GRAY COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS INC /GA/
S-1/A, 1996-09-20
TELEVISION BROADCASTING STATIONS
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<PAGE>
   
   AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON SEPTEMBER 20, 1996
    
 
                                                       REGISTRATION NO. 333-4340
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                            ------------------------
   
                                AMENDMENT NO. 5
                                       TO
    
                                    FORM S-1
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                        UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                             ---------------------
                       GRAY COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC.
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                       <C>                       <C>
        GEORGIA                     4833                   58-0285030
    (State or other          (Primary Standard          (I.R.S. Employer
    jurisdiction of              Industrial          Identification Number)
    incorporation or        Classification Code
     organization)                Number)
</TABLE>
 
                          126 NORTH WASHINGTON STREET
                             ALBANY, GEORGIA 31701
                                 (912) 888-9390
  (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of
                   registrant's principal executive offices)
 
                            WILLIAM A. FIELDER, III
                          126 NORTH WASHINGTON STREET
                             ALBANY, GEORGIA 31701
                                 (912) 434-8732
 (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code,
                             of agent for service)
                         ------------------------------
 
                          COPIES OF COMMUNICATIONS TO:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                       <C>
        Henry O. Smith III, Esq.                  John J. Kelley III, Esq.
 Proskauer Rose Goetz & Mendelsohn LLP                King & Spalding
             1585 Broadway                          191 Peachtree Street
        New York, New York 10036                   Atlanta, Georgia 30303
             (212) 969-3000                            (404) 572-4600
</TABLE>
 
                            ------------------------
 
        APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC:
 AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE AFTER THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT.
                            ------------------------
 
    If  any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to  Rule 415 under the Securities Act  of
1933, check the following box. / /
 
    If  this Form  is filed  to register  additional securities  for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list  the  Securities  Act  registration statement  number  of  the  earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. / /
- --------------
 
    If  this Form  is a post-effective  amendment filed pursuant  to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act,  check the following box  and list the Securities  Act
registration number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same
offering. / /
- --------------
 
    If  delivery of the prospectus is expected  to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. / /
                            ------------------------
 
    THE REGISTRANT HEREBY  AMENDS THIS  REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON  SUCH DATE  OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE  A  FURTHER  AMENDMENT  WHICH SPECIFICALLY  STATES  THAT  THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE  IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A)  OF
THE  SECURITIES ACT  OF 1933  OR UNTIL  THE REGISTRATION  STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION  8(A),
MAY DETERMINE.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
   
                 SUBJECT TO COMPLETION DATED SEPTEMBER 20, 1996
    
 
                                3,500,000 SHARES
                                      GRAY
                          COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC.
 
                              CLASS B COMMON STOCK
                            ------------------------
 
   
    All the 3,500,000 shares of Class B Common Stock, no par value (the "Class B
Common  Stock"),  offered  hereby  (this  "Offering")  are  being  sold  by Gray
Communications Systems, Inc. (the "Company"). Prior to this Offering, there  has
been no public market for the Class B Common Stock. The Company's Class A Common
Stock,  no par value (the "Class A Common  Stock" and, together with the Class B
Common Stock, the "Common Stock"), is listed on The New York Stock Exchange (the
"NYSE") under the symbol "GCS." The initial public offering price of the Class B
Common Stock will be based on the closing  price of the Class A Common Stock  on
the date of the offering and will be determined through negotiations between the
Company  and  the  underwriters  (the  "Underwriters").  See  "Underwriting." On
September 19, 1996, the last reported sale price of the Class A Common Stock  on
the  NYSE was $21 3/4 per share. The  Class B Common Stock has been approved for
listing on the  NYSE under  the symbol "GCS.B,"  subject to  official notice  of
issuance.  The Company is also offering (the "Concurrent Offering") $160,000,000
principal amount  of  its  10  5/8% Senior  Subordinated  Notes  due  2006  (the
"Notes").  The Concurrent  Offering is  being made  by separate  prospectus. The
closing of this Offering is not  conditioned upon the closing of the  Concurrent
Offering.
    
 
    The  Company has two classes of common stock: Class A Common Stock and Class
B Common Stock. The Class A Common  Stock is identical to the Company's Class  B
Common  Stock except with respect to voting power, with the Class A Common Stock
having 10 votes  per share, and  the Class B  Common Stock having  one vote  per
share.  Immediately after the  consummation of this  Offering and the Concurrent
Offering, the  Class  B  Common  Stock  will  have  approximately  7.3%  of  the
outstanding  voting power  of the Company.  See "Risk Factors  -- Limited Voting
Rights of Class  B Common  Shareholders; Control by  Principal Shareholder"  and
"Description of Capital Stock."
 
    SEE  "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 14 FOR CERTAIN INFORMATION THAT SHOULD
BE CONSIDERED BY  PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS  OF THE  CLASS B  COMMON STOCK  OFFERED
HEREBY.
                             ---------------------
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.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          PRICE TO          UNDERWRITING        PROCEEDS TO
                           PUBLIC           DISCOUNT (1)       COMPANY (2)(3)
<S>                 <C>                 <C>                 <C>
Per Share                    $                   $                   $
Total                        $                   $                   $
</TABLE>
 
(1)  See  "Underwriting" for  a description of  the indemnification arrangements
     with the Underwriters.
(2)  Before deducting expenses of the Offering payable by the Company, estimated
     to be approximately $       .
(3)  The Company has granted the Underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up  to
     525,000  additional  shares  of  Class  B  Common  Stock  solely  to  cover
     over-allotments, if any.  If such option  is exercised in  full, the  total
     Price  to Public,  Underwriting Discount  and Proceeds  to Company  will be
     $     , $     , and $     , respectively. See "Underwriting."
                         ------------------------------
 
    The Class B  Common Stock  is offered  severally by  the Underwriters  named
herein,  subject to prior sale, when, as,  and if received and accepted by them,
subject to their right  to reject orders,  in whole or in  part, and to  certain
other  conditions. It is expected that delivery of the certificates representing
the Class B Common Stock will be made on or about            , 1996.
                            ------------------------
 
THE ROBINSON-HUMPHREY COMPANY, INC.
                   ALLEN & COMPANY
                   INCORPORATED
                                    J.C. BRADFORD & CO.
                                                               J.P. MORGAN & CO.
             , 1996
<PAGE>
    [The graphic material to be  included is a map  of the southeastern part  of
the  United States with logos of the television stations owned by the Company or
that are part of the Phipps Business marking where the stations are located.]
 
IN CONNECTION  WITH THIS  OFFERING, THE  UNDERWRITERS MAY  OVER-ALLOT OR  EFFECT
TRANSACTIONS  WHICH STABILIZE OR MAINTAIN THE MARKET PRICE OF THE CLASS B COMMON
STOCK AT A LEVEL ABOVE  THAT WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE  PREVAIL IN THE OPEN  MARKET.
SUCH TRANSACTIONS MAY BE EFFECTED ON THE NYSE OR OTHERWISE. SUCH STABILIZING, IF
COMMENCED, MAY BE DISCONTINUED AT ANY TIME.
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
   
    THE  FOLLOWING INFORMATION  IS QUALIFIED IN  ITS ENTIRETY BY,  AND SHOULD BE
READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH, THE MORE DETAILED INFORMATION AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
APPEARING ELSEWHERE  IN THIS  PROSPECTUS.  AS USED  HEREIN, UNLESS  THE  CONTEXT
OTHERWISE  REQUIRES, THE "COMPANY"  MEANS GRAY COMMUNICATIONS  SYSTEMS, INC. AND
ITS SUBSIDIARIES. THE COMPANY HAS NOT YET CONSUMMATED THE PHIPPS ACQUISITION (AS
DEFINED) AND  THERE CAN  BE NO  ASSURANCE THAT  THE PHIPPS  ACQUISITION WILL  BE
CONSUMMATED. HOWEVER, EXCEPT WITH RESPECT TO HISTORICAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND
UNLESS  THE CONTEXT  INDICATES OTHERWISE,  THE PHIPPS  BUSINESS (AS  DEFINED) IS
INCLUDED IN THE  DESCRIPTION OF THE  COMPANY. SEE "THE  PHIPPS ACQUISITION,  THE
KTVE  SALE AND  THE FINANCING." UNLESS  OTHERWISE INDICATED,  THE INFORMATION IN
THIS PROSPECTUS ASSUMES THAT THE UNDERWRITERS' OVER-ALLOTMENT OPTION GRANTED  BY
THE  COMPANY  TO  THE  UNDERWRITERS  IN  THIS  OFFERING  IS  NOT  EXERCISED. ALL
INFORMATION IN THIS  PROSPECTUS HAS BEEN  ADJUSTED TO GIVE  EFFECT TO A  3-FOR-2
SPLIT  OF THE  CLASS A COMMON  STOCK, EFFECTED IN  THE FORM OF  A STOCK DIVIDEND
DECLARED ON  OCTOBER 2,  1995.  UNLESS OTHERWISE  INDICATED, ALL  STATION  RANK,
IN-MARKET  SHARE AND  TELEVISION HOUSEHOLD DATA  IN THIS  PROSPECTUS ARE DERIVED
FROM THE NIELSEN  STATION INDEX,  VIEWERS IN  PROFILE, DATED  NOVEMBER 1995,  AS
PREPARED BY A.C. NIELSEN COMPANY ("NIELSEN").
    
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
   
    The  Company owns and operates  seven network-affiliated television stations
in medium-size  markets in  the southeastern  United States,  six of  which  are
ranked  number one  in their respective  markets (which  includes two television
stations that  are  part of  the  Phipps Business).  Five  of the  stations  are
affiliated  with the CBS Television Network, a division of CBS, Inc. ("CBS") and
two are affiliated with the NBC  Television Network, a division of the  National
Broadcasting  Company,  Incorporated  ("NBC").  In  connection  with  the Phipps
Acquisition (described  below),  the  Company will  be  required  under  current
regulations  of the Federal Communications Commission  (the "FCC") to divest its
NBC affiliates in Albany, Georgia and Panama City, Florida. For a discussion  of
the  Company's  plans  regarding  such divestiture,  see  "Risk  Factors  -- FCC
Divestiture Requirement"  and "The  Phipps Acquisition,  the KTVE  Sale and  the
Financing."  The  Company also  owns and  operates  three daily  newspapers, two
weekly, advertising only publications ("shoppers"), and a paging business (which
is part  of the  Phipps Business),  all located  in the  Southeast. The  Company
derives  significant operating advantages and  cost saving synergies through the
size of its television  station group and the  regional focus of its  television
and  publishing operations. These  advantages and synergies  include (i) sharing
television production facilities, equipment and regionally oriented programming,
(ii) the ability to  purchase television programming for  the group as a  whole,
(iii)  negotiating  network affiliation  agreements on  a  group basis  and (iv)
purchasing newsprint  and  other supplies  in  bulk. In  addition,  the  Company
believes  that  its regional  focus can  provide  advertisers with  an efficient
network through which to advertise in the fast-growing Southeast.
    
 
   
    In 1993, after the acquisition of a large block of Class A Common Stock by a
new investor,  the  Company implemented  a  strategy to  foster  growth  through
strategic  acquisitions. Since 1994, the Company's significant acquisitions have
included three  television  stations and  two  newspapers, all  located  in  the
Southeast.  As a  result of  the Company's  acquisitions and  in support  of its
growth strategy, the Company has added certain key members of management and has
greatly expanded its  operations in  the television  broadcasting and  newspaper
publishing  businesses. On September  10, 1996, J. Mack  Robinson, a director of
the Company, was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the  Company
on  an interim basis,  to succeed Ralph  W. Gabbard, who  had died suddenly. The
Company expects  to commence  a search  to locate  a new  President as  soon  as
practicable  following this Offering. On September  11, 1996, Robert S. Prather,
Jr.,   a   director   of   the    Company,   was   appointed   Executive    Vice
President-Acquisitions on an interim basis.
    
 
    In  January 1996, the  Company acquired (the  "Augusta Acquisition") WRDW-TV
("WRDW"), a CBS affiliate serving Augusta, Georgia (the "Augusta Business").  In
December  1995, the Company entered into  an asset purchase agreement to acquire
(the "Phipps Acquisition") two CBS-affiliated stations, WCTV-TV ("WCTV") serving
Tallahassee, Florida/Thomasville,  Georgia and  WKXT-TV ("WKXT")  in  Knoxville,
Tennessee,   a   satellite   broadcasting  business   and   a   paging  business
(collectively, the  "Phipps Business").  The Company  believes that  the  Phipps
Acquisition  will further  enhance the  Company's position  as a  major regional
television broadcaster  and  is  highly  attractive for  a  number  of  reasons,
including  (i) the stations' strategic fit in the Southeast, (ii) WCTV's leading
station market position  and WKXT's significant  growth potential, (iii)  strong
station  broadcast cash flows,  (iv) opportunities for  revenue growth utilizing
the
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
   
Company's extensive  management  expertise  with medium-size  stations  and  (v)
opportunities  for synergies  between WCTV and  WKXT and  the Company's existing
stations with regard to revenue enhancement and cost controls. The  consummation
of  the Phipps Acquisition is currently expected to occur by September 30, 1996,
although there can be no assurance with respect thereto.
    
 
   
    In August 1996, the Company sold the  assets (the "KTVE Sale") of KTVE  Inc.
("KTVE"), a television station serving Monroe, Louisiana/El Dorado, Arkansas for
approximately $9.5 million in cash plus the amount of the accounts receivable on
the date of the closing.
    
 
   
    For  the year ended December 31, 1995, on a pro forma basis, the Company had
net revenues, Media Cash Flow (the  sum of broadcast cash flow, publishing  cash
flow and paging cash flow), operating cash flow and net (loss) of $90.6 million,
$30.3  million,  $28.1 million  and $(3.6)  million,  respectively. For  the six
months ended June 30, 1996, on a pro forma basis, the Company had net  revenues,
Media  Cash Flow,  operating cash  flow and net  income of  $47.3 million, $17.9
million, $16.3 million and $251,000, respectively. Net revenues, Media Cash Flow
and operating cash flow  on a pro  forma basis for the  year ended December  31,
1995  increased  148.2%,  188.4%  and  227.9%,  respectively,  while  net income
decreased 230.3% from  the historical amounts  for the year  ended December  31,
1994. Net revenues, Media Cash Flow and operating cash flow on a pro forma basis
for  the six  months ended  June 30,  1996 increased  67.1%, 114.7%  and 122.8%,
respectively, while net income decreased  78.7% from the historical amounts  for
the  six months ended June 30, 1995. The  Company's pro forma net income for its
television stations for the year ended December 31, 1995 and for the six  months
ended June 30, 1996 was $1.6 million and $1.4 million, respectively.
    
 
    The following table sets forth certain information for each of the Company's
television stations.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                    PRO FORMA
                                                                                     ---------------------------------------
                                                                          IN-MARKET
                                                                            SHARE    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER   SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                STATION      OF           31, 1995          JUNE 30, 1996
                                                                  RANK    HOUSEHOLDS -------------------  ------------------
          NETWORK                  YEAR      DMA     CHANNEL/      IN      VIEWING      NET     OPERATING   NET     OPERATING
STATION   AFFILIATION    MARKET   ACQUIRED RANK(1)   FREQUENCY   DMA(2)      TV      REVENUES   INCOME(6) REVENUES  INCOME(6)
- --------  -------   ------------- -------  --------  ---------  --------  ---------  ---------  --------  --------  --------
                                                                                       (IN THOUSANDS)       (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>       <C>       <C>           <C>      <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>
WKYT        CBS     Lexington, KY    1994       68   27/UHF(3)         1        33%    $15,553    $5,247    $7,845    $2,701
WYMT        CBS        Hazard, KY    1994       68   57/UHF(3)       1(4)        24      3,721       831     2,107       530
WRDW        CBS       Augusta, GA    1996      111   12/VHF            1         36      8,888     1,853     4,489     1,149
WALB (5)    NBC        Albany, GA    1954      152   10/VHF            1         80      9,445     4,795     5,099     2,658
                     Panama City,
WJHG (5)    NBC                FL    1960      159    7/VHF            1         53      3,843       270     2,409       476
PHIPPS
 ACQUISITION
WKXT        CBS     Knoxville, TN               62    8/VHF            3         22      9,269     2,204     4,387       903
                     Tallahassee,
WCTV        CBS               FL/              116    6/VHF            1         60     11,862     4,229     6,212     2,254
                     Thomasville,
                               GA
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------------
(1)  Ranking of designated market area as defined by Nielsen ("DMA") served by a
     station  among all DMAs is measured  by the number of television households
     within the DMA based on the November 1995 Nielsen estimates.
(2)  Represents station  rank in  DMA  as determined  by November  1995  Nielsen
     estimates  of the number of television  sets tuned to the Company's station
     as a percentage of the number of  television sets in use in the market  for
     the Sunday through Saturday 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. time period.
(3)  All stations in the market are UHF stations.
(4)  The  market area served by WYMT is an 18-county trading area, as defined by
     Nielsen, and is  included in  the Lexington, Kentucky  DMA. WYMT's  station
     rank is based upon its position in the 18-county trading area.
(5)  The  Company will be required under  current FCC regulations to divest WALB
     and WJHG in connection with the Phipps Acquisition. For a discussion of the
     Company's plans, see  "Risk Factors-FCC Divestiture  Requirement" and  "The
     Phipps Acquisition, the KTVE Sale and the Financing."
(6)  Represents   pro  forma  income   before  miscellaneous  income  (expense),
     allocation of corporate overhead, interest expense and income taxes.
 
   
    The Company's three newspapers, THE ALBANY HERALD, THE ROCKDALE CITIZEN  and
the  GWINNETT DAILY POST and two shoppers  had net revenues and operating income
(income before miscellaneous income (expense), allocation of corporate overhead,
interest expense and income  taxes) on a  pro forma basis  of $21.9 million  and
$660,000,  respectively, for the year ended December 31, 1995, and $11.3 million
and $1.3  million for  the six  months ended  June 30,  1996, respectively.  The
satellite  broadcasting business  and paging business,  which are a  part of the
Phipps  Business,  had  net  revenues   and  operating  income  (income   before
miscellaneous
    
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
   
income  (expense), allocation of corporate overhead, interest expense and income
taxes) on a  pro forma basis  of $6.2 million  and $542,000 for  the year  ended
December  31, 1995 and $3.5  million and $467,000 for  the six months ended June
30, 1996, respectively.
    
 
BUSINESS STRATEGY
 
    The Company's business strategy includes the following key elements:
 
   
    - STRONG LOCAL PRESENCE.  Each of the Company's television stations seeks to
      achieve a distinct identity through  its emphasis on local programming.  A
      key  objective is to  build audience loyalty through  the development of a
      strong local news franchise. Strong  local news generates high  viewership
      and  results in higher  ratings for programs  both preceding and following
      the news, which increases revenues and Media Cash Flow.
    
 
    - REGIONAL FOCUS.  The Company  believes its regional focus has  competitive
      advantages, including the ability to purchase and produce programming that
      can  be used by multiple Company-owned stations as well as the opportunity
      to sell advertising on multiple stations as a single buy. In addition, the
      proximity of the  Company's operations  allows the  sharing of  equipment,
      management and marketing expertise.
 
    - TARGETED  MARKETING.    The  Company  seeks  to  increase  its advertising
      revenues and  Media Cash  Flow by  expanding existing  relationships  with
      local  and national advertisers and  by attracting new advertisers through
      targeted marketing  techniques  and carefully  tailored  programming.  The
      Company  works closely  with advertisers to  develop advertising campaigns
      that match specifically  targeted audience  segments including  sponsoring
      and staging various special events such as fishing tournaments, boat shows
      and bridal expositions.
 
    - COST  CONTROLS.    Through  its strategic  planning  and  annual budgeting
      processes, the Company  continually seeks to  identify and implement  cost
      savings opportunities at each of its stations and publications in order to
      increase Media Cash Flow. The Company's ownership of multiple stations and
      publications  also benefits each operation  in negotiating favorable terms
      with  programming   syndicators,  newsprint   suppliers,  national   sales
      representatives and other vendors.
 
    - SELECTIVE  ACQUISITIONS.  The Company  has focused on acquiring television
      stations  where  the   Company  believes  there   is  the  potential   for
      improvements  in  revenue  share,  audience share  and  cost  control. The
      Company focuses on southeastern markets of medium size because the Company
      believes these markets offer superior opportunities in terms of  projected
      population   and  economic  growth,  leading  to  higher  advertising  and
      circulation revenues.  In  assessing  acquisitions,  the  Company  targets
      stations and publications where it sees specific opportunities for revenue
      enhancement   while   controlling  expenditures,   utilizing  management's
      significant experience with  local and national  advertising sales and  in
      operating  similar businesses.  In appropriate  circumstances, the Company
      will dispose of  assets that it  deems non-essential to  its operating  or
      growth strategy.
 
            THE PHIPPS ACQUISITION, THE KTVE SALE AND THE FINANCING
 
   
    The  Company  has entered  into an  agreement  to acquire  WCTV and  WKXT, a
satellite broadcasting  business and  a paging  business in  the Southeast.  The
purchase  price  for  the  Phipps  Acquisition  is  approximately  $185 million,
including  fees,  expenses  and  working  capital  and  other  adjustments.  The
consummation  of the  Phipps Acquisition is  expected to occur  by September 30,
1996, although  there  can be  no  assurance  with respect  thereto.  See  "Risk
Factors--Possible Non-Consummation of the Phipps Acquisition."
    
 
   
    Pursuant  to an agreement, dated as of  May 15, 1996 (the "KTVE Agreement"),
with GOCOM Television of  Ouachita, L.P., in August  1996, the Company sold  the
assets  of KTVE for  approximately $9.5 million  in cash plus  the amount of the
accounts receivable on the date of the closing (approximately $870,000), to  the
extent  collected by the buyer, to be paid to the Company 150 days following the
date of closing. For the  year ended December 31,  1995, KTVE had net  revenues,
Media  Cash  Flow  and  operating  income  (income  before  miscellaneous income
(expense), allocation of corporate overhead, interest expense and income  taxes)
of $4.2 million, $916,000 and $437,000, respectively, and $2.3 million, $598,000
and  $360,000, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 1996. The Company
estimates that  the  gain,  net  of  estimated  taxes,  on  the  KTVE  Sale  was
approximately $2.8 million.
    
 
   
    In  addition to  the KTVE  Sale and the  consummation of  this Offering, the
Concurrent Offering and the Phipps Acquisition, the Company intends to implement
a financing plan (the "Financing") to increase liquidity
    
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
   
and improve operating and financial flexibility. Pursuant to the Financing,  the
Company  will (i) retire approximately  $49.5 million aggregate principal amount
of outstanding indebtedness under its  senior secured bank credit facility  (the
"Old  Credit  Facility"), together  with accrued  interest thereon,  (ii) retire
approximately  $25.0   million  aggregate   principal  amount   of   outstanding
indebtedness  under its senior note due  2003 (the "Senior Note"), together with
accrued interest  thereon  and  a  prepayment fee,  (iii)  issue  $10.0  million
liquidation  preference of its Series A preferred stock (the "Series A Preferred
Stock") in exchange for its outstanding $10.0 million aggregate principal amount
8% subordinated  note (the  "8% Note")  issued to  Bull Run  Corporation  ("Bull
Run"),  a principal shareholder of the Company,  (iv) issue to Bull Run, J. Mack
Robinson, the President, Chief  Executive Officer and  director of the  Company,
and certain of his affiliates $10.0 million liquidation preference of its Series
B preferred stock (the "Series B Preferred Stock" and together with the Series A
Preferred  Stock, the "Preferred Stock") with warrants to purchase up to 500,000
shares of Class A Common Stock  (representing 10.1% of the currently issued  and
outstanding  Class A Common  Stock after giving  effect to the  exercise of such
warrants) for cash proceeds  of $10.0 million  and (v) enter  into a new  senior
secured  bank credit  facility (the "Senior  Credit Facility") to  provide for a
term loan and  revolving credit  facility aggregating $125.0  million. The  cash
required  for  the  consummation of  the  Phipps Acquisition,  the  repayment of
indebtedness and related transaction costs will be provided by the net  proceeds
of  this Offering, the Concurrent  Offering, the sale of  the Series B Preferred
Stock and the  warrants, borrowings  under the  Senior Credit  Facility and  the
Company's  working capital. For a description  of the Senior Credit Facility and
the  Preferred   Stock,   see   "Description  of   Certain   Indebtedness"   and
"Management--Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider
Participation--Issuances  of Preferred Stock." The consummation of this Offering
is  not  conditioned  upon  the  consummation  of  the  Financing,  the   Phipps
Acquisition  or the Concurrent Offering. If either the Phipps Acquisition is not
consummated or the  Company does  not consummate  one or  more equity  offerings
(including  this Offering) having gross proceeds  of not less than $65.0 million
(the "Minimum Equity  Condition") prior  to December  23, 1996,  the Company  is
required  to redeem  the Notes on  or prior  to December 31,  1996 (the "Special
Redemption Date") at a redemption  price (the "Special Redemption Price")  equal
to 101% of the principal amount of the Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest to
the  date fixed for such redemption (the "Trust Funds"). See "Description of the
Notes."
    
 
   
    The Concurrent Offering and the Financing are intended to provide  financing
for  the Phipps Acquisition and  operating and financial flexibility thereafter.
Although the  Concurrent  Offering  may  be  consummated  prior  to  the  Phipps
Acquisition,  the Notes are  subject to the  special redemption described above.
The Senior  Credit  Facility  will  provide  that  no  borrowings  may  be  made
thereunder  until the  closing of  the Phipps  Acquisition. Accordingly,  if the
Phipps Acquisition is  not consummated or  the Minimum Equity  Condition is  not
satisfied,  the Notes will be  redeemed by the Company,  the Old Credit Facility
will remain in place  and the Company  will not borrow  under the Senior  Credit
Facility.
    
 
   
    The  following  table sets  forth the  estimated sources  and uses  of funds
relating to this Offering, the  Concurrent Offering, the Phipps Acquisition  and
the Financing:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(IN MILLIONS)                                                     AMOUNT
                                                              ----------
SOURCES OF FUNDS:
<S>                                                           <C>
The Class B Common Stock offered hereby (1)                        $73.5
The Concurrent Offering                                            160.0
Sale of Series B Preferred Stock and Warrants                       10.0
Borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility                         22.9
Working capital (2)                                                  9.5
                                                              ----------
  TOTAL                                                           $275.9
                                                              ----------
                                                              ----------
USES OF FUNDS:
Consummation of Phipps Acquisition                                $185.0
Retire indebtedness under the Old Credit Facility (3)               49.5
Retire indebtedness under the Senior Note(4)                        25.0
Fees and expenses (5)                                               16.4
                                                              ----------
  TOTAL                                                           $275.9
                                                              ----------
                                                              ----------
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
- ------------------------------
   
(1)  Assumes  estimated gross proceeds  from this Offering  of $73.5 million and
     estimated net proceeds therefrom of $67.6 million. It is a condition of the
     release from escrow of the net proceeds of the Concurrent Offering that the
     Company shall have consummated  one or more  equity offerings having  gross
     proceeds  of not  less than  $65.0 million.  To the  extent that  the gross
     proceeds of any  such equity  offerings are  less than  $73.5 million,  the
     Company intends to borrow such difference under its Senior Credit Facility.
     It is anticipated that there will not be a significant interval between the
     closing of this Offering and the closing of the Concurrent Offering.
    
 
   
(2)  The source of these funds was the KTVE Sale.
    
 
   
(3)  Borrowings  under the  Old Credit Facility  bear interest  at formula rates
     based upon the applicable London inter-bank offered rate ("LIBOR") or prime
     rate at the time of borrowing plus a fixed spread and have a final maturity
     of 2003. As of June 30, 1996, the weighted average interest rate was 8.94%.
    
 
   
(4)  The indebtedness under the Senior Note bears interest at 10.7%.
    
 
   
(5)  Fees and  expenses include  underwriting costs  for this  Offering and  the
     Concurrent  Offering, fees payable  in connection with  the negotiation and
     execution of the Senior  Credit Facility, fees  payable in connection  with
     the  retirement  of  the  Senior  Note  and  legal,  accounting  and  other
     transaction fees.
    
 
   
    If either the Phipps  Acquisition is not consummated  or the Minimum  Equity
Condition  is not  satisfied, the Company  will redeem the  Notes. The following
table sets  forth the  estimated sources  and uses  of funds  to consummate  the
Financing and to redeem the Notes if the Phipps Acquisition is not consummated:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(IN MILLIONS)                                                                               AMOUNT
                                                                                         ------------
<S>                                                                                      <C>
SOURCES OF FUNDS:
The Class B Common Stock offered hereby (1)                                                $     73.5
The Concurrent Offering                                                                         160.0
Sale of Series B Preferred Stock and Warrants                                                    10.0
Working capital (2)                                                                               9.0
                                                                                         ------------
  TOTAL                                                                                    $    252.5
                                                                                         ------------
                                                                                         ------------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                     <C>
USES OF FUNDS:
Redemption of the Notes                                                    $ 161.6(3)
Retire indebtedness under the Old Credit Facility (4)                         49.5
Retire indebtedness under the Senior Note(5)                                  25.0
Fees and expenses (6)                                                         16.4
                                                                        ----------
  TOTAL                                                                    $ 252.5
                                                                        ----------
                                                                        ----------
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------------
   
(1)  Assumes  estimated gross proceeds  from this Offering  of $73.5 million and
     estimated net proceeds therefrom of $67.6 million. It is a condition of the
     release from escrow of the net proceeds of the Concurrent Offering that the
     Company shall have consummated  one or more  equity offerings having  gross
     proceeds  of not  less than  $65.0 million.  To the  extent that  the gross
     proceeds of any  such equity  offerings are  less than  $73.5 million,  the
     Company intends to borrow such difference under its Senior Credit Facility.
     It is anticipated that there will not be a significant interval between the
     closing of this Offering and the closing of the Concurrent Offering.
    
 
   
(2)  The source of these funds was the KTVE Sale.
    
 
   
(3)  Amount  shown  excludes interest  accrued  on the  Notes  from the  date of
     issuance to the date of redemption.
    
 
   
(4)  Borrowings under the  Old Credit  Facility bear interest  at formula  rates
     based upon the applicable LIBOR or prime rate at the time of borrowing plus
     a  fixed spread and have a final maturity of 2003. As of June 30, 1996, the
     weighted average interest rate was 8.94%.
    
 
   
(5)  The indebtedness under the Senior Note bears interest at 10.7%.
    
 
   
(6)  Fees and  expenses include  underwriting costs  for this  Offering and  the
     Concurrent  Offering, fees payable  in connection with  the negotiation and
     execution of the Senior  Credit Facility, fees  payable in connection  with
     the  retirement  of  the  Senior  Note  and  legal,  accounting  and  other
     transaction fees. If  the Phipps Acquisition  is not consummated  due to  a
     default  by the Company, the Company will  be required to pay $10.0 million
     as liquidated damages, however such amount is not included above.
    
   
Prior to the consummation of the Phipps Acquisition and the satisfaction of  the
Minimum  Equity Condition, the net proceeds of the Concurrent Offering, together
with an amount  sufficient to  permit the  Company to  redeem the  Notes on  the
Special  Redemption Date at  the Special Redemption  Price, will be  held by and
pledged to the Trustee (as defined in the Indenture) under the Indenture for the
benefit of the holders of  the Notes. The Trust Funds  will be invested in  cash
equivalents.  The proceeds of  this Offering will be  used to repay indebtedness
under the Old Credit Facility,  to retire the Senior  Note and to provide  funds
for the Phipps Acquisition.
    
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
                                  THE OFFERING
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                           <C>
Class B Common Stock offered hereby.........  3,500,000 Shares
Common Stock to be outstanding after this
 Offering (1)
    Class A Common Stock....................  4,467,205 Shares
    Class B Common Stock....................  3,500,000 Shares
      Total.................................  7,967,205 Shares
Use of Proceeds by the Company..............  The  Company  intends to  use the  proceeds of
                                              this Offering, together  with the proceeds  of
                                              the Concurrent Offering, the Financing and the
                                              Company's   working   capital   for   (i)  the
                                              consummation of the  Phipps Acquisition,  (ii)
                                              the  retirement of indebtedness  under the Old
                                              Credit  Facility,  (iii)  the  retirement   of
                                              indebtedness  under the  Senior Note  and (iv)
                                              the payment  of  related  fees  and  expenses.
                                              However,  in the event  the Phipps Acquisition
                                              is  not  consummated  or  the  Minimum  Equity
                                              Condition  is not satisfied  prior to December
                                              23, 1996,  the Company  will be  obligated  to
                                              redeem the Notes. See "The Phipps Acquisition,
                                              the   KTVE   Sale  and   the   Financing"  and
                                              "Description of the Notes."
New York Stock Exchange Symbols:
    Class A Common Stock....................  GCS
    Class B Common Stock....................  GCS.B
Concurrent Offering.........................  Concurrently with this  Offering, the  Company
                                              is  offering $160,000,000  aggregate principal
                                              amount of  its Notes  by separate  prospectus.
                                              The  consummation  of  this  Offering  is  not
                                              conditioned  upon  the  consummation  of   the
                                              Financing,   the  Phipps  Acquisition  or  the
                                              Concurrent Offering.
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------
   
(1)  Excludes (i) approximately 53,500 shares  of Class A Common Stock  issuable
     upon exercise of stock options outstanding under the Company's stock option
     plans  as of  June 30, 1996,  (ii) 487,500  shares of Class  A Common Stock
     issuable upon exercise of an outstanding  warrant of the Company and  (iii)
     500,000  shares  of Class  A  Common Stock  issuable  upon exercise  of the
     warrant to be issued as part of the Financing. See "Management."
    
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
    See "Risk Factors" beginning on page 14 for certain information that  should
be  considered by  prospective purchasers  of the  Class B  Common Stock offered
hereby.
                            ------------------------
 
    The Company was  incorporated in  Georgia in 1897.  The principal  executive
offices  of  the Company  are located  at 126  North Washington  Street, Albany,
Georgia 31701, telephone number (912) 888-9390.
                            ------------------------
 
   
THIS PROSPECTUS CONTAINS CERTAIN FORWARD  LOOKING STATEMENTS WITHIN THE  MEANING
OF  THE PRIVATE  SECURITIES LITIGATION  REFORM ACT OF  1995 WITH  RESPECT TO THE
FINANCIAL  CONDITION,  RESULTS  OF  OPERATIONS  AND  BUSINESS  OF  THE  COMPANY,
INCLUDING   STATEMENTS   UNDER  THE   CAPTIONS   "PRO  FORMA   FINANCIAL  DATA,"
"MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION  AND ANALYSIS  OF FINANCIAL  CONDITION AND  RESULTS  OF
OPERATIONS"  AND "BUSINESS."  THESE FORWARD  LOOKING STATEMENTS  INVOLVE CERTAIN
RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES. NO ASSURANCE CAN BE GIVEN THAT ANY OF SUCH MATTERS WILL
BE REALIZED. FACTORS  THAT MAY CAUSE  ACTUAL RESULTS TO  DIFFER MATERIALLY  FROM
THOSE CONTEMPLATED BY SUCH FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS INCLUDE, AMONG OTHERS, THE
FOLLOWING  POSSIBILITIES:  (1) COMPETITIVE  PRESSURE  IN THE  COMPANY'S INDUSTRY
INCREASES; (2)  COSTS  RELATED  TO  THE  PHIPPS  ACQUISITION  ARE  GREATER  THAN
EXPECTED;  AND (3) GENERAL ECONOMIC CONDITIONS ARE LESS FAVORABLE THAN EXPECTED.
FOR FURTHER  INFORMATION  ON OTHER  FACTORS  WHICH COULD  AFFECT  THE  FINANCIAL
RESULTS OF THE COMPANY AND SUCH FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS, SEE "RISK FACTORS."
    
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
                        SUMMARY PRO FORMA FINANCIAL DATA
                (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATIOS AND PER SHARE DATA)
 
    The   following  table  sets  forth  (i)  unaudited  condensed  consolidated
historical financial  information  of  the  Company  and  certain  data  derived
therefrom, (ii) unaudited condensed consolidated pro forma financial information
of  the Company and  certain data derived  therefrom after giving  effect to the
Augusta Acquisition, this Offering,  the Financing and the  KTVE Sale and  (iii)
unaudited condensed consolidated pro forma combined financial information of the
Company and certain data derived therefrom after giving effect to the foregoing,
the  Phipps Acquisition  and the  Concurrent Offering.  The pro  forma financial
statements of the Company give effect to the Augusta Acquisition, the KTVE Sale,
this Offering, the Financing, the Phipps Acquisition and the Concurrent Offering
as if such transactions had occurred as  of January 1, 1995 with respect to  the
statement  of operations and data derived  therefrom for the year ended December
31, 1995 and as of January 1,  1996 with respect to the statement of  operations
and  data derived  therefrom for the  six months ended  June 30, 1996  and as of
December 31, 1995  and June  30, 1996  with respect  to the  balance sheet  data
derived therefrom as of such dates.
 
    The  Augusta Acquisition and the Phipps  Acquisition are reflected using the
purchase method of accounting for business combinations. The pro forma financial
information is provided for comparative purposes only and does not purport to be
indicative of the results that actually  would have been obtained if the  events
set  forth above had  been effected on  the dates indicated  or of those results
that may be obtained in the future. The pro forma financial statements are based
on preliminary estimates of values  and transaction costs. The actual  recording
of  the transactions will  be based on final  appraisals, values and transaction
costs. Accordingly, the actual recording of the transactions can be expected  to
differ from these pro forma financial statements.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                           YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995               JUNE 30, 1996
                                         ---------------------------------  ---------------------------------
                                         HISTORICAL PRO FORMA   PRO FORMA   HISTORICAL PRO FORMA   PRO FORMA
                                          COMPANY    COMPANY     COMBINED    COMPANY    COMPANY     COMBINED
                                         ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                      <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>
Operating revenues:
  Broadcasting (less agency
   commissions)........................  $  36,750  $   41,450  $   63,874  $  24,252  $   21,949  $   33,295
  Publishing...........................     21,866      21,866      21,866     11,262      11,262      11,262
  Paging...............................         --          --       4,897         --          --       2,744
                                         ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ----------  ----------
Total revenues.........................     58,616      63,316      90,637     35,514      33,211      47,301
Total expenses.........................     51,756      55,051      75,224     28,203      26,211      36,603
                                         ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ----------  ----------
Operating income.......................      6,860       8,265      15,413      7,311       7,000      10,698
Miscellaneous income (expense), net....        143          24          36         81          80          75
                                         ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ----------  ----------
Income before interest expense and
 income taxes..........................      7,003       8,289      15,449      7,392       7,080      10,773
Interest expense.......................      5,438         910      20,900      4,445         359      10,354
                                         ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ----------  ----------
Income (loss) before income taxes......      1,565       7,379      (5,451)     2,947       6,721         419
Income tax expense (benefit)...........        634       2,958      (1,847)     1,146       2,694         168
                                         ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ----------  ----------
Net income (loss)......................        931       4,421      (3,604)     1,801       4,027         251
Preferred stock dividends..............         --       1,400       1,400         --         700         700
                                         ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ----------  ----------
Net income (loss) available to common
 stockholders..........................  $     931  $    3,021  $   (5,004) $   1,801  $    3,327  $     (449)
                                         ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ----------  ----------
                                         ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ----------  ----------
Average shares outstanding.............      4,481       7,981       7,854      4,657       8,157       7,954
                                         ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ----------  ----------
                                         ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ----------  ----------
Earnings (loss) per common
 share--primary........................  $    0.21  $     0.38  $    (0.64) $    0.39  $     0.41  $    (0.06)
                                         ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ----------  ----------
                                         ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ----------  ----------
Earnings (loss) per common share--fully
 diluted...............................  $    0.21  $     0.38  $    (0.64) $    0.38  $     0.41  $    (0.06)
                                         ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ----------  ----------
                                         ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ----------  ----------
BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT END OF PERIOD):
Working capital (deficiency)...........  $    (222) $   11,923  $    7,142  $   3,538  $   11,571  $    7,116
Total assets...........................     78,240     116,161     299,997    112,516     116,448     299,567
Total debt.............................     54,324       3,853     186,403     82,846       1,101     183,651
Total stockholders' equity.............      8,986      96,301      95,520     13,813      98,929      98,217
OTHER DATA:
Media Cash Flow (1)....................  $  15,559  $   17,448  $   30,345  $  12,004  $   11,406  $   17,888
Operating cash flow (2)................     13,309      15,197      28,094     10,442       9,844      16,326
EBITDA (3).............................     13,140      15,151      28,134     10,332       9,752      16,363
Cash flow provided by (used in):
  Operating activities.................      7,600      11,593       8,981      6,801       8,178       7,491
  Investing activities.................     (8,929)     (5,964)     (8,011)   (37,490)     (3,190)     (4,029)
  Financing activities.................      1,331      (2,945)     (2,945)    31,416      (3,012)     (3,012)
Capital expenditures...................  $   3,280  $    3,202  $    6,390  $   1,317  $    1,313  $    2,960
Ratio of Media Cash Flow to interest
 expense...............................        2.9        19.2         1.5        2.7        31.8         1.7
Ratio of operating cash flow to
 interest expense......................        2.4        16.7         1.3        2.3        27.4         1.6
Ratio of total debt to Media Cash
 Flow..................................        3.5         0.2         6.1        4.3(5)        0.1        5.6(5)
Ratio of total debt to operating cash
 flow..................................        4.1         0.3         6.6        5.0(5)        0.1        6.2(5)
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges
 (4)...................................        1.3         7.3          --        1.6        14.8         1.0
</TABLE>
    
 
- ----------------------------------
(1) Media   Cash  Flow   represents  operating  income   plus  depreciation  and
    amortization (including amortization  of program  license rights),  non-cash
    compensation  and  corporate  overhead,  less  payments  of  program license
    liabilities.
(2) Operating  cash  flow   represents  operating   income  plus   depreciation,
    amortization (including amortization of program license rights) and non-cash
    compensation less payments for program license liabilities.
(3) EBITDA  represents operating  income plus (i)  depreciation and amortization
    (excluding  amortization  of  program  license  rights)  and  (ii)  non-cash
    compensation  paid  in common  stock (excluding  such  payments made  to the
    401(k) plan). EBITDA is presented not as a measure of operating results, but
    rather to provide additional information related to the Company's ability to
    service debt. EBITDA should  not be considered as  an alternative to  either
    (x)  operating  income  determined  in  accordance  with  generally accepted
    accounting principles ("GAAP") as an  indicator of operating performance  or
    (y)  cash  flows from  operating activities  (determined in  accordance with
    GAAP) as a measure of liquidity.
   
(4) For purposes of this item  "fixed charges" represent interest, the  interest
    element  of rental  expense, capitalized  interest and  amortization of debt
    issuance costs and "earnings" represent  income (loss) before income  taxes,
    discontinued operations, extraordinary items, cumulative effect of change in
    accounting  principles and fixed charges.  Pro forma combined earnings would
    be insufficient to cover fixed charges for the year ended December 31,  1995
    by $5.5 million.
    
(5) Represents applicable ratios for the 12 month period ended June 30, 1996.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
                       SUMMARY HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA
               GRAY COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATIOS AND PER SHARE DATA)
 
   
    Set  forth below are certain selected historical consolidated financial data
of the  Company.  This  information  should be  read  in  conjunction  with  the
consolidated  financial  statements of  the  Company and  related  notes thereto
appearing  elsewhere  herein  and  "Management's  Discussion  and  Analysis   of
Financial  Condition  and Results  of  Operations-Results of  Operations  of the
Company." The selected consolidated  financial data for, and  as of the end  of,
each  of the years in  the four-year period ended  December 31, 1995 are derived
from the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company. The  selected
consolidated  financial data for, and as of the year ended December 31, 1991 are
derived from unaudited  financial statements  since the  Company had  a June  30
fiscal year end. The selected consolidated financial data for, and as of the six
months  ended June 30, 1995  and 1996 are derived  from the unaudited accounting
records of the Company and have been  prepared on the same basis as the  audited
consolidated  financial statements and, in the  opinion of the management of the
Company, include all normal and recurring adjustments and accruals necessary for
a fair presentation of such information.
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                         SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE
                                                            YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                               30,
                                         --------------------------------------------------------------  ----------------------
                                              1991          1992        1993        1994        1995        1995        1996
                                         --------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                          (UNAUDITED)                                                         (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                      <C>             <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA:
Operating revenues:
  Broadcasting (less agency
   commissions)........................   $      13,553   $  15,131   $  15,004   $  22,826   $  36,750   $  18,261   $  24,252
  Publishing...........................           8,968       9,512      10,109      13,692      21,866      10,046      11,262
                                         --------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Total revenues.........................          22,521      24,643      25,113      36,518      58,616      28,307      35,514
Expenses:
  Broadcasting.........................           9,672       9,753      10,029      14,864      23,202      11,410      14,418
  Publishing...........................           6,444       6,752       7,662      11,198      20,016       8,590       9,193
  Corporate and administrative.........           1,889       2,627       2,326       1,959       2,258       1,012       1,571
  Depreciation.........................           1,487       1,197       1,388       1,745       2,633       1,234       1,648
  Amortization of intangible assets....              14          44         177         396       1,326         588       1,253
  Non-cash compensation paid in common
   stock...............................              --          --          --          80       2,321         816         120
                                         --------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Total expenses.........................          19,506      20,373      21,582      30,242      51,756      23,650      28,203
                                         --------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Operating income.......................           3,015       4,270       3,531       6,276       6,860       4,657       7,311
Miscellaneous income (expense), net....             778      (1,519)        202         189         143          69          81
                                         --------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Income from continuing operations
 before interest expense and income
 taxes.................................           3,793       2,751       3,733       6,465       7,003       4,726       7,392
Interest expense.......................             787       1,486         985       1,923       5,438       2,768       4,445
                                         --------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Income from continuing operations
 before income taxes...................           3,006       1,265       2,748       4,542       1,565       1,958       2,947
Income tax expense.....................           1,156         869       1,068       1,776         634         776       1,146
                                         --------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Income from continuing operations......           1,850         396       1,680       2,766         931       1,182       1,801
</TABLE>
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                         SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE
                                                            YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                               30,
                                         --------------------------------------------------------------  ----------------------
                                              1991          1992        1993        1994        1995        1995        1996
                                         --------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                          (UNAUDITED)                                                         (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                      <C>             <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Discontinued business:
  Income (loss) from operations of
   discontinued business, net of
   applicable income tax expense
   (benefit) of ($55), ($79) and $30,
   respectively........................             (90)       (129)         48          --          --          --          --
  Gain on disposal of discontinued
   business, net of applicable income
   tax expense of $501.................              --          --         818          --          --          --          --
                                         --------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Net income.............................   $       1,760   $     267   $   2,546   $   2,766   $     931   $   1,182   $   1,801
                                         --------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                         --------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Average outstanding common shares......           6,469       4,668       4,611       4,689       4,481       4,383       4,657
                                         --------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                         --------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Income from continuing operations per
 common share..........................   $        0.29   $    0.09   $    0.36   $    0.59   $    0.21   $    0.27   $    0.39
                                         --------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                         --------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Cash dividends per common share........   $        0.05   $    0.07   $    0.07   $    0.07   $    0.08   $    0.04   $    0.04
                                         --------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                         --------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
 
BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT END OF PERIOD):
Working capital (deficiency)...........   $       6,740   $   2,976   $   2,579   $   1,075   $    (222)  $     237   $   3,538
Total assets...........................          31,548      24,173      21,372      68,789      78,240      73,932     112,516
Total debt.............................          20,378      12,412       7,759      52,940      54,324      54,319      82,846
Total stockholders' equity.............   $       5,853   $   4,850   $   7,118   $   5,001   $   8,986   $   7,375   $  13,813
 
OTHER DATA:
Media Cash Flow (1)....................   $       6,405   $   8,079   $   7,371   $  10,522   $  15,559   $   8,333   $  12,004
Operating cash flow (2)................           4,516       5,452       5,044       8,567      13,309       7,329      10,442
EBITDA (3).............................           4,516       5,512       5,095       8,498      13,140       7,296      10,332
Cash flows provided by (used in):
    Operating activities...............           3,499       4,832       1,324       5,798       7,600       3,828       6,801
    Investing activities...............          (2,073)     (1,041)      3,062     (42,770)     (8,929)     (5,377)    (37,490)
    Financing activities...............         (10,424)     (9,300)     (4,932)     37,200       1,331       1,208      31,416
Capital expenditures...................   $       2,235   $   2,216   $   2,582   $   1,768   $   3,280   $   1,852   $   1,317
Ratio of Media Cash Flow to interest
 expense...............................             8.1         5.4         7.5         5.5         2.9         3.0         2.7
Ratio of operating cash flow to
 interest expense......................             5.7         3.7         5.1         4.5         2.4         2.6         2.3
Ratio of total debt to Media Cash
 Flow..................................             3.2         1.5         1.1         5.0         3.5         3.5(5)        4.3(5)
Ratio of total debt to operating cash
 flow..................................             4.5         2.3         1.5         6.2         4.1         4.1(5)        5.0(5)
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges
 (4)...................................             4.7         1.8         3.4         3.2         1.3         1.7         1.6
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------------
(1)  Media  Cash  Flow  represents   operating  income  plus  depreciation   and
     amortization  (including amortization of  program license rights), non-cash
     compensation and  corporate  overhead,  less payments  of  program  license
     liabilities.
 
(2)  Operating   cash  flow  represents   operating  income  plus  depreciation,
     amortization  (including  amortization  of  program  license  rights)   and
     non-cash compensation less payments for program license liabilities.
 
(3)  EBITDA  represents operating income plus  (i) depreciation and amortization
     (excluding amortization  of  program  license  rights)  and  (ii)  non-cash
     compensation  paid in  common stock  (excluding such  payments made  to the
     401(k) plan). EBITDA is  presented not as a  measure of operating  results,
     but  rather  to provide  additional  information related  to  the Company's
     ability to service debt. EBITDA should not be considered as an  alternative
     to  either (x)  operating income determined  in accordance with  GAAP as an
     indicator of  operating  performance  or  (y)  cash  flows  from  operating
     activities (determined in accordance with GAAP) as a measure of liquidity.
 
(4)  For purposes of this item, "fixed charges" represent interest, the interest
     element  of rental expense,  capitalized interest and  amortization of debt
     issuance costs and "earnings" represent income (loss) before income  taxes,
     discontinued  operations, extraordinary items,  cumulative effect of change
     in accounting principles and fixed charges.
 
(5)  Represents applicable ratios for the 12  month periods ended June 30,  1995
     and 1996.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
                              THE PHIPPS BUSINESS
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
    Set forth below are certain selected historical financial data of the Phipps
Business.  This information  should be  read in  conjunction with  the Financial
Statements of the Phipps Business and related notes thereto appearing  elsewhere
herein  and  "Management's Discussion  and Analysis  of Financial  Condition and
Results of  Operations-Results  of  Operations  of  the  Phipps  Business."  The
selected  financial data for,  and as of  the end of,  each of the  years in the
three-year period ended December 31, 1995 are derived from the audited financial
statements of the Phipps  Business. The selected financial  data for, and as  of
the  end of, each of the years ended December 31, 1991 and 1992 are derived from
the unaudited accounting records of the Phipps Business. The selected  financial
data for, and as of the six months ended June 30, 1995 and 1996 are derived from
the unaudited financial statements of the Phipps Business and have been prepared
on  the same basis  as the audited  financial statements and,  in the opinion of
management of  the Company,  include all  normal and  recurring adjustments  and
accruals necessary for a fair presentation of such information.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                            SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE
                                                                 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                             30,
                                                ----------------------------------------------------------  ----------------------
                                                   1991      1992(1)       1993        1994        1995        1995        1996
                                                ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                     (UNAUDITED)                                                 (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                             <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA:
Operating revenues:
  Broadcasting (less agency commission).......   $  10,492   $  14,523   $  19,460   $  21,524   $  22,424   $  10,774   $  11,346
  Paging......................................       3,369       3,646       3,788       4,277       4,897       2,423       2,744
                                                ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Total revenues................................      13,861      18,169      23,248      25,801      27,321      13,197      14,090
Expenses:
  Broadcasting................................       5,298       7,518      10,734      10,211      10,487       5,065       5,412
  Paging......................................       2,356       2,298       2,529       2,764       3,052       1,411       1,780
  Management fee..............................         579         973       2,462       2,486       3,280       1,539         735
  Depreciation and amortization...............       1,513       1,734       2,836       2,672       3,120       1,436       1,530
                                                ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Total expenses................................       9,746      12,523      18,561      18,133      19,939       9,451       9,457
                                                ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Operating income..............................       4,115       5,646       4,687       7,668       7,382       3,746       4,633
Miscellaneous income (expense), net...........           5           8          16         666          12          (4)         (5)
                                                ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Income before interest expense and minority
 interests....................................       4,120       5,654       4,703       8,334       7,394       3,742       4,628
Interest expense..............................         162         442         632         480         499         223         159
                                                ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Income before minority interests..............       3,958       5,212       4,071       7,854       6,895       3,519       4,469
Minority interests............................          --         331         140         635         547         256         296
                                                ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Net income....................................   $   3,958   $   4,881   $   3,931   $   7,219   $   6,348   $   3,263   $   4,173
                                                ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Supplemental unaudited pro forma
 information: (2)
  Net income, as above........................   $   3,958   $   4,881   $   3,931   $   7,219   $   6,348   $   3,263   $   4,173
  Pro forma provision for income tax
   expense....................................       1,504       1,855       1,500       2,743       2,413       1,240       1,586
                                                ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Pro forma net income..........................   $   2,454   $   3,026   $   2,431   $   4,476   $   3,935   $   2,023   $   2,587
                                                ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
 
BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT END OF PERIOD):
Working capital...............................   $     595   $     615   $   1,257   $   1,421   $   2,622   $   2,228   $   2,902
Total assets..................................       8,931      25,068      24,819      25,298      27,562      27,633      26,306
Total debt....................................       1,388       7,697       6,542       6,065       4,810       5,198       4,034
Minority interests............................          --       1,154         824         728         586         648         655
Owner's equity................................   $   6,351   $  13,276   $  14,306   $  15,465   $  18,794   $  18,764   $  18,666
</TABLE>
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,        JUNE 30,
                                             -------------------------------  --------------------
                                                  1993       1994       1995       1995       1996
                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                  (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                          <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
OTHER DATA:
Media Cash Flow (3)........................  $  10,466  $  12,983  $  13,696  $   6,678  $   6,769
Operating cash flow (4)....................      8,003     10,498     10,416      5,140      6,035
EBITDA (5).................................      7,523     10,340     10,502      5,182      6,163
Cash flows provided by (used in):
    Operating activities...................      7,397      9,808      9,259      4,136      6,191
    Investing activities...................     (2,953)    (2,506)    (3,828)    (3,152)      (840)
    Financing activities...................     (4,418)    (7,233)    (4,906)      (917)    (5,309)
Capital expenditures.......................  $   3,538  $   3,353  $   3,188  $   1,902  $   1,647
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------------
(1) Includes  the acquisition of a majority interest in WKXT in July 1992, which
    was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting.
 
(2) John H. Phipps, Inc. and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income
    tax return and separate state tax returns. Income tax expense for the Phipps
    Business is not presented  in the financial statements  as such amounts  are
    computed and paid by John H. Phipps, Inc. Pro forma federal and state income
    taxes for the Phipps Business are calculated on a pro forma, separate return
    basis.
 
(3) Media  Cash Flow represents operating income plus depreciation, amortization
    (including amortization of program  license rights) and corporate  overhead,
    less payments of program license liabilities.
 
(4) Operating  cash  flow  represents  operating  income  plus  depreciation and
    amortization  (including  amortization  of  program  license  rights)   less
    payments for program license liabilities.
 
(5) EBITDA  represents  operating  income  plus  depreciation  and  amortization
    (excluding amortization of program license rights). EBITDA is presented  not
    as  a  measure  of  operating  results,  but  rather  to  provide additional
    information related to the Phipps Business' ability to service debt.  EBITDA
    should  not be considered  as an alternative to  either (x) operating income
    determined in accordance with GAAP as an indicator of operating  performance
    or  (y) cash flows from operating  activities (determined in accordance with
    GAAP) as a measure of liquidity.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
    IN  ADDITION  TO  CONSIDERING  THE  OTHER  INFORMATION  SET  FORTH  IN  THIS
PROSPECTUS, PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS OF  THE CLASS B  COMMON STOCK OFFERED  HEREBY
SHOULD CONSIDER CAREFULLY THE FOLLOWING FACTORS BEFORE DECIDING TO INVEST IN THE
CLASS B COMMON STOCK.
 
   
    SUBSTANTIAL  LEVERAGE.  The Company  will have substantial indebtedness upon
the consummation of this  Offering and the Concurrent  Offering. As of June  30,
1996,  on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the KTVE Sale, this Offering,
the Financing, the Phipps Acquisition  and the Concurrent Offering, the  Company
and its subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, would have had outstanding $183.6
million  of indebtedness  and stockholders'  equity of  $98.2 million,  with the
ability, subject to certain limitations described herein, to incur approximately
$102.2  million  of  additional  indebtedness  pursuant  to  the  Senior  Credit
Facility, $10.0 million of which could have been borrowed thereunder. As part of
the  Financing and as a  condition of the Concurrent  Offering, the Company will
enter into  the Senior  Credit Facility,  and  the Company  has entered  into  a
commitment   letter   with  respect   thereto.   See  "Description   of  Certain
Indebtedness." On  a  pro  forma  basis  after  giving  effect  to  the  Augusta
Acquisition, the KTVE Sale, this Offering, the Financing, the Phipps Acquisition
and  the Concurrent Offering  for the year  ended December 31,  1995 and the six
months ended June 30, 1996, the Company's pro forma combined earnings would have
been insufficient to cover fixed charges by $5.5 million and sufficient to cover
fixed charges by $419,000, respectively.  In addition, upon the consummation  of
this  Offering, the  Company will  issue Series A  and Series  B Preferred Stock
having annual  dividend requirements  of  $800,000 and  $600,000,  respectively,
which  in the case  of the Series B  Preferred Stock, may, at  the option of the
Company,  be  paid  in  shares  of  Series  B  Preferred  Stock.  See   "Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions--Issuances of Preferred Stock."
    
 
    The   Company  intends  to  pursue  additional  acquisitions  of  television
stations, publications or related businesses  and, in connection therewith,  may
incur  substantial  additional  indebtedness  or  issue  substantial  additional
preferred stock.
 
    The degree  to which  the Company  will be  leveraged could  have  important
consequences  to holders of  the Class B Common  Stock, including the following:
(i) the Company's ability to obtain financing in the future for working capital,
capital expenditures  and general  corporate purposes  may be  impaired; (ii)  a
substantial portion of the Company's cash flow from operations must be dedicated
to  the payment of principal and interest on its indebtedness and the payment of
cash dividends on  the Series  A Preferred  Stock; and  (iii) a  high degree  of
leverage  may limit the Company's  ability to react to  changes in the industry,
make the Company more vulnerable to economic downturns and limit its ability  to
withstand competitive pressures.
 
   
    The  Company's ability  to service  its debt  and dividend  obligations will
depend  upon  its  future  operating  performance  which  will  be  affected  by
prevailing economic conditions and financial and business factors, many of which
are beyond the Company's control. If the Company cannot generate sufficient cash
flow  from operations to meet its obligations,  then the Company may be required
to restructure or  refinance its debt,  raise additional capital  or take  other
actions  such as  selling assets or  reducing or  delaying capital expenditures.
There can be no assurance, however, that  any of such actions could be  effected
on  satisfactory terms, if at all, or would be permitted by the terms of the Old
Credit Facility,  the Senior  Credit Facility,  the Indenture  or the  Company's
other credit arrangements.
    
 
    The  Company's Old Credit Facility contains,  and the Senior Credit Facility
and the  Notes will  contain, restrictive  covenants that,  among other  things,
limit  the Company's ability to incur  additional indebtedness, create liens and
make  investments  and  capital  expenditures.  The  Old  Credit  Facility  also
requires,  and the  Senior Credit Facility  will require, the  Company to comply
with certain financial ratios and tests, under which the Company is required  to
achieve  certain financial and operating results.  The Company's ability to meet
these financial ratios and tests may  be affected by events beyond its  control,
and  there can be no assurance  that they will be met.  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.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
    LIMITATIONS  ON   ADDITIONAL   INDEBTEDNESS   --   EFFECT   ON   ACQUISITION
STRATEGY.   The  Company's strategy  includes acquiring  television stations and
publications  in  the  Southeast.  However,  the  Company's  ability  to   incur
additional indebtedness will be limited by the terms of the Old Credit Facility,
the  Senior Credit Facility  and the Notes. If  the Company requires significant
additional financing to fund acquisitions  or operations or for other  purposes,
the  consent of its lenders, or a refinancing of existing indebtedness, would be
required. The Old Credit Facility contains  and the Senior Credit Facility  will
contain  financial covenants and other operating restrictions which must be met,
or consent to their modifications obtained, to permit acquisitions. There can be
no assurance that the Company would be successful in obtaining such consents  or
refinancing.  If the  Company is unable  to satisfy such  financial covenants or
obtain such  consents  or  refinancing, it  would  not  be able  to  pursue  its
acquisition strategy.
 
    CONSUMMATION  OF THE PHIPPS ACQUISITION PRIOR TO FINAL FCC APPROVAL.  If the
requisite FCC approval is obtained, the Company intends to consummate the Phipps
Acquisition prior to the time such approval becomes "final" (that is, during the
time a third party may file a petition for reconsideration of, or the FCC itself
may reconsider, such approval) and the Company may cause the Trustee to  release
the proceeds of the Trust Funds for such purpose. If any such appeals are filed,
the  FCC may, under certain circumstances, reconsider its approval of the Phipps
Acquisition. If any such appeal is successful,  the FCC may impose a variety  of
remedies,  including, among other things, requiring the Company to divest one or
both of the acquired stations.
 
    FCC DIVESTITURE REQUIREMENT.  In connection with the Phipps Acquisition, the
Company is  seeking  FCC approval  granting  the assignment  of  the  television
broadcast  licenses  for  WCTV, which  serves  Tallahassee, Florida/Thomasville,
Georgia, and WKXT, which serves  Knoxville, Tennessee. The television  broadcast
signal  of WCTV overlaps with the  Company's existing stations, WALB-TV ("WALB")
and WJHG-TV ("WJHG"). Due to such overlap, common ownership of such stations  is
prohibited by current FCC regulations. Such regulations will require the Company
to  divest its ownership interest in WALB and WJHG in connection with the Phipps
Acquisition. However, these rules may be  revised by the FCC upon conclusion  of
pending rulemaking proceedings. The Company has applied for six month waivers of
such  regulations. There can be no assurance that these waivers will be granted.
Opposition to such  waiver requests  has been  filed by  a competing  television
station in Panama City, Florida. If granted, the waivers will afford the Company
six  months to  divest WALB  and WJHG following  the consummation  of the Phipps
Acquisition (if such divestiture is necessary in order to comply with FCC  rules
in  effect at  the expiration of  the waiver  period). If these  waivers are not
granted, it is unlikely that the Company  will be able to consummate the  Phipps
Acquisition.
 
   
    In order to satisfy applicable FCC requirements, the Company, subject to FCC
approval,  intends to  swap such  assets for  assets of  one or  more television
stations of  comparable value  and  with comparable  broadcast  cash flow  in  a
transaction qualifying for deferred capital gains treatment under the "like-kind
exchange"  provision of Section  1031 of the  Internal Revenue Code  of 1986, as
amended (the  "Code").  If the  Company  is unable  to  effect such  a  swap  on
satisfactory  terms within the time period granted by the FCC under the waivers,
the Company may transfer such assets to a trust with a view towards the  trustee
effecting  a swap or  sale of such  assets. Any such  trust arrangement would be
subject to the approval of the FCC. It is anticipated that the Company would  be
required  to  relinquish operating  control of  such assets  to a  trustee while
retaining the economic risks and benefits  of ownership. If the Company or  such
trust  is  required  to  effect  a  sale of  WALB,  the  Company  would  incur a
significant gain and related  tax liability, the payment  of which could have  a
material  adverse effect on  the Company's ability  to acquire comparable assets
without incurring additional indebtedness. WALB and WJHG accounted for 10.4% and
4.3%, respectively, of  the Company's  pro forma  total revenues  and 16.8%  and
1.8%,  respectively, of  the Company's  pro forma Media  Cash Flow  for the year
ended December 31, 1995. On  a pro forma basis for  the year ended December  31,
1995,  the stations had  net income of $3.2  million and $218,000, respectively,
while the Company had a  net (loss) of $(3.6)  million. WALB and WJHG  accounted
for  10.8% and 5.1%, respectively of the  Company's pro forma total revenues and
15.7% and 3.5%, respectively of the Company's pro forma Media Cash Flow for  the
six  months ended June 30, 1996.  On a pro forma basis  for the six months ended
June 30,  1996,  the stations  had  net income  of  $1.6 million  and  $295,000,
respectively, while the Company had net income of
    
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
   
$251,000. No assurance can be given that the Company will be able to identify or
enter  into arrangements regarding suitable assets for a swap or sale satisfying
the FCC divestiture requirements.  In addition, there can  be no assurance  that
the  Company could effect a sale or swap  on a timely basis or establish a trust
on satisfactory  terms. See  "Pro Forma  Financial Data"  and  "Business-Federal
Regulation of the Company's Business."
    
 
   
    POSSIBLE  NON-CONSUMMATION OF THE  PHIPPS ACQUISITION.   The consummation of
the Phipps Acquisition, which is anticipated to occur by September 30, 1996,  is
subject  to certain closing  conditions, including receipt  of FCC approval. The
Asset Purchase Agreement (as defined)  for the Phipps Acquisition provides  that
either party may terminate the Phipps Acquisition if it has not been consummated
by  September 30, 1996.  If the Phipps  Acquisition has not  been consummated by
such date,  the  Company does  not  currently  intend to  terminate  the  Phipps
Acquisition,  but the Company has not discussed  with the seller an extension of
such date. The Company filed an  application seeking FCC approval of the  Phipps
Acquisition  on January 16, 1996. Opposition  to such application has been filed
by certain competitors of  the Company and the  Company has filed amendments  to
its  application  in response  thereto.  The Company  has  not yet  received FCC
approval of its application. There can be no assurance that FCC approval will be
obtained prior  to  September  30,  1996  or at  all,  that  the  other  closing
conditions  will be satisfied or waived or that the closing will occur. Upon the
consummation of  the Concurrent  Offering and  pending the  consummation of  the
Phipps  Acquisition and  the satisfaction of  the Minimum  Equity Condition, the
Company will  deposit  the estimated  net  proceeds of  $155.2  million  (before
deducting  expenses) from the Concurrent Offering plus an amount estimated to be
sufficient to fund in full the redemption of the Notes with the Trustee and  the
Trustee  will  invest such  amounts in  cash equivalents.  If either  the Phipps
Acquisition is not consummated or the Minimum Equity Condition is not  satisfied
prior to December 23, 1996, the Company will be required to redeem the Notes for
$161.6  million  plus  accrued  and  unpaid  interest  to  the  date  fixed  for
redemption. The  Company expects  that the  interest rate  earned on  the  funds
invested  in cash equivalents will be less  than the interest rate on the Notes.
See "Description of the Notes."
    
 
    In addition, if the Phipps Acquisition is  not consummated as a result of  a
default  by the  Company, the  Company will  be required  to pay  $10 million as
liquidated damages.
 
   
    For the year  ended December 31,  1995, on  a pro forma  basis after  giving
effect  to  the  KTVE Sale,  the  Financing,  this Offering  and  the Concurrent
Offering, the Phipps Business comprised approximately 30.1%, 42.5% and 35.7%  of
the  Company's  total revenues,  Media Cash  Flow  and operating  income (income
before  miscellaneous  income  (expense),  allocation  of  corporate   overhead,
interest expense and income tax expense), respectively. For the six months ended
June  30, 1996, on a pro  forma basis after giving effect  to the KTVE Sale, the
Financing, this  Offering  and  the Concurrent  Offering,  the  Phipps  Business
comprised  approximately 29.8%, 36.2% and 29.2% of the Company's total revenues,
Media Cash  Flow  and  operating  income  (income  before  miscellaneous  income
(expense),  allocation of  corporate overhead,  interest expense  and income tax
expense),  respectively.  If  the  Company   does  not  consummate  the   Phipps
Acquisition,  the  Company would  have lower  revenues,  lower Media  Cash Flow,
higher cash balances and lower long-term debt. See "Pro Forma Financial Data."
    
 
    DEPENDENCE ON  ADVERTISING REVENUES;  EFFECT OF  ECONOMIC CONDITIONS.    The
television  and newspaper industries are cyclical  in nature and are affected by
prevailing economic conditions. Since the Company relies on sales of advertising
time at its television stations and in its publications for substantially all of
its revenues, the Company's operating results are sensitive to general  economic
conditions  and regional conditions in  each of the local  markets served by its
television stations and publications. In addition, all of the Company's stations
and publications  are located  in  the Southeast.  As  a result,  the  Company's
results  of  operations  may  be  adversely  affected  by  recessionary economic
conditions either  in  the Southeast,  nationally  or, due  to  the  substantial
portion of revenues derived from local advertisers, the local economies in areas
served by its television stations and publications. See "Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Business."
 
    DEPENDENCE  ON  NETWORK  AFFILIATIONS.   Five  of  the  Company's television
stations are affiliated with CBS and two are affiliated with NBC. The television
viewership   levels    for    each    of    the    stations    are    materially
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
dependent  upon programming provided  by the network with  which each station is
affiliated. There can  be no  assurance that  such programming  will achieve  or
maintain  satisfactory  viewership levels  in the  future. Although  the Company
expects to  continue  to be  able  to  renew these  affiliation  agreements,  no
assurance  can be given that such renewals  will be obtained. The non-renewal or
termination of  one  or more  of  the Company's  stations'  network  affiliation
agreements  may  have a  material  adverse effect  on  the Company's  results of
operations. See "Business-Network Affiliation of the Stations."
 
    COMPETITIVE NATURE OF AND RISK OF  CHANGES IN THE TELEVISION INDUSTRY.   The
television  industry is  highly competitive  and the  Company's stations compete
with  other  television  stations  as  well  as  other  media  for  viewers  and
advertising  revenues, such  as newspapers,  radio stations,  magazines, outdoor
advertising, transit advertising, yellow page directories, direct mail and local
cable systems. During the past decade, the entry of strong independent broadcast
stations and programming alternatives such  as cable television, home  satellite
delivery,  home  video and,  more recently,  direct broadcast  satellite ("DBS")
television and  video  signals delivered  over  telephone lines  have  subjected
traditional  network-affiliated television stations to new types of competition.
Competition  for  programming   involves  negotiating   with  national   program
distributors or syndicators for exclusive rights to broadcast first-run or rerun
packages of programming in a particular DMA.
 
    The  ability  of  each of  the  Company's stations  to  generate advertising
revenues is dependent, to a significant degree, upon its audience ratings which,
in turn, are dependent  upon successful programming. There  can be no  assurance
that  any of  the Company's stations  will be  able to maintain  or increase its
current quality of programming, audience  share or advertising revenues. To  the
extent  that certain  of the  Company's competitors have,  or may  in the future
obtain, greater resources  than the  Company, the Company's  ability to  compete
successfully    in   its    broadcasting   markets    may   be    impeded.   See
"Business-Competition."
 
    Further advances in  technology and  changes in the  regulatory climate  may
increase  competition  for  household audiences,  programs  and  advertisers. In
addition, the Warner Brothers  Network ("WB") and  the United Paramount  Network
("UPN")  recently have begun operations.  Video compression technology currently
under development,  as  well  as  other  technological  developments,  have  the
potential  to provide vastly expanded  programming to highly targeted audiences.
In addition, competition in the television industry in the future may come  from
interactive  video and data  services that may  provide two-way interaction. The
Company is  unable to  predict  the effect  that  these or  other  technological
changes  will  have on  the television  industry  or the  future results  of the
Company's operations.
 
    The FCC  has  proposed  the  adoption of  rules  for  implementing  advanced
(including high-definition television or HDTV) television service ("ATV") in the
United  States.  Implementation of  ATV will  improve  the technical  quality of
television. Under certain circumstances,  however, conversion to ATV  operations
may  reduce a station's geographical coverage  area. While implementation of ATV
will impose additional costs on the Company's television stations providing  the
new service primarily due to increased equipment costs, there is a potential for
increased revenues. On July 26, 1995, the FCC announced the issuance of a Notice
of  Proposed Rule Making ("NPRM")  to invite comment on  a broad range of issues
related to the  implementation of  ATV, particularly the  transition to  digital
broadcasting.  The  FCC also  stated  that the  NPRM  would be  followed  by two
additional proceedings and that a Final  Report and Order which will launch  the
ATV system is anticipated sometime in 1997.
 
    The  Company cannot predict how the  combination of business, regulatory and
technological change will affect the broadcast industry or the Company's results
of operations. See "Business-Federal Regulation of the Company's Business."
 
    COMPETITIVE NATURE  OF THE  NEWSPAPER INDUSTRY.   Revenue  in the  newspaper
industry  is derived  primarily from  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  advertising media.  The  extent and  nature  of  such
competition  is in large part determined by the demographics and location of the
markets and  the  media  alternatives  in those  markets.  To  the  extent  that
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
certain  of the Company's competitors have, or may in the future obtain, greater
resources than the Company, the Company's ability to compete successfully in its
publishing markets may be impeded. See "Business-Competition."
 
    The newspaper industry requires  the availability of significant  quantities
of  newsprint. The  variability of  newsprint costs in  recent years  has been a
material factor in the profitability of the newspaper industry generally and has
affected the results of the Company's newspaper operations.
 
    REGULATORY MATTERS.  The broadcasting  and paging industries are subject  to
regulation  by the  FCC under  the Communications Act  of 1934,  as amended (the
"Communications  Act")   and   the   Telecommunications   Act   of   1996   (the
"Telecommunications  Act"). Approval  by the FCC  is required  for the issuance,
renewal, transfer or  assignment of  television station  operating licenses.  In
particular,  the Company's television business  is dependent upon its continuing
ability to hold television broadcast licenses from the FCC, which generally  are
issued  for five-year terms. However, the Telecommunications Act now directs the
FCC to  extend the  term of  television broadcast  licenses to  eight years  for
license  applications filed after May 1, 1995. The Company's existing television
station licenses expire  between 1997  and 1999. Although  in substantially  all
cases  such licenses are renewed by the FCC,  there can be no assurance that any
of the  Company's  television  broadcast  licenses  will  be  renewed  at  their
expiration  dates for the full terms or at all. The non-renewal or limitation of
one or more of the Company's television broadcast licenses could have a material
adverse effect on the Company. The Telecommunications Act also addresses a  wide
variety  of matters (including technological  changes) that affect the operation
and ownership of the Company's  television stations. The Telecommunications  Act
eliminates  the restrictions on the number  of television stations an entity may
own, operate or control and increases the national audience reach limitations to
35%. The  FCC  has been  directed  to adopt  rules  relating to  the  retention,
modification   or  elimination  of  local  ownership  limitations  and  spectrum
flexibility, including how to establish  and collect fees from broadcasters  for
the implementation of ancillary and supplementary services.
 
    The  FCC has  been directed  to revise  its rules  to permit cross-ownership
interests between a broadcast network and  a cable system, and if necessary,  to
revise  its rules to ensure carriage, channel positioning and non-discriminatory
treatment of non-affiliated broadcast stations by cable systems affiliated  with
a  broadcast network. The FCC  has been directed to  review all of its ownership
rules every two  years and  currently has several  broadcast related  rulemaking
proceedings  underway. There  can be no  assurance that any  such rulemakings or
resulting changes would not materially adversely affect the Company.
 
    The Company's paging operations (which are part of the Phipps Business)  are
also  subject to regulation by the FCC.  The FCC licenses granted to the Company
are for  varying  terms  of  up  to  10 years,  at  the  end  of  which  renewal
applications must be approved by the FCC. Although the Company is unaware of any
circumstances  which  could  prevent  the  grant  of  renewal  applications,  no
assurance can  be given  that any  of the  Company's licenses  will be  free  of
competing  applications or will be  renewed by the FCC.  Futhermore, the FCC has
the authority to restrict the operation  of licensed facilities or to revoke  or
modify licenses. See "Business-Federal Regulation of the Company's Business."
 
   
    RECENT  ACQUISITION OF  TELEVISION STATIONS  AND PUBLICATIONS.   The Company
acquired one newspaper and  three shoppers in 1995  and consummated the  Augusta
Acquisition  in 1996. The Company consummated the  KTVE Sale in August 1996. The
Phipps Acquisition is pending and the Company will be required under current FCC
regulations to divest WALB and WJHG  in connection with the Phipps  Acquisition.
As  a result,  the majority  of the  Company's assets  have, or  will have been,
recently  acquired.  Accordingly,  there   is  no  meaningful  opportunity   for
prospective  purchasers of the Class B  Common Stock to evaluate the performance
of these assets  under the Company's  management and there  can be no  assurance
that  the  Company's operating  strategy  can be  successfully  implemented with
respect to its newly acquired assets. See "Business."
    
 
    RISK OF INABILITY TO FINANCE CHANGE OF  CONTROL OFFER.  A Change of  Control
under  the Indenture would require the  Company to refinance substantial amounts
of indebtedness.  In the  event of  a Change  of Control,  the Company  has  the
obligation  to offer to purchase  all the outstanding Notes  at a price equal to
101% of the principal  amount thereof, plus accrued  and unpaid interest to  the
date  of purchase. As of June 30, 1996, on a pro forma basis after giving effect
to  the  KTVE  Sale,  this  Offering,  the  Financing,  the  Phipps  Acquisition
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
and  the  Concurrent  Offering,  the Company  would  not  have  sufficient funds
available to purchase all of  the outstanding Notes if  they were tendered as  a
result  of a  Change of  Control. In  addition, covenants  in the  Senior Credit
Facility would restrict the Company's ability to make any such purchase. In  the
event  of a Change of Control, there can  be no assurance that the Company would
have available, or be able to obtain, sufficient funds through a refinancing  of
the  Notes to be  purchased or otherwise,  or that the  lenders under the Senior
Credit Facility  would permit  any such  purchase. A  Change of  Control of  the
Company  also may cause  an acceleration under other  Senior Debt (including the
Senior Credit Facility), in which case the subordination provisions of the Notes
would require  payment  in full  of  all  such accelerated  Senior  Debt  before
repurchase of the Notes. The inability to repay Senior Debt, if accelerated, and
to  effect  an offer  to repurchase  the Notes  upon a  Change of  Control would
constitute events of default under the Indenture. Also, the requirement that the
Company offer to repurchase the Notes  and the obligation to prepay the  amounts
owing  under  the  Company's  existing indebtedness  and  the  reduction  of the
commitments thereunder to zero in the event of a Change of Control may have  the
effect  of deterring a third  party from acquiring the  Company in a transaction
that would constitute a Change of Control.
 
    LIMITED VOTING RIGHTS OF CLASS  B COMMON SHAREHOLDERS; CONTROL BY  PRINCIPAL
SHAREHOLDER.  Holders of Class B Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share
on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders and holders of Class A Common
Stock  are entitled to 10 votes per share. Immediately after the consummation of
this Offering and the  Concurrent Offering, the Class  B Common Stock will  have
approximately  7.3% of the outstanding voting power of the Company. Bull Run and
its affiliates collectively beneficially own 47.1% of the outstanding shares  of
Class  A Common Stock representing approximately 43.7% of the total voting power
of the  Company's  capital stock  after  giving  effect to  this  Offering.  See
"Security  Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management." In connection
with certain FCC applications, Bull Run  and its affiliates have (i) agreed  not
to  cause  more than  three  of its  designees  to be  elected  to the  Board of
Directors of the  Company, (ii)  stated that Bull  Run and  its affiliates  have
acquired  the common stock of  the Company for investment  purposes only and not
with the intent to control the Company  and (iii) agreed not to solicit  proxies
for  votes  on  matters  before the  Company's  shareholders.  However,  if such
agreement is terminated for  any reason, subject  to applicable FCC  regulations
that  require  the  FCC's  prior  consent, Bull  Run  and  its  affiliates could
effectively control the election of a  majority of the Company's directors  and,
thus,  the operations and business of the  Company as a whole. In addition, such
shareholders  may  have  the  ability  to  prevent  certain  types  of  material
transactions, including a change of control of the Company.
 
    The  disproportionate voting rights of the  Class A Common Stock relative to
the Class B Common  Stock may make  the Company a less  attractive target for  a
takeover  than it otherwise might  be, or render more  difficult or discourage a
merger proposal or a tender offer.
 
   
    POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF  INTEREST.   Bull Run is  in the  business of  making
significant  investments in existing companies and may from time to time acquire
and  hold   controlling  or   noncontrolling   interests  in   broadcasting   or
broadcasting-related  businesses other than  through the Company,  some of which
may compete with the Company. Bull Run and its affiliates may from time to  time
identify,  pursue and  consummate acquisitions  of television  stations or other
broadcasting related businesses that would  be complementary to the business  of
the  Company and therefore such acquisition  opportunities will not be available
to the  Company. In  addition,  Bull Run  may from  time  to time  identify  and
structure acquisitions for the Company and may receive customary finders fees in
connection  with such transactions. Certain affiliates of Bull Run have entered,
and in the future may enter, into business relationships with the Company or its
subsidiaries. See  "Management--Compensation  Committee Interlocks  and  Insider
Participation" and "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions."
    
 
    ANTI-TAKEOVER  MEASURES.  The Company's  Articles of Incorporation authorize
the issuance of up to 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock. Other than the 1,000
shares of Series A Preferred  Stock and the 1,000  shares of Series B  Preferred
Stock  to be issued in the Financing, the  Company has no current plans to issue
any additional  shares  of preferred  stock.  However, because  the  rights  and
preferences  for any series  of preferred stock may  be set by  the Board in its
sole discretion, the  Company may  issue preferred  stock which  has rights  and
preferences  superior to the rights of holders  of the Common Stock and thus may
adversely effect the  rights of  holders of  Common Stock.  See "Description  of
Capital Stock -- Preferred Stock."
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
    NO  PRIOR PUBLIC MARKET.   Prior to this Offering,  there has been no public
market for the Class B Common Stock. The Class B Common Stock has been  approved
for  listing on the NYSE, subject  to official notice of issuance. Nevertheless,
there can no  assurance that an  active public  trading market for  the Class  B
Common  Stock will develop or be sustained. The initial public offering price of
the Class B  Common Stock  will be based  on the  closing price of  the Class  A
Common Stock on the date of offering and will be determined through negotiations
between  the Company and  the Underwriters. There  can be no  assurance that the
market price  of the  Class B  Common  Stock subsequent  to this  Offering  will
correlate  to the  market price  of the  Class A  Common Stock.  Factors such as
market conditions in the  television broadcast industry  may have a  significant
impact on the market price of the Class B Common Stock.
 
   
    SHARES  ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE.  At  June 30, 1996, after giving effect to
this Offering,  there would  be 4,467,205  shares of  Class A  Common Stock  and
3,500,000  shares  of  Class  B  Common  Stock  outstanding.  Bull  Run  and its
affiliates and each of the Company's executive officers and directors who in the
aggregate own approximately 2,120,000  shares of Class A  Common Stock and  hold
options  or warrants (currently outstanding or to be issued upon consummation of
the Financing) to acquire  an additional estimated 1,047,500  shares of Class  A
Common  Stock have agreed that they will not offer, sell or otherwise dispose of
any of  their  shares of  Class  A  Common Stock  or  Class B  Common  Stock  or
securities  convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for, Class A Common
Stock or  Class B  Common  Stock, subject  to  certain exceptions,  without  the
consent of The Robinson-Humphrey Company, Inc. for a period of 180 days from the
date  of this Prospectus (the "180-Day Lockup Period"). After the 180-Day Lockup
Period, Bull Run  and its affiliates  and the Company's  executive officers  and
directors  may sell shares of Class A Common Stock, subject to the provisions of
Rule 144 under the Securities  Act. Sales of a  substantial number of shares  of
the  Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock in the public market following
this Offering could  adversely affect the  market price for  the Class B  Common
Stock. See "Shares Eligible for Future Sale."
    
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
            THE PHIPPS ACQUISITION, THE KTVE SALE AND THE FINANCING
 
THE PHIPPS ACQUISITION
 
GENERAL
 
   
    The  Company has entered into an  agreement (the "Asset Purchase Agreement")
to acquire two CBS-affiliated  television stations, WCTV  and WKXT, a  satellite
broadcasting  business and a paging business  in the Southeast. The consummation
of the Phipps Acquisition  is subject to  certain closing conditions,  including
FCC  approval. Either  party may terminate  the Asset Purchase  Agreement if the
Phipps Acquisition has not  been consummated by September  30, 1996. The  Phipps
Acquisition is currently expected to occur by September 30, 1996; however, there
can  be no assurance that FCC approval  will be obtained, that the other closing
conditions will be satisfied  or waived or that  the Phipps Acquisition will  be
consummated.   See  "Risk  Factors--Possible   Non-Consummation  of  the  Phipps
Acquisition."
    
 
THE ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT
 
    On December 15, 1995 the Company entered into the Asset Purchase  Agreement,
which  was amended on March 15, 1996 and provides for the purchase of the Phipps
Business from Media Acquisition Partners,  L.P. ("MAP"). The purchase price  for
the  Phipps Acquisition is approximately  $185 million, including fees, expenses
and working capital and certain other  adjustments. Upon execution of the  Asset
Purchase  Agreement,  the Company  deposited $200,000  with  MAP, which  will be
credited toward  the  purchase  price  or, if  the  Phipps  Acquisition  is  not
consummated,  refunded  to  the  Company  net  of  MAP's  out-of-pocket expenses
incurred in connection with  the transaction. The parties  have agreed that  $15
million  of the purchase price will be  deposited into an escrow account to fund
indemnification payments under the Asset  Purchase Agreement. To the extent  not
utilized to fund such payments, the escrow funds shall be released to MAP over a
seven-year period.
 
    Pursuant  to  the Asset  Purchase Agreement,  the  Company will  acquire the
assets constituting the Phipps Business and assume certain liabilities  relating
to  the Phipps  Business. MAP  has agreed to  indemnify the  Company for certain
liabilities incurred by the Company  relating to the Phipps Business,  including
taxes,   liabilities  relating  to  certain   employee  benefit  plans,  certain
environmental matters and undisclosed  liabilities. However, the Asset  Purchase
Agreement  provides that  no party thereto  shall be  liable for indemnification
(which is the exclusive legal remedy thereunder)  in an amount in excess of  the
balance  of escrowed funds.  There can be  no assurance that  the escrowed funds
will be sufficient to satisfy liabilities of the Phipps Business assumed by  the
Company.
 
    Simultaneously  with  the execution  of  the Asset  Purchase  Agreement, MAP
entered into agreements (the "Stock Purchase Agreements") to acquire all of  the
capital  stock  of John  H. Phipps,  Inc. ("Phipps"),  which currently  owns and
operates  the  Phipps  Business,  together  with  certain  limited   partnership
interests in the partnership that owns and operates WKXT (the general partner of
which is Phipps), for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $166 million,
subject  to working capital and certain  other adjustments (of approximately $10
million). The Company established a $10  million standby letter of credit  which
may be drawn upon in full as liquidated damages if the Phipps Acquisition is not
consummated as a result of a default by the Company.
 
    The  Asset  Purchase Agreement  and  the Stock  Purchase  Agreements include
representations and warranties with  respect to the  condition and operation  of
the Phipps Business, covenants as to the conduct of the Phipps Business prior to
the closing and various closing conditions (including approval by the FCC).
 
DIVESTITURE REQUIREMENTS
 
    In  connection with the Phipps Acquisition,  the Company will be required to
divest WALB  and WJHG  under current  FCC regulations  due to  common  ownership
restrictions  on stations with overlapping signals.  However, these rules may be
revised by the FCC upon conclusion  of pending rulemaking proceedings. In  order
to  satisfy applicable FCC  requirements, the Company,  subject to FCC approval,
intends to swap such  assets for assets  of one or  more television stations  of
comparable  value  and  with comparable  broadcast  cash flow  in  a transaction
qualifying for deferred capital gains  treatment under the "like-kind  exchange"
provision of Section 1031 of the Code. If the Company is unable to effect such a
swap on satisfactory terms within
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
the  time period granted by the FCC  under the waivers, the Company may transfer
such assets to a trust with a view towards the trustee effecting a swap or  sale
of  such assets. Any such trust arrangement  would be subject to the approval of
the FCC. It  is anticipated  that the Company  would be  required to  relinquish
operating control of such assets to a trustee while retaining the economic risks
and  benefits of ownership. If the Company or such trust is required to effect a
sale of  WALB,  the Company  would  incur a  significant  gain and  related  tax
liability,  the payment  of which  could have a  material adverse  effect on the
Company's ability  to acquire  comparable  assets without  incurring  additional
indebtedness.  No  assurance can  be  given that  the  Company will  be  able to
identify or enter into arrangements regarding suitable assets for a swap or sale
satisfying the  FCC  divestiture requirements.  In  addition, there  can  be  no
assurance  that the  Company could effect  a sale or  swap on a  timely basis or
establish a trust on satisfactory terms.
 
THE KTVE SALE
 
   
    In August 1996, the  Company sold the assets  of KTVE, a television  station
serving  Monroe, Louisiana/ El Dorado,  Arkansas, for approximately $9.5 million
in cash  plus the  amount of  the accounts  receivable on  the date  of  closing
(approximately  $870,000), to the extent  collected by the buyer,  to be paid to
the Company 150 days following the  date of closing. The Company estimates  that
the  gain,  net of  estimated taxes,  on  the KTVE  Sale was  approximately $2.8
million.
    
 
THE FINANCING
 
   
    In addition to  the KTVE  Sale and the  consummation of  this Offering,  the
Concurrent Offering and the Phipps Acquisition, the Company intends to implement
the  Financing  to  increase  liquidity  and  improve  operating  and  financial
flexibility.  Pursuant  to   the  Financing,   the  Company   will  (i)   retire
approximately   $49.5   million  aggregate   principal  amount   of  outstanding
indebtedness under  the  Old Credit  Facility,  together with  accrued  interest
thereon,  (ii) retire approximately $25.0  million aggregate principal amount of
outstanding indebtedness under the Senior  Note, together with accrued  interest
thereon  and a prepayment fee, (iii)  issue $10.0 million liquidation preference
of its Series A Preferred Stock in exchange for the 8% Note issued to Bull  Run,
(iv) issue to Bull Run, J. Mack Robinson, the President, Chief Executive Officer
and  a director  of the  Company, and certain  of his  affiliates, $10.0 million
liquidation preference of its Series B Preferred Stock with warrants to purchase
up to  500,000  shares  of Class  A  Common  Stock (representing  10.1%  of  the
currently issued and outstanding Class A Common Stock after giving effect to the
exercise of such warrants) for cash proceeds of $10.0 million and (v) enter into
the  Senior Credit  Facility to  provide for  a term  loan and  revolving credit
facility aggregating $125.0 million. The  cash required for the consummation  of
the  Phipps Acquisition, the  repayment of indebtedness  and related transaction
costs will be  provided by  the net proceeds  of this  Offering, the  Concurrent
Offering,  the sale  of Series  B Preferred  Stock, borrowings  under the Senior
Credit Facility and  the Company's  working capital.  For a  description of  the
Senior  Credit Facility  and the  Preferred Stock,  see "Description  of Certain
Indebtedness" and  "Management--Compensation  Committee Interlocks  and  Insider
Participation-Issuances  of Preferred Stock." The  consummation of this Offering
is  not  conditioned  upon  the  consummation  of  the  Financing,  the   Phipps
Acquisition  or the Concurrent Offering. If either the Phipps Acquisition is not
consummated or the Minimum Equity Condition  is not satisfied prior to  December
23,  1996, the Company is required to redeem the Notes at the Special Redemption
Price. See "Description of the Notes."
    
 
   
    The Concurrent Offering and the Financing are intended to provide  financing
for  the Phipps Acquisition and  operating and financial flexibility thereafter.
Although the  Concurrent  Offering  may  be  consummated  prior  to  the  Phipps
Acquisition,  the Notes are  subject to the  special redemption described above.
The Senior  Credit  Facility  will  provide  that  no  borrowings  may  be  made
thereunder  until the  closing of  the Phipps  Acquisition. Accordingly,  if the
Phipps Acquisition is  not consummated or  the Minimum Equity  Condition is  not
satisfied,  the Notes will be  redeemed by the Company,  the Old Credit Facility
will remain in place  and the Company  will not borrow  under the Senior  Credit
Facility.
    
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
SOURCES AND USES OF FUNDS FOR THE PHIPPS ACQUISITION, THE KTVE SALE AND THE
FINANCING
   
    The  following  table sets  forth the  estimated sources  and uses  of funds
relating to this Offering, the  Concurrent Offering, the Phipps Acquisition  and
the Financing. The actual amounts of sources and uses of funds may differ at the
closing  due to, among other  things, the actual amount  payable under the Asset
Purchase Agreement  and the  amount of  indebtedness outstanding  under the  Old
Credit Facility.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(IN MILLIONS)
SOURCES OF FUNDS                                                                  AMOUNT
                                                                                  ---------
<S>                                                                               <C>
The Class B Common Stock offered hereby (1)                                       $    73.5
The Concurrent Offering                                                               160.0
Sale of Series B Preferred Stock and Warrants                                          10.0
Borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility                                            22.9
Working capital (2)                                                                     9.5
                                                                                  ---------
      TOTAL                                                                       $   275.9
                                                                                  ---------
                                                                                  ---------
</TABLE>
    
 
USES OF FUNDS
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                  <C>
Consummation of Phipps Acquisition                                                                   $   185.0
Retire indebtedness under the Old Credit Facility (3)                                                     49.5
Retire indebtedness under the Senior Note (4)                                                             25.0
Fees and expenses (5)                                                                                     16.4
                                                                                                     ---------
      TOTAL                                                                                          $   275.9
                                                                                                     ---------
                                                                                                     ---------
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------------
   
(1) Assumes  estimated gross  proceeds from this  Offering of  $73.5 million and
    estimated net proceeds therefrom of $67.6 million. It is a condition of  the
    release  from escrow of the net proceeds of the Concurrent Offering that the
    Company shall have  consummated one  or more equity  offerings having  gross
    proceeds  of  not less  than $65.0  million.  To the  extent that  the gross
    proceeds of  any such  equity offerings  are less  than $73.5  million,  the
    Company  intends to borrow such difference under its Senior Credit Facility.
    It is anticipated that there will not be a significant interval between  the
    closing of this Offering and the closing of the Concurrent Offering.
    
   
(2) The source of these funds was the KTVE Sale.
    
   
(3) Borrowings  under the  Old Credit  Facility bear  interest at  formula rates
    based upon the applicable LIBOR or prime rate at the time of borrowing  plus
    a  fixed spread and have a final maturity  of 2003. As of June 30, 1996, the
    weighted average interest rate was 8.94%.
    
   
(4) The indebtedness under the Senior Note bears interest at 10.7%
    
   
(5) Fees and  expenses include  underwriting  costs for  this Offering  and  the
    Concurrent  Offering, fees  payable in  connection with  the negotiation and
    execution of the Senior Credit Facility, fees payable in connection with the
    retirement of the Senior  Note and legal,  accounting and other  transaction
    fees.
    
 
   
    If  either the Phipps  Acquisition is not consummated  or the Minimum Equity
Condition is not  satisfied, the Company  will redeem the  Notes. The  following
table  sets forth  the estimated  sources and  uses of  funds to  consummate the
Financing and to redeem the Notes if the Phipps Acquisition is not consummated:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(in millions)
SOURCES OF FUNDS                                                                   AMOUNT
                                                                                  ---------
<S>                                                                               <C>
The Class B Common Stock offered hereby(1)                                        $    73.5
The Concurrent Offering                                                               160.0
Sale of Series B Preferred Stock and Warrants                                          10.0
Working capital(2)                                                                      9.0
                                                                                  ---------
      TOTAL                                                                       $   252.5
                                                                                  ---------
                                                                                  ---------
</TABLE>
    
 
USES OF FUNDS
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                  <C>
Redemption of the Notes                                                                              $   161.6(3)
Retire indebtedness under the Old Credit Facility (4)                                                     49.5
Retire indebtedness under the Senior Note (5)                                                             25.0
Fees and expenses (6)                                                                                     16.4
                                                                                                     ---------
  TOTAL                                                                                              $   252.5
                                                                                                     ---------
                                                                                                     ---------
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------------
   
(1) Assumes estimated gross  proceeds from  this Offering of  $73.5 million  and
    estimated  net proceeds therefrom of $67.6 million. It is a condition of the
    release from escrow of the net proceeds of the Concurrent Offering that  the
    Company  shall have  consummated one or  more equity  offerings having gross
    proceeds of  not less  than $65.0  million.  To the  extent that  the  gross
    proceeds  of  any such  equity offerings  are less  than $73.5  million, the
    Company intends to borrow such difference under its Senior Credit  Facility.
    It  is anticipated that there will not be a significant interval between the
    closing of this Offering and the closing of the Concurrent Offering.
    
   
(2) The source of these funds was the KTVE Sale.
    
   
(3) Amount shown  excludes  interest accrued  on  the  Notes from  the  date  of
    issuance to the date of redemption.
    
   
(4) Borrowings  under the  Old Credit  Facility bear  interest at  formula rates
    based upon the applicable LIBOR or prime rate at the time of borrowing  plus
    a  fixed spread and have a final maturity  of 2003. As of June 30, 1996, the
    weighted average interest rate was 8.94%.
    
   
(5) The indebtedness under the Senior Note bears interest at 10.7%.
    
   
(6) Fees and  expenses include  underwriting  costs for  this Offering  and  the
    Concurrent  Offering, fees  payable in  connection with  the negotiation and
    execution of the Senior Credit Facility, fees payable in connection with the
    retirement of the Senior  Note and legal,  accounting and other  transaction
    fees.  If the Phipps Acquisition is not  consummated due to a default by the
    Company, the Company  will be required  to pay $10.0  million as  liquidated
    damages, however such amount is not included.
    
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
            PRICE RANGE OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK AND DIVIDEND POLICY
 
    Prior  to this Offering, there has been no established public trading market
for the Class B  Common Stock. The  Class B Common Stock  has been approved  for
listing  on the  NYSE, subject  to official notice  of issuance.  Since June 30,
1995, the Company's Class A Common Stock has been listed and traded on the  NYSE
under  the symbol "GCS."  The following table  sets forth the  high and low sale
prices (restated to give effect to the three-for-two stock split) of the Class A
Common Stock as reported  by the NYSE  for the period after  June 30, 1995  and,
prior  to such time, the  high and low bid quotations  as reported on the NASDAQ
Small Cap Market.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   CLASS A
                                                                                 COMMON STOCK             CASH
                                                                             --------------------       DIVIDENDS
                                                                               HIGH        LOW     DECLARED PER SHARE
                                                                             ---------  ---------  -------------------
<S>                                                                          <C>        <C>        <C>
FISCAL 1994
    First Quarter..........................................................  $    9.67  $    8.67       $   .0133
    Second Quarter.........................................................       9.33       8.50           .0133
    Third Quarter..........................................................       9.83       9.33           .0133
    Fourth Quarter.........................................................      11.00       9.83           .0267
FISCAL 1995
    First Quarter..........................................................  $   14.50  $   10.67       $     .02
    Second Quarter.........................................................      19.33      14.50             .02
    Third Quarter..........................................................      24.33      16.75             .02
    Fourth Quarter.........................................................      22.38      16.38             .02
FISCAL 1996
    First Quarter..........................................................  $   20.38  $   15.75       $     .02
    Second Quarter.........................................................      23.25      18.73             .02
    Third Quarter (through September 19, 1996).............................      23.12      21.12          --
</TABLE>
    
 
   
    On September 19, 1996, the last reported  sale price for the Class A  Common
Stock  on the NYSE was $21  3/4 per share. See "Risk  Factors -- No Prior Public
Market" and "Underwriting"  for a  description of  the method  of determing  the
offering price of the Class B Common Stock. As of June 30, 1996, the Company had
4,467,205  outstanding shares of Class A  Common Stock held by approximately 227
shareholders of record.
    
 
    The Company has  paid a dividend  on its  Class A Common  Stock since  1967.
There  can  be no  assurance of  the Company's  ability to  continue to  pay any
dividends  on  either  class  of   Common  Stock.  The  Company's  Articles   of
Incorporation require that the Class A Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock
receive dividends on a PARI PASSU basis.
 
   
    The  Old Credit  Facility contains, and  the Senior Credit  Facility and the
Indenture will, contain covenants  that restrict the ability  of the Company  to
pay  dividends on its capital stock. However,  the Company does not believe that
such covenants currently materially  limit its ability to  pay dividends at  the
recent quarterly rate of $.02. In addition to the foregoing, the declaration and
payment  of dividends on the  Class A Common Stock and  the Class B Common Stock
are subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors. Any future payments  of
dividends  will depend on the earnings and financial position of the Company and
such other factors as the Board of Directors deems relevant.
    
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
                                 CAPITALIZATION
 
    The  following   table  sets   forth:   (i)  the   historical   consolidated
capitalization  of  the  Company  as  of  June  30,  1996;  (ii)  the historical
consolidated capitalization of  the Company as  adjusted to give  effect, as  of
June  30, 1996 to the  KTVE Sale, the Financing and  this Offering and (iii) the
historical consolidated  capitalization  of  the Company  as  adjusted  to  give
effect,  as of June 30, 1996 to the KTVE Sale, this Offering, the Financing, the
Phipps Acquisition and  the Concurrent Offering.  This table should  be read  in
conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Company, including
the  notes thereto, and the Pro Forma Financial Statements and other information
contained in this Prospectus.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          AS OF JUNE 30, 1996
                                           -------------------------------------------------
                                                               PRO FORMA
                                                                COMPANY
                                                              (INCLUDING
                                                            THIS OFFERING,
                                                                  THE          PRO FORMA,
                                             HISTORICAL      KTVE SALE AND      COMBINED
                                               COMPANY      THE FINANCING)     AS ADJUSTED
                                           ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                        <C>              <C>              <C>
Long-term debt:
    Old Credit Facility..................          $49,500             $300          $    --
    Senior Credit Facility...............               --               --           22,850
    Senior Note..........................           25,000               --               --
    The Notes............................               --               --          160,000
    The 8% Note..........................            7,545               --               --
    Other................................              801              801              801
                                           ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
      Total long-term debt (including
       current portion)..................           82,846            1,101          183,651
                                           ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
    Series A Preferred Stock.............               --            9,896            9,896
    Series B Preferred Stock.............               --           10,000           10,000
    Class A Common Stock, no par value;
     historical Company, pro forma
     Company and pro forma as adjusted
     5,130,385 shares (1)................           10,000            7,545            7,545
    Class B Common Stock, no par value;
     historical Company no shares; pro
     forma Company and pro forma as
     adjusted 3,500,000 shares (2).......               --           67,600           67,600
    Retained earnings....................           10,451           10,526            9,814
    Treasury stock, 663,180 shares of
     Class A Common Stock................           (6,638)          (6,638)          (6,638)
                                           ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
      Total stockholders' equity.........           13,813           98,929           98,217
                                           ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
      Total capitalization...............          $96,659         $100,030         $281,868
                                           ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                           ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------
   
(1) Excludes (i) 53,500 shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon exercise of
    options outstanding under the  Company's stock option plans  as of June  30,
    1996,  (ii) 487,500 shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon exercise of
    an outstanding warrant of  the Company and (iii)  500,000 shares of Class  A
    Common  Stock issuable upon exercise of the  warrant to be issued as part of
    the Financing.  See  "Management"  and "Certain  Relationships  and  Related
    Transactions."
    
 
   
(2) The  estimated gross proceeds  from this Offering are  $73.5 million and the
    estimated net proceeds therefrom are $67.6 million. It is a condition of the
    release from escrow of the net proceeds of the Concurrent Offering that  the
    Company  shall have  consummated one or  more equity  offerings having gross
    proceeds of  not less  than $65.0  million.  To the  extent that  the  gross
    proceeds  of  any such  equity offerings  are less  than $73.5  million, the
    Company intends to borrow such difference under its Senior Credit  Facility.
    It  is anticipated that there will not be a significant interval between the
    closing of this  Offering and the  closing of the  Concurrent Offering.  See
    "The  Phipps Acquisition, the KTVE Sale  and the Financing--Sources and Uses
    of Funds for the Phipps Acquisition and the Financing."
    
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
                            PRO FORMA FINANCIAL DATA
 
    The following unaudited condensed combined pro forma financial statements of
the Company  give  effect  to  the Augusta  Acquisition,  the  KTVE  Sale,  this
Offering,  the Phipps Acquisition, the Financing  and the Concurrent Offering as
if such  transactions  had  occurred  (i)  with  respect  to  the  statement  of
operations,  as of January 1,  1995 for the year ended  December 31, 1995, as of
July 1, 1995 for the 12  months ended June 30, 1996,  and as of January 1,  1996
for  the six  months ended June  30, 1996 and  (ii) with respect  to the balance
sheet, as of June 30, 1996.  The Augusta Acquisition and the Phipps  Acquisition
are reflected using the purchase method of accounting for business combinations.
The  pro forma financial  information is provided  for comparative purposes only
and does not purport to  be indicative of the  results that actually would  have
been  obtained if  the events  set forth  above had  been effected  on the dates
indicated or of those results that may be obtained in the future. The pro  forma
financial   statements  are  based  on   preliminary  estimates  of  values  and
transaction costs. The  actual recording of  the transactions will  be based  on
final   appraisals,  values  and  transaction  costs.  Accordingly,  the  actual
recording of the  transactions can be  expected to differ  from these pro  forma
financial statements.
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                                                                        YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
                                                                    (IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
                                                  HISTORICAL              PRO FORMA
                                            -----------------------     ADJUSTMENTS          PRO
                                                            AUGUSTA     FOR AUGUSTA        FORMA                        PRO FORMA
                                             COMPANY       BUSINESS     ACQUISITION      COMPANY        OFFERING          COMPANY
                                            --------    -----------     -----------     --------     -----------     ------------
<S>                                         <C>         <C>             <C>             <C>          <C>             <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Operating revenues:
  Broadcasting (less agency commissions)    $36,750         $8,660      $   228(1)      $45,638      $    --             $45,638
  Publishing                                 21,866             --           --          21,866           --              21,866
  Paging                                         --             --           --              --           --                  --
                                            --------    -----------     -----------     --------     -----------     ------------
Total revenues                               58,616          8,660          228          67,504           --              67,504
Expenses:
  Broadcasting                               23,202          5,774          228(1)       29,204           --              29,204
  Publishing                                 20,016             --           --          20,016           --              20,016
  Paging                                         --             --           --              --           --                  --
  Corporate and administrative                2,258             --           --           2,258           --               2,258
  Depreciation                                2,633            272          (52)(2)       2,853           --               2,853
  Amortization of intangible assets           1,326            152          769(3)        2,247          (97)(7)           2,150
  Non-cash compensation paid in common
    stock                                     2,321             --           --           2,321           --               2,321
  Management fee                                 --             --           --              --           --                  --
                                            --------    -----------     -----------     --------     -----------     ------------
Total expenses                               51,756          6,198          945          58,899          (97)             58,802
                                            --------    -----------     -----------     --------     -----------     ------------
Operating income                              6,860          2,462         (717)          8,605           97               8,702
Miscellaneous income (expense), net             143           (220)         128(4)           51           --                  51
                                            --------    -----------     -----------     --------     -----------     ------------
Income before interest expense, minority
 interests and income taxes                   7,003          2,242         (589)          8,656           97               8,753
Interest expense                              5,438             --        3,644(5)        9,082       (8,172) (7)            910
                                            --------    -----------     -----------     --------     -----------     ------------
Income (loss) before minority interests
 and income taxes                             1,565          2,242       (4,233)           (426)       8,269               7,843
Minority interests                               --             --           --              --           --                  --
                                            --------    -----------     -----------     --------     -----------     ------------
Income (loss) before income taxes             1,565          2,242       (4,233)           (426)       8,269               7,843
Income tax expense (benefit)                    634             --         (773) (6)       (139)       3,283(6)            3,144
                                            --------    -----------     -----------     --------     -----------     ------------
  Net income (loss)                             931          2,242       (3,460)           (287)       4,986               4,699
Preferred stock dividends                        --             --           --              --        1,400(8)            1,400
                                            --------    -----------     -----------     --------     -----------     ------------
  Net income (loss) available to common
    stockholders                            $   931         $2,242      $(3,460)        $  (287)     $ 3,586             $ 3,299
                                            --------    -----------     -----------     --------     -----------     ------------
                                            --------    -----------     -----------     --------     -----------     ------------
Average shares outstanding (19)               4,481                                       4,354                            7,981
                                            --------                                    --------                     ------------
                                            --------                                    --------                     ------------
Earnings (loss) per share                   $  0.21                                     $ (0.07)                         $  0.41
                                            --------                                    --------                     ------------
                                            --------                                    --------                     ------------
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                                            PRO FORMA        PHIPPS         PRO FORMA        PRO FORMA
                                          KTVE SALE(9)       COMPANY        BUSINESS       ADJUSTMENTS      COMBINED(20)
                                          ------------     ------------    -----------    -------------     ------------
<S>                                         <C>            <C>             <C>            <C>               <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Operating revenues:
  Broadcasting (less agency commissions)      $(4,188)         $41,450         $22,424    $     --              $63,874
  Publishing                                       --           21,866             --           --               21,866
  Paging                                           --               --          4,897           --                4,897
                                          ------------     ------------    -----------    -------------     ------------
Total revenues                                 (4,188)          63,316         27,321           --               90,637
Expenses:
  Broadcasting                                 (3,313)          25,891         10,487          220(10)           37,034
                                                                                               436(11)
  Publishing                                       --           20,016             --           --               20,016
  Paging                                           --               --          3,052          143(11)            3,195
  Corporate and administrative                     --            2,258             --                             2,258
  Depreciation                                   (438)           2,415          2,385         (625)(12)           4,175
  Amortization of intangible assets                --            2,150            735        3,514(13)            6,225
                                                                                              (174)(14)
  Non-cash compensation paid in common
    stock                                          --            2,321             --           --                2,321
  Management fee                                   --               --          3,280       (3,280)(15)              --
                                          ------------     ------------    -----------    -------------     ------------
Total expenses                                 (3,751)          55,051         19,939          234               75,224
                                          ------------     ------------    -----------    -------------     ------------
Operating income                                 (437)           8,265          7,382         (234)              15,413
Miscellaneous income (expense), net               (27)              24             12           --                   36
                                          ------------     ------------    -----------    -------------     ------------
Income before interest expense, minority
 interests and income taxes                      (464)           8,289          7,394         (234)              15,449
Interest expense                                   --              910            499         (499)(16)          20,900
                                                                                            19,990(17)
                                          ------------     ------------    -----------    -------------     ------------
Income (loss) before minority interests
 and income taxes                                (464)           7,379          6,895      (19,725)              (5,451)
Minority interests                                 --               --            547         (547)(18)              --
                                          ------------     ------------    -----------    -------------     ------------
Income (loss) before income taxes                (464)           7,379          6,348      (19,178)              (5,451)
Income tax expense (benefit)                     (186)           2,958             --       (4,805)(6)           (1,847)
                                          ------------     ------------    -----------    -------------     ------------
  Net income (loss)                              (278)           4,421          6,348      (14,373)              (3,604)
Preferred stock dividends                          --            1,400             --           --                1,400
                                          ------------     ------------    -----------    -------------     ------------
  Net income (loss) available to common
    stockholders                              $  (278)         $ 3,021         $6,348     $(14,373)             $(5,004)
                                          ------------     ------------    -----------    -------------     ------------
                                          ------------     ------------    -----------    -------------     ------------
Average shares outstanding (19)                                  7,981                                            7,854
                                                           ------------                                     ------------
                                                           ------------                                     ------------
Earnings (loss) per share                                      $  0.38                                          $ (0.64)
                                                           ------------                                     ------------
                                                           ------------                                     ------------
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
    The pro forma adjustments to reflect the Augusta Acquisition, this Offering,
the KTVE Sale, the Phipps Acquisition, the Financing and the Concurrent Offering
are as follows:
 
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS -- YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
 
1.   Reflects the classification of national sales representative commissions as
    an expense consistent with the presentation by the Company.
 
2.  Reflects decreased  annual depreciation resulting from  the change in  asset
    lives   in  connection  with  the  preliminary  allocation  of  the  Augusta
    Acquisition purchase price to the newly acquired property and equipment,  at
    fair market value.
 
3.   Reflects annual amortization of $107,000 on the Augusta Business' financing
    costs over a  seven-year period.  Also reflects the  annual amortization  of
    $813,000  on the intangible  assets associated with  the Augusta Acquisition
    over a 40-year period.
 
4.  Reflects the elimination of the corporate allocation to the Augusta Business
    by its previous owner which will not be incurred by the Company.
 
5.  Reflects increased annual interest expense of $155,000 for an interest  rate
    adjustment  on the  Senior Note; increased  annual interest  expense of $2.4
    million on the Old Credit Facility at LIBOR plus 3.5%, based on an  increase
    in the debt level subsequent to the Augusta Acquisition; and annual interest
    expense of $1.1 million on the 8% Note. Three month LIBOR on January 4, 1996
    was approximately 5.625%.
 
6.    Reflects the  adjustment  of the  income  tax provision  to  the estimated
    effective tax rate.
 
7.   Reflects  decreased annual  amortization  of deferred  financing  costs  in
    connection  with  retirement of  the  Senior Note.  Also  reflects decreased
    annual interest expense of $4.4 million on the Old Credit Facility resulting
    from the repayment of $49.2 million in principal on the Old Credit Facility,
    bearing interest at an  estimated weighted average rate  of 8.96% per  annum
    with  the proceeds  of this  Offering. Also  reflects a  reduction of annual
    interest expense of $2.7 million resulting from the retirement of the Senior
    Note and a reduction of  annual interest expense of  $1.1 million on the  8%
    Note  which will be converted  into Series A Preferred  Stock. The pro forma
    statement of  operations for  the  year ended  December  31, 1995  does  not
    include  an extraordinary loss relating to  a prepayment fee associated with
    the retirement of the Senior Note. See Pro Forma Statement of Operations for
    the Six Months Ended  June 30, 1996. Also  see "The Phipps Acquisition,  the
    KTVE Sale and the Financing -- The Financing" with respect to the retirement
    of the Senior Note.
 
   
    Assumes  estimated gross  proceeds from this  Offering of  $73.5 million and
    estimated net proceeds therefrom of $67.6 million. It is a condition of  the
    release  from escrow of the net proceeds of the Concurrent Offering that the
    Company shall have  consummated one  or more equity  offerings having  gross
    proceeds  of  not less  than $65.0  million.  To the  extent that  the gross
    proceeds of  any such  equity offerings  are less  than $73.5  million,  the
    Company  intends to borrow such difference under its Senior Credit Facility.
    If the Company borrowed the  entire difference (approximately $8.5  million)
    under   its  Senior  Credit  Facility,  net   loss  would  be  increased  by
    approximately $502,000 (approximately  $0.06 per share).  It is  anticipated
    that  there will not be  a significant interval between  the closing of this
    Offering and the closing of the Concurrent Offering.
    
 
8.  Reflects annual dividends on the Series A and Series B Preferred Stock.
 
   
9.  Reflects the elimination of the results of operations of KTVE. The pro forma
    adjustments exclude an estimated  gain before income  taxes of $5.6  million
    and estimated income taxes of $2.8 million from the KTVE Sale.
    
 
10.  Reflects additional accounting and  administrative expenses associated with
    the Phipps Business.
 
11. Reflects increased pension expense for the Phipps Business subsequent to the
    Phipps Acquisition. Historical pension expense for the Phipps Business was a
    credit of $449,000 while pension expense for these operations subsequent  to
    the  Phipps  Acquisition  is  expected to  be  an  expense  of approximately
    $130,000.
 
12. Reflects decreased annual  depreciation resulting from  the change in  asset
    lives  in connection with the newly acquired property and equipment (at fair
    market value) of the Phipps Acquisition.
 
13. Reflects annual amortization of intangible assets associated with the Phipps
    Acquisition over a 40-year period.
 
14. Reflects decreased annual amortization  of debt acquisition costs  resulting
    from  the retirement of the Old Credit  Facility. The pro forma statement of
    operations for  the  year  ended  December 31,  1995  does  not  include  an
    extraordinary  loss relating to deferred financing costs associated with the
    assumed retirement of the  Old Credit Facility. See  Pro Forma Statement  of
    Operations  for the  Six Months  Ended June 30,  1996. Also  see "The Phipps
    Acquisition, the KTVE Sale and the Financing--The Financing" with respect to
    the retirement of the Old Credit Facility.
 
15. Reflects elimination  of the  corporate allocation to  the Phipps  Business.
    Such  amounts will  not be  incurred by the  Company in  connection with its
    operations of the Phipps Business.
 
16. Reflects the elimination of  interest expense associated with borrowings  of
    the Phipps Business which will not be assumed by the Company.
 
   
17.  Reflects assumed increased annual interest  expense of $17.8 million on the
    Notes, which includes annual amortization expense of $555,000 resulting from
    the transaction costs relating to the issuance of the Notes, annual interest
    expense of $2.0 million relating
    
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
   
    to additional borrowings under the  Senior Credit Facility of $22.6  million
    at an estimated weighted average interest rate of 8.96% plus amortization of
    additional   deferred  financing   costs  of   $214,000.  See   "The  Phipps
    Acquisition, the KTVE Sale and the Financing -- The Financing" with  respect
    to the retirement of the Old Credit Facility.
    
 
18.  Reflects the elimination  of minority interests  associated with the Phipps
    Business, because such minority interests will be acquired as a part of  the
    Phipps Acquisition.
 
19.  Average outstanding shares used to  calculate pro forma earnings (loss) per
    share are based  on weighted  average common shares  outstanding during  the
    period, adjusted for this Offering.
 
20.  In  connection with  the  Phipps Acquisition,  the  Company is  seeking FCC
    approval of the assignment of the television broadcast licenses for WCTV and
    WKXT. Current  FCC  regulations  will  require the  Company  to  divest  its
    ownership  interest in  WALB and  WJHG. In  order to  satisfy applicable FCC
    requirements, the Company,  subject to  FCC approval, intends  to swap  such
    assets for assets of one or more television stations of comparable value and
    with comparable broadcast cash flow in a transaction qualifying for deferred
    capital  gains treatment under the "like-kind exchange" provision of Section
    1031 of  the Code.  If  the Company  is  unable to  effect  such a  swap  on
    satisfactory  terms within the  time period granted by  the FCC, the Company
    may transfer  such  assets  to a  trust  with  a view  towards  the  trustee
    effecting a swap or sale of such assets. Any such trust arrangement would be
    subject  to  the approval  of the  FCC.  See "Risk  Factors--FCC Divestiture
    Requirement" and "Business--Federal Regulation of the Company's Business."
 
Condensed income statement data of WALB and WJHG are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 YEAR ENDED
                                                             DECEMBER 31, 1995
                                                          ------------------------
                                                             WALB         WJHG
                                                          -----------  -----------
 
<S>                                                       <C>          <C>
Broadcasting revenues...................................   $   9,445    $   3,843
Expenses................................................       4,650        3,573
                                                          -----------  -----------
Operating income........................................       4,795          270
Other income............................................          17           60
                                                          -----------  -----------
Income before income taxes..............................       4,812          330
                                                          -----------  -----------
                                                          -----------  -----------
Net income..............................................   $   2,984    $     205
                                                          -----------  -----------
                                                          -----------  -----------
Media Cash Flow.........................................   $   5,103    $     549
                                                          -----------  -----------
                                                          -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                                                                               SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996
                                                                            (IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
                                            HISTORICAL                     PRO FORMA                      PRO FORMA        PHIPPS
                                             COMPANY       OFFERING          COMPANY    KTVE SALE(4)       COMPANY        BUSINESS
                                            --------    -----------     ------------    ------------     ------------    -----------
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
<S>                                         <C>         <C>             <C>             <C>              <C>             <C>
Operating revenues:
  Broadcasting (less agency
    commissions)........................    $24,252     $    --             $24,252         $(2,303)         $21,949         $11,346
  Publishing............................     11,262          --              11,262              --           11,262             --
  Paging................................         --          --                  --              --               --          2,744
                                            --------    -----------     ------------    ------------     ------------    -----------
Total revenues..........................     35,514          --              35,514          (2,303)          33,211         14,090
Expenses:
  Broadcasting..........................     14,418          --              14,418          (1,723)          12,695          5,412
  Publishing............................      9,193          --               9,193              --            9,193             --
  Paging................................         --          --                  --              --               --          1,780
  Corporate and administrative..........      1,571          --               1,571              --            1,571             --
  Depreciation..........................      1,648          --               1,648            (220)           1,428          1,168
  Amortization of intangible assets.....      1,253         (49)(1)           1,204              --            1,204            362
  Non-cash compensation paid in common
    stock...............................        120          --                 120              --              120             --
  Management fee........................         --          --                  --              --               --            735
                                            --------    -----------     ------------    ------------     ------------    -----------
Total expenses..........................     28,203         (49)             28,154          (1,943)          26,211          9,457
                                            --------    -----------     ------------    ------------     ------------    -----------
Operating income........................      7,311          49               7,360            (360)           7,000          4,633
Miscellaneous income (expense), net.....         81          --                  81              (1)              80             (5)
                                            --------    -----------     ------------    ------------     ------------    -----------
Income before interest expense, minority
 interests and income taxes.............      7,392          49               7,441            (361)           7,080          4,628
Interest expense........................      4,445      (4,086) (1)            359              --              359            159
                                            --------    -----------     ------------    ------------     ------------    -----------
Income (loss) before minority interests
 and income taxes.......................      2,947       4,135               7,082            (361)           6,721          4,469
Minority interests......................         --          --                  --              --               --            296
                                            --------    -----------     ------------    ------------     ------------    -----------
Income (loss) before income taxes.......      2,947       4,135               7,082            (361)           6,721          4,173
Income tax expense (benefit)............      1,146       1,693(2)            2,839            (145)           2,694             --
                                            --------    -----------     ------------    ------------     ------------    -----------
  Net income (loss).....................      1,801       2,442               4,243            (216)           4,027          4,173
Preferred stock dividends...............         --         700(3)              700              --              700             --
                                            --------    -----------     ------------    ------------     ------------    -----------
  Net income (loss) available to common
    stockholders........................    $ 1,801     $ 1,742             $ 3,543         $  (216)         $ 3,327         $4,173
                                            --------    -----------     ------------    ------------     ------------    -----------
                                            --------    -----------     ------------    ------------     ------------    -----------
Average shares outstanding (14).........      4,657                           8,157                            8,157
                                            --------                    ------------                     ------------
                                            --------                    ------------                     ------------
Earnings (loss) per share--primary......    $  0.39                         $  0.43                          $  0.41
                                            --------                    ------------                     ------------
                                            --------                    ------------                     ------------
Earnings (loss) per share--fully
diluted.................................    $  0.38                         $  0.43                          $  0.41
                                            --------                    ------------                     ------------
                                            --------                    ------------                     ------------
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                            PRO FORMA        PRO FORMA
                                           ADJUSTMENTS      COMBINED(15)
                                          -------------     ------------
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
<S>                                         <C>             <C>
Operating revenues:
  Broadcasting (less agency
    commissions)........................  $     --              $33,295
  Publishing............................        --               11,262
  Paging................................        --                2,744
                                          -------------     ------------
Total revenues..........................        --               47,301
Expenses:
  Broadcasting..........................       110(5)            18,350
                                               133(6)
  Publishing............................        --                9,193
  Paging................................        44(6)             1,824
  Corporate and administrative..........        --                1,571
  Depreciation..........................      (312)(7)            2,284
  Amortization of intangible assets.....     1,768(8)             3,261
                                               (73)(9)
  Non-cash compensation paid in common
    stock...............................                            120
  Management fee........................      (735)(10)              --
                                          -------------     ------------
Total expenses..........................       935               36,603
                                          -------------     ------------
Operating income........................      (935)              10,698
Miscellaneous income (expense), net.....        --                   75
                                          -------------     ------------
Income before interest expense, minority
 interests and income taxes.............      (935)              10,773
Interest expense........................      (159)(11)          10,354
                                             9,995(12)
                                          -------------     ------------
Income (loss) before minority interests
 and income taxes.......................   (10,771)                 419
Minority interests......................      (296)(13)              --
                                          -------------     ------------
Income (loss) before income taxes.......   (10,475)                 419
Income tax expense (benefit)............    (2,526)(2)              168
                                          -------------     ------------
  Net income (loss).....................    (7,949)                 251
Preferred stock dividends...............        --                  700
                                          -------------     ------------
  Net income (loss) available to common
    stockholders........................  $ (7,949)             $  (449)
                                          -------------     ------------
                                          -------------     ------------
Average shares outstanding (14).........                          7,954
                                                            ------------
                                                            ------------
Earnings (loss) per share--primary......                        $ (0.06)
                                                            ------------
                                                            ------------
Earnings (loss) per share--fully
diluted.................................                        $ (0.06)
                                                            ------------
                                                            ------------
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
    The pro  forma adjustments  to reflect  this Offering,  the KTVE  Sale,  the
Phipps Acquisition, the Financing and the Concurrent Offering are as follows:
 
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS -- SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996
 
1.   Reflects decreased  semiannual amortization of  deferred financing costs in
    connection with  retirement  of the  Senior  Note. Also  reflects  decreased
    semiannual  interest  expense of  $2.2 million  on  the Old  Credit Facility
    resulting from repayment from the proceeds of this Offering of $49.2 million
    in principal at  an estimated weighted  average interest rate  of 8.96%  per
    annum;  decreased semiannual interest expense of $1.3 million resulting from
    the retirement of the  Senior Note; and a  reduction of semiannual  interest
    expense  of $544,000 on  the 8% Note  which will be  converted into Series A
    Preferred Stock. The Pro  Forma Statement of Operations  for the Six  Months
    Ended  June 30, 1996 does not include an extraordinary loss of approximately
    $2.7 million (net of estimated income tax benefit of $1.4 million)  relating
    to deferred financing costs and a prepayment fee associated with the assumed
    retirement  of the Senior  Note. See "The Phipps  Acquisition, the KTVE Sale
    and the Financing --  The Financing" with respect  to the retirement of  the
    Senior Note.
 
   
    Assumes  estimated gross  proceeds from this  Offering of  $73.5 million and
    estimated net proceeds therefrom of $67.6 million. It is a condition of  the
    release  from escrow of the net proceeds of the Concurrent Offering that the
    Company shall have  consummated one  or more equity  offerings having  gross
    proceeds  of  not less  than $65.0  million.  To the  extent that  the gross
    proceeds of  any such  equity offerings  are less  than $73.5  million,  the
    Company  intends to borrow such difference under its Senior Credit Facility.
    If the Company borrowed the  entire difference (approximately $8.5  million)
    under   its  Senior  Credit  Facility,  net   loss  would  be  increased  by
    approximately $228,000 (approximately  $0.03 per share).  It is  anticipated
    that  there will not be  a significant interval between  the closing of this
    Offering and the closing of the Concurrent Offering.
    
 
2.   Reflects  the adjustment  of  the income  tax  provision to  the  estimated
    effective tax rate.
 
3.  Reflects semiannual dividends on the Series A and Series B Preferred Stock.
 
   
4.  Reflects the elimination of the results of operations of KTVE. The pro forma
    adjustments  exclude an estimated  gain before income  taxes of $5.6 million
    and estimated income taxes of $2.8 million from the KTVE Sale.
    
 
5.  Reflects accounting and  administrative expenses associated with the  Phipps
    Business.
 
   
6.  Reflects increased pension expense for the Phipps Business subsequent to the
    Phipps  Acquisition. Historical  semiannual pension  expense for  the Phipps
    Business was  a credit  of $113,000  while pension  expense for  the  Phipps
    Business subsequent to the Phipps Acquisition is expected to be a semiannual
    expense of approximately $64,000.
    
 
7.   Reflects  decreased semiannual  depreciation resulting  from the  change in
    asset lives in connection with the newly acquired property and equipment (at
    fair market value) of the Phipps Acquisition.
 
8.  Reflects semiannual  amortization of intangible  assets associated with  the
    Phipps Acquisition over a 40-year period.
 
   
9.    Reflects  decreased  semiannual  amortization  of  debt  acquisition costs
    resulting from the  retirement of  the Old  Credit Facility.  The Pro  Forma
    Statement  of Operations  for the  Six Months Ended  June 30,  1996 does not
    include an extraordinary  loss of approximately  $712,000 (net of  estimated
    tax  benefit of  $366,000) relating  to deferred  financing costs associated
    with the assumed  retirement of  the Old  Credit Facility.  See "The  Phipps
    Acquisition,  the KTVE Sale and the Financing -- The Financing" with respect
    to the retirement of the Old Credit Facility.
    
 
10. Reflects elimination  of the  corporate allocation to  the Phipps  Business.
    Such  amounts will  not be  incurred by the  Company in  connection with its
    operations of the Phipps Business.
 
11. Reflects  the elimination  of interest  expense associated  with the  Phipps
    Business which will not be incurred by the Company.
 
   
12.  Reflects assumed increased  semiannual interest expense  of $8.9 million on
    the Notes,  which  includes  semiannual  amortization  expense  of  $278,000
    resulting  from the transaction costs relating to the issuance of the Notes,
    and increased  semiannual  interest  expense of  $1.0  million  relating  to
    additional  borrowings  under the  Senior  Credit Facility  at  an estimated
    weighted average  interest rate  of 8.96%  plus amortization  of  additional
    deferred  financing costs of $107,000. See "The Phipps Acquisition, the KTVE
    Sale and the Financing -- The  Financing" with respect to the retirement  of
    the Old Credit Facility.
    
 
13.  Reflects the elimination  of minority interests  associated with the Phipps
    Business, because such minority  interests will be acquired  as part of  the
    Phipps Acquisition.
 
14.  Average outstanding shares used to  calculate pro forma earnings (loss) per
    share are based  on weighted  average common shares  outstanding during  the
    period, adjusted for this Offering.
 
15.  In  connection with  the  Phipps Acquisition,  the  Company is  seeking FCC
    approval of the assignment of the television broadcast licenses for WCTV and
    WKXT. Current  FCC  regulations  will  require the  Company  to  divest  its
    ownership  interest in  WALB and  WJHG. In  order to  satisfy applicable FCC
    requirements, the Company,  subject to  FCC approval, intends  to swap  such
    assets for assets of one or more television stations of comparable value and
    with comparable broadcast cash flow in a transaction qualifying for deferred
    capital  gains treatment under the "like-kind exchange" provision of Section
    1031 of  the Code.  If  the Company  is  unable to  effect  such a  swap  on
    satisfactory  terms within the  time period granted by  the FCC, the Company
    may transfer  such  assets  to a  trust  with  a view  towards  the  trustee
    effecting a swap or sale of such assets. Any such trust arrangement would be
    subject  to the approval  of the FCC.  See "Risk Factors  -- FCC Divestiture
    Requirement" and "Business -- Federal Regulation of the Company's Business."
 
    Condensed income statement data of WALB and WJHG are as follows:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                            JUNE 30, 1996
                                                                       ------------------------
(IN THOUSANDS)                                                            WALB         WJHG
                                                                       -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                    <C>          <C>
Broadcasting revenues                                                   $   5,098    $   2,409
Expenses                                                                    2,440        1,933
                                                                       -----------  -----------
Operating income                                                            2,658          476
Other income                                                                    9           16
                                                                       -----------  -----------
Income before income taxes                                              $   2,667    $     492
                                                                       -----------  -----------
                                                                       -----------  -----------
Net income                                                              $   1,654    $     305
                                                                       -----------  -----------
                                                                       -----------  -----------
Media Cash Flow                                                         $   2,809    $     624
                                                                       -----------  -----------
                                                                       -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 
                                                                      TWELVE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996
                                                                    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
                                                  HISTORICAL              PRO FORMA
                                            -----------------------     ADJUSTMENTS          PRO
                                                            AUGUSTA     FOR AUGUSTA        FORMA                        PRO FORMA
                                             COMPANY       BUSINESS     ACQUISITION      COMPANY        OFFERING          COMPANY
                                            --------    -----------     -----------     --------     -----------     ------------
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
<S>                                         <C>         <C>             <C>             <C>          <C>             <C>
Operating revenues:
  Broadcasting (less agency
    commissions)........................    $42,741         $4,419      $   110(1)      $47,270      $    --             $47,270
  Publishing............................     23,082             --           --          23,082           --              23,082
  Paging................................         --             --           --              --           --                  --
                                            --------    -----------     -----------     --------     -----------     ------------
Total revenues..........................     65,823          4,419          110          70,352           --              70,353
Expenses:
  Broadcasting..........................     26,211          2,997          110(1)       29,318           --              29,318
  Publishing............................     20,619             --           --          20,619           --              20,619
  Paging................................         --             --           --              --           --                  --
  Corporate and administrative..........      2,817             --           --           2,817           --               2,817
  Depreciation..........................      3,048            135          (26)(2)       3,157           --               3,157
  Amortization of intangible assets.....      1,990             76          384(3)        2,450          (97)(7)           2,353
  Non-cash compensation paid in common
    stock...............................      1,625             --           --           1,625           --               1,625
  Management fee........................         --             --           --              --           --                  --
                                            --------    -----------     -----------     --------     -----------     ------------
Total expenses..........................     56,310          3,208          461          59,986          (97)             59,889
                                            --------    -----------     -----------     --------     -----------     ------------
Operating income........................      9,513          1,211         (358)         10,366           97              10,463
Miscellaneous income (expense), net.....        157           (126)          69(4)          100           --                 100
                                            --------    -----------     -----------     --------     -----------     ------------
Income before interest expense, minority
 interests and income taxes.............      9,670          1,085         (289)         10,466           97              10,563
Interest expense........................      7,115             --        1,859(5)        8,974       (8,172) (7)            802
                                            --------    -----------     -----------     --------     -----------     ------------
Income (loss) before minority interests
 and income taxes.......................      2,555          1,085       (2,148)          1,492        8,269               9,761
Minority interests......................         --             --           --              --           --                  --
                                            --------    -----------     -----------     --------     -----------     ------------
Income (loss) before income taxes.......      2,555          1,085       (2,148)          1,492        8,269               9,761
Income tax expense (benefit)............      1,004             --         (412)(6)         592        3,316(6)            3,908
                                            --------    -----------     -----------     --------     -----------     ------------
  Net income (loss).....................      1,551          1,085       (1,736)            900        4,953               5,853
Preferred stock dividends...............         --             --           --              --        1,400(8)            1,400
                                            --------    -----------     -----------     --------     -----------     ------------
  Net income (loss) available to common
    stockholders........................    $ 1,551         $1,085      $(1,736)        $   900      $ 3,553             $ 4,453
                                            --------    -----------     -----------     --------     -----------     ------------
                                            --------    -----------     -----------     --------     -----------     ------------
Average shares outstanding (19).........      4,624                                       8,124                            8,124
                                            --------                                    --------                     ------------
                                            --------                                    --------                     ------------
Earnings (loss) per share-- primary.....    $  0.34                                     $  0.11                          $  0.55
                                            --------                                    --------                     ------------
                                            --------                                    --------                     ------------
Earnings (loss) per share--fully
diluted.................................    $  0.33                                     $  0.11                          $  0.55
                                            --------                                    --------                     ------------
                                            --------                                    --------                     ------------
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                                            PRO FORMA        PHIPPS         PRO FORMA        PRO FORMA
                                          KTVE SALE(9)       COMPANY        BUSINESS       ADJUSTMENTS      COMBINED(20)
                                          ------------     ------------    -----------    -------------     ------------
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
<S>                                         <C>            <C>             <C>            <C>               <C>
Operating revenues:
  Broadcasting (less agency
    commissions)........................      $(4,533)         $42,737         $22,995    $     --              $65,732
  Publishing............................           --           23,082             --           --               23,082
  Paging................................           --               --          5,219           --                5,219
                                          ------------     ------------    -----------    -------------     ------------
Total revenues..........................       (4,533)          65,819         28,214           --               94,033
Expenses:
  Broadcasting..........................       (3,399)          25,919         10,835          220(10)           37,326
                                                                                               352(11)
  Publishing............................           --           20,619             --           --               20,619
  Paging................................           --               --          3,420          115(11)            3,535
  Corporate and administrative..........           --            2,817             --           --                2,817
  Depreciation..........................         (442)           2,715          2,462         (625)(12)           4,552
  Amortization of intangible assets.....           --            2,353            753        3,525(13)            6,521
                                                                                              (110)(14)
  Non-cash compensation paid in common
    stock...............................           --            1,625             --           --                1,625
  Management fee........................           --               --          2,476       (2,476)(15)              --
                                          ------------     ------------    -----------    -------------     ------------
Total expenses..........................       (3,841)          56,048         19,946        1,001               76,995
                                          ------------     ------------    -----------    -------------     ------------
Operating income........................         (692)           9,771          8,268       (1,001)              17,038
Miscellaneous income (expense), net.....          (20)              80             13           --                   93
                                          ------------     ------------    -----------    -------------     ------------
Income before interest expense, minority
 interests and income taxes.............         (712)           9,851          8,281       (1,001)              17,131
Interest expense........................           --              802            435         (435)(16)          20,792
                                                                                            19,990(17)
                                          ------------     ------------    -----------    -------------     ------------
Income (loss) before minority interests
 and income taxes.......................         (712)           9,049          7,846      (20,556)              (3,661)
Minority interests......................           --               --            587         (587)(18)              --
                                          ------------     ------------    -----------    -------------     ------------
Income (loss) before income taxes.......         (712)           9,049          7,259      (19,969)              (3,661)
Income tax expense (benefit)............         (285)           3,623             --       (4,868)(6)           (1,245)
                                          ------------     ------------    -----------    -------------     ------------
  Net income (loss).....................         (427)           5,426          7,259      (15,101)              (2,416)
Preferred stock dividends...............           --            1,400             --           --                1,400
                                          ------------     ------------    -----------    -------------     ------------
  Net income (loss) available to common
    stockholders........................      $  (427)         $ 4,026         $7,259     $(15,101)             $(3,816)
                                          ------------     ------------    -----------    -------------     ------------
                                          ------------     ------------    -----------    -------------     ------------
Average shares outstanding (19).........                         8,124                                            7,926
                                                           ------------                                     ------------
                                                           ------------                                     ------------
Earnings (loss) per share-- primary.....                       $  0.50                                          $ (0.48)
                                                           ------------                                     ------------
                                                           ------------                                     ------------
Earnings (loss) per share--fully
diluted.................................                       $  0.49                                          $ (0.48)
                                                           ------------                                     ------------
                                                           ------------                                     ------------
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
    The pro  forma adjustments  to reflect  this Offering,  the KTVE  Sale,  the
Phipps Acquisition, the Financing and the Concurrent Offering are as follows:
 
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS -- TWELVE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996
 
1.   Reflects the classification of national sales representative commissions as
    an expense consistent with the presentation by the Company.
 
2.   Reflects decreased  depreciation prior  to acquisition  resulting from  the
    change  in asset lives in connection  with the preliminary allocation of the
    Augusta Acquisition  purchase  price  to the  newly  acquired  property  and
    equipment, at fair market value, for the six months ended December 31, 1995.
 
   
3.    Reflects  amortization prior  to  acquisition  of $54,000  on  the Augusta
    Business' financing  costs  over  a seven-year  period.  Also  reflects  the
    amortization  prior  to acquisition  of  $406,000 on  the  intangible assets
    associated with the Augusta Acquisition over a 40-year period.
    
 
4.  Reflects the elimination of overhead allocated to the Augusta Business prior
    to acquisition  by its  previous owner  which will  not be  incurred by  the
    Company.
 
5.   Reflects increased interest expense prior to the acquisition of the Augusta
    Business of $77,000  for an  interest rate  adjustment on  the Senior  Note;
    increased  interest expense prior to the acquisition of the Augusta Business
    of $1.2 million on the Old Credit  Facility at LIBOR plus 3.5%, based on  an
    increase  in  the  debt level  subsequent  to the  Augusta  Acquisition; and
    interest expense  prior  to  the  acquisition of  the  Augusta  Business  of
    $544,000 on the 8% Note.
 
6.    Reflects the  adjustment  of the  income  tax provision  to  the estimated
    effective tax rate.
 
7.   Reflects  decreased annual  amortization  of deferred  financing  costs  in
    connection  with  retirement of  the  Senior Note.  Also  reflects decreased
    annual interest expense of $4.4 million on the Old Credit Facility resulting
    from repayment  of  $49.2 million  in  principal at  an  estimated  weighted
    average interest rate of 8.96% per annum from the proceeds of this Offering;
    decreased  annual  interest  expense  of  $2.7  million  resulting  from the
    retirement of the Senior Note; and a reduction of annual interest expense of
    $1.1 million on the 8%  Note which will be  converted to Series A  Preferred
    Stock.  The Pro  Forma Statement of  Operations for the  Twelve Months Ended
    June 30, 1996 does not include  an extraordinary loss of approximately  $2.7
    million  (net of  estimated income tax  benefit of $1.4  milion) relating to
    deferred financing costs and  a prepayment fee  associated with the  assumed
    retirement  of the Senior  Note. See "The Phipps  Acquisition, the KTVE Sale
    and the Financing --  The Financing" with respect  to the retirement of  the
    Senior Note.
 
   
    Assumes  estimated gross  proceeds from this  Offering of  $73.5 million and
    estimated net proceeds therefrom of $67.6 million. It is a condition of  the
    release  from escrow of the net proceeds of the Concurrent Offering that the
    Company shall have  consummated one  or more equity  offerings having  gross
    proceeds  of  not less  than $65.0  million.  To the  extent that  the gross
    proceeds of  any such  equity offerings  are less  than $73.5  million,  the
    Company  intends to borrow such difference under its Senior Credit Facility.
    If the Company borrowed the  entire difference (approximately $8.5  million)
    under   its  Senior  Credit  Facility,  net   loss  would  be  increased  by
    approximately $502,000 (approximately  $0.06 per share).  It is  anticipated
    that  there will not be  a significant interval between  the closing of this
    Offering and the closing of the Concurrent Offering.
    
 
8.  Reflects annual dividends on the Series A and Series B Preferred Stock.
 
   
9.  Reflects the elimination of the results of operations of KTVE. The pro forma
    adjustments exclude an estimated  gain before income  taxes of $5.6  million
    and estimated income taxes of $2.8 million from the KTVE Sale.
    
 
10.  Reflects accounting and administrative  expenses associated with the Phipps
    Business.
 
   
11. Reflects increased pension expense for the Phipps Business subsequent to the
    Phipps Acquisition. Historical pension expense for the Phipps Business was a
    credit of $337,000 while pension expense for these operations subsequent  to
    the  Phipps  Acquisition  is  expected to  be  an  expense  of approximately
    $130,000.
    
 
12. Reflects decreased annual  depreciation resulting from  the change in  asset
    lives  in connection with the newly acquired property and equipment (at fair
    market value) of the Phipps Acquisition.
 
13. Reflects annual amortization of intangible assets associated with the Phipps
    Acquisition over a 40-year period.
 
   
14. Reflects decreased annual amortization  of debt acquisition costs  resulting
    from  the retirement of  the Old Credit  Facility at June  30, 1996. The Pro
    Forma Statement of Operations for the Twelve Months Ended June 30, 1996 does
    not  include  an  extraordinary  loss  of  approximately  $712,000  (net  of
    estimated  tax  benefit of  $366,000) relating  to deferred  financing costs
    associated with the assumed retirement of the Old Credit Facility. See  "The
    Phipps  Acquisition, the KTVE Sale and  the Financing -- The Financing" with
    respect to the retirement of the Old Credit Facility.
    
 
15. Reflects elimination  of the  corporate allocation to  the Phipps  Business.
    Such  amounts will  not be  incurred by the  Company in  connection with its
    operations of the Phipps Business.
 
16. Reflects  the elimination  of interest  expense associated  with the  Phipps
    Business which will not be assumed by the Company.
 
   
17.  Reflects assumed increased annual interest  expense of $17.8 million on the
    Notes, which includes annual amortization expense of $555,000 resulting from
    the transaction costs relating to the issuance of the Notes, annual interest
    expense of  $2.0 million  relating to  the additional  borrowings under  the
    Senior  Credit Facility  at an estimated  weighted average  interest rate of
    8.96% plus amortization of additional deferred financing costs of  $214,000.
    See  "The  Phipps  Acquisition,  the  KTVE Sale  and  the  Financing  -- The
    Financing" with respect to the retirement of the Old Credit Facility.
    
 
                                       33
<PAGE>
18. Reflects the elimination  of minority interests  associated with the  Phipps
    Business,  because such minority interests will be acquired as a part of the
    Phipps Acquisition.
 
19. Average outstanding shares used to  calculate pro forma earnings (loss)  per
    share  are based  on weighted average  common shares  outstanding during the
    period, adjusted for this Offering.
 
20. In  connection with  the  Phipps Acquisition,  the  Company is  seeking  FCC
    approval of the assignment of the television broadcast licenses for WCTV and
    WKXT.  Current  FCC  regulations  will require  the  Company  to  divest its
    ownership interest in  WALB and  WJHG. In  order to  satisfy applicable  FCC
    requirements,  the Company,  subject to FCC  approval, intends  to swap such
    assets for assets of one or more television stations of comparable value and
    with comparable broadcast cash flow in a transaction qualifying for deferred
    capital gains treatment under the "like-kind exchange" provision of  Section
    1031  of  the Code.  If  the Company  is  unable to  effect  such a  swap on
    satisfactory terms within the  time period granted by  the FCC, the  Company
    may  transfer  such  assets to  a  trust  with a  view  towards  the trustee
    effecting a swap or sale of such assets. Any such trust arrangement would be
    subject to the  approval of the  FCC. See "Risk  Factors -- FCC  Divestiture
    Requirement" and "Business -- Federal Regulation of the Company's Business."
 
Condensed income statement data of WALB and WJHG are as follows:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         TWELVE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                            JUNE 30, 1996
                                                                       ------------------------
(IN THOUSANDS)                                                            WALB         WJHG
                                                                       -----------  -----------
 
<S>                                                                    <C>          <C>
Broadcasting revenues                                                   $   9,829    $   4,426
Expenses                                                                    4,735        3,816
                                                                       -----------  -----------
Operating income                                                            5,094          610
Other income                                                                   17           45
                                                                       -----------  -----------
Income before income taxes                                              $   5,111    $     655
                                                                       -----------  -----------
                                                                       -----------  -----------
Net income                                                              $   3,170    $     407
                                                                       -----------  -----------
                                                                       -----------  -----------
Media Cash Flow                                                         $   5,409    $     912
                                                                       -----------  -----------
                                                                       -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       34
<PAGE>
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
                                                                                    JUNE 30, 1996
                                                                                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
                                            HISTORICAL                   PRO FORMA           KTVE     PRO FORMA       PHIPPS
                                              COMPANY       OFFERING       COMPANY        SALE(4)       COMPANY     BUSINESS
                                            ---------     ----------     ---------    -----------     ---------     --------
ASSETS:
<S>                                         <C>           <C>            <C>          <C>             <C>           <C>
Cash....................................      $1,287       $     --        $1,287         $9,500       $10,787         $663
Trade accounts receivable...............      10,818             --        10,818             --        10,818        5,188
Recoverable income taxes................         797          1,394(1)      2,191         (2,191)           --           --
Inventories.............................         109             --           109             --           109           --
Current portion of program broadcast
 rights.................................         711             --           711            (56)          655          924
Prepaid expenses and other current
 assets.................................         759             --           759            (50)          709          338
                                            ---------     ----------     ---------    -----------     ---------     --------
Total current assets....................      14,481          1,394        15,875          7,203        23,078        7,113
Property and equipment-net..............      18,798             --        18,798         (1,531)       17,267        9,985
Other assets
Deferred acquisition costs..............       2,819             --         2,819             --         2,819           --
Deferred loan costs.....................       1,882           (804)(1)     1,078             --         1,078           --
Goodwill and other intangibles..........      73,299             --        73,299         (2,322)       70,977        9,097
Other...................................       1,237             --         1,237             (8)        1,229          111
                                            ---------     ----------     ---------    -----------     ---------     --------
Total other assets......................      79,237           (804)       78,433         (2,330)       76,103        9,208
                                            ---------     ----------     ---------    -----------     ---------     --------
  Total assets..........................    $112,516           $590      $113,106         $3,342      $116,448      $26,306
                                            ---------     ----------     ---------    -----------     ---------     --------
                                            ---------     ----------     ---------    -----------     ---------     --------
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Trade accounts payable..................      $3,169            $--        $3,169            $--        $3,169         $308
Employee compensation and benefits......       4,114             --         4,114             --         4,114           --
Accrued expenses........................         924             --           924             --           924          996
Accrued interest........................       2,026             --         2,026             --         2,026           --
Income taxes payable....................          --             --            --            617           617           --
Current portion of broadcast program
 obligations............................         710             --           710            (53)          657          458
Deferred paging service income..........          --             --            --             --            --          975
Current portion of long-term debt.......          --             --            --             --            --        1,474
                                            ---------     ----------     ---------    -----------     ---------     --------
Total current liabilities...............      10,943             --        10,943            564        11,507        4,211
Long-term debt..........................      82,846         (7,545)(2)     1,101             --         1,101        2,560
                                                            (74,200)(3)
Deferred credits........................       4,914             --         4,914             (3)        4,911          214
Minority interests......................          --             --            --             --            --          655
Stockholders' equity
Series A Preferred Stock................          --          9,896(2)      9,896             --         9,896           --
Series B Preferred Stock................          --         10,000(2)     10,000             --        10,000           --
Class A Common Stock, no par value......      10,000         (2,455)(2)     7,545             --         7,545           --
Class B Common Stock, no par value......          --         67,600(2)     67,600             --        67,600           --
Retained earnings.......................      10,451         (2,706)(1)     7,745          2,781        10,526           --
Net equity of acquired operations.......          --             --            --             --            --       18,666
                                            ---------     ----------     ---------    -----------     ---------     --------
                                              20,451         82,335       102,786          2,781       105,567       18,666
Treasury stock..........................      (6,638)            --        (6,638 )           --        (6,638)          --
                                            ---------     ----------     ---------    -----------     ---------     --------
                                              13,813         82,335        96,148          2,781        98,929       18,666
                                            ---------     ----------     ---------    -----------     ---------     --------
  Total liabilities and stockholders'
   equity...............................    $112,516           $590      $113,106         $3,342      $116,448      $26,306
                                            ---------     ----------     ---------    -----------     ---------     --------
                                            ---------     ----------     ---------    -----------     ---------     --------
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                            PRO FORMA          PRO FORMA
                                           ADJUSTMENTS        COMBINED(10)
                                          --------------     --------------
ASSETS:
<S>                                         <C>              <C>
Cash....................................  $(185,000)(5)             $1,287
                                            154,450(7)
                                             21,050(8)
                                               (663)(6)
Trade accounts receivable...............         --                 16,006
Recoverable income taxes................         --                     --
Inventories.............................         --                    109
Current portion of program broadcast
 rights.................................         --                  1,579
Prepaid expenses and other current
 assets.................................       (338)(6)                709
                                          --------------     --------------
Total current assets....................    (10,501)                19,690
Property and equipment-net..............         --                 27,252
Other assets
Deferred acquisition costs..............         --                  2,819
Deferred loan costs.....................      5,550(7)               7,050
                                              1,500(8)
                                             (1,078)(9)
Goodwill and other intangibles..........     (9,097)(6)            241,416
                                            170,439(5)
Other...................................         --                  1,340
                                          --------------     --------------
Total other assets......................    167,314                252,625
                                          --------------     --------------
  Total assets..........................   $156,813               $299,567
                                          --------------     --------------
                                          --------------     --------------
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Trade accounts payable..................      $(308)(6)             $3,169
Employee compensation and benefits......         --                  4,114
Accrued expenses........................       (996)(6)                924
Accrued interest........................         --                  2,026
Income taxes payable....................       (366)(9)                251
Current portion of broadcast program
 obligations............................         --                  1,115
Deferred paging service income..........         --                    975
Current portion of long-term debt.......     (1,474)(6)                 --
                                          --------------     --------------
Total current liabilities...............     (3,144)                12,574
Long-term debt..........................     (2,560)(6)            183,651
                                             22,550(8)
                                            160,000(7)
Deferred credits........................         --                  5,125
Minority interests......................       (655)(6)                 --
Stockholders' equity
Series A Preferred Stock................         --                  9,896
Series B Preferred Stock................         --                 10,000
Class A Common Stock, no par value......         --                  7,545
Class B Common Stock, no par value......         --                 67,600
Retained earnings.......................       (712)(9)              9,814
Net equity of acquired operations.......    (18,666)(5)                 --
                                          --------------     --------------
                                            (19,378)               104,855
Treasury stock..........................         --                 (6,638)
                                          --------------     --------------
                                            (19,378)                98,217
                                          --------------     --------------
  Total liabilities and stockholders'
   equity...............................   $156,813               $299,567
                                          --------------     --------------
                                          --------------     --------------
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       35
<PAGE>
    The  pro  forma adjustments  to reflect  this Offering,  the KTVE  Sale, the
Phipps Acquisition, the Financing and the Concurrent Offering are as follows:
 
BALANCE SHEET - JUNE 30, 1996
 
1.  Reflects  the prepayment fee  associated with the  retirement of the  Senior
    Note, the write-off of deferred loan costs in connection with the retirement
    of  the Senior Note and the exchange of the Series A Preferred Stock for the
    8% Note, and the income tax  benefit associated with the prepayment fee  and
    write-off of deferred loan costs.
 
   
    The  estimated gross proceeds  from this Offering are  $73.5 million and the
    estimated net proceeds therefrom are $67.6 million. It is a condition of the
    release from escrow of the net proceeds of the Concurrent Offering that  the
    Company  shall have  consummated one or  more equity  offerings having gross
    proceeds of  not less  than $65.0  million.  To the  extent that  the  gross
    proceeds  of  any such  equity offerings  are less  than $73.5  million, the
    Company intends to borrow such difference under the Senior Credit  Facility.
    It  is anticipated that there will not be a significant interval between the
    closing of the Offering and the closing of the Concurrent Offering. See "The
    Phipps Acquisition, the  KTVE Sale  and the Financing--Sources  and Uses  of
    Funds for the Phipps Acquisition and the Financing."
    
 
2.   Reflects  the issuances,  net of  fees and  expenses, of  (i) approximately
    3,500,000 shares  of Class  B Common  Stock at  an estimated  $21 per  share
    pursuant to this Offering, (ii) Series A Preferred Stock in exchange for the
    8%  Note and  (iii) $10.0  million of  Series B  Preferred Stock  to certain
    affiliates of the Company.
 
3.  Reflects  retirement of $25.0  million in aggregate  principal amount and  a
    prepayment  fee of $3.4 million on the Senior Note and a retirement of $49.2
    million on the Old Credit Facility with the net proceeds from this  Offering
    and the sale of Series B Preferred Stock of $77.6 million.
 
   
4.   Reflects  the KTVE Sale  for $9.5 million  plus the amount  of the accounts
    receivable on the date  of the closing. The  transaction was consummated  in
    August 1996.
    
 
5.  Reflects the purchase of the Phipps Business and a preliminary allocation of
    the  purchase price of $185.0 million to the tangible assets and liabilities
    based upon estimates of fair market value at June 30, 1996 as follows:
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                     <C>
  (IN THOUSANDS)
  Trade accounts receivable...........................................................  $    5,188
  Current portion of program broadcast rights.........................................         924
  Property and equipment..............................................................       9,985
  Goodwill and other intangibles......................................................     170,439
  Other...............................................................................         111
  Current portion of program broadcast obligations....................................        (458)
  Deferred paging service income......................................................        (975)
  Deferred credits....................................................................        (214)
                                                                                        ----------
  Purchase price of Phipps Business including expenses................................  $  185,000
                                                                                        ----------
                                                                                        ----------
  Historical book value of Phipps Business............................................  $  (18,666)
  Assets not acquired and liabilities not assumed--net................................       4,105
                                                                                        ----------
  Net assets acquired.................................................................     (14,561)
  Purchase price of Phipps Business...................................................     185,000
                                                                                        ----------
  Goodwill and other intangibles......................................................  $  170,439
                                                                                        ----------
                                                                                        ----------
</TABLE>
    
 
    The excess of purchase price over  amounts allocated to net tangible  assets
    will  be  amortized on  a  straight-line basis  over  a 40-year  period. The
    allocation of the  purchase price is  subject to adjustment  based upon  the
    results of pending appraisals.
 
6.   Reflects the  elimination of certain  of the assets  and liabilities of the
    Phipps Business, which were not included in the Phipps Acquisition.
 
7.  Reflects the issuance of the  Notes pursuant to the Concurrent Offering  and
    fees and expenses associated with the Concurrent Offering.
 
   
8.   Reflects borrowings  of $22.6 million  under the Senior  Credit Facility in
    order to  complete the  Phipps Acquisition  and estimated  expenses of  $1.5
    million  in  connection with  the negotiation  and  execution of  the Senior
    Credit Facility. See "Description of  Certain Indebtedness -- Senior  Credit
    Facility."
    
 
9.   Reflects the  write-off of debt  acquisition costs and  related tax benefit
    resulting from the retirement of the Old Credit Facility at June 30, 1996.
 
10. In  connection with  the  Phipps Acquisition,  the  Company is  seeking  FCC
    approval of the assignment of the television broadcast licenses for WCTV and
    WKXT.  Current  FCC  regulations  will require  the  Company  to  divest its
    ownership interest in WALB and
 
                                       36
<PAGE>
    WJHG. In order to satisfy applicable FCC requirements, the Company,  subject
    to  FCC approval,  intends to  swap such  assets for  assets of  one or more
    television stations of comparable value  and with comparable broadcast  cash
    flow  in a transaction qualifying for deferred capital gains treatment under
    the "like-kind  exchange" provision  of Section  1031 of  the Code.  If  the
    Company  is unable to  effect such a  swap on satisfactory  terms within the
    time period granted by the  FCC, the Company may  transfer such assets to  a
    trust  with a  view towards  the trustee  effecting a  swap or  sale of such
    assets. Any such trust arrangement would  be subject to the approval of  the
    FCC.  See "Risk Factors--FCC Divestiture Requirement" and "Business--Federal
    Regulation of the Company's Business."
 
        Condensed balance sheets of WALB and WJHG are as follows:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            JUNE 30, 1996
                                                                                       ------------------------
(IN THOUSANDS)                                                                            WALB         WJHG
                                                                                       -----------  -----------
 
<S>                                                                                    <C>          <C>
Current assets                                                                          $   1,801    $     913
Property and equipment                                                                      1,714        1,014
Other assets                                                                                   66            3
                                                                                       -----------  -----------
Total assets                                                                            $   3,581    $   1,930
                                                                                       -----------  -----------
                                                                                       -----------  -----------
Current liabilities                                                                     $   1,756    $     474
Other liabilities                                                                             214       --
Stockholder's equity                                                                        1,611        1,456
                                                                                       -----------  -----------
Total liabilities and stockholder's equity                                              $   3,581    $   1,930
                                                                                       -----------  -----------
                                                                                       -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       37
<PAGE>
                       SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA
                (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATIOS AND PER SHARE DATA)
 
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA OF THE COMPANY
 
   
    Set  forth below are certain selected historical consolidated financial data
of the  Company.  This  information  should be  read  in  conjunction  with  the
consolidated  financial  statements of  the  Company and  related  notes thereto
appearing  elsewhere  herein  and  "Management's  Discussion  and  Analysis   of
Financial  Condition  and Results  of  Operations-Results of  Operations  of the
Company." The selected consolidated  financial data for, and  as of the end  of,
each  of the years in  the four-year period ended  December 31, 1995 are derived
from the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company. The  selected
consolidated  financial data for, and as of the year ended December 31, 1991 are
derived from unaudited  financial statements, since  the Company had  a June  30
fiscal year end. The selected consolidated financial data for, and as of the six
months  ended June 30, 1995  and 1996 are derived  from the unaudited accounting
records of the Company and have been  prepared on the same basis as the  audited
consolidated  financial statements and  in the opinion of  the management of the
Company include all normal and recurring adjustments and accruals necessary  for
a fair presentation of such information.
    
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                     SIX MONTHS
                                                                                                                     ENDED JUNE
                                                                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                       30,
                                                         ----------------------------------------------------------  ----------
                                                            1991        1992        1993        1994        1995        1995
                                                         ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                                      <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
                                                         (UNAUDITED)                                                 (UNAUDITED)
STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA:
Operating revenues:
  Broadcasting (less agency commissions)...............  $   13,553  $   15,131  $   15,004  $   22,826  $   36,750  $   18,261
  Publishing...........................................       8,968       9,512      10,109      13,692      21,866      10,046
                                                         ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Total revenues.........................................      22,521      24,643      25,113      36,518      58,616      28,307
Expenses:
  Broadcasting.........................................       9,672       9,753      10,029      14,864      23,202      11,410
  Publishing...........................................       6,444       6,752       7,662      11,198      20,016       8,590
  Corporate and administrative.........................       1,889       2,627       2,326       1,959       2,258       1,012
  Depreciation.........................................       1,487       1,197       1,388       1,745       2,633       1,234
  Amortization of intangible assets....................          14          44         177         396       1,326         588
  Non-cash compensation paid in common stock...........          --          --          --          80       2,321         816
                                                         ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Total expenses.........................................      19,506      20,373      21,582      30,242      51,756      23,650
                                                         ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Operating income.......................................       3,015       4,270       3,531       6,276       6,860       4,657
Miscellaneous income (expense), net....................         778      (1,519)        202         189         143          69
                                                         ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Income from continuing operations before interest
 expense and income taxes..............................       3,793       2,751       3,733       6,465       7,003       4,726
Interest expense.......................................         787       1,486         985       1,923       5,438       2,768
                                                         ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Income from continuing operations before income
 taxes.................................................       3,006       1,265       2,748       4,542       1,565       1,958
Federal and state income taxes.........................       1,156         869       1,068       1,776         634         776
                                                         ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Income from continuing operations......................       1,850         396       1,680       2,766         931       1,182
Discontinued business:
  Income (loss) from operations of discontinued
   business, net of applicable income tax expense
   (benefit) of ($55), ($79) and $30, respectively.....         (90)       (129)         48          --          --          --
  Gain on disposal of discontinued business, net of
   applicable income tax expense of $501...............          --          --         818          --          --          --
                                                         ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Net income.............................................  $    1,760  $      267  $    2,546  $    2,766  $      931  $    1,182
                                                         ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                         ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Average outstanding common shares......................       6,469       4,668       4,611       4,689       4,481       4,383
                                                         ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                         ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Income from continuing operations per common share-
 primary...............................................  $     0.29  $     0.09  $     0.36  $     0.59  $     0.21  $     0.27
                                                         ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                         ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Income from continuing operations per common
 share-fully diluted...................................  $     0.29  $     0.09  $     0.36  $     0.59  $     0.21  $     0.27
                                                         ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                         ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Cash dividends per common share........................  $     0.05  $     0.07  $     0.07  $     0.07  $     0.08  $     0.04
                                                         ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                         ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                                            1996
                                                         ----------
<S>                                                      <C>
 
STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA:
Operating revenues:
  Broadcasting (less agency commissions)...............  $   24,252
  Publishing...........................................      11,262
                                                         ----------
Total revenues.........................................      35,514
Expenses:
  Broadcasting.........................................      14,418
  Publishing...........................................       9,193
  Corporate and administrative.........................       1,571
  Depreciation.........................................       1,648
  Amortization of intangible assets....................       1,253
  Non-cash compensation paid in common stock...........         120
                                                         ----------
Total expenses.........................................      28,203
                                                         ----------
Operating income.......................................       7,311
Miscellaneous income (expense), net....................          81
                                                         ----------
Income from continuing operations before interest
 expense and income taxes..............................       7,392
Interest expense.......................................       4,445
                                                         ----------
Income from continuing operations before income
 taxes.................................................       2,947
Federal and state income taxes.........................       1,146
                                                         ----------
Income from continuing operations......................       1,801
Discontinued business:
  Income (loss) from operations of discontinued
   business, net of applicable income tax expense
   (benefit) of ($55), ($79) and $30, respectively.....          --
  Gain on disposal of discontinued business, net of
   applicable income tax expense of $501...............          --
                                                         ----------
Net income.............................................  $    1,801
                                                         ----------
                                                         ----------
Average outstanding common shares......................       4,657
                                                         ----------
                                                         ----------
Income from continuing operations per common share-
 primary...............................................  $     0.39
                                                         ----------
                                                         ----------
Income from continuing operations per common
 share-fully diluted...................................  $     0.38
                                                         ----------
                                                         ----------
Cash dividends per common share........................  $     0.04
                                                         ----------
                                                         ----------
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       38
<PAGE>
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                     SIX MONTHS
                                                                                                                     ENDED JUNE
                                                                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                       30,
                                                         ----------------------------------------------------------  ----------
                                                            1991        1992        1993        1994        1995        1995
                                                         ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                         (UNAUDITED)                                                 (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                      <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT END OF PERIOD):
Working capital (deficiency)...........................  $    6,740  $    2,976  $    2,579  $    1,075  $     (222) $      237
Total assets...........................................      31,548      24,173      21,372      68,789      78,240      73,932
Total debt.............................................      20,378      12,412       7,759      52,940      54,324      54,319
Total stockholders' equity.............................  $    5,853  $    4,850  $    7,118  $    5,001  $    8,986  $    7,375
 
OTHER DATA:
Media Cash Flow (1)....................................  $    6,405  $    8,079  $    7,371  $   10,522  $   15,559  $    8,333
Operating cash flow (2)................................       4,516       5,452       5,044       8,567      13,309       7,329
EBITDA (3).............................................       4,516       5,512       5,095       8,498      13,140       7,296
Cash flows provided by (used in):
  Operating activities.................................       3,499       4,832       1,324       5,798       7,600       3,828
  Investing activities.................................      (2,073)     (1,041)      3,062     (42,770)     (8,929)     (5,377)
  Financing activities.................................     (10,424)     (9,300)     (4,932)     37,200       1,331       1,208
Capital expenditures...................................  $    2,235  $    2,216  $    2,582  $    1,768  $    3,280  $    1,852
Ratio of Media Cash Flow to interest expense...........         8.1         5.4         7.5         5.5         2.9         3.0
Ratio of operating cash flow to interest expense.......         5.7         3.7         5.1         4.5         2.4         2.6
Ratio of total debt to Media Cash Flow.................         3.2         1.5         1.1         5.0         3.5         3.5(5)
Ratio of total debt to operating cash flow.............         4.5         2.3         1.5         6.2         4.1         4.1(5)
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (4).................         4.7         1.8         3.4         3.2         1.3         1.7
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                                            1996
                                                         ----------
 
<S>                                                      <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT END OF PERIOD):
Working capital (deficiency)...........................  $    3,538
Total assets...........................................     112,516
Total debt.............................................      82,846
Total stockholders' equity.............................  $   13,813
OTHER DATA:
Media Cash Flow (1)....................................  $   12,004
Operating cash flow (2)................................      10,442
EBITDA (3).............................................      10,332
Cash flows provided by (used in):
  Operating activities.................................       6,801
  Investing activities.................................     (37,490)
  Financing activities.................................      31,416
Capital expenditures...................................  $    1,317
Ratio of Media Cash Flow to interest expense...........         2.7
Ratio of operating cash flow to interest expense.......         2.3
Ratio of total debt to Media Cash Flow.................         4.3(5)
Ratio of total debt to operating cash flow.............         5.0(5)
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (4).................         1.6
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------------
(1)  Media   Cash  Flow  represents  operating   income  plus  depreciation  and
     amortization (including amortization of  program license rights),  non-cash
     compensation  and  corporate  overhead, less  payments  of  program license
     liabilities.
(2)  Operating  cash  flow  represents   operating  income  plus   depreciation,
     amortization   (including  amortization  of  program  license  rights)  and
     non-cash compensation, less payments for program license liabilities.
(3)  EBITDA represents operating income  plus (i) depreciation and  amortization
     (excluding  amortization  of  program  license  rights)  and  (ii) non-cash
     compensation paid in  common stock  (excluding stock payments  made to  the
     401(k)  plan). EBITDA is  presented not as a  measure of operating results,
     but rather  to  provide additional  information  related to  the  Company's
     ability  to service debt. EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative
     to either (x)  operating income determined  in accordance with  GAAP as  an
     indicator  of  operating  performance  or  (y)  cash  flows  from operating
     activities (determined in accordance with GAAP) as a measure of liquidity.
(4)  For purposes of this item, "fixed charges" represent interest, the interest
     element of rental  expense, capitalized interest  and amortization of  debt
     issuance  costs and  "earnings" represent  net income  (loss) before income
     taxes, discontinued operations, extraordinary  items, cumulative effect  of
     change in accounting principles and fixed charges.
(5)  Represents  applicable ratios for the 12  month periods ended June 30, 1995
     and 1996.
 
                                       39
<PAGE>
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA OF THE PHIPPS BUSINESS
 
    Set forth below are certain selected historical financial data of the Phipps
Business. This  information should  be read  in conjunction  with the  financial
statements  of the Phipps Business and related notes thereto appearing elsewhere
herein and  "Management's Discussion  and Analysis  of Financial  Condition  and
Results  of  Operations--Results  of  Operations of  the  Phipps  Business." The
selected historical financial data for, and as of the end of, each of the  years
in  the three-year period ended  December 31, 1995 are  derived from the audited
financial statements of the  Phipps Business. The  selected financial data  for,
and  as of the end  of, each of the  years ended December 31,  1991 and 1992 are
derived from  the  unaudited accounting  records  of the  Phipps  Business.  The
selected  financial data for, and  as of the six months  ended June 30, 1995 and
1996 are derived from the unaudited financial statements of the Phipps  Business
and have been prepared on the same basis as the audited financial statements and
in  the opinion of  management of the  Company include all  normal and recurring
adjustments and accruals necessary for a fair presentation of such information.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                   SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE
                                                        YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                             30,
                                       ----------------------------------------------------------  ----------------------
                                          1991      1992(1)       1993        1994        1995        1995        1996
                                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                    <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
                                            (UNAUDITED)                                                 (UNAUDITED)
STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA:
Operating revenues:
  Broadcasting (less agency
   commissions)......................   $  10,492   $  14,523   $  19,460   $  21,524   $  22,424   $  10,774   $  11,346
  Paging.............................       3,369       3,646       3,788       4,277       4,897       2,423       2,744
                                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Total revenues.......................      13,861      18,169      23,248      25,801      27,321      13,197      14,090
Expenses:
  Broadcasting.......................       5,298       7,518      10,734      10,211      10,487       5,065       5,412
  Paging.............................       2,356       2,298       2,529       2,764       3,052       1,411       1,780
  Management fees....................         579         973       2,462       2,486       3,280       1,539         735
  Depreciation and amortization......       1,513       1,734       2,836       2,672       3,120       1,436       1,530
                                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Total expenses.......................       9,746      12,523      18,561      18,133      19,939       9,451       9,457
                                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Operating income.....................       4,115       5,646       4,687       7,668       7,382       3,746       4,633
Miscellaneous income (expense),
 net.................................           5           8          16         666          12          (4)         (5)
                                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Income before interest expense and
 minority interests..................       4,120       5,654       4,703       8,334       7,394       3,742       4,628
Interest expense.....................         162         442         632         480         499         223         159
                                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Income before minority interests.....       3,958       5,212       4,071       7,854       6,895       3,519       4,469
Minority interests...................          --         331         140         635         547         256         296
                                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Net income...........................   $   3,958   $   4,881   $   3,931   $   7,219   $   6,348   $   3,263   $   4,173
                                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Supplemental unaudited pro forma
 information: (2)
  Net income, as above...............   $   3,958   $   4,881   $   3,931   $   7,219   $   6,348   $   3,263   $   4,173
  Pro forma provision for income tax
   expense...........................       1,504       1,855       1,500       2,743       2,413       1,240       1,586
                                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Pro forma net income.................   $   2,454   $   3,026   $   2,431   $   4,476   $   3,935   $   2,023   $   2,587
                                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
 
BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT END OF
 PERIOD):
Working capital......................   $     595   $     615   $   1,257   $   1,421   $   2,622   $   2,228   $   2,902
Total assets.........................       8,931      25,068      24,819      25,298      27,562      27,633      26,306
Total debt...........................       1,388       7,697       6,542       6,065       4,810       5,198       4,034
Minority interests...................          --       1,154         824         728         586         648         655
Owner's equity.......................       6,351      13,276      14,306      15,465      18,794      18,764      18,666
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       40
<PAGE>
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                               SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE
                                                                YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                 30,
                                                           ----------------------------------  ----------------------
                                                              1993        1994        1995        1995        1996
                                                           ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                                        <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
                                                                                                    (UNAUDITED)
OTHER DATA:
Media Cash Flow (3)......................................   $  10,466   $  12,983   $  13,696   $   6,678   $   6,769
Operating cash flow (4)..................................       8,003      10,498      10,416       5,140       6,035
EBITDA (5)...............................................       7,523      10,340      10,502       5,182       6,163
Net cash flows provided by (used in):
  Operating activities...................................       7,397       9,808       9,259       4,136       6,191
  Investing activities...................................      (2,953)     (2,506)     (3,828)     (3,152)       (840)
  Financing activities...................................      (4,418)     (7,233)     (4,906)       (917)     (5,309)
Capital expenditures.....................................   $   3,538   $   3,353   $   3,188   $   1,902   $   1,647
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------------
(1) Includes the acquisition of a majority interest in WKXT in July 1992,  which
    was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting.
 
(2) John H. Phipps, Inc. and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income
    tax return and separate state tax returns. Income tax expense for the Phipps
    Business  is not presented  in the financial statements  as such amounts are
    computed and paid by John H. Phipps, Inc. Pro forma federal and state income
    taxes for the Phipps Business are calculated on a pro forma, separate return
    basis.
 
(3) Media Cash Flow represents operating income plus depreciation,  amortization
    (including  amortization of  program license rights)  and corporate overhead
    less payments of program license liabilities.
 
(4) Operating cash  flow  represents  operating  income  plus  depreciation  and
    amortization   (including  amortization  of  program  license  rights)  less
    payments for program license liabilities.
 
(5) EBITDA  represents  operating  income  plus  depreciation  and  amortization
    (excluding  amortization of program license rights). EBITDA is presented not
    as a  measure  of  operating  results,  but  rather  to  provide  additional
    information  related to the Phipps Business' ability to service debt. EBITDA
    should not be considered  as an alternative to  either (x) operating  income
    determined  in accordance with GAAP as an indicator of operating performance
    or (y) cash flows from  operating activities (determined in accordance  with
    GAAP) as a measure of liquidity.
 
                                       41
<PAGE>
                    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                 FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF THE COMPANY
 
INTRODUCTION
 
    The  following analysis of the financial condition and results of operations
of the Company  should be read  in conjunction with  the Company's  consolidated
financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
   
    The  Company  derives  its  revenues from  its  television  broadcasting and
publishing operations. As a result of  the Kentucky Acquisition (as defined)  in
1994  and  the Augusta  Acquisition, which  was completed  in January  1996, the
proportion of the  Company's revenues derived  from television broadcasting  has
increased  and this  proportion will  continue to  increase as  a result  of the
Phipps Acquisition,  which is  expected to  occur by  September 30,  1996. As  a
result  of the higher operating margins associated with the Company's television
broadcasting operations,  the  profit  contribution of  these  operations  as  a
percentage  of revenues has exceeded, and is expected to continue to exceed, the
profit contribution of the Company's publishing operations. Set forth below, for
the  periods  indicated,   is  certain  information   concerning  the   relative
contributions   of   the  Company's   television  broadcasting   and  publishing
operations.
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                               SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
                ----------------------------------------------------------------  ------------------------------------------
                        1993                  1994                  1995                  1995                  1996
                --------------------  --------------------  --------------------  --------------------  --------------------
(DOLLARS IN                 PERCENT               PERCENT               PERCENT               PERCENT               PERCENT
 THOUSANDS)      AMOUNT    OF TOTAL    AMOUNT    OF TOTAL    AMOUNT    OF TOTAL    AMOUNT    OF TOTAL    AMOUNT    OF TOTAL
                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
TELEVISION
 BROADCASTING
<S>             <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Revenues....... $15,003.7      59.8%  $22,826.4      62.5%  $36,750.0      62.7%  $18,260.9      64.5%  $24,251.9      68.3%
Operating
 income (1)....   4,070.6      66.9     6,556.0      78.4    10,585.2      94.1     5,416.1      84.8     7,757.3      85.9
 
PUBLISHING
Revenues....... $10,109.4      40.2%  $13,692.0      37.5%  $21,866.2      37.3%  $10,046.1      35.5%  $11,261.8      31.7%
Operating
 income (1)....   2,009.1      33.1     1,804.0      21.6       660.2       5.9       972.2      15.2     1,272.7      14.1
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
(1)  Excludes any allocation of corporate and administrative expenses.
 
TELEVISION BROADCASTING
 
    Set forth below are the principal  types of broadcasting revenues earned  by
the  Company's television stations for the  periods indicated and the percentage
contribution of each to total Company revenues:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                               SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
                ----------------------------------------------------------------  ------------------------------------------
                        1993                  1994                  1995                  1995                  1996
                --------------------  --------------------  --------------------  --------------------  --------------------
                            PERCENT               PERCENT               PERCENT               PERCENT               PERCENT
                           OF TOTAL              OF TOTAL              OF TOTAL              OF TOTAL              OF TOTAL
(DOLLARS IN                 COMPANY               COMPANY               COMPANY               COMPANY               COMPANY
 THOUSANDS)      AMOUNT    REVENUES    AMOUNT    REVENUES    AMOUNT    REVENUES    AMOUNT    REVENUES    AMOUNT    REVENUES
                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Net revenues:
<S>             <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
  Local........ $ 7,312.3      29.2%  $12,191.4      33.4%  $20,888.1      35.6%  $10,294.6      36.4%  $13,745.3      38.7%
  National.....   6,102.8      24.3     7,804.4      21.4    10,881.1      18.6     5,497.4      19.4     6,967.9      19.6
  Network
compensation...   1,286.1       5.1     1,297.5       3.5     2,486.8       4.2     1,247.2       4.4     1,761.0       5.0
  Political....      17.7       0.1     1,029.0       2.8     1,174.2       2.0       437.9       1.5       786.3       2.2
  Production
   and other...     284.8       1.1       504.1       1.4     1,319.8       2.3       783.8       2.8       991.4       2.8
                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                $15,003.7      59.8%  $22,826.4      62.5%  $36,750.0      62.7%  $18,260.9      64.5%  $24,251.9      68.3%
                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    In the Company's broadcasting operations, broadcast advertising is sold  for
placement   either  preceding  or  following   a  television  station's  network
programming and within local and syndicated programming.
 
                                       42
<PAGE>
Broadcast advertising is sold in time increments and is priced primarily on  the
basis  of  a  program's popularity  among  the specific  audience  an advertiser
desires to reach,  as measured  by Nielsen. In  addition, broadcast  advertising
rates  are affected  by the  number of  advertisers competing  for the available
time, the size and demographic  makeup of the market  served by the station  and
the  availability of alternative advertising media in the market area. Broadcast
advertising rates are the highest during the most desirable viewing hours,  with
corresponding  reductions during  other hours.  The ratings  of a  local station
affiliated  with  a  major  network  can  be  affected  by  ratings  of  network
programming.
 
   
    Most  broadcast advertising contracts are short-term, and generally run only
for a few  weeks. Approximately  56.5% of the  gross revenues  of the  Company's
television  stations for  the year  ended December 31,  1995 and  the six months
ended June 30, 1996, were generated from  local advertising, which is sold by  a
station's  sales staff directly  to local accounts,  and the remainder primarily
represents  national  advertising,  which  is  sold  by  a  station's   national
advertising  sales  representative. The  stations  generally pay  commissions to
advertising agencies  on  local,  regional  and  national  advertising  and  the
stations  also pay commissions to the  national sales representative on national
advertising.
    
 
    Broadcast advertising  revenues  are generally  highest  in the  second  and
fourth  quarters of each year, due in part to increases in retail advertising in
the spring and in the period leading up to and including the holiday season.  In
addition,  broadcast  advertising  revenues  are  generally  higher  during even
numbered election years due to spending by political candidates, which  spending
typically is heaviest during the fourth quarter.
 
    The   broadcasting  operations'  primary  operating  expenses  are  employee
compensation,  related  benefits  and   programming  costs.  In  addition,   the
broadcasting  operations incur overhead expenses  such as maintenance, supplies,
insurance, rent and utilities. A large portion of the operating expenses of  the
broadcasting operations is fixed.
 
PUBLISHING
 
    Set forth below are the principal types of publishing revenues earned by the
Company's  publishing operations  for the  periods indicated  and the percentage
contribution of each to total Company revenues.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                               SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
                ----------------------------------------------------------------  ------------------------------------------
                        1993                  1994                  1995                  1995                  1996
                --------------------  --------------------  --------------------  --------------------  --------------------
                            PERCENT               PERCENT               PERCENT               PERCENT               PERCENT
                           OF TOTAL              OF TOTAL              OF TOTAL              OF TOTAL              OF TOTAL
                            COMPANY               COMPANY               COMPANY               COMPANY               COMPANY
                 AMOUNT    REVENUES    AMOUNT    REVENUES    AMOUNT    REVENUES    AMOUNT    REVENUES    AMOUNT    REVENUES
                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
(DOLLARS IN
 THOUSANDS)
<S>             <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Revenues:
  Retail
 advertising... $ 5,734.3      22.8%  $ 7,460.3      20.4%  $11,044.2      18.8%  $ 5,089.5      18.0%  $ 5,299.8      14.9%
  Classified...   2,336.5       9.3     3,174.2       8.7     5,323.8       9.1     2,493.7       8.8     3,036.5       8.5
 Circulation...   2,011.8       8.0     2,628.9       7.2     3,783.8       6.5     1,821.6       6.4     2,188.6       6.2
  Other........      26.8       0.1       428.6       1.2     1,714.4       2.9       641.3       2.3       736.9       2.1
                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                $10,109.4      40.2%  $13,692.0      37.5%  $21,866.2      37.3%  $10,046.1      35.5%  $11,261.8      31.7%
                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    In the Company's publishing operations, advertising contracts are  generally
annual  and primarily provide for  a commitment as to  the volume of advertising
purchased by a  customer. The  publishing operations'  advertising revenues  are
primarily   generated  from   retail  advertising.  As   with  the  broadcasting
operations, the publishing  operations' revenues  are generally  highest in  the
second and fourth quarters of each year.
 
    The   publishing  operations'   primary  operating   expenses  are  employee
compensation, related  benefits and  newsprint  costs. In  addition,  publishing
operations  incur overhead  expenses such  as maintenance,  supplies, insurance,
rent and utilities. A large portion of the operating expenses of the  publishing
operations   is  fixed,   although  the  Company   has  experienced  significant
variability in its newsprint costs in recent years.
 
                                       43
<PAGE>
MEDIA CASH FLOW
 
    The following table sets forth certain operating data for both the broadcast
and publishing operations for the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and  1995,
and the six months ended June 30, 1995 and 1996.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE
                        YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                 30,
(DOLLARS IN        ---------------------------------   ---------------------
 THOUSANDS)          1993        1994        1995        1995        1996
                   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
Operating
 income..........   $3,530.7   $ 6,276.4   $ 6,859.7    $4,657.5    $7,311.2
<S>                <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Add:
  Amortization of
   program
   license
   rights........      924.9     1,218.0     1,647.0       768.0     1,279.4
  Depreciation
   and
  amortization...    1,564.8     2,141.6     3,958.9     1,821.7     2,900.7
  Corporate
   overhead......    2,326.7     1,958.4     2,258.3     1,012.0     1,570.8
  Non-cash
   compensation
   and
   contributions
   to the
   Company's
   401(k) plan,
   paid in common
   stock.........          -       109.5     2,612.2       976.4       250.8
Less:
  Payments for
   program
   license
   liabilities...     (976.2)   (1,181.6)   (1,776.8)     (902.8)   (1,309.3)
                   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
Media Cash Flow
 (1).............   $7,370.9   $10,522.3   $15,559.3    $8,332.8   $12,003.6
                   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
                   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
(1) Of  Media  Cash  Flow, $4.9  million,  $8.0  million and  $13.6  million was
    attributable to  the Company's  broadcasting operations  in 1993,  1994  and
    1995,  respectively; and $6.8  million and $9.9  million was attributable to
    the Company's broadcasting operations during  the six months ended June  30,
    1995 and 1996, respectively.
 
    "Media  Cash  Flow"  is  defined  as  operating  income  from  broadcast and
publishing operations (and includes paging  with regard to the Phipps  Business)
before  income taxes  and interest  expense, plus  depreciation and amortization
(including amortization of  program license rights),  non-cash compensation  and
corporate  overhead, less payments for  program license liabilities. The Company
has included Media  Cash Flow  data because  such data  are commonly  used as  a
measure of performance for broadcast companies and are also used by investors to
measure  a company's ability to service debt. Media Cash Flow is not, and should
not be used as, an indicator or  alternative to operating income, net income  or
cash  flow as reflected in the  consolidated financial statements of the Company
and is not  a measure  of financial  performance under  GAAP and  should not  be
considered  in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared
in accordance with GAAP.
 
ACQUISITIONS
 
    Since 1994, the  Company has completed  several broadcasting and  publishing
acquisitions. The operating results of the Company reflect significant increases
in  substantially all line items between the  six months ended June 30, 1995 and
1996, and the years ended December 31,  1994 and 1995. The principal reason  for
these increases is the acquisition by the Company in January 1996 of the Augusta
Business  for $35.9 million  and the assumption of  $1.3 million of liabilities,
and in September 1994 of WKYT  and WYMT (together, the "Kentucky Business")  for
$38.1  million and the assumption of  $2.3 million of liabilities (the "Kentucky
Acquisition"). In  addition,  during  1994 the  Company  acquired  THE  ROCKDALE
CITIZEN  for  approximately  $4.8  million  (May  1994)  and  four  shoppers for
approximately $1.5  million (October  1994) (collectively  the "1994  Publishing
Acquisitions"), and during 1995 the Company acquired the GWINNETT DAILY POST for
approximately  $3.7 million (January  1995) and three  shoppers for an aggregate
purchase price of approximately $1.4 million (September 1995) (collectively  the
"1995  Publishing Acquisitions"). The 1994  Publishing Acquisitions and the 1995
Publishing  Acquisitions  are  collectively  referred  to  as  the   "Publishing
Acquisitions."
 
                                       44
<PAGE>
CASH FLOW PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING, INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES.
 
    The  following table sets  forth certain operating data  for the Company for
the years ended December 31,  1993, 1994 and 1995 and  for the six months  ended
June 30, 1995 and 1996.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE
                           YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                 30,
(DOLLARS IN           ---------------------------------   ---------------------
THOUSANDS)              1993        1994        1995        1995        1996
                      ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
Cash flows provided
 by (used in):
<S>                   <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
    Operating
     activities.....     $1,324      $5,798      $7,600      $3,828      $6,801
    Investing
     activities.....      3,062     (42,770)     (8,929)     (5,377)    (37,490)
    Financing
     activities.....     (4,932)     37,200       1,331       1,208      31,416
</TABLE>
 
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 COMPARED TO SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1995
 
    REVENUES.   Total revenues for the six  months ended June 30, 1996 increased
$7.2 million, or  25.5%, over the  six months  ended June 30,  1995, from  $28.3
million  to $35.5  million. This  increase was  attributable to  (i) the Augusta
Acquisition, which occurred on January 4, 1996 and (ii) increases in  publishing
and  broadcasting  (excluding  the Augusta  Acquisition)  revenues.  The Augusta
Acquisition accounted for $4.5 million, or 62.3%, of the revenue increase.
 
    Broadcast net  revenues increased  $6.0  million, or  32.8%, over  the  same
period  of  the  prior  year,  from $18.3  million  to  $24.3  million. Revenues
generated by WRDW accounted for  $4.5 million, or 74.9%,  of the increase. On  a
pro  forma basis, broadcast net revenues for  WRDW for the six months ended June
30, 1996 increased $130,000, or  3.0%, over the same  period of the prior  year.
Broadcast  net  revenues,  excluding  the  Augusta  Acquisition,  increased $1.5
million, or 8.2%, over  the six months ended  June 30, 1995. Approximately  $1.1
million,  $94,000 and $171,000  of the $1.5 million  increase in total broadcast
net revenues,  excluding the  Augusta  Acquisition, were  due to  higher  local,
national   and  political  advertising  spending,  respectively.  The  remaining
increase was due to greater tower rental and special projects revenue.
 
    Publishing revenues increased $1.2  million, or 12.1%,  over the six  months
ended  June  30, 1995,  from  $10.1 million  to  $11.3 million.  Advertising and
circulation revenues  comprised  $766,000  and $367,000,  respectively,  of  the
revenue  increase. The increase in advertising  revenue was primarily the result
of linage increases  in classified  advertising and retail  rate increases.  The
increase  in circulation revenue can be  attributed primarily to price increases
over the  same period  of the  prior year  at two  of the  Company's  publishing
operations  and the conversion  of the GWINNETT DAILY  POST to a five-day-a-week
paper. Approximately $81,000 of the  publishing revenue increase was the  result
of higher special events revenue.
 
    OPERATING  EXPENSES.  Operating  expenses for the six  months ended June 30,
1996 increased $4.6 million, or 19.3%, over the six months ended June 30,  1995,
from  $23.6  million  to  $28.2  million, due  to  the  Augusta  Acquisition and
increased expenses at  the broadcasting  and publishing operations,  as well  as
increased  corporate and administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization,
offset by a reduction in non-cash compensation paid in Class A Common Stock.
 
    Broadcasting expenses for the six months ended June 30, 1996 increased  $3.0
million,  or 26.4%, over the same period of the prior year from $11.4 million to
$14.4  million.  This  increase  was  primarily  attributable  to  the   Augusta
Acquisition.  On a  pro forma  basis, broadcast  expenses for  WRDW for  the six
months ended June 30, 1996 decreased $129,000, or 4.5%, over the same period  of
1995,  from $2.9 million to $2.8 million. Broadcasting expenses, excluding WRDW,
increased $243,000, or 2.1%, primarily as  the result of higher payroll  related
costs.
 
    Publishing  expenses  for  the  six months  ended  June  30,  1996 increased
$603,000, or 7.0%, over the same period of the prior year, from $8.6 million  to
$9.2  million.  This  increase resulted  primarily  from the  conversion  of the
GWINNETT  DAILY  POST  to  a  five-day-a-week  paper  and  the  acquisition   of
advertising  only  publications  in September  1995.  Newsprint  costs increased
approximately 12%  while consumption  of newsprint  increased approximately  7%.
Payroll  related costs,  promotional costs,  product delivery  costs and outside
service costs increased over the same period of the prior year.
 
                                       45
<PAGE>
    Corporate and administrative expenses for the six months ended June 30, 1996
increased $559,000, or 55.2%, over the same period of the prior year, from  $1.0
million  to  $1.6  million.  This increase  was  attributable  primarily  to the
addition of several new officers.
 
    Depreciation of property and equipment and amortization of intangible assets
was $2.9  million for  the six  months ended  June 30,  1996, compared  to  $1.8
million  for the same period  of the prior year, an  increase of $1.1 million or
59.2%. This  increase  was  primarily  the result  of  higher  depreciation  and
amortization  costs  related  to the  Augusta  Acquisition and  $3.3  million of
capital expenditures made in 1995.
 
   
    Non-cash compensation  paid  in Class  A  Common Stock  resulting  from  the
Company's  employment  agreement with  its former  President and  the Separation
Agreement (as  defined)  with  its  former  chief  executive  officer  decreased
$696,000,  or 85.3%, for  the six months  ended June 30,  1996, from $816,000 to
$120,000. This decrease  resulted from the  Company's award in  1995 of  150,000
shares  of  Class A  Common Stock  to  its former  chief executive  officer. The
expense for such award was recognized in 1995 (including $696,000 recognized  in
the six months ended June 30, 1995).
    
 
   
    INTEREST  EXPENSE.  Interest expense increased  $1.7 million, or 60.6%, from
$2.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 1995 to $4.4 million for the  six
months  ended  June  30,  1996.  This  increase  was  attributable  primarily to
increased  levels  of  debt  resulting   from  the  financing  of  the   Augusta
Acquisition.
    
 
    NET  INCOME.  Net income for the Company was $1.8 million for the six months
ended June 30, 1996, compared with $1.2 million for the same period in 1995,  an
increase of $620,000 or 52.5%.
 
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994
 
    REVENUES.   Total  revenues for the  year ended December  31, 1995 increased
$22.1 million,  or 60.5%,  over the  year ended  December 31,  1994, from  $36.5
million  to $58.6 million. This  increase was attributable to  (i) the effect of
owning the Kentucky Business for all of 1995 versus the last four months of 1994
($12.9 million),  (ii)  the Publishing  Acquisitions  ($6.4 million)  and  (iii)
increases  in  total revenues  of  the Company  of  $2.8 million  (excluding the
Kentucky Business and the Publishing Acquisitions). The Kentucky Acquisition and
the Publishing  Acquisitions  accounted for  $19.3  million, or  87.3%,  of  the
revenue increase.
 
    Broadcast  net revenues  increased $13.9 million,  or 61.0%,  over the prior
year, from $22.8 million  to $36.7 million. Revenues  generated by the  Kentucky
Acquisition  accounted for $12.9  million, or 92.8%,  of the increase.  On a pro
forma basis, broadcast net revenues for the Kentucky Business for the year ended
December 31, 1995 increased $2.7 million, or 16.1%, over the year ended December
31, 1994, from $16.6 million to $19.3 million. Broadcast net revenues, excluding
the Kentucky Acquisition, increased 6.1%, or $1.0 million, over the prior  year.
Approximately  $889,000  and  $304,000 of  the  $1.0 million  increase  in total
broadcast net revenues, excluding the  Kentucky Acquisition, were due to  higher
local and national advertising spending, respectively. Approximately $417,000 of
the  $1.0  million  increase  in total  broadcast  net  revenues,  excluding the
Kentucky Acquisition, is a result  of higher network compensation negotiated  by
the Company with CBS and NBC. These increases were offset by a $617,000 decrease
in political advertising revenues associated with cyclical political activity.
 
    Publishing  revenues increased $8.2 million, or  59.7%, over the prior year,
from $13.7 million to  $21.9 million. Approximately $6.4  million, or 77.8%,  of
the  increase  was  due  to the  Publishing  Acquisitions.  Publishing revenues,
excluding the Publishing  Acquisitions, increased $1.8  million, or 15.5%,  over
the  prior year. Advertising  and circulation revenue,  excluding the Publishing
Acquisitions, comprised approximately  $885,000 and  $511,000, respectively,  of
the  revenue increase.  This increase in  circulation revenue  can be attributed
primarily to price increases  over the prior year.  This increase in  classified
advertising,  excluding the Publishing Acquisitions, was primarily the result of
rate and  linage  increases. Approximately  $417,000  of the  revenue  increase,
excluding  the Publishing Acquisitions, was the  result of higher special events
and commercial printing revenues.
 
    OPERATING EXPENSES.  Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 1995
increased $21.5 million, or 71.1%, over  the year ended December 31, 1994,  from
$30.2  million to $51.7 million, primarily due to the Kentucky Acquisition ($9.8
million) and the Publishing Acquisitions ($7.6 million).
 
                                       46
<PAGE>
    Broadcasting expenses increased $8.3 million, or 56.1%, over the prior year,
from $14.9 million to $23.2 million. The increase was attributable primarily  to
the  Kentucky  Acquisition. On  a pro  forma basis,  broadcast expenses  for the
Kentucky Business for the year ended  December 31, 1995 increased $1.5  million,
or  14.3%, over the  year ended December  31, 1994, from  $10.7 million to $12.2
million. The increase  in broadcast expenses  for the Kentucky  Business can  be
attributed  primarily to increased payroll  related costs and sales commissions.
Broadcasting expenses, excluding the  Kentucky Acquisition, remained  relatively
constant primarily as a result of lower syndicated film programming costs offset
by higher payroll related costs.
 
    Publishing  expenses increased $8.8 million, or  78.7%, over the prior year,
from $11.2 million to  $20.0 million. Approximately $7.1  million, or 80.6%,  of
the  increase  was  due  to the  Publishing  Acquisitions.  Publishing expenses,
excluding  the  Publishing  Acquisitions,  increased  $1.7  million,  or  18.5%,
primarily  due to  a 40% increase  in newsprint cost,  increased payroll related
costs and product delivery and promotion costs.
 
    Corporate and administrative expenses increased $300,000, or 15.3%, over the
prior year, from $2.0  million to $2.3 million.  This increase was  attributable
primarily  to the Separation Agreement with the Company's former chief executive
officer, which resulted in a $440,000 charge to expense.
 
    Depreciation of property and equipment and amortization of intangible assets
was $3.9 million for the year ended December 31, 1995, compared to $2.1  million
for  the prior year,  an increase of  $1.8 million, or  84.9%. This increase was
primarily the result of  higher depreciation and  amortization costs related  to
the Kentucky Acquisition and the Publishing Acquisitions.
 
   
    Non-cash  compensation  paid  in  Class A  Common  Stock  resulted  from the
Company's employment agreements with its  former President and its former  chief
executive officer. The former President's employment agreement provided him with
122,034  shares  of  Class A  Common  Stock  if his  employment  continued until
September 1999. This agreement resulted in  a charge to expense of $240,000  for
the  year ended  December 31,  1995 as  compared to  $80,000 for  the year ended
December 31, 1994. In  addition, the Company awarded  150,000 shares of Class  A
Common  Stock,  pursuant  to  the employment  agreement  with  its  former chief
executive officer, which resulted  in an expense of  $2.1 million, all of  which
was recognized in 1995.
    
 
    INTEREST  EXPENSE.  Interest expense increased $3.5 million, or 182.8%, from
$1.9 million for the year ended December  31, 1994 to $5.4 million for the  year
ended  December 31, 1995. This increase  was attributable primarily to increased
levels of debt resulting from the financing of the Kentucky Acquisition and  the
Publishing  Acquisitions. The Company entered into a $25 million notional amount
five year interest rate swap agreement on June 2, 1995, to effectively convert a
portion of its floating rate debt to a fixed rate basis. The interest rate  swap
fixed  the LIBOR base rate of the Old Credit Facility at 6.105% for the notional
amount. Under the  terms of  the interest  rate swap,  amounts were  paid to  or
received from Society National Bank ("Society"), the other party to the swap, on
a  quarterly basis. The calculation of these amounts was based upon a comparison
of the  results  of multiplying  the  notional amount  by  (i) 6.105%  and  (ii)
Society's current three-month LIBOR rate. If Society's current three-month LIBOR
rate  was  lower  than  6.105%,  the Company  paid  Society  the  difference. If
Society's current three-month LIBOR  rate was higher  than 6.105%, Society  paid
the  Company  the difference.  Since  the inception  of  the interest  rate swap
agreement, the three-month LIBOR rates  charged by Society have been  consistent
with  the  three-month LIBOR  rates published  in THE  WALL STREET  JOURNAL. The
Company recorded  approximately  $34,000 of  interest  expense relative  to  the
interest  rate  swap in  1995. The  effective  interest rate  of the  Old Credit
Facility and interest rate swap at December 31, 1995 was approximately 8.64% and
9.10%, respectively.
 
    NET INCOME.   Net income for  the Company  was $931,000 for  the year  ended
December  31, 1995, compared with  $2.8 million for the  year ended December 31,
1994, a decrease of $1.8 million.
 
                                       47
<PAGE>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993
 
    REVENUES.  Total  revenues for the  year ended December  31, 1994  increased
$11.4 million or 45.4% over the year ended December 31, 1993, from $25.1 million
to  $36.5 million.  Excluding the Kentucky  Acquisition and  the 1994 Publishing
Acquisitions, the increase was $3.1 million or 12.3%.
 
    Broadcast net revenues increased $7.8 million or 52.1% over the prior  year,
from  $15.0  million to  $22.8 million.  Broadcast  net revenues,  excluding the
Kentucky Acquisition, increased 9.8%  or $1.5 million over  the prior year.  The
Kentucky  Acquisition contributed $6.3  million to this  increase. Excluding the
Kentucky Acquisition, approximately $921,000 of the $1.5 million increase was  a
result  of  higher  levels of  political  advertising spending  due  to cyclical
election activity in  the Company's  broadcast markets.  Excluding the  Kentucky
Acquisition,  local and national advertising  contributed an additional $668,000
to the  revenue  increase. These  increases  were offset  by  decreased  network
compensation  related to the preemption of network programming in favor of local
advertising.
 
    Publishing revenues increased  $3.6 million  or 35.4% over  the prior  year,
from   $10.1  million  to  $13.7   million.  The  1994  Publishing  Acquisitions
contributed $2.0 million  to this increase.  Publishing revenues, excluding  the
1994  Publishing  Acquisitions,  increased  $1.6 million  over  the  prior year.
Advertising  and   circulation  revenues   comprised  $833,000   and   $436,000,
respectively,  of the revenue  increase. Special events  and commercial printing
services accounted for $344,000 of the revenue increase.
 
    OPERATING EXPENSES.  Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 1994
increased $8.7 million  or 40.1%  over the year  ended December  31, 1993,  from
$21.6   million  to  $30.3  million,  attributable  primarily  to  the  Kentucky
Acquisition ($4.4 million) and the 1994 Publishing Acquisitions ($2.1 million).
 
    Broadcasting expenses increased $4.8 million  or 48.2% over the prior  year,
from  $10.0 million to $14.8 million  primarily due to the Kentucky Acquisition.
Broadcasting   expenses,   excluding   the   Kentucky   Acquisition,   increased
approximately  $1.0 million, or 10.0%, over the prior year from $10.0 million to
$11.0 million. This increase was attributable to increased payroll related costs
associated with improvement of news programming, costs associated with  coverage
of  the 1994 flood in Albany, Georgia  and other costs related to on-air product
upgrades at the stations.
 
    Publishing expenses increased  $3.5 million  or 46.1% over  the prior  year,
from  $7.7 million to $11.2 million primarily as a result of the 1994 Publishing
Acquisitions. Publishing expenses, excluding  the 1994 Publishing  Acquisitions,
increased approximately $1.6 million or 20.9% during the year ended December 31,
1994, as compared to the prior year. This increase was primarily attributable to
an  11.9% increase in  newsprint usage, payroll related  costs and other product
improvement costs associated with format changes and expanded market coverage of
THE ALBANY HERALD.
 
    Corporate and administrative expenses decreased $368,000 or 15.8% during the
year ended December 31, 1994, from  $2.3 million to $1.9 million. This  decrease
can be attributed to lower professional fees and related expenses.
 
    Depreciation of property and equipment and amortization of intangible assets
was  $2.2 million for the year ended  December 31, 1994 compared to $1.6 million
for the prior  year, an increase  of $577,000  or 36.9%. This  increase was  due
principally from the depreciation and amortization expense related to the assets
acquired in the Kentucky Acquisition and 1994 Publishing Acquisitions.
 
    INTEREST  EXPENSE.   Interest expense  was $1.9  million for  the year ended
December 31,  1994 compared  to $985,000  for  the prior  year, an  increase  of
$938,000  or 95.3%. This increase was due  primarily to increased levels of debt
resulting from the financing of the Kentucky Acquisition and the 1994 Publishing
Acquisitions. At December 31, 1993 and  1994 the Company's outstanding debt  was
$7.3 million and $52.9 million, respectively.
 
                                       48
<PAGE>
    NET  INCOME.  Net income for the Company was $2.8 million for the year ended
December 31, 1994, compared  with $2.6 million for  the year ended December  31,
1993, an increase of $200,000.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF THE PHIPPS BUSINESS
 
INTRODUCTION
 
    The  following analysis of the financial condition and results of operations
of the Phipps Business should be read in conjunction with the Phipps  Business's
consolidated  financial statements and notes  thereto included elsewhere in this
Prospectus.
 
    The Phipps Business  derives its revenues  from its television  broadcasting
operations  which  consist  of two  CBS-affiliated  television  stations serving
Tallahassee, Florida/Thomasville, Georgia and Knoxville, Tennessee, a  satellite
broadcasting  business based in Tallahassee, Florida  and a paging business also
based in Tallahassee, Florida.
 
    Set  forth  below,  for  the  periods  indicated,  is  certain   information
concerning  the  relative contributions  of  the Phipps  Business's broadcasting
(including satellite broadcasting) and paging operations.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                         SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
                          ----------------------------------------------------------  ------------------------------------
                                 1993                1994                1995               1995               1996
                          ------------------  ------------------  ------------------  -----------------  -----------------
                                    PERCENT             PERCENT             PERCENT            PERCENT            PERCENT
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)     AMOUNT   OF TOTAL   AMOUNT   OF TOTAL   AMOUNT   OF TOTAL   AMOUNT  OF TOTAL   AMOUNT  OF TOTAL
                          --------- --------  --------- --------  --------- --------  -------- --------  -------- --------
TELEVISION BROADCASTING
<S>                       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>
Revenues................. $19,460.1    83.7%  $21,524.3    83.4%  $22,424.1    82.1%  $10,774.3    81.6% $11,345.7    80.5%
Operating
 income (1)..............   6,636.4    92.8     9,297.9    91.6     9,635.3    90.4    4,656.5    88.1    4,740.0    88.3
 
PAGING
Revenues................. $ 3,787.9    16.3%  $ 4,276.6    16.6%  $ 4,897.5    17.9%  $2,422.9    18.4%  $2,743.5    19.5%
Operating
 income (1)..............     512.7     7.2       855.1     8.4     1,026.9     9.6      628.8    11.9      627.1    11.7
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
(1)  Excludes any allocation of corporate and administrative expenses.
 
TELEVISION BROADCASTING AND PAGING REVENUES
 
    Set forth below are the principal types of broadcast net revenues earned  by
the  Phipps Business's television stations (including the satellite broadcasting
operation) for the periods indicated and the percentage contribution of each  to
the Phipps Business's total revenues.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                         SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
                          ----------------------------------------------------------  ------------------------------------
                                 1993                1994                1995               1995               1996
                          ------------------  ------------------  ------------------  -----------------  -----------------
                                    PERCENT             PERCENT             PERCENT            PERCENT            PERCENT
                                    OF TOTAL            OF TOTAL            OF TOTAL           OF TOTAL           OF TOTAL
                                    REVENUES            REVENUES            REVENUES           REVENUES           REVENUES
                                       OF                  OF                  OF                 OF                 OF
                                     PHIPPS              PHIPPS              PHIPPS             PHIPPS             PHIPPS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)     AMOUNT   BUSINESS   AMOUNT   BUSINESS   AMOUNT   BUSINESS   AMOUNT  BUSINESS   AMOUNT  BUSINESS
                          --------- --------  --------- --------  --------- --------  -------- --------  -------- --------
TELEVISION BROADCASTING
<S>                       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>
Net revenues:
  Local.................. $ 9,732.8    41.9%  $10,412.2    40.4%  $11,149.2    40.8%  $5,359.3    40.6%  $5,788.6    41.1%
  National...............   7,057.2    30.4     7,217.0    27.9     7,844.9    28.7    3,808.7    28.9    3,597.7    25.5
  Network compensation...   1,164.6     5.0     1,433.2     5.6     1,740.1     6.4      802.2     6.1      819.5     5.8
  Political..............       9.1     0.0     1,147.1     4.4        33.9     0.1        7.7      --      239.2     1.7
  Production and other
   (1)...................   1,496.4     6.4     1,314.8     5.1     1,656.0     6.1      796.4     6.0      900.7     6.4
                          --------- --------  --------- --------  --------- --------  -------- --------  -------- --------
                          $19,460.1    83.7%  $21,524.3    83.4%  $22,424.1    82.1%  $10,774.3    81.6% $11,345.7    80.5%
                          --------- --------  --------- --------  --------- --------  -------- --------  -------- --------
                          --------- --------  --------- --------  --------- --------  -------- --------  -------- --------
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------
(1)  Includes satellite broadcasting business.
 
                                       49
<PAGE>
    Set  forth below are  the principal types  of revenues earned  by the Phipps
Business's paging  operations  for  the periods  indicated  and  the  percentage
contribution of each to the Phipps Business's total revenues.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                         SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
                          ----------------------------------------------------------  ------------------------------------
                                 1993                1994                1995               1995               1996
                          ------------------  ------------------  ------------------  -----------------  -----------------
                                    PERCENT             PERCENT             PERCENT            PERCENT            PERCENT
                                    OF TOTAL            OF TOTAL            OF TOTAL           OF TOTAL           OF TOTAL
                                    REVENUES            REVENUES            REVENUES           REVENUES           REVENUES
                                       OF                  OF                  OF                 OF                 OF
                                     PHIPPS              PHIPPS              PHIPPS             PHIPPS             PHIPPS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)     AMOUNT   BUSINESS   AMOUNT   BUSINESS   AMOUNT   BUSINESS   AMOUNT  BUSINESS   AMOUNT  BUSINESS
                          --------- --------  --------- --------  --------- --------  -------- --------  -------- --------
PAGING
<S>                       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>
Net revenues:
  Paging lease and
   service............... $ 3,741.6    16.1%  $ 4,201.4    16.3%  $ 5,004.9    18.3%  $2,485.3    18.9%  $2,922.8    20.8%
  Other..................      46.3     0.2        75.2     0.3      (107.4)    (0.4)    (62.4)    (0.5)   (179.3)    (1.3)
                          --------- --------  --------- --------  --------- --------  -------- --------  -------- --------
                          $ 3,787.9    16.3%  $ 4,276.6    16.6%  $ 4,897.5    17.9%  $2,422.9    18.4%  $2,743.5    19.5%
                          --------- --------  --------- --------  --------- --------  -------- --------  -------- --------
                          --------- --------  --------- --------  --------- --------  -------- --------  -------- --------
</TABLE>
 
MEDIA CASH FLOW
 
    The  following table sets forth certain operating data for the broadcast and
paging operations for the years ended December  31, 1993, 1994 and 1995 and  for
the six months ended June 30, 1995 and 1996.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                   YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                      JUNE 30,
                           ---------------------------------------   -------------------------------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)        1993          1994          1995           1995              1996
                           -----------   -----------   -----------   -------------     -------------
Operating income.........     $4,686.9      $7,667.6      $7,381.8        $3,746.4          $4,632.6
<S>                        <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>               <C>
Add:
  Amortization of program
   license rights........      1,552.4       1,021.4         844.8           422.4             463.9
  Depreciation and
   amortization..........      2,836.0       2,672.2       3,120.4         1,435.5           1,530.0
  Corporate overhead.....      2,462.2       2,485.4       3,280.4         1,538.7             734.5
Less:
  Payments for program
   license liabilities...     (1,072.0)       (863.3)       (931.0)         (464.5)           (592.0)
                           -----------   -----------   -----------   -------------     -------------
Media Cash Flow (1)......    $10,465.5     $12,983.3     $13,696.4        $6,678.5          $6,769.0
                           -----------   -----------   -----------   -------------     -------------
                           -----------   -----------   -----------   -------------     -------------
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
(1)  Of  Media  Cash Flow,  $9.2 million,  $11.5 million  and $11.9  million was
     attributable to the Phipps Business's broadcasting operations in 1993, 1994
     and 1995, respectively. Of Media Cash  Flow, $5.7 million and $5.8  million
     was  attributable to the Phipps  Business's broadcasting operations for the
     six months ended June 30, 1995 and 1996, respectively.
 
CASH FLOW PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING, INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
    The following  table  sets  forth  certain operating  data  for  the  Phipps
Business  for the years ended  December 31, 1993, 1994 and  1995 and for the six
months ended June 30, 1995 and 1996.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                   YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                      JUNE 30,
                           ---------------------------------------   -------------------------------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)        1993          1994          1995           1995              1996
                           -----------   -----------   -----------   -------------     -------------
Cash flows provided by
 (used in):
<S>                        <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>               <C>
  Operating activities...       $7,397        $9,808        $9,259          $4,136            $6,191
  Investing activities...       (2,953)       (2,506)       (3,828)         (3,152)             (840)
  Financing activities...       (4,418)       (7,233)       (4,906)           (917)           (5,309)
</TABLE>
    
 
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 COMPARED TO SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1995
 
    REVENUES.  Total revenues for the  six months ended June 30, 1996  increased
$893,000,  or 6.8%, over the six months  ended June 30, 1995, from $13.2 million
to $14.1 million. This increase was attributable to an improvement in local  and
political   advertising  revenue   in  the   broadcasting  operations   and  the
implementation of a reseller program in the paging operations.
 
    Broadcast net revenues increased $572,000, or 5.3%, over the same period  of
the  prior year,  from $10.8 million  to $11.4  million. Approximately $429,000,
$17,000, $232,000 and $104,000 of the increase in total
 
                                       50
<PAGE>
broadcast net  revenues was  due to  higher local  advertising revenue,  network
compensation,   political   advertising   revenue   and   production   revenues,
respectively, offset by a $211,000 decrease in national advertising revenue.  In
addition,  revenues generated  from satellite  broadcasting operations increased
due to additional equipment coming on line.
 
    Net paging revenues increased  $321,000, or 13.2%, over  the same period  of
the prior year, from $2.4 million to $2.7 million. The increase was attributable
primarily  to higher  sales volume generated  by a  reseller program implemented
during 1995.
 
    OPERATING EXPENSES.  Operating  expenses for the six  months ended June  30,
1996  remained relatively unchanged from the six  months ended June 30, 1995. An
increase of $716,000 in broadcast and paging expenses was offset by a  reduction
in management fees of $804,000.
 
    Broadcasting  expenses increased $347,000, or 6.9%,  over the same period of
the prior year, from $5.1 million to $5.4 million. The increase was attributable
primarily  to  higher  payroll  and  related  costs,  higher  levels  of   other
expenditures  in the sales and news  departments and additional costs associated
with new equipment. Paging expenses increased $369,000, or 26.1%, over the  same
period  of the prior year,  from $1.4 million to  $1.8 million. The increase was
attributable primarily to higher payroll,  sales and operating costs  associated
with revenue growth.
 
    Management  fees for the six months  ended June 30, 1996 decreased $804,000,
or 52.3%, from the same period of the prior year, from $1.5 million to $734,000.
The decrease was attributable  to lower personnel costs  and the termination  of
certain executive benefit plans.
 
   
    Depreciation of property and equipment and amortization of intangible assets
for the six months ended June 30, 1996 increased $94,000, or 6.6%, over the same
period  of the prior year, from $1.4  million to $1.5 million. This increase was
primarily the  result of  higher  depreciation costs  relating to  property  and
equipment  purchases and higher amortization  of intangible assets in connection
with the purchase of certain minority interests of WKXT in Knoxville, Tennessee.
    
 
    INTEREST EXPENSE.   Interest expense  decreased $64,000, or  29.1% from  the
same period of the prior year from $223,000 to $158,000.
 
    NET INCOME.  The net income for the Phipps Business was $4.2 million for the
six  months ended June  30, 1996 compared  with $3.3 million  for the six months
ended June 30, 1995, an increase of $910,000 or 27.9%.
 
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994
 
    REVENUES.  Total  revenues for the  year ended December  31, 1995  increased
$1.5 million, or 5.9%, over the year ended December 31, 1994, from $25.8 million
to  $27.3 million. This increase was attributable to an improvement in local and
national  advertising   revenue  in   the   broadcasting  operations   and   the
implementation of a reseller program in the paging operations.
 
    Broadcast  net revenues  increased $900,000, or  4.2%, over  the prior year,
from $21.5 million to $22.4 million. Approximately $737,000, $628,000,  $307,000
and  $341,000 of the increase in total  broadcast net revenues was due to higher
local advertising revenue,  national advertising  revenue, network  compensation
and  production revenues,  respectively, offset  by a  $1.1 million  decrease in
political advertising spending associated  with cyclical political activity.  In
addition,  revenues generated  from satellite  broadcasting operations increased
due to additional equipment coming on line.
 
    Net paging revenues increased $620,000, or 14.5%, over the prior year,  from
$4.3  million to $4.9 million. The increase was attributable primarily to higher
sales volume generated by a reseller program implemented during 1995.
 
    OPERATING EXPENSES.  Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 1995
increased $1.8 million, or  10.0%, over the year  ended December 31, 1994,  from
$18.1  million  to $19.9  million. The  increase  was attributable  primarily to
higher payroll and related costs  and sales expenses and commissions  associated
with  higher sales  volumes, increased  corporate overhead  and depreciation and
amortization costs.
 
    Broadcasting expenses increased $276,000, or 2.7%, over the prior year, from
$10.2 million  to $10.5  million.  The increase  was attributable  primarily  to
higher  payroll and  related costs offset  by lower  syndicated film programming
costs.
 
                                       51
<PAGE>
    Paging expenses increased $288,000, or 10.4%, over the prior year, from $2.8
million to  $3.1 million.  The  increase was  attributable primarily  to  higher
payroll, sales and operating costs associated with revenue growth.
 
    Management  fees for the year ended December 31, 1995 increased $794,000, or
32.0%, over the year ended December 31, 1994, from $2.5 million to $3.3 million.
The increase was attributable to higher personnel costs and overhead allocation.
 
    Depreciation of property and equipment and amortization of intangible assets
for the year ended December 31, 1995 increased $448,000, or 16.8%, over the year
ended December 31, 1994,  from $2.7 million to  $3.1 million. This increase  was
primarily  the  result of  higher depreciation  costs  relating to  property and
equipment purchases and higher amortization  of intangible assets in  connection
with the purchase of certain minority interests of WKXT in Knoxville, Tennessee.
 
    INTEREST  EXPENSE.  Interest expense remained relatively unchanged from year
to year.
 
    NET INCOME.  Net  income for the Phipps  broadcasting and paging  operations
was $6.3 million for the year ended December 31, 1995 compared with $7.2 million
for the year ended December 31, 1994, a decrease of $871,000.
 
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993
 
    REVENUES.   Total  revenues for the  year ended December  31, 1994 increased
$2.6 million,  or 11.0%,  over the  year  ended December  31, 1993,  from  $23.2
million  to  $25.8  million. This  increase  was attributable  to  higher local,
national  and  political  advertising  as   well  as  an  increase  in   network
compensation.  In  addition, paging  revenues  increased as  geographic coverage
expanded.
 
    Broadcast net  revenues increased  $2.1 million,  or 10.6%,  over the  prior
year,  from $19.4 million to $21.5  million. Approximately $679,000 and $160,000
of the $2.1 million increase  in total broadcast net  revenues is due to  higher
local  and national  advertising spending,  respectively. Approximately $269,000
and $1.1  million  of  the  $2.1  million increase  is  due  to  higher  network
compensation   and  political  advertising  revenues  associated  with  cyclical
political activity, respectively,  offset by  a $182,000  decrease in  satellite
broadcasting revenues.
 
    Net  paging revenues increased $489,000, or 12.9%, over the prior year, from
$3.8 million to $4.3 million. The increase was attributable primarily to  higher
sales volume due to increased geographical coverage.
 
    OPERATING EXPENSES.  Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 1994
decreased  $428,000, or 2.3%, from the year  ended December 31, 1993, from $18.6
million to  $18.2 million.  The  decrease was  attributable primarily  to  lower
syndicated  programming costs, offset by slightly  higher paging expenses due to
higher sales volume and lower depreciation.
 
    Broadcasting expenses decreased $523,000, or 4.9%, from the prior year, from
$10.7 million to $10.2 million. The  decrease was attributable primarily to  the
write-off of certain syndicated programming in 1993 that was not being utilized.
 
    Paging  expenses increased $235,000, or 9.3%, over the prior year, from $2.5
million to  $2.7  million. The  increase  was attributable  primarily  to  costs
associated with higher sales volume.
 
    Corporate  and  administrative expenses  remained relatively  unchanged from
year to year.
 
    Depreciation of property and equipment and amortization of intangible assets
for the year ended December 31, 1994 decreased $164,000, or 5.8%, from the  year
ended  December 31, 1993, from  $2.8 million to $2.6  million. This decrease was
primarily the result  of the  completion of  depreciation for  certain items  of
equipment purchased in 1988.
 
    INTEREST  EXPENSE.   Interest expense for  the year ended  December 31, 1994
decreased $152,000,  or 24.0%,  from  the year  ended  December 31,  1993,  from
$632,000  to $480,000. This decrease was  attributable primarily to lower levels
of debt associated with WKXT.
 
    NET INCOME.  Net  income for the  Phipps Business was  $7.2 million for  the
year  ended December  31, 1994,  compared with $3.9  million for  the year ended
December 31, 1993, an increase of $3.3 million.
 
                                       52
<PAGE>
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
   
    Following  the consummation  of the  Phipps Acquisition,  the Financing, the
Offering and the Concurrent Offering, the Company will be highly leveraged.  The
Company  anticipates that its principal uses of  cash for the next several years
will be working capital and  debt service requirements, cash dividends,  capital
expenditures  and expenditures  related to additional  acquisitions. The Company
anticipates that its  operating cash  flow, together  with borrowings  available
under  the Old Credit Facility or the Senior Credit Facility, will be sufficient
for such purposes for the remainder of 1996 and for 1997.
    
 
   
    The Company's working capital (deficiency) was $1.1 million, $(222,000)  and
$3.5 million at December 31, 1994 and 1995, and June 30, 1996, respectively. The
working  capital of the Phipps Business was  $1.4 million, $2.6 million and $2.9
million at December  31, 1994  and 1995, and  June 30,  1996, respectively.  The
Company's  cash provided from  operations was $5.8 million  and $7.6 million for
the years ended December 31, 1994  and 1995, respectively, and $3.8 million  and
$6.8  million for the six months ended June 30, 1995 and 1996, respectively. The
Phipps Business's  cash  provided from  operations  was $9.8  million  and  $9.3
million  for the years ended December 31,  1994 and 1995, respectively, and $4.1
million and  $6.2 million  for the  six months  ended June  30, 1995  and  1996,
respectively.
    
 
    The  Company  was  provided $3.0  million  in  cash in  1993  from investing
activities and  used  $42.8  million  and $8.9  million  of  cash  in  investing
activities in 1994 and 1995, respectively. The change of $45.8 million from 1993
to  1994 was due primarily  to the Kentucky Acquisition  and the 1994 Publishing
Acquisitions. The change of $33.9 million from 1994 to 1995 was due primarily to
the Kentucky Acquisition and the 1994 Publishing Acquisitions, partially  offset
by  the  1995 Publishing  Acquisitions  and the  deferred  costs related  to the
Augusta Acquisition. The Phipps Business's cash used in investing activities was
$2.5 million and $3.8 million in 1994 and 1995, respectively. The Company's cash
used in investing  activities was  $5.4 million and  $37.5 million  for the  six
months  ended June 30, 1995 and 1996, respectively. The increased usage of $32.1
million was due primarily to the Augusta Acquisition. The Phipps Business's cash
used in investing activities  was $3.2 million and  $840,000 for the six  months
ended June 30, 1995 and 1996, respectively.
 
    The  Company  used $4.9  million in  cash  in 1993,  and was  provided $37.2
million and  $1.3 million  in cash  by financing  activities in  1994 and  1995,
respectively.  The use of cash in 1993  resulted primarily from the repayment of
debt  while  cash  provided  by  financing  activities  in  1994  and  1995  was
principally  due  to  increased  borrowings  in  1994  to  finance  the Kentucky
Acquisition  and  the  1994  Publishing  Acquisitions,  as  well  as   increased
borrowings  in 1995 to finance the  1995 Publishing Acquisitions and the funding
of the deposit  for the  Augusta Acquisition. On  January 4,  1996, the  Company
acquired  the Augusta  Business. The  cash consideration  of approximately $35.9
million, including  acquisition costs  of approximately  $600,000, was  financed
primarily through long-term borrowings under the Old Credit Facility and through
the  sale of the 8% Note to Bull Run. Long-term debt was $54.3 million and $82.8
million at December 31, 1995 and June 30, 1996, respectively. The balance of the
Old Credit Facility was  $28.4 million and $49.5  million, at December 31,  1995
and  June 30, 1996, respectively. The weighted  average interest rate of the Old
Credit Facility was 8.94%  at June 30, 1996.  Principal maturities on  long-term
debt  at December 31, 1995 included $2.9  million and $5.0 million for the years
ended 1996 and 1997,  respectively. The Company  anticipates that its  operating
cash  flows, together with borrowings available under the Senior Credit Facility
will be sufficient to provide for such payments. For the year ended December 31,
1995, the Augusta Business reported net revenues and broadcast cash flow of $8.7
million and $2.8 million,  respectively. The Phipps  Business used $7.2  million
and   $4.9  million  in  cash  for   financing  activities  in  1994  and  1995,
respectively. The Company was  provided with $1.2 million  and $31.4 million  in
cash  by financing activities for  the six months ended  June 30, 1995 and 1996,
respectively, due primarily to the funding  of the Gwinnett Acquisition in  1995
and  the Augusta Acquisition in 1996. The Phipps Business used $917,000 and $5.3
million in cash for financing activities for the six months ended June 30,  1995
and 1996, respectively.
 
    Under  the  terms of  the Old  Credit Facility,  the Company  had additional
borrowing capacity at June  30, 1996 of  approximately $4.8 million.  Borrowings
under  the Senior Credit Facility will be available upon the consummation of the
Phipps Acquisition. The availability of  funds under the Senior Credit  Facility
also  will be  subject to certain  conditions, including the  maintenance by the
Company of certain financial ratios consisting, among others, of a total debt to
operating  cash   flow   ratio,  a   senior   debt  to   operating   cash   flow
 
                                       53
<PAGE>
   
ratio,  an operating cash flow to total  interest expense ratio and an operating
cash flow  to  pro  forma  debt  service  ratio.  See  "Description  of  Certain
Indebtedness  -- The Senior Credit Facility."  Under the Senior Credit Facility,
after giving effect  to the consummation  of the this  Offering, the  Concurrent
Offering,  the KTVE Sale  and the Phipps  Acquisition (of which  there can be no
assurance), the  Company  would  have additional  borrowing  capacity  of  $10.0
million  as of June  30, 1996. Under the  terms of the  Old Credit Facility, the
Company was allowed to  make $3.0 million of  capital expenditures in 1996.  The
terms  of  the  Senior  Credit  Facility  allow  for  $5.0  million  of  capital
expenditures annually. The Company believes that cash flow from operations  will
be  sufficient  to  fund  such  expenditures, which  will  be  adequate  for the
Company's normal replacement requirements.
    
 
    The Company  regularly  enters  into  program contracts  for  the  right  to
broadcast television programs produced by others and program commitments for the
right  to broadcast  programs in  the future.  Such programming  commitments are
generally made to replace  expiring or canceled  program rights. Payments  under
such  contracts are made in cash or  the concession of advertising spots for the
program provider to  resell, or  a combination of  both. At  December 31,  1995,
payments on program license liabilities due in 1996 and 1997, which will be paid
with cash from operations, were $1.2 million and $110,000, respectively.
 
    In  1995, the  Company made $3.3  million in  capital expenditures, relating
primarily to  the broadcasting  operations  and paid  $1.8 million  for  program
broadcast  rights. During the six  months ended June 30,  1996, the Company made
$1.3  million  in  capital  expenditures,  relating  primarily  to  broadcasting
operations, and paid $1.3 million for program broadcast rights. During 1995, the
Phipps  Business made $3.2 million in capital expenditures and paid $931,000 for
program broadcast rights. During the six months ended June 30, 1996, the  Phipps
Business made $1.6 million in capital expenditures and paid $592,000 for program
broadcast rights. The Company anticipates making an aggregate of $3.0 million in
capital  expenditures and $2.7 million in  payments for program broadcast rights
during 1996.  Subsequent to  the  consummation of  the Phipps  Acquisition,  the
Company  anticipates that its annual  capital expenditures will approximate $5.0
million.
 
   
    In addition  to the  consummation  of the  Phipps Acquisition,  the  Company
intends  to implement the Financing to  increase liquidity and improve operating
and financial  flexibility. Pursuant  to  the Financing,  the Company  will  (i)
retire  approximately $49.5 million principal amount of outstanding indebtedness
under the  Old Credit  Facility, together  with accrued  interest thereon,  (ii)
retire  approximately $25.0  million aggregate  principal amount  of outstanding
indebtedness under the Senior Note, together with accrued interest thereon and a
prepayment fee, (iii) issue $10.0 million liquidation preference of its Series A
Preferred Stock in exchange for  the 8% Note issued to  Bull Run, (iv) issue  to
Bull  Run,  J.  Mack  Robinson  and certain  of  his  affiliates,  $10.0 million
liquidation preference of its Series B Preferred Stock with warrants to purchase
up to  500,000  shares  of Class  A  Common  Stock (representing  10.1%  of  the
currently  issued and outstanding  Class A Common Stock,  after giving effect to
the exercise of such warrants) for cash proceeds of $10.0 million and (v)  enter
into the Senior Credit Facility which will provide for a term loan and revolving
credit  facility aggregating  $125.0 million.  See "The  Phipps Acquisition, the
KTVE Sale and the Financing-The Financing."
    
 
    The Old Credit  Facility is  a $54.3 million  line of  credit available  for
working  capital  requirements and  general corporate  purposes. The  Old Credit
Facility matures in March 2003, provides for increasing quarterly  amortization,
includes  certain customary financial covenants and  bears interest at a rate of
3.25% over LIBOR at July 31, 1996, subject to adjustment based on the  Company's
leverage  ratio. The Old  Credit Facility also  requires the Company  to use its
annual Excess Cash Flow (as defined) to repay indebtedness thereunder at the end
of each year. The Old Credit Facility is and the Senior Credit Facility will  be
guaranteed  by each of the Company's subsidiaries  and is and will be secured by
liens on substantially all of the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries. As
part of the Financing,  the Company will enter  into the Senior Credit  Facility
and  the Company has entered into a  commitment letter with respect thereto. See
"Description of Certain Indebtedness -- The Senior Credit Facility."
 
                                       54
<PAGE>
   
    In August 1996, the Company sold  the assets of KTVE for approximately  $9.5
million  in cash plus the  amount of the accounts receivable  on the date of the
closing. The Company  estimates that the  gain, net of  estimated taxes and  the
estimated  taxes for the KTVE Sale will aggregate approximately $2.8 million and
$2.8 million, respectively.
    
 
    In connection with the Phipps Acquisition,  the Company will be required  to
divest  WALB and WJHG under current FCC regulations. However, these rules may be
revised by the FCC upon conclusion  of pending rulemaking proceedings. In  order
to  satisfy applicable FCC  requirements, the Company,  subject to FCC approval,
intends to swap such  assets for assets  of one or  more television stations  of
comparable  value  and  with comparable  broadcast  cash flow  in  a transaction
qualifying for deferred capital gains  treatment under the "like-kind  exchange"
provision of Section 1031 of the Code. If the Company is unable to effect such a
swap  on satisfactory terms within the time  period granted by the FCC under the
waivers, the Company may transfer such assets to a trust with a view towards the
trustee effecting a  swap or  sale of such  assets. Any  such trust  arrangement
would  be subject to the approval of the FCC. It is anticipated that the Company
would be required to  relinquish operating control of  such assets to a  trustee
while  retaining the economic risks and benefits of ownership. If the Company or
such trust is  required to  effect a  sale of WALB,  the Company  would incur  a
significant  gain and related tax  liability, the payment of  which could have a
material adverse effect on  the Company's ability  to acquire comparable  assets
without incurring additional indebtedness.
 
    The  Company and  its subsidiaries  file a  consolidated federal  income tax
return and such state or local tax returns as are required. As of June 30, 1996,
on a  pro forma  basis after  giving effect  to the  KTVE Sale,  the  Concurrent
Offering,  the Financing,  the Phipps  Acquisition and  this Offering  (of which
there can  be no  assurance),  the Company  anticipates  that it  will  generate
taxable operating losses for the foreseeable future.
 
    The  Company  does  not believe  that  inflation  in past  years  has  had a
significant impact  on the  Company's  results of  operations nor  is  inflation
expected  to have a significant  effect upon the Company's  business in the near
future.
 
                                       55
<PAGE>
                                    BUSINESS
 
   
    The Company owns and  operates seven network-affiliated television  stations
in  medium-size  markets in  the southeastern  United States,  six of  which are
ranked number one  in their  respective markets (which  includes two  television
stations  that  are part  of  the Phipps  Business).  Five of  the  stations are
affiliated with CBS  and two  are affiliated with  NBC. In  connection with  the
Phipps  Acquisition, the Company  will be required  under current regulations of
the FCC  to  divest its  NBC  affiliates in  Albany,  Georgia and  Panama  City,
Florida. For a discussion of the Company's plans regarding such divestiture, see
"Risk  Factors -- FCC Divestiture Requirement"  and "The Phipps Acquisition, the
KTVE Sale and  the Financing." The  Company also owns  and operates three  daily
newspapers,  two shoppers  and a  paging business (which  is part  of the Phipps
Business), all  located  in  the  Southeast.  The  Company  derives  significant
operating  advantages  and  cost  saving  synergies  through  the  size  of  its
television station group and the regional focus of its television and publishing
operations. These  advantages  and  synergies  include  (i)  sharing  television
production  facilities, equipment and regionally  oriented programming, (ii) the
ability to  purchase television  programming for  the group  as a  whole,  (iii)
negotiating  network affiliation agreements on a group basis and (iv) purchasing
newsprint and other supplies in bulk. In addition, the Company believes that its
regional focus can provide advertisers  with an efficient network through  which
to advertise in the fast-growing Southeast.
    
 
    In 1993, after the acquisition of a large block of Class A Common Stock by a
new  investor,  the  Company implemented  a  strategy to  foster  growth through
strategic acquisitions. Since 1994, the Company's significant acquisitions  have
included  three  television  stations and  two  newspapers, all  located  in the
Southeast. As  a result  of the  Company's acquisitions  and in  support of  its
growth strategy, the Company has added certain key members of management and has
greatly  expanded its  operations in  the television  broadcasting and newspaper
publishing businesses.
 
   
    In January  1996, the  Company acquired  WRDW serving  Augusta, Georgia  for
approximately   $35.9   million  in   cash,   including  acquisition   costs  of
approximately $600,000, but excluding assumed liabilities of approximately  $1.3
million.  In December 1995, the Company entered into an asset purchase agreement
to   acquire   two   CBS-affiliated   stations,   WCTV   serving    Tallahassee,
Florida/Thomasville,  Georgia  and  WKXT in  Knoxville,  Tennessee,  a satellite
broadcasting business  and a  paging  business. The  Company believes  that  the
Phipps  Acquisition  will  further enhance  the  Company's position  as  a major
regional television  broadcaster  and  is  highly attractive  for  a  number  of
reasons,  including (i) the  stations' strategic fit  within the Southeast, (ii)
WCTV's leading station market position and WKXT's significant growth  potential,
(iii) strong station broadcast cash flows, (iv) opportunities for revenue growth
utilizing the Company's extensive management expertise with medium-size stations
and  (v) opportunities  for synergies  between WCTV  and WKXT  and the Company's
existing stations  with regard  to revenue  enhancement and  cost controls.  The
consummation  of  the  Phipps  Acquisition is  currently  expected  to  occur by
September 30, 1996, although there can be no assurance with respect thereto.
    
 
   
    In August 1996, the  Company sold the assets  of KTVE, a television  station
serving  Monroe, Louisiana/ El Dorado,  Arkansas, for approximately $9.5 million
in cash plus the amount of the accounts receivable on the date of the closing.
    
 
   
    For the year ended December 31, 1995, on a pro forma basis, the Company  had
net  revenues, Media  Cash Flow,  operating cash  flow and  net (loss)  of $90.6
million, $30.3 million, $28.1 million and $(3.6) million, respectively. For  the
six  months ended  June 30,  1996, on  a pro  forma basis,  the Company  had net
revenues, Media Cash Flow, operating cash flow and net income of $47.3  million,
$17.9  million, $16.3  million and  $251,000, respectively.  Net revenues, Media
Cash Flow  and operating  cash flow  on a  pro forma  basis for  the year  ended
December  31, 1995 increased 148.2%, 188.4%,  and 227.9% respectively, while net
income decreased 230.3% from the historical amounts for the year ended  December
31,  1994. Net revenues, Media Cash Flow and  operating cash flow on a pro forma
basis for the six months ended June 30, 1996 increased 67.1%, 114.7% and 122.8%,
respectively, while net income decreased  78.7% from the historical amounts  for
the  six months ended June 30, 1995. The  Company's pro forma net income for its
television stations for the year ended December 31, 1995 and for the six  months
ended June 30, 1996 was $1.6 million and $1.4 million, respectively.
    
 
                                       56
<PAGE>
    The following table sets forth certain information for each of the Company's
television stations.
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                          PRO FORMA
                                                                                               -------------------------------
                                                                                   IN-MARKET
                                                                                     SHARE               YEAR ENDED
                                                                                      OF              DECEMBER 31, 1995
                                                                         STATION   HOUSEHOLDS  -------------------------------
            NETWORK                       YEAR      DMA      CHANNEL/    RANK IN    VIEWING                       OPERATING
STATION   AFFILIATION      MARKET       ACQUIRED  RANK(1)   FREQUENCY    DMA(2)       TV        NET REVENUES      INCOME (6)
- --------  ----------- ----------------  --------  --------  ----------   -------   ---------   --------------   --------------
                                                                                                       (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>       <C>         <C>               <C>       <C>       <C>          <C>       <C>         <C>              <C>
WKYT          CBS        Lexington, KY    1994         68   27/UHF   (3)     1           33%          $15,553   $      5,247
WYMT          CBS           Hazard, KY    1994         68   57/UHF   (3)     1(4)        24             3,721            831
WRDW          CBS          Augusta, GA    1996        111   12/VHF           1           36             8,888          1,853
WALB(5)       NBC           Albany, GA    1954        152   10/VHF           1           80             9,445          4,795
WJHG(5)       NBC      Panama City, FL    1960        159   7/VHF            1           53             3,843            270
PHIPPS ACQUISITION
WKXT          CBS        Knoxville, TN                 62   8/VHF            3           22             9,269          2,204
              CBS      Tallahassee, FL                116   6/VHF            1           60            11,862          4,229
                       Thomasville, GA
WCTV
 
<CAPTION>
          SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996
          -------------------------------
                             OPERATING
STATION    NET REVENUES      INCOME (6)
- --------  --------------   --------------
                  (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>       <C>              <C>
WKYT      $      7,845     $      2,701
WYMT             2,107              530
WRDW             4,489            1,149
WALB(5)          5,099            2,658
WJHG(5)          2,409              476
PHIPPS A
WKXT             4,387              903
                 6,212            2,254
WCTV
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------
(1)  Ranking of DMA served by a station among all DMAs is measured by the number
     of  television households within the DMA based on the November 1995 Nielsen
     estimates.
 
(2)  Represents station  rank in  DMA  as determined  by November  1995  Nielsen
     estimates  of the number of television  sets tuned to the Company's station
     as a percentage of the number of  television sets in use in the market  for
     the Sunday through Saturday 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. time period.
 
(3)  All stations in the market are UHF stations.
 
(4)  The  market area served by WYMT is an 18-county trading area, as defined by
     Nielsen, and is  included in  the Lexington, Kentucky  DMA. WYMT's  station
     rank is based upon its position in the 18-county trading area.
 
(5)  The  Company will be required under  current FCC regulations to divest WALB
     and WJHG in connection with the Phipps Acquisition. For a discussion of the
     Company's plans, see  "Risk Factors-FCC Divestiture  Requirement" and  "The
     Phipps Acquisition, the KTVE Sale and the Financing."
 
(6)  Represents   pro  forma  income   before  miscellaneous  income  (expense),
     allocation of corporate overhead, interest expense and income taxes.
 
   
    The Company's three newspapers, THE ALBANY HERALD, THE ROCKDALE CITIZEN  and
the  GWINNETT DAILY POST and two shoppers  had net revenues and operating income
(income before miscellaneous income (expense), allocation of corporate overhead,
interest expense and income  taxes) on a  pro forma basis  of $21.9 million  and
$660,000,  respectively, for the year ended December 31, 1995, $11.3 million and
$1.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 1996, respectively. The satellite
broadcasting business  and  paging  business,  which  are  part  of  the  Phipps
Business,  had net  revenues and  operating income  (income before miscellaneous
income (expense), allocation of corporate overhead, interest expense and  income
taxes)  on a  pro forma basis  of $6.2 million  and $542,000 for  the year ended
December 31, 1995 and $3.5  million and $467,000 for  the six months ended  June
30, 1996, respectively.
    
 
                                       57
<PAGE>
    The following table sets forth certain information for each of the Company's
publications:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                               PRO FORMA
                                                                               -----------------------------------------
                                                                                                             SIX MONTHS
                                                                                                             ENDED JUNE
                                                                               YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
                                                                                                              30, 1996
                                                                               ----------------------------  -----------
                                                                                                 OPERATING
                                                               PUBLISHED PER                      INCOME
PUBLICATION                COVERAGE AREA      CIRCULATION          WEEK          NET REVENUE    (LOSS) (1)   NET REVENUE
- ------------------------  ----------------  ----------------  ---------------  ---------------  -----------  -----------
<S>                       <C>               <C>               <C>              <C>              <C>          <C>
                                                                                            (IN THOUSANDS)
THE ALBANY HERALD           25 counties in      34,000 daily             7        $  13,535      $   2,010    $   7,250
                                 Southwest     40,000 Sunday
                                   Georgia
THE ROCKDALE CITIZEN         2 counties in            10,000             6            3,854           (212)       1,739
                            Georgia (metro
                                  Atlanta)
GWINNETT DAILY POST            1 county in            13,000             5            2,432           (913)       1,400
                            Georgia (metro
                                  Atlanta)
SOUTHWEST GEORGIA           10 counties in            52,000             1            2,045           (224)         873
SHOPPERS                         Southwest
                            Georgia and 10
                               counties in
                             North Florida
 
<CAPTION>
                           OPERATING
                            INCOME
PUBLICATION               (LOSS) (1)
- ------------------------  -----------
<S>                       <C>
THE ALBANY HERALD          $   1,929
THE ROCKDALE CITIZEN              34
GWINNETT DAILY POST             (298)
SOUTHWEST GEORGIA               (392)
SHOPPERS
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------------
(1)  Represents   pro  forma  income   before  miscellaneous  income  (expense),
     allocation of corporate overhead, interest expense and income taxes.
 
REGIONAL FOCUS
 
    The Company's television stations  and publications are  all located in  the
fast-growing southeastern United States. The Company believes that this regional
focus  provides it with significant competitive advantages and has enabled it to
develop an expertise in serving medium-size southeastern markets. As a result of
its ownership of seven network-affiliated television stations in the  Southeast,
the Company believes that there are opportunities to sell advertising to certain
sponsors  on  all or  several  of its  stations as  a  single buy.  Further, the
Company's ownership of  multiple publications in  several adjacent  southeastern
communities  provides an attractive and efficient  channel through which to sell
local print advertising.  The Company  capitalizes on its  regional presence  by
transferring management personnel, equipment, programming and news content among
its stations and publications.
 
OPERATING STRATEGY
 
    The  Company has begun  to introduce various  operating strategies that have
been successfully  implemented at  WKYT in  Lexington, Kentucky  throughout  its
station  group. The Company's current President served as the general manager of
WKYT from 1982 to  1994 and developed and  successfully implemented many of  the
strategies  being adopted at  the Company's other stations.  Set forth below are
the Company's operating strategies.
 
    STRONG LOCAL PRESENCE.  Each of  the Company's television stations seeks  to
achieve a distinct local identity principally through the depth and focus of its
local  news programming and  by targeting specific  audience groups with special
programs and marketing events. Each station's  local news franchise is the  core
component  of the Company's strategy to strengthen audience loyalty and increase
revenues and Media Cash Flow for each station. Strong local news generates  high
viewership  and  results  in  higher ratings  both  for  programs  preceding and
following the news. All of the Company's stations that offer comprehensive local
news coverage are the dominant local  broadcast news source. WKXT in  Knoxville,
Tennessee  currently does not offer significant local news coverage; the Company
intends to significantly  expand the news  broadcast at this  station after  the
consummation of the Phipps Acquisition.
 
    Strong  local news product also differentiates local broadcast stations from
cable system competitors, which generally do not provide this service. The  cost
of  producing local  news programming generally  is lower than  other sources of
programming and the amount  of such local news  programming can be increased  or
decreased  on very short notice, providing  the Company with greater programming
flexibility.
 
                                       58
<PAGE>
    The Company believes  that its  strong commitment to  local broadcasting  is
integral  to its ability to serve each  of the communities in which it operates.
In each of  its markets, the  Company develops information-oriented  programming
which  expands the  Company's hours  of commercially  valuable local programming
with relatively small increases in operating expenses. In addition, each station
utilizes  special  programming   and  marketing  events,   such  as   prime-time
programming  of  local interest  or  sponsored community  events,  to strengthen
community relations and increase advertising  revenues. For example, certain  of
the  Company's stations offer state governor  call-in shows, local medical shows
and cover local sporting events. The Company requires its senior staff to become
actively involved in  community affairs in  an effort to  better understand  the
issues in each community in which it operates.
 
    A  key  component of  the Company's  publishing strategy  is an  emphasis on
strong local content in its  publications. Consequently, the Company focuses  on
local  news, sports and lifestyle issues in  order to foster reader loyalty with
the objective  of  raising  circulation and  advertising  rates.  The  Company's
publications  also sponsor community events such  as bridal expositions with the
objective of  strengthening  community relationships  and  building  advertising
revenues.
 
    TARGETED  MARKETING.  The Company seeks to increase its advertising revenues
and Media Cash Flow by expanding existing relationships with local and  national
advertisers  and  by  attracting  new  advertisers  through  targeted  marketing
techniques and  carefully tailored  programming. The  Company sells  advertising
locally  through its sales employees and nationally through representative firms
with which the Company enters into representation agreements. The Company  works
closely   with  advertisers   to  develop   advertising  campaigns   that  match
specifically targeted audience segments with the advertisers' overall  marketing
strategies. With this information, the Company regularly refines its programming
mix  among network, syndicated and locally-produced shows in a focused effort to
attract audiences with demographic characteristics desirable to advertisers.  As
a  result of  implementing this  strategy, WKYT's  share of  advertising dollars
exceeded its in-market share of households viewing television by 15% in 1995.
 
    The Company's  success  in  increasing  advertising  revenues  at  both  its
stations  and publications is also attributable,  in part, to the implementation
of training  programs for  its marketing  consultants that  focus on  innovative
sales  techniques, such  as events marketing  and demographic-specific projects,
that target specific advertisers. The  Company trains its marketing  consultants
to sell not only advertising spots, but also non-traditional advertising such as
billboards  for sponsored sports events  and weather forecasts within newscasts.
In  addition,  performance  based  compensation  arrangements  and   performance
accountability  systems have contributed to  the Company's success in increasing
local advertising revenues. The Company  has also benefitted from sharing  ideas
and  information for increasing advertising revenues among its station group and
publications. The Company's targeted marketing focus also includes the following
key elements:
 
    - NON-TRADITIONAL REVENUE  SOURCES.  The  Company  uses  its  stations'  and
      publications'  local promotional power in  order to increase revenues from
      non-traditional sources by sponsoring and staging various special  events,
      such  as  boat  shows,  fitness  shows,  bridal  expositions  and  fishing
      tournaments.  The  Company   derives  revenues   through  the   promotion,
      production and advertising sales generated by these events.
 
    - VENDOR MARKETING. The Company engages in targeted vendor marketing whereby
      it  contacts major vendors that supply a particular store or retail chain,
      and the  management at  a particular  store or  retail chain  in order  to
      arrange  for  the vendors  to purchase  local television  advertising. The
      store or retail chain in turn agrees to purchase additional products  from
      the   vendor  and  also  benefits  from  the  increased  local  television
      advertising presence. As a result of this vendor marketing, the  Company's
      stations  are able to sell advertising  to promote a local retailer, which
      the local retailer would not normally have purchased for itself.
 
    COST  CONTROLS.    Through  its  strategic  planning  and  annual  budgeting
processes,  the Company continually seeks to identify and implement cost savings
opportunities at each  of its  stations and  publications in  order to  increase
Media  Cash Flow. The Company closely monitors  expenses incurred by each of its
stations
 
                                       59
<PAGE>
and publications  and continually  reviews their  performance and  productivity.
Additionally,  the  Company  seeks to  minimize  its  use of  outside  firms and
consultants by relying on its in-house production and design capability.
 
    In order to further  reduce costs, the Company  capitalizes on its  regional
focus  through its ability  to produce programming  at one station  which can be
used by many of the Company's other stations. Further, the size of the Company's
station group and its ownership of multiple publications gives it the ability to
negotiate favorable  terms with  programming syndicators,  newsprint  suppliers,
national  sales  representatives and  other  vendors. For  example,  the Company
recently entered into a  new agreement with  its national sales  representative,
which  significantly reduced the commissions payable by the Company for national
advertising. Due to  the proximity  of the Company's  operations, the  Company's
stations and publications share equipment, programming and management expertise.
In  addition, each station and publication  reduces its corporate overhead costs
by utilizing  group  benefits  such  as insurance  and  employee  benefit  plans
provided by the Company.
 
ACQUISITION STRATEGY
 
    The  Company focuses  on medium-size  markets in  the Southeast  because the
Company  believes  these  markets  offer  superior  opportunities  in  terms  of
projected  population  and economic  growth, leading  to higher  advertising and
circulation revenues. The  Company intends  to continue  to consider  additional
acquisitions  of television stations and  publications that serve these markets.
The Company has focused on acquiring television stations where it believes there
is potential for improvements in revenue share, audience share and cost control.
In assessing acquisitions, the Company  targets stations where it sees  specific
opportunities   for  revenue  enhancement   utilizing  management's  significant
experience in  local and  national advertising  sales and  in operating  similar
stations  in the Southeast. In addition, projections of growth in the particular
market  are  taken  into  account.   The  Company  also  targets  stations   and
publications for which it can control expenditures as it expands the operation's
revenue  base. Typical cost savings arise  from (i) reducing staffing levels and
sharing management with other stations and publications, (ii) utilizing in-house
production and design expertise, (iii) substituting more cost effective employee
benefit programs, (iv) reducing travel and other non-essential expenses and  (v)
optimizing  the purchase of newsprint and  other supplies. Other than the Phipps
Acquisition, the Company does not presently  have any agreements to acquire  any
television  stations or publications. See "The Phipps Acquisition, the KTVE Sale
and the Financing." In  appropriate circumstances, the  Company will dispose  of
assets that it deems non-essential to its operating or growth strategy.
 
[Map  of certain  states in  the southeast United  States that  sets forth state
capitals and locations of the Company's stations]
 
TELEVISION BROADCASTING
 
THE COMPANY'S STATIONS AND THEIR MARKETS
 
    AS USED IN THE TABLES  FOR EACH OF THE  COMPANY'S STATIONS IN THE  FOLLOWING
SECTION  (I) "GROSS REVENUES" REPRESENT  ALL OPERATING REVENUES EXCLUDING BARTER
REVENUES; (II) "MARKET REVENUES" REPRESENT GROSS ADVERTISING REVENUES, EXCLUDING
 
                                       60
<PAGE>
BARTER REVENUES,  FOR  ALL COMMERCIAL  TELEVISION  STATIONS IN  THE  MARKET,  AS
REPORTED  IN INVESTING IN  TELEVISION 1995 MARKET REPORT,  4TH EDITION JULY 1995
RATINGS PUBLISHED BY BIA  PUBLICATIONS, INC., EXCEPT  FOR REVENUES IN  WYMT-TV'S
("WYMT")  18-COUNTY TRADING  AREA WHICH IS  NOT SEPARATELY REPORTED  IN SUCH BIA
PUBLICATIONS, INC.'S  REPORT;  (III)  "IN-MARKET  SHARE  OF  HOUSEHOLDS  VIEWING
TELEVISION"  REPRESENTS THE PERCENTAGE OF THE STATION'S AUDIENCE AS A PERCENTAGE
OF ALL VIEWING BY HOUSEHOLDS IN THE MARKET FROM 6 A.M. TO 2 A.M. SUNDAY  THROUGH
SATURDAY,  INCLUDING VIEWING OF NON-COMMERCIAL STATIONS, NATIONAL CABLE CHANNELS
AND OUT-OF-MARKET STATIONS BROADCAST OR CARRIED BY CABLE IN THE MARKET; AND (IV)
"STATION RANK IN DMA" IS  BASED ON NIELSEN ESTIMATES  FOR NOVEMBER OF EACH  YEAR
FOR THE PERIOD FROM 6 A.M. TO 2 A.M. SUNDAY THROUGH SATURDAY.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          IN-MARKET
                                     COMMERCIAL  STATION                                   SHARE OF
                              DMA     STATIONS   RANK IN   TELEVISION    MARKET REVENUES  HOUSEHOLDS
STATION        MARKET       RANK(1)  IN DMA(2)     DMA    HOUSEHOLDS(3)  IN DMA FOR 1995  VIEWING TV
- --------  ----------------  -------  ----------  -------  -------------  ---------------  ----------
<S>       <C>               <C>      <C>         <C>      <C>            <C>              <C>
                                                                          (IN THOUSANDS)
WKYT         Lexington, KY       68           5        1        387,000          $46,100         33%
WYMT (4)        Hazard, KY       68         N/A        1        169,000            4,100          24
WRDW           Augusta, GA      111           4        1        221,000           26,300          36
WALB (5)        Albany, GA      152           3        1        132,000           12,200          80
WJHG (5)   Panama City, FL      159           4        1        110,000            8,500          53
PHIPPS ACQUISITION(6)
WKXT         Knoxville, TN       62           4        3        429,000           57,900          22
WCTV      Tallahassee, FL/      116           4        1        210,000           19,900          60
           Thomasville, GA
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------------
(1)  Ranking of DMA served by a station among all DMAs is measured by the number
     of  television households based within the DMA on the November 1995 Nielsen
     estimates.
 
(2)  Includes independent broadcasting stations.
 
(3)  Based upon the approximate  number of television households  in the DMA  as
     reported by the November 1995 Nielsen index.
 
(4)  The  market area served by WYMT is an 18-county trading area, as defined by
     Nielsen, and is  included in  the Lexington, Kentucky  DMA. WYMT's  station
     rank is based upon its position in the 18-county trading area.
 
(5)  The Company will be required to divest WALB and WJHG in connection with the
     Phipps  Acquisition. For  a discussion  of the  Company's plans,  see "Risk
     Factors-FCC Divestiture Requirement" and "The Phipps Acquisition, the  KTVE
     Sale and the Financing."
 
   
(6)  The closing of the Phipps Acquisition is expected to occur by September 30,
     1996, although there can be no assurance with respect thereto.
    
 
    The following is a description of each of the Company's stations:
 
WKYT, THE CBS AFFILIATE IN LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY
 
   
    WKYT,  acquired by the Company in  September 1994, began operations in 1957.
Lexington, Kentucky  is  the  68th  largest  DMA  in  the  United  States,  with
approximately   387,000  television   households  and  a   total  population  of
approximately 1.1 million. Total  Market Revenues in the  Lexington DMA in  1995
were approximately $46.1 million, a 6% increase over 1994. WKYT's gross revenues
for the year ended December 31, 1995 and the six months ended June 30, 1996 were
approximately $17.6 million and $8.8 million, respectively, an increase of 14.6%
and  a decrease of 1.2% from the  corresponding prior periods. WKYT's net income
(before the  allocation  of  corporate and  administrative  expenses  and  after
estimated  income taxes computed at statutory rates) for the year ended December
31, 1995 and the six months ended  June 30, 1996 was approximately $1.2  million
and  $630,000, respectively, a  decrease of 36.7%  and 19.4%, respectively, from
the corresponding prior periods. The Lexington DMA has five licensed  commercial
television  stations, including  WYMT, WKYT's sister  station, all  of which are
affiliated with major networks. The Lexington DMA also has one public television
station.
    
 
                                       61
<PAGE>
    The following table  sets forth Market  Revenues for the  Lexington DMA  and
in-market share and ranking information for WKYT:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                          ----------------------------------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)                                       1993        1994        1995
                                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
Market Revenues in DMA                                       $39,500     $43,500     $46,100
<S>                                                       <C>         <C>         <C>
Market Revenues growth over prior year                            13%         10%          6%
In-market share of households viewing television                  38%         37%         33%
Rank in market                                                     1           1           1
</TABLE>
 
    MARKET  DESCRIPTION.  The  Lexington DMA consists of  38 counties in central
and eastern  Kentucky.  The Lexington  area  is  a regional  hub  for  shopping,
business, healthcare, education, and cultural activities and has a comprehensive
transportation  network and low commercial utility rates. Major employers in the
Lexington area  include Toyota  Motor Corp.,  Lexmark International,  Inc.,  GTE
Corporation, Square D Company, Ashland, Inc. and International Business Machines
Corporation.  Toyota  Motor  Corp.  operates a  large  production  facility near
Lexington, employing 6,000 people and in  May 1995 announced plans to build  its
next  generation mini-van at this facility. Eight hospitals and numerous medical
clinics are located in Lexington, reinforcing Lexington's position as a regional
medical center. The  University of Kentucky  which is located  in Lexington,  is
also  a major employer with approximately 10,000  employees, and has a full time
enrollment of  approximately  24,000  students. In  addition,  Lexington  is  an
international  center of  the equine  industry with  the Kentucky  Horse Park, a
1,000 acre park that attracts approximately 700,000 visitors annually.
 
    STATION PERFORMANCE.    WKYT,  which  operates  on  channel  27,  is  a  CBS
affiliate.  WKYT can  be viewed  on 86  cable systems  in its  DMA and  51 cable
systems outside its DMA. In 1995,  WKYT celebrated its 20th consecutive year  as
the  Lexington DMA's  most watched  local news  program. Every  broadcast of "27
Newsfirst"-at 6 a.m., noon, 5 p.m., 5:30  p.m., 6 p.m. and 11 p.m.-continues  to
be  the number one rated  program in its time  period. WKYT's news programs also
provide  support  and   coverage  of   local  events   through  public   service
announcements,   on-air   bulletin   boards  and   special   reports,   such  as
CRIMESTOPPERS, 27 ON THE  TOWN and HOMETOWN HEROES.  Based on the November  1995
Nielsen  index, WKYT is  ranked number one  in its market,  with a 33% in-market
share of households viewing television, which is five percentage points ahead of
the competition. WKYT  received 38% of  the Lexington DMA's  Market Revenues  in
1995.  The  station  attributes its  success  to  the experience  of  its senior
management and local sales staff, which focus on developing strong relationships
with local advertisers  and devoting  significant attention to  the quality  and
content of WKYT's local news programming.
 
    Since  the 1970's WKYT has  been the flagship station  for the University of
Kentucky Sports Network, producing sports events and coaches' shows, such as the
RICK PITINO COACH'S SHOW a half-hour  show featuring the University of  Kentucky
Basketball  coach, that  air on a  10-station network  across Kentucky. Although
WKYT focuses  on  the  most  popular  University  of  Kentucky  Wildcat  sports,
basketball and football, the station also features other intercollegiate sports,
such as baseball, tennis and swimming/diving.
 
    WKYT  has a full mobile  production unit that produces  a variety of events,
including sports events, beauty pageants and horse racing. In addition, WKYT has
a Doppler  Weather Radar  System,  the latest  technology available  in  weather
forecasting.  In 1995,  WKYT spent  over $1.3  million on  capital improvements,
including a complete studio and master control room renovation and the  addition
of Maxigrid, an inventory management system.
 
    Cross-promotion and partnerships with radio, newspapers and businesses are a
source  of non-traditional revenue as well  as a means of community involvement.
WKYT is also party to  the first joint venture  in the Lexington market  through
its  production  of a  10 p.m.  newscast for  WDKY-TV, an  affiliate of  the Fox
Broadcasting Company ("Fox")  in Lexington, which  provides additional  exposure
for the station's news talent as well as a new source of revenue for WKYT.
 
    Local  programming  produced  by  WKYT  includes  SCOTT'S  PLACE,  a  weekly
half-hour children's  show  which  is  carried  on  WALB,  WJHG  and  WRDW,  and
DIRECTIONS and 27 NEWSMAKERS, two weekly public affairs
 
                                       62
<PAGE>
programs   dealing   with  minority   and   government  and   political  issues,
respectively. In addition,  WKYT also  carries programming provided  by CBS  and
syndicated  programming, including OPRAH!,  JEOPARDY!, WHEEL OF  FORTUNE and THE
ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW.
 
   
    The Company's former President and the  current station manager at WALB  are
both former members of senior management at WKYT.
    
 
WYMT, THE CBS AFFILIATE IN HAZARD, KENTUCKY
 
   
    WYMT,  acquired by the Company in  September 1994, began operations in 1985.
WYMT has carved out a niche trading  area comprising 18 counties in eastern  and
southeastern  Kentucky.  This trading  area  is a  separate  market area  of the
Lexington, Kentucky DMA with approximately  169,000 television households and  a
total   population  of  approximately  463,000.  WYMT  is  the  only  commercial
television station in this 18-county trading area. WYMT's gross revenues for the
year ended  December 31,  1995  and the  six months  ended  June 30,  1996  were
approximately  $4.1 million and $2.3 million,  respectively, an increase of 8.8%
and 15.8%, respectively, from the corresponding prior periods. WYMT's net income
(before the  allocation  of  corporate and  administrative  expenses  and  after
estimated  income taxes computed at statutory rates) for the year ended December
31, 1995 and the six  months ended June 30,  1996 was approximately $32,000  and
$75,000,   respectively,  a  decrease  of  88.9%   and  an  increase  of  32.6%,
respectively, from the corresponding prior  periods. WYMT is the sister  station
of  WKYT and  shares many resources  and simulcasts some  local programming with
WKYT.
    
 
    The following table  sets forth  Market Revenues for  the 18-county  trading
area  and ranking information for WYMT (based upon its position in its 18-county
trading area):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                          ----------------------------------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)                                       1993        1994        1995
                                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
Market Revenues in the 18-county trading area (1)             $3,500      $3,800      $4,100
<S>                                                       <C>         <C>         <C>
Market Revenues growth over prior year                            12%          8%          9%
In-market share of households viewing television                  25%         20%         24%
Rank in market                                                     1           1           1
</TABLE>
 
(1)   Represents  the gross  revenues  of WYMT,  which  is the  only  commercial
    television  station in the 18-county trading  area. The Company is unable to
     determine the amount of Market Revenue for the 18-county trading area which
     may be attributable to other television stations serving the Lexington DMA.
 
     MARKET DESCRIPTION.    The  mountain region  of  eastern  and  southeastern
Kentucky where Hazard is located is on the outer edges of four separate markets:
Bristol-Kingsport-Johnson  City, Charleston-Huntington, Knoxville and Lexington.
Prior to 1985, mountain residents relied primarily on satellite dishes and cable
television carrying distant signals for their television entertainment and news.
Established in 1985, WYMT  is the only broadcast  station which can be  received
over  the air in  a large portion of  its 18-county trading area  and may now be
viewed on 100 cable systems.
 
    The trading area's economy  is centered around  coal and related  industries
and some light manufacturing. In recent years, the coal industry has undergone a
major  restructuring  due  to  consolidation in  the  industry  and  advances in
technology. Approximately 10,700 manufacturing jobs exist in the Hazard  trading
area,  most of which are concentrated in  the Cumberland Valley area, a Kentucky
Area Development  District located  in  the southern  portion of  the  18-county
trading area.
 
    STATION  PERFORMANCE.    WYMT,  which  operates  on  channel  57,  is  a CBS
affiliate. WYMT is ranked number one, based on November 1995 Nielsen  estimates,
in its trading area with a 24% in-market share of households viewing television,
which  is nine  points ahead  of the competition.  WYMT's Mountain  News at 6:30
a.m., 6 p.m. and  11 p.m. is  ranked number one in  the 18-county trading  area.
WYMT's  Mountain News at 6 p.m. is ranked number two in the entire Lexington DMA
by Nielsen, behind  only its sister  station WKYT. In  addition to the  Mountain
News, WYMT simulcasts WKYT's 6 a.m., noon, 5 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. newscasts Monday
through Friday, all of which rank number one in the 18-county trading area. WYMT
includes  local inserts into these simulcasted news  programs in order to add an
enhanced degree of  local content.  The station  attributes its  success to  its
position as the only commercial broadcaster in the 18-county trading area and to
customer and community loyalty.
 
                                       63
<PAGE>
    WYMT  considers its news department to be a key component of its operations.
The station is strategically  positioned with a central  newsroom in Hazard  and
two satellite news bureaus, one in Middlesboro, Kentucky (the Cumberland Valley)
and  one in Harold,  Kentucky (the Big  Sandy region). Microwave  links to these
regional news bureaus and to WYMT's sister station WKYT in Lexington,  Kentucky,
provide  the news operation with the ability  to report on, coordinate and share
the latest news information and coverage throughout the mountain region and from
Lexington.
 
    In 1994 WYMT  installed a  state-of-the-art digital playback  system in  its
master  control room. This new system has allowed WYMT to adopt a computer-based
playback format that has  resulted in significant cost  savings and an  improved
on-air appearance.
 
    Strong  local  business and  general  community relations  are  an important
component of WYMT's success. WYMT continues to develop partnerships with current
and potential  new clients  through  the production  of various  special  annual
events  that also  serve to  strengthen community  ties and  enhance advertising
revenue. Examples of such  events include the  Mountain Basketball Classic,  the
Charity Golf Classic and the Boat and RV Show.
 
WRDW, THE CBS AFFILIATE IN AUGUSTA, GEORGIA
 
   
    WRDW,  acquired by  the Company in  January 1996, began  operations in 1954.
Augusta,  Georgia  is  the  111th  largest  DMA  in  the  United  States,   with
approximately   221,000  television   households  and  a   total  population  of
approximately 627,000. Total  Market Revenues in  the Augusta DMA  in 1995  were
approximately  $26.3 million, a 6% increase over 1994. WRDW's gross revenues for
the year ended December  31, 1995 and  the six months ended  June 30, 1996  were
approximately  $9.6 million and $5.0 million,  respectively, an increase of 5.7%
and 6.3%, respectively, from the corresponding prior periods. WRDW's net  income
(before  the  allocation  of  corporate and  administrative  expenses  and after
estimated income taxes computed at statutory rates) for the year ended  December
31,  1995  was  approximately  $1.4  million,  an  increase  of  4.9%,  from the
corresponding prior period. WRDW's net loss (before the allocation of  corporate
and  administrative  expenses  and  after  estimated  income  taxes  computed at
statutory rates)  for the  six  months ended  June  30, 1996  was  approximately
$372,000  as  compared  to  net  income  of  approximately  $717,000,  from  the
corresponding prior  period.  The  Augusta  DMA  has  four  licensed  commercial
television  stations,  all of  which are  affiliated with  a major  network. The
Augusta DMA also has two public television stations.
    
 
    The following  table sets  forth Market  Revenues for  the Augusta  DMA  and
in-market share and ranking information for WRDW:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                          ----------------------------------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)                                          1993        1994        1995
                                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
Market Revenues in DMA                                       $22,800     $24,800     $26,300
<S>                                                       <C>         <C>         <C>
Market Revenues growth over prior year                             8%          9%          6%
In-market share of households viewing television                  36%         36%         36%
Rank in market                                                     1           1           1
</TABLE>
 
    MARKET  DESCRIPTION.   The Augusta  DMA consists  of 19  counties in eastern
Georgia and western South Carolina, including the cities of Augusta, Georgia and
North Augusta and  Aiken, South Carolina.  The Augusta, Georgia  area is one  of
Georgia's  major metropolitan/regional  centers, with  a particular  emphasis on
health services, manufacturing and the military. The Federal government  employs
over  12,500 military and 4,600 civilian personnel at the Department of Energy's
Savannah River Site, a  nuclear processing plant, and  Fort Gordon, a U.S.  Army
military  installation.  Augusta has  eight  large hospitals  which collectively
employ 20,000 and reinforce  Augusta's status as  a regional healthcare  center.
Augusta is also home to the Masters Golf Tournament, which has been broadcast by
CBS for 41 years.
 
    STATION  PERFORMANCE.    WRDW,  which  operates  on  channel  12,  is  a CBS
affiliate. Based on November 1995 Nielsen  estimates, WRDW is ranked number  one
in  its market,  with a  36% in-market  share of  households viewing television,
which is  one share  point ahead  of  the competition.  WRDW also  received  36%
 
                                       64
<PAGE>
of the Augusta DMA's Market Revenues in 1995. WRDW can be viewed on all 29 cable
systems  in its DMA and nine cable systems  outside of its DMA. Since 1992, WRDW
has risen from a  weak second-place ranking to  the number one position.  WRDW's
weekday  news programs at 6 a.m., noon, 5  p.m., 11 p.m., and four weekend slots
are ranked number one in household rating and share. WRDW attributes its  number
one position in the market to its strong syndicated programming which leads into
and out of its weekly news programs as well as its expanded local news coverage.
WRDW  was also the leader in prime  time in the November 1995 Nielsen estimates.
WRDW has positioned itself as "Your 24 Hour News Source" in the DMA. In  January
1996,  WRDW began providing local  cut-ins to the CNN  news slots on cable, with
all revenues from commercial inserts going  to the station. In addition, as  the
local CBS affiliate in the DMA, WRDW produces local Masters programming, such as
THE  GREEN JACKET PROGRAM, a show hosted  by Paul Davis that includes interviews
with many golf celebrities.
 
    The station  also  produces  its own  local  programming,  including  INSIDE
AGRICULTURE,  a weekly  program and PAINE  COLLEGE PRESENTS,  a bi-monthly local
public affairs show. In  addition to carrying the  programming provided by  CBS,
WRDW  carries syndicated programming including: OPRAH!, INSIDE EDITION, WHEEL OF
FORTUNE and JEOPARDY!
 
WALB, THE NBC AFFILIATE IN ALBANY, GEORGIA
 
    WALB was  founded by  the  Company and  began  operations in  1954.  Albany,
Georgia is the 152nd largest DMA in the United States with approximately 132,000
television  households and  a total  population of  approximately 380,000. Total
Market Revenues in the Albany DMA in 1995 were approximately $12.2 million, a 5%
increase over 1994. WALB's gross revenues  for the year ended December 31,  1995
and for six months ended June 30, 1996 were approximately $10.5 million and $5.6
million,  respectively, an  increase of  3.5% and  7.9%, respectively,  from the
corresponding prior  periods.  WALB's  net  income  (before  the  allocation  of
corporate  and administrative expenses and after estimated income taxes computed
at statutory rates)  for the year  ended December  31, 1995 and  the six  months
ended   June  30,  1996  was  approximately   $3.0  million  and  $1.7  million,
respectively,  an  increase   of  3.8%   and  11.3%,   respectively,  from   the
corresponding  prior  periods.  The  Albany DMA  has  three  licensed commercial
television stations, two of which are affiliated with major networks. The Albany
DMA also has two public television stations.
 
    The following  table sets  forth  Market Revenues  for  the Albany  DMA  and
in-market share and ranking information for WALB:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                          ----------------------------------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)                                          1993        1994        1995
                                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
Market Revenues in DMA                                       $10,900     $11,600     $12,200
<S>                                                       <C>         <C>         <C>
Market Revenues growth over prior year                             8%          6%          5%
In-market share of households viewing television                  81%         80%         80%
Rank in market                                                     1           1           1
</TABLE>
 
    MARKET  DESCRIPTION.  The  Albany DMA, consists of  17 counties in southwest
Georgia.  Albany,  170  miles  south  of  Atlanta,  is  a  regional  center  for
manufacturing, agriculture, education, health care and military service. Leading
employers  in the area  include: The Marine Corps  Logistics Base, Phoebe Putney
Memorial Hospital, The Proctor & Gamble Company, Miller Brewing Company,  Cooper
Tire  & Rubber Company, Bob's Candies, Coats  and Clark Inc., Merck & Co., Inc.,
MacGregor (USA)  Inc. and  M&M/Mars. Albany  State College,  Darton College  and
Albany Technical Institute are located within this area.
 
    STATION  PERFORMANCE.  WALB, which  operates on channel 10,  is the only VHF
station in the Albany DMA  and is an NBC affiliate.  Based on the November  1995
Nielsen  estimates,  WALB  is ranked  number  one  in its  market,  with  an 80%
in-market share of households viewing television, which is 63 share points ahead
of the competition. WALB has the strongest  signal in its DMA and can be  viewed
on  all of the 26 cable  systems in its DMA and  51 cable systems outside of its
DMA. WALB received 86% of the Albany DMA's Market Revenues in 1995.
 
                                       65
<PAGE>
    WALB is known  as "South Georgia's  Number One News  Source." The  station's
news  is its primary focus. WALB  is the number one local  news source in all of
its time slots. WALB is the only station in its market with both electronic  and
satellite  news gathering trucks, allowing the Company to provide live coverage.
WALB broadcasts three hours and 20 minutes of news weekdays and one hour of news
each weekend day.
 
    WALB considers its dedication to the community to be a key component of  its
operations.  For example, WALB  devoted substantial resources  in 1994 to expand
its local news coverage and programming. Such investment allowed WALB to provide
the most extensive flood coverage available to viewers during the flood in  July
1994,  which was  one of the  largest natural  disasters to occur  in Georgia in
recent history. This  coverage made WALB  one of the  top-rated stations in  the
United  States in terms  of in-market share of  households viewing television in
July 1994,  as  measured  by  Nielsen. In  addition,  the  Georgia  Broadcasters
Association  presented WALB  with two of  its top  awards in 1994:  the "1994 TV
Community Service Award" for its dedication to providing local community service
and the "1994 TV Station Promotion of  the Year" award for the station's  nearly
year long broadcast of its "Learn to Read" program.
 
    The station produces its own local programming including TOWN AND COUNTRY, a
live  morning show that  travels to various  locations in Georgia  and DIALOG, a
weekly public affairs show focusing on minority issues. In addition to  carrying
programming  supplied  by NBC,  WALB  carries syndicated  programming, including
OPRAH!, ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT,  THE ANDY GRIFFITH  SHOW, MONTEL WILLIAMS,  RICKI
LAKE, AMERICAN JOURNAL, and HARD COPY.
 
    The Company will be required to divest this station pursuant to existing FCC
regulations.  See  "Risk Factors-FCC  Divestiture  Requirement" and  "The Phipps
Acquisition, the KTVE Sale and the Financing."
 
                                       66
<PAGE>
WJHG, THE NBC AFFILIATE IN PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA
 
    WJHG,  acquired by  the Company  in 1960,  began operations  in 1953. Panama
City, Florida is the 159th largest DMA in the United States, with  approximately
110,000  television households and a  total population of approximately 298,000.
Total Market Revenues  in the Panama  City DMA in  1995 were approximately  $8.5
million,  a 6%  increase over  1994. WJHG's  gross revenues  for the  year ended
December 31, 1995 and for the six months ended June 30, 1996 were  approximately
$4.3  million and  $2.7 million,  respectively, an  increase of  7.7% and 32.2%,
respectively, from the  corresponding prior periods.  WJHG's net income  (before
the  allocation  of corporate  and administrative  expenses and  after estimated
income taxes computed at statutory rates)  for the year ended December 31,  1995
and  for  the six  months ended  June  30, 1996  was approximately  $205,000 and
$305,000, respectively, an increase of 84.8% and 184.1%, respectively, from  the
corresponding  prior periods. The  Panama City DMA  has four licensed commercial
television stations,  three of  which  are affiliated  with major  networks.  In
addition,  a CBS signal is provided by a station in Dothan, Alabama, an adjacent
DMA. The Panama City DMA also has one public television station.
 
    The following table sets forth Market  Revenues for the Panama City DMA  and
in-market share and ranking information for WJHG:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                          ----------------------------------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)                                       1993        1994        1995
                                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
Market Revenues in DMA                                        $7,400      $8,000      $8,500
<S>                                                       <C>         <C>         <C>
Market Revenues growth over prior year                           11%          8%          6%
In-market share of households viewing television                 51%         46%         53%
Rank in market                                                     1           1           1
</TABLE>
 
    MARKET  DESCRIPTION.   The  Panama  City DMA  consists  of nine  counties in
northwest Florida. The Panama  City market stretches  north from Florida's  Gulf
Coast  to  Alabama's southern  border. The  Panama  City economy  centers around
tourism, military bases, manufacturing, education and financial services. Panama
City is the county seat and principal  city of Bay County. Leading employers  in
the  area include:  Tyndall Air  Force Base,  the Navy  Coastal Systems Station,
Sallie Mae  Servicing  Corp.,  Stone  Container  Corporation,  Arizona  Chemical
Corporation,  Russell Corporation and Gulf  Coast Community College. Panama City
is also a spring break destination  for college students and drew  approximately
550,000 students during 1995.
 
    STATION  PERFORMANCE.    WJHG,  which  operates  on  channel  7,  is  an NBC
affiliate. Based on November 1995 Nielsen  estimates, WJHG is ranked number  one
in  its market,  with a  53% in-market  share of  households viewing television,
which is 17  share points ahead  of the  competition. WJHG received  50% of  the
Panama  City DMA's Market Revenues in 1995. WJHG  can be viewed on all of the 36
cable systems in its DMA and on 29 cable systems outside its DMA.
 
    WJHG dominates the Panama City market  in all popular news time periods  and
has twice the audience viewership at 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. as does the competition.
WJHG also has the number one news ranking in its market at 6:30 a.m., 6 p.m. and
on weekends. WJHG's ratings success in its newscasts have allowed it to increase
its  overall  unit rates  and  to negotiate  for  larger shares  of advertisers'
national budgets. WJHG considers  its news department to  be a key component  of
its  operations and in 1994, devoted  substantial resources to redesign the set,
purchase new  cameras,  add  new  graphics, develop  a  new  logo  and  reformat
newscasts.  As part of the continuing growth  of its news product, WJHG recently
introduced the first noon newscast in Panama City.
 
    WJHG has also launched a direct mail campaign to attract new advertisers  to
the  station. As a result of these factors, WJHG increased its gross revenues by
7.7% in 1995. WJHG  is also focusing on  other non-traditional revenue  sources,
such  as developing a health  exposition, a children's fair  and a wedding show,
all of which are scheduled to occur in 1996.
 
    In addition to carrying programming provided by NBC, WJHG carries syndicated
programming, including WHEEL  OF FORTUNE,  JEOPARDY!, HARD  COPY, MAURY  POVICH,
JENNY JONES and RICKI LAKE.
 
                                       67
<PAGE>
    The Company will be required to divest this station pursuant to existing FCC
regulations.  See  "Risk Factors-FCC  Divestiture  Requirement" and  "The Phipps
Acquisition, the KTVE Sale and the Financing."
 
WKXT, THE CBS AFFILIATE IN KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE
 
    WKXT, which is part  of the Phipps Business,  began operations in 1988.  The
Phipps Acquisition is expected to occur in September 1996, although there can be
no  assurance with respect thereto. Knoxville, Tennessee is the 62nd largest DMA
in the United  States, with  approximately 429,000 television  households and  a
total  population of  approximately 1.1  million. Total  Market Revenues  in the
Knoxville DMA in 1995 were approximately $57.9 million, a 6% increase over 1994.
WKXT's gross revenues for the  year ended December 31,  1995 and the six  months
ended  June  30,  1996  were  approximately  $10.6  million  and  $5.0  million,
respectively, an increase of 2.3% and a decrease of 2.2%, respectively, from the
corresponding prior  periods.  WKXT's  net  income  (before  the  allocation  of
corporate  and administrative expenses and after estimated income taxes computed
at statutory rates)  for the year  ended December  31, 1995 and  the six  months
ended  June 30, 1996 was approximately  $1.8 million and $836,000, respectively,
an increase of 8.3% and a decrease of 4.4%, respectively, from the corresponding
prior periods.  The  Knoxville  DMA  has  four  licensed  commercial  television
stations,  all of  which are affiliated  with major networks.  The Knoxville DMA
also has two public broadcasting stations.
 
    The following table  sets forth Market  Revenues for the  Knoxville DMA  and
in-market share and ranking information for WKXT:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                          ----------------------------------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)                                       1993        1994        1995
                                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
Market Revenues in DMA                                       $47,900     $54,600     $57,900
<S>                                                       <C>         <C>         <C>
Market Revenues growth over prior year                           14%         14%          6%
In-market share of households viewing television                 24%         23%         22%
Rank in market                                                     3           3           3
</TABLE>
 
    MARKET DESCRIPTION.  The Knoxville DMA, consisting of 22 counties in eastern
Tennessee and southeastern Kentucky, includes the cities of Knoxville, Oak Ridge
and  Gatlinburg,  Tennessee.  The  Knoxville area  is  a  center  for education,
manufacturing, healthcare and tourism. The University of Tennessee's main campus
is located within the city of  Knoxville. It employs approximately 6,400  people
and  has an enrollment  of approximately 26,000  students. Leading manufacturing
employers in  the  area include:  Lockheed  Martin Energy  Systems,  Inc.,  Levi
Strauss  &  Company,  DeRoyal  Industries, Aluminum  Company  of  North America,
Phillips Consumer Electronics  North America  Corp., Clayton Homes  and Sea  Ray
Boats,   Inc.  which  employ  approximately  26,800  people,  collectively.  The
Knoxville area  also  has  eight hospitals  which  employ  approximately  16,900
employees. Area tourist attractions are the Great Smokey Mountains National Park
and Dollywood, a country-western theme park sponsored by Dolly Parton. The Great
Smokey  Mountains National Park and Dollywood  had approximately 9.1 million and
2.2 million visitors, respectively during 1995. Dollywood employs  approximately
1,800 people.
 
    STATION  PERFORMANCE.  WKXT  is a CBS  affiliate and operates  on channel 8.
WKXT is one  of three commercial  VHF stations  in the Knoxville  DMA. Based  on
November  1995 Nielsen estimates, WKXT is ranked third in its market, with a 22%
in-market share of households viewing television. WKXT can be viewed on 52 cable
systems in its DMA and on 15 cable systems outside its DMA. WKXT received 18% of
the Knoxville DMA's Market Revenues in 1995.
 
    WKXT produces only one hour of news each day. The Company plans to implement
its operating strategy at WKXT by developing comprehensive news programming upon
consummation of the Phipps Acquisition.
 
    In addition to carrying  network programming supplied  by CBS, WKXT  carries
syndicated  programming including  BAYWATCH, NORTHERN  EXPOSURE, REGIS  & KATHIE
LEE, MAURY POVICH, AMERICAN JOURNAL,  ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT, HARD COPY, and  THE
ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW.
 
                                       68
<PAGE>
WCTV, THE CBS AFFILIATE IN TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA/THOMASVILLE, GEORGIA
 
    WCTV,  which is part of  the Phipps Business, began  operations in 1955. The
Phipps Acquisition is expected to occur in September 1996, although there can be
no assurance with respect thereto. Tallahassee, Florida/Thomasville, Georgia  is
the  116th  largest  DMA  in  the  United  States,  with  approximately  210,000
television households  and  total  population of  approximately  586,000.  Total
Market  Revenues in the  Tallahassee/Thomasville DMA in  1995 were approximately
$19.9 million, a 5% increase over 1994. WCTV's gross revenues for the year ended
December 31, 1995  and the  six months ended  June 30,  1996 were  approximately
$13.3  million and  $7.0 million,  respectively, an  increase of  3.2% and 9.8%,
respectively, from the  corresponding prior periods.  WCTV's net income  (before
the  allocation  of corporate  and administrative  expenses and  after estimated
income taxes computed at statutory rates)  for the year ended December 31,  1995
and  the six months ended June 30,  1996 was approximately $3.8 million and $1.9
million, respectively,  an increase  of 1.4%  and 6.3%,  respectively, from  the
corresponding  prior periods. The Tallahassee/Thomasville  DMA has four licensed
commercial television stations, all of which are affiliated with major networks.
The Tallahassee/ Thomasville DMA  also has one public  station that is owned  by
the Florida State University Board of Regents.
 
    The    following    table    sets    forth    Market    Revenues    in   the
Tallahassee/Thomasville DMA  and in-market  share  and ranking  information  for
WCTV:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                          ----------------------------------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)                                       1993        1994        1995
                                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
Market Revenues in DMA                                       $17,200     $18,900     $19,900
<S>                                                       <C>         <C>         <C>
Market Revenues growth over prior year                            4%         10%          5%
In-market share of households viewing television                 64%         65%         60%
Rank in market                                                     1           1           1
</TABLE>
 
    MARKET  DESCRIPTION.    The Tallahassee/Thomasville  DMA,  consisting  of 18
counties  in  the   panhandle  of  Florida   and  southwest  Georgia,   includes
Tallahassee,  the capital of Florida,  and Thomasville, Valdosta and Bainbridge,
Georgia. The  Tallahassee/Thomasville economy  centers  around state  and  local
government  as well as state and  local universities which include Florida State
University, Florida  A&M,  Tallahassee  Community  College  and  Valdosta  State
College.  Florida State University is the  largest university located in the DMA
with  total  enrollment   of  approximately  29,000   students.  Florida   State
University's  main campus is  located within the city  of Tallahassee. State and
local  government  agencies  employ  approximately  36,700  and  8,500   people,
respectively, in the Tallahassee area.
 
    STATION  PERFORMANCE.  WCTV  is a CBS  affiliate and operates  on channel 6.
WCTV is  the only  VHF  station in  the  Tallahassee/Thomasville DMA.  Based  on
November 1995 Nielsen estimates, WCTV is ranked number one in its market, with a
60%  in-market share of households viewing television.  WCTV can be viewed on 47
cable systems in its DMA and 32 cable systems outside of its DMA. WCTV  received
67% of the Tallahassee/Thomasville DMA's Market Revenues in 1995.
 
   
    WCTV  considers its news department to be a key component of its operations;
approximately 43% of  its employees  are devoted to  its news  department and  a
significant  portion of  WCTV's revenues is  generated by  news programming. The
station attributes its  successful news programming  in part to  its bureaus  in
Tallahassee,  Valdosta  and Thomasville  and  its news  gathering  vehicle. WCTV
produces five news programs and six news cut-ins each day which total three  and
one-half  hours of news per weekday. All news programs are closed-captioned. The
station has the number one in-market share in news at 6 a.m., noon, 5:30 p.m., 6
p.m. and 11 p.m. on weekdays and 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. on weekends.
    
 
    The station produces the BOBBY BOWDEN SHOW, a coach's show for Florida State
University. In addition to  carrying network programming  supplied by CBS,  WCTV
carries syndicated programming including WHEEL OF FORTUNE, JEOPARDY!, OPRAH! and
SEINFELD.
 
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INDUSTRY BACKGROUND
 
    There  are currently a limited number of channels available for broadcasting
in any one geographic area, and the  license to operate a television station  is
granted  by  the FCC.  Television stations  which broadcast  over the  very high
frequency ("VHF")  band (channels  2-13)  of the  spectrum generally  have  some
competitive   advantage  over  television  stations  which  broadcast  over  the
ultra-high frequency ("UHF") band (channels  above 13) of the spectrum,  because
the  former  usually  have  better  signal  coverage  and  operate  at  a  lower
transmission cost. However, the improvement  of UHF transmitters and  receivers,
the  complete elimination  from the  marketplace of  VHF-only receivers  and the
expansion of cable television systems have reduced the VHF signal advantage.
 
    Television station revenues are primarily  derived from local, regional  and
national advertising and, to a much lesser extent, from network compensation and
revenues   from  studio  and  tower   space  rental  and  commercial  production
activities. Advertising rates are based upon  a variety of factors, including  a
program's  popularity among  the viewers  an advertiser  wishes to  attract, the
number of advertisers competing for the available time, the size and demographic
makeup of the market served by  the station and the availability of  alternative
advertising  media in the market area. Rates  are also determined by a station's
overall ratings and in-market share, as well as the station's ratings and  share
among  particular  demographic  groups  which an  advertiser  may  be targeting.
Because broadcast stations rely on  advertising revenues, they are sensitive  to
cyclical  changes in  the economy. The  size of advertisers'  budgets, which are
affected by broad economic trends, affect the broadcast industry in general  and
the revenues of individual broadcast television stations.
 
    All  television stations in  the country are grouped  by Nielsen, a national
audience  measuring  service,  into   approximately  210  generally   recognized
television  markets that are ranked in  size according to various formulae based
upon actual or  potential audience.  Each DMA  is an  exclusive geographic  area
consisting  of all counties in which the home-market commercial stations receive
the greatest percentage of total  viewing hours. Nielsen periodically  publishes
data  on  estimated  audiences  for  the  television  stations  in  the  various
television markets throughout the country. The estimates are expressed in  terms
of  the  percentage of  the total  potential  audience in  the market  viewing a
station (the  station's "rating")  and  of the  percentage of  households  using
television  actually  viewing  the  station  (the  station's  "share").  Nielsen
provides such data  on the  basis of  total television  households and  selected
demographic  groupings in the market. Nielsen  uses two methods of determining a
station's ability to attract viewers. In larger geographic markets, ratings  are
determined  by a combination of meters connected directly to selected television
sets and weekly  diaries of television  viewing, while in  smaller markets  only
weekly  diaries are utilized.  All of the Company's  stations operate in markets
where only weekly diaries are used.
 
    Historically, three  major  broadcast  networks,  Capital  Cities/ABC,  Inc.
("ABC"),  NBC and CBS, dominated broadcast  television. In recent years, Fox has
evolved into the fourth major network  by establishing a network of  independent
stations  whose  operating  characteristics  are similar  to  the  major network
affiliate stations, although the number of hours of network programming produced
by Fox for  its affiliates is  less than that  of the three  major networks.  In
addition,  UPN and WB recently have been launched as new television networks. An
affiliate of UPN or WB receives a smaller portion of each day's programming from
its network compared to an affiliate of  a major network. Currently, UPN and  WB
provide  10  and  11.5  hours  of  programming  per  week  to  their affiliates,
respectively.
 
    The affiliation of  a station  with one  of the  four major  networks has  a
significant  impact on the  composition of the  station's programming, revenues,
expenses and operations.  A typical affiliate  of a major  network receives  the
majority  of each  day's programming from  the network.  This programming, along
with cash payments ("network compensation"), is provided to the affiliate by the
network in exchange  for a  substantial majority  of the  advertising time  sold
during  the airing of network programs.  The network then sells this advertising
time and retains the revenues. The affiliate retains the revenues from time sold
during breaks  in  and  between  network programs  and  programs  the  affiliate
produces  or  purchases from  non-network sources.  In acquiring  programming to
supplement programming supplied  by the affiliated  network, network  affiliates
compete  primarily  with  other  affiliates and  independent  stations  in their
markets. Cable  systems  generally  do  not  compete  with  local  stations  for
programming,  although various  national cable networks  from time  to time have
acquired  programs   that   would  have   otherwise   been  offered   to   local
 
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television  stations. In addition, a  television station may acquire programming
through barter  arrangements.  Under  barter arrangements,  which  are  becoming
increasingly  popular with both network  affiliates and independents, a national
program distributor may receive advertising time in exchange for the programming
it supplies, with the station paying a reduced fee for such programming.
 
    In contrast to  a station  affiliated with  a network,  a fully  independent
station  purchases  or  produces  all of  the  programming  that  it broadcasts,
resulting  in  generally  higher  programming  costs.  An  independent  station,
however,  retains  its  entire inventory  of  advertising  time and  all  of the
revenues obtained therefrom. As  a result of the  smaller amount of  programming
provided  by its network, an  affiliate of UPN or WB  must purchase or produce a
greater amount of  its programming,  resulting in  generally higher  programming
costs.  These  affiliate  stations,  however, retain  a  larger  portion  of the
inventory of advertising time  and the revenues  obtained therefrom compared  to
stations affiliated with the major networks.
 
    Through the 1970s, network television broadcasting enjoyed virtual dominance
in  viewership and  television advertising  revenues, because network-affiliated
stations competed only with each other  in most local markets. Beginning in  the
1980s,  this level of dominance began to change as the FCC authorized more local
stations and  marketplace  choices  expanded  with  the  growth  of  independent
stations  and  cable  television  services.  See  "-Federal  Regulation  of  the
Company's Business."
 
    Cable television systems were first installed in significant numbers in  the
1970s  and were initially used to retransmit broadcast television programming to
paying subscribers  in  areas  with  poor broadcast  signal  reception.  In  the
aggregate,  cable-originated programming has emerged as a significant competitor
for viewers  of  broadcast  television programming,  although  no  single  cable
programming  network regularly attains audience levels  amounting to more than a
small fraction of any single major  broadcast network. The advertising share  of
cable networks increased during the 1970s and 1980s as a result of the growth in
cable  penetration (the percentage of  television households which are connected
to a  cable system).  Notwithstanding  such increases  in cable  viewership  and
advertising,  over-the-air broadcasting remains the dominant distribution system
for mass market television advertising.
 
NEWSPAPER PUBLISHING
 
    The Company owns and operates five publications comprising three  newspapers
and two shoppers, all located in the Southeast.
 
THE ALBANY HERALD
 
    THE  ALBANY HERALD, located in Albany, Georgia, is the only seven-day-a-week
newspaper that  serves  southwestern Georgia.  The  Company changed  THE  ALBANY
HERALD  from an afternoon newspaper to a  morning newspaper in 1993 and improved
its graphics  and layout.  These changes  enabled the  Company to  increase  THE
ALBANY  HERALD's newsstand  and subscription prices  as well  as its advertising
rates, resulting in an increase of revenues from $10.1 million in 1993 to  $13.5
million  in 1995, a 33.8% increase.  The Company intends to increase selectively
the price and advertising rates of THE  ALBANY HERALD in the future. The  Albany
market  has four  other daily newspapers  with a limited  circulation and market
area.
 
    THE ALBANY HERALD also publishes three other weekly editions in Georgia, THE
LEE COUNTY HERALD, THE WORTH COUNTY  HERALD and THE CALHOUN-CLAY HERALD, all  of
which  provide regional news coverage. Other niche publications include (i) FARM
AND PLANTATION, an agricultural  paper, (ii) a monthly  COUPON CLIPPER, (iii)  a
quarterly,  direct mail coupon  book called CASH CUTTERS,  (iv) an annual dining
guide and (v) an annual bridal  book. The Company introduced these weeklies  and
other  niche product publications in order to better utilize THE ALBANY HERALD's
printing presses  and  infrastructure  (such  as  sales  and  advertising).  The
printing  press is approximately 19 years old  and is in good working order. THE
ALBANY HERALD  cross-merchandises  its publications,  thereby  increasing  total
revenues  with only a  small increase in related  expenditures. The Company also
seeks to  increase THE  ALBANY  HERALD's circulation  and revenues  through  its
sponsorship   of  special  events  of  local  interest,  such  as  bass  fishing
tournaments.
 
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THE ROCKDALE CITIZEN AND THE GWINNETT DAILY POST
 
   
    THE ROCKDALE CITIZEN and the GWINNETT DAILY POST, a six-day-a-week newspaper
and a five-day-a-week  newspaper, respectively, serve  communities in the  metro
Atlanta  area with complete local news,  sports and lifestyles coverage together
with national stories that directly impact their local communities.
    
 
    THE ROCKDALE CITIZEN  is located  in Conyers,  Georgia, the  county seat  of
Rockdale  County, which is 19 miles  east of downtown Atlanta. Rockdale County's
population is estimated to be 64,000 in  1996. Conyers was the site of the  1996
Olympic equestrian competition.
 
    The GWINNETT DAILY POST, which was purchased by the Company in January 1995,
is located north of Atlanta in Gwinnett County, one of the fastest growing areas
in the nation. Gwinnett's population, which has more than doubled during each of
the  past two  census periods,  was estimated at  457,000 in  1995. In September
1995, the Company increased the frequency  of publication of the GWINNETT  DAILY
POST from three to five days per week in an effort to increase circulation.
 
    The  Company's operating strategy  with respect to  THE ROCKDALE CITIZEN and
the GWINNETT  DAILY POST  is  to increase  circulation  by improving  the  print
quality,  increasing the local news content and increasing its telemarketing and
promotional efforts. The Rockdale Citizen's  printing press is approximately  24
years old and is in good working order. The Company has hired a new president of
publishing  for THE  ROCKDALE CITIZEN  and the GWINNETT  DAILY POST  in order to
implement its operating strategy at these newspapers.
 
SOUTHWEST GEORGIA SHOPPER
 
    The Southwest Georgia  Shopper, Inc., prints  and distributes two  shoppers,
which  are  direct  mailed and  rack  distributed throughout  north  Florida and
southwest Georgia. These  two shoppers  represent a consolidation  of the  seven
shoppers  that the Company purchased in 1994 and 1995. The Company believes that
print quality is an important criterion to advertisers and consumers and,  since
their  acquisition, the  Company has  accordingly improved  the graphics  of the
shoppers.
 
INDUSTRY BACKGROUND
 
    Newspaper publishing is the oldest segment  of the media industry and, as  a
result  of the  focus on local  news, newspapers  in general, remain  one of the
leading media for local advertising. Newspaper advertising revenues are cyclical
and have generally been  affected by changes in  national and regional  economic
conditions. Financial instability in the retail industry, including bankruptcies
of  large retailers  and consolidations among  large retail  chains has recently
resulted in  reduced retail  advertising expenditures.  Classified  advertising,
which  makes up  approximately one-third of  newspaper advertising expenditures,
can be  affected by  an economic  slowdown and  its effect  on employment,  real
estate  transactions and automotive sales. However, growth in housing starts and
automotive sales,  although  cyclical  in nature,  generally  provide  continued
growth in newspaper advertising expenditures.
 
PAGERS AND PAGING SERVICES
 
THE PAGING BUSINESS
 
    The  paging business, which  is a part  of the Phipps  Business, is based in
Tallahassee, Florida  and  operates in  Columbus,  Macon, Albany  and  Valdosta,
Georgia,  in Dothan,  Alabama, in  Tallahassee and  Panama City,  Florida and in
certain contiguous areas.  In 1995  the population of  this geographic  coverage
area  was approximately 2.3 million. In June 1996, the Company's paging business
had approximately 44,000 units  in service, representing  a penetration rate  of
approximately 1.9%.
 
    The  Company's paging system operates by  connecting a telephone call placed
to a  local telephone  number with  a  local paging  switch. The  paging  switch
processes a caller's information and sends the information to a link transmitter
which  relays the  processed information to  paging transmitters,  which in turn
alert an  individual  pager by  means  of a  coded  radio signal.  This  process
provides  service to a "local coverage area." To enhance coverage further to its
customer base, all of the Company's  local coverage areas are interconnected  or
networked,  providing for "wide area coverage"  or "network coverage." A pager's
coverage area is programmable  and can be customized  to include or exclude  any
particular  paging switch and  its respective geographic  coverage area, thereby
allowing the Company's paging customers a choice of
 
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coverage areas. In addition,  the Company is able  to network with other  paging
companies  which share  the Company's  paging frequencies  in other  markets, by
means of an industry standard network paging protocol, in order to increase  the
geographic  coverage area  in which the  Company's customers  can receive paging
service.
 
    A subscriber to the Company's paging  services either owns a pager,  thereby
paying  solely for the use of the  Company's paging services, or leases a pager,
thereby paying a periodic charge for both the pager and the paging services.  Of
the  Company's  pagers currently  in service,  approximately  72% are  owned and
maintained by subscribers ("COAM")  with the remainder  being leased. In  recent
years,  prices for pagers  have fallen considerably,  and thus there  has been a
trend toward subscriber ownership  of pagers, allowing  the Company to  maintain
lower  inventory and  fixed asset  levels. COAM  customers historically  stay on
service longer,  thus  enhancing  the  stability  of  the  subscriber  base  and
earnings.  The Company is focusing its  marketing efforts on increasing its base
of COAM  users. The  Company purchases  all of  its pagers  from two  suppliers,
Panasonic  and Motorola, with Motorola supplying  a majority of such pagers. Due
to the high demand from the Company's customers for Motorola pagers, the Company
believes that its ability to offer Motorola pagers is important to its business.
 
    The Company's goal is to increase the number of pagers in service,  revenues
and  cash flow from operations  by implementing a plan  that focuses on improved
operating methods and controls and innovative marketing programs. The  Company's
paging  business has  grown in  recent years  by: (i)  increasing the  number of
business customers;  (ii) expanding  its resale  program; (iii)  increasing  its
retail operations; and (iv) increasing geographical coverage.
 
INDUSTRY BACKGROUND.
 
    Paging  is a method  of wireless communication which  uses an assigned radio
frequency to contact  a paging subscriber  within a designated  service area.  A
subscriber  carries a pager which receives messages  by the broadcast of a radio
signal. To  contact  a  subscriber, a  message  is  usually sent  by  placing  a
telephone  call to the  subscriber's designated telephone  number. The telephone
call is received by an electronic paging switch which generates a signal that is
sent to radio transmitters  in the subscriber's  service area. The  transmitters
broadcast  a coded signal that is unique  to the pager carried by the subscriber
and alerts the subscriber  through a tone  or vibration that  there is a  voice,
numeric,  alphanumeric or  other message. Depending  upon the  topography of the
service area, the operating radius of a radio transmitter typically ranges  from
three to 20 miles.
 
    Three  tiers  of carriers  have emerged  in the  paging industry:  (i) large
nationwide providers serving multiple markets throughout the United States; (ii)
regional carriers, like the Company's paging business, which operate in regional
markets such as several contiguous states in one geographic region of the United
States; and (iii) small, single market operators. The Company believes that  the
paging industry is undergoing consolidation.
 
    The  paging industry has traditionally  marketed its services through direct
distribution by sales representatives. In  recent years, additional channels  of
distribution  have evolved, including: (i)  carrier-operated retail stores; (ii)
resellers, who purchase paging services on  a wholesale basis from carriers  and
resell  those  services  on  a  retail  basis  to  their  own  customers;  (iii)
independent sales agents who solicit customers for carriers and are  compensated
on  a commission  basis; and (iv)  retail outlets  that often sell  a variety of
merchandise, including pagers and other telecommunications equipment.
 
SATELLITE BROADCASTING
 
    The  Company's  satellite  broadcasting  business  provides  broadcast   and
production  services through mobile and fixed production units as well as C-band
and Ku-band satellite transmission facilities.  Clients include The Walt  Disney
Company,  The Golf Channel,  USA Network, Turner  Broadcasting System, CBS, ABC,
PGA Tour Productions and The Children's Miracle Network.
 
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON BUSINESS SEGMENTS
 
    Reference is made to Note J of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of
the Company for additional information regarding business segments. Reference is
made to Note  11 of Notes  to Financial  Statements of the  Phipps Business  for
additional information regarding business segments.
 
COMPETITION
 
TELEVISION INDUSTRY
 
    Competition in the television industry exists on several levels: competition
for  audience, competition for programming  (including news) and competition for
advertisers. Additional  factors that  are material  to a  television  station's
competitive  position  include  signal  coverage  and  assigned  frequency.  The
broadcasting  industry  is  faced  continually  with  technological  change  and
innovation,  the  possible rise  in  popularity of  competing  entertainment and
communications  media  and  governmental  restrictions  or  actions  of  federal
regulatory  bodies, including the  FCC and the Federal  Trade Commission, any of
which could have  a material effect  on the Company's  operations. In  addition,
since  early 1994, there  have been a  number of network  affiliation changes in
many of the top  100 television markets.  As a result,  the major networks  have
sought  longer terms  in their  affiliation agreements  with local  stations and
generally have  increased the  compensation  payable to  the local  stations  in
return for such longer term agreements. During the same time period, the rate of
change  of  ownership  of  local television  stations  has  increased  over past
periods.
 
    AUDIENCE.  Stations compete for audience on the basis of program popularity,
which has a  direct effect on  advertising rates. A  substantial portion of  the
daily  programming on each of the Company's  stations is supplied by the network
with which each station  is affiliated. During those  periods, the stations  are
totally  dependent  upon  the performance  of  the network  programs  to attract
viewers. There  can  be no  assurance  that  such programming  will  achieve  or
maintain  satisfactory viewership levels in the future. Non-network time periods
are programmed by the station with  a combination of self-produced news,  public
affairs  and  other  entertainment programming,  including  news  and syndicated
programs purchased for cash, cash and barter, or barter only.
 
    Independent stations, whose number has increased significantly over the past
decade, have  also  emerged  as viable  competitors  for  television  viewership
shares.  In addition, UPN and  WB have been launched  recently as new television
networks. The  Company  is unable  to  predict the  effect,  if any,  that  such
networks will have on the future results of the Company's operations.
 
    In  addition, the development of methods of television transmission of video
programming other  than  over-the-air  broadcasting,  and  in  particular  cable
television, has significantly altered competition for audience in the television
industry.  These  other  transmission  methods can  increase  competition  for a
broadcasting station by  bringing into its  market distant broadcasting  signals
not  otherwise available  to the  station's audience  and also  by serving  as a
distribution system for non-broadcast programming. Through the 1970s, television
broadcasting enjoyed virtual dominance in viewership and television  advertising
revenues  because network-affiliated stations  competed only with  each other in
most local markets.  Although cable television  systems initially  retransmitted
broadcast  television  programming  to  paying subscribers  in  areas  with poor
broadcast  signal   reception,  significant   increases  in   cable   television
penetration  in  areas  that did  not  have signal  reception  problems occurred
throughout the 1970s and 1980s. As the technology of satellite program  delivery
to  cable systems  advanced in  the late  1970s, development  of programming for
cable  television  accelerated  dramatically,  resulting  in  the  emergence  of
multiple,  national-scale program alternatives and  the rapid expansion of cable
television and  higher subscriber  growth rates.  Historically, cable  operators
have not sought to compete with broadcast stations for a share of the local news
audience. Recently, however, certain cable operators have elected to compete for
such audiences and the increased competition could have an adverse effect on the
Company's advertising revenues.
 
    Other  sources of competition include  home entertainment systems (including
video cassette recorder and  playback systems, video  discs and television  game
devices),   "wireless  cable"  services,  satellite  master  antenna  television
systems, low power television stations, television translator stations and, more
recently, DBS video distribution  services, which transmit programming  directly
to  homes equipped with special receiving  antennas, and video signals delivered
over telephone lines. Public broadcasting outlets in most
 
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communities compete with commercial television stations for audience but not for
advertising dollars,  although this  may change  as the  United States  Congress
considers alternative means for the support of public television.
 
    Further  advances  in  technology  may  increase  competition  for household
audiences and advertisers. Video compression  techniques are expected to  reduce
the  bandwidth required  for television  signal transmission.  These compression
techniques, as well as other  technological developments, are applicable to  all
video  delivery  systems,  including  over-the-air  broadcasting,  and  have the
potential to provide vastly expanded  programming to highly targeted  audiences.
Reduction  in the cost of creating additional channel capacity could lower entry
barriers  for  new  channels  and  encourage  the  development  of  increasingly
specialized  "niche" programming.  This ability  to reach  very narrowly defined
audiences  is  expected  to  alter  the  competitive  dynamics  for  advertising
expenditures.  In addition, competition in the television industry in the future
may come from interactive  video and information and  data services that may  be
delivered  by commercial television stations,  cable television, DBS, multipoint
distribution systems,  multichannel  multipoint distribution  systems  or  other
video  delivery systems. The Company is unable  to predict the effect that these
or other technological changes will have on the broadcast television industry or
the future results of the Company's operations.
 
    PROGRAMMING.  Competition for programming involves negotiating with national
program distributors or syndicators  that sell first-run  and rerun packages  of
programming.  Each station competes against the broadcast station competitors in
its market for  exclusive access to  off-network reruns (such  as ROSEANNE)  and
first-run  product (such as  ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT). Cable  systems generally do
not compete with local stations for programming, although various national cable
networks from time to time have acquired programs that would have otherwise been
offered to  local television  stations. Competition  exists for  exclusive  news
stories and features as well.
 
    ADVERTISING.   Advertising rates  are based upon  the size of  the market in
which the station  operates, a program's  popularity among the  viewers that  an
advertiser  wishes  to  attract, the  number  of advertisers  competing  for the
available time, the demographic makeup of the market served by the station,  the
availability of alternative advertising media in the market area, aggressive and
knowledgeable  sales  forces  and  the  development  of  projects,  features and
programs that  tie  advertiser  messages to  programming.  Advertising  revenues
comprise  the  primary  source  of  revenues  for  the  Company's  stations. The
Company's stations compete for such  advertising revenues with other  television
stations  and other  media in  their respective  markets. Typically, independent
stations achieve  a  greater proportion  of  the television  market  advertising
revenues  than  network  affiliated  stations relative  to  their  share  of the
market's  audience,  because  independent  stations  have  greater  amounts   of
available  advertising time. The stations  also compete for advertising revenues
with other  media,  such  as  newspapers,  radio  stations,  magazines,  outdoor
advertising, transit advertising, yellow page directories, direct mail and local
cable  systems. Competition for advertising dollars in the broadcasting industry
occurs primarily within individual markets.
 
NEWSPAPER INDUSTRY
 
    The Company's  newspapers compete  for advertisers  with a  number of  other
media  outlets,  including magazines,  radio and  television,  as well  as other
newspapers, which also compete for readers with the Company's publications. Many
of the  Company's  newspaper  competitors  are  significantly  larger  than  the
Company.  The  Company attempts  to  differentiate its  publications  from other
newspapers by  focusing on  local news  and local  sports coverage  in order  to
compete  with its  larger competitors. The  Company also seeks  to establish its
publications as the local newspaper  by sponsoring special events of  particular
community interest.
 
PAGING INDUSTRY
 
    The paging industry is highly competitive. Companies in the industry compete
on  the basis of price, coverage area offered to subscribers, available services
offered in  addition to  basic  numeric or  tone paging,  transmission  quality,
system  reliability and  customer service.  The Company  competes by maintaining
competitive  pricing  of  its  product  and  service  offerings,  by   providing
high-quality,  reliable transmission  networks and  by furnishing  subscribers a
superior level of customer service.
 
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    The Company's  primary  competitors  include  those  paging  companies  that
provide  wireless  service in  the same  geographic areas  in which  the Company
operates. The Company experiences  competition from one  or more competitors  in
all  locations  in which  it operates.  Some of  the Company's  competitors have
greater financial and other resources than the Company.
 
    The  Company's   paging   services   also  compete   with   other   wireless
communications  services  such as  cellular service.  The typical  customer uses
paging as a low cost wireless communications alternative either on a stand-alone
basis  or   in  conjunction   with  cellular   services.  Future   technological
developments in the wireless communications industry and enhancements of current
technology,  however, could create  new products and  services, such as personal
communications services  and mobile  satellite services,  which are  competitive
with  the paging services currently offered  by the Company. Recent and proposed
regulatory changes  by  the FCC  are  aimed at  encouraging  such  technological
developments  and  new  services  and promoting  competition.  There  can  be no
assurance that the Company's paging business would not be adversely affected  by
such technological developments or regulatory changes.
 
NETWORK AFFILIATION OF THE STATIONS
 
    Each  of the Company's stations is  affiliated with a major network pursuant
to an affiliation agreement. Each affiliation agreement provides the  affiliated
station with the right to broadcast all programs transmitted by the network with
which  the station is affiliated. In return, the network has the right to sell a
substantial majority of the advertising time during such broadcasts. In exchange
for every  hour that  a station  elects to  broadcast network  programming,  the
network  pays the station  a specific network  compensation payment which varies
with the time of  day. Typically, prime-time  programming generates the  highest
hourly  network compensation payments. Such payments  are subject to increase or
decrease by  the  network during  the  term  of an  affiliation  agreement  with
provisions  for advance notices and  right of termination by  the station in the
event of a reduction in such  payments. The NBC affiliation agreements for  WALB
and  WJHG are renewed automatically  every five years on  September 1 unless the
station notifies NBC otherwise. The  CBS affiliation agreements for WKYT,  WYMT,
WRDW,  WCTV and WKXT expire  on December 31, 2004,  December 31, 2004, March 31,
2005, December 31, 1999, and December 31, 1999, respectively.
 
FEDERAL REGULATION OF THE COMPANY'S BUSINESS
 
TELEVISION BROADCASTING
 
    EXISTING REGULATION.  Television broadcasting is subject to the jurisdiction
of the FCC  under the  Communications Act  and the  Telecommunications Act.  The
Communications  Act prohibits the operation  of television broadcasting stations
except under a  license issued  by the  FCC and  empowers the  FCC, among  other
things,  to  issue,  revoke  and  modify  broadcasting  licenses,  determine the
locations  of  stations,  regulate  the   equipment  used  by  stations,   adopt
regulations  to  carry out  the  provisions of  the  Communications Act  and the
Telecommunications Act and impose penalties  for violation of such  regulations.
The  Communications Act prohibits the assignment of a license or the transfer of
control of a licensee without prior approval of the FCC.
 
    LICENSE GRANT AND RENEWAL.   Television broadcasting licenses generally  are
granted  or renewed for a period of five years (recently extended to eight years
by the Telecommunications Act) but  may be renewed for  a shorter period upon  a
finding  by the FCC that the "public interest, convenience, and necessity" would
be served thereby. The broadcast licenses for WALB, WJHG, WKYT, WYMT, WRDW, WCTV
and WKXT are effective until  April 1, 1997, February  1, 1997, August 1,  1997,
August   1,  1997,  April  1,  1997,  February  1,  1997  and  August  1,  1997,
respectively. The  Telecommunications Act  requires a  broadcast license  to  be
renewed  if the FCC finds that: (i)  the station has served the public interest,
convenience and necessity; (ii) there have been no serious violations of  either
the  Telecommunications Act or the FCC's  rules and regulations by the licensee;
and (iii)  there have  been  no other  violations,  which taken  together  would
constitute a pattern of abuse. At the time an application is made for renewal of
a  television license, parties in interest may  file petitions to deny, and such
parties, including  members of  the public,  may comment  upon the  service  the
station  has provided during the  preceding license term and  urge denial of the
application. If  the  FCC  finds  that  the licensee  has  failed  to  meet  the
above-mentioned  requirements, it could deny the  renewal application or grant a
conditional approval, including  renewal for  a lesser  term. The  FCC will  not
consider
 
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competing  applications contemporaneously with a renewal application. Only after
denying a  renewal  application  can  the  FCC  accept  and  consider  competing
applications  for  the license.  Although in  substantially all  cases broadcast
licenses are  renewed  by the  FCC  even when  petitions  to deny  or  competing
applications are filed against broadcast license renewal applications, there can
be  no  assurance that  the Company's  stations' licenses  will be  renewed. The
Company is  not aware  of any  facts  or circumstances  that could  prevent  the
renewal  of the licenses for its stations at the end of their respective license
terms.
 
    MULTIPLE OWNERSHIP RESTRICTIONS.   Currently, the FCC  has rules that  limit
the  ability of individuals  and entities to  own or have  an ownership interest
above a certain level (an "attributable" interest, as defined more fully  below)
in  broadcast stations, as well as other  mass media entities. The current rules
limit the number of radio  and television stations that may  be owned both on  a
national  and  a  local basis.  On  a  national basis,  the  rules  preclude any
individual or  entity from  having  an attributable  interest  in more  than  12
television   stations.  Moreover,  the  aggregate  audience  reach  of  co-owned
television stations  may not  exceed 25%  of all  United States  households.  An
individual  or entity may hold  an attributable interest in  up to 14 television
stations (or stations  with an  aggregate audience reach  of 30%  of all  United
States households) if at least two of the stations are controlled by a member of
an  ethnic minority. The Telecommunications Act directs the FCC to eliminate the
restriction on  the  number  of  television  stations  which  may  be  owned  or
controlled nationally and to increase the national audience reach limitation for
television stations to 35%.
 
    On  a local basis, FCC rules currently allow an individual or entity to have
an attributable  interest  in  only  one television  station  in  a  market.  In
addition,  FCC  rules  and  the  Telecommunications  Act  generally  prohibit an
individual or  entity  from having  an  attributable interest  in  a  television
station  and a radio station, daily newspaper or cable television system that is
located in  the  same  local  market area  served  by  the  television  station.
Proposals  currently before the  FCC could substantially  alter these standards.
For example, in a  recently initiated rulemaking  proceeding, the FCC  suggested
narrowing the geographic scope of the local television cross-ownership rule (the
so-called  "duopoly  rule")  from  Grade  B to  Grade  A  contours  and possibly
permitting some two-station combinations  in certain markets.  The FCC has  also
proposed  eliminating  the TV/radio  cross-ownership restriction  (the so-called
"one-to-a-market" rule)  entirely  or  at least  exempting  larger  markets.  In
addition,  the FCC is seeking comment on  issues of control and attribution with
respect to local marketing agreements entered into by television stations. It is
unlikely that this rulemaking  will be concluded until  late 1996 or later,  and
there  can be no assurance that any of  these rules will be changed or what will
be the effect of any such change. The Telecommunications Act expressly does  not
prohibit  any  local marketing  agreements in  compliance with  FCC regulations.
Furthermore, the Telecommunications Act directs the FCC to conduct a  rulemaking
proceeding   to  determine  whether  restricting  ownership  of  more  than  one
television station in the same area should be retained, modified or  eliminated.
It  is the  intent of Congress  that if  the FCC revises  the multiple ownership
rules, it  should  permit co-located  VHF-VHF  combinations only  in  compelling
circumstances, where competition and diversity will not be harmed.
 
    The   Telecommunications   Act  also   directs   the  FCC   to   extend  its
one-to-a-market waiver policy from the top 25  to any of the top 50 markets.  In
addition,  the Telecommunications  Act directs  the FCC  to permit  a television
station to affiliate  with two  or more networks  unless such  dual or  multiple
networks  are composed of  (i) two or  more of the  four existing networks (ABC,
CBS, NBC or Fox), or (ii) any of  the four existing networks and one of the  two
emerging  networks (UPN  or WBN).  The Company  believes that  Congress does not
intend for  these  limitations  to  apply if  such  networks  are  not  operated
simultaneously, or if there is no substantial overlap in the territory served by
the  group of stations comprising each  of such networks. The Telecommunications
Act also directs the FCC to revise its rules to permit cross-ownership interests
between a  broadcast network  and  a cable  system. The  Telecommunications  Act
further  authorizes  the FCC  to consider  revising its  rules to  permit common
ownership of co-located broadcast stations and cable systems.
 
    Expansion of  the Company's  broadcast operations  in particular  areas  and
nationwide  will continue  to be  subject to the  FCC's ownership  rules and any
changes the FCC  or Congress may  adopt. Any relaxation  of the FCC's  ownership
rules  may increase the  level of competition in  one or more  of the markets in
which the Company's stations  are located, particularly to  the extent that  the
Company's  competitors may  have greater  resources and  thereby be  in a better
position to capitalize on such changes.
 
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    Under the FCC's ownership rules, a  direct or indirect purchaser of  certain
types  of securities of the Company (including  the Class B Common Stock offered
hereby) could violate  FCC regulations if  that purchaser owned  or acquired  an
"attributable"  or "meaningful" interest  in other media  properties in the same
areas as stations owned by  the Company or in  a manner otherwise prohibited  by
the  FCC. All officers and directors of a licensee, as well as general partners,
uninsulated limited partners and  stockholders who own five  percent or more  of
the  voting power of the outstanding common stock of a licensee (either directly
or indirectly), generally will be deemed  to have an "attributable" interest  in
the  licensee.  Certain  institutional  investors  which  exert  no  control  or
influence over  a  licensee may  own  up  to 10%  of  the voting  power  of  the
outstanding   common  stock   before  attribution  occurs.   Under  current  FCC
regulations, debt  instruments, non-voting  stock, certain  limited  partnership
interests  (provided the  licensee certifies that  the limited  partners are not
"materially involved"  in the  management  and operation  of the  subject  media
property) and voting stock held by minority stockholders in cases in which there
is  a single majority stockholder generally  are not subject to attribution. The
FCC's cross-interest policy, which precludes an individual or entity from having
a "meaningful" (even though not  "attributable") interest in one media  property
and  an "attributable" interest  in a broadcast, cable  or newspaper property in
the same area, may  be invoked in certain  circumstances to reach interests  not
expressly covered by the multiple ownership rules.
 
    In  January 1995,  the FCC  released a NPRM  designed to  permit a "thorough
review of [its] broadcast  media attribution rules." Among  the issues on  which
comment  was  sought are  (i)  whether to  change  the voting  stock attribution
benchmarks from five percent to 10% and, for passive investors, from 10% to 20%;
(ii) whether there are  any circumstances in  which non-voting stock  interests,
which   are   currently  considered   non-attributable,  should   be  considered
attributable; (iii)  whether  the  FCC  should  eliminate  its  single  majority
shareholder  exception (pursuant  to which  voting interests  in excess  of five
percent are not considered cognizable if a single majority shareholder owns more
than 50% of the  voting power); (iv) whether  to relax insulation standards  for
business  development companies and other  widely-held limited partnerships; (v)
how to  treat limited  liability  companies and  other  new business  forms  for
attribution  purposes; (vi)  whether to  eliminate or  codify the cross-interest
policy; and (vii)  whether to adopt  a new policy  which would consider  whether
multiple  "cross interests" or other significant business relationships (such as
time brokerage  agreements, debt  relationships or  holdings of  nonattributable
interests),  which individually do not raise concerns, raise issues with respect
to diversity and competition. It is unlikely that this inquiry will be concluded
until late 1996 at the earliest and there can be no assurance that any of  these
standards  will be changed. Should the attribution rules be changed, the Company
is unable to predict what,  if any, effect it would  have on the Company or  its
activities. To the best of the Company's knowledge, no officer, director or five
percent  stockholder  of  the Company  currently  holds an  interest  in another
television station, radio  station, cable television  system or daily  newspaper
that  is  inconsistent  with the  FCC's  ownership  rules and  policies  or with
ownership by the Company of its stations.
 
    ALIEN OWNERSHIP RESTRICTIONS.  The Communications Act restricts the  ability
of  foreign  entities  or individuals  to  own  or hold  interests  in broadcast
licenses.  Foreign   governments,   representatives  of   foreign   governments,
non-citizens,  representatives of non-citizens, and corporations or partnerships
organized under the laws of a  foreign nation are barred from holding  broadcast
licenses.  Non-citizens, collectively, may directly or indirectly own or vote up
to 20% of the  capital stock of  a licensee but are  prohibited from serving  as
officers or directors of such licensee. In addition, a broadcast license may not
be  granted  to or  held  by any  corporation  that is  controlled,  directly or
indirectly, by any other corporation (i)  that has a non-citizen as an  officer,
(ii) more than one-fourth of whose directors are non-citizens or (iii) more than
one-fourth  of whose capital  stock is owned  or voted by  non-citizens or their
representatives or  by  foreign  governments or  their  representatives,  or  by
non-U.S.  corporations, if the FCC finds that the public interest will be served
by the refusal or revocation of such license. The Company has been advised  that
the  FCC  staff has  interpreted  this provision  of  the Communications  Act to
require an affirmative public interest finding before a broadcast license may be
granted to  or held  by  any such  corporation  and the  FCC  has made  such  an
affirmative  finding only in limited circumstances. The Company, which serves as
a holding  company for  wholly-owned  subsidiaries that  are licensees  for  its
stations,  therefore may be  restricted from having (i)  more than one-fourth of
its
 
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stock  owned  or   voted  directly  or   indirectly  by  non-citizens,   foreign
governments,  representatives of non-citizens or foreign governments, or foreign
corporations; (ii)  an  officer  who  is  a  non-citizen;  or  (iii)  more  than
one-fourth of its board of directors consisting of non-citizens.
 
   
    RECENT  DEVELOPMENTS.  The FCC recently  decided to eliminate the prime time
access rule  ("PTAR"),  effective August  30,  1996. PTAR  limited  a  station's
ability  to  broadcast  network  programming  (including  syndicated programming
previously broadcast over a network) during prime time hours. The elimination of
PTAR could increase the amount of  network programming broadcast over a  station
affiliated  with ABC, NBC, CBS or Fox. Such elimination also could result in (i)
an increase in the compensation paid by the network (due to the additional prime
time during which  network programming  could be aired  by a  network-affiliated
station)  and (ii) increased competition for syndicated network programming that
previously was  unavailable for  broadcast by  network affiliates  during  prime
time.  The  FCC also  recently announced  that it  was rescinding  its remaining
financial interest and syndication ("fin\syn") rules. The original rules,  first
adopted  in  1970,  severely  restricted  the ability  of  a  network  to obtain
financial  interests   in,  or   participate  in   syndication  of,   prime-time
entertainment programming created by independent producers for airing during the
networks'  evening schedules. The  FCC previously lifted  the financial interest
rules and restraints on foreign syndication.
    
 
    Congress has recently enacted  legislation and the  FCC currently has  under
consideration  or is implementing new regulations  and policies regarding a wide
variety of matters that could affect, directly or indirectly, the operation  and
ownership  of the  Company's broadcast properties.  In addition  to the proposed
changes noted  above, such  matters include,  for example,  the license  renewal
process (particularly the weight to be given to the expectancy of renewal for an
incumbent  broadcast  licensee  and  the  criteria  to  be  applied  in deciding
contested renewal applications), spectrum use fees, political advertising rates,
potential advertising restrictions on the advertising of certain products  (beer
and  wine, for example), the  rules and policies to  be applied in enforcing the
FCC's equal employment  opportunity regulations, reinstitution  of the  Fairness
Doctrine    (which   requires   broadcasters   airing   programming   concerning
controversial issues of public importance to afford a reasonable opportunity for
the  expression  of  contrasting  viewpoints),  and  the  standards  to   govern
evaluation  of television programming  directed toward children  and violent and
indecent programming (including  the possible  requirement of  what is  commonly
referred  to as the  "v-chip," which would permit  parents to program television
sets so that  certain programming would  not be accessible  by children).  Other
matters   that  could   affect  the   Company's  broadcast   properties  include
technological innovations and  developments generally  affecting competition  in
the  mass  communications  industry, such  as  the recent  initiation  of direct
broadcast satellite service, and the  continued establishment of wireless  cable
systems and low power television stations.
 
    The  FCC presently is  seeking comment on its  policies designed to increase
minority ownership  of mass  media facilities.  Congress also  recently  enacted
legislation  that eliminated  the minority tax  certificate program  of the FCC,
which gave favorable  tax treatment  to entities selling  broadcast stations  to
entities  controlled by an ethnic minority.  In addition, a recent Supreme Court
decision has cast doubt upon the continued validity of many of the congressional
programs designed to increase minority ownership of mass media facilities.
 
    DISTRIBUTION OF VIDEO SERVICES  BY TELEPHONE COMPANIES.   Recent actions  by
the  FCC, Congress and the courts  all presage significant future involvement in
the provision  of video  services  by telephone  companies. The  Company  cannot
predict either the timing or the extent of such involvement.
 
    THE  1992  CABLE  ACT.   On  October  5, 1992,  Congress  enacted  the Cable
Television Consumer  Protection and  Competition Act  of 1992  (the "1992  Cable
Act"). The FCC began implementing the requirements of the 1992 Cable Act in 1993
and  final implementation  proceedings remain  pending regarding  certain of the
rules and regulations previously adopted. Certain statutory provisions, such  as
signal   carriage,  retransmission  consent  and  equal  employment  opportunity
requirements, have a direct effect on television broadcasting. Other  provisions
are  focused exclusively on the regulation of  cable television but can still be
expected to have an  indirect effect on the  Company because of the  competition
between over-the-air television stations and cable systems.
 
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<PAGE>
    The  signal  carriage, or  "must carry,"  provisions of  the 1992  Cable Act
require  cable  operators  to  carry   the  signals  of  local  commercial   and
non-commercial  television stations  and certain low  power television stations.
Systems with 12 or fewer usable activated channels and more than 300 subscribers
must carry the signals of at least three local commercial television stations. A
cable system with  more than  12 usable  activated channels,  regardless of  the
number of subscribers, must carry the signals of all local commercial television
stations,  up to one-third of the  aggregate number of usable activated channels
of such  system. The  1992  Cable Act  also  includes a  retransmission  consent
provision   that  prohibits  cable  operators   and  other  multi-channel  video
programming distributors  from  carrying broadcast  stations  without  obtaining
their  consent  in certain  circumstances. The  "must carry"  and retransmission
consent provisions are  related in  that a  local television  broadcaster, on  a
cable  system-by-cable system basis,  must make a choice  once every three years
whether to  proceed under  the "must  carry" rules  or to  waive that  right  to
mandatory  but uncompensated  carriage and  negotiate a  grant of retransmission
consent to permit the cable system to carry the station's signal, in most  cases
in  exchange  for some  form  of consideration  from  the cable  operator. Cable
systems must  obtain  retransmission consent  to  carry all  distant  commercial
stations other than "super stations" delivered via satellite.
 
    Under  rules  adopted to  implement  these "must  carry"  and retransmission
consent provisions, local television stations  were required to make an  initial
election  of "must carry"  or retransmission consent by  June 17, 1993. Stations
that failed to elect were deemed to have elected carriage under the "must carry"
provisions. Other issues addressed  in the FCC  rules were market  designations,
the scope of retransmission consent and procedural requirements for implementing
the  signal carriage  provisions. Each of  the Company's  stations elected "must
carry" status on certain  cable systems in its  DMA. This election entitles  the
Company's  stations to  carriage on  those systems  until at  least December 31,
1996.  In  certain  other  situations,  the  Company's  stations  entered   into
"retransmission consent" agreements with cable systems. The Company is unable to
predict  whether or not these retransmission consent agreements will be extended
and, if so, on what terms.
 
    On April 8, 1993, a special three-judge panel of the U.S. District Court for
the District  of  Columbia upheld  the  constitutionality of  the  "must  carry"
provisions  of the 1992 Cable Act. However,  on June 27, 1994, the United States
Supreme Court in a 5-4 decision vacated the lower court's judgment and  remanded
the  case to  the District Court  for further proceedings.  Although the Supreme
Court found  the "must  carry"  rules to  be  content-neutral and  supported  by
legitimate  governmental  interests under  appropriate constitutional  tests, it
also found that  genuine issues  of material fact  still remained  that must  be
resolved in a more detailed evidentiary record. On December 12, 1995, the United
States  District  Court for  the District  of Columbia  upheld the  "must carry"
requirements compelling  cable systems  to carry  broadcast signals.  The  cable
industry  plans to appeal this decision. In the meantime, however, the FCC's new
"must carry" regulations implementing the 1992 Cable Act remain in effect.
 
    The  1992  Cable  Act  also  codified  the  FCC's  basic  equal   employment
opportunity  ("EEO") rules and the use  of certain EEO reporting forms currently
filed by television broadcast stations. In addition, pursuant to the 1992  Cable
Act's  requirements, the FCC has adopted new rules providing for a review of the
EEO performance of each television station at the mid-point of its license  term
(in addition to renewal time). Such a review will give the FCC an opportunity to
evaluate  whether  the  licensee  is in  compliance  with  the  FCC's processing
criteria and notify the  licensee of any deficiency  in its employment  profile.
Among  the  other  rulemaking  proceedings conducted  by  the  FCC  to implement
provisions of  the  1992  Cable  Act  have  been  those  concerning  cable  rate
regulation,  cable  technical  standards, cable  multiple  ownership  limits and
competitive access to programming.
 
    Among other provisions, the Telecommunications Act redefines the term "cable
system" as "a facility that serves subscribers without using any public right of
way." It eliminates a single subscriber's  ability to initiate a rate  complaint
proceeding  at the FCC and  allows a cable operator to  move any service off the
basic tier in  its discretion,  other than  local broadcast  signals and  access
channels required to be carried on the basic tier.
 
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<PAGE>
    ADVANCED TELEVISION SERVICE.  The FCC has proposed the adoption of rules for
implementing   advanced  television  ("ATV")  service   in  the  United  States.
Implementation of digital ATV will  improve the technical quality of  television
signals  receivable by viewers and will  provide broadcasters the flexibility to
offer new services, including high-definition television ("HDTV"),  simultaneous
broadcasting of multiple programs of standard definition television ("SDTV") and
data broadcasting.
 
    The  FCC must adopt ATV  service rules and a  table of ATV allotments before
broadcasters can provide these services enabled  by the new technology. On  July
28,  1995, the FCC announced the issuance of a NPRM to invite comment on a broad
range  of  issues  related  to  the  implementation  of  ATV,  particularly  the
transition  to digital broadcasting. The FCC announced that the anticipated role
of digital broadcasting will  cause it to revisit  certain decisions made in  an
earlier  order. The FCC also announced that broadcasters will be allowed greater
flexibility in responding to market demand  by transmitting a mix of HDTV,  SDTV
and  perhaps other services. The FCC also stated that the NPRM would be followed
by two  additional proceedings  and that  a Final  Report and  Order which  will
launch the ATV system is anticipated in 1996.
 
    The  Telecommunications Act directs the FCC,  if it issues licenses for ATV,
to limit  the  initial eligibility  for  such licenses  to  incumbent  broadcast
licensees.  It also  authorizes the FCC  to adopt regulations  that would permit
broadcasters to use such spectrum for ancillary or supplementary services. It is
expected that the  FCC will assign  all existing television  licensees a  second
channel  on which to provide ATV simultaneously with their current NTSC service.
It is possible after a  period of years that  broadcasters would be required  to
cease  NTSC operations, return the  NTSC channel to the  FCC, and broadcast only
with the  newer digital  technology.  Some members  of Congress  have  advocated
authorizing  the  FCC  to auction  either  NTSC  or ATV  channels;  however, the
Telecommunications Act allows the  FCC to determine when  such licenses will  be
returned and how to allocate returned spectrum.
 
    Under  certain circumstances,  conversion to  ATV operations  would reduce a
station's geographical coverage area  but the majority  of stations will  obtain
service  areas that match  or exceed the  limits of existing  operations. Due to
additional equipment costs,  implementation of  ATV will  impose some  near-term
financial  burdens on  television stations  providing the  service. At  the same
time, there  is a  potential for  increased  revenues to  be derived  from  ATV.
Although  the Company believes the FCC will  authorize ATV in the United States,
the Company  cannot  predict  precisely  when  or  under  what  conditions  such
authorization  might be given,  when NTSC operations must  cease, or the overall
effect the transition to ATV might have on the Company's business.
 
    DIRECT BROADCASTING  SATELLITE  SYSTEMS.   The  FCC has  authorized  DBS,  a
service  which  provides  video  programming  via  satellite  directly  to  home
subscribers. Local broadcast stations and broadcast network programming are  not
carried  on DBS systems.  Proposals recently advanced  in the Telecommunications
Act include a  prohibition on restrictions  that inhibit a  viewer's ability  to
receive   video  programming  through  DBS   services.  The  FCC  has  exclusive
jurisdiction over the regulation of DBS service. The Company cannot predict  the
impact of this new service upon the Company's business.
 
PAGING
 
    FEDERAL  REGULATION.  The Company's paging operations (which are part of the
Phipps Business) are subject to regulation  by the FCC under the  Communications
Act.  The FCC  has granted  the Company  licenses to  use the  radio frequencies
necessary to conduct its  paging operations. Licenses issued  by the FCC to  the
Company  set forth the  technical parameters, such as  signal strength and tower
height, under which the Company is authorized to use those frequencies.
 
    LICENSE GRANT AND RENEWAL.  The FCC licenses granted to the Company are  for
varying  terms of up to 10 years, at  the end of which renewal applications must
be approved by the FCC. The Company currently has 23 FCC licenses for its paging
business. Five of such  licenses will expire  in 1997, 12  will expire in  1999,
four  will expire in 2000, one will expire in 2001 and one is currently awaiting
renewal. In the past,  paging license renewal  applications generally have  been
granted  by the FCC  in most cases  upon a demonstration  of compliance with FCC
regulations and adequate service to the public. Although the Company is  unaware
of  any circumstances which could prevent  the grant of renewal applications, no
assurance can be given that any
 
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of the Company's  licenses will  be free of  competing applications  or will  be
renewed  by the  FCC. Furthermore,  the FCC  has the  authority to  restrict the
operation of licensed facilities  or to revoke or  modify licenses. None of  the
Company's licenses has ever been revoked or modified involuntarily.
 
    The  FCC has enacted  regulations regarding auctions for  the award of radio
spectrum licenses.  Pursuant to  such rules,  the FCC  at any  time may  require
auctions  for  new or  existing  services prior  to  the award  of  any license.
Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to  procure
additional  frequencies,  or to  expand  existing paging  networks  operating on
frequencies for which the  Company is currently  licensed into new  geographical
areas.  In March  1994, the  FCC adopted  rules pursuant  to which  the FCC will
utilize competitive bidding to select  Commercial Mobile Radio Service  ("CMRS")
licensees  when more than one entity has filed a timely application for the same
license. These competitive bidding rules  could require that FCC licensees  make
significant  investments in order to obtain spectrum.  While the FCC has not yet
applied these rules to paging licenses, it could do so at any time. The  Company
also believes that this rule change may increase the number of competitors which
have significant financial resources and may provide an added incentive to build
out their systems quickly.
 
    RECENT  DEVELOPMENTS.   On February 8,  1996, the FCC  announced a temporary
cessation in the acceptance of applications for new paging stations, and  placed
certain  restrictions on the  extent to which current  licensees can expand into
new territories  on an  existing channel.  The FCC  has initiated  an  expedited
comment  period  in  which it  will  consider whether  these  interim processing
procedures should be relaxed. The FCC is also considering whether CMRS operators
should be obligated to interconnect their systems with others and be  prohibited
from placing restrictions on the resale of their services.
 
   
    The  FCC recently adopted rules generally revising the classification of the
services offered by paging companies. Traditionally, paging companies have  been
classified either as Private Common Carriers or Private Carrier Paging Operators
or  as resellers.  Pursuant to  the FCC's recently  adopted rules,  which aim to
reduce the disparities in the  regulatory treatment of similar mobile  services,
the  Company's paging services  are or will  be classified as  CMRS. The Company
believes that  such  parity  will remove  certain  regulatory  advantages  which
private   carrier   paging   competitors  have   enjoyed   under   the  previous
classification scheme.
    
 
    The recently enacted Telecommunications Act may affect the Company's  paging
business.  Some aspects of the  new statute could have  beneficial effect on the
Company's paging business.  For example, proposed  federal guidelines  regarding
antenna siting issues may remove local and state barriers to the construction of
communications  facilities,  and efforts  to increase  competition in  the local
exchange and interexchange  industries may  reduce the  cost to  the Company  of
acquiring  necessary communications services and  facilities. On the other hand,
some provisions  relating to  common carrier  interconnection, telephone  number
portability, equal access, the assignment of new area codes, resale requirements
and  auction authority may place additional  burdens upon the Company or subject
the Company to increased competition.
 
    In addition to regulation by the FCC, paging systems are subject to  certain
Federal   Aviation  Administration  regulations  with  respect  to  the  height,
location, construction, marking and lighting of towers and antennas.
 
    STATE REGULATION.  As a result of  the enactment by Congress of the  Omnibus
Budget  Reconciliation Act of 1993, the authority  of the states to regulate the
Company's paging operations was  severely curtailed as of  August 1994. At  this
time  the Company is not aware of  any proposed state legislation or regulations
which would have  a material adverse  impact on the  Company's paging  business.
There  can be no  assurance, however, that such  legislation or regulations will
not be passed in the future.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
   
    As of  June  30,  1996,  the Company  (excluding  KTVE)  had  648  full-time
employees,  of  which 376  were employees  of the  Company's stations,  260 were
employees of the Company's publications and 12 were corporate and administrative
personnel. As of June 30, 1996, the  Phipps Business had 201 employees. None  of
the Company's employees are represented by unions. The Company believes that its
relations with its employees are satisfactory.
    
 
                                       82
<PAGE>
PROPERTIES
 
    The   Company's  principal  executive  offices  are  located  at  126  North
Washington Street, Albany, Georgia  31701, which is owned  by The Albany  Herald
Publishing  Company, Inc. (the "Albany Herald"). The Albany Herald also owns the
adjacent building on the corner of  Pine Avenue in Albany. The building  located
at  126 North  Washington Street  contains administration,  news and advertising
offices and the adjacent buildings located  on Pine Avenue contain the  printing
press and production facilities, as well as paper storage and maintenance. These
buildings contain approximately 83,000 square feet. In addition, the parking lot
for  the employees  and customers  of THE  ALBANY HERALD  is located immediately
across Pine Avenue from the administration offices.
 
    The types  of properties  required to  support television  stations  include
offices,  studios, transmitter sites and antenna  sites. The types of properties
required to support  newspaper publishing  include offices,  facilities for  the
printing  press and  production and storage.  A station's  studios are generally
housed with its offices in business districts. The transmitter sites and antenna
are generally located in elevated areas  to provide optimal signal strength  and
coverage.
 
    The  following table sets forth  certain information regarding the Company's
properties.
 
TELEVISION BROADCASTING
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   STATION/APPROXIMATE
        PROPERTY                                           OWNED         APPROXIMATE      EXPIRATION
        LOCATION                      USE                OR LEASED          SIZE           OF LEASE
- -------------------------  -------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
WKYT
<S>                        <C>                        <C>              <C>              <C>
  Lexington, KY            Office, studio and                  Owned   34,500 sq. ft.                 -
                            transmission tower site                     building on 20
                                                                        acres
WYMT
  Hazard, KY               Office and studio                   Owned   21,200 sq. ft.                 -
                                                                        building
  Hazard, KY               Transmission tower site            Leased          -            June 2015
  Hazard, KY               Transmitter building and            Owned   1,248 sq. ft.                  -
                            improvements
WRDW
  North Augusta, SC        Office and studio                   Owned   17,000 sq. ft.                 -
                           Transmission tower site             Owned   143 acres                      -
WALB
  Albany, GA               Office and studio                   Owned   13,700 sq. ft.                 -
  Albany, GA               Transmission tower site             Owned   21 acres                       -
WJHG
  Panama City, FL          Office and studio                   Owned   14,000 sq. ft.                 -
  Youngstown, FL           Transmission tower site             Owned   17 acres                       -
WKXT
  Knoxville, TN            Office and studio                   Owned   18,300 sq. ft.                --
  Knoxville, TN            Transmission tower site            Leased   Tower space         Dec. 1998
WCTV
  Tallahassee, FL          Office and studio                  Leased   22,000 sq. ft.      Dec. 2014
  Metcalf, GA              Transmission tower site             Owned   182 acres                     --
</TABLE>
 
                                       83
<PAGE>
PUBLISHING
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     OWNED         APPROXIMATE      EXPIRATION
COMPANY/PROPERTY LOCATION                       USE                OR LEASED          SIZE           OF LEASE
- -----------------------------------  -------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
The Albany Herald Publishing         See above                       See above   See above           See above
 Company, Inc.
<S>                                  <C>                        <C>              <C>              <C>
The Rockdale Citizen Publishing
 Company
  Conyers, GA                        Offices, printing press             Owned   20,000 sq. ft.                --
                                      and production facility
                                      for THE ROCKDALE CITIZEN
  Lawrenceville, GA                  Offices and production             Leased   11,000 sq. ft.      Nov. 1997
                                      facilities of the
                                      GWINNETT DAILY POST
The Southwest Georgia Shoppers Inc.
  Tallahassee, FL                    Offices                             Owned   5,500 sq. ft.                 --
</TABLE>
 
PAGING
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       OWNED         APPROXIMATE      EXPIRATION
  PROPERTY LOCATION                               USE                OR LEASED          SIZE           OF LEASE
  -----------------------------------  -------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
   Albany GA                           Office                              Leased      800 sq. ft.       March 1997
  <S>                                  <C>                        <C>              <C>              <C>
  Columbus, GA                         Office                              Leased    1,000 sq. ft.        July 1997
  Dothan, AL                           Office                              Leased      800 sq. ft.        Feb. 1997
  Macon, GA                            Office                              Leased    1,260 sq. ft.        July 1998
  Tallahassee, GA                      Office                              Leased    2,400 sq. ft.   Month to month
  Thomasville, GA                      Office                              Leased      300 sq. ft.   Month to month
  Valdosta, GA                         Office                              Leased      400 sq. ft.         May 1997
  Panama City, FL                      Office                              Leased    1,050 sq. ft.        Jan. 1998
</TABLE>
 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
    The Company  is not  party to  any  legal proceedings  in which  an  adverse
outcome  would have  a material  adverse effect,  either individually  or in the
aggregate, upon the Company.
 
                                       84
<PAGE>
                                   MANAGEMENT
 
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
 
    Set  forth below is certain information concerning each of the directors and
executive officers of the Company and its subsidiaries.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME                                  AGE                  TITLE
- -----------------------------------  -----  -----------------------------------
<S>                                  <C>    <C>
J. Mack Robinson*+                     73   President, Chief Executive Officer
                                             and Director
Robert S. Prather, Jr.*+               51   Executive Vice
                                             President--Acquisitions and
                                             Director
William A. Fielder III                 37   Vice President and Chief Financial
                                             Officer
Sabra H. Cowart                        30   Controller, Chief Accounting
                                             Officer and Assistant Secretary
Robert A. Beizer                       56   Vice President for Law and
                                             Development and Secretary
Thomas J. Stultz                       45   Vice President
Joseph A. Carriere                     62   Vice President-Corporate Sales
William E. Mayher III*                 57   Chairman of the Board of Directors
Richard L. Boger*+                     49   Director
Hilton H. Howell, Jr.**                34   Director
Howell W. Newton**                     49   Director
Hugh Norton                            64   Director
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------
 * Member of the Executive Committee
** Member of the Audit Committee
 + Member of the Management Personnel Committee
 
   
    MR.  ROBINSON  was  appointed  President  and  Chief  Executive  Officer  on
September  10, 1996 to succeed the late  Ralph W. Gabbard. Mr. Robinson has been
chairman of the board of  Bull Run since March 1994,  chairman of the board  and
President  of Delta Life Insurance Company and Delta Fire and Casualty Insurance
Company since 1958,  President of  Atlantic American  Corporation, an  insurance
holding  company, from  1974 until  1995 and chairman  of the  board of Atlantic
American Corporation  since  1974.  He  is also  a  director  of  the  following
corporations:  Bull  Run,  Atlantic  American  Life  Insurance  Company, Bankers
Fidelity Life Insurance Company,  Delta Life Insurance  Company, Delta Fire  and
Casualty  Insurance Company Georgia Casualty & Surety Company, American Southern
Insurance Company and American Safety Insurance Company and director EMERITUS of
Wachovia Corporation. He has been a director of the Company since 1993.
    
 
   
    MR. PRATHER was appointed Executive Vice President-Acquisitions on September
11, 1996. Mr. Prather has been the President and chief executive officer of Bull
Run since July 1992 and a director of  Bull Run since 1992. Prior to that  time,
he  was President  and chief executive  officer of Phoenix  Corporation, a steel
service center. Mr. Prather has been a director of the Company since 1993.
    
 
    MR. FIELDER has been a Vice President and the Chief Financial Officer of the
Company since  August 1993.  From  April 1991  until  his appointment  as  Chief
Financial  Officer, he was  Controller of the Company.  Prior to being appointed
controller of the Company in April 1991,  he was employed by Ernst & Young  LLP,
an accounting firm, which are the independent auditors of the Company.
 
    MS.  COWART has been Controller and  Chief Accounting Officer of the Company
since April 1995. In February 1996 Ms. Cowart was appointed Assistant  Secretary
of  the Company. From March  1994 until her appointment  as Controller and Chief
Accounting Officer,  Ms. Cowart  was the  corporate accounting  manager for  the
Company.  Prior to joining  the Company, she  was employed by  Deloitte & Touche
LLP, an accounting firm, from 1989 to 1994.
 
    MR. BEIZER has been Vice President for Law and Development and Secretary  of
the  Company since  February 1996. From  June 1994  to February 1996,  he was of
counsel to Venable, Baetjer, Howard &  Civiletti, a law firm, in its  regulatory
and  legislative practice group. From 1990 to  1994, Mr. Beizer was a partner at
the law firm  of Sidley &  Austin and  was head of  its communications  practice
group in Washington, D.C. He has
 
                                       85
<PAGE>
represented  newspaper and broadcasting companies, including the Company, before
the Federal Communications Commission for over 25 years. He is a past  president
of  the Federal Communications Bar Association and  a member of the ABA House of
Delegates.
 
    MR. STULTZ has been a Vice President of the Company and the President of the
Company's publishing division  since February 1996.  From 1990 to  1995, he  was
employed  by Multimedia, Inc. as a vice president and from 1988 to 1990, as vice
president of marketing.
 
    MR. CARRIERE has been Vice President of Corporate Sales since February 1996.
From November  1994  until his  appointment  as  Vice President,  he  served  as
President  and General Manager of KTVE Inc.,  a subsidiary of the Company. Prior
to  joining  the  Company  in  1994,  Mr.  Carriere  was  employed  by   Withers
Broadcasting  Company of Colorado as  General Manager from 1991  to 1994. He has
served as a past chairman of the CBS Advisory Board and the National Association
of Broadcasters.
 
    DR. MAYHER has been a surgeon since prior to 1991 and has been a director of
the Company since  1990. He has  served as  Chairman of the  Board of  Directors
since August 1993.
 
    MR.  BOGER  has been  the President  and chief  executive officer  of Export
Insurance Services,  Inc., an  insurance company,  and a  director of  CornerCap
Group of Funds, a "Series" investment company since prior to 1991. He has been a
director of the Company since 1991.
 
    MR.  HOWELL  has  been President  and  Chief Executive  Officer  of Atlantic
American Corporation, an insurance holding company, since May 1995. He has  been
Executive  Vice President  of Delta  Life Insurance  Company and  Delta Fire and
Casualty Insurance Company since 1994, and Executive Vice President of  Atlantic
American  Life Insurance  Company, Bankers  Fidelity Life  Insurance Company and
Georgia Casualty & Surety  Company since 1992. In  addition, since 1994, he  has
served  as  a  Vice  President  and  Secretary  of  Bull  Run,  a  designer  and
manufacturer of dot  matrix printers.  He is also  a director  of the  following
corporations:  Bull Run,  Atlantic American Corporation,  Atlantic American Life
Insurance Company, Bankers Fidelity Life Insurance Company, Delta Life Insurance
Company, Delta Fire and  Casualty Insurance Company,  Georgia Casualty &  Surety
Company,  American  Southern  Insurance Company  and  American  Safety Insurance
Company. From 1989 to 1991, Mr. Howell practiced law in Houston, Texas with  the
law  firm of Liddell, Sapp, Zivley, Hill & LaBoon. He has been a director of the
Company since 1993. He is the son-in-law of J. Mack Robinson.
 
    MR. NEWTON has been the President and Treasurer of Trio Manufacturing Co., a
textile manufacturing company, since prior to 1991 and a director of the Company
since 1991.
 
   
    MR. NORTON has been the President of Norco, Inc., an insurance agency, since
prior to 1991 and a director of the Company since 1987.
    
 
   
    Each director holds office  until the Company's next  annual meeting of  the
shareholders  and until  his successor  is elected  and qualified.  Officers are
elected annually by the Board of Directors and hold office at the discretion  of
the Board.
    
 
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
   
    GENERAL.   The following table  sets forth a summary  of the compensation of
the Company's former President, its former chief executive officer and the other
executive officers whose total annual compensation exceeded $100,000 during  the
year ended December 31, 1995 ("named executives"). Mr. John T. Williams resigned
as President, Chief Executive Officer and director and was replaced by Mr. Ralph
W. Gabbard effective December 1, 1995. Mr. Gabbard died in September 1996.
    
 
                                       86
<PAGE>
                           SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                LONG TERM COMPENSATION
                                                                            ------------------------------
                                                                                        AWARDS
                                                                            ------------------------------
                                                     ANNUAL COMPENSATION                        SECURITIES
                                                                                                UNDERLYING
NAME AND                                            ---------------------     RESTRICTED          OPTIONS/      ALL OTHER
PRINCIPAL POSITION                           YEAR      SALARY       BONUS   STOCK AWARDS           SARS(#)   COMPENSATION
- ----------------------------------------  -------   ---------   ---------   ------------   ---------------  -------------
John T. Williams,                            1995   $ 285,000   $       -   $2,700,000(2)               -   $  606,601(3)
  Former President, Chief Executive          1994     271,817      49,410           -                   -        3,942(4)
  Officer and Director (1)                   1993     258,400     103,750           -                   -        1,252(13)
<S>                                       <C>       <C>         <C>         <C>            <C>              <C>
Ralph W. Gabbard,                            1995(5)   260,949    150,000           -              15,000       12,628(6)
  Former President and Director              1994      76,611     168,117   1,200,000(7)           30,509            -
                                             1993(8)         -          -           -                   -            -
William A. Fielder, III,                     1995     106,050      21,000           -               3,000        9,407(9)
  Vice President and Chief Financial         1994      95,127           -           -                   -        6,695(10)
  Officer                                    1993      84,600           -           -               7,500        5,991(11)
Joseph A. Carriere,                          1995     115,075      65,847           -               3,750          878(13)
  Vice President Corporate Sales             1994(12)     6,635         -           -                   -            -
                                             1993(8)         -          -           -                   -            -
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------------
 
(1) Mr. Williams resigned his position as President, Chief Executive Officer and
    director of the Company effective December 1, 1995.
   
(2)  Pursuant to Mr. Williams' employment agreement, Mr. Williams received three
    restricted  stock  awards  (the  "Common  Stock  Award")  from  the  Company
    aggregating  150,000 shares of  Class A Common Stock  in 1995. In connection
    with Mr. Williams'  resignation from  the Company, the  Company removed  the
    restrictions  on  the Common  Stock Award  in December  1995 and  the shares
    subject to such  Common Stock Award  became fully vested.  The Company  paid
    dividends on such shares.
    
   
(3)  Upon  Mr.  Williams' resignation,  the  Company entered  into  a separation
    agreement  dated  December  1,  1995  (the  "Separation  Agreement"),  which
    provided,  among other things,  for the payment of  $596,000 over a two-year
    period ending November  1997 as consideration  for consulting services,  his
    resignation  and certain non-compete and confidentiality agreements. $3,750,
    $2,117  and  $4,734   represent  payments  by   the  Company  for   matching
    contributions to the 401(k) plan, term life insurance premiums and long term
    disability  premiums, respectively. The Company expensed the entire $596,000
    in 1995.
    
   
(4) $2,112 and  $1,830 represent payments  or accruals by  the Company for  term
    life  insurance  premiums and  matching  contributions to  the  401(k) plan,
    respectively.
    
   
(5) Mr. Gabbard was  elected President and director  of the Company in  December
    1995  and served as  such until his  death in September  1996. Prior to this
    election he served as Vice President of the Company and President and  Chief
    Operating  Officer of the  Company's broadcast operations  from September 2,
    1994 to December 1995.
    
(6) $3,750, $2,736  and $6,142 represent  payments by the  Company for  matching
    contributions to the 401(k) plan, term life insurance premiums and long term
    disability premiums, respectively.
   
(7)  Mr. Gabbard had an employment agreement with the Company which provided him
    with 122,034  shares of  Class A  Common Stock  if his  employment with  the
    Company  continued until September 1999. The  market value of such shares at
    December 31,  1995 was  $2,181,358. Approximately  $80,000 and  $240,000  of
    compensation  expense  was  recorded  in 1994  and  1995,  respectively. The
    Company paid dividends on such shares.
    
(8) Not employed by the Company during this year.
 
   
(9) $5,765, $2,625, $378 and $639 represent payments or accruals by the  Company
    for  supplemental retirement benefits, matching  contributions to the 401(k)
    plan, term  life  insurance  premiums and  long  term  disability  premiums,
    respectively.
    
   
(10)  $5,717, $338 and  $640 represent payments  or accruals by  the Company for
    supplemental retirement benefits, term life insurance premiums and  matching
    contributions to the 401(k) plan, respectively.
    
   
(11)  $5,700  and  $291  represent  payments  or  accruals  by  the  Company for
    supplemental  retirement  benefits   and  term   life  insurance   premiums,
    respectively.
    
(12)  Mr. Carriere joined the Company in  November 1994 as President and General
    Manager of KTVE
   
(13) Represents payments by the Company for term life insurance premiums.
    
 
     STOCK OPTIONS GRANTED.  The  following table contains information on  stock
options  granted to the Company's President  and the named executives during the
year ended December 31, 1995. Under the Company's 1992 Long Term Incentive  Plan
(the "Incentive Plan") all officers and key employees are eligible for grants of
stock options and other stock-based awards. Options granted are exercisable over
a  three year period beginning  on the second anniversary  of the grant date and
expire one month after termination of employment. The total number of shares  of
Class   A   Common   Stock   issuable   under   the   Incentive   Plan   is  not
 
                                       87
<PAGE>
to exceed 600,000 shares, subject  to adjustment in the  event of any change  in
the outstanding shares of such stock by reason of a stock dividend, stock split,
recapitalization,  merger,  consolidation  or  other  similar  changes generally
affecting stockholders of the Company.
 
    The Incentive  Plan  is  administered  by  the  members  of  the  Management
Personnel  Committee of  the Board  of Directors  (the "Committee")  who are not
eligible for selection as participants  under the Incentive Plan. The  Incentive
Plan  is  intended  to  provide additional  incentives  and  motivation  for the
Company's employees. The Committee, by majority action thereof, is authorized in
its sole discretion to  determine the individuals to  whom the benefits will  be
granted,  the type  and amount of  such benefits  and the terms  thereof; and to
prescribe, amend and  rescind rules  and regulations relating  to the  Incentive
Plan, among other things.
 
                       OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              POTENTIAL REALIZABLE
                                                                                    VALUE AT
                                         % OF TOTAL                           ASSUMED ANNUAL RATES
                                          OPTIONS                                      OF
                             NUMBER OF   GRANTED TO                               STOCK PRICE
                             SECURITIES  EMPLOYEES    EXERCISE                  APPRECIATION FOR
                             UNDERLYING      IN          OR                      OPTION TERM(1)
                              OPTIONS      FISCAL    BASE PRICE  EXPIRATION  ----------------------
NAME                          GRANTED       YEAR     ($/SHARE)      DATE       5%($)       10%($)
- ---------------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Ralph W. Gabbard                 15,000       25.8%      $13.33     3/30/00     $55,242    $122,071
<S>                          <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
William A. Fielder, III           3,000        5.2%      $13.33     3/30/00     $11,048     $24,414
Joseph A. Carriere                3,750        6.5%      $13.33     3/30/00     $13,811     $30,518
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
(1) Amounts  reported in  these columns represent  amounts that  may be realized
    upon exercise of options immediately prior  to the expiration of their  term
    assuming  the specified compounded rates of appreciation (5% and 10%) on the
    Class A  Common  Stock over  the  term of  the  options. These  numbers  are
    calculated  based on rules promulgated by  the Commission and do not reflect
    the Company's estimate of future stock  price growth. Actual gains, if  any,
    on stock option exercises and Class A Common Stock holdings are dependent on
    the timing of such exercise and the future performance of the Class A Common
    Stock.  There can be no assurance that  the rates of appreciation assumed in
    this table can be achieved or that the amounts reflected will be received by
    the option holder.
 
    STOCK OPTIONS EXERCISED.  The  following table sets forth information  about
unexercised  stock options held  by the named executives.  No stock options were
exercised by such officers during 1995.
 
              AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND
                         FISCAL YEAR END OPTION VALUES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           VALUE OF UNEXERCISED IN-
                                  NUMBER OF UNEXERCISED     THE-MONEY OPTIONS AT FY
                                  OPTIONS AT FY END(#)        END($) EXERCISABLE/
NAME                            EXERCISABLE/UNEXERCISABLE      UNEXERCISABLE(1)
- ------------------------------  -------------------------  -------------------------
Ralph W. Gabbard                                 0/45,509                $0/$318,553
<S>                             <C>                        <C>
William A. Fielder, III                       7,500/3,000            $61,562/$13,625
Joseph A. Carriere                                0/3,750                 $0/$17,031
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
(1) Closing price of Class A Common Stock  at December 31, 1995 was $17 7/8  per
    share.
 
    SUPPLEMENTAL  PENSION PLAN.   The Company  has entered  into agreements with
certain key employees  to provide these  employees with supplemental  retirement
benefits.   The  benefits  are  disbursed   after  retirement  in  contractually
predetermined payments of equal monthly amounts over the employee's life, or the
life of a  surviving eligible  spouse for  a maximum  of 15  years. The  Company
maintains  life insurance coverage  on these individuals  in adequate amounts to
fund the agreements.
 
    RETIREMENT PLAN.   The  Company  sponsors a  defined benefit  pension  plan,
intended  to be tax qualified, for certain of its employees and the employees of
any of its subsidiaries  which have been  designated as participating  companies
under  the plan. A participating employee who  retires on or after attaining age
65 and who has completed five years  of service upon retirement may be  eligible
to receive during his lifetime, in
 
                                       88
<PAGE>
the  form  of  monthly payments,  an  annual pension  equal  to (i)  22%  of the
employee's average earnings for  the highest five  consecutive years during  the
employee's final 10 years of employment multiplied by a factor, the numerator of
which  is the employee's years  of service credited under  the plan before 1994,
the denominator of which is the greater  of 25 or the years of service  credited
under the plan, plus (ii) .9% of the employee's monthly average earnings for the
highest  five consecutive years in the  employee's final ten years of employment
added to .6% of  monthly average earnings in  excess of Social Security  covered
compensation,  and multiplied by the employee's  years of service credited under
the plan after 1993, with a maximum of 25 years minus years of service  credited
under  (i) above. For participants  as of December 31,  1993, there is a minimum
benefit equal to the projected benefit under  (i) at that time. For purposes  of
illustration,  pensions estimated to be payable upon retirement of participating
employees in specified salary classifications are shown in the following table:
 
                               PENSION PLAN TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 YEARS OF SERVICE
                      ----------------------------------------------------------------------
REMUNERATION(1)           10          15          20          25          30          35
- --------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
$ 15,000                  $1,326      $1,986      $2,646      $3,306      $3,300      $3,300
<S>                   <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
  25,000                   2,210       3,310       4,410       5,510       5,500       5,500
  50,000                   4,709       6,909       9,109      11,309      11,000      11,000
  75,000                   7,219      10,519      13,819      17,119      16,500      16,500
 100,000                   9,729      14,129      18,529      22,929      22,000      22,000
 150,000                  14,749      21,349      27,949      34,549      33,000      33,000
 200,000                  18,269      27,069      35,869      44,669      41,067      41,486
 250,000 and above        19,622      29,268      38,914      48,560      45,014      45,473
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
(1) Five-year average annual compensation
 
    Employees may  become participants  in  the plan,  provided that  they  have
attained  age 21 and  have completed one  year of service.  Average earnings are
based upon  the salary  paid  to a  participating  employee by  a  participating
company.  Pension compensation for a particular year as used for the calculation
of  retirement  benefits  includes  salaries,  overtime  pay,  commissions   and
incentive  payments received during the year  and the employee's contribution to
the Capital  Accumulation  Plan  (as defined).  Pension  compensation  for  1995
differs  from compensation  reported in the  Summary Compensation  Table in that
pension compensation includes any annual  incentive awards received in 1995  for
services  in 1994 rather than the incentive  awards paid in 1996 for services in
1995. The maximum annual compensation considered for pension benefits under  the
plan in 1995 was $150,000.
 
    As  of December 31, 1995, full years of actual credited service in this plan
are Mr. Williams-3  years; Mr.  Fielder-4 years;  and Mr.  Carriere-1 year.  Mr.
Gabbard  had no full  years of credited  service under the  plan at December 31,
1995.
 
    CAPITAL ACCUMULATION PLAN.  Effective  October 1, 1994, the Company  adopted
the  Gray Communications Systems,  Inc. Capital Accumulation  Plan (the "Capital
Accumulation Plan") for the purpose of providing additional retirement  benefits
for  substantially all employees.  The Capital Accumulation  Plan is intended to
meet the requirements of section 401(k) of the Code.
 
    Contributions to the Capital Accumulation Plan are made by the employees  of
the  Company. The Company  matches a percentage  of each employee's contribution
which does not exceed 6%  of the employee's gross  pay. The percentage match  is
made with a contribution of Class A Common Stock and is declared by the Board of
Directors  before  the beginning  of each  Capital  Accumulation Plan  year. The
percentage match declared  for the  year ended December  31, 1995  was 50%.  The
Company's matching
 
                                       89
<PAGE>
contributions  vest based upon the employees' number of years of service, over a
period not to exceed  five years. The Company  has registered 150,000 shares  of
Class A Common Stock for issuance to the Capital Accumulation Plan.
 
DIRECTORS' COMPENSATION
 
    Directors  who are  not employed  by the  Company receive  an annual  fee of
$6,000. Non-employee directors are paid $500  for attendance at meetings of  the
Board  of Directors  and $500  for attendance at  meetings of  Committees of the
Board. Committee chairmen, not  employed by the  Company, receive an  additional
fee  of $800 for  each meeting they  attend. Any outside  director who serves as
Chairman of the Board receives an annual retainer of $12,000. Outside  directors
are  paid 40% of the usual fee  arrangement for attending any special meeting of
the Board  of Directors  or any  Committee thereof  conducted by  telephone.  In
addition,  the Company  has a Non-Qualified  Stock Option  Plan for non-employee
directors that currently provides for the annual grant of options to purchase up
to 7,500 shares of Class A Common  Stock at a price per share approximating  the
recent market price at the time of grant. Such options are exercisable until the
end  of the first  month following the  close of the  Company's fiscal year. The
Company, subject to  approval by  the Company's shareholders,  intends to  amend
such  Non-Qualified Stock  Option Plan  to provide for  the issuance  of Class B
Common Stock in lieu of Class A Common Stock.
 
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
 
    In 1995,  pursuant  to  Mr. Williams'  employment  agreement,  Mr.  Williams
received  the Common  Stock Award. In  December 1995, Mr.  Williams resigned his
position as President, Chief Executive Officer and director of the Company. Upon
his resignation,  the Company  entered into  the Separation  Agreement with  Mr.
Williams  which  provides for  the payment  of $596,000  over a  two-year period
ending November 1,  1997 as  consideration for  Mr. Williams'  agreement to  (i)
resign  from  the  Company  and  terminate  his  employment  agreement,  (ii) be
available as a consultant  to the Company from  December 1, 1995 until  November
30,  1997 and  (iii) not  compete with  the Company's  business and  to keep all
information regarding  the Company  confidential while  he is  a consultant.  In
addition,  under the Separation Agreement, Mr. Williams is to receive health and
life insurance coverage with premiums paid by the Company while he is  available
as   a  consultant.  Finally,   the  Separation  Agreement   provides  that  the
restrictions on the Common Stock Award were removed and such Common Stock  Award
became fully vested.
 
   
    Ralph W. Gabbard and the Company entered into an employment agreement, dated
September  3, 1994,  for a  five year  term. The  agreement provided  for annual
compensation of $250,000  during the term  of the agreement  (subject to  yearly
inflation  adjustment) and entitled  Mr. Gabbard to  certain fringe benefits. In
addition to his annual compensation, Mr. Gabbard was entitled to participate  in
an  annual incentive compensation plan and  the Incentive Plan. Under the annual
incentive compensation  plan, Mr.  Gabbard was  eligible to  receive  additional
compensation  if the operating profits of  the broadcasting group of the Company
reached or  exceeded  certain  goals.  Under the  Incentive  Plan,  Mr.  Gabbard
received non-qualified stock options to purchase 30,509 shares of Class A Common
Stock. The exercise price for such options is $9.66.
    
 
   
    In  February  1996, the  Board  of Directors  approved  an amendment  to Mr.
Gabbard's employment  agreement  to  increase Mr.  Gabbard's  base  salary  from
$250,000  to $300,000, effective January  1, 1996 and to  establish a new annual
compensation plan  (the  "Annual  Compensation  Plan")  to  be  based  upon  the
achievement  by the Company of  a certain operating profit,  the amount of which
was to be established by the  Board of Directors. Under the Annual  Compensation
Plan,  if the Company  achieved the targeted  amount of operating  profit in any
given year, Mr. Gabbard would  receive $200,000 as additional compensation.  The
Annual  Compensation  Plan further  provided that  if  the Company  exceeded the
targeted amount of  operating profit  in any given  year, Mr.  Gabbard would  be
entitled to receive additional compensation in excess of $200,000, as determined
by the Board of Directors.
    
 
    William  A. Fielder, III, Vice President  and Chief Financial Officer of the
Company, has an employment  agreement with the Company  dated April 1991,  which
was  amended March 1993,  to provide for  the continuation of  his annual salary
(currently $135,000)  for a  period of  one  year in  the event  of  termination
without cause.
 
    Robert  A. Beizer and the Company entered into an employment agreement dated
as of February  12, 1996,  for a two-year  term which  automatically renews  for
three  successive one-year  periods, subject to  certain termination provisions.
The agreement  provides that  Mr. Beizer  shall be  employed as  Vice  President
 
                                       90
<PAGE>
for  Law and Development of  the Company, with an  initial annual base salary of
$200,000 and a  grant of options  to purchase  15,000 shares of  Class A  Common
Stock  with an exercise price  of $19.375 per share  under the Incentive Plan at
the inception of  his employment. Mr.  Beizer's base salary  shall be  increased
yearly,  based upon  a cost  of living index  and he  will receive non-qualified
options to purchase  7,000 shares of  Class A Common  Stock annually during  the
term  of the agreement at  an exercise price per share  equal to the fair market
value of the Class A Common Stock on the date of the grant. All options  granted
are  exercisable over a three year  period beginning upon the second anniversary
of the grant date. If there is a "change of control" of the Company, Mr.  Beizer
will  be paid a  lump sum amount equal  to his then current  base salary for the
remaining term of the agreement and will be granted any remaining stock  options
to  which he would have been entitled. For purposes of the agreement, "change of
control" is defined as any  change in the control of  the Company that would  be
required  to be reported  in response to  Item 6(e) of  Schedule 14A promulgated
under the  Exchange Act.  Mr. Beizer  has agreed  that during  the term  of  his
agreement  and  for  two  years  thereafter,  he  will  be  subject  to  certain
non-competition provisions.
 
   
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
    
 
   
    Richard L.  Boger, Robert  S. Prather,  Jr.  and J.  Mack Robinson  are  the
members of the Management Personnel Committee of the Board of Directors.
    
 
   
    Gray   Kentucky  Television,  Inc.,  a  subsidiary  of  the  Company  ("Gray
Kentucky") is a party  to a rights sharing  agreement with Host  Communications,
Inc.  ("Host")  and  certain  other parties  not  affiliated  with  the Company,
pursuant to which the parties agreed  to exploit Host's rights to broadcast  and
market  certain University of Kentucky football and basketball games and related
activities. Pursuant to such agreement,  Gray Kentucky is licensed to  broadcast
certain  University  of  Kentucky  football  and  basketball  games  and related
activities.  Under  this  agreement,  Gray  Kentucky  also  provides  Host  with
production  and  certain marketing  services  and Host  provides  accounting and
various marketing services. During the year ended December 31, 1995, the Company
received approximately $332,000 from this joint venture.
    
 
   
    Bull Run currently  owns 51.5% of  the outstanding common  stock of  Capital
Sports  Properties, Inc. ("CSP"). CSP's assets consist of all of the outstanding
preferred stock of  Host and warrants  to purchase Host  common stock. Bull  Run
also  owns  approximately 9.4%  of  Host's currently  outstanding  common shares
directly, thereby giving Bull Run total direct and indirect ownership of Host of
approximately 29.7%. Robert S. Prather, Jr., Executive Vice
President-Acquisitions and a director  of the Company, is  also a member of  the
boards of directors of both CSP and Host.
    
 
   
    The  Company's Board of  Directors approved payments to  Bull Run of finders
fees for the acquisition of the GWINNETT DAILY POST, the Augusta Acquisition and
the Phipps Acquisition. The  Company agreed to pay  finders fees of $75,000  and
$360,000  for the acquisition  of GWINNETT DAILY  POST and Augusta Acquisitions,
respectively. The Board of Directors  has agreed to pay a  finders fee of 1%  of
the proposed purchase price of the Phipps Acquisition for services performed, of
which $550,000 and $950,000 was due and included in accounts payable at December
31, 1995 and June 30, 1996, respectively.
    
 
   
    On  January 3, 1996, Bull Run purchased for $10 million from the Company (i)
the 8% Note in  the principal amount  of $10 million due  in January 2005,  with
interest  payable  quarterly  beginning  March 31,  1996  and  (ii)  warrants to
purchase 487,500 shares of Class A Common Stock at $17.88 per share, (subject to
customary antidilution provisions) 300,000 of which are currently fully  vested,
with the remaining warrants vesting in five equal annual installments commencing
January  3, 1997, provided that the 8%  Note is outstanding. On January 3, 1996,
the closing  price of  the Class  A Common  Stock on  the NYSE  was $17.75.  The
warrants (which represent 9.8% of the currently issued and outstanding shares of
Class  A Common  Stock, after  giving effect to  the exercise  of such warrants)
expire in January 2006 and may  not be exercised unless shareholder approval  of
the  issuance of  the warrants is  obtained, which  is expected to  occur at the
Company's 1996 annual meeting of  shareholders. The Company obtained an  opinion
from  The  Robinson-Humphrey  Company, Inc.,  one  of the  underwriters  of this
Offering and the Concurrent Offering, stating  that the terms and conditions  of
the 8% Note were fair from a financial point of view, to the shareholders of the
Company. The proceeds from the sale of the 8% Note and the warrants were used to
fund, in part, the Augusta Acquisition.
    
 
   
    In  connection with the issuance by the Company of the $10 million letter of
credit in the Phipps  Acquisition, J. Mack Robinson,  a director of the  Company
(and subsequently appointed the President and
    
 
                                       91
<PAGE>
   
Chief  Executive Officer of the  Company), executed a put  agreement in favor of
the letter of  credit issuer, for  which he received  no consideration from  the
Company.  Pursuant to such agreement, in the event that such letter of credit is
drawn upon by the sellers of the Phipps Business and the Company defaults on the
repayment of such amounts so drawn under the letter of credit, Mr. Robinson  has
agreed to pay such amounts to the issuer of the letter of credit.
    
 
   
    ISSUANCES OF PREFERRED STOCK.
    
 
   
    As  part of the Financing, the 8% Note  will be retired and the Company will
issue to Bull  Run, in  exchange therefor, 1,000  shares of  Series A  Preferred
Stock.  Subject to certain limitations, holders  of the Series A Preferred Stock
are entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors, out
of funds of the Company legally available for payment, cumulative cash dividends
at an annual rate of $800 per  share. The Series A Preferred Stock has  priority
as  to dividends  over the  Common Stock and  any other  series or  class of the
Company's stock which  ranks junior as  to dividends to  the Series A  Preferred
Stock.  In  case of  the voluntary  or  involuntary liquidation,  dissolution or
winding up of  the Company,  holders of  the Series  A Preferred  Stock will  be
entitled  to receive a  liquidation price of  $10,000 per share,  plus an amount
equal to  any accrued  and unpaid  dividends  to the  payment date,  before  any
payment  or distribution  is made to  the holders  of Common Stock  or any other
series or class  of the  Company's stock which  ranks junior  as to  liquidation
rights  to the  Series A Preferred  Stock. The  Series A Preferred  Stock may be
redeemed at the  option of  the Company, in  whole or  in part at  any time,  at
$10,000  per share, plus an amount equal  to any accrued and unpaid dividends to
the redemption date  and such  redemption price may  be paid,  at the  Company's
option,  in cash or in shares of Class  A Common Stock. The holders of shares of
Series A Preferred Stock will not be  entitled to vote on any matter except  (i)
with  respect to the  authorization or issuance of  capital stock ranking senior
to, or  on a  parity with,  the Series  A Preferred  Stock and  with respect  to
certain  amendments  to the  Company's Articles  of  Incorporation, (ii)  if the
Company shall have failed to declare and pay dividends on the Series A Preferred
Stock for any six quarterly payment periods,  in which event the holders of  the
Series  A  Preferred Stock  shall  be entitled  to  elect two  directors  to the
Company's Board  of Directors  until the  full dividends  accumulated have  been
declared  and paid and (iii) as required by law. The warrants issued with the 8%
Note will vest in  accordance with the schedule  described above, provided  that
the Series A Preferred Stock remains outstanding.
    
 
   
    In  addition, as part of the Financing,  the Company will issue to Bull Run,
J. Mack Robinson and certain of his affiliates for $10 million, 1,000 shares  of
Series  B Preferred Stock. Subject to certain limitations, holders of the Series
B Preferred Stock are entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board
of Directors,  out  of funds  of  the  Company legally  available  for  payment,
cumulative  dividends  at an  annual rate  of  $600 per  share, except  that the
Company at its option may pay such dividends in cash or in additional shares  of
Series  B Preferred Stock valued,  for the purpose of  determining the number of
shares (or fraction thereof) of such Series  B Preferred Stock to be issued,  at
$10,000  per share. The  Series B Preferred  Stock has priority  as to dividends
over the Common Stock and any other series or class of the Company's stock which
ranks junior as to  dividends to the  Series B Preferred Stock.  In case of  the
voluntary  or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company,
holders of  the  Series  B  Preferred  Stock  will  be  entitled  to  receive  a
liquidation  price of $10,000 per share, plus an amount equal to any accrued and
unpaid dividends to the payment date, before any payment or distribution is made
to the holders of  Common Stock or  any other series or  class of the  Company's
stock  which ranks  junior as  to liquidation rights  to the  Series B Preferred
Stock. The  Series B  Preferred  Stock may  be redeemed  at  the option  of  the
Company,  in whole or in part at any  time, at $10,000 per share, plus an amount
equal to  any accrued  and unpaid  dividends  to the  redemption date  and  such
redemption  price may be paid, at the Company's  option, in cash or in shares of
Class A Common Stock. The holders of shares of Series B Preferred Stock will not
be entitled to vote on any matter  except (i) with respect to the  authorization
or  issuance of capital stock ranking senior to, or on a parity with, the Series
B Preferred  Stock and  with  respect to  certain  amendments to  the  Company's
Articles  of Incorporation, (ii) if the Company shall have failed to declare and
pay dividends on  the Series  B Preferred Stock  for any  six quarterly  payment
periods,  in which event  the holders of  the Series B  Preferred Stock shall be
entitled to elect two  directors to the Company's  Board of Directors until  the
full dividends accumulated
    
 
                                       92
<PAGE>
   
have  been declared  and paid and  (iii) as required  by law. The  shares of the
Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock will rank PARI PASSU as to
the payment of  dividends and as  to distributions of  assets upon  liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the Company.
    
 
   
    In  connection with the issuance of the  Series B Preferred Stock as part of
the Financing, (i)  the Company will  issue to  the purchasers of  the Series  B
Preferred  Stock warrants entitling the holders thereof to purchase an aggregate
of 500,000 shares of  Class A Common  Stock at an exercise  price of $24.00  per
share  (subject to customary antidilution provisions), representing 10.1% of the
currently issued and outstanding  shares of Class A  Common Stock, after  giving
effect  to the  exercise of  such warrants. Of  these warrants,  an aggregate of
300,000 will vest  upon issuance, with  the remaining warrants  vesting in  five
equal  installments commencing on the first anniversary of the date of issuance.
The warrants may not be exercised prior to the second anniversary of the date of
issuance and will expire on the tenth  anniversary of the date of issuance.  The
Company has obtained a written opinion from The Robinson-Humphrey Company, Inc.,
one  of the underwriters  of this Offering and  the Concurrent Offering, stating
that the terms and conditions of the  Series B Preferred Stock and the  warrants
are fair to the shareholders of the Company from a financial point of view.
    
 
                                       93
<PAGE>
                         SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN
                        BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
 
   
    The   following  table  sets  forth  certain  information  with  respect  to
stockholders who are known by  the Company to be  the beneficial owners of  more
than  5% of  the outstanding Class  A Common Stock  and the number  of shares of
Class A  Common  Stock  beneficially  owned by  directors  and  named  executive
officers  of the Company, individually, and all directors and executive officers
of the Company as a group as of  July 31, 1996. Except as indicated below,  none
of  such shareholders own,  or have the right  to acquire any  shares of Class B
Common Stock.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AND ADDRESS OF                      SHARES BENEFICIALLY
BENEFICIAL OWNER                                       OWNED           PERCENT OF CLASS
- ----------------------------------  ------------------------   ------------------------
<S>                                 <C>                        <C>
Bull Run Corporation (1)                           1,211,590                       27.1%
George H. Nader (2)                                  240,899                        5.4%
Ralph W. Gabbard                                      31,427                          *
William A. Fielder III (3)                             8,629                          *
Sabra H. Cowart                                          216                          *
Robert A. Beizer                                          --                          *
Thomas J. Stultz                                       1,500                          *
Joseph A. Carriere                                       642                          *
William E. Mayher III (3)                             16,500                          *
Richard L. Boger (3)                                  24,150                          *
Hilton H. Howell, Jr. (3)(4)(5)(6)                 1,280,740                       28.6%
Howell W. Newton (3)                                   9,250                          *
Hugh Norton (3)                                       16,500                          *
Robert S. Prather, Jr. (3)(4)(7)                   1,242,340                       27.8%
J. Mack Robinson (3)(4)(6)(8)                      2,003,530                       44.8%
John T. Williams (9)                                  78,752                        1.8%
All directors and executive                   (4)-(2,290,9968),
 officers as a group (14 persons)             (10)                                 50.6
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------------
 * Less than 1%.
 
   
(1) Owned by Bull  Run through its  wholly-owned subsidiary, Datasouth  Computer
    Corporation.  The  address  of Bull  Run  is 4370  Peachtree  Road, Atlanta,
    Georgia 30319.  Does  not include  warrants  to be  issued  as part  of  the
    Financing.  See "Management-- Compensation  Committee Interlocks and Insider
    Participation."
    
 
(2) Mr. Nader's address is P.O. Box 271, 1011 Fifth Avenue, West Point,  Georgia
    31833.
 
(3) Includes 7,500 shares subject to currently exercisable options.
 
(4)  Includes 1,211,590 shares  owned by Bull  Run as described  in footnote (1)
    above, because  Messrs.  Howell,  Prather and  Robinson  are  directors  and
    officers  of Bull  Run and  Messrs. and  Prather and  Robinson are principal
    shareholders of Bull Run and,  as such, may be deemed  to have the right  to
    vote or dispose of such shares. However, each of Messrs. Howell, Prather and
    Robinson disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares owned by Bull Run.
 
(5)  Includes 39,050 shares owned  by Mr. Howell's wife,  as to which shares Mr.
    Howell disclaims beneficial ownership. Excludes 63,000 shares held in  trust
    for Mr. Howell's wife.
 
(6)  Excludes as to Mr. Howell, and includes as to Mr. Robinson, an aggregate of
    297,540 shares owned by certain companies of which Mr. Howell is an  officer
    and  director and Mr.  Robinson is an  officer, director and  a principal or
    sole stockholder.
 
(7) Includes 150  shares owned by  Mr. Prather's  wife, as to  which shares  Mr.
    Prather disclaims beneficial ownership.
 
   
(8)  Includes  an  aggregate of  256,650  shares  owned by  Mr.  Robinson's wife
    directly and as trustee for their daughters, as to which shares Mr. Robinson
    disclaims beneficial  ownership. Mr.  Robinson's address  is 4370  Peachtree
    Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30319.
    
 
(9)  Mr. Williams resigned his position as President and Chief Executive Officer
    of the Company effective December 1, 1995.
 
(10) Includes 60,000 shares subject to currently exercisable options.
 
                                       94
<PAGE>
                 CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
 
   
    J. Mack Robinson, President, Chief Executive  Officer and a director of  the
Company,  is  Chairman of  the Board  of Bull  Run and  the beneficial  owner of
approximately 28% of the outstanding shares of common stock, par value $.01  per
share  ("Bull Run Common  Stock"), of Bull  Run (including certain  shares as to
which such  beneficial  ownership is  disclaimed  by Mr.  Robinson).  Robert  S.
Prather,  Jr.,  Executive Vice  President--Acquisitions  and a  director  of the
Company, is President, Chief  Executive Officer and a  director of Bull Run  and
the  beneficial owner of approximately 12% of the outstanding shares of Bull Run
Common Stock (including certain shares as to which such beneficial ownership  is
disclaimed  by  Mr. Prather).  Mr.  Prather is  also a  member  of the  Board of
Directors of CSP and Host. Hilton H.  Howell, Jr. a director of the Company,  is
Vice    President,    Secretary   and    a   director    of   Bull    Run.   See
"Management--Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation" for  a
description  of certain business  relationships between the  Company and Messrs.
Prather and Robinson, Host, CSP and Bull Run.
    
 
                                       95
<PAGE>
                      DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN INDEBTEDNESS
 
THE SENIOR CREDIT FACILITY
 
    The Company has  executed a  commitment letter  with respect  to the  Senior
Credit  Facility. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will enter
into the Senior Credit Facility on the terms described herein or at all.
 
    As of June 30, 1996, approximately $49.5 million of indebtedness  (excluding
accrued  interest) was outstanding under the Old Credit Facility. As part of the
Financing, the Company will retire all of the outstanding indebtedness under the
Old Credit Facility and will enter into the Senior Credit Facility.
 
    The Senior Credit Facility will provide for borrowings of up to an aggregate
of $125.0 million in the form of a seven-year reducing revolving credit facility
in the  amount  of  $53.5  million ("Facility  A")  and  a  seven-year  reducing
revolving  credit/term facility in  the amount of  $71.5 million ("Facility B").
The Senior Credit Facility will also provide for the issuance of standby letters
of credit in an aggregate amount of up to $15.0 million to the extent that there
is borrowing availability under the Senior Credit Facility.
 
   
    Funds available  under the  Senior Credit  Facility will  be available  upon
consummation  of the  Phipps Acquisition  to retire  indebtedness under  the Old
Credit Facility and under the Senior  Note, to finance certain acquisitions,  to
fund  the  optional redemption  of the  Notes and  for capital  expenditures and
working capital needs. In  addition, the Senior Credit  Facility may be used  to
fund, in part, the Phipps Acquisition.
    
 
   
    Commitments under Facility A will be reduced in quarterly amounts commencing
on  March 31,  1997 with  a final  maturity of  June 30,  2003. Facility  B will
convert to a term loan  at December 31, 1998,  the outstanding balance of  which
must thereafter be repaid on a quarterly basis with a final maturity of June 30,
2003.
    
 
   
    Interest  under the Senior Credit Facility will be payable, at the Company's
option, at LIBOR or  the prime rate,  in each case,  plus a floating  percentage
tied  to the Company's ratio of total  debt to operating cash flow, ranging from
LIBOR plus 3.25% or the prime rate plus  1.0%, based upon a 6.75 to 1 ratio,  to
LIBOR  plus 1.50% or the prime rate, based upon  a 4 to 1 ratio. Pursuant to the
Senior Credit Facility, the Company will be required to enter into interest rate
swap agreements for the purpose of  interest rate protection covering an  amount
of borrowings thereunder of no less than 50% of the outstanding principal amount
of all indebtedness.
    
 
    The Senior Credit Facility will be secured by the pledge of all of the stock
of  the subsidiaries of the Company and a first lien on all of the assets of the
Company and  its subsidiaries.  Each of  the subsidiaries  of the  Company  will
guarantee the Company's obligations under the Senior Credit Facility.
 
   
    The  Senior  Credit  Facility  will contain  restrictions  on  the Company's
ability to  pay  dividends and  make  certain acquisitions.  The  Senior  Credit
Facility  will also contain provisions requiring the Company to maintain certain
financial ratios, including a total debt to operating cash flow ratio, a  senior
debt  to operating  cash flow  ratio, an operating  cash flow  to total interest
expense ratio, an  operating cash flow  to pro  forma debt service  ratio and  a
fixed charge coverage ratio.
    
 
    The  Senior Credit Facility will require the  Company to apply at the end of
each fiscal year, commencing on December  31, 1997, 50% (if the Company's  total
debt  to operating  cash flow  ratio at  the end  of such  year is  4.5 to  1 or
greater) of its "Excess  Cash Flow" to  reduce outstanding debt,  on a pro  rata
basis,  under Facilities A and  B. In addition, the  Company will be required to
apply from the proceeds of any permitted equity issuance an amount sufficient to
reduce the Company's leverage  to specified levels.  The Senior Credit  Facility
will  require the Company to use the  proceeds from certain asset sales to repay
indebtedness under the Senior Credit  Facility. The Senior Credit Facility  will
also   contain  a  number  of   customary  covenants  including,  among  others,
limitations on investments and advances, mergers  and sales of assets, liens  on
assets, affiliate transactions and changes in business.
 
                                       96
<PAGE>
                            DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES
 
   
    Pursuant  to the Concurrent  Offering, the Company  is offering $160,000,000
aggregate principal amount of  its 10 5/8% Senior  Subordinated Notes due  2006.
Interest  on  the Notes  is payable  semi-annually  on April  1 and  December 1,
commencing April  1, 1997,  at the  rate of  10 5/8%  per annum.  The Notes  are
redeemable,  in whole  or in  part, at  the option  of the  Company on  or after
October 1, 2001, at the redemption prices set forth in the Indenture pursuant to
which the Notes are to be issued (the "Indenture") plus accrued interest to  the
date  of  redemption. In  addition,  at any  time  before October  1,  1999, the
Company, at its option, may redeem up  to 35% of the aggregate principal  amount
of  the Notes  originally issued  with the  net proceeds  of one  or more Public
Equity Offerings (as defined in the Indenture), other than this Offering, at the
redemption prices set forth in the Indenture plus accrued and unpaid interest to
the date  of redemption;  provided, however,  that at  least $104.0  million  in
aggregate principal amount of the Notes remain outstanding immediately after any
such redemption.
    
 
    The  Notes  will  be  general  unsecured  obligations  of  the  Company  and
subordinated in  right  of  payment  to  all Senior  Debt  (as  defined  in  the
Indenture),  including all indebtedness  of the Company  under the Senior Credit
Facility. Pursuant to the terms of the Indenture, the Notes will be  guaranteed,
fully  and  unconditionally, jointly  and  severally, on  a  senior subordinated
unsecured  basis  by  all  of   the  Company's  subsidiaries  (the   "Subsidiary
Guarantors").
 
   
    Upon  a Change of  Control (as defined  in the Indenture),  each holder will
have the right to  require the Company  to repurchase such  holder's Notes at  a
price  equal to 101% of their principal amount plus accrued interest to the date
of repurchase.  If the  Phipps Acquisition  is not  consummated or  the  Minimum
Equity  Condition is not satisfied prior to  December 23, 1996, the Company will
be required to redeem the Notes on or prior to December 31, 1996 at a redemption
price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the Notes plus accrued and unpaid
interest to the date of purchase. At any time prior to December 23, 1996, if the
Phipps Acquisition has  not been consummated,  the Company may,  at its  option,
redeem  the Notes, in whole but not in part, at a redemption price equal to 101%
of the principal  amount thereof plus  accrued and unpaid  interest to the  date
fixed  for redemption. In  addition, the Company  will be obligated  to offer to
repurchase Notes at 100% of their principal amount plus accrued interest to  the
date of repurchase in the event of certain asset sales.
    
 
    The  Indenture will impose certain limitations on the ability of the Company
and its subsidiaries to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness,  pay
dividends  or make certain  other restricted payments,  consummate certain asset
sales, enter into certain transactions with affiliates, incur indebtedness  that
is  subordinate in right of payment to  any Senior Debt or Guarantor Senior Debt
(as defined in the Indenture) and senior in right of payment to the Notes or any
Subsidiary Guarantor,  incur liens,  impose  restrictions on  the ability  of  a
subsidiary  to pay dividends or  make certain payments to  the Company, merge or
consolidate with any other  person or sell, assign,  transfer, lease, convey  or
otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company.
 
                                       97
<PAGE>
                          DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
 
GENERAL
 
    The  following descriptions  of certain terms  of the Class  A Common Stock,
Class B Common Stock, preferred stock (the "Preferred Stock") and the  Company's
warrants  are intended as summaries only and  are qualified in their entirety by
reference to the complete text of  the Articles of Incorporation of the  Company
and such warrants.
 
CLASS A AND CLASS B COMMON STOCK
 
    VOTING.  Holders of Class A Common Stock are entitled to 10 votes per share.
Holders  of Class B Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share. All actions
submitted to a vote of shareholders are voted on by holders of Class A and Class
B Common Stock voting together as  a single class, except as otherwise  provided
by  law. Immediately after the consummation  of this Offering and the Concurrent
Offering, the  Class  B  Common  Stock  will  have  approximately  7.3%  of  the
outstanding voting power of the Company.
 
    DIVIDENDS.   Holders of  Class B Common  Stock are entitled  to receive cash
dividends on an equal per share basis as  Class A Common Stock if and when  such
dividends  are declared  by the  Board of  Directors of  the Company  from funds
legally available therefor.
 
    LIQUIDATION.  Holders of Class  A and Class B  Common Stock share with  each
other  on a ratable  basis as a  single class in  the net assets  of the Company
available for distribution in respect to Class A and Class B Common Stock in the
event of liquidation.
 
    CLASS B RIGHTS.  Voting rights  disproportionate to equity ownership may  be
acquired  through  acquisitions of  Class A  Common Stock  without corresponding
purchases of Class B Common Stock. The Class B rights (the "Class B Rights") are
intended to make it more difficult for a buyer who has not acquired 100% of  the
Class  B Common Stock to acquire 100% of  the Class A Common Stock. Although the
Class B Rights might make  the Company a less  attractive target for a  takeover
bid,  the Class B Rights are intended  to help reduce or eliminate any disparity
in the prices at which the two classes  of Common Stock might trade and to  give
holders  of  the Class  B Common  Stock  the opportunity  to participate  in any
premium that might be paid for 100% of the Class A Common Stock.
 
    If, after the consummation  of this Offering, any  person or group  acquires
beneficial  ownership  of  100% of  the  Class  A Common  Stock  (a "Significant
Shareholder"), and  such  person  or  group  does  not  immediately  after  such
acquisition  beneficially own  100% of  the Class  B Common  Stock, the  Class B
Rights require  that  such  Significant  Shareholder,  within  a  90-day  period
beginning  the day after  becoming a Significant  Shareholder, commence a public
tender offer to acquire 100% of the Class B Common Stock (a "Class B  Protection
Transaction").  The requirement to engage in a Class B Protection Transaction is
satisfied by making the requisite offer and purchasing validly tendered  shares,
even  if the  number of shares  tendered is less  than 100%. The  Class B Rights
cannot be amended without the approval of the holders of a majority of the Class
B Common Stock, voting separately as a class.
 
    The offer price for 100% of the  shares of Class B Common Stock required  to
be  purchased by  the Significant Shareholder  pursuant to a  Class B Protection
Transaction must be the greater of (i)  the highest price per share paid by  the
Significant Shareholder for either class of Common Stock in the six-month period
ending  on the date  such person or  group became a  Significant Shareholder and
(ii) the highest price per share of either class of Common Stock on the NYSE (or
such other quotation  system or securities  exchange constituting the  principal
trading  market for either  class of Common  Stock) during the  30 calendar days
preceding the acquisition of the shares of  Class A Common Stock giving rise  to
the Class B Rights.
 
    If  a  Significant  Shareholder  fails to  undertake  a  Class  B Protection
Transaction,  the  voting  rights  of  the  shares  of  Class  A  Common   Stock
beneficially  owned by such Significant  Shareholder that exceeded such holder's
comparable  percentage  of  Class  B  Common  Stock  would  be  suspended  until
completion  of  a Class  B Protection  Transaction or  until divestiture  of the
shares of Class A Common Stock that  were in excess of the percentage  ownership
of  Class B Common Stock. To  the extent that the voting  power of any shares of
Class A Common Stock is  so suspended, such shares will  not be included in  the
determination of aggregate
 
                                       98
<PAGE>
voting  shares  for  any purpose.  Neither  the Class  B  Protection Transaction
requirement nor  the  related penalty  applies  to any  increase  in  percentage
ownership  of Class A Common  Stock resulting solely from  a change in the total
amount of Class A Common Stock outstanding.
 
    For purposes of  the Class B  Rights, the terms  "beneficial ownership"  and
"group" generally have the same meanings as used in Rule 13d-1 promulgated under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), subject to
certain  exceptions set  forth in  the Company's  Articles of  Incorporation. In
addition, only  shares  of  Class  B Common  Stock  acquired  by  a  Significant
Shareholder  for an  "equitable price"  shall be  treated as  being beneficially
owned by such Significant  Shareholder. An "equitable price"  will be deemed  to
have  been paid only when shares of Class B Common Stock have been acquired at a
price at least equal to the greater of  (i) the highest price per share paid  by
the  Significant  Shareholder  for  either  class of  the  Common  Stock  in the
six-month period ending on  the date such person  or group became a  Significant
Shareholder and (ii) the highest price per share of either class of Common Stock
on  the NYSE (or such other quotation system or securities exchange constituting
the principal trading  market for either  class of Common  Stock) during the  30
calendar  days  preceding the  date such  person or  group became  a Significant
Shareholder.
 
    The Class B Rights do not prevent any person or group from acquiring 100% of
the Class A Common  Stock, provided such  person or group  acquires 100% of  the
Class  B  Common  Stock at  the  same or  greater  price, undertakes  a  Class B
Protection Transaction or  suffers suspension  of the voting  rights of  certain
shares  of Class A Common Stock as provided by  the Class B Rights. If a Class B
Protection Transaction is required, the purchase price to be paid in such  offer
may  be higher than the price at which a Significant Shareholder might otherwise
be able  to  acquire  100%  of  the Class  B  Common  Stock.  Such  requirement,
therefore,  could make an  acquisition of the  Company more expensive  and, if a
Class B  Protection  Transaction  is  required, time  consuming,  than  if  such
requirement  did not  exist. Consequently, a  person or group  might be deterred
from acquiring the Company as a result of such requirement.
 
    PREEMPTIVE RIGHTS.   The holders of  the Class  A Common Stock  and Class  B
Common  Stock do not  have preemptive rights  enabling them to  subscribe for or
receive shares of  any class of  stock of  the Company or  any other  securities
convertible into shares of any class of stock of the Company.
 
PREFERRED STOCK AND WARRANTS
 
   
    The Company is authorized to issue 20,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock. The
Board of Directors of the Company, without further shareholder approval, has the
authority  to issue, at any  time and from time to  time, the Preferred Stock of
any series and, in connection with the creation of each such series, to fix  the
number  of shares of  such series and the  relative rights, powers, preferences,
qualifications, limitations and restrictions of  such series to the full  extent
now  or hereafter  permitted by the  laws of  Georgia. For a  description of the
Series A Preferred Stock, Series B  Preferred Stock and the Company's  warrants,
see "Management--Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation."
    
 
CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS
 
    The Articles of Incorporation provide that the directors of the Company will
not  be  personally  liable for  monetary  damages  to the  Company  for certain
breaches of their fiduciary duty as directors, except for liability (i) for  any
appropriation,   in  violation  of  such  director's  duties,  of  any  business
opportunity of the Company, (ii) for acts or omissions which involve intentional
misconduct  or  a  knowing  violation  of  law,  (iii)  for  unlawful  corporate
distributions  or (iv)  for any transaction  from which the  director derived an
improper  personal  benefit.  This  provision  would  have  no  effect  on   the
availability of equitable remedies or non-monetary relief, such as an injunction
or  rescission for breach  of duty of  care. In addition,  the provision applies
only to claims against a director arising out of his role as a director and  not
in any other capacity (such as an officer or employee of the Company). Directors
will,  however, no longer  be liable as  such for monetary  damages arising from
decisions involving violations of the duty of care which could be deemed grossly
negligent.
 
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
 
    Mellon Securities Trust Company will be the Transfer Agent and Registrar for
the Class B Common Stock.
 
                                       99
<PAGE>
                        SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
 
    Upon  completion  of  this  Offering,  the  Company  will  have  outstanding
4,467,205  shares of Class  A Common Stock  based upon shares  outstanding as of
June 30, 1996 and 3,500,000 shares of  Class B Common Stock outstanding. All  of
such shares of Class B Common Stock will be freely tradeable without restriction
or  limitation under the Securities Act, except for any shares held or purchased
by "affiliates" or persons acting as "underwriters," as these terms are  defined
under the Securities Act.
 
    Approximately  2,260,000 shares of Class A Common Stock held by Bull Run and
its affiliates and the executive officers  and directors of the Company may  not
be  sold unless they are registered under the Securities Act or sold pursuant to
an exemption  from registration,  such as  the exemption  provided by  Rule  144
promulgated under the Securities Act.
 
    In  general, under Rule 144  as currently in effect,  any person (or persons
whose shares are aggregated), including an affiliate, who has beneficially owned
shares for at least a two-year period  (as computed under Rule 144) is  entitled
to  sell within any three-month period up to the number of restricted shares (as
defined in Rule 144) that does not exceed the greater of (i) one percent of  the
then outstanding shares of Common Stock of such class or (ii) the average weekly
trading  volume in the  related class of  Common Stock of  such class during the
four calendar weeks immediately preceding the  date on which the notice of  sale
is  filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, subject to certain manner
of sale provisions, notice requirements  and the availability of current  public
information  about  the  Company.  In addition,  restricted  shares  (within the
meaning of Rule 144 under  the Securities Act) that have  been held by a  person
who  is not an "affiliate" of  the Company for at least  three years may be sold
under Rule 144(k)  without regard to  the volume limitations  or current  public
information or manner of sale requirements of Rule 144.
 
   
    The  holders of approximately  2,120,000 shares of Class  A Common Stock and
options or warrants (currently outstanding or to be issued upon consummation  of
the  Financing) to acquire  an additional estimated 1,047,500  shares of Class A
Common Stock, including each of  the Company's directors and executive  officers
and  Bull Run and its affiliates, have agreed  that they will not offer, sell or
otherwise dispose of any shares of Class A Common Stock or Class B Common  Stock
or  securities convertible  into, or  exercisable or  exchangeable for,  Class A
Common Stock or Class B Common Stock, subject to certain exceptions, without the
prior consent of The  Robinson-Humphrey Company, Inc. for  a period of 180  days
from the date of this Prospectus. See "Underwriting."
    
 
    Prior to this Offering, there has not been any public market for the Class B
Common  Stock. No prediction can  be made as to the  effect, if any, that market
sales of shares or the availability of  shares for sale will have on the  market
price  prevailing from time to time.  Nevertheless, sales of substantial amounts
of Class A  Common Stock  or Class  B Common Stock  in the  public market  could
adversely  affect the prevailing market price and  the ability of the Company to
raise equity capital in the future. See "Risk Factors--No Prior Public Market."
 
                                      100
<PAGE>
                                  UNDERWRITING
 
    Subject  to  the terms  and conditions  of  the Underwriting  Agreement, the
Underwriters  named  below,  for   whom  The  Robinson-Humphrey  Company,   Inc.
("Robinson-Humphrey"),  Allen &  Company Incorporated ("Allen  & Company"), J.C.
Bradford & Co.  and J.P. Morgan  Securities Inc. ("J.P.  Morgan") are acting  as
representatives  (collectively, the "Representatives"), have severally agreed to
purchase  from  the  Company  and  the  Company  has  agreed  to  sell  to   the
Underwriters,  the number of shares  of Class B Common  Stock set forth opposite
their respective names below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                 NUMBER OF SHARES
                                                                                                 -----------------
<S>                                                                                              <C>
The Robinson-Humphrey Company, Inc.............................................................
Allen & Company Incorporated...................................................................
J.C. Bradford & Co.............................................................................
J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.....................................................................
 
                                                                                                        -------
  Total........................................................................................
                                                                                                        -------
                                                                                                        -------
</TABLE>
 
    The Underwriting  Agreement provides  that the  obligations of  the  several
Underwriers  thereunder  are subject  to approval  of  certain legal  matters by
counsel and  to  various  other  conditions. The  nature  of  the  Underwriters'
obligations  is such that they  are committed to purchase  all shares of Class B
Common Stock offered hereby if any are purchased.
 
    The Underwriters  propose  to offer  the  shares  of Class  B  Common  Stock
directly  to the public  at the Price to  Public set forth on  the cover page of
this Prospectus and to certain  dealers at such price  less a concession not  in
excess  of $       per share. The  Underwriters may allow,  and such dealers may
reallow, a concession not in excess of $     per share in sales to certain other
dealers. After the Offering, the Price to Public and other selling terms may  be
changed.
 
    The Company, Bull Run and its affiliates and each of the Company's directors
and  executive officers have agreed that they  will not offer, sell or otherwise
dispose of any shares of Class A Common Stock or securities convertible into, or
exercisable or exchangeable for, Class A  Common Stock or Class B Common  Stock,
subject  to certain exceptions, for  a period of 180 days  from the date of this
Prospectus without the prior written consent of Robinson-Humphrey.
 
    The Company has granted the Underwriters  an option exercisable for 30  days
after the date of this Prospectus to purchase up to 525,000 additional shares of
Class  B Common Stock to cover-allotments, if  any, at the public offering price
less the  underwriting  discount,  as  set  forth on  the  cover  page  of  this
Prospectus.  If  the  Underwriters  exercise  their  over-allotment  option, the
Underwriters have severally agreed, subject  to certain conditions, to  purchase
approximately  the  same percentage  thereof  that the  number  of shares  to be
purchased by  each of  them,  as shown  in the  foregoing  table, bears  to  the
3,500,000  shares of Class  B Common Stock offered  hereby. The Underwriters may
exercise such option only to cover  over-allotments in connection with the  sale
of the shares of Class B Common Stock offered hereby.
 
    Prior  to this  Offering there  has been  no public  market for  the Class B
Common Stock. The initial  offering price of  the Class B  Common Stock will  be
based  on the closing price of the Class  A Common Stock on the date of offering
and will  be  determined  through  negotiations  between  the  Company  and  the
Underwriters.  There can be  no assurance that  the market price  of the Class B
Common Stock subsequent to this Offering  will correlate to the market price  of
the Class A Common Stock. The Class B Common Stock has been approved for listing
on  the  NYSE, subject  to official  notice of  issuance. The  Underwriters have
advised the  NYSE  that  they will  undertake  to  ensure that  the  NYSE  share
distribution standards required to be satisfied for initial listing of the Class
B Common Stock will be met.
 
    Robinson-Humphrey,   Allen  &  Company   and  J.P.  Morgan   are  acting  as
underwriters in  connection  with  the  Concurrent  Offering  and  will  receive
customary  fees  in connection  therewith.  Robinson-Humphrey will  be rendering
investment banking advice  in connection with  the exchange of  the 8% Note  for
Series A
 
                                      101
<PAGE>
Preferred  Stock and the sale  of the Series B  Preferred Stock and warrants and
will receive customary fees in connection therewith. Robinson-Humphrey from time
to time has performed investment banking services for the Company and certain of
its affiliates, for which it has received customary fees.
 
    The Underwriters do not intend to confirm sales of shares of Class B  Common
Stock to any accounts over which they exercise discretionary authority.
 
    The Company has agreed to indemnify the several Underwriters against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
    The  validity of the shares  of Class B Common  Stock offered hereby will be
passed upon for  the Company  by Heyman  & Sizemore,  Atlanta, Georgia.  Certain
other legal matters in connection with this Offering will be passed upon for the
Company  by Proskauer Rose Goetz  & Mendelsohn LLP, New  York, New York. Certain
legal matters  in connection  with this  Offering will  be passed  upon for  the
Underwriters by King & Spalding, Atlanta, Georgia.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
    The  consolidated financial  statements and schedule  of Gray Communications
Systems, Inc. at December 31, 1995 and 1994, and for each of the three years  in
the   period  ended  December  31,  1995,   appearing  in  this  Prospectus  and
Registration Statement  have been  audited  by Ernst  & Young  LLP,  independent
auditors,  as set forth in their  report thereon appearing elsewhere herein, and
are included in reliance upon such report given upon the authority of such  firm
as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
    The  financial statements of WRDW-TV  at December 31, 1995  and for the year
then ended appearing  in this  Prospectus and Registration  Statement have  been
audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, as set forth in their report
thereon  appearing  elsewhere herein,  and are  included  in reliance  upon such
report given  upon the  authority of  such  firm as  experts in  accounting  and
auditing.
 
   
    The  financial  statements of  WRDW-TV (an  operating station  of Television
Station Partners, L.P.) at  December 31, 1994 and  for the years ended  December
31,  1993 and 1994  included in this Prospectus  and Registration Statement have
been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors, as stated in  their
report  thereon appearing elsewhere herein and are included in reliance upon the
report of such  firm given  upon their authority  as experts  in accounting  and
auditing.
    
 
    The  financial  statements  and  schedule  of  the  Broadcasting  and Paging
Operations of John H. Phipps, Inc. at  December 31, 1995 and 1994, and for  each
of  the three  years in the  period ended  December 31, 1995,  appearing in this
Prospectus and 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  Securities  and Exchange  Commission (the
"Commission")  a  Registration   Statement  on  Form   S-1  (the   "Registration
Statement")  under the Securities  Act. This Prospectus does  not contain all of
the information set forth  in the Registration Statement  and the schedules  and
exhibits  thereto. For further  information with respect to  the Company and the
Class B Common Stock, reference is hereby made to the Registration Statement and
to the schedules and exhibits  thereto. Statements contained in this  Prospectus
as  to the contents of any contract or other document referred to herein are not
necessarily complete and where such contract or other document is an exhibit  to
the  Registration Statement, each such statement is qualified in all respects by
the provisions of such  exhibit, to which  reference is hereby  made for a  full
statement of the provisions thereof.
 
    The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act
and,  in  accordance  therewith,  files  reports,  proxy  statements  and  other
information with the Commission. Such Registration
 
                                      102
<PAGE>
Statement, reports, proxy statements and other information filed by the  Company
with  the  Commission  may  be  inspected and  copied  at  the  public reference
facilities of the  Commission at its  principal office at  Room 1024,  Judiciary
Plaza,  450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington,  D.C. 20549, and at the Commission's
regional offices at  Seven World Trade  Center, 13th Floor,  New York, New  York
10048  and at Room 3190,  Citicorp Center, 500 West  Madison Street, Suite 1400,
Chicago, Illinois  60061.  Copies of  each  such  document may  be  obtained  at
prescribed  rates from  the Public  Reference Section  of the  Commission at its
principal office at Judiciary  Plaza, 450 Fifth  Street, N.W., Washington,  D.C.
20549.
 
    The  Company currently has outstanding Class A Common Stock, which is listed
on the  NYSE. Reports,  proxy statements  and other  information concerning  the
Company  can be inspected at the offices of the NYSE, 20 Broad Street, New York,
New York 10005.
 
                                      103
<PAGE>
                   INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                    <C>
GRAY COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC. (THE "COMPANY")
Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited):
  Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 1995 and June 30, 1996.......        F-2
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the six months ended June 30, 1995
   and 1996..........................................................................        F-3
  Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity for the six months ended
   June 30, 1996.....................................................................        F-4
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30,
   1995 and 1996.....................................................................        F-5
  Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements...............................        F-6
Audited Consolidated Financial Statements:
  Report of Independent Auditors.....................................................       F-12
  Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 1994 and 1995..........................       F-13
  Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and
   1995..............................................................................       F-14
  Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended December 31,
   1993, 1994 and 1995...............................................................       F-15
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994
   and 1995..........................................................................       F-16
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.........................................       F-17
 
WRDW-TV (THE "AUGUSTA BUSINESS")
AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
  Report of Independent Auditors.....................................................       F-35
  Balance Sheet at December 31, 1995.................................................       F-36
  Statement of Income for the year ended December 31, 1995...........................       F-37
  Statement of Partnership's Equity for the year ended December 31, 1995.............       F-38
  Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 1995.......................       F-39
  Notes to Financial Statements......................................................       F-40
  Independent Auditors' Report.......................................................       F-43
  Balance Sheet at December 31, 1994.................................................       F-44
  Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 1993 and 1994................       F-45
  Statements of Partnership's Equity for the years ended December 31, 1993 and
   1994..............................................................................       F-46
  Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1993 and 1994............       F-47
  Notes to Financial Statements......................................................       F-48
 
BROADCASTING AND PAGING OPERATIONS OF JOHN H. PHIPPS, INC. (THE "PHIPPS BUSINESS")
Interim Condensed Financial Statements (unaudited):
  Condensed Balance Sheets at December 31, 1995 and June 30, 1996....................       F-52
  Condensed Statements of Income for the six months ended June 30, 1995 and 1996.....       F-53
  Condensed Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 1995 and
   1996..............................................................................       F-54
  Notes to Condensed Financial Statements............................................       F-55
Audited Financial Statements:
  Report of Independent Auditors.....................................................       F-56
  Balance Sheets at December 31, 1994 and 1995.......................................       F-57
  Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995..........       F-58
  Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995......       F-59
  Notes to Financial Statements......................................................       F-60
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-1
<PAGE>
                       GRAY COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC.
               CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    --------------------------------
                                                       DECEMBER 31,         JUNE 30,
                                                               1995             1996
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
<S>                                                 <C>              <C>
Current Assets
  Cash and cash equivalents                                $559,991       $1,287,096
  Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for
   doubtful accounts of $450,000 and $537,000,
   respectively                                           9,560,274       10,817,791
  Recoverable income taxes                                1,347,007          797,455
  Inventories                                               553,032          109,028
  Current portion of program broadcast rights             1,153,058          710,424
  Other current assets                                      263,600          758,808
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                         13,436,962       14,480,602
Property and equipment                                   37,618,893       40,178,694
  Less allowance for depreciation                       (20,601,819)     (21,380,407)
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                         17,017,074       18,798,287
Other assets
  Deferred acquisition costs (includes $910,000
   and $1,050,000 to Bull Run Corporation at
   December 31, 1995 and June 30, 1996,
   respectively) (NOTE C)                                 3,330,481        2,818,851
  Deferred loan costs (NOTE C)                            1,232,261        1,881,648
  Goodwill and other intangibles (NOTE C)                42,004,050       73,299,223
  Other                                                   1,219,650        1,237,021
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                         47,786,442       79,236,743
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                        $78,240,478     $112,515,632
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
 
Current liabilities:
  Trade accounts payable (includes $670,000 and
   $950,000 payable to Bull Run Corporation at
   December 31, 1995 and June 30, 1996,
   respectively)                                         $3,752,742       $3,169,283
  Accrued expenses                                        5,839,007        7,063,971
  Current portion of program broadcast obligations        1,205,784          709,782
  Current portion of long-term debt                       2,861,672                0
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                         13,659,205       10,943,036
Long-term debt (including a $10,000,000 principal
 amount 8% Note to Bull Run Corporation at June
 30, 1996) (Notes C and D)                               51,462,645       82,845,688
Non-current liabilities                                   4,133,030        4,913,624
Commitments and Contingencies (NOTE E)
Stockholders' Equity (NOTE B AND D)
  Class A Common Stock, no par value; authorized
   10,000,000 shares; issued 5,082,756 and
   5,130,385 shares, respectively                         6,795,976       10,000,365
  Retained earnings                                       8,827,906       10,451,203
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                         15,623,882       20,451,568
  Treasury stock, 663,180 shares at cost                 (6,638,284)      (6,638,284)
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                          8,985,598       13,813,284
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                        $78,240,478     $112,515,632
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
</TABLE>
    
 
           See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-2
<PAGE>
                       GRAY COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC.
            CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                           JUNE 30
                                                    ----------------------
                                                          1995        1996
                                                    ----------  ----------
Operating revenues:
<S>                                                 <C>         <C>
  Broadcasting (net of agency commissions)          $18,260,940 $24,251,901
  Publishing                                        10,046,114  11,261,792
                                                    ----------  ----------
                                                    28,307,054  35,513,693
Expenses:
  Broadcasting                                      11,409,511  14,418,200
  Publishing                                         8,589,861   9,192,751
  Corporate and administrative                       1,012,024   1,570,806
  Depreciation and amortization                      1,821,700   2,900,724
  Non-cash compensation paid in common stock (NOTE
   B)                                                  816,474     120,000
                                                    ----------  ----------
                                                    23,649,570  28,202,481
                                                    ----------  ----------
                                                     4,657,484   7,311,212
Miscellaneous income                                    68,514      81,361
                                                    ----------  ----------
                                                     4,725,998   7,392,573
Interest expense                                     2,768,187   4,444,878
                                                    ----------  ----------
    Income before income taxes                       1,957,811   2,947,695
Income tax expense                                     776,000   1,146,000
                                                    ----------  ----------
    Net earnings                                    $1,181,811  $1,801,695
                                                    ----------  ----------
                                                    ----------  ----------
Average outstanding common shares                    4,383,263   4,656,691
                                                    ----------  ----------
                                                    ----------  ----------
Net earnings per common share - primary                  $0.27       $0.39
                                                    ----------  ----------
                                                    ----------  ----------
Net earnings per common share - fully diluted            $0.27       $0.38
                                                    ----------  ----------
                                                    ----------  ----------
</TABLE>
    
 
           See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-3
<PAGE>
                       GRAY COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC.
     CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   CLASS A COMMON STOCK           TREASURY STOCK
                                --------------------------  --------------------------      RETAINED
                                      SHARES        AMOUNT        SHARES        AMOUNT      EARNINGS         TOTAL
                                ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
<S>                             <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
Balance at December 31, 1995       5,082,756    $6,795,976      (663,180)  $(6,638,284)   $8,827,906    $8,985,598
Net income for the six months
 ended
 June 30, 1996                           -0-           -0-           -0-           -0-     1,801,695     1,801,695
Cash dividends ($.04 per
 share)                                  -0-           -0-           -0-           -0-      (178,398)     (178,398)
Issuance of common stock
 warrants (Note C)                       -0-     2,600,000           -0-           -0-           -0-     2,600,000
Income tax benefits relating
 to stock plans                          -0-        62,000           -0-           -0-           -0-        62,000
Issuance of Class A Common
 Stock:
  401(k) Plan                          7,129       139,640           -0-           -0-           -0-       139,640
  Directors stock plan                22,500       228,749           -0-           -0-           -0-       228,749
  Non-qualified stock plan            18,000       174,000           -0-           -0-           -0-       174,000
                                ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
Balance at June 30, 1996           5,130,385   $10,000,365      (663,180)  $(6,638,284)  $10,451,203   $13,813,284
                                ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
                                ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
           See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-4
<PAGE>
                       GRAY COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC.
          CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30
                                                     1995             1996
                                          ---------------  ---------------
Operating activities
<S>                                       <C>              <C>
  Net income                                   $1,181,811       $1,801,695
  Items which did not use (provide)
   cash:
    Depreciation                                1,233,847        1,648,014
    Amortization of intangible assets             587,853        1,252,710
    Amortization of program broadcast
     rights                                       767,964        1,279,357
    Amortization of original issue
     discount on subordinated note                      0          144,444
    Payments for program broadcast
     rights                                      (902,858)      (1,309,364)
    Income tax benefit relating to stock
     plan                                               0           62,000
    Compensation paid in Class A common
     stock                                        816,474          120,000
    Supplemental employee benefits               (154,216)        (203,708)
    Class A common stock contributed to
     401(k) Plan                                  168,023          139,640
    Deferred income taxes                         109,000          676,059
    (Gain) loss on disposal of assets               1,952          (17,968)
    Changes in operating assets and
     liabilities:
      Receivables, inventories, and
      other current assets                       (599,165)       1,081,052
      Accounts payable and other current
      liabilities                                 616,978          126,622
                                          ---------------  ---------------
    Net cash provided by operating
     activities                                 3,827,663        6,800,553
Investing Activities
  Acquisition of newspaper business            (1,232,509)               0
  Acquisition of television business                    0      (34,330,365)
  Purchases of property and equipment          (1,852,431)      (1,317,345)
  Deferred acquisition costs                   (2,033,892)      (1,797,772)
  Proceeds from asset sales                         2,742          113,297
  Other                                          (261,233)        (157,538)
                                          ---------------  ---------------
  Net cash used in investing activities        (5,377,323)     (37,489,723)
Financing Activities
  Dividends paid                                 (172,110)        (178,398)
  Class A common stock transactions                     0          402,749
  Proceeds from settlement of interest
   rate swap                                            0          215,000
  Proceeds from borrowings of long-term
   debt                                         2,200,000       36,725,000
  Payments on long-term debt                     (820,281)      (5,748,076)
                                          ---------------  ---------------
  Net cash provided by financing
   activities                                   1,207,609       31,416,275
                                          ---------------  ---------------
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash
 equivalents                                     (342,051)         727,105
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
 of period                                        558,520          559,991
                                          ---------------  ---------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of
 period                                          $216,469       $1,287,096
                                          ---------------  ---------------
                                          ---------------  ---------------
</TABLE>
 
           See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-5
<PAGE>
                       GRAY COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC.
        NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
 
NOTE A -- BASIS OF PRESENTATION
    The   accompanying  unaudited  consolidated  financial  statements  of  Gray
Communications Systems, Inc.  (the "Company") have  been prepared in  accordance
with  generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information
and instructions to  Form 10-Q and  Article 10 of  Regulation S-X.  Accordingly,
they  do not include all of the  information and footnotes required by generally
accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion
of  management,  all  adjustments  (consisting  of  normal  recurring  accruals)
considered  necessary  for a  fair  presentation have  been  included. Operating
results for
the six month period ended June 30, 1996, are not necessarily indicative of  the
results  that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 1996. For further
information, refer  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements  and  footnotes
thereto included herein.
 
    Certain   amounts  in  the  accompanying  unaudited  consolidated  financial
statements have been reclassified to conform to the 1996 format.
 
NOTE B -- EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
 
    During the quarter ended March 31, 1995, the Company awarded 150,000  shares
of  its Class A Common Stock to its former president and chief executive officer
under his employment agreement.  Compensation expense of approximately  $696,000
was recognized for these awards in the six months ended June 30, 1995.
 
    The  Company has  an employment agreement  with its  current President which
provides for  an  award  of 122,034  shares  of  Class A  Common  Stock  if  his
employment  with  the  Company  continues  until  September  1999. Approximately
$60,000 of expense was recognized in each  quarter of 1995 and 1996 relating  to
this award and approximately $1.2 million of expense will be recognized over the
five-year period ending in 1999.
 
NOTE C -- BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS
 
    The  Company's acquisitions in  1995 and 1996 have  been accounted for under
the purchase method of accounting. Under the purchase method of accounting,  the
results   of  operations  of  the  acquired   businesses  are  included  in  the
accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated  financial statements as of  their
respective  acquisition dates. The assets and liabilities of acquired businesses
are included based on an allocation of the purchase price.
 
PENDING ACQUISITIONS
 
    In December 1995 and as amended in  March 1996, the Company entered into  an
asset   purchase   agreement   to  acquire   (the   "Phipps   Acquisition")  two
CBS-affiliated stations, WCTV-TV ("WCTV") serving Tallahassee,
Florida/Thomasville, Georgia  and WKXT-TV  ("WKXT") in  Knoxville, Tennessee,  a
satellite broadcasting business and a paging business (collectively, the "Phipps
Business"). The purchase price is estimated at approximately $185.0 million. The
Company's  Board  of Directors  has agreed  to pay  Bull Run  Corporation ("Bull
Run"), a principal stockholder of the Company, a finder's fee equal to 1% of the
proposed purchase  price  for services  performed,  of which  $1.05  million  is
included  in  deferred acquisition  costs and  $950,000 is  due and  included in
accounts payable at June 30, 1996.
 
    The consummation of the  Phipps Acquisition, which is  expected to occur  by
September  1996, is subject to approval  by the appropriate regulatory agencies.
In connection with the Phipps Acquisition, the Company is seeking approval  from
the   Federal  Communications  Commission  ("FCC")  of  the  assignment  of  the
television broadcast licenses for  WCTV and WKXT.  Current FCC regulations  will
require  the Company to divest itself of WALB-TV ("WALB") in Albany, Georgia and
WJHG-TV ("WJHG") in Panama City, Florida due to common ownership restrictions on
stations  with  overlapping  signals.  In   order  to  satisfy  applicable   FCC
requirements,  the Company, subject to FCC approval, intends to swap such assets
for assets  of one  or more  television stations  of comparable  value and  with
comparable broadcast cash flow in a
 
                                      F-6
<PAGE>
                       GRAY COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC.
  NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE C -- BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS (CONTINUED)
transaction qualifying for deferred capital gains treatment under the "like-kind
exchange"  provision of Section  1031 of the  Internal Revenue Code  of 1986, as
amended (the  "Code").  If the  Company  is unable  to  effect such  a  swap  on
satisfactory  terms within the time  period granted by the  FCC, the Company may
transfer such assets to a trust with a view towards the trustee effecting a swap
or sale of  such assets.  Any such  trust arrangement  would be  subject to  the
approval of the FCC.
 
    Condensed balance sheets of WALB and WJHG are as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    --------------------------------
<S>                                                 <C>              <C>
                                                             JUNE 30, 1996
                                                    --------------------------------
                                                               WALB             WJHG
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
Current assets                                               $1,801             $913
Property and equipment                                        1,714            1,014
Other assets                                                     66                3
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
Total assets                                                 $3,581           $1,930
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
Current liabilities                                          $1,756             $474
Other liabilities                                               214                0
Stockholder's equity                                          1,611            1,456
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
Total liabilities and stockholder's equity                   $3,581           $1,930
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
</TABLE>
 
    Condensed income statement data of WALB is as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    --------------------------------
                                                               SIX MONTHS
                                                             ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                    --------------------------------
                                                               1995             1996
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
<S>                                                 <C>              <C>
Broadcasting revenues                                        $4,715           $5,098
Expenses                                                      2,356            2,440
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
Operating income                                              2,359            2,658
Other income                                                      9                9
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
Income before income taxes                                    2,368            2,667
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
Net income                                                   $1,468           $1,654
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
</TABLE>
 
    Condensed income statement data of WJHG is as follows (in thousands):
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    --------------------------------
                                                               SIX MONTHS
                                                             ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                    --------------------------------
                                                               1995             1996
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
<S>                                                 <C>              <C>
Broadcasting revenues                                        $1,826           $2,409
Expenses                                                      1,690            1,933
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
Operating income                                                136              476
Other income                                                     31               16
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
Income before income taxes                                      167              492
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
Net income                                                     $103             $305
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      F-7
<PAGE>
                       GRAY COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC.
  NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE C -- BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS (CONTINUED)
    The  Phipps Acquisition will be funded with a portion of the anticipated net
proceeds of proposed public offerings by the Company of $150.0 million principal
amount of the Company's senior subordinated notes and 3.5 million shares of  the
Company's Class B Common Stock, the sale of 1,000 shares of the Company's Series
B  Preferred Stock ($10.0 million) and warrants to Bull Run and the sale of KTVE
Inc., the Company's broadcast station in Monroe, Louisiana/El Dorado,  Arkansas.
Additionally,  the Company plans to retire its existing bank credit facility and
other senior indebtedness (See Notes E and  F) and enter into a new bank  credit
facility.
 
    In  connection  with the  Phipps Acquisition,  a bank  has provided  a $10.0
million stand-by letter of credit to the seller of the Phipps Business on behalf
of the Company. The letter of credit will be payable under certain conditions if
the Phipps Acquisition is not completed. In connection with the issuance of  the
letter  of credit,  a stockholder  of the Company  has executed  a put agreement
which the bank can exercise if the Company defaults on repayment of any  amounts
that might be paid in accordance with the terms of the letter of credit.
 
1996 ACQUISITIONS
 
    On January 4, 1996, the Company purchased substantially all of the assets of
WRDW-TV,  a  CBS television  affiliate serving  the Augusta,  Georgia television
market (the "Augusta  Acquisition"). The purchase  price of approximately  $35.9
million,  excluding  assumed  liabilities  of  approximately  $1.3  million, was
financed primarily through long-term  borrowings. The assets acquired  consisted
of  office equipment and broadcasting operations located in North Augusta, South
Carolina. Based on a preliminary allocation of the purchase price, the excess of
the purchase  price over  the fair  value of  net tangible  assets acquired  was
approximately  $32.5 million.  In connection  with the  Augusta Acquisition, the
Company's Board of Directors approved the payment of a $360,000 finder's fee  to
Bull Run.
 
    Funds for the Augusta Acquisition were obtained from the modification of the
Company's  existing  bank  debt to  a  variable rate  reducing  revolving credit
facility (the  "Senior Credit  Facility") and  the sale  to Bull  Run of  an  8%
subordinated  note due January 3, 2005 in  the principal amount of $10.0 million
(the "8% Note"). In connection  with the sale of the  8% Note, the Company  also
issued  warrants to Bull Run to purchase  487,500 shares of Class A Common Stock
at $17.88 per  share, 300,000  shares of which  are currently  vested, with  the
remainder  vesting in five equal annual installments commencing in 1997 provided
that the  8% Note  is outstanding.  The Senior  Credit Facility  provides for  a
credit  line up to $54.2 million, of which $49.5 million was outstanding at June
30, 1996. This transaction also required a modification of the interest rate  of
the  Company's $25.0  million senior  secured note  (the "Senior  Note") with an
institutional investor from 10.08% to 10.7%.
 
    As part of  the financing arrangements  for the Phipps  Acquisition, the  8%
Note will be retired and the Company will issue to Bull Run, in exchange for the
8%  Note, 1,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock. The warrants issued with the
8% Note will vest in accordance  with the schedule described above provided  the
Series A Preferred Stock remains outstanding.
 
    An unaudited pro forma statement of income for the six months ended June 30,
1995,  is presented below  and assumes that the  Augusta Acquisition occurred on
January 1, 1995.
 
    This pro forma unaudited statement of  income does not purport to  represent
the  Company's actual results of operations had the Augusta Acquisition occurred
on January  1,  1995, and  should  not serve  as  a forecast  of  the  Company's
operating  results for any  future periods. The pro  forma adjustments are based
solely upon certain  assumptions that management  believes are reasonable  under
the circumstances at this
 
                                      F-8
<PAGE>
                       GRAY COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC.
  NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE C -- BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS (CONTINUED)
time.  Subsequent  adjustments  are  expected upon  final  determination  of the
allocation of the purchase price. An unaudited pro form statement of income  for
the six months ended June 30, 1995 is as follows (in thousands, except per share
data):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  SIX MONTHS
                                                                                  ENDED JUNE
                                                                                    30, 1995
                                                                                  ----------
Operating revenues                                                                   $32,666
<S>                                                                               <C>
Expenses                                                                              23,906
Depreciation and amortization                                                          2,396
Non-cash compensation paid in Class A Common Stock                                       816
                                                                                  ----------
                                                                                       5,548
Miscellaneous income, net                                                                 33
Interest expense                                                                       4,572
                                                                                  ----------
Pro forma income before income taxes                                                   1,009
Income tax expense                                                                       407
                                                                                  ----------
Pro forma net income                                                                    $602
                                                                                  ----------
                                                                                  ----------
Pro forma average shares outstanding                                                   4,436
                                                                                  ----------
                                                                                  ----------
Pro forma earnings per share                                                           $0.14
                                                                                  ----------
                                                                                  ----------
</TABLE>
 
1995 ACQUISITION
 
    On January 6, 1995, the Company purchased substantially all of the assets of
the   GWINNET  POST-TRIBUNE  and  assumed  certain  liabilities  (the  "Gwinnett
Acquisition"). The assets consist of office equipment and publishing  operations
located in Lawrenceville, Georgia. The purchase price of $3.7 million, including
assumed  liabilities of approximately  $370,000, was paid  by approximately $1.2
million  in  cash   (financed  through  long-term   borrowings  and  cash   from
operations),  the issuance of 44,117 shares of Class A Common Stock (having fair
value of  $500,000),  and  $1.5  million payable  to  the  sellers  pursuant  to
non-compete  agreements. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of
net tangible assets acquired was approximately $3.4 million. In connection  with
the  Gwinnett Acquisition the Company's Board  of Directors approved the payment
of a $75,000 finder's fee to Bull Run.
 
NOTE D -- STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
    A portion of the funds for the Augusta Acquisition were obtained from the 8%
Note, which included the issuance of detachable warrants to Bull Run to purchase
487,500 shares of Class A  Common Stock at $17.88  per share, 300,000 shares  of
which  are currently  vested, with  the remainder  vesting in  five equal annual
installments commencing  in  1997 provided  that  the 8%  Note  is  outstanding.
Approximately $2.6 million of the $10.0 million of proceeds from the 8% Note was
allocated to the warrants and increased Class A Common Stock. This allocation of
the proceeds was based on an estimate of the relative fair values of the 8% Note
and the warrants on the date of issuance. The Company is amortizing the original
issue  discount over the period  of time that the 8%  Note is to be outstanding.
During the six months ended June 30, 1996, the Company recognized  approximately
$144,000 in amortization costs for the $2.6 million original issue discount.
 
                                      F-9
<PAGE>
                       GRAY COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC.
  NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE E -- COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
    The  Company entered  into an  interest rate  swap agreement  (the "Interest
Swap") on June 2, 1995,  to effectively convert a  portion of its floating  rate
debt  to a  fixed rate  basis. The  Interest Swap  is effective  for five years.
Approximately $25.0  million of  the Company's  outstanding long-term  debt  was
subject  to this  Interest Swap.  Effective May  14, 1996,  the Company received
$215,000 as  settlement of  this Interest  Swap, which  will be  reflected as  a
reduction  of interest expense over the  remaining term of the original Interest
Swap.
 
    Upon termination of the Interest Swap, the Company entered into an  interest
rate  cap  agreement (the  "Interest Cap")  on  May 16,  1996, which  expires on
September 6,  1996. Approximately  $25.0 million  of the  Company's  outstanding
long-term  debt is subject to this Interest Cap. This Interest Cap serves to cap
the base rate of the Company's Senior Credit Facility at 7%. The base rate  used
to  compare against the  Interest Cap at  June 30, 1996  was approximately 5.5%.
Accordingly, the Interest Cap had no value at June 30, 1996. The effective  rate
of  the  Senior  Credit  Facility  at June  30,  1996  was  approximately 8.94%.
Effective July 19, 1996,  the Company's interest rates,  based on a spread  over
LIBOR,  were  reduced 0.25%  as the  result  of the  attainment of  certain debt
provisions.
 
   
    On May 15, 1996 the Company entered into an agreement with GOCOM  Television
of  Ouachita, L.P. to sell the assets of KTVE Inc., the Company's NBC-affiliated
station serving Monroe,  Louisiana/El Dorado, Arkansas,  for approximately  $9.5
million  in  cash plus  the amount  of the  accounts receivable  on the  date of
closing (estimated to be approximately $750,000) to the extent collected by  the
buyer,  to be paid  to the Company 150  days following the  date of closing. The
sale agreement  regarding KTVE  included  a number  of closing  conditions.  The
Company  completed the sale of  the assets of KTVE Inc.  on August 20, 1996. The
Company anticipates recognizing  in the  quarter ended September  30, 1996,  the
gain,  net of estimated income taxes, and the estimated income taxes on the KTVE
Sale of approximately $2.8 million and $2.8 million, respectively.
    
 
    A condensed balance sheet of KTVE is as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  ----------
                                                                    JUNE 30,
                                                                        1996
                                                                  ----------
<S>                                                               <C>
Current assets                                                          $864
Property and equipment                                                 1,540
Other assets                                                             550
                                                                  ----------
Total assets                                                          $2,954
                                                                  ----------
                                                                  ----------
Current liabilities                                                     $333
Other liabilities                                                        476
Stockholders' equity                                                   2,145
                                                                  ----------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity                            $2,954
                                                                  ----------
                                                                  ----------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-10
<PAGE>
                       GRAY COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC.
  NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE E -- COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)
    Condensed statement of operations data of KTVE is as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      ----------------------
<S>                                                                   <C>         <C>
                                                                         SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                             JUNE 30,
                                                                      ----------------------
                                                                            1995        1996
                                                                      ----------  ----------
 
Broadcasting revenues                                                     $1,958      $2,303
Expenses                                                                   1,891       1,943
                                                                      ----------  ----------
Operating income                                                              67         360
Other income                                                                   9           1
                                                                      ----------  ----------
Income before income taxes                                                    76         361
                                                                      ----------  ----------
                                                                      ----------  ----------
Net income                                                                   $47        $224
                                                                      ----------  ----------
                                                                      ----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
NOTE F -- SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
 
   
    On May 2,  1996, the  Company filed a  Registration Statement  (subsequently
amended)  with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on Form S-1 to
register the sale  of 4,025,000  shares of Class  B Common  Stock, including  an
over-allotment  option  granted  by  the Company  to  the  underwriters  of such
offering, subject to  shareholder approval.  Also on  May 2,  1996, the  Company
filed  a Registration Statement (subsequently amended)  with the SEC on Form S-1
to register the sale of $150,000,000 Senior Subordinated Notes due in 2006  (the
"Notes").
    
 
                                      F-11
<PAGE>
                         REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
Board of Directors and Stockholders
Gray Communications Systems, Inc.
 
    We  have  audited  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheets  of Gray
Communications Systems, Inc. as  of December 31, 1994  and 1995 and the  related
consolidated  statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each
of the  three years  in the  period  ended December  31, 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 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   Gray
Communications Systems, Inc. at December 31, 1994 and 1995, and the consolidated
results  of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the
period ended December 31, 1995, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
 
                                             ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Columbus, Georgia
February 14, 1996, except for Note K, as
to which the date is August 9, 1996
 
                                      F-12
<PAGE>
                       GRAY COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC.
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    --------------------------------
                                                              DECEMBER 31,
                                                               1994             1995
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
<S>                                                 <C>              <C>
                                       ASSETS
Current assets (NOTE C):
  Cash and cash equivalents                                $558,520         $559,991
  Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for
   doubtful accounts of $694,000 and $450,000,
   respectively                                           8,448,366        9,560,274
  Recoverable income taxes                                      -0-        1,347,007
  Inventories                                               368,202          553,032
  Current portion of program broadcast rights             1,195,633        1,153,058
  Other current assets                                      247,687          263,600
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
      Total current assets                               10,818,408       13,436,962
Property and equipment (NOTES B AND C):
  Land                                                      646,562          758,944
  Buildings and improvements                              8,594,343        8,630,694
  Equipment                                              24,781,964       28,229,255
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                         34,022,869       37,618,893
  Allowance for depreciation                            (17,999,752)     (20,601,819)
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                         16,023,117       17,017,074
Other assets (NOTE C):
  Deferred acquisition costs (including $860,000
   to Bull Run Corporation) (NOTE B)                            -0-        3,330,481
  Deferred loan costs                                     1,381,908        1,232,261
  Goodwill and other intangibles (NOTE B)                38,538,413       42,004,050
  Other                                                   2,026,938        1,219,650
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                         41,947,259       47,786,442
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                        $68,788,784      $78,240,478
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
 
                        LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Trade accounts payable (including $670,000
   payable to Bull Run Corporation at December 31,
   1995)                                                 $2,114,008       $3,752,742
  Employee compensation and benefits                      3,150,154        4,213,639
  Accrued expenses                                          512,483          560,877
  Accrued interest                                          985,955        1,064,491
  Current portion of program broadcast obligations        1,687,481        1,205,784
  Current portion of long term debt                       1,293,481        2,861,672
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
      Total current liabilities                           9,743,562       13,659,205
Long-term debt (NOTE C)                                  51,646,265       51,462,645
Other long-term liabilities:
  Program broadcast obligations, less current
   portion                                                   54,489          109,971
  Supplemental employee benefits (NOTE D)                 2,343,379        2,212,685
  Deferred income taxes (NOTE F)                                -0-          201,348
  Other acquisition related liabilities (NOTES B
   AND C)                                                       -0-        1,609,026
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                          2,397,868        4,133,030
Commitments and contingencies (NOTES B, C AND H)
Stockholders' equity (NOTES B, C AND E)
  Class A Common Stock, no par value; authorized
   10,000,000 shares; issued 4,841,785 and
   5,082,756 shares, respectively                         3,393,747        6,795,976
  Retained earnings                                       8,245,626        8,827,906
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                         11,639,373       15,623,882
  Treasury Stock, 663,180 shares, at cost                (6,638,284)      (6,638,284)
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                          5,001,089        8,985,598
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                        $68,788,784      $78,240,478
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>
                       GRAY COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC.
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    -------------------------------------------------
                                                                 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                               1993             1994             1995
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
<S>                                                 <C>              <C>              <C>
Operating revenues:
  Broadcasting (less agency commissions)                $15,003,752      $22,826,392      $36,750,035
  Publishing                                             10,109,368       13,692,073       21,866,220
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                         25,113,120       36,518,465       58,616,255
Expenses:
  Broadcasting                                           10,028,837       14,864,011       23,201,990
  Publishing                                              7,662,127       11,198,011       20,016,137
  Corporate and administrative                            2,326,691        1,958,449        2,258,261
  Depreciation                                            1,387,698        1,745,293        2,633,360
  Amortization of intangible assets                         177,063          396,342        1,325,526
  Non-cash compensation paid in common stock (NOTE
   D)                                                           -0-           80,000        2,321,250
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                         21,582,416       30,242,106       51,756,524
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                          3,530,704        6,276,359        6,859,731
Miscellaneous income, net                                   202,465          188,307          143,612
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                          3,733,169        6,464,666        7,003,343
Interest expense                                            984,706        1,922,965        5,438,374
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
Income from continuing operations before income
 taxes                                                    2,748,463        4,541,701        1,564,969
Federal and state income taxes (NOTE F)                   1,068,000        1,776,000          634,000
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
    INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS                     1,680,463        2,765,701          930,969
Discontinued business (NOTE I):
 Income from operations of discontinued business,
 net of applicable income tax expense
  of $30,000                                                 48,174              -0-              -0-
Gain on disposal of discontinued business, net of
 applicable income tax expense of
  $501,000                                                  817,717              -0-              -0-
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
    NET EARNINGS                                         $2,546,354       $2,765,701         $930,969
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
Average outstanding common shares                         4,610,625        4,689,453        4,481,317
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
Earnings per common share
  Continuing operations                                        $.36             $.59             $.21
  Discontinued operations                                       .01              -0-              -0-
  Gain on disposal of discontinued operations                   .18              -0-              -0-
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
    NET EARNINGS
     PER COMMON SHARE                                          $.55             $.59             $.21
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>
                       GRAY COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC.
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   CLASS A COMMON STOCK       RESTRICTED        TREASURY STOCK
                                --------------------------         STOCK  --------------------------      RETAINED
                                      SHARES        AMOUNT     DEFERRALS        SHARES        AMOUNT      EARNINGS         TOTAL
                                ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
<S>                             <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
Balance at December 31, 1992       4,610,625    $1,307,071          $-0-           -0-          $-0-    $3,542,901    $4,849,972
Net income                               -0-           -0-           -0-           -0-           -0-     2,546,354     2,546,354
Cash dividends ($.07 per
 share)                                  -0-           -0-           -0-           -0-           -0-      (307,376)     (307,376)
Issuance of Common Stock-
 Directors' Stock Plan (NOTE
 E)                                    3,000        29,000           -0-           -0-           -0-           -0-        29,000
                                ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
Balance at December 31, 1993       4,613,625     1,336,071           -0-           -0-           -0-     5,781,879     7,117,950
Net income                               -0-           -0-           -0-           -0-           -0-     2,765,701     2,765,701
Cash dividends ($.07 share)              -0-           -0-           -0-           -0-           -0-      (301,954)     (301,954)
Purchase of Common Stock (NOTE
 E)                                      -0-           -0-           -0-      (663,180)   (6,638,284)          -0-    (6,638,284)
Issuance of Common Stock
 (NOTES B AND G):
  401(k) Plan                          3,160        32,676           -0-           -0-           -0-           -0-        32,676
  Rockdale Acquisition               225,000     2,025,000           -0-           -0-           -0-           -0-     2,025,000
                                ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
Balance at December 31, 1994       4,841,785     3,393,747           -0-      (663,180)   (6,638,284)    8,245,626     5,001,089
Net income                               -0-           -0-           -0-           -0-           -0-       930,969       930,969
Cash dividends ($.08 share)              -0-           -0-           -0-           -0-           -0-      (348,689)     (348,689)
Issuance of Common Stock
 (NOTES B, D, E, AND G):
  401(k) Plan                         18,354       298,725           -0-           -0-           -0-           -0-       298,725
  Directors' Stock Plan               23,500       238,919           -0-           -0-           -0-           -0-       238,919
  Non-qualified Stock Plan             5,000        48,335           -0-           -0-           -0-           -0-        48,335
  Gwinnett Acquisition                44,117       500,000           -0-           -0-           -0-           -0-       500,000
  Restricted Stock Plan              150,000     2,081,250    (2,081,250)          -0-           -0-           -0-           -0-
Amortization of Restricted
 Stock Plan deferrals                    -0-           -0-     2,081,250           -0-           -0-           -0-     2,081,250
Income tax benefits relating
 to stock plans                          -0-       235,000           -0-           -0-           -0-           -0-       235,000
                                ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
Balance at December 31, 1995       5,082,756    $6,795,976          $-0-      (663,180)  $(6,638,284)   $8,827,906    $8,985,598
                                ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
                                ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>
                       GRAY COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC.
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          -------------------------------------------------
                                                       YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                     1993             1994             1995
                                          ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
<S>                                       <C>              <C>              <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
  Net income                                   $2,546,354       $2,765,701         $930,969
  Items which did not use (provide)
   cash:
    Depreciation                                1,612,040        1,745,293        2,633,360
    Amortization of intangible assets             177,063          396,342        1,325,526
    Amortization of program broadcast
     rights                                       924,878        1,217,976        1,647,035
    Payments for program broadcast
     rights                                      (976,150)      (1,181,598)      (1,776,796)
    Compensation paid in Common Stock                 -0-           80,000        2,321,250
    Supplemental employee benefits               (608,729)        (454,703)        (370,694)
    Common Stock contributed to 401(k)
     Plan                                             -0-           32,676          298,725
    Deferred income taxes                         196,000          523,000          863,000
    (Gain) loss on asset sales                    (52,819)         (21,419)           1,652
    Changes in operating assets and
     liabilities:
      Trade accounts receivable                  (116,526)      (1,444,159)        (852,965)
      Recoverable income taxes                 (1,066,422)         589,942       (1,347,007)
      Inventories                                 (92,526)        (179,930)        (181,034)
      Other current assets                       (352,174)         (24,361)         (11,208)
      Trade accounts payable                      701,556         (306,493)       1,441,745
      Employee compensation and benefits           10,755        1,246,726        1,011,667
      Accrued expenses                           (163,458)         (45,335)        (414,087)
      Accrued interest                            (97,419)         858,164           78,536
    Reduction in value of net assets of
     discontinued business                      1,135,394              -0-              -0-
    Gain on disposal of warehouse
     operations                                (2,454,111)             -0-              -0-
                                          ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
Net cash provided by operating
 activities                                     1,323,706        5,797,822        7,599,674
 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
  Acquisitions of newspaper businesses                -0-       (3,442,836)      (2,084,621)
  Acquisition of television business           (1,505,655)     (37,492,643)             -0-
  Purchases of property and equipment          (2,582,225)      (1,767,800)      (3,279,721)
  Proceeds from asset sales                     3,076,764          103,434            2,475
  Deferred acquisition costs                          -0-              -0-       (3,330,481)
  Deferred loan costs                                 -0-       (1,251,287)             -0-
  Proceeds from disposals of operating
   units                                        2,922,893        1,222,697              -0-
  Other                                         1,150,104         (141,767)        (236,904)
                                          ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
Net cash provided by (used in) investing
 activities                                     3,061,881      (42,770,202)      (8,929,252)
 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
  Proceeds from borrowings:
    Short-term debt                               650,000              -0-        1,200,000
    Long-term debt                                    -0-       55,826,260        2,950,000
  Repayments of borrowings:
    Short-term debt                              (170,000)        (480,000)      (1,200,000)
    Long-term debt                             (5,133,349)     (11,206,281)      (1,792,516)
    Dividends paid                               (307,376)        (301,954)        (348,689)
    Common Stock transactions                      29,000       (6,638,284)         522,254
                                          ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
  Net cash provided by (used in)
   financing activities                        (4,931,725)      37,199,741        1,331,049
                                          ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
  Increase (decrease) in cash and cash
   equivalents                                   (546,138)         227,361            1,471
  Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
   of year                                        877,297          331,159          558,520
                                          ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
  Cash and cash equivalents at end of
   year                                          $331,159         $558,520         $559,991
                                          ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                          ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-16
<PAGE>
                       GRAY COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC.
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                               DECEMBER 31, 1995
 
A.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
 
    The  Company's  operations, which  are located  in six  southeastern states,
include six television  stations, three  daily newspapers, and  six area  weekly
advertising only direct mail publications.
 
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
 
    The  consolidated financial statements  include the accounts  of the Company
and its  subsidiaries. All  significant intercompany  accounts and  transactions
have been eliminated.
 
REVENUE RECOGNITION
 
    The Company recognizes revenues as services are performed.
 
USE OF ESTIMATES
 
    The  preparation  of  financial  statements  in  conformity  with  generally
accepted  accounting  principles  requires  management  to  make  estimates  and
assumptions  that affect  the amounts reported  in the  financial statements and
accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
    Cash and cash equivalents include cash on deposit with a bank. Deposits with
the bank are generally insured in limited amounts.
 
INVENTORIES
 
    Inventories, principally newsprint and supplies, are stated at the lower  of
cost  or  market. The  Company uses  the last-in,  first-out ("LIFO")  method of
determining costs  for  substantially  all  of  its  inventories.  Current  cost
exceeded  the LIFO value of inventories by approximately $36,000 and $170,000 at
December 31, 1994 and 1995, respectively.
 
PROGRAM BROADCAST RIGHTS
 
    Rights to programs  available for  broadcast are initially  recorded at  the
amounts  of  total license  fees payable  under the  license agreements  and are
charged to operating expense on the basis of total programs available for use on
the straight-line method. The portion of the unamortized balance expected to  be
charged  to operating expense in the succeeding  year is classified as a current
asset, with the remainder classified as  a non-current asset. The liability  for
program  broadcast rights is  classified as current  or long-term, in accordance
with the payment terms of the various licenses. The liability is not  discounted
for imputation of interest.
 
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
 
    Property  and  equipment  are  carried  at  cost.  Depreciation  is computed
principally by the straight-line method for financial reporting purposes and  by
accelerated methods for income tax purposes.
 
INTANGIBLE ASSETS
 
    Intangible  assets are  stated at cost,  and with the  exception of goodwill
acquired prior to November 1, 1970 (approximately $2.47 million at December  31,
1994  and  1995),  are amortized  using  the straight-line  method.  Goodwill is
amortized over 40 years.  Loan acquisition fees are  amortized over the life  of
the  applicable indebtedness. Non-compete agreements are amortized over the life
of  the  specific  agreement.  Accumulated  amortization  of  intangible  assets
resulting  from business  acquisitions was $0.4  million and $1.7  million as of
December 31, 1994 and 1995, respectively.
 
                                      F-17
<PAGE>
                       GRAY COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC.
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
A.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
    If facts and circumstances  indicate that the goodwill  may be impaired,  an
evaluation of continuing value would be performed. If an evaluation is required,
the estimated future undiscounted cash flows associated with this asset would be
compared  to its  carrying amount to  determine if  a write down  to fair market
value or discounted cash flow value is required.
 
INCOME TAXES
 
    Deferred income taxes are provided on the differences between the  financial
statement  and income tax basis  of assets and liabilities.  The Company and its
subsidiaries file a consolidated  federal income tax  return and separate  state
and local tax returns.
 
CAPITAL STOCK
 
    The  Company has authorized 10 million shares of Class B Common Stock and 20
million shares of Preferred  Stock, none of which  have been issued at  December
31,  1995. All references made to Common  Stock in the December 31, 1995 Audited
Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and the Notes thereto refer  to
the Company's Class A Common Stock.
 
    On  August 17, 1995, the Board of Directors declared a 50% stock dividend on
the Company's Common Stock payable October 2, 1995 to stockholders of record  on
September  8, 1995 to effect  a three for two  stock split. All applicable share
and per share data have been adjusted to give effect to the stock split.
 
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
 
    Earnings per  common share  are based  on the  weighted average  common  and
common  equivalent  shares outstanding  during the  period determined  using the
treasury stock method.  Common equivalent  shares are attributable  to a  Common
Stock  award to be paid  in 1999 and outstanding stock  options (SEE NOTES D AND
E).
 
STOCK OPTION PLAN
 
    The Company has elected  to follow Accounting  Principles Board Opinion  No.
25,   "Accounting  for  Stock  Issued  to  Employees"  ("APB  25")  and  related
interpretations in  accounting for  its  stock options.  Under  APB 25,  if  the
exercise  price of the  stock options granted  by the Company  equals the market
price of the underlying stock on the date of the grant, no compensation  expense
is recognized.
 
CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK
 
    The  Company provides advertising  air time to  national, regional and local
advertisers within the geographic areas in which the Company operates. Credit is
extended based  on an  evaluation  of the  customer's financial  condition,  and
generally advance payment is not required. Credit losses are provided for in the
financial   statements   and   consistently   have   been   within  management's
expectations.
 
INTEREST SWAP
 
    The Company has entered into an  interest rate swap agreement to modify  the
interest  characteristics of a portion of its outstanding debt (see Note C). The
agreement involves the exchange  of amounts based on  a fixed interest rate  for
amounts  based on variable interest rates over the life of the agreement without
an exchange  of the  notional amount  upon  which the  payments are  based.  The
differential  to be  paid or  received as interest  rates change  is accrued and
recognized as an adjustment of interest expense related to the debt (the accrual
accounting  method).  The   related  amount  payable   to  or  receivable   from
counter-parties  is included in  other liabilities or assets.  The fair value of
the swap agreement is not recognized  in the financial statements. In the  event
of  the early  extinguishment of a  designated debt obligation,  any realized or
unrealized gain or loss from the  swap would be recognized in income  coincident
with the extinguishment.
 
                                      F-18
<PAGE>
                       GRAY COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC.
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
A.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
    The  Company has adopted FASB Statement No. 107, DISCLOSURE ABOUT FAIR VALUE
OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, which requires disclosure of fair value, to the extent
practical, of certain  of the  Company's financial instruments.  The fair  value
amounts do not necessarily represent the amount that could be realized in a sale
or  settlement. The Company's financial instruments are comprised principally of
an interest rate swap and long-term debt.
 
    The estimated  fair  value of  long-term  bank  debt at  December  31,  1995
approximated  book value  since, in  management's opinion,  such obligations are
subject to fluctuating market rates of interest and can be settled at their face
amounts. The fair value of the Senior Note at December 31, 1995 was estimated by
management to be its carrying value at that date. The Company amended its Senior
Note at January 4, 1996 and  among other things, changed its effective  interest
rate. The Company does not anticipate settlement of long-term debt at other than
book value.
 
    The  fair value of other financial  instruments classified as current assets
or  liabilities  approximates  their  carrying  values  due  to  the  short-term
maturities of these instruments.
 
IMPACT OF RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
 
    In  March  1995,  the FASB  issued  Statement  No. 121,  ACCOUNTING  FOR THE
IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED  ASSETS AND  FOR LONG-LIVED  ASSETS TO  BE DISPOSED  OF
("Statement 121"), which requires impairment losses to be recorded on long-lived
assets  used in  operations when  indicators of  impairment are  present and the
undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less  than
the  asset's carrying  amount. Statement 121  also addresses  the accounting for
long-lived assets  which are  expected  to be  disposed.  The Company  does  not
believe  that the adoption of  Statement 121 will have  a material impact on the
Company's financial position.
 
RECLASSIFICATIONS
 
    Certain amounts in the  accompanying consolidated financial statements  have
been reclassified to conform to the 1995 format.
 
B.  BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS
    The Company's acquisitions have been accounted for under the purchase method
of  accounting.  Under  the  purchase  method  of  accounting,  the  results  of
operations  of  the  acquired  businesses  are  included  in  the   accompanying
consolidated  financial statements as of their respective acquisition dates. The
assets  and  liabilities  of  acquired  businesses  are  included  based  on  an
allocation of the purchase price.
 
PENDING ACQUISITIONS
 
    In December 1995, the Company agreed to acquire certain assets owned by John
H.  Phipps,  Inc.  ("Phipps").  The  assets  include  WCTV-TV,  the  CBS network
affiliate serving the Tallahassee,  Florida and Thomasville, Georgia  television
market,  WKXT-TV,  the  CBS network  affiliate  in Knoxville,  Tennessee,  and a
communications and paging  business located  in three  southeastern states.  The
purchase  price is estimated  at approximately $185.0  million. The transaction,
which is expected to close  in 1996, is subject  to approval by the  appropriate
regulatory  agencies. If  approved, the  Company will  be required  to divest of
certain of its broadcasting operations due to a signal overlap with WCTV, unless
the rules of the Federal Communications Commission are modified to permit common
ownership of television stations with overlapping signals.
 
    The Company plans to fund the costs of this acquisition through the issuance
of debt and equity securities. Additionally,  the Company will amend or  replace
its existing bank credit facilities.
 
    In  connection with  this acquisition, a  bank has provided  a $10.0 million
letter of credit to Phipps on behalf  of the Company. The letter of credit  will
be   payable   under   certain   conditions   if   this   acquisition   is   not
 
                                      F-19
<PAGE>
                       GRAY COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC.
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
B.  BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS (CONTINUED)
completed.  In  connection  with  the  issuance  of  the  letter  of  credit,  a
stockholder  of the  Company has  executed a  put agreement  which the  bank can
exercise if the Company defaults on repayment of any amounts that might be  paid
in accordance with the terms of the letter of credit.
 
    In  connection with the proposed acquisition  of assets owned by Phipps, the
Company's Board  of Directors  has agreed  to pay  Bull Run  Corporation  ("Bull
Run"),  a stockholder, a finder's fee equal to 1% of the proposed purchase price
for services  performed, of  which $550,000  was due  and included  in  accounts
payable at December 31, 1995.
 
    On January 4, 1996, the Company purchased substantially all of the assets of
WRDW-TV,  a  CBS television  affiliate serving  the Augusta,  Georgia television
market (the "Augusta  Acquisition"). The purchase  price of approximately  $35.9
million,  excluding  assumed  liabilities  of  approximately  $4.0  million, was
financed primarily through long-term  borrowings. The assets acquired  consisted
of  office equipment and broadcasting operations located in North Augusta, South
Carolina. Based on a preliminary allocation of the purchase price, the excess of
the purchase  price over  the fair  value of  net tangible  assets acquired  was
approximately  $32.4 million.  In connection  with the  Augusta Acquisition, the
Company's Board of Directors approved the payment of a $360,000 finders' fee  to
Bull Run.
 
    Funds for the Augusta Acquisition were obtained from the sale to Bull Run of
an 8% subordinated note due January 3, 2005 in principal amount of $10.0 million
(the "Subordinated Note"). In connection with the sale of the Subordinated Note,
the  Company also  issued warrants  to Bull  Run to  purchase 487,500  shares of
Common Stock at $17.88  per share, 300,000 of  which are currently vested,  with
the  remaining warrants  vesting in five  equal installments  commencing in 1997
provided that the  Subordinated Note  is outstanding.  The warrants  may not  be
exercised  prior to  January 3,  1998 and  expire in  January 2006.  The Company
modified its existing  bank debt to  a variable rate  reducing revolving  credit
facility  providing a credit line of $55.0 million (see Note C). The outstanding
credit facility balance subsequent to the Augusta Acquisition was  approximately
$54.0  million; including $28.4 million, which  was outstanding under the credit
facility at December 31, 1995, $25.2  million used for the Augusta  Acquisition,
and  $425,000  used  for the  Company's  working capital.  The  transaction also
required a modification  of the  interest rate  of the  Company's $25.0  million
senior  secured note  with an  institutional investor  (the "Senior  Note") from
10.08% to 10.7%.
 
    An unaudited pro  forma balance  sheet as of  December 31,  1995 and  income
statements  for the years ended  December 31, 1994 and  1995 are presented below
giving effect to the Augusta Acquisition as though it had occurred on January 1,
1994.
 
                                      F-20
<PAGE>
                       GRAY COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC.
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
B.  BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS (CONTINUED)
    Pro forma December 31, 1995 balance sheet (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                             AUGUSTA        PRO FORMA         ADJUSTED
                                                               GRAY      ACQUISITION      ADJUSTMENTS        PRO FORMA
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                                                                (Unaudited)
<S>                                                 <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>
Current assets                                              $13,437           $3,061            $(594)         $15,904
Property and equipment                                       17,017            1,778              402           19,197
Goodwill and other intangibles                               46,566            4,129           26,152           76,847
Other long-term assets                                        1,220            2,571           (2,518)           1,273
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                            $78,240          $11,539          $23,442         $113,221
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
Current liabilities                                         $13,659           $1,131             $(41)         $14,749
Long-term debt                                               51,462              -0-           33,729           85,191
Other long-term liabilities                                   4,133            2,680           (2,518)           4,295
Stockholders' equity                                          8,986            7,728           (7,728)           8,986
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                            $78,240          $11,539          $23,442         $113,221
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
</TABLE>
 
    These pro forma unaudited results of operations do not purport to  represent
what  the Company's actual results of operations  would have been if the Augusta
Acquisition had occurred on January 1, 1994, and should not serve as a  forecast
of  the  Company's  operating results  for  any  future periods.  The  pro forma
adjustments are based solely upon  certain assumptions that management  believes
are  reasonable under the circumstances at this time. Subsequent adjustments are
expected upon final determination of the  allocation of the purchase price.  Pro
forma  statement  of operations  for the  year  ended December  31, 1994  are as
follows (in thousands, except per share data):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                             AUGUSTA        PRO FORMA         ADJUSTED
                                                               GRAY      ACQUISITION      ADJUSTMENTS        PRO FORMA
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                                                                (Unaudited)
<S>                                                 <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>
Revenues, net                                               $36,518           $8,046             $255          $44,819
Expenses                                                     30,242            5,854              935           37,031
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                              6,276            2,192             (680)           7,788
Miscellaneous income (expense), net                             189              (55)              90              224
Interest expense                                              1,923              -0-            3,156            5,079
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                              4,542            2,137           (3,746)           2,933
Income tax expense (benefit)                                  1,776              -0-             (603)           1,173
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
    NET EARNINGS                                             $2,766           $2,137          $(3,143)          $1,760
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
Average shares outstanding                                    4,689                                              4,689
                                                    ---------------                                    ---------------
                                                    ---------------                                    ---------------
Earnings per share                                             $.59                                               $.38
                                                    ---------------                                    ---------------
                                                    ---------------                                    ---------------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-21
<PAGE>
                       GRAY COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC.
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
B.  BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS (CONTINUED)
    Pro forma statement of operations for  the year ended December 31, 1995  are
as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                             AUGUSTA        PRO FORMA         ADJUSTED
                                                               GRAY      ACQUISITION      ADJUSTMENTS        PRO FORMA
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                                                                (Unaudited)
<S>                                                 <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>
Revenues, net                                               $58,616           $8,660             $227          $67,503
Expenses                                                     51,756            6,198              944           58,898
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                              6,860            2,462             (717)           8,605
Miscellaneous income (expense), net                             143             (220)             128               51
Interest expense                                              5,438              -0-            3,355            8,793
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                              1,565            2,242           (3,944)            (137)
Income tax expense (benefit)                                    634              -0-             (675)             (41)
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
    NET EARNINGS (LOSS)                                        $931           $2,242          $(3,269)            $(96)
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
Average shares outstanding                                    4,481                                              4,354
                                                    ---------------                                    ---------------
                                                    ---------------                                    ---------------
Earnings (loss) per share                                      $.21                                              $(.02)
                                                    ---------------                                    ---------------
                                                    ---------------                                    ---------------
</TABLE>
 
    The pro forma results presented above include adjustments to reflect (i) the
reclassification of national representative commissions as an expense consistent
with the presentation of the Company, (ii) the incurrence of interest expense to
fund  the  Augusta Acquisition,  (iii) depreciation  and amortization  of assets
acquired, and  (iv) the  income tax  effect of  such pro  forma adjustments  and
income  taxes on the  earnings of the  Augusta Acquisition. With  respect to the
Augusta Acquisition,  the pro  forma adjustments  are based  upon a  preliminary
allocation of the purchase price.
 
1995 ACQUISITIONS
 
    On January 6, 1995, the Company purchased substantially all of the assets of
The  Gwinnett  Post-Tribune  and  assumed  certain  liabilities  (the  "Gwinnett
Acquisition").  The  assets  consisted   of  office  equipment  and   publishing
operations   located   in  Lawrenceville,   Georgia.   The  purchase   price  of
approximately $3.7  million,  including  assumed  liabilities  of  approximately
$370,000,  was  paid by  approximately $1.2  million  in cash  (financed through
long-term borrowings and cash from operations), issuance of 44,117 shares of the
Company's Common Stock (having fair value of $500,000), and $1.5 million payable
to the sellers pursuant  to non-compete agreements. The  excess of the  purchase
price over the fair value of net tangible assets acquired was approximately $3.4
million.  In connection  with the Gwinnett  Acquisition, the  Company's Board of
Directors approved the payment of a $75,000 finders' fee to Bull Run. Pro  forma
results  of the Gwinnett  Acquisition have not  been presented as  the effect on
prior periods is not significant.
 
    On September 1, 1995, the Company purchased substantially all of the  assets
of  three area  weekly advertising  only direct  mail publications,  and assumed
certain  liabilities  (the  "Tallahassee  Acquisition").  The  tangible   assets
acquired  consist  of land  and office  buildings, office  equipment, mechanical
equipment and automobiles used  in operations located  in southwest Georgia  and
north  Florida. The  purchase price of  approximately $1.4  million consisted of
$833,000 in cash and approximately  $583,000 in assumed liabilities. The  excess
of  the purchase price over  the fair value of  net tangible assets acquired was
approximately $934,000.  Pro  forma results  giving  effect to  the  Tallahassee
Acquisition  have  not been  presented as  the  effect on  prior periods  is not
significant.
 
1994 ACQUISITIONS
 
    On September 2, 1994, the Company purchased substantially all of the  assets
of Kentucky Central Television, Inc. ("Kentucky Central") and assumed certain of
its liabilities (the "Kentucky Acquisition").
 
                                      F-22
<PAGE>
                       GRAY COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC.
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
B.  BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS (CONTINUED)
Kentucky  Central operated two  television stations, WKYT  located in Lexington,
Kentucky and WYMT located in Hazard,  Kentucky, both of which are affiliates  of
the  CBS television network. The purchase  price of approximately $38.1 million,
excluding  acquisition  costs   of  approximately  $2.1   million  and   assumed
liabilities  of  approximately  $2.3  million,  was  financed  primarily through
long-term borrowings. The excess  of the purchase price  over the fair value  of
net tangible assets acquired was approximately $31.4 million.
 
    On  May 31, 1994, the  Company purchased substantially all  of the assets of
Citizens Publishing Company, Inc.  and assumed certain  of its liabilities  (the
"Rockdale  Acquisition").  The acquired  assets consist  of  land and  an office
building located in Conyers, Georgia, containing The Rockdale Citizen  newspaper
and  other assets  relating to the  newspaper publishing  business. The purchase
price of approximately  $4.8 million consisted  of a $2.8  million cash  payment
financed  through long-term bank borrowings, and 225,000 shares of the Company's
Common Stock (with a fair value of $2.0 million at the closing date). The excess
of the purchase price over  the fair value of  net tangible assets acquired  was
approximately $4.0 million.
 
    On  October 18, 1994, the Company  purchased substantially all of the assets
of four  area  weekly advertising  only  direct mail  publications  and  assumed
certain of their liabilities. The assets consist of land and an office building,
office  equipment, automobiles,  and publishing operations  located in southwest
Georgia. The  purchase  price  of  approximately $1.5  million  consisted  of  a
$545,000  cash payment and  approximately $1.0 million  financed by the sellers.
The excess of  the purchase price  over the  fair value of  net tangible  assets
acquired was approximately $1.2 million. Pro forma results giving effect to this
acquisition  have  not been  presented as  the  effect on  prior periods  is not
significant.
 
    Unaudited pro forma statements of income from continuing operations for  the
years  ended December 31, 1993  and 1994, are presented  below, giving effect to
the Rockdale Acquisition  and the Kentucky  Acquisition (collectively the  "1994
Acquisitions") as though they had occurred on January 1, 1993.
 
    These  pro forma unaudited results of operations do not purport to represent
what the Company's  actual results  of operations would  have been  if the  1994
Acquisitions had occurred on January 1, 1993, and should
 
                                      F-23
<PAGE>
                       GRAY COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC.
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
B.  BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS (CONTINUED)
not  serve  as a  forecast of  the  Company's operating  results for  any future
periods. The  pro forma  adjustments  are based  upon certain  assumptions  that
management  believes are reasonable  under the circumstances.  The unaudited pro
forma results of continuing operations are as follows (in thousands, except  per
share data):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993
                                                                      KENTUCKY      ROCKDALE     PRO FORMA      ADJUSTED
                                                            GRAY   ACQUISITION   ACQUISITION   ADJUSTMENTS     PRO FORMA
                                                    ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
                                                                                (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                 <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
Operating revenues                                       $25,113       $14,526        $2,660          $-0-       $42,299
Operating expenses                                        21,582        10,827         2,646           877        35,932
                                                    ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
  Operating income                                         3,531         3,699            14          (877)        6,367
Miscellaneous income, net                                    202           219           -0-           -0-           421
                                                    ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
                                                           3,733         3,918            14          (877)        6,788
Interest expense                                             985             4             9         3,187         4,185
                                                    ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
  Income from continuing operations before income
   taxes                                                   2,748         3,914             5        (4,064)        2,603
Income tax expense (benefit)                               1,068         1,326           -0-        (1,405)          989
                                                    ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
Income from continuing operations                         $1,680        $2,588            $5        $2,659        $1,614
                                                    ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
                                                    ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
Average shares outstanding                                 4,611                                                   4,836
                                                    ------------                                            ------------
                                                    ------------                                            ------------
Earnings per common share from continuing
 operations                                                 $.36                                                    $.33
                                                    ------------                                            ------------
                                                    ------------                                            ------------
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994
                                                                      KENTUCKY      ROCKDALE     PRO FORMA      ADJUSTED
                                                            GRAY   ACQUISITION   ACQUISITION   ADJUSTMENTS     PRO FORMA
                                                    ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
                                                                                (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                 <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
Operating revenues                                       $36,518       $10,237          $980          $-0-       $47,735
Operating expenses                                        30,242         7,382           930           559        39,113
                                                    ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
  Operating income                                         6,276         2,855            50          (559)        8,622
Miscellaneous income, net                                    189            19           -0-           -0-           208
                                                    ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
                                                           6,465         2,874            50          (559)        8,830
Interest expense                                           1,923           -0-             4         2,412         4,339
                                                    ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
  Income from continuing operations before income
   taxes                                                   4,542         2,874            46        (2,971)        4,491
Income tax expense (benefit)                               1,776           237           -0-          (208)        1,805
                                                    ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
  Net income from continuing operations                   $2,766        $2,637           $46       $(2,763)       $2,686
                                                    ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
                                                    ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
Average shares outstanding                                 4,689                                                   4,780
                                                    ------------                                            ------------
                                                    ------------                                            ------------
Earnings per common share from continuing
 operations                                                 $.59                                                    $.56
                                                    ------------                                            ------------
                                                    ------------                                            ------------
</TABLE>
 
    The pro forma results presented above include adjustments to reflect (i) the
incurrence  of interest expense to fund the 1994 Acquisitions, (ii) depreciation
and amortization of assets acquired, and (iii) the
 
                                      F-24
<PAGE>
                       GRAY COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC.
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
B.  BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS (CONTINUED)
income tax effect of such pro forma adjustments. Average outstanding shares used
to calculate earnings  per share from  continuing operations for  1994 and  1993
include the 225,000 shares issued in connection with the Rockdale Acquisition.
 
C.  LONG-TERM DEBT
    Long-term debt consists of the following (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    --------------------------------
                                                              DECEMBER 31,
                                                               1994             1995
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
<S>                                                 <C>              <C>
Senior Note                                                 $25,000          $25,000
Bank Loan                                                    26,926           28,375
Other                                                         1,013              950
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                             52,939           54,325
Less current portion                                         (1,293)          (2,862)
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                            $51,646          $51,463
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
</TABLE>
 
    On September 2, 1994, the Company issued through a private placement with an
institutional  investor, a  $25.0 million  9.33% note  (the "Senior  Note"). The
Senior  Note  provides  for  semi-annual  principal  payments  of  $2.5  million
beginning  March  1999. Interest  is payable  semi-annually  in arrears  and the
Senior Note, as amended on  January 4, 1996, bears  interest at 10.7% (see  Note
B).  The agreement pursuant to which the Senior Note was issued contains certain
restrictive provisions, which,  among other things,  limit capital  expenditures
and  additional indebtedness, and  require minimum levels of  net worth and cash
flows.
 
    On September 2, 1994,  the Company entered into  a bank term loan  agreement
(the  "Bank Loan") which provided for borrowings of approximately $21.4 million.
On November  30, 1994,  the Bank  Loan  was amended  to provide  for  additional
borrowings  of $6.7 million  which were used  to purchase 663,180  shares of the
Company's Common Stock (SEE  NOTE E). The  Bank Loan, as  amended on January  4,
1996,  bears interest, at the Company's option, at  a spread over LIBOR, or at a
spread over the bank's prime rate (8.96%  at January 4, 1996) (see Note B).  The
Bank  Loan is due in  varying, quarterly principal payments  of $750,000 to $2.0
million through September  2002 with  two quarterly installments  of $7  million
payable  starting  December 2002.  The  Bank Loan  provides  for an  annual loan
prepayment based  on  the Company's  cash  flow as  defined  by the  Bank  Loan.
Additionally,  the effective interest rate of the Bank Loan can be changed based
upon the Company's  maintenance of certain  operating ratios as  defined by  the
Bank  Loan, not to exceed  the bank's prime rate plus  1.25% or LIBOR plus 3.5%.
The Bank Loan contains restrictive provisions  similar to the provisions of  the
Senior Note.
 
    The  Senior Note and the  Bank Loan are secured  by substantially all of the
Company's existing and hereafter acquired assets.
 
    The Company entered into a five year interest rate swap agreement on June 2,
1995, to effectively convert a portion of its floating rate debt to a fixed rate
basis. Approximately $25.0 million of  the Company's outstanding debt under  the
Bank Loan was subject to this interest rate swap agreement at December 31, 1995.
The effective rate of the Bank Loan and interest rate swap at December 31, 1995,
was  approximately 8.64%  and 9.10%, respectively.  The unrealized  loss for the
interest rate swap was approximately $565,000  at December 31, 1995, based  upon
comparison  to treasury bond yields for bonds with similar maturity dates as the
interest rate swap.
 
    At December  31,  1995, retained  earnings  of approximately  $500,000  were
available for dividends.
 
                                      F-25
<PAGE>
                       GRAY COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC.
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
C.  LONG-TERM DEBT (CONTINUED)
    Aggregate  minimum principal maturities on long-term debt as of December 31,
1995, were as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                       <C>
1996                                                          $2,862
1997                                                           5,039
1998                                                           6,634
1999                                                          12,615
2000                                                          11,303
Thereafter                                                    15,872
                                                          ----------
                                                             $54,325
                                                          ----------
                                                          ----------
</TABLE>
 
    The Company made interest payments  of approximately $902,000, $1.2  million
and $5.4 million during 1993, 1994 and 1995, respectively.
 
D.  SUPPLEMENTAL EMPLOYEE BENEFITS AND OTHER AGREEMENTS
    The  Company has an  employment agreement with  its President which provides
him 122,034 shares  of the  Company's Common Stock  if his  employment with  the
Company continues until September 1999. The Company will recognize approximately
$1.2  million of compensation expense  for this award over  the five year period
ending in 1999 ($80,000 and $240,000 of  expense was recorded in 1994 and  1995,
respectively).
 
    Pursuant  to the terms of his employment agreement, Mr. Williams was awarded
an aggregate of 150,000 shares of Class A Common Stock in three separate  grants
(the "Common Stock Award") based upon the Class A Common Stock attaining certain
designated  values. Upon Mr. Williams' resignation  from the Company in December
1995, the Company entered into a separation agreement with him, which  provided,
among  other things, for the  payment of $596,000 over  a two-year period ending
November  1997  as   consideration  for  consulting   services,  Mr.   Williams'
resignation  and certain non-compete and confidentiality agreements. The Company
has recorded  approximately $596,000  of corporate  and administrative  expenses
during  the year  ended December 31,  1995 in  accordance with the  terms of the
separation agreement. In  addition, the  separation agreement  provided for  the
removal  of the  restrictions on  the Common Stock  Award and  such Common Stock
Award became fully  vested. Compensation expense  of approximately $2.1  million
(including  $865,000 during the quarter ended December 31, 1995), was recognized
in 1995 for the Common Stock Award.
 
    The Company has entered into supplemental retirement benefit agreements with
certain key employees. These  benefits are to be  paid in equal monthly  amounts
over  the employees' life for a period  not to exceed 15 years after retirement.
The Company charges against  operations amounts sufficient  to fund the  present
value  of  the  estimated  lifetime supplemental  benefit  over  each employee's
anticipated remaining period of employment. The Company maintains life insurance
coverage on  these individuals  (with a  cash surrender  value of  approximately
$280,000 at December 31, 1995) in adequate amounts to fund the agreements.
 
                                      F-26
<PAGE>
                       GRAY COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC.
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
D.  SUPPLEMENTAL EMPLOYEE BENEFITS AND OTHER AGREEMENTS (CONTINUED)
    The  following summarizes activity relative  to certain officers' agreements
and the supplemental employee benefits (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    -------------------------------------------------
                                                                      DECEMBER 31,
                                                               1993             1994             1995
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
<S>                                                 <C>              <C>              <C>
Beginning liability                                          $3,495           $2,960           $2,518
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
  Provision                                                     166              184              976
  Forfeitures                                                  (399)            (266)            (169)
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
  Net (income) expense                                         (233)             (82)             807
  Payments                                                     (302)            (360)            (387)
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
    Net change                                                 (535)            (442)             420
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
Ending liability                                              2,960            2,518            2,938
Less current portion                                           (162)            (175)            (725)
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                             $2,798           $2,343           $2,213
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-27
<PAGE>
                       GRAY COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC.
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
E.  STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
    The  Company has  a Stock  Purchase Plan  which allows  outside directors to
purchase up to  7,500 shares  of the Company's  Common Stock  directly from  the
Company  before the  end of January  following each calendar  year. The purchase
price per share approximates the market price of the Common Stock at the time of
the grant. During 1993, 1994 and 1995, certain directors purchased an  aggregate
of 3,000, -0- and 23,500 shares of Common Stock, respectively, under this plan.
 
    The  Company has  a long-term  incentive plan  (the "Incentive  Plan") under
which 600,000 shares of  the Company's Common Stock  are reserved for grants  to
key personnel for (i) incentive stock options, (ii) non-qualified stock options,
(iii)  stock  appreciation rights,  (iv)  restricted stock  and  (v) performance
awards, as defined by the  Incentive Plan. Stock underlying outstanding  options
or  performance awards are  counted against the  Incentive Plan's maximum shares
while such options  or awards  are outstanding.  Under the  Incentive Plan,  the
options  granted vest after a two year  period and expire three years after full
vesting. Options granted through December 31, 1995, have been granted at a price
which approximates fair market value on the date of the grant.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    --------------------------------
                                                        EXERCISE PRICE PER SHARE
                                                    --------------------------------
<S>                                                 <C>              <C>
                                                              $9.67           $13.33
Stock options granted on November 18, 1993                   92,250              -0-
Forfeitures                                                  (3,000)             -0-
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
Stock options outstanding at
  December 31, 1993                                          89,250              -0-
  Options granted                                            73,559              -0-
  Forfeitures                                               (16,500)             -0-
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
Stock options outstanding at
  December 31, 1994                                         146,309              -0-
  Options granted                                               -0-           58,050
  Options exercised                                          (5,000)             -0-
  Forfeitures                                               (14,250)          (3,900)
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
Stock options outstanding at December 31, 1995              127,059           54,150
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
</TABLE>
 
    At December  31, 1995,  56,500 of  the  $9.67 options  issued in  1993  were
exercisable.
 
    On  December 1, 1994,  the Company repurchased 663,180  shares of its Common
Stock at a price of $10.00 per share for a total purchase price before expenses,
of $6.63 million. The trading value of the Common Stock on the NASDAQ Small  Cap
Issues  Market was $10.83  on December 1,  1994. The Common  Stock was purchased
from The Prudential Insurance Company of America and Sandler Associates (420,000
and 243,180 shares, respectively). The purchase  was funded by a bank loan  (SEE
NOTE C).
 
F.  INCOME TAXES
    The  Company uses the liability method in accounting for income taxes. Under
this method,  deferred  tax  assets  and liabilities  are  determined  based  on
differences  between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities
and are measured using  the enacted tax  rates and laws that  will be in  effect
when the differences are expected to reverse.
 
                                      F-28
<PAGE>
                       GRAY COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC.
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
F.  INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
    Federal  and state income tax expense (benefit) included in the consolidated
financial statements are summarized as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    -------------------------------------------------
                                                                 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                               1993             1994             1995
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
<S>                                                 <C>              <C>              <C>
Current
  Federal                                                      $982           $1,093            $(253)
  State                                                         181              160               24
Deferred                                                        436              523              863
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                             $1,599           $1,776             $634
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
</TABLE>
 
    The total  provision  for  income  taxes  for  1993  included  $531,000  for
discontinued operations.
 
    The  components of  deferred income  tax expense  for federal  and state and
local income taxes resulted from the following (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    -------------------------------------------------
                                                                 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                               1993             1994             1995
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
<S>                                                 <C>              <C>              <C>
Accelerated depreciation for tax purposes                       $50              $19             $349
Accelerated amortization for tax purposes                       -0-              164              726
Employee benefits and other agreements                          181               96             (150)
Temporary difference related to loss on sales of
 assets                                                         174              248              -0-
Excess of book over tax deductions for lease                      7               91              -0-
Other                                                            24              (95)             (62)
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                               $436             $523             $863
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-29
<PAGE>
                       GRAY COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC.
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
F.  INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
    Significant components of the Company's deferred tax liabilities and  assets
are as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    -------------------------------------------------
                                                                      DECEMBER 31,
                                                               1993             1994             1995
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
<S>                                                 <C>              <C>              <C>
Deferred tax liabilities:
  Net book value of property and equipment                     $704             $723           $1,069
  Goodwill                                                      -0-              164              890
  Other                                                         120              120              120
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
    Total deferred tax liabilities                              824            1,007            2,079
Deferred tax assets:
  Liability under supplemental retirement plan                1,125            1,029            1,127
  Allowance for doubtful accounts                               168              335              195
  Difference in basis of assets held for sale                 1,189              941              941
  Other                                                         135              117              368
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
    Total deferred tax assets                                 2,617            2,422            2,631
  Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets                  (753)            (753)            (753)
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
    Net deferred tax assets                                   1,864            1,669            1,878
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
  Deferred tax assets (liabilities)                          $1,040             $662            $(201)
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
</TABLE>
 
    A  reconciliation of income tax expense  at the statutory federal income tax
rate and income taxes as reflected  in the consolidated financial statements  is
as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    -------------------------------------------------
                                                                 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                               1993             1994             1995
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
<S>                                                 <C>              <C>              <C>
Statutory rate applied to income                             $1,409           $1,544             $532
State and local taxes, net of federal tax benefits              164              195               91
Other items, net                                                 26               37               11
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                             $1,599           $1,776             $634
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
</TABLE>
 
    The  Company made  income tax payments  of approximately  $2.1 million, $1.5
million and $742,000 during 1993, 1994  and 1995, respectively. At December  31,
1995,  the Company  had current recoverable  income taxes  of approximately $1.3
million.
 
G.  RETIREMENT PLANS
 
PENSION PLAN
 
    The Company  has  a retirement  plan  covering substantially  all  full-time
employees.  Retirement benefits are based on years of service and the employees'
highest average  compensation for  five consecutive  years during  the last  ten
years  of employment. The Company's funding policy is to contribute annually the
minimum amounts deductible for federal income tax purposes.
 
                                      F-30
<PAGE>
                       GRAY COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC.
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
G.  RETIREMENT PLANS (CONTINUED)
    The net pension expense includes the following (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    -------------------------------------------------
                                                                 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                               1993             1994             1995
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
<S>                                                 <C>              <C>              <C>
Service costs-benefits earned during the year                  $224             $204             $221
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation                   374              359              384
Actual return on plan assets                                   (377)             (91)            (655)
Net amortization and deferral                                   (63)            (338)             187
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
Net pension expense                                            $158             $134             $137
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
Assumptions:
  Discount rate                                                8.0%             7.0%             8.0%
  Expected long-term rate of return on assets                  8.0%             7.0%             8.0%
  Estimated rate of increase in compensation
   levels                                                      6.0%             5.0%             6.0%
</TABLE>
 
    The following summarizes  the plan's funded  status and related  assumptions
(in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    --------------------------------
                                                              DECEMBER 31,
                                                               1994             1995
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
<S>                                                 <C>              <C>
Actuarial present value of accumulated benefit
 obligation is as follows:
  Vested                                                     $4,452           $5,308
  Other                                                          66              135
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                             $4,518           $5,443
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
Plan assets at fair value, primarily mutual funds
 and an unallocated insurance contract                       $5,307           $5,680
Projected benefit obligation                                 (5,015)          (5,904)
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
Plan assets in excess of (less than) projected
 benefit obligation                                             292             (224)
Unrecognized net (gain) loss                                   (135)             190
Unrecognized net asset                                         (409)            (355)
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
Pension liability included in consolidated balance
 sheet                                                        $(252)           $(389)
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
Assumptions:
  Discount rate                                                8.0%             7.0%
  Estimated rate of increase in compensation
   levels                                                      6.0%             5.0%
</TABLE>
 
    Effective  December  31,  1995,  the  Company  changed  certain  assumptions
utilized in the actuarially computed costs  and liabilities. The effect of  such
changes  was to increase the present  value of the projected benefit obligations
by approximately $613,000.
 
CAPITAL ACCUMULATION PLAN
 
    Effective October  1,  1994, the  Company  adopted the  Gray  Communications
Systems,  Inc. Capital Accumulation  Plan (the "Capital  Accumulation Plan") for
the purpose of  providing additional retirement  benefits for substantially  all
employees. The Capital Accumulation Plan is intended to meet the requirements of
section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code.
 
                                      F-31
<PAGE>
                       GRAY COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC.
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
G.  RETIREMENT PLANS (CONTINUED)
    Employee contributions to the Capital Accumulation Plan, not to exceed 6% of
the  employees' gross pay,  are matched by  Company contributions. The Company's
percentage match is made by a contribution of the Company's Common Stock, in  an
amount declared by the Company's Board of Directors before the beginning of each
plan  year.  The Company's  percentage match  was  50% for  both the  year ended
December 31, 1995  and the  three months ended  December 31,  1994. The  Company
contributions  vest, based upon each employee's number of years of service, over
a period not to exceed  five years. The Company  has reserved 150,000 shares  of
its Common Stock for issuance under the Capital Accumulation Plan.
 
    Company matching contributions aggregating $32,676 and $298,725 were charged
to expense for 1994 and 1995, respectively, for the issuance of 3,160 and 18,354
shares, respectively of the Company's Common Stock.
 
H. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
    The  Company has various operating lease commitments for equipment, land and
office space which expire through the  year 2027. Future minimum payments  under
operating  leases with initial or remaining non-cancelable lease terms in excess
of one year are not material.
 
    The Company  has  entered  into  commitments  for  various  television  film
exhibition  rights  for  which  the  license  periods  have  not  yet commenced.
Obligations under these commitments are payable in the following years:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                 <C>
1996                                                       $491,360
1997                                                      1,431,983
1998                                                      1,351,273
1999                                                      1,133,860
2000                                                        456,733
                                                    ---------------
                                                         $4,865,209
                                                    ---------------
                                                    ---------------
</TABLE>
 
    The Company is subject  to legal proceedings and  claims which arise in  the
normal  course of  its business.  In the  opinion of  management, the  amount of
ultimate liability, if any,  with respect to these  actions will not  materially
affect the Company's financial position.
 
I.  DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
    On  April 13, 1994, the Company completed the sale of the assets of Gray Air
Service (an operation discontinued in 1993) for approximately $1.2 million,  and
used  the proceeds  to reduce  the Company's  outstanding debt.  During the year
ended December  31,  1993,  the  Company  sold  its  investment  in  undeveloped
farmland, another asset held for sale, for approximately $2.0 million.
 
    On  March  31,  1993,  the  Company  completed  the  sale  of  its warehouse
operations to Gray Distribution Services, Inc., a Georgia corporation, owned  by
a  former  director  and  officer  of  the  Company.  The  net  sales  price  of
approximately $2.9 million was paid in cash at the date of closing. The  Company
recognized  a gain of approximately  $1.5 million, net of  income tax expense of
approximately $932,000, relative to the disposal of the warehouse operations.  A
special  independent committee of the Company's  Board of Directors approved the
terms and conditions of the sale.
 
                                      F-32
<PAGE>
                       GRAY COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC.
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
I.  DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
    The following summarizes information  relative to the discontinued  business
segment for the year ended December 31, 1993 (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                 <C>
Operating revenues                                           $1,695
                                                    ---------------
                                                    ---------------
Operating earnings                                             $100
                                                    ---------------
                                                    ---------------
Net earnings                                                    $48
                                                    ---------------
                                                    ---------------
</TABLE>
 
J.  INFORMATION ON BUSINESS SEGMENTS
    The  Company operates in two business segments: broadcasting and publishing.
A transportation segment was discontinued in 1993 (see Note I). The broadcasting
segment operates five television stations  at December 31, 1995. The  Publishing
segment operates three daily newspapers in three different markets, and six area
weekly  advertising only direct mail publications in southwest Georgia and north
Florida. The following tables  present certain financial information  concerning
the   Company's  two  operating  segments   and  its  discontinued  segment  (in
thousands).
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    -------------------------------------------------
                                                                 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                               1993             1994             1995
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
<S>                                                 <C>              <C>              <C>
OPERATING REVENUE
  Broadcasting                                              $15,004          $22,826          $36,750
  Publishing                                                 10,109           13,692           21,866
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                            $25,113          $36,518          $58,616
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
OPERATING PROFIT (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
  Broadcasting                                               $2,491           $5,241           $7,822
  Publishing                                                  1,040            1,036             (962)
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
Total operating profit from continuing operations             3,531            6,277            6,860
Miscellaneous income and expense, net                           202              188              144
Interest expense                                               (985)          (1,923)          (5,439)
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
Income from continuing operations before income
 taxes                                                       $2,748           $4,542           $1,565
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
</TABLE>
 
    Operating  profit  is  total  operating  revenue  less  operating  expenses,
excluding  miscellaneous  income  and  expense  (net)  and  interest.  Corporate
administrative expenses are allocated to  operating profit based on net  segment
revenues.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    -------------------------------------------------
                                                                 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                               1993             1994             1995
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
<S>                                                 <C>              <C>              <C>
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE
  Broadcasting                                                 $904           $1,326           $2,723
  Publishing                                                    438              690            1,190
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                              1,342            2,016            3,913
  Corporate                                                     223              126               46
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                              1,565            2,142            3,959
  Discontinued operations                                       224              -0-              -0-
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
Total depreciation and amortization expense                  $1,789           $2,142           $3,959
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-33
<PAGE>
                       GRAY COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC.
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
J.  INFORMATION ON BUSINESS SEGMENTS (CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    -------------------------------------------------
                                                                 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                               1993             1994             1995
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
<S>                                                 <C>              <C>              <C>
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
  Broadcasting                                                 $787           $1,330           $2,285
  Publishing                                                    755              366              973
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                              1,542            1,696            3,258
  Corporate                                                     124               72               22
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                              1,666            1,768            3,280
  Discontinued operations                                       916              -0-              -0-
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
Total capital expenditures                                   $2,582           $1,768           $3,280
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    -------------------------------------------------
                                                                      DECEMBER 31,
                                                               1993             1994             1995
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
<S>                                                 <C>              <C>              <C>
IDENTIFIABLE ASSETS
  Broadcasting                                               $9,984          $53,173          $54,022
  Publishing                                                  4,753           11,878           18,170
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                             14,737           65,051           72,192
  Corporate                                                   5,699            3,738            6,048
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                             20,436           68,789           78,240
  Discontinued operations                                       936              -0-              -0-
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
Total identifiable assets                                   $21,372          $68,789          $78,240
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
</TABLE>
 
K. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
    On  May  2,  1996,  the  Company filed  a  Registration  Statement  with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on Form S-1 to register the  sale
of  4,025,000 shares of Class B Common Stock, including an over-allotment option
granted by the  Company to the  underwriters of  such offering. Also  on May  2,
1996,  the Company filed  a Registration Statement  with the SEC  on Form S-1 to
register the sale  of $150,000,000 Senior  Subordinated Notes due  in 2006  (the
"Notes").  On May 13, July 9, and August 9, 1996 the Company filed amendments to
such Registration Statements. The Notes will be jointly and severally guaranteed
(the  "Subsidiary  Guarantees")  by  all  of  the  Company's  subsidiaries  (the
"Subsidiary Guarantors"). The obligations of the Subsidiary Guarantors under the
Subsidiary   Guarantees  will  be  subordinated,  to  the  same  extent  as  the
obligations of the Company in respect of the Notes, to the prior payment in full
of all existing and future senior debt of the Subsidiary Guarantors (which  will
include any guarantee issued by such Subsidiary Guarantors of any senior debt).
 
    The  Company  is a  holding company  with no  material independent  asset or
operations, other  than  its  investment in  its  subsidiaries.  The  Subsidiary
Guarantors are, directly or indirectly, wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company
and the Subsidiary Guarantees will be full, unconditional and joint and several.
All  of the current and  future direct and indirect  subsidiaries of the Company
will be guarantors of the  Notes. Accordingly, separate financial statements  of
each  of  the Subsidiary  Guarantors are  not  presented because  management has
determined that they are not material to investors.
 
                                      F-34
<PAGE>
                         REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
Partners of Television Station Partners, L.P.
 
    We  have audited  the accompanying  balance sheet  of WRDW-TV,  an operating
station of Television Station Partners, L.P.,  as of December 31, 1995, and  the
related  statements of income, partnership's equity, and cash flows for the year
then  ended.  These   financial  statements  are   the  responsibility  of   the
Partnership'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.
 
    In our opinion, the financial  statements referred to above present  fairly,
in  all material  respects, the  financial position  of WRDW-TV  at December 31,
1995, and the results  of its operations  and its cash flows  for the year  then
ended in conformity with the generally accepted accounting principles.
 
                                          ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
January 26, 1996
 
                                      F-35
<PAGE>
                                    WRDW-TV
                             (THE AUGUSTA BUSINESS)
                                 BALANCE SHEETS
                               DECEMBER 31, 1995
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                  <C>
ASSETS
 
Current assets:
  Cash                                                                                                   $333,658
  Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of approximately $117,380                 1,748,208
  Television film exhibition rights                                                                       924,107
  Prepaid and other current assets                                                                         55,342
                                                                                                     ------------
      Total current assets                                                                              3,061,315
Property, buildings and equipment-net (NOTE 3):                                                         1,778,429
Television film exhibition rights                                                                       2,570,850
Intangible assets-net                                                                                   4,128,730
                                                                                                     ------------
      Total                                                                                           $11,539,324
                                                                                                     ------------
                                                                                                     ------------
 
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERSHIP'S EQUITY
 
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable and accrued expenses (NOTE 4)                                                         $233,197
  Obligations for television film exhibition rights                                                       898,251
                                                                                                     ------------
      Total current liabilities                                                                         1,131,448
Obligations for television film exhibition rights                                                       2,680,267
Commitments and contingencies (NOTE 5)
Partnership's equity (NOTES 1 AND 7)                                                                    7,727,609
                                                                                                     ------------
      Total                                                                                           $11,539,324
                                                                                                     ------------
                                                                                                     ------------
</TABLE>
 
SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES.
 
                                      F-36
<PAGE>
                                    WRDW-TV
                             (THE AUGUSTA BUSINESS)
                              STATEMENT OF INCOME
                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                  <C>
REVENUES:
  Broadcasting revenues                                                                               $10,059,555
  Less:
    Advertising agency commissions                                                                      1,171,595
    National sales representative commissions                                                             227,368
                                                                                                     ------------
  Total advertising agency and national sales representative commissions                                1,398,963
                                                                                                     ------------
Net operating revenues                                                                                  8,660,592
                                                                                                     ------------
OPERATING EXPENSES:
  Operating, technical and programming costs                                                            3,142,280
  Selling, general and administrative                                                                   2,631,952
  Depreciation                                                                                            272,298
  Amortization of intangible assets                                                                       151,620
                                                                                                     ------------
Total operating expenses                                                                                6,198,150
                                                                                                     ------------
 
INCOME BEFORE OTHER EXPENSES                                                                            2,462,442
Other-expenses, net                                                                                       220,211
                                                                                                     ------------
Net income                                                                                             $2,242,231
                                                                                                     ------------
                                                                                                     ------------
</TABLE>
 
SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES.
 
                                      F-37
<PAGE>
                                    WRDW-TV
                             (THE AUGUSTA BUSINESS)
                       STATEMENT OF PARTNERSHIP'S EQUITY
                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                  <C>
Balance at December 31, 1994                                                                           $7,410,422
  Net income                                                                                            2,242,231
  Distribution to Television Station Partners, L.P.                                                    (1,925,044)
                                                                                                     ------------
Balance at December 31, 1995                                                                           $7,727,609
                                                                                                     ------------
                                                                                                     ------------
</TABLE>
 
SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES.
 
                                      F-38
<PAGE>
                                    WRDW-TV
                             (THE AUGUSTA BUSINESS)
                            STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                  <C>
CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income                                                                                             $2,242,231
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
    Depreciation and amortization                                                                       1,359,415
    Provision for bad debt (recoveries)                                                                   (14,000)
    Net trade barter revenue                                                                              (59,356)
    Gain on sale of property and equipment                                                                (12,868)
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
    Accounts receivable                                                                                   (60,155)
    Prepaid and other assets                                                                              102,937
    Accounts payable and accrued expenses                                                                (359,296)
    Payments of obligations for television film exhibition rights                                      (1,017,754)
    Other                                                                                                 274,956
                                                                                                     ------------
Net cash provided by operating activities                                                               2,456,110
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment                                                               12,868
Capital expenditures                                                                                     (121,987)
                                                                                                     ------------
Net cash used in investing activities                                                                    (109,119)
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Cash transferred to Partnership                                                                        (2,200,000)
                                                                                                     ------------
Net cash used in financing activities                                                                  (2,200,000)
 
NET INCREASE IN CASH                                                                                      146,991
CASH AT BEGINNING OF YEAR                                                                                 186,667
                                                                                                     ------------
CASH AT END OF YEAR                                                                                      $333,658
                                                                                                     ------------
                                                                                                     ------------
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NONCASH OPERATING, INVESTING AND FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
  Television film exhibition obligations were incurred when the Station entered into contracts for
   film exhibition rights totaling:                                                                      $387,450
                                                                                                     ------------
                                                                                                     ------------
  Property and equipment was acquired in exchange for advertising time totaling:                          $59,356
                                                                                                     ------------
                                                                                                     ------------
</TABLE>
 
SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES.
 
                                      F-39
<PAGE>
                                    WRDW-TV
                             (THE AUGUSTA BUSINESS)
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                               DECEMBER 31, 1995
 
1.  STATION ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
    WRDW-TV  (the "Station") is a commercial television station located in North
Augusta, South  Carolina.  The Station  was  owned and  operated  by  Television
Station  Partners,  L.P. (the  "Partnership") from  July 7,  1989 to  January 4,
1996-See Note 8.  The Partnership is  a Delaware limited  partnership which  was
organized  on May 24, 1989 for the  sole purpose of acquiring, owning, operating
and, at  such  time  as  GP  Station Partners  (the  "general  partner"  of  the
Partnership)  determines is appropriate, reselling or otherwise disposing of its
television stations.
 
    The Station was acquired by the Partnership  on July 7, 1989 pursuant to  an
Exchange  Agreement dated  May 24, 1989  between the  Partnership and Television
Station Partners,  a  New  York  partnership  ("TSP").  The  Exchange  Agreement
provided  for the transfer to the partnership of all of TSP's assets in exchange
for all of the units of partnership interest in the Partnership, followed by the
liquidation and distribution of those units to the partners of TSP. For tax  and
accounting  purposes, the Partnership has been treated as a continuation of TSP.
The Station had been operated by TSP since March 23, 1983.
 
    The financial statements of the Station are prepared on the accrual basis of
accounting,  and  include  only  those  assets,  liabilities,  and  results   of
operations that relate to the business of the Station.
 
    The  preparation  of  financial  statements  in  conformity  with  generally
accepted  accounting  principles  requires  management  to  make  estimates  and
assumptions  that affect  the amounts reported  in the  financial statements and
accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
2.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
TELEVISION FILM EXHIBITION RIGHTS
 
    Television film exhibition rights are recorded at the amount of the  license
fees  payable when purchased and amortized  using the straight-line method based
on the  license  period  or  usage, whichever  yields  the  greater  accumulated
amortization.  Television film exhibition  rights are classified  based upon the
portion of the unamortized balance expected  to be broadcast within the  current
year.
 
PROPERTY, BUILDINGS AND EQUIPMENT
 
    Property,  buildings  and  equipment  is  stated  at  cost  less accumulated
depreciation. Depreciation is provided  principally by the straight-line  method
over  the estimated useful lives of the  assets. Any gains or losses realized on
disposition are reflected  in operations.  Maintenance and repairs,  as well  as
minor  renewals and betterments,  are charged to  operating expenses directly as
incurred.
 
INTANGIBLE ASSETS
 
    Intangible  assets  are  comprised  principally  of  Federal  Communications
Commission  licenses and network affiliation agreements and are amortized on the
straight-line basis, primarily over 40 years. Intangible assets are periodically
evaluated for impairments using a measurement  of fair value, calculated at  the
current  market multiple times  operating income. If  this review indicates that
the intangible assets will not be  recoverable, the Company's carrying value  of
the intangible assets would be reduced to its estimated fair value.
 
                                      F-40
<PAGE>
                                    WRDW-TV
                             (THE AUGUSTA BUSINESS)
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1995
 
2.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
TRADE/BARTER TRANSACTIONS
 
    Trade/barter  transactions  involve  the exchange  of  advertising  time for
products and/or services and are recorded based on the fair market value of  the
products   and/or  services  received.  Revenue  is  recorded  when  advertising
schedules air, and expense is recognized when products and/or services are used.
 
INCOME TAXES
 
    No income tax provision has been included in the financial statements  since
income  or loss of the Station is required to be reported by the partners of the
Partnership on their respective income tax returns.
 
3.  PROPERTY, BUILDINGS, AND EQUIPMENT
    The major classes of property, buildings and equipment at December 31,  1995
are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                               <C>
Land                                                                $190,000
Buildings and tower                                                2,062,613
Automobiles                                                          136,245
Furniture and fixtures                                             5,999,846
Machinery and equipment                                            1,769,175
                                                                  ----------
                                                                  10,157,879
Less accumulated depreciation                                      8,379,450
                                                                  ----------
                                                                  $1,778,429
                                                                  ----------
                                                                  ----------
</TABLE>
 
4.  ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES
    Accounts  payable and accrued  expenses at December 31,  1995 consist of the
following:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                               <C>
Accounts payable                                                     $10,275
Accrued state taxes                                                    9,096
Accrued payroll, commissions, and bonuses                            152,201
Other accrued expenses                                                61,625
                                                                  ----------
                                                                    $233,197
                                                                  ----------
                                                                  ----------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-41
<PAGE>
                                    WRDW-TV
                             (THE AUGUSTA BUSINESS)
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1995
 
5.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
FILM EXHIBITION RIGHTS
 
    The obligations for  television film  exhibition rights are  payable in  the
following years:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31                                               AMOUNT
- ----------------------------------------------------------------  ----------
<S>                                                               <C>
  1996                                                              $898,251
  1997                                                               875,838
  1998                                                               838,254
  1999                                                               672,724
  2000                                                               293,451
                                                                  ----------
                                                                  $3,578,518
                                                                  ----------
                                                                  ----------
</TABLE>
 
LITIGATION
 
    The  Station is subject to  legal proceedings and claims  which arise in the
ordinary course of  its business. In  the opinion of  management, the amount  of
ultimate  liability with respect to these actions will not materially affect the
financial statements of the Station.
 
DEBT
 
    The Partnership had indebtedness outstanding  under an Amended and  Restated
Credit  Agreement (the "Agreement"). The Agreement is secured by a first lien on
substantially all  the assets  of the  Partnership. The  Agreement required  the
Partnership  to enter into one or more binding sales contracts for the assets of
each station, satisfactory to the Banks, on or before June 30, 1995. During  the
latter  part of 1994,  the Partnership contracted the  services of Media Venture
Partners for the  purpose of  marketing the stations.  On January  4, 1996,  the
Partnership sold the assets of the Station. (Note 8).
 
6.  TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES
    The  Partnership pays various operating and non-operation expenses on behalf
of the Station. These expenses have  been allocated for the year ended  December
31,  1995. The Station is allocated a portion of management fees and expenses in
the amount  of approximately  $90,000  to RP  Television for  financial  support
services  such as accounting. Additionally, the Station transfers excess cash to
the Partnership's headquarters. Excess cash  transferred was $2,200,000 for  the
year  ended December 31,  1995. This money  is primarily used  for principal and
interest payments on the Partnership's debt obligations.
 
7.  PENSION PLAN
    Effective January  1,  1993,  the  defined  contribution  pension  plan  was
converted  to  a  401(k)  salaried  deferral  plan,  covering  substantially all
employees, with a Partnership  profit sharing contribution of  3 1/2 percent  of
the   participants'   salary   per  annum.   Annual   contributions  aggregating
approximately $53,803 were made to the Plan during 1995.
 
8.  SUBSEQUENT EVENT
    On January  4, 1996,  the Partnership  sold the  assets of  WRDW-TV to  Gray
Communication  Systems, Inc., for approximately $34 million plus an amount equal
to the excess of the current assets over the current liabilities assumed by  the
buyer, as defined in the Asset Purchase Agreement.
 
                                      F-42
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
 
   
To the Partners of
 Television Station Partners, L.P.:
    
 
    We  have audited  the accompanying balance  sheets of  WRDW-TV (an operating
station of Television Station  Partners, L.P.), (the  "Station") as of  December
31,  1994 and the  related statements of income,  partnership's equity, and cash
flows for the years ended December 31, 1993 and 1994. These financial statements
are the responsibility of the Partnership'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  from
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, such  financial statements present  fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of the Station as of December 31, 1994, and the
results of their operations  and their cash flows  for the years ended  December
31, 1993 and 1994 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
New York, New York
May 12, 1995
 
                                      F-43
<PAGE>
WRDW-TV
(AN OPERATING STATION OF TELEVISION STATION PARTNERS, L.P.)
BALANCE SHEET
DECEMBER 31, 1994
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                         1994
                                                                                                     ------------
 
<S>                                                                                                  <C>
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
 
  Cash                                                                                                   $186,667
  Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of approximately $131,000                 1,674,053
  Television film exhibition rights                                                                       874,495
  Prepaid and other current assets                                                                        158,279
                                                                                                     ------------
      Total current assets                                                                              2,893,494
PROPERTY, BUILDINGS AND EQUIPMENT-Net (NOTE 3):                                                         1,869,384
TELEVISION FILM EXHIBITION RIGHTS                                                                       3,168,509
INTANGIBLE ASSETS-Net                                                                                   4,280,350
                                                                                                     ------------
      TOTAL                                                                                           $12,211,737
                                                                                                     ------------
                                                                                                     ------------
 
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERSHIP'S EQUITY
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
  Accounts payable and accrued expenses (NOTE 4)                                                         $592,493
  Obligations for television film exhibition rights (NOTE 5)                                              908,652
                                                                                                     ------------
      Total current liabilities                                                                         1,501,145
OBLIGATIONS FOR TELEVISION FILM EXHIBITION RIGHTS (NOTE 5)                                              3,300,170
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (NOTE 6)
PARTNERSHIP'S EQUITY (NOTES 1 AND 8)                                                                    7,410,422
                                                                                                     ------------
      Total                                                                                           $12,211,737
                                                                                                     ------------
                                                                                                     ------------
</TABLE>
 
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
 
                                      F-44
<PAGE>
WRDW-TV
(AN OPERATING STATION OF TELEVISION STATION PARTNERS, L.P.)
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993 AND 1994
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          1993          1994
                                                                                      ------------  ------------
<S>                                                                                   <C>           <C>
REVENUES:
  Broadcasting revenues                                                                 $7,933,825    $9,460,307
  Less:
    Advertising agency commissions                                                         943,174     1,158,952
    National sales representative commissions                                              194,516       255,379
                                                                                      ------------  ------------
      Total advertising agency and national sales representative commissions             1,137,690     1,414,331
                                                                                      ------------  ------------
      Net operating revenues                                                             6,796,135     8,045,976
                                                                                      ------------  ------------
 
OPERATING EXPENSES:
  Operating, technical and programming costs                                             2,555,795     2,958,364
  Selling, general and administrative                                                    2,126,770     2,434,477
  Depreciation                                                                             290,730       309,949
  Amortization of intangible assets                                                        151,620       151,620
                                                                                      ------------  ------------
      Total operating expenses                                                           5,124,915     5,854,410
                                                                                      ------------  ------------
INCOME BEFORE OTHER EXPENSES                                                             1,671,220     2,191,566
Other-expenses, net                                                                         77,408        54,570
                                                                                      ------------  ------------
NET INCOME                                                                              $1,593,812    $2,136,996
                                                                                      ------------  ------------
                                                                                      ------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
 
                                      F-45
<PAGE>
WRDW-TV
(AN OPERATING STATION OF TELEVISION STATION PARTNERS, L.P.)
STATEMENTS OF PARTNERSHIP'S EQUITY
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993 AND 1994
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     PARTNERSHIP'S
                                                        EQUITY
                                                    ---------------
<S>                                                 <C>
BALANCE, JANUARY 1, 1993                                 $7,829,582
  Net income                                              1,593,812
  Transfer to Television Station Partners, L.P.          (1,909,588)
                                                    ---------------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1993                                7,513,806
  Net income                                              2,136,996
  Transfer to Television Station Partners, L.P.          (2,240,380)
                                                    ---------------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1994                               $7,410,422
                                                    ---------------
                                                    ---------------
</TABLE>
 
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
 
                                      F-46
<PAGE>
WRDW-TV
(AN OPERATING STATION OF TELEVISION STATION PARTNERS, L.P.)
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993 AND 1994
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          1993          1994
                                                                                      ------------  ------------
<S>                                                                                   <C>           <C>
CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
  Net income                                                                            $1,593,812    $2,136,996
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
    Depreciation and amortization                                                        1,355,485     1,345,658
    Provision for bad debt                                                                  24,800        62,000
    Net trade barter revenue                                                               (15,850)      (30,105)
    Gain on sale of property and equipment                                                  (1,137)         (400)
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
      Accounts receivable                                                                 (413,414)     (173,216)
      Prepaid and other assets                                                             (51,535)      (34,480)
      Accounts payable and accrued expenses                                                155,264         2,443
      Payments of obligations for television film exhibition rights                     (2,645,344)   (3,048,878)
                                                                                      ------------  ------------
      Net cash provided by operating activities                                              2,081       260,018
                                                                                      ------------  ------------
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Proceeds from sale of property and equipment                                               9,470           400
  Capital expenditures                                                                    (230,718)     (176,374)
                                                                                      ------------  ------------
      Net cash used in investing activities                                               (221,248)     (175,974)
                                                                                      ------------  ------------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH                                                           (219,167)       84,044
 
CASH, BEGINNING OF YEAR                                                                    321,790       102,623
                                                                                      ------------  ------------
 
CASH, END OF YEAR                                                                         $102,623      $186,667
                                                                                      ------------  ------------
                                                                                      ------------  ------------
 
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
  Cash transferred to Television Station Partners, L.P.                                 $2,075,000    $2,417,500
                                                                                      ------------  ------------
                                                                                      ------------  ------------
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NONCASH OPERATING, INVESTING AND FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES:
  Television film exhibition obligations of $1,969,210 and 3,112,615 in 1993 and
   1994, respectively, were incurred when the Station entered into contracts for
   film exhibition rights.
  Property and equipment totaling $15,850 and $30,105 was acquired in 1993 and 1994,
   respectively, in exchange for advertising time.
</TABLE>
 
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
 
                                      F-47
<PAGE>
WRDW-TV
(AN OPERATING STATION OF TELEVISION STATION PARTNERS, L.P.)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993 AND 1994
 
1.  STATION ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
    WRDW-TV  (the "Station") is a commercial television station located in North
    Augusta, South Carolina.  The Station  is owned and  operated by  Television
    Station  Partners, L.P.  (the "Partnership") since  July 7, 1989,  as one of
    four  commercial  television   stations  owned  by   the  Partnership.   The
    Partnership is a Delaware limited partnership which was organized on May 24,
    1989  for the sole purpose of acquiring, owning, operating and, at such time
    as GP Station Partners (the "general partner" of the Partnership) determines
    is appropriate, reselling or otherwise disposing of its television stations.
 
    The Station was acquired by the Partnership  on July 7, 1989 pursuant to  an
    Exchange Agreement dated May 24, 1989 between the Partnership and Television
    Station  Partners, a  New York  partnership ("TSP").  The Exchange Agreement
    provided for  the transfer  to the  partnership of  all of  TSP's assets  in
    exchange  for all of  the units of partnership  interest in the Partnership,
    followed by the liquidation and distribution of those units to the  partners
    of TSP. For tax and accounting purposes, the Partnership has been treated as
    a  continuation of TSP. The Station has been operated by TSP since March 23,
    1983.
 
    The financial statements of the Station are prepared on the accrual basis of
    accounting, and  include  only those  assets,  liabilities, and  results  of
    operations that relate to the business of the Station.
 
2.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
    TELEVISION  FILM  EXHIBITION  RIGHTS --  Television  film  exhibition rights
    relating to films which are currently available for telecasting are recorded
    at  the  gross  cost   method  when  purchased   and  amortized  using   the
    straight-line  method  over  the greater  of  the license  period  or usage.
    Television film exhibition rights are  classified based upon the portion  of
    the unamortized balance expected to be broadcast within the current year.
 
    PROPERTY,  BUILDINGS AND EQUIPMENT --  Property, buildings and equipment are
    stated at  cost  less  accumulated depreciation.  Depreciation  is  provided
    principally  by the straight-line method over  the estimated useful lives of
    the assets. Any  gains or losses  realized on disposition  are reflected  in
    operations.   Maintenance  and  repairs,  as  well  as  minor  renewals  and
    betterments, are charged to operating expenses directly as incurred.
 
    INTANGIBLE ASSETS -- Intangible assets are comprised principally of  Federal
    Communications  Commission licenses  and network  affiliation agreements and
    are  amortized  on  the  straight-line  basis,  primarily  over  40   years.
    Intangible  assets  are  periodically  evaluated  for  impairments  using  a
    measurement of fair value, calculated  at the current market multiple  times
    operating  income. The  current market value  multiple used  at December 31,
    1994 was 8.5 times.
 
    TRADE/BARTER TRANSACTIONS -- Trade/barter transactions involve the  exchange
    of  advertising time for products and/or  services and are recorded based on
    the fair market value of the  products and/or services received. Revenue  is
    recorded  when  advertising schedules  air, and  expense is  recognized when
    products and/or services are used.
 
    INCOME TAXES -- No income tax  provision has been included in the  financial
    statements since income or loss of the Station is required to be reported by
    the partners of the Partnership on their respective income tax returns.
 
                                      F-48
<PAGE>
WRDW-TV
(AN OPERATING STATION OF TELEVISION STATION PARTNERS, L.P.)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993 AND 1994
 
3.  PROPERTY, BUILDINGS AND EQUIPMENT
    The major classes of property, buildings and equipment are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                             1994
                                                                                        ---------------
<S>                                                                                     <C>
Land                                                                                           $190,000
Buildings and Tower                                                                           2,043,123
Automobiles                                                                                     153,378
Furniture and fixtures                                                                        5,994,475
Machinery and equipment                                                                       1,637,285
                                                                                        ---------------
                                                                                             10,018,261
Less accumulated depreciation                                                                 8,148,877
                                                                                        ---------------
                                                                                             $1,869,384
                                                                                        ---------------
                                                                                        ---------------
</TABLE>
 
4.  ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES
    Accounts payable and accrued expenses consist of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                             1994
                                                                                        ---------------
<S>                                                                                     <C>
Accounts payable                                                                                $99,042
Accrued state taxes                                                                              25,126
Accrued payroll, commissions, and bonuses                                                       133,473
Other accrued expenses                                                                          334,852
                                                                                        ---------------
                                                                                               $592,493
                                                                                        ---------------
                                                                                        ---------------
</TABLE>
 
5.  OBLIGATIONS FOR TELEVISION FILM EXHIBITION RIGHTS
    Obligation for television film exhibition rights at December 31, 1994 are as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31                                                                       AMOUNT
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------------
<S>                                                                                        <C>
1995                                                                                           $908,652
1996                                                                                            907,886
1997                                                                                            822,655
1998                                                                                            736,849
1999                                                                                            539,332
Thereafter                                                                                      293,448
                                                                                           ------------
                                                                                              4,208,822
Current portion                                                                                 908,652
                                                                                           ------------
Long-term obligations                                                                        $3,300,170
                                                                                           ------------
                                                                                           ------------
</TABLE>
 
6.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
    LITIGATION  -- In March 1990, a suit  was commenced in the Superior Court of
    California, County of Alameda, against the Partnership, GP Station Partners,
    and certain individuals,  in connection  with the July  1989 transaction  in
    which  the  assets  of  TSP  were transferred  to  the  Partnership  and the
    Partnership distributed to the partners a major portion of the proceeds of a
    $72 million borrowing. The plaintiffs in  the suit sought rescission of  the
    asset transfer, the return by the
 
                                      F-49
<PAGE>
WRDW-TV
(AN OPERATING STATION OF TELEVISION STATION PARTNERS, L.P.)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993 AND 1994
 
6.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)
    general  partner  of  all  cash  distributions  made  from  the  $72 million
    borrowing, damages and other relief. The suit was subsequently dismissed  on
    the grounds that the California courts were an inconvenient forum.
 
    On  April  8,  1992,  the  plaintiffs in  the  California  suit  and another
    plaintiff commenced an action  in the United States  District Court for  the
    Southern  District of New York  against GP Station Partners  and each of its
    general partners.  The  action,  which the  plaintiffs  purported  to  bring
    individually  and as representatives of the limited partners, sought damages
    and  other  relief.  The  Partnership  Agreement  contains  exculpation  and
    indemnification  provisions relating  to claims against  GP Station Partners
    and its affiliates. In November 1992 the action was settled and discontinued
    following  the  court's   denial  of  the   plaintiff's  motion  for   class
    certification.  The settlement agreement provided for an exchange of general
    releases and for payment  to the original plaintiffs  of an amount equal  to
    their  share of the  July 1989 distribution to  partners (which the original
    Television Station Partners had  been escrowing pending  the outcome of  the
    litigation),  plus  accrued interest,  and those  plaintiffs also  agreed to
    waive all  rights  to  any  further distribution  and  to  relinquish  their
    interest in the Partnership without further consideration. No amount will be
    payable  to the other  plaintiff in the action.  The agreement also provides
    for payment of $75,000 to  the plaintiffs' counsel as partial  reimbursement
    of  legal fees and expenses  incurred in prosecuting the  action. As part of
    the settlement, the limited partners' original investment of $203,000,  plus
    interest  of approximately $63,000 was paid.  As a result of the litigation,
    the Partnership incurred legal fees of approximately $579,000.
 
    The Station is subject  to legal proceedings and  claims which arise in  the
    ordinary course of its business. In the opinion of management, the amount of
    ultimate  liability with respect to these actions will not materially affect
    the financial statements of the Station.
 
    DEBT -- At December  31, 1994 the Partnership  had $71,900,000 of  principal
    indebtedness outstanding under an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the
    "Agreement").  The Agreement is secured by a first lien on substantially all
    the assets of  the Partnership.  The Agreement requires  the Partnership  to
    enter  into  one or  more binding  sales  contracts for  the assets  of each
    station, satisfactory to the Banks, on  or before June 30, 1995. During  the
    latter  part  of  1994, the  Partnership  contracted the  services  of Media
    Venture Partners  for the  purpose of  marketing the  stations. In  February
    1995, the Partnership signed letters of intent for the sale of the assets of
    each station. (Note 9)
 
7.  TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES
 
    The  Partnership pays various operating and non-operating expenses on behalf
    of the Station. These expenses  totaled approximately $165,000 and  $177,000
    for  the years ended December 31, 1993 and 1994, respectively. Additionally,
    the Station transfers excess cash to the Partnership's headquarters.  Excess
    cash  transferred was $1,909,588 and $2,240,380 for the years ended December
    31, 1993 and 1994, respectively. This money is primarily used for  principal
    and interest payments on the Partnership's debt obligations.
 
                                      F-50
<PAGE>
WRDW-TV
(AN OPERATING STATION OF TELEVISION STATION PARTNERS, L.P.)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993 AND 1994
 
8.  PENSION PLAN
    Effective  January  1,  1993,  the  defined  contribution  pension  plan was
    converted to  a 401(k)  salaried  deferral plan  with a  Partnership  profit
    sharing contribution of 3 1/2 percent of the participants' salary per annum.
    Annual contributions aggregating approximately $40,585 and $57,314 were made
    to the Plan during 1993 and 1994, respectively.
 
9.  SUBSEQUENT EVENT
    On February 10, 1995, the Partnership signed a letter of intent for the sale
    of the assets of WRDW-TV for approximately $34 million, plus an amount equal
    to  the excess of the current assets over the current liabilities assumed by
    the buyer, as defined in the Asset Purchase Agreement, if applicable, to  be
    paid in cash at the closing of the sale.
 
                                      F-51
<PAGE>
                       BROADCASTING AND PAGING OPERATIONS
                                       OF
                              JOHN H. PHIPPS, INC.
                             (THE PHIPPS BUSINESS)
                      CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    --------------------------------
                                                       DECEMBER 31,
                                                               1995    JUNE 30, 1996
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                       ASSETS
<S>                                                 <C>              <C>
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents                                $620,015         $662,576
  Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful
   accounts of $49,000 and $53,500, respectively          5,152,778        5,188,446
  Program broadcast rights, current portion                 919,281          924,281
  Other current assets                                      347,785          337,452
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                          7,039,859        7,112,755
Property and equipment, net                              10,492,583        9,985,084
Goodwill and other intangibles                            9,454,775        9,096,855
Program broadcast rights, less current portion              575,111          111,230
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                         10,029,886        9,208,085
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                        $27,562,328      $26,305,924
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
 
                           LIABILITIES AND OWNER'S EQUITY
 
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable and accrued expenses                    $365,468         $308,308
  Program broadcast obligations, current portion            921,579          458,353
  Deferred paging service income                            833,264          975,000
  Current portion of long-term debt                       1,389,931        1,473,681
  Other current liabilities                                 907,345          995,901
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                          4,417,587        4,211,243
Long-term debt                                            3,419,918        2,560,175
Program broadcast obligations, less current
 portion                                                    345,140          213,906
Minority interest                                           585,768          654,918
Commitments and contingencies
Owner's equity                                           18,793,915       18,665,682
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                        $27,562,328      $26,305,924
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
</TABLE>
 
           See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.
 
                                      F-52
<PAGE>
                       BROADCASTING AND PAGING OPERATIONS
                                       OF
                              JOHN H. PHIPPS, INC.
                             (THE PHIPPS BUSINESS)
                   CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                JUNE 30,
                                                               1995             1996
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
  Revenues:
<S>                                                 <C>              <C>
    Broadcast revenues, net                              $9,977,857      $10,444,960
    Paging operations                                     2,422,911        2,743,524
    Production and other revenues                           796,437          900,731
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                         13,197,205       14,089,215
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
  Expenses:
    Operating, technical and programming                  2,641,775        2,805,292
    Selling, general and administrative                   3,636,715        4,035,891
    Amortization of program broadcast rights                422,408          463,890
    Depreciation and amortization                         1,435,474        1,530,027
    Pension credit (NOTE 2)                                (224,500)        (113,000)
    Management fees                                       1,538,720          734,502
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                          9,450,592        9,456,602
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                          3,746,613        4,632,613
  Interest                                                  222,592          158,491
  Other expense, net                                          4,862            4,744
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
  Income before minority interests                        3,519,159        4,469,378
  Minority interests                                       (256,219)        (296,387)
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
  Net income                                             $3,262,940       $4,172,991
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
  Supplemental pro-forma net income
    Net income, as above                                 $3,262,940       $4,172,991
    Pro-forma provision for income tax expense           (1,239,900)      (1,585,700)
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
  Pro-forma net income                                   $2,023,040       $2,587,291
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
</TABLE>
 
           See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.
 
                                      F-53
<PAGE>
                       BROADCASTING AND PAGING OPERATIONS
                                       OF
                              JOHN H. PHIPPS, INC.
                             (THE PHIPPS BUSINESS)
                 CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                JUNE 30,
                                                               1995             1996
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
<S>                                                 <C>              <C>
Net income                                               $3,262,940       $4,172,991
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
 provided by operating activities:
  Depreciation and amortization                           1,435,474        1,530,027
  Gain (loss) on disposition of fixed assets                 44,011          179,264
  Amortization of program broadcast rights                  422,408          463,890
  Payments of program broadcast rights obligations         (464,553)        (591,960)
  Minority interests                                        256,219          296,387
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
  Accounts receivable                                      (437,692)         (35,668)
  Other current assets                                     (283,242)           2,833
  Accounts payable and accrued expenses                    (183,408)         (57,160)
  Other current liabilities                                 (43,074)          88,556
  Deferred paging income                                    127,078          141,736
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
Net cash provided by operating activities                 4,136,161        6,190,896
Investing activities:
  Purchases of property and equipment                    (1,901,966)      (1,647,485)
  Proceeds from disposition of property and
   equipment                                                530,938          807,978
  Purchase of minority interest                          (1,780,794)              --
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
  Net cash used in investing activities                  (3,151,822)        (839,507)
Financing activities:
  Indebtedness:
    Borrowings                                            1,671,015          386,152
    Repayments                                           (2,538,371)      (1,162,145)
  Distributions to minority interests                      (186,384)        (342,130)
  Other                                                      (1,235)          (4,375)
  Payments to J.H. Phipps, Inc., net                        137,992       (4,186,330)
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
Net cash used in financing activities                      (916,983)      (5,308,828)
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents             67,356           42,561
  Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period           95,210          620,015
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
  Cash and cash equivalents at end of period               $162,566         $662,576
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
</TABLE>
 
           See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.
 
                                      F-54
<PAGE>
           BROADCASTING AND PAGING OPERATIONS OF JOHN H. PHIPPS, INC.
                             (THE PHIPPS BUSINESS)
              NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
 
NOTE 1 -- BASIS OF PRESENTATION
    The  accompanying unaudited  condensed consolidated  financial statements of
the Broadcasting and  Paging Operations  of John  H. Phipps,  Inc. (the  "Phipps
Business")  have been prepared in  accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles for interim financial information  and with the instructions to  Form
10-Q  and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all of
the  information  and  footnotes  required  by  generally  accepted   accounting
principles  for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all
adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a
fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the six month period
ended June 30, 1996, are not necessarily  indicative of the results that may  be
expected  for the year ending December  31, 1996. For further information, refer
to the annual financial statements and footnotes thereto of the Phipps  Business
included herein.
 
NOTE 2 -- EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
 
    Management of J.H. Phipps, Inc. has elected to terminate the defined benefit
pension  plan effective  March 31, 1996  subject to obtaining  approval from the
appropriate regulatory agencies.
 
NOTE 3 -- SALE OF PHIPPS BUSINESS
 
    Pursuant to an agreement dated December 15, 1995 as amended March 15,  1996,
Gray  Communications Systems, Inc. ("Gray") agreed to purchase substantially all
of the  assets  and  assume  certain  liabilities  and  commitments  of  certain
operations owned by J.H. Phipps, Inc. ("Phipps"). The operations include (i) two
CBS  affiliates-a  VHF  television  station  (WCTV-TV  located  in  Tallahassee,
Florida), and 74.5%  interest in a  UHF television station  (WKXT-TV located  in
Knoxville,  Tennessee),  (the  "Broadcast  Operations");  and  (ii)  a  portable
communications and  paging  service  business (the  "Paging  Operations"),  with
operations  in  three  southeastern  states  (collectively  referred  to  as the
"Broadcasting and Paging  Operations"). The  purchase is  subject to  regulatory
approval.
 
    At  June  30, 1996,  a  Phipps subsidiary  held  the 74.5%  interest  in the
partnership that  owns  WKXT-TV  (the "Knoxville  Partnership").  The  Knoxville
Partnership's  remaining 25.5%  interest is owned  by four  limited partners and
their ownership is shown as  "minority interests" in the accompanying  financial
statements.  Gray,  in  separate agreements,  has  also agreed  to  purchase the
limited partners' interests.
 
    Phipps also owns and operates other businesses which are not being purchased
by Gray.  The  condensed  financial  statements  are  intended  to  present  the
Broadcasting  and Paging Operations which are to be acquired by Gray pursuant to
the letter of intent described above and do not include the other operations  of
Phipps.
 
    The condensed financial statements are derived from the historical books and
records  of Phipps and do not give effect to any purchase accounting adjustments
which  Gray  may  record  as  a  result  of  its  acquisition.  Certain  current
liabilities  and long-term debt  on the accompanying balance  sheets will not be
assumed by Gray. Such liabilities will be  retained by Phipps or retired at  the
closing date of the acquisition by Gray.
 
                                      F-55
<PAGE>
                         REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
The Board of Directors
John H. Phipps, Inc.
 
    We  have audited  the accompanying  balance sheets  of the  Broadcasting and
Paging Operations of John H. Phipps, Inc.  (see Note 1) as of December 31,  1994
and 1995 and the related statements of operations and cash flows for each of the
three  years in the  period ended December 31,  1995. These financial statements
are  the  responsibility  of  the  management  of  John  H.  Phipps,  Inc.   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 financial position of the Broadcasting and Paging
Operations of John H. Phipps, Inc. at December 31, 1994 and 1995 and the results
of their operations  and their cash  flows for each  of the three  years in  the
period  ended December 31, 1995 in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
 
                                          ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
Atlanta,Georgia
February 19, 1996
 
                                      F-56
<PAGE>
                       BROADCASTING AND PAGING OPERATIONS
                                       OF
                              JOHN H. PHIPPS, INC.
                             (THE PHIPPS BUSINESS)
                                 BALANCE SHEETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    --------------------------------
                                                              DECEMBER 31,
                                                               1994             1995
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                       ASSETS
<S>                                                 <C>              <C>
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents                                 $95,210         $620,015
  Accounts receivable, less allowance of $49,000
   for each year                                          4,474,754        5,152,778
  Program broadcast rights, current portion                 521,921          919,281
  Other current assets                                      329,343          347,785
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
      Total current assets                                5,421,228        7,039,859
Program broadcast rights, excluding current
 portion                                                    579,561          575,111
Property and equipment, net (NOTE 3)                     10,720,196       10,492,583
Goodwill and other intangibles (NOTE 3)                   8,576,721        9,454,775
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
      Total assets                                      $25,297,706      $27,562,328
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
 
                           LIABILITIES AND OWNER'S EQUITY
 
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable and accrued expenses                    $467,300         $365,468
  Program broadcast obligations, current portion            722,676          921,579
  Deferred paging service income                            579,109          833,264
  Current portion of long-term debt (NOTE 4)              1,206,483        1,389,931
  Other current liabilities                               1,025,042          907,345
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
    Total current liabilities                             4,000,610        4,417,587
Long-term debt, less current portion (NOTE 4)             4,858,433        3,419,918
Program broadcast obligations, less current
 portion                                                    245,421          345,140
Commitment and contingencies (NOTES 9 AND 10)
Minority interests                                          728,293          585,768
Owner's equity                                           15,464,949       18,793,915
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
      Total liabilities and owner's equity              $25,297,706      $27,562,328
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-57
<PAGE>
                       BROADCASTING AND PAGING OPERATIONS
                                       OF
                              JOHN H. PHIPPS, INC.
                             (THE PHIPPS BUSINESS)
                              STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    -------------------------------------------------
                                                                 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                               1993             1994             1995
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
<S>                                                 <C>              <C>              <C>
  Revenues:
    Broadcast revenues, net (NOTE 3)                    $17,963,667      $20,209,523      $20,768,121
    Paging operations                                     3,787,946        4,276,640        4,897,522
    Production and other revenues                         1,496,417        1,314,779        1,655,940
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                         23,248,030       25,800,942       27,321,583
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
  Expenses:
    Operating, technical and programming                  5,221,729        5,306,801        5,449,435
    Selling, general and administrative                   6,919,769        7,056,510        7,693,715
    Amortization of program broadcast rights              1,552,438        1,021,395          844,815
    Depreciation and amortization                         2,835,966        2,672,209        3,120,442
    Pension credit (NOTE 5)                                (431,000)        (409,000)        (449,000)
    Management fees (NOTE 7)                              2,462,195        2,485,423        3,280,354
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                         18,561,097       18,133,338       19,939,761
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                          4,686,933        7,667,604        7,381,822
  Interest                                                  631,333          479,852          498,714
  Other (income) expense, net                               (15,765)        (666,657)         (12,526)
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
  Income before minority interests                        4,071,365        7,854,409        6,895,634
  Minority interests                                       (140,586)        (635,302)        (547,045)
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
  Net income                                             $3,930,779       $7,219,107       $6,348,589
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
  Supplemental unaudited pro-forma information
   (NOTE 6):
    Net income, as above                                 $3,930,779       $7,219,107       $6,348,589
    Pro-forma provision for income tax expense           (1,500,300)      (2,743,300)      (2,412,500)
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
  Pro-forma net income                                   $2,430,479       $4,475,807       $3,936,089
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-58
<PAGE>
                       BROADCASTING AND PAGING OPERATIONS
                                       OF
                              JOHN H. PHIPPS, INC.
                             (THE PHIPPS BUSINESS)
                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    -------------------------------------------------
                                                                 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                               1993             1994             1995
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
<S>                                                 <C>              <C>              <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income                                               $3,930,779       $7,219,107       $6,348,589
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
 provided by operating activities:
  Depreciation and amortization                           2,835,966        2,672,209        3,120,442
  Gain on disposition of fixed assets                       (13,408)        (665,047)          (9,023)
  Amortization of program broadcast rights                1,552,438        1,021,395          844,815
  Payments of program broadcast rights obligations       (1,072,008)        (863,344)        (931,004)
  Minority interests                                        140,586          635,302          547,045
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
  Accounts receivable                                        40,092         (396,373)        (678,024)
  Other current assets                                      (12,091)         (90,846)         (18,442)
  Accounts payable and accrued expenses                    (292,863)        (206,137)        (101,832)
  Other current liabilities                                 219,336          277,681         (117,697)
  Deferred paging income                                     68,136          204,356          254,155
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
  Net cash provided by operating activities               7,396,963        9,808,303        9,259,024
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Purchases of minority interests                               -0-         (818,000)      (1,780,794)
  Purchases of property and equipment                    (3,537,592)      (3,353,068)      (3,187,596)
  Proceeds from disposition of property and
   equipment                                                584,187        1,665,504        1,140,520
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
  Net cash used in investing activities                  (2,953,405)      (2,505,564)      (3,827,870)
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Indebtedness:
  Borrowings                                              6,266,780        5,761,977        3,422,586
  Repayments                                             (7,421,873)      (6,239,305)      (4,677,653)
  Distributions to minority interests                      (495,150)        (539,596)        (505,532)
  Other                                                     134,536         (156,475)        (126,128)
  Payments to J.H. Phipps, Inc., net                     (2,901,945)      (6,060,036)      (3,019,622)
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
  Net cash used in financing activities                  (4,417,652)      (7,233,435)      (4,906,349)
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
  Increase in cash and cash equivalents                      25,906           69,304          524,805
  Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year                -0-           25,906           95,210
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
  Cash and cash equivalents at end of year                  $25,906          $95,210         $620,015
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-59
<PAGE>
           BROADCASTING AND PAGING OPERATIONS OF JOHN H. PHIPPS, INC.
                             (THE PHIPPS BUSINESS)
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                               DECEMBER 31, 1995
 
1.  BASIS OF PRESENTATION
    Pursuant to a letter of intent dated December 15, 1995, Gray  Communications
Systems,  Inc. ("Gray") agreed  to purchase substantially all  of the assets and
assume certain liabilities and commitments  of certain operations owned by  J.H.
Phipps,  Inc. ("Phipps").  The operations include  (i) two  CBS affiliates-a VHF
television station (WCTV-TV located in Tallahassee, Florida), and 74.5% interest
in a  VHF television  station (WKXT-TV  located in  Knoxville, Tennessee),  (the
"Broadcast  Operations"); and (ii) a  portable communications and paging service
business (the "Paging Operations"), with operations in three southeastern states
(collectively referred  to as  the "Broadcasting  and Paging  Operations").  The
purchase is subject to regulatory approval.
 
    At  December 31, 1995,  a Phipps subsidiary  held the 74.5%  interest in the
partnership that  owns  WKXT-TV  (the "Knoxville  Partnership").  The  Knoxville
Partnership's  remaining 25.5%  interest is owned  by four  limited partners and
their ownership is shown as  "minority interests" in the accompanying  financial
statements.  Gray,  in  separate agreements,  has  also agreed  to  purchase the
limited partners' interests. Phipps' ownership of the Knoxville Partnership  has
increased,  from 65.8% during  1993 to the 74.5%  ownership interest at December
31, 1995,  through purchases  of certain  minority interests  for  approximately
$818,000  in 1994  and approximately  $1.78 million  in 1995.  Goodwill recorded
related to these acquisitions of  minority interests was approximately  $200,000
and $1.78 million in 1994 and 1995, respectively.
 
    Phipps also owns and operates other businesses which are not being purchased
by  Gray.  The accompanying  financial statements  are  intended to  present the
Broadcasting and Paging Operations which are to be acquired by Gray pursuant  to
the  letter of intent described above and do not include the other operations of
Phipps.
 
    The accompanying financial statements are derived from the historical  books
and  records  of  Phipps and  do  not  give effect  to  any  purchase accounting
adjustments which  Gray may  record  as a  result  of its  acquisition.  Certain
current  liabilities and long-term debt on  the accompanying balance sheets will
not be assumed by Gray. Such liabilities  will be retained by Phipps or  retired
at the closing date of the acquisition by Gray.
 
2.  ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
USE OF ESTIMATES
 
    The  preparation of  the financial  statements in  conformity with generally
accepted  accounting  principles  requires  management  to  make  estimates  and
assumptions  that affect  the amount  reported in  the financial  statements and
accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
REVENUE RECOGNITION
 
    Broadcasting revenues are  recognized as the  related advertising  broadcast
services  are  rendered. Agency  commissions  are deducted  from  gross revenue,
reflecting the net amount due for  broadcast services. Revenues from paging  and
communications  services  are  recognized over  the  applicable  service period.
Revenues from  mobile  broadcasting contracts  are  recognized as  services  are
provided.
 
CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK
 
    The  Broadcast Operations provide advertising air time to national, regional
and local  advertisers  within  the  geographic areas  in  which  the  Broadcast
Operations  operate. Credit is extended based on an evaluation of the customer's
financial condition, and generally advance  payment is not required. The  Paging
Operations  provide  services to  individuals and  corporate customers  in three
southeastern
 
                                      F-60
<PAGE>
           BROADCASTING AND PAGING OPERATIONS OF JOHN H. PHIPPS, INC.
                             (THE PHIPPS BUSINESS)
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
2.  ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
states. Such services  are generally billed  in advance. Credit  losses for  the
Broadcasting  and Paging Operations are provided for in the financial statements
and consistently have been within management's expectations.
 
BARTER ARRANGEMENTS
 
    The Broadcasting and Paging Operations, in the ordinary course of  business,
provide  services and advertising air time  to certain customers in exchange for
products or services. In addition, the Broadcasting Operations provide air  time
to certain program syndicators in exchange for program licenses or reductions in
program  license  fees. Barter  transactions are  recorded on  the basis  of the
estimated fair market  value of the  products or services  received. Revenue  is
recognized  as the related advertising is  broadcast and expenses are recognized
when the merchandise or services are received or utilized.
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
    Cash and cash equivalents include cash on deposit with banks. Deposits  with
banks  are generally insured in limited  amounts. All liquid investments with an
original maturity of three  months or less when  purchased are considered to  be
cash equivalents.
 
PROGRAM BROADCAST RIGHTS
 
    Rights  to programs  available for broadcast  are initially  recorded at the
amounts of  total license  fees payable  under the  license agreements  and  are
charged to operating expense on the basis of total programs available for use on
the  straight-line method. The portion of the unamortized balance expected to be
charged to operating expense in the  succeeding year is classified as a  current
asset,  with the remainder  classified as a noncurrent  asset. The liability for
program broadcast rights is  classified as current  or long-term, in  accordance
with  the payment terms of the various licenses. The liability is not discounted
for imputation of interest.
 
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
 
    Property and equipment  are stated at  cost, less accumulated  depreciation.
Depreciation  is computed by the straight-line  method over the estimated useful
life of the assets for financial  reporting purposes and by accelerated  methods
for income tax purposes.
 
INTANGIBLE ASSETS
 
    Intangible   assets  are  stated  at  cost   and  are  amortized  using  the
straight-line method.  Goodwill is  amortized over  15 to  40 years.  Intangible
assets  other  than  goodwill,  which  include  broadcasting  licenses,  network
affiliation agreements, and other intangibles carried at an allocated cost based
on appraisals are amortized over 15  years. Loan acquisition fees are  amortized
over the life of the specific agreement.
 
    In  the event  that facts  and circumstances  indicate that  the goodwill or
other intangibles may be  impaired, an evaluation of  continuing value would  be
performed.  If an evaluation is required, the estimated future undiscounted cash
flows associated with  this asset would  be compared to  its carrying amount  to
determine  if a write down to fair market value or discounted cash flow value is
required.
 
INTEREST SWAP
 
    The Knoxville Partnership had an interest rate swap agreement to modify  the
interest  characteristics  of a  portion of  its outstanding  debt (see  Note 4.
INDEBTEDNESS). The agreement, which expired  during 1995, involved the  exchange
of amounts based on a fixed interest rate for amounts based on variable interest
rates  over the life of the agreement without an exchange of the notional amount
upon
 
                                      F-61
<PAGE>
           BROADCASTING AND PAGING OPERATIONS OF JOHN H. PHIPPS, INC.
                             (THE PHIPPS BUSINESS)
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
2.  ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
which the  payments  are based.  The  differential to  be  paid or  received  as
interest  rates changed was accrued and  recognized as an adjustment of interest
expense related to the  debt (the accrual  accounting method). Interest  expense
(income) adjustments resulting from the interest rate swap were $44,385 in 1993,
$(986) in 1994 and $(2,805) in 1995.
 
STOCK BASED COMPENSATION
 
    Phipps accounted for its stock Appreciation Rights Plan (see Note 7. PHIPPS'
CORPORATE  ALLOCATIONS) in  accordance with  APB Opinion  No 25,  Accounting for
Stock Issued to Employees and related interpretations.
 
INCOME TAXES
 
    Phipps and its subsidiaries  file a consolidated  federal income tax  return
and  separate  state  tax  returns.  The  operating  results  of  the  Knoxville
Partnership are included  in the  income tax returns  of Phipps  based on  their
percentage  ownership. All states where the  Broadcast and Paging Operations are
located have taxes based on income. Income tax expense for the Broadcasting  and
Paging  Operations are not presented in the accompanying financial statements as
such amounts are computed and paid by Phipps. Pro-forma federal and state income
taxes for the  Broadcast and Paging  Operations are calculated  on a  pro-forma,
separate return basis (see Note 6. PRO-FORMA INCOME TAXES).
 
FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
    Phipps  has adopted FASB Statement No.  107, "Disclosure about Fair Value of
Financial Instruments", which requires disclosure  of fair value, to the  extent
practical,  of certain of Phipps' financial  instruments. The fair value amounts
do not necessarily  represent the amount  that could  be realized in  a sale  or
settlement.  Phipps'  financial  instruments  are  comprised  principally  of an
interest rate swap and long-term debt.
 
    The estimated  fair  value of  long-term  bank  debt at  December  31,  1995
approximates  book value  since, in  management's opinion,  such obligations are
subject to fluctuating market rates of interest and can be settled at their face
amounts. The Company does not anticipate  settlement of long-term debt at  other
than book value and currently intends to hold such financial instruments through
maturity.
 
    The  fair value of other financial  instruments classified as current assets
or  liabilities  approximate  their  carrying  values  due  to  the   short-term
maturities of these instruments.
 
IMPACT OF RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
 
    In  March  1995, the  FASB  issued Statement  No.  121, "Accounting  for the
Impairment of Long-Lived  Assets and for  Long-Lived Assets to  Be Disposed  Of"
("Statement 121"), which requires impairment losses to be recorded on long-lived
assets  used in  operations when indicators  of impairments are  present and the
undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less  than
the  asset's carrying  amount. Statement 121  also addresses  the accounting for
long-lived assets that are expected to  be disposed of. Phipps does not  believe
that  the  adoption of  Statement 121  will  have a  material impact  on Phipps'
financial position.
 
                                      F-62
<PAGE>
           BROADCASTING AND PAGING OPERATIONS OF JOHN H. PHIPPS, INC.
                             (THE PHIPPS BUSINESS)
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
3.  SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION
    Major classifications of property and  equipment and their estimated  useful
lives are summarized as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    -------------------------------------------------
                                                          ESTIMATED
                                                       USEFUL LIVES            DECEMBER 31,
CLASSIFICATION                                              (YEARS)             1994             1995
- --------------------------------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
<S>                                                 <C>              <C>              <C>
Land                                                                            $593             $593
Buildings and improvements                                       40            2,630            3,104
Broadcasting equipment and furniture                           5-20           15,440           14,567
Communications and paging equipment                             5-7            4,561            4,739
                                                                     ---------------  ---------------
                                                                              23,224           23,003
Less accumulated depreciation                                                (12,504)         (12,510)
                                                                     ---------------  ---------------
                                                                             $10,720          $10,493
                                                                     ---------------  ---------------
                                                                     ---------------  ---------------
</TABLE>
 
    The composition of intangible assets was as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    --------------------------------
                                                              DECEMBER 31,
                                                               1994             1995
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
<S>                                                 <C>              <C>
Goodwill                                                     $3,050           $4,663
Broadcast licenses and network affiliation
 agreements                                                   6,162            6,162
Other                                                           812              812
Accumulated amortization                                     (1,447)          (2,182)
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                             $8,577           $9,455
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
</TABLE>
 
    The composition of other current liabilities is as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    --------------------------------
                                                              DECEMBER 31,
                                                               1994             1995
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
<S>                                                 <C>              <C>
Customer deposits                                               $63              $85
Accrued bonuses                                                 163              265
Other compensation related accruals                             404              439
Other                                                           395              118
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                             $1,025             $907
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
</TABLE>
 
    The  Broadcast Operations' revenues are  presented net of agency commissions
as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    -------------------------------------------------
                                                                 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                               1993             1994             1995
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
<S>                                                 <C>              <C>              <C>
Broadcast revenues, gross                                   $20,523          $23,131          $23,767
Agency commissions                                           (2,559)          (2,921)          (2,999)
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
Broadcast revenues, net                                     $17,964          $20,210          $20,768
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-63
<PAGE>
           BROADCASTING AND PAGING OPERATIONS OF JOHN H. PHIPPS, INC.
                             (THE PHIPPS BUSINESS)
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
3.  SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION (CONTINUED)
    Components of "Other (income) expense, net" are as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    -------------------------------------------------
                                                                 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                               1993             1994             1995
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
<S>                                                 <C>              <C>              <C>
Interest income                                                 $(2)             $(2)             $(4)
Gain on sale of assets                                          (14)            (665)              (9)
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                               $(16)           $(667)            $(13)
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
</TABLE>
 
4.  INDEBTEDNESS
    A summary of indebtedness is as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    --------------------------------
                                                              DECEMBER 31,
                                                               1994             1995
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
<S>                                                 <C>              <C>
Bank Credit Agreement:
  Revolving credit loan                                        $302             $498
  Term loan                                                   4,500            3,202
Partnership Note Payable                                        744              725
PortaPhone Acquisition Debt                                     518              385
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                              6,064            4,810
Less current portion                                         (1,206)          (1,390)
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                             $4,858           $3,420
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                    ---------------  ---------------
</TABLE>
 
BANK CREDIT AGREEMENT
 
    The Knoxville  Partnership has  a bank  credit agreement  (the "Bank  Credit
Agreement") which provides a term loan and a revolving credit facility. The loan
has  provisions which, among other things, requires that the loan be redeemed in
the event of a change in control.
 
    Under the terms of the Bank Credit Agreement, the Knoxville Partnership may,
at its option,  have a  Base Rate Advance  or LIBOR  (London Interbank  Official
Rate)  Advance, as specified by  the bank in the  notice of borrowing. Base Rate
Advances and LIBOR Advances may be outstanding  at the same time with Base  Rate
Advances  bearing interest at the bank's index rate (8.5% at December 31, 1995),
plus .25% or .50% as applicable based on the Partnership's leverage ratio. LIBOR
Advances bear interest at the LIBOR (5.88% at December 31, 1995), plus 1.25%  or
1.5%  as applicable  based on the  Knoxville Partnership's  leverage ratio. Base
Rate Advances and LIBOR Advances totaled  $0 and $3.7 million, respectively,  at
December 31, 1995.
 
    The  Bank Credit Agreement  contains numerous financial  covenants and other
affirmative covenants  with  regard to  payment  of distributions  to  partners,
operating  and capitalized leases, and acquisition of property. The advances are
guaranteed by  Phipps  and collateralized  by  substantially all  the  Knoxville
Partnership's  assets. In connection  with the Phipps  guarantee, Phipps charged
the Knoxville Partnership guaranty fees,  classified as interest expense in  the
accompanying  financial statements, of approximately $55,000 in 1993, $54,000 in
1994 and $42,000 in 1995.
 
PARTNERSHIP NOTE PAYABLE
 
    On  September  30,  1994,  Phipps  acquired  approximately  4.2%  additional
ownership  interest in  the Knoxville  Partnership from  a limited  partner. The
total amount to be paid to the former limited partner by the remaining  partners
is  $2 million and is payable  over 20 years at $100,000  a year. The payment of
this amount is  guaranteed by the  Knoxville Partnership. The  first payment  of
$100,000
 
                                      F-64
<PAGE>
           BROADCASTING AND PAGING OPERATIONS OF JOHN H. PHIPPS, INC.
                             (THE PHIPPS BUSINESS)
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
4.  INDEBTEDNESS (CONTINUED)
was  made at the time  the assignment was executed.  Subsequent payments are due
annually at  September 30.  The present  value of  the total  purchase price  at
September  30,  1994  was  $1,098,841  based  on  an  interest  factor  of 7.46%
compounded annually. Phipps Tennessee has recorded a liability of  approximately
$725,000 at December 31, 1995 for its portion of the outstanding balance.
 
PORTAPHONE ACQUISITION DEBT
 
    In  connection with a 1988 asset  acquisition, PortaPhone is required to pay
the seller a consulting fee of $15,000 monthly for ten years. The liability  for
the  monthly payments required  under the agreement is  recorded at a discounted
present value in the accompanying financial statements.
 
    Future scheduled reductions of principal for indebtedness are as follows (in
thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                 <C>
Year Ended December 31
  1996                                              $         1,390
  1997                                                        1,155
  1998                                                        1,557
  1999                                                           81
  2000 and thereafter                                           627
                                                            -------
                                                    $         4,810
                                                            -------
                                                            -------
</TABLE>
 
    Cash payments of net interest  expense were approximately $339,000 in  1993,
$449,000 in 1994 and $564,000 in 1995.
 
5.  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
 
DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION PLAN
 
    Phipps  has a defined benefit pension plan that covers substantially all its
full-time employees. Benefits are based on years of service and each  employee's
compensation during the last ten years of employment (average final pay) up to a
maximum of 50% of average final pay.
 
    Benefits  become vested upon completion of five years of service. No vesting
occurs until the employee has completed  five years of service. Phipps'  funding
policy is to make the maximum contribution allowable by applicable regulations.
 
    Total  pension  credit  for  the  Broadcasting  and  Paging  Operations  was
($431,000), ($409,000) and ($449,000) for 1993, 1994 and 1995, respectively.
 
                                      F-65
<PAGE>
           BROADCASTING AND PAGING OPERATIONS OF JOHN H. PHIPPS, INC.
                             (THE PHIPPS BUSINESS)
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
5.  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (CONTINUED)
    The following summarizes information for all Phipps operations including the
plan's funded status as of the plan's September 30 year end and assumptions used
to develop the net periodic pension expense credit (in thousands).
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    -------------------------------
                                                             DECEMBER 31,
                                                         1993       1994       1995
                                                    ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                 <C>        <C>        <C>
Actuarial present value of accumulated benefit
 obligation is as follows:
  Vested                                               $3,691     $3,451     $4,348
  Other                                                   382        284        358
                                                    ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                       $4,073     $3,735     $4,706
                                                    ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                    ---------  ---------  ---------
Plan assets at fair value, primarily common stocks
 and bonds                                             $9,582     $9,367    $10,206
Projected benefit obligation                           (4,993)    (4,419)    (5,568)
                                                    ---------  ---------  ---------
Plan assets in excess of projected benefit
 obligation                                             4,589      4,948      4,638
Unrecognized net loss                                     804        688      1,288
Unrecognized net asset                                 (3,394)    (3,149)    (2,904)
                                                    ---------  ---------  ---------
Pension asset                                          $1,999     $2,487     $3,022
                                                    ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                    ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    The net pension credit included in the accompanying financial statements  is
calculated as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    -------------------------------
                                                        YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                         1993       1994       1995
                                                    ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                 <C>        <C>        <C>
Service costs-benefits earned during the year            $168       $207       $144
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation             280        306        303
Actual return on plan assets                             (670)      (713)      (687)
Net amortization and deferral                            (209)      (209)      (209)
                                                    ---------  ---------  ---------
Net pension credit                                      $(431)     $(409)     $(449)
                                                    ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                    ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    The  assumptions used to develop the  plan's funded status and expenses were
as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                              <C>        <C>        <C>
Assumptions:
  Discount rate                                        7.5%       8.5%       7.5%
  Expected long-term rate of return on assets          9.0%       9.0%       9.0%
  Estimated rate of increase in compensation
   levels                                              4.5%       4.5%       4.5%
</TABLE>
 
401(K) PLAN
 
    The Company also sponsors two  401(k) plans which provide for  discretionary
employer   contributions  equal  to  25%  of  the  first  4%  of  an  employee's
contribution. Contributions by Phipps to the plans are not material.
 
MANAGEMENT INCENTIVE BONUS PLAN
 
    Phipps maintains an incentive  bonus plan in  which managers participate  in
the  performance of the division of Phipps which they manage. Eligible employees
are selected by the Board of Directors,
 
                                      F-66
<PAGE>
           BROADCASTING AND PAGING OPERATIONS OF JOHN H. PHIPPS, INC.
                             (THE PHIPPS BUSINESS)
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
5.  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (CONTINUED)
and the  bonus formula  is established  and reviewed  annually by  the Board  of
Directors  and key  members of  management. Bonuses  are calculated  in the year
following the year  earned, at which  time one-half of  the calculated bonus  is
paid  as  compensation. The  remaining  portion is  deferred  and earned  by the
employee over  five years  based on  a vesting  schedule adopted  by the  Board.
Employees  become  eligible to  receive payment  of  deferred amounts  upon full
vesting. Deferred  amounts are  recognized as  an expense  in the  year  earned.
Expenses  under this plan were approximately  $128,000 in 1993, $170,000 in 1994
and $233,000 in 1995.
 
    Cumulative amounts vested for the  Broadcasting and Paging Operations  since
the  inception of the plan in 1990, total approximately $303,000 at December 31,
1995 and  are included  as a  current liability  in the  accompanying  financial
statements.
 
6.  PRO-FORMA INCOME TAXES
    Pro-forma  income tax expense differed from the amounts computed by applying
the statutory federal income tax  rate of 34% as a  result of the following  (in
thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    -------------------------------
                                                        YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                         1993       1994       1995
                                                    ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                 <C>        <C>        <C>
Computed "expected" tax rate                        $   1,342  $   2,454  $   2,159
Increase resulting from:
  State income taxes                                      158        289        253
                                                    ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                    $   1,500  $   2,743  $   2,412
                                                    ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                    ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
7.  PHIPPS' CORPORATE ALLOCATIONS
    Interest  expense incurred  by Phipps is  allocated to  the Broadcasting and
Paging Operations based on specific borrowings. Such allocated interest  expense
totaled  approximately $134,700  in 1993, $44,000  in 1994 and  $64,500 in 1995.
Pension expense (credit)  is allocated  based on an  actuarial calculation  (see
Note 5. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS PLANS)
 
    The corporate operations and employees of Phipps provide certain services to
the  Broadcasting  and Paging  Operations  including executive  management, cash
management, accounting, tax and other corporate services which are allocated  to
the operating units of Phipps. Corporate expenses of Phipps, including corporate
officers  salaries and related employee  benefits (see Stock Appreciation Rights
and Performance Incentive  Agreement below), travel  costs, and related  support
staff  and  operations, are  allocated  to the  operating  units of  Phipps. The
Broadcasting and  Paging Operations  were  charged $2,462,195,  $2,485,423,  and
$3,280,354  for these services during 1993,  1994 and 1995, respectively. In the
opinion of Phipps management, these charges have  been made on a basis which  is
reasonable,  however,  they  are  not necessarily  indicative  of  the  level of
expenses  which  might  have  been  incurred  by  the  Broadcasting  and  Paging
Operations on a stand-alone basis.
 
    Phipps  maintains a Stock Appreciation Rights Plan and Performance Incentive
Agreement for  certain  key  corporate  officers  identified  by  the  Board  of
Directors.   The  expenses  incurred  for  these  plans  are  allocated  to  the
Broadcasting and Paging Operations as part of the management fee allocation  for
Phipps' corporate expenses as discussed above. All amounts due under these plans
were  paid in  December 1995. Compensation  expense recorded for  these plans in
1993, 1994 and  1995 was  approximately $2,828,000,  $2,458,000 and  $2,861,000,
respectively.
 
                                      F-67
<PAGE>
           BROADCASTING AND PAGING OPERATIONS OF JOHN H. PHIPPS, INC.
                             (THE PHIPPS BUSINESS)
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
8.  SUMMARY ACTIVITY IN OWNER'S EQUITY
    Phipps  provides centralized cash management for the Broadcasting and Paging
Operations.  Substantially  all  cash  receipts  are  remitted  to  Phipps   and
substantially  all  disbursements are  made  by Phipps.  There  are no  terms of
settlement for interest charges on these intercompany accounts. The amounts  due
to/from  Phipps are included as a part of owner's equity as the Broadcasting and
Paging operations are not required to settle these amounts on a current basis.
 
    An analysis of the net transactions in the owner's equity accounts for  each
of the three years in the period ended December 31 is as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    -------------------------------------------------
                                                               1993             1994             1995
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
<S>                                                 <C>              <C>              <C>
Balance of the beginning of year                            $13,276          $14,306          $15,465
  Payments to Phipps                                         (5,067)          (8,181)          (7,696)
  Phipps' purchase of minority interests                        -0-              -0-            1,781
  Phipps allocations                                          2,166            2,121            2,895
  Net earnings                                                3,931            7,219            6,349
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
Balance at the end of year                                  $14,306          $15,465          $18,794
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                    ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
</TABLE>
 
9.  LITIGATION
    At  December 31, 1995,  the Broadcast and Paging  Operations are involved in
various lawsuits  arising  in the  normal  course of  their  business.  However,
management  believes that any potential losses that may occur from such lawsuits
would be covered by insurance and the  final outcome of these lawsuits will  not
have a material effect to the accompanying combined financial statements.
 
10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
    Program   rights  payable  for  films   and  syndicated  series,  which  are
noninterest bearing, are due as follows at December 31, 1995 (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                 <C>
1996                                                     $922
1997                                                      171
1998 and later                                            174
                                                    ---------
                                                       $1,267
                                                    ---------
                                                    ---------
</TABLE>
 
    Payments related  to commitments  for films  and syndicated  series,  rights
which  are  not yet  available for  broadcast at  December 31,  1995 are  due as
follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                               <C>
1996                                                    $106
1997                                                     631
1998                                                     515
1999                                                     440
2000                                                     283
                                                  ----------
                                                      $1,975
                                                  ----------
                                                  ----------
</TABLE>
 
    The Paging  Operations  lease  office space,  office  equipment  and  paging
network towers. The Broadcasting Operations lease land and broadcast towers. The
operating  leases  with  unaffiliated  entities  have  various  renewal options.
Certain  of   the   towers   used   in  the   Paging   Operations   are   leased
 
                                      F-68
<PAGE>
           BROADCASTING AND PAGING OPERATIONS OF JOHN H. PHIPPS, INC.
                             (THE PHIPPS BUSINESS)
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)
from  Phipps. Written contracts do not exist  for such leases but management has
established that the leases are for five  years and are renewable at the end  of
five years. Rental expense for operating leases was as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          ----------------------------------
                                                           OTHER
                                              PHIPPS     LESSORS       TOTAL
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                       <C>         <C>         <C>
Year Ended December 31
  1993                                           $58        $384        $442
  1994                                            64         316         380
  1995                                            83         385         468
</TABLE>
 
    The  minimum  aggregate  rentals under  noncancelable  operating  leases are
payable the lessors as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          ----------------------------------
                                                           OTHER
                                              PHIPPS     LESSORS       TOTAL
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                       <C>         <C>         <C>
Year Ended December 31
  1996                                          $118        $329        $447
  1997                                           122         240         362
  1998                                           125         190         315
  1999                                           129          61         190
  2000 and thereafter                            133          59         192
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                $627        $879      $1,506
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-69
<PAGE>
           BROADCASTING AND PAGING OPERATIONS OF JOHN H. PHIPPS, INC.
                             (THE PHIPPS BUSINESS)
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
11. INFORMATION ON BUSINESS SEGMENTS (IN THOUSANDS):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          ----------------------------------
                                               YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                1993        1994        1995
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                       <C>         <C>         <C>
REVENUES
  Broadcasting Operations                    $19,460     $21,524     $22,424
  Paging Operations                            3,788       4,277       4,898
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
Total revenues                               $23,248     $25,801     $27,322
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
OPERATING PROFIT:
  Broadcasting Operations                     $4,631      $7,287      $7,040
  Paging Operations                               56         381         342
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
Total operating profit                        $4,687      $7,668      $7,382
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE:
  Broadcasting Operations                     $2,089      $2,015      $2,302
  Paging Operations                              747         657         818
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
Total depreciation and amortization
 expense                                      $2,836      $2,672      $3,120
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES:
  Broadcasting Operations                     $2,429      $1,515      $1,216
  Paging Operations                            1,109       1,838       1,972
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
Total capital expenditures                    $3,538      $3,353      $3,188
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
IDENTIFIABLE ASSETS (AT END OF YEAR):
  Broadcasting Operations                    $21,003     $21,059     $23,036
  Paging Operations                            3,816       4,239       4,526
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
Total identifiable assets                    $24,819     $25,298     $27,562
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
    Operating profit  is  total  operating  revenue  less  expenses  and  before
miscellaneous income and expense (net), interest expense and minority interests.
 
                                      F-70
<PAGE>
- -------------------------------------------
                                     -------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------
                                     -------------------------------------------
 
    NO  DEALER, SALESPERSON OR ANY OTHER PERSON  HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR  TO MAKE  ANY REPRESENTATIONS  IN CONNECTION  WITH THIS  OFFERING
OTHER  THAN  THOSE CONTAINED  IN THIS  PROSPECTUS  AND, IF  GIVEN OR  MADE, SUCH
INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED
BY THE  COMPANY,  ANY OF  THE  UNDERWRITERS OR  ANY  OTHER PERSON.  NEITHER  THE
DELIVERY  OF  THIS  PROSPECTUS NOR  ANY  SALES  MADE HEREUNDER  SHALL  UNDER ANY
CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT  THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN  IS
CORRECT  AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO  THE DATE HEREOF. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT
CONSTITUTE AN  OFFER  TO  SELL, OR  A  SOLICITATION  OF AN  OFFER  TO  BUY,  ANY
SECURITIES  OTHER THAN THE  SHARES OF CLASS  B COMMON STOCK  OFFERED HEREBY, NOR
DOES IT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR  A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY,  ANY
SHARES  OF CLASS B COMMON STOCK OFFERED HEREBY TO ANY PERSON IN ANY JURISDICTION
IN WHICH  IT  IS  UNLAWFUL  TO  MAKE  SUCH  AN  OFFER  OR  SOLICITATION  IN  ANY
CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS UNLAWFUL.
 
                            ------------------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            Page
                                            -----
<S>                                      <C>
Prospectus Summary.....................           3
Risk Factors...........................          14
The Phipps Acquisition, the KTVE Sale
 and the Financing.....................          21
Price Range of Class A Common Stock and
 Dividend Policy.......................          24
Capitalization.........................          25
Pro Forma Financial Data...............          26
Selected Historical Financial Data.....          38
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
 Financial Condition and Results of
 Operations............................          42
Business...............................          56
Management.............................          85
Security Ownership of Certain
 Beneficial Owners and Management......          94
Certain Relationships and Related
 Transactions..........................          95
Description of Certain Indebtedness....          96
Description of the Notes...............          97
Description of Capital Stock...........          98
Shares Eligible for Future Sale........         100
Underwriting...........................         101
Legal Matters..........................         102
Experts................................         102
Available Information..................         102
Index to Financial Statements..........         F-1
</TABLE>
    
 
                                3,500,000 Shares
 
                                      GRAY
                          COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC.
 
                              CLASS B COMMON STOCK
 
                             ---------------------
 
                                   PROSPECTUS
 
                             ---------------------
 
                                ALLEN & COMPANY
                                  INCORPORATED
 
                              J.C. BRADFORD & CO.
 
                               J.P. MORGAN & CO.
 
                                          , 1996
 
- -------------------------------------------
                                     -------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------
                                     -------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
                                    PART II
                   INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN THE PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 13  OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION
 
    The  following table sets forth the estimated expenses and costs (other than
underwriting discounts and commissions) expected  to be incurred by the  Company
in  connection with the issuance  and distribution of the  Class B Common Stock.
Except for the SEC and  NASD filing fees, all  expenses have been estimated  and
are subject to future contingencies.
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                               <C>
SEC registration fee                                                 $26,371
NASD fee                                                               8,148
NYSE listing fee                                                      44,388
Legal fees and expenses                                              265,000
Printing and engraving expenses                                      261,000
Accounting fees and expenses                                         125,000
Blue sky fees and expenses                                            15,000
Transfer agent and registrar fees and expenses                         2,000
Miscellaneous                                                          3,093
                                                                  ----------
    Total                                                           $750,000
                                                                  ----------
                                                                  ----------
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
ITEM 14  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
 
    The  Business Corporation Code  of the State  of Georgia grants corporations
incorporated thereunder  (such  as  the  Company) the  power  to  indemnify  its
officers and directors against liability for certain of their acts.
 
    The Company's Articles of Incorporation eliminate the liability of directors
to  stockholders  or  the  Company  for  monetary  damages  arising  out  of the
directors' breach of their  fiduciary duty of care.  The By-laws of the  Company
authorize  indemnification of its  directors, officers, incorporators, employees
and agents  with respect  to certain  costs, expenses  and amounts  incurred  in
connection  with an action, suit  or proceeding by reason  of the fact that such
person was serving as  a director, officer, incorporator,  employee or agent  of
the Company.
 
    The  Underwriting Agreement provides  for reciprocal indemnification between
the Company and its controlling persons,  on the one hand, and the  Underwriters
and their controlling persons, on the other hand, against certain liabilities in
connection with this offering, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
 
ITEM 15  RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES
 
    On  January 3, 1996, Bull Run purchased for $10 million from the Company (i)
an 8% subordinated note in  the principal amount of  $10 million due in  January
2005  and (ii) warrants  to purchase 487,500  shares of Class  A Common Stock at
$17.88 per share. On  September 2, 1994, the  Company sold to one  institutional
investor  for $25 million  its note in  the principal amount  of $25 million due
2003. The Company believes that the foregoing transactions were exempt from  the
registration  provisions of the Securities Act  of 1933 pursuant to Section 4(2)
of such Act.
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>
ITEM 16  EXHIBITS
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>        <C>
1***       Form of Underwriting Agreement.
3.1        Articles of Incorporation of Gray Communications Systems, Inc., as amended
            (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3 to the Company's Form 10 dated October 7,
            1991, as amended on January 29, 1992 and March 2, 1992, and Exhibit 3(i) to the
            Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1993).
3.2***     Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of Gray Communications
            Systems, Inc. relating to the Class A Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock
            and the Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock.
3.4        By-Laws of Gray Communications Systems, Inc., as amended (incorporated by
            reference to Exhibit 3(i) to the Company's Form 10 dated October 7, 1991, as
            amended on January 29, 1992 and March 2, 1992, Exhibit 3(i) to the Company's 10-K
            for the period ended June 30, 1993 and Exhibit 3(d) of the Company's 10-K for the
            transition period from July 1, 1993 to December 31, 1993).
3.5        Amendment to the By-Laws of Gray Communications Systems, Inc., dated September 3,
            1996 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2.1 to the Company's Registration
            Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-4338)).
5***       Opinion of Heyman & Sizemore re: validity of securities
10.1       Supplemental pension plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(a) to the
            Company's Form 10 filed October 7, 1991, as amended January 29, 1992 and March 2,
            1992).
10.2       Employment Agreement, between the Company and John T. Williams (incorporated by
            reference to Exhibit 19 to the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March
            31, 1992).
10.3       Amendment to employment agreement, between the Company and John T. Williams
            (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 19(b) to the Company's Form 10-Q for the
            quarter ended March 31, 1992).
10.4       Restricted stock agreement between the Company and John T. Williams (incorporated
            by reference to Exhibit 19(c) to the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
            March 31, 1992).
10.5       Long Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(e) to the
            Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1993).
10.6       Asset Purchase Agreement between the Company and The Citizen Publishing Company,
            Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 to the Company's Form 8-K, dated
            May 31, 1994).
10.7       Asset Purchase Agreement between the Company and Kentucky Central Television, Inc.
            (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 to the Company's Form 8-K, dated
            September 2, 1994).
10.8       Asset Purchase Agreement, dated January 6, 1995, between the Company and Still
            Publishing, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(h) to the Company's
            Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994 (the "1994 Form 10-K")).
10.9       Asset Purchase Agreement, dated March 23, 1995, between the Company, Television
            Station Partners, L.P. and WRDW Associates (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
            10(i) to the 1994 Form 10-K).
10.10      Capital Accumulation Plan, effective October 1, 1994 (incorporated by reference to
            Exhibit 10(i) to the 1994 Form 10-K).
10.11      Employment Agreement, dated September 3, 1994, between the Company and Ralph W.
            Gabbard (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(j) to the 1994 Form 10-K).
10.12      Asset Purchase Agreement, dated March 15, 1996, by and between the Company and
            Media Acquisition Partners, L.P. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(l) to
            the 1995 Form 10-K).
10.13***   Warrant, dated January 4, 1996, to purchase 487,500 shares of Class A Common
            Stock.
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S>        <C>
10.14      Form of amendment to employment agreement between the Company and Ralph W.
            Gabbard, dated January 1, 1996 (incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 10(m)
            1995 Form 10-K).
10.15      Indenture for the Notes (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's
            Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-4338)).
10.16      Credit Agreement and first modification of Credit Agreement, dated as of April 22,
            1994, between the Company and Bank South, N.A., and Deposit Guaranty National
            Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(i) to the Company's Form 8-K, dated
            September 2, 1994).
10.17      Note Purchase Agreement and first modification of Note Purchase Agreement between
            the Company and Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America
            (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(ii) to the Company's Form 8-K, dated
            September 2, 1994).
10.18      Second modification of Credit Agreement, dated November 30, 1994, between the
            Company and Bank South, N.A. and Deposit Guaranty National Bank (incorporated by
            reference to Exhibit 4(c) to the 1994 Form 10-K).
10.19      Second modification of Note Purchase Agreement, dated November 30, 1994, between
            the Company and Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association (incorporated by
            reference to Exhibit 4(d) to the 1994 Form 10-K).
10.20      Third modification of Credit Agreement, dated January 6, 1995, between the Company
            and Bank South, N.A. and Deposit Guaranty National Bank (incorporated by
            reference to Exhibit 4(e) to the 1994 Form 10-K).
10.21      Fourth modification of Credit Agreement, dated January 27, 1995, between the
            Company and Bank South, N.A. and Deposit Guaranty National Bank (incorporated by
            reference to Exhibit 4(f) to the 1994 Form 10-K).
10.22      Third Modification of Note Purchase Agreement, dated June 15, 1995, between the
            Company and Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association (incorporated by reference
            to Exhibit 4(a) to the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1995).
10.23      Form of Master Agreement, dated as of June 13, 1995, between the Company and
            Society National Bank.
10.24      Amendment to Intercreditor Agreement, dated June 15, 1995, by and among the
            Company, Bank South, N.A., Deposit Guaranty National Bank and Teachers Insurance
            and Annuity Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(b) to the
            Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1995).
10.25      Fourth Modification of Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 3, 1996,
            between the Company and Teachers Insurance Annuity Association (incorporated by
            reference to Exhibit 4(h) to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December
            31, 1995 (the "1995 10-K")).
10.26      First Consolidated Modification of Credit Agreement, dated as of January 3, 1996,
            among the Company, Bank South, Deposit Guaranty National Bank and Society
            National Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(i) to the Company's Form
            8-K, dated January 18, 1996).
10.27      Note Purchase between the Company and Bull Run, dated as of January 3, 1996
            (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(ii) to the Company's Form 8-K, dated
            January 18, 1996).
10.28***   Employment Agreement, Dated February 12, 1996 between the Company and Robert A.
            Beizer
10.29***   Separation Agreement between the Company and John T. Williams (incorporated by
            reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1
            (Registration No. 333-4338)).
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>
   
<TABLE>
<S>        <C>
10.30      Form of Preferred Stock Exchange and Purchase Agreement (incorporated by reference
            to Exhibit 10.17 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1
            (Registration No. 333-4338)).
10.31      Form of Warrant to purchase 500,000 shares of Class A Common Stock (incorporated
            by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1
            (Registration No. 333-4338)).
12**       Statement re computation of ratios
21***      List of Subsidiaries
23.1***    Consent of Ernst & Young LLP for the financial statements for Gray Communications
            Systems, Inc.
23.2***    Consent of Heyman & Sizemore (contained in opinion filed as Exhibit 5)
23.3***    Consent of Ernst & Young LLP for certain financial statements of WRDW-TV.
23.4***    Consent of Ernst & Young LLP for the financial statements of the Broadcasting and
            Paging Operations of John H. Phipps, Inc.
23.5***    Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP for certain financial statements of WRDW-TV.
24.1***    Power of Attorney
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------
 ** Filed herewith
*** Previously filed
 
(b) The financial  statement schedules  filed  as a  part of  this  Registration
    Statement are as follows:
 
        Gray Communications Systems, Inc.:
 
             Report of Independent Auditors
             Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
 
             All  other  schedules are  omitted as  the required  information is
             inapplicable or is presented in the financial statements or related
             notes.
 
        Broadcasting and Paging Operations of John H. Phipps, Inc.:
 
             Report of Independent Auditors
             Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
 
             All other  schedules are  omitted as  the required  information  is
             inapplicable  or  its  presented  in  the  financial  statements or
             related notes.
 
ITEM 17  UNDERTAKINGS
 
    The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:
 
    (1)  For purposes of determining  any liability under the Securities Act  of
    1933,  the information omitted from the form  of prospectus filed as part of
    this registration statement in  reliance upon Rule 430A  and contained in  a
    form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4)
    or  497(h)  under the  Securities Act  shall be  deemed to  be part  of this
    registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.
 
    (2)  For the purpose of  determining any liability under the Securities  Act
    of  1933, each post-effective  amendment that contains  a form of prospectus
    shall be  deemed  to  be  a  new  registration  statement  relating  to  the
    securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time
    shall be deemed to be the initial BONA FIDE offering thereof.
 
    Insofar  as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 may be permitted to  directors, officers and controlling persons of  the
registrant  pursuant to the  provisions described in Item  14, or otherwise, the
registrant has been advised that in  the opinion of the Securities and  Exchange
Commission  such indemnification  is against public  policy as  expressed in the
Securities Act of  1933 and is,  therefore, unenforceable. In  the event that  a
claim  for  indemnification against  such  liabilities (other  than  the payment
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>
by the  registrant  of expenses  incurred  or paid  by  a director,  officer  or
controlling  person of the  registrant in the successful  defense of any action,
suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling  person
in  connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless
in the  opinion  of its  counsel  the matter  has  been settled  by  controlling
precedent,  submit to a  court of appropriate  jurisdiction the question whether
such indemnification  by  it  is  against public  policy  as  expressed  in  the
Securities  Act of 1933 and  will be governed by  the final adjudication of such
issue.
 
                                      II-5
<PAGE>
                                   SIGNATURES
 
   
    Pursuant  to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the undersigned
registrant certifies that it has duly  caused this Registration Statement to  be
signed  on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City
of New York, State of New York, on the 20th day of September, 1996.
    
 
                                          GRAY COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC.
 
   
                                          By:        /s/ J. MACK ROBINSON
    
 
                                             -----------------------------------
   
                                                      J. Mack Robinson
    
                                                          PRESIDENT
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
    Pursuant  to  the  requirements  of   the  Securities  Act  of  1933,   this
Registration  Statement  has  been  signed  by  the  following  persons  in  the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                      SIGNATURE                                       TITLE                         DATE
- ------------------------------------------------------  ---------------------------------  ----------------------
 
<C>                                                     <S>                                <C>
                      /s/ J. MACK ROBINSON
     -------------------------------------------        President and Director (principal    September 20, 1996
                   J. Mack Robinson                      executive officer)
 
                  /s/ WILLIAM A. FIELDER III            Vice President and Chief
     -------------------------------------------         Financial Officer (principal        September 20, 1996
                William A. Fielder III                   financial officer)
 
                        /s/ Sabra H. Cowart             Controller and Chief Accounting
     -------------------------------------------         Officer (principal accounting       September 20, 1996
                   Sabra H. Cowart                       officer)
 
                                     *
     -------------------------------------------        Director                             September 20, 1996
                   Richard L. Boger
 
                                     *
     -------------------------------------------        Director                             September 20, 1996
                Hilton H. Howell, Jr.
 
                                     *
     -------------------------------------------        Director                             September 20, 1996
                William E. Mayher III
 
                                     *
     -------------------------------------------        Director                             September 20, 1996
                   Howell W. Newton
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-6
<PAGE>
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                      SIGNATURE                                       TITLE                         DATE
- ------------------------------------------------------  ---------------------------------  ----------------------
 
<C>                                                     <S>                                <C>
                                     *
     -------------------------------------------        Director                             September 20, 1996
                Robert S. Prather, Jr.
 
                     /s/ WILLIAM A. FIELDER
     -------------------------------------------
                  William A. Fielder
             *Attorney-in-fact                                                               September 20, 1996
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-7
<PAGE>
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT NO.                                             DESCRIPTION                                               PAGE
- --------------  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------     -----
<C>             <S>                                                                                             <C>
 
         1***   Form of Underwriting Agreement. ..............................................................
       3.1      Articles of Incorporation of Gray Communications Systems, Inc., as amended (incorporated by
                 reference to Exhibit 3 to the Company's Form 10 dated October 7, 1991, as amended on January
                 29, 1992 and March 2, 1992, and Exhibit 3(i) to the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year
                 ended June 30, 1993). .......................................................................
       3.2***   Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of Gray Communications Systems, Inc.
                 relating to the Class A Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock and the Series A Preferred
                 Stock and Series B Preferred Stock...........................................................
       3.4      By-Laws of Gray Communications Systems, Inc., as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
                 3(i) to the Company's Form 10 dated October 7, 1991, as amended on January 29, 1992 and March
                 2, 1992, Exhibit 3(i) to the Company's 10-K for the period ended June 30, 1993 and Exhibit
                 3(d) of the Company's 10-K for the transition period from July 1, 1993 to December 31, 1993).
                 .............................................................................................
       3.5      Amendment to the By-Laws of Gray Communications Systems Inc. dated September 3, 1996
                 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form
                 S-1 (Registration No. 333-4338))
         5***   Opinion of Heyman & Sizemore re: validity of securities. .....................................
      10.1      Supplemental pension plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(a) to the Company's Form 10
                 filed October 7, 1991, as amended January 29, 1992 and March 2, 1992). ......................
      10.2      Employment Agreement, between the Company and John T. Williams (incorporated by reference to
                 Exhibit 19 to the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1992). ................
      10.3      Amendment to employment agreement, between the Company and John T. Williams (incorporated by
                 reference to Exhibit 19(b) to the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1992).
                 .............................................................................................
      10.4      Restricted stock agreement between the Company and John T. Williams (incorporated by reference
                 to Exhibit 19(c) to the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1992). ..........
      10.5      Long Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(e) to the Company's Form
                 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1993). ..............................................
      10.6      Asset Purchase Agreement between the Company and The Citizen Publishing Company, Inc.
                 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 to the Company's Form 8-K, dated May 31, 1994). ....
      10.7      Asset Purchase Agreement between the Company and Kentucky Central Television, Inc.
                 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 to the Company's Form 8-K, dated September 2, 1994).
                 .............................................................................................
      10.8      Asset Purchase Agreement, dated January 6, 1995, between the Company and Still Publishing,
                 Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(h) to the Company's Form 10-K for the year
                 ended December 31, 1994 (the "1994 Form 10-K")). ............................................
      10.9      Asset Purchase Agreement, dated March 23, 1995, between the Company, Television Station
                 Partners, L.P. and WRDW Associates (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(i) to the 1994
                 Form 10-K). .................................................................................
     10.10      Capital Accumulation Plan, effective October 1, 1994 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
                 10(i) to the 1994 Form 10-K). ...............................................................
     10.11      Employment Agreement, dated September 3, 1994, between the Company and Ralph W. Gabbard
                 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(j) to the 1994 Form 10-K). .........................
     10.12      Asset Purchase Agreement, dated March 15, 1996, by and between the Company and Media
                 Acquisition Partners, L.P. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(l) to the 1995 Form
                 10-K). ......................................................................................
</TABLE>
    
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT NO.                                             DESCRIPTION                                               PAGE
- --------------  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------     -----
<C>             <S>                                                                                             <C>
     10.13***   Warrant, dated January 4, 1996, to purchase 487,500 shares of Class A Common Stock. ..........
     10.14      Form of amendment to employment agreement between the Company and Ralph W. Gabbard, dated
                 January 1, 1996 (incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 10(m) 1995 Form 10-K). ............
     10.15      Form of Indenture for the Notes (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's
                 Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-4338)). ............................
     10.16      Credit Agreement and first modification of Credit Agreement, dated as of April 22, 1994,
                 between the Company and Bank South, N.A., and Deposit Guaranty National Bank (incorporated by
                 reference to Exhibit 4(i) to the Company's Form 8-K, dated September 2, 1994). ..............
     10.17      Note Purchase Agreement and first modification of Note Purchase Agreement between the Company
                 and Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (incorporated by reference to
                 Exhibit 4(ii) to the Company's Form 8-K, dated September 2, 1994). ..........................
     10.18      Second modification of Credit Agreement, dated November 30, 1994, between the Company and Bank
                 South, N.A. and Deposit Guaranty National Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(c) to
                 the 1994 Form 10-K). ........................................................................
     10.19      Second modification of Note Purchase Agreement, dated November 30, 1994, between the Company
                 and Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(d) to
                 the 1994 Form 10-K). ........................................................................
     10.20      Third modification of Credit Agreement, dated January 6, 1995, between the Company and Bank
                 South, N.A. and Deposit Guaranty National Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(e) to
                 the 1994 Form 10-K). ........................................................................
     10.21      Fourth modification of Credit Agreement, dated January 27, 1995, between the Company and Bank
                 South, N.A. and Deposit Guaranty National Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(f) to
                 the 1994 Form 10-K). ........................................................................
     10.22      Third Modification of Note Purchase Agreement, dated June 15, 1995, between the Company and
                 Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(a) to the
                 Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1995). ...................................
     10.23      Form of Master Agreement, dated as of June 13, 1995, between the Company and Society National
                 Bank. .......................................................................................
     10.24      Amendment to Intercreditor Agreement, dated June 15, 1995, by and among the Company, Bank
                 South, N.A., Deposit Guaranty National Bank and Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association
                 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(b) to the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
                 June 30, 1995). .............................................................................
     10.25      Fourth Modification of Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 3, 1996, between the
                 Company and Teachers Insurance Annuity Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(h)
                 to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995 (the "1995 10-K")). .........
     10.26      First Consolidated Modification of Credit Agreement, dated as of January 3, 1996, among the
                 Company, Bank South, Deposit Guaranty National Bank and Society National Bank (incorporated
                 by reference to Exhibit 4(i) to the Company's Form 8-K, dated January 18, 1996). ............
     10.27      Note Purchase between the Company and Bull Run, dated as of January 3, 1996 (incorporated by
                 reference to Exhibit 4(ii) to the Company's Form 8-K, dated January 18, 1996). ..............
     10.28***   Employment Agreement, Dated February 12, 1996 between the Company and Robert A. Beizer. ......
     10.29***   Separation Agreement between the Company and John T. Williams (incorporated by reference to
                 Exhibit 10.16 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No.
                 333-4338)). .................................................................................
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT NO.                                             DESCRIPTION                                               PAGE
- --------------  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------     -----
<C>             <S>                                                                                             <C>
     10.30      Form of Preferred Stock Exchange and Purchase Agreement. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
                 10.17 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-4338)).......
     10.31      Form of Warrant to purchase 500,000 shares of Class A Common Stock (incorporated by reference
                 to Exhibit 10.18 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No.
                 333-4338)) ..................................................................................
        12**    Statement re computation of ratios. ..........................................................
        21***   List of Subsidiaries. ........................................................................
      23.1***   Consent of Ernst & Young LLP for the financial statements for Gray Communications Systems,
                 Inc. ........................................................................................
      23.2***   Consent of Heyman & Sizemore (contained in opinion filed as Exhibit 5). ......................
      23.3***   Consent of Ernst & Young LLP for certain financial statements of WRDW-TV. ....................
      23.4***   Consent of Ernst & Young LLP for the financial statements of the Broadcasting and Paging
                 Operations of John H. Phipps, Inc. ..........................................................
      23.5***   Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP for certain financial statements of WRDW-TV. ................
      24.1***   Power of Attorney ............................................................................
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------
 ** Filed herewith
*** Previously filed

<PAGE>
                                                                      EXHIBIT 12
 
GRAY COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC.
COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
(IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT RATIO DATA)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                       JUNE 30,
                                   1991       1992       1993       1994       1995       1995       1996
                                 ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                              <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Consolidated pretax income from
 continuing operations           $   3,006  $   1,265  $   2,748  $   4,542  $   1,565  $   1,958  $   2,947
Interest expense                       787      1,486        985      1,923      5,438      2,768      4,445
Interest portion of rental
 expense                                20         18         16         46         89         36         45
Amortization of debt discount           14         45        150        142        163         81        137
                                 ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
  Earnings                       $   3,827  $   2,814  $   3,899  $   6,653  $   7,255  $   4,843  $   7,574
                                 ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                 ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Interest expense                 $     787  $   1,486  $     985  $   1,923  $   5,438  $   2,768  $   4,445
Interest portion of rental
 expense                                20         18         16         46         89         36         45
Amortization of debt discount           14         45        150        142        163         81        137
Capitalized interest                     0          0          0          0         94          0          0
                                 ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
  Fixed Charges                  $     821  $   1,549  $   1,151  $   2,111  $   5,784  $   2,885  $   4,627
                                 ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                 ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed
 Charges                               4.7        1.8        3.4        3.2        1.3        1.7        1.6
                                 ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                 ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
    
 
PRO FORMA COMBINED COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
(IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT RATIO DATA)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                     SIX MONTHS
                                                                                   YEAR ENDED          ENDED
                                                                                DECEMBER 31, 1995  JUNE 30, 1996
                                                                                -----------------  --------------
<S>                                                                             <C>                <C>
Consolidated pretax income from continuing operations                              $    (5,451)      $      419
Interest expense                                                                        20,900           10,354
Interest portion of rental expense                                                         255              151
Amortization of debt discount                                                          --                     9
                                                                                      --------     --------------
  Earnings                                                                         $    15,704       $   10,933
                                                                                      --------     --------------
                                                                                      --------     --------------
Interest expense                                                                   $    20,900       $   10,354
Interest portion of rental expense                                                         255              151
Amortization of debt discount                                                                0                9
Capitalized interest                                                                         0                0
                                                                                      --------     --------------
  Fixed Charges                                                                    $    21,155       $   10,514
                                                                                      --------     --------------
                                                                                      --------     --------------
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (1)                                                 --                   1.0
                                                                                      --------     --------------
                                                                                      --------     --------------
(1) Fixed charges exceed earnings by                                               $     5,451       $   --
                                                                                      --------     --------------
                                                                                      --------     --------------
</TABLE>
    


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