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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):
February 29, 1996
ACKERLEY COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)
1-10321 91-1043807
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Commission File Number IRS Employer Identification No.
800 Fifth Avenue, Suite 3770
Seattle, Washington 98104
(Address of principal executive offices) (zip code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (206) 624-2888
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ITEM 5 - OTHER EVENTS
LAURA A. LAMBERT, ESTHER ACKLEY, STEVE BELLING, PAT COOKE, LETITIA SELK, AND
CHUCK VELTZ VS. SEATTLE SUPERSONICS, INC., SSI SPORTS, INC. AND FULL HOUSE
SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT, INC., U.S. DISTRICT COURT, WESTERN DISTRICT OF
WASHINGTON, DOCKET NUMBER C95-39R
On or about December 12, 1994, six former employees (the "Plaintiffs") of
certain subsidiaries of Ackerley Communications, Inc. (the "Company") filed a
complaint in King County Superior Court against The Seattle Supersonics, Inc.,
Full House Sports and Entertainment, Inc., all wholly-owned subsidiaries of the
Company, and two of their officers, Barry Ackerley and William Ackerley,
(collectively, the "Defendants").
The Complaint alleged various violations of applicable wage and hour laws
and breaches of employment contracts. The Plaintiffs sought unspecified
damages, including applicable punitive damages, and injunctive relief.
On or about January 10, 1995, those claims were removed on motion by
Defendants to the U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington in
Seattle. On September 5, 1995, the Plaintiffs amended the claims (1) to specify
violations of Washington State and United States federal labor laws and (2) to
seek additional relief, including liquidated and punitive damages under the U.S.
Fair Labor Standards Act and double damages under Washington State law for
willful refusal to pay overtime and minimum wages.
On February 29, 1996, the jury rendered a verdict finding that the
Defendants had wrongfully terminated Plaintiffs' employment under Washington and
U.S. federal laws and awarding compensatory damages of approximately $1 million
for the Plaintiffs and punitive damages against the Defendants of $12 million.
Plaintiffs' claims regarding exemplary damages for willful withholding of wages
under Washington State law, overtime claims, and seeking reimbursement of
attorneys' fees remain outstanding. Management of the Company currently does
not expect that total awards under these claims will exceed $1.2 million.
Defendants intend to appeal the verdict.
ITEM 7 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS
(a) Financial statements - not applicable.
(b) Pro forma financial information - not applicable.
(c) Exhibits:
(99) Press Release issued by the Company
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
Dated: February 29, 1996
ACKERLEY COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
By /s/ Denis M. Curley
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Denis M. Curley, Executive
Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer, Secretary
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ACKERLEY COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
FEBRUARY 29, 1996
A verdict was reached today in United States District Court, Western District of
Washington at Seattle against certain subsidiaries of Ackerley Communications,
Inc. (AK) and two of their executive officers in a wrongful termination suit
brought by six former employees. The damages awarded totaled $13 million,
including approximately $1 million in compensatory damages and $12 million in
punitive damages.
We are deeply disappointed in this verdict and will appeal it.
The company's fundamental belief is to treat its employees fairly and with
respect, and we will continue to do so.
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For more information please contact Ackerley Communications, Inc. at 206-624-
2888.
