<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets and unaudited condensed
consolidated statements of operations for the nine months ended September 30,
1996 and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1996
<CASH>                                          89,944
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   36,455
<ALLOWANCES>                                     3,588
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               125,925
<PP&E>                                         234,418
<DEPRECIATION>                                (62,887)
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 438,305
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           67,164
<BONDS>                                        295,124
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                         13
<COMMON>                                           308
<OTHER-SE>                                      71,634
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   438,305
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               130,273
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   91,017
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                19,934
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              28,658
<INCOME-PRETAX>                               (34,732)
<INCOME-TAX>                                   (5,699)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                           (34,732)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                  (29,390)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                   (1.13)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0