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                     UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
                           before the 
                SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION


SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
RELEASE NO.  7366 / November 26, 1996

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
RELEASE NO. 37989 / November 26, 1996

Administrative Proceedings File No. 3-9191                       

 

In the Matter of DeSoto Broadcasting, Inc. and Danford Sawyer,
Jr.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has instituted cease-
and-desist proceedings pursuant to Section 8A of the Securities
Act of 1933 ("Securities Act") and Section 21C of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act") against DeSoto
Broadcasting, Inc. ("DeSoto") and Danford Sawyer, Jr. ("Sawyer").

DeSoto is a Florida corporation and corporate general partner of
a Florida limited partnership which owns and operates a
commercial television station headquartered in Sarasota, Florida.

Sawyer is DeSoto's president, chief executive officer and a
director.  The cease-and-desist proceedings are based upon
allegations that, in connection with the private offer of DeSoto
common stock, between December 26, 1991 and continuing through
February 8, 1994, DeSoto and Sawyer made material
misrepresentations concerning certain contracts DeSoto
purportedly consummated with third parties, DeSoto's future
ability to achieve profitability and certain of the risks
associated with the investment in violation of the anti-fraud
provisions of the Securities Act and Exchange Act.