FORM 10-K SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 (Mark One) [X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (FEE REQUIRED) For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 OR [ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (NO FEE REQUIRED) For the transition period from ________ to ________ Commission file number: 0-16939 JONES SPACELINK INCOME/GROWTH FUND 1-A, LTD. -------------------------------------------- (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Colorado 84-1069504 -------- ---------- State of Organization (IRS Employer Identification No.) P.O. Box 3309, Englewood, Colorado 80155-3309 (303) 792-3111 - --------------------------------------------------- -------------- (Address of principal executive office and Zip Code (Registrant's telephone no. including area code) Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Limited Partnership Interests Indicate by check mark whether the registrant, (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange aAt of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No --- --- State the aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant: N/A Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K ((S)229.405) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. X --- DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE: None (34074) Certain information contained in this Form 10-K Report contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this Form 10-K Report that address activities, events or developments that the Partnership or the General Partner expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon certain assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual events or results may differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. PART I. ------- ITEM 1. BUSINESS ----------------- THE PARTNERSHIP. Jones Spacelink Income/Growth Fund 1-A, Ltd. (the "Partnership") is a Colorado limited partnership that was formed pursuant to the public offering of limited partnership interests in the Jones Spacelink Income/Growth Fund 1 Limited Partnership Program (the "Program"). Jones Intercable, Inc., a Colorado corporation, is the general partner of the Partnership (the "General Partner"). The Partnership was formed for the purpose of acquiring and operating cable television systems. The Partnership owns the cable television systems serving the areas in and around the communities of Bluffton, Decatur, Monroe, Auburn, Butler, Uniondale, Waterloo, Poneto, Vera Cruz and Garrett and certain unincorporated areas of Wells, Allen, Noble, Adams and DeKalb Counties, all in the State of Indiana (the "Northeast Indiana Systems"). A primary objective of the Partnership has been to provide quarterly cash distributions to the partners, principally from cash flow from operations remaining after principal and interest payments and the creation of any reserves necessary for the operation of the Partnership. The payment of quarterly operating cash flow distributions reduces the financial flexibility of the Partnership. The Partnership accordingly has suspended such distributions because funds from cash flow have been used to pay for necessary capital additions to the Partnership's Northeast Indiana Systems as a result of limited borrowing capacity under the Partnership's credit facility. The Partnership does not plan on resuming such distributions to the partners. The Partnership intends to make distributions to the limited partners from the net proceeds of the sale of its Northeast Indiana Systems. PROPOSED DISPOSITION OF CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEM. On December 17, 1997, the Partnership entered into an asset purchase agreement to sell the Northeast Indiana Systems to an unaffiliated party for a sales price of $23,500,000, subject to closing adjustments that may have the effect of increasing or decreasing the sales price by a non-material amount. Closing of the sale, which is anticipated to occur during the second quarter of 1998, is subject to several conditions, including necessary governmental and other third party consents and the termination or expiration of the statutory waiting period applicable to the asset purchase agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended. In addition, because the Northeast Indiana Systems constitute all of the Partnership's assets, the sale must be approved by the owners of a majority of the interests of the Partnership. The General Partner intends to conduct a proxy vote on this matter in May of 1998. Upon the consummation of the proposed sale of the Northeast Indiana Systems, the Partnership will repay all of its indebtedness including the $7,500,000 borrowed under its credit facility and capital lease obligations totaling $120,042, leaving the Partnership with no debt outstanding, settle working capital adjustments, and then deposit $1,000,000 into an indemnity escrow account. The remaining net sale proceeds of approximately $14,900,000 will be distributed to the Partnership's limited partners of record as of the closing date of the sale of the Northeast Indiana Systems. Based upon financial information as of December 31, 1997, this distribution will provide the Partnership's limited partners an approximate return of $291.50 for each $500 limited partnership interest, or $583 for each $1,000 invested in the Partnership. Taking into account prior distributions to limited partners from the Partnership's operating cash flow and from the net proceeds from the sales of the Lake Geneva System and Ripon System, the limited partners of the Partnership will have received a total of $590 for each $500 limited partnership interest, or $1,180 for each $1,000 invested in the Partnership. 2 For a period of one year following the closing date, $1,000,000 of the sale proceeds will remain in escrow as security for the Partnership's agreement to indemnify the purchaser under the asset purchase agreement. The Partnership's primary exposure, if any, will relate to the representations and warranties made about the Northeast Indiana Systems in the asset purchase agreement. Any amounts remaining from this indemnity escrow account and not claimed by the purchaser at the end of the one-year period will be distributed to the limited partners of the Partnership at that time. If the entire $1,000,000 escrow amount is distributed to the limited partners, of which there can be no assurance, limited partners would receive $19.50 for each $500 limited partnership interest, or $39 for each $1,000 invested in the Partnership. The Partnership will continue in existence at least until any amounts remaining from the indemnity escrow account have been distributed. Since the Northeast Indiana Systems represent the only asset of the Partnership, the Partnership will be liquidated and dissolved upon the final distribution of any amounts remaining from the indemnity escrow account. CABLE TELEVISION SERVICES. The Northeast Indiana Systems offer to their subscribers various types of programming, which include basic service, tier service, premium service, pay-per-view programs and packages including several of these services at combined rates. Basic cable television service usually consists of signals of all national television networks broadcast by their local affiliates, various independent and educational television stations (both VHF and UHF) and certain signals received from satellites. Basic service also usually includes programs originated locally by the system, which may consist of music, news, weather reports, stock market and financial information and live or videotaped programs of a public service or entertainment nature. FM radio signals are also frequently distributed to subscribers as part of the basic service. The Northeast Indiana Systems offer tier services on an optional basis to their subscribers. A tier generally includes most of the cable networks such as Entertainment and Sports Programming Network (ESPN), Cable News Network (CNN), Turner Network Television (TNT), Family Channel, Discovery and others, and the cable television operators buy tier programming from these networks. The Northeast Indiana Systems also offer a package that includes the basic service channels and the tier services. The Northeast Indiana Systems also offer premium services to subscribers, which consist of feature films, sporting events and other special features that are presented without commercial interruption. The cable television operators buy premium programming from suppliers such as HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, Encore and others at a cost based on the number of subscribers served by the cable operator. The per service cost of premium service programming usually is significantly more expensive than the basic service or tier service programming, and consequently cable operators price premium service separately when sold to subscribers. The Northeast Indiana Systems also offer to subscribers pay-per-view programming. Pay-per-view is a service that allows subscribers to receive single programs, frequently consisting of motion pictures that have recently completed their theatrical exhibitions and major sporting events, and to pay for such service on a program-by-program basis. REVENUES. Monthly service fees for basic, tier and premium services constitute the major source of revenue for the Northeast Indiana Systems. At December 31, 1997, the Northeast Indiana Systems' monthly basic service rates ranged from $8.98 to $10.12, monthly basic and tier ("basic plus") service rates ranged from $23.93 to $24.58 and monthly premium services ranged from $3.00 to $10.00 per premium service. In addition, the Partnership earns revenues from the Northeast Indiana Systems' pay-per-view programs and advertising fees. Related charges may include a nonrecurring installation fee that ranges from $15.00 to $40.00; however, from time to time the Northeast Indiana Systems have followed the common industry practice of reducing or waiving the installation fee during promotional periods. Commercial subscribers such as hotels, motels and hospitals are charged a nonrecurring connection fee that usually covers the cost of installation. Except under the terms of certain contracts with commercial subscribers and residential apartment and condominium complexes, the subscribers are free to discontinue the service at any time without penalty. For the year ended December 31, 1997, of the total fees received by the Northeast Indiana Systems, basic service and tier service fees accounted for 3 approximately 72 percent of total revenues, premium service fees accounted for approximately 14 percent of total revenues, pay-per-view fees were approximately 1 percent of total revenues, advertising fees were approximately 6 percent of total revenues and the remaining 7 percent of total revenues came principally from equipment rentals, installation fees and program guide sales. The Partnership is dependent upon the timely receipt of service fees to provide for maintenance and replacement of plant and equipment, current operating expenses and other costs of the Northeast Indiana Systems. FRANCHISES. The Northeast Indiana Systems are constructed and operated under non-exclusive, fixed-term franchises or other types of operating authorities (referred to collectively herein as "franchises") granted by local governmental authorities. These franchises typically contain many conditions, such as time limitations on commencement and completion of construction, conditions of service, including the number of channels, types of programming and the provision of free service to schools and certain other public institutions, and the maintenance of insurance and indemnity bonds. The provisions of local franchises are subject to federal regulation. The Partnership holds 15 franchises for the Northeast Indiana Systems. These franchises provide for the payment of fees to the issuing authorities and generally range from 3 percent to 5 percent of the gross revenues of a cable television system. The 1984 Cable Act prohibits franchising authorities from imposing annual franchise fees in excess of 5 percent of gross revenues and also permits the cable television system operator to seek renegotiation and modification of franchise requirements if warranted by changed circumstances. The Partnership has never had a franchise revoked. The Partnership does not have any franchises that will expire prior to December 31, 1998. COMPETITION. Cable television systems currently experience competition from several sources. Broadcast Television. Cable television systems have traditionally --------------------- competed with broadcast television, which consists of television signals that the viewer is able to receive directly on his television without charge using an "off-air" antenna. The extent of such competition is dependent in part upon the quality and quantity of signals available by such antenna reception as compared to the services provided by the local cable system. Accordingly, it has generally been less difficult for cable operators to obtain higher penetration rates in rural areas where signals available off-air are limited, than in metropolitan areas where numerous, high quality off-air signals are often available without the aid of cable television systems. Traditional Overbuild. Cable television franchises are not exclusive, --------------------- so that more than one cable television system may be built in the same area (known as an "overbuild"), with potential loss of revenues to the operator of the original cable television system. The General Partner has experienced overbuilds in connection with certain systems that it has owned or managed for limited partnerships, and currently there are overbuilds in certain of the systems owned or managed by the General Partner but not in the Northeast Indiana Systems. Constructing and developing a cable television system is a capital intensive process, and it is often difficult for a new cable system operator to create a marketing edge over the existing system. Generally, an overbuilder would be required to obtain franchises from the local governmental authorities, although in some instances, the overbuilder could be the local government itself. In any case, an overbuilder would be required to obtain programming contracts from entertainment programmers and, in most cases, would have to build a complete cable system, including headends, trunk lines and drops to individual subscribers homes, throughout the franchise areas. DBS. High-powered direct-to-home satellites have made possible the --- wide-scale delivery of programming to individuals throughout the United States using small roof-top or wall-mounted antennas. Several companies began offering direct broadcast satellite ("DBS") service over the last few years. Companies offering DBS service use video compression technology to increase channel capacity of their systems to 100 or more channels and to provide packages of movies, satellite network and other program services which are competitive to those of cable television systems. DBS faces technical and legal obstacles to offering its customers local broadcast programming, although at least one DBS provider is now attempting to do so. In addition to emerging 4 high-powered DBS competition, cable television systems face competition from a major medium-powered satellite distribution provider and several low-powered providers, whose service requires use of much larger home satellite dishes. Not all subscribers terminate cable television service upon acquiring a DBS system. The General Partner has observed that there are DBS subscribers that also elect to subscribe to cable television service in order to obtain the greatest variety of programming on multiple television sets, including local programming not available through DBS service. The ability of DBS service providers to compete successfully with the cable television industry will depend on, among other factors, the ability of DBS providers to overcome certain legal and technical hurdles and the availability of equipment at reasonable prices. Telephone and Utilities. Federal cross-ownership restrictions ----------------------- historically limited entry by local telephone companies into the cable television business. The 1996 Telecommunications Act (the "1996 Telecom Act") eliminated this cross-ownership restriction, making it possible for companies with considerable resources to overbuild existing cable operators and enter the business. Several telephone companies have begun seeking cable television franchises from local governmental authorities and constructing cable television systems. The General Partner cannot predict at this time the extent of telephone company competition that will emerge. The entry of telephone companies as direct competitors, however, is likely to continue over the next several years and could adversely affect the profitability and market value of cable television systems. The entry of electric utility companies into the cable television business, as now authorized by the 1996 Telecom Act, could have a similar adverse effect. The local electric utility in the Washington D.C. area recently announced plans to participate in a planned video competitor. Private Cable. Additional competition is provided by private cable ------------- television systems, known as Satellite Master Antenna Television (SMATV), serving multi-unit dwellings such as condominiums, apartment complexes, and private residential communities. These private cable systems may enter into exclusive agreements with apartment owners and homeowners associations, which may preclude operators of franchised systems from serving residents of such private complexes. Private cable systems that do not cross public rights of way are free from the federal, state and local regulatory requirements imposed on franchised cable television operators. In some cases, the Partnership has been unable to provide cable television service to buildings in which private operators have secured exclusive contracts to provide video and telephony services. The Partnership is interested in providing these same services, but expects that the market to install and provide these services in multi-unit buildings will continue to be highly competitive. MMDS. Cable television systems also compete with wireless program ---- distribution services such as multichannel, multipoint distribution service ("MMDS") systems, commonly called wireless cable, which are licensed to serve specific areas. MMDS uses low-power microwave frequencies to transmit television programming over-the-air to paying subscribers. The MMDS industry is less capital intensive than the cable television industry, and it is therefore more practical to construct MMDS systems in areas of lower subscriber penetration. Wireless cable systems are now in direct competition with cable television systems in several areas of the country, including the system in Pima County, Arizona owned by the General Partner. Telephone companies have acquired or invested in wireless companies, and may use MMDS systems to provide services within their service areas in lieu of wired delivery systems. Enthusiasm for MMDS has waned in recent months, however, as Bell Atlantic and NYNEX have suspended their investment in two major MMDS companies. To date, the Partnership has not lost a significant number of subscribers, nor a significant amount of revenue, to MMDS operators competing with the Partnership's Northeast Indiana Systems. A series of actions taken by the FCC, however, including reallocating certain frequencies to the wireless services, are intended to facilitate the development of wireless cable television systems as an alternative means of distributing video programming. In addition, Local Multipoint Distribution Services ("LMDS"), could also pose a significant threat to the cable television industry, if and when it becomes established. The potential impact, however, of LMDS is difficult to assess due to the newness of the technology and the absence of any current fully operational LMDS systems. Cable television systems are also in competition, in various degrees with other communications and entertainment media, including motion pictures and home video cassette recorders. 5 REGULATION AND LEGISLATION - -------------------------- The operation of cable television systems is extensively regulated by the FCC, some state governments and most local governments. The new 1996 Telecom Act alters the regulatory structure governing the nation's telecommunications providers. It removes barriers to competition in both the cable television market and the local telephone market. Among other things, it also reduces the scope of cable rate regulation. The 1996 Telecom Act requires the FCC to undertake a host of implementing rulemakings, the final outcome of which cannot yet be determined. Moreover, Congress and the FCC have frequently revisited the subject of cable regulation. Future legislative and regulatory changes could adversely affect the Partnership's operations and there has been a recent increase in calls to maintain or even tighten cable regulation in the absence of widespread effective competition. This section briefly summarizes key laws and regulations affecting the operation of the Partnership's Northeast Indiana Systems and does not purport to describe all present, proposed, or possible laws and regulations affecting the Partnership. Cable Rate Regulation. The 1992 Cable Act imposed an extensive rate --------------------- regulation regime on the cable television industry. Under that regime, all cable systems are subject to rate regulation, unless they face "effective competition" in their local franchise area. Federal law now defines "effective competition" on a community-specific basis as requiring either low penetration (less than 30 percent) by the incumbent cable operator, appreciable penetration (more than 15 percent) by competing multichannel video providers ("MVPs"), or the presence of a competing MVP affiliated with a local telephone company. Although the FCC rules control, local government units (commonly referred to as local franchising authorities or "LFAs") are primarily responsible for administering the regulation of the lowest level of cable -- the basic service tier ("BST"), which typically contains local broadcast stations and public, educational, and government ("PEG") access channels. Before an LFA begins BST rate regulation, it must certify to the FCC that it will follow applicable federal rules, and many LFAs have voluntarily declined to exercise this authority. LFAs also have primary responsibility for regulating cable equipment rates. Under federal law, charges for various types of cable equipment must be unbundled from each other and from monthly charges for programming services. The 1996 Telecom Act allows operators to aggregate costs for broad categories of equipment across geographic and functional lines. This change should facilitate the introduction of new technology. The FCC itself directly administers rate regulation of any cable programming service tiers ("CPST"), which typically contain satellite-delivered programming. Under the 1996 Telecom Act, the FCC can regulate CPST rates only if an LFA first receives at least two rate complaints from local subscribers and then files a formal complaint with the FCC. When new CPST rate complaints are filed, the FCC now considers only whether the incremental increase is justified and will not reduce the previously established CPST rate. Under the FCC's rate regulations, most cable systems were required to reduce their BST and CPST rates in 1993 and 1994, and have since had their rate increases governed by a complicated price cap scheme that allows for the recovery of inflation and certain increased costs, as well as providing some incentive for expanding channel carriage. The FCC has modified its rate adjustment regulations to allow for annual rate increases and to minimize previous problems associated with regulatory lag. Operators also have the opportunity of bypassing this "benchmark" regulatory scheme in favor of traditional "cost-of-service" regulation in cases where the latter methodology appears favorable. Premium cable services offered on a per-channel or per- program basis remain unregulated, as do affirmatively marketed packages consisting entirely of new programming product. Federal law requires that the BST be offered to all cable subscribers, but limits the ability of operators to require purchase of any CPST before purchasing premium services offered on a per-channel or per-program basis. The 1996 Telecom Act sunsets FCC regulation of CPST rates for all systems (regardless of size) on March 31, 1999. Certain critics of the cable television industry have called for a delay in the regulatory sunset and some have even urged more rigorous rate regulation in the interim, including a limit on operators passing through to their customers increased programming costs. The 1996 Telecom Act also relaxes existing uniform rate requirements by specifying that uniform rate requirements do not apply where the operator faces "effective 6 competition," and by exempting bulk discounts to multiple dwelling units, although complaints about predatory pricing still may be made to the FCC. Cable Entry Into Telecommunications. The 1996 Telecom Act provides ----------------------------------- that no state or local laws or regulations may prohibit or have the effect of prohibiting any entity from providing any interstate or intrastate telecommunications service. States are authorized, however, to impose "competitively neutral" requirements regarding universal service, public safety and welfare, service quality, and consumer protection. State and local governments also retain their authority to manage the public rights-of-way and may require reasonable, competitively neutral compensation for management of the public rights-of-way when cable operators provide telecommunications service. The favorable pole attachment rates afforded cable operators under federal law can be gradually increased by utility companies owning the poles (beginning in 2001) if the operator provides telecommunications service, as well as cable service, over its plant. Cable entry into telecommunications will be affected by the regulatory landscape now being fashioned by the FCC and state regulators. One critical component of the 1996 Telecom Act to facilitate the entry of new telecommunications providers (including cable operators) is the interconnection obligation imposed on all telecommunications carriers. In July 1997, the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals vacated certain aspects of the FCC's initial interconnection order. That decision is now on appeal to the Supreme Court. Telephone Company Entry Into Cable Television. The 1996 Telecom Act --------------------------------------------- allows telephone companies to compete directly with cable operators by repealing the historic telephone company/cable cross-ownership ban. Local exchange carriers ("LECs"), including the BOCs, can now compete with cable operators both inside and outside their telephone service areas. Because of their resources, LECs could be formidable competitors to traditional cable operators, and certain LECs have begun offering cable service. As described above, the General Partner is now witnessing the beginning of LEC competition in a few of its cable communities. Under the 1996 Telecom Act, an LEC providing video programming to subscribers will be regulated as a traditional cable operator (subject to local franchising and federal regulatory requirements), unless the LEC elects to provide its programming via an "open video system" ("OVS"). To qualify for OVS status, the LEC must reserve two-thirds of the system's activated channels for unaffiliated entities. RCN and affiliates of local power companies recently have been certified to provide OVS service in areas encompassing the General Partner's cable systems in suburban Maryland and Virginia. This OVS potential competition is not yet operational. Although LECs and cable operators can now expand their offerings across traditional service boundaries, the general prohibition remains on LEC buyouts (i.e., any ownership interest exceeding 10 percent) of co-located cable systems, cable operator buyouts of co-located LEC systems, and joint ventures between cable operators and LECs in the same market. The 1996 Telecom Act provides a few limited exceptions to this buyout prohibition, including a carefully circumscribed "rural exemption." The 1996 Telecom Act also provides the FCC with the limited authority to grant waivers of the buyout prohibition (subject to LFA approval). Electric Utility Entry Into Telecommunications/Cable Television. The --------------------------------------------------------------- 1996 Telecom Act provides that registered utility holding companies and subsidiaries may provide telecommunications services (including cable television) notwithstanding the Public Utilities Holding Company Act. Electric utilities must establish separate subsidiaries, known as "exempt telecommunications companies" and must apply to the FCC for operating authority. Again, because of their resources, electric utilities could be formidable competitors to traditional cable systems. Additional Ownership Restrictions. The 1996 Telecom Act eliminates --------------------------------- statutory restrictions on broadcast/cable cross-ownership (including broadcast network/cable restrictions), but leaves in place existing FCC regulations prohibiting local cross-ownership between co-located television stations and cable systems. The 1996 Telecom Act also eliminates the three year holding period required under the 1992 Cable Act's "anti-trafficking" provision. The 1996 Telecom Act leaves in place existing restrictions on cable cross-ownership with SMATV and MMDS facilities, but lifts those restrictions where the cable operator is subject to effective competition. In January 1995, however, the FCC adopted regulations which permit cable operators to own and operate SMATV 7 systems within their franchise area, provided that such operation is consistent with local cable franchise requirements. Pursuant to the 1992 Cable Act, the FCC adopted rules precluding a cable system from devoting more than 40 percent of its activated channel capacity to the carriage of affiliated national program services. A companion rule establishing a nationwide ownership cap on any cable operator equal to 30 percent of all domestic cable subscribers has been stayed pending further judicial review, although the FCC recently expressed an interest in reviewing and reimposing this limit. There are no federal restrictions on non-U.S. entities having an ownership interest in cable television systems or the FCC licenses commonly employed by such systems. Section 310(b)(4) of the Communications Act does, however, prohibit foreign ownership of FCC broadcast and telephone licenses, unless the FCC concludes that such foreign ownership is consistent with the public interest. The investment by BCI Telecom Holding Inc. ("BCI") in the General Partner could, therefore, adversely affect any plan to acquire FCC broadcast or common carrier licenses. The Partnership, however, does not currently plan to acquire such licenses. Must Carry/Retransmission Consent. The 1992 Cable Act contains --------------------------------- broadcast signal carriage requirements that allow local commercial television broadcast stations to elect once every three years between requiring a cable system to carry the station ("must carry") or negotiating for payments for granting permission to the cable operator to carry the station ("retransmission consent"). Less popular stations typically elect "must carry," and more popular stations typically elect "retransmission consent." Must carry requests can dilute the appeal of a cable system's programming offerings, and retransmission consent demands may require substantial payments or other concessions. Either option has a potentially adverse affect on the Partnership's business. Additionally, cable systems are required to obtain retransmission consent for all "distant" commercial television stations (except for satellite-delivered independent "superstations" such as WGN). The burden associated with "must carry" may increase substantially if broadcasters proceed with planned conversion to digital transmission and the FCC determines that cable systems must carry all analogue and digital broadcasts in their entirety. Access Channels. LFAs can include franchise provisions requiring --------------- cable operators to set aside certain channels for public, educational and governmental access programming. Federal law also requires cable systems to designate a portion of their channel capacity (up to 15 percent in some cases) for commercial leased access by unaffiliated third parties. The FCC has adopted rules regulating the terms, conditions and maximum rates a cable operator may charge for use of the designated channel capacity, but use of commercial leased access channels has been relatively limited. The FCC released revised rules in February 1997 mandating a modest rate reduction. The reduction sparked some increase in part-time use, but did not make commercial leased access substantially more attractive to third party programmers. Certain of those programmers have now appealed the revised rules to the D.C. Court of Appeals. Should the courts and the FCC ultimately determine that an additional reduction in access rates is required, cable operators could lose programming control of a substantial number of cable channels. Access to Programming. To spur the development of independent cable --------------------- programmers and competition to incumbent cable operators, the 1992 Cable Act imposed restrictions on the dealings between cable operators and cable programmers. Of special significance from a competitive business posture, the 1992 Cable Act precludes video programmers affiliated with cable companies from favoring cable operators over competitors and requires such programmers to sell their programming to other multichannel video distributors. This provision limits the ability of vertically integrated cable programmers to offer exclusive programming arrangements to cable companies. Recently there has been increased interest in further restricting the marketing practices of cable programmers, including subjecting programmers who are not affiliated with cable operators to all of the existing program access requirements. Inside Wiring. The FCC recently determined that an incumbent cable ------------- operator can be required by the owner of a multiple dwelling unit ("MDU") complex to remove, abandon or sell the "home run" wiring it initially provided. In addition, the FCC is reviewing the enforceability of contracts to provide exclusive video service within a MDU complex. The FCC has proposed abrogating all such contracts held by incumbent cable operators, 8 but allowing such contracts when held by new entrants. These changes, and others now being considered by the FCC, would, if implemented, make it easier for a MDU complex owner to terminate service from an incumbent cable operator in favor of a new entrant and leave the already competitive MDU sector even more challenging for incumbent cable operators. Other FCC Regulations. In addition to the FCC regulations noted --------------------- above, there are other FCC regulations covering such areas as equal employment opportunity, subscriber privacy, programming practices (including, among other things, syndicated program exclusivity, network program nonduplication, local sports blackouts, indecent programming, lottery programming, political programming, sponsorship identification, and children's programming advertisements), registration of cable systems and facilities licensing, maintenance of various records and public inspection files, frequency usage, lockbox availability, antenna structure notification, tower marking and lighting, consumer protection and customer service standards, technical standards and consumer electronics equipment compatibility. Federal requirements governing Emergency Alert Systems and Closed Captioning adopted in 1997 will impose additional costs on the operation of cable systems. The FCC is currently considering whether cable customers must be allowed to purchase cable converters from third party vendors. If the FCC concludes that such distribution is required, and does not make appropriate allowances for signal piracy concerns, it may become more difficult for cable operators to combat theft of service. The FCC has the authority to enforce its regulations through the imposition of substantial fines, the issuance of cease and desist orders and/or the imposition of other administrative sanctions, such as the revocation of FCC licenses needed to operate certain transmission facilities used in connection with cable operations. Copyright. Cable television systems are subject to federal copyright --------- licensing covering carriage of television and radio broadcast signals. In exchange for filing certain reports and contributing a percentage of their revenues to a federal copyright royalty pool (that varies depending on the size of the system and the number of distant broadcast television signals carried), cable operators can obtain blanket permission to retransmit copyrighted material on broadcast signals. The possible modification or elimination of this compulsory copyright license is the subject of continuing legislative review and could adversely affect the Partnership's ability to obtain desired broadcast programming. In addition, the cable industry pays music licensing fees to BMI and is negotiating a similar arrangement with ASCAP. Copyright clearances for nonbroadcast programming services are arranged through private negotiations. State and Local Regulation. Cable television systems generally are -------------------------- operated pursuant to nonexclusive franchises granted by a municipality or other state or local government entity in order to cross public rights-of-way. Federal law now prohibits franchise authorities from granting exclusive franchises or from unreasonably refusing to award additional franchises. Cable franchises generally are granted for fixed terms and in many cases include monetary penalties for non-compliance and may be terminable if the franchisee fails to comply with material provisions. The terms and conditions of franchises vary materially from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Each franchise generally contains provisions governing cable operations, service rates, franchise fees, system construction and maintenance obligations, system channel capacity, design and technical performance, customer service standards, and indemnification protections. A number of states subject cable television systems to the jurisdiction of centralized state governmental agencies, some of which impose regulation of a character similar to that of a public utility. Although LFAs have considerable discretion in establishing franchise terms, there are certain federal limitations. For example, LFAs cannot insist on franchise fees exceeding 5 percent of the system's gross revenues, cannot dictate the particular technology used by the system, and cannot specify video programming other than identifying broad categories of programming. Federal law contains renewal procedures designed to protect incumbent franchisees against arbitrary denials of renewal. Even if a franchise is renewed, the franchise authority may seek to impose new and more onerous requirements such as significant upgrades in facilities and services or increased franchise fees as a condition of renewal. Similarly, if a franchise authority's consent is required for the purchase or sale of a cable system or franchise, such authority may attempt to impose more burdensome or onerous franchise requirements in 9 connection with a request for consent. Historically, franchises have been renewed for cable operators that have provided satisfactory services and have complied with the terms of their franchises. GENERAL. The Partnership's business consists of providing cable television services to a large number of customers, the loss of any one of which would have no material effect on the Partnership's business. The Northeast Indiana Systems have had some subscribers who later terminated the service. Terminations occur primarily because people move to another home or to another city. In other cases, people terminate on a seasonal basis or because they no longer can afford or are dissatisfied with the service. The amount of past due accounts in the Northeast Indiana Systems is not significant. The Partnership's policy with regard to past due accounts is basically one of disconnecting service before a past due account becomes material. The Partnership does not depend to any material extent on the availability of raw materials; it carries no significant amounts of inventory and it has no material backlog of customer orders. The Partnership does not have any employees because all properties are managed by employees of the General Partner. The General Partner has engaged in research and development activities relating to the provision of new services but the amount of the Partnership's funds expended for such research and development has never been material. Compliance with federal, state and local provisions that have been enacted or adopted regulating the discharge of materials into the environment or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment has had no material effect upon the capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position of the Partnership. ITEM 2. PROPERTIES ------------------- The Partnership acquired the Northeast Indiana Systems in November 1988. The following sets forth (i) the monthly basic plus service rates charged to subscribers and (ii) the number of basic subscribers and pay units for the Northeast Indiana Systems. The monthly basic service rates set forth herein represent, with respect to systems with multiple headends, the basic service rate charged to the majority of the subscribers within the system. In cable television systems, basic subscribers can subscribe to more than one pay TV service. Thus, the total number of pay services subscribed to by basic subscribers are called pay units. As of December 31, 1997, the Northeast Indiana Systems operated cable plant passing approximately 21,400 homes, with an approximate 67 percent penetration rate. Figures for numbers of subscribers and homes passed are compiled from the General Partner's records and may be subject to adjustments. At December 31, -------------------------------------------------------------------- NORTHEAST INDIANA SYSTEMS 1997 1996 1995 - ------------------------- --------------------- ---------------------- --------------------- Monthly basic plus service rate $ 24.58 $ 23.08 $ 21.77 Basic subscribers 15,012 14,540 13,926 Pay units 8,312 7,468 8,413 ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS -------------------------- None. ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS ------------------------------------------------------------ None. 10 PART II. -------- ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK ------------------------------------------------- AND RELATED SECURITY HOLDER MATTERS ----------------------------------- While the Partnership is publicly held, there is no public market for the limited partnership interests, and it is not expected that a market will develop in the future. During 1997, limited partners of the Partnership conducted "limited tender offers" for interests in the Partnership at prices ranging from $140 to $185 per interest. As of February 16, 1998, the number of equity security holders in the Partnership was 2,118. 11 ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA - ------------------------------- For the Year Ended December 31, ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 ------------ -------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ Revenues $ 5,522,807 $ 5,724,538 $ 6,838,837 $ 6,440,941 $ 6,214,322 Depreciation and Amortization 1,680,105 1,930,748 3,161,861 3,074,711 3,161,687 Operating Income (Loss) 396,470 (110,944) (630,272) (714,065) (681,473) Net Income (Loss) (281,375) 3,711,661(a) (1,495,469) (1,459,114) (1,328,059) Net Income (Loss) per Limited Partnership Unit (5.43) 71.66(a) (28.87) (28.17) (25.64) Weighted average number of Limited Partner units outstanding 51,276 51,276 51,276 51,276 51,276 General Partner's Deficit (17,258) (14,444) (161,832) (134,377) (119,786) Limited Partners' Capital 3,002,858 3,281,419 5,992,398 8,710,412 10,154,935 Total Assets 10,944,711 11,477,059 18,237,340 19,865,099 21,435,720 Credit Facility and Capitalized Lease Obligations 7,620,042 7,467,645 11,605,582 10,787,551 10,058,100 General Partner Advances - - - 44,786 584,196 (a) Net income resulted primarily from the sale of the Lake Geneva and Ripon Systems by Jones Spacelink Income/Growth Fund 1-A, Ltd. in April 1996. ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OF OPERATIONS ------------- The following discussion of Jones Spacelink Income/Growth Fund 1-A, Ltd.'s (the "Partnership") financial condition and results of operations contains, in addition to historical information, forward-looking statements that are based upon certain assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. The Partnership's actual results may differ significantly from the results predicted in such forward-looking statements. FINANCIAL CONDITION - ------------------- It is the General Partner's publicly announced policy that it intends to liquidate its managed partnerships, including the Partnership, as opportunities for sales of partnership cable television systems arise in the marketplace. In accordance with the policy, the Partnership has entered into an asset purchase agreement to sell the cable television systems serving the areas in and around the communities of Bluffton, Decatur, Monroe, Auburn, Butler, Uniondale, Waterloo, Poneto, Vera Cruz and Garrett, and the unincorporated areas of Wells, Allen, Noble, Adams and DeKalb counties, all in the State of Indiana (the "Northeast Indiana Systems"). On December 17, 1997, the Partnership entered into an asset purchase agreement to sell the Northeast Indiana Systems to an unaffiliated party (the "buyer") for a sales price of $23,500,000, subject to closing adjustments that may have the effect of increasing or decreasing the sales price by a non- material amount. Closing of the sale, which is anticipated to occur during the second quarter of 1998, is subject to several conditions, including necessary governmental and other third party consents and the termination or expiration of the statutory waiting period applicable to the asset purchase agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended. In addition, because the Northeast Indiana Systems constitute all of the Partnership's assets, the sale must be approved by the owners of a majority of the interests of the Partnership. The General Partner intends to conduct a proxy vote on this matter in May 1998. Upon the consummation of the proposed sale of the Northeast Indiana Systems, the Partnership will repay all of its indebtedness including the $7,500,000 borrowed under its credit facility and capital lease obligations totaling $120,042, leaving the Partnership with no debt outstanding, settle working capital adjustments, and then deposit $1,000,000 into an indemnity escrow account. The remaining net sale proceeds of approximately $14,900,000 will be distributed to the Partnership's limited partners of record as of the closing date of the sale of the 12 Northeast Indiana Systems. Based upon financial information as of December 31, 1997, this distribution will give the Partnership's limited partners an approximate return of $291.50 for each $500 limited partnership interest, or $583 for each $1,000 invested in the Partnership. Taking into account prior distributions to limited partners from the Partnership's operating cash flow and from the net proceeds from the sales of the Lake Geneva System and Ripon System, the limited partners of the Partnership will have received a total of $590 for each $500 limited partner interest, or $1,180 for each $1,000 invested in the Partnership. For a period of one year following the closing date, $1,000,000 of the sale proceeds will remain in escrow as security for the Partnership's agreement to indemnify the buyer under the asset purchase agreement. The Partnership's primary exposure, if any, will relate to the representations and warranties made about the Northeast Indiana Systems in the asset purchase agreement. Any amounts remaining from this indemnity escrow account and not claimed by the buyer at the end of the one-year period will be distributed to the limited partners of the Partnership at that time. If the entire $1,000,000 escrow amount is distributed to the limited partners, of which there can be no assurance, limited partners would receive $19.50 for each $500 limited partnership interest, or $39 for each $1,000 invested in the Partnership. The Partnership will continue in existence at least until any amounts remaining from the indemnity escrow account have been distributed. Since the Northeast Indiana Systems represent the only asset of the Partnership, the Partnership will be liquidated and dissolved upon the final distribution of any amounts remaining from the indemnity escrow account. During 1997, the Partnership generated cash from operating activities totaling $1,158,757, which is available to fund capital expenditures and non- operating costs. During 1997, the Partnership purchased plant and equipment for its cable television systems totaling approximately $906,000. Approximately 36 percent of these expenditures was for service drops to homes. Approximately 24 percent was for plant extensions related to new homes passed. The remainder of these expenditures was used to maintain the value of the Northeast Indiana Systems. The capital expenditures were funded primarily from cash flow from operations. Budgeted capital expenditures for all of 1998 are estimated to be approximately $427,000, and will be financed primarily from cash on hand and cash flow from operations. Service drops to homes are anticipated to account for approximately 47 percent of these expenditures and cable television plant extensions related to new homes passed are expected to account for approximately 35 percent of these expenditures. The remainder of the anticipated capital expenditures is necessary to maintain the value of the Northeast Indiana Systems until they are sold. Depending upon the timing of the closing of the sale of the Northeast Indiana Systems, the Partnership will make only the portion of the budgeted capital expenditures scheduled to be made during the Partnership's continued ownership of the Northeast Indiana Systems. At December 31, 1997, $7,500,000 was outstanding under the Partnership's $8,000,000 credit facility, leaving $500,000 available for the Partnership. This credit facility has a final maturity date of the earlier of June 30, 1998 or the date of sale of the Northeast Indiana Systems. This credit facility will be repaid in full upon the sale of the Northeast Indiana Systems. Interest on the outstanding principal balance is at the Partnership's option of the Prime Rate plus 1/4 percent or the London Interbank Offered Rate plus 1-1/4 percent. The effective interest rates on outstanding obligations as of December 31, 1997 and 1996 were 7.17 percent and 6.84 percent, respectively. A primary objective of the Partnership has been to provide quarterly cash distributions to the partners, principally from cash flow from operations remaining after principal and interest payments and the creation of any reserves necessary for the operation of the Partnership. The payment of quarterly cash flow distributions reduces the financial flexibility of the Partnership. The Partnership accordingly has suspended such distributions because funds from cash flow have been used to pay for necessary capital additions to the Partnership's Northeast Indiana Systems as a result of limited borrowing capacity under the Partnership's credit facility. The Partnership does not plan on resuming such distributions to the partners. The Partnership intends to make distributions to the limited partners from the net proceeds of the sale of the Northeast Indiana Systems. The Partnership declared such distributions totaling $1,262,626 and $1,262,626 in 1996 and 1995, respectively. The General Partner believes cash on hand and cash flow from operations will be sufficient to fund capital expenditures and other liquidity needs of the Partnership assuming the Northeast Indiana Systems are sold by June 30, 1998. 13 RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - --------------------- As a result of the sale of the Lake Geneva System and the Ripon System in April 1996, the following discussion of results of operations, through operating income, pertains only to the results of operations for the Northeast Indiana Systems for all periods discussed. 1997 Compared to 1996 --------------------- Revenues of the Partnership increased $375,553, or approximately 7 percent, to $5,522,807 in 1997 compared to $5,147,254 in 1996. Basic service rate increases accounted for approximately 43 percent of the increase in revenues. Increases in the number of basic service subscribers accounted for approximately 41 percent of the increase in revenues. The number of basic service subscribers increased 601, or approximately 4 percent, to 15,012 at December 31, 1997 from 14,411 at December 31, 1996. No other individual factor had a significant effect on the increases in revenues. Operating expenses consist primarily of costs associated with the operation and administration of the Partnership's cable television systems. The principal cost components are salaries paid to system personnel, programming expenses, professional fees, subscriber billing costs, rent for leased facilities, cable system maintenance expenses and marketing expenses. Operating expenses increased $194,013, or approximately 7 percent, to $2,844,900 in 1997 from $2,650,887 in 1996. The increase was primarily the result of increases in programming costs and advertising sales related expenses. No other individual factor significantly affected the increases in operating expenses for the periods discussed. Operating expenses represented approximately 52 percent of revenues in 1997 and 1996, respectively. The cable television industry generally measures the financial performance of a cable television system in terms of operating cash flow (revenues less operating expenses). This measure is not intended to be a substitute or improvement upon the items disclosed on the financial statements, rather it is included because it is an industry standard. Operating cash flow increased $181,540, or approximately 7 percent, to $2,677,907 in 1997 from $2,496,367 in 1996. The increase was due to the increase in revenues exceeding the increase in operating expenses. Management fees and allocated administrative costs from the General Partner increased $10,593, or approximately 2 percent, to $601,332 in 1997 from $590,739 in 1996. This increase was due to the increase in revenues, upon which management fees are based, which was offset in part by a reduction in allocated costs from the General Partner. Depreciation and amortization expense increased $166,956, or approximately 11 percent, to $1,680,105 in 1997 from $1,513,149 in 1996. The increase was due to capital additions in 1997. Operating income increased $3,991, or approximately 1 percent, to $396,470 in 1997 from $392,479 in 1996. The increase was the result of the increase in operating cash flow exceeding the increase in depreciation and amortization expense. Interest expense of the Partnership increased $28,829, or approximately 5 percent, to $664,204 in 1997 from $635,375 in 1996. The increase was primarily the result of higher outstanding balances on interest bearing obligations in 1997. The Partnership recognized a gain on the sales of the Lake Geneva System and the Ripon System of $4,550,867 in 1996. No similar gain was recognized during 1997. The Partnership reported a net loss of $281,375 in 1997 compared to net income of $3,711,661 in 1996. This change was the result of the fact that the Partnership did not sell any cable television systems in 1997 and thus had no gain comparable to the gain on the sales of the Lake Geneva System and the Ripon System in 1996. 14 1996 Compared to 1995 --------------------- Revenues increased $349,008, or approximately 7 percent, to $5,147,254 in 1996 from $4,798,246 in 1995. This increase was primarily the result of an increase in the number of basic subscribers in the Partnership's Northeast Indiana Systems and basic service rate increases. An increase in the number of basic subscribers accounted for approximately 41 percent of the increase in revenues. The number of basic subscribers in the Northeast Indiana Systems increased by 726 subscribers, or approximately 5 percent, to 14,411 subscribers in 1996, from 13,685 subscribers in 1995. Basic service rate increases accounted for approximately 33 percent of the increase in revenues. No other individual factor significantly contributed to the increase in revenues. Operating expenses increased $287,446, or approximately 12 percent, to $2,650,887 in 1996 from $2,363,441 in 1995. This increase was primarily the result of increases in programming fees. No other individual factor significantly affected the increase in operating expenses for the periods discussed. Operating cash flow increased $61,562, or approximately 3 percent, to $2,496,367 in 1996 from $2,434,805 in 1995. This increase was due to the increase in revenue exceeding the increase in operating expenses. Management fees and allocated administrative costs from the General Partner decreased $16,123, or approximately 3 percent, to $590,739 in 1996 from $606,862 in 1995. The decrease was due to the timing of certain expenses allocated from the General Partner. Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $237,810, or approximately 14 percent, to $1,513,149 in 1996 from $1,750,959 in 1995. This decrease was due to the maturation of the Partnership's asset base. The Partnership recognized operating income of $392,479 in 1996 compared to $76,984 in 1995. This increase in operating income was due to the increase in revenues and decreases in management fees and allocated administrative costs from the General Partner and depreciation and amortization expense exceeding the increase in operating expenses. Interest expense decreased $235,468, or approximately 27 percent, to $635,375 in 1996 from $870,843 in 1995. This decrease was primarily the result of lower outstanding balances on interest bearing obligations. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the Lake Geneva and Ripon systems was used to repay a portion of the outstanding loan balance. The Partnership reported a gain on the sale of the Lake Geneva and Ripon Systems of $4,550,867 in 1996. No similar gain was reported in 1995. The Partnership reported net income of $3,711,661 in 1996 compared to a net loss of $1,495,469 in 1995. This change was a result of the gain on the sale of the Lake Geneva and Ripon Systems discussed above. ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - ----------------------------- The audited financial statements of the Partnership for the year ended December 31, 1997 follow. 15 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS ---------------------------------------- To the Partners of Jones Spacelink Income/Growth Fund 1-A, Ltd.: We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Jones Spacelink Income/Growth Fund 1-A, Ltd. (a Colorado limited partnership) as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the related statements of operations, partners' capital (deficit) and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997. These financial statements are the responsibility of the General Partner'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 financial position of Jones Spacelink Income/Growth Fund 1-A, Ltd. as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP Denver, Colorado, March 13, 1998. 16 JONES SPACELINK INCOME/GROWTH FUND 1-A, LTD. -------------------------------------------- (A Limited Partnership) BALANCE SHEETS -------------- ASSETS ------ December 31, -------------------------- 1997 1996 ------------ ------------ CASH $ 146,657 $ 56,865 TRADE RECEIVABLES, less allowance for doubtful receivables of $12,965 and $5,425 at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively 182,946 122,004 INVESTMENT IN CABLE TELEVISION PROPERTIES: Property, plant and equipment, at cost 12,139,015 11,233,310 Less- accumulated depreciation (6,056,785) (5,174,077) ----------- ----------- 6,082,230 6,059,233 Franchise costs and other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $9,112,732 and $8,374,039 at December 31, 1997 and December 31, 1996, respectively 4,455,263 5,193,956 ----------- ----------- Total investment in cable television properties 10,537,493 11,253,189 DEPOSITS, PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER ASSETS 77,615 45,001 ----------- ----------- Total assets $10,944,711 $11,477,059 =========== =========== The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of these balance sheets. 17 JONES SPACELINK INCOME/GROWTH FUND 1-A, LTD. -------------------------------------------- (A Limited Partnership) BALANCE SHEETS -------------- LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL (DEFICIT) ------------------------------------------- December 31, ---------------------------- 1997 1996 ------------- ------------- LIABILITIES: Credit facility and capitalized lease obligations $ 7,620,042 $ 7,467,645 Trade accounts payable and accrued liabilities 307,207 405,742 Accrued distributions to partners - 315,657 Subscriber prepayments and deposits 31,862 21,040 ------------ ------------ Total liabilities 7,959,111 8,210,084 ------------ ------------ COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 8) PARTNERS' CAPITAL (DEFICIT): General Partner- Contributed capital 1,000 1,000 Distributions (103,950) (103,950) Accumulated earnings 85,692 88,506 ------------ ------------ (17,258) (14,444) ------------ ------------ Limited Partners- Contributed capital, net of related commissions, syndication costs and interest (51,276 units outstanding at December 31, 1997 and 1996) 21,875,852 21,875,852 Distributions (15,291,180) (15,291,180) Accumulated deficit (3,581,814) (3,303,253) ------------ ------------ 3,002,858 3,281,419 ------------ ------------ Total partners' capital (deficit) 2,985,600 3,266,975 ------------ ------------ Total liabilities and partners' capital (deficit) $ 10,944,711 $ 11,477,059 ============ ============ The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of these balance sheets. 18 JONES SPACELINK INCOME/GROWTH FUND 1-A, LTD. -------------------------------------------- (A Limited Partnership) STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS ------------------------ For the Year Ended December 31, ---------------------------------------------- 1997 1996 1995 ----------- ------------------- ------------ REVENUES $5,522,807 $5,724,538 $ 6,838,837 COSTS AND EXPENSES: Operating expenses 2,844,900 3,224,895 3,426,527 Management fees and allocated administrative costs from the General Partner 601,332 679,839 880,721 Depreciation and amortization 1,680,105 1,930,748 3,161,861 ---------- ---------- ----------- OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) 396,470 (110,944) (630,272) OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE): Interest expense (664,204) (635,375) (870,843) Gain on sale of cable television system - 4,550,867 - Other, net (13,641) (92,887) 5,646 ---------- ---------- ----------- Total other income (expense) (677,845) 3,822,605 (865,197) ---------- ---------- ----------- NET INCOME (LOSS) $ (281,375) $3,711,661 $(1,495,469) ========== ========== =========== ALLOCATION OF NET INCOME (LOSS): General Partner $ (2,814) $ 160,140 $ (14,955) ========== ========== =========== Limited Partners $ (278,561) $3,551,521 $(1,480,514) ========== ========== =========== NET INCOME (LOSS) PER LIMITED PARTNERSHIP UNIT $(5.43) $69.26 $(28.87) ========== ========== =========== WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF LIMITED PARTNER UNITS OUTSTANDING 51,276 51,276 51,276 ========== ========== =========== The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of these statements. 19 JONES SPACELINK INCOME/GROWTH FUND 1-A, LTD. -------------------------------------------- (A Limited Partnership) STATEMENTS OF PARTNERS' CAPITAL (DEFICIT) ----------------------------------------- For the Year Ended December 31, --------------------------------------- 1997 1996 1995 ----------- ------------ ------------ GENERAL PARTNER: Balance, beginning of year $ (14,444) $ (161,958) $ (134,377) Cash flow distributions - (12,626) (12,626) Net income (loss) for the year (2,814) 160,140 (14,955) ---------- ----------- ----------- Balance, end of year $ (17,258) $ (14,444) $ (161,958) ========== =========== =========== LIMITED PARTNERS: Balance, beginning of year $3,281,419 $ 5,979,898 $ 8,710,412 Cash flow distributions - (1,250,000) (1,250,000) Distribution from sale of cable television system - (5,000,000) - Net income (loss) for the year (278,561) 3,551,521 (1,480,514) ---------- ----------- ----------- Balance, end of year $3,002,858 $ 3,281,419 $ 5,979,898 ========== =========== =========== The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of these statements. 20 JONES SPACELINK INCOME/GROWTH FUND 1-A, LTD. -------------------------------------------- (A Limited Partnership) STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS ------------------------ For the Year Ended December 31, ---------------------------------------------- 1997 1996 1995 ----------- ------------------- ------------ CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income (loss) $ (281,375) $ 3,711,661 $(1,495,469) Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 1,680,105 1,930,748 3,161,861 Gain on sale of cable television system - (4,550,867) - Decrease (increase) in trade accounts receivable, net (60,942) 104,612 (95,974) Increase in deposits, prepaid expenses and other assets (91,318) (22,669) (21,402) Increase (decrease) in trade accounts payable and accrued liabilities and subscriber prepayments and deposits (87,713) (78,005) 41,434 Decrease in advances from Jones Intercable, Inc. - - (44,786) ---------- ------------ ----------- Net cash provided by operating activities 1,158,757 1,095,480 1,545,664 ---------- ------------ ----------- CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Purchase of property and equipment, net (905,705) (1,009,939) (1,275,117) Proceeds from sale of cable television system - 10,058,334 - ---------- ------------ ----------- Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (905,705) 9,048,395 (1,275,117) ---------- ------------ ----------- CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from borrowings 687,618 5,930,512 870,251 Repayment of borrowings (535,221) (10,068,449) (52,220) Increase (decrease) in accrued distributions (315,657) - 315,657 Distributions to partners - (6,262,626) (1,262,626) ---------- ------------ ----------- Net cash used in financing activities (163,260) (10,400,563) (128,938) ---------- ------------ ----------- INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH 89,792 (256,688) 141,609 CASH, BEGINNING OF YEAR 56,865 313,553 171,944 ---------- ------------ ----------- CASH, END OF YEAR $ 146,657 $ 56,865 $ 313,553 ========== ============ =========== SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURE: Interest paid $ 719,176 $ 638,714 $ 875,993 ========== ============ =========== The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of these statements. 21 JONES SPACELINK INCOME/GROWTH FUND 1-A, LTD. -------------------------------------------- (A Limited Partnership) NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ----------------------------- (1) ORGANIZATION AND PARTNERS' INTERESTS: ------------------------------------ Formation and Business ---------------------- Jones Spacelink Income/Growth Fund 1-A, Ltd. (the "Partnership"), a Colorado limited partnership, was formed on May 12, 1988, pursuant to a public offering of limited partner interests. The Partnership was formed to acquire, construct, develop and operate cable television systems. Jones Intercable, Inc. ("Intercable"), a Colorado corporation, is the "General Partner," and manager of the Partnership. Intercable and certain of its subsidiaries also own and operate cable television systems for their own account and for the account of other managed limited partnerships. Cable Television System Acquisitions ------------------------------------ In November 1988, the Partnership purchased the cable television systems serving the areas in and around the communities of Bluffton, Decatur, Monroe, Auburn, Butler, Uniondale, Waterloo, Poneto, Vera Cruz and Garrett, and the unincorporated areas of Wells, Allen, Noble, Adams and Dekalb Counties, all in the State of Indiana (the "Northeast Indiana Systems"). In March 1991, the Partnership purchased the cable television system serving the communities of Lake Geneva and areas of Walworth County, all in the State of Wisconsin (the "Lake Geneva System") and the cable television system serving the communities of Ripon and areas of Fond-du-Lac County, all in the State of Wisconsin (the "Ripon System"). Such systems were sold in 1996 as discussed below. Contributed Capital, Commissions and Syndication Costs ------------------------------------------------------ The capitalization of the Partnership is set forth in the accompanying statements of partners' capital (deficit). No limited partner is obligated to make any additional contribution to Partnership capital. The General Partner purchased its general partner interest in the Partnership by contributing $1,000 to partnership capital. All profits and losses of the Partnership will be allocated 99 percent to the limited partners and one percent to the General Partner, except for income or gain from the sale or disposition of cable television properties, which will be allocated to the partners based upon the formula set forth in the partnership agreement, and interest income earned prior to the first acquisition by the Partnership of a cable television system, which was allocated 100 percent to the limited partners. Sales of Cable Television Systems --------------------------------- On April 11, 1996, the Partnership sold to Jones Cable Holdings, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Intercable, the Lake Geneva System for $6,345,667, and the Ripon System for $3,712,667. The purchase prices were determined by averaging three separate independent appraisals of each of the cable television systems sold. No vote of the limited partners of the Partnership was required in connection with these transactions because the sales of the Lake Geneva System and the Ripon System, individually and collectively, did not represent the sale of all or substantially all of the Partnership's assets. Pursuant to the terms of an amendment to the Partnership's credit agreement, the Partnership distributed $5,000,000 of the proceeds from the sales of the Lake Geneva System and the Ripon System to the limited partners, and the balance of the sale proceeds, approximately $5,058,000, reduced the Partnership's outstanding indebtedness, which at December 31, 1996 totaled $7,467,645. The limited partners of the Partnership received, in April 1996, approximately $98 per unit, or $195 for each $1,000 invested in the Partnership. Limited partners of the Partnership have received a total of $596 for each $1,000 invested in the Partnership taking into account the prior distributions to limited partners. Because these distributions have not yet returned to limited partners 100 percent of the capital contributed by them to the 22 Partnership plus their preferred return, the General Partner was not entitled to receive a distribution on the sales of the Lake Geneva System and the Ripon System. Proposed Sale of Cable Television Systems ----------------------------------------- On December 17, 1997, the Partnership entered into an asset purchase agreement to sell the Northeast Indiana Systems to an unaffiliated party (the "buyer") for a sales price of $23,500,000, subject to closing adjustments that may have the effect of increasing or decreasing the sales price by a non- material amount. Closing of the sale, which is anticipated to occur during the second quarter of 1998, is subject to several conditions, including necessary governmental and other third party consents and the termination or expiration of the statutory waiting period applicable to the asset purchase agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended. In addition, because the Northeast Indiana Systems constitute all of the Partnership's assets, the sale must be approved by the owners of a majority of the interests of the Partnership. The General Partner intends to conduct a proxy vote on this matter in May 1998. Upon the consummation of the proposed sale of the Northeast Indiana Systems, the Partnership will repay all of its indebtedness including the $7,500,000 borrowed under its credit facility and capital lease obligations totaling $120,042, leaving the Partnership with no debt outstanding, settle working capital adjustments, and then deposit $1,000,000 into an indemnity escrow account. The remaining net sale proceeds of approximately $14,900,000 will be distributed to the Partnership's limited partners of record as of the closing date of the sale of the Northeast Indiana Systems. Based upon financial information as of December 31, 1997, this distribution will give the Partnership's limited partners an approximate return of $291.50 for each $500 limited partnership interest, or $583 for each $1,000 invested in the Partnership. Taking into account prior distributions to limited partners from the Partnership's operating cash flow and from the net proceeds from the sales of the Lake Geneva System and Ripon System, the limited partners of the Partnership will have received a total of $590 for each $500 limited partner interest, or $1,180 for each $1,000 invested in the Partnership. For a period of one year following the closing date, $1,000,000 of the sale proceeds will remain in escrow as security for the Partnership's agreement to indemnify the buyer under the asset purchase agreement. The Partnership's primary exposure, if any, will relate to the representations and warranties made about the Northeast Indiana Systems in the asset purchase agreement. Any amounts remaining from this indemnity escrow account and not claimed by the buyer at the end of the one-year period will be distributed to the limited partners of the Partnership at that time. If the entire $1,000,000 escrow amount is distributed to the limited partners, of which there can be no assurance, limited partners would receive $19.50 for each $500 limited partnership interest, or $39 for each $1,000 invested in the Partnership. The Partnership will continue in existence at least until any amounts remaining from the indemnity escrow account have been distributed. Since the Northeast Indiana Systems represent the only asset of the Partnership, the Partnership will be liquidated and dissolved upon the final distribution of any amounts remaining from the indemnity escrow account. (2) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: ------------------------------------------ Accounting Records ------------------ The accompanying financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Partnership's tax returns are also prepared on the accrual basis. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires the General Partner's management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. 23 Property, Plant and Equipment ----------------------------- Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is provided using the straight-line method over the following estimated service lives: Cable distribution systems 5 - 15 years Equipment and tools 5 - 7 years Office furniture and equipment 3 - 5 years Buildings 30 years Vehicles 3 - 4 years Replacements, renewals and improvements are capitalized and maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Property, plant and equipment and the corresponding accumulated depreciation are written off as certain assets become fully depreciated and are no longer in service. Allocation of Cost of Purchased Cable Television Systems -------------------------------------------------------- Based on independent appraisals, the Partnership allocated the total purchase price of the cable television systems acquired as follows: first, to the fair value of net tangible assets acquired; second, to franchise costs in an amount equal to the estimated value of franchise agreements; third, to subscriber lists; fourth, to noncompete agreements; and fifth, to costs in excess of interests in net assets purchased. The brokerage fees paid to The Jones Group, Ltd. upon acquisition of the systems and other acquisition costs were capitalized and charged to investment in cable television properties in the accompanying balance sheets. Intangible Assets ----------------- Costs assigned to intangible assets are being amortized using the straight- line method over the following remaining estimated useful lives: Franchise costs 2 - 13 years Costs in excess of interests in net assets purchased 33 years Revenue Recognition ------------------- Subscriber prepayments are initially deferred and recognized as revenue when earned. Reclassifications ----------------- Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 1997 presentation. 24 (3) PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT: ----------------------------- Property, plant and equipment as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, consisted of the following: 1997 1996 ----------- ----------- Cable distribution systems $11,182,336 $10,440,907 Equipment and tools 504,417 435,937 Office furniture and equipment 179,632 156,856 Buildings 12,002 12,002 Vehicles 255,628 182,608 Land 5,000 5,000 ----------- ----------- 12,139,015 11,233,310 ----------- ----------- Less-accumulated depreciation (6,056,785) (5,174,077) ----------- ----------- $ 6,082,230 $ 6,059,233 =========== =========== (4) DEBT: ----- At December 31, 1997 and 1996, debt consisted of the following: 1997 1996 ---------- ---------- Revolving credit and term loan facility $7,500,000 $7,400,000 Capital lease obligations 120,042 67,645 ---------- ---------- $7,620,042 $7,467,645 ========== ========== At December 31, 1997, $7,500,000 was outstanding under the Partnership's $8,000,000 credit facility, leaving $500,000 available for the Partnership. This credit facility currently has a final maturity date of the earlier of June 30, 1998 or the date of sale of the Northeast Indiana Systems. This credit facility will be repaid in full upon the sale of the Northeast Indiana Systems. If the sale of the Northeast Indiana Systems is not closed by June 30, 1998, the Partnership will refinance its existing debt structure. Interest on the outstanding principal balance is at the Partnership's option of the Prime Rate plus 1/4 percent or the London Interbank Offered Rate plus 1-1/4 percent. The effective interest rates on outstanding obligations as of December 31, 1997 and 1996 were 7.17 percent and 6.84 percent, respectively. Estimated maturities of the term loan and capital lease obligations for the five years in the period ended December 31, 2002 and thereafter are as follows: 1998 $7,536,013 1999 36,013 2000 36,013 2001 12,003 2002 - Thereafter - --------- $7,620,042 ========= At December 31, 1997, the carrying amount of the Partnership's long-term debt did not differ significantly from the estimated fair value of the financial instruments. The fair value of the Partnership's long-term debt is estimated based on the discounted amount of future debt service payments using rates of borrowing for a liability of similar risk. 25 (5) SIGNIFICANT TRANSACTIONS WITH THE GENERAL PARTNER AND AFFILIATES: ---------------------------------------------------------------- Management Fees, Distribution Ratios and Reimbursements ------------------------------------------------------- The General Partner manages the Partnership and receives a fee for its services equal to 5 percent of the gross revenues of the Partnership, excluding revenues from the sale of cable television systems or franchises. Management fees paid to the General Partner by the Partnership for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 were $276,140, $286,227 and $341,942, respectively. Any partnership distributions made from cash flow (defined as cash receipts derived from routine operations and interest income, less debt principal and interest payments and cash expenses) are allocated 99 percent to the limited partners and one percent to the General Partner. The Partnership may distribute any proceeds from the sale or refinancing of a cable television system generally as follows: first, to the Partners until they have received an amount equal to their initial capital contributions (as reduced by all prior distributions other than distributions from cash flow); second, to the limited partners until they have received a liquidation preference equal to 12 percent per annum, cumulative and noncompounded, on an amount equal to their initial capital contributions, less any portion of such capital contributions which has been returned to the limited partners from prior sale or refinancing proceeds, as determined for any particular year; provided that such cumulative return will be reduced by all prior distributions of cash flow from operations and prior distributions of proceeds of sales or refinancings of the Partnership's cable television systems. The balance will be allocated 75 percent to the limited partners' and 25 percent to the General Partner. See Note 6 for discussion of cash flow distributions. The Partnership reimburses the General Partner and certain of its subsidiaries for certain allocated general and administrative expenses. These expenses represent the salaries and related benefits paid for corporate personnel, office rent and related facilities expense. Such personnel provide engineering, marketing, administrative, accounting, legal, and investor relation services to the Partnership. Such services, and their related costs, are necessary to the operations of the Partnership and would have been incurred by the Partnership if it was a stand alone entity. Allocations of personnel costs are based primarily on actual time spent by employees of the General Partner with respect to each partnership managed. Remaining expenses are allocated based on the pro rata relationship of the Partnership's revenues to the total revenues of all systems owned or managed by the General Partner and certain of its subsidiaries. Systems owned by the General Partner and all other systems owned by partnerships for which Intercable is the general partner are also allocated a proportionate share of these expenses. The General Partner believes that the methodology used in allocating general and administrative costs is reasonable. General and administrative expenses allocated to the Partnership by the General Partner were $325,192, $393,612 and $538,779 for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The Partnership was charged interest during 1997 at an average interest rate of approximately 7.82 percent per annum on the amounts due the General Partner, which approximated the General Partner's weighted average cost of borrowing. Total interest charged to the Partnership by the General Partner was $2,796, $67,530 and $9,243 for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Payments to/from Affiliates for Programming Services ---------------------------------------------------- The Partnership receives or has received programming from Superaudio, Knowledge TV, Inc., Jones Computer Network, Ltd., Great American Country, Inc. and Product Information Network, all of which are affiliates of the General Partner. Payments to Superaudio by the Partnership for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 totaled $9,775, $9,979 and $11,632, respectively. Payments to Knowledge TV, Inc. by the Partnership for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 totaled $10,870, $10,882 and $12,438, respectively. Payments to Jones Computer Network, Ltd., whose service was discontinued in April 1996, for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 totaled $-0-, $1,557 and $4,869, respectively. Payments to Great American Country, Inc., which initiated service in 1996, totaled $11,313 and $3,039 in 1997 and 1996, respectively. 26 The Partnership receives a commission from Product Information Network, based on a percentage of advertising revenue and number of subscribers. Product Information Network paid commissions to the Partnership for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 totaling $18,248, $12,295 and $1,871, respectively. (6) DISTRIBUTIONS FROM CASH FLOW: ---------------------------- A primary objective of the Partnership has been to provide quarterly cash distributions to the partners, principally from cash flow from operations remaining after principal and interest payments and the creation of any reserves necessary for the operation of the Partnership. The payment of quarterly cash flow distributions reduces the financial flexibility of the Partnership. The Partnership accordingly has suspended such distributions in 1997 because funds from cash flow have been used to pay for necessary capital additions to the Partnership's Northeast Indiana Systems as a result of limited borrowing capacity under the Partnership's credit facility. The Partnership does not plan on resuming such distributions to the partners. The Partnership intends to make distributions to the limited partners from the net proceeds of the sale of the Northeast Indiana Systems. The Partnership declared such distributions totaling $1,262,626 and $1,262,626 in 1996 and 1995, respectively. (7) INCOME TAXES: ------------ Income taxes have not been recorded in the accompanying financial statements because they accrue directly to the partners. The federal and state income tax returns of the Partnership are prepared and filed by the General Partner. The Partnership's tax returns, the qualification of the Partnership as such for tax purposes, and the amount of distributable income or loss are subject to examination by federal and state taxing authorities. If such examinations result in changes with respect to the Partnership's qualification as such, or in changes with respect to the Partnership's recorded income or loss, the tax liability of the general and limited partners would likely be changed accordingly. Taxable income (loss) to the Partners is different from that reported in the statements of operations due to the difference in depreciation recognized under generally accepted accounting principles and the expense allowed for tax purposes under the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS). There are no other significant differences between taxable income (loss) and the net loss reported in the statements of operations. (8) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES: ----------------------------- The Partnership rents office and other facilities under various long-term lease arrangements. Rent paid under such lease arrangements totaled $63,959, $66,613 and $73,344, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995. Future minimum lease payments as of December 31, 1997, under noncancelable operating leases for each of the five years in the period ending December 31, 2002, and thereafter are as follows: 1998 $ 46,780 1999 42,294 2000 23,398 2001 5,292 2002 4,742 Thereafter 9,050 ------- $131,556 ======= 27 (9) SUPPLEMENTARY PROFIT AND LOSS INFORMATION: ----------------------------------------- Supplementary profit and loss information for the respective years are presented below: Year Ended December 31, -------------------------------- 1997 1996 1995 -------- ---------- ---------- Maintenance and repairs $ 25,266 $ 37,948 $ 55,247 ======== ========== ========== Taxes, other than income and payroll taxes $ 85,447 $ 76,760 $ 99,201 ======== ========== ========== Advertising $ 33,297 $ 56,746 $ 76,683 ======== ========== ========== Depreciation of property, plant and equipment $915,602 $ 910,553 $1,164,194 ======== ========== ========== Amortization of intangible assets $764,503 $1,020,195 $1,997,667 ======== ========== ========== 28 ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON --------------------------------------------------------- ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE ----------------------------------- None. PART III. --------- ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT ------------------------------------------------------------ The Partnership itself has no officers or directors. Certain information concerning the directors and executive officers of the General Partner is set forth below. Directors of the General Partner serve until the next annual meeting of the General Partner and until their successors shall be elected and qualified. Glenn R. Jones 68 Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer James B. O'Brien 48 President and Director Ruth E. Warren 48 Group Vice President/Operations Kevin P. Coyle 46 Group Vice President/Finance Christopher J. Bowick 42 Group Vice President/Technology Cheryl M. Sprague 45 Group Vice President/Human Resources Cynthia A. Winning 46 Group Vice President/Marketing Elizabeth M. Steele 46 Vice President/General Counsel/Secretary Larry W. Kaschinske 38 Vice President/Controller Robert E. Cole 65 Director William E. Frenzel 69 Director Josef J. Fridman 52 Director Donald L. Jacobs 59 Director Robert Kearney 61 Director James J. Krejci 56 Director Raphael M. Solot 64 Director Howard O. Thrall 50 Director Siim A. Vanaselja 41 Director Sanford Zisman 58 Director Robert B. Zoellick 44 Director Mr. Glenn R. Jones has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of the General Partner since its formation in 1970, and he was President from June 1984 until April 1988. Mr. Jones is the sole shareholder, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Jones International, Ltd. He is also Chairman of the Board of Directors of the subsidiaries of the General Partner and of certain other affiliates of the General Partner. Mr. Jones has been involved in the cable television business in various capacities since 1961, and he is a member of the Board of Directors and of the Executive Committee of the National Cable Television Association. In addition, Mr. Jones is a member of the Board of Education Council of the National Alliance of Business. Mr. Jones is also a founding member of the James Madison Council of the Library of Congress. Mr. Jones has been the recipient of several awards including: the Grand Tam Award in 1989, the highest award from the Cable Television Administration and Marketing Society; the President's Award from the Cable Television Public Affairs Association in recognition of Jones International's educational efforts through Mind Extension University (now Knowledge TV); the Donald G. McGannon Award for the advancement of minorities and women in cable from the United Church of Christ Office of Communications; the STAR Award from American Women in Radio and Television, Inc. for exhibition of a commitment to the issues and concerns of women in television and radio; the Cableforce 2000 Accolade awarded by Women in Cable in recognition of the General Partner's innovative employee programs; the Most Outstanding Corporate Individual Achievement Award from the International Distance Learning Conference for his contributions to distance education; the Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement for his advances in distance education; the Man of the Year named 29 by the Denver chapter of the Achievement Rewards for College Scientists; and in 1994 Mr. Jones was inducted into Broadcasting and Cable's Hall of Fame. Mr. James B. O'Brien, the General Partner's President, joined the General Partner in January 1982. Prior to being elected President and a Director of the General Partner in December 1989, Mr. O'Brien served as a division manager, director of operations planning/assistant to the CEO, Fund Vice President and Group Vice President/Operations. Mr. O'Brien was appointed to the General Partner's Executive Committee in August 1993. As President, he is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the cable television systems managed and owned by the General Partner. Mr. O'Brien is a board member of Cable Labs, Inc., the research arm of the U.S. cable television industry. He also serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Cable Television Administration and Marketing Association and as a director and a member of the Executive Committee of the Walter Kaitz Foundation, a foundation that places people of ethnic minority groups in positions with cable television systems, networks and vendor companies. Ms. Ruth E. Warren joined the General Partner in August 1980 and has served in various operational capacities, including system marketing manager, director of marketing, assistant division manager, regional vice president and Fund Vice President, since then. Ms. Warren was elected Group Vice President/Operations of the General Partner in September 1990. Mr. Kevin P. Coyle joined The Jones Group, Ltd. in July 1981 as Vice President/Financial Services. In September 1985, he was appointed Senior Vice President/Financial Services. He was elected Treasurer of the General Partner in August 1987, Vice President/Treasurer in April 1988 and Group Vice President/Finance and Chief Financial Officer in October 1990. Mr. Christopher J. Bowick joined the General Partner in September 1991 as Group Vice President/Technology and Chief Technical Officer. Prior to joining the General Partner, Mr. Bowick worked for Scientific Atlanta's Transmission Systems Business Division in various technical management capacities since 1981, and as Vice President of Engineering since 1989. Mr. Bowick also has served since 1995 as President of Jones Futurex, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the General Partner that manufactures and markets data encryption products. Ms. Cheryl M. Sprague joined the General Partner in November 1997 as Group Vice President/Human Resources. Prior to November 1997 and since December 1995, Ms. Sprague served as Director, Human Resources for Westmoreland Coal Company, where she was responsible for human resources management for said company and three of its subsidiaries. From October 1993 to December 1995, Ms. Sprague served as President of Peak Executive Resources, where she provided consulting services in organizational development and human resources to businesses experiencing organizational transition. From April 1992 to October 1993, Ms. Sprague was Vice President, Human Resources for Penrose-St. Francis Healthcare System, where she was responsible for management of all human resources activities. Ms. Sprague serves as an adjunct instructor at Regis University and has earned the professional designation as a Senior Professional in Human Resources from the Society for Human Resource Management and its affiliate, the Human Resources Certification Board. Ms. Sprague is a past president of the Colorado Human Resource Association and was named by that association as the Colorado Human Resources Administrator of the Year in 1986. Ms. Sprague also serves as a director on the Area VI Board for the Society for Human Resource Management. Ms. Cynthia A. Winning joined the General Partner as Group Vice President/Marketing in December 1994. Previous to joining the General Partner, Ms. Winning served since 1994 as the President of PRS Inc., Denver, Colorado, a sports and event marketing company. From 1979 to 1981 and from 1986 to 1994, Ms. Winning served as the Vice President and Director of Marketing for Citicorp Retail Services, Inc., a provider of private-label credit cards for ten national retail department store chains. From 1981 to 1986, Ms. Winning was the Director of Marketing Services for Daniels & Associates cable television operations, as well as the Western Division Marketing Director for Capital Cities Cable. Ms. Winning also serves as a board member of Cities in Schools, a dropout intervention/prevention program. 30 Ms. Elizabeth M. Steele joined the General Partner in August 1987 as Vice President/General Counsel and Secretary. From August 1980 until joining the General Partner, Ms. Steele was an associate and then a partner at the Denver law firm of Davis, Graham & Stubbs, which serves as counsel to the General Partner. Mr. Larry Kaschinske joined the General Partner in 1984 as a staff accountant in the General Partner's former Wisconsin Division, was promoted to Assistant Controller in 1990, named Controller in August 1994 and was elected Vice President/Controller in June 1996. Mr. Robert E. Cole was appointed a Director of the General Partner in March 1996. Mr. Cole is currently self-employed as a partner of First Variable Insurance Marketing and is responsible for marketing to National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. firms in northern California, Oregon, Washington and Alaska. From 1993 to 1995, Mr. Cole was the Director of Marketing for Lamar Life Insurance Company; from 1992 to 1993, Mr. Cole was Senior Vice President of PMI Inc., a third party lender serving the special needs of Corporate Owned Life Insurance (COLI) and from 1988 to 1992, Mr. Cole was the principal and co- founder of a specialty investment banking firm that provided services to finance the ownership and growth of emerging companies, productive assets and real property. Mr. Cole is a Certified Financial Planner and a former United States Naval Aviator. Mr. William E. Frenzel was appointed a Director of the General Partner in April 1995. Mr. Frenzel has been a Guest Scholar since 1991 with the Brookings Institution, a research organization located in Washington D. C. Until his retirement in January 1991, Mr. Frenzel served for twenty years in the United States House of Representatives, representing the State of Minnesota, where he was a member of the House Ways and Means Committee and its Trade Subcommittee, the Congressional Representative to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), the Ranking Minority Member on the House Budget Committee and a member of the National Economic Commission. Mr. Frenzel also served in the Minnesota Legislature for eight years. He is a Distinguished Fellow of the Tax Foundation, Vice Chairman of the Eurasia Foundation, a Board Member of the U.S.- Japan Foundation, the Close-Up Foundation, Sit Mutual Funds and Chairman of the Japan-America Society of Washington. Mr. Josef J. Fridman was appointed a Director of the General Partner in February 1998. Mr. Fridman is currently senior vice-president, law and corporate secretary of BCE Inc., Canada's largest telecommunications company. Mr. Fridman joined Bell Canada, a wholly owned subsidiary of BCE Inc., in 1969, and has held increasingly senior positions with Bell Canada and BCE Inc. since such time. Mr. Fridman has held his current position since January 1991. Mr. Fridman's directorships include Telesat Canada, TMI Communications, Inc., Telebec Itee, BCI Telecom Holding Inc. and BCE Corporate Services Inc. He is a member of the Quebec Bar Association, the Canadian, American and International Bar Associations and the Lord Reading Law Society. Mr. Fridman is a governor of the Quebec Bar Association. Mr. Donald L. Jacobs was appointed a Director of the General Partner in April 1995. Mr. Jacobs is a retired executive officer of TRW. Prior to his retirement, he was Vice President and Deputy Manager of the Space and Defense Sector; prior to that appointment, he was the Vice President and General Manager of the Defense Systems Group and prior to his appointment as Group General Manager, he was President of ESL, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of TRW. During his career, Mr. Jacobs served on several corporate, professional and civic boards. Mr. Robert Kearney was appointed a director of the General Partner in July 1997. Mr. Kearney is a retired executive officer of Bell Canada. Prior to his retirement in December 1993, Mr. Kearney was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Bell Canada. He served as Chairman of BCE Canadian Telecom Group in 1994 and as Deputy Chairman of BCI Management Limited in 1995. During his career, Mr. Kearney served in a variety of capacities in the Canadian, American and International Standards organizations, and he has served on several corporate, professional and civic boards. Mr. James J. Krejci is President and CEO of Imagelink Technologies, Inc., a privately financed company with leading technology in the desktop or personal computer videoconferencing market. Prior to joining 31 Imagelink Technologies in July 1996, Mr. Krejci was President of the International Division of International Gaming Technology, the world's largest gaming equipment manufacturer, with headquarters in Reno, Nevada. Prior to joining IGT in May 1994, Mr. Krejci was Group Vice President of Jones International, Ltd. and was Group Vice President of the General Partner. He also served as an officer of subsidiaries of Jones International, Ltd. until leaving the General Partner in May 1994. Mr. Krejci started his career as an electronics research engineer with the Allen-Bradley Company, then moved to the 3M Company, General Electric and Becton Dickinson until March 1985 when he joined Jones International, Ltd. Mr. Krejci has been a director of the General Partner since August 1987. Mr. Raphael M. Solot was appointed a Director of the General Partner in March 1996. Mr. Solot is an attorney and has practiced law for 34 years with an emphasis on franchise, corporate and partnership law and complex litigation. Mr. Howard O. Thrall was appointed a Director of the General Partner in March 1996. Mr. Thrall had previously served as a Director of the General Partner from December 1988 to December 1994. Mr. Thrall is a management and international marketing consultant, having active assignments with First National Net, Inc., LEP Technologies, Cheong Kang Associates (Korea), Aero Investment Alliance, Inc. and Western Real Estate Partners, among others. From September 1993 through July 1996, Mr. Thrall served as Vice President of Sales, Asian Region, for World Airways, Inc. headquartered at the Washington Dulles International Airport. From 1984 until August 1993, Mr. Thrall was with the McDonnell Douglas Corporation, where he concluded as a Regional Vice President, Commercial Marketing with the Douglas Aircraft Company subsidiary. Mr. Siim A. Vanaselja was appointed a Director of the General Partner in August 1996. He is the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Bell Canada International Inc. and Vice President of BCI Telecom Holding Inc. Mr. Vanaselja joined BCE Inc., Canada's largest telecommunications company, in February 1994 as Assistant Vice-President, International Taxation. In June 1994, he was appointed Assistant Vice-President and Director of Taxation, and in February 1995, Mr. Vanaselja was appointed Vice-President, Taxation. On August 1, 1996, Mr. Vanaselja was appointed the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Bell Canada International Inc., a subsidiary of BCE Inc. Prior to joining BCE Inc. and since August 1989, Mr. Vanaselja was a partner in the Toronto office of KPMG Peat Marwick Thorne. Mr. Vanaselja has been a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario since 1982 and is a member of the Canadian Tax Foundation, the Tax Executives Institute and the International Fiscal Association. Mr. Sanford Zisman was appointed a director of the General Partner in June 1996. Mr. Zisman is a principal in the law firm of Zisman & Ingraham, P.C. of Denver, Colorado and he has practiced law for 32 years, specializing in the areas of tax, business and estate planning and probate administration. Mr. Zisman was a member of the Board of Directors of Saint Joseph Hospital, the largest hospital in Colorado, serving at various times as Chairman of the Board, Chairman of the Finance Committee and Chairman of the Strategic Planning Committee. Since 1982, he has also served on the Board of Directors of Maxim Series Fund, Inc., a subsidiary of Great-West Life Assurance Company. Mr. Robert B. Zoellick was appointed a Director of the General Partner in April 1995. Mr. Zoellick is the John M. Olin Professor at the U.S. Naval Academy for the 1997-1998 term. From 1993 through 1997, he was an Executive Vice President at Fannie Mae, a federally chartered and stockholder-owned corporation that is the largest housing finance investor in the United States. From August 1992 to January 1993, Mr. Zoellick served as Deputy Chief of Staff of the White House and Assistant to the President. From May 1991 to August 1992, Mr. Zoellick served concurrently as the Under Secretary of State for Economic and Agricultural Affairs and as Counselor of the Department of State, a post he assumed in March 1989. From 1985 to 1988, Mr. Zoellick served at the Department of Treasury in a number of capacities, including Counselor to the Secretary. Mr. Zoellick currently serves on the boards of Alliance Capital and Said Holdings. 32 ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION -------------------------------- The Partnership has no employees; however, various personnel are required to operate the cable television systems owned by the Partnership. Such personnel are employed by the General Partner and, pursuant to the terms of the limited partnership agreement of the Partnership, the cost of such employment is charged by the General Partner to the Partnership as a direct reimbursement item. See Item 13. ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGERS ---------------------------------------------------------------------- As of February 16, 1998, no person or entity owned more than 5 percent of the limited partnership interests of the Partnership. ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS -------------------------------------------------------- The General Partner and its affiliates engage in certain transactions with the Partnership as contemplated by the limited partnership agreement of the Partnership. The General Partner believes that the terms of such transactions are generally as favorable as could be obtained by the Partnership from unaffiliated parties. This determination has been made by the General Partner in good faith, but none of the terms were or will be negotiated at arm's-length and there can be no assurance that the terms of such transactions have been or will be as favorable as those that could have been obtained by the Partnership from unaffiliated parties. TRANSACTIONS WITH THE GENERAL PARTNER The General Partner charges the Partnership a 5 percent management fee, and the General Partner is reimbursed for certain allocated overhead and administrative expenses. These expenses represent the salaries and benefits paid to corporate personnel, rent, data processing services and other corporate facilities costs. Such personnel provide engineering, marketing, administrative, accounting, legal and investor relations services to the Partnership. Allocations of personnel costs are based primarily on actual time spent by employees of the General Partner with respect to each partnership managed. Remaining expenses are allocated based on the pro rata relationship of the Partnership's revenues to the total revenues of all systems owned or managed by the General Partner and certain of its subsidiaries. Systems owned by the General Partner and all other systems owned by partnerships for which Jones Intercable, Inc. is the general partner are also allocated a proportionate share of these expenses. The General Partner from time to time also advances funds to the Partnership and charges interest on the balance payable. The interest rate charged approximates the General Partner's weighted average cost of borrowing. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES Knowledge TV, Inc., a company owned 67 percent by Jones Education Group, Ltd., 7 percent by Mr. Jones and 26 percent by the General Partner, operates the television network JEC Knowledge TV. JEC Knowledge TV provides programming related to computers and technology; business, careers and finance; health and wellness; and global culture and languages. Knowledge TV. Inc. sells its programming to the Northeast Indiana Systems. Jones Computer Network, Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Jones Education Group, Ltd., a company owned 64 percent by Jones International, Ltd., 16 percent by the General Partner, 12 percent by BCI and 8 percent by Mr. Jones, operated the television network, Jones Computer Network. This network provided programming focused primarily on computers and technology. Jones Computer Network sold its programming to the Northeast Indiana Systems. Jones Computer Network, Ltd. terminated its programming in April 1997. 33 The Great American Country network provides country music video programming to the cable television systems owned by the Partnership. This network, owned and operated by Great American Country, Inc., a subsidiary of Jones International Networks, Ltd., an affiliate of the General Partner, commenced service in 1996 in the Northeast Indiana Systems. Jones Galactic Radio, Inc. is a subsidiary of Jones International Networks, Ltd., an affiliate of the General Partner. Superaudio, a joint venture between Jones Galactic Radio, Inc. and an unaffiliated entity, provides audio programming to the Northeast Indiana Systems. The Product Information Network Venture (the "PIN Venture") is a venture among a subsidiary of Jones International Networks, Ltd., an affiliate of the General Partner, and two unaffiliated cable system operators. The PIN Venture operates the Product Information Network ("PIN"), which is a 24-hour network that airs long-form advertising generally known as "infomercials." The PIN Venture generally makes incentive payments of approximately 60 percent of its net advertising revenue to the cable systems that carry its programming. The Partnership's Northeast Indiana Systems carries PIN for all or part of each day. Revenues received by the Partnership from the PIN Venture relating to the Northeast Indiana Systems totaled approximately $18,248 for the year ended December 31, 1997. The charges to the Partnership for related party transactions are as follows for the periods indicated: For the Year Ended December 31, ------------------------------------------------------------------- 1997 1996 1995 --------------------- --------------------- --------------------- Management fees $276,140 $286,227 $341,942 Allocation of expenses 325,192 393,612 538,779 Interest expense 2,796 67,530 9,243 Amount of advances outstanding 0 0 0 Highest amount of advances outstanding 156,929 111,692 30,144 Programming fees: Knowledge TV, Inc. 10,870 10,882 12,438 Jones Computer Network, Ltd. 0 1,557 4,869 Great American Country 11,313 3,039 0 Superaudio 9,775 9,979 11,632 34 PART IV. -------- ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K ------------------------------------------------------------------------- (a) 1. See index to financial statements for a list of financial statements and exhibits thereto filed as part of this report. 3. The following exhibits are filed herewith: 4.1 Limited Partnership Agreement for Jones Spacelink Income/Growth Fund 1-A, Ltd. (1) 10.1.1 Copy of franchise and related documents granting a cable television system franchise for the County of Adams, Indiana. (1) 10.1.2 Copy of franchise and related documents granting a cable television system franchise for the County of Allen, Indiana. (1) 10.1.3 Copy of franchise and related documents granting a cable television system franchise for the City of Auburn, Indiana. (1) 10.1.4 Copy of franchise and related documents granting a cable television system franchise for the City of Bluffton, Indiana. (1) 10.1.5 Copy of franchise and related documents granting a cable television system franchise for the City of Butler, Indiana. (1) 10.1.6 Copy of franchise and related documents granting a cable television system franchise for the City of Decatur, Indiana. (1) 10.1.7 Copy of franchise and related documents granting a cable television system franchise for the County of DeKalb, Indiana. (1) 10.1.8 Copy of franchise and related documents granting a cable television system franchise for the City of Garrett, Indiana. (1) 10.1.9 Copy of franchise and related documents granting a cable television system franchise for the Town of Monroe, Indiana.(1) 10.1.10 Copy of franchise and related documents granting a cable television system franchise for the County of Noble, Indiana. (1) 10.1.11 Copy of franchise and related documents granting a cable television system franchise for the Town of Poneto, Indiana. (1) 10.1.12 Copy of franchise and related documents granting a cable television system franchise for the Town of Uniondale, Indiana. (1) 10.1.13 Copy of franchise and related documents granting a cable television system franchise for the Town of Vera Cruz, Indiana. (1) 10.1.14 Copy of franchise and related documents granting a cable television system franchise for the Town of Waterloo, Indiana. (1) 35 10.1.15 Copy of franchise and related documents granting a cable television system franchise for the County of Wells, Indiana. (1) 10.2.1 Credit and Security Agreement dated as of March 6, 1991 among Jones Spacelink Income/Growth Fund 1-A, Ltd. and Credit Lyonnais New York Branch, as agent for various lenders. (2) 10.2.2 Amendment No. 2 dated as of September 30, 1994 to the Credit and Security Agreement dated as of March 6, 1991 among Jones Spacelink Income/Growth Fund 1-A, Ltd. and Credit Lyonnais New York Branch, as agent for various lenders. (3) 10.2.3 Amendment No. 3 dated as of December 16, 1994 to the Credit and Security Agreement dated as of March 6, 1991 among Jones Spacelink Income/Growth Fund 1-A, Ltd. and Credit Lyonnais New York Branch, as agent for various lenders. (3) 10.2.4 Amendment No. 4 dated as of March 28, 1996 to the Credit and Security Agreement dated as of March 6, 1991 among Jones Spacelink Income/Growth Fund 1-A, Ltd. and Credit Lyonnais New York Branch, as agent for various lenders. (4) 10.3.1 Asset Purchase Agreement dated September 5, 1995 between Jones Spacelink Income/Growth Fund 1-A, Ltd. and Jones Intercable, Inc. relating to the Ripon System. (5) 10.3.2 Asset Purchase Agreement dated September 5, 1995 between Jones Spacelink Income/Growth Fund 1-A, Ltd. and Jones Intercable, Inc. relating to the Lake Geneva System. (5) 10.3.3 Asset Purchase Agreement dated December 17, 1997 between Triax Midwest Associates, L.P. and Jones Spacelink Income/Growth Fund 1-A, Ltd. 27 Financial Data Schedule __________ (1) Incorporated by reference from the Partnership's Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended 12/31/88. (2) Incorporated by reference from the Partnership's Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended 12/31/91. (3) Incorporated by reference from the Partnership's Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended 12/31/94. (4) Incorporated by reference from the Partnership's Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended 12/31/95. (5) Incorporated by reference from the Partnership's Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 11, 1995. (b) Reports on Form 8-K ------------------- None. 36 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. JONES SPACELINK INCOME/ GROWTH FUND 1-A, LTD. a Colorado limited partnership By: Jones Intercable, Inc. By: /s/ Glenn R. Jones ------------------ Glenn R. Jones Chairman of the Board and Chief Dated: March 23, 1998 Executive Officer Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. By: /s/ Glenn R. Jones ------------------ Glenn R. Jones Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer Dated: March 23, 1998 (Principal Executive Officer) By: /s/ Kevin P. Coyle ------------------ Kevin P. Coyle Group Vice President/Finance Dated: March 23, 1998 (Principal Financial Officer) By: /s/ Larry Kaschinske -------------------- Larry Kaschinske Vice President/Controller Dated: March 23, 1998 (Principal Accounting Officer) By: /s/ James B. O'Brien -------------------- James B. O'Brien Dated: March 23, 1998 President and Director By: /s/ Robert E. Cole ------------------ Robert E. Cole Dated: March 23, 1998 Director By: /s/ William E. Frenzel ---------------------- William E. Frenzel Dated: March 23, 1998 Director 37 By: -------------------------- Josef J. Fridman Dated: March 23, 1998 Director By: -------------------------- Donald L. Jacobs Dated: March 23, 1998 Director By: -------------------------- Robert Kearney Dated: March 23, 1998 Director By: /s/ James J. Krejci -------------------------- James J. Krejci Dated: March 23, 1998 Director By: /s/ Raphael M. Solot -------------------------- Raphael M. Solot Dated: March 23, 1998 Director /s/ Howard O. Thrall By: -------------------------- Howard O. Thrall Dated: March 23, 1998 Director By: -------------------------- Siim A. Vanaselja Dated: March 23, 1998 Director By: /s/ Sanford Zisman -------------------------- Sanford Zisman Dated: March 23, 1998 Director By: /s/ Robert B. Zoellick -------------------------- Robert B. Zoellick Dated: March 23, 1998 Director 38