PARK NEWSPAPERS INC
424B3, 1996-09-11
NEWSPAPERS: PUBLISHING OR PUBLISHING & PRINTING
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<PAGE>
 
                                               Filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)
PROSPECTUS                                                   File No. 333-06439

 OFFER TO EXCHANGE SERIES B 11 7/8% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2004 FOR ALL OUTSTANDING
            11 7/8% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2004 OF PARK NEWSPAPERS, INC.

                                                [LOGO OF PARK NEWSPAPERS, INC.]
                                --------------
The Exchange Offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on October
10, 1996, unless extended. 
 
  Park Newspapers, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), hereby offers
(the "Exchange Offer"), upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth
in this Prospectus (the "Prospectus") and the accompanying Letter of
Transmittal (the "Letter of Transmittal"), to exchange $1,000 principal amount
of its Series B 11 7/8% Senior Notes due 2004 (the "Series B Notes"), which
have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act"), pursuant to a Registration Statement of which this
Prospectus is a part, for each $1,000 principal amount of its outstanding 11
7/8% Senior Notes due 2004 (the "Series A Notes"), of which $155,000,000 in
aggregate principal amount are outstanding on the date hereof. The form and
terms of the Series B Notes are the same as the form and terms of the Series A
Notes (which they replace) except that the Series B Notes will bear a "Series
B" designation and will have been registered under the Securities Act and,
therefore, will not bear legends restricting their transfer, and holders of
the Series B Notes will not be entitled to certain rights of holders of Series
A Notes under the Registration Rights Agreement (as defined), which rights
will terminate upon the consummation of the Exchange Offer. The Series B Notes
will evidence the same debt as the Series A Notes (which they replace) and
will be entitled to the benefits of an Indenture dated as of May 13, 1996
governing the Series A Notes and the Series B Notes (the "Indenture"). The
Series A Notes and the Series B Notes are sometimes referred to herein
collectively as the "Notes." See "Description of the Notes" and "The Exchange
Offer."
 
  The Notes are redeemable at the option of the Company, in whole or in part,
on or after May 15, 2001, at the redemption prices set forth herein plus
accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption. Prior to May
15, 1999, the Company may, at its option, redeem up to $50.0 million of the
aggregate principal amount of Notes originally issued with the net proceeds of
one or more Public Equity Offerings (as defined) or Strategic Equity
Investments (as defined) where the proceeds to the Company of any such
offering or investment are at least $40.0 million, at 111.875% of the
principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date
of redemption; provided, however, that not less than $100.0 million aggregate
principal amount of the Notes is outstanding immediately after giving effect
to such redemption. In addition, prior to May 15, 2001, upon the occurrence of
a Change of Control (as defined), the Company may redeem the Notes, in whole
but not in part, at a redemption price equal to the principal amount thereof
plus the Applicable Premium (as defined) plus accrued and unpaid interest, if
any, to the date of redemption. See "Description of the Notes--Redemption--
Optional Redemption" and "--Change of Control."
 
  Upon a Change of Control Triggering Event (as defined), each holder of the
Notes will have the right to require the Company to offer to purchase such
holder's Notes at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount plus accrued
and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase. A Change of Control
Triggering Event occurs only when a Change of Control is accompanied by a
Rating Decline (as defined). There can be no assurance that the Company will
have sufficient cash or other assets to purchase any of the Notes in the event
that a Change of Control Triggering Event were to occur. In addition, the
Company will be obligated to offer to repurchase the Notes at 100% of their
principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of
repurchase in the event of certain asset sales. See "Description of the
Notes--Change of Control" and "--Certain Covenants--Limitation on Asset
Sales."
 
  The Notes will rank pari passu in right of payment with all existing and
future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company and senior in
right of payment to all existing and future subordinated indebtedness of the
Company. The Notes will be effectively subordinated to all secured
indebtedness of the Company to the extent of the assets securing such
indebtedness and to all existing and future indebtedness and other obligations
of the subsidiaries of the Company. As of December 31, 1995, on a pro forma
basis after giving effect to the sale of Notes and the other
 
                                                  (Continued on following page)
 
  SEE "RISK FACTORS," WHICH BEGINS ON PAGE 15 OF THIS PROSPECTUS, FOR A
DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN RISKS TO BE CONSIDERED BY HOLDERS WHO TENDER THEIR
SERIES A NOTES IN THE EXCHANGE OFFER.
                                --------------
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE  NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY  THE SECURITIES AND
 EXCHANGE  COMMISSION  OR  ANY  STATE   SECURITIES  COMMISSION  NOR  HAS   THE
 SECURITIES  AND  EXCHANGE  COMMISSION  OR ANY  STATE  SECURITIES  COMMISSION
  PASSED  UPON   THE  ACCURACY   OR   ADEQUACY  OF   THIS   PROSPECTUS.   ANY
  REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
                                --------------
             THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS SEPTEMBER 6, 1996
<PAGE>
 
Refinancing Transactions (as defined) and the application of the net proceeds
therefrom, the Company would have had no secured indebtedness outstanding and
the subsidiaries of the Company would have had $0.4 million of indebtedness
outstanding. As of August 15, 1996, neither the Company nor any of its
subsidiaries had any secured indebtedness outstanding. As of that date, the
Notes were not effectively subordinated to, or senior to, any other debt of
the Company or its subsidiaries.
 
  Each Series B Note will bear interest from its issuance date. Holders of
Series A Notes that are accepted for exchange will receive accrued interest
thereon to, but not including, the issuance date of the Series B Notes. Such
interest will be paid with the first interest payment on the Series B Notes.
Interest on the Series A Notes accepted for exchange will cease to accrue upon
issuance of the Series B Notes.
 
  The Company will accept for exchange any and all validly tendered Series A
Notes not withdrawn prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on October 10,
1996, unless extended by the Company in its sole discretion (the "Expiration
Date"). Tenders of Series A Notes may be withdrawn at any time prior to 5:00
p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date. The Exchange Offer is
subject to certain customary conditions. See "The Exchange Offer--Conditions."
Series A Notes may be tendered only in integral multiples of $1,000. In the
event the Company terminates the Exchange Offer and does not accept for
exchange any Series A Notes, the Company will promptly return all previously
tendered Series A Notes to the holders thereof.
 
  The Series A Notes were sold by the Company on May 13, 1996 to the Initial
Purchasers (as defined) in a transaction not registered under the Securities
Act in reliance upon an exemption under the Securities Act. The Initial
Purchasers subsequently resold the Series A Notes to qualified institutional
buyers in reliance upon Rule 144A under the Securities Act and to
institutional accredited investors in a manner exempt from the registration
requirements of the Securities Act. Accordingly, the Series A Notes may not be
reoffered, resold or otherwise transferred in the United States unless
registered under the Securities Act or unless an applicable exemption from the
registration requirements of the Securities Act is available. The Series B
Notes are being offered hereunder in order to satisfy the obligations of the
Company under the Registration Rights Agreement. See "The Exchange Offer."
 
  Based on no-action letters issued by the staff of the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "Commission") to third parties, the Company believes
the Series B Notes issued pursuant to the Exchange Offer may be offered for
resale, resold and otherwise transferred by any holder thereof (other than any
such holder that is an "affiliate" of the Company within the meaning of Rule
405 under the Securities Act) without compliance with the registration and
prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act, provided that such
Series B Notes are acquired in the ordinary course of such holder's business
and that such holder does not intend to participate, and has no arrangement or
understanding with any person to participate, in the distribution of such
Series B Notes. See "The Exchange Offer--Purpose and Effect of the Exchange
Offer" and "--Resale of the Series B Notes." Each holder of the Series A Notes
(other than certain specified holders) who wishes to exchange the Series A
Notes for Series B Notes in the Exchange Offer will be required to represent
in the Letter of Transmittal that (i) it is not an affiliate of the Company,
(ii) the Series B Notes to be received by it are being acquired in the
ordinary course of its business and (iii) at the time of commencement of the
Exchange Offer, it has no arrangement with any person to participate in the
distribution (within the meaning of the Securities Act) of the Series B Notes.
Each broker-dealer (a "Participating Broker-Dealer") that receives Series B
Notes for its own account pursuant to the Exchange Offer must acknowledge that
it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such Series B
Notes. The Letter of Transmittal states that by so acknowledging and by
delivering a prospectus, a Participating Broker-Dealer will not be deemed to
admit that it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act.
This Prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may
be used by a Participating Broker-Dealer in connection with resales of Series
B Notes received in exchange for Series A Notes where such Series A Notes were
acquired by such Participating Broker-Dealer as a result of market-making
activities or other trading activities. The Company has agreed that, for a
period of 180 days after the Expiration Date, it will make this Prospectus
available to any Participating Broker-Dealer for use in connection with any
such resale. See "Plan of Distribution."
 
  Holders of Series A Notes not tendered and accepted in the Exchange Offer
will continue to hold such Series A Notes and will be entitled to all the
rights and benefits and will be subject to the limitations applicable thereto
under the Indenture and with respect to transfer under the Securities Act. The
Company will pay all the expenses incurred by it incident to the Exchange
Offer. See "The Exchange Offer."
 
  There has been no previous public market for the Series A Notes or the
Series B Notes. The Company does not intend to list the Series B Notes on any
securities exchange or to seek approval for quotation through any automated
quotation system. There can be no assurance that an active market for the
Series B Notes will develop. See "Risk Factors--Lack of Established Market for
the Securities." Moreover, to the extent that Series A Notes are tendered and
accepted in the Exchange Offer, the trading market for untendered and tendered
but unaccepted Series A Notes could be adversely affected.
 
  The Series B Notes will be available initially only in book-entry form. The
Company expects that the Series B Notes issued pursuant to this Exchange Offer
will be issued in the form of a "Global Certificate," which will be deposited
with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company (the "Depositary") and
registered in its name or in the name of Cede & Co., its nominee. Beneficial
interests in the Global Certificate representing the Series B Notes will be
shown on, and transfers thereof to qualified institutional buyers will be
effected through, records maintained by the Depositary and its participants.
After the initial issuance of the Global Certificate, Series B Notes in
certified form will be issued in exchange for the Global Certificate only on
the terms set forth in the Indenture.
<PAGE>
 
                        FOR PENNSYLVANIA RESIDENTS ONLY
 
  SERIES B NOTES OFFERED IN THIS EXCHANGE OFFER TO PENNSYLVANIA RESIDENTS MAY
ONLY BE EXCHANGED FOR SERIES A NOTES HELD BY PENNSYLVANIA RESIDENTS WHO ARE:
(1) "QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYERS" (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE "SECURITIES ACT") ("QIB'S")); (2)
INSTITUTIONAL "ACCREDITED INVESTORS" (AS DEFINED IN RULE 501(a)(1), (2), (3)
OR (7) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT); AND (3) INSTITUTIONAL INVESTORS AS DEFINED
BY SECTION 102(k) OF THE PENNSYLVANIA SECURITIES ACT OF 1972 AND RULE 102.111
OF THE PENNSYLVANIA CODE, AS AMENDED.
 
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
  The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed
information and financial statements, including the notes thereto, appearing
elsewhere in this Prospectus. As used herein, the term "Company" refers to Park
Newspapers, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Since Park Communications, Inc. ("Park
Communications") and its subsidiaries, including the Company, were acquired by
Park Acquisitions, Inc. ("PAI") on May 11, 1995 (the "Acquisition"), the
financial information contained herein, with respect to periods prior to the
Acquisition, does not reflect any changes in the operation or management of the
Company that have been made since the Acquisition or that the Company intends
to make in the future; thus, this financial information is not necessarily
indicative of the results of operations that would have been achieved had the
Company been owned and operated by PAI during all of the periods with respect
to which financial information is presented herein or which may be achieved in
the future. See "Index," which begins on page 89 of this Prospectus, for a
listing of terms defined in this Prospectus.
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
  The Company through its subsidiaries owns and operates 104 newspapers and
related publications in geographically diverse markets throughout the United
States. The Company's 104 newspaper publications include 28 daily newspapers
(of which 16 publish Sunday editions), 26 non-daily newspapers, and 50 "total
market coverage" publications. The Company's newspaper publications serve
readers in 43 counties in 12 states. The Company's daily newspaper publications
range in circulation from approximately 4,000 to 17,000, with a combined
average paid daily circulation of approximately 242,000. For the year ended
December 31, 1995, the Company had revenue of $78.9 million.
 
  The Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Park Communications, which was
founded in 1971 by Roy H. Park to consolidate media holdings which Mr. Park
began acquiring in 1962. Mr. Park's strategy was to complete at least one
acquisition per year and to improve operating cash flow by managing costs
rather than increasing revenue. PAI, which is effectively controlled by Dr.
Gary B. Knapp and Donald R. Tomlin, Jr., acquired Park Communications on May
11, 1995 because Messrs. Knapp and Tomlin believed the Acquisition presented a
unique opportunity to acquire a group of media assets, each with strong local
franchises in the markets in which they operate and potential revenue
enhancement opportunities. Due to the prior owner's operating strategy, the
Company's newspaper properties generally have captured a smaller relative share
of advertising dollars in their respective markets than their relative
positions would indicate. Messrs. Knapp and Tomlin, along with the Company's
experienced management team, developed and initiated a strategy to take
advantage of this opportunity to increase revenue and cash flow from
operations, while maintaining strict control over costs. Collectively, Messrs.
Knapp and Tomlin have significant business, operating and investment experience
in media, real estate and turnaround situations. The management team at Park
Communications and at the Company has substantial experience in the newspaper
industry.
 
  The Company's daily and non-daily newspapers generally combine news, sports
and features with a special emphasis on local information. The markets which
the publications serve had a combined household count of approximately 545,000
and aggregate retail sales of approximately $15.2 billion in 1995. The Company
believes that operating a geographically diverse group of newspapers reduces
the impact of the performance of any one newspaper.
 
  A major component of the Company's long-term strategy has been to operate
newspapers having a dominant position in stable, growing communities. The
Company's dailies have been in existence for an average of 111 years (with none
in existence for less than 46 years), are well established and have a strong
local brand appeal. In most cases, the dailies typically serve a small or
medium population community and are the dominant or only local newspaper in the
market. The Company believes that an added benefit of operating in these types
of communities is the workforce stability which it has experienced.
 
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
  The Company's newspaper publications serve readers in 43 counties in 12
states. Demographics USA, 1994 has forecasted that 30 of the counties which the
Company serves (or approximately 70% of the total number of counties it serves)
will experience retail sales growth during the period from 1994 through 1999
equal to or in excess of the forecast national average of 30.6% over this
period; another 11 of these counties (or approximately 26% of the total number
of counties it serves) are projected to have retail sales growth during this
period of at least 80% of the national average, with most growing at 90% or
more of the national average; and only two of these counties (Columbia and
Niagara Counties in New York) are projected to be "slow-growth" counties.
 
  BUSINESS AND OPERATING STRATEGY. The Company's operating strategy is to
increase revenue and cash flow from operations by capitalizing on the strong
local brand recognition of its newspapers. Management believes that its strong
brand recognition combined with the Company's emphasis on producing a high
quality product and improving its sales and marketing efforts will enhance the
value of the Company's publications to its readers and advertisers and result
in increased circulation, revenue and cash flow from operations.
 
  Prior to the Acquisition, the Company focused on improving cash flow from
operations through cost management rather than generation of incremental
revenue. Industry standards suggest that revenue performance of a community
newspaper equal to 0.70% to 1.25% of total retail sales in a defined market is
a reasonable target for share of market revenue. The Company ended 1995 with
advertising revenue equal to 0.52% of total retail sales in the aggregate in
the markets served by its publications. The Company believes that through new
sales and marketing programs, continued quality editorial and news leadership
and increased circulation penetration, along with continued strict cost
controls, it can capitalize on the growing markets in which it operates and
improve its share of retail advertising dollars.
 
  The Company's business and operating strategy includes the following key
elements:
 
  Strengthen Sales and Marketing Development. Since the Acquisition, the
  Company has instituted a sales force upgrade and implemented a motivation
  program which includes performance-based compensation plans, daily sales
  reports to monitor each account executive's development, and on-site
  training programs. The Company has purchased a new demographic/advertising
  research program to provide qualitative data to its sales force to better
  identify sales opportunities. The Company has also introduced advertising
  programs to generate revenue from sources new to the Company.
 
  Enhance Quality of Editorial Content, Presentation and Local News. The
  Company's publications are committed to editorial excellence and providing
  the best mix of local and national news to effectively serve their markets.
  The Company's newspapers generally have the largest local news gathering
  resources in their local markets and, through emphasizing local news,
  generally have a high degree of reader loyalty among their core circulation
  base group. The Company has recently completed a review of its daily
  newspapers' layouts and has instituted a layout redesign program for all of
  its daily newspapers to ensure that each newspaper offers attractive
  layout, design and color enhancement.
 
  Increase Circulation. Prior to the Acquisition, the Company pursued a
  circulation strategy aimed at driving circulation revenue through price
  increases. This strategy ultimately adversely impacted circulation
  penetration levels. As of December 31, 1995, the Company had only a 47%
  penetration of the occupied households in its defined market areas, a level
  which the Company believes offers significant potential for improvement.
  The Company has launched an aggressive direct marketing effort with the
  goal of improving market penetration (in the aggregate) to 70% of the
  occupied households in its defined markets.
 
  Realize Benefits From Clustering. The Company has clustered its publication
  operations regionally. With the change in strategy from cost management to
  revenue maximization and cost containment, the Company has identified and
  is implementing programs to enhance revenue available as a result of its
  clustering of operations, such as regional sales promotion programs and
  other cross-selling techniques. In addition to
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
  these revenue opportunities, consolidating the operations of groups of
  newspapers affords both operating and economic efficiencies. These
  efficiencies include, but are not limited to, the sharing of management,
  accounting and production functions. Management will continue to review its
  newspaper businesses for opportunities to merge operations to both enhance
  revenue and reduce costs.
 
  Maintain Effective Cost Controls. Expenses at each of the Company's
  publications are closely monitored to control costs without sacrificing
  revenue opportunities. The Company seeks to reduce labor costs through
  investment in modern production equipment and through the consolidation of
  operations and administrative activities associated with clustering. The
  Company's newsprint costs are approximately 10.4% of its revenue, and it
  generally enters into long-term supply contracts to reduce newsprint costs
  during periods of short supply. Management believes that the Company's
  newsprint costs as a percentage of revenue are generally lower than many of
  the other community newspaper groups. The Company's cost control
  initiatives also include group purchasing of materials and aggressive
  control of newsprint waste.
 
  Develop Additional Non-Traditional Revenue Sources. The Company has
  recently introduced new informational products and services and advertising
  programs to generate revenue from sources other than traditional newspaper
  publishing activities. These products, services and programs include voice
  personals, audio-text and incentive marketing.
 
                                 RECENT EVENTS
 
  Agreement for Sale of PAI. On July 19, 1996, PAI entered into an Agreement
  and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement") with Media General, Inc.
  ("Media General") and MG Acquisitions, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of
  Media General ("Merger Sub"). Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub
  will merge with and into PAI, with PAI surviving such merger. As a result
  of such merger, PAI will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Media General.
  The merger is expected to be consummated within seven to ten business days
  after the date on which a final order from the Federal Communications
  Commission (the "FCC") is issued permitting the change of ownership of the
  television broadcast licenses owned by PAI's subsidiaries. In addition, the
  consummation of the merger is subject to certain other conditions,
  including the expiration or early termination of the waiting period under
  the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976. There can be no
  assurance, however, that such conditions will be satisfied and that the
  merger will be consummated.
 
  The consummation of the merger would constitute a Change of Control under
  the Indenture. If there were a Rating Decline with respect to such Change
  of Control, there would be a Change of Control Triggering Event, which
  would permit each holder of Notes, subject to the terms and conditions of
  the Indenture, to require the Company to make an offer to purchase all or a
  portion of such holder's Notes. See "Description of the Notes--Change of
  Control." The Company does not believe that the execution and delivery of
  the Merger Agreement or the consummation of the merger will impact any
  other provisions of the Indenture.
 
  Media General, based in Richmond, Virginia, is an independent, publicly
  owned communications company situated primarily in the Southeast with
  interests in metropolitan newspapers, broadcast television, cable
  television, recycled newsprint production and diversified information
  services.
 
  On July 30, 1996, applications were filed with the FCC for consent to
  transfer control of PAI to Media General. Media General owns a daily
  newspaper and a cable television system within the area served by the
  Company's WTVR-TV television station, and such television/newspaper and
  television/cable television interests are generally prohibited by FCC
  rules. Media General has advised the FCC of Media General's intent to
  divest itself of WTVR-TV in order to come into compliance with those rules
  unless the rules are modified in the interim, and has requested a temporary
  waiver of the rules to allow a period of one year from the consummation of
  the merger for such divestiture.
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
 
                          THE REFINANCING TRANSACTIONS
 
  The Company sold the Series A Notes on May 13, 1996 in one of a series of
transactions (the "Refinancing Transactions"), the purpose of which was to
refinance the indebtedness under a credit agreement among Park Communications,
PAI and the lenders thereunder (the "Prior Credit Agreement"), which was
guaranteed by the Company. The Refinancing Transactions consisted of (i) the
sale of the Series A Notes, (ii) the establishment of and drawings by Park
Communications under a Senior Credit Facility between Park Communications and
certain lenders (the "Communications Senior Credit Facility") in the amount of
$58.0 million, (iii) the sale, which was completed on May 13, 1996, of 80,000
Units (the "Communications Units") consisting of $80.0 million in principal
amount of 13 3/4% Senior Pay-in-Kind Notes due 2004 of Park Communications (the
"Communications Notes") and Warrants to purchase 800,000 shares of common stock
of Park Communications (the "Communications Warrants"), (iv) the sale, which
was completed on May 13, 1996, of $241.0 million in principal amount of 11 3/4%
Senior Notes due 2004 of Park Broadcasting (the "Broadcasting Notes") and (v)
the sale, which was completed on March 25, 1996, of Park Broadcasting's WPAT-AM
and FM radio stations for aggregate gross proceeds of $103.0 million. The
Communications Senior Credit Facility, which was entered into to permit payment
in full of the Prior Credit Agreement simultaneously with the consummation of
the other Refinancing Transactions, was repaid in full on June 20, 1996.
 
  Park Broadcasting is in the process of selling its radio station operations.
As of May 6, 1996, Park Broadcasting had sold two of its radio stations and had
entered into definitive agreements providing for the divestiture of its
remaining ten AM and ten FM radio stations (such remaining stations,
collectively, the "Radio Station Assets"). Park Communications decided to
divest such operations to focus on its core television broadcasting and
newspaper publication operations, to raise cash to prepay a portion of its
existing indebtedness and to take advantage of attractive prices for which such
operations could be sold.
 
  Between May 6, 1996 and August 16, 1996, Park Broadcasting had sold an
additional 18 radio stations. Although there can be no assurance that the sale
of the remaining Radio Station Assets will occur, Park Broadcasting currently
anticipates that the sale of its last two individual radio stations will be
completed by September 15, 1996. The proceeds of sales of radio station
operations occurring after May 13, 1996 have been used to repay in full the
Communications Senior Credit Facility and to pay taxes resulting from the sale
of the radio station operations.
 
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
 
                          THE SERIES A NOTES OFFERING
 
Series A Notes................  The Series A Notes were sold by the Company on
                                May 13, 1996 to Goldman, Sachs & Co. and
                                Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
                                Incorporated (the "Initial Purchasers")
                                pursuant to a Purchase Agreement dated May 6,
                                1996 (the "Purchase Agreement"). The Initial
                                Purchasers subsequently resold the Series A
                                Notes to qualified institutional buyers in
                                reliance upon Rule 144A under the Securities
                                Act and to institutional accredited investors
                                in a manner exempt from the registration
                                requirements of the Securities Act.
 
Registration Rights             Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Company
Agreement.....................  and the Initial Purchasers entered into a
                                Registration Rights Agreement dated May 13,
                                1996 (the "Registration Rights Agreement"),
                                which grants the holders of the Series A Notes
                                certain exchange and registration rights. The
                                Exchange Offer is intended to satisfy such
                                exchange rights, which terminate upon the
                                consummation of the Exchange Offer.
 
                               THE EXCHANGE OFFER
 
Notes Offered.................  $155,000,000 aggregate principal amount of
                                Series B 11 7/8% Senior Notes due 2004.
 
The Exchange Offer............  $1,000 principal amount of Series B Notes in
                                exchange for each $1,000 principal amount of
                                Series A Notes. As of the date hereof,
                                $155,000,000 aggregate principal amount of
                                Series A Notes are outstanding. The Company
                                will issue the Series B Notes to tendering
                                holders on or promptly after the Expiration
                                Date.
 
                                Based on no-action letters issued by the staff
                                of the Commission to third parties, the Company
                                believes the Series B Notes issued pursuant to
                                the Exchange Offer may be offered for resale,
                                resold and otherwise transferred by any holder
                                thereof (other than any such holder that is an
                                "affiliate" of the Company within the meaning
                                of Rule 405 under the Securities Act) without
                                compliance with the registration and prospectus
                                delivery provisions of the Securities Act,
                                provided that such Series B Notes are acquired
                                in the ordinary course of such holder's
                                business and that such holder does not intend
                                to participate, and has no arrangement or
                                understanding with any person to participate,
                                in the distribution of such Series B Notes.
 
                                Each Participating Broker-Dealer that receives
                                Series B Notes for its own account pursuant to
                                the Exchange Offer must acknowledge that it
                                will deliver a prospectus in connection with
                                any resale of such Series B Notes. The Letter
                                of Transmittal states that by so acknowledging
                                and by delivering a prospectus, a Participating
                                Broker-Dealer will not be deemed to admit that
                                it is an "underwriter" within the meeting of
                                the Securities Act. This Prospectus, as it may
                                be amended or supplemented from time to time,
                                may be used by a Participating Broker-Dealer in
                                connection with resale of Series B Notes
                                received in exchange for Series A
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
                                Notes where such Series A Notes were acquired
                                by such Participating Broker-Dealer as a result
                                of market-making activities or other trading
                                activities. The Company has agreed that, for a
                                period of 180 days after the Expiration Date,
                                it will make this Prospectus available to any
                                Participating Broker- Dealer for use in
                                connection with any such resale. See "Plan of
                                Distribution."
 
                                Any holder who tenders in the Exchange Offer
                                with the intention to participate, or for the
                                purpose of participating, in a distribution of
                                the Series B Notes could not rely on the
                                position of the staff of the Commission
                                communicated in no-action letters and, in the
                                absence of an exception therefrom, must comply
                                with the registration and prospectus delivery
                                requirements of the Securities Act in
                                connection with any resale transaction. Failure
                                to comply with such requirements in such
                                instance may result in such holder incurring
                                liability under the Securities Act for which
                                the holder is not indemnified by the Company.
                                   
Expiration Date...............  5:00 p.m., New York City time, on October 10,
                                1996, unless the Exchange Offer is extended, in
                                which case the term "Expiration Date" means the
                                latest date and time to which the Exchange
                                latest date and time to which the Exchange
                                Offer is extended.     
Accrued Interest on the
Series B  Notes and the
Series A Notes................  Each Series B Note will bear interest from its
                                issuance date. Holders of Series A Notes that
                                are accepted for exchange will receive accrued
                                interest thereon to, but not including, the
                                issuance date of the Series B Notes. Such
                                interest will be paid with the first interest
                                payment on the Series B Notes. Interest on the
                                Series A Notes accepted for exchange will cease
                                to accrue upon issuance of the Series B Notes.
                                
                                The Exchange Offer is subject to certain
Conditions to the Exchange      customary conditions, which may be waived by
Offer.........................  the Company. See "The Exchange Offer--
                                Conditions."
 
Procedures for Tendering        Each holder of Series A Notes wishing to accept
Series........................  the Exchange Offer must complete, sign and date
                                the accompanying Letter of Transmittal, or a
                                facsimile thereof, in accordance with the
                                instructions contained herein and therein, and
                                mail or otherwise deliver such Letter of
                                Transmittal, or such facsimile, together with
                                the Series A Notes and any other required
                                documentation to the Exchange Agent (as
                                defined) at the address set forth herein. By
                                executing the Letter of Transmittal, each
                                holder will represent to the Company that,
                                among other things, the Series B Notes acquired
                                pursuant to the Exchange Offer are being
                                obtained in the ordinary course of business of
                                the person receiving such Series B Notes,
                                whether or not such person is the holder, that
                                neither the holder nor any such other person
                                has any arrangement or understanding with any
                                person to participate in the distribution of
                                such Series B Notes and that neither the holder
                                nor any such
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
                                other person is an "affiliate," as defined
                                under Rule 405 of the Securities Act, of the
                                Company. See "The Exchange Offer--Purpose and
                                Effect of the Exchange Offer" and "--Procedures
                                for Tendering."
 
Untendered Series A Notes.....  Following the consummation of the Exchange
                                Offer, holders of Series A Notes eligible to
                                participate in the Exchange Offer but who do
                                not tender their Series A Notes will not have
                                any further exchange rights and such Series A
                                Notes will continue to be subject to certain
                                restrictions on transfer. Accordingly, the
                                liquidity of the market for such Series A Notes
                                could be adversely affected.
 
Consequences of Failure to      The Series A Notes that are not exchanged
Exchange......................  pursuant to the Exchange Offer will remain
                                restricted securities. Accordingly, such Series
                                A Notes may be resold only (i) to the Company,
                                (ii) pursuant to Rule 144A or Rule 144 under
                                the Securities Act or pursuant to another
                                exemption under the Securities Act,
                                (iii) outside the United States to a foreign
                                person pursuant to the requirements of Rule 904
                                under the Securities Act or (iv) pursuant to an
                                effective registration statement under the
                                Securities Act. See "The Exchange Offer--
                                Consequences of Failure to Exchange."
 
Shelf Registration Statement..  If any holder of the Series A Notes (other than
                                any such holder which is an "affiliate" of the
                                Company within the meaning of Rule 405 under
                                the Securities Act) is not eligible under
                                applicable securities laws to participate in
                                the Exchange Offer, and such holder has
                                provided information regarding such holder and
                                the distribution of such holder's Series A
                                Notes to the Company for use therein, the
                                Company has agreed to register the Series A
                                Notes with a shelf registration statement (the
                                "Shelf Registration Statement") and use its
                                best efforts to cause it to be declared
                                effective by the Commission as promptly as
                                practical on or after the consummation of the
                                Exchange Offer. The Company has agreed to
                                maintain the effectiveness of the Shelf
                                Registration Statement for, under certain
                                circumstances, a maximum of three years, to
                                cover resales of the Series A Notes held by any
                                such holders.
 
Special Procedures for          Any beneficial owner whose Series A Notes are
Beneficial Owners.............  registered in the name of a broker, dealer,
                                commercial bank, trust company or other nominee
                                and who wishes to tender should contact such
                                registered holder promptly and instruct such
                                registered holder to tender on such beneficial
                                owner's behalf. If such beneficial owner wishes
                                to tender on such owner's own behalf, such
                                owner must, prior to completing and executing
                                the Letter of Transmittal and delivering its
                                Series A Notes, either make appropriate
                                arrangements to register ownership of the
                                Series A Notes in such owner's name or obtain a
                                properly completed bond power from the
                                registered holder. The transfer of registered
                                ownership may
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
                                take considerable time. The Company will keep
                                the Exchange Offer open for not less than 30
                                days in order to provide for the transfer of
                                registered ownership.
 
Guaranteed Delivery             Holders of Series A Notes who wish to tender
Procedures....................  their Series A Notes and whose Series A Notes
                                are not immediately available or who cannot
                                deliver their Series A Notes, the Letter of
                                Transmittal or any other documents required by
                                the Letter of Transmittal to the Exchange Agent
                                (or comply with the procedures for book-entry
                                transfer) prior to the Expiration Date must
                                tender their Series A Notes according to the
                                guaranteed delivery procedures set forth in
                                "The Exchange Offer--Guaranteed Delivery
                                Procedures."
 
Withdrawal Rights.............  Tenders may be withdrawn at any time prior to
                                5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the
                                Expiration Date.
 
Acceptance of Series A Notes
and Delivery  of Series B
Notes.........................  The Company will accept for exchange any and
                                all Series A Notes which are properly tendered
                                in the Exchange Offer prior to 5:00 p.m., New
                                York City time, on the Expiration Date. The
                                Series B Notes issued pursuant to the Exchange
                                Offer will be delivered on or promptly after
                                the Expiration Date. See "The Exchange Offer--
                                Terms of the Exchange Offer."
 
Use of Proceeds...............  There will be no cash proceeds to the Company
                                from the exchange pursuant to the Exchange
                                Offer.
 
Exchange Agent................  IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Company (the
                                "Exchange Agent").
 
                               THE SERIES B NOTES
 
General.......................  The form and terms of the Series B Notes are
                                the same as the form and terms of the Series A
                                Notes except that (i) the Series B Notes will
                                bear a "Series B" designation, (ii) the Series
                                B Notes will have been registered under the
                                Securities Act and, therefore, will not bear
                                legends restricting their transfer and (iii)
                                the holders of Series B Notes will not be
                                entitled to certain rights of holders of Series
                                A Notes under the Registration Rights
                                Agreement, including the provisions providing
                                for an increase in the interest rate on the
                                Series A Notes in certain circumstances
                                relating to the timing of the Exchange Offer,
                                which rights will terminate when the Exchange
                                Offer is consummated. See "The Exchange Offer--
                                Purpose and Effect of the Exchange Offer." The
                                Series B Notes will evidence the same debt as
                                the Series A Notes (which they replace) and
                                will be entitled to the benefits of the
                                Indenture. See "Description of the Notes."
 
Notes Offered.................  $155,000,000 aggregate principal amount of
                                Series B 11 7/8% Senior Notes due 2004.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
 
 
Maturity Date.................  May 15, 2004.
 
Interest Payment Dates........  Interest on the Notes is payable semi-annually
                                in arrears on each May 15 and November 15,
                                commencing November 15, 1996.
 
Optional Redemption...........  The Notes are redeemable at the option of the
                                Company, in whole or in part, on or after May
                                15, 2001, at the redemption prices set forth
                                herein plus accrued and unpaid interest, if
                                any, to the date of redemption. Prior to May
                                15, 1999, the Company may, at its option,
                                redeem up to $50.0 million of the aggregate
                                principal amount of Notes originally issued
                                with the net proceeds of one or more Public
                                Equity Offerings or Strategic Equity
                                Investments where the proceeds to the Company
                                of any such offering or investment are at least
                                $40.0 million, at 111.875% of the principal
                                amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid
                                interest, if any, to the date of redemption;
                                provided, however, that not less than $100.0
                                million aggregate principal amount of the Notes
                                is outstanding immediately after giving effect
                                to such redemption (other than any Notes owned
                                by the Company or any of its affiliates) and
                                such redemption is effected within 60 days of
                                such issuance or investment.
 
                                In addition, prior to May 15, 2001, upon the
                                occurrence of a Change of Control, the Company
                                may redeem the Notes, in whole but not in part,
                                at a redemption price equal to the principal
                                amount thereof plus the Applicable Premium plus
                                accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the
                                date of redemption.
 
                                The Notes are not subject to any mandatory
                                sinking fund redemption prior to maturity.
 
Change of Control.............  Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control
                                Triggering Event, each holder of the Notes will
                                have the right, subject to the terms and
                                conditions of the Indenture, to require the
                                Company to offer to purchase such holder's
                                Notes at a price equal to 101% of the principal
                                amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid
                                interest, if any, to the date of purchase.
                                There are no current legal impediments to such
                                Note purchases by the Company, such as
                                outstanding obligations of the Company which
                                pursuant to their terms would be required to be
                                repaid prior to any such Note purchases.
                                However, the Company is a holding company, and
                                as such its ability to pay its obligations will
                                be dependent primarily upon receiving dividends
                                and other payments or advances from its
                                subsidiaries or new equity. Accordingly, there
                                can be no assurance that the Company will have
                                sufficient cash or other assets to purchase any
                                of the Notes in the event that a Change in
                                Control Triggering Event were to occur, and
                                such ability will be dependent upon subsidiary
                                operating results and will be subject to
                                applicable laws and contractual restrictions.
                                See "Description of the Notes--Change of
                                Control" and "Risk Factors--Holding Company
                                Structure; Dependence on Cash Flow from
                                Subsidiaries."
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
 
 
Asset Sales...................  In the event of certain asset sales, the
                                Company will be required to offer to purchase
                                the Notes at 100% of their principal amount
                                plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to
                                the date of purchase with the net proceeds of
                                such asset sales.
 
Ranking.......................  The Notes will rank pari passu in right of
                                payment with all existing and future unsecured
                                and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company
                                and senior in right of payment to all existing
                                and future subordinated indebtedness of the
                                Company. The Notes will be effectively
                                subordinated to all secured indebtedness of the
                                Company to the extent of the assets securing
                                such indebtedness and to all existing and
                                future indebtedness and other obligations of
                                the subsidiaries of the Company. As of December
                                31, 1995, on a pro forma basis after giving
                                effect to the sale of Notes, the other
                                Refinancing Transactions and the application of
                                the net proceeds therefrom, the Company would
                                have had no secured indebtedness outstanding
                                and the subsidiaries of the Company would have
                                had $0.4 million of indebtedness outstanding.
 
Restrictive Covenants.........  The Indenture imposes certain limitations on
                                the ability of the Company and certain of its
                                subsidiaries to, among other things, (i) incur
                                additional indebtedness, (ii) pay dividends or
                                make certain other restricted payments or make
                                certain investments, (iii) consummate certain
                                asset sales, (iv) enter into certain
                                transactions with affiliates, (v) incur certain
                                liens, (vi) impose restrictions on the ability
                                of certain subsidiaries to pay dividends or
                                make certain payments to the Company, (vii)
                                merge or consolidate with any other person or
                                (viii) sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or
                                otherwise dispose of all or substantially all
                                of the assets of the Company. The restrictive
                                covenants are subject to certain exceptions and
                                qualifications. See "Description of the Notes--
                                Certain Covenants."
 
Notice to Investors...........  For additional information regarding the Notes,
                                see "Description of the Notes."
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
  Investors should consider all of the information contained in this Prospectus
before tendering their Series A Notes in the Exchange Offer. In particular,
investors should carefully consider the factors set forth under "Risk Factors"
prior to tendering their Series A Notes in the Exchange Offer.
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
 
 
          SUMMARY HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
 
  The summary historical consolidated financial data presented below have been
derived from audited financial statements of the Company as of and for the
years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 (data for the years ended December
31, 1992 and 1991 have been derived from unaudited financial statements). The
selected consolidated financial data as of June 30, 1996 and for the six months
ended June 30, 1995 presented below have been derived from unaudited financial
statements of the Company. The data presented below should be read in
conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements of Park Newspapers, Inc.
and Subsidiaries, including the notes thereto, "Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed
Consolidated Financial Statements," "Selected Historical and Pro Forma
Consolidated Financial Data" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations" included elsewhere herein. The
unaudited pro forma information does not purport to represent what the
Company's financial position or results of operations actually would have been
if the Acquisition, the Refinancing Transactions and the sale of the Radio
Station Assets (as applicable) had, in fact, occurred on the dates indicated or
to project the Company's financial position or results of operations at any
future date or for any future period.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               YEAR ENDED
                                           DECEMBER 31, 1995
                           HISTORICAL          PRO FORMA              YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                           SIX MONTHS   ------------------------ ------------------------------------
                              ENDED     TRANSACTIONS ACQUISITION
                          JUNE 30, 1996   1995 (B)    1995 (A)    1994     1993      1992      1991
                          ------------- ------------ ----------- -------  -------  --------  --------
                                                                      (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                       <C>           <C>          <C>         <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>       
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
DATA:
Revenue (c).............    $ 38,804      $ 78,904    $ 78,904   $76,810  $84,751  $ 82,584  $ 82,200
                            --------      --------    --------   -------  -------  --------  --------
Operating expenses:
 Cost of sales
  (exclusive of
  depreciation and
  amortization).........      19,205        33,810      33,810    32,364   39,221    37,628    39,444
 Selling, general and
  administrative (d)....      10,714        21,869      21,869    22,216   27,155    25,892    25,784
 Depreciation and
  amortization..........       4,380         8,167       8,167     5,816    6,895     7,247     7,614
                            --------      --------    --------   -------  -------  --------  --------
Total operating expenses
 (c)....................      34,299        63,846      63,846    60,396   73,271    70,767    72,842
                            --------      --------    --------   -------  -------  --------  --------
Operating income........       4,505        15,058      15,058    16,414   11,480    11,817     9,358
Interest expense........     (10,850)      (19,144)    (24,810)      (76)    (177)     (279)     (512)
Interest income.........         127           291         291        11       45        42        29
Other...................         (24)         (511)       (511)     (832)    (204)     (380)     (304)
                            --------      --------    --------   -------  -------  --------  --------
Income/(loss) before
 income tax.............      (6,242)       (4,306)     (9,972)   15,517   11,144    11,200     8,571
Provision/(benefit) for
 income tax.............      (2,231)         (946)     (2,792)    7,007    5,335     5,370     4,499
                            --------      --------    --------   -------  -------  --------  --------
Net income/(loss) (c)...    $ (4,011)     $ (3,360)   $ (7,180)  $ 8,510  $ 5,809  $  5,830  $  4,072
                            ========      ========    ========   =======  =======  ========  ========
Ratio of earnings to
 fixed charges (e)......         --            --          --      164.3x    56.2x     37.8x     16.9x
Deficiency of earnings
 to fixed charges (e)...    $ (6,242)     $ (4,306)   $ (9,972)      --       --        --        --
BALANCE SHEET DATA
 (AT END OF PERIOD):
Total assets............    $223,983      $225,058    $219,738   $93,060  $98,075  $115,225  $110,705
Total long-term debt,
 excluding current
 maturities.............     155,120       155,240     168,305       360      746     1,912     2,792
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA AND
RATIOS:
Capital expenditures
 (f)....................         780         2,122       2,122     2,858    1,512     2,252     1,084
</TABLE>
 
                                                  (footnotes begin on next page)
 
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
 
- -------
(a) Presented on a pro forma basis assuming that the Acquisition had occurred
    on January 1, 1995. See Note (2) to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
(b) Presented on a pro forma basis assuming that the Acquisition, the
    Refinancing Transactions and the sale of the Radio Station Assets on the
    terms described herein occurred on December 31, 1995 for balance sheet
    data and on January 1, 1995 for all other data.
(c) On December 31, 1993, the Company sold 33 newspaper publications located
    in 13 of its smaller markets. The impact of the sale of these publications
    was not material to net income in 1993. The results of operations of the
    33 newspaper publications are included in the 1993, 1992 and 1991
    operating results as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       1993     1992    1991
                                                      -------  ------- -------
     <S>                                              <C>      <C>     <C>
     Revenue......................................... $10,385  $10,812 $11,132
     Operating expenses..............................  10,551   10,707  11,304
     Operating income (loss) before depreciation and
      amortization...................................    (166)     105    (172)
</TABLE>
 
(d) Includes an allocation of certain operating expenses of Park
    Communications ("Central Corporate Overhead") from Park Communications to
    the Company as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       SIX
                                      MONTHS
                                       1996   1995   1994   1993   1992   1991
                                      ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
   <S>                                <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>
   Allocated Central Corporate Over-
    head............................  $1,322 $2,217 $1,988 $2,102 $2,280 $2,191
</TABLE>
 
  Cash payments to Park Communications from the Company to satisfy future
  allocations of Central Corporate Overhead will be subject to certain
  limitations and restrictions under the Indenture. See "Description of the
  Notes--Certain Covenants--Limitation on Restricted Payments."
(e) For purposes of this ratio, "fixed charges" are defined as interest,
    amortization of debt expense and a portion of rental expense representing
    the interest factor, and "earnings" are defined as net income (loss)
    before income taxes and fixed charges.
(f) Capital expenditures do not include the purchase in 1994 for $600 of
    certain operating equipment and facilities from RHP Incorporated, which
    the Company had been leasing.
 
 
                                      14
<PAGE>
 
                                 RISK FACTORS
 
  In addition to the other information set forth in this Prospectus, investors
should carefully review the following risk factors in evaluating whether to
tender their Series A Notes for Series B Notes in the Exchange Offer.
 
SUBSTANTIAL LEVERAGE
 
  The Company has, and after giving effect to the sale of Notes, the other
Refinancing Transactions, the repayment in full of the Communications Senior
Credit Facility and the Exchange Offer will continue to have, consolidated
indebtedness that is substantial in relation to its total stockholder's
equity. The Acquisition was financed entirely by borrowings under the Prior
Credit Agreement and existing cash-on-hand at Park Communications and its
subsidiaries. At December 31, 1995, the Company had outstanding long-term
indebtedness of approximately $168.3 million, with a total stockholder's
deficit of approximately $7.0 million. On a pro forma basis assuming that the
Acquisition had occurred on January 1, 1995, earnings were insufficient to
cover fixed charges by $10.0 million during the year ended December 31, 1995.
On a pro forma basis after giving effect to the sale of Notes, the other
Refinancing Transactions, the sale of the Radio Station Assets on the terms
described herein, the application of the net proceeds therefrom and the
repayment in full of the Communications Senior Credit Facility, earnings would
have been insufficient to cover fixed charges by approximately $4.3 million
for the year ended December 31, 1995. The Company will have significant cash
interest expense relating to its indebtedness, and a significant amount of the
Company's consolidated cash flow from operations will be required for debt
service.
 
  The degree to which the Company is leveraged could have important
consequences to holders of the Notes including, but not limited to, the
following: (i) the Company's ability to obtain additional financing in the
future for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, general
corporate or other purposes may be limited; (ii) a substantial portion of the
Company's consolidated cash flow from operations will be dedicated to the
payment of the principal of, and interest on, its consolidated debt; (iii) the
agreements governing the Company's long-term debt contain certain restrictive
financial and operating covenants which could limit the Company's ability to
compete, as well as its ability to expand; and (iv) the Company's substantial
leverage may make it more vulnerable to economic downturns, limit its ability
to withstand competitive pressures and reduce its flexibility in responding to
changing business and economic conditions. The ability of the Company to pay
interest and principal on the Notes and to satisfy its debt obligations will
be dependent on the future operating performance of the Company, which could
be affected by changes in economic conditions and other factors, including
factors beyond the control of the Company. A failure to comply with the
covenants and other provisions of its debt instruments could result in events
of default under such instruments, which could permit acceleration of the debt
under such instruments and in some cases acceleration of debt under other
instruments that contain cross-default or cross-acceleration provisions. See
"Description of Certain Indebtedness" and "Description of the Notes--Events of
Default."
 
  If the Company is unable to generate sufficient cash flow to meet its debt
obligations, the Company may be required to renegotiate the terms of the
instruments relating to its long-term debt or to refinance all or a portion of
its long-term debt. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will
be able to successfully renegotiate such terms or refinance its indebtedness,
or, if the Company were able to do so, that the terms available would be
favorable to it. In the event that the Company were unable to refinance its
indebtedness or obtain new financing under these circumstances, the Company
likely would have to consider various other options such as the sale of
certain assets to meet its required debt service, negotiation with its lenders
to restructure applicable indebtedness or other options available to it under
law. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations--Liquidity and Capital Resources."
 
HOLDING COMPANY STRUCTURE; DEPENDENCE ON CASH FLOW FROM SUBSIDIARIES
 
  The Company's operations are conducted through its direct and indirect
wholly-owned subsidiaries. As a holding company, the Company owns no
significant assets other than the capital stock of its subsidiaries.
 
                                      15
<PAGE>
 
Accordingly, the Company's ability to pay its obligations, including its
obligation to pay interest on and principal of the Notes, whether at maturity,
upon a Change of Control Triggering Event or otherwise, will be dependent
primarily upon receiving dividends and other payments or advances from its
subsidiaries or new equity. The subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal
entities and have no obligation, contingent or otherwise, to pay any amounts
due pursuant to the Notes or to make funds available therefor. The ability of
the subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other payments or advances to the
Company will depend upon their operating results and will be subject to
applicable laws and contractual restrictions.
 
EFFECTIVE SUBORDINATION; PAYMENT RESTRICTIONS
 
  The Notes will be unsecured and effectively subordinated to all existing and
future secured indebtedness of the Company to the extent of the assets
securing such indebtedness and to all existing and future indebtedness and
other obligations of the subsidiaries of the Company. As of December 31, 1995,
on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the sale of Notes, the other
Refinancing Transactions, the application of the net proceeds therefrom and
the repayment in full of the Communications Senior Credit Facility, the
Company would have had no secured indebtedness outstanding and the
subsidiaries of the Company would have had $0.4 million of indebtedness
outstanding. The claims of holders of the Notes upon any distribution of
assets of any subsidiary of the Company in the event of the liquidation or
reorganization of such subsidiary will be subordinated to the prior claims of
present and future creditors of such subsidiary. In such an event, there may
not be sufficient assets remaining to pay amounts due on any or all of the
Notes then outstanding. The Indenture permits subsidiaries of the Company to
incur indebtedness and permits the Company and its subsidiaries to secure
indebtedness other than subordinated indebtedness. See "Description of the
Notes--Certain Covenants--Limitation on Liens Securing Certain Debt."
 
RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED BY TERMS OF INDEBTEDNESS
 
  The Indenture restricts, among other things, the ability of the Company and
certain of its subsidiaries to, among other things, (i) incur additional
indebtedness, (ii) pay dividends or make certain other restricted payments or
make certain investments, (iii) consummate certain asset sales, (iv) enter
into certain transactions with affiliates, (v) incur certain liens, (vi)
impose restrictions on the ability of a Restricted Subsidiary to pay dividends
or make certain payments to the Company, (vii) merge or consolidate with any
other person or (viii) sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise
dispose of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company. A breach of
any of these covenants could result in a default under the Indenture. See
"Description of the Notes--Certain Covenants."
 
FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF BUSINESS AND OPERATING STRATEGY
 
  There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to fully implement
its business and operating strategy or that the anticipated results of its
strategy will be realized. In addition, after gaining experience with the
Company's operations under its new operating strategy, the Company and the
management team may decide to alter or discontinue certain aspects of the
operating strategy discussed herein and may adopt alternative or additional
strategies. Implementation of the strategy could also be affected by a number
of factors beyond its control, such as operating difficulties, increased
operating costs, regulatory developments, general economic conditions or
increased competition. Any such failure to implement the operating strategy or
improve the operating results of the Company could affect the ability of the
Company and its subsidiaries to service its indebtedness, including the Notes.
See "Business--Business and Operating Strategy."
 
NEWSPAPER INDUSTRY CHARACTERISTICS
 
  The Company's publishing business is concentrated in newspapers located in
cities or towns of small or medium populations in the United States. Revenue
in the newspaper industry is dependent primarily upon advertising revenue and
paid circulation. Competition for advertising and circulation revenue comes
from local and regional newspapers, radio, broadcast and cable television,
direct mail, and other communications and
 
                                      16
<PAGE>
 
advertising media. The extent and nature of such competition is, in large
part, determined by the location and demographics of the markets and the
number of media alternatives in those markets. In the Company's case, its paid
daily newspapers are the only paid daily newspapers of general circulation
published in their respective cities or towns. There are no broadcast
television stations licensed to any city or town in which the Company
publishes a daily newspaper, although regional television service is provided
by broadcast television stations licensed to larger nearby communities and by
cable television systems. Other daily newspapers published in nearby locations
are generally circulated in some of the Company's markets. Some of such
competitors are larger and have greater financial resources than the Company.
Competition for advertising revenue also arises from radio stations
broadcasting in such markets. See "Business--Competition."
 
  In recent years on-line services and other new technologies have also begun
to compete with newspapers. Although it is impossible to predict the extent of
such competition, the Company believes that such technologies are less likely
to represent significant competition in smaller markets where advertisers are
more likely to focus limited budgets on outlets such as local newspapers
having more limited coverage areas. The Company also believes that its news
collection system in the communities served by its publications positions the
Company to provide news in future electronic delivery systems.
 
  Because of the common ownership of the Company and Park Broadcasting, the
Communications Act of 1934, as amended, and certain rules of the FCC
thereunder place limitations on common ownership, operation and other
interests in broadcast stations and newspapers serving the same area. This may
affect the number, type and location of newspapers that the Company may
acquire in the future. These rules do not currently require any change in the
Company's present ownership of newspapers.
 
NEWSPRINT COSTS
 
  Newsprint represents the single largest raw material expense of the
Company's business and, together with employee costs, is one of the most
significant operating costs in the newspaper industry. Newsprint costs
increased approximately 40% per metric ton in 1995 on an industry-wide basis
and may continue to increase in 1996, although any such increases in 1996 are
not anticipated to be as significant as the 1995 increases. Newsprint expenses
represented 12%, 12% and 15% of the Company's total operating costs and
expenses for the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995, respectively.
Although the Company has implemented measures in an attempt to offset the rise
in newsprint prices, such as affording individual newspapers the ability to
purchase newsprint under master supply contracts to avoid reliance on spot
purchases, and total operating expenses, including newsprint costs, in 1995
increased by only 2.0% over 1994, newsprint price increases have had and may
continue to have an adverse effect on the Company's results of operations.
 
EFFECT OF NATIONAL AND LOCAL ECONOMIC CONDITIONS
 
  The Company's business is cyclical in nature. Because the Company relies
upon sales of advertising at its newspapers for substantially all of its
revenue, the Company's operating results are particularly susceptible to being
affected by prevailing economic conditions. Although the geographic diversity
of the Company's operations reduces the likelihood that local economic
fluctuations could materially affect the Company, it has exposure to changes
in regional and national economic conditions in the United States,
particularly as they may affect advertising expenditures and circulation
levels. Because of the substantial portion of the Company's revenue derived
from local advertisers, the Company's operating results in individual markets
could be adversely affected by local or regional economic downturns.
 
CONTROL BY STOCKHOLDERS; INDEBTEDNESS AND INVESTMENT DECISIONS BY PARK
COMMUNICATIONS
 
  Gary B. Knapp and Donald R. Tomlin, Jr. effectively control the Company.
Messrs. Knapp and Tomlin are the only directors of the Company, each with 50%
of the voting control, and, collectively, are able to control the vote on all
matters submitted to a vote of the Company's stockholder. There can be no
assurance that the interests
 
                                      17
<PAGE>
 
of Messrs. Knapp and Tomlin will not conflict with the interests of the
holders of the Notes or that a potential "deadlock" will not arise between
Messrs. Knapp and Tomlin which could have a material adverse effect on the
Company and its operations. See "Securities Ownership of Certain Beneficial
Owners."
 
  Park Communications sold the Communications Notes concurrently with the sale
of Notes and may incur additional indebtedness in the future. Park
Communications will be dependent upon its subsidiaries, including the Company,
for dividends and distributions to service such indebtedness. The Indenture
restricts the ability of the Company to pay dividends and distributions to
Park Communications, and other indebtedness of the Company may also restrict
such payments. Failure of Park Communications to pay its indebtedness when due
could result in defaults thereunder and entitle the lenders thereof to pursue
their remedies, including accelerating such indebtedness or foreclosing on the
collateral securing such indebtedness, which may include the capital stock of
the Company. Any insolvency resulting from Park Communications' inability to
pay its debts when due could result in an insolvency proceeding involving the
Company. In addition, the foreclosure upon the capital stock of the Company
securing any debt of Park Communications likely would result in a "Change of
Control" of the Company.
 
  Park Communications is not required to make any investments in or capital
contributions to the Company, whether from the proceeds of any debt incurred
in the future or otherwise, and is not limited in making investments in or
capital contributions to one subsidiary, and not another, such as to Park
Broadcasting but not the Company.
 
FRAUDULENT TRANSFER CONSIDERATIONS
 
  Under applicable provisions of the United States Bankruptcy Code or
comparable provisions of state fraudulent transfer and conveyance laws, if the
Company, at the time it issued the Notes, (a) incurred such indebtedness with
the actual intent to hinder, delay or defraud creditors or (b)(i) received
less than reasonably equivalent value or fair consideration therefor and
(ii)(A) was insolvent at the time of such incurrence, (B) was rendered
insolvent by reason of such incurrence (and the application of the proceeds
thereof), (C) was engaged or was about to engage in a business or transaction
for which the assets remaining with the Company constituted unreasonably small
capital to carry on its business or (D) intended to incur, or believed that it
would incur, debts beyond its ability to pay such debts as they mature, then,
in each such case, a court of competent jurisdiction could avoid, in whole or
in part, the Notes or, in the alternative, fashion other equitable relief such
as subordinating the Notes to existing and future indebtedness of the Company.
The measure of insolvency for purposes of the foregoing would likely vary
depending upon the law applied in such case. Generally, however, the Company
would be considered insolvent if the sum of its debts, including contingent
liabilities, was greater than all of its assets at a fair valuation, or if the
present fair-saleable value of its assets was less than the amount that would
be required to pay the probable liabilities on its existing debts, including
contingent liabilities, as such debts become absolute and matured. The
Company's management believes that, for purposes of the United States
Bankruptcy Code and state fraudulent transfer and conveyance laws, the Notes
were issued without the intent to hinder, delay or defraud creditors and for
proper purposes and in good faith; that the Company received reasonably
equivalent value or fair consideration therefor and that, after the issuance
of the Notes and the application of the net proceeds thereof, the Company is
solvent, has sufficient capital for carrying on its business and is able to
pay its debts as they mature. However, there can be no assurance that a court
passing on such issues would agree with the determination of the Company's
management.
 
LACK OF ESTABLISHED MARKET FOR THE NOTES
 
  Prior to the Exchange Offer, there has not been any public market for the
Series A Notes. The Series A Notes have not been registered under the
Securities Act and will be subject to restrictions on transferability to the
extent that they are not exchanged for Series B Notes by holders who are
entitled to participate in the Exchange Offer. The holders of Series A Notes
(other than any such holder that is an "affiliate" of the Company within the
meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act) who are not eligible to
participate in the Exchange Offer are entitled to certain registration rights,
and the Company is required to file a Shelf Registration Statement
 
                                      18
<PAGE>
 
with respect to such Series A Notes. The Series B Notes will constitute a new
issue of securities with no established trading market. The Company does not
intend to list the Series B Notes on any securities exchange or to seek their
admission to trading in any automated quotation system. The Initial Purchasers
have advised the Company that they currently intend to make a market in the
Series B Notes, but they are not obligated to do so and may discontinue such
market-making at any time without notice. In addition, such market-making
activity will be subject to the limits imposed by the Securities Act and the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and may be
limited during the Exchange Offer and the pendency of any Shelf Registration
Statement. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that an active public or
other market will develop for the Series B Notes or as to the liquidity of the
trading market for the Series B Notes. If a trading market does not develop or
is not maintained, holders of the Series B Notes may experience difficulty in
reselling the Series B Notes or may be unable to sell them at all. If a market
for the Series B Notes develops, any such market may be discontinued at any
time.
 
  If a public trading market develops for the Series B Notes, future trading
prices of the Series B Notes will depend on many factors, including, among
other things, prevailing interest rates, the Company's operating results and
the market for similar securities. Depending on prevailing interest rates, the
market for similar securities and other factors, including the financial
condition of the Company, the Series B Notes may trade at a discount from
their principal amount.
 
FAILURE TO FOLLOW EXCHANGE OFFER PROCEDURES; CONSEQUENCES OF FAILURE TO
EXCHANGE
 
  Issuance of the Series B Notes in exchange for the Series A Notes pursuant
to the Exchange Offer will be made only after a timely receipt by the Company
of such Series A Notes, a properly completed and duly executed Letter of
Transmittal and all other required documents. Therefore, holders of the Series
A Notes desiring to tender such Series A Notes in exchange for Series B Notes
should allow sufficient time to ensure timely delivery. The Company is under
no duty to give notification of defects or irregularities with respect to the
tenders of Series A Notes for exchange. Series A Notes that are not tendered
or are tendered but not accepted will, following the consummation of the
Exchange Offer, continue to be subject to the existing restrictions upon
transfer thereof and, upon consummation of the Exchange Offer, certain
registration rights under the Registration Rights Agreement will terminate. In
addition, any holder of Series A Notes who tenders in the Exchange Offer for
the purpose of participating in a distribution of the Series B Notes may be
deemed to have received restricted securities and, if so, will be required to
comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the
Securities Act in connection with any resale transactions. Each holder of the
Series A Notes (other than certain specified holders) who wishes to exchange
the Series A Notes for Series B Notes in the Exchange Offer will be required
to represent in the Letter of Transmittal that (i) it is not an affiliate of
the Company, (ii) the Series B Notes to be received by it are being acquired
in the ordinary course of its business and (iii) at the time of commencement
of the Exchange Offer, it has no arrangement with any person to participate in
the distribution (within the meaning of the Securities Act) of the Series B
Notes. Each Participating Broker-Dealer that receives Series B Notes for its
own account in exchange for Series A Notes, where such Series A Notes were
acquired by such Participating Broker-Dealer as a result of market-making
activities or other trading activities, must acknowledge that it will deliver
a prospectus in connection with any resale of such Series B Notes. See "Plan
of Distribution." To the extent that Series A Notes are tendered and accepted
in the Exchange Offer, the trading market for untendered and tendered but
unaccepted Series A Notes could be adversely affected. See "The Exchange
Offer."
 
                                      19
<PAGE>
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
  The Company through its subsidiaries owns and operates 104 newspapers and
related publications in geographically diverse markets throughout the United
States. The Company's 104 newspaper publications include 28 daily newspapers
(of which 16 publish Sunday editions), 26 non-daily newspapers, and 50 "total
market coverage" publications. For the year ended December 31, 1995, the
Company had revenue of $78.9 million.
 
  The Company's newspaper publications serve readers in 43 counties in 12
states. The Company's daily newspaper publications range in circulation from
approximately 4,000 to 17,000, with a combined average paid daily circulation
of approximately 242,000. The Company's daily and non-daily newspapers
generally combine news, sports and features with a special emphasis on local
information. The markets which the publications serve, which the Company
identifies using postal ZIP codes, had a combined household count of
approximately 545,000 and aggregate retail sales of approximately $15.2
billion in 1995. The Company believes that operating a geographically diverse
group of newspapers reduces the impact of the performance of any one
newspaper.
 
  The Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Park Communications, which,
through Park Broadcasting, also owns and operates nine network affiliated
television stations. The Company's principal offices are located at 1700 Vine
Center Office Tower, 333 West Vine Street, Lexington, Kentucky 40507, and its
telephone number is (606) 252-7275.
 
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
  The Exchange Offer is intended to satisfy certain of the Company's
obligations under the Registration Rights Agreement. The Company will not
receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of the Series B Notes in the
Exchange Offer. The net proceeds to the Company from the issuance of the Notes
were approximately $149.8 million. These net proceeds, together with net
proceeds from the issuance of the Communications Units and the Broadcasting
Notes, borrowings under the Communications Senior Credit Facility and net
proceeds from the sale of Park Broadcasting's WPAT-AM and FM radio stations,
were used to repay all outstanding indebtedness under the Prior Credit
Agreement (the "Prior Term Loan"). See "Summary--The Refinancing
Transactions."
 
                                      20
<PAGE>
 
                                CAPITALIZATION
 
  The following table sets forth the capitalization of the Company as of June
30, 1996 and December 31, 1995 and as adjusted to give effect to the sale of
Notes and the other Refinancing Transactions and the application of the net
proceeds therefrom. This table should be read in conjunction with the
Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in
this Prospectus.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   JUNE 30, 1996         DECEMBER 31, 1995
                                --------------------- ------------------------
                                PRO FORMA  HISTORICAL PRO FORMA(A)  HISTORICAL
                                ---------  ---------- ------------  ----------
                                           (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                             <C>        <C>        <C>           <C>
Short-term debt:
 Current portion of long-term
debt........................... $    126    $    126    $    126     $    126
                                --------    --------    --------     --------
  Total short-term debt........      126         126         126          126
                                --------    --------    --------     --------
Long-term debt, less current
maturities:
 Prior Credit Agreement(b).....       --          --          --      168,065
 Notes.........................  155,000     155,000     155,000           --
 Subordinated notes............      120         120         240          240
                                --------    --------    --------     --------
  Total long-term debt.........  155,120     155,120     155,240      168,305
                                --------    --------    --------     --------
Stockholder's equity:
 Common stock..................    4,150       4,150       4,150        4,150
 Additional paid in capital....   21,184      21,184      18,690(c)    (4,150)
 Intercompany receivables from
 parent........................       --          --          --       (3,355)
 Retained earnings (deficit)...   (7,657)     (7,657)     (3,814)      (3,646)
                                --------    --------    --------     --------
  Total stockholder's equity
(deficit)......................   17,677      17,677      19,026       (7,001)
                                --------    --------    --------     --------
Total capitalization........... $172,923    $172,923    $174,392     $161,430
                                ========    ========    ========     ========
</TABLE>
- --------
(a) Reflects the pro forma capitalization of the Company at December 31, 1995
    after giving effect to the Refinancing Transactions and the application of
    the net proceeds therefrom.
(b) As of December 31, 1995, due to "push down" accounting, $168,065 was
    "pushed down" to the historical balance sheet of the Company as a result
    of the Prior Credit Agreement.
(c) Reflects a capital contribution from Park Communications of $22,840 funded
    substantially with the proceeds of the sale of Communications Units.
 
                                      21
<PAGE>
 
        UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
  The Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Continuing
Operations for the six months ended June 30, 1996 and for the year ended
December 31, 1995 presents the consolidated results of continuing operations
of Park Newspapers, Inc. and Subsidiaries assuming that the Acquisition and
the application of the purchase method of accounting, the Refinancing
Transactions, the sale of the Radio Station Assets on the terms described
herein and the application of the net proceeds therefrom had been completed as
of January 1, 1996 and January 1, 1995, respectively. The Unaudited Pro Forma
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 1996 and December 31, 1995
is presented assuming the Refinancing Transactions, the sale of the Radio
Station Assets on the terms described herein and the application of the net
proceeds therefrom had been completed on June 30, 1996 and December 31, 1995,
respectively. All material adjustments necessary to reflect the transactions
are presented in the pro forma adjustments columns, which are further
described in the notes to unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial
statements.
 
  The unaudited pro forma information does not purport to represent what the
Company's financial position or results of operations actually would have been
if the Acquisition, the Refinancing Transactions, the sale of the Radio
Station Assets on the terms described herein and the application of the net
proceeds therefrom had, in fact, occurred on such date or to project the
Company's financial position or results of operations at any future date or
for any future period. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated
financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated
Financial Statements and related notes thereto included elsewhere herein.
 
 
                                      22
<PAGE>
 
                    PARK NEWSPAPERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     JUNE 30, 1996                     DECEMBER 31, 1995
                          ----------------------------------- --------------------------------------
                                                  PRO FORMA                              PRO FORMA
                                     TRANSACTION     FOR                 TRANSACTION        FOR
                          HISTORICAL ADJUSTMENTS TRANSACTIONS HISTORICAL ADJUSTMENTS    TRANSACTIONS
                          ---------- ----------- ------------ ---------- -----------    ------------
                                                  (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                       <C>        <C>         <C>          <C>        <C>            <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
 Cash...................   $  4,210                $  4,210    $    710   $ 149,400 (a)   $    710
                                                                           (175,595)(b)
                                                                             26,195 (c)
 Other current assets...      8,237                   8,237       9,564                      9,564
                           --------                --------    --------   ---------       --------
 Total current assets...     12,447                  12,447      10,274                     10,274
Property, plant and
equipment, net..........     25,395                  25,395      26,231                     26,231
Intangible assets, net..    180,442                 180,442     183,029                    183,029
Other assets............      5,699                   5,699         204       5,600 (a)      5,524
                                                                               (280)(b)
                           --------                --------    --------   ---------       --------
 Total assets...........   $223,983                $223,983    $219,738   $   5,320       $225,058
                           ========                ========    ========   =========       ========
LIABILITIES AND
 STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Total current
liabilities.............   $  8,976                $  8,976    $ 13,684   $  (7,642)(b)   $  6,042
Long-term debt-term
loan....................         --                      --     168,065    (168,065)(b)         --
Long-term debt-other....        120                     120         240                        240
Long-term debt-new
debt....................    155,000                 155,000          --     155,000 (a)    155,000
Consulting/non-compete
contracts...............      2,403                   2,403       2,778                      2,778
Deferred income taxes...     39,807                  39,807      41,972                     41,972
                           --------                --------    --------   ---------       --------
 Total liabilities......    206,306                 206,306     226,739     (20,707)       206,032
                           --------                --------    --------   ---------       --------
Stockholder's equity:
 Common stock...........      4,150                   4,150       4,150                      4,150
 Paid in capital........     21,184                  21,184      (4,150)     22,840 (c)     18,690
 Intercompany
  receivables from
  parent................         --                      --      (3,355)      3,355 (c)         --
 Retained earnings
  (deficit).............     (7,657)                 (7,657)     (3,646)       (168)(b)     (3,814)
                           --------                --------    --------   ---------       --------
 Total stockholder's
  equity (deficit)......     17,677                  17,677      (7,001)     26,027         19,026
                           --------                --------    --------   ---------       --------
 Total liabilities and
  stockholder's equity..   $223,983                $223,983    $219,738   $   5,320       $225,058
                           ========                ========    ========   =========       ========
</TABLE>
- --------
(a) Reflects the issuance of the Notes and the incurrence of related fees and
    expenses of $5.6 million.
(b) Reflects the payoff of the Prior Term Loan, accrued interest and write-off
    of related debt issue costs.
(c) Reflects the payment of the intercompany receivable and a capital
    contribution from Park Communications funded substantially with the
    proceeds of the sale of Communications Units.
 
                                      23
<PAGE>
 
                    PARK NEWSPAPERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
 UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CONTINUING OPERATIONS
                     FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             HISTORICAL
                          ------------------
                          NEW PARK  OLD PARK
                          --------  --------                 PRO FORMA                  PRO FORMA
                          5/11/95-  1/01/95-  ACQUISITION       FOR     TRANSACTION        FOR
                          12/31/95  5/10/95   ADJUSTMENTS   ACQUISITION ADJUSTMENTS    TRANSACTIONS
                          --------  --------  -----------   ----------- -----------    ------------
                                                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                       <C>       <C>       <C>           <C>         <C>            <C>
Newspaper revenue.......  $ 51,723  $27,181                  $ 78,904                    $ 78,904
                          --------  -------                  --------                    --------
Operating expenses:
 Cost of sales..........    20,783   13,027                    33,810                      33,810
 Selling, general and
  administrative........    15,107    6,762                    21,869                      21,869
 Depreciation...........     1,621      833     $    83 (a)     2,537                       2,537
 Amortization...........     2,356      524         808 (a)     3,688                       3,688
 Amortization of excess
  cost..................     1,241      664          37 (a)     1,942                       1,942
                          --------  -------     -------      --------                    --------
                            41,108   21,810         928        63,846                      63,846
                          --------  -------     -------      --------                    --------
Operating income........    10,615    5,371        (928)       15,058                      15,058
Interest expense........   (15,851)     (23)     (8,936)(b)   (24,810)   $ 24,723 (e)     (19,144)
                                                                          (19,057)(f)
Interest income.........       186        3         102 (c)       291                         291
Other expense...........       (26)    (485)                     (511)                       (511)
                          --------  -------     -------      --------    --------        --------
(Loss) income from
 continuing operations
 before income taxes....    (5,076)   4,866      (9,762)       (9,972)      5,666          (4,306)
Provision (benefit) for
 income taxes...........    (1,430)   2,222      (3,584)(d)    (2,792)      1,846 (g)        (946)
                          --------  -------     -------      --------    --------        --------
(Loss) income from
 continuing operations..  $ (3,646) $ 2,644     $(6,178)     $ (7,180)   $  3,820        $ (3,360)
                          ========  =======     =======      ========    ========        ========
Loss per share..........                                     $(162.63)                   $ (76.10)
                                                             ========                    ========
Average shares..........                                       44,150                      44,150
                                                             ========                    ========
</TABLE>
- --------
(a) To adjust depreciation and amortization expense to reflect the application
    of the purchase method of accounting for the Acquisition as if it occurred
    on January 1, 1995.
(b) To record the additional interest expense on the Prior Term Loan as if it
    had been incurred on January 1, 1995.
(c) To reflect estimated annualized amounts to be earned on intercompany
    advances.
(d) Pro forma income tax benefit has been computed at an overall effective
    rate of 28.0%. This rate gives effect to non-deductible goodwill.
(e) To eliminate interest expense incurred on the Prior Term Loan.
(f) To record interest expense attributable to the Notes: principal $155.0
    million, stated rate 11.875%, and record one year of amortization of new
    debt issuance costs of $5.6 million (overall effective rate of
    approximately 12.8%).
(g) Pro forma income tax benefit has been computed at the marginal rate of
    32.6% times the pro forma interest adjustment.
 
                                      24
<PAGE>
 
                    PARK NEWSPAPERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
 UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CONTINUING OPERATIONS
                    FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    PRO FORMA
                                                     TRANSACTION       FOR
                                          HISTORICAL ADJUSTMENTS   TRANSACTIONS
                                          ---------- -----------   ------------
<S>                                       <C>        <C>           <C>
Newspaper revenue........................  $38,804                   $38,804
                                           -------                   -------
Operating expenses:
 Cost of sales...........................   19,205                    19,205
 Selling, general and administrative.....   10,714                    10,714
 Depreciation............................    1,584                     1,584
 Amortization............................    1,807                     1,807
 Amortization of excess cost.............      989                       989
                                           -------                   -------
                                            34,299                    34,299
                                           -------                   -------
Operating income.........................    4,505                     4,505
Interest expense.........................  (10,850)    $10,806 (a)    (9,573)
                                                        (9,529)(b)
Interest income..........................      127                       127
Other expense............................      (24)                      (24)
                                           -------     -------       -------
(Loss) income from continuing operations
 before income taxes.....................   (6,242)      1,277        (4,965)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes.....   (2,231)        416 (c)    (1,815)
                                           -------     -------       -------
(Loss) income from continuing
 operations..............................  $(4,011)    $   861       $(3,150)
                                           =======     =======       =======
Loss per share...........................  $(90.85)                  $(71.35)
                                           =======                   =======
Average shares...........................   44,150                    44,150
                                           =======                   =======
</TABLE>
- --------
(a) To eliminate interest expense incurred on the Prior Term Loan.
(b) To record interest expense attributable to the Notes: principal $155.0
    million, stated rate 11.875%, and record six months of amortization of new
    debt issuance costs of $5.6 million (overall effective rate of
    approximately 12.8%).
(c) Pro forma income tax benefit has been computed at the marginal rate of
    31.4% times the pro forma interest adjustment.
 
                                      25
<PAGE>
 
         SELECTED HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
 
  The selected historical consolidated financial data presented below have
been derived from audited financial statements of the Company as of and for
the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 (data for the years ended
December 31, 1992 and 1991 have been derived from unaudited financial
statements). The selected consolidated financial data as of June 30, 1996 and
for the six months ended June 30, 1996 presented below have been derived from
unaudited financial statements of the Company. The data presented below should
be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements of Park
Newspapers, Inc. and Subsidiaries, including the notes thereto, "Unaudited Pro
Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements" and "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations"
included elsewhere herein. The unaudited pro forma information does not
purport to represent what the Company's financial position or results of
operations actually would have been if the Acquisition, the Refinancing
Transactions and the sale of the Radio Station Assets (as applicable) had, in
fact, occurred on the dates indicated or to project the Company's financial
position or results of operations at any future date or for any future period.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               YEAR ENDED
                                           DECEMBER 31, 1995
                           HISTORICAL          PRO FORMA              YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                           SIX MONTHS   ------------------------ ------------------------------------
                              ENDED     TRANSACTIONS ACQUISITION
                          JUNE 30, 1996   1995 (B)    1995 (A)    1994     1993      1992      1991
                          ------------- ------------ ----------- -------  -------  --------  --------
                                                                      (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                       <C>           <C>          <C>         <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>       
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
DATA:
Revenue (c).............    $ 38,804      $ 78,904    $ 78,904   $76,810  $84,751  $ 82,584  $ 82,200
                            --------      --------    --------   -------  -------  --------  --------
Operating expenses:
 Cost of sales
  (exclusive of
  depreciation and
  amortization).........      19,205        33,810      33,810    32,364   39,221    37,628    39,444
 Selling, general and
  administrative (d)....      10,714        21,869      21,869    22,216   27,155    25,892    25,784
 Depreciation and
  amortization..........       4,380         8,167       8,167     5,816    6,895     7,247     7,614
                            --------      --------    --------   -------  -------  --------  --------
Total operating expenses
 (c)....................      34,299        63,846      63,846    60,396   73,271    70,767    72,842
                            --------      --------    --------   -------  -------  --------  --------
Operating income........       4,505        15,058      15,058    16,414   11,480    11,817     9,358
Interest expense........     (10,850)      (19,144)    (24,810)      (76)    (177)     (279)     (512)
Interest income.........         127           291         291        11       45        42        29
Other...................         (24)         (511)       (511)     (832)    (204)     (380)     (304)
                            --------      --------    --------   -------  -------  --------  --------
Income/(loss) before
 income tax.............      (6,242)       (4,306)     (9,972)   15,517   11,144    11,200     8,571
Provision/(benefit) for
 income tax.............      (2,231)         (946)     (2,792)    7,007    5,335     5,370     4,499
                            --------      --------    --------   -------  -------  --------  --------
Net income/(loss) (c)...    $ (4,011)     $ (3,360)   $ (7,180)  $ 8,510  $ 5,809  $  5,830  $  4,072
                            ========      ========    ========   =======  =======  ========  ========
Ratio of earnings to
 fixed charges (e)......         --            --          --      164.3x    56.2x     37.8x     16.9x
Deficiency of earnings
 to fixed charges (e)...    $ (6,242)     $ (4,306)   $ (9,972)      --       --        --        --
BALANCE SHEET DATA
 (AT END OF PERIOD):
Total assets............    $223,983      $225,058    $219,738   $93,060  $98,075  $115,225  $110,705
Total long-term debt,
 excluding current
 maturities.............     155,120       155,240     168,305       360      746     1,912     2,792
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA
 AND RATIOS:
Capital expenditures
 (f)....................         780         2,122       2,122     2,858    1,512     2,252     1,084
</TABLE>
 
                                                 (footnotes begin on next page)
 
                                      26
<PAGE>
 
- --------
(a) Presented on a pro forma basis assuming that the Acquisition had occurred
    on January 1, 1995. See Note (2) to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
(b) Presented on a pro forma basis assuming that the Acquisition, the
    Refinancing Transactions and the sale of the Radio Station Assets on the
    terms described herein occurred on December 31, 1995 for balance sheet
    data and on January 1, 1995 for all other data.
(c) On December 31, 1993, the Company sold 33 newspaper publications located
    in 13 of its smaller markets. The impact of the sale of these publications
    was not material to net income in 1993. The results of operations of the
    33 newspaper publications are included in the 1993, 1992 and 1991
    operating results as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       1993     1992    1991
                                                      -------  ------- -------
     <S>                                              <C>      <C>     <C>
     Revenue......................................... $10,385  $10,812 $11,132
     Operating expenses..............................  10,551   10,707  11,304
     Operating income (loss) before depreciation and
      amortization...................................    (166)     105    (172)
</TABLE>
 
(d) Includes an allocation of Central Corporate Overhead from Park
    Communications to the Company as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     SIX
                                    MONTHS
                                     1996   1995   1994   1993   1992   1991
                                    ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ -------
   <S>                              <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>
   Allocated Central Corporate
    Overhead....................... $1,322 $2,217 $1,988 $2,102 $2,280 $ 2,191
</TABLE>
 
   Cash payments to Park Communications from the Company to satisfy future
   allocations of Central Corporate Overhead will be subject to certain
   limitations and restrictions under the Indenture. See "Description of the
   Notes--Certain Covenants--Limitation on Restricted Payments."
(e) For purposes of this ratio, "fixed charges" are defined as interest,
    amortization of debt expense and a portion of rental expense representing
    the interest factor, and "earnings" are defined as net income (loss)
    before income taxes and fixed charges.
(f) Capital expenditures do not include the purchase in 1994 for $600 of
    certain operating equipment and facilities from RHP Incorporated, which
    the Company had been leasing.
 
                                      27
<PAGE>
 
  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
                                  OPERATIONS
 
INTRODUCTION
 
  The Company's results of operations have been affected by: (i) the
acquisition of Park Communications and its subsidiaries, including the
Company, from the estate of Roy H. Park, its original owner, by PAI on May 11,
1995, (ii) the development and implementation of new operating strategies and
initiatives by PAI and (iii) the sale of 33 publications in December 1993 for
$6.3 million. As a result, period-to-period historical and future comparisons
may be difficult without the following overview.
 
  The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statement of operations for
the year ended December 31, 1995 presents the consolidated results of
operations of the Company assuming the Acquisition and the application of the
purchase method of accounting had been completed as of January 1, 1995. All
material adjustments necessary to reflect the Acquisition as if it had
occurred on such date are included in the 1995 pro forma column. Such
adjustments are described further in the notes to unaudited pro forma
condensed consolidated financial statements. The unaudited pro forma
information does not purport to represent what the Company's financial
position or results of operations actually would have been if the Acquisition
had, in fact, occurred on such date or to project the Company's financial
position or results of operations at any future date or for any future period.
The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements should be
read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related
notes thereto included elsewhere herein.
 
  PAI acquired Park Communications and its subsidiaries from the estate of Roy
H. Park on May 11, 1995 for $711.4 million. PAI financed the Acquisition with
borrowings under the Prior Credit Agreement and existing cash-on-hand at Park
Communications and its subsidiaries. The Acquisition was accounted for under
purchase accounting and involved, among other things, the write-up of certain
assets. As a result of the Acquisition, interest expense and depreciation and
amortization expense increased substantially. See "Unaudited Pro Forma
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements."
 
  Mr. Park had operated the Company's business with a primary focus on
improving cash flow from operations by managing costs rather than on
increasing revenue. The Company's management believes its newspaper
publications, under ownership by Mr. Park, had underperformed relative to
industry standards. Under new ownership, the Company has focused on revenue
and cash flow generation. In particular, the Company (i) hired new senior
management, (ii) is substantially upgrading its sales force, (iii) invested in
information systems to better equip its sales force and (iv) enhanced its
marketing and promotional efforts. Certain of these strategies have been
implemented gradually since the Acquisition. In many cases, the costs of these
strategies have been incurred without sufficient time for the revenue benefits
to be recognized. The Company has designed these strategies in an effort to
increase revenue and cash flow from operations to levels more comparable to
industry standards.
 
  In December 1993, the Company sold 33 publications for gross proceeds of
$6.3 million. The 33 publications contributed $10.4 million to revenue for the
year ended December 31, 1993. As a result, comparisons between periods prior
to and after the divestiture may be difficult.
 
OVERVIEW OF OPERATIONS
 
  The Company through its subsidiaries owns and operates 104 community
newspapers and related publications. Revenue of the Company is derived
primarily from advertising revenue and, to a lesser extent, from paid
circulation and commercial print jobs. The primary operating expenses involved
in owning and operating newspaper publications are employee compensation,
newsprint, circulation delivery costs, news gathering and the solicitation of
advertising. In addition, the Company has historically made payments to Park
Communications for the costs allocated to the Company associated with Park
Communications' providing management supervisory functions, internal auditing,
consolidated financial statements and tax preparation, centralized cash
 
                                      28
<PAGE>
 
management services, benefits administration and other corporate services. The
Company intends to continue to make such payments to Park Communications for
the provision of such services, subject to certain limitations and
restrictions, including those pursuant to the terms of the Indenture.
 
  Newspaper advertising rates and rate structures are generally based on
circulation and type of advertising, such as classified or display and
national or retail. Substantially all of the Company's total publication
advertising revenue is derived from local retailers and classified
advertisers. Advertisements in community newspapers such as the Company's
publications are generally less expensive to advertisers than larger, non-
local publications or electronic media. Local and regional advertising is sold
by regional sales representatives who receive a commission.
 
  Circulation revenue is primarily derived from home delivery sales of paid
daily and non-daily newspapers to subscribers and through single-copy sales
made through retailers and vending racks. Over 80% of the Company's
circulation revenue is derived from subscription sales.
 
  The Company's newsprint costs are approximately 10.4% of revenue, which the
Company believes compares favorably to other community newspaper groups. The
Company believes that its group purchasing of newsprint and attention to
efficiency and waste control are responsible for this favorable comparison.
 
  The Company's advertising revenue is generally the highest in the second and
fourth quarters of each year. The increase is due to increased advertising in
the spring and in the periods leading up to and including the Christmas
holiday season. In addition, political advertising increases the Company's
revenue during election years and is typically heaviest during the fourth
quarters of those years. However, management believes that fluctuations in its
political advertising revenue are tempered by the levels of political activity
in the areas in which it operates.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
  The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain financial
items and percentage relationships:
<TABLE>
 
<CAPTION>
                                                        PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30,                 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                    ------------------------------  ---------------------------------------------
                                                                     1995             1995
                                                     1996     %    PRO FORMA   %    PRO FORMA   %     1994     %     1993     %
                                                    ------- -----  --------- -----  --------- -----  ------- -----  ------- -----
                                                                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                 <C>     <C>    <C>       <C>    <C>       <C>    <C>     <C>    <C>     <C>
Revenue:
 Local..................................            $12,200  31.4%  $12,162   31.6%  $25,394   32.2% $24,890  32.4% $26,846  31.7%
 Circulation............................              9,336  24.1     9,207   23.9    18,726   23.7   17,281  22.5   19,373  22.9
 Classified.............................              6,335  16.3     6,229   16.2    12,455   15.8   11,978  15.6   11,832  14.0
 Preprint...............................              2,619   6.7     2,772    7.2     5,838    7.4    5,743   7.5    5,817   6.9
 National...............................                253   0.7       235    0.6       523    0.7      575   0.7      799   0.9
 Political..............................                154   0.4        60    0.2       215    0.3      577   0.8      222   0.3
 Other (includes nondailies and
  shoppers).............................              7,907  20.4     7,825   20.3    15,753   19.9   15,766  20.5   19,862  23.3
                                                    -------         -------          -------         -------        -------
  Total.................................             38,804 100.0%   38,490  100.0%   78,904  100.0%  76,810 100.0%  84,751 100.0%
                                                    -------         -------          -------         -------        -------
Operating expenses:
 Costs of sales.........................             19,205  49.5%   19,348   50.3%   33,810   42.8%  32,364  42.1%  39,221  46.3%
 Selling, general and administrative....             10,714  27.6     8,228   21.4    21,869   27.7   22,216  28.9   27,155  32.0
 Depreciation and  amortization.........              4,380  11.3     4,082   10.6     8,167   10.4    5,816   7.6    6,895   8.1
                                                    -------         -------          -------         -------        -------
  Total.................................             34,299          31,658           63,846          60,396         73,271
                                                    -------         -------          -------         -------        -------
 Operating income.......................             $4,505  11.6%   $6,832   17.8%  $15,058   19.1% $16,414  21.4% $11,480  13.6%
                                                    =======         =======          =======         =======        =======
</TABLE>
 
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED) COMPARED WITH SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE
30, 1995 (PRO FORMA UNAUDITED)
 
  Revenue. Gross revenue for the six months ended June 30, 1996 was $38.8
million compared to $38.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 1995, an
increase of $0.3 million, or 0.8%. Revenue for the first six
 
                                      29
<PAGE>
 
months of 1996 increased primarily due to increased advertising revenue.
However, revenue for the first six months of 1996 was adversely affected in
the first quarter by severe winter weather in many of the markets the Company
serves. Major snow and ice storms in January and February caused many
advertisers to close their businesses and cancel scheduled advertising.
 
  Operating Expenses. Operating expenses (excluding depreciation and
amortization) for the six months ended June 30, 1996 were $29.9 million
compared to $27.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 1995, an increase
of $2.3 million, or 8.3%. The dollar increase was primarily due to increased
newsprint costs and increased costs related to upgrading the sales staff
compensation plans.
 
  Newsprint expenses for the six months ended June 30, 1996 were $4.8 million
compared to $3.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 1995, an increase
of $1.1 million or 29.7%. The increase was primarily a result of industry-wide
higher newsprint prices. Newsprint prices have decreased significantly in July
1996.
 
  Depreciation and amortization for the six months ended June 30, 1996 was
$4.4 million compared to $4.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 1995,
an increase of $0.3 million, or 7.3%. As a percentage of newspaper revenue,
depreciation and amortization was 11.3% for the six months ended June 30, 1996
compared to 10.6% for the six months ended June 30, 1995.
 
  Operating Income. Operating income for the six months ended June 30, 1996
was $4.5 million compared to $6.8 million for the six months ended June 30,
1995, a decrease of $2.3 million, or 33.8%. The decrease was a result of
expenses increasing more than operating revenue as described above. Operating
income includes $1.3 million and $1.0 million of allocated Central Corporate
Overhead for the six months ended June 30, 1996 and June 30, 1995,
respectively.
 
  Interest Expense. Interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 1996
was $10.9 million compared to $11.5 million for the six months ended June 30,
1995. The decrease was due to the decrease in total debt and interest rates as
a result of the recently completed refinancing.
 
  Income Taxes. Income taxes (benefit) for the six months ended June 30, 1996
were ($2.2) million compared to ($1.5) million for the six months ended June
30, 1995, an increase in the benefit of $0.7 million. The increase in the
benefit was due to the increase in the taxable loss primarily the result of
the decrease in operating income. The effective tax benefit rate for the six
months ended June 30, 1996 was 35%, compared to an effective tax benefit rate
of 31% for the six months ended June 30, 1995. The change in the effective
rate is due to amortization of nondeductible goodwill being a larger component
of the loss before income taxes in the six month period ended June 30, 1995
than in the same period in 1996.
 
  Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations. Income (loss) from continuing
operations for the six months ended June 30, 1996 was ($4.0) million compared
to ($3.3) million for the six months ended June 30, 1995, an increase in the
loss of $0.7 million.
 
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 (PRO FORMA UNAUDITED) COMPARED WITH YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 1994
 
  Revenue. Gross revenue for the year ended December 31, 1995 was $78.9
million compared to $76.8 million for the year ended December 31, 1994, an
increase of $2.1 million, or 2.7%. The increase was primarily due to an
increase in circulation revenue of $1.4 million resulting from price
increases, partially offset by a reduction in political advertising revenue of
$0.4 million.
 
                                      30
<PAGE>
 
  Local advertising revenue for the year ended December 31, 1995 was $25.4
million compared to $24.9 million for the year ended December 31, 1994, an
increase of $0.5 million, or 2.0%.
 
  Classified revenue for the year ended December 31, 1995 was $12.5 million
compared to $12.0 million for the year ended December 31, 1994, an increase of
$0.5 million, or 4.1%. The increase was the result of several initiatives by
the Company to increase classified revenue.
 
  Operating Expenses. Operating expenses (excluding depreciation and
amortization) for the year ended December 31, 1995 were $55.7 million compared
to $54.6 million for the year ended December 31, 1994, an increase of $1.1
million, or 2.0%. As a percentage of newspaper revenue, operating expenses
(excluding depreciation and amortization) were 70.5% in 1995 compared to 71.0%
in 1994. The dollar increase was primarily due to increased newsprint costs,
partially offset by reductions in other operating expenses of $0.8 million
which were primarily due to a decrease in consulting/non-compete expense,
since no value was assigned to these contracts after the Acquisition, and the
effect of the consolidation of five production facilities.
 
  Newsprint expenses for the year ended December 31, 1995 were $8.2 million
compared to $6.3 million for the year ended December 31, 1994, an increase of
$1.9 million or 29.4%. As a percentage of newspaper revenue, newsprint
expenses were 10.4% in 1995 compared to 8.3% in 1994. The increase was
primarily a result of industry-wide higher newsprint prices.
 
  Depreciation and amortization for the year ended December 31, 1995 was $8.2
million compared to $5.8 million for the year ended December 31, 1994, an
increase of $2.4 million, or 41.4%. As a percentage of newspaper revenue,
depreciation and amortization was 10.4% in 1995 compared to 7.6% in 1994. The
increase was primarily due to the write-up of assets as a result of the
Acquisition.
 
  Operating Income. Operating income for the year ended December 31, 1995 was
$15.1 million compared to $16.4 million for the year ended December 31, 1994,
a decrease of $1.3 million, or 7.9%. As a percentage of newspaper revenue,
operating income was 19.1% in 1995 compared to 21.4% in 1994. The decrease was
a result of operating expenses increasing more than revenue as described
above. Operating income includes $2.2 million and $2.0 million of allocated
Central Corporate Overhead for 1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
  Interest Expense. Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 1995 was
$24.8 million compared to $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 1994,
an increase of $24.7 million. The increase was primarily due to the increase
in total debt as a result of the financing for the Acquisition.
 
  Income Taxes. Income taxes for the year ended December 31, 1995 was ($2.8)
million compared to $7.0 million for the year ended December 31, 1994, a
decrease of $9.8 million. The decrease was due to the decrease in taxable
income as a result of the increase in depreciation and amortization and
interest expense resulting from the Acquisition. The effective tax rate for
1995 reflects a tax benefit rate of 28%, compared to an effective tax expense
rate of 45% in 1994. The change in the effective rate is due to the increase
in the amortization of nondeductible goodwill resulting from purchase
accounting adjustments.
 
  Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations. Income (loss) from continuing
operations for the year ended December 31, 1995 was ($7.2) million compared to
$8.5 million for the year ended December 31, 1994, a decrease of $15.7
million. The decrease was primarily due to the increase in depreciation and
amortization and interest expense as a result of the Acquisition.
 
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994 COMPARED WITH YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993
 
  Revenue. Gross revenue for the year ended December 31, 1994 was $76.8
million compared to $84.8 million for the year ended December 31, 1993, a
decrease of $8.0 million, or 9.4%. The decrease was primarily due to the sale
of 33 publications in December 1993 which was responsible for $10.4 million in
decreased revenue, partially offset by an increase in political advertising
revenue of $0.4 million.
 
                                      31
<PAGE>
 
  Local advertising revenue for the year ended December 31, 1994 was $24.9
million compared to $26.8 million for the year ended December 31, 1993, a
decrease of $1.9 million, or 7.1%, primarily because of the sale of 33
publications in December 1993.
 
  Classified revenue for the year ended December 31, 1994 was $12.0 million
compared to $11.8 million for the year ended December 31, 1993, an increase of
$0.2 million, or 1.7%.
 
  Operating Expenses. Operating expenses (excluding depreciation and
amortization) for the year ended December 31, 1994 were $54.6 million compared
to $66.4 million for the year ended December 31, 1993, a decrease of $11.8
million, or 17.8%. As a percentage of newspaper revenue, operating expenses
(excluding depreciation and amortization) were 71.0% in 1994 compared to 78.3%
in 1993. Of the decrease, $10.6 million resulted from the sale of 33
publications. The remainder was principally a result of the effectiveness of
the Company's cost control programs and decreases in newsprint expense of $0.3
million and in insurance expense of $0.3 million.
 
  Newsprint expenses for the year ended December 31, 1994 were $6.3 million
compared to $7.6 million for the year ended December 31, 1993, a decrease of
$1.3 million, or 17.1%. As a percentage of newspaper revenue, newsprint
expenses were 8.3% in 1994 compared to 9.0% in 1993. The decrease was
primarily due to the sale of 33 publications in December 1993.
 
  Depreciation and amortization for the year ended December 31, 1994 was $5.8
million compared to $6.9 million for the year ended December 31, 1993, a
decrease of $1.1 million, or 15.9%. As a percentage of newspaper revenue,
depreciation and amortization was 7.6% in 1994 compared to 8.1% in 1993, a
decrease caused, in part, by the sale of 33 publications in December 1993.
 
  Operating Income. Operating income for the year ended December 31, 1994 was
$16.4 million compared to $11.5 million for the year ended December 31, 1993,
an increase of $4.9 million, or 42.6%. As a percentage of newspaper revenue,
operating income was 21.4% in 1994 compared to 13.6% in 1993. The increase was
a result of operating expenses decreasing more than revenue as described
above. Operating income includes $2.0 million and $2.1 million of allocated
Central Corporate Overhead for 1994 and 1993, respectively.
 
  Interest Expense. Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 1994 was
$0.1 million compared to $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 1993.
 
  Income Taxes. Income taxes for the year ended December 31, 1994 were $7.0
million compared to $5.3 million for the year ended December 31, 1993, an
increase of $1.7 million, or 32.1%.
 
  Income from Continuing Operations. Income from continuing operations for the
year ended December 31, 1994 was $8.5 million compared to $5.8 million for the
year ended December 31, 1993, an increase of $2.7 million, or 46.6%.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
  The Company derives substantially all of its cash flow from its
subsidiaries. The Company's primary sources of liquidity in the future will be
dividends from its subsidiaries and tax sharing payments pursuant to a tax
sharing agreement among the Company and its subsidiaries. The Company's
subsidiaries' principal source of liquidity is net cash provided by operating
activities. Net cash provided by operating activities decreased from $9.8
million for the year ended December 31, 1994 to $9.3 million for the year
ended December 31, 1995. The Company believes that it will have sufficient
liquidity during the next 12 months to meet its future capital expenditure and
working capital requirements, debt service and other obligations. The amount
of cash required during the next 12 months to service the debt resulting from
the Refinancing Transactions for the Company is approximately $18.4 million.
 
                                      32
<PAGE>
 
  Capital expenditures decreased from $3.5 million for the year ended December
31, 1994 to $2.1 million for the year ended December 31, 1995. Capital
expenditures in 1994 included the purchase of color printing equipment
totaling $1.7 million and the purchase of property from RHP Incorporated, a
company owned and operated by the estate of Mr. Park, for $0.6 million.
Capital expenditures in 1996 are expected to be approximately $1.5 million,
including $1.0 million principally for capital replacement purposes and $0.5
million for consolidation of the Concord and Kannapolis, North Carolina
facilities. Historically, the Company has financed capital expenditures
through internally generated cash flow. The Company expects to finance capital
expenditures in the future through cash flow from operations.
 
  The Company sold the Series A Notes on May 13, 1996 as part of the
Refinancing Transactions, the purpose of which was to refinance the
indebtedness under the Prior Credit Agreement, which was guaranteed by the
Company. The Refinancing Transactions consisted of (i) the sale of the Series
A Notes, (ii) the establishment of and drawings under the Senior Credit
Facility in the amount of $58.0 million, (iii) the sale, which was completed
on May 13, 1996, of 80,000 Units consisting of $80.0 million in principal
amount of 13 3/4% Senior Pay-in-Kind Notes due 2004 of Park Communications and
Warrants to purchase 800,000 shares of Common Stock of Park Communications,
(iv) the sale, which was completed on May 13, 1996, of $241.0 million in
principal amount of 11 3/4% Senior Notes due 2004 of Park Broadcasting and (v)
the sale, which was completed on March 25, 1996, of Park Broadcasting's WPAT-
AM and FM radio stations for aggregate gross proceeds of $103.0 million.
 
  The sale of Park Communications' radio station operations will result in the
consolidated group of which the Company is a part (and which also includes
PAI, Park Communications and Park Broadcasting and its subsidiaries) being
obligated to pay income taxes of approximately $65.4 million in connection
therewith assuming the sales of all Radio Station Assets are completed on the
terms in effect on the date hereof. The Communications Senior Credit Facility
(which was repaid in full on June 20, 1996) required that the loans
outstanding thereunder be repaid from the proceeds of the sale of each of the
Radio Station Assets (other than the KEZX-AM and KWJZ-FM radio stations in
Seattle, Washington, the assets of which were not subject to the lien of the
Communications Senior Credit Facility) regardless of the taxes owed with
respect to such sale until such loan is repaid in full.
 
  For a further discussion relating to the Company's liquidity, see "Risk
Factors--Substantial Leverage."
 
INCOME TAXES
 
  PAI and its subsidiaries (including the Company) file a consolidated federal
income tax return and separate state or local tax returns as required. See
"Business--Tax Sharing Agreement."
 
                                      33
<PAGE>
 
                                   BUSINESS
 
  The Company through its subsidiaries owns and operates 104 newspapers and
related publications in geographically diverse markets throughout the United
States. The Company's 104 newspaper publications include 28 daily newspapers,
26 non-daily newspapers and 50 "total market coverage" publications
("shoppers"). The Company's daily and non-daily newspapers generally combine
news, sports and features with a special emphasis on local information. The
markets which the publications serve, which the Company identifies using
postal ZIP codes, had a combined household count of approximately 545,000 and
aggregate retail sales of approximately $15.2 billion in 1995. The Company has
enjoyed a history of journalistic excellence and effective community
relations. For the year ended December 31, 1995, the Company had revenue of
$78.9 million.
 
  The Company's newspaper publications serve readers in 43 counties in 12
states. Demographics USA, 1994 has forecasted that 30 of the counties which
the Company serves (or approximately 70% of the total number of counties it
serves) will experience retail sales growth during the period from 1994
through 1999 equal to or in excess of the forecast national average of 30.6%
over this period; another 11 of these counties (or approximately 26% of the
total number of counties it serves) are projected to have retail sales growth
during this period of at least 80% of the national average, with most growing
at 90% or more of the national average; and only two of these counties
(Columbia and Niagara Counties in New York) are projected to be "slow-growth"
counties.
 
  The Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Park Communications, which was
founded in 1971 by Roy H. Park to consolidate media holdings which Mr. Park
began acquiring in 1962. Mr. Park's strategy was to complete at least one
acquisition per year and to improve operating cash flow by managing costs
rather than increasing revenue. PAI, which is effectively controlled by Gary
B. Knapp and Donald R. Tomlin, Jr., acquired Park Communications on May 11,
1995. Messrs. Knapp and Tomlin believed the Acquisition presented a unique
opportunity to acquire a group of media assets, each with strong local
franchises in the markets in which they operate and potential revenue
enhancement opportunities. Due to the prior owner's operating strategy, the
Company's properties generally have captured a smaller relative share of
advertising dollars in their respective markets than their relative positions
would indicate. Messrs. Knapp and Tomlin, along with the Company's experienced
management team, developed and initiated a strategy to take advantage of this
opportunity to increase revenue and cash flow from operations, while
maintaining strict control over costs. Collectively, Messrs. Knapp and Tomlin
have significant business, operating and investment experience in media, real
estate and turnaround situations. The management team at Park Communications
and the Company has substantial experience in the newspaper industry.
 
  The Company publishes 28 daily newspapers in 12 states which range in
circulation from approximately 4,000 to 17,000, with a combined average paid
daily circulation of approximately 242,000 as of March 1, 1996. Of the
Company's daily newspapers, 16 publish Sunday newspapers. The Company's
dailies have been in existence for an average of 111 years (with none in
existence for less than 46 years) and are the only paid dailies of general
circulation published in each of their respective cities or towns, which are
generally areas of small or medium populations. The Company believes that an
added benefit of operating in these types of communities is the workforce
stability which it has experienced.
 
  The Company publishes 26 paid non-daily newspapers one or more times per
week in 12 states. The markets where the Company publishes non-dailies are too
small to support a daily newspaper. In most cases, such markets are close to
cities or towns where the Company publishes daily newspapers, and the non-
dailies are printed at the Company's daily newspaper facilities. In five
locations, several non-dailies share production facilities. The Company's paid
non-daily newspapers range in circulation from 1,300 to 18,000 and have a
total weekly circulation of approximately 77,000.
 
  The newspapers generally provide community news, commentary, sports and
local features and information, such as information about town meetings and
school and social activities. The Company's daily newspapers also use
Associated Press wire service materials which provide regional, national and
international news and
 
                                      34
<PAGE>
 
information. The Company's long-term policy has been to emphasize local news
and to develop strong local news staffs. High levels of local news content
have been emphasized throughout the Company's history. The Company's daily
newspapers average 17 pages and are produced by full-time staffs, including
news reporting and editorial staffs, averaging 35 people. The Company's non-
daily newspapers average 23 pages, have small news reporting and editorial
staffs and generally share production and business staffs with one or more of
the Company's other newspapers. The Company believes that its newspapers
benefit from good community relations and strong reader and advertiser
loyalty.
 
  In addition to reaching the local population through paid daily and non-
daily community newspapers, the Company also prints 50 shoppers in 12 states
which range in distribution from approximately 13,000 to 45,000. Shoppers
contain certain local and classified advertising with little originally
produced news or editorial comment. The Company currently publishes shoppers
only in the markets where it also publishes paid circulation newspapers, and
the shoppers are printed at the Company's newspaper facilities. Shoppers
typically are distributed to both subscribers and non-subscribers of a paid
circulation newspaper of the Company, allowing the Company to cover a
significant portion of a market with advertising contained in its
publications. Advertisements in shoppers are generally sold in combination
with parallel advertising in the paid circulation community paper to afford
advertisers the ability to reach the general market area.
 
  The Company's strategy has been to acquire and operate newspapers having a
dominant position in stable, growing communities, each of which is the only
such publication in the community. In December 1993, the Company sold 33 of
its smaller publications in 13 communities in nine states. The sale of these
publications was designed to allow the Company to focus its resources on its
larger publications. The Company may, from time to time, make strategic
targeted newspaper acquisitions, dispositions or tax-free exchanges.
Acquisitions may be made in circumstances in which management believes that
such acquisitions would contribute to the Company's overall growth strategy,
whether through revenue growth and/or cost-reduction opportunities.
Management's criteria for acquisitions include the ability to cluster with
existing publications, markets with good transportation systems, specifically,
interstate highway access, local institutions of higher education, state and
federal operations and a diverse economic base with no one industry dominating
the market.
 
BUSINESS AND OPERATING STRATEGY
 
  The Company's operating strategy is to increase revenue and cash flow from
operations by capitalizing on the strong local brand recognition of its
newspapers. Management believes that its strong brand recognition combined
with the Company's emphasis on producing a high quality product and improving
its sales and marketing efforts will enhance the value of the Company's
publications to its readers and advertisers and result in increased
circulation and cash flow from operations.
 
  Prior to the Acquisition, the Company focused on improving cash flow from
operations through cost management rather than generation of incremental
revenue. Industry standards suggest that revenue performance of a community
newspaper equal to 0.70% to 1.25% of total retail sales in a defined market is
a reasonable target for share of market revenue. The Company ended 1995 with
advertising revenue equal to a 0.52% of total retail sales in the aggregate in
the markets served by its publications. Attainment of 0.70% of retail sales in
its markets would have resulted in a significant increase in the Company's
1995 revenue. The Company believes that through new sales and marketing
programs, continued quality editorial and news leadership, increased
circulation penetration, along with continued strict cost controls, it can
capitalize on the growing markets in which it operates and improve its share
of retail advertising dollars.
 
  The Company's business and operating strategy includes the following key
elements:
 
    Strengthen Sales and Marketing Development. Since the Acquisition, the
  Company has instituted a sales force upgrade and implemented a motivation
  program which includes performance-based compensation plans, daily sales
  reports to monitor each account executive's development, and on-site
  training programs. The Company has purchased a new demographic/advertising
  research program to provide
 
                                      35
<PAGE>
 
  qualitative data to its sales force to better identify sales opportunities.
  The Company has also introduced advertising programs to generate revenue
  from sources new to the Company, including category selling, targeted
  marketing, single sheet and other free standing insert advertising, along
  with a top of mind awareness (TOMA) program. TOMA is a program whereby an
  advertiser can develop a cost effective long-term frequency-based
  advertising program designed to get the advertiser's name and product or
  service out in the market and create top of mind awareness of the
  advertiser's product or service.
 
    Enhance Quality of Editorial Content, Presentation and Local News. The
  Company's publications are committed to editorial excellence and providing
  the best mix of local and national news to effectively serve their markets.
  The Company's newspapers generally have the largest local news gathering
  resources in their local markets and, through emphasizing local news,
  generally have a high degree of reader loyalty among their core circulation
  base group. The Company's publications are produced on offset presses, all
  of which have color capability. The Company has recently completed a review
  of its daily newspapers' layouts and has instituted a layout redesign
  program for all of its daily newspapers to ensure that each newspaper
  offers attractive layout, design and color enhancement.
 
    Increase Circulation. Prior to the Acquisition, the Company pursued a
  circulation strategy aimed at driving circulation revenue through price
  increases. This strategy ultimately adversely impacted circulation
  penetration levels. As of December 31, 1995, the Company had only a 47%
  penetration of the occupied households in its defined market areas, a level
  which the Company believes offers significant potential for improvement.
  The Company has launched an aggressive direct marketing effort, through
  door-to-door marketing, telemarketing, sampling and direct response
  marketing programs, with the goal of improving market penetration (in the
  aggregate) to 70% of the occupied households in its defined markets.
 
    Realize Benefits From Clustering. The Company has clustered its
  publication operations regionally. With the change in strategy from cost
  management to revenue maximization and cost containment, the Company has
  identified and is implementing programs to enhance revenue available as a
  result of its clustering of operations, such as regional sales promotion
  programs and other cross-selling techniques. In addition to the revenue
  opportunities, consolidating the operations of groups of newspapers affords
  both operating and economic efficiencies. These efficiencies include, but
  are not limited to, the sharing of management, accounting and production
  functions. In addition to regional clustering, the Company will also seek
  to merge operations where possible, as in progress at Concord/Kannapolis,
  North Carolina. Management will continue to review its newspaper businesses
  for opportunities to merge operations to both enhance revenue and reduce
  costs.
 
    Maintain Effective Cost Controls. Expenses at each of the Company's
  publications are closely monitored to control costs without sacrificing
  revenue opportunities. The Company seeks to reduce labor costs through
  investment in modern production equipment and through the consolidation of
  operations and administrative activities associated with clustering. The
  Company's newsprint costs are approximately 10.4% of its revenue, and it
  generally enters into long-term supply contracts to reduce newsprint costs
  during short supply. Management believes that the Company's newsprint costs
  as a percentage of revenue are generally lower than many of the other
  community newspaper groups. The Company's cost control initiatives also
  include group purchasing of materials and aggressive control of newsprint
  waste.
 
    Develop Additional Non-Traditional Revenue Sources. The Company has
  recently introduced new informational products and services and advertising
  programs to generate revenue from sources other than traditional newspaper
  publishing activities. These products, services and programs include voice
  personals, audio-text and incentive marketing.
 
  As a result of the implementation of these operating strategies, management
believes the Company is well positioned to achieve internal growth. By being
the leading, and in certain instances the sole, provider of local
 
                                      36
<PAGE>
 
news in most of its markets, management believes that the Company's
established franchises should enable it to respond to and benefit from any
changes in the manner in which information is delivered.
 
NEWSPAPER INDUSTRY BACKGROUND
 
  Newspaper publishing is the oldest and largest segment of the media
industry, with total advertising expenditures on daily and weekly newspapers
reported at $36.0 billion in 1995 according to Newspaper Association of
America (the "NAA"). Due to a focus on local news, newspapers remain the
dominant medium for local advertising and account for more than 48.1% of all
local media advertising expenditures according to the NAA. Additionally,
newspapers continue to be the preferred medium for retail advertising which
emphasizes the price of goods, in contrast to television which is generally
used for image advertising.
 
  The number of adult readers of daily and Sunday newspapers is reported to
have increased from 115.3 million and 125.9 million, respectively, in 1992 to
115.4 million and 132.2 million, respectively, in 1994. Readers of newspapers
tend to be more highly educated and have higher incomes than non-newspaper
readers. For instance, in 1994, 74% of college graduates and 71% of households
with income of $40,000 or more are reported to read a daily newspaper,
compared to 61% for non-college graduates and 54% of households with income
less than $40,000. Management believes that newspapers continue to be the most
cost-effective means for advertisers to reach this highly targeted demographic
group.
 
  Total morning daily national circulation has increased from 42.4 million in
1992 to 43.1 million in 1995, representing a compounded annual growth rate of
0.6%. Total Sunday national circulation, however, declined from 62.2 million
in 1992 to 61.8 million in 1995. Total reported daily national circulation,
including evening editions, declined from 60.2 million in 1992 to 58.2 million
in 1995, or 0.5% annually. This decrease can be directly attributable to the
declining national circulation of evening newspapers, which is reported to
have decreased from 17.8 million in 1992 to 15.1 million in 1995, or 5.3%
annually, as a result of an inability to compete with existing morning
newspapers and from increased competition by evening broadcast news
programming and specialized cable programming such as CNN and Headline News.
 
  Advertising and, to a lesser extent, circulation revenues are cyclical and
dependent upon general economic conditions. Historically, increases in
advertising revenues have corresponded with economic recoveries while
decreases, as well as changes in the mix of advertising, have corresponded
with general economic downturns and regional and local economic recessions.
 
PUBLICATIONS
 
  The Company has organized its operations into 31 newspaper centers.
Generally each daily newspaper constitutes a separate newspaper center, but in
some cases one or more non-daily newspapers in the same geographic area are
consolidated with a daily newspaper in a single newspaper center. The rest of
the Company's newspaper centers consist of a group of non-daily newspapers
distributed in the same geographic area. The table below shows the
organization of the publications into newspaper centers.
 
  The Company has a significant presence in North Carolina which is forecasted
as a high growth area by Demographics USA, 1994, and the revenue and
associated cash flows originate in ten different newspaper centers dispersed
across the state. The ten of the Company's 31 newspaper centers which are
located in North Carolina generated 38.3% of the Company's revenue in 1995.
The Concord/Kannapolis, North Carolina newspaper center was the greatest
revenue producer of the newspaper centers, but only provided 10.2% of the
Company's total revenue, while the average newspaper center accounted for 3.1%
of total revenue from all newspaper centers.
 
  The following table identifies the states and communities in which the
Company publishes its paid newspapers and shoppers, the names of the Company's
publications and the circulation (paid or free) as of March 1, 1996. Each
community shown in boldface type in this table is the location of a newspaper
center. Communities in standard type and indented under a community shown in
boldface type are part of that newspaper center.
 
                                      37
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
STATE AND COMMUNITY           PUBLICATION               FREQUENCY       CIRCULATION
- -------------------  ----------------------------- -------------------- -----------
<S>                  <C>                           <C>                  <C>
GEORGIA
WARNER ROBINS        The Daily Sun                 Daily (M-F)           7,791 paid
                     Sunday Sun                    Sunday                8,525 paid
                     Daily Sun Extra               1x week               6,967 free
                     Robins Rev-up                 1x week              25,013 free
IDAHO
BURLEY               South Idaho Press             Daily (M-F & Sunday)  4,797 paid
                     The News Review               1x week              11,055 free
                     The Sunrise Shopper           1x week               4,632 free
  Hailey             The Wood River Journal        1x week               1,697 paid
                                                                         9,400 free
                     Sun Valley Dining Guide       1x year              40,000 free
  Minidoka           Minidoka County News          1x week               1,146 paid
ILLINOIS
EFFINGHAM            Effingham Daily News          Daily (M-Sat.)       12,771 paid
                     The Weekly Advertiser         1x week               9,832 free
MACOMB               Macomb Daily Journal          Daily (M-F & Sunday)  6,658 paid
                     Business News                 1x week               8,106 free
INDIANA
JEFFERSONVILLE       The Evening News              Daily (M-Sat.)       10,828 paid
                     Clark County Journal          1x week              11,341 free
                     Golden Opportunities          1x week              20,000 free
PLYMOUTH             The Pilot-News                Daily (M-Sat.)        6,449 paid
  Bremen             Bremen Enquirer               1x week               1,554 paid
  Bourbon            Bourbon News-Mirror           1x week               1,245 paid
  Nappanee           Nappanee Advance News         1x week               1,939 paid
                     Farm and Home News            1x week              18,500 free
KENTUCKY
RUSSELLVILLE         News-Democrat & Leader        2x week               6,486 paid
                     The Logan Advertiser          1x week               7,177 free
                     The Peddler                   1x week              26,000 free
  Leitchfield        Grayson County News-Gazette   2x week               5,157 paid
                     The Grayson County Advertiser 1x week               3,069 free
LONDON               Sentinel Echo                 3x week               5,288 paid
                     The Laurel Neighbor           1x week               8,097 free
MOREHEAD             The Morehead News             2x week               5,048 paid
  Carlisle           The Carlisle Mercury          1x week               1,503 paid
                     Mercury Plus                  1x week               1,380 free
  Frenchburg         Menifee County News           3x week                 734 paid
  Grayson            The Grayson Journal-Enquirer  1x week               4,849 paid
  Greenup            The Greenup County News       1x week               2,748 paid
  Olive Hill         Shopping News                 1x week              19,027 free
SOMERSET             Commonwealth Journal          Daily (M-F & Sunday)  8,651 paid
                     McCreary County Record        1x week               4,895 paid
                     Lake Cumberland Shopper       1x week              31,603 free
MICHIGAN
COLDWATER            Coldwater Daily Reporter      Daily (M-Sat.)        6,166 paid
                     The Reporter Extra            1x week              11,500 free
</TABLE>
 
 
                                       38
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
STATE AND COMMUNITY          PUBLICATION               FREQUENCY       CIRCULATION
- -------------------  ---------------------------- -------------------- -----------
<S>                  <C>                          <C>                  <C>
MINNESOTA
BEMIDJI              The Pioneer                  Daily (M-F)           8,296 paid
                     The Pioneer                  Sunday                8,797 paid
                     The Advertiser               1x week              13,073 free
                     The Mid-Week Advertiser      1x week               8,608 free
  Blackduck          The American                 1x week               1,122 paid
NEW YORK
HUDSON               Register-Star                Daily (M-F & Sunday)  6,767 paid
                     Northeast                    1x month             13,000 free
                     Columbia Views               1x week               1,409 free
                     The Courier                  1x week                 800 free
  Chatham            The Chatham Courier          1x week               2,837 paid
LOCKPORT             Union-Sun & Journal          Daily (M-Sat.)       17,009 paid
                     Tri-County News              1x week               8,000 free
MEDINA               The Journal Register         Daily (M-F)           4,554 paid
                     Eastern Niagra Edition       1x week               6,968 free
                     Pennysaver                   1x week               3,000 free
                     TV Signals                   1x week               9,400 free
  Albion             Albion Advertiser            1x week               1,792 paid
OGDENSBURG           The Journal                  Daily (M-F)           4,744 paid
                     Rural News                   1x week               5,785 free
                     The Advance News             Sunday               10,606 paid
  Canton             St. Lawrence Plaindealer     1x week               2,195 paid
  Massena            The Courier-Observer         Daily (T-Sat.)        5,225 paid
NORTH CAROLINA
AHOSKIE              Advantage                    1x week              12,293 free
                     Scotland Enfield News Review 1x week               1,492 paid
                     Gates County News Review     1x week               2,052 paid
                     Jackson News Review          1x week               2,196 paid
                     News-Herald                  3x week               6,494 paid
CLINTON              The Sampson Independent      Daily (M-F & Sunday)  7,861 paid
                     Sampson County Shopping
                      Guide and TV Schedule       1x week              12,826 free
CONCORD/KANNAPOLIS   The Concord Tribune          Daily (M-F & Sunday) 13,527 paid
                     The Daily Independent        Daily (M-F & Sunday)  8,943 paid
                     The Cabarrus Observer
                      Nugget                      1x week               3,361 free
                     The Edge                     1x week              19,014 free
  Aberdeen           Sandhills Living             2x week              15,000 free
                     The Golf Outlook             1x month             15,000 free
EDEN                 Daily News                   Daily (M-F)           5,976 paid
                     The Virginia Carolina
                      Beacon                      1x week               3,570 free
LUMBERTON            The Robesonian               Daily                14,125 paid
                     The Robesonian Sunday        Sunday               16,160 paid
                     The Robesonian Mid-Weekly    1x week              23,595 free
  Elizabethtown      Bladen Daily Journal         3x week               3,889 paid
                     The Southeastern Times       1x week               3,850 free
</TABLE>
 
 
                                       39
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
STATE AND COMMUNITY         PUBLICATION              FREQUENCY       CIRCULATION
- -------------------  -------------------------- -------------------- -----------
<S>                  <C>                        <C>                  <C>
MARION               The McDowell News          Daily (M-F)           4,206 paid
                     McDowell Express           1x week               8,250 free
                     The Old Fort Post          1x week               2,450 free
MOORESVILLE          Mooresville Tribune        1x week               6,130 paid
                     Shoppers Guide             1x week              11,500 free
  Davidson           Mecklenburg Gazette        1x week               2,195 paid
MORGANTON            The News Herald            Daily (M-F & Sunday) 11,757 paid
                     The Burke County Observer  1x week               8,423 free
                     Valdese News               1x week              15,528 free
ROCKINGHAM           The Richmond County Daily
                      Journal                   Daily (M-F & Sunday)  8,460 paid
                     The Journal Advantage      1x week               7,200 free
STATESVILLE          Statesville Record &
                      Landmark                  Daily (M-F & Sunday) 16,907 paid
                     Landmark Extra             1x week               9,500 free
NORTH DAKOTA
DEVILS LAKE          Devil's Lake Daily Journal Daily (M-F)           4,450 paid
                     The Country Peddler        1x week              22,500 free
OKLAHOMA
MCALESTER            News Capital & Democrat    Daily (M-F & Sunday) 12,282 paid
                     Southeast Oklahoma
                      Shopping News             1x week               6,045 free
  Hartshorne         Hartshorne Sun             1x week               1,178 paid
SAPULPA              Sapulpa Daily Herald       Daily (M-F & Sunday)  6,411 paid
                     Herald Extra               1x week              13,754 free
VIRGINIA
MANASSAS             The Journal Messenger      Daily (M-Sat.)        7,348 paid
                     The Journal Reach          1x week              45,000 free
WAYNESBORO           The News-Virginian         Daily (M-Sat.)        9,391 paid
                     Shenandoah Shopper         1x week              10,179 free
                                                TOTAL PAID DAILY         242,350
                                                TOTAL PAID NON-DAILY      77,861
                                                TOTAL SHOPPERS           549,087
</TABLE>
 
                                       40
<PAGE>
 
  The Company believes that the geographic diversity of its publications
mitigates the effect of regional economic cycles on its business. No one
publication accounted for more than 6.0% of the Company's revenue in 1995. The
following table shows the relative proportion by state of the Company's 1995
revenue.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  PERCENTAGE OF
   STATE                                                          1995 REVENUE
   -----                                                          -------------
<S>                                                               <C>
Georgia..........................................................       3.2%
Idaho............................................................       3.5
Illinois.........................................................       6.5
Indiana..........................................................       5.7
Kentucky.........................................................       9.7
Michigan.........................................................       1.8
Minnesota........................................................       3.4
New York.........................................................      13.9
North Carolina...................................................      38.3
North Dakota.....................................................       2.1
Oklahoma.........................................................       5.4
Virginia.........................................................       6.5
                                                                      -----
                                                                      100.0%
                                                                      =====
</TABLE>
 
SOURCES OF REVENUE
 
  Substantially all of the Company's publishing revenue is derived from
advertising and circulation, with lesser amounts derived from commercial print
jobs and other sources. The following table sets forth the sources and amounts
of the Company's revenue for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993:
 
           REVENUE BY SOURCE--YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              1995         1994       1993(A)
                                          ------------ ------------ ------------
   SOURCE OF REVENUE                       %   AMOUNT   %   AMOUNT   %   AMOUNT
- --------------------                      ---- ------- ---- ------- ---- -------
<S>                                       <C>  <C>     <C>  <C>     <C>  <C>
Advertising:
  Daily Newspapers....................... 56.3 $44,424 57.0 $43,763 55.0 $40,907
  Non-daily Newspapers...................  9.1   7,226  9.2   7,094  9.2   6,826
  Shoppers...............................  6.9   5,411  7.2   5,509  7.2   5,387
                                               -------      -------      -------
    Total Advertising.................... 72.3  57,061 73.4  56,366 71.4  53,120
                                               -------      -------      -------
Circulation:
  Daily Newspapers....................... 21.5  16,967 20.3  15,624 21.0  15,541
  Non-daily Newspapers...................  2.2   1,759  2.2   1,657  2.2   1,665
                                               -------      -------      -------
    Total Circulation.................... 23.7  18,726 22.5  17,281 23.2  17,206
                                               -------      -------      -------
Other....................................  4.0   3,117  4.1   3,163  5.4   4,040
                                               -------      -------      -------
Total....................................      $78,904      $76,810      $74,366
                                               =======      =======      =======
</TABLE>
- --------
(a) Excludes revenue from 33 publications sold in November 1993.
 
  Advertising. Advertising rates and rate structures vary among the Company's
publications and are based, among other things, on circulation and type of
advertising (classified or display, and national or local). Historically,
substantially all of the Company's total publication advertising revenue has
been derived from
 
                                      41
<PAGE>
 
local retail and classified advertising, which management believes are less
subject to fluctuation than national advertising. Many local retailers in the
small communities served by the Company's publications are unable to advertise
in larger non-local publications or electronic media because of their
generally higher advertising rates. During the year ended December 31, 1995,
local and regional advertising accounted for 67% of advertising revenue,
classified advertising accounted for 22% and pre-printed inserts and national
advertising accounted for 10% and 1%, respectively.
 
  The Company has recently increased its focus on national advertising
programs in an effort to generate increased volume and revenue from pre-
printed inserts and shoppers, although the revenue from such programs is
relatively small, amounting to approximately $523,000, or 0.7% of the
Company's total revenue, in 1995. The Company has also recently begun to offer
new regional advertising programs to chain stores. Management believes that
the regional clustering of the Company's publications parallels an emerging
trend of larger retailers to advertise on a regional basis and positions the
Company to benefit from this trend.
 
  The Company has also introduced category selling, single sheet and other
free standing advertising and a top of mind awareness program (TOMA) whereby
an advertiser can develop a cost effective long-term frequency advertising
program designed to get the advertiser's name and product or service out in
the market and create top of mind awareness of the product or service.
Management intends to continue to develop additional advertising revenue
sources such as co-op advertising, national classified advertising and other
targeted advertising.
 
  Shoppers are generally growing faster and have higher margins than daily
newspapers. Management believes there are opportunities to increase the
Company's revenue through shoppers and has focused on training its sales force
to sell a combination of newspaper and shopper advertising space.
 
  Circulation. Circulation revenue is derived from home delivery sales of the
Company's paid dailies and non-dailies to subscribers and single copy sales
made through retailers and vending racks. Of circulation revenue for 1995,
over 80% was derived from subscription sales and the balance was derived from
single copy sales. Single copy rates for paid daily and non-daily publications
currently range from 25c to 50c per copy and from 50c to $1.00 for Sunday
newspapers. Subscriptions are generally offered at a discount from single copy
rates. The Company periodically reviews the subscription and single copy rates
for potential increases.
 
  The Company's newspapers ended 1995 with an aggregate 47% penetration of the
occupied households in its defined market areas. The Company has begun to
pursue a strategy targeted at increasing circulation revenue by increasing
aggregate market penetration to 70% of the occupied households in its
newspapers' defined markets, rather than relying on increases in subscription
and single copy rates. The Company has launched an aggressive marketing effort
to improve market penetration which includes door-to-door marketing,
telemarketing, sampling and direct response marketing programs. The mechanical
mailroom and distribution aspects of circulation have now been separated from
sales and marketing activities to enhance and afford focus to the circulation
sales effort. Mailroom activity will become a function of production, and
management believes that distribution has the capacity to evolve into a
separate source of revenue. See "Production and Distribution" below.
 
  Other Revenue Sources. Commercial printing job revenue is derived from
utilizing available press capacity for printing customers' order for
newspapers, fliers, retail store advertisements and similar products.
 
  The Company has introduced new informational products and services,
including an audiotext service whereby a customer can call an audiotext line
to access various kinds of information, generally from newspaper databases
(such as weather), but also from other sources (such as the ability to hear a
message from a child's teacher about the day's homework assignments); voice
personals, which generate revenue from a portion of the cost of telephone
calls made in response to free personal ads placed in newspapers; and
incentive marketing such as the printing and distribution of fishing maps. The
Company believes that voice personals will contribute new revenue beginning in
1996, while audiotext and incentive marketing will fully develop as sources of
revenue in 1997 and beyond.
 
                                      42
<PAGE>
 
PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION
 
  All of the Company's publications are produced using photocomposition
technology and printed using an offset method. Automated text editing and
classified advertising systems are in operation at all of the newspapers. As
part of a program to improve operating efficiency and to enhance product
quality, the Company engages in a continuing process of updating its printing
facilities. Four such upgrades are scheduled to be completed in 1996.
Additionally, the geographic proximity of groups of the Company's publications
has enabled the Company to consolidate certain operations in centralized
production plants thereby facilitating quality improvements that would
otherwise be prohibitively expensive for a single publication. For example, in
1994, the Company implemented greater process color capabilities at 17 of its
33 plants where a total of 22 of the Company's daily newspapers are printed.
These improvements enable the Company to offer color ads and editorial
materials to advertisers and subscribers. Additionally, the Company has
recently completed a review of its daily newspapers' layouts and has
instituted a layout redesign program for all of its daily newspapers to ensure
that each newspaper offers attractive layout, design and color enhancement,
while remaining easily readable. The Company believes that it will be able to
continue to improve the quality of its publications as technological
improvements continue to become economically viable for small publications.
 
  The Company's daily and non-daily newspapers are published primarily for
home delivery and are generally sold by independent carriers and circulation
dealers. Adults comprise approximately 70% of Park Newspapers' home delivery
network, which management believes enables the Company to engage in other home
distribution activities on behalf of unaffiliated parties and generate
additional revenue for the Company. Shoppers are generally distributed free,
on a weekly basis, by various delivery methods, including third-class mail.
 
RAW MATERIALS
 
  The basic raw material of newspaper publishing operations is newsprint. The
Company believes that effective management of newsprint costs is an important
factor in the success of its business. Newsprint costs increased approximately
40% per metric ton in 1995 on an industry-wide basis and may continue to
increase in 1996, although any such increases in 1996 are not anticipated to
be as significant as the 1995 increases. Newsprint expenses represented 12%,
12% and 15% of the Company's total operating costs and expenses for the years
ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995, respectively. The Company believes
that this compares favorably with cost of newsprint to other publishers
throughout the country.
 
  The Company currently purchases newsprint from various suppliers in the
United States and Canada. As of May 6, 1996, the Company was a party to long-
term supply contracts with several such suppliers, the largest of which will
provide approximately 50% of the tonnage used by the Company in 1996. In
accordance with industry practice, the Company's newsprint supply contracts
provide for tonnage at prices determined from time to time by the suppliers.
The Company believes that sources of newsprint supply are adequate for its
anticipated needs and that there are adequate alternative sources of supply.
See "Regulation of Newspaper Operations" below for a discussion of state laws
which regulate the recycled content of newsprint.
 
COMPETITION
 
  While the Company's daily newspapers are the only daily newspapers of
general circulation published in their respective cities or towns, each of
these publications and each of the Company's non-daily newspapers and shoppers
competes in varying degrees with other newspapers having a regional or
national circulation, as well as with magazines, radio, television, direct
marketing and other advertising media. In addition, certain of the Company's
daily newspapers compete within their own markets with other daily newspapers
of general circulation published in adjacent or nearby cities and towns. There
are no local television stations in any of the Company's 28 daily newspaper
markets, although each community receives television service through cable or
regional broadcast signals. The Company believes that its significant presence
in the towns served by its community publications has enabled it to compete
effectively.
 
 
                                      43
<PAGE>
 
  Although published in a different location, a competitor has recently begun
publication of a daily newspaper serving the Warner Robins, Georgia market.
The Company is unable to predict the effect that this publication will have on
its Warner Robins daily newspaper. However, management does not believe that
this competing daily will have a material effect on the Company's operations.
 
  Although there can be no assurance that a competitor will not enter one or
more of the Company's markets and become successful, the Company believes that
entry by a direct competitor in most of its daily newspaper markets is likely
to be cost prohibitive. Additionally, the prevailing trend in newspaper
publishing has been for consolidation down to one dominant daily newspaper in
a particular community or city. The Company believes that distribution of its
shoppers in conjunction with community daily newspapers enhances its
competitive position in such market areas.
 
REGULATION OF NEWSPAPER OPERATIONS
 
  Park Broadcasting's television and radio broadcasting operations are subject
to the jurisdiction of the Federal Communications Commission (the "FCC") under
the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (the "Communications Act"). Because
of the common ownership of the Company and Park Broadcasting, certain rules of
the FCC and/or the Communications Act affect the Company's publication
operations as well as Park Broadcasting's operations by placing certain
limitations on common ownership, operation and other interests in, among other
things, broadcast stations and newspapers serving the same area. This may
affect the number, type and location of newspapers that the Company may
acquire in the future. These rules do not currently require any change in the
Company's present ownership of newspapers.
 
  Additionally, the Company is required to obtain a permit from, and to file
an annual statement of ownership and circulation with, the U.S. Postal Service
for paid circulation newspapers that are delivered by second class mail.
Certain of the Company's paid publications are currently delivered by second
class mail. Free circulation publications such as shoppers are delivered to
subscribers and nonsubscribers by mail or in other ways.
 
  Certain states in which the Company publishes its newspapers have enacted
legislation concerning the percentage of recycled content of newsprint.
Certain of these states mandate that newsprint contain a minimum amount of
recycled material, while others have developed voluntary recycled content
guidelines for newsprint. Newsprint suppliers are not currently able to
deliver the requisite recycled-content newsprint, and there can be no
assurance that the suppliers will be able to supply such newsprint upon
implementation of the various state laws. The Company, like other newspaper
publishers, is exploring alternative compliance methods permitted under
certain of these laws, including recycling and other programs intended to
divert newspapers from being disposed of in landfills. The Company is unable
to predict the impact that these laws will have on its business.
 
ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION
 
  The Company, like other companies engaged in similar operations, is subject
to a wide variety of federal, state and local laws and regulations, including
those governing the use, storage, handling, generation, treatment, emission,
release, discharge and disposal of certain materials, substances and wastes,
the remediation of contaminated soil and groundwater, and the health and
safety of employees. As such, the nature of the Company's operations exposes
it to the risk of claims with respect to environmental matters, and there can
be no assurance that material costs or liabilities will not be incurred in
connection with such claims. Based upon its experience to date, the Company
believes that the future cost of compliance with existing environmental laws
and regulations, and liability for known environmental claims, will not have a
material adverse effect on the Company's business or financial position.
However, future events, such as changes in existing laws and regulations or
their interpretation, and more vigorous enforcement policies of regulatory
agencies, may give rise to additional expenditures that could be material.
 
SEASONALITY
 
  The Company's advertising revenue is generally the highest in the second and
fourth quarters of each year. The increase is due to increased advertising in
the spring and in the period leading up to and including the
 
                                      44
<PAGE>
 
Christmas holiday season. In addition, political advertising increases the
Company's revenue during election years and is typically heaviest during the
fourth quarters of those years. However, management believes that fluctuations
in its political advertising revenues are tempered by the levels of political
activity in the areas in which it operates.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
  As of March 1, 1996, the Company had approximately 1,648 employees, 1,175 of
whom were full-time employees. None of the Company's employees is represented
by a labor union or covered by a collective bargaining agreement. The Company
has never experienced a strike or work stoppage and believes its relationship
with its employees to be good.
 
TAX SHARING AGREEMENT
 
  PAI, through its ownership of 100% of Park Communications, currently
beneficially owns 100% of the stock of the Company, Park Broadcasting and
their respective subsidiaries. Each such corporation is, for federal income
tax purposes, part of the affiliated group of which PAI is the common parent,
and the results of operations of that affiliated group are reported in PAI's
consolidated federal income tax return. Each member of the affiliated group
that joined in the consolidated return is severally liable for the
consolidated tax of the affiliated group. PAI and each member of its
affiliated group are parties to a tax sharing agreement pursuant to which,
respectively, the Company and its subsidiaries and Park Broadcasting and its
subsidiaries are obligated to make tax sharing payments to Park Communications
in amounts equal to the federal income taxes which the Company and Park
Broadcasting would have paid for such taxable year if each of the Company and
Park Broadcasting were the highest-tier common parent of a group of includible
corporations and filed separate consolidated tax returns for itself and its
subsidiaries. (Each group of companies composed of (i) the Company and its
subsidiaries or (ii) Park Broadcasting and its subsidiaries is hereinafter
called a "Subgroup," and each of the Company and Park Broadcasting is called a
"Subparent.") The tax sharing agreement also provides that if any consolidated
or combined state income tax return is filed by PAI or Park Communications
which includes income of the Park Newspapers Subgroup or Park Broadcasting
Subgroup, then the Company and Park Broadcasting each will be obligated to
make tax sharing payments to Park Communications in an amount equal to the
state income taxes which its respective Subgroup would have paid if it as
Subparent filed a consolidated or combined state income tax return for the
Subgroup with the respective state. Park Communications is permitted and
obligated to pay to PAI, or directly to the relevant taxing authority, the
consolidated or combined income tax liabilities of PAI's affiliated group for
the taxable year. Subject to certain exceptions, Park Communications may waive
the requirement that payments be made to it under the tax sharing agreement.
 
  Tax sharing payments, to the extent owed and not waived, are required to be
made not later than the tenth day of April, June, September and December, as
well as not later than the fifth day prior to: PAI's filing of any
consolidated or combined income tax return (including an amended return) or
PAI's payment of additional income tax pursuant to (i) an administrative
adjustment agreed with the Internal Revenue Service or applicable state taxing
authority or (ii) an unappealable final determination of a court of competent
jurisdiction.
 
  The Indenture restricts the ability of the Company to amend the tax sharing
agreement. The tax sharing agreement is not binding on the Internal Revenue
Service.
 
PROPERTIES
 
  The Company's daily newspaper operations, both production and
administration, are typically housed in one-story buildings in which the
Company uses from 8,200 to 35,860 square feet. Of the 28 daily newspaper
buildings, 27 are owned and one is leased under a lease expiring in 1998. All
of the Company's daily newspapers are printed on printing presses owned by the
Company. The Company owns and leases various other properties in connection
with its non-daily newspaper and shopper operations.
 
  The Company's principal executive offices are located in premises leased by
Park Communications in Lexington, Kentucky. The Company owns certain other
properties which are not used in its business operations.
 
                                      45
<PAGE>
 
These properties are generally leased to unaffiliated third parties. The
Company believes that its properties are generally adequate for its
operations, although opportunities to upgrade facilities are continuously
reviewed.
 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
  The Company currently and from time to time is involved in litigation
incidental to the conduct of its business. There are no pending legal
proceedings to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party, or to
which any of their respective properties is subject, which, in the opinion of
Company management, are likely to have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business or financial condition.
 
                                      46
<PAGE>
 
                                  MANAGEMENT
 
  The following table sets forth, as of March 28, 1996, the names of the
directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages and their
positions with the Company and Park Communications:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  POSITION WITH         POSITION WITH
              NAME           AGE   THE COMPANY       PARK COMMUNICATIONS
      ---------------------  --- --------------- ----------------------------
      <S>                    <C> <C>             <C>
      Ralph J. Martin         42 Chief Operating Vice President--
                                     Officer     Newspaper Operations
      Randel N. Stair         45    Treasurer    Vice President, Chief
                                                 Financial Officer, Treasurer
      Wright M. Thomas        60    President    President and Chief
                                                 Operating Officer
      Dr. Gary B. Knapp       52    Director     Director
      Donald R. Tomlin, Jr.   48    Director     Director
</TABLE>
 
  Each director of Park Communications and the Company holds office until the
next annual meeting of stockholders and until his successor has been elected
and qualified. Officers are elected by the Board of Directors and serve at its
discretion.
 
  Ralph J. Martin joined Park Communications and the Company in September 1995
as Vice President--Newspaper Operations of Park Communications and chief
operating officer of the Company. Prior to joining Park Communications and the
Company, Mr. Martin was employed for 19 years by Thomson Newspapers, Inc.,
where he held various senior management positions, including, most recently,
President of Thomson Newspapers/Eastern Group from 1993 to 1995 and Vice
President of the Metro Division from 1990 to 1993.
 
  Randel N. Stair has been Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Park
Communications since May 1994, Vice President since 1980. Mr. Stair served as
Controller of Park Communications from 1980 to 1995. Mr. Stair has served as
Treasurer of the Company since 1983. Prior to joining Park Communications in
1979, Mr. Stair was employed by Multimedia, Inc. as Assistant Corporate
Controller.
 
  Wright M. Thomas has been President and Chief Operating Officer of Park
Communications since July 1987. Mr. Thomas has served as President of the
Company since 1987. Mr. Thomas served as a director of Park Communications
from 1983 to 1995, Assistant Secretary from 1974 to 1995, Treasurer from 1983
to 1994, Executive Vice President from 1986 to 1987, Senior Vice President--
Finance from 1979 to 1986, and Vice President--Finance from 1974 to 1979.
Prior to joining Park Communications, he was employed by INA Corporation and
Coopers & Lybrand.
 
  Dr. Gary B. Knapp became a director of each of Park Communications and the
Company in May 1995. Dr. Knapp has been a principal of Knapp Securities, Inc.,
a firm offering investment advisory and consulting services, since 1982.
 
  Donald R. Tomlin, Jr. became a director of each of Park Communications and
the Company in May 1995. Mr. Tomlin has been president of Tomlin and Company,
Inc., a financial services and asset management firm, since December 1986.
 
  Messrs. Knapp and Tomlin receive no compensation for serving as directors of
either Park Communications or the Company. However, they are reimbursed for
expenses incurred in acting in such capacities.
 
                                      47
<PAGE>
 
  The following table sets forth, as of March 28, 1996, the names and ages of
the Regional Managers of the Company's operations:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              YEARS OF EMPLOYMENT        POSITION WITH
             NAME         AGE   WITH THE COMPANY          THE COMPANY
      ------------------- --- ------------------- --------------------------
      <C>                 <C> <C>                 <S>
      Tim Dearman          43          33         Mid-Atlantic West Region
                                                  Manager
      John Kennedy         59          40         Mid-Atlantic East Region
                                                  Manager
      David E. Thornberry  30           1         Ohio Valley Region Manager
      Paul E. Semple       38          17         Mid-Western Region Manager
      Thomas N. Ceravolo   64          40         Eastern Region Manager
      Charles S. Lake      61          40         Western Region Manager
</TABLE>
 
  Tim Dearman has been General Manager of the Statesville Record & Landmark
since 1985. He started with the newspaper as a paperboy at age 10, and has
since worked in every department. He has been the Mid-Atlantic Western
Regional Manager of the Company since 1986.
 
  John Kennedy has been General Manager of The Concord Tribune since 1987 and
The Daily Independent of Kannapolis since January 1996. He joined The Concord
Tribune in 1956 and has served in various positions. He has been Mid-Atlantic
Eastern Regional Manager of the Company since 1986.
 
  David E. Thornberry has been General Manager of The Morehead News and
Regional Manager of the Ohio Valley Group since January 1996. Prior to joining
the Company, he was Division Publisher of Wyoming Newspapers, Inc. from 1989
to 1995, and also served various management roles for the its parent company,
News Media Corporation from 1985 to 1995.
 
  Paul E. Semple has been General Manager of the Effingham Daily News since
1993 and Mid-Western Regional Manager of the Company since 1995. He has been
with the paper since 1979, serving as Business Manager from 1979 to 1985 and
Controller from 1986 to 1992.
 
  Thomas N. Ceravolo has been with the Lockport Union-Sun & Journal since
1956. He served as General Manager of WUSJ Radio until 1970, and became
Assistant to the Publisher of the paper in 1970. He became General Manager of
the Company's Lockport paper and Eastern Regional Manager in 1986.
 
  Charles S. Lake has been General Manager of the Sapulpa Daily Herald since
1979. He has been Western Division Manager of the Company since 1995. Mr. Lake
has been associated with the Sapulpa Daily Herald for 40 years in various
positions.
 
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
  Set forth below is information concerning the annual and long-term
compensation for services in all capacities rendered to Park Communications
and the Company for the fiscal years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 of
(i) Wright M. Thomas, President and Chief Operating Officer of Park
Communications and President of the Company, (ii) Randel N. Stair, Vice
President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Park Communications and
Treasurer of the Company and (iii) Robert J. Rossi, who served as Vice
President--Newspaper Operations of Park Communications until July 31, 1995.
All such compensation was paid by Park Communications and, in the case of
Messrs. Thomas and Stair, relates to services performed in connection with all
of Park Communication's businesses; no specific allocation is made of such
compensation to the Company's business. No other executive officer of the
Company had aggregate salary and bonus during 1995 in excess of $100,000.
 
                                      48
<PAGE>
 
                          SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     ANNUAL COMPENSATION
                                                     -----------------------
                         NAME AND
                    PRINCIPAL POSITION          YEAR  SALARY(A)      BONUS
      ----------------------------------------  ---- -----------   ---------
      <S>                                       <C>  <C>           <C>
      Wright M. Thomas                          1995 $ 252,226(b)  $ 140,125
      President and Chief                       1994   241,384(b)         --
      Operating Officer of Park Communications  1993   184,440(b)         --
      and President of the Company
      Randel N. Stair                           1995 $ 131,306     $ 157,450(c)
      Vice President and                        1994   126,621        10,000
      Chief Financial Officer of Park           1993   122,258            --
      Communications and Treasurer of the
      Company
      Robert J. Rossi                           1995 $ 110,296     $ 170,000(c)
      Former Vice President--                   1994   162,589        36,999
      Newspaper Operations of Park              1993   162,630            --
      Communications
</TABLE>
- --------
(a) The amounts shown are after voluntary salary reductions associated with
    the election to treat health insurance premiums on a pre-tax basis.
(b) Pursuant to a deferred compensation arrangement with Park Communications,
    Mr. Thomas may elect to defer a portion of his annual salary, not to
    exceed the greater of $30,000 or 25% of his salary. Such deferred
    compensation is payable with interest in installments upon retirement or
    termination of employment. Such deferred compensation is included in the
    amount shown.
(c) The amount shown includes $134,000 and $170,000 paid to Messrs. Stair and
    Rossi, respectively, under the Company's Retention Incentive Plan
    following the acquisition of Park Communications by PAI in May 1995. See
    "Employment and Severance Arrangements" below.
 
EMPLOYMENT AND SEVERANCE ARRANGEMENTS
 
  Effective July 1, 1994, Park Communications entered into an employment
agreement with Wright M. Thomas which provides for (i) an annual salary of
$250,000 for three years and (ii) a non-competition/consulting period
commencing on the earlier of July 1, 1997 or termination of Mr. Thomas'
employment for specified reasons, and ending on June 30, 2000, with a fee of
$100,000 per year payable in monthly increments commencing on the earlier of
July 1, 1997 or, following termination of Mr. Thomas' employment for specified
reasons, on the date Mr. Thomas obtains other employment. In the event of
termination of Mr. Thomas' employment for specified reasons, Mr. Thomas will
be paid an amount equal to his salary under the agreement for the period
ending on the earlier June 30, 1997 or the date Mr. Thomas obtains other
employment. The specified reasons for termination of employment include
termination by Park Communications other than for cause and resignation
following a change in circumstances that significantly diminish Mr. Thomas'
position with Park Communications.
 
  Pursuant to a contingent retirement agreement, Wright M. Thomas is entitled
to receive certain payments in the event of retirement at age 65 if he is then
employed by, or providing consulting services under his employment contract
to, Park Communications. The annual amount of such payments will be 50% of his
average net salary during the five-year period immediately preceding
retirement (not including any consulting period), less the annual amount of
retirement income payable to him under the federal Social Security Act or any
other similar plan which is a substitute for that Act that may be established
under federal law. Net salary, for this purpose, means Mr. Thomas' annual
gross salary less amounts withheld from such salary for the payment of Social
Security and other federal or state taxes (other than income taxes). Although
his future salary cannot be predicted with certainty, if the payments under
this plan would have been based on his salary during the previous five years,
such payments would be approximately $84,000 per year during his lifetime.
 
                                      49
<PAGE>
 
  Pursuant to Park Communications' Retention Incentive Plan, Messrs. Stair and
Rossi received a bonus of $134,000 and $170,000, respectively, as a result of
their being employed by Park Communications on the date PAI acquired Park
Communications. Under this plan, Mr. Stair is also entitled to severance
benefits if, prior to May 11, 1997, (i) his employment is involuntarily
terminated other than for cause or (ii) he refuses a position that is not
comparable to his current position. The severance benefit would be the greater
of Mr. Stair's annual salary or one-twelfth of his annual salary for each year
of service.
 
  In June 1995, Park Communications and Robert J. Rossi, a former executive
officer of Park Communications, entered into a consulting and non-competition
agreement, under which Mr. Rossi has agreed to provide up to 50 days of
consulting services to Park Communications during the 12-month period ending
in June 1996, for which Park Communications has agreed to pay to Mr. Rossi an
aggregate of $50,000, with payments commencing in January 1996. Under the
agreement, Park Communications has also agreed to compensate Mr. Rossi at the
rate of $1,000 per day for each day worked in excess of 50 days during the 12-
month period.
 
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
 
  During 1995, the following former directors served as members of the
Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of Park Communications: John
F. McNair III, former President of Wachovia Bank and Trust Company of North
Carolina, N.A., and the Honorable Senator Harry F. Byrd, Jr. of Virginia. In
addition, Dorothy D. Park, a former director, served as an ex-officio member
of the Park Communications Compensation Committee. The Board of Directors
currently has no Compensation Committee and compensation matters are decided
by the two current directors. There were no interlocking relationships between
members of the Compensation Committee and directors or officers of Park
Communications or the Company.
 
  During the fiscal years ended December 31, 1994 and 1993, the Company leased
certain operating facilities and equipment from RHP Incorporated ("RHP"),
which was wholly owned by the estate of Roy H. Park, by Mr. Park's widow,
Dorothy D. Park, and by a marital trust for the benefit of Mrs. Park. Until
his death in October 1993, Mr. Park was Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive
Officer and the majority stockholder of Park Communications. In November 1993,
Mrs. Park became Chairman of the Board of Park Communications and, in her
capacity as personal representative of the Estate of Roy H. Park, controlled
the shares of common stock of Park Communications formerly owned by Mr. Park
until May 1995. Each of Mrs. Park, Roy H. Park, Jr. and Wright M. Thomas was a
director and officer of RHP. Such lease payments to RHP were $271,476 and
$527,949 in 1994 and 1993, respectively. On November 30, 1994, the Company
purchased five previously leased properties from RHP for $600,000. The price
paid for these properties was based on independent appraisals.
 
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
 
  In connection with the relocation of Park Communications' and the Company's
headquarters in 1995 from New York to Kentucky, Park Communications purchased
the homes of Messrs. Thomas and Stair in New York for $176,950 and $175,667,
respectively, and reimbursed such individuals for certain moving expenses
incurred. The purchase price for each of the homes was based on the average of
three independent appraisals of each house. Each of Messrs. Thomas and Stair
also received $5,000 from Park Communications to assist in locating and
purchasing a new home in Kentucky. Such payments and the reimbursement of
relocation expenses were made available to all Park Communications employees
who relocated to Kentucky and who purchased a home.
 
  PAI and each of its direct subsidiaries (including the Company) are parties
to a management services agreement pursuant to which Park Communications will
pay to PAI for management advisory services $250,000 (of which $125,000 will
be contributed by each of the Company and Park Broadcasting and their
respective subsidiaries) on the business day after each semiannual interest
payment date on the Notes; provided that such payments will not be due or made
unless all interest accrued on the Notes, the Communications Notes and the
Broadcasting Notes due on such semiannual interest payment date has been paid
in cash and no default or event of default has occurred and is continuing on
any such Notes at the time of such payment.
 
                                      50
<PAGE>
 
               SECURITIES OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
 
  Park Communications owns 4,150 shares, or 100%, of the outstanding common
stock of the Company, and PAI owns all of the outstanding common stock of Park
Communications. None of the Company, Park Communications or PAI has a class of
equity or voting securities other than common stock. PAI has an authorized
class of non-voting common stock. The address of Park Communications and PAI
is 1700 Vine Center Office Tower, 333 West Vine Street, Lexington, Kentucky
40507. Except as set forth below, no director or executive officer of the
Company beneficially owns or is deemed to beneficially own any shares of
common stock (voting or non-voting) of any of the Company, any subsidiary of
the Company, Park Communications or PAI.
   
  The following table sets forth information as of September 4, 1996
concerning the beneficial ownership of the outstanding shares of common stock
of PAI:     
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         NUMBER OF SHARES
             BENEFICIAL OWNER           BENEFICIALLY OWNED       PERCENT OF CLASS
       ----------------------------     ------------------       ----------------
       <S>                              <C>                      <C>
       Gary B. Knapp(a)                        100                      50%
        333 West Vine Street, #300
        Lexington, KY 40507
       Tomlin Family Trust II(b)               100                      50%
        1401 Main Street, Suite 825
        Columbia, SC 29201
</TABLE>
- --------
(a) Mr. Knapp is a director of Park Communications and the Company and a
    director and officer of PAI.
(b) Donald R. Tomlin, Jr., 1401 Main Street, Suite 825, Columbia, SC 29201, a
    director of Park Communications and the Company and a director and officer
    of PAI, is a trustee of the Tomlin Family Trust II.
 
  All of the outstanding shares of common stock of each of the Company and
Park Broadcasting are pledged to secure indebtedness under the Communications
Notes.
 
                                      51
<PAGE>
 
                      DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN INDEBTEDNESS
 
SENIOR PAY-IN-KIND NOTES OF PARK COMMUNICATIONS
 
  Simultaneously with the sale of Notes, Park Communications offered and sold
the Communications Notes as part of the Communications Units. The
Communications Notes were issued pursuant to an Indenture dated as of May 13,
1996 between Park Communications and IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Company, as
Trustee (the "Communications Indenture"). Interest on the Communications Notes
is payable semi-annually at a rate of 13.75% per annum. Through May 15, 1999,
interest on the Communications Notes is payable, at the option of Park
Communications, by the issuance of additional Communications Notes in lieu of
cash interest. After May 15, 1999, interest on the Communications Notes is
payable solely in cash.
 
  Pursuant to the Communications Indenture, Park Communications has granted to
the holders of the Communications Notes a first priority lien on and security
interest in all of the capital stock of the Company and Park Broadcasting
owned by Park Communications. The Communications Notes mature on May 15, 2004.
 
  The Communications Notes are redeemable on or after May 15, 1999 at the
redemption prices set forth in the Communications Indenture plus, in each
case, accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption. Prior to
December 31, 1997, Park Communications has the right to redeem all or any
portion of the Communications Notes with the net proceeds of certain public
equity offerings or strategic equity investments, at 112.0% of the principal
amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of
redemption. In addition, on or after December 31, 1997 and prior to May 15,
1999, Park Communications has the right to redeem up to 50% of the aggregate
principal amount of Communications Notes then outstanding with the net
proceeds of certain public equity offerings or strategic equity investments,
at 113.0% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, if
any, to the date of redemption. In addition, at any time prior to May 15,
1999, Park Communications has the right, subject to certain limitations
described in the Communications Indenture, to redeem the Communications Notes,
in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to the principal amount
thereof plus the Applicable Premium (as defined in the Communications
Indenture) plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of
redemption.
 
  Park Communications is obligated to make an offer to repurchase all or a
portion of the Communications Notes then outstanding at a price equal to
112.0% of the aggregate principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid
interest, if any, to the date of repurchase with the net proceeds of any
public equity offering or strategic equity investment consummated on or prior
to December 31, 1997 to the extent that the proceeds therefrom have not been
(or will not be pursuant to a notice of redemption given) utilized to effect a
redemption of the Communications Notes and the amount not so utilized exceeds
$2.0 million. The Communications Indenture contains change of control
provisions similar to those applicable to the Notes requiring Park
Communications to offer to repurchase the Communications Notes upon a change
of control triggering event, which includes both a change of control and a
ratings decline.
 
  Park Communications also is required to offer to repurchase Communications
Notes at 100% of their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to
the date of redemption in the event that the net proceeds of certain asset
sales of Park Communications or its restricted subsidiaries (including the
Company and its subsidiaries) are not used within 360 days after the
occurrence of such sales to permanently reduce senior debt of Park
Communications or Park Broadcasting and/or to make an investment in, or
acquire assets directly related to, the same lines of business being conducted
by Park Communications or such restricted subsidiaries.
 
  The Communications Indenture imposes certain limitations on the ability of
Park Communications and its restricted subsidiaries to, among other things,
(i) incur additional indebtedness, (ii) pay dividends or make certain other
restricted payments, (iii) restrict the ability of a restricted subsidiary to
pay dividends or make certain payments to Park Communications, (iv) consummate
certain asset sales, (v) enter into certain transactions with affiliates, (vi)
incur liens, (vii) merge or consolidate with any other person or (viii) sell,
assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially
all of the assets of Park Communications.
 
                                      52
<PAGE>
 
  Events of default under the Communications Indenture include, among other
things, payment defaults, covenant defaults, cross-defaults to certain other
indebtedness, judgment defaults and certain events of bankruptcy and
insolvency.
 
  The Communications Notes were issued as part of units consisting of the
Communications Notes and the Communications Warrants, which warrants will have
a nominal exercise price. The Communications Warrants will be initially
exercisable for 7.0% of the common stock of Park Communications on a fully-
diluted basis. The Communications Warrants and the common stock issued upon
exercise thereof will have the benefit of certain registration rights.
 
  In connection with the offering of the Communications Units, Park
Communications has agreed that, unless on or prior to December 31, 1997 it
receives proceeds of at least $40.0 million from a public equity offering or
strategic equity investment (or series of substantially concurrent strategic
equity investments), it will be obligated to issue additional warrants
initially exercisable for 3.0% of the common stock of Park Communications on a
fully-diluted basis as of the date of such issuance.
 
SENIOR NOTES OF PARK BROADCASTING
 
  Simultaneously with the sale of Notes, Park Broadcasting offered and sold
the Broadcasting Notes. The Broadcasting Notes were issued pursuant to an
Indenture dated as of May 13, 1996 between Park Broadcasting and IBJ Schroder
Bank & Trust Company, as Trustee (the "Broadcasting Indenture"). Interest on
the Broadcasting Notes is payable semi-annually at a rate of 11.75% per annum,
and the Broadcasting Notes mature on May 15, 2004. The Broadcasting Notes were
issued at a discount to result in an effective yield to maturity of 12.25%.
 
  The Broadcasting Notes are redeemable on or after May 15, 2001 at a
redemption premium of 6.0% in excess of par, declining ratably to par at
maturity, plus, in each case, accrued and unpaid interest to the date of
redemption. In addition, at any time prior to May 15, 1999, Park Broadcasting
has the right to redeem up to 35% of the original principal amount of the
Broadcasting Notes with the net proceeds of certain public equity offerings or
strategic equity investments at 111.75% of the aggregate principal amount
thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption; provided
that not less than $155.0 million in principal amount of Broadcasting Notes is
outstanding immediately after giving effect to such redemption (other than
Broadcasting Notes held by Park Broadcasting or any of its affiliates).
 
  The Broadcasting Indenture contains change of control provisions similar to
those applicable to the Notes requiring Park Broadcasting to offer to
repurchase the Broadcasting Notes upon a change of control triggering event,
which includes both a change of control and a rating decline.
 
  Park Broadcasting also is required to offer to repurchase Broadcasting Notes
at 100% of their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date
of redemption in the event that the net proceeds of certain asset sales of
Park Broadcasting or its restricted subsidiaries are not used within 360 days
after the occurrence of such sales to permanently reduce senior debt of Park
Broadcasting and/or to make an investment in or acquire assets directly
related to, the same lines of business being conducted by Park Broadcasting or
such restricted subsidiary.
 
  The Broadcasting Indenture imposes certain limitations on the ability of
Park Broadcasting and its restricted subsidiaries to, among other things, (i)
incur additional indebtedness, (ii) pay dividends or make certain other
restricted payments, (iii) restrict the ability of a restricted subsidiary to
pay dividends or make certain payments to Park Broadcasting, (iv) consummate
certain asset sales, (v) enter into certain transactions with affiliates, (vi)
incur liens securing certain indebtedness, (vii) merge or consolidate with any
other person or (viii) sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise
dispose of all or substantially all of the assets of Park Broadcasting.
 
  Events of default under the Broadcasting Indenture include, among other
things, payment defaults, covenant defaults, cross-defaults to certain other
indebtedness, judgment defaults and certain events of bankruptcy and
insolvency.
 
                                      53
<PAGE>
 
                           DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES
 
GENERAL
 
  The Series A Notes were, and the Series B Notes will be, issued under an
Indenture (the "Indenture"), dated as of May 13, 1996, by and between the
Company and IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Company, as trustee (the "Trustee").
Upon the issuance of the Series B Notes, the Indenture will be subject to and
governed by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the "Trust Indenture
Act"). As used in this "Description of the Notes" section, references to the
"Company" means Park Newspapers, Inc., but not any its subsidiaries (unless
the context otherwise requires).
 
  The following is a summary of the material provisions of the Notes and the
Indenture. This summary does not purport to be complete and is subject to the
detailed provisions of, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, the
Trust Indenture Act, the Notes and the Indenture, including the definitions of
certain terms contained therein and including those terms made part of the
Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act. A copy of the Indenture may
be obtained from the Company. The definitions of certain terms used in the
following summary are set forth below under "--Certain Definitions." Reference
is made to the Indenture for the full definition of all such terms, as well as
any other capitalized terms used herein for which no definition is provided.
 
MATURITY AND INTEREST
 
  The Notes are general unsecured unsubordinated obligations of the Company
limited in aggregate principal amount to $155,000,000 and mature on May 15,
2004. Interest on the Notes accrues at the rate of 11.875% per annum and is
payable semi-annually in arrears on May 15 and November 15 in each year,
commencing on November 15, 1996, to holders of record on the immediately
preceding May 1 and November 1, respectively. Interest on the Notes will
accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no
interest has been paid, from the date of the original issuance of the Notes
(the "Issue Date"). Interest is computed on the basis of a 360-day year
comprised of twelve 30-day months.
 
  Principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes is payable at the
office or agency of the Company maintained for such purpose within The City of
New York or, at the option of the Company, payment of interest may be made by
check mailed to the holders of the Notes at their respective addresses as set
forth in the register of holders of Notes. Until otherwise designated by the
Company, the Company's office or agency in The City of New York will be the
office of the Trustee maintained for such purpose. The Series A Notes were,
and the Series B Notes will be, issued in fully registered form, without
coupons, and in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof, except
that Notes issued to investors that are institutional accredited investors and
that are not "qualified institutional buyers" (as defined in Rule 144A under
the Securities Act) ("QIBs") will be issued only in minimum denominations of
$100,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.
 
RANKING
 
  The Notes rank pari passu in right of payment with all existing and future
unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company and senior in right
of payment to all existing and future subordinated indebtedness of the
Company. The Notes are effectively subordinated to all secured indebtedness of
the Company to the extent of the assets securing such indebtedness and to all
existing and future indebtedness and other obligations of the subsidiaries of
the Company. As of December 31, 1995, on a pro forma basis after giving effect
to the sale of Notes, the other Refinancing Transactions and the application
of the net proceeds therefrom, the Company would have had no secured
indebtedness outstanding and the subsidiaries of the Company would have had
$0.4 million of indebtedness outstanding.
 
REDEMPTION
 
  Mandatory Redemption. The Notes are not subject to any mandatory sinking
fund redemption prior to maturity.
 
                                      54
<PAGE>
 
  Optional Redemption. The Notes are redeemable at the option of the Company,
in whole or in part, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of the
principal amount of the Notes) set forth below plus accrued and unpaid
interest, if any, to the date of redemption, if redeemed during the twelve-
month period beginning on May 15 of the years indicated below.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        YEAR                                                          PERCENTAGE
        ----                                                          ----------
        <S>                                                           <C>
        2001.........................................................  105.938%
        2002.........................................................  103.958
        2003.........................................................  101.979
        2004.........................................................  100.0
</TABLE>
 
  In addition, at any time prior to May 15, 1999, the Company may, at its
option, redeem up to $50.0 million of the aggregate principal amount of Notes
originally issued with the net proceeds of one or more Public Equity Offerings
or Strategic Equity Investments where the proceeds to the Company of any such
Public Equity Offering or Strategic Equity Investment are at least $40.0
million, at 111.875% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid
interest, if any, to the date of redemption; provided, however, that not less
than $100.0 million principal amount of the Notes is outstanding immediately
after giving effect to such redemption (other than any Notes owned by the
Company or any of its Affiliates) and such redemption is effected within 60
days of such issuance or investment.
 
  In addition, at any time prior to May 15, 2001, upon the occurrence of a
Change of Control, the Company may redeem the Notes, in whole but not in part,
at a redemption price equal to the principal amount thereof plus the
Applicable Premium plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of
redemption. Notice of redemption of the Notes pursuant to this paragraph shall
be mailed to holders of the Notes not more than 30 days following the
occurrence of a Change of Control. The Company may not redeem Notes pursuant
to this paragraph if it has made an offer to repurchase Notes with respect to
such Change of Control.
 
  Selection and Notice. If less than all of the Notes are to be redeemed at
any time, selection of the Notes to be redeemed will be made by the Company in
compliance with the requirements of the principal national securities
exchange, if any, on which the Notes are listed or, if the Notes are not
listed on a securities exchange, on a pro rata basis or by lot; provided,
however, that Notes redeemed in part shall only be redeemed in integral
multiples of $1,000. Notices of any optional or mandatory redemption shall be
mailed by first class mail at least 30 but not more than 60 days before the
redemption date to each holder of Notes to be redeemed at such holder's
registered address. If any Note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of
redemption that relates to such Note shall state the portion of the principal
amount thereof to be redeemed, and the Trustee shall authenticate and mail to
the holder of the original Note a new Note in principal amount equal to the
unredeemed portion of the original Note promptly after the original Note has
been canceled. On and after the redemption date, interest will cease to accrue
on Notes or portions thereof called for redemption.
 
CHANGE OF CONTROL
 
  In the event of a Change of Control Triggering Event, each holder of Notes
will have the right, unless the Company has given a notice of redemption,
subject to the terms and conditions of the Indenture, to require the Company
to offer to purchase all or any portion (equal to $1,000 or an integral
multiple thereof) of such holder's Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to
101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid
interest, if any, to the date of purchase, in accordance with the terms set
forth below (a "Change of Control Offer").
 
  If a Change of Control Triggering Event were to occur, there can be no
assurance that the Company will have sufficient cash or other assets to
purchase any of the Notes. Any credit agreements or other agreements relating
to unsubordinated indebtedness to which the Company becomes a party may
contain similar restrictions and provisions.
 
                                      55
<PAGE>
 
  If the Company is unable to obtain the requisite consents and/or repay all
indebtedness which prohibits the repurchase of Notes upon the occurrence of a
Change of Control Triggering Event, the Company would remain prohibited by
such indebtedness from purchasing any Notes and, as a result, the Company
could not commence a Change of Control Offer to purchase the Notes within 30
days of the occurrence of the Change of Control Triggering Event, which would
constitute an Event of Default under the Indenture. If a Change of Control
Triggering Event were to occur, there can be no assurance that the Company
would have sufficient assets to first satisfy its obligations under agreements
relating to indebtedness, if accelerated, and then to purchase all of the
Notes that might be delivered by holders seeking to accept a Change of Control
Offer. Except as described above, there are no current legal impediments to
Note purchases by the Company in the event of a Change of Control Triggering
Event. See "Risk Factors--Holding Structure; Dependence on Cash Flow from
Subsidiaries."
 
  On or before the 30th day following the occurrence of any Change of Control
Triggering Event, the Company shall mail to each holder of Notes at such
holder's registered address a notice stating: (i) that a Change of Control
Triggering Event has occurred and that such holder has the right to require
the Company to purchase all or a portion (equal to $1,000 or an integral
multiple thereof) of such holder's Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to
101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid
interest, if any, to the date of purchase (the "Change of Control Purchase
Date"), which shall be a business day, specified in such notice, that is not
earlier than 30 days or later than 60 days from the date such notice is
mailed, (ii) the amount of accrued and unpaid interest, if any, as of the
Change of Control Purchase Date, (iii) that any Note not tendered will
continue to accrue interest, (iv) that, unless the Company defaults in the
payment of the purchase price for the Notes payable pursuant to the Change of
Control Offer, any Notes accepted for payment pursuant to the Change of
Control Offer shall cease to accrue interest after the Change of Control
Purchase Date, (v) the procedures, consistent with the Indenture, to be
followed by a holder of Notes in order to accept a Change of Control Offer or
to withdraw such acceptance, and (vi) such other information as may be
required by the Indenture and applicable laws and regulations.
 
  On the Change of Control Purchase Date, the Company will (i) accept for
payment all Notes or portions thereof validly tendered pursuant to the Change
of Control Offer, (ii) deposit with the Paying Agent an amount in cash equal
to the aggregate purchase price of all Notes or portions thereof accepted for
payment and any accrued interest on such Notes as of the Change of Control
Purchase Date, and (iii) deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee all
Notes tendered pursuant to the Change of Control Offer. The Paying Agent shall
promptly mail to each holder of Notes or portions thereof accepted for payment
an amount in cash equal to the purchase price for such Notes plus accrued and
unpaid interest, if any, thereon, and the Trustee shall promptly authenticate
and mail to each holder of Notes accepted for payment in part a new Note equal
in principal amount to any unpurchased portion of the Notes, and any Note not
accepted for payment in whole or in part shall be promptly returned to the
holder of such Note. On and after a Change of Control Purchase Date, interest
will cease to accrue on the Notes or portions thereof accepted for payment,
unless the Company defaults in the payment of the purchase price therefor. The
Company will announce the results of the Change of Control Offer to holders of
the Notes on or as soon as practicable after the Change of Control Purchase
Date.
 
  The Company will comply with the applicable tender offer rules, including
the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act, and all other
applicable securities laws and regulations in connection with any Change of
Control Offer and will be deemed not to be in violation of any of the
covenants under the Indenture to the extent such compliance is in conflict
with such covenants.
 
CERTAIN COVENANTS
 
  Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness. The Indenture provides that the
Company will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, create,
incur, assume or directly or indirectly guarantee or in any other manner
become directly or indirectly liable for ("incur") any Indebtedness (including
Acquired Debt), except that the Company may incur Indebtedness if, at the time
of, and immediately after giving pro forma effect to, such incurrence of
Indebtedness, the Debt to Operating Cash Flow Ratio is not more than (i) 6.0:1
for any incurrence on or prior to November 15, 1997 and (ii) 5.5:1 for any
incurrence after November 15, 1997.
 
                                      56
<PAGE>
 
  The foregoing limitations will not apply to the incurrence of any of the
following (collectively, "Permitted Indebtedness"), each of which shall be
given independent effect:
 
     (i)Indebtedness of the Company represented by the Notes;
 
     (ii)Indebtedness of the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries under the
   Revolving Credit Facility, not to exceed $10.0 million in aggregate
   principal amount outstanding at any time;
 
     (iii)Indebtedness owed by any Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary to the
   Company or to another Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary, or owed by the
   Company to any Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that
   any such Indebtedness shall be at all times held by a Person which is
   either the Company or a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of the Company;
   provided, further, however, that upon either (a) the transfer or other
   disposition of any such Indebtedness to a Person other than the Company or
   another Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary or (b) the sale, lease, transfer
   or other disposition of shares of Capital Stock (including by consolidation
   or merger) of any such Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary to a Person other
   than the Company or another Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary, the
   incurrence of such Indebtedness shall be deemed to be an incurrence that is
   not permitted by this clause (iii);
 
     (iv)Indebtedness arising with respect to Interest Rate Agreement
   Obligations incurred for the purpose of fixing or hedging interest rate
   risk with respect to any floating rate Indebtedness that is permitted by
   the terms of the Indenture to be outstanding;
 
     (v)any Indebtedness incurred in connection with or given in exchange for
   the renewal, extension, substitution, refunding, defeasance, refinancing or
   replacement (a "refinancing") of any Indebtedness described in clause (i)
   above or incurred under the first paragraph of this covenant ("Refinancing
   Indebtedness"); provided, however, that (a) the principal amount of such
   Refinancing Indebtedness shall not exceed the principal amount (or accrued
   amount, if less) of the Indebtedness so refinanced (plus the premiums paid
   in connection therewith (which shall not exceed the stated amount of any
   premium or other payment required to be paid in connection with such a
   refinancing pursuant to the terms of the Indebtedness being refinanced) and
   the reasonable expenses incurred in connection therewith); (b) such
   Refinancing Indebtedness shall have a Weighted Average Life to Maturity
   equal to or greater than the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the
   Indebtedness being refinanced; (c) such Refinancing Indebtedness shall be
   at least as subordinated in right of payment to the Notes as the
   Indebtedness being renewed, extended, substituted, refunded, defeased,
   refinanced or replaced; and (d) the obligor on such Refinancing
   Indebtedness shall be the obligor on the Indebtedness being refinanced or
   the Company; and
 
     (vi)in addition to the items referred to in clauses (i) through (v)
   above, Indebtedness of the Company and payment and performance bonds not to
   exceed $10.0 million in aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding.
 
  Indebtedness of any Person which is outstanding at the time such Person
becomes a Restricted Subsidiary or is merged with or into or consolidated with
the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary shall be deemed to have been incurred
at the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary or is merged with or
into or consolidated with the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary, and
Indebtedness which is assumed at the time of the acquisition of any asset
shall be deemed to have been incurred at the time of such acquisition.
 
  Limitation on Restricted Payments. The Indenture provides that the Company
will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or
indirectly, make any Restricted Payment, unless at the time of and immediately
after giving effect to the proposed Restricted Payment (with the value of any
such Restricted Payment, if other than cash, to be determined reasonably and
in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company, whose determination
shall be conclusive, and evidenced by (A) a resolution of the Board of
Directors set forth in an Officers' Certificate delivered to the Trustee and
(B) if the value of any such Restricted Payment is greater than $5.0 million,
an opinion issued by an investment banking or appraisal firm of national
standing), (i) no Default or Event of Default (and no event that, after notice
or lapse of time, or both, would become an
 
                                      57
<PAGE>
 
"event of default" under the terms of any Indebtedness of the Company or the
Restricted Subsidiaries) shall have occurred and be continuing or would occur
as a consequence thereof, (ii) the Company could incur at least $1.00 of
additional Indebtedness pursuant to the first paragraph under "--Limitation on
Incurrence of Indebtedness" and (iii) the aggregate amount of all Restricted
Payments made after the Issue Date shall not exceed the sum of (a) an amount
equal to 50% of the Company's aggregate cumulative Consolidated Net Income
from the Issue Date (or, if the aggregate cumulative Consolidated Net Income
shall be a loss, minus 100% of such loss), plus (b) the aggregate amount of
all net cash proceeds received since the Issue Date by the Company from the
issuance and sale (other than to a Restricted Subsidiary) of Capital Stock
(other than Disqualified Stock) to the extent that such proceeds are not used
to redeem, repurchase, retire or otherwise acquire Capital Stock or any
Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to clause
(ii) of the next paragraph (it being understood that no capital contributions
attributable to the Offering and the consummation of the Refinancing
Transactions (including the repayment of the Prior Term Loan) shall be deemed
for any purpose to be net cash proceeds received by the Company within the
contemplation of this clause (b)). For the purposes of clause (iii) of this
paragraph only, any payment made pursuant to clauses (v) and (viii) under "--
Limitation on Transactions with Affiliates" shall be included as if it were a
Restricted Payment in the calculation of the aggregate amount of all
Restricted Payments made since the Issue Date.
 
  The foregoing provisions will not prohibit, so long as (other than with
respect to clause (i) below) there is no Default or Event of Default
continuing, the following actions (collectively, "Permitted Payments"):
 
     (i)the payment of any dividend within 60 days after the date of
   declaration thereof, if at such declaration date such payment would have
   been permitted under the Indenture;
 
     (ii)the redemption, repurchase, retirement or other acquisition of any
   Capital Stock or any Indebtedness of the Company in exchange for, or out of
   the proceeds of, the substantially concurrent sale (other than to a
   Restricted Subsidiary) of Capital Stock of the Company (other than any
   Disqualified Stock); and
 
     (iii)the payment of dividends to Park Communications on the Issue Date in
   an amount equal to the gross proceeds of the Offering of the Notes less
   expenses thereof actually paid by the Company.
 
  For purposes of clause (iii) of the first paragraph of this covenant,
Permitted Payments made pursuant to clause (i) of the immediately preceding
paragraph shall be included as of the date of declaration as a Restricted
Payment made since the Issue Date, and Permitted Payments made pursuant to
clauses (ii) and (iii) of the immediately preceding paragraph shall not be
included as Restricted Payments.
 
  Limitation on Asset Sales. The Indenture provides that the Company will not,
and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, make any Asset Sale unless
(i) the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, receives
consideration at the time of such Asset Sale at least equal to the fair market
value (as evidenced by (A) a resolution of the Board of Directors set forth in
an Officers' Certificate delivered to the Trustee and (B) if the fair market
value is greater than $5.0 million, an opinion issued by an investment banking
or appraisal firm of national standing) of the assets or other property sold
or disposed of in the Asset Sale, and (ii) at least 85% of such consideration
consists of either (a) cash or Cash Equivalents; provided, however, that for
purposes of this covenant "cash" shall include the amount of any Indebtedness
(other than any Indebtedness that is by its terms subordinated to the Notes)
of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary that are assumed by the
transferee of any such assets or other property in such Asset Sale (and
excluding any liabilities that are incurred in connection with or in
anticipation of such Asset Sale), but only to the extent that such assumption
is effected on a basis under which there is no further recourse to the Company
or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries with respect to such liabilities or (b)
properties and capital assets (including franchises and licenses required to
own or operate such properties) to be used in the same lines of business being
conducted by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary on the Issue Date.
 
  Within 360 days after any Asset Sale, the Company may elect to apply the Net
Proceeds from such Asset Sale to (a) permanently repay any Indebtedness of the
Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries, other than any Indebtedness of the
Company or any Restricted Subsidiary which expressly ranks subordinate to any
other
 
                                      58
<PAGE>
 
Indebtedness, and/or (b) make an investment in, or acquire capital assets or
property directly related to, the newspaper publishing business. Pending the
final application of any such Net Proceeds, the Company may temporarily invest
such Net Proceeds in any Investments described under clauses (i) through (iv)
of the definition of Permitted Investments. Any Net Proceeds from an Asset
Sale not applied or invested as provided in the first sentence of this
paragraph within 360 days of such Asset Sale will be deemed to constitute
"Excess Proceeds."
 
  Each date on which the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds in respect of
which an Asset Sale Offer has not been made exceeds $5.0 million shall be
deemed an "Asset Sale Offer Trigger Date." Within 30 days of each Asset Sale
Offer Trigger Date, the Company shall commence an offer (an "Asset Sale
Offer") to purchase the maximum principal amount of Notes and other
Indebtedness of the Company that ranks pari passu in right of payment with the
Notes (to the extent required by the instrument governing such other
Indebtedness) that may be purchased out of the Excess Proceeds. Any Notes to
be purchased pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer shall be purchased pro rata based
on the aggregate principal amount of Notes and all such other Indebtedness
outstanding, and all Notes shall be purchased at an offer price in cash in an
amount equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid
interest, if any, to the date of purchase. To the extent that any Excess
Proceeds remain after completion of an Asset Sale Offer, the Company may use
the remaining amount for general corporate purposes otherwise permitted by the
Indenture. Upon the consummation of any Asset Sale Offer, the amount of Excess
Proceeds from the Asset Sale in question to be the subject of future Asset
Sale Offers shall be deemed to be zero.
 
  Notice of an Asset Sale Offer shall be mailed by the Company not later than
the 30th day after the related Asset Sale Offer Trigger Date to each holder of
Notes at such holder's registered address, stating: (i) that an Asset Sale
Offer Trigger Date has occurred and that the Company is offering to purchase
the maximum principal amount of Notes that may be purchased out of the Excess
Proceeds to the extent to be applied to an offer to purchase Notes (as
provided in the immediately preceding paragraph), at an offer price in cash in
an amount equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and
unpaid interest, if any, to the date of the purchase (the "Asset Sale Offer
Purchase Date"), which shall be a business day, specified in such notice, that
is not earlier than 30 days or later than 60 days from the date such notice is
mailed, (ii) the amount of accrued and unpaid interest, if any, as of the
Asset Sale Offer Purchase Date, (iii) that any Note not tendered will continue
to accrue interest, (iv) that, unless the Company defaults in the payment of
the purchase price for the Notes payable pursuant to the Asset Sale Offer, any
Notes accepted for payment pursuant to the Asset Sale Offer shall cease to
accrue interest after the Asset Sale Offer Purchase Date, (v) the procedures,
consistent with the Indenture, to be followed by a holder of Notes in order to
accept an Asset Sale Offer or to withdraw such acceptance, and (vi) such other
information as may be required by the Indenture and applicable laws and
regulations.
 
  On the Asset Sale Offer Purchase Date, the Company will (i) accept for
payment the maximum principal amount of Notes or portions thereof tendered
pursuant to the Asset Sale Offer that can be purchased out of Excess Proceeds
from such Asset Sale that are to be applied to an Asset Sale Offer (to the
extent provided in the second preceding paragraph), (ii) deposit with the
Paying Agent an amount in cash equal to the aggregate purchase price of all
Notes or portions thereof accepted for payment and any accrued and unpaid
interest on such Notes as of the Asset Sale Offer Purchase Date, and (iii)
deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee all Notes tendered pursuant to
the Asset Sale Offer. If less than all Notes tendered pursuant to the Asset
Sale Offer are accepted for payment by the Company for any reason consistent
with the Indenture, selection of the Notes to be purchased by the Company
shall be in compliance with the requirements of the principal national
securities exchange, if any, on which the Notes are listed or, if the Notes
are not so listed, on a pro rata basis or by lot; provided, however, that
Notes accepted for payment in part shall only be purchased in integral
multiples of $1,000. The Paying Agent shall promptly mail to each holder of
Notes or portions thereof accepted for payment an amount in cash equal to the
purchase price for such Notes plus any accrued and unpaid interest, if any,
thereon, and the Trustee shall promptly authenticate and mail to such holder
of Notes accepted for payment in part a new Note equal in principal amount to
any unpurchased portion of the Notes, and any Note not accepted for payment in
whole or in part shall be promptly returned to the holder of such Note. On and
after an Asset
 
                                      59
<PAGE>
 
Sale Offer Purchase Date, interest will cease to accrue on the Notes or
portions thereof accepted for payment, unless the Company defaults in the
payment of the purchase price therefor. The Company will announce the results
of the Asset Sale Offer to holders of the Notes on or as soon as practicable
after the Asset Sale Offer Purchase Date.
 
  The Company will comply with the applicable tender offer rules, including
the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act, and all other
applicable securities laws and regulations in connection with any Asset Sale
Offer and will be deemed not to be in violation of any of the covenants under
the Indenture to the extent such compliance is in conflict with such
covenants.
 
  Limitation on Liens Securing Certain Debt. The Indenture provides that the
Company will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly
or indirectly, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien (other than
Permitted Liens) on any properties or assets of the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary (other than the Capital Stock of Unrestricted Subsidiaries) now
owned or hereafter acquired, or any income or profits therefrom, or assign or
convey any right to receive income therefrom to secure any Indebtedness,
unless the Notes are equally and ratably secured thereby.
 
  Limitation on Dividends and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Restricted
Subsidiaries. The Indenture provides that the Company will not, and will not
permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, create or
otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any encumbrance or
restriction on the ability of any Restricted Subsidiary to (i) pay dividends
or make any other distributions to the Company or any other Restricted
Subsidiary on its Capital Stock or with respect to any other interest or
participation in, or measured by, its profits, or pay any Indebtedness owed to
the Company or any other Restricted Subsidiary, (ii) make loans or advances to
the Company or any other Restricted Subsidiary or (iii) transfer any of its
properties or assets to the Company or any other Restricted Subsidiary, except
for such encumbrances or restrictions existing under or by reason of (a)
applicable law, (b) any instrument governing Indebtedness or Capital Stock of
an Acquired Person acquired by the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries as in effect at the time of such acquisition (except to the
extent such Indebtedness was incurred in connection with or in contemplation
of such acquisition); provided, however, that (1) such restriction is not
applicable to any Person, or the properties or assets of any Person, other
than the Acquired Person, and (2) the consolidated net income of such Acquired
Person for any period prior to such acquisition shall not be taken into
account in determining whether such acquisition was permitted by the terms of
the Indenture, (c) by reason of customary non-assignment provisions in leases
entered into the ordinary course of business, (d) Purchase Money Indebtedness
for property acquired in the ordinary course of business that only impose
restrictions on the property so acquired, (e) an agreement for the sale or
disposition of the Capital Stock or assets of such Restricted Subsidiary;
provided, however, that such restriction is only applicable to such Restricted
Subsidiary or assets, as applicable, and such sale or disposition otherwise is
permitted under "--Limitation on Assets Sales" above; provided, further,
however, that such restriction or encumbrance shall be effective only for a
period from the execution and delivery of such agreement through a termination
date not later than 270 days after such execution and delivery, (f)
Refinancing Indebtedness permitted under the Indenture; provided, however,
that the restrictions contained in the agreements governing such Refinancing
Indebtedness are no more restrictive in the aggregate than those contained in
the agreements governing the Indebtedness being refinanced immediately prior
to such refinancing, (g) the Indenture or (h) the Revolving Credit Facility,
and any amendments, restatements, renewals, replacements or refinancings
thereof.
 
  Limitation on Transactions with Affiliates. The Indenture provides that the
Company will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly
or indirectly, enter into or suffer to exist any transaction or series of
related transactions including, without limitation, the sale, purchase,
exchange or lease of assets, property or services) with any Affiliate of the
Company (other than the Company or a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary)
unless (1) such transaction or series of transactions is on terms that are no
less favorable to the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may
be, than would be available in a comparable transaction in arm's-length
dealings with an unrelated third party, and (2)(a) with respect to any
transaction or series of transactions
 
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<PAGE>
 
involving aggregate payments in excess of $1.0 million, the Company delivers
an Officers' Certificate to the Trustee certifying that such transaction or
series of related transactions complies with clause (1) above and such
transaction or series of related transactions has been approved by a majority
of the members of the Board of Directors of the Company (and approved by a
majority of the Independent Directors or, in the event there is only one
Independent Director, by such Independent Director), and (b) with respect to
any transaction or series of transactions involving aggregate payments in
excess of $5.0 million or any transaction or series of related transactions
referred to in clause (2)(a) above where there are no Independent Directors,
an opinion as to the fairness to the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary
from a financial point of view issued by an investment banking or appraisal
firm of national standing. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this covenant will
not apply to (i) employment agreements or compensation or employee benefit
arrangements with any officer, director or employee of the Company entered
into in the ordinary course of business (including customary benefits
thereunder (it being understood that benefits of the nature in place as of the
Issue Date shall be deemed permissible hereunder)), (ii) any transaction
entered into by or among the Company or one of its Wholly Owned Restricted
Subsidiaries with one or more Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiaries of the
Company, (iii) any Restricted Payment made in compliance with "--Limitation on
Restricted Payments," (iv) any Permitted Investments other than Investments
permitted by clause (vii) of the definition of Permitted Investments,
(v) payments to Park Communications on the business day after each semi-annual
interest payment date for the Notes for the payment of management advisory
fees in an amount not to exceed $125,000 on each such date; provided, however,
that no such payment shall be made unless (A) the Company has paid all accrued
interest on the Notes due on such semi-annual interest payment date and (B) no
Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing at the time
of such payment, (vi) payments to Park Communications or PAI pursuant to the
Tax Sharing Agreement, (vii) the pledge of Capital Stock of Unrestricted
Subsidiaries by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary to support such
Unrestricted Subsidiaries' Indebtedness, and (viii) payments to Park
Communications in respect of the Company's allocable portion of the
consolidated legal, tax, accounting and other administrative expenses of Park
Communications, not to exceed $1.0 million during any consecutive six-month
period; provided, however, that no such payment shall be made unless no
Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing at the time
of such payment.
 
  Limitation on Subsidiary Capital Stock. The Indenture provides that the
Company will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to issue any Capital Stock,
except for (i) Capital Stock issued to and held by the Company or a Wholly
Owned Restricted Subsidiary and (ii) Capital Stock issued by a Person prior to
the time (a) such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary, (b) such Person
merges with or into a Restricted Subsidiary or (c) a Restricted Subsidiary
merges with or into such Person; provided, however, that such Capital Stock
was not issued by such Person in anticipation of the type of transaction
contemplated by clauses (a), (b) or (c).
 
  Limitation on Lines of Business. The Indenture provides that the Company
will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, engage in any
business other than newspaper publishing and businesses directly related
thereto.
 
  Limitation on Amendments to the Tax Sharing Agreement. The Indenture
provides that the Company will not, and will not permit any Restricted
Subsidiary to, (i) amend, supplement or modify the Tax Sharing Agreement,
unless any such amendment, supplement or modification is no less favorable to
the Holders than the terms thereof on the Issue Date or (ii) assign the Tax
Sharing Agreement or the benefits and obligations thereunder to any other
Person.
 
  Provision of Financial Statements. The Indenture provides that, whether or
not the Company is then subject to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act,
the Company will file with the Commission, so long as the Notes are
outstanding, the annual reports, quarterly reports and other periodic reports
which the Company would have been required to file with the Commission
pursuant to such Section 13(a) or 15(d) if the Company were so subject,
commencing with the quarter ended September 30, 1996, and such documents shall
be filed with the Commission on or prior to the respective dates (the
"Required Filing Dates") by which the Company would have been required so to
file such documents if the Company were so subject. The Company will also in
any event (i) within 15 days of each Required Filing Date, (a) transmit by
mail to all holders of Notes, as their
 
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<PAGE>
 
names and addresses appear in the Note register, without cost to such holders
and (b) file with the Trustee copies of the annual reports, quarterly reports
and other periodic reports which the Company would have been required to file
with the Commission pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act if
the Company were subject to such Sections and (ii) if filing such documents by
the Company with the Commission is prohibited under the Exchange Act, promptly
upon written request and payment of the reasonable cost of duplication and
delivery, supply copies of such documents to any prospective holder at the
Company's cost.
 
  Additional Covenants. The Indenture also contains covenants with respect to
the following matters: (i) payment of principal, premium and interest; (ii)
maintenance of an office or agency in The City of New York; (iii) maintenance
of corporate existence; (iv) payment of taxes and other claims; (v)
maintenance of properties; and (vi) maintenance of insurance.
 
  Certain Exceptions for Capital Contributions. Any other provision of the
Indenture to the contrary notwithstanding, any capital contribution made on
the Issue Date in any Subsidiary of the Company to effect the repayment of the
Prior Credit Agreement from the proceeds of the offering of the Notes and the
consummation of the other financing transactions taking place on the Issue
Date in connection therewith shall not be deemed to be a violation of any
covenant of the Indenture (and the aggregate amount of any such capital
contribution shall not be counted as a Restricted Investment).
 
MERGER, CONSOLIDATION AND SALE OF ASSETS
 
  The Indenture provides that the Company shall not, in any single transaction
or series of related transactions, consolidate or merge with or into (whether
or not the Company is the Surviving Person), or sell, assign, transfer, lease,
convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its properties or
assets to, another Person, and the Company will not permit any Restricted
Subsidiary to enter into any such transaction or series of related
transactions if such transaction or series of related transactions, in the
aggregate, would result in a sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or
other disposition of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of
the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to another
Person, unless (i) the Surviving Person is a corporation organized or existing
under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of
Columbia; (ii) the Surviving Person (if other than the Company) assumes all
the obligations of the Company under the Notes, the Indenture and, if then in
effect, the Registration Rights Agreement pursuant to a supplemental indenture
or other written agreement, as the case may be, in a form reasonably
satisfactory to the Trustee; (iii) at the time of and immediately after such
Disposition, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing; and (iv) the Surviving Person will (A) have Consolidated Net Worth
(immediately after giving effect to the Disposition on a pro forma basis)
equal to or greater than the Consolidated Net Worth of the Company immediately
preceding the transaction, and (B) at the time of such Disposition and after
giving pro forma effect thereto, the Surviving Person would be permitted to
incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the first
paragraph of the covenant described under "--Certain Covenants--Limitation on
Incurrence of Indebtedness."
 
  In the event of any transaction (other than a lease) described in and
complying with the conditions listed in the immediately preceding paragraphs
in which the Company is not the Surviving Person and the Surviving Person is
to assume all the obligations of the Company under the Notes, the Indenture
and, if then in effect, the Registration Rights Agreement pursuant to a
supplemental indenture or other written agreement, as the case may be, such
Surviving Person shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise
every right and power of, the Company and the Company would be discharged from
its obligations under the Indenture, the Notes and the Registration Rights
Agreement.
 
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
 
  The Indenture provides that each of the following constitutes an Event of
Default:
 
    (i) a default for 30 days in the payment when due of interest (including
  any "additional interest" (as described below under "The Exchange Offer--
  Purpose and Effect of the Exchange Offer")) on any Note;
 
                                      62
<PAGE>
 
    (ii) a default in the payment when due of principal on any Note, whether
  upon maturity, acceleration, redemption, required repurchase or otherwise;
 
    (iii) failure to perform or comply with any covenant, agreement or
  warranty in the Indenture (other than the defaults specified in clauses (i)
  and (ii) above) which failure continues (A) in the case of any such
  covenant, agreement or warranty described herein under "--Certain
  Covenants--Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness," "--Certain
  Covenants--Limitation on Restricted Payments," "--Certain Covenants--
  Limitation on Asset Sales," and "--Merger, Consolidation and Sale of
  Assets," for 30 days after written notice thereof has been given to the
  Company by the Trustee or to the Company and the Trustee by the holders of
  at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes
  and (B) in the case of any other such covenant, agreement or warranty
  contained in the Indenture, for 60 days after written notice thereof has
  been given to the Company by the Trustee or to the Company and the Trustee
  by the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the then
  outstanding Notes;
 
    (iv) the occurrence of one or more defaults under any agreements,
  indentures or instruments under which the Company or any Restricted
  Subsidiary then has outstanding Indebtedness in excess of $5.0 million
  individually or in the aggregate and, if not already matured at its final
  maturity in accordance with its terms, such Indebtedness shall have been
  accelerated and such Indebtedness shall not have been repaid or such
  acceleration rescinded within 20 days;
 
    (v) one or more judgments, orders or decrees for the payment of money in
  excess of $5.0 million either individually or in the aggregate (net of
  amounts covered by a reputable and creditworthy insurance company, or by
  bond, surety or similar instrument) shall be entered against the Company or
  any Restricted Subsidiary or any of their respective properties and which
  judgments, orders or decrees are not paid, discharged, bonded or stayed or
  stayed pending appeal for a period of 60 days after their entry;
 
    (vi) there shall have been entered by a court of competent jurisdiction
  (a) a decree or order for relief in respect of the Company or any
  Restricted Subsidiary in an involuntary case or proceeding under any
  applicable Bankruptcy Law or (b) a decree or order adjudging the Company or
  any Restricted Subsidiary bankrupt or insolvent, or seeking reorganization,
  arrangement, adjustment or composition of or in respect of the Company or
  any Restricted Subsidiary under any applicable federal or state law, or
  appointing a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee,
  sequestrator or other similar official of the Company or any Restricted
  Subsidiary or of any substantial part of their respective properties, or
  ordering the winding up or liquidation of their affairs, and any such
  decree or order for relief shall continue to be in effect, or any such
  other decree or order shall be unstayed and in effect, for a period of 60
  days; or
 
    (vii) (a) the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary commences a voluntary
  case or proceeding under any applicable Bankruptcy Law or any other case or
  proceeding to be adjudicated bankrupt or insolvent, (b) the Company or any
  Restricted Subsidiary consents to the entry of a decree or order for relief
  in respect of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary in an involuntary
  case or proceeding under any applicable Bankruptcy Law or to the
  commencement of any bankruptcy or insolvency case or proceeding against it,
  (c) the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary files a petition or answer or
  consent seeking reorganization or relief under any applicable federal or
  state law, (d) the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (x) consents to the
  filing of such petition or the appointment of or taking possession by a
  custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other
  similar official of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary or of any
  substantial part of their respective property, (y) makes an assignment for
  the benefit of creditors or (z) admits in writing its inability to pay its
  debts generally as they become due or (e) the Company or any Restricted
  Subsidiary takes any corporate action in furtherance of any such actions in
  this paragraph (vii).
 
  Within 30 days after the occurrence of any Default, the Trustee must give
notice of the Default to the holders of the Notes; provided, however, that in
the event of a Default in the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or
interest on any Note, the Trustee is protected in withholding notice if and so
long as a trust committee of Responsible Officers in good faith determines
that the withholding of notice is in the best interest of the holders of the
Notes. If any Event of Default (other than as specified in clauses (vi) or
(vii) of the preceding
 
                                      63
<PAGE>
 
paragraph with respect to the Company) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee
or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the then
outstanding Notes may, and the Trustee at the request of such holders shall,
declare all the Notes to be due and payable immediately by notice in writing
to the Company, and to the Company and the Trustee if by the Holders,
specifying the respective Event of Default and that it is a "notice of
acceleration," and the Notes shall become immediately due and payable.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of an Event of Default arising from
the events specified in clauses (vi) or (vii) of the preceding paragraph with
respect to the Company, the principal of, premium, if any, and any accrued
interest on all outstanding Notes shall ipso facto become immediately due and
payable without further action or notice. Holders of the Notes may not enforce
the Indenture or the Notes except as provided in the Indenture.
 
  The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then
outstanding by notice to the Trustee may on behalf of the holders of all of
the Notes waive any existing Default or Event of Default and its consequences
under the Indenture except (i) a continuing Default or Event of Default in the
payment of the principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on, the Notes
(which may only be waived with the consent of each holder of Notes affected),
or (ii) in respect of a covenant or provision which under the Indenture cannot
be modified or amended without the consent of the holder of each Note
outstanding. Subject to certain limitations, holders of a majority in
principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may direct the Trustee in its
exercise of any trust or power. The Trustee may withhold from holders of the
Notes notice of any continuing Default or Event of Default (except a Default
or Event of Default relating to the payment of principal, premium or interest)
if it determines that withholding notice is in their interest.
 
  The Company is required to deliver to the Trustee annually a statement
regarding compliance with the Indenture, and the Company is required, upon
becoming aware of any Default or Event of Default, to deliver to the Trustee a
statement specifying such Default or Event of Default.
 
NO PERSONAL LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES AND STOCKHOLDERS
 
  The Indenture provides that no director, officer, employee or stockholder of
the Company shall have any liability for any obligation of the Company under
the Indenture or the Notes. Each holder by accepting a Note waives and
releases such Persons from all such liability and such waiver and release is
part of the consideration for the issuance of the Notes. However, the holders
of the Notes are not in any way waiving, releasing or otherwise altering their
rights against any Person under federal securities laws.
 
DEFEASANCE OR COVENANT DEFEASANCE OF INDENTURE
 
  The Company may, at its option and at any time, elect to have the
obligations of the Company discharged with respect to the outstanding Notes
("defeasance"). Such defeasance means that the Company shall be deemed to have
paid and discharged the entire indebtedness represented by the outstanding
Notes and to have satisfied all other obligations under the Notes and the
Indenture except for (i) the rights of holders of the outstanding Notes to
receive, solely from the trust fund described below, payments in respect of
the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on such Notes when such
payments are due, (ii) the Company's obligations with respect to the Notes
concerning issuing temporary Notes, registration of Notes, mutilated,
destroyed, lost or stolen Notes, and the maintenance of an office or agency
for payment and money for security payments held in trust, (iii) the rights,
powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee under the Indenture, and
(iv) the defeasance provisions of the Indenture. In addition, the Company may,
at its option and at any time, elect to have the obligations of the Company
released with respect to certain covenants that are described in the Indenture
("covenant defeasance") and any omission to comply with such obligations shall
not constitute a Default or an Event of Default with respect to the Notes. In
the event that a covenant defeasance occurs, certain events (not including
non-payment, bankruptcy and insolvency events) described under "--Events of
Default" will no longer constitute Events of Default with respect to the
Notes.
 
 
                                      64
<PAGE>
 
  In order to exercise either defeasance or covenant defeasance, (i) the
Company shall irrevocably deposit with the Trustee, as trust funds in trust,
for the benefit of the holders of the Notes, cash in United States dollars,
U.S. Government Obligations (as defined in the Indenture), or a combination
thereof, in such amounts as will be sufficient, in the report of a nationally
recognized firm of independent public accountants or a nationally recognized
investment banking firm, to pay and discharge the principal of, premium, if
any, and interest on the outstanding Notes to redemption or maturity; (ii) the
Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an opinion of counsel in the
United States to the effect that the holders of the outstanding Notes will not
recognize income, gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of
such defeasance or covenant defeasance, as the case may be, and will be
subject to Federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at
the same times as would have been the case if such defeasance or covenant
defeasance, as the case may be, had not occurred (in the case of defeasance,
such opinion must refer to and be based upon a ruling of the Internal Revenue
Service or a change in applicable Federal income tax laws); (iii) no Default
or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such
deposit or insofar as clauses (vi) and (vii) under the first paragraph under
"--Events of Default" is concerned, at any time during the period ending on
the 91st day after the date of deposit; (iv) such defeasance or covenant
defeasance shall not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a
Default under, the Indenture or any other agreement or instrument to which the
Company is a party or by which it is bound; (v) the Company shall have
delivered to the Trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that (A) the
trust funds will not be subject to any rights of holders of Indebtedness
(other than holders of the Notes) and (B) after the 91st day following the
deposit, the trust funds will not be subject to the effect of any applicable
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting creditors'
rights generally; and (vi) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an
Officers' Certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that all
conditions precedent under the Indenture to either defeasance or covenant
defeasance, as the case may be, have been complied with and that no violations
under agreements governing any other outstanding Indebtedness would result
therefrom.
 
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE
 
  The Indenture will cease to be of further effect (except as to surviving
rights of registration of transfer or exchange of the Notes, as expressly
provided for in the Indenture) as to all outstanding Notes when (i) either (a)
all the Notes theretofore authenticated and delivered (except lost, stolen or
destroyed Notes which have been replaced or paid) have been delivered to the
Trustee for cancellation or (b) all Notes not theretofore delivered to the
Trustee for cancellation have become due and payable and the Company has
irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee an amount in
United States dollars sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness
on the Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, for
the principal of, premium, if any, and interest to the date of deposit; (ii)
the Company has paid or caused to be paid all other sums payable under the
Indenture by the Company; and (iii) the Company has delivered to the Trustee
an Officers' Certificate and an opinion of counsel each stating that all
conditions precedent under the Indenture relating to the satisfaction and
discharge of the Indenture have been complied with.
 
TRANSFER AND EXCHANGE
 
  The registered holder of a Note will be treated as the owner of it for all
purposes. A holder may transfer or exchange Notes in accordance with the
Indenture. The Registrar and the Trustee may require a holder among other
things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents and the
Company may require a holder to pay any taxes and fees required by law or
permitted by the Indenture. Neither the Company nor the Registrar shall be
required to issue, register the transfer of or exchange any Note (i) during a
period beginning at the opening of business on the day that the Trustee
receives notice of any redemption from the Company and ending at the close of
business on the day the notice of redemption is sent to holders, (ii) selected
for redemption, in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any Note
being redeemed in part may be transferred or exchanged, and (iii) during a
Change of Control Offer or an Asset Sale Offer if such Note is tendered
pursuant to such Change of Control Offer or Asset Sale Offer and not
withdrawn.
 
 
                                      65
<PAGE>
 
AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER
 
  Except as provided in the next two paragraphs, the Indenture or the Notes
may be amended or supplemented with the written consent of the holders of at
least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes
(including consents obtained in connection with a tender offer or exchange
offer for the Notes), and any existing Default or Event of Default or
compliance with any provision of the Indenture or the Notes may be waived with
the consent of the holders of a majority in principal amount of the then
outstanding Notes (including consents obtained in connection with a tender
offer or exchange offer for Notes).
 
  Without the consent of each holder affected, an amendment or waiver shall
not: (i) reduce the principal amount of the Notes whose holders must consent
to an amendment, supplement or waiver, (ii) reduce the principal of or change
the fixed maturity of any Note, or alter the provisions with respect to the
redemption or repurchase of the Notes in a manner adverse to the holders of
the Notes, (iii) reduce the rate of or change the time for payment of interest
on any Notes, (iv) waive a Default or Event of Default in the payment of
principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the Notes (except that holders
of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding
Notes may (a) rescind an acceleration of the Notes that resulted from a non-
payment default, and (b) waive the payment default that resulted from such
acceleration), (v) make any Note payable in money other than that stated in
the Notes, (vi) make any change in the provisions of the Indenture relating to
waivers of past Defaults (other than to add sections of the Indenture subject
thereto) or the rights of holders of Notes to receive payments of principal
of, or premium, if any, or interest on, the Notes, (vii) waive a redemption
payment with respect to any Note, (viii) make any change in the obligation of
the Company to make and consummate (a) a Change of Control Offer in the event
of a Change of Control Triggering Event or (b) an Asset Sale Offer as and when
required by "--Certain Covenants--Limitation on Asset Sales" or (ix) make any
change in the foregoing amendment and waiver provisions (except to increase
the percentage of outstanding Notes required for such actions or to provide
that certain other provisions of the Indenture cannot be modified or waived
without the consent of the holder of each Note affected thereby).
 
  Notwithstanding the foregoing, without the consent of any holder of Notes,
the Company and the Trustee may amend or supplement the Indenture or the Notes
(i) to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency; provided, however, that
such amendment or supplement does not adversely affect the rights of any
holder, (ii) to comply with "--Merger, Consolidation and Sale of Assets,"
(iii) to provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of
certificated Notes, (iv) to comply with requirements of the Commission in
order to effect or maintain the qualification of the Indenture under the Trust
Indenture Act, (v) to make any change that would provide any additional rights
or benefits to the holders of the Notes or that does not adversely affect the
rights of any such holder, (vi) to add to the covenants of the Company for the
benefit of the holders, or to surrender any right or power herein conferred
upon the Company, or (vii) to secure the Notes as provided in "--Certain
Covenants--Limitation on Liens Securing Certain Debt."
 
THE TRUSTEE
 
  In the event that the Trustee becomes a creditor of the Company, the
Indenture contains certain limitations on the rights of the Trustee to obtain
payment of claims in certain cases or to realize on certain property received
in respect of any such claim as security or otherwise. The Trustee will be
permitted to engage in other transactions; however, if it acquires any
conflicting interest it must eliminate such conflict within 90 days, apply to
the Commission for permission to continue as Trustee, or resign.
 
  The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then
outstanding Notes will have the right to direct the time, method and place of
conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, subject to
certain exceptions. The Indenture provides that, in case an Event of Default
has occurred and has not been cured, the Trustee will be required, in the
exercise of its power, to use the degree of care of a prudent man in the
conduct of his own affairs. The Trustee will be under no obligation to
exercise any of its rights or powers under the Indenture at the request of any
holder of Notes, unless such holder shall have offered to the Trustee security
and indemnity satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense.
 
                                      66
<PAGE>
 
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
 
  Set forth below are certain defined terms used in the Indenture. Reference
is made to the Indenture for the definition of all other terms used in the
Indenture.
 
  "Acquired Debt" means, with respect to any specified Person, Indebtedness of
any other Person (the "Acquired Person") existing at the time the Acquired
Person merges with or into, or becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of, such
specified Person, including Indebtedness incurred in connection with, or in
contemplation of, the Acquired Person merging with or into, or becoming a
Restricted Subsidiary of, such specified Person.
 
  "Affiliate" means, with respect to any specified Person, any other Person
directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or
indirect common control with such specified Person. For purposes of this
definition, "control" (including, with correlative meanings, the terms
"controlling," "controlled by" and "under common control with") of any Person
means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause
the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through
the ownership of voting securities, by agreement or otherwise.
 
  "Applicable Premium" means, with respect to a Note, the greater of (i) 1.0%
of the then outstanding principal amount of such Note and (ii) (a) the present
value of all remaining required interest and principal payments due on such
Note and all premium payments relating thereto assuming a redemption date of
May 15, 2001, computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate plus
75 basis points minus (b) the then outstanding principal amount of such Note
minus (c) accrued interest paid on the date of redemption.
 
  "Asset Sale" means (i) any sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition by
the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of any assets (including by way of a
sale-and-leaseback) other than in the ordinary course of business or (ii) the
issuance or sale of Capital Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary (but not the
Capital Stock of any Unrestricted Subsidiary), in the case of each of (i) and
(ii), whether in a single transaction or a series of related transactions, to
any Person (other than to the Company or a Wholly Owned Restricted
Subsidiary); provided, however, that for purposes of the covenant described
under "--Certain Covenants--Limitation on Asset Sales" above, Asset Sales
shall not include: (a) a transaction or series of related transactions for
which the Company or the applicable Restricted Subsidiary receives aggregate
consideration of less than $500,000 in any fiscal year; (b) transactions
complying with the covenant described under "--Merger, Consolidation and Sale
of Assets" above; (c) any Lien securing Indebtedness to the extent that such
Lien is granted in compliance with the covenant described under "--Certain
Covenants--Limitation on Liens Securing Certain Debt" above; (d) any
Restricted Payment (or Permitted Investment) permitted by the covenant
described under "--Certain Covenants--Limitation on Restricted Payments"
above; and (e) any disposition of assets or property to the extent such
property or assets are obsolete, worn out or no longer useful in the Company's
or any Restricted Subsidiary's business; provided, however, that the fair
market value (determined reasonably and in good faith by the Board of
Directors of the Company) of any assets or property so disposed shall not
exceed $500,000 in the aggregate in any given year.
 
  "Bankruptcy Law" means Title 11, United States Bankruptcy Code of 1978, as
amended, or any similar United States federal or state law relating to
bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership, winding up, liquidation, reorganization
or relief of debtors, or any amendment to, succession to or change in any such
law.
 
  "Capital Lease Obligation" of any Person means, at the time any
determination thereof is to be made, the amount of the liability in respect of
a capital lease for property leased by such Person that would at such time be
required to be capitalized on the balance sheet of such Person in accordance
with GAAP.
 
  "Capital Stock" of any Person means any and all shares, interests, rights to
purchase, warrants, options, participations or other equivalents of or
interests in (however designated) corporate stock or other equity
participations, including partnership interests, whether general or limited,
of such Person, including any Preferred Stock.
 
                                      67
<PAGE>
 
  "Cash Equivalents" means (a) securities with maturities of one year or less
from the date of acquisition issued, fully guaranteed or insured by the United
States Government or any agency thereof, (b) certificates of deposit, time
deposits, overnight bank deposits, bankers' acceptances and repurchase
agreements issued by a Qualified Issuer having maturities of 270 days or less
from the date of acquisition, (c) commercial paper of an issuer rated at least
A-2 by Standard & Poor's Corporation or at least P-2 by Moody's Investors
Service, Inc., or carrying an equivalent rating by a nationally recognized
rating agency if both of the two named rating agencies cease publishing
ratings of investments, and having maturities of 270 days or less from the
date of acquisition, and (d) money market accounts or funds with or issued by
Qualified Issuers.
 
  "Change of Control" means the occurrence of any of the following events: (i)
any "person" or "group" (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of
the Exchange Act), other than Permitted Holders, is or becomes the "beneficial
owner" (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act, except
that a Person shall be deemed to have beneficial ownership of all shares that
such Person has the right to acquire, whether such right is exercisable
immediately or only after the passage of time), directly or indirectly, of 50%
or more of the voting power of the total outstanding Voting Stock of the
Company, Park Communications or PAI, as the case may be; (ii) during any
period of two consecutive years, individuals who at the beginning of such
period constituted the Board of Directors of the Company, Park Communications
or PAI, as the case may be (together with any new directors whose election to
such Board of Directors, or whose nomination for election by the stockholders
of the Company, Park Communications or PAI, as the case may be, was approved
by a vote of the Permitted Holders who at the time of the vote are
stockholders of the Company, Park Communications or PAI, as the case may be,
or either (A) 66 2/3% or (B) all remaining members of the Board of Directors
of the Company, Park Communications or PAI, as the case may be, then still in
office who were either directors at the beginning of such period or whose
election or nomination for election was previously so approved), cease for any
reason to constitute a majority of such Board of Directors of the Company,
Park Communications or PAI, as the case may be, then in office; (iii) the sale
of all or substantially all of the Capital Stock or assets of the Company,
Park Communications or PAI, as the case may be, to any Person or Group (as
defined in Rule 13d-5 of the Exchange Act), other than to the Permitted
Holders, as an entirety or substantially as an entirety in a single
transaction or a series of related transactions or (iv) the Company, Park
Communications or PAI, as the case may be, consolidates with or merges with or
into another Person other than in any such event where immediately after such
transaction the stockholders immediately prior to such transaction or the
Permitted Holders hold at least a majority of the voting power of the
outstanding Voting Stock of the Surviving Person immediately after the
consummation of such transaction. For purposes of the foregoing definition of
Change of Control, the transfer (by lease, assignment, sale or otherwise, in a
single transaction or series of related transactions) of all or substantially
all of the properties or assets of one or more Subsidiaries of the Company,
the Capital Stock of which constitutes all or substantially all of the
properties and assets of the Company, shall be deemed to be the transfer of
all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the Company. The
foregoing definition of Change of Control includes a phrase relating to the
sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the Capital Stock or
assets of the Company, Park Communications or PAI, and a phrase relating to
all or substantially all of the properties or assets of one or more of the
Subsidiaries of the Company, the Capital Stock of which constitutes all or
substantially all of the properties and assets of the Company. Although there
is a developing body of case law interpreting the phrase "substantially all,"
there is no precise established definition of the phrase under applicable law.
Accordingly, the ability of a holder of the Notes to require the Company to
repurchase the Notes as a result of a sale or other disposition of less than
all of such Capital Stock, assets or properties to another Person or group may
be uncertain.
 
  "Change of Control Triggering Event" means the occurrence of both a Change
of Control and a Rating Decline.
 
  "Communications Notes" means the $80.0 million aggregate principal amount of
13 3/4% Senior Pay-in-Kind Notes due 2004 of Park Communications issued under
an indenture dated May 13, 1996 between Park Communications and IBJ Schroder
Bank & Trust Company, as trustee, including the Series B 13 3/4% Senior Pay-
in-Kind Notes due 2004 of Park Communications issued in exchange therefor.
 
 
                                      68
<PAGE>
 
  "Communications Senior Credit Facility" means the Credit Agreement dated as
of May 10, 1996, among Park Communications, the Subsidiaries of Park
Communications named therein and the lenders named therein.
 
  "Company" means Park Newspapers, Inc., a Delaware corporation, unless and
until a successor replaces it in accordance with the Indenture and thereafter
means such successor.
 
  "Consolidated Interest Expense" means, with respect to any period, the sum
of (i) the interest expense of the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries for
such period (other than the amortization of issuance costs related to the
Notes), determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP
consistently applied, including, without limitation, (a) amortization of debt
discount, (b) the net payments, if any, under Interest Rate Agreement
Obligations (including amortization of discounts), (c) the interest portion of
any deferred payment obligation and (d) accrued interest, plus (ii) the
interest component of all Capital Lease Obligations paid, accrued and/or
scheduled to be paid or accrued by the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries
during such period, and all capitalized interest of the Company and the
Restricted Subsidiaries, in each case as determined on a consolidated basis in
accordance with GAAP consistently applied.
 
  "Consolidated Net Income" means, with respect to any period, the net income
(or loss) of the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period,
determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently
applied, adjusted, to the extent included in calculating such net income (or
loss), (i) by adding the amount of corporate overhead for such period of Park
Communications allocated to the Company and its Subsidiaries in accordance
with GAAP consistently applied and deducted in calculating such net income (or
loss), and (ii) by adding the amount of interest expense for such period
calculated in accordance with GAAP attributable to debt issuance costs related
to the Notes (to the extent deducted in calculating such net income (or
loss)), (iii) by adding the amount of management advisory fees paid by the
Company to Park Communications for such period and deducted in calculating
such net income (or loss) and (iv) to the extent included in calculating such
net income (or loss), by excluding, without duplication, (a) all extraordinary
gains but not losses (less all fees and expenses relating thereto) together
with any related provisions for taxes, (b) the portion of net income (or loss)
of the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries allocable to interests in
unconsolidated Persons or Unrestricted Subsidiaries, except to the extent of
the amount of dividends or distributions actually paid in cash to the Company
or the Restricted Subsidiaries by such other Person during such period
(subject in the case of any such dividend or distribution to any Restricted
Subsidiary to the limitations set forth in clause (e) below), (c) net income
(or loss) of any Person combined with the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary
on a "pooling of interests" basis attributable to any period prior to the date
of combination, (d) net gains but not losses (less all fees and expenses
relating thereto) in respect of dispositions of assets (including, without
limitation, pursuant to sale-and-leaseback transactions) other than in the
ordinary course of business, together with any related provisions for taxes,
and (e) the net income of any Restricted Subsidiary to the extent that the
declaration of dividends or similar distributions by that Restricted
Subsidiary of that income to the Company is not at the time permitted,
directly or indirectly, by operation of the terms of its charter or any
agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or governmental
regulation applicable to that Restricted Subsidiary or its stockholders
(regardless of any waiver in respect thereof).
 
  "Consolidated Net Worth" means, with respect to any Person on any date, the
equity of the common and preferred stockholders of such Person and its
Restricted Subsidiaries as of such date, determined on a consolidated basis in
accordance with GAAP consistently applied.
 
  "Debt to Operating Cash Flow Ratio" means, with respect to any date of
determination, the ratio of (i) the aggregate principal amount of all
outstanding Indebtedness of the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries as of
such date on a consolidated basis, plus the aggregate liquidation preference
or redemption amount of all Disqualified Stock of the Company and the
Restricted Subsidiaries (other than any Disqualified Stock owned by the
Company or any Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary) determined in accordance
with GAAP, to (ii) Operating Cash Flow of the Company and the Restricted
Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for the four
 
                                      69
<PAGE>
 
most recent full fiscal quarters ending on or immediately prior to such date,
determined on a pro forma basis (without giving effect to clause (iv) (c) of
the definition of Consolidated Net Income) after giving pro forma effect to
(A) the incurrence of any Indebtedness being incurred on such date of
determination and (if applicable) the application of the net proceeds
therefrom, including to refinance other Indebtedness; (B) in the case of
Acquired Debt, the related acquisition as if such acquisition had occurred at
the beginning of such four-quarter period; and (C) any acquisition or
disposition by the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries of any company or
any business or any assets out of the ordinary course of business, or any
related repayment of Indebtedness, in each case since the first day of such
four-quarter period, assuming such acquisition or disposition had been
consummated, with respect to any acquisition, on the first day of, and with
respect to any disposition, immediately prior to the first day of, such four-
quarter period.
 
  "Default" means any event that is, or after the giving of notice or passage
of time or both would be, an Event of Default.
 
  "Disposition" means, with respect to any Person, any merger, consolidation
or other business combination involving such Person (whether or not such
Person is the Surviving Person) or the sale, assignment, transfer, lease,
conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of such Person's
assets.
 
  "Disqualified Stock" means (i) any Preferred Stock of any Restricted
Subsidiary and (ii) any Capital Stock of the Company that, by its terms (or by
the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is
exchangeable), or upon the happening of any event, matures or is mandatorily
redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, or is
redeemable at the option of the holder thereof, in whole or in part on or
prior to the stated maturity of the Notes; provided, however, that any Capital
Stock that would not constitute Disqualified Stock but for provisions thereof
giving holders thereof the right to require the Company to purchase or redeem
such Capital Stock upon the occurrence of a change of control occurring prior
to the final maturity date of the Notes shall not constitute Disqualified
Stock if the change of control provisions applicable to such Capital Stock are
no more favorable to the holders of such Capital Stock than the provisions
described under "--Change of Control" and such Capital Stock specifically
provides that the Company will not purchase or redeem any such Capital Stock
pursuant to such provisions prior to the Company's purchase of the Notes as
are required to be purchased pursuant to the provisions described under "--
Change of Control."
 
  "Dollars" and "$" means lawful money of the United States of America.
 
  "Equity Market Capitalization" of any Person means the aggregate market
value of the outstanding Capital Stock (other than Preferred Stock and
excluding any Capital Stock held in treasury by such Person) of such Person of
a class that is listed or admitted to unlisted trading privileges on a United
States national securities exchange or included for trading on the Nasdaq
National Market System. For purposes of this definition the "market value" of
any such Capital Stock shall be the average of the high and low sale prices,
or if no sales are reported, the average of the high and low bid prices, as
reported on the principal national securities exchange on which such Capital
Stock is listed or admitted to trading or, if such Capital Stock is not listed
or admitted to trading on a national securities exchange, as reported by
Nasdaq, for each trading day in a 20 consecutive trading day period ending not
more than 45 days prior to the date such Person commits to make an investment
in the Capital Stock of the Company.
 
  "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
 
  "GAAP" means, as of any date, generally accepted accounting principles in
the United States and not including any interpretations or regulations that
have been proposed but that have not become effective.
 
  "Guarantee" means a guarantee (other than by endorsement of negotiable
instruments for collection in the ordinary course of business), direct or
indirect, in any manner (including, without limitation, letters of credit and
reimbursement agreements in respect thereof), of all or any part of any
Indebtedness.
 
 
                                      70
<PAGE>
 
  "Indebtedness" means, with respect to any Person, without duplication, and
whether or not contingent, (i) all indebtedness of such Person for borrowed
money or for the deferred purchase price of property or services or which is
evidenced by a note, bond, debenture or similar instrument, (ii) all Capital
Lease Obligations of such Person, (iii) all obligations of such Person in
respect of letters of credit or bankers' acceptances issued or created for the
account of such Person, (iv) all Interest Rate Agreement Obligations of such
Person, (v) all liabilities secured by any Lien (other than any Permitted
Lien) on any property owned by such Person even if such Person has not assumed
or otherwise become liable for the payment thereof to the extent of the lesser
of the amount of the debt secured thereby or the value of the property subject
to such Lien (it being understood that if such debt exceeds the value of such
property, the full amount thereof shall be included in this definition), (vi)
all obligations to purchase, redeem, retire, or otherwise acquire for value
any Capital Stock of such Person, or any warrants, rights or options to
acquire such Capital Stock, now or hereafter outstanding, (vii) to the extent
not included in (vi), all Disqualified Stock issued by such Person, valued at
the greater of its voluntary or involuntary maximum fixed repurchase price
plus accrued dividends thereon, and (viii) to the extent not otherwise
included, any guarantee by such Person of any other Person's indebtedness or
other obligations described in clauses (i) through (vii) above. "Indebtedness"
of the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries (i) shall be determined in
accordance with GAAP and (ii) shall not include current trade payables
incurred in the ordinary course of business and payable in accordance with
customary practices and non-interest bearing installment obligations and
accrued liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business which are not
more than 90 days past due. For purposes hereof, the "maximum fixed repurchase
price" of any Disqualified Stock which does not have a fixed repurchase price
shall be calculated in accordance with the terms of such Disqualified Stock as
if such Disqualified Stock were purchased on any date on which Indebtedness
shall be required to be determined pursuant to the Indenture, and if such
price is based upon, or measured by the fair market value of, such
Disqualified Stock, such fair market value is to be determined reasonably and
in good faith by the board of directors of the issuer of such Disqualified
Stock.
 
  "Indenture Grade" means BBB- or higher by S&P or Baa3 or higher by Moody's
or the equivalent of such ratings by S&P or Moody's or in the event S&P or
Moody's shall cease rating the Notes and the Company shall select any other
Rating Agency, the equivalent of such ratings by such other Rating Agency.
 
  "Independent Director" means a director of the Company other than a director
(i) who (apart from being a director of the Company or any Subsidiary) is an
employee, associate or Affiliate of the Company or a Subsidiary or has held
any such position during the previous five years, or (ii) who is a director,
employee, associate or Affiliate of another party (other than the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries) to the transaction in question.
 
  "Interest Rate Agreement Obligations" means, with respect to any Person, the
Obligations of such Person under (i) interest rate swap agreements, interest
rate cap agreements and interest rate collar agreements, and (ii) other
agreements or arrangements designed to protect such Person against
fluctuations in interest rates.
 
  "Investments" means, with respect to any Person, all investments by such
Person in other Persons (including Affiliates of such Person) in the form of
loans, Guarantees, advances or capital contributions (excluding commission,
travel and similar advances to officers and employees made in the ordinary
course of business), purchases or other acquisitions for consideration of
Indebtedness, Capital Stock or other securities and all other items that are
or would be classified as investments on a balance sheet prepared in
accordance with GAAP.
 
  "Issue Date" means May 13, 1996, the date on which Notes were first issued
under the Indenture.
 
  "Lien" means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien, pledge, charge,
security interest or encumbrance of any kind in respect of such asset, whether
or not filed, recorded or otherwise perfected under applicable law (including
any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any lease in the
nature thereof, any option or other agreement to sell or give a security
interest in any asset and any filing of, or agreement to give, any financing
statement under the Uniform Commercial Code (or equivalent statutes) of any
jurisdiction).
 
 
                                      71
<PAGE>
 
  "Net Proceeds" means, with respect to any Asset Sale by any Person, the
aggregate cash proceeds received by such Person and/or its Affiliates in
respect of such Asset Sale, which amount is equal to the excess, if any, of
(i) the cash received by such Person and/or its Affiliates (including any cash
payments received by way of deferred payment pursuant to, or monetization of,
a note or installment receivable or otherwise, but only as and when received)
in connection with such Asset Sale, over (ii) the sum of (a) the amount of any
Indebtedness that is secured by such asset and which is required to be repaid
by such Person in connection with such Asset Sale, plus (b) all fees,
commissions and other expenses incurred by such Person in connection with such
Asset Sale, plus (c) provision for taxes, including income taxes, attributable
to the Asset Sale or attributable to required prepayments or repayments of
Indebtedness with the proceeds of such Asset Sale, plus (d) a reasonable
reserve for the after-tax cost of any indemnification payments (fixed or
contingent) attributable to seller's indemnities to purchaser in respect of
such Asset Sale undertaken by the Company or any of the Restricted
Subsidiaries in connection with such Asset Sale, plus (e) if such Person is a
Restricted Subsidiary, any dividends or distributions payable to holders of
minority interests in such Restricted Subsidiary from the proceeds of such
Asset Sale.
 
  "Newspaper Operations" means all property and assets used in the newspaper
operations of the Company as more fully set forth in the Indenture.
 
  "Obligations" means any principal, interest, penalties, fees,
indemnifications, reimbursement obligations, damages and other liabilities
payable under the documentation governing any Indebtedness.
 
  "Operating Cash Flow" means, with respect to any period, the Consolidated
Net Income of the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period,
plus, without duplication, (i) extraordinary net losses and net losses
realized on any sale or other disposition of assets during such period, to the
extent such losses were deducted in computing Consolidated Net Income, plus
(ii) provision for taxes based on income or profits, to the extent such
provision for taxes was included in computing such Consolidated Net Income,
and any provision for taxes utilized in computing the net losses under clause
(i) hereof, plus (iii) Consolidated Interest Expense of the Company and the
Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, plus (iv) depreciation, amortization
and all other non-cash charges (excluding non-cash charges associated with
changes in working capital and other balance sheet changes in the ordinary
course of business), to the extent such depreciation, amortization and other
non-cash charges were deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income
(including amortization of goodwill and other intangibles).
 
  "PAI" means Park Acquisitions, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its
successors and assigns.
 
  "Park Communications" means Park Communications, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, and its successors and assigns.
 
  "Permitted Holders" means (i) each of (A) Gary B. Knapp, (B) Donald R.
Tomlin, Jr. and (C) PAI and Park Communications so long as PAI and Park
Communications are controlled by Persons who would otherwise be Permitted
Holders hereunder; (ii) the spouse, ancestors, siblings, descendants
(including children or grandchildren by adoption) of (A) any of the Persons
described in clause (i) or (B) any spouse, ancestor, sibling or descendent
(including children or grandchildren by adoption) of any of the Persons
described in clause (i); (iii) in the event of the incompetence or death of
any of the Persons described in clauses (i) and (ii), such Person's estate,
executor, administrator, committee or other personal representative, in each
case who at any particular date shall beneficially own or have the right to
acquire, directly or indirectly, Capital Stock of the Company; (iv) any trusts
created for the benefit of the Persons described in clause (i), (ii) or (iii)
or any trust for the benefit of any such trust; or (v) any Person controlled
by any of the Persons described in clause (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv). For
purposes of this definition, "control," as used with respect to any Person,
shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to elect or
appoint not less than a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of
such Person.
 
  "Permitted Investments" means (i) any Investment in the Company or any
Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary; (ii) any Investment in Cash Equivalents;
(iii) any Investment in a Person (an "Acquired Person") if, as a result of
such Investment, (a) the Acquired Person becomes a Wholly Owned Restricted
Subsidiary, or (b) the Acquired Person either (1) is merged or consolidated
with or into the Company or any Wholly Owned
 
                                      72
<PAGE>
 
Restricted Subsidiary and the Company or such Wholly Owned Restricted
Subsidiary is the Surviving Person, or (2) transfers or conveys all or
substantially all of its assets to, or is liquidated into, the Company or any
Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary; (iv) Investments in accounts and notes
receivable acquired in the ordinary course of business; (v) any securities
received in connection with an Asset Sale that complies with the covenant
described under "--Certain Covenants--Limitation on Asset Sales" above;
provided, however, the fair market value of such securities does not exceed
15% of the aggregate consideration received at the time of such Asset Sale;
(vi) Interest Rate Agreement Obligations permitted pursuant to the second
paragraph of the covenant described under "--Certain Covenants--Limitation on
Incurrence of Indebtedness" above; (vii) any other Investments that do not
exceed $5.0 million in amount in the aggregate at any one time outstanding;
(viii) Investments for which the sole consideration provided is Capital Stock
(other than Disqualified Stock ) of the Company; and (ix) Investments existing
on the Issue Date.
 
  "Permitted Liens" means (i) Liens securing Indebtedness of a Person existing
at the time that such Person is merged into or consolidated with the Company
or a Restricted Subsidiary, provided, however, that such Liens were in
existence prior to the contemplation of such merger or consolidation and do
not extend to any assets other than those of such Person; (ii) Liens on
property acquired by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary, provided,
however, that such Liens were in existence prior to the contemplation of such
acquisition and do not extend to any other property; (iii) Liens in favor of
the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary; (iv) Liens incurred, or pledges and
deposits in connection with, workers' compensation, unemployment insurance and
other social security benefits, and leases, appeal bonds and other obligations
of like nature incurred by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary in the
ordinary course of business; (v) Liens imposed by law, including, without
limitation, mechanics', carriers', warehousemen's, materialmen's, suppliers'
and vendors' Liens, incurred by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary in
the ordinary course of business; (vi) Liens for ad valorem, income or property
taxes or assessments and similar charges which either are not delinquent or
are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings for which the
Company has set aside on its books reserves to the extent required by GAAP;
(vii) Liens arising from Capital Lease Obligations permitted under the
Indenture; (viii) Liens securing any Indebtedness (including Purchase Money
Indebtedness) of the Company or the Restricted Subsidiaries (other than any
Indebtedness which is expressly subordinated to any other Indebtedness)
permitted under the Indenture; provided, however, that such Liens are granted
not later than 360 days after the incurrence of such Indebtedness; (ix) Liens
in respect of Interest Rate Agreement Obligations permitted under the
Indenture; (x) easements, reservations, licenses, rights-of-way, zoning
restrictions and other similar charges or encumbrances in respect of real
property not interfering in any material respect with the ordinary conduct of
the business of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; (xi) Liens
securing reimbursement obligations with respect to commercial letters of
credit which encumber documents and other property relating to such letters of
credit and products and proceeds thereof; (xii) Liens existing on the Issue
Date; and (xiii) any Lien to secure the refinancing of any Indebtedness
described in the foregoing clauses; provided, however, that to the extent any
such clause limits the amounts secured or the assets subject to such Liens, no
refinancing shall increase the assets subject to such Liens or the amounts
secured thereby beyond the assets or amounts set forth in such clause.
 
  "Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture,
association, joint-stock company, limited liability company, trust,
unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political
subdivision thereof.
 
  "Preferred Stock" as applied to the Capital Stock of any Person, means
Capital Stock of any class or classes (however designated) which is preferred
as to the payment of dividends or distributions, or as to the distribution of
assets upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation or dissolution of such
Person, over Capital Stock of any other class of such Person.
 
  "Public Equity Offering" means an underwritten public offering of Capital
Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company, Park Communications or
PAI, pursuant to an effective registration statement filed under the
Securities Act; provided, however, that with respect to any such public equity
offering by Park Communications or PAI, cash proceeds from such public equity
offering equal to not less than 111.875% of the aggregate principal amount of
the Notes to be redeemed is received by the Company as a capital contribution
immediately prior to such redemption.
 
 
                                      73
<PAGE>
 
  "Purchase Money Indebtedness" means Indebtedness of the Company and its
Restricted Subsidiaries incurred in connection with the purchase of property
or assets for the business of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries.
 
  "Qualified Issuer" means (A) any lender that is a party to the
Communications Senior Credit Facility; and (B) any commercial bank (i) which
has capital and surplus in excess of $80,000,000, and (ii) the outstanding
short-term debt securities of which are rated at least A-2 by Standard &
Poor's Corporation or at least P-2 by Moody's Investors Service, Inc., or
carry an equivalent rating by a nationally recognized rating agency if both
the two named rating agencies cease publishing ratings of investments.
 
  "Rating Agency" means any of (i) S&P, (ii) Moody's or (iii) if S&P or
Moody's or both shall not make a rating of the Notes publicly available, a
security rating agency or agencies, as the case may be, nationally recognized
in the United States, selected by the Company which shall be substituted for
S&P or Moody's or both, as the case may be.
 
  "Rating Category" means (i) with respect to S&P, any of the following
categories: AAA, AA, A, BBB, BB, B, CCC, CC, C and D (or equivalent successor
categories); (ii) with respect to Moody's, any of the following categories:
Aaa, Aa, Baa, Ba, B, Caa, Ca, C and D (or equivalent successor categories);
and (iii) the equivalent of any such category of S&P or Moody's used by
another Rating Agency. In determining whether the rating of the Notes has
decreased by one or more gradation, gradations within Rating Categories (+ and
- - for S&P; 1, 2 and 3 for Moody's; or the equivalent gradations for another
Rating Agency) shall be taken into account (e.g., with respect to S&P, a
decline in rating from BB+ to BB, as well as from BB- to B+, will constitute a
decrease of one gradation).
 
  "Rating Decline" means the occurrence on, or within 60 days after, the date
of public notice of the occurrence of a Change of Control or of the intention
of the Company or Persons controlling the Company to effect a Change of
Control (which period shall be extended so long as the rating of the Notes is
under publicly announced consideration for possible downgrade by any of the
Rating Agencies) of the following: (i) if the Notes are rated by either Rating
Agency as Indenture Grade immediately prior to the beginning of such period,
the rating of the Notes by both Rating Agencies shall be below Indenture
Grade; or (ii) if the Notes are rated below Indenture Grade by both Rating
Agencies immediately prior to the beginning of such period, the rating of the
Notes by either (or both) Rating Agency shall be decreased by one or more
gradations (including gradations within Rating Categories as well as between
Rating Categories).
 
  "Restricted Investment" means an Investment other than a Permitted
Investment.
 
  "Restricted Payment" means (i) any dividend or other distribution declared
or paid on any Capital Stock of the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries (other than dividends or distributions payable solely in Capital
Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company or such Restricted
Subsidiary or dividends or distributions payable to the Company or any Wholly
Owned Restricted Subsidiary); (ii) any payment to purchase, redeem, defease or
otherwise acquire or retire for value any Capital Stock of the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary or other Affiliate of the Company (other than any
Capital Stock owned by the Company or any Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary);
(iii) any payment to purchase, redeem, defease or otherwise acquire or retire
for value any Indebtedness that is subordinated in right of payment to the
Notes other than a purchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or
retirement for value that is paid for with the proceeds of Refinancing
Indebtedness that is permitted under the covenant described under "--Certain
Covenants--Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness"; or (iv) any Restricted
Investment.
 
  "Restricted Subsidiary" means each direct or indirect Subsidiary of the
Company other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary.
 
  "Revolving Credit Facility" means any credit facility entered into by the
Company, the Subsidiaries of the Company named therein and the lenders named
therein, as the same may be amended, modified, renewed, refunded, replaced or
refinanced (collectively, "refinanced") from time to time, including (i) any
related notes,
 
                                      74
<PAGE>
 
letters of credit, guarantees, collateral documents, instruments and
agreements executed in connection therewith, and in each case as amended,
modified or refinanced from time to time, and (ii) any notes, guarantees,
collateral documents, instruments and agreements executed in connection with
any such amendment, modification or refinancing.
 
  "Strategic Equity Investment" means the issuance and sale of Capital Stock
(other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company, Park Communications or PAI to
a Person substantially engaged in the newspaper publishing business or any
other business reasonably related to the Company's business that has an Equity
Market Capitalization of at least $350.0 million; provided, however, that with
respect to such issuance by Park Communications or PAI, cash proceeds from
such issuance equal to not less than 111.875% of the aggregate principal
amount of Notes to be redeemed is received by the Company as a capital
contribution immediately prior to any such redemption.
 
  "Subsidiary" of a Person means (i) any corporation more than 50% of the
outstanding voting power of the Voting Stock of which is owned or controlled,
directly or indirectly, by such Person or by one or more other Subsidiaries of
such Person, or by such Person and one or more other Subsidiaries thereof, or
(ii) any limited partnership of which such Person or any Subsidiary of such
Person is a general partner, or (iii) any other Person (other than a
corporation or limited partnership) in which such Person, or one or more other
Subsidiaries of such Person, or such Person and one or more other Subsidiaries
thereof, directly or indirectly, has more than 50% of the outstanding
partnership or similar interests or has the power, by contract or otherwise,
to direct or cause the direction of the policies, management and affairs
thereof.
 
  "Surviving Person" means, with respect to any Person involved in or that
makes any Disposition, the Person formed by or surviving such Disposition or
the Person to which such Disposition is made.
 
  "Treasury Rate" means the yield to maturity at the time of computation of
United States Treasury securities with a constant maturity (as compiled and
published in the most recent Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15(519)
which has become publicly available at least two business days prior to the
date fixed for redemption (or, if such Statistical Release is no longer
published, any publicly available source of similar market data)) most nearly
equal to the then remaining term to May 15, 2001; provided, however, that if
the then remaining term to May 15, 2001 is not equal to the constant maturity
of a United States Treasury security for which a weekly average yield is
given, the Treasury Rate shall be obtained by linear interpolation (calculated
to the nearest one-twelfth of a year) from the weekly average yields of United
States Treasury securities for which such yields are given, except that if the
then remaining term to May 15, 2001 is less than one year, the weekly average
yield on actually traded United States Treasury securities adjusted to a
constant maturity of one year shall be used.
 
  "Unrestricted Subsidiary" means (a) each Subsidiary listed on an officers'
certificate delivered to the Trustee on the Closing Date and (b) any
Subsidiary of the Company designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary by the
Board of Directors of the Company; provided, however, that, for purposes of
this clause (b), (i) the Subsidiary to be so designated (x) (I) has total
assets with a fair market value at the time of such designation of $1,000 or
less or (II) is being so designated prior to the acquisition by the Company of
such Subsidiary by merger or consolidation with an Unrestricted Subsidiary,
and (y) does not own any Capital Stock of the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary, (ii) if such Subsidiary is acquired by the Company, such
Subsidiary is designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary prior to the
consummation of such acquisition, (iii) no Default or Event of Default shall
have occurred and be continuing, (iv) no portion of any Indebtedness or any
other Obligation (contingent or otherwise) of such Subsidiary (a) is
guaranteed by, or is otherwise the subject of credit support provided by the
Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, (b) is recourse to or obligates
the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in any way, or (c) subjects
any property or asset of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries
directly or indirectly, contingently or otherwise, to the satisfaction of such
Indebtedness or other obligation, (v) neither the Company nor any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries has any contract, agreement, arrangement or
understanding with such Subsidiary other than on terms as favorable to the
Company or such Restricted Subsidiary as those that might be obtained at the
time from Persons that are not Affiliates of the Company, and (vi) neither the
Company nor any of its Restricted Subsidiaries has any obligations (a) to
subscribe for additional
 
                                      75
<PAGE>
 
shares of Capital Stock of such Subsidiary, or (b) to maintain or preserve
such Subsidiary's financial condition or to cause such Subsidiary to achieve
certain levels of operating results. Any such designation by the Company's
Board of Directors shall be evidenced to the Trustee by filing with the
Trustee a certificate stating that such designation complies with the
foregoing conditions. The Company's Board of Directors may designate any
Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that
immediately after giving effect to such designation, no Default or Event of
Default shall have occurred and be continuing, including, without limitation,
under the covenants described above under the captions "--Limitation on
Incurrence of Indebtedness" and "--Limitation on Liens Securing Certain Debt,"
assuming the incurrence by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries at the
time of such designation of all existing Indebtedness and Liens of the
Unrestricted Subsidiary to be so designated as a Restricted Subsidiary.
Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision of the Indenture to the
contrary, no assets of the Newspaper Operations may be held at any time by an
Unrestricted Subsidiary, other than assets transferred to Unrestricted
Subsidiaries that in the aggregate are not material to such publishing
operations. In the event of any Disposition involving the Company in which the
Company is not the Surviving Person, the Board of Directors of the Surviving
Person may (x) prior to such Disposition, designate any of its Subsidiaries,
and any of the Company's Subsidiaries being acquired pursuant to such
Disposition that are not Restricted Subsidiaries, as Unrestricted
Subsidiaries, and (y) after such Disposition, designate any of its direct or
indirect Subsidiaries as an Unrestricted Subsidiary under the same conditions
and in the same manner as the Company under the terms of the Indenture.
 
  "Voting Stock" of a Person means Capital Stock of such Person of the class
or classes pursuant to which the holders thereof have the general voting power
under ordinary circumstances to elect at least a majority of the board of
directors, managers or trustees of such Person (irrespective of whether or not
at the time stock of any other class or classes shall have or might have
voting power by reason of the happening of any contingency).
 
  "Weighted Average Life to Maturity" means, when applied to any Indebtedness
at any date, the number of years obtained by dividing (i) the sum of the
products obtained by multiplying (a) the amount of each then remaining
installment, sinking fund, serial maturity or other required scheduled payment
of principal, including payment at final maturity, in respect thereof, with
(b) the number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth) that will
elapse between such date and the making of such payment, by (ii) the then
outstanding aggregate principal amount of such Indebtedness.
 
  "Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary" means any Restricted Subsidiary with
respect to which all of the outstanding voting securities (other than
directors' qualifying shares) of which are owned, directly or indirectly, by
the Company or a Surviving Person of any Disposition involving the Company, as
the case may be.
 
                                      76
<PAGE>
 
                              THE EXCHANGE OFFER
 
PURPOSE AND EFFECT OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER
 
  The Series A Notes were originally sold by the Company on May 13, 1996 to
the Initial Purchasers pursuant to the Purchase Agreement. The Initial
Purchasers subsequently resold the Series A Notes to qualified institutional
buyers in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities Act and to institutional
accredited investors in a manner exempt from the registration requirements of
the Securities Act. As a condition to the Purchase Agreement, the Company and
the Initial Purchasers entered into the Registration Rights Agreement pursuant
to which the Company agreed, for the benefit of the holders, that it would, at
its own cost, (i) use its best efforts to file, within 45 days after May 13,
1996, the original issue date of the Series A Notes (the "Issue Date"), a
registration statement (the "Exchange Offer Registration Statement") with the
Commission with respect to the Exchange Offer for the Series B Notes and (ii)
use its best efforts to cause the Exchange Offer Registration Statement to be
declared effective under the Securities Act within 120 days after the Issue
Date. Upon the Exchange Offer Registration Statement being declared effective,
the Company will offer the Series B Notes in exchange for surrender of the
Series A Notes. The Company will keep the Exchange Offer open for not less
than 30 days (or longer if required by applicable law) after the date notice
of the Exchange Offer is mailed to the holders of the Series A Notes. For each
of the Series A Notes surrendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer, the holder
who surrendered such Series A Note will receive a Series B Note having a
principal amount equal to that of the surrendered Series A Note. Based on no-
action letters issued by the staff of the Commission to third parties, the
Company believes the Series B Notes will be freely transferable by holders
thereof and any person who receives the Series B Notes after the Exchange
Offer without further registration under the Securities Act only if (i) the
Series B Notes were acquired in the ordinary course of business of such holder
or such other person, (ii) neither such holder nor such other person is
engaging in or intends to engage in a distribution of the Series B Notes and
(iii) neither such holder nor such other person has an arrangement or
understanding with any person to participate in the distribution of the Series
B Notes. However, any purchaser of Series A Notes who is an "affiliate" of the
Company or who intends to participate in the Exchange Offer for the purpose of
distributing the Series B Notes (i) will not be able to rely on the position
of the staff of the Commission, (ii) will not be able to tender its Series A
Notes in the Exchange Offer and (iii) must comply with the registration and
prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any
sale or transfer of the Series A Notes, unless such sale or transfer is made
pursuant to an exemption from such requirements.
 
  Each holder of the Series A Notes who wishes to exchange the Series A Notes
for Series B Notes in the Exchange Offer will be required to represent in the
Letter of Transmittal that (i) the Series B Notes are to be acquired by the
holder or the person receiving such Series B Notes, whether or not such person
is the holder, in the ordinary course of business, (ii) the holder or any such
other person (other than a broker-dealer referred to in the next sentence) is
not engaging, and does not intend to engage, in the distribution of the Series
B Notes, (iii) the holder or any such other person has no arrangement or
understanding with any person to participate in the distribution of the Series
B Notes, (iv) neither the holder nor any such other person is an "affiliate"
of the Company within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act and (v)
the holder or any such other person acknowledges that if such holder or other
person participates in the Exchange Offer for the purpose of distributing the
Series B Notes it must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery
requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of the Series
B Notes and cannot rely on those no-action letters. As indicated above, in
connection with any resales of Series B Notes, any Participating Broker-Dealer
who acquired the Series A Notes for its own account as a result of market-
making or other trading activities must deliver a prospectus meeting the
requirements of the Securities Act. The Commission has taken the position that
Participating Broker-Dealers may fulfill their prospectus delivery
requirements with respect to the Series B Notes (other than a resale of an
unsold allotment from the original sale of the Series A Notes) with this
Prospectus. Under the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company is required
to allow Participating Broker-Dealers and other persons, if any, subject to
similar prospectus delivery requirements to use this Prospectus in connection
with the resale of such Series B Notes.
 
  In the event that applicable interpretations of the staff of the Commission
do not permit the Company to effect such an Exchange Offer, or, under certain
other circumstances, including if for any other reason the
 
                                      77
<PAGE>
 
Exchange Offer is not consummated within 150 days after the Issue Date, the
Company will, at its cost, (a) use its best efforts to file, as promptly as
practicable and, in any event, within 45 days after such Shelf Registration
Event Date (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement), a shelf
registration statement covering resales of the Series A Notes (the "Shelf
Registration Statement"), (b) use its best efforts to cause the Shelf
Registration Statement to be declared effective under the Securities Act and
(c) use its best efforts to keep effective the Shelf Registration Statement
until the earlier of three years after the Issue Date and such time as all of
the applicable Series A Notes have been sold thereunder. The Company will, in
the event of the filing of the Shelf Registration Statement, provide to each
holder of the Series A Notes copies of the prospectus which is a part of the
Shelf Registration Statement, notify each such holder when the Shelf
Registration Statement has become effective and take certain other actions as
are required to permit unrestricted resales of the Series A Notes. A holder
that sells its Series A Notes pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement
generally will be required to be named as a selling securityholder in the
related prospectus and to deliver a prospectus to purchasers, will be subject
to certain of the civil liability provisions under the Securities Act in
connection with such sales and will be bound by the provisions of the
Registration Rights Agreement which are applicable to such a holder (including
certain indemnification obligations).
 
  If, on or prior to 45 days following the Issue Date, an Exchange Offer
Registration Statement has not been filed with the Commission, additional
interest will accrue on the Series A Notes from and including the 46th day
following the Issue Date until, but excluding, the date such registration
statement is filed. In addition, if, on or prior to 120 days following the
Issue Date, such Exchange Offer Registration Statement is not declared
effective, additional interest will accrue on the Series A Notes from and
including the 121st day following the Issue Date until, but excluding, the
date such registration statement is declared effective. Further, if, on or
prior to 150 days following the Issue Date, the Exchange Offer is not
consummated, additional interest will accrue on the Series A Notes from and
including the 151st day following the Issue Date until, but excluding, the
date of consummation of the Exchange Offer. If a Shelf Registration Event (as
defined in the Registration Rights Agreement) shall have occurred, and if, by
150 days after the Issue Date, a Shelf Registration Statement is not declared
effective, additional interest will accrue on the Series A Notes not exchanged
as a result of such law or interpretation from and including the 151st day
after the Issue Date, until the effective date of the Shelf Registration
Statement. In each case, additional interest will be payable semi-annually in
arrears, with the first semiannual payment due on the first interest payment
date in respect of the Series A Notes following the date from which additional
interest begins to accrue, and will accrue at a rate per annum equal to an
additional one-quarter of one percent (0.25%) of the principal amount of the
Series A Notes upon the occurrence of each such circumstance, which rate will
increase by one-quarter of one percent (0.25%) for each 90-day period that
such additional interest continues to accrue under any such circumstance, with
an aggregate maximum increase in the interest rate per annum equal to one
percent (1.00%).
 
  If applicable, in the event that the Shelf Registration Statement ceases to
be effective prior to the third anniversary of the Issue Date for a period in
excess of 45 days, whether or not consecutive, in any given year, then the
interest rate borne by the Series A Notes shall increase by an additional one-
quarter of one percent (0.25%) per annum on the 46th day in the applicable
year such Shelf Registration Statement ceases to be effective. Such interest
rate will increase by an additional one-quarter of one percent (0.25%) per
annum for each additional 90 days that such Shelf Registration Statement is
not effective, subject to the same aggregate maximum increase in the interest
rate per annum of one percent (1.00%) referred to above. Upon the filing of
the Exchange Offer Registration Statement, the effectiveness of the Exchange
Offer Registration Statement, or the consummation of the Exchange Offer, as
the case may be, the interest rate borne by the Notes will be reduced by the
full amount of any such increase to the extent that such increase related to
the failure of any such event to have occurred. Upon the effectiveness of a
Shelf Registration Statement, the interest rate borne by the Series A Notes
shall be reduced to the original interest rate of the Series A Notes unless
and until increased as described above.
 
  Any amounts of additional interest due as described above will be payable in
cash on the same interest payment dates as the Series A Notes.
 
 
                                      78
<PAGE>
 
  The summary herein of certain provisions of the Registration Rights
Agreement does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and is qualified
in its entirety by, all the provisions of the Registration Rights Agreement, a
copy of which filed as an exhibit to the Exchange Offer Registration Statement
of which this Prospectus is a part.
 
  Following the consummation of the Exchange Offer, holders of Series A Notes
who were eligible to participate in the Exchange Offer but who did not tender
their Series A Notes will not have any further registration rights, and such
Series A Notes will continue to be subject to certain restrictions on
transfer. Accordingly, the liquidity of the market for such Series A Notes
could be adversely affected.
 
TERMS OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER
 
  Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Prospectus
and in the Letter of Transmittal, the Company will accept any and all Series A
Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City
time, on the Expiration Date. The Company will issue $1,000 principal amount
of Series B Notes in exchange for each $1,000 principal amount of outstanding
Series A Notes accepted in the Exchange Offer. Holders may tender some or all
of their Series A Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer. However, Series A
Notes may be tendered only in integral multiples of $1,000.
 
  The form and terms of the Series B Notes are the same as the form and terms
of the Series A Notes except that (i) the Series B Notes bear a "Series B"
designation and a different CUSIP Number from the Series A Notes, (ii) the
Series B Notes have been registered under the Securities Act and hence will
not bear legends restricting the transfer thereof and (iii) the holders of the
Series B Notes will not be entitled to certain rights under the Registration
Rights Agreement, which rights will terminate when the Exchange Offer is
terminated. The Series B Notes will evidence the same debt as the Series A
Notes and will be entitled to the benefits of the Indenture.
 
  As of the date of this Prospectus, $155,000,000 aggregate principal amount
of Series A Notes were outstanding. The Company has fixed the close of
business on September 6, 1996 as the record date for the Exchange Offer for
purposes of determining the persons to whom this Prospectus and the Letter of
Transmittal will be mailed initially.
 
  Holders of Series A Notes do not have any appraisal or dissenters' rights
under the General Corporation Law of Delaware or the Indenture in connection
with the Exchange Offer. The Company intends to conduct the Exchange Offer in
accordance with the applicable requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules
and regulations of the Commission thereunder.
 
  The Company shall be deemed to have accepted validly tendered Series A Notes
when, as and if the Company has given oral or written notice thereof to the
Exchange Agent. The Exchange Agent will act as agent for the tendering holders
for the purpose of receiving the Series B Notes from the Company.
 
  If any tendered Series A Notes are not accepted for exchange because of an
invalid tender, the occurrence of certain other events set forth herein or
otherwise, the certificates for any such unaccepted Series A Notes will be
returned, without expense, to the tendering holder thereof as promptly as
practicable after the Expiration Date.
 
  Holders who tender Series A Notes in the Exchange Offer will not be required
to pay brokerage commissions or fees or, subject to the instructions in the
Letter of Transmittal, transfer taxes with respect to the exchange of Series A
Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer. The Company will pay all charges and
expenses, other than transfer taxes in certain circumstances, in connection
with the Exchange Offer. See "--Fees and Expenses."
 
EXPIRATION DATE; EXTENSIONS; AMENDMENTS
 
  The term "Expiration Date" shall mean 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on
October 10, 1996, unless the Company, in its sole discretion, extends the
Exchange Offer, in which case the term "Expiration Date" shall mean the latest
date and time to which the Exchange Offer is extended.
 
                                      79
<PAGE>
 
  In order to extend the Exchange Offer, the Company will notify the Exchange
Agent of any extension by oral or written notice and will mail to the
registered holders an announcement thereof, each prior to 9:00 a.m., New York
City time, on the next business day after the previously scheduled expiration
date.
 
  The Company reserves the right, in its sole discretion, (i) to delay
accepting any Series A Notes, to extend the Exchange Offer or to terminate the
Exchange Offer if any of the conditions set forth below under "--Conditions"
shall not have been satisfied, by giving oral or written notice of such delay,
extension or termination to the Exchange Agent or (ii) to amend the terms of
the Exchange Offer in any manner. Any such delay in acceptance, extension,
termination or amendment will be followed as promptly as practicable by oral
or written notice thereof to the registered holders.
 
INTEREST ON THE SERIES B NOTES
 
  The Series B Notes will bear interest from their date of issuance. Holders
of Series A Notes that are accepted for exchange will receive accrued interest
thereon to, but not including, the date of issuance of the Series B Notes.
Such interest will be paid in cash with the first interest payment on the
Series B Notes on November 15, 1996. Interest on the Series A Notes accepted
for exchange will cease to accrue upon issuance of the Series B Notes.
Interest on the Series B Notes is payable semi-annually on each May 15 and
November 15, commencing on November 15, 1996.
 
PROCEDURES FOR TENDERING
 
  Only a holder of Series A Notes may tender such Series A Notes in the
Exchange Offer. To tender in the Exchange Offer, a holder much complete, sign
and date the Letter of Transmittal, or a facsimile thereof, have the
signatures thereon guaranteed if required by the Letter of Transmittal and
mail or otherwise deliver such Letter of Transmittal, or such facsimile,
together with the Series A Notes and any other required documents, to the
Exchange Agent prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date.
To be tendered effectively, the Series A Notes, Letter of Transmittal and
other required documents much be completed and received by the Exchange Agent
at the address set forth below under "--Exchange Agent" prior to 5:00 p.m.,
New York City time, on the Expiration Date. Delivery of the Series A Notes may
be made by book-entry transfer in accordance with the procedures described
below. Confirmation of such book-entry transfer must be received by the
Exchange Agent prior to the Expiration Date.
 
  By executing the Letter of Transmittal, each holder will make to the Company
the representations set forth above in the second paragraph under the heading
"--Purpose and Effect of the Exchange Offer."
 
  The tender by a holder and the acceptance thereof by the Company will
constitute the agreement between such holder and the Company in accordance
with the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein and in the
Letter of Transmittal.
 
  THE METHOD OF DELIVERY OF SERIES A NOTES AND THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND
ALL OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT IS AT THE ELECTION AND SOLE
RISK OF THE HOLDER. AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO DELIVERY BY MAIL, HOLDERS MAY WISH TO
CONSIDER OVERNIGHT OR HAND DELIVERY SERVICE. IN ALL CASES, SUFFICIENT TIME
SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO ASSURE DELIVERY TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT BEFORE THE
EXPIRATION DATE. NO LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL OR SERIES A NOTES SHOULD BE SENT TO
THE COMPANY. HOLDERS MAY REQUEST THEIR RESPECTIVE BROKERS, DEALERS, COMMERCIAL
BANKS, TRUST COMPANIES OR NOMINEES TO EFFECT THE ABOVE TRANSACTIONS FOR SUCH
HOLDERS.
 
  Any beneficial owner whose Series A Notes are registered in the name of a
broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee and who wishes
to tender should contact such registered holder promptly and instruct such
registered holder to tender on such beneficial owner's behalf. See
"Instructions to Registered Holder and/or Book-Entry Transfer Facility
Participant from Beneficial Owner" included with the Letter of Transmittal.
 
                                      80
<PAGE>
 
  Signatures on a Letter of Transmittal or a notice of withdrawal, as the case
may be, must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution (as defined below)
unless the Series A Notes tendered pursuant thereto are tendered (i) by a
registered holder who has not completed the box entitled "Special Delivery
Instructions" on the Letter of Transmittal or (ii) for the account of an
Eligible Institution. In the event that signatures on a Letter of Transmittal
or a notice of withdrawal, as the case may be, are required to be guaranteed,
such guarantee must be by a member firm of the Medallion System (an "Eligible
Institution").
 
  If the Letter of Transmittal is signed by a person other than the registered
holder of any Series A Notes listed therein, such Series A Notes must be
endorsed or accompanied by a properly completed bond power, signed by such
registered holder as such registered holder's name appears on such Series A
Notes with the signature thereon guaranteed by an Eligible Institution.
 
  If the Letter of Transmittal or any Series A Notes or bond powers are signed
by trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact, officers
of corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity,
such persons should so indicate when signing, and evidence satisfactory to the
Company of their authority to so act must be submitted with the Letter of
Transmittal.
 
  The Company understands that the Exchange Agent will make a request promptly
after the date of this Prospectus to establish accounts with respect to the
Series A Notes at the book-entry transfer facility, The Depository Trust
Company (the "Book-Entry Transfer Facility"), for the purpose of facilitating
the Exchange Offer, and subject to the establishment thereof, any financial
institution that is a participant in the Book-Entry Transfer Facility's system
may make book-entry delivery of Series A Notes by causing such Book-Entry
Transfer Facility to transfer such Series A Notes into the Exchange Agent's
account with respect to the Series A Notes in accordance with the Book-Entry
Transfer Facility's procedures for such transfer. Although delivery of the
Series A Notes may be effected through book-entry transfer into the Exchange
Agent's account at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility, an appropriate Letter of
Transmittal properly completed and duly executed with any required signature
guarantee and all other required documents must in each case be transmitted to
and received or confirmed by the Exchange Agent at its address set forth below
on or prior to the Expiration Date, or, if the guaranteed delivery procedures
described below are complied with, within the time period provided under such
procedures. Delivery of documents to the Book-Entry Transfer Facility does not
constitute delivery to the Exchange Agent.
 
  All questions as to the validity, form, eligibility (including time of
receipt) and acceptance of tendered Series A Notes and withdrawal of tendered
Series A Notes will be determined by the Company in its sole discretion, which
determination will be final and binding. The Company reserves the absolute
right to reject any and all Series A Notes not properly tendered or any Series
A Notes the Company's acceptance of which would, in the opinion of counsel for
the Company, be unlawful. The Company also reserves the right in its sole
discretion to waive any defects, irregularities or conditions of tender as to
particular Series A Notes. The Company's interpretation of the terms and
conditions of the Exchange Offer (including the instructions in the Letter of
Transmittal) will be final and binding on all parties. Unless waived, any
defects or irregularities in connection with tenders of Series A Notes must be
cured within such time as the Company shall determine. Although the Company
intends to notify holders of defects or irregularities with respect to tenders
of Series A Notes, neither the Company, the Exchange Agent nor any other
person shall incur any liability for failure to give such notification.
Tenders of Series A Notes will not be deemed to have been made until such
defects or irregularities have been cured or waived. Any Series A Notes
received by the Exchange Agent that are not properly tendered and as to which
the defects or irregularities have not been cured or waived will be returned
by the Exchange Agent to the tendering holders, unless otherwise provided in
the Letter of Transmittal, as soon as practicable following the Expiration
Date.
 
GUARANTEED DELIVERY PROCEDURES
 
  Holders who wish to tender their Series A Notes and (i) whose Series A Notes
are not immediately available, (ii) who cannot deliver their Series A Notes,
the Letter of Transmittal or any other required documents
 
                                      81
<PAGE>
 
to the Exchange Agent or (iii) who cannot complete the procedures for book-
entry transfer, prior to the Expiration Date, may effect a tender if:
 
  (a) the tender is made through an Eligible Institution;
 
  (b) prior to the Expiration Date, the Exchange Agent receives from such
      Eligible Institution a properly completed and duly executed Notice of
      Guaranteed Delivery (by facsimile transmission, mail or hand delivery)
      setting forth the name and address of the holder, the certificate
      number(s) of such Series A Notes and the principal amount of Series A
      Notes tendered, stating that the tender is being made thereby and
      guaranteeing that, within five New York Stock Exchange trading days
      after the Expiration Date, the Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile
      thereof) together with the certificate(s) representing the Series A
      Notes (or a confirmation of book-entry transfer of such Series A Notes
      into the Exchange Agent's account at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility),
      and any other documents required by the Letter of Transmittal will be
      deposited by the Eligible Institution with the Exchange Agent; and
 
  (c) such properly completed and executed Letter of Transmittal (or
      facsimile thereof), as well as the certificate(s) representing all
      tendered Series A Notes in proper form for transfer (or a confirmation
      of book-entry transfer of such Series A Notes into the Exchange Agent's
      account at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility), and all other documents
      required by the Letter of Transmittal are received by the Exchange
      Agent within five New York Stock Exchange trading days after the
      Expiration Date.
 
  Upon request to the Exchange Agent, a Notice of Guaranteed Delivery will be
sent to holders who wish to tender their Series A Notes according to the
guaranteed delivery procedures set forth above.
 
WITHDRAWAL OF TENDERS
 
  Except as otherwise provided herein, tenders of Series A Notes may be
withdrawn at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the
Expiration Date.
 
  To withdraw a tender of Series A Notes in the Exchange Offer, a telegram,
telex, letter or facsimile transmission notice of withdrawal must be received
by the Exchange Agent at its address set forth herein prior to 5:00 p.m., New
York City time, on the Expiration Date. Any such notice of withdrawal must (i)
specify the name of the person having deposited the Series A Notes to be
withdrawn (the "Depositor"), (ii) identify the Series A Notes to be withdrawn
(including the certificate number(s) and principal amount of such Series A
Notes, or, in the case of Series A Notes transferred by book-entry transfer,
the name and number of the account at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility to be
credited), (iii) be signed by the holder in the same manner as the original
signature on the Letter of Transmittal by which such Series A Notes were
tendered (including any required signature guarantees) or be accompanied by
documents of transfer sufficient to have the Trustee with respect to the
Series A Notes register the transfer of such Series A Notes into the name of
the person withdrawing the tender and (iv) specify the name in which any such
Series A Notes are to be registered, if different from that of the Depositor.
All questions as to the validity, form and eligibility (including time of
receipt) of such notices will be determined by the Company, whose
determination shall be final and binding on all parties. Any Series A Notes so
withdrawn will be deemed not to have been validly tendered for purposes of the
Exchange Offer, and no Series B Notes will be issued with respect thereto
unless the Series A Notes so withdrawn are validly retendered. Any Series A
Notes which have been tendered but which are not accepted for exchange will be
returned to the holder thereof without cost to such holder as soon as
practicable after withdrawal, rejection of tender or termination of the
Exchange Offer. Properly withdrawn Series A Notes may be retendered by
following one of the procedures described above under "--Procedures for
Tendering" at any time prior to the Expiration Date.
 
CONDITIONS
 
  Notwithstanding any other term of the Exchange Offer, the Company shall not
be required to accept for exchange, or exchange Series B Notes for, any Series
A Notes, and may terminate or amend the Exchange Offer as provided herein
before the acceptance of such Series A Notes, if:
 
 
                                      82
<PAGE>
 
  (a) any action or proceeding is instituted or threatened in any court or by
      or before any governmental agency with respect to the Exchange Offer
      which, in the reasonable judgment of the Company, might materially
      impair the ability of the Company to proceed with the Exchange Offer or
      any material adverse development has occurred in any existing action or
      proceeding with respect to the Company; or
 
  (b) any law, rule, regulation or interpretation by the staff of the
      Commission is proposed, adopted or enacted, which, in the reasonable
      judgment of the Company, might materially impair the ability of the
      Company to proceed with the Exchange Offer or materially impair the
      contemplated benefits of the Exchange Offer to the Company; or
 
  (c) any governmental approval has not been obtained, which approval the
      Company shall, in its reasonable discretion, deem necessary for the
      consummation of the Exchange Offer and as contemplated hereby.
 
  If the Company determines in its reasonable discretion that any of the
conditions are not satisfied, the Company may (i) refuse to accept any Series
A Notes and return all tendered Series A Notes to the tendering holders, (ii)
extend the Exchange Offer and retain all Series A Notes tendered prior to the
expiration of the Exchange Offer, subject, however, to the rights of holders
to withdraw such Series A Notes (see "--Withdrawal of Tenders") or (iii) waive
such unsatisfied conditions with respect to the Exchange Offer and accept all
properly tendered Series A Notes which have not been withdrawn. All of these
conditions, other than the receipt of certain governmental approvals, must be
satisfied or waived prior to the termination of the Exchange Offer.
 
EXCHANGE AGENT
 
  IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Company has been appointed as Exchange Agent for
the Exchange Offer. Questions and requests for assistance, requests for
additional copies of this Prospectus or of the Letter of Transmittal and
requests for Notice of Guaranteed Delivery should be directed to the Exchange
Agent addressed as follows:
 
                         For Information by Telephone:
                                (212) 858-2103
 
By Registered or Certified Mail:          By Hand or Overnight Delivery
IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Company         Service:
P.O. Box 84                               IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Company
Bowling Green Station                     One State Street
New York, New York 10274-0084             New York, New York 10004
                                          Attention: Securities Processing
                                          Window,
Attention: Reorganization Operations 
           Department                     Subcellar One (SC-1)
                                          
                          By Facsimile Transmission:
                                (212) 858-2611
 
                           (Facsimile Confirmation)
                                (212) 858-2103
 
  Originals of all documents sent by facsimile should be sent promptly by
registered or certified mail, by hand, or by overnight delivery service.
Delivery to an address or transmission of instructions via facsimile other
than as set forth above will not constitute a valid delivery.
 
 
                                      83
<PAGE>
 
FEES AND EXPENSES
 
  The expenses of soliciting tenders will be borne by the Company. The
principal solicitation is being made by mail; however, additional solicitation
may be made by telegraph, telecopy, telephone or in person by officers and
regular employees of the Company and its affiliates.
 
  The Company has not retained any dealer-manager in connection with the
Exchange Offer and will not make any payments to brokers, dealers or others
soliciting acceptances of the Exchange Offer. The Company, however, will pay
the Exchange Agent reasonable and customary fees for its services and will
reimburse it for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection
therewith.
 
  The cash expenses to be incurred in connection with the Exchange Offer will
be paid by the Company. Such expenses includes fees and expenses of the
Exchange Agent and Trustee, accounting and legal fees and printing costs,
among others.
 
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
 
  The Series B Notes will be recorded at the same carrying value as the Series
A Notes as reflected in the Company's accounting records on the date of
exchange. Accordingly, no gain or loss for accounting purposes will be
recognized by the Company. The expenses of the Exchange Offer will be
amortized over the term of the Series B Notes.
 
CONSEQUENCES OF FAILURE TO EXCHANGE
 
  The Series A Notes that are not exchanged for Series B Notes pursuant to the
Exchange Offer will remain restricted securities. Accordingly, such Series A
Notes may be resold only (i) to the Company (upon redemption thereof or
otherwise), (ii) so long as the Series A Notes are eligible for resale
pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act, to a person inside the United
States whom the seller reasonably believes is a qualified institutional buyer
within the meaning of Rule 144A in a transaction meeting the requirements of
Rule 144A, (iii) in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act, or
pursuant to another exemption from the registration requirements of the
Securities Act (and based upon an opinion of counsel reasonably acceptable to
the Company), (iv) outside the United States to a foreign person in a
transaction meeting the requirements of Rule 904 under the Securities Act or
(v) pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act,
in each case in accordance with any applicable securities laws of any state of
the United States.
 
RESALE OF THE SERIES B NOTES
 
  With respect to resales of Series B Notes, based on no-action letters issued
by the staff of the Commission to third parties, the Company believes that a
holder or other person who receives Series B Notes, whether or not such person
is the holder (other than a person that is an "affiliate" of the Company
within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act), who receives Series
B Notes in exchange for Series A Notes in the ordinary course of business and
who is not participating, does not intend to participate, and has no
arrangement or understanding with any person to participate, in the
distribution of the Series B Notes, will be allowed to resell the Series B
Notes to the public without further registration under the Securities Act and
without delivering to the purchasers of the Series B Notes a prospectus that
satisfies the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act. However, if
any holder acquires Series B Notes in the Exchange Offer for the purpose of
distributing or participating in a distribution of the Series B Notes, such
holder cannot rely on the position of the staff of the Commission enunciated
in such no-action letters, and must comply with the registration and
prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any
resale transaction, unless an exemption from registration is otherwise
available. Further, each Participating Broker-Dealer that receives Series B
Notes for its own account in exchange
 
                                      84
<PAGE>
 
for Series A Notes, where such Series A Notes were acquired by such
Participating Broker-Dealer as a result of market-making activities or other
trading activities, must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in
connection with any resale of such Series B Notes.
 
  As contemplated by these no-action letters and the Registration Rights
Agreement, each holder accepting the Exchange Offer is required to represent
to the Company in the Letter of Transmittal that (i) the Series B Notes are to
be acquired by the holder or the person receiving such Series B Notes, whether
or not such person is the holder, in the ordinary course of business, (ii) the
holder or any such other person (other than a broker-dealer referred to in the
next sentence) is not engaging, and does not intend to engage, in the
distribution of the Series B Notes, (iii) the holder or any such other person
has no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the
distribution of the Series B Notes, (iv) neither the holder nor any such other
person is an "affiliate" of the Company within the meaning of Rule 405 under
the Securities Act and (v) the holder or any such other person acknowledges
that if such holder or other person participates in the Exchange Offer for the
purpose of distributing the Series B Notes it must comply with the
registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in
connection with any resale of the Series B Notes and cannot rely on those no-
action letters. As indicated above, each Participating Broker-Dealer that
receives a Series B Note for its own account in exchange for Series A Notes
must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any
resale of such Series B Notes. For a description of the procedures for such
resales by Participating Broker-Dealers, see "Plan of Distribution."
 
                                      85
<PAGE>
 
                    CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
 
  The federal income tax discussion set forth below is intended only as a
summary and does not purport to be a complete analysis or listing of all
potential tax considerations that may be relevant and is generally limited to
those persons who are original purchasers of the Notes and who hold the Notes
as capital assets ("Holders"). The discussion does not include special rules
that may apply to certain Holders (including insurance companies, tax-exempt
organizations, financial institutions or broker-dealers, foreign persons and
persons in special situations such as those who hold the Notes as part of a
straddle, hedge or conversion transaction), and does not address the tax
consequences of the laws of any state, locality or foreign jurisdiction. The
discussion (including the opinion of counsel described below) is based upon
currently existing provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended, existing and proposed Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder and
current administration rulings and court decisions. All of the foregoing are
subject to change and any such change could affect the continuing validity of
this discussion. The discussion is based upon the legal opinion of Eckert
Seamans Cherin & Mellott.
 
  THE FOLLOWING SUMMARY DOES NOT DISCUSS ALL ASPECTS OF FEDERAL INCOME
TAXATION THAT MAY BE RELEVANT TO A PARTICULAR HOLDER OF NOTES IN LIGHT OF SUCH
HOLDER'S PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES AND INCOME TAX SITUATION. EACH HOLDER OF
NOTES SHOULD CONSULT SUCH HOLDER'S TAX ADVISOR AS TO THE SPECIFIC TAX
CONSEQUENCES TO SUCH HOLDER OF THE OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF THE NOTES,
INCLUDING THE APPLICATION AND EFFECT OF STATE, LOCAL, FOREIGN AND OTHER TAX
LAWS.
 
  The exchange of the Series A Notes for Series B Notes pursuant to the
Exchange Offer will not be treated as an "exchange" for federal income tax
purposes because the Series B Notes will not be considered to differ
materially in kind or extent from the Series A Notes. Rather, the Series B
Notes received by a holder will be treated as a continuation of the Series A
Notes in the hands of such holder. As a result, there will be no federal
income tax consequences to holders exchanging Series A Notes for Series B
Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer. Therefore, the same tax consequences
apply to the Series B Notes as are applicable to the Series A Notes.
 
                                      86
<PAGE>
 
                             PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
 
  Each Participating Broker-Dealer that receives Series B Notes for its own
account pursuant to the Exchange Offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a
prospectus in connection with any resale of such Series B Notes. This
Prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be
used by a Participating Broker-Dealer in connection with resales of Series B
Notes received in exchange for Series A Notes where such Series A Notes were
acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities.
The Company has agreed that, for a period of 180 days after the date of this
Prospectus, it will make this Prospectus, as amended or supplemented,
available to any Participating Broker-Dealer for use in connection with any
such resale. In addition, for a period of 90 days after the date of this
Prospectus, all dealers effecting transactions in the Series B Notes may be
required to deliver a prospectus.
 
  The Company will not receive any proceeds from any sales of Series B Notes
by Participating Broker-Dealers. Series B Notes received by Participating
Broker-Dealers for their own account pursuant to the Exchange Offer may be
sold from time to time in one or more transactions in the over-the-counter
market, in negotiated transactions, through the writing of options on the
Series B Notes or a combination of such methods of resale, at market prices
prevailing at the time of resale, at prices related to such prevailing market
prices or at negotiated prices. Any such resale may be made directly to
purchasers or to or through brokers or dealers who may receive compensation in
the form of commissions or concessions from any such Participating Broker-
Dealer and/or the purchasers of any such Series B Notes. Any Participating
Broker-Dealer that resells the Series B Notes that were received by it for its
own account pursuant to the Exchange Offer and any broker or dealer that
participates in a distribution of such Series B Notes may be deemed to be an
"underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act, and any profit on any
such resale of Series B Notes and any commissions or concessions received by
any such persons may be deemed to be underwriting compensation under the
Securities Act. The Letter of Transmittal states that, by acknowledging that
it will deliver and by delivering a prospectus, a Participating Broker-Dealer
will not be deemed to admit that it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of
the Securities Act.
 
  For a period of 180 days after the Expiration Date, the Company will
promptly send additional copies of this Prospectus and any amendment or
supplement to this Prospectus to any Participating Broker-Dealer that requests
such documents in the Letter of Transmittal.
 
                                      87
<PAGE>
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
  Certain legal matters with respect to the Series B Notes offered hereby,
including certain federal income tax consequences, will be passed upon for the
Company by Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Stephen
I. Burr, a partner in such firm, is the Secretary of each of PAI, Park
Communications, the Company and each of its subsidiaries and Park Broadcasting
and each of its subsidiaries.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
  The consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 1995 and the consolidated
statements of income and retained earnings and cash flows for the period from
May 11, 1995 to December 31, 1995 and for the period from January 1, 1995 to
May 10, 1995 of Park Newspapers, Inc. and Subsidiaries and Park
Communications, Inc. and Subsidiaries, included in this Prospectus, have been
included herein in reliance on the reports, which include a paragraph
explaining certain financial reporting implications related to the
Acquisition, of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., independent accountants, given on
the authority of that firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
  The consolidated financial statements and schedules of Park Newspapers, Inc.
and Subsidiaries and Park Communications, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December
31, 1994 and for the two years then ended, appearing in this Prospectus and
the Registration Statement, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP,
independent auditors, as set forth in their reports thereon appearing
elsewhere herein, and are included in reliance upon such reports given upon
the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
  The Company has filed with the Commission a Registration Statement on Form
S-4 (together with all amendments, exhibits and schedules thereto, the
"Registration Statement") under the Securities Act with respect to the Series
B Notes offered hereby. This Prospectus does not contain all the information
set forth in the Registration Statement, certain parts of which are omitted in
accordance with the rules and regulations of the Commission, and to which
reference is hereby made. Statements contained in this Prospectus as to the
contents of any contract, agreement or any other document referred to are not
necessarily complete. With respect to each such contact, agreement or other
document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, reference is made
to such exhibit to the Registration Statement for a more complete description
of the matter involved, and each such statement shall be deemed qualified in
its entirety by such reference.
 
  The Registration Statement can be inspected and copied at the Public
Reference Section of the Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20459, and at the Commission's regional offices at Seven
World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048, and Northwestern Atrium Center,
500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661. Copies of the
Registration Statement can be obtained from the Public Reference Section of
the Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20459,
at prescribed rates. The Company is filing this Registration Statement with
the Commission electronically. The Commission maintains a Web site that
contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information
regarding registrants that file electronically with the Commission. The
address of that Web site is http://www.sec.gov.
 
  The Company intends, and is required by the terms of the Indenture, to
furnish the holders of the Series B Notes with annual reports containing
consolidated financial statements audited by its independent certified public
accountants and with quarterly reports containing unaudited condensed
consolidated financial statements for each of the first three quarters of each
fiscal year.
 
                                      88
<PAGE>
 
                                     INDEX
 
  Set forth below is a list of terms defined in this Prospectus and the page
numbers on which such terms are defined:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TERM                                                                    PAGE
- ----                                                                    ----
<S>                                                                 <C>
Acquired Debt......................................................           67
Acquired Person....................................................           67
Acquisition........................................................            3
Affiliate..........................................................           67
Applicable Premium.................................................           67
Asset Sale.........................................................           67
Asset Sale Offer...................................................           59
Asset Sale Offer Purchase Date.....................................           59
Asset Sale Offer Trigger Date......................................           59
Bankruptcy Law.....................................................           67
Book-Entry Transfer Facility.......................................           81
Broadcasting Indenture.............................................           53
Broadcasting Notes.................................................            6
Capital Lease Obligation...........................................           67
Capital Stock......................................................           67
Cash Equivalents...................................................           68
Central Corporate Overhead.........................................           14
Change of Control..................................................           68
Change of Control Offer............................................           55
Change of Control Purchase Date....................................           56
Change of Control Triggering Event.................................           68
Commission.........................................................        Cover
Communications Act.................................................           44
Communications Indenture...........................................           52
Communications Notes...............................................        6, 68
Communications Senior Credit Facility..............................        6, 69
Communications Units...............................................            6
Communications Warrants............................................            6
Company............................................................ Cover, 3, 69
Consolidated Interest Expense......................................           69
Consolidated Net Income............................................           69
Consolidated Net Worth.............................................           69
Covenant defeasance................................................           64
Debt to Operating Cash Flow Ratio..................................           69
Default............................................................           70
Defeasance.........................................................           64
Depositary.........................................................        Cover
Depositor..........................................................           82
Disposition........................................................           70
Disqualified Stock.................................................           70
Dollars............................................................           70
Eligible Institution...............................................           81
Equity Market Capitalization.......................................           70
Exchange Act.......................................................       19, 70
Exchange Agent.....................................................           10
Exchange Offer.....................................................        Cover
Exchange Offer Registration Statement..............................           77
</TABLE>
 
                                      89
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TERM                                                                    PAGE
- ----                                                                    ----
<S>                                                                 <C>
Expiration Date.................................................... Cover, 8, 79
FCC................................................................        5, 44
GAAP...............................................................           70
Guarantee..........................................................           70
Incur..............................................................           56
Indebtedness.......................................................           71
Indenture..........................................................    Cover, 54
Indenture Grade....................................................           71
Independent Director...............................................           71
Initial Purchasers.................................................            7
Interest Rate Agreement Obligations................................           71
Investments........................................................           71
Issue Date.........................................................   54, 71, 77
Letter of Transmittal..............................................        Cover
Lien...............................................................           71
Media General......................................................            5
Merger Agreement...................................................            5
Merger Sub.........................................................            5
NAA................................................................           37
Net Proceeds.......................................................           72
Newspaper Operations...............................................           72
Notes..............................................................        Cover
Obligations........................................................           72
Operating Cash Flow................................................           72
PAI................................................................        3, 72
Park Communications................................................        3, 72
Participating Broker-Dealer........................................        Cover
Permitted Holders..................................................           72
Permitted Indebtedness.............................................           57
Permitted Investments..............................................           72
Permitted Liens....................................................           73
Permitted Payments.................................................           58
Person.............................................................           73
Preferred Stock....................................................           73
Prior Credit Agreement.............................................            6
Prior Term Loan....................................................           20
Prospectus.........................................................        Cover
Public Equity Offering.............................................           73
Purchase Agreement.................................................            7
Purchase Money Indebtedness........................................           74
Qualified Issuer...................................................           74
QIB's..............................................................           54
Radio Station Assets...............................................            6
Rating Agency......................................................           74
Rating Category....................................................           74
Rating Decline.....................................................           74
Refinanced.........................................................           74
Refinancing........................................................           57
Refinancing Indebtedness...........................................           57
Refinancing Transactions...........................................            6
</TABLE>
 
                                       90
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TERM                                                                       PAGE
- ----                                                                       ----
<S>                                                                        <C>
Registration Rights Agreement.............................................     7
Registration Statement....................................................    88
Required Filing Dates.....................................................    61
Restricted Investment.....................................................    74
Restricted Payment........................................................    74
Restricted Subsidiary.....................................................    74
Revolving Credit Facility.................................................    74
RHP.......................................................................    50
Securities Act............................................................ Cover
Series A Notes............................................................ Cover
Series B Notes............................................................ Cover
Shelf Registration Statement.............................................. 9, 78
Shoppers..................................................................    34
Strategic Equity Investment...............................................    75
Subgroup..................................................................    45
Subparent.................................................................    45
Subsidiary................................................................    75
Surviving Person..........................................................    75
Treasury Rate.............................................................    75
Trustee...................................................................    54
Trust Indenture Act.......................................................    54
Unrestricted Subsidiary...................................................    75
Voting Stock..............................................................    76
Weighted Average Life to Maturity.........................................    76
Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary........................................    76
$.........................................................................    70
</TABLE>
 
                                       91
<PAGE>
 
                         INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          PAGE
                                                                        --------
<S>                                                                     <C>
PARK NEWSPAPERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
  Reports of Independent Accountants................................... F-2, 3
  Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1995 and 1994......... F-4
  Consolidated Statements of Income and Retained Earnings for the
   period from May 11, 1995 to December 31, 1995, the period from
   January 1, 1995 to May 10, 1995 and the years ended December 31,
   1994 and 1993....................................................... F-5
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the period from May 11,
   1995 to December 31, 1995, the period from January 1, 1995 to May
   10, 1995 and the years ended December 31, 1994 and 1993............. F-6
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements........................... F-7
  Unaudited Interim Financial Statements:
   Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 1996 and
    December 31, 1995.................................................. F-15
   Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Retained Earnings
    for the six months ended June 30, 1996, the period from January 1,
    1995 to May 10, 1995 and the period from May 11, 1995 to June 30,
    1995............................................................... F-16
   Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months
    ended June 30, 1996, the period from January 1, 1995 to May 10,
    1995 and the period from May 11, 1995 to June 30, 1995............. F-17
   Notes to Condensed Consolidated Unaudited Financial Statements...... F-18
PARK COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
  Reports of Independent Accountants................................... F-20, 21
  Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1995 and 1994......... F-22
  Consolidated Statements of Income and Retained Earnings for the
   period from May 11, 1995 to December 31, 1995, the period from
   January 1, 1995 to May 10, 1995 and the years ended December 31,
   1994 and 1993....................................................... F-23
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the period from May 11,
   1995 to December 31, 1995, the period from January 1, 1995 to May
   10, 1995 and the years ended December 31, 1994 and 1993............. F-24
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements........................... F-25
  Unaudited Interim Financial Statements:
   Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 1996 and
    December 31, 1995.................................................. F-37
   Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Retained Earnings
    for the six months ended June 30, 1996, the period from January 1,
    1995 to May 10, 1995 and the period from May 11, 1995 to June 30,
    1995............................................................... F-38
   Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months
    ended June 30, 1996, the period from January 1, 1995 to May 10,
    1995 and the period from May 11, 1995 to June 30, 1995............. F-39
   Notes to Condensed Consolidated Unaudited Financial Statements...... F-40
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-1
<PAGE>
 
                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
Board of Directors
 Park Newspapers, Inc.
 
  We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Park
Newspapers, Inc. and Subsidiaries (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Park
Communications, Inc.) as of December 31, 1995 and the related consolidated
statements of income and retained earnings and cash flows for the period from
May 11, 1995 to December 31, 1995 and for the period from January 1, 1995 to
May 10, 1995. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audit.
 
  We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
 
  As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company
was acquired by Park Acquisitions, Inc. on May 11, 1995 in a transaction
accounted for as a purchase. The purchase price and an allocable portion of
debt have been "pushed down" to the financial statements of the Company and as
a result, the post-acquisition consolidated financial statements are not
comparable to the pre-acquisition consolidated financial statements.
 
  In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Park
Newspapers, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995 and the consolidated
results of their operations and their cash flows for the period from May 11,
1995 to December 31, 1995 and for the period from January 1, 1995 to May 10,
1995 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
 
Lexington, Kentucky
February 2, 1996
 
                                      F-2
<PAGE>
 
               REPORT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
Board of Directors
 Park Newspapers, Inc.
 
  We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Park
Newspapers, Inc. and subsidiaries (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Park
Communications, Inc.) as of December 31, 1994 and the related consolidated
statements of income and retained earnings, and cash flows for each of the two
years in the period ended December 31, 1994. These financial statements are
the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
 
  We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
 
  In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Park
Newspapers, Inc. and subsidiaries at December 31, 1994 and the consolidated
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the two years in
the period ended December 31, 1994 in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
 
As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, in 1993 the Company
changed its method of accounting for income taxes, as required by FASB
Statement No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes."
 
                                          Ernst & Young LLP
Syracuse, New York
January 27, 1995
 
                                      F-3
<PAGE>
 
                     PARK NEWSPAPERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        DECEMBER 31 DECEMBER 31
                                                        ----------- -----------
                                                         NEW PARK    OLD PARK
                                                        ----------- -----------
                                                           1995        1994
                                                        ----------- -----------
<S>                                                     <C>         <C>
ASSETS (NOTE 6)
Current Assets:
 Cash..................................................  $    710    $  1,937
 Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful ac-
  counts of $289 in 1995
  and $314 in 1994.....................................     7,563       6,691
 Inventory.............................................     1,089       1,000
 Consulting/non-compete contracts......................        --         763
 Other.................................................       912         508
                                                         --------    --------
  Total current assets.................................    10,274      10,899
                                                         --------    --------
Property, Plant & Equipment:
 Land and improvements.................................     3,481       2,269
 Buildings and leasehold improvements..................     9,939      15,731
 Newspaper equipment...................................    12,045      23,516
 Furniture and fixtures................................     1,879       3,051
 Autos and trucks......................................       449         918
                                                         --------    --------
                                                           27,793      45,485
 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization........    (1,562)    (24,266)
                                                         --------    --------
                                                           26,231      21,219
Intangible assets, net.................................   183,029      57,472
Consulting/non-compete contracts.......................        --       3,267
Other assets...........................................       204         203
                                                         --------    --------
  Total assets.........................................  $219,738    $ 93,060
                                                         ========    ========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
 Current maturities of long-term debt..................  $    126    $    392
 Accounts payable......................................       900         718
 Consulting/non-compete contracts......................       787         815
 Interest..............................................     7,642           9
 Income taxes..........................................        --          63
 Accrued liabilities...................................     1,072       1,209
 Deferred income.......................................     3,157       2,909
                                                         --------    --------
  Total current liabilities............................    13,684       6,115
Long-term debt.........................................   168,305         360
Consulting/non-compete contracts.......................     2,778       3,582
Deferred income taxes..................................    41,972       1,490
                                                         --------    --------
  Total liabilities....................................   226,739      11,547
                                                         --------    --------
Commitments
Stockholder's Equity:
 Common Stock-no par value:
  Authorized 44,150 shares
  Issued and outstanding 44,150 shares in 1995 and
   1994................................................     4,150       4,150
 Paid in capital.......................................    (4,150)     46,665
 Intercompany receivables from parent..................    (3,355)    (47,192)
 Retained earnings.....................................    (3,646)     77,890
                                                         --------    --------
  Total stockholder's equity...........................    (7,001)     81,513
                                                         --------    --------
  Total liabilities and stockholder's equity...........  $219,738    $ 93,060
                                                         ========    ========
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                      F-4
<PAGE>
 
                     PARK NEWSPAPERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND RETAINED EARNINGS
                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                YEAR ENDED DEC.
                              PRO FORMA        PERIOD                 31
                             ----------- --------------------  ------------------
                                         NEW PARK   OLD PARK       OLD PARK
                                         ---------  ---------  ------------------
                                         05/11/95-  01/01/95-
                                1995     12/31/95   05/10/95     1994      1993
                             ----------- ---------  ---------  --------  --------
                             (UNAUDITED)
<S>                          <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>
Revenue:
 Newspaper revenue.........   $ 78,904   $ 51,723   $ 27,181   $ 76,810  $ 84,751
                              --------   --------   --------   --------  --------
Operating expenses:
 Cost of sales (exclusive
  of depreciation and
  amortization)............     33,810     20,783     13,027     32,364    39,221
 Selling, general and ad-
  ministrative.............     21,869     15,107      6,762     22,216    27,155
 Depreciation..............      2,537      1,621        833      2,260     2,577
 Amortization..............      3,688      2,356        524      1,775     2,395
 Amortization of excess of
  cost over net assets
  acquired.................      1,942      1,241        664      1,781     1,923
                              --------   --------   --------   --------  --------
                                63,846     41,108     21,810     60,396    73,271
                              --------   --------   --------   --------  --------
   Operating income........     15,058     10,615      5,371     16,414    11,480
Interest expense...........    (24,810)   (15,851)       (23)       (76)     (177)
Interest income............        291        186          3         11        45
Other expense..............       (511)       (26)      (485)      (832)     (204)
                              --------   --------   --------   --------  --------
   (Loss) income before in-
    come taxes.............     (9,972)    (5,076)     4,866     15,517    11,144
Provision (benefit) for in-
 come taxes................     (2,792)    (1,430)     2,222      7,007     5,335
                              --------   --------   --------   --------  --------
   Net (loss) income.......   $ (7,180)    (3,646)     2,644      8,510     5,809
                              ========
Retained earnings, begin-
 ning of period............                    --     77,890     69,380    63,571
                                         --------   --------   --------  --------
Retained earnings, end of
 period....................              $ (3,646)  $ 80,534   $ 77,890  $ 69,380
                                         ========   ========   ========  ========
Loss per share.............   $(162.63)  $ (82.58)
                              ========   ========
</TABLE>
 
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                      F-5
<PAGE>
 
                     PARK NEWSPAPERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                              YEAR ENDED DEC.
                                                                                               PERIOD               31
                                                                                         -------------------- ----------------
                                                                                         NEW PARK   OLD PARK     OLD PARK
                                                                                         ---------  --------- ----------------
                                                                                         05/11/95-  01/01/95-
                                                                                         12/31/95   05/10/95   1994     1993
                                                                                         ---------  --------- -------  -------
<S>                                                                                      <C>        <C>       <C>      <C>
Operating Activities:
 Net (loss) income...................................................................... $ (3,646)   $ 2,644  $ 8,510  $ 5,809
 Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash
  provided by operating activities:
  Depreciation and amortization.........................................................    5,218      2,021    5,816    6,895
  Amortization of consulting/non-compete contracts
   included in operating expenses.......................................................       --        292    1,142    1,161
  Payments on consulting/non-compete contracts..........................................     (513)      (320)    (869)  (1,175)
  Provision for losses on accounts receivable...........................................      127         85      292      347
  Provision for deferred income taxes...................................................   (1,430)      (122)     (59)    (326)
  Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment.........................................       --        199      116       34
  Changes in operating assets and liabilities net of effects
   from the disposal of companies:
   Accounts receivable..................................................................     (182)      (902)     488     (524)
   Inventory and other assets...........................................................     (628)       134      488      625
   Accounts payable and accrued liabilities.............................................    5,057        984   (6,214)     995
   Deferred income......................................................................      (84)       332      128      169
                                                                                         --------    -------  -------  -------
    Net cash provided by operating activities...........................................    3,919      5,347    9,838   14,010
                                                                                         --------    -------  -------  -------
Investing Activities:
 Purchases of property, plant and equipment.............................................   (1,691)      (431)  (3,458)  (1,512)
 Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment....................................        8         --      202       15
 Proceeds from sales of companies.......................................................       --         --       --    6,336
                                                                                         --------    -------  -------  -------
    Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities.................................   (1,683)      (431)  (3,256)   4,839
                                                                                         --------    -------  -------  -------
Financing Activities:
 Additional loan proceeds...............................................................    1,447         --       --       --
 Principal payments on long-term debt...................................................   (1,185)      (122)    (451)  (1,580)
 Net intercompany transfers to parent...................................................   (3,355)    (5,164)  (6,400) (18,636)
                                                                                         --------    -------  -------  -------
    Net cash used in financing activities...............................................   (3,093)    (5,286)  (6,851) (20,216)
                                                                                         --------    -------  -------  -------
  Decrease in cash......................................................................     (857)      (370)    (269)  (1,367)
Cash beginning of period................................................................    1,567      1,937    2,206    3,573
                                                                                         --------    -------  -------  -------
Cash end of period...................................................................... $    710    $ 1,567  $ 1,937  $ 2,206
                                                                                         ========    =======  =======  =======
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                      F-6
<PAGE>
 
                    PARK NEWSPAPERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1.SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
  Nature of Operations
 
  Park Newspapers, Inc. (the Company or PNI), through wholly owned subsidiary
  companies, publishes paid circulation newspapers and non-paid controlled
  distribution publications (shoppers). Substantially all of the Company's
  newspaper revenues are derived from advertising and circulation.
  Advertising rates and rate structures vary among the publications and are
  based, among other things, on circulation and type of advertising.
 
  Principles of Consolidation
 
  The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company
  and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly owned. The Company, which is
  a wholly owned subsidiary of Park Communications, Inc. (Parent or PCI),
  became an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Park Acquisitions, Inc. (PAI)
  (see Note 2) as of May 11, 1995. All significant intercompany accounts and
  transactions have been eliminated.
 
  Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements
 
  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
  accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
  assumptions (such as estimated lives of assets and allowance for doubtful
  accounts) that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
  disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the
  financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses
  during the reporting period.
 
  Inventory Valuation
 
  Inventories, consisting primarily of newsprint, are stated at the lower of
  cost (primarily last-in; first-out method) or market. The effect of using
  the last-in; first-out method (compared with the first-in; first-out
  inventory method) is not considered significant.
 
  Property, Plant, Equipment and Depreciation
 
  Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation for
  financial reporting purposes is provided on the straight-line method over
  the estimated useful lives of the assets except for leasehold improvements,
  which are amortized on the straight-line method over the lease period or
  the lives of the improvements, whichever is shorter. Accelerated methods
  are used for income tax reporting purposes whenever available. Deferred
  income taxes are provided for this temporary difference between financial
  and income tax reporting methods.
 
  Consulting/Non-Compete Contracts
 
  Certain subsidiary companies have consulting/non-compete contracts expiring
  through 2010. Prior to May 11, 1995, costs were amortized on a straight-
  line basis over the terms of the related agreements. In connection with the
  Acquisition, separate value was not assigned to those contracts. New Park
  would not have entered into such contracts at the date of Acquisition (see
  Note 2).
 
  Intangible Assets
 
  Intangible assets are stated at cost and consist primarily of advertising
  contracts, subscription lists and excess of cost over net assets acquired.
  Intangible assets are being amortized by the straight-line method over
  estimated lives ranging primarily from 7 to 40 years.
 
                                      F-7
<PAGE>
 
                    PARK NEWSPAPERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  Carrying Value of Long Lived Assets
 
  The Company has adopted the provisions of FASB Statement No. 121,
  "Accounting For the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and For Long-Lived
  Assets to Be Disposed Of." The carrying value of long lived assets
  (tangible and intangible) is reviewed if the facts and circumstances
  suggest that they may be impaired. For purposes of this review, assets are
  grouped at the operating company level which is the lowest level for which
  there are identifiable cash flows. If this review indicates that such
  assets carrying value will not be recoverable, as determined based on
  future expected, undiscounted cash flows, the carrying value is reduced to
  fair market value.
 
  Income Taxes
 
  Effective January 1, 1993 the Company changed its method of accounting for
  income taxes from the deferred method to the liability method required by
  FASB Statement No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." The cumulative
  effect of the accounting change was not material to net income for 1993.
 
  Deferred Income
 
  Deferred income is recorded on subscriptions prepaid by customers. Such
  income is recognized when earned.
 
  Intercompany Accounts
 
  The amount receivable from the Parent included in the balance sheet
  represents a net balance as the result of various transactions between the
  Company and its Parent. Since May 11, 1995 interest charges have been
  associated with the account balance. The Company has recognized interest
  income from the Parent in the amount of $195,000 in the accompanying
  statement of income for the period May 11, 1995 to December 31, 1995 on
  this account balance. The balance is primarily the result of the Company's
  participation in the Parent's central cash management program, wherein some
  of the Company's cash receipts are remitted to the Parent and some of the
  cash disbursements are funded by the Parent. Other transactions include the
  transfer to the Parent for payment of the Company's prior year federal
  income tax liability, and miscellaneous other administrative expenses
  incurred by the Parent on behalf of the Company.
 
  Intercompany Expense Allocation
 
  The Company's Parent provides various administrative services to the
  Company including legal assistance, acquisitions analysis, and marketing
  and advertising services. It is the Parent's policy to charge these
  expenses and all other operating expense, on both a direct and indirect
  cost basis. These expenses incurred by the Parent and allocated to the
  Company (which are included in operating expenses) were $1,416,000 for the
  period May 11 to December 31, 1995, $801,000 for the period January 1 to
  May 10, 1995, $1,988,000 in 1994 and $2,102,000 in 1993. Allocation of
  indirect costs to the Company is based on the proportion of Company
  employees to total employees which, in the opinion of the Company's
  management, is a reasonable method of allocation since it approximates the
  expense that would have been incurred on a stand alone basis.
 
2.ACQUISITION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
  On May 11, 1995, the Company's parent, PCI, was sold to PAI (the
  Acquisition), a private investment concern (organized August 4, 1994) owned
  by investors Gary B. Knapp and the Tomlin Family Trust II, of which Donald
  R. Tomlin, Jr. is a trustee. A significant portion of the purchase price
  was paid from the proceeds of a $573,427,000 loan made to the acquiror, the
  remainder of the purchase price ($138,000,000) was derived from existing
  cash-on-hand at PCI at closing of the Acquisition.
 
                                      F-8
<PAGE>
 
                    PARK NEWSPAPERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  As a consequence of the change in ownership of PCI, under generally
  accepted accounting principles, the Company is deemed, for financial
  reporting purposes, to have become a new reporting entity effective with
  the change in ownership. The portion of the debt allocable to the Company
  has been "pushed down" to the financial statements of the Company, and the
  assets and liabilities have been adjusted to reflect their fair market
  value as of May 11, 1995.
 
  The accompanying financial statements reflect the operations of PNI prior
  to the acquisition on May 11, 1995 (Old Park). Subsequent to that date the
  financial statements reflect the operations of the Company utilizing the
  new basis accounting (New Park).
 
  The pro forma income statement for 1995 reflects the operations of the
  Company under the new basis of accounting and assumes the transaction
  closed on January 1, 1995. Depreciation, amortization and interest expense
  reflect those costs that would be charged to operations for a full year
  based on the revised balance sheet amounts at May 11, 1995 for property,
  plant and equipment, intangible assets and the long-term debt "push down"
  to PNI. Pro forma income tax benefit has been computed at an effective rate
  of 28%.
 
  Following is a summary of adjustments made to historical costs of the
  assets and liabilities of the Company as of May 10, 1995, as a result of
  applying "push down" acquisition accounting at that date to arrive at the
  new basis for the Company.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      MAY 10, 1995
                                         --------------------------------------
                                                 PARK NEWSPAPERS, INC.
                                         --------------------------------------
                                         WITHOUT MERGER             WITH MERGER
                                          ADJUSTMENTS               ADJUSTMENTS
                                         --------------   MERGER    -----------
                                            OLD PARK    ADJUSTMENTS  NEW PARK
                                         -------------- ----------- -----------
                                                 (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                   <C>            <C>         <C>
   ASSETS
   Current assets
    Cash................................    $ 1,567            --    $  1,567
    Accounts receivable, net............      7,508            --       7,508
    Inventory...........................        972            --         972
    Consulting/non-compete contracts....        730      $   (730)         --
    Other...............................        406            --         406
                                            -------      --------    --------
      Total current assets..............     11,183          (730)     10,453
                                            -------      --------    --------
   Property, plant & equipment..........     42,092       (15,926)     26,166
     Less accumulated depreciation and
      amortization......................     21,474       (21,474)         --
                                            -------      --------    --------
    Net property, plant & equipment.....     20,618         5,548      26,166
   Intangible assets, net...............     56,269       130,357     186,626
   Consulting/non-compete contracts.....      3,009        (3,009)         --
   Other assets.........................        199            --         199
                                            -------      --------    --------
                                            $91,278      $132,166    $223,444
                                            =======      ========    ========
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-9
<PAGE>
 
                    PARK NEWSPAPERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      MAY 10, 1995
                                         --------------------------------------
                                                 PARK NEWSPAPERS, INC.
                                         --------------------------------------
                                         WITHOUT MERGER             WITH MERGER
                                          ADJUSTMENTS               ADJUSTMENTS
                                         --------------   MERGER    -----------
                                            OLD PARK    ADJUSTMENTS  NEW PARK
                                         -------------- ----------- -----------
                                                 (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                   <C>            <C>         <C>
   LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
   Current liabilities:
    Current maturities of long-term
     debt...............................    $   630            --    $    630
    Accounts Payable....................      1,540            --       1,540
    Consulting/non-compete contracts....        836            --         836
    Interest............................         20            --          20
    Income taxes........................        487            --         487
    Accrued liabilities.................      1,019            --       1,019
    Deferred income.....................      3,241            --       3,241
                                            -------      --------    --------
     Total current liabilities..........      7,773            --       7,773
   Long term debt.......................         --      $167,539     167,539
   Consulting/non-compete contracts.....      3,241            --       3,241
   Deferred income taxes................      1,271        43,620      44,891
                                            -------      --------    --------
      Total liabilities.................     12,285       211,159     223,444
                                            -------      --------    --------
   Stockholder's Equity:
    Common stock........................      4,150            --       4,150
    Paid in capital.....................     46,665       (50,815)     (4,150)
    Intercompany receivables from par-
     ent................................    (52,356)       52,356          --
    Retained earnings...................     80,534       (80,534)         --
                                            -------      --------    --------
   Total stockholder's equity...........     78,993       (78,993)         --
                                            -------      --------    --------
                                            $91,278      $132,166    $223,444
                                            =======      ========    ========
</TABLE>
3.LOSS PER SHARE
 
  Earnings per share of common stock is computed on the weighted average
  number of common shares outstanding during each period (dollars and shares
  in thousands except per share amounts):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           PRO FORMA  NEW PARK
                                                          ----------- ---------
                                                           NEW PARK    PERIOD
                                                          ----------- ---------
                                                                      05/10/95-
                                                             1995     12/31/95
                                                          ----------- ---------
                                                          (UNAUDITED)
                                                          -----------
   <S>                                                    <C>         <C>
   Average shares........................................         44        44
                                                           =========  ========
   Net loss..............................................  $  (7,180) $ (3,646)
                                                           =========  ========
   Per share amount......................................  $ (162.63) $ (82.58)
                                                           =========  ========
</TABLE>
  Earnings per share has not been shown prior to May 11, 1995 because such
  information is not meaningful.
 
                                     F-10
<PAGE>
 
                    PARK NEWSPAPERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
4.INTANGIBLE ASSETS
 
  Intangible assets are comprised of the following (dollars in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   DECEMBER 31      DECEMBER 31
                                               -------------------- -----------
                                                     NEW PARK        OLD PARK
                                               -------------------- -----------
                                                ESTIMATED
                                                  LIVES      1995      1994
                                               ----------- -------- -----------
   <S>                                         <C>         <C>      <C>
   Advertiser and subscriber relationships.... 14-40 years $109,303  $ 35,236
   Other intangibles..........................          --       --     3,960
   Excess of cost over net assets acquired....          40   77,323    72,226
                                                           --------  --------
     Total intangibles........................              186,626   111,422
   Less accumulated amortization..............                3,597    53,950
                                                           --------  --------
                                                           $183,029  $ 57,472
                                                           ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
  The lives used to amortize the cost of intangible assets related to
  advertiser and subscriber relationships represent the expected average
  lives of such relationships based on actuarial analyses using a
  representative sample of the companies' actual experience for periods prior
  to the acquisition through December 31, 1994. These analyses took into
  consideration economic life characteristics of the companies' current
  advertiser relationships including retention and termination experience.
  Other intangibles are being amortized over 40 years which is consistent
  with industry practice and management's opinion that such intangible assets
  have useful lives in excess of 40 years.
 
5.DISPOSITIONS AND DISCONTINUED PUBLICATION
 
  On December 31, 1993, the Company sold newspaper publications in 13 of its
  smaller markets. Of these, 11 were daily newspapers, all with paid
  circulation under 6,000. The impact of the sale of these publications was
  not material to net income in 1993. In 1995, the Company discontinued its
  Research Triangle Park, Raleigh, North Carolina publication. The operating
  losses for these newspaper publications (before depreciation and
  amortization) were $145,000 in 1995 (pro forma unaudited), $235,000 in 1994
  and $273,000 in 1993.
 
6.LONG-TERM DEBT
 
  The Company's long-term debt is comprised of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         DECEMBER 31 DECEMBER 31
                                                         ----------- -----------
                                                          NEW PARK    OLD PARK
                                                         ----------- -----------
                                                            1995        1994
                                                         ----------- -----------
                                                         (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                   <C>         <C>
   Existing Credit Agreement...........................   $168,065         --
   Subordinated notes of certain newspaper subsidiaries
    due to former owners...............................        360      $ 744
   Promissory notes....................................          6          8
                                                          --------      -----
   Total debt..........................................    168,431        752
   Less:Current maturities of long-term debt...........        126        392
                                                          --------      -----
   Long-term debt......................................   $168,305      $ 360
                                                          ========      =====
</TABLE>
 
 
                                     F-11
<PAGE>
 
                    PARK NEWSPAPERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
  On May 11, 1995, PAI entered into an agreement (Existing Credit Agreement)
  to borrow up to $593.8 million, the proceeds of which were utilized to
  finance the Acquisition and pay related expenses. The loan required that
  the debt be directly assumed by PCI and its subsidiary companies and that
  they be jointly and severally liable for the loan agreement. PAI, PCI and
  PCI's subsidiaries' assets are pledged as collateral for the loan made
  pursuant to the Existing Credit Agreement and PCI and its subsidiaries'
  cash flow is utilized for debt service. Interest accrues at a base interest
  rate (Base Rate) of 9.5% per annum, an additional interest rate (Additional
  Rate) of 1.0% per annum, plus a yield maintenance interest rate (YMI) of
  3.0% per annum. The Base Rate and Additional Rate interest are payable on
  October 1 and April 1. Principal payments are required only to the extent
  that PAI's cash balance, as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement,
  exceeds $8.0 million (declining to $6.0 million at October 1, 1997) at each
  interest payment date through October 1, 1997. Following is a table that
  outlines these requirements:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
       INTEREST PAYMENT DATE                               CASH RESERVE AMOUNT
       ---------------------                              ----------------------
                                                          (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
       <S>                                                <C>
       October 1, 1995...................................         $8,000
       April 1, 1996.....................................          8,000
       October 1, 1996...................................          7,000
       April 1, 1997.....................................          7,000
       October 1, 1997 and thereafter....................          6,000
</TABLE>
 
  Prepayment, in part or wholly, can be made at any time without penalty.
  Ninety percent (90%) of the after tax proceeds as defined in the Existing
  Credit Agreement of any asset sales of the Company are required to be
  applied to the principal.
 
  The YMI, which the Company is accruing, is payable upon achievement by PAI,
  on or prior to May 11, 1998, of a Loan to Value Ratio (LTV) of 70% or less
  (as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement). If the Company elects not to
  pay the YMI when payable, then PAI would be required to issue to the lender
  an exercisable warrant having the right to acquire non-voting common stock
  in PAI in a sufficient amount to equal an 80% shareholders' equity
  interest. On the earliest date that the Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSC)
  as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement is met, and either the LTV
  ratio is met or by reason of non-payment of the YMI, the warrant is
  required to be issued, the loan will become fully amortizable in equal
  annual amounts over the remaining term ending on a maturity date of April
  15, 2015 with interest at 10.5% per annum.
 
  Substantially all of the Company's and its subsidiaries' tangible and
  intangible assets are collateralized under the Existing Credit Agreement.
  The Existing Credit Agreement contains covenants which, among other things,
  limit or restrict payment of cash dividends, additional debt, repurchase of
  common stock, capital expenditures, sales of the Company's common stock,
  mergers, consolidations and sales of the Company's assets.
 
  The subordinated notes are payable in various installments through 1998
  with interest primarily from 6% to 9%. The promissory notes are payable in
  various installments through 1998 with interest at 8%.
 
  Cash payments of interest were $8,255,974 for the period of May 11 to
  December 31, 1995, $43,552 for the period of January 1 to May 10, 1995,
  $97,930 in 1994 and $185,041 in 1993.
 
 
                                     F-12
<PAGE>
 
                    PARK NEWSPAPERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
  The aggregate annual maturities on long-term debt, assuming the Company
  meets the LTV on May 11, 1998, payable over the next five years are as
  follows (dollars in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      YEAR                                                               AMOUNT
      ----                                                               -------
      <S>                                                                <C>
      1996.............................................................. $   126
      1997..............................................................     120
      1998..............................................................  52,155
      1999..............................................................   2,858
      2000..............................................................   3,166
</TABLE>
 
  The fair value of the Company's long-term debt approximates $180,405,000.
  The fair value is estimated based on current rates offered to the Company
  for debt of the same remaining maturities.
 
7.INCOME TAXES
 
  The Company determines its income tax expense on the separate return
  method. Federal and state income tax expense (benefit) is summarized as
  follows (dollars in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            PERIOD        YEAR ENDED DEC. 31
                                      ------------------- --------------------
                                      NEW PARK  OLD PARK       OLD PARK
                                      --------- --------- --------------------
                                      05/11/95- 01/01/95-
                                      12/31/95  05/10/95     1994       1993
                                      --------- --------- ---------  ---------
   <S>                                <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>
   Federal:
    Current taxes transferred to the
     Parent..........................       --   $1,904   $   5,662  $   4,466
    Deferred.........................  $(1,208)    (106)        (58)      (284)
                                       -------   ------   ---------  ---------
                                       $(1,208)   1,798       5,604      4,182
                                       -------   ------   ---------  ---------
   State:
    Current..........................       --      440       1,404      1,195
    Deferred.........................     (222)     (16)         (1)       (42)
                                       -------   ------   ---------  ---------
                                          (222)     424       1,403      1,153
                                       -------   ------   ---------  ---------
     Total income tax expense (bene-
      fit)...........................  $(1,430)  $2,222   $   7,007  $   5,335
                                       =======   ======   =========  =========
</TABLE>
 
  The items comprising the differences in taxes on income computed at the
  U.S. statutory rate and the amount provided by the Company are as follows
  (dollars in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 YEAR ENDED DEC.
                                                  PERIOD               31
                                            -------------------- ---------------
                                            NEW PARK   OLD PARK     OLD PARK
                                            ---------  --------- ---------------
                                            05/11/95-  01/01/95-
                                            12/31/95   05/10/95   1994    1993
                                            ---------  --------- ------- -------
   <S>                                      <C>        <C>       <C>     <C>
   Computed tax expense at U.S. statutory
    rate................................... $ (1,777)   $ 1,703  $ 5,431 $ 3,900
   Increase in tax expense resulting from:
    State income taxes, net of federal in-
     come tax..............................     (144)       276      912     749
    Amortization not tax deductible........      434        231      623     673
    Miscellaneous, net.....................       57         12       41      13
                                            --------    -------  ------- -------
     Total income tax expense (benefit).... $ (1,430)   $ 2,222  $ 7,007 $ 5,335
                                            ========    =======  ======= =======
</TABLE>
 
 
                                     F-13
<PAGE>
 
                    PARK NEWSPAPERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
  Significant components of the Company's deferred tax liabilities and assets
  are as follows (dollars in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         DECEMBER 31 DECEMBER 31
                                                         ----------- -----------
                                                          NEW PARK    OLD PARK
                                                         ----------- -----------
                                                            1995        1994
                                                         ----------- -----------
   <S>                                                   <C>         <C>
   Components of deferred taxes:
    Property, plant & equipment, intangible assets......  $ 42,742     $ 1,490
    Net operating loss carry forwards...................      (770)         --
    Allowance for doubtful accounts and other...........       (77)        (96)
                                                          --------     -------
     Net deferred tax liabilities.......................  $ 41,895     $ 1,394
                                                          ========     =======
   Classification of deferred taxes:
    Non-current liabilities.............................  $ 41,972     $ 1,490
    Current assets......................................       (77)        (96)
                                                          --------     -------
                                                          $ 41,895     $ 1,394
                                                          ========     =======
</TABLE>
 
  Total cash payments of state income taxes were $135,000 for the period May
  11 through December 31, 1995, $352,000 for the period January 1 through May
  10, 1995, $1,391,143 in 1994 and $1,212,969 in 1993. Federal tax payments
  are made by the Parent (see Note 1).
 
8. LEASES
 
  Certain operating facilities and equipment (see Note 9) are leased under
  noncancellable operating agreements. Certain of the leases require the
  Company or its subsidiaries to pay property taxes, insurance and
  maintenance costs.
 
  Lease expense related to the above and charged to operations was
  approximately $135,380 for the period May 11 through December 31, 1995,
  $76,519 for the period January 1 through May 10, 1995, $463,000 in 1994 and
  $749,000 in 1993.
 
  The aggregate minimum rentals through dates of expiration amount to
  approximately $227,076 and the amounts payable over the next five years are
  as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
       YEAR                                                               AMOUNT
       ----                                                               ------
       <S>                                                                <C>
       1996..............................................................  $112
       1997..............................................................    76
       1998..............................................................    36
       1999..............................................................     3
       2000..............................................................    --
</TABLE>
 
9. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
  In 1993 and 1994, the Company, in the ordinary course of business, leased
  and rented certain operating facilities and equipment (included in Note 8)
  from RHP Incorporated and its subsidiaries. RHP Incorporated is wholly
  owned by the estate of Roy H. Park, formerly the Chairman of the Board of
  PCI, who died on October 25, 1993. Such lease and rent payments were
  $271,476 in 1994 and $527,949 in 1993. In connection with these operating
  facilities, in 1994 the Company purchased five buildings from RHP
  Incorporated and its subsidiaries at the appraised fair market value of
  $600,000 and such lease and rent payments ceased as of the date of
  purchase.
 
                                     F-14
<PAGE>
 
                     PARK NEWSPAPERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                  (UNAUDITED)
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                NEW PARK
                                                          ---------------------
                                                          JUNE 30   DECEMBER 31
                                                            1996       1995
                                                          --------  -----------
ASSETS
<S>                                                       <C>       <C>
Current Assets:
 Cash.................................................... $  4,210   $    710
 Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful
  accounts of $293 in 1996 and $314 in 1995..............    6,900      7,563
 Inventory...............................................      824      1,089
 Other...................................................      513        912
                                                          --------   --------
  Total current assets...................................   12,447     10,274
                                                          --------   --------
Property, Plant & Equipment:
 Property, plant & equipment.............................   28,522     27,793
 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization..........   (3,127)    (1,562)
                                                          --------   --------
                                                            25,395     26,231
Intangible assets, net...................................  180,442    183,029
Other assets.............................................    5,699        204
                                                          --------   --------
                                                          $223,983   $219,738
                                                          ========   ========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
 Current maturities of long-term debt.................... $    126   $    126
 Accounts payable........................................    1,277        900
 Consulting/non-compete contracts........................      775        787
 Interest................................................    2,452      7,642
 Income taxes............................................       --         --
 Accrued liabilities.....................................    1,184      1,072
 Deferred income.........................................    3,162      3,157
                                                          --------   --------
  Total current liabilities..............................    8,976     13,684
Long-term debt...........................................  155,120    168,305
Consulting/non-compete contracts.........................    2,403      2,778
Deferred income taxes....................................   39,807     41,972
                                                          --------   --------
  Total liabilities......................................  206,306    226,739
                                                          --------   --------
Commitments
Stockholder's Equity:
 Common Stock--no par value:
  Authorized 44,150 shares, issued and outstanding 44,150
   shares in 1996 and 1995...............................    4,150      4,150
 Paid in capital.........................................   21,184     (4,150)
 Intercompany receivables from Parent....................       --     (3,355)
 Retained earnings (deficit).............................   (7,657)    (3,646)
                                                          --------   --------
Total stockholder's equity...............................   17,677     (7,001)
                                                          --------   --------
                                                          $223,983   $219,738
                                                          ========   ========
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated
                        unaudited financial statements.
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>
 
                     PARK NEWSPAPERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
       CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND RETAINED EARNINGS
                                  (UNAUDITED)
          (DOLLARS AND SHARES IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT EARNINGS PER SHARE)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               NEW PARK
                                           ------------------
                                           SIX MONTHS ENDED         PERIOD
                                           ------------------  ------------------
                                                       PRO
                                                      FORMA    NEW PARK  OLD PARK
                                                     --------  --------  --------
                                           JUNE 30   JUNE 30   5/11/95-  1/01/95-
                                             1996      1995    6/30/95   5/10/95
                                           --------  --------  --------  --------
<S>                                        <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
Revenue:
 Newspaper revenue.......................  $ 38,804  $ 38,490  $11,309   $27,181
                                           --------  --------  -------   -------
Operating expenses:
 Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation
  and amortization)......................    19,205    19,348    6,321    13,027
 Selling, general and administrative.....    10,714     8,228    1,466     6,762
 Depreciation............................     1,584     1,278      355       833
 Amortization............................     1,807     1,825      507       524
 Amortization of excess of cost over net
  assets acquired........................       989       979      272       664
                                           --------  --------  -------   -------
                                             34,299    31,658    8,921    21,810
                                           --------  --------  -------   -------
  Operating income.......................     4,505     6,832    2,388     5,371
Interest expense.........................   (10,850)  (11,495)  (3,193)      (23)
Interest income..........................       127       145      (17)        3
Other income (expense)...................       (24)     (255)      25      (485)
                                           --------  --------  -------   -------
  (Loss) income before income taxes......    (6,242)   (4,773)    (797)    4,866
Provision (benefit) for income taxes.....    (2,231)   (1,500)    (207)    2,222
                                           --------  --------  -------   -------
  Net (loss) income......................    (4,011) $ (3,273)    (590)    2,644
                                                     ========
Retained earnings (deficit), beginning of
period...................................    (3,646)                 0    77,890
                                           --------            -------   -------
Retained earnings (deficit), end of
period...................................  $ (7,657)           $  (590)  $80,534
                                           ========            =======   =======
Loss per share...........................  $ (90.85) $ (74.13)
                                           ========  ========
Average shares...........................      44.2      44.2
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated
                        unaudited financial statements.
 
                                      F-16
<PAGE>
 
                     PARK NEWSPAPERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                  (UNAUDITED)
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            SIX MONTHS ENDED      PERIOD
                                                                                            ---------------- -----------------
                                                                                                NEW PARK     NEW PARK OLD PARK
                                                                                            ---------------- -------- --------
                                                                                                JUNE 30      5/11/95- 1/01/95-
                                                                                                  1996       6/30/95  5/10/95
                                                                                            ---------------- -------- --------
   <S>                                                                                      <C>              <C>      <C>
   Operating Activities:
    Net (loss) income......................................................................     $ (4,011)     $ (590)  $2,644
    Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) provided by operating
     activities:
     Depreciation and amortization.........................................................        4,380       1,134    2,021
     Amortization of consulting/non-compete contracts included in operating expenses.......           --          --      292
     Amortization of debt issue costs......................................................           55
     Payments on consulting/non-compete contracts..........................................         (387)       (103)    (320)
     Provision for losses on accounts receivable...........................................          148          43       85
     Provision for deferred income taxes...................................................         (313)         49     (122)
     Corporate overhead allocation.........................................................          216          --       --
     Loss (gain) on sale of property, plant and equipment..................................         (161)         --      199
     Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
      Accounts receivable..................................................................          515       1,184     (902)
      Inventory and other assets...........................................................          572         200      134
      Accounts payable and accrued liabilities.............................................       (4,701)      3,481      984
      Deferred income......................................................................            5        (139)     332
                                                                                                --------      ------   ------
       Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities.................................       (3,682)      5,259    5,347
                                                                                                --------      ------   ------
   Investing Activities:
    Purchases of property, plant and equipment.............................................         (780)       (313)    (431)
    Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment...................................          169          --       --
    Increase in long-term other assets.....................................................         (100)         --       --
                                                                                                --------      ------   ------
       Net cash used in investing activities...............................................         (711)       (313)    (431)
                                                                                                --------      ------   ------
   Financing Activities:
    Proceeds from new debt.................................................................      155,000          --       --
    Debt issue costs.......................................................................       (5,449)         --       --
    Principal payments on long-term debt...................................................     (168,185)         --     (122)
    Net intercompany transfers from Parent.................................................       26,527      (5,095)  (5,164)
                                                                                                --------      ------   ------
       Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities.................................        7,893      (5,095)  (5,286)
                                                                                                --------      ------   ------
     Increase (decrease) in cash...........................................................        3,500        (149)    (370)
   Cash beginning of period................................................................          710       1,567    1,937
                                                                                                --------      ------   ------
   Cash end of period......................................................................     $  4,210      $1,418   $1,567
                                                                                                ========      ======   ======
   Non-Cash Financing Activities:
   Capitalization of intercompany receivable from Parent...................................     $(21,320)
                                                                                                ========
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated
                        unaudited financial statements.
 
                                      F-17
<PAGE>
 
                    PARK NEWSPAPERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
        NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
  The accompanying condensed interim financial statements are unaudited;
  however, in the opinion of the Company's management, all adjustments (which
  comprise only normal and recurring accruals) necessary for a fair
  presentation of the interim financial results have been included. The
  results for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results
  to be expected for the entire year. These financial statements and notes
  should be read in conjunction with the Company's audited annual
  consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 1995.
 
  As discussed in the December 31, 1995 consolidated financial statements,
  the Company was acquired by Park Acquisitions, Inc. on May 11, 1995 in a
  transaction accounted for as a purchase. The purchase price and an
  allocable portion of debt have been "pushed down" to the financial
  statements of the Company and, as a result, the post-acquisition (New Park)
  consolidated financial statements are not comparable to the pre-acquisition
  (Old Park) consolidated financial statements.
 
2. REFINANCING
 
  On May 13, 1996, Park Communications, Inc. ("PCI") refinanced its existing
  debt through the issuance of three separate debt offerings and a short term
  Senior Credit Facility. PCI issued $80.0 million in principal amount of 13
  3/4% Senior Pay-in-Kind Notes due 2004 (the "Offering"). Interest on such
  notes (the "PCI Notes") will be payable semi-annually in arrears on May 15
  and November 15 of each year, commencing November 15, 1996. Through May 15,
  1999, interest is payable at the option of PCI by the issuance of
  additional notes in lieu of cash. After May 15, 1999, interest is payable
  in cash. The PCI Notes were issued with warrants entitling the holder to
  purchase one share of Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of PCI at
  an exercise price of $0.01 per share. Upon exercise, the holders would be
  entitled in the aggregate to purchase 7% of the Common Stock of PCI on a
  fully diluted basis. In addition, in the event PCI does not consummate a
  Public Equity Offering or one or any series of substantially concurrent
  Strategic Equity Investments on or prior to December 31, 1997, resulting in
  net proceeds to PCI of at least $40.0 million, PCI will be obligated to
  issue warrants (contingent warrants) to the holders of the PCI Notes
  exercisable for 3% of the Common Stock of PCI on a fully diluted basis as
  of the date of such issuance. The proceeds of the Offering were allocated
  to the PCI Notes and warrants based on their relative fair values in the
  amounts of $77.2 and $2.8 million, respectively. The $2.8 million allocated
  to the warrants was recorded as additional paid in capital on PCI's
  financial statements. Concurrently with the Offering, the Company issued
  $155.0 million in principal amount of 11 7/8% Senior Notes due 2004
  ("Newspapers Notes") at an offering price of 100%, and Park Broadcasting,
  Inc. issued $241.0 million in principal amount of 11 3/4% Senior Notes due
  2004 ("Broadcasting Notes") at an offering price of 97.49% or $235.0
  million. Such discount on the Broadcasting Notes will be amortized over the
  life of the Broadcasting Notes using the effective yield method. Interest
  on the Broadcasting Notes and the Newspapers Notes will be payable in cash
  semi-annually on May 15 and November 15 of each year commencing November
  15, 1996.
 
  Upon a Change of Control Triggering Event, each holder of the Newspapers
  Notes will have the right to require the Company to offer to purchase such
  holder's Newspapers Notes at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount
  plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase. In
  addition, the Company will be obligated to offer to repurchase the
  Newspapers Notes at 100% of their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid
  interest, if any, to the date of repurchase in the event of certain asset
  sales.
 
  The Newspapers Notes were issued under an indenture containing covenants
  which, among other things, limit or restrict the Company's ability to incur
  additional indebtedness, pay cash dividends or make other payments
  affecting restricted subsidiaries, sell assets, incur liens, make capital
  contributions, change lines of business and enter into transactions with
  affiliates.
 
                                     F-18
<PAGE>
 
                    PARK NEWSPAPERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
  NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  In addition to the above offerings, PCI entered into a short term $58.0
  million Senior Credit Facility with a consortium of lenders. Interest was
  payable at a variable rate and the debt was due on November 13, 1996. Such
  amount borrowed under the Senior Credit Facility was repaid entirely in May
  and June of 1996 with the proceeds of the sale of certain Radio Station
  Assets.
 
3. CORPORATE OVERHEAD ALLOCATED
 
  Corporate overhead was allocated to the Company as follows: $1,322,000 for
  the period 1/1/96--6/30/96, $801,000 for the period 1/1/95--5/10/95, and
  $212,000 for the period of 5/11/95--6/30/95.
 
4. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
 
  On July 19, 1996, the stockholders of Park Acquisitions, Inc., the sole
  stockholder of PCI which is the sole stockholder of the Company, agreed to
  sell 100% of their stock in a cash merger to Media General, Inc. for total
  consideration of approximately $710.0 million.
 
                                     F-19
<PAGE>
 
                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
Board of Directors
 Park Communications, Inc.
 
  We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Park
Communications, Inc. and Subsidiaries (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Park
Acquisitions, Inc.) as of December 31, 1995 and the related consolidated
statements of income and retained earnings and cash flows for the period from
May 11, 1995 to December 31, 1995 and for the period from January 1, 1995 to
May 10, 1995. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audit.
 
  We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
 
  As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company
was acquired by Park Acquisitions, Inc. on May 11, 1995 in a transaction
accounted for as a purchase. The purchase price and an allocable portion of
debt have been "pushed down" to the financial statements of the Company and as
a result, the post-acquisition consolidated financial statements are not
comparable to the pre-acquisition consolidated financial statements.
 
  In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Park
Communications, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995 and the
consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for the period
from May 11, 1995 to December 31, 1995 and for the period from January 1, 1995
to May 10, 1995 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
 
Lexington, Kentucky
February 2, 1996, except for Note
13, as to which the date is May 6,
1996
 
                                     F-20
<PAGE>
 
               REPORT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
Board of Directors
 Park Communications, Inc.
 
  We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Park
Communications, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1994 and the related
consolidated statements of income and retained earnings, and cash flows for
each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 1994. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
 
  We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
 
  In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Park
Communications, Inc. and subsidiaries at December 31, 1994 and the
consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the
two years in the period ended December 31, 1994 in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.
 
  As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, in 1993 the Company
changed its method of accounting for income taxes, as required by FASB
Statement No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes."
 
                                          Ernst & Young LLP
 
Syracuse, New York
January 27, 1995
 
                                     F-21
<PAGE>
 
                   PARK COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                        DECEMBER 31 DECEMBER 31
                                                                                                        ----------- -----------
                                                                                                         NEW PARK    OLD PARK
                                                                                                        ----------- -----------
                                                                                                           1995        1994
                                                                                                        ----------- -----------
<S>                                                                                                     <C>         <C>
ASSETS (NOTE 6)
Current Assets:
 Cash..................................................................................................  $ 19,026    $ 84,069
 Short-term investments................................................................................        --      59,431
 Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $807 in 1995 and $1,598 in 1994..........    26,544      22,235
 Inventory.............................................................................................     1,265       1,170
 Film contracts........................................................................................     2,717       2,446
 Consulting/non-compete contracts......................................................................        --         825
 Other.................................................................................................     2,844       3,597
                                                                                                         --------    --------
  Total current assets.................................................................................    52,396     173,773
                                                                                                         --------    --------
Property, Plant & Equipment:
 Land and improvements.................................................................................    13,475      13,431
 Buildings and leasehold improvements..................................................................    19,110      31,522
 Newspaper equipment...................................................................................    12,037      23,752
 Broadcast equipment...................................................................................    37,080      61,455
 Furniture and fixtures................................................................................     6,655      10,535
 Autos and trucks......................................................................................     2,106       3,956
                                                                                                         --------    --------
                                                                                                           90,463     144,651
 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization........................................................    (6,068)    (68,909)
                                                                                                         --------    --------
                                                                                                           84,395      75,742
Intangible assets, net.................................................................................   635,447     109,797
Film contracts.........................................................................................     2,787       2,777
Consulting/non-compete contracts.......................................................................        --       3,390
Other assets...........................................................................................     7,757       1,307
                                                                                                         --------    --------
  Total assets.........................................................................................  $782,782    $366,786
                                                                                                         ========    ========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
 Current maturities of long-term debt..................................................................  $    465    $    713
 Current maturities of film contracts..................................................................     2,619       2,521
 Accounts payable......................................................................................     3,313       2,539
 Consulting/non-compete contracts......................................................................       849         877
 Interest..............................................................................................    26,391         944
 Income taxes..........................................................................................     2,124       2,959
 Accrued liabilities...................................................................................     4,075       4,027
 Deferred income.......................................................................................     3,156       2,909
                                                                                                         --------    --------
  Total current liabilities............................................................................    42,992      17,489
Long-term debt.........................................................................................   584,085      49,248
Deferred income........................................................................................     4,549          --
Consulting/non-compete contracts.......................................................................     2,851       3,718
Deferred income taxes..................................................................................   165,733      10,601
                                                                                                         --------    --------
  Total liabilities....................................................................................   800,210      81,056
                                                                                                         --------    --------
Commitments
Stockholder's Equity:
 Common stock--$0.0001 par value in 1995 and no par value in 1994:
  Authorized 15,000,000 shares in 1995 and 32,000,000 shares in 1994
  Issued and outstanding 10,628,571 shares in 1995 and 20,961,205 in 1994..............................        --       3,494
 Paid in capital.......................................................................................        --      18,701
 Retained earnings.....................................................................................   (17,428)    263,535
                                                                                                         --------    --------
 Total stockholder's equity............................................................................   (17,428)    285,730
                                                                                                         --------    --------
  Total liabilities and stockholder's equity...........................................................  $782,782    $366,786
                                                                                                         ========    ========
</TABLE>
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                      F-22
<PAGE>
 
                   PARK COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND RETAINED EARNINGS
                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      PRO FORMA        PERIOD          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                                                     ----------- --------------------  ------------------------
                                                                                 NEW PARK   OLD PARK          OLD PARK
                                                                                 ---------  ---------  ------------------------
                                                                                 05/11/95-  01/01/95-
                                                                        1995     12/31/95   05/10/95        1994         1993
                                                                     ----------- ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
                                                                     (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                                  <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>
Revenue:
 Broadcasting revenue...............................................  $ 76,769   $ 50,033   $ 26,736   $    77,749  $    62,460
 Newspaper revenue..................................................    78,904     51,723     27,181        76,810       84,751
                                                                      --------   --------   --------   -----------  -----------
 Gross revenue......................................................   155,673    101,756     53,917       154,559      147,211
 Less agency and national representative commissions................    11,361      7,360      4,001        12,128        9,867
                                                                      --------   --------   --------   -----------  -----------
Net revenue.........................................................   144,312     94,396     49,916       142,431      137,344
                                                                      --------   --------   --------   -----------  -----------
Operating expenses:
 Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and
  amortization).....................................................    53,593     33,278     20,315        50,380       55,518
 Selling, general and administrative................................    36,069     24,561     11,508        37,051       39,561
 Depreciation.......................................................     8,083      5,164      2,499         6,524        6,268
 Amortization.......................................................     8,756      5,594        786         2,541        2,725
 Amortization of excess of cost over net assets acquired............     7,197      4,598        715         1,972        2,095
                                                                      --------   --------   --------   -----------  -----------
                                                                       113,698     73,195     35,823        98,468      106,167
                                                                      --------   --------   --------   -----------  -----------
  Operating income..................................................    30,614     21,201     14,093        43,963       31,177
Interest expense....................................................   (65,689)   (41,968)       (67)         (279)        (233)
Interest income.....................................................     1,355        866      3,181         5,561        4,952
Other expense.......................................................      (280)      (179)   (10,693)       (2,352)        (431)
                                                                      --------   --------   --------   -----------  -----------
  (Loss) income before income taxes.................................   (34,000)   (20,080)     6,514        46,893       35,465
Provision (benefit) for income taxes................................   (10,880)    (6,494)     5,954        19,519       14,849
                                                                      --------   --------   --------   -----------  -----------
  (Loss) income from continuing operations..........................  $(23,120)   (13,586)       560        27,374       20,616
                                                                      ========
  (Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
   (benefit) of $(2,114), $243, $400 and ($597) respectively........               (3,842)       125           (69)      (1,836)
                                                                                 --------   --------   -----------  -----------
  Net (loss) income.................................................              (17,428)       685        27,305       18,780
Retained earnings, beginning of period..............................                   --    263,535       236,230      217,450
                                                                                 --------   --------   -----------  -----------
Retained earnings, end of period....................................             $(17,428)  $264,220   $   263,535  $   236,230
                                                                                 ========   ========   ===========  ===========
Loss per share:
 Continuing operations..............................................  $  (2.18)  $  (1.28)
                                                                      ========
 Discontinued operations............................................                (0.36)
                                                                                 --------
 Net loss...........................................................             $  (1.64)
                                                                                 ========
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                      F-23
<PAGE>
 
                   PARK COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         PERIOD          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                                                                   --------------------  ------------------------
                                                                                   NEW PARK   OLD PARK          OLD PARK
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ------------------------
                                                                                   05/11/95-  01/01/95-
                                                                                   12/31/95   05/10/95        1994         1993
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                                <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>
Operating Activities:
 Net (loss) income................................................................ $(17,428)  $    685   $    27,305  $   18,780
 Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating
  activities:
  Depreciation and amortization...................................................   18,678      5,485        14,443      14,787
  Amortization of film contract rights and consulting/
   non-compete contracts included in operating expenses...........................    1,799      2,352         4,194       3,842
  Payments on film contract liabilities...........................................   (1,889)    (2,117)       (2,955)     (2,757)
  Payments on consulting/non-compete contracts....................................     (544)      (351)         (932)     (1,225)
  Provision for losses on accounts receivable.....................................     (183)       (69)          897         919
  Provision for deferred income taxes.............................................   (8,591)      (369)          982         272
  Loss (gain) on sale of property, plant and equipment............................      (30)       856            48         291
  Changes in operating assets and liabilities net of effects from the purchase and
   disposal of companies:
   Accounts receivable............................................................   (1,706)    (2,351)       (2,126)     (1,738)
   Inventory and other assets.....................................................     (821)       605           181         277
   Accounts payable and accrued liabilities.......................................   25,729       (295)       (1,055)     (1,139)
   Deferred income................................................................    4,464        332           128         169
                                                                                   --------   --------   -----------  ----------
   Net cash provided by operating activities......................................   19,478      4,763        41,110      32,478
                                                                                   --------   --------   -----------  ----------
Investing Activities:
 Purchase of short term-investments...............................................  (38,400)        --      (241,954)    (62,586)
 Proceeds from short term-investments.............................................   38,400     59,431       277,843      66,929
 Purchases of property, plant and equipment.......................................   (6,174)    (2,000)      (12,517)     (5,621)
 Purchase of acquired companies, net of cash acquired.............................                                --     (19,184)
 Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment.............................       39         --           448          86
 Proceeds from sales of companies.................................................                                --       6,336
 (Increase) decrease in other assets..............................................   (6,120)       671           455        (464)
                                                                                   --------   --------   -----------  ----------
   Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities............................  (12,255)    58,102        24,275     (14,504)
                                                                                   --------   --------   -----------  ----------
Financing Activities:
 Additional loan proceeds.........................................................    6,758         --            --          --
 Principal payments on long-term debt.............................................   (3,622)      (267)       (2,757)     (2,570)
 Distribution to parent company................................................... (138,000)        --            --          --
 Proceeds from issuance of common stock...........................................       --         --           209         144
                                                                                   --------   --------   -----------  ----------
   Net cash used in financing activities.......................................... (134,864)      (267)       (2,548)     (2,426)
                                                                                   --------   --------   -----------  ----------
   Increase (decrease) in cash.................................................... (127,641)    62,598        62,837      15,548
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period....................................  146,667     84,069        21,232       5,684
                                                                                   --------   --------   -----------  ----------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period.......................................... $ 19,026   $146,667   $    84,069  $   21,232
                                                                                   ========   ========   ===========  ==========
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                      F-24
<PAGE>
 
                  PARK COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1.SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
  Principles of Consolidation
 
  The consolidated financial statements of Park Communications, Inc. (the
  "Company" or "PCI") include the accounts of the Company and its
  subsidiaries, all of which are wholly owned. The Company is a wholly owned
  subsidiary of Park Acquisitions, Inc. ("Parent" or "PAI") (see Note 2) as
  of May 11, 1995. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions
  have been eliminated.
 
  Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements
 
  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
  accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
  assumptions (such as estimated lives of assets and allowance for doubtful
  accounts) that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
  disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the
  financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses
  during the reporting period.
 
  Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
  For purposes of reporting consolidated cash flows, the Company considers
  cash, balances with banks, and interest-bearing cash deposits in other
  depository institutions with maturities of three months or less to be cash
  equivalents.
 
  Inventory Valuation
 
  Inventories, consisting primarily of newsprint, are stated at the lower of
  cost (primarily last-in; first-out method) or market. The effect of using
  the last-in; first-out method (compared with the first-in; first-out
  inventory method) is not considered significant.
 
  Property, Plant, Equipment and Depreciation
 
  Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation for
  financial reporting purposes is provided on the straight-line method over
  the estimated useful lives of the asset except for leasehold improvements,
  which are amortized on the straight-line method over the lease period or
  the lives of the improvements, whichever is shorter. Accelerated methods
  are used for income tax reporting purposes whenever available. Deferred
  income taxes are provided for this temporary difference between financial
  and income tax reporting methods.
 
  Investments
 
  Effective January 1, 1994 the Company adopted Statement of Financial
  Accounting Standard Board Statements No. 115 "Accounting for Certain
  Investments in Debt and Equity Securities" (SFAS No. 115). SFAS No. 115
  requires that all investments in debt securities that management has the
  positive intent and ability to hold until maturity be classified as held to
  maturity. All other debt securities are classified as available for sale.
  Securities classified as available for sale are carried at market value.
  Unrealized holding gains and losses for available for sale securities are
  reported as a net amount in a separate component of stockholders' equity
  until realized. Investments classified as held to maturity are carried at
  amortized cost. The Company has analyzed its debt securities portfolio at
  December 31, 1994 and based on this analysis has determined to classify all
  debt securities as held to maturity due to management's intent and ability
  to hold all debt securities so classified until maturity.
 
  Film Contract Rights
 
  Film contract rights and the related liabilities are recorded at full
  contract prices when purchased. The costs are charged to operations based
  on a straight line basis over the life of the contracts.
 
                                     F-25
<PAGE>
 
                  PARK COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  Consulting/Non-Compete Contracts
 
  Certain subsidiary companies have consulting/non-compete contracts expiring
  through 2010. Prior to May 11, 1995, costs were amortized on a straight-
  line basis over the terms of the related agreements. In connection with the
  Acquisition, separate value was not assigned to those contracts. New Park
  would not have entered into such contracts at the date of Acquisition (see
  Note 2).
 
  Intangible Assets
 
  Intangible assets are stated at cost and consist primarily of advertising
  contracts, subscription lists and excess of cost over net assets acquired.
  Intangible assets are being amortized by the straight-line method over
  estimated lives ranging primarily from 7 to 40 years.
 
  In the financial statements of Old Park, network contracts ($8,238,000)
  acquired prior to October 31, 1970 were assigned a cost upon acquisition
  and were not amortized since, in the opinion of management, there had been
  no diminution of value of these acquired contracts. Also, excess of cost
  ($1,214,000) of businesses acquired prior to October 31, 1970 was not
  amortized since, in the opinion of management, there had been no diminution
  of value of these acquired businesses. Excess of cost incurred since
  October 31, 1970 was amortized by the straight-line method over a period of
  40 years.
 
  Carrying Value of Long Lived Asset
 
  The Company has adopted the provisions of FASB Statement No. 121,
  "Accounting For the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and For Long-Lived
  Assets to Be Disposed Of." The carrying value of long lived assets
  (tangible and intangible) is reviewed if the facts and circumstances
  suggest that they may be impaired. For purposes of this review, assets are
  grouped at the operating company level which is the lowest level for which
  there are indentifiable cash flows. If this review indicates that such
  assets carrying value will not be recoverable, as determined based on
  future expected, undiscounted cash flows, the carrying value is reduced to
  fair market value.
 
  Income Taxes
 
  Effective January 1, 1993 the Company changed its method of accounting for
  income taxes from the deferred method to the liability method required by
  FASB Statement No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." The cumulative
  effect of the accounting change was not material to net income for 1993.
 
  Deferred Income
 
  Deferred income is recorded on subscriptions prepaid by customers. Such
  income is recognized when earned.
 
2.ACQUISITION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
  On May 11, 1995, PCI was sold to PAI (the Acquisition), a private
  investment concern (organized August 4, 1994) owned by Gary B. Knapp and
  the Tomlin Family Trust II, of which Donald R. Tomlin, Jr. is a trustee. A
  significant portion of the purchase price was paid from the proceeds of a
  $573,427,000 loan. The remainder of the purchase price ($138,000,000) was
  derived from existing cash-on-hand at PCI at closing of the Acquisition. On
  May 11, 1995, additional loan proceeds of $2,629,000 were utilized to pay
  Acquisition related expenses and $2,758,000 was placed in escrow to be
  utilized for retirement of other long-term debt.
 
  As a consequence of the change in ownership of PCI, under generally
  accepted accounting principles, the Company is deemed, for financial
  reporting purposes, to have become a new reporting entity effective with
 
                                     F-26
<PAGE>
 
                  PARK COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
  the change in ownership. The portion of the debt allocable to the Company
  has been "pushed down" to the financial statements of the Company, and the
  assets and liabilities have been adjusted to reflect their fair market
  value as of May 11, 1995.
 
  The accompanying financial statements reflect the operations of PCI prior
  to the acquisition on May 11, 1995 (Old Park). Subsequent to that date the
  financial statements reflect the operations of the Company utilizing the
  new basis accounting (New Park).
 
  The pro forma income statement for 1995 reflects the operations of the
  Company under the new basis of accounting and assumes the transaction
  closed on January 1, 1995. Depreciation, amortization and interest
  expense reflect those costs that would be charged to operations for a full
  year based on the revised balance sheet amounts at May 11, 1995 for
  property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and the long-term debt
  "push down" to PCI. Historical interest income in the pro forma
  presentation has been reduced to give effect to the $138,000,000 paid to
  PCI stockholders as a portion of the consideration for the Acquisition.
  Historical other expenses have been adjusted to eliminate incremental
  expenses for selling the Company incurred by Old Park. Pro forma income tax
  benefit has been computed at an effective rate of 32%. Following is a
  summary of adjustments made to historical costs of the assets and
  liabilities of the Company as of May 10, 1995, as a result of applying
  "push down" acquisition accounting at that date to arrive at the new basis
  for the Company:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      MAY 10, 1995
                                         --------------------------------------
                                               PARK COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
                                         --------------------------------------
                                         WITHOUT MERGER   MERGER    WITH MERGER
                                          ADJUSTMENTS   ADJUSTMENTS ADJUSTMENTS
                                         -------------- ----------- -----------
                                            OLD PARK                 NEW PARK
                                         --------------             -----------
                                                 (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                   <C>            <C>         <C>
   ASSETS
   Current assets
    Cash................................    $146,667     $(135,242)  $ 11,425
    Accounts receivable, net............      24,655            --     24,655
    Inventory...........................       1,137            --      1,137
    Film contracts......................       2,557            --      2,557
    Consulting/non-compete contracts....         792          (792)        --
    Other...............................       2,553            --      2,553
                                            --------     ---------   --------
     Total current assets...............     178,361      (136,034)    42,327
                                            --------     ---------   --------
   Property, plant & equipment..........     135,346       (51,168)    84,178
     Less accumulated depreciation and
      amortization......................      61,551       (61,551)        --
                                            --------     ---------   --------
    Net property, plant & equipment.....      73,795        10,383     84,178
   Intangible assets, net...............     107,403       540,431    647,834
   Film contracts.......................       2,453            --      2,453
   Consulting/non-compete contracts.....       3,110        (3,110)        --
   Other assets.........................         637         1,000      1,637
                                            --------     ---------   --------
     Total assets.......................    $365,759      $412,670   $778,429
                                            ========     =========   ========
</TABLE>
 
                                     F-27
<PAGE>
 
                  PARK COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       MAY 10, 1995
                                          --------------------------------------
                                                PARK COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          WITHOUT MERGER   MERGER    WITH MERGER
                                           ADJUSTMENTS   ADJUSTMENTS ADJUSTMENTS
                                          -------------- ----------- -----------
                                             OLD PARK                 NEW PARK
                                          --------------             -----------
                                                  (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                    <C>            <C>         <C>
   LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
   Current liabilities:
    Current maturities of long-term
     debt...............................     $  1,877           --    $  1,877
    Current maturities of film con-
     tracts.............................        2,229           --       2,229
    Accounts payable....................        3,467           --       3,467
    Consulting/non-compete contracts....          898           --         898
    Interest............................           29           --          29
    Income taxes........................        2,820     $  1,012       3,832
    Accrued liabilities.................        3,276          582       3,858
    Deferred income.....................        3,241           --       3,241
                                             --------     --------    --------
     Total current liabilities..........       17,837        1,594      19,431
   Long-term debt.......................        2,467      578,814     581,281
   Consulting/non-compete contracts.....        3,346           --       3,346
   Deferred income taxes................       10,232      164,139     174,371
                                             --------     --------    --------
     Total liabilities..................       33,882      744,547     778,429
                                             --------     --------    --------
   Stockholder's Equity:
    Common stock........................     $  3,889     $ (3,889)         --
    Paid in capital.....................       63,768      (63,768)         --
    Retained earnings...................      264,220     (264,220)         --
                                             --------     --------    --------
   Total stockholder's equity...........      331,877     (331,877)         --
                                             --------     --------    --------
     Total liabilities and stockholder's
      equity............................     $365,759     $412,670    $778,429
                                             ========     ========    ========
</TABLE>
 
3.LOSS PER SHARE
 
  Loss per share of common stock is computed on the weighted average number
  of common shares outstanding during each year (dollars and shares in
  thousands except per share amounts):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           PRO FORMA  NEW PARK
                                                          ----------- ---------
                                                           NEW PARK    PERIOD
                                                          ----------- ---------
                                                             1995
                                                          ----------- 05/11/95-
                                                          (UNAUDITED) 12/31/95
                                                          ----------- ---------
   <S>                                                    <C>         <C>
   Primary:
    Average shares.......................................    10,629     10,629
                                                           ========   ========
    Continuing operations................................  $(23,120)  $(13,586)
    Discontinued operations..............................    (6,014)    (3,842)
                                                           --------   --------
    Net loss.............................................  $(29,134)  $(17,428)
                                                           ========   ========
   Loss per share:
    Continuing operations................................  $  (2.18)  $  (1.28)
    Discontinued operations..............................     (0.56)     (0.36)
                                                           --------   --------
    Net loss.............................................  $  (2.74)  $  (1.64)
                                                           ========   ========
</TABLE>
 
 
                                     F-28
<PAGE>
 
                  PARK COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
  Earnings per share has not been shown prior to May 11, 1995 because such
  information is not meaningful.
 
4.INTANGIBLE ASSETS
 
  Intangible assets are comprised of the following (dollars in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                DECEMBER 31        DECEMBER 31
                                          ------------------------ -----------
                                                  NEW PARK          OLD PARK
                                          ------------------------ -----------
                                          ESTIMATED LIVES   1995      1994
                                          --------------- -------- -----------
   <S>                                    <C>             <C>      <C>
   Advertiser and subscriber
    relationships........................   14-40 years   $289,258  $ 42,240
   Network contracts.....................            40     14,183    10,688
   FCC licenses and other intangibles....            40    138,174    30,956
   Excess of cost over net assets
    acquired.............................            40    206,219   102,813
                                                          --------  --------
    Total intangibles....................                  647,834   186,697
   Less accumulated amortization.........                   12,387    76,900
                                                          --------  --------
                                                          $635,447  $109,797
                                                          ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
  The lives used to amortize the cost of intangible assets related to
  advertiser and subscriber relationships represent the expected average
  lives of such relationships based on actuarial analyses using a
  representative sample of the companies' actual experience for periods prior
  to the acquisition through December 31, 1994. These analyses took into
  consideration economic life characteristics of the companies' current
  advertiser relationships including retention and termination experience.
  Other intangibles are being amortized over 40 years which is consistent
  with industry practice and management's opinion that such intangible assets
  have useful lives in excess of 40 years.
 
5.DISPOSITIONS AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
 
  On December 26, 1995, the Company announced its intention to sell all of
  its radio station operations on an individual basis. The segment has
  produced operating profits before interest expense, depreciation and
  amortization, and the Company estimates that the stations will each
  generate operating profit before interest expense, depreciation and
  amortization through the date of disposition. The Company currently has
  signed agreements to sell each of its radio station operations. The Company
  will realize gain on the dispositions assuming the contemplated
  transactions receive FCC approval and are consummated at the price and
  terms as set forth in the definitive agreements/letters of intent which
  total approximately $230.0 million net of selling expenses but before
  taxes. The Company estimates that all stations will be sold by October 31,
  1996. The results of operations of the radio station operations are
  included in the single line of the income statement labeled "(loss) income
  from discontinued operations." The corporate operating expenses allocated
  to radio are $325,676 for the period of 5/11/95--12/31/95, $184,078 for the
  period of 1/1/95--5/10/95, $475,338 for 1994 and $403,021 for 1993. The
  following is a summary of identifiable assets, liabilities and equity and
  the related revenues and operating income of the radio station operations
  (dollars in thousands):
 
  Radio Station Operations:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 PERIOD
                                           -------------------
                                           NEW PARK  OLD PARK  OLD PARK OLD PARK
                                           --------- --------- -------- --------
                                           05/11/95- 01/01/95-
                                           12/31/95  05/10/95    1994     1993
                                           --------- --------- -------- --------
   <S>                                     <C>       <C>       <C>      <C>
   Revenues...............................  $21,932   $11,137  $30,305  $24,861
                                            =======   =======  =======  =======
   Operating income.......................  $ 2,184   $   903  $ 3,698  $ 1,102
                                            =======   =======  =======  =======
</TABLE>
 
 
                                     F-29
<PAGE>
 
                  PARK COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        NEW PARK
                                                                        --------
                                                                        12/31/95
                                                                        --------
   <S>                                                                  <C>
   Assets:
    Current assets..................................................... $ 13,446
    Property, plant, and equipment.....................................   21,171
    Intangibles, net...................................................  120,103
    Other assets.......................................................        9
                                                                        --------
   Total assets........................................................  154,729
                                                                        --------
   Liabilities:
    Current liabilities................................................   16,100
    Long-term debt.....................................................  109,978
    Deferred income taxes..............................................   33,410
                                                                        --------
   Total liabilities...................................................  159,488
                                                                        --------
   Net liabilities..................................................... $  4,759
                                                                        ========
</TABLE>
 
  On December 31, 1993, the Company sold newspaper publications in 13 of its
  smaller markets. Of these, 11 were daily newspapers, all with paid
  circulation under 6,000. The impact of the sale of these publications was
  not material to net income in 1993. In 1995, the Company discontinued its
  Research Triangle Park, Raleigh, North Carolina publication. The operating
  losses (before depreciation and amortization) for these newspaper
  publications were $145,000 in 1995 (pro forma), $235,000 in 1994 and
  $273,000 in 1993.
 
6.LONG-TERM DEBT
 
  The Company's long-term debt is comprised of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         DECEMBER 31 DECEMBER 31
                                                         ----------- -----------
                                                          NEW PARK    OLD PARK
                                                         ----------- -----------
                                                            1995        1994
                                                         ----------- -----------
                                                         (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                   <C>         <C>
   Existing Credit Agreement...........................   $580,632          --
   Subordinated notes of certain newspaper subsidiaries
   due to former owners................................        360    $    744
   Promissory notes....................................      1,077       1,400
   6 7/8% Convertible subordinated debentures..........         --      45,351
   Film contracts......................................      5,100       4,987
                                                          --------    --------
         Total debt....................................    587,169      52,482
   Less:Current maturities of long-term debt...........        465         713
     Current maturities of film contracts..............      2,619       2,521
                                                          --------    --------
   Long-term debt......................................   $584,085    $ 49,248
                                                          ========    ========
</TABLE>
 
  On May 11, 1995, PAI entered into an agreement (Existing Credit Agreement)
  to borrow up to $593.8 million the proceeds of which were utilized to
  finance the Acquisition and pay related expenses. The loan required that
  the debt be directly assumed by PCI and its subsidiary companies and that
  they be jointly and severally liable for the loan agreement. PAI, PCI and
  PCI's subsidiaries' assets are pledged as collateral for the loan made
  pursuant to the Existing Credit Agreement and PCI and its subsidiaries'
  cash flow is utilized for debt service. Interest accrues at a base interest
  rate (Base Rate) of 9.5% per annum, an additional interest
 
                                     F-30
<PAGE>
 
                  PARK COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
  rate (Additional Rate) of 1.0% per annum, plus a yield maintenance interest
  rate (YMI) of 3.0% per annum. The Base Rate and Additional Rate interest
  are payable on October 1 and April 1. Principal payments are required only
  to the extent that PAI's cash balances, as defined in the Existing Credit
  Agreement, exceeds $8.0 million (declining to $6.0 million at October 1,
  1997) at each interest payment date through October 1, 1997. Following is a
  table that outlines these requirements:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            INTEREST
            PAYMENT                         CASH
            DATE                       RESERVE AMOUNT
            --------               ----------------------
                                   (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
            <S>                    <C>
            October 1, 1995.......         $8,000
            April 1, 1996.........          8,000
            October 1, 1996.......          7,000
            April 1, 1997.........          7,000
            October 1, 1997 and
             thereafter...........          6,000
</TABLE>
 
  Prepayment, in part or wholly, can be made at any time without penalty.
  Ninety percent (90%) of the after tax proceeds as defined in the Existing
  Credit Agreement of any asset sales of the Company are required to be
  applied to the principal.
 
  The YMI, which the Company is accruing, is payable upon achievement by PAI,
  on or prior to May 11, 1998, of a Loan to Value Ratio (LTV) of 70% or less
  (as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement). If the Company elects not to
  pay the YMI when payable, then PAI would be required to issue to the lender
  an exercisable warrant having the right to acquire non-voting common stock
  in PAI in a sufficient amount to equal an 80% stockholder's equity
  interest. On the earliest date that the Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSC)
  as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement is met, and either the LTV
  ratio is met or by reason of non-payment of the YMI, the warrant is
  required to be issued, the loan will become fully amortizable in equal
  annual amounts over the remaining term ending on a maturity date of April
  15, 2015 with interest at 10.5% per annum.
 
  Substantially all of the Company's and its subsidiaries' tangible and
  intangible assets are collateralized under the Existing Credit Agreement.
  The Existing Credit Agreement contains covenants which, among other things,
  limit or restrict payment of cash dividends, additional debt, repurchase of
  common stock, capital expenditures, sales of the Company's common stock,
  mergers, consolidations and sales of the Company's assets.
 
  The subordinated notes are payable in various installments through 1998
  with interest primarily from 6% to 9%. The promissory notes are payable in
  various installments through 1998 with interest at 8%.
 
  On March 11, 1986, the Company issued $50,000,000 principal amount of 6
  7/8% convertible subordinated debentures due March 15, 2011 (the
  debentures). The debentures were convertible at anytime prior to maturity,
  unless previously redeemed, into shares of common stock of the Company at a
  conversion ratio of 52.1739 shares of common stock for each $1,000
  principal amount of debentures. The debentures were called for redemption
  by the Company on January 9, 1995, and subsequently redeemed.
 
  Cash payments of interest were $24,049,000 for the period of May 11 to
  December 31, 1995, $44,000 for the period of January 1 to May 10, 1995,
  $3,788,000 in 1994 and $3,787,000 in 1993.
 
 
                                     F-31
<PAGE>
 
                  PARK COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
  The aggregate annual maturities on long-term debt, assuming the Company
  meets the LTV on May 11, 1998, payable over the next five years are as
  follows (dollars in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   YEAR                                                                  AMOUNT
   ----                                                                 --------
   <S>                                                                  <C>
   1996................................................................ $  3,084
   1997................................................................    2,074
   1998................................................................  181,006
   1999................................................................    9,985
   2000................................................................   10,969
</TABLE>
 
  The fair value of the Company's long-term debt approximates $628,537,000.
  The fair value is estimated based on current rates offered to the Company
  for debt of the same remaining maturities.
 
7.INCOME TAXES
 
  The Company determines its income tax expense on the separate return
  method. Federal and state income tax expense (benefit) is summarized as
  follows (dollars in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                YEAR ENDED DEC
                                                  PERIOD              31
                                            ------------------- ---------------
                                            NEW PARK  OLD PARK     OLD PARK
                                            --------- --------- ---------------
                                            05/11/95- 01/01/95-
                                            12/31/95  05/10/95   1994    1993
                                            --------- --------- ------- -------
   <S>                                      <C>       <C>       <C>     <C>
   Federal:
    Current................................       --   $5,176   $15,357 $11,989
    Deferred...............................  $(5,743)    (347)      847     240
                                             -------   ------   ------- -------
                                              (5,743)   4,829    16,204  12,229
                                             -------   ------   ------- -------
   State:
    Current................................       --    1,146     3,119   2,588
    Deferred...............................     (751)     (21)      196      32
                                             -------   ------   ------- -------
                                                (751)   1,125     3,315   2,620
                                             -------   ------   ------- -------
   Total income tax expense................  $(6,494)  $5,954   $19,519 $14,849
                                             =======   ======   ======= =======
</TABLE>
 
  The items comprising the differences in taxes on income computed at the
  U.S. statutory rate and the amount provided by the Company are as follows
  (dollars in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             NEW PARK  OLD PARK     OLD PARK
                                             --------  --------  ---------------
                                             05/11/95- 01/01/95-
                                             12/31/95  05/10/95   1994    1993
                                             --------  --------  ------- -------
   <S>                                       <C>       <C>       <C>     <C>
   Computed tax expense at U.S. statutory
   rate....................................  $(7,028)   $2,280   $16,485 $12,413
    Increase in tax expense resulting from:
     State income taxes, net of federal in-
      come tax.............................     (488)      731     2,155   1,703
     Amortization not tax deductible.......    1,022       250       879     733
     Non-deductible merger related expense.       --     2,693        --      --
                                             -------    ------   ------- -------
      Total income tax expense (benefit)...  $(6,494)   $5,954   $19,519 $14,849
                                             =======    ======   ======= =======
</TABLE>
 
 
                                     F-32
<PAGE>
 
                  PARK COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
  Significant components of the Company's deferred tax liabilities and assets
  are as follows (dollars in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         DECEMBER 31 DECEMBER 31
                                                         ----------- -----------
                                                          NEW PARK    OLD PARK
                                                         ----------- -----------
                                                            1995        1994
                                                         ----------- -----------
   <S>                                                   <C>         <C>
   Components of deferred taxes:
    Network revenue.....................................  $ (1,820)         --
    Property, plant & equipment, intangible assets......   172,933    $ 10,728
    Net operating loss carry forwards...................    (5,380)         --
    Allowance for doubtful accounts and other...........      (196)       (699)
                                                          --------    --------
     Net deferred tax liabilities.......................  $165,537    $ 10,029
                                                          ========    ========
   Classification of deferred taxes:
    Non-current liabilities.............................  $165,733    $ 10,601
    Current assets......................................      (196)       (572)
                                                          --------    --------
                                                          $165,537    $ 10,029
                                                          ========    ========
</TABLE>
 
  The Company has federal tax loss carryforwards of approximately $16.0
  million that expire in 2010. Total cash payments of Federal and state
  income taxes were $2,604,000 for the period May 11 to December 31, 1995,
  $4,434,000 for the period January 1 to May 10, 1995, $20,011,000 in 1994
  and $14,030,000 in 1993.
 
8.LEASES
 
  Certain operating facilities and equipment (see Note 9) are leased under
  noncancellable operating agreements. Certain of the leases require the
  Company or its subsidiaries to pay property taxes, insurance and
  maintenance costs.
 
  Lease expense related to the above and charged to operations was
  approximately $739,000 for the period May 11 through December 31, 1995,
  $417,000 for the period January 1 through May 10, 1995, $1,743,000 in 1994
  and $2,019,000 in 1993.
 
  The aggregate minimum rentals through dates of expiration amount to
  approximately $6,179,574 and the amounts payable over the next five years
  are as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      YEAR                                                                AMOUNT
      ----                                                                ------
      <S>                                                                 <C>
      1996............................................................... $  796
      1997...............................................................    708
      1998...............................................................    660
      1999...............................................................    562
      2000...............................................................    397
      Thereafter.........................................................  3,057
                                                                          ------
                                                                          $6,180
                                                                          ======
</TABLE>
 
9.RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
  In 1993 and 1994, the Company, in the ordinary course of business, leased
  and rented certain operating facilities and equipment from RHP Incorporated
  and its subsidiaries. RHP Incorporated is wholly owned by the estate of Roy
  H. Park, formerly the Chairman of the Board of PCI, who died on October 25,
  1993. Such lease and rent payments were $977,000 in 1994 and $1,265,000 in
  1993. In connection with these operating
 
                                     F-33
<PAGE>
 
                  PARK COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
  facilities, in 1994 the Company purchased ten buildings and one tower from
  RHP Incorporated and its subsidiaries at the appraised fair market value of
  $4,415,000 and such lease and rent payments ceased as of the date of
  purchase.
 
  Additionally, certain officers of the Company were compensated by RHP
  Incorporated for the performance of part-time management services.
 
  During 1994, the Company placed $85,298 of promotional advertising with
  Park Outdoor Advertising of New York, Inc. which is controlled by Roy H.
  Park, Jr., a Director of the Company prior to May 11, 1995.
 
10.ACQUISITIONS
 
  In December 1995, the Company entered into an agreement in principle to
  purchase WHOA-TV, the ABC affiliate in Montgomery, Alabama. The purchase
  price, which will not be material, will be accounted for under the purchase
  method, and accordingly, its results of operations will be included in the
  Consolidated Financial Statements from the date of acquisition (which is
  anticipated in 1996).
 
11.BUSINESS SEGMENTS
 
  The Company operates in two business segments: television broadcasting and
  newspaper publishing. The Company operates a third segment, radio station
  operations, which the Company has determined to divest and has presented as
  a discontinued operation (see Note 5). Television broadcasting operations
  involve the sale of time to advertisers, network revenue and other revenue
  arising primarily from programming and production. Newspaper operations
  involve the publication and distribution of both paid daily and paid non-
  daily newspapers and advertising publications (shoppers) from which revenue
  is derived primarily from the sale of advertising lineage and circulation
  revenue.
 
 
                                     F-34
<PAGE>
 
                  PARK COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
  The following is a summary of information by segment:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              PERIOD
                                        --------------------
                             PRO FORMA  NEW PARK   OLD PARK  OLD PARK OLD PARK
                            ----------- ---------  --------- -------- --------
                            (UNAUDITED) 05/11/95-  01/01/95-
                               1995     12/31/95   05/10/95    1994     1993
                            ----------- ---------  --------- -------- --------
                                         (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                      <C>         <C>        <C>       <C>      <C>
   Gross Revenue:
    Television broadcast-
     ing...................  $ 76,769   $ 50,033   $ 26,736  $ 77,749 $ 62,460
    Newspaper publishing...    78,904     51,723     27,181    76,810   84,751
                             --------   --------   --------  -------- --------
                             $155,673   $101,756   $ 53,917  $154,559 $147,211
                             ========   ========   ========  ======== ========
   Depreciation and
    amortization:
    Television
     broadcasting..........  $ 15,869   $ 10,138   $  1,979  $  5,221 $  4,193
    Newspaper publishing...     8,167      5,218      2,021     5,816    6,895
                             --------   --------   --------  -------- --------
                             $ 24,036   $ 15,356   $  4,000  $ 11,037 $ 11,088
                             ========   ========   ========  ======== ========
   Operating income:
    Television
     broadcasting..........  $ 15,556   $ 10,586   $  8,722  $ 27,549 $ 19,697
    Newspaper publishing...    15,058     10,615      5,371    16,414   11,480
                             --------   --------   --------  -------- --------
                             $ 30,614   $ 21,201   $ 14,093  $ 43,963 $ 31,177
                             ========   ========   ========  ======== ========
   Additions to property,
    plant and equipment:
    Television broadcast-
     ing...................  $  3,160   $  2,145   $  1,015  $  7,794 $ 11,956
    Newspaper publishing...     2,122      1,691        431     3,458    1,512
                             --------   --------   --------  -------- --------
                             $  5,282   $  3,836   $  1,446  $ 11,252 $ 13,468
                             ========   ========   ========  ======== ========
   Identifiable assets:
    Television
     broadcasting..........             $412,233   $ 95,146  $ 84,114 $ 81,733
    Newspaper publishing...              223,772    167,960    92,653   97,583
    Discontinued
     operations............              154,727     46,668    47,446   47,742
    Corporate..............               (7,950)    55,985   142,573  115,563
                                        --------   --------  -------- --------
                                        $782,782   $365,759  $366,786 $342,621
                                        ========   ========  ======== ========
</TABLE>
 
  Operating income is gross revenue less agency and national representative
  commissions and operating expenses. Interest expense, interest income,
  income taxes and other income (expense) have been excluded in computing
  operating income.
 
  Identifiable assets by industry segment represent those assets used in the
  Company's operation of that segment. Corporate assets under Old Park
  consisted principally of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments.
 
 
                                     F-35
<PAGE>
 
                  PARK COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
12.STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
 
  Following is a reconciliation of stockholder's equity:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 COMMON STOCK
                              -------------------  PAID IN  RETAINED
                                SHARES     AMOUNT  CAPITAL  EARNINGS   TOTAL
                              -----------  ------  -------  --------  --------
                                         (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                        <C>          <C>     <C>      <C>       <C>
   Balance, January 1, 1993..  20,700,167  $3,451  $13,781  $217,450  $234,682
   Issue common stock........       8,810       1      143        --       144
   Net income................          --      --       --    18,780    18,780
                              -----------  ------  -------  --------  --------
   Balance, December 31,
    1993.....................  20,708,977   3,452   13,924   236,230   253,606
   Issue common stock........       9,950       2      208        --       210
   Conversion of debentures..     242,278      40    4,569        --     4,609
   Net income................          --      --       --    27,305    27,305
                              -----------  ------  -------  --------  --------
   Balance, December 31,
    1994.....................  20,961,205   3,494   18,701   263,535   285,730
   Conversion of debentures..   2,366,168     395   45,067        --    45,462
   Net income................          --      --       --       685       685
                              -----------  ------  -------  --------  --------
   Balance, May 10, 1995.....  23,327,373   3,889   63,768   264,220   331,877
   Merger adjustments (New
    Park).................... (23,327,373) (3,889) (63,768) (264,220) (331,877)
   Issue common stock........  10,628,571      --       --        --        --
   Net loss..................          --      --       --   (17,428)  (17,428)
                              -----------  ------  -------  --------  --------
   Balance, December 31,
    1995.....................  10,628,571  $   --  $    --  $(17,428) $(17,428)
                              ===========  ======  =======  ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
13.SUBSEQUENT EVENT
 
  On May 6, 1996, the Company's Board of Directors and sole stockholder
  approved an amendment to the Company's certificate of incorporation to
  authorize 15,000,000 shares of its Common Stock, and declare a stock split
  of 106,285.7143 to 1. Such amendment will become effective on May 7, 1996.
  All references in the consolidated financial statements to number of
  shares, average number of shares outstanding and per share amounts have
  been restated to reflect this amendment.
 
                                     F-36
<PAGE>
 
                   PARK COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                  (UNAUDITED)
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                NEW PARK
                                                          ---------------------
                                                          JUNE 30   DECEMBER 31
                                                            1996       1995
                                                          --------  -----------
<S>                                                       <C>       <C>
ASSETS
Current Assets:
 Cash and cash equivalents............................... $ 47,120   $ 19,026
 Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful
  accounts of $664 in 1996 and $807 in 1995..............   24,202     26,544
 Inventory...............................................      951      1,265
 Film contracts..........................................    2,356      2,717
 Notes receivable related party..........................      600         --
 Other...................................................    2,889      2,844
                                                          --------   --------
  Total current assets...................................   78,118     52,396
                                                          --------   --------
Property, Plant & Equipment:
 Property Plant & Equipment..............................   76,561     90,463
 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization..........   (9,945)    (6,068)
                                                          --------   --------
                                                            66,616     84,395
Intangible assets, net...................................  517,873    635,447
Film contracts...........................................    1,984      2,787
Other assets.............................................   24,907      7,757
                                                          --------   --------
                                                          $689,498   $782,782
                                                          ========   ========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
 Current maturities of long-term debt.................... $    474   $    465
 Current maturities of film contracts....................    2,091      2,619
 Accounts payable........................................    6,197      3,313
 Consulting/non-compete contracts........................      837        849
 Interest................................................    7,688     26,391
 Income taxes............................................   34,514      2,124
 Accrued liabilities.....................................    4,261      4,075
 Deferred income.........................................    3,163      3,156
                                                          --------   --------
  Total current liabilities..............................   59,225     42,992
Long-term debt...........................................  467,914    581,604
Long-term film contracts.................................    1,835      2,481
Deferred income..........................................    6,822      4,549
Consulting/non-compete contracts.........................    2,446      2,851
Deferred income taxes....................................  133,257    165,733
Other liabilities........................................      731         --
                                                          --------   --------
  Total liabilities......................................  672,230    800,210
                                                          --------   --------
Commitments
Stockholder's Equity:
 Common Stock--$.0001 par value:
  Authorized 15,000,000 shares; Issued and outstanding
  10,628,571 shares......................................        1         --
 Paid in capital.........................................    2,532         --
 Retained earnings (deficit).............................   14,735    (17,428)
                                                          --------   --------
Total stockholder's equity...............................   17,268    (17,428)
                                                          --------   --------
                                                          $689,498   $782,782
                                                          ========   ========
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated
                        unaudited financial statements.
 
                                      F-37
<PAGE>
 
                   PARK COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND RETAINED EARNINGS (UNAUDITED)
          (DOLLARS AND SHARES IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT EARNINGS PER SHARE)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            NEW PARK
                                       -------------------
                                        SIX MONTHS ENDED         PERIOD
                                       -------------------  ------------------
                                                 PRO FORMA  NEW PARK  OLD PARK
                                                 ---------  --------  --------
                                       JUNE 30    JUNE 30   5/11/95-  1/01/95-
                                         1996      1995     6/30/95   5/10/95
                                       --------  ---------  --------  --------
<S>                                    <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>
Revenue:
 Broadcasting revenue................  $ 38,074  $ 38,045   $11,310   $ 26,735
 Newspaper revenue...................    38,804    38,490    11,309     27,181
                                       --------  --------   -------   --------
 Gross revenue.......................    76,878    76,535    22,619     53,916
 Less agency and national
  representative commissions.........     5,591     5,708     1,707      4,001
                                       --------  --------   -------   --------
 Net revenue.........................    71,287    70,827    20,912     49,915
Operating expenses:
 Cost of sales (exclusive of
  amortization and depreciation).....    30,258    29,634     9,319     20,315
 Selling, general and administrative.    20,416    14,929     3,420     11,509
 Depreciation........................     4,579     4,068     1,130      2,499
 Amortization........................     5,384     5,663     1,573        786
 Amortization of excess of cost over
  net assets acquired................     2,171     1,976       549        715
                                       --------  --------   -------   --------
                                         62,808    56,270    15,991     35,824
                                       --------  --------   -------   --------
  Operating income...................     8,479    14,557     4,921     14,091
Interest expense.....................   (31,778)  (33,322)   (9,256)       (67)
Interest income......................       547       677       300      3,181
Other income (expense)...............      (216)     (140)      263    (10,693)
                                       --------  --------   -------   --------
  (Loss) income from continuing
   operations and before
   income taxes......................   (22,968)  (18,228)   (3,772)     6,512
Provision (benefit) for income taxes.    (8,180)   (6,451)   (1,536)     5,954
                                       --------  --------   -------   --------
  (Loss) income from continuing
   operations........................   (14,788) $(11,777)   (2,236)       558
                                                 ========
(Loss) income from discontinued
 operations, net of income taxes
 (benefit) of $(3,547) in 1996 and
 $(1,911) in 1995....................    (6,722)               (782)       125
Gain on sale of discontinued
 operations, net of income taxes of
 $45,739 in 1996.....................    53,673                  --         --
                                       --------             -------   --------
Net income (loss)....................    32,163              (3,018)       683
Retained earnings (deficit),
beginning of period..................   (17,428)                 --    263,535
                                       --------             -------   --------
Retained earnings (deficit), end of
period...............................  $ 14,735             $(3,018)  $264,218
                                       ========             =======   ========
Earnings (loss) per share:
 Continuing operations...............  $  (1.39) $  (1.11)
 Discontinued operations.............      4.42        --
                                       --------  --------
 Net earnings........................  $   3.03  $  (1.11)
                                       ========  ========
Average shares.......................    10,629    10,629
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated
                        unaudited financial statements.
 
                                      F-38
<PAGE>
 
                   PARK COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                  (UNAUDITED)
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            SIX MONTHS ENDED      PERIOD
                                                                                            ---------------- ------------------
                                                                                                NEW PARK     NEW PARK  OLD PARK
                                                                                            ---------------- --------  --------
                                                                                                JUNE 30      5/11/95-  1/01/95-
                                                                                                  1996       6/30/95   5/10/95
                                                                                            ---------------- --------  --------
<S>                                                                                         <C>              <C>       <C>
Operating Activities:
 Net income (loss).........................................................................    $  32,163     $(3,018)  $    683
 Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating
  activities:
  Gain on sale of discontinued operations, exclusive of income tax.........................      (99,412)
  Depreciation and amortization............................................................       14,468       4,064      5,485
  Amortization of film contract rights and consulting/non-compete contracts included in
   operating expenses......................................................................        1,552         514      2,352
  Amortization of debt issue costs, debt discounts and warrants............................        2,418
  Payments on film contract liabilities....................................................       (1,562)       (530)    (2,117)
  Payments on consulting/non-compete contracts.............................................         (418)       (103)      (351)
  Provision for losses on accounts receivable..............................................          342         324        (69)
  Provision for deferred income taxes......................................................      (32,476)         25       (369)
  Loss (gain) on sale of property, plant and equipment.....................................         (173)                   856
  Changes in operating assets and liabilities net of effects from the purchase and disposal
   of companies:
   Accounts receivable.....................................................................        1,334       2,268     (2,351)
   Inventory and other assets..............................................................         (334)        987        607
   Accounts payable and accrued liabilities................................................       27,010       4,610       (295)
   Deferred income.........................................................................        2,280        (139)       332
                                                                                               ---------     -------   --------
    Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities....................................      (52,808)      9,002      4,763
                                                                                               ---------     -------   --------
Investing Activities:
 Proceeds from (purchase of) short term investments........................................           --      (8,900)    59,431
 Purchases of property, plant and equipment................................................       (6,853)       (714)    (2,000)
 Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment......................................          189                     --
 Advance to related party..................................................................         (600)
 Proceeds from sales of discontinued operations, net of selling expenses...................      218,456                     --
 Increase in other assets..................................................................         (270)                   671
                                                                                               ---------     -------   --------
    Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities....................................      210,922      (9,614)    58,102
                                                                                               ---------     -------   --------
Financing Activities:
 Proceeds from issuance of warrants........................................................        2,800
 Proceeds from new debt....................................................................      525,151
 Debt issue costs..........................................................................      (19,643)
 Principal payments on long-term debt......................................................     (638,328)     (1,013)      (267)
                                                                                               ---------     -------   --------
    Net cash used in financing activities..................................................     (130,020)     (1,013)      (267)
                                                                                               ---------     -------   --------
  (Decrease) increase in cash..............................................................       28,094      (1,625)    62,598
Cash and cash equivalents beginning of period..............................................       19,026      11,425     84,069
                                                                                               ---------     -------   --------
Cash and cash equivalents end of period....................................................    $  47,120     $ 9,800   $146,667
                                                                                               =========     =======   ========
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated
                        unaudited financial statements.
 
                                      F-39
<PAGE>
 
                  PARK COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
        NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
  The accompanying condensed interim financial statements are unaudited;
  however, in the opinion of the Company's management, all adjustments (which
  comprise only normal and recurring accruals) necessary for a fair
  presentation of the interim financial results have been included. The
  results for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results
  to be expected for the entire year. These financial statements and notes
  should be read in conjunction with the Company's audited annual
  consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 1995.
 
  As discussed in the December 31, 1995 consolidated financial statements,
  the Company was acquired by Park Acquisitions, Inc. on May 11, 1995 in a
  transaction accounted for as a purchase. The purchase price and an
  allocable portion of debt have been "pushed down" to the financial
  statements of the Company's wholly owned subsidiaries, Park Broadcasting,
  Inc. and Park Newspapers, Inc., and, as a result, the post-acquisition (New
  Park) consolidated financial statements are not comparable to the pre-
  acquisition (Old Park) consolidated financial statements.
 
2. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
 
  As of June 30, 1996, the Company has sold 18 of its 22 radio stations. It
  expects to sell the remaining four stations by August 1996. The results of
  the radio division are included in the single line on the income statement
  labeled "(loss) income from discontinued operations." The gain on the sale
  is included in the single line on the income statement labeled "Gain from
  sale of discontinued operations, net of tax." The corporate operating
  expenses allocated to radio are $428,000 for the six-month period ended
  June 30, 1996 and $183,000 for the period of 1/1/95--5/10/95, and $72,000
  for the period of 5/11/95--6/30/95. The following is a summary of revenue
  and operating income (loss) of the radio broadcasting properties for the
  six months ended June 30 (dollars in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1996    1995
                                                                ------- -------
   <S>                                                          <C>     <C>
   Revenue..................................................... $13,310 $12,404
                                                                ======= =======
   Operating income (loss)..................................... $ (602) $ 1,128
                                                                ======= =======
</TABLE>
 
3. REFINANCING
 
  On May 13, 1996, the Company refinanced its existing debt through the
  issuance of three separate debt offerings and a short term Senior Credit
  Facility. The Company issued $80.0 million in principal amount of 13 3/4%
  Senior Pay-in-Kind Notes due 2004 (the "Offering"). Interest on such notes
  (the "Notes") will be payable semi-annually in arrears on May 15 and
  November 15 of each year, commencing November 15, 1996. Through May 15,
  1999, interest is payable at the option of the Company by the issuance of
  additional notes in lieu of cash. After May 15, 1999, interest is payable
  in cash. The Notes were issued with warrants entitling the holder to
  purchase one share of Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the
  Company at an exercise price of $0.01 per share. Upon exercise, the holders
  would be entitled in the aggregate to purchase 7% of the Common Stock of
  the Company on a fully diluted basis. In addition, in the event the Company
  does not consummate a Public Equity Offering or one or any series of
  substantially concurrent Strategic Equity Investments on or prior to
  December 31, 1997, resulting in net proceeds to the Company of at least
  $40.0 million, the Company will be obligated to issue warrants (contingent
  warrants) to the holders of the Notes exercisable for 3% of the Common
  Stock of the Company on a fully diluted basis as of the date of such
  issuance. The proceeds of the Offering were allocated to the Notes and
  warrants based on their relative fair values in the amounts of $77.2 and
  $2.8 million, respectively. The $2.8 million
 
                                     F-40
<PAGE>
 
                  PARK COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
  NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
  allocated to the warrants was recorded as additional paid in capital on the
  Company's financial statements. Concurrently with the Offering, Park
  Newspapers, Inc. issued $155.0 million in principal amount of 11 7/8%
  Senior Notes due 2004 ("Newspapers Notes") at an offering price of 100%,
  and Park Broadcasting, Inc. issued $241.0 million in principal amount of 11
  3/4% Senior Notes due 2004 ("Broadcasting Notes") at an offering price of
  97.49% or $235.0 million. Such discount on the Broadcasting Notes will be
  amortized over the life of the Broadcasting Notes using the effective yield
  method. Interest on the Broadcasting Notes and the Newspapers Notes will be
  payable in cash semi-annually on May 15 and November 15 of each year
  commencing November 15, 1996.
 
  The Company will be obligated to make an offer to repurchase all or a
  portion of the Notes then outstanding at a price equal to 112% of the
  aggregate principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, if
  any, to the date of repurchase with the net proceeds of any Public Equity
  Offering or Strategic Equity Investment consummated on or prior to December
  31, 1997, to the extent that the proceeds therefrom have not been (or will
  not be pursuant to a notice of redemption given) utilized to effect a
  redemption of the Notes and the amount not so utilized exceeds $2.0
  million. Upon a Change of Control Triggering Event, each holder of the
  Notes will have the right to require the Company to offer to purchase such
  holder's Notes at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount plus
  accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase. In addition,
  the Company will be obligated to offer to repurchase the Notes at 100% of
  their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the
  date of repurchase in the event of certain asset sales.
 
  The Notes were issued under an indenture containing covenants which, among
  other things, limit or restrict the Company's ability to incur additional
  indebtedness, pay cash dividends or make other payments affecting
  restricted subsidiaries, sell assets, incur liens, make capital
  contributions, change lines of business and enter into transactions with
  affiliates.
 
  In addition to the above offerings, the Company entered into a short term
  $58.0 million Senior Credit Facility with a consortium of lenders. Interest
  was payable at a variable rate and the debt was due on November 13, 1996.
  Such amount borrowed under the Senior Credit Facility was repaid entirely
  in May and June of 1996 with the proceeds of the sale of certain Radio
  Station Assets. Interest expense under the Senior Credit Facility of
  $2,594,000 has been included in discontinued operations.
 
4. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
 
  On July 19, 1996, the stockholders of Park Acquisitions, Inc., the sole
  stockholder of the Company, agreed to sell 100% of their stock in a cash
  merger to Media General, Inc. for total consideration of approximately
  $710.0 million.
 
                                     F-41
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR MAKE ANY REPRESENTA-
TIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH
INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHO-
RIZED. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION
OF AN OFFER TO BUY THE SECURITIES OTHER THAN THE SECURITIES TO WHICH IT RE-
LATES OR AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY SUCH SECURI-
TIES BY ANY PERSON IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS
UNLAWFUL. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY OFFER OR SALE MADE
HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THERE
HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE DATE HEREOF.
 
                                 ------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            PAGE
                                                                            ----
<S>                                                                         <C>
Prospectus Summary........................................................    3
Risk Factors..............................................................   15
The Company...............................................................   20
Use of Proceeds...........................................................   20
Capitalization............................................................   21
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements...........   22
Selected Historical and Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Data.............   26
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
 Operations...............................................................   28
Business..................................................................   34
Management................................................................   47
Securities Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners.........................   51
Description of Certain Indebtedness.......................................   52
Description of the Notes..................................................   54
The Exchange Offer........................................................   77
Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences...................................   86
Plan of Distribution......................................................   87
Legal Matters.............................................................   88
Experts...................................................................   88
Available Information.....................................................   88
Index.....................................................................   89
Index to Financial Statements.............................................  F-1
</TABLE>
 
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                                 $155,000,000
 
                        [LOGO OF PARK NEWSPAPERS, INC.]
 
                             PARK NEWSPAPERS, INC.
 
                              OFFER TO EXCHANGE
                    SERIES B 11 7/8% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2004
                             FOR ALL OUTSTANDING
                         11 7/8 SENIOR NOTES DUE 2004
 
                           -------------------------
 
                                  PROSPECTUS
 
                           -------------------------
 
 
                               SEPTEMBER 6, 1996
 
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