<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
ALLBRITTON COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY
FINANCIAL DATA SCHEDULE
IN ACCORDANCE WITH ITEM 601(C)
OR REGULATIONS S-K AND S-B
(In thousands)
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
Consolidated Statement of Operations and Retained Earnings for the year ended
September 30, 2000 and the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2000
and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such consolidated financial
statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> SEP-30-2000
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-2000
<CASH> 11,913
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 38,983
<ALLOWANCES> 1,181
<INVENTORY> 0
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 73,654
<PP&E> 148,519
<DEPRECIATION> 106,334
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 269,934
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 50,578
<BONDS> 424,167
0
0
<COMMON> 1
<OTHER-SE> (219,897)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 269,934
<SALES> 0
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 205,307
<CGS> 0
<TOTAL-COSTS> 134,150
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 1,404
<LOSS-PROVISION> 474
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 42,212
<INCOME-PRETAX> 30,434
<INCOME-TAX> 13,250
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 17,184
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 17,184
<EPS-BASIC> 0
<EPS-DILUTED> 0
</TABLE>