revenue and operating earnings for the third quarter of 2011 and the third quarter of 2010:

   
2011
   
2010
   
Percent
 
   
Television
   
Radio
   
Total
   
Television
   
Radio
   
Total
   
Change
 
   
(dollars in millions)
       
                                           
Revenue
  $ 27.9     $ 19.0     $ 46.9     $ 30.0     $ 18.5     $ 48.5       (3.2
                                                         
Operating earnings
  $ 2.9     $ 4.1     $ 7.0     $ 5.5     $ 4.5     $ 10.0       (30.0
 
Revenue from our television stations in the third quarter of 2011 was $27.9 million, a decrease of $2.1 million, or 6.8%, compared to $30.0 million in the third quarter of 2010.  We experienced revenue decreases in seven of our nine television markets.  Compared to the third quarter of 2010, political and issue advertising revenue decreased $2.5 million, or 57.2%, and national advertising revenue decreased $0.6 million, or 10.5%, primarily due to a decrease in automotive advertising revenue.  Partially offsetting these revenue decreases was an increase in retransmission revenue of $0.5 million, or 32.7%; an increase in local advertising revenue of $0.4 million, or 2.5%, primarily due to an increase in automotive and interactive advertising revenue; and an increase in other revenue of $0.1 million, or 34.5%.  Political and issue advertising revenue decreased in the third quarter of 2011 compared to the third quarter of 2010 as 2011 is considered a non-political and issue advertising year.  Television advertising revenue and rates in even-numbered years typically benefit from political and issue advertising because there tends to be more pressure on available inventory as the demand for advertising increases and we have the opportunity to increase the average unit rates we charge our customers.

Our television stations experienced revenue decreases in a number of categories, specifically automotive, charity, pharmaceuticals, entertainment, and financial, partially offset by increases in the communications, medical, retail and restaurant categories.  Automotive advertising revenue represented 17.0% of television advertising revenue in the third quarter of 2011 compared to 17.4% in the third quarter of 2010.  Automotive advertising revenue was $4.8 million in the third quarter of 2011, a decrease of $0.4 million, or 8.7%, compared to $5.2 million in the third quarter of 2010 primarily due to the impact of the earthquake in Japan on the automotive supply chain and inventories.  Our television stations are working to grow their local customer base by creating new and enhancing the presentation of existing local content and programs that combine television with digital platforms.  Interactive revenue was $0.4 million in the third quarter of 2011, an increase of $0.1 million, or 24.3%, compared to $0.3 million in the third quarter of 2010.  Interactive revenue is reported in local advertising revenue.

Operating earnings from our television stations in the third quarter of 2011 were $2.9 million, a decrease of $2.6 million, or 47.4%, compared to $5.5 million in the third quarter of 2010.  The decrease in operating earnings was primarily due to the impact from the decrease in advertising revenue and an increase in expenses.  Total television expenses in the third quarter of 2011 increased $0.5 million, or 2.3%, compared to the third quarter of 2010 primarily due to increases in employee related costs and promotion expenses.  Throughout 2011, we have selectively added back expense to invest in our employees, programming, and promotion of our products.

Revenue from our radio stations in the third quarter of 2011 was $19.0 million, an increase of $0.5 million, or 2.7%, compared to $18.5 million in the third quarter of 2010.  We experienced revenue increases in five of our eight radio markets.  Compared to the third quarter of 2010, national advertising revenue increased $0.3 million, or 24.2%, and local advertising revenue increased $0.2 million, or 1.1%.  Political and issue advertising revenue was $0.4 million in both the third quarter of 2011 and the third quarter of 2010.
 
 
27

 
Our radio stations experienced revenue increases in a number of categories, specifically automotive, medical, home improvement and education, partially offset by decreases in the retail and entertainment categories.  Automotive advertising represented 15.5% of radio advertising revenue in the third quarter of 2011 compared to 14.9% in the third quarter of 2010.  Automotive advertising revenue was $2.9 million in the third quarter of 2011, an increase of $0.1 million, or 6.4%, compared to $2.8 million in the third quarter of 2010.  Our radio stations are working to grow their local customer base by creating new and enhancing the presentation of existing local content and programs that combine radio with digital platforms.  Interactive revenue was $0.5 million in the third quarter of 2011, an increase of $0.1 million, or 31.8%, compared to $0.4 million in the third quarter of 2010.  Interactive revenue is reported in local advertising revenue.

Operating earnings from our radio stations in the third quarter of 2011 were $4.1 million, a decrease of $0.4 million, or 8.6%, compared to $4.5 million in the third quarter of 2010.  The decrease in operating earnings was primarily due to an increase in expenses.  Total radio expenses in the third quarter of 2011 increased $0.9 million, or 6.3%, compared to the third quarter of 2010 primarily due to increases in employee related costs and promotion expenses.  Throughout 2011, we have selectively added back expense to invest in our employees, programming, and promotion of our products.

Publishing

Revenue from publishing in the third quarter of 2011 was $40.9 million, a decrease of $2.5 million, or 5.9%, compared to $43.4 million in the third quarter of 2010.  Operating earnings from publishing were $2.8 million in the third quarter of 2011, a decrease of $0.3 million, or 8.0%, compared to $3.1 million in the third quarter of 2010.

The following table presents our publishing revenue by category and operating earnings for the third quarter of 2011 and the third quarter of 2010:

   
2011
   
2010
 
         
Community
               
Community
             
   
Daily
   
Newspapers
         
Daily
   
Newspapers
         
Percent
 
   
Newspaper
   
& Shoppers
   
Total
   
Newspaper
   
& Shoppers
   
Total
   
Change
 
    (dollars in millions)        
Advertising revenue:
                                         
Retail
  $ 13.0     $ 4.1     $ 17.1     $ 13.5     $ 5.2     $ 18.7       (8.5
Classified
    4.3       0.9       5.2       5.2       1.1       6.3       (18.4
National
    0.8       --       0.8       1.3       --       1.3       (35.8
Direct marketing
    --       --       --       --       --       --    
NA
 
Total advertising revenue
    18.1       5.0       23.1       20.0       6.3       26.3       (12.1
Circulation revenue
    12.4       0.4       12.8       12.2       0.5       12.7       0.8  
Other revenue
    4.2       0.8       5.0       3.7       0.7       4.4       11.7  
Total revenue
  $ 34.7     $ 6.2     $ 40.9     $ 35.9     $ 7.5     $ 43.4       (5.9
                                                         
Operating earnings
  $ 2.3     $ 0.5     $ 2.8     $ 2.4     $ 0.7     $ 3.1       (8.0
 
Advertising revenue accounted for 56.4% of total publishing revenue in the third quarter of 2011 compared to 60.5% in the third quarter of 2010.  The ongoing secular changes in the newspaper industry and the current economic environment have caused advertisers to decrease their advertising spending across most of our advertising revenue categories.  Despite the changing mix of revenue categories, frequency and placement of advertising in the newspaper and planned advertising rate decreases in order to increase volume, the average rate per inch of advertising in the third quarter of 2011 increased slightly compared to the third quarter of 2010.

Retail advertising revenue in the third quarter of 2011 was $17.1 million, a decrease of $1.6 million, or 8.5%, compared to $18.7 million in the third quarter of 2010.  The $0.5 million decrease in retail advertising revenue at our daily newspaper was primarily due to a decrease in ROP advertising revenue, a decrease in preprint advertising revenue and decrease in retail online advertising revenue, partially offset by an increase in revenue from our total market coverage product.  The revenue decreases were in the automotive, finance, furniture and real estate categories.  We believe consumers are still cautious in regards to spending discretionary income and advertisers are still decreasing their spending in traditional print products, including our daily newspaper.  The same trends persisted in our community newspapers and shoppers business.  The $1.1 million decrease in retail advertising revenue at our community newspapers and shoppers business was primarily due to decreases in automotive, retail and real estate advertising, revenue decreases due to the sale of the Florida-based publications in 2011 and a decrease from publications we decided to exit.
 
 
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Classified advertising is generally the most sensitive to economic cycles because it is driven by the demand of employment, automotive sales and real estate transactions.  As a result of the ongoing secular trend of classified advertising transitioning to the internet and the current economic environment, our publishing businesses experienced a decrease in ROP classified advertising revenue in the third quarter of 2011 compared to the third quarter of 2010.  Classified advertising revenue in the third quarter of 2011 was $5.2 million, a decrease of $1.1 million, or 18.4%, compared to $6.3 million in the third quarter of 2010.  At our daily newspaper, classified advertising revenue decreased $0.9 million, or 18.2%, in the third quarter of 2011 compared to the third quarter of 2010.  The decrease was lead by the real estate category, which decreased $0.4 million, or 37.3%.  The lack of a recovery in the Milwaukee area housing market and the decrease in real estate advertisers placing advertisements in our products continues to affect us.  Additionally, the automotive category decreased $0.2 million, or 17.1%; the “other” category decreased $0.2 million, or 13.7%; and the employment category decreased $0.1 million, or 10.1%.  The average rate per inch of classified advertising decreased in the third quarter of 2011 compared to the third quarter of 2010 primarily due to the planned decrease in rates for employment classified advertising revenue in an effort to increase volume.  We believe this strategy was successful as we experienced a 4.9% increase in volume for employment classified advertising in the third quarter of 2011 compared to the third quarter of 2010.  Historically, rates for employment classified advertising have been higher than other classified advertising categories.  Average rates per inch for real estate and automotive advertising revenue also decreased compared to the third quarter of 2010, partially due to our planned decrease in rates for real estate classified advertising revenue.  We have not experienced the same level of success from our strategy to increase volume by decreasing rates for real estate classified advertising revenue.  At our community newspapers and shoppers business, classified advertising revenue decreased $0.2 million, or 19.4%, in the third quarter of 2011 compared to the third quarter of 2010, primarily due to decreases in automotive, employment and real estate classified advertising revenue, revenue decreases due to the sale of the Florida-based publications in 2011 and a decrease from publications we decided to exit.

The total decrease in retail and classified automotive ROP and online advertising at our daily newspaper in the third quarter of 2011 was $0.3 million, or 24.1%, compared to the third quarter of 2010.

Total retail and classified interactive advertising revenue at our daily newspaper was $2.7 million in the third quarter of 2011, a decrease of $0.1 million, or 4.7%, compared to $2.8 million in the third quarter of 2010.  Interactive retail advertising revenue decreased 8.2% compared to the third quarter of 2010 due to a decrease in sponsorships sold.  Interactive classified advertising revenue in the third quarter of 2011 was essentially even compared to the third quarter of 2010.  Interactive advertising revenue is reported in the retail and classified advertising revenue categories.

National advertising revenue was $0.8 million in the third quarter of 2011, a decrease of $0.5 million, or 35.8%, compared to $1.3 million in the third quarter of 2010.  The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in ROP advertising in the health services, finance and home improvement categories.

Direct marketing revenue, consisting of revenue from the sale of direct mail products of our daily newspaper, was minimal in both the third quarter of 2011 and the third quarter of 2010.

Circulation revenue accounted for 31.4% of total publishing revenue in the third quarter of 2011 compared to 29.3% in the third quarter of 2010.  Circulation revenue was $12.8 million in the third quarter of 2011, an increase of $0.1 million, or 0.8%, compared to $12.7 million in the third quarter of 2010.  At our daily newspaper, an increase in revenue from the Sunday edition due to a price increase for home delivery was partially offset by a decrease in revenue from the daily edition due to the rate impact of the “Big Wednesday” program.  In early 2011, our daily newspaper launched a program titled “Big Wednesday” in which Sunday-only subscribers receive the Wednesday edition of the daily newspaper as part of their existing Sunday-only subscription.  We believe this program will help our advertisers reach a larger mid-week audience.  At our community newspapers and shoppers business, circulation revenue of $0.4 million in the third quarter of 2011 decreased $0.1 million compared to $0.5 million in the third quarter of 2010.

Other revenue, which consists of revenue from commercial printing, commercial distribution and promotional revenue at our daily newspaper and commercial printing at the printing plants for our community newspapers and shoppers, accounted for 12.2% of total publishing revenue in the third quarter of 2011 compared to 10.2% in the third quarter of 2010.  Other revenue was $5.0 million in the third quarter of 2011, an increase of $0.6 million, or 11.7%, compared to $4.4 million in the third quarter of 2010.  The $0.5 million increase at our daily newspaper was primarily due to an increase in commercial delivery revenue as we continue to expand our distribution of other newspapers and an increase in commercial printing revenue due to the return of a significant customer and the addition of new customers.  At our community newspapers and shoppers business, other revenue was $0.8 million in the third quarter of 2011, an increase of $0.1 million compared to $0.7 million in the third quarter of 2010.

Publishing operating earnings in the third quarter of 2011 were $2.8 million, a decrease of $0.3 million, or 5.9%, compared to $3.1 million in the third quarter of 2010.  The decrease in operating earnings was primarily due to the impact of the decrease in advertising revenue.  In an effort to partially offset the impact of the decrease in advertising revenue, our publishing businesses continue to reduce their expense platforms.  Total expenses decreased $2.2 million, or 5.7%, in the third quarter of 2011 compared to the third quarter of 2010 primarily due to a decrease in employee related costs, a decrease in newsprint and paper costs and the pre-tax gains on the sales of the Florida-based community newspapers and shoppers businesses, partially offset by a $1.3 million workforce reduction charge and an increase in delivery costs for our total market coverage product (which was re-launched as a mail-based product in the fourth quarter of 2010).  Total newsprint and paper costs for our publishing businesses in the third quarter of 2011 were $4.1 million, a decrease of $0.3 million, or 6.5%, compared to $4.4 million in the third quarter of 2010.  Newsprint consumption decreased 4.2% in the third quarter of 2011 compared to the third quarter of 2010 primarily due to a decrease in advertising pages.  Average newsprint pricing per metric ton decreased 2.8% in the third quarter of 2011 compared to the third quarter of 2010.

 
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Corporate

Revenue and expense eliminations were insignificant in the third quarter of 2011 compared to $0.1 million in third quarter of 2010.  The corporate segment reflects the unallocated costs of our corporate executive management, as well as expenses related to corporate governance.  The unallocated expenses were $1.7 million in the third quarter of 2011, a decrease of $0.3 million compared to $2.0 million in the third quarter of 2010.  The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in our executive incentive compensation expense and other costs.

Other Income and Expense and Taxes

Interest income was insignificant in both the third quarter of 2011 and the third quarter of 2010.  Interest expense was $0.8 million in the third quarter of 2011 compared to $1.0 million in the third quarter of 2010.  The decrease in interest expense was due to the decrease in average borrowings, partially offset by the increase in average borrowing rates under our amended and extended credit agreement entered into on August 13, 2010.  Amortization of deferred financing costs, which is reported in interest expense, was $0.3 million in the third quarter of 2011 compared to $0.2 million in the third quarter of 2010.

Our effective tax rate was 38.8% in the third quarter of 2011 compared to 37.4% in the third quarter of 2010.  The increase was primarily due to recording a benefit related to the filing of certain amended federal tax returns in the third quarter of 2010.

Discontinued Operations

There were no earnings from discontinued operations, net of income tax expense, in the third quarter of 2011 compared to an insignificant loss in the third quarter of 2010.

During 2010, we sold substantially all of the operating assets of PrimeNet Marketing Services (PrimeNet), our former direct marketing services business located in St. Paul, Minnesota and Clearwater, Florida.  There were no results of operations for PrimeNet in the third quarter of 2011 and the third quarter of 2010.

Also during 2010, we sold substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of IPC Print Services, Inc. (IPC), our former printing services business.  In the third quarter of 2010, revenue from IPC was $9.8 million and we recorded an insignificant net loss from operations.

Net Earnings

Our net earnings in the third quarter of 2011 were $4.4 million, a decrease of $1.9 million, or 29.4%, compared to $6.3 million in the third quarter of 2010.  The decrease was due to the decrease in operating earnings from continuing operations for the reasons described above, partially offset by the decrease in the provision for income taxes and the decrease in interest expense.

Earnings per Share for Class A and B Common Stock

In the third quarter of 2011, basic and diluted net earnings per share of class A and B common stock were $0.07 for both.  This compared to $0.11 for both in the third quarter of 2010.  Basic and diluted earnings per share of class A and B common stock from continuing operations were $0.07 for both in the third quarter of 2011.  This compared to $0.11 for both in the third quarter of 2010.  There was no impact from discontinued operations in third quarter of 2010 on basic and diluted earnings per share of class A and B common stock.

Three Quarters Ended September 25, 2011 compared to the Three Quarters Ended September 26, 2010

Our consolidated revenue in the three quarters of 2011 was $261.7 million, a decrease of $11.4 million, or 4.1%, compared to $273.1 million in the three quarters of 2010.  Our consolidated operating costs and expenses in the three quarters of 2011 were $150.6 million, a decrease of $4.1 million, or 2.6%, compared to $154.7 million in the three quarters of 2010.  Our consolidated selling and administrative expenses in the three quarters of 2011 were $85.5 million, an increase of $1.3 million, or 1.6%, compared to $84.2 million in the three quarters of 2010.
 
 
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The following table presents our total revenue by segment, total operating costs and expenses, selling and administrative expenses and total operating earnings as a percent of total revenue for the three quarters of 2011 and the three quarters of 2010:

         
Percent of
         
Percent of
 
         
Total
         
Total
 
   
2011
   
Revenue
   
2010
   
Revenue
 
   
(dollars in millions)
 
                         
Revenue:
                       
Broadcasting
  $ 135.1       51.6 %   $ 138.1       50.5 %
Publishing
    126.8       48.5       135.4       49.6  
Corporate eliminations
    (0.2     (0.1     (0.4     (0.1
Total revenue
    261.7       100.0       273.1       100.0  
                                 
Total operating costs and expenses
    150.6       57.5       154.7       56.7  
Selling and administrative expense
    85.5       32.7       84.2       30.8  
Total operating costs and expenses and selling and administrative expenses
    236.1       90.2       238.9       87.5  
Total operating earnings
  $ 25.6       9.8 %   $ 34.2       12.5 %
 
At our broadcasting businesses, advertising revenue decreased in the three quarters of 2011 compared to the three quarters of 2010 primarily due to the absence of Olympic advertising revenue and decreases in political and issue and national advertising revenue, partially offset by an increase in local advertising revenue and an increase in retransmission revenue.  Political and issue advertising revenue decreased $3.3 million as 2011 is considered a non-political and issue advertising year.  Automotive advertising decreased $0.2 million in the three quarters of 2011 compared to the three quarters of 2010.

Our publishing businesses experienced an 8.2% decrease in retail advertising revenue in the three quarters of 2011 compared to the three quarters of 2010 primarily in consumer-driven categories.  The retail advertising revenue decreases were in the home improvement, communications, furniture, automotive and finance categories.  Classified advertising revenue decreased 15.9% in the three quarters of 2011 compared to the three quarters of 2010 primarily due to a decrease in the real estate and other categories.  Partially offsetting these revenue decreases was a 14.2% increase in commercial delivery revenue and a 4.3% increase in online advertising revenue at our daily newspaper in the three quarters of 2011 compared to the three quarters of 2010.

The decrease in total operating costs and expenses in the three quarters of 2011 compared to the three quarters of 2010 was primarily due to a decrease in employee related costs reflecting the savings from workforce reduction initiatives implemented in 2010, partially offset by the workforce reduction charge and an increase in delivery fees for our re-launched, mail-based total market coverage product at our publishing businesses.  The increase in selling and administrative expenses was primarily due to increases in promotional expenses, professional services fees, and our enhanced company-wide 401(k) match, partially offset by a decrease in executive incentive compensation expense.

Our consolidated operating earnings were $25.6 million in the three quarters of 2011, a decrease of $8.6 million, or 25.2%, compared to $34.2 million in the three quarters of 2010.  The following table presents our operating earnings (loss) by segment for the three quarters of 2011 and the three quarters of 2010:

   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(dollars in millions)
 
             
Broadcasting
  $ 21.3     $ 27.4  
Publishing
    10.0       13.1  
Corporate
    (5.7     (6.3
Total operating earnings
  $ 25.6     $ 34.2  
 
The decrease in total operating earnings was primarily due to the decrease in revenue at our publishing and broadcasting businesses and the increase in selling and administrative expenses, partially offset by a decrease in operating costs and expenses primarily at our publishing businesses.
 
 
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EBITDA in the three quarters of 2011 was $43.1 million, a decrease of $9.7 million, or 18.4%, compared to $52.8 million in the three quarters of 2010.  The following table presents a reconciliation of our consolidated net earnings to EBITDA for the three quarters of 2011 and the three quarters of 2010:

   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(dollars in millions)
 
             
Net earnings
  $ 14.0     $ 19.7  
Earnings from discontinued operations, net
    (0.3     (0.2
Provision for income taxes
    9.2       12.7  
Total other expense, net (which is entirely comprised of interest income and expense)
    2.8       2.0  
Depreciation
    16.3       17.1  
Amortization
    1.1       1.5  
EBITDA
  $ 43.1     $ 52.8  
 
The decrease in our EBITDA was consistent with the decrease in our operating earnings for the reasons described above.

Broadcasting

Revenue from broadcasting in the three quarters of 2011 was $135.1 million, a decrease of $3.0 million, or 2.2%, compared to $138.1 million in the three quarters of 2010.  Operating earnings from broadcasting in the three quarters of 2011 were $21.3 million, a decrease of $6.1 million, or 22.2%, compared to $27.4 million in the three quarters of 2010.

The following table presents our broadcasting revenue and operating earnings for the three quarters of 2011 and the three quarters of 2010:

   
2011
   
2010
   
Percent
 
   
Television
 
Radio
   
Total
   
Television
 
Radio
   
Total
   
Change
 
   
(dollars in millions)
       
                                           
Revenue
  $ 84.0     $ 51.1     $ 135.1     $ 87.7     $ 50.4     $ 138.1       (2.2
                                                         
Operating earnings
  $ 11.0     $ 10.3     $ 21.3     $ 16.1     $ 11.3     $ 27.4       (22.2
 
Revenue from our television stations in the three quarters of 2011 was $84.0 million, a decrease of $3.7 million, or 4.1%, compared to $87.7 million in the three quarters of 2010.  We experienced revenue decreases in four of our nine television markets.  There was no Olympic advertising revenue in the three quarters of 2011.  Olympic advertising revenue was $2.2 million in the three quarters of 2010.  Compared to the three quarters of 2010, political and issue advertising revenue decreased $3.3 million, or 49.6% and national advertising revenue decreased $1.2 million, or 7.3%, primarily due to a decrease in automotive advertising revenue.  Partially offsetting these revenue decreases, local advertising revenue increased $1.5 million, or 2.8%; retransmission revenue increased $1.3 million, or 27.1%; and other revenue increased $0.2 million, or 22.0%.  Local advertising revenue increased due to an increase in local inventory availability (due to this being a non-Olympic broadcast year) and an increase in interactive advertising revenue.  Political and issue advertising revenue decreased in the three quarters of 2011 as 2011 is considered a non-political and issue advertising year.  Television advertising revenue and rates in even-numbered years typically benefit from political and issue advertising because there tends to be more pressure on available inventory as the demand for advertising increases and we have the opportunity to increase the average unit rates we charge our customers.

Our television stations experienced revenue decreases in a number of categories, specifically automotive, financial, packaged goods, home improvement and pharmaceuticals, partially offset by increases in the retail, medical, casino and gambling, media and education categories.  Automotive advertising revenue represented 17.0% of television advertising revenue in the three quarters of 2011 compared to 17.2% in the three quarters of 2010.  Automotive advertising revenue was $14.3 million in the three quarters of 2011, a decrease of $0.8 million, or 5.5%, compared to $15.1 million in the three quarters of 2010.  Our television stations are working to grow their local customer base by creating new and enhancing the presentation of existing local content and programs that combine television with digital platforms.  Interactive revenue was $1.5 million in the three quarters of 2011, an increase of $0.4 million, or 33.7%, compared to $1.1 million in the three quarters of 2010.  Interactive revenue is reported in local advertising revenue.

Operating earnings from our television stations in the three quarters of 2011 were $11.0 million, a decrease of $5.1 million, or 31.6%, compared to $16.1 million in the three quarters of 2010.  The decrease in operating earnings was primarily due to the impact from the decrease in advertising revenue and an increase in expenses.  Total television expenses in the three quarters of 2011 increased $1.4 million, or 2.0%, compared to the three quarters of 2010 primarily due to increases in employee related costs, network programming fees, promotional expenses, professional services fees, bad debt expense and expenses related to expanded news coverage of the Green Bay Packers and the Wisconsin political battles.  Throughout 2011, we have selectively added back expense to invest in our employees, programming, and promotion of our products.
 
 
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Revenue from our radio stations in the three quarters of 2011 was $51.1 million, an increase of $0.7 million, or 1.3%, compared to $50.4 million in the three quarters of 2010.  We experienced revenue increases in four of our eight radio markets.  Compared to the three quarters of 2010, national advertising revenue increased $0.8 million, or 19.8%, primarily due to an increase in automotive advertising revenue and other revenue increased $0.1 million, or 2.9%.  Partially offsetting these revenue increases, local advertising revenue decreased $0.2 million, or 0.3%.  Political and issue advertising revenue was $0.7 million in both the three quarters of 2011 and the three quarters of 2010.
 
Our radio stations experienced revenue increases in a number of categories, specifically media, automotive, home products, professional services and pharmaceuticals, partially offset by decreases in the entertainment, other services, legal, medical and furniture and furnishings categories.  Automotive advertising represented 14.8% of radio advertising revenue in the three quarters of 2011 compared to 13.7% in the three quarters of 2010.  Automotive advertising revenue was $7.5 million in the three quarters of 2011, an increase of $0.6 million, or 9.2%, compared to $6.9 million in the three quarters of 2010.  Our radio stations are working to grow their local customer base by creating new and enhancing the presentation of existing local content and programs that combine radio with digital platforms.  Interactive revenue was $1.3 million in the three quarters of 2011, an increase of $0.1 million compared to $1.2 million the three quarters of 2010.  Interactive revenue is reported in local advertising revenue.

Operating earnings from our radio stations in the three quarters of 2011 were $10.3 million, a decrease of $1.0 million, or 8.8%, compared to $11.3 million in the three quarters of 2010.  The decrease in operating earnings was primarily due to an increase in expenses.  Total radio expenses increased $1.7 million, or 4.2%, in the three quarters of 2011 compared to the three quarters of 2010 primarily due to an increase in sports broadcast rights fees, an increase in promotional expenses, an increase in employee related costs and an increase in professional services fees.  Throughout 2011, we have selectively added back expense to invest in our employees, programming, and promotion of our products.

Publishing

Revenue from publishing in the three quarters of 2011 was $126.8 million, a decrease of $8.6 million, or 6.3%, compared to $135.4 million in the three quarters of 2010.  Operating earnings from publishing were $10.0 million in the three quarters of 2011, a decrease of $3.1 million, or 23.6%, compared to $13.1 million in the three quarters of 2010.

The following table presents our publishing revenue by category and operating earnings for the three quarters of 2011 and the three quarters of 2010:

   
2011
   
2010
       
         
Community
               
Community
             
   
Daily
   
Newspapers
         
Daily
   
Newspapers
         
Percent
 
   
Newspaper
   
& Shoppers
   
Total
   
Newspaper
   
& Shoppers
   
Total
   
Change
 
   
(dollars in millions)
       
Advertising revenue:
                                         
Retail
  $ 40.5     $ 13.6     $ 54.1     $ 43.2     $ 15.8     $ 59.0       (8.2
Classified
    13.0       2.7       15.7       15.3       3.4       18.7       (15.9
National
    3.2       --       3.2       3.6       --       3.6       (11.2
Direct marketing
    0.1       --       0.1       0.1       --       0.1       (25.0
Total advertising revenue
    56.8       16.3       73.1       62.2       19.2       81.4       (10.2
Circulation revenue
    37.1       1.4       38.5       37.3       1.4       38.7       (0.7
Other revenue
    12.9       2.3       15.2       13.0       2.3       15.3       (0.2
Total revenue
  $ 106.8     $ 20.0     $ 126.8     $ 112.5     $ 22.9     $ 135.4       (6.3
                                                         
Operating earnings
  $ 8.5     $ 1.5     $ 10.0     $ 11.3     $ 1.8     $ 13.1       (23.6
 
In the three quarters of 2011, we sold our Florida-based community newspapers and shoppers businesses in three separate transactions.  Net proceeds were $1.3 million and we recorded pre-tax gains on the sales, net of transaction expenses, of $0.5 million.  The divestitures allow us to focus our efforts on operating our Wisconsin-based community newspapers and shoppers businesses.  Revenue and operating earnings in the three quarters of 2011 for the Florida-based community newspapers and shoppers businesses were $2.8 million and $0.6 million, respectively.  Revenue and operating earnings in the three quarters of 2010 for the Florida-based community newspapers and shoppers businesses were $3.9 million and $0.5 million, respectively.

Advertising revenue accounted for 57.7% of total publishing revenue in the three quarters of 2011 compared to 60.1% in the three quarters of 2010.  The ongoing secular changes in the newspaper industry and the current economic environment have caused advertisers to decrease their advertising spending across most of our advertising revenue categories.  In addition, due to the changing mix of revenue categories, frequency and placement of advertising in the newspaper and planned advertising rate decreases in order to increase volume, we continued to see decreases in the average rate per inch of advertising in the three quarters of 2011.
 
 
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Retail advertising revenue in the three quarters of 2011 was $54.1 million, a decrease of $4.9 million, or 8.2%, compared to $59.0 million in the three quarters of 2010.  The $2.7 million decrease in retail advertising revenue at our daily newspaper was primarily due to decreases in ROP and preprint advertising revenue and the discontinuation of the specialty magazine, Milwaukee Home and Fine Living, partially offset by an increase in retail online advertising revenue.  The revenue decreases were in the home improvement, communications, furniture, automotive and finance categories.  We believe consumers are still cautious in regards to spending discretionary income and advertisers are still decreasing their spending in traditional print products, including our daily newspaper.  The same trends persisted in our community newspapers and shoppers business.  The $2.2 million decrease in retail advertising revenue at our community newspapers and shoppers business was primarily due to decreases in automotive, retail and real estate advertising, revenue decreases due to the sale of the Florida-based publications in 2011 and a decrease from publications we decided to exit.

Classified advertising is generally the most sensitive to economic cycles because it is driven by the demand of employment, real estate transactions and automotive sales.  As a result of the ongoing secular trend of classified advertising transitioning to the internet and the current economic environment, our publishing businesses experienced a decrease in ROP classified advertising revenue in the three quarters of 2011 compared to the three quarters of 2010, partially offset by an increase in classified online advertising revenue.  Classified advertising revenue in the three quarters of 2011 was $15.7 million, a decrease of $3.0 million, or 15.9%, compared to $18.7 million in the three quarters of 2010.  At our daily newspaper, classified advertising revenue decreased $2.3 million, or 14.8%, in the three quarters of 2011 compared to the three quarters of 2010.  The decrease was lead by the real estate category, which decreased $1.2 million, or 36.8%.  The lack of a recovery in the Milwaukee area housing market and the decrease in real estate advertisers placing advertisements in our products continues to affect us.  Additionally, the other category decreased $0.6 million, or 11.8%; the automotive category decreased $0.3 million, or 10.3%; and the employment category decreased $0.2 million, or 5.4%, compared to the three quarters of 2010.  The average rate per inch of classified advertising decreased in the three quarters of 2011 compared to the three quarters of 2010 primarily due to the planned decrease in rates for employment classified revenue in an effort to increase volume.  We believe this strategy was successful as we experienced a 23.2% increase in volume for employment classified advertising in the three quarters of 2011 compared to the two quarters of 2010.  Historically, rates for employment classified advertising have been higher than other classified advertising categories.  Average rates per inch for real estate and automotive advertising revenue also decreased compared to the three quarters of 2010, partially due to our planned decrease in rates for real estate classified advertising revenue.  We have not experienced the same level of success from our strategy to increase volume by decreasing rates for real estate classified advertising revenue.  At our community newspapers and shoppers business, classified advertising revenue decreased $0.7 million, or 20.7%, in the three quarters of 2011 compared to the three quarters of 2010 primarily due to decreases in automotive, employment and real estate classified advertising revenue, revenue decreases due to the sale of the Florida-based publications in 2011 and a decrease from publications we decided to exit.

The total decrease in retail and classified automotive ROP and online advertising at our daily newspaper in the three quarters of 2011 was $0.8 million, or 18.8%, compared to the three quarters of 2010.

Total retail and classified interactive advertising revenue at our daily newspaper was $8.3 million in the three quarters of 2011, an increase of $0.3 million, or 4.3%, compared to $8.0 million in the three quarters of 2010.  Interactive retail advertising revenue increased 2.6% compared to the three quarters of 2010 due to an increase in sponsorships sold.  Interactive classified advertising revenue increased 6.9% compared to the three quarters of 2010 due to an increase in classified upsells.  Interactive advertising revenue is reported in the retail and classified advertising revenue categories.

National advertising revenue was $3.2 million in the three quarters of 2011, a decrease of $0.4 million, or 11.2%, compared to $3.6 million in the three quarters of 2010.  The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in preprint and ROP advertising in the communications, finance, dining and entertainment and health services categories.

Direct marketing revenue, consisting of revenue from the sale of direct mail products of our daily newspaper, was $0.1 million in both the three quarters of 2011 and the three quarters of 2010.

Circulation revenue accounted for 30.3% of total publishing revenue in the three quarters of 2011 compared to 28.6% in the three quarters of 2010.  Circulation revenue was $38.5 million in the three quarters of 2011, a decrease of $0.2 million, or 0.7%, compared to $38.7 million in the three quarters of 2010.  At our daily newspaper, a decrease in revenue from the daily edition due to the rate impact of the “Big Wednesday” program was partially offset by an increase in revenue from the Sunday edition due to a price increase for home delivery.  In early 2011, our daily newspaper launched a program titled “Big Wednesday” in which Sunday-only subscribers receive the Wednesday edition of the daily newspaper as part of their existing Sunday-only subscription.  We believe this program will help our advertisers reach a larger mid-week audience.  At our community newspapers and shoppers business, circulation revenue was $1.4 million in both the three quarters of 2011 and the three quarters of 2010.

Other revenue, which consists of revenue from commercial printing, commercial distribution and promotional revenue at our daily newspaper and commercial printing at the printing plants for our community newspapers and shoppers, accounted for 12.0% of total publishing revenue in the three quarters of 2011 compared to 11.3% in the three quarters of 2010.  Other revenue was $15.2 million in the three quarters of 2011, a decrease of $0.1 million, or 0.2%, compared to $15.3 million in the three quarters of 2010.  The $0.1 million decrease at our daily newspaper was primarily due to a decrease in commercial printing revenue from a decrease in the number of pages printed and contract renegotiations, partially offset by an increase in commercial delivery revenue as we continue to expand our distribution of other newspapers.  At our community newspapers and shoppers business, other revenue was $2.3 million in both the three quarters of 2011 and the three quarters of 2010.
 
 
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Publishing operating earnings in the three quarters of 2011 were $10.0 million, a decrease of $3.1 million, or 23.6%, compared to $13.1 million in the three quarters of 2010.  The decrease in operating earnings was primarily due to the impact of the decrease in advertising revenue.  In an effort to partially offset the impact of the decrease in advertising revenue, our publishing businesses continue to reduce their expense platforms.  Total expenses decreased $5.5 million, or 4.5%, in the three quarters of 2011 compared to the three quarters of 2010 primarily due to a decrease in employee related costs, the pre-tax gain on the sales of the Florida-based community newspapers and shoppers businesses, partially offset by a $1.3 million workforce reduction charge and an increase in delivery costs for our total market coverage product (which was re-launched as a mail-based product in the fourth quarter of 2010).  Total newsprint and paper costs for our publishing businesses in the three quarters of 2011 were $12.7 million, a decrease of $0.2 million, or 1.7%, compared to $12.9 million in the three quarters of 2010 due to an 4.8% increase in average newsprint pricing per metric ton, partially offset by a 5.0% decrease in newsprint consumption due to a decrease in advertising pages.

Corporate

Revenue and expense eliminations were $0.2 million in the three quarters of 2011 compared to $0.4 million in the three quarters of 2010.  The corporate segment reflects the unallocated costs of our corporate executive management, as well as expenses related to corporate governance.  The unallocated expenses were $5.7 million in the three quarters of 2011, a decrease of $0.6 million compared to $6.3 million in the three quarters of 2010.  The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in our executive incentive compensation expense and a decrease in director stock compensation expense.

Other Income and Expense and Taxes

Interest income was minimal in both the three quarters of 2011 and the three quarters of 2010.  Interest expense was $2.8 million in the three quarters of 2011 compared to $2.1 million in the three quarters of 2010.  The increase in interest expense was due to the increase in average borrowing rates under our amended and extended credit agreement entered into on August 13, 2010, partially offset by the decrease in average borrowings.  Amortization of deferred financing costs, which is reported in interest expense, was $0.8 million in the three quarters of 2011, an increase of $0.5 million compared to $0.3 million in the three quarters of 2010.

Our effective tax rate was 40.3% in the three quarters of 2011 compared to 39.4% in the three quarters of 2010.  The increase was primarily due to recording a benefit related to the filing of certain amended federal tax returns in the three quarters of 2010.

Discontinued Operations

Earnings from discontinued operations, net of income tax expense, were $0.3 million in the three quarters of 2011 compared to $0.2 million in the three quarters of 2010.  Income tax expense was $0.2 million in the three quarters of 2011 compared to $0.1 million in the three quarters of 2010.

During 2005, Multi-Color Corporation (Multi-Color) acquired substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of NorthStar Print Group, Inc. (NorthStar), our former label printing business.  Certain liabilities were excluded from the sale of NorthStar and primarily consisted of environmental site closure costs for both the Green Bay, Wisconsin real estate and real estate located in Norway, Michigan.  In January 2011, upon environmental site closure in Green Bay, Wisconsin, we sold the real estate holdings to Multi-Color according to the 2005 sale agreement.  The net proceeds were $0.8 million and we recorded a pre-tax gain of $0.6 million.  We continue to have environmental site closure obligations with respect to the Norway, Michigan real estate, which was sold to Multi-Color in 2005.

In the three quarters of 2010, revenue from PrimeNet was $2.1 million and we recorded a $0.6 million net loss from operations and shut down related costs.

In the three quarters of 2010, revenue from IPC was $31.6 million and we recorded $0.8 million in net earnings from operations.

Net Earnings

Our net earnings in the three quarters of 2011 were $14.0 million, a decrease of $5.7 million, or 29.1%, compared to $19.7 million in the three quarters of 2010.  The decrease was due to the decrease in operating earnings from continuing operations for the reasons described above and the increase in interest expense, partially offset by the decrease in the provision for income taxes and the increase in earnings from discontinued operations.
 
 
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Earnings per Share for Class A and B Common Stock

In the three quarters of 2011, basic and diluted net earnings per share of class A and B common stock were $0.22 for both.  This compared to $0.33 for both in the three quarters of 2010.  Basic and diluted earnings per share of class A and B common stock from continuing operations were $0.22 for both in the three quarters of 2011.  This compared to $0.33 for both in the three quarters of 2010.  Basic and diluted earnings per share of class A and B common stock from discontinued operations were $0.01 in the three quarters of 2011.  There was no impact from discontinued operations in the three quarters of 2010 on basic and diluted earnings per share of class A and B common stock.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our cash balance was $1.7 million as of September 25, 2011.  We believe our expected cash flows from operations and borrowings available under our credit facility of $170.0 million as of September 25, 2011 will meet our needs for the short-and long-term.  During the three quarters of 2011, we reduced our notes payable to banks by $19.6 million.  Throughout the remainder of 2011, we expect to selectively invest in digital initiatives, our brands, employees, programming, products and capital projects while remaining in compliance with our debt covenants.  We also expect to continue to repurchase shares of our common stock under the recently authorized share repurchase program.

On August 13, 2010, we entered into an amendment of our formerly unsecured credit facility which, among other things, provided for the pledge of certain collateral by us and our subsidiaries (as amended, the secured credit facility).  In connection with this amendment, certain lenders reduced their commitments to $225.0 million and extended the expiration date to December 2, 2013 (extending lenders).  The maturity date for the remaining lenders, with terms and commitments that remain unchanged at $74.0 million, was on June 2, 2011 (non-extending lenders).  The secured credit facility is secured by liens on certain of our assets and the assets of our subsidiaries and contains affirmative, negative and financial covenants which are customary for financings of this type, including, among other things, limits on the creation of liens, limits on the incurrence of indebtedness, restrictions on dispositions and restrictions on dividends.  At our option, the commitments under the secured credit facility may be increased from time to time to an aggregate amount of incremental commitments not to exceed $100.0 million.  The increase option is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including the identification of lenders (which may include existing lenders or new lenders) willing to provide the additional commitments.

Our borrowings from extending lenders under the secured credit facility incur interest at either LIBOR plus a margin that ranges from 225.0 basis points to 350.0 basis points, depending on our leverage, or (i) the base rate, which equals the highest of the prime rate set by U.S. Bank National Association, the Federal Funds Rate plus 100.0 basis points or one-month LIBOR plus 150.0 basis points, plus (ii) a margin that ranges from 125.0 basis points to 250.0 basis points, depending on our leverage.  As of September 25, 2011 and December 26, 2010, we had borrowings of $55.0 million and $74.6 million, respectively, under our credit facility at a weighted average rate of 2.59% and 3.06%, respectively.

Fees in connection with the secured credit facility of $3.3 million and the unamortized deferred financing costs from the unsecured revolving credit facility of $0.2 million are being amortized over the term of the secured credit facility using the effective interest method.  Unamortized deferred financing costs related to the non-extending lenders are fully amortized.

We estimate the fair value of our secured credit facility as of September 25, 2011 to be $54.9 million, based on discounted cash flows using an interest rate of 2.66%.  We estimated the fair value of our secured revolving facility as of December 26, 2010 to be $72.5 million, based on discounted cash flows using an interest rate of 4.05%.  These fair value measurements fall within level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

As of September 25, 2011, we are in compliance with the financial covenants of the secured credit facility.  The secured credit facility contains the following financial covenants, which remain constant over the term of the agreement:

·
A consolidated funded debt ratio of not greater than 3.50-to-1, as determined for the four fiscal quarter period preceding the date of determination.  This ratio compares, for any period, our funded debt to our consolidated EBITDA, defined in the secured credit agreement as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, restructuring charges, gains/losses on asset disposals and non-cash charges.  As of September 25, 2011, our consolidated funded debt ratio was 0.75-to-1.  As of September 25, 2011, we are able to borrow an additional $170.0 million under our secured credit facility.  Our future borrowing capacity is subject to change due to the changes in our future operating results.

·
A minimum interest coverage ratio of not less than 3-to-1, as determined for the four fiscal quarter period preceding the date of determination.  This ratio compares, for any period, our consolidated EBITDA, defined in the secured credit agreement as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, restructuring charges, gains/losses on asset disposals and non-cash charges, to our interest expense.  As of September 25, 2011, our interest coverage ratio was 17.91-to-1.

One or more of the lenders in our secured credit facility syndicate could be unable to fund future draws thereunder or take other positions adverse to us.  In such an event, our liquidity could be constrained with an adverse impact on our ability to operate our businesses.
 
 
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We have $2.5 million of standby letters of credit for business insurance purposes.

On October 12, 2010, our board of directors approved an amendment to our qualified defined benefit pension plan to permanently suspend the plan and permanently cease all benefit accruals under the plan effective January 1, 2011 for all active participants, except for any employee covered by a collective bargaining agreement which requires us to bargain over the permanent suspension of the plan accruals.  We also permanently suspended the unfunded non-qualified plan that provided additional benefits to certain employees whose benefits under the pension plan and 401(k) plan were restricted due to limitations imposed by the Internal Revenue Service.  For employees not covered by the qualified defined benefit pension plan, the 401(k) plan was also amended on October 12, 2010.  The annual employer contribution is no longer a component of the 401(k) plan effective January 1, 2011.  In addition, effective January 1, 2011, we enhanced the current matching contribution to our 401(k) plan.  Prior to the suspension in February 2009, we contributed $0.50 for each dollar contributed by the 401(k) participant, up to 5% of their eligible wages for a maximum match of 2.5% of eligible wages as defined by the 401(k) plan.  Starting January 1, 2011, we began contributing $0.50 for each dollar contributed by the 401(k) participant, up to 7% of their eligible wages for a maximum match of 3.5% of eligible wages as defined by the 401(k) plan.

Our liability for separation benefits of $2.0 million as of September 25, 2011 will be paid during the next two years.  The ongoing activity of our liability for separation benefits during the three quarters of 2011 was as follows:

         
Charge for
   
Payments for
       
   
Balance as of
   
Separation
   
Separation
   
Balance as of
 
    December 26, 2010    
Benefits
   
Benefits
    September 25, 2011  
   
(dollars in millions)
 
                         
Daily newspaper and community newspapers and shoppers
  $ 1.4     $ 1.3     $ (0.7   $ 2.0  
Total
  $ 1.4     $ 1.3     $ (0.7   $ 2.0  
 
Dividends

Since April 2009, our board of directors has suspended dividends on our class A and class B shares.  Our board of directors also suspended the payment of the cumulative dividend on our class C shares.  The accumulated class C dividend of approximately $0.14 per share each quarter must be paid prior to the payment of any future dividends on our class A and class B shares.  As of October 11, 2011, we had $5.1 million accrued for class C dividends.  Our board of directors consistently reviews our dividend payment policy, as well as our ability to pay cash dividends, at each quarterly board of directors meeting.

Share Repurchase Authorization

In July 2011, our board of directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to $45.0 million of our outstanding class A common stock and/or class B common stock until the end of fiscal 2013.  Under the program, shares may be repurchased from time to time in the open market and/or in private transactions and will depend on market conditions, share price, trading volume, credit agreement covenants and other factors.  In the three quarters of 2011, we purchased 0.6 million shares of our class A common stock for $2.0 million, or an average of $3.39 per share, excluding commissions.  As of the end of the third quarter of 2011, $43.0 million worth of shares of our class A common stock and/or class B common stock remain available to be purchased under our July 2011 authorization.

Cash Flow

Continuing Operations

During the past two years, we primarily used our cash to reduce our notes payable to banks.  We are accomplishing this reduction, in part, by suspending payment of cash dividends to shareholders, increasing efforts to collect receivables and extending payment terms for our payables.  In the three quarters of 2011, we reduced our notes payables to banks by $19.6 million while selectively adding back expense to invest in our employees, programming, and products.

Cash provided by operating activities was $26.4 million in the three quarters of 2011 compared to $45.5 million in the three quarters of 2010.  The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in cash provided by working capital and the decrease in net earnings and payments related to our executive incentive compensation plan and other performance based plans related to our 2010 results.

Cash used for investing activities was $6.5 million in the three quarters of 2011 compared to $5.8 million in the three quarters of 2010.  Capital expenditures were $8.1 million in the three quarters of 2011 compared to $7.3 million in the three quarters of 2010.  Our capital expenditures in the three quarters of 2011 were primarily at our broadcasting business for high definition equipment, digital content management solutions and improvements necessary for our facilities.  We believe these capital expenditures will help us to better serve our advertisers, viewers and listeners and will facilitate our cost control initiatives.  In the three quarters of 2011, we received $1.6 million in proceeds from the sales of the Florida-based community newspapers and shoppers businesses and the minimum guaranteed commission and seller financing of working capital from the sale of the Clearwater, Florida based operations of PrimeNet.  In the three quarters of 2010, we received $0.7 million in insurance proceeds for our broadcast tower that was destroyed in an ice storm in 2009.
 
 
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Cash used for financing activities was $20.9 million in the three quarters of 2011 compared to $42.0 million in the three quarters of 2010.  Borrowings under our credit facility in the three quarters of 2011 were $74.7 million and we made payments of $94.3 million, reflecting a $19.6 million decrease in our notes payable to banks compared to borrowings of $73.6 million and payments of $112.6 million in the three quarters of 2010, reflecting a $39.0 million decrease in our notes payable to banks.  In the three quarters of 2011, we paid $1.8 million to settle purchases of our class A common stock.  In the three quarters of 2010, we paid $3.2 million in financing costs to amend and extend our credit agreement.

Discontinued Operations

Cash provided by discontinued operations was $0.6 million in the three quarters of 2011, reflecting the sale of real estate holdings of NorthStar, compared to $1.9 million in the three quarters of 2010.  The decrease was due to cash generated from the operations of IPC in the three quarters of 2010.

New Accounting Standards

In September 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued amended guidance for goodwill impairment.  The guidance simplifies how entities test goodwill for impairment.  The new guidance allows an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test.  Under these amendments, an entity will be required to perform the two-step impairment test only if it concludes that the fair value of a reporting unit is more likely than not, less than its carrying value.  This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted.  We will adopt this guidance in the first quarter of 2012.  We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued amended guidance for comprehensive income.  The guidance requires an entity to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements.  The new guidance eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of shareholders’ equity.  This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted.  We will adopt this guidance in the first quarter of 2012.  We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2011, the FASB issued amended guidance for fair value measurement and disclosure requirements between U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).  The new guidance includes amendments to clarify the definition of fair value and ensure that the fair value measurement and disclosure requirements are similar between U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and IFRS.  The guidance also changes certain fair value measurement principles and enhances the disclosure requirements particularly for level 3 fair value measurements.  This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011.  We will adopt this guidance in the first quarter of 2012.  We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In December 2010, the FASB issued amended guidance for goodwill.  The guidance applies to entities that have recognized goodwill and have one or more reporting units whose carrying amount for purposes of performing step one of the goodwill impairment tests is zero or negative.  The guidance modifies step one so that for those reporting units, an entity is required to perform step two of the goodwill impairment test if it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists.  In determining whether it is more likely than not that goodwill impairment exists, an entity should consider whether there are any adverse qualitative factors indicating that impairment may exist.  The qualitative factors are consistent with existing guidance, which requires that goodwill of a reporting unit be tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount.  This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2010, with no early adoption permitted.  We adopted this guidance in the first quarter of 2011. There has been no impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In December 2010, the FASB issued amended guidance for business combinations.  The guidance requires a public entity that presents comparative financial statements to disclose revenue and earnings of the combined entity as though the material business combination(s) on an individual or aggregate basis that occurred during the current year had occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period only.  This guidance also expands the supplemental pro forma disclosures to include a description of the nature and amount of material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to the business combination included in the reported pro forma revenue and earnings.  This guidance is effective prospectively for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2010, with early adoption permitted.  We adopted this guidance in the first quarter of 2011 for future business combinations.  There has been no impact on our consolidated financial statements.
 
 
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In July 2010, the FASB issued amended guidance for receivables.  The guidance for disclosures about activity that occurs during a period is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2010.  We adopted this guidance for activity that occurs for our financing receivables beginning in the first quarter of 2011.  The adoption of these disclosures did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.  See Note 9, “Receivables,” to our unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements for disclosures regarding our adoption of the FASB’s amended guidance for financing receivables.

In January 2010, the FASB issued amended guidance for fair value measurements and disclosures.  The guidance requires new disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements in the roll forward of activity for level 3 fair value measurements.  Those disclosures are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010 and for interim periods within those fiscal years.  We adopted this guidance in the first quarter of 2011.  The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In October 2009, the FASB amended the accounting standards related to revenue recognition for arrangements with multiple deliverables.  This new guidance requires that arrangement consideration be allocated at the inception of the arrangement to all deliverables, based on their relative selling price.  The guidance also establishes a hierarchy for determining the selling price of a deliverable which is based on vendor-specific objective evidence, third-party evidence, or management’s best estimate of selling price.  We adopted this guidance in the first quarter of 2011.  The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.  See Note 4, “Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements,” to our unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements for disclosures regarding our adoption of the FASB’s amended guidance for revenue recognition for arrangements with multiple deliverables.

Critical Accounting Policies

There are no material changes to the disclosures regarding critical accounting policies made in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 26, 2010.

ITEM 3.     QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE OF MARKET RISK

There are no material changes to the disclosures regarding interest rate risk and foreign currency exchange risk made in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 26, 2010.

ITEM 4.     CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our Disclosure Committee, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.  Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our Securitites Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to them to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

None.

ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS

There are no material changes to the disclosures regarding risk factors made in Part I, Item 1A. of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 26, 2010.
 
 
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ITEM 2.     UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

The following table provides information about our repurchases of our class A and class B common stock in the third quarter ended September 25, 2011:

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

   
(a)
   
(b)
   
(c)
   
(d)
 
Period
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
   
Average Price
Paid Per Share
   
Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
Or Programs
   
Dollar Value
of Shares that May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans
or Programs(2)
 
                         
June 27 to July 24, 2011
    5,332(1)     $ 4.97       --     $ 45,000,000  
July 25 to August 21, 2011
    --       --       --     $ 45,000,000  
August 22 to September 25, 2011
    603,200(3)     $ 3.39       603,200(3)     $ 42,952,394  
 
 
(1)
Represents shares of class B common stock transferred from employees to us to satisfy tax withholding requirements in connection with the vesting of restricted stock under the 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan.
 
(2)
In July 2011, our board of directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to $45.0 million of our oustanding class A common stock and/or class B common stock until the end of fiscal 2013.
 
(3)
Represents shares of our class A common stock.

ITEM 3.     DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4.     RESERVED


ITEM 5.     OTHER INFORMATION

None.

ITEM 6.     EXHIBITS

(a)    Exhibits
 
Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
     
 
Certification by Steven J. Smith, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Journal Communications, Inc., pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
 
Certification by Andre J. Fernandez, Executive Vice President, Finance & Strategy and Chief Financial Officer of Journal Communications, Inc., pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
 
Certification of Steven J. Smith, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Andre J. Fernandez, Executive Vice President, Finance & Strategy and Chief Financial Officer of Journal Communications, Inc., pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
(101)
 
The following materials from Journal Communications, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 25, 2011, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations for the Third Quarter and Three Quarters Ended September 25, 2011 and September 26, 2010; (ii) the Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Statement of Equity for the Three Quarters Ended September 25, 2011; (iii) the Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Statement of Equity for the Three Quarters Ended September 26, 2010; (iv) the Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Quarters Ended September 25, 2011 and September 26, 2010; and (vii) Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (block tagging only), furnished herewith.
 
 
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 SIGNATURES

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

 
JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
Registrant
   
   
Date:  November 4, 2011 
/s/ Steven J. Smith
 
Steven J. Smith, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
   
   
Date:  November 4, 2011 /s/ Andre J. Fernandez
 
Andre J. Fernandez, Executive Vice President, Finance & Strategy
and Chief Financial Officer

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