EXHIBIT 12
ALLBRITTON COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY
COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
Fiscal Year Ended September 30,
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1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Pretax income from continuing operations (3,872) 7,892 23,380 10,986 7,469
Fixed charges:
Interest, including capitalized interest 44,224 42,038 42,096 41,566 41,661
Amortization of deferred financing costs 1,145 1,149 1,149 1,199 1,295
Amortization of debt discount 116 116 116 116 117
Rental expense 1,067 1,068 1,056 1,089 1,254
Total fixed charges 46,552 44,371 44,417 43,970 44,327
Total earnings, net of capitalized interest 42,680 52,263 67,797 54,956 51,579
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (a) 1.18 1.53 1.25 1.16
Three Months Ended
As Adjusted(b) December 31, As Adjusted(b)
Fiscal Year Ended ------------ Three Months Ended
September 30, 2002 2001 2002 December 31, 2002
------------------ ---- ---- -----------------
Pretax income from continuing operations 12,489 4,839 11,056 12,936
Fixed charges:
Interest, including capitalized interest 36,907 10,437 11,069 9,151
Amortization of deferred financing costs 1,146 311 334 297
Amortization of debt discount 0 29 29 0
Rental expense 1,254 297 318 318
Total fixed charges 39,307 11,074 11,750 9,766
Total earnings, net of capitalized interest 51,579 15,913 22,806 22,702
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges 1.31 1.44 1.94 2.32
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(a) Due to a pre-tax loss for the year ended September 30, 1998, earnings were
inadequate to cover fixed charges. Additional earnings of $3,872 would have
been required to attain a ratio of one-to-one for the year ended
September 30, 1998.
(b) The as adjusted ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the fiscal year
ended September 30, 2002 and for the three months ended December 31, 2002
gives effect to the issuance of the initial notes and the use of the net
proceeds thereof, as well as borrowings under our senior credit facility,
to purchase and redeem our 9 3/4% debentures, as if each had occurred on
October 1, 2001.