Server: Netscape-Enterprise/2.01 Date: Fri, 19 Dec 1997 03:58:13 GMT Accept-ranges: bytes Last-modified: Fri, 13 Jun 1997 13:35:31 GMT Content-length: 3815 Content-type: text/html Annual Report - Operations
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PUBLISHING

During 1996, Media General pursued its focused expansion strategy by acquiring newspapers in key Southeastern markets. The company streamlined operations to improve productivity and to reduce costs, and developed new value of existing properties by converting two weekly Florida papers into more profitable daily formats. It also formed strategic alliances via electronic publishing, distribution of out-of-market publications and new syndication products.


BROADCAST

With the acquisition of our new stations, Media General becomes the nation’s 25th largest broadcast television group with 14 stations concentrated in the rapidly growing southeastern United States. The move more than doubles our nationwide broadcast coverage to 5.4 percent of homes with television. More importantly, we will reach 22.4 percent of television homes in the Southeast, more than double the 9.2 percent we reached with our previous three-station group.


CABLE TELEVISION

Media General’s cable operations are significant to the company’s position as a leading source of information in the Southeast. Our franchises in Fairfax and Fredericksburg provide access to dynamic consumer and business markets. Fairfax is the nation’s wealthiest county, with a population of more than 900,000. Our cable operations are both modern and contemporary, and are focusing on non-regulated services for revenue growth and expanding new revenues. Fairfax, in particular, has an emphasis in marketing high-speed Internet access. In addition, our Cable systems are developing strategic alliances to improve operating efficiencies, increase purchasing power and gain technical expertise.


NEWSPRINT

Media General is the largest producer in the United States of 100% recycled newsprint, using a proprietary de-inking process. It owns a mill in Garfield, New Jersey (annual capacity 235,000 short tons) and has a one-third ownership of a mill in Dublin, Georgia (annual capacity 485,000 short tons). To survive in a commodity market, the division has undertaken rigorous programs to reduce costs and upgrade technology.


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