def14a
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
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Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
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Gray Television, Inc.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
GRAY TELEVISION, INC.
4370 Peachtree Road, N.E.
Atlanta, Georgia 30319
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
Meeting to be held on June 23, 2010
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Gray Television, Inc.
will be held at 9:30 a.m., local time, on Wednesday, June 23, 2010, at The Peachtree Insurance
Center, The Executive Board Room, 5th Floor, 4370 Peachtree Road, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia
30319, for the purpose of considering and acting upon:
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The election of eleven members of our Board of Directors; and |
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Such other business and matters or proposals as may properly come before the meeting. |
Only holders of record of our common stock, no par value per share, and our Class A common
stock, no par value per share, at the close of business on April 16, 2010 are entitled to notice
of, and to vote at, the annual meeting. Attendance at the annual meeting is limited to such
shareholders of record at the close of business on April 16, 2010 and to any invitees of the
Company.
Your vote is very important. If you are unable to attend the meeting, we encourage you to
vote as soon as possible by one of three convenient methods: by calling the toll-free number listed
on the proxy card, by accessing the Internet site listed on the proxy card or by signing, dating
and returning the proxy card in the enclosed postage-paid envelope.
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By Order of the Board of Directors,
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Hilton H. Howell, Jr. |
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Chief Executive Officer |
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Atlanta, Georgia
April 28, 2010
GRAY TELEVISION, INC.
4370 Peachtree Road, N.E.
Atlanta, Georgia 30319
PROXY STATEMENT
For Annual Meeting of Shareholders
to be Held on June 23, 2010
This proxy statement is being furnished by the Board of Directors of Gray Television,
Inc., a Georgia corporation (which we refer to as Gray, Company, we, us or our), to the
holders of our common stock, no par value per share, and our Class A common stock, no par value per
share, in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors for use at the 2010
Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the 2010 Annual Meeting) to be held at The Peachtree Insurance
Center, The Executive Board Room, 5th Floor, 4370 Peachtree Road, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia
30319, on Wednesday, June 23, 2010, at 9:30 a.m., local time, and at any adjournments or
postponements thereof. For directions to the location where the 2010 Annual Meeting will be held,
you may contact our corporate offices at (404) 266-8333. Distribution of this proxy statement and a
proxy card to shareholders is scheduled to begin on or about April 28, 2010.
A proxy delivered pursuant to this solicitation is revocable at the option of the person
giving the same at any time before it is exercised. A proxy may be revoked, prior to its exercise,
by signing and delivering a later dated proxy card, by submitting a later dated vote by Internet or
by telephone, by delivering written notice of the revocation of the proxy to our Secretary prior to
the 2010 Annual Meeting, or by attending and voting at the 2010 Annual Meeting. Attendance at the
2010 Annual Meeting, in and of itself, will not constitute revocation of a proxy. Unless previously
revoked, the shares represented by the enclosed proxy will be voted in accordance with the
shareholders directions if the proxy is duly submitted prior to the 2010 Annual Meeting.
If you return a signed proxy card that does not indicate your voting preferences, the persons
named as proxies on the proxy card will vote your shares FOR the election of the director nominees
recommended by the Board of Directors and in accordance with the discretion of the named proxies on
other matters properly brought before the 2010 Annual Meeting.
The expenses associated with this proxy statement and soliciting the proxies sought hereby
will be borne by us. In addition to the use of the mail, proxies may be solicited by our officers,
directors and regular employees, who will not receive additional compensation therefor, in person
or by telephone or other means of communication. We also will request brokerage firms, banks,
nominees, custodians and fiduciaries to forward proxy materials to the beneficial owners of shares
of the common stock and the Class A common stock as of the record date for the 2010 Annual Meeting
and will provide reimbursement for the cost of forwarding the proxy materials in accordance with
customary practice. Your cooperation in promptly submitting your vote will help to avoid additional
expense.
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VOTING REQUIREMENTS
Record Date and Voting Rights
Our Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on April 16, 2010 as the record date
for determining holders of the common stock and the Class A common stock entitled to notice of, and
to vote at, the 2010 Annual Meeting. Only holders of record of our common stock and/or our Class A
common stock on that date will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the 2010 Annual Meeting.
Shareholders of record may vote by either:
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attending the 2010 Annual Meeting and voting in person; |
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voting by Internet at http://www.proxyvote.com; |
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voting by telephone at 1-800-690-6903 as directed on the enclosed proxy card; or |
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completing and mailing the enclosed proxy card. |
Instructions for voting are included on the enclosed proxy card.
The following information can be found at http://www.proxyvote.com:
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Notice of Annual Meeting; |
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Proxy Statement; |
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2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K; and |
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Form of Proxy. |
As of the record date, April 16, 2010, 42,880,493 shares of our common stock and 5,753,020
shares of our Class A common stock were outstanding. Each share of our common stock is entitled to
one vote and each share of our Class A common stock is entitled to ten votes. The total number of
possible votes is 100,410,693. A number of votes equal to or greater than a majority of possible
votes, or 50,205,348 votes (including abstentions and broker non-votes), will constitute a quorum.
No business may be transacted at the 2010 Annual Meeting without a quorum. Abstentions and broker
non-votes (where a broker submits a proxy but does not have discretionary authority to vote a
customers shares on such proposal when specific instructions are not received) will be counted as
present for purposes of determining a quorum.
Required Vote
With respect to the election of the director nominees, a majority of the votes is not
required; instead, the director nominees will be elected by a plurality of the votes cast, which
means that the eleven nominees receiving the most votes will be elected. Votes withheld from any
nominee will have no effect on the outcome of the election of directors. Abstentions and broker
non-votes will not be counted as votes cast and, therefore, will have no effect on the outcome of
the election of directors. Under the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) rules as revised for annual
meetings held in 2010 and after, if your broker holds your shares in its name, your broker is not
permitted to vote your shares with respect to the election of directors if your broker does not
receive voting instructions from you.
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PROPOSAL NUMBER 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Nominees
At the 2010 Annual Meeting, eleven directors are to be elected to hold office until our next
annual meeting of shareholders and until their successors have been duly elected and qualified.
Each nominee is currently serving as a director. In case any nominee listed in the table below
should be unavailable for any reason, which our management has no reason to anticipate, your proxy
will be voted for any substitute nominee or nominees who may be selected by the Management
Personnel Committee prior to or at the 2010 Annual Meeting. In such circumstances, if no
substitute is selected by the Management Personnel Committee prior to or at the 2010 Annual
Meeting, the Board of Directors may determine to reduce the membership of the Board of Directors to
the number of nominees available for election.
Our Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote FOR the election of those
directors specified in this proxy statement.
Set forth below is information concerning each of the nominees as of April 28, 2010.
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Director |
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Name |
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Position |
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Hilton H. Howell, Jr. |
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1993 |
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Director, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer |
William E. Mayher, III |
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1990 |
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71 |
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Chairman of the Board of Directors |
Robert S. Prather, Jr. |
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1993 |
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65 |
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Director, President and Chief Operating Officer |
J. Mack Robinson |
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1993 |
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86 |
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Director and Chairman Emeritus |
Richard L. Boger |
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1991 |
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63 |
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Director |
Ray M. Deaver |
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2002 |
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69 |
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Director |
T. L. Elder |
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2003 |
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71 |
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Director |
Zell B. Miller |
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2005 |
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78 |
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Director |
Howell W. Newton |
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1991 |
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63 |
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Director |
Hugh E. Norton |
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1987 |
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77 |
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Director |
Harriett J. Robinson |
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1997 |
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79 |
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Director |
Hilton H. Howell, Jr., has been our Chief Executive Officer since August 20, 2008 and has
also served as Vice-Chairman since September 2002. Before that, he had been our Executive Vice
President since September 2000. He has served as one of our directors since 1993. He is a member of
the Executive Committee of our Board of Directors. He has served as President and Chief Executive
Officer of Atlantic American Corporation, an insurance holding company, since 1995, and as Chairman
of that company since February 24, 2009. He has been Executive Vice President and General Counsel
of Delta Life Insurance Company and Delta Fire and Casualty Insurance Company since 1991. He has
served as Vice Chairman of Bankers Fidelity Life Insurance Company since 1992 and Vice Chairman of
Georgia Casualty & Surety Company from 1992 through 2008. He served as Chairman of the Board of
Triple Crown Media, Inc. (TCM) from December 2005 until December 2009. Mr. Howell also serves as
a director of Atlantic American Corporation and its subsidiaries American Southern Insurance
Company, American Safety Insurance Company and Bankers Fidelity Life Insurance Company, as well as
Delta Life Insurance Company and Delta Fire and Casualty Insurance Company. He is the son-in-law of
Mr. J. Mack
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Robinson and Mrs. Harriett J. Robinson, both members of our Board of Directors. In
addition to his current role as
the Companys Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Howell brings to the Board of Directors experience
from past leadership positions as an executive and his service on numerous boards. Mr. Howell also
served as a former General Counsel, and his experience in that discipline adds a legal perspective
to the decisions facing the Board of Directors.
William E. Mayher, III is a member of the Executive Committee, the Audit Committee, the
Management Personnel Committee and the 2007 Long Term Incentive Plan Committee of Grays Board of
Directors and has served as Chairman of Grays Board of Directors since August 1993. Dr. Mayher was
a neurosurgeon in Albany, Georgia from 1970 to 1998. Dr. Mayher is the Chairman of the Medical
College of Georgia Foundation and served as Chairman of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia and as a
member of the Board of Directors of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. He also
serves as a director of Palmyra Medical Centers and Chairman of the Albany Regional Airport
Commission. Dr. Mayher has been an active member of our Board of Directors for 20 years, and his
tenure provides stability and a familiarity with our operations. As evidence of the breadth of his
knowledge, he currently serves on all of the Board of Directors committees as a source of
continued and reliable leadership.
Robert S. Prather, Jr., has served as our President and Chief Operating Officer since
September 2002. He has served as one of our directors since 1993. He is a member of the Executive
Committee of our Board of Directors. He has been a director of TCM since 1994, and served as
Chairman of TCM from December 2005 until November 2007. He served as President and Chief Executive
Officer of TCM from May 2005 to December 2005, and has served in that position since November 2007.
TCM filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. bankruptcy code on September 14, 2009. The
order confirming the Plan of Reorganization under Chapter 11 of the bankruptcy code became
effective December 8, 2009. He serves as an advisory director of Swiss Army Brands, Inc., and
serves on the Board of Trustees of the Georgia World Congress Center Authority. He also serves as a
member of the Board of Directors for GAMCO Investors, Inc., Gaylord Entertainment Company and
Victory Ventures, Inc. Mr. Prathers background as both our current Chief Operating Officer and a
former Chief Executive Officer lends a unique perspective to the Board of Directors. He possesses
a wealth of knowledge about our industry and his tenure on the Board of Directors provides
consistent leadership.
J. Mack Robinson was Grays Chairman and Chief Executive Officer from September 2002 until
August 2008. Prior to that, he was Grays President and Chief Executive Officer from 1996 through
September 2002. He is Chairman Emeritus of Grays Board of Directors. Mr. Robinson has served as
Chairman Emeritus of TCM since December 2005, Chairman of the Board and President of Delta Life
Insurance Company and Delta Fire and Casualty Insurance Company since 1958, Chairman of the Board
of Atlantic American Corporation, an insurance holding company, since 1974, and was previously a
director of Bull Run Corporation, which is now known as TCM. Mr. Robinson also serves as a
director of the following companies: Bankers Fidelity Life Insurance Company, American Southern
Insurance Company and American Safety Insurance Company. Mr. Robinson is the husband of Mrs.
Harriett J. Robinson and the father-in-law of Mr. Hilton H. Howell, Jr., both members of Grays
Board of Directors. Mr. Robinsons experience as the Companys former Chief Executive Officer
brings to the Board of Directors a familiarity with the challenges facing a large public company.
His civic involvement and philanthropic activities provide a critical link to the business
community.
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Richard L. Boger is a member of the Audit Committee of Grays Board of Directors. Mr. Boger
has been President and Chief Executive Officer of Lex-Tek International, Inc., an insurance
software company, since February 2002. He has also served since July 2003, as business manager for
Owen Holdings, LLLP, a Georgia Limited Liability Limited Partnership; since July 2004, as General
Partner of Shawnee Meadow Holdings, LLLP, a Georgia Limited Liability Limited Partnership; and
since March 2006, as business manager for Heathland Holdings, LLLP, a Georgia Limited Liability
Limited Partnership. He also serves as a member of the Board of Trustees of Corner Cap Group of
Funds, a series mutual fund. Mr. Boger brings to the Board of Directors extensive managerial and
entrepreneurial experience from his current position as the Chief Executive Officer of a
specialized financial services software company, his having founded and sold two commercial
insurance services companies, and his present service as a partner and business manager in three
investment companies. His perspective from serving in several industries outside our own, including
on the boards of a mutual fund and several nonprofit organizations, provides the Board of Directors
with an informed resource for a wide range of disciplines and adds a diverse voice to its
deliberations.
Ray M. Deaver is Chairman of the Management Personnel Committee and a member of the 2007 Long
Term Incentive Plan Committee of Grays Board of Directors. Prior to his appointment to Grays
Board of Directors, Mr. Deaver served as Grays Regional Vice President-Texas from October 1999
until his retirement in 2001. He was the President and General Manager of KWTX Broadcasting
Company and President of Brazos Broadcasting Company from November 1997 until their acquisition by
Gray in October 1999. Mr. Deavers years of experience in the broadcasting field and his role as
the former General Manager for two of our affiliates provides the Board of Directors with a wealth
of industry-specific operational knowledge. In that capacity and as our former Regional Vice
President in Texas, Mr. Deavers diverse background lends a unique, localized perspective to the
Board of Directors.
T.L. (Gene) Elder is a member of the Audit Committee of Grays Board of Directors. Since 1994,
Mr. Elder has been a partner of Tatum, LLC, a national firm of career chief financial officers
which was acquired by Spherion Staffing Services in March 2010, and served as a Senior Partner of
that firm from 2004 until his retirement from that position in May 2009. Mr. Elder, through his
background as a former Chief Financial Officer, provides the Board of Directors and the Audit
Committee with significant financial expertise. His leadership position and experience with Tatum,
LLC provides the Board of Directors with an informed resource for accounting issues facing the
Company.
Zell B. Miller is a member of the Management Personnel Committee and the 2007 Long Term
Incentive Plan Committee of Grays Board of Directors. He was U.S. Senator from Georgia from July
2000 until his retirement in 2005. Prior to that time he was Governor of the State of Georgia from
1991 until 1999 and Lieutenant Governor from 1975 until 1991. He is a Director Emeritus of the
Board of Directors of United Community Banks in Blairsville, Georgia. Gov. Millers proven
leadership and executive experience stems from his years of public service during which he
developed expertise in addressing the challenges facing large, complex organizations. His
substantial insight into political and economic affairs provides a diverse perspective to the Board
of Directors and a working knowledge of government operations.
Howell W. Newton is Chairman of the Audit Committee of Grays Board of Directors. Since 1978,
Mr. Newton has been President and Treasurer of Trio Manufacturing Co., a real estate and investment
company. Mr. Newtons many years of executive service with a financial services company provides
the Board of Directors with considerable financial expertise. His tenure on our Board of Directors
provides consistent leadership, and his familiarity with the Companys operations serves as an
ongoing resource for issues facing a large, public company.
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Hugh E. Norton is Chairman of the 2007 Long Term Incentive Plan Committee and is a member of
the Management Personnel Committee of Grays Board of Directors. Mr. Norton has been President of
Norco Holdings, Inc., an insurance agency, since 1973 and also is a real estate developer in
Destin, Florida. Prior to that, he was Regional Manager of Security Insurance Group where he served
for 15 years. Mr. Norton brings to the Board of Directors a wealth of business experience based
on his many years of service as an executive, as well as a unique perspective based on the
regulatory and local government issues he faces as a developer. As the director with the longest
tenure on our Board of Directors, he also serves as an ongoing source for industry-specific
knowledge.
Harriett J. Robinson has been a director of Atlantic American Corporation since 1989. Mrs.
Robinson has also been a director of Delta Life Insurance Company and Delta Fire and Casualty
Insurance Company since 1967. Mrs. Robinson is the wife of Mr. J. Mack Robinson and the
mother-in-law of Mr. Hilton H. Howell, Jr., both members of Grays Board of Directors. Mrs.
Robinsons active service on our Board of Directors and on the boards of several other companies
for a number of years provides capable leadership and a familiarity with the operational issues
facing organizations in todays business climate. She lends a diverse voice to the Board of
Directors deliberations, and her civic involvement and philanthropic activities provide a critical
link to the community, particularly to women in business.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
We are in compliance with the NYSE corporate governance rules, which were adopted in
connection with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. We have adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to
all of our directors, executive officers and employees. If any waiver of this Code is granted, the
waiver will be disclosed in a Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) filing on Form 8-K.
Our Code of Ethics and the written charters of our Audit Committee and our Management Personnel
Committee, which acts as our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and Compensation
Committee under separate charters, as well as our Corporate Governance Principles, are available
under the heading Governance Documents in the Corporate Governance section of our website at
www.gray.tv. All such information is also available in print to any shareholder upon
request by telephone at (404) 266-8333.
After considering all applicable regulatory requirements and assessing the materiality of each
directors relationship with us, our Board of Directors has affirmatively determined that all of
our directors are independent in accordance with Sections 303A.02(a) and (b) of the NYSE listing
standards and the standards set forth in the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) and the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), except for: Mr. Robinson, due to his family
relationship with Mr. Howell; Mr. Prather, due to his status as an executive officer; Mr. Howell,
due to his status as an executive officer; and Mrs. Robinson, due to her family relationships with
Mr. Robinson and Mr. Howell. Consequently, our Board of Directors has determined that seven of our
eleven directors are independent in accordance with the listing standards of the NYSE and the
standards set forth in the IRC and the Exchange Act.
Gray encourages interested party communication with its Board of Directors. Any interested
party who wishes to communicate with the Board of Directors or with any particular director,
including any independent director, may send a letter to our Secretary, Robert A. Beizer, 1750 K
Street, NW, Suite 1200, Washington, D.C., 20006, which communications will be forwarded to the
Board of Directors by the Secretary. Any communication should indicate that you are an interested
party and clearly specify that such communication is intended to be made to the entire Board of
Directors or to one or more particular directors.
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The Board of Directors has adopted a policy that all directors on the Board of Directors are
expected to attend annual meetings of the shareholders. All the members of our Board of Directors
attended the 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders in person except Zell B. Miller who attended via
telephone.
The Board of Directors held six meetings during 2009. During 2009, each of the directors
attended all of the meetings of the Board of Directors and meetings of all committees of the Board
of Directors on which such directors served.
In accordance with Section 303A.03 of the NYSE listing standards, the independent
non-management directors met in executive session four times during 2009. Dr. Mayher, as the
Chairman of the Board, presides over the executive sessions. Consistent with our belief that our
leadership structure should reflect the best interests of the Company and our shareholders, we have
not adopted a policy at this time stating whether or not the positions of Chief Executive Officer
and Chairman of the Board should be held by separate individuals. Rather, we believe that the
Board of Directors should remain free to determine the leadership structure from time to time based
upon the availability of qualified and competent candidates. Prior to August 2008, Mr. Robinson
ably served as both Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Currently, Mr. Howell serves in the role
of Chief Executive Officer, while Dr. Mayher, who is not an executive officer, serves as Chairman
of the Board. We believe the resulting structure is appropriate for Gray at this time because it
allows us to fully exploit the capabilities of these individuals in their respective roles while
indicating to our shareholders that we also value the perspective of independent leadership on our
Board of Directors. With respect to potential transactions with related parties required to be
disclosed pursuant to Item 404 (a) of Regulation S-K of the SEC, the Audit Committee must review
and approve such transactions in advance after full disclosure of the nature and extent of the
related partys interest in any such transaction. See Certain Relationships and Related Party
Transactions for a description of the business relationships Messrs. Norton and Robinson had with
Gray in 2009 that were approved by the Audit Committee.
BOARD COMMITTEES AND MEMBERSHIP
Our Board of Directors has an Executive Committee. The Executive Committee is authorized
between meetings of the Board of Directors, to manage and direct our affairs, except as otherwise
provided by law or as otherwise directed by the Board of Directors. All actions by the Executive
Committee are subject to revision and alteration by the Board of Directors, provided that no rights
of third parties shall be affected by any such revision or alteration. The Executive Committee did
not meet during 2009. The members of the Executive Committee are Messrs. Howell, Mayher (as
Chairman) and Prather.
Our Board of Directors has an Audit Committee, the purpose of which is to review and evaluate
the results and scope of the audit and other services provided by our independent registered public
accounting firm, as well as our accounting policies and system of internal accounting controls, and
to review and approve any transactions between us and our directors, officers or significant
shareholders. The Audit Committee is governed by a written Audit Committee Charter, which was
approved and adopted in its current form by the Board of Directors in June 2009 and can be found on
our website at www.gray.tv in the Corporate Governance section under the heading
Governance Documents. The Audit Committee held four meetings during 2009. The members of the
Audit Committee are Messrs. Boger, Elder, Mayher and Newton (as Chairman). The Board of Directors
has affirmatively determined that T.L. (Gene) Elder is an audit committee financial expert as
that term is defined under applicable SEC rules. The Board of Directors has determined that all
members of the Audit Committee are independent in accordance with
NYSE and the SEC rules governing audit committee member independence. The Audit Committee maintains
a risk assessment process designed to identify risks facing
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the Company that the committee
considers to be the most significant. In executing this policy, the Audit Committee receives
reports from management and other advisors and strives to generate serious and thoughtful
strategies to mitigate those risks. Management periodically meets with the Audit Committee and
reviews such risks and the relevant strategies. The report of the Audit Committee is set forth in
this Proxy Statement under the heading Report of Audit Committee.
Our Board of Directors has a Management Personnel Committee that functions as both the
Compensation Committee and the Nomination and Corporate Governance Committee. The Management
Personnel Committee has adopted separate written charters to govern its activities as the
Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, respectively, current
copies of which are available on our website at www.gray.tv in the Corporate Governance
section under the heading Governance Documents. As the Compensation Committee, the Management
Personnel Committee makes recommendations with respect to executive salaries, bonuses and
compensation. The Management Personnel Committee held four meetings in 2009, during which meetings
it performed the functions of both the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committees. Its members are Messrs. Deaver (as Chairman), Mayher, Miller and Norton. The
Board of Directors has affirmatively determined that all members of the Management Personnel
Committee are independent in accordance with NYSE, SEC and IRC rules governing independence. In
July 2009, the Management Personnel Committee retained Grant Thornton LLP to advise it on current
trends and best practices in compensation. The report of the Management Personnel Committee is set
forth in this Proxy Statement under the heading Report of Management Personnel Committee.
In addition to acting as our Compensation Committee, the Management Personnel Committee also
acts as our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. In this function, the committee assists
the Board of Directors in fulfilling its responsibilities to shareholders by identifying and
screening individuals qualified to become our directors, recommending candidates to the Board of
Directors for all directorships, evaluating the set of corporate governance principles and
guidelines applicable to us that the Board of Directors has adopted, and overseeing the evaluation
of the Board of Directors and management. In recommending candidates to the Board of Directors for
nomination as directors, the Management Personnel Committee strives to identify individuals who
bring a unique perspective to Grays leadership and contribute to the overall diversity of our
Board of Directors. Although the committee has not adopted a specific diversity policy for
nominations, we believe that a diversity of experience, gender, race, ethnicity and age contributes
to effective governance for the benefit of our shareholders. In practice, the Management Personnel
Committee considers such characteristics together with the other qualities displayed by our
candidates, such as judgment, skill, integrity and experience. The committee does not assign a
particular weight to these individual factors. Rather, the committee looks for a mix of factors
that, when considered along with the experience and credentials of the other candidates and
existing directors, will provide shareholders with a diverse and experienced Board of Directors.
Historically, we have not used a recruiting firm to assist with this process.
The Management Personnel Committee will consider recommendations for director nominees
submitted by shareholders. The Management Personnel Committees evaluation of candidates
recommended by our shareholders does not differ materially from its evaluation of candidates
recommended from other sources. Shareholders wishing to recommend director candidates for
consideration by the Management Personnel Committee may do so by writing to our Secretary, giving
the candidates name, biographical data, qualifications and all other information that is required
to be disclosed under the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC. The foregoing information
should be forwarded to the
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, c/o Robert A. Beizer, 1750 K Street, NW, Suite 1200,
Washington, D.C., 20006.
10
Our Board of Directors has a 2007 Long Term Incentive Plan Committee, the purpose of which is
to make recommendations concerning grants of stock options, awards and grants under the 2007 Long
Term Incentive Plan and the Gray Television, Inc. Directors Restricted Stock Plan (the Directors
Restricted Stock Plan). The 2007 Long Term Incentive Plan Committee did not hold any meetings in
2009, and its members are Messrs. Deaver, Mayher, Miller and Norton (as Chairman), all of which are
non-employee directors under applicable SEC rules.
Summary of Committee Memberships.
|
|
|
Audit Committee |
|
Management Personnel Committee |
|
|
|
Howell W. Newton as Chairman
|
|
Ray M. Deaver as Chairman |
Richard L. Boger
|
|
William E. Mayher, III |
T. L. Elder
|
|
Zell B. Miller |
William E. Mayher, III
|
|
Hugh E. Norton |
|
|
|
2007 Long Term Incentive Plan Committee |
|
Executive Committee |
|
|
|
Hugh E. Norton as Chairman
|
|
William E. Mayher, III as Chairman |
Ray M. Deaver
|
|
Hilton H. Howell, Jr. |
William E. Mayher, III
|
|
Robert S. Prather, Jr. |
Zell B. Miller |
|
|
BENEFICIAL SHARE OWNERSHIP
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of our
Class A common stock and our common stock as of April 16, 2010 by (i) any person who is known to us
to be the beneficial owner of more than five percent of our Class A common stock or our common
stock, (ii) all directors, (iii) all executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table
herein and (iv) all directors and executive officers as a group. For purposes of this table, a
person is deemed to be a beneficial owner of a security if he or she has or shares the power to
vote or to direct the voting of such security, or the power to dispose or to direct the disposition
of such security. Accordingly, more than one person may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of the
same securities. A person is also deemed to be a beneficial owner of any securities that such
person has the right to acquire beneficial ownership of within 60 days. Except as otherwise
indicated, the persons named in the table below have sole voting and investment power with respect
to all shares shown as beneficially owned by them. The information as to beneficial ownership has
been furnished by the respective persons listed in the following table. The percentages of each
class are based on 5,753,020 shares of Class A common stock and 42,880,493 shares of common stock
outstanding as of April 16, 2010. Shares underlying outstanding stock options exercisable within
60 days of such date are deemed to be outstanding for purposes of calculating the percentage owned
by such holder.
11
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Combined |
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Voting |
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Class A |
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Percent of |
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Common Stock |
|
Common Stock |
|
Common |
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|
Beneficially Owned |
|
Beneficially Owned |
|
and Class A |
|
|
(GTN.A) |
|
(GTN) |
|
Common |
Name |
|
Shares |
|
Percent |
|
Shares |
|
Percent |
|
Stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
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Robert A. Beizer |
|
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|
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* |
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16,181 |
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* |
|
|
|
* |
|
Richard L. Boger |
|
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3,736 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
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44,941 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
Ray M. Deaver |
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
327,696 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
T. L. Elder |
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2,000 |
|
|
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* |
|
|
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21,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
Hilton H. Howell, Jr.(1)(2) |
|
|
681,550 |
|
|
|
11.8 |
% |
|
|
481,283 |
|
|
|
1.1 |
% |
|
|
7.3 |
% |
William E. Mayher, III |
|
|
13,500 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
139,750 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
Zell B. Miller |
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
|
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20,500 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
Howell W . Newton |
|
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2,625 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
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25,225 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
Hugh E. Norton |
|
|
13,500 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
39,750 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
Robert S. Prather, Jr.(3) |
|
|
66,070 |
|
|
|
1.1 |
% |
|
|
905,920 |
|
|
|
2.1 |
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|
|
1.6 |
% |
Harriett J. Robinson(2)(4)(5) |
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3,727,344 |
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64.8 |
% |
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1,569,818 |
|
|
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3.7 |
% |
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|
38.7 |
% |
J. Mack Robinson(2)(5)(6) |
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3,727,344 |
|
|
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64.8 |
% |
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1,569,818 |
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|
|
3.7 |
% |
|
|
38.7 |
% |
James C. Ryan(7) |
|
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* |
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123,354 |
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* |
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|
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* |
|
Mario J. Gabelli(8) |
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238,275 |
|
|
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4.1 |
% |
|
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2,536,675 |
|
|
|
5.9 |
% |
|
|
4.9 |
% |
Dimensional Fund Advisors LP(9) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
2,612,833 |
|
|
|
6.1 |
% |
|
|
2.6 |
% |
FMR LLC(10) |
|
|
|
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|
|
* |
|
|
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4,858,397 |
|
|
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11.3 |
% |
|
|
4.8 |
% |
All directors and executive
officers as a group(11) (13 persons) |
|
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3,954,720 |
|
|
|
68.7 |
% |
|
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3,441,548 |
|
|
|
7.9 |
% |
|
|
42.4 |
% |
|
|
|
* |
|
Less than 1%. |
|
(1) |
|
Includes 59,075 shares of the Class A common stock owned by Mr. Howells wife directly and as
trustee for her children, as to which shares he disclaims beneficial ownership. Also includes
options to purchase 122,870 shares of common stock. |
|
(2) |
|
Includes as to Messrs. Robinson and Howell and Mrs. Robinson, an aggregate of 555,605 shares
of the Class A common stock and 151,000 shares of the common stock owned by certain companies
of which Mr. Howell is an officer and a director, Mr. Robinson is an officer, director and a
principal or sole shareholder and Mrs. Robinson is a director. |
|
(3) |
|
Includes options for Mr. Prather to purchase 642,875 shares of the common stock. Mr. Prather
has pledged 199,771 shares of common stock as security for a loan. |
|
(4) |
|
Includes: (a) an aggregate of 1,002,676 shares of the Class A common stock and 853,868 shares
of the common stock owned by Mrs. Robinsons husband and (b) 1,189,180 shares of the Class A
common stock and 109,750 shares of the common stock owned by Mrs. Robinson, as trustee for her
daughters. Mrs. Robinson disclaims beneficial ownership of all such securities. |
|
(5) |
|
Includes as to Mr. Robinson and Mrs. Robinson, an aggregate of 130,300 shares of the Class A
common stock and 100,000 shares of the common stock owned by Gulf Capital Services, Ltd. |
|
(6) |
|
Includes: 2,038,763 shares of the Class A common stock and 464,950 shares of the common stock
owned by Mr. Robinsons wife directly and as trustee for their daughters. Mr. Robinson
disclaims beneficial ownership of all such securities. |
|
(7) |
|
Includes options for Mr. Ryan to purchase 110,719 shares of the common stock. |
12
|
|
|
(8) |
|
This information is based solely on Grays review of a Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC by
Gabelli Funds, LLC and also by Mario J. Gabelli and various entities which he directly or
indirectly controls or for which he acts as chief investment officer. The address of Mr.
Gabelli and Gabelli Funds, LLC is One Corporate Center, Rye, New York 10580. |
|
(9) |
|
This information is based solely on Grays review of a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC by
Dimensional Fund Advisors LP. The address of Dimensional Fund Advisors L.P. is Palisades
West, Building One, 6300 Bee Cove Road, Austin, Texas 78746. |
|
(10) |
|
This information is based solely on Grays review of a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC by
FMR LLC and also by Edward C. Johnson 3d and various entities which he directly or indirectly
controls. The address of FMR LLC is 82 Devonshire Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109. |
|
(11) |
|
The addresses for each of the directors and named executive officers is 4370 Peachtree Road
N.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30319. |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Management Personnel Committee.
The Management Personnel Committee of the Board of Directors serves as our Compensation
Committee and administers our executive compensation program and has the overall responsibility for
approving and evaluating director and officer compensation plans, policies and programs. The
Management Personnel Committee, in its capacity as the Compensation Committee, approves the
compensation of each of our executive officers and all television station General Managers and
establishes the compensation of our Board of Directors. The Management Personnel Committee consists
of four members of our Board of Directors, Messrs. Deaver, Mayher, Miller and Norton. The Board of
Directors has affirmatively determined that all members of the Management Personnel Committee are
independent in accordance with NYSE, SEC and IRC rules governing independence.
Compensation Philosophy and Policy.
Generally, we strive to establish compensation practices and provide compensation
opportunities that attract, retain and reward our executives and strengthen the mutuality of
interests between our executives and our shareholders in order to motivate them to maximize
shareholder value. We believe that the most effective executive compensation program is one that
is conservative, yet competitive, and which aligns long-term compensation to the creation of
shareholder value.
The goals of our executive compensation program for 2009 were to retain, motivate and reward
our executive officers. To achieve such goals, we relied primarily on salaries and other
compensation for each of our executive officers. The Management Personnel Committees practice for
determining an executives salary, bonus and long-term incentive compensation was based on the
position and responsibility of such executive, his impact on the operations and profitability of
Gray and the knowledge and experience of such executive and comparisons to peer group companies.
13
Named Executive Officers
The following discussion of executive compensation includes information about our named
executive officers who are listed in the following table:
|
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|
|
|
|
Executive |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Officer |
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Since |
|
Age |
|
Position |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hilton H. Howell, Jr. |
|
2000 |
|
48 |
|
Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer |
Robert S. Prather, Jr. |
|
1996 |
|
65 |
|
President and Chief Operating Officer |
James C. Ryan |
|
1998 |
|
49 |
|
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
Robert A. Beizer |
|
1996 |
|
70 |
|
Vice President for Law and Development and Secretary |
Determining Competitive Practices
The goal of the Company and the Management Personnel Committee is to structure a mix of
compensation elements, including base salary, cash bonus and long-term incentive opportunities,
which reward each executive officer for their achievement of personal as well as corporate-level
goals while staying competitive within our peer group. We believe that the compensation structure
is similar to that of other comparable companies. For 2009, Grays peer group for purposes of
determining competitive compensation for our executive officers consists of Belo Corp., Emmis
Communications, Lin TV Corp., Media General, Inc., Nexstar Broadcasting Group, and Sinclair
Broadcast Group, Inc.
In 2009, the committee engaged Grant Thornton LLP to provide advice on the Companys total
compensation process and structure and, going forward in 2010, expects to receive recommendations
from Grant Thornton on the companies selected to represent the peer group, market comparisons
between our executives compensation and the peer groups compensation practices, and
recommendations for 2010 competitive compensation levels and opportunities to be established for
our executive officers.
Elements of the Companys Compensation Program
The compensation program for our executive officers is designed to provide a combination of
cash (guaranteed and incentive-based) and equity-based compensation to align the officers
interests with our shareholders. The executive compensation program primarily consists of the
following elements:
|
|
|
Base salary; |
|
|
|
|
Annual cash bonuses; and |
|
|
|
|
Long-term incentive compensation, including equity-based awards |
The Management Personnel Committee has not established a formal policy for allocating between
the different forms of compensation. Instead, the Management Personnel Committee strives to
achieve an appropriate mix between the different forms of compensation in order to (1) motivate the
named executive officers to deliver superior performance in the short-term by providing competitive
base salaries and annual incentive cash bonuses, (2) align the interests of the named executive
officers with the long-term interests of our shareholders through the grant of equity-based
compensation and (3) provide an overall compensation package that promotes executive retention.
14
Process for Establishing Executive Total Compensation
In establishing executive compensation levels for 2009, the Management Personnel Committee
compared salaries and bonuses of our executive officers for the last five years, compared stock
price performance, compared the Companys accomplishments in 2009, compared net operating profit
and operating profit margins and ultimately arrived at what it considers adequate and competitive
compensation.
In determining whether to grant annual cash bonuses, equity-based awards or other awards, the
Management Personnel Committee considers each executive officers performance and contribution to
our profits and business plan objectives. When measuring an executive officers individual
contribution and performance, the Management Personnel Committee examines: (1) trends in our
financial results, (2) satisfaction of personal goals, (3) relative market position and stock
price, and (4) qualitative factors that necessarily involve judgment by the Management Personnel
Committee. In making such determinations, the Management Personnel Committee does not base its
determination on any single performance factor nor does it assign relative weights to factors, but
considers a mix of factors, including evaluations from superiors, and evaluates an individuals
performance against such mix in absolute terms in relation to the other executive officers at Gray.
As reference, the Summary Compensation Table details the compensation set by the Management
Personnel Committee in 2009 for our named executive officers.
Base Salary
The base salary element of our executive compensation program provides each executive officer
with a fixed amount of annual cash compensation. Salaries for the executive officers are generally
subject to annual review and adjustment by the Management Personnel Committee. Adjustments are
considered and made by taking into account recommendations made by our Chief Executive Officer and
our President and Chief Operating Officer and by weighing those recommendations against the
executive officers base salary history and the other factors noted above in Process for
Establishing Executive Total Compensation.
Based significantly on the financial results of our operations and our expectations at
the time for comparable performance in 2009, the committee determined to hold base salaries
constant, with the exception of Mr. Howell. The base salary for Mr. Howell includes a market
adjustment that is reflective of additional responsibilities and duties that he assumed in the role
of Chief Executive Officer for Gray. Mr. Howells base salary is currently benchmarked against the
market data to reflect that in 2009 he worked less than full-time as our Chief Executive Officer
while transitioning into that role. The committee plans to increase Mr. Howells base salary in
the future commensurate with his role as our Chief Executive Officer as he assumes greater
responsibility in that role.
15
The following table sets forth the 2009 base salaries paid by us to each of our named
executive officers:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Salary Amount |
Name |
|
($) |
|
|
|
|
|
Hilton H. Howell, Jr. |
|
|
400,000 |
|
Robert S. Prather, Jr. |
|
|
950,000 |
|
James C. Ryan |
|
|
350,000 |
|
Robert A. Beizer |
|
|
320,000 |
|
Mr. Prathers base salary is reflective of the critical role he plays in managing the
Companys performance, his assigned responsibilities beyond the typical role of a Chief Operating
Officer and the significant Company knowledge, history and relationships he maintains and
leverages.
Cash Bonus
Historically, we have followed a process of providing discretionary cash bonus awards to
certain of our senior employees, including all of the named executive officers. The cash bonuses
serve as an annual short-term incentive program designed to recognize and reward employees who make
significant contributions towards achieving the annual business plan.
In determining the amount of the bonuses, a number of factors are considered, including
operating results, the achievement of certain financial performance objectives and the individuals
contribution to the Company or the business unit (which is a subjective analysis).
The Management Personnel Committee meets during the first quarter of each year, once adequate
financial and other performance data from the prior fiscal year becomes available for review, and
determines if any bonuses will be awarded to the executive officers and the amount of bonuses.
Bonuses were not awarded to our named executive officers for 2009 due to the general economic
downturn which resulted in lower than expected financial results, including revenue and
profitability. Mr. Beizer was paid a bonus of $35,000 during 2009 as a result of his work on
behalf of the Company in obtaining long-term signal carriage agreements with cable and satellite
companies.
Long-Term Incentive Compensation
In order to align the interests of our executive officers and other key management personnel
responsible for our growth with the interests of our shareholders, we have established the 2007
Long Term Incentive Plan, which provides for equity-based awards. It is our practice to grant
options with an exercise price equal to the closing price of our Class A common stock and/or our
common stock on the date of grant. The decision to issue options and other awards begins with our
Chief Executive Officer and our President and Chief Operating Officer suggesting that an award is
appropriate, and the Management Personnel Committee then considers the suggestion. In deciding
whether or not to grant equity-based rewards to an individual and in determining the size of the
award, the Management Personnel Committee takes into account subjective considerations, including
the level of such executives position and the individuals contribution to our objectives. Type,
vesting and other characteristics of awards within the Management Personnel Committees discretion
are determined on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration the recommendations of our Chief
Executive Officer and our President and Chief Operating Officer as well as the criteria discussed
above.
16
Equity-based awards have typically been granted to executive officers to reward strong Company
performance. In 2009, we did not issue equity-based awards to the executive officers under the
2007 Long Term Incentive Plan because of the effect of the economic downturn on our financial
results.
Qualified Benefit Plans
The executive officers participate in the following qualified benefit plans in which all
employees are eligible to participate: Capital Accumulation (401(k)) Plan (Capital Accumulation
Plan); Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), which was discontinued effective June 30, 2009; and
Gray Television, Inc. Retirement Plan (Pension Plan). The Pension Benefits in 2009 table lists
the years of credited service and the present value of each named executive officers accumulated
pension benefit, assuming payment begins at age 65, under the Pension Plan.
Capital Accumulation (401(k)) Plan
We currently sponsor the Gray Television, Inc. Capital Accumulation Plan to encourage eligible
employees to defer a part of their current income to provide for their retirement, death or
disability under the provisions of Section 401(k) of the IRC. The plan covers all of our
employees. Under the Capital Accumulation Plan, participants may elect to make pre-tax savings
deferrals from their compensation each year, subject to annual limits on such deferrals imposed by
the IRC. We may also, at our discretion, on an annual basis, make a matching contribution with
respect to a participants elective deferrals and/or may make additional voluntary contributions.
For the year ended December 31, 2009, we did not match employee contributions except for employees
at one or our stations, in accordance with the terms of their union contracts. Participants are
immediately vested in their voluntary contributions plus the actual earnings thereon. Employer
contributions and earnings thereon become 100% vested after the participant completes three years
of service. The only form of benefit payment under the Capital Accumulation Plan is a single
lump-sum payment equal to the vested balance in the participants account. The vested portion of a
participants accrued benefit is payable upon such employees termination of employment, attainment
of age 59 1/2, retirement, total and permanent disability, or death. Participants may also make
in-service withdrawals from their pre-tax contributions under the plan for certain specified
instances of hardship.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
We offered an ESPP to eligible employees (including the named executive officers) to provide
eligible employees (including the named executive officers) with an opportunity to purchase our
common stock through payroll deductions as a means of purchasing our common stock as a long-term
investment. Effective June 30, 2009, we discontinued our ESPP due to the considerable costs
associated with maintaining the plan. Messrs. Howell and Prather participated in the ESPP in 2009,
2008 and 2007. See footnote (2) in the All Other Compensation Table for a discussion of the
specific benefits amounts each executive received in 2009 under the ESPP.
Gray Television, Inc. Retirement Plan
For each of the named executive officers, the Pension Benefits in 2009 table lists the years
of credited service and the present value of each executive officers accumulated pension benefit,
assuming payment begins at age 65, under, the Pension Plan. Under the terms of the Pension Plan, in
the event of the death of an executive officer before retirement, 50% of the accrued benefit will
become payable to the surviving spouse at the time the deceased participant would have reached age
65. If the deceased participant had completed ten or more years of service, the survivor benefit
may commence as early as the time the deceased participant would have reached age 55. If the
deceased participant would have been
17
eligible for early retirement at the time of death, survivor benefits may commence as soon as
practicable. Any benefits that commence before the deceased participant would have reached age 65
will be reduced the same as early retirement benefits would have been reduced. In the event a
disability occurs before retirement, the accrued benefit will become payable at age 65. No break in
service will occur and benefits will continue to accrue during disability. In the event of
voluntary termination, the vested accrued benefit will become payable at age 65. If the participant
had completed ten or more years of service, the benefit may commence as early as age 55. If the
participant had completed less than five years of credited service, the accrued benefit is not
vested, and no future benefits would be payable from the Pension Plan.
Risk Mitigation
In designing the components of our executive compensation program, we have attempted to
mitigate the possibility that excessive short-term risks are being taken by our executive officers
at the expense of long-term value. These mitigation strategies include: (1) the annual review and
approval of the financial performance considerations by the Management Personnel Committee; (2) the
use of multiple performance objectives, thus mitigating too heavy a focus on any one in particular;
and (3) vesting of stock awards over time to motivate executives to focus on providing consistent
results over the longer term.
Role of Management in Setting Compensation
For 2009, our Chief Executive Officer, with input from our President and Chief Operating
Officer, recommended the annual compensation levels, including bonuses, for all executive officers
(including himself) of Gray and its subsidiaries to the Management Personnel Committee for its
review and approval. The Management Personnel Committee, in setting the annual compensation levels
for our executive officers, then reviews these recommendations against prior years compensation
amounts, the current years financial and market results, and available compensation data from our
peer group. After the committee has made adjustments to the recommended compensation it deems
appropriate and has approved the annual compensation levels for our executive officers, it reports
to the Board of Directors with its final determination.
Role of the Compensation Consultant
In 2009, the Management Personnel Committee engaged Grant Thornton LLP, an internationally
recognized public accounting and consulting firm, to advise the committee, and at times management,
with respect to the Companys compensation programs for 2010. A Grant Thornton representative
reports directly to the committee as its compensation advisor. The Management Personnel Committee
annually reviews the role of its compensation advisor and believes that the advisor is fully
independent for purposes of providing executive compensation recommendations. To ensure
independence, the committee directly hires and has the sole authority to terminate the compensation
advisor and to determine the terms and conditions of their engagement. The compensation advisor
reports directly to the committee in executive sessions that are not attended by any of the
Companys officers.
18
Annual Review of Consultant Independence
As a result of the steps taken by the Management Personnel Committee to monitor and manage the
independence of its dedicated compensation advisor, the committee believes that the advisor is able
to provide candid, direct and objective advice to the committee that is not influenced by
management or any other services provided to Gray by Grant Thornton LLP. Furthermore, neither the
compensation advisor nor any member of the advisory team participates in any of the other services
provided to Gray by separate Grant Thornton LLP business units. Instead, with full knowledge of the
committee, the Audit Committee engages a distinct unit of Grant Thornton to provide all other
non-Management Personnel Committee consulting services to the Company, which are primarily related
to internal audit services. Grant Thornton provides the Management Personnel Committee with an
annual update on its services and related fees. The Management Personnel Committee determines
whether the separate services are performed objectively and free from the influence of management.
The total amount of fees paid for executive compensation services provided to the committee in 2009
by its dedicated compensation advisor was approximately $10,000. The total amount of fees paid by
Gray to Grant Thornton in 2009 for all other services, excluding committee services, was
approximately $144,220. The Management Personnel Committee recommended and approved the provision
of these separate services to the Company.
Income Deduction Limitations
Section 162(m) of the IRC generally sets a limit of $1 million on the amount of compensation
that we may deduct for federal income tax purposes in any given year with respect to the
compensation of each of the executive officers. However, certain performance-based compensation
that complies with the requirements of Section 162(m) is not included in the calculation of the $1
million cap. Historically, tax deductibility of officer compensation has not been a primary
objective because of ongoing operating losses and the need for flexibility in pursuing our
incentive and retention objectives. However, the Management Personnel Committee has been working
with Grant Thornton LLP to explore ways that we can restructure the executive compensation program
to satisfy our compensation goals and meet the 162(m) deductibility guidelines in 2010 and going
forward.
19
Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets forth a summary of the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer,
Chief Financial Officer, and the other named executive officers for the years ended December 31,
2009, 2008 and 2007.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Value and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nonqualified |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock |
|
Option |
|
Compensation |
|
All Other |
|
|
Name and |
|
|
|
|
|
Salary(2) |
|
Bonus(3) |
|
Awards(4) |
|
Awards(5) |
|
Earnings(6) |
|
Compensation(7) |
|
Total |
Principal Position |
|
Year |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hilton H. Howell, Jr. |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
400,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,839 |
|
|
|
59,387 |
|
|
|
474,226 |
|
Vice Chairman, Chief |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
170,765 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24,700 |
|
|
|
36,000 |
|
|
|
16,321 |
|
|
|
65,174 |
|
|
|
312,960 |
|
Executive Officer |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
125,000 |
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
36,650 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,364 |
|
|
|
59,405 |
|
|
|
329,419 |
|
and Director(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robert S. Prather, Jr. |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
950,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
43,406 |
|
|
|
103,934 |
|
|
|
1,097,340 |
|
President, |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
950,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24,700 |
|
|
|
900,000 |
|
|
|
47,056 |
|
|
|
114,294 |
|
|
|
2,036,050 |
|
Chief Operating |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
900,000 |
|
|
|
900,000 |
|
|
|
36,650 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
34,063 |
|
|
|
106,923 |
|
|
|
1,977,636 |
|
Officer and Director |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
James C. Ryan |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
350,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,227 |
|
|
|
13,571 |
|
|
|
377,798 |
|
Senior Vice President |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
350,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
135,000 |
|
|
|
27,442 |
|
|
|
20,010 |
|
|
|
532,452 |
|
and Chief Financial |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
325,000 |
|
|
|
265,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,897 |
|
|
|
13,470 |
|
|
|
619,367 |
|
Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robert A. Beizer |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
320,000 |
|
|
|
35,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,939 |
|
|
|
33,792 |
|
|
|
406,731 |
|
Vice President-Law |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
320,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
32,706 |
|
|
|
28,078 |
|
|
|
380,784 |
|
and Development |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
315,000 |
|
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22,944 |
|
|
|
24,749 |
|
|
|
392,693 |
|
and Secretary |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
For 2008, Mr. Howells annual base salary was $125,000 from January 1, 2008 until August
2008 when he became Grays Chief Executive Officer and his annual base salary was increased to
$250,000. |
|
(2) |
|
Each of the named executive officers contributed a portion of his salary to our Capital
Accumulation Plan. The disclosed salary amounts are before the named executive officers
contributions. |
|
(3) |
|
Mr. Beizer received a bonus of $35,000 as a result of his work on behalf of the Company in
obtaining long-term signal carriage agreements with cable and satellite companies. No annual
cash bonuses were paid in 2009 for performance in 2008. The annual cash bonus amounts for
performance in 2007 were paid in the first quarter of 2008. We accrued these amounts for
financial reporting purposes in 2007. |
|
(4) |
|
Amounts represent the fair value of stock grants as of the date of grant in 2008 and 2007,
respectively, computed in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Boards ASC Topic 718
(ASC 718). We did not grant any stock to our named executive officers in 2009. Fair value of
stock grants is equal to the number of shares granted multiplied by the closing stock price on
the date of grant. For additional information with respect to the 2008 and 2007 grants, refer
to Note 8 Stock-Based Compensation in the consolidated audited financial statements in our
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009. |
20
|
|
|
(5) |
|
Amounts represent the fair value of stock options as of the date of grant in 2008 computed in
accordance with ASC 718. We did not grant any stock options to our named executive officers in
2009 or 2007. For additional information on the valuation assumptions with respect to the 2008
grants, refer to Note 8 Stock-Based Compensation in the consolidated audited financial
statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009. |
|
(6) |
|
Represents for 2009, the change in pension value, calculated as the difference between the
present value of accumulated benefits at December 31, 2009, and the present value of
accumulated benefits at December 31, 2008, adjusted for benefit payments made during the year.
Represents for 2008, the change in pension value, calculated as the difference between the
present value of accumulated benefits at December 31, 2008, and the present value of
accumulated benefits at December 31, 2007, adjusted for benefit payments made during the year.
Represents for 2007, the change in pension value, calculated as the difference between the
present value of accumulated benefits at December 31, 2007, and the present value of
accumulated benefits at December 31, 2006, adjusted for benefit payments made during the year.
The present values of accumulated benefits at December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 were calculated
using the assumptions that were used for the December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 financial
statement disclosures, which were the 1983 Group Annuity Mortality Tables for the Pension
Plan, and the RP 2000 Projected Mortality Table for the Busse Pension Plan, separately for
males and females, and a 6.27%, 5.79% and 6.10% interest discount, respectively. See the
Pension Benefits in 2009 table for additional information, including the present value
assumptions used in this calculation. |
|
(7) |
|
See the All Other Compensation Table below for additional information. |
21
All Other Compensation Table
The following table describes each component of the amounts in the All Other Compensation
column of the Summary Compensation Table.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Company |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends |
|
|
|
|
|
Contributions |
|
Company |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paid on |
|
Discounted |
|
to Defined |
|
Paid |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock |
|
Securities |
|
Contribution |
|
Insurance |
|
Directors |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Awards(1) |
|
Purchases(2) |
|
Plans(3) |
|
Premiums(4) |
|
Fees(5) |
|
Total |
Name |
|
Year |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hilton H. Howell, Jr. |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,832 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,555 |
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
59,387 |
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
1,890 |
|
|
|
3,825 |
|
|
|
6,623 |
|
|
|
2,836 |
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
65,174 |
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
1,920 |
|
|
|
3,825 |
|
|
|
5,625 |
|
|
|
1,035 |
|
|
|
47,000 |
|
|
|
59,405 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robert S. Prather, Jr. |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,978 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
50,956 |
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
103,934 |
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
25,290 |
|
|
|
3,825 |
|
|
|
3,840 |
|
|
|
31,339 |
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
114,294 |
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
33,120 |
|
|
|
3,825 |
|
|
|
3,557 |
|
|
|
19,421 |
|
|
|
47,000 |
|
|
|
106,923 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
James C. Ryan |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,571 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,571 |
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,750 |
|
|
|
12,260 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,010 |
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,750 |
|
|
|
5,720 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,470 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robert A. Beizer |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33,792 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33,792 |
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,247 |
|
|
|
22,831 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
28,078 |
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,736 |
|
|
|
18,013 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24,749 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Represents dividends paid to each named executive officer in 2008 and 2007, respectively,
on all awards of restricted common stock. Messrs. Prather and Howell received grants of
restricted common stock in their capacities as directors. Dividends are paid on all shares of
restricted stock despite any vesting schedule and in a manner consistent with all other
outstanding common shares. We did not declare or pay any dividends on any of our outstanding
common stock in 2009. |
|
(2) |
|
Represents the amount of expense recognized by us, associated with the ESPP, for each named
executive officer in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The ESPP was intended to qualify as an
employee stock purchase plan under Section 423 of the IRC and to provide our eligible
employees with an opportunity to purchase our common stock through payroll deductions. The
price per share at which shares of common stock were eligible for purchase under the ESPP
during 2009, 2008 and 2007 was 85% of the fair market value of the common stock on the last
day of the purchase period. Effective June 30, 2009, we terminated the ESPP. |
22
|
|
|
(3) |
|
Represents the amount of expense recognized by us for employer matching contributions during
2008 and 2007, respectively, for the Capital Accumulation Plan for each named executive
officer. We did not match employee contributions in 2009. The Capital Accumulation Plan
provides additional retirement benefits for substantially all employees. The Capital
Accumulation Plan is intended to meet the requirements of Section 401(k) of the IRC. The
Capital Accumulation Plan allows an investment option in our common stock and Class A common
stock. It also allows for a percentage match to be made by a contribution of our common
stock. Employee contributions to the Capital Accumulation Plan, up to 6% of the employees
gross pay, are matched by our contributions. Our percentage match amount is declared by our
Board of Directors before the beginning of each plan year and is made by a contribution of our
common stock. Our percentage match was 50% during the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007.
Our matching contributions vest, based upon each employees number of years of service, over a
period not to exceed five years. In addition to our matching contributions, we authorized
voluntary contributions for 2007 for active participants in the Capital Accumulation Plan.
These voluntary contributions were equal to 1% of each active participants earnings for 2007.
Contributions and vesting for the named executive officers are the same as for all other
eligible employees. |
|
(4) |
|
Represents insurance premiums paid on behalf of each named executive officer. |
|
(5) |
|
Represents directors fees paid to each named executive officer in 2009, 2008 and 2007 who is
also a director. See the Director Compensation in 2009 table for additional information. |
Grants of Plan-Based Awards in 2009
During 2009, no plan-based awards were granted to any of the named executive officers.
Outstanding Equity Awards at December 31, 2009
The following table provides information on the stock option awards held by the named
executive officers at December 31, 2009. Each stock option award is shown separately for each of
the named executive officers. The stock option award exercise prices shown below are rounded to
two decimal points.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities |
|
Securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Underlying |
|
Underlying |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unexercised |
|
Unexercised |
|
Option |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option |
|
Options |
|
Options |
|
Exercise |
|
Option |
|
|
Class |
|
Grant |
|
Exercisable |
|
Unexercisable |
|
Price |
|
Expiration |
Name |
|
of Stock |
|
Date |
|
(#) |
|
(#) |
|
($) |
|
Date |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hilton H. Howell, Jr. |
|
Common |
|
|
09/20/05 |
|
|
|
102,887 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.71 |
|
|
|
09/20/10 |
|
|
|
Common |
|
|
02/01/08 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
7.64 |
|
|
|
02/01/13 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robert S. Prather, Jr. |
|
Common |
|
|
06/08/05 |
|
|
|
142,899 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.71 |
|
|
|
06/07/10 |
|
|
|
Common |
|
|
02/01/08 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
500,000 |
|
|
|
7.64 |
|
|
|
02/01/13 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
James C. Ryan |
|
Common |
|
|
06/08/05 |
|
|
|
35,725 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.71 |
|
|
|
06/07/10 |
|
|
|
Common |
|
|
02/01/08 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
75,000 |
|
|
|
7.64 |
|
|
|
02/01/13 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robert A. Beizer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
23
The following table provides information on restricted stock awards held by the named
executive officers at December 31, 2009. Each restricted stock award is shown separately for each
of the named executive officers. The vesting schedule for each restricted stock award is shown
following the stock awards table. The market value of the stock awards is based on our common stock
closing market price of $1.51 per share as of December 31, 2009, which was the last trading day of
the year.
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Stock Awards |
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Market |
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Number of |
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Value |
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Shares or |
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of Shares |
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Units of |
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or Units of |
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Stock |
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Stock That |
|
Stock That |
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|
|
|
Award |
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Have Not |
|
Have Not |
|
|
Class |
|
Grant |
|
Vested |
|
Vested |
Name |
|
of Stock |
|
Date |
|
(#) |
|
($) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hilton H. Howell, Jr. |
|
Common |
|
|
01/01/06 |
|
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
1,510 |
|
|
|
Common |
|
|
01/01/07 |
|
|
|
2,000 |
|
|
|
3,020 |
|
|
|
Common |
|
|
03/12/08 |
|
|
|
3,000 |
|
|
|
4,530 |
|
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Robert S. Prather, Jr. |
|
Common |
|
|
01/01/06 |
|
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
1,510 |
|
|
|
Common |
|
|
01/01/07 |
|
|
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2,000 |
|
|
|
3,020 |
|
|
|
Common |
|
|
03/12/08 |
|
|
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3,000 |
|
|
|
4,530 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
James C. Ryan |
|
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Robert A. Beizer |
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Grant |
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|
Date |
|
Vesting Schedule for Stock Awards |
|
|
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01/01/06
|
|
20% vests in 2006; 20% vests in 2007; 20% vests in 2008; 20% vests in 2009; 20% vests in 2010 |
01/01/07
|
|
20% vests in 2007; 20% vests in 2008; 20% vests in 2009; 20% vests in 2010; 20% vests in 2011 |
03/12/08
|
|
20% vests in 2008; 20% vests in 2009; 20% vests in 2010; 20% vests in 2011; 20% vests in 2012 |
24
Option Exercises and Stock Vested in 2009
The following table provides information, for the named executive officers, on the number of
shares of stock awards vested in 2009 and the value realized by each before payment of any
applicable withholding tax.
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Option Awards |
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Stock Awards |
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Number |
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Number |
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|
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of Shares |
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Value |
|
of Shares |
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Value |
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Acquired |
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Realized |
|
Acquired |
|
Realized |
|
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Class |
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on Exercise |
|
on Exercise |
|
on Vesting |
|
on Vesting |
Name |
|
of Stock |
|
(#) |
|
($) |
|
(#) |
|
($) |
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|
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|
Hilton H. Howell, Jr.(1) |
|
Common |
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|
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3,000 |
|
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4,530 |
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|
Robert S. Prather, Jr.(1) |
|
Common |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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3,000 |
|
|
|
4,530 |
|
|
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James C. Ryan |
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Robert A. Beizer |
|
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|
(1) |
|
Messrs. Howell and Prather each acquired 3,000 shares of common stock having a market
value of $1.51 per share on December 31, 2009 when the restrictions on those shares lapsed. |
Pension Benefits
Messrs. Howell, Prather, Ryan and Beizer participate in the Pension Plan. The Pension Plan,
which is intended to be tax qualified, is available to certain of our employees and the employees
of all of our subsidiaries that have been designated as participating companies under the plan.
A participating employee who retires on or after attaining age 65 and who has completed five
years of service upon retirement may be eligible to receive during his or her lifetime, in the form
of monthly payments, an annual pension equal to (i) 22% of the employees average earnings for the
highest five consecutive years during the employees final ten years of employment multiplied by a
factor, the numerator of which is the employees years of service credited under the plan before
1994 and the denominator of which is the greater of 25 or the years of service credited under the
plan, plus (ii) 0.9% of the employees monthly average earnings for the highest five consecutive
years in the employees final ten years of employment added to 0.6% of monthly average earnings in
excess of Social Security covered compensation, multiplied by the employees years of service
credited under the plan after 1993, with a maximum of 25 years minus years of service credited
under (i) above. For participants as of December 31, 1993, there is a minimum benefit equal to the
projected benefit under (i) at that time.
In addition, Mr. Ryan would receive retirement benefits paid by the Company under a pension
plan with Mr. Ryans former employer, Busse Broadcasting Corporation (the Busse Pension Plan),
which benefit amounts have been frozen since September 1997. The Company acquired Busse
Broadcasting Corporation in July 1998.
25
The following table shows the years of credited service, the present value of accumulated
benefits and the benefit payments received (if any) during 2009 for the named executive officers:
|
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|
Payments |
|
|
|
|
Number |
|
|
|
Present |
|
During |
|
|
|
|
of Years |
|
|
|
Value of |
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Last |
|
|
|
|
Credited |
|
|
|
Accumulated |
|
Fiscal |
|
|
|
|
Se rvice(1) |
|
|
|
Benefit(2) |
|
Year |
Name |
|
(#) |
|
Plan Name |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
Hilton H. Howell, Jr. |
|
|
7 |
|
|
Gray Television, Inc. Retirement Plan |
|
|
54,973 |
|
|
|
|
|
Robert S. Prather, Jr. |
|
|
8 |
|
|
Gray Television, Inc. Retirement Plan |
|
|
235,006 |
|
|
|
|
|
James C. Ryan |
|
|
11 |
|
|
Gray Television, Inc. Retirement Plan |
|
|
107,821 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Busse Pension Plan |
|
|
55,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
Robert A. Beizer |
|
|
14 |
|
|
Gray Television, Inc. Retirement Plan |
|
|
364,484 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Computed as of the same Pension Plan measurement date as used for 2009 financial statement
reporting purposes. |
|
(2) |
|
The Present Value of Accumulated Benefit was calculated using the assumptions that were used
for 2009 financial statement reporting purposes, which were the 1983 Group Annuity Mortality
Tables for the Pension Plan, and the RP 2000 Projected Mortality Table for the Busse Pension
Plan, separately for males and females, and a 6.27% interest discount rate. |
26
Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control
The named executive officers do not have employment agreements or agreements with us that
provide severance in the event of a change in control, except to the extent that the 2007 Long Term
Incentive Plan, the Directors Restricted Stock Plan, the Pension Plan and the Capital Accumulation
Plan contain such provisions that are applicable to all participants. The information below
describes and quantifies certain compensation that would become payable under existing plans,
policies and arrangements if the named executive officers employment had terminated (by virtue of
involuntary termination, death, disability, voluntary termination or change of control) on December
31, 2009, given the named executive officers compensation and service levels as of such date and,
if applicable, based on our closing stock price on that date. These benefits are in addition to
benefits available generally to salaried employees, such as distributions under the Pension Plan,
Capital Accumulation Plan, disability benefits, life insurance and accrued vacation pay.
|
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|
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Involuntary |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Voluntary |
|
Change of |
|
|
Termination(1)(2) |
|
Death(1)(3) |
|
Disability(1)(4) |
|
Termination(1)(2) |
|
Control(1)(5) |
Name |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
Hilton H. Howell, Jr. |
|
|
70,358 |
|
|
|
1,051,932 |
|
|
|
1,321,418 |
|
|
|
70,358 |
|
|
|
79,418 |
|
Robert S. Prather, Jr. |
|
|
289,814 |
|
|
|
2,181,371 |
|
|
|
1,250,190 |
|
|
|
289,814 |
|
|
|
298,874 |
|
James C. Ryan |
|
|
190,244 |
|
|
|
1,936,334 |
|
|
|
1,324,244 |
|
|
|
190,244 |
|
|
|
190,244 |
|
Robert A. Beizer |
|
|
20,192 |
|
|
|
902,934 |
|
|
|
92,442 |
|
|
|
20,192 |
|
|
|
20,192 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Gray does not have a formal severance policy for its named executive officers. At the
time of a separation from service for any reason, the Board of Directors will use its
discretion to determine each executives severance payment, if any. The amounts reported
above reflect any accrued and unpaid benefits payable to the executive officer in addition to
payment identified in plan documents and insurance policies. |
|
(2) |
|
Includes each named executive officers accrued and unpaid vacation payable upon termination
and the present value of accumulated benefits from their pension plan(s) as determined by the
plans actuary. |
|
(3) |
|
Includes each named executive officers accrued and unpaid vacation payable upon termination,
the death benefit of their basic and supplemental life insurance coverage, the present value
of the accumulated benefits from their pension plan(s) as determined by the plans actuary,
and accelerated vesting of 100% of their unvested restricted stock awards and stock options.
The life insurance benefit reflects the payment of the death benefit by the insurance company
for which the Company has been paying premiums on behalf of the executive officer. |
|
(4) |
|
Includes each named executive officers accrued and unpaid vacation payable upon termination,
the amount of long-term disability payments, the present value of accumulated benefits from
their pension plan(s) as determined by the plans actuary, and accelerated vesting of 100% of
their unvested restricted stock awards and stock options. Executive officers are entitled to
monthly long-term disability payments from the time of disability through age 65. Because Mr.
Beizer is beyond 65 years of age, he would receive 17 months of long-term disability payments
from the time of disability. |
|
(5) |
|
Includes each named executive officers accrued and unpaid vacation payable upon termination,
the present value of accumulated benefits from their pension plan(s) as determined by the
plans actuary, and accelerated vesting of 100% of their unvested restricted stock awards and
stock options. |
27
For the purposes of this discussion, disability generally means total disability, resulting
in the grantee being unable to perform his job, and change of control means any of the following:
(1) any person becomes the beneficial owner of 45% or more of the combined voting power of our then
outstanding shares; (2) during any period of two consecutive years, individuals who at the
beginning of such period constitute the Board of Directors cease for any reason to constitute at
least a majority thereof, unless the election of such new directors was approved by a vote of at
least two-thirds of the directors then still in office who were directors at the beginning of the
period; (3) there is consummated any consolidation or acquisition in which we are not the
continuing or surviving corporation or pursuant to which shares of our common stock are converted
into cash, securities or other property; (4) there is consummated any consolidation or acquisition
of us, in which we are the continuing corporation, in which the holders of our common stock
immediately prior to the acquisition do not own 51% percent or more of the stock of the surviving
corporation immediately after the acquisition; (5) there is consummated any sale, lease, exchange
or other transfer of substantially all our assets; or (6) our shareholders approve any plan or
proposal for our liquidation or dissolution.
If one of the named executive officers were to die or become disabled, or if there were to be
a change in control, any unexercisable stock options granted before the date of that event would
become exercisable and remain exercisable until the later of one year from the date of death or the
expiration date of the grant.
The Directors Restricted Stock Plan provides that any remaining restrictions on awards of
restricted stock generally lapse upon the death or disability of the named executive officer, and
in the event of a change of control, all shares of restricted stock will become immediately and
fully transferable, and all periods of restriction will expire, and the 2007 Long Term Incentive
Plan Committee, which administers the Directors Restricted Stock Plan, will be deemed to waive any
forfeiture provisions provided with respect to any award. As of December 31, 2009, the named
executive officers did not hold any option awards with intrinsic value (that is, their options had
an exercise price in excess of our common stock price) that were exercisable or would have become
exercisable or vested if the named executive officer had died or become disabled, or if there had
been a change of control, based upon the closing price of our common stock on such date.
Due to the number of factors that affect the nature and amount of any benefits provided upon
the events discussed, actual amounts paid or distributed may be different than as disclosed.
Factors that could affect these amounts include the timing during the year of any such event or our
stock price.
28
Director Compensation
The current compensation and benefit program for directors is designed to fairly pay directors
for time and effort required to be an effective director of a company of our size and scope; to
align directors interests with the long-term interests of shareholders; and to be simple,
transparent and easy for shareholders to understand. Our directors compensation for 2009 included
the following compensation elements:
|
|
|
|
|
Description |
|
Amount ($) |
|
|
|
|
|
Chairman of the Boards annual retainer fee |
|
|
40,000 |
|
Directors annual retainer fee |
|
|
35,000 |
|
Chairman of the Board fee per board meeting |
|
|
4,000 |
|
Directors fee per board meeting |
|
|
3,000 |
|
Audit Committee chairman fee per committee meeting |
|
|
4,000 |
|
Audit Committee member fee per committee meeting |
|
|
3,500 |
|
Other Committee chairman fee per committee meeting |
|
|
3,000 |
|
Other Committee member fee per committee meeting |
|
|
3,000 |
|
Directors are paid the above fee arrangement for participation in person or by telephone
in any meeting of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof.
In addition, we adopted the Directors Restricted Stock Plan in 2003. Pursuant to that plan,
we may grant our directors restricted shares of our common stock that vest over five years in equal
annual increments. Under the Directors Restricted Stock Plan, a maximum of 10,000 restricted
shares of common stock may be granted to each director in any calendar year.
29
Director Compensation in 2009
The table below presents the directors compensation for 2009:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Value and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fees |
|
Nonqualified |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earned or |
|
Deferred |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paid in |
|
Compensation |
|
All Other |
|
|
|
|
Cash(1) |
|
Earnings(2) |
|
Compensation(3) |
|
Total |
Name |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
William E.
Mayher, III
Chairman of the
Board of Directors |
|
|
80,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
80,000 |
|
Richard L. Boger |
|
|
64,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
64,000 |
|
Ray M. Deaver |
|
|
56,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
56,000 |
|
T. L. Elder |
|
|
64,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
64,000 |
|
Hilton H. Howell, Jr. |
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
14,839 |
|
|
|
9,387 |
|
|
|
74,226 |
|
Zell B. Miller |
|
|
53,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
53,000 |
|
Howell W . Newton |
|
|
66,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
66,000 |
|
Hugh E. Norton |
|
|
56,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
56,000 |
|
Robert S. Prather, Jr. |
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
43,406 |
|
|
|
53,934 |
|
|
|
147,340 |
|
Harriett J. Robinson |
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
J. Mack Robinson |
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
400,000 |
|
|
|
450,000 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
For all directors, this amount represents cash compensation earned in 2009 for Board of
Directors and committee service. |
|
(2) |
|
Represents the change in pension value, calculated as the difference between the present
value of accumulated benefits at December 31, 2009 and the present value of accumulated
benefits at December 31, 2008, adjusted for benefit payments made during the year. The present
value of accumulated benefits at December 31, 2009 was calculated using the assumptions that
were used for the December 31, 2009 financial statement disclosures, which were the 1983 Group
Annuity Mortality Table, separately for males and females, and a 6.27% interest discount. The
present value of accumulated benefits at December 31, 2008 was calculated using the
assumptions that were used for the December 31, 2008 financial statement disclosures, which
were the 1983 Group Annuity Mortality Table, separately for males and females, and a 5.79%
interest discount.
See the Pension Benefits in 2009 table for additional information, including the present
value assumptions used in this calculation. |
30
|
|
|
(3) |
|
Represents all other compensation earned by the named director. For descriptions of the other
compensation earned by Mr. Howell and Mr. Prather, refer to the amounts in the All Other
Compensation Table, with the exception of directors fees, which are reported separately in
this Director Compensation in 2009 table. For Mr. Robinson, it also includes a consulting
fee of $400,000 as discussed below in Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions. |
The members of our Board of Directors are reimbursed for reasonable travel expenses incurred
by them during the execution of their duties as members of our Board of Directors and any
committees. These expenses include but are not limited to mileage, hotel rooms, meals and air
transportation.
REPORT OF MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
The following Report of the Management Personnel Committee does not constitute soliciting
material and should not be deemed filed or incorporated by reference into any other filing by Gray
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except to the extent Gray
specifically incorporates this Report by reference therein.
The Management Personnel Committee, acting in its capacity as the Compensation Committee, has
reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis contained in this Proxy Statement
with management and, based on such review and discussion, the Management Personnel Committee has
recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included
herein and in Grays Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.
The Management Personnel Committee has retained Grant Thornton LLP to advise it on current
trends and best practices in compensation. The total amount of fees paid to Grant Thornton for
executive compensation services provided as a dedicated compensation advisor to the committee in
2009 was approximately $10,000. The total amount of fees paid to Gray to Grant Thornton in 2009 for
all other services, excluding committee services, was approximately $144,220, which related
primarily to internal audit services. The Management Personnel Committee recommended and approved
the provision of these additional services to the Company by Grant Thornton LLP.
Submitted by the Management Personnel Committee of the Board of Directors.
|
|
|
Ray M. Deaver, Chairman
William E. Mayher, III
Zell B. Miller
Hugh E. Norton |
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
Messrs. Deaver, Mayher, Miller and Norton are the members of the Management Personnel
Committee, which serves as our Compensation Committee. No member of the Management Personnel
Committee was an employee or officer of Gray or any of its subsidiaries during 2009 or was formerly
an officer of Gray or any of its subsidiaries, except that Mr. Deaver served as Grays Regional
Vice President-Texas from October 1999 until his retirement in December 2001. He was the President
and General Manager of KWTX Broadcasting Company and President of Brazos Broadcasting Company
from November 1997 until their acquisition by Gray in October 1999. Mr. Norton had an immaterial
business relationship with Gray during 2009 as described under Certain Relationships and Related
Party Transactions. No compensation committee interlocks existed during 2009.
31
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
We obtain certain liability, umbrella and workers compensation insurance coverages through
Insurance Associates of Georgia, an insurance agency that is owned by a son-in-law of Hugh E.
Norton, one of our directors. During 2009, in connection with these coverages, Insurance
Associates of Georgia retained commissions of $130,577 paid to it by the various insurance
companies providing insurance to us and paid $96,640 of such commissions to Norco Holdings, Inc.,
an insurance agency, of which Mr. Norton is President and which is owned by Mr. Nortons wife and
daughter. The Board of Directors has reviewed these arrangements and has determined that,
notwithstanding these payments, Mr. Norton is independent in accordance with Section 303A.02(b) of
the NYSE listing standards and the standards set forth in the IRC and the Exchange Act as further
explained under the heading Corporate Governance.
In December 2008, Gray entered into a consulting contract with Mr. Robinson in which he agreed
to consult and advise Gray with respect to its television stations and all related matters in
connection with various proposed or existing television stations. In return for his services, Mr.
Robinson received compensation of $400,000. Mr. Robinson served as Grays Chief Executive Officer
until his resignation in August 2008 and he continues to serve as a member of Grays Board of
Directors and as Chairman Emeritus.
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the directors, executive officers and persons who
own more than ten percent of a registered class of a companys equity securities to file with the
SEC initial reports of ownership (Form 3) and reports of changes in ownership (Forms 4 and 5) of
such class of equity securities. Such officers, directors and greater than ten percent
shareholders of a company are required by SEC regulations to furnish the company with copies of all
such Section 16(a) reports that they file.
To our knowledge, based solely on our review of the copies of such reports filed with the SEC
during the year ended December 31, 2009, all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to our
officers, directors and ten percent beneficial owners were met, except that ten percent shareholder
Highland Capital Management, LP failed to timely file two Form 4 reports for a total of five
transactions.
REPORT OF AUDIT COMMITTEE
The following Report of the Audit Committee, together with references in this Proxy Statement
to the independence of the Audit Committee members and the Audit Committee Charter, does not
constitute soliciting material and should not be deemed filed or incorporated by reference into any
other filing by Gray under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except to
the extent Gray specifically incorporates this Report by reference therein.
The Audit Committee of our Board of Directors is comprised of four directors who are
independent and financially literate in accordance with the NYSE listing standards and the SEC
rules regarding audit committees. In addition, the Board of Directors has determined that T. L.
Elder is an
audit committee financial expert as defined by applicable SEC rules. In accordance with its
written charter, which was approved and adopted in its current form by our Board of Directors in
June 2009, the Audit Committee assists our Board of Directors in the oversight of the quality and
integrity of the accounting, auditing and financial reporting practices of Gray. In addition, the
Audit Committee has the
32
authority to select our independent registered public accounting firm.
Grays Audit Committee Charter prohibits a member of the Audit Committee from serving on more than
three public company audit committees.
Management has primary responsibility for Grays financial statements and the overall
reporting process, including Grays system of internal controls. McGladrey & Pullen, LLP, our
independent registered public accounting firm, audits the annual consolidated financial statements
prepared by management and expresses an opinion on whether those statements fairly present, in all
material respects, our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The Audit Committee has
reviewed our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2009 and
discussed them with both management and McGladrey & Pullen, LLP.
Management is responsible for establishing, assessing and reporting on Grays system of
internal control over financial reporting. McGladrey & Pullen, LLP is responsible for performing an
independent audit of Grays internal control over financial reporting and to issue a report
thereon. The Audit Committee is responsible for the monitoring and oversight of this process. In
connection with these responsibilities, the Audit Committee met with management and McGladrey &
Pullen, LLP to review and discuss the effectiveness of Grays internal controls over financial
reporting.
The Audit Committee has also discussed with McGladrey & Pullen, LLP the matters required to be
discussed by generally accepted auditing standards, including those described in Statement on
Auditing Standards No. 61, Communication with Audit Committees, as amended, issued by the Auditing
Standards Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
The Audit Committee has received and reviewed the written disclosures and the letter from
McGladrey & Pullen, LLP consistent with the applicable requirements of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board regarding communications with the Audit Committee concerning
independence and has discussed and confirmed with McGladrey & Pullen, LLP its independence with
respect to Gray. In addition, the Audit Committee has considered whether the provision of the
non-audit services provided by McGladrey & Pullen, LLP is compatible with maintaining that
independence.
Based upon this review, the Audit Committee recommended to the full Board of Directors that
our audited consolidated financial statements be included in Grays Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 2009 and filed with the SEC.
Submitted by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
Howell W. Newton, Chairman
Richard L. Boger
T. L. Elder
William E. Mayher, III
33
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
McGladrey & Pullen, LLP has been our independent registered public accounting firm since May
2006. McGladrey & Pullen, LLP audited our annual financial statements for the years ended December
31, 2009, 2008, 2007 and 2006. As approved by our Audit Committee, we have selected McGladrey &
Pullen, LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm to audit our financial statements
and our internal control over financial reporting for the year ending December 31, 2010. A
representative of McGladrey & Pullen, LLP is expected to be present at the 2010 Annual Meeting,
will have the opportunity to make a statement, if he or she desires to do so, and will be available
to respond to appropriate questions. We have decided not to ask our shareholders to ratify the
appointment of McGladrey & Pullen, LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the
year ending December 31, 2010.
Fees
The fees billed by McGladrey & Pullen, LLP for 2009 and 2008 were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
|
($) |
|
($) |
Audit fees(1) |
|
|
831,381 |
|
|
|
952,321 |
|
Audit-related fees(2) |
|
|
99,257 |
|
|
|
89,096 |
|
Tax fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All other fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
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|
930,638 |
|
|
|
1,041,417 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Audit fees include fees for the current year audit, fees for quarterly reviews of our
reports on Form 10-Q and consultation concerning accounting issues discussed with the SEC when
applicable. |
|
(2) |
|
These fees were for audits of our employee benefit plans. |
All audit related services, tax services and other non-audit services must be, and all of the
expenses for such services in 2009 and 2008 were, pre-approved by the Audit Committee, which also
concluded that the provision of such services was compatible with the maintenance of McGladrey &
Pullen, LLPs independence in the conduct of its auditing functions.
In accordance with its written charter, the Audit Committee reviews and discusses with
McGladrey & Pullen, LLP, on a periodic basis, any disclosed relationships or services that may
impact the objectivity and independence of the independent registered public accounting firm and
pre-approves all audit and permitted non-audit services (including the fees and terms thereof) to
be performed for us by our independent registered public accounting firm.
34
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
The following table gives information about the common stock and Class A common stock that may
be issued upon the exercise of options, warrants and rights under all existing equity compensation
plans as of December 31, 2009.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
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|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of securities remaining |
|
|
Number of securities to |
|
|
|
|
|
available for future issuance |
|
|
be issued upon exercise |
|
|
|
|
|
under equity compensation |
|
|
of outstanding options, |
|
Weighted average |
|
plans (excluding securities |
|
|
warrants and rights |
|
exercise price of |
|
reflected in 1st column) |
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
outstanding options |
|
(in thousands) |
Plan Category |
|
(#) |
|
warrants and rights |
|
(#) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Stock: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity compensation
plans approved by
security holders(1)(2) |
|
|
1,476 |
|
|
$ |
8.28 |
|
|
|
7,392 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity compensation
plans not approved
by security holders |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
1,476 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,392 |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A Common Stock: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity compensation
plans approved by
security holders(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity compensation
plans not approved
by security holders |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Under our 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan, we are authorized to issue options to acquire
an additional 4,979,300 shares of either our common stock or our class A common stock;
however, of this amount, we cannot grant options to acquire in excess of 1,000,000 shares
of our Class A common stock. For purposes of this disclosure, we have assumed the issuance
of options to acquire 4,979,300 shares of our common stock and 1,000,000 shares of our
Class A common stock. |
|
(2) |
|
Includes 1,642,849 shares of our common stock that are issuable under our Capital
Accumulation Plan, which is intended to meet the requirements of Section 401(k) of the
Internal Revenue Code. Includes 770,000 shares of our common stock that are issuable under
our Directors Restricted Stock Plan. |
OTHER MATTERS
Our Board of Directors knows of no other matters to be brought before the 2010 Annual Meeting.
However, if any other matters are properly brought before the 2010 Annual Meeting, it is the
intention of the named proxies in the accompanying proxy to vote in accordance with their judgment
on such matters.
35
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR INCLUSION
IN NEXT YEARS PROXY STATEMENT
Proposals of shareholders intended to be presented at our 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders
must be received at our principal executive offices by December 29, 2010, in order to be eligible
for inclusion in our proxy statement and form of proxy for that meeting.
OTHER SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR PRESENTATION
AT NEXT YEARS ANNUAL MEETING
For any proposal that is not submitted for inclusion in next years proxy statement, but is
instead sought to be presented directly at the 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, management will
be able to vote proxies in its discretion if we: (1) receive notice of the proposal before the
close of business on March 25, 2011 and advise shareholders in the 2011 proxy statement about the
nature of the matter and how management intends to vote on such matter; or (2) receive notice of
the proposal after the close of business on March 25, 2011. Notices of intention to present
proposals at the 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders should be addressed to Gray Television, Inc.,
Attention: Robert A. Beizer, Secretary, 1750 K Street, NW, Suite 1200, Washington, D.C., 20006.
AVAILABILITY OF FORM 10-K
Our Annual Report on Form 10-K is available online at www.gray.tv in the SEC Filings
section. We will provide to any shareholder, without charge, upon written request, a copy of the
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, as filed with the SEC.
Such requests should be addressed to Gray Television, Inc., 4370 Peachtree Road, N.E., Atlanta,
Georgia 30319, Attention: Investor Relations.
HOUSEHOLDING
As permitted under the Exchange Act, to the extent shareholders receive a hard copy of the
proxy by mail, only one copy of this proxy statement is being delivered to shareholders residing at
the same address, unless such shareholders have notified us of their desire to receive multiple
copies of this proxy statement. We will promptly deliver, upon oral or written request, a separate
copy of this proxy statement to any shareholder residing at an address to which only one copy was
mailed. Requests for additional copies should be directed to Gray Television, Inc., 4370 Peachtree
Road, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30319, Attention: Investor Relations. Shareholders residing at the
same address and currently receiving only one copy of the proxy statement may contact Investor
Relations at the address above to request multiple copies of the proxy statement in the future.
Shareholders residing at the same address and currently receiving multiple copies of the proxy
statement may contact Investor Relations at the address above to request that only a single copy of
the proxy statement by mailed in the future.
36
GRAY TELEVISION,
INC.
4370 PEACHTREE ROAD, N.E.
ATLANTA, GA 30319
VOTE BY INTERNET - www.proxyvote.com
Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time the day before the meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the web site and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form.
ELECTRONIC DELIVERY OF FUTURE PROXY MATERIALS
If you would like to reduce the costs incurred by Gray Television, Inc. in mailing proxy materials, you can consent to receiving all future proxy statements, proxy cards and annual reports electronically via e-mail or the Internet. To sign up for electronic delivery, please follow the instructions above to vote using the Internet and, when prompted, indicate that you agree to receive or access proxy materials electronically in future years.
VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903
Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions up until
11:59 P.M. Eastern Time the day before the meeting date. Have your proxy
card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions.
VOTE BY MAIL
Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope
we have provided or return it to Gray Television, Inc., c/o Broadridge,
51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717.
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TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS:
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M23649-P95657 |
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KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS |
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DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY |
THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED.
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GRAY TELEVISION,
INC.
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For |
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Withhold |
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For All |
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To withhold authority to vote for any individual |
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The Board of Directors
recommends that you vote FOR the following:
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All |
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All |
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Except |
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nominee(s), mark For All Except and write the |
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number(s) of the nominee(s) on the line below. |
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Vote on Directors
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01) |
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Richard L. Boger |
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07) |
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Howell W. Newton |
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02) |
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Ray M. Deaver |
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08) |
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Hugh E. Norton |
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03) |
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T. L. Elder |
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09) |
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Robert S. Prather, Jr. |
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04) |
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Hilton H. Howell, Jr. |
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10) |
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Harriett J. Robinson |
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05) |
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William E. Mayher, III |
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11) |
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J. Mack Robinson |
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06) |
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Zell B. Miller |
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NOTE: Such other business as may properly come before the meeting
or any adjournment thereof.
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For address changes and/or comments, please check this box and write them on the back where indicated.
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Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon.
When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, or other fiduciary, please give
full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. All
holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in
full corporate or partnership name, by authorized
officer.
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Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX]
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Signature (Joint Owners) |
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Important Notice
Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting:
The Notice and Proxy Statement and Form 10-K are available at www.proxyvote.com.
M23650-P95657
GRAY TELEVISION,
INC.
The shareholder
hereby appoints William E. Mayher, III and Hilton H. Howell, Jr. or either
of them, as proxies, each with the power to appoint his substitute, and
hereby authorizes them to represent and to vote, as designated on the reverse
side of this ballot, all of the shares of common stock and Class A common
stock of Gray Television, Inc. that the shareholder is entitled to vote
at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held at 9:30 a.m., local time,
June 23, 2010, at The Peachtree Insurance Center, The Executive Board Room,
5th Floor 4370 Peachtree Road, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30319 and any adjournment
or postponement thereof.
THIS PROXY, WHEN
PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED BY THE SHAREHOLDER. IF NO SUCH
DIRECTIONS ARE MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR THE ELECTION OF THE NOMINEES
LISTED ON THE REVERSE SIDE FOR THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
Address Changes/Comments:
(If you noted any Address Changes/Comments above, please mark corresponding box on the reverse side.)
Continued
and to be signed on reverse side