<PAGE>   1
              FORM 10-K.--ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR

                  15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
               (As last amended in Rel. No. 34-29354 eff. 7-1-91.)

                                  UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-K

[X]   ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
      EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [FEE REQUIRED]
                   For the fiscal year ended DECEMBER 31, 1996

[ ]   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
      EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [FEE REQUIRED]
                For the transition period from _______to________

                         Commission file number 0-16064

               NORTHLAND CABLE PROPERTIES FOUR LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

<TABLE>
<S>                                            <C>
          STATE OF WASHINGTON                       75-1998317
    (State or other jurisdiction of             (I.R.S. Employer
    incorporation or organization)             Identification No.)

     3600 WASHINGTON MUTUAL TOWER
1201 THIRD AVENUE, SEATTLE, WASHINGTON                 98101
(Address of principal executive offices)             (Zip Code)
</TABLE>

       Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (206) 621-1351

           Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

<TABLE>
<S>                                <C>
        Title of each class         Name of each exchange on which registered
              (NONE)                                (NONE)
</TABLE>

           Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

                      UNITS OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP INTEREST
                                (Title of class)

      Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days.
                               Yes [ ]    No [X]

                       DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
                      (Partially Incorporated into Part IV)

      (1)   Form 8-A Registration Statement filed July 24, 1987.
      (2)   Form 10-K Annual Reports for fiscal years ended December 31,
            1986, December 31, 1987, December 31, 1988, December 31, 1990,
            December 31, 1991, December 31, 1992 and December 31, 1995,
            respectively.
      (3)   Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for periods ended June 30, 1990,
            September 30, 1992 and June 30, 1995, respectively. (4) Form 8-K
            dated November 1, 1995 and September 15, 1995.
      (5)   Form 8-K dated September 15, 1995.

This filing contains ______pages. Exhibits Index appears on page ____. Financial
Statements/Schedules Index appears on page ____.
<PAGE>   2
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT FOR PURPOSES OF THE "SAFE HARBOR" PROVISIONS OF THE PRIVATE
LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995. Statements contained or incorporated by reference
in this document that are not based on historical fact are "forward-looking
statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Reform Act of 1995.
Forward-looking statements may be identified by use of forward-looking
terminology such as "believe," "intends," "may," "will," "expect," "estimate",
"anticipate," "continue," or similar terms, variations of those terms or the
negative of those terms.

                                     PART I

ITEM 1.   BUSINESS

      Northland Cable Properties Four Limited Partnership (the "Partnership") is
a Washington limited partnership consisting of two general partners (the
"General Partners") and approximately 1,028 limited partners as of December 31,
1996. Northland Communications Corporation, a Washington corporation, is the
Managing General Partner of the Partnership (referred to herein as "Northland"
or the "Managing General Partner"). FN Equities Joint Venture, a California
general partnership, is the Administrative General Partner of the Partnership
(the "Administrative General Partner").

      Northland was formed in March 1981 and is principally involved in the
ownership and management of cable television systems. Northland currently
manages the operations and is the General Partner for cable television systems
owned by 5 limited partnerships. Northland is also the parent company of
Northland Cable Properties, Inc. which was formed in February 1995 and is
principally involved in direct ownership of cable television systems. Northland
is a subsidiary of Northland Telecommunications Corporation ("NTC").
Other subsidiaries of NTC include:

      NORTHLAND CABLE TELEVISION, INC. - formed in October 1985 and principally
      involved in the direct ownership of cable television systems.  Owner of
      Northland Cable News, Inc.

            NORTHLAND CABLE NEWS, INC. - formed in May 1994 and principally
            involved in the production and development of local programming.

      NORTHLAND CABLE SERVICES CORPORATION - formed in August 1993 as the
      holding company for the following entities:

            CABLE TELEVISION BILLING, INC. - formed in June 1987 and principally
            involved in the development and production of computer software used
            in connection with the billing and financial recordkeeping for cable
            systems owned or managed by Northland or Northland Cable Television,
            Inc.

            CABLE AD-CONCEPTS, INC. - formed in November 1993 and principally
            involved in the production and development of video commercial
            advertisements.

      NORTHLAND MEDIA, INC. - formed in April 1995 as the holding company for
      the following entity:

            STATESBORO MEDIA, INC. - formed in April 1995 and principally
            involved in acquiring and operating an AM radio station serving the
            community of Statesboro, GA and surrounding areas.

      The Partnership was formed on January 2, 1985 and began operations in 1985
with the acquisition of several cable television systems in Texas and California
(the "Systems"). In September 1995, the Partnership acquired the cable
television systems in and around Kaufman, Oak Grove, Hillsboro, New Waverly and
Waterwood, TX (the "SLT System"). In October 1995, the Partnership purchased the
cable television systems in and around Huffman Prairie View, Waller, Cut and
Shoot, Brookshire, Tarkenton, Ace, Simonton and Fulshear, TX (the "Brookridge
System"). As of December 31, 1996, the total number of basic subscribers served
by the Systems was 22,554, and the Partnership's penetration rate (basic
subscribers as a percentage of homes passed) was approximately 64% as compared
to an industry average of approximately 66%, as reported by PAUL KAGAN
ASSOCIATES, INC.

      The Partnership has 40 non-exclusive franchises to operate the Systems.
The franchises, which will expire at various dates through the year 2012, have
been granted by county, city and other local governmental authorities in the
areas in which the Systems operate. Annual franchise fees are paid to the
granting governmental authorities. These
<PAGE>   3
fees vary between 2% and 5% of the respective gross revenues of the Systems in a
particular community. The franchises may be terminated for failure to comply
with their respective conditions.

      The Partnership serves the communities and surrounding areas of
Flint/Tyler, New Caney, Whitewright, Kaufman, Hillsboro and Prairie View, Texas,
as well as Chowchilla, California. The following is a description of these
areas:

      Flint/Tyler, TX: The S.W. Tyler and S.E. Tyler systems serve most of the
suburban areas to the southeast, south and southwest of Tyler, TX. This east
Texas area is known for its tree-lined lakes which offer year-round fishing,
swimming, skiing and other water-related sports during the summer months. The
area's largest lakes are Lake Palestine and Lake Tyler. The Tyler area enjoys a
mild subtropical climate. This allows farmers and gardeners to plant in both
spring and fall due to the area's long growing season of 259 days. Tyler also
features a 22-acre municipally-owned rose garden which is renowned for its
38,000 rose bushes and 450 rose varieties. Certain information regarding the
Tyler, TX system as of December 31, 1996 is as follows:

<TABLE>
<S>                                             <C>
            Basic Subscribers                    7,958
            Tier Subscribers                     1,907
            Premium Subscribers                  2,355
            Estimated Homes Passed              12,000
</TABLE>

      New Caney, TX: The New Caney system serves the communities and surrounding
areas of Patton Village, Splendora, Woodbranch Village, Roman Forest, New
Waverly, Waterwood, Huffman and New Caney, TX. This system is approximately
forty miles north of Houston, TX and has very easy access to Houston
Intercontinental Airport. Certain information regarding the New Caney, TX system
as of December 31, 1996 is as follows:

<TABLE>
<S>                                            <C>
            Basic Subscribers                   7,094
            Premium Subscribers                 2,479
            Estimated Homes Passed             12,250
</TABLE>

      Whitewright, TX: The cities of Whitewright, Van Alstyne, Savoy, Bells,
Howe, Tom Bean and Trenton, as well as the city of Sherman, Texas, are located
in a region that is referred to as the "Texoma Region." The Texoma Region
includes Lake Texoma, a large 89,000-acre lake which has over 600 miles of sandy
beaches, an 11,000-acre wildlife refuge and 43 park areas. The wide variety of
recreational opportunities has created a popular resort area attracting more
than 11,000,000 visitors each year. Certain information regarding the
Whitewright, TX system as of December 31, 1996 is as follows:

<TABLE>
<S>                                             <C>
            Basic Subscribers                   1,740
            Tier Subscribers                       41
            Premium Subscribers                   488
            Estimated Homes Passed              4,220
</TABLE>

      Kaufman, TX: The Kaufman system includes the community of Oak Grove and is
located in north central Texas, approximately 32 miles southeast of Dallas,
Texas. Major industries in the area include manufacturing and health care.
Trinity Valley College is located in the area. Certain information regarding the
Kaufman, TX system as of December 31, 1996 is as follows:

<TABLE>
<S>                                             <C>
            Basic Subscribers                   1,509
            Premium Subscribers                   663
            Estimated Homes Passed              2,100
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   4
      Hillsboro, TX: The Hillsboro system is located in north central Texas,
approximately 65 miles south of Dallas, Texas. Major industries in the area
include retail, manufacturing and health care. In addition, Hill College is
located in the area. Certain information regarding the Hillsboro, TX system as
of December 31, 1996 is as follows:

<TABLE>
<S>                                             <C>
            Basic Subscribers                   1,428
            Premium Subscribers                   373
            Estimated Homes Passed              3,080
</TABLE>

      Prairie View, TX: The Prairie View system is located northwest of Houston,
Texas and includes the community of Waller, Texas. Prairie View is a branch
location of Texas A & M University, one of the largest universities in southeast
Texas. Certain information regarding the Prairie View, TX system as of December
31, 1996 is as follows:

<TABLE>
<S>                                             <C>
            Basic Subscribers                     961
            Premium Subscribers                   294
            Estimated Homes Passed              2,120
</TABLE>

      Chowchilla, CA: The Chowchilla system serves the communities of and
contiguous areas surrounding Chowchilla, Planada and Riverdale, which are all
located in the San Joaquin Valley in west-central California. The San Joaquin
Valley is one of the nation's leading agricultural areas. The alluvial deposits
from the San Joaquin and Chowchilla rivers over the centuries have made the
valley ideally suited for fruits, nuts, vegetables, cotton and grain. The
climate is warm and dry with temperatures that approach 100 degrees in July and
August. The winters are mild with only occasional frosts. In recent years, the
valley has become increasingly popular because of its climate and access to
recreational areas, with many rivers, lakes and close proximity to the Sierra
National Forest and Yosemite National Park. Certain information regarding the
Chowchilla, CA system as of December 31, 1996 is as follows:

<TABLE>
<S>                                             <C>
            Basic Subscribers                   1,864
            Tier Subscribers                       83
            Premium Subscribers                   891
            Estimated Homes Passed              4,215
</TABLE>

      The Partnership had 37 employees as of December 31, 1996. Management of
these systems is handled through offices located in the towns of Flint, New
Caney, Whitewright, Texas and Chowchilla, California. The Kaufman, Hillsboro,
Waterwood and Prairie View, Texas systems share the costs of offices maintained
by affiliates of the Partnership pursuant to the terms of operating management
agreements. Pursuant to the Agreement of Limited Partnership, the Partnership
reimburses the Managing General Partner for time spent by the Managing General
Partner's accounting staff on Partnership accounting and bookkeeping matters.
(See Part III Item 13(a) below.)

      The Partnership's cable television business is not considered seasonal.
The business of the Partnership is not dependent upon a single customer or a few
customers, the loss of any one or more of which would have a material adverse
effect on its business. No customer accounts for 10% or more of revenues. No
material portion of the Partnership's business is subject to renegotiation of
profits or termination of contracts or subcontracts at the election of any
governmental unit, except that franchise agreements may be terminated or
modified by the franchising authorities as noted above. During the last year,
the Partnership did not engage in any research and development activities.

      Partnership revenues are derived primarily from monthly payments received
from cable television subscribers. Subscribers are divided into three
categories: basic subscribers, tier subscribers and premium subscribers. "Basic
subscribers" are households that subscribe to the basic level of service, which
generally provides access to the three major television networks (ABC, NBC and
CBS), a few independent local stations, PBS (the Public Broadcasting System) and
certain satellite programming services, such as ESPN, CNN or The Discovery
Channel. "Tier subscribers" are households that subscribe to an additional level
of certain satellite programming services the content of which varies
<PAGE>   5
from system to system. "Premium subscribers" are households that subscribe to
one or more "pay channels" in addition to the basic service. These pay channels
include such services as Showtime, Home Box Office, Cinemax, Disney or The Movie
Channel.

      On January 31, 1997, the Partnership sold the undivided portion of the
cable systems that was attributable to the limited partners' and Administrative
General Partner's collective interests in the Partnership. These assets were
purchased by affiliates of Northland, based on an aggregate valuation of
$32,000,000 for the cable systems. At closing, the Partnership received
approximately $25,400,000, of cash from the buyers and an unsecured,
subordinated promissory note in the amount of approximately $4,600,000, together
representing the value of the limited partners' and administrative general
partner's undivided portion of the cable systems. The note obligation has been
assumed by Northland and will be payable, subject to adjustment for unknown
liabilities existing as of the closing date, in two equal annual installments
beginning January 31, 1998 with interest at 6%.

COMPETITION

      Due to factors such as the non-exclusivity of the Partnership's
franchises, recent regulatory changes and Congressional action, the rapid pace
of technological developments, and the adverse publicity received by the cable
industry regarding the lack of competition, there is a substantial likelihood
that the Partnership's systems will be subject to a greater degree of
competition in the future.

      Other Entertainment Alternatives  The Partnership's systems compete with
other communications and entertainment media, including conventional
over-the-air television broadcasting stations. Cable television service was
first offered as a means of improving television reception in markets where
terrain factors or remoteness from major cities limited the availability of
over-the-air television broadcasts. In some of the areas served by the
Partnership's systems, several of the broadcast television channels can be
adequately received off-air. The extent to which cable television service is
competitive with broadcast stations depends in significant part upon the cable
television system's ability to provide an even greater variety of programming
than available off-air.

      Cable television systems also are susceptible to competition from other
video programming delivery systems (discussed below), from other forms of home
entertainment such as video cassette recorders, and, in varying degrees, from
sources of entertainment in the communities served, including motion picture
theaters, live theater and sporting events.

      Overbuilds  Recent federal legislation and court decisions have increased
the likelihood that incumbent cable operators will face instances of
"overbuilding". Overbuilding occurs when a cable operator who is not affiliated
with the incumbent franchise holder applies for and receives a second franchise
from the local franchising authority and constructs a cable system in direct
competition with that of the incumbent. None of the Partnership's franchises
provide for exclusivity. Overbuilding typically occurs where the overbuilder
believes it can attract a profitable share of the incumbent operator's customer
base. Overbuilding also may occur if the local franchising authority authorizes
construction of a governmentally owned and operated cable system. At present
none of the Partnership's cable systems are overbuilt. Given the regulatory
developments making it easier for overbuilders, both private and governmental
entities, to enter the marketplace, there can be no assurances that overbuilder
competition will not occur in the future. However, Management believes that
given the current regulatory environment related to cable rates, the
attractiveness of overbuilding may have been diminished.

      Wireless Services  A variety of services, often generically referred to as
"wireless" cable, distribute video programming via omnidirectional low-power
microwave signals from a stationary transmitter to customers at fixed locations.
For many years such services faced governmental restrictions on the types of
programming they could distribute and were generally prevented, by regulatory
and technological reasons, from distributing the quantity of programming
distributed by cable operators. Wireless operators also faced difficulty in
obtaining access to certain programming produced by vendors affiliated with the
cable industry.
<PAGE>   6
      In recent years, the Federal Communications Commission (the "FCC") has
adopted policies for authorizing new technologies and providing a more favorable
regulatory environment for certain existing wireless technologies. Such policies
have the potential to create additional competition for cable television
systems. The FCC recently amended its regulations to enable multi-channel,
multi-point distribution services ("MMDS"), to compete more effectively with
cable television systems by making available additional channels to the MMDS
industry.

      On December 10, 1992, the FCC commenced a rulemaking in which a new
wireless multichannel video service is proposed to be created. The proposed new
service is called the Local Multichannel Distribution Service ("LMDS") and will
operate in the 27.5 - 29.5 MHz frequency band. LMDS providers, as the FCC
currently proposes, would have no restrictions on the kinds of service that may
be offered. No major technological advances which would adversely affect the
Partnership's business have been made during 1996.

      The Partnership has experienced competition from MMDS operators in certain
systems during the past year. The Whitewright System experienced a loss of
approximately 500 subscribers to an MMDS operator. The Partnership has not
experienced significant subscriber losses in any other system.

      There can be no assurance, however, that future competition brought about
by MMDS, LMDS and other wireless technologies will not have a material adverse
effect on Partnership operations. As noted below, the recent Congressional
legislation, among other things, is designed to make programming that is
currently available to the cable television industry available to other
technologies to foster the growth of alternative video programming delivery
services.

      Satellite Delivered Services  Additional competition exists from private
cable television systems serving condominiums, apartment complexes and other
private residential developments. The operators of these private systems,
generally referred to as Satellite Master Antenna Television ("SMATV")
providers, often enter into exclusive agreements with apartment building owners
or homeowner's associations that preclude operators of franchised cable
television systems from serving residents of such private complexes. Due to the
widespread availability of reasonably priced satellite signal reception dishes
or earth stations, SMATV systems now can offer both improved reception of local
television stations and many of the same satellite-delivered programming
services that are offered by franchised cable television systems. Moreover,
SMATV systems generally are free of the regulatory burdens imposed on franchised
cable television systems. Although a number of states and some municipalities
have enacted laws and ordinances to afford operators of franchised cable
television systems access to private complexes, several of such laws and
ordinances have been challenged successfully in the courts, and others are under
attack. Because the Partnership generally has been able to enter into access
agreements with owners of private complexes, in Management's opinion, successful
challenges to access statutes would not have a material adverse effect on the
operations of the Partnership.

      Reasonably priced earth stations designed for private home use now enable
individual households to receive many of the satellite-delivered programming
services formerly available only to cable television subscribers. Many satellite
programmers now encode their signals in order to allow reception only by means
of authorized decoding equipment.

      Direct broadcast satellite ("DBS") service consists of satellite services
that focus on delivering programming services directly to homes using high-power
signals transmitted by satellites to receiving facilities located on the
premises of subscribers. With an antenna as small as 18 inches, a DBS customer
can receive a hundred or more programming signals. Using a national base of
subscribers, it is possible that DBS companies may be able to offer new and
highly specialized services which may not be available to the cable television
industry, but as channel capacity and penetration of cable television systems
increase, the cable industry is expected to have the ability to offer additional
services as well. Because DBS systems deliver their services using satellite
technology, they may not be able to economically provide services that are of
local interest to their subscribers, and may not be able to maintain a local
presence, which is considered a significant advantage in developing and
maintaining subscriber support.
<PAGE>   7
      During 1996, the Partnership did not experience any significant subscriber
loss to DBS. There can be no assurance, however, that future competition brought
about by DBS will not have a material adverse impact on Partnership operations.

      Telephone Companies  Federal law, FCC regulations and the 1982 federal
court consent decree (the "Modified Final Judgment") that settled the 1974
antitrust suit against AT&T all limit in various ways the provision of video
programming and other information services by telephone companies. Federal law
codifies FCC cross-ownership regulations which, among other things, prohibit
local telephone exchange companies including the seven Regional Bell Operating
Companies ("RBOCs"), from providing video programming directly to subscribers
within their local exchange service areas, except in rural areas or by specific
waiver of FCC rules. These statutory provisions and corresponding FCC
regulations are of particular competitive importance because these telephone
companies already own much of the plant necessary for cable television
operations, such as poles, underground conduits, associated rights-of-way and
connections to the home.

      In July 1991, the U.S. District Court responsible for the Modified Final
Judgment lifted the prohibition on the provision of information services by the
RBOCs. As a result, the RBOCs were allowed to acquire or construct cable
television systems outside of their own service areas. Another federal court
held that the cable/telco cross-ownership prohibitions unconstitutionally
abridge the First Amendment rights of the RBOCs and other telephone companies.
Several RBOCs have entered into agreements to purchase cable television systems
outside their service areas. Management believes that such purchases of existing
cable television systems do not represent a significant competitive threat to
the Partnership

      In July 1992, the FCC voted to authorize additional competition to cable
television by video programmers using broadband common carrier facilities
constructed by telephone companies. The FCC allowed telephone companies to take
ownership interests of up to 5% in such programmers. Several telephone companies
have sought approval from the FCC to build such systems and several experimental
systems have been approved by the FCC. No such systems were proposed in a
community in which the Partnership holds a cable franchise.

      Recent Federal laws have significantly changed the restrictions on
telephone companies with respect to their ability to own and operate video
programming delivery systems within their own service areas. See "Regulation -
The 1996 Act."

      There can be no assurance that future competition brought on by telephone
company participation in the cable television industry will not have a material
adverse effect on the Partnership's operations.

REGULATION

      The Partnership's business is subject to intensive regulation at the
federal and local levels, and to a lesser degree, at the state level. The FCC,
the principal federal regulatory agency with jurisdiction over cable television,
is responsible for implementing federal policies such as rate regulation, cable
system relations with other communications media, cross-ownership, signal
carriage, equal employment opportunity and technical performance. Provisions of
regulatory events that have impacted the Partnership's operations are summarized
below.

      The 1992 Cable Act. On October 5, 1992, Congress enacted the Cable
Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act of 1992 (the "1992 Cable
Act"), which significantly increased regulation of the cable television
industry. The 1992 Cable Act became generally effective on December 4, 1992,
although certain provisions became effective at later dates. The 1992 Cable Act
represented a significant change in the regulatory framework under which cable
television systems operate and has had and likely will continue to have a
significant impact on the cable industry and the Partnership's business.

      Since the Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984 (the "1984 Cable Act")
became effective, and prior to the enactment of the 1992 Cable Act, rates for
cable services were
<PAGE>   8
unregulated for substantially all of the Partnership's systems. Effective
September 1, 1993, rate regulation was instituted for certain cable television
services and equipment in communities that are not subject to "effective
competition" as defined in the legislation. Effective competition is defined by
this law to exist only where (i) fewer than 30 percent of the households in the
franchise area subscribe to the cable service of a cable system; (ii) there are
at least two unaffiliated multichannel video programming distributors serving
the franchise area meeting certain penetration criteria; or (iii) a multichannel
video programming distributor is available to 50 percent of the homes in the
franchise area and is operated by the franchising authority. Virtually all cable
television systems in the United States, including all of the Partnership's
systems, are not subject to effective competition under this definition and
therefore are subject to rate regulation for basic service by local franchising
authority officials under the oversight of the FCC and subject to rate
regulation for their remaining programming services (other than those offered
for a per-channel or per-program charge) by the FCC.

      The 1992 Cable Act requires each cable system to establish a basic service
tier consisting, at a minimum, of all local broadcast signals and all
non-satellite delivered distant broadcast signals which the system wishes to
carry, and all public, educational and governmental access programming. On April
1, 1993, the FCC adopted its initial regulations governing rates for the basic
service tier. Under the regulations adopted by the FCC on April 1, 1993, local
franchising authorities, after meeting certain requirements, were authorized to
require cable operators to reduce the rates for the basic service tier by up to
10 percent from the rates in effect on September 30, 1992, if those rates exceed
a per-channel benchmark established by the FCC. Local franchising authorities
also were empowered to regulate the rates charged for installation and lease of
the equipment used by subscribers to receive the basic service tier and the
installation and monthly use of connections for additional television sets.

      A local franchising authority seeking to regulate basic service rates must
certify to the FCC that, among other things, it has adopted regulations
consistent with the FCC's rate regulation guidelines and criteria. If a local
franchising authority's certification is deficient or subsequently is revoked,
then the FCC is required to regulate the cable operator's basic service rates
until the local franchising authority is properly certified or until such time
as effective competition exists within the cable system's franchise area.

      As part of the implementation of the new regulations, the FCC froze all
rates in effect on April 5, 1993 until May 15, 1994, except rates for premium
and pay-per-view programming services and equipment. On February 22, 1994, the
FCC adopted rules that modified, among other things, the FCC's benchmark system
for determining the maximum rates for regulated services on cable systems not
subject to effective competition. In addition to adopting new, lower benchmark
levels, the FCC's regulations (i) allowed local franchising authorities to
require cable operators to reduce the rate for the basic service tier by up to
17 percent from the rates in effect on September 30, 1992 if those rates exceed
the new per-channel benchmarks by that amount, and (ii) allowed the FCC, in
response to a complaint, to require cable operators to reduce the rates for
CPST's by up to 17 percent from the rates in effect on September 30, 1992 if
those rates exceed the new per-channel benchmarks by that amount.

      Under the 1992 Cable Act, cable systems may not require subscribers to
purchase any service tier other than the basic tier as a condition of access to
video programming offered on a per-channel or per-program basis. Cable systems
are allowed a 10-year phase-in period to the extent necessary to implement the
required technology to facilitate such access. The FCC may grant extensions of
the 10-year time period, if deemed necessary.

      The 1992 Cable Act also provides that the consent of most television
stations (except satellite-delivered television stations that were provided to
the cable television industry as of May 1, 1991, and noncommercial stations)
would be required before a cable system could retransmit their signals.
Alternatively, a television station could elect to exercise must-carry rights.
Must-carry rights entitle a local broadcast station to demand carriage on a
cable system, and a system generally is required to devote up to one-third of
its channel capacity for the carriage of local stations. Litigation challenging
the constitutionality of the mandatory broadcast signal carriage requirements of
the 1992
<PAGE>   9
Cable Act is currently pending before the United States Supreme Court.
The must-carry rules will remain in effect during the pendency of the
proceedings before the United States Supreme Court. If must-carry requirements
withstand judicial review, the requirements may cause displacement of more
attractive programming. If retransmission consent requirements withstand
judicial review and broadcast stations require significant monetary payments for
cable system carriage of their signals, the cost of such signal carriage may
adversely affect the Partnership's operations.

      In addition, the 1992 Cable Act (i) requires cable programmers under
certain circumstances to offer their programming to present and future
competitors of cable television such as multichannel multipoint distribution
services ("MMDS"), satellite master antenna systems ("SMATV") and direct
broadcast satellite system operators; (ii) prohibits new exclusive contracts
with program suppliers without FCC approval; (iii) bars municipalities from
granting exclusive franchises and from unreasonably refusing to grant additional
competitive franchises; (iv) permits municipal authorities to operate a cable
system without a franchise; (v) regulates the ownership by cable operators of
other media such as MMDS and SMATV; (vi) bars, subject to several stated
exceptions, cable operators from selling or transferring ownership in a cable
system for a three-year period following the acquisition or initial construction
of the system; and (vii) prohibits a cable operator from charging a customer for
any service or equipment that the subscriber has not affirmatively requested.

      In response to the 1992 Cable Act, the FCC has imposed or will impose new
regulations in the areas of customer service, technical standards, compatibility
with other consumer electronic equipment such as "cable ready" television sets
and video cassette recorders, equal employment opportunity, privacy, rates for
leased access channels, obscene or indecent programming, limits on national
cable system ownership concentration, standards for limiting the number of
channels that a cable television system operator could program with programming
services controlled by such operator and disposition of a customer's home
wiring.

      The 1992 Cable Act and subsequent FCC rulings have generally increased the
administrative and operational expenses of cable television systems as a result
of additional regulatory oversight by the FCC and local franchise authorities.
There have been several lawsuits filed by cable operators and programmers in
federal court challenging various aspects of the 1992 Cable Act. The litigation
concerning the must-carry rules is described above. Appeals also have been filed
in connection with litigation resulting from the FCC's rate regulation
rulemaking decisions. The Partnership cannot determine at this time the outcome
of pending FCC rulemakings, the litigation described herein, or the impact of
any adverse judicial or administrative decisions on the Partnership's systems or
business.

      The 1996 Act. On February 8, 1996, the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (the
"1996 Act") was enacted which dramatically changed federal telecommunications
laws and the future competitiveness of the industry. Many of the changes called
for by the 1996 Act will not take effect until the FCC issues new regulations
which, in some cases, may not be completed for several years. Because of this,
the full impact of the 1996 Act on the Partnership's operations cannot be
determined at this time. A summary of certain provisions affecting the cable
television industry.

      FCC regulation of rates for cable programming service tiers (i.e., cable
programming carried on a level other than the basic service tier or offered on a
pay-per-channel or pay-per-view basis) ("CPST") has been eliminated for small
cable systems served by small companies. Small cable systems are those having
50,000 or fewer subscribers served by companies with fewer than one percent of
national cable subscribers (approximately 600,000). All of the Partnership's
cable systems qualify as small cable systems. Basic service tier rates remain
subject to regulation by the local franchising authority under most
circumstances until effective competition exists. The 1996 Act expands the
definition of effective competition to include the offering of video programming
services directly to subscribers in a franchised area by the local exchange
carrier (i.e. local telephone company), its affiliates, or any multichannel
video programming distributor which uses the facilities of the local exchange
carrier. No penetration criteria exists that triggers the presence of effective
competition under these circumstances.
<PAGE>   10
      The 1996 Act allows telephone companies to offer video programming
directly to customers in their service areas immediately upon enactment. They
may provide video programming as a cable operator fully subject to the 1996 Act,
or as a radio-based multichannel programming distributor not subject to any
provisions of the 1996 Act, or through non-franchised "open video systems"
offering non-discriminatory capacity to unaffiliated programmers, subject to
selected provisions of the 1996 Act. Although Management's current opinion is
that there is low probability of competition from telcos in rural areas in the
near future, there are no assurances such competition will not materialize.

      The 1996 Act encompasses various other aspects of providing cable
television service including prices for equipment, discounting of rates to
multiple dwelling units, lifting of anti-trafficking restrictions,
cable-telephone cross ownership provisions, pole attachment rate formulas, rate
uniformity, program access, scrambling and censoring of PEG and leased access
channels.

      Other Regulatory Developments  In November 1991, the FCC released a Report
and Order in which it concluded, among other things, that the 1984 Cable Act and
the FCC's regulatory cross-ownership restrictions do not prohibit interexchange
carriers (i.e., long distance telephone companies) from acquiring cable
television systems or entering into joint ventures with cable operators in areas
where such interexchange carriers provide their long distance telephone
services. The FCC also concluded that a local exchange carrier (i.e., the local
telephone company) that provides a common carrier-based system to distribute
video programming to subscribers and a third party programmer using such common
carrier services are not required by federal law to obtain a cable television
franchise from the local franchising authority in order to provide such video
programming services to the public. The FCC's decision described in the
preceding sentence has been appealed and these appeals are currently pending.

      In 1989, the FCC issued new syndicated exclusivity and network
non-duplication rules which enable local television broadcasters to compel cable
television operators to delete certain programming on distant broadcast signals.
Those rules took effect January 1, 1990. Under the rules, all television
broadcasters, including independent stations, can compel cable television
operators to delete syndicated programming from distant signals if the local
broadcaster negotiated exclusive rights to such programming. Local network
affiliates may insist that a cable television operator delete a network
broadcast on a distant signal. The rules made certain distant signals a less
attractive source of programming for the Partnership's systems, since much of
such distant signals' programming may have to be deleted.

      The FCC currently regulates the rates and conditions imposed by public
utilities for use of their poles, unless, under the Federal Pole Attachments
Act, state public service commissions are able to demonstrate that they regulate
the cable television pole attachment rates. In the absence of state regulation,
the FCC administers pole attachment rates through the use of a formula which it
has devised. The validity of this FCC function was upheld by the United States
Supreme Court.

      Copyright  Cable television systems are subject to federal copyright
licensing, covering carriage of television broadcast signals. In exchange for
paying a percentage of their revenues to a federal copyright royalty pool, cable
television operators obtain a compulsory license to retransmit copyrighted
materials from broadcast signals. Existing Copyright Office regulations require
that compulsory copyright payments be calculated on the basis of revenue derived
from any service tier containing broadcast retransmission. Although the FCC has
no formal jurisdiction over this area, it has recommended to Congress to
eliminate the compulsory copyright scheme altogether. The Copyright Office has
similarly recommended such a repeal. Without the compulsory license, cable
television operators would need to negotiate rights from the copyright owners
for each program carried on each broadcast station in each cable system's
channel lineup. Such negotiated agreements could increase the cost to cable
television operators of carrying broadcast signals. Thus, given the uncertain
but possible adoption of this type of copyright legislation, the nature or
amount of the Partnership's future payments for broadcast signal carriage cannot
be predicted at this time.
<PAGE>   11
      Local Regulation Cable television systems are generally operated pursuant
to franchises, permits or licenses issued by a municipality or other local
government entity. Each franchise generally contains provisions governing fees
to be paid to the franchising authority, sale or transfer of the franchise,
territory of the franchise, design and technical performance of the system, use
and occupancy of public streets and number and types of cable television
services provided. Franchises are usually issued for fixed terms and must
periodically be renewed. There can be no assurance that the franchises for the
Partnership's systems will be renewed as they expire, although the Partnership
believes that its cable systems generally have been operated in a manner that
satisfies the standards of the 1984 Cable Act, as amended by the 1992 Cable Act,
for franchise renewal. In the event the franchises are renewed, the Partnership
cannot predict the impact of any new or different conditions that might be
imposed by the franchising authorities in connection with such renewals.

      Summary The foregoing does not purport to be a summary of all present and
proposed federal, state and local regulations and legislation relating to the
cable television industry. Other existing federal legislation and regulations,
copyright licensing and, in many jurisdictions, state and local franchise
requirements are currently the subject of a variety of judicial proceedings,
legislative hearings and administrative and legislative proposals which could
change, in varying degrees, the manner in which cable television systems
operate. Neither the outcome of these proceedings nor their impact upon the
cable television industry or the Partnership can be predicted at this time.

      The Partnership expects to adapt its business to adjust to the changes
that may be required under any scenario of regulation. At this time, the
Partnership cannot assess the effects, if any, that present regulation may have
on the Partnership's operations and potential appreciation of its Systems. There
can be no assurance, however, that the final form of regulation will not have a
material adverse impact on partnership operations.

ITEM 2.   PROPERTIES

      The Partnership's cable television systems are located in and around
Chowchilla, California and Flint/Tyler, Whitewright, New Caney, Kaufman,
Hillsboro and Prairie View, Texas. The principal physical properties of the
Systems consist of system components (including antennas, coaxial cable,
electronic amplification and distribution equipment), motor vehicles,
miscellaneous hardware, spare parts and real property, including land and
buildings. The Partnership's cable plant passed approximately 39,985 homes as of
December 31, 1996. Management believes that the Partnership's plant passes all
areas which are currently economically feasible to service. Future line
extensions depend upon the density of homes in the area as well as available
capital resources for the construction of new plant. (See Part II. Item 7.
Liquidity and Capital Resources.)

      On February 16, 1996, the Partnership acquired substantially all operating
assets and franchise rights of the cable television system serving approximately
220 subscribers in and around LeGrand, California. The purchase price was
$268,750 of which $255,250 was paid, at the closing date and the balance of
$13,500 was paid, net of any post closing adjustments in 1996.

ITEM 3.   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

      None.

ITEM 4.   SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

      On December 18, 1996 a special meeting of the Limited Partners was held at
the executive offices of the Managing General Partner. The purpose of the
meeting was to consider and vote upon the proposed liquidation of the collective
partnership interests in the Systems owned by the Partnership. All votes cast at
the special meeting were tabulated. Of the total 14,663 limited partnership
units outstanding, 10,940 approved the proposed liquidation, 526 disapproved and
145 abstained.
<PAGE>   12



                                     PART II

ITEM 5.   MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
          MATTERS

          (a) There is no established public trading market for the
Partnership's units of limited partnership interest.

          (b) The approximate number of equity holders as of December 31, 1996,
is as follows:

                        Limited Partners:       1,028

                        General Partners:           2

          (c) During 1996, the Partnership made cash distributions of $73,315 to
the limited partners and $741 to the Managing General Partner. The limited
partners have received in the aggregate in the form of cash distributions
$5,223,574 on total initial contributions of $7,500,000 as of December 31, 1996.
As of December 31, 1996, the Partnership had repurchased $154,500 of limited
partnership units (267 units at $500 per unit and 70 units at $300 per unit). In
February 1997 the Limited Partners received cash distributions of $375 per $500
unit pursuant to the liquidation of the Partnership. The Limited Partners will
receive further distributions in 1998 and 1999 pursuant to the terms of a
promissory note payable by Northland bearing interest at 6%.

ITEM 6.   SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         Years ended December 31,
                        ---------------------------------------------------------------
                           1996         1995         1994         1993          1992
                        ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------    ----------
SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS:

<S>                    <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Revenue                $ 8,766,578  $ 6,617,205  $ 5,657,619  $ 5,406,112  $ 5,062,574
Operating income         1,304,011    1,262,398      566,930      630,946      470,985
Net income (loss)         (685,804)     191,542      (69,278)     (92,482)    (370,875)
Net income (loss) per
  limited partner unit
  (weighted average)           (46)          13           (5)          (6)         (25)
Cumulative tax losses
  per limited partner
  unit                        (693)        (567)        (589)        (647)        (695)


<CAPTION>
                                                    December 31,
                        ---------------------------------------------------------------
                           1996         1995         1994         1993          1992
                        ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------    ----------
BALANCE SHEET DATA:

<S>                    <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Total assets           $15,015,435  $15,074,134  $ 4,745,345  $ 5,788,906  $ 7,178,850
Notes payable           19,606,737   19,789,175    9,784,068   10,608,934   11,563,866
Total liabilities       21,638,334   20,937,173   10,502,904   11,138,379   12,108,578
General partners'
  deficit                 (128,191)    (120,592)    (119,537)    (115,866)    (111,948)
Limited partners'
  deficit               (6,494,708)  (5,742,447)  (5,638,022)  (5,233,607)  (4,817,780)
Distributions per
  limited partner unit           5           20           20           20           20
Cumulative distribu-
  tions per limited
  partner unit                 356          351          330          305          285
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   13
ITEM 7.   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
          AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


      1996 AND 1995

      Total revenue reached $8,766,578 for the year ended December 31, 1996,
representing an increase of approximately 32% over 1995. This increase is
primarily due to a full year of operations for the SLT and Brookridge systems,
acquired in September 1995 and October 1995, respectively. Furthermore, rate
increases placed into effect during the third quarter of 1996 and increases in
advertising revenue contributed to the increased revenue. Of the 1996 revenue,
$6,626,011 (76%) is derived from subscriptions to basic service, $936,588 (11%)
from subscriptions to premium services, $260,755 (3%) from subscriptions to tier
services, $343,659 (4%) from advertising, $176,484 (2%) from installation
charges, $188,156 (2%) from service contracts and $234,925 (2%) from other
sources.

      The following table displays historical average rate information for
various services offered by the Partnership's systems (amounts per subscriber
per month):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        1996        1995        1994        1993        1992
                        ----        ----        ----        ----        ----

<S>                    <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>        <C>
Basic Rate             $24.21      $22.41      $21.41       $20.95     $20.15
Tier Rate                6.34        6.00        5.62         5.50       5.05
HBO Rate                11.55       11.35       11.10        11.10      10.65
Cinemax Rate             8.52        7.65        7.65         7.65       7.65
Showtime Rate           10.44       10.00        9.80         9.80       9.43
Movie Channel Rate       9.51        9.60        9.60         9.65       9.65
Disney Rate              7.85        7.50        7.50         7.65       7.65
Additional
  Outlet Rate              --          --          --           --       3.48
Service Contract
  Rate                   2.71        3.00        3.10         3.20         --
</TABLE>


      Operating expenses totaled $1,100,469 for 1996, representing an increase
of approximately 31% as compared to 1995. This operating expense increase was
due to a full year of operations for the SLT and Brookridge systems, acquired in
September 1995 and October 1995, respectively. In addition, salary and benefit
costs increased as a result of cost of living adjustments. Salary and benefit
costs are the major component of operating expenses. Employee wages are reviewed
annually and, in most cases, increased based on cost of living adjustments and
other factors.

      General and administrative expenses totaled $2,375,748 for 1996,
representing an increase of approximately 37% over 1995. This net increase is
due to higher revenue based expenses such as franchise fees, copyright fees and
management fees as a result of revenue gains discussed above. Significant
general and administrative expenses are based on revenues. In addition, the net
increase is attributable to a full year of operations for the SLT and Brookridge
systems, acquired in September 1995 and October 1995, respectively. The
aforementioned increases were offset by a decrease in discretionary incentive
compensation.

      Programming expenses totaled $2,004,467 for 1996, representing an increase
of approximately 44% over 1995. This is due to a full year of programming costs
as a result of the SLT and Brookridge system acquisitions, the addition of new
channels, and increases in costs charged by various program suppliers.
Programming expenses mainly consist of payments made to the suppliers of various
cable programming services. As these costs are based on the number of
subscribers, future subscriber increases will cause the trend of programming
expense increases to continue. In addition, rate increases from program
<PAGE>   14
suppliers, as well as new fees due to the launch of additional channels, will
contribute to the trend of increased programming costs.

      Depreciation and amortization expense increased from $1,381,435 in 1995 to
$1,981,883 in 1996 (approximately 43%). This is due to a full year of
depreciation and amortization on plant, equipment and intangible assets acquired
with the purchase of the SLT and Brookridge systems and depreciation on assets
placed into service during 1996.

      Interest expense increased from $1,005,691 in 1995 to $1,761,791 in 1996
(approximately 75%). The Partnership's average debt balance increased from
$14,559,000 in 1995 to $19,470,000 in 1996. In addition, the Partnership's
effective interest rate increased from 6.91% in 1995 to 9.05% in 1996.

      1995 AND 1994

      Total revenue reached $6,617,205 for the year ended December 31, 1995,
representing an increase of approximately 17% over 1994. This increase is
primarily due to the acquisition of the SLT and Brookridge systems, in September
1995 and October 1995, respectively. The Partnership experienced a 4% increase
in revenue exclusive of the activity for the SLT and Brookridge systems which is
attributable to a 2% increase in basic subscribers, rate increases placed into
effect during the second quarter 1995, and increases in advertising revenue.
These increases were offset by a 5% decrease in revenue for the Chowchilla, CA
system resulting from the elimination of the Easton headend in January 1995. Of
the 1995 revenue, $4,717,279 (71%) is derived from subscriptions to basic
service, $764,484 (12%) from subscriptions to premium services, $366,870 (6%)
from subscriptions to tier services, $148,911 (2%) from installation charges,
$205,405 (3%) from service contracts and $414,256 (6%) from other sources.

Operating expenses totaled $838,545 for 1995, representing a decrease of
approximately 1% as compared to 1994. This operating expense decrease was due to
a reduction in pole rental expense resulting from a retroactive charge in the
previous year and a decrease in system maintenance expense. The decrease was
offset by an increase in salary and benefit costs as a result of the SLT and
Brookridge system acquisitions and cost of living increases.

      General and administrative expenses totaled $1,740,021 for 1995,
representing an increase of approximately 17% over 1994. Approximately
two-thirds of the increase is attributable to expenses associated with the SLT
and Brookridge acquisitions. The remaining increase is due to increases in
revenue based expenses, such as franchise and management fees.

      Programming expenses totaled $1,394,806 for 1995, representing an increase
of approximately 27% over 1994. This is due to the additional subscribers as a
result of the SLT and Brookridge system acquisitions, increased payroll and
other costs related to local programming and advertising support, the addition
of new channels, and increases in costs charged by various program suppliers.

      Depreciation and amortization expense decreased from $1,653,369 in 1994 to
$1,381,435 in 1995 (approximately 16%). This is due to fixed assets related to
the formation of the Partnership becoming fully depreciated, offset by
depreciation and amortization on plant, equipment and intangible assets acquired
with the purchase of the SLT and Brookridge systems and depreciation on assets
placed into service during 1995.

      Interest expense increased from $601,948 in 1994 to $1,005,691 in 1995
(approximately 67%). The Partnership's average debt balance increased from
$10,197,000 in 1994 to $14,559,000 in 1995. In addition, the Partnership's
effective interest rate increased from 5.90% in 1994 to 6.91% in 1995.

EFFECTS OF REGULATION

      On October 5, 1992, Congress enacted the Cable Television Consumer
Protection and Competition Act of 1992 (the "1992 Act"). The 1992 Act and
subsequent revisions and
<PAGE>   15
rulemakings substantially re-regulated the cable television industry. The
regulatory aspects of the 1992 Act included giving the local franchising
authorities and the FCC the ability to regulate rates for basic services,
equipment charges and additional CPST's when certain conditions were met. All of
the Partnership's cable systems were potentially subject to rate regulation. The
most significant impact of rate regulation was the inability to raise rates for
regulated services as costs of operation rose during an FCC imposed rate freeze
from April 5, 1993 to May 15, 1994.

      On February 8, 1996, the Communications Act of 1996 (the "1996 Act")
became law. The 1996 Act will eliminate all rate regulation on CPST's of small
cable systems, defined by the 1996 Act as systems serving fewer than 50,000
subscribers owned by operators serving fewer than 1% of all subscribers in the
United States (approximately 600,000 subscribers). All of the Partnership's
cable systems qualify as small cable systems. Many of the changes called for by
the 1996 Act will not take effect until the FCC issues new regulations, a
process that could take from several months to a few years depending on the
complexity of the required changes and the statutory time limits. Because of
this, the full impact of the 1996 Act on the Partnership's operations cannot be
determined at this time.

      As of the date of this filing, the Partnership has received notification
that local franchising authorities with jurisdiction over approximately 7% of
total subscribers have elected to certify and no formal requests for rate
justifications have been received from franchise authorities. Based on
Management's analysis, the basic service tier rates charged by these systems are
within the maximum rates allowed under FCC rate regulations.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

      During 1996, the Partnership's primary source of liquidity was cash flow
from operations and borrowings under the Partnership's credit facility. The
Partnership generates cash on a monthly basis through the monthly billing of
subscribers for cable services. Losses from uncollectible accounts have not been
material. During 1996, the cash generated from monthly billings and borrowings
of $950,000 were used to meet the Partnership's needs for working capital,
capital expenditures and debt service.

      On January 31, 1997, the Partnership paid in full the term and revolving
loan with the proceeds from the sale of substantially all of the operating
assets to an affiliate of the Partnership.

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES

      During 1996, the partnership incurred approximately $1,869,000 (excluding
the LeGrand system acquisition) in capital expenditures. These expenditures
included an upgrade of a portion of the system to 330MHz in the Whitewright, TX
system; tier launches in the Chowchilla, CA and Hillsboro, TX systems; the
purchase of advertising equipment in the Tyler, TX system; the purchase of a
vehicle in the New Caney, TX system; an upgrade of a portion of the system to
450 MHz in the Kaufman, TX system; continuation of phased in fiber upgrades of
the distribution plant in the Whitewright, TX, Tyler, TX and New Caney, TX
systems; channel additions in the New Caney, TX and Prairie View, TX systems and
various line extensions in all of the systems.

ITEM 8.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

      The audited financial statements of the Partnership for the years ended
December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 are included as a part of this filing (see Item
14(a)(1) below).
<PAGE>   16
ITEM 9.   CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING
          AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

      None.
<PAGE>   17
                                    PART III

ITEM 10.  DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

      The Partnership has no directors or officers. The Managing General Partner
of the Partnership is Northland Communications Corporation, a Washington
corporation; the Administrative General Partner of the Partnership is FN
Equities Joint Venture, a California general partnership.

      Certain information regarding the officers and directors of Northland is
set forth below.

      JOHN S. WHETZELL (AGE 55). Mr. Whetzell is the founder of Northland
Communications Corporation and has been President since its inception and a
Director since March 1982. Mr. Whetzell became Chairman of the Board of
Directors in December 1984. He also serves as President and Chairman of the
Board of Northland Telecommunications Corporation and each of the subsidiaries.
He has been involved with the cable television industry for over 22 years and
currently serves as a director on the board of the Cable Telecommunications
Association, a national cable television association. Between March 1979 and
February 1982 he was in charge of the Ernst & Whinney national cable television
consulting services. Mr. Whetzell first became involved in the cable television
industry when he served as the Chief Economist of the Cable Television Bureau of
the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from May 1974 to February 1979. He
provided economic studies to support the deregulation of cable television both
in federal and state arenas. He participated in the formulation of accounting
standards for the industry and assisted the FCC in negotiating and developing
the pole attachment rate formula for cable television. His undergraduate degree
is in economics from George Washington University, and he has an MBA degree from
New York University.

      JOHN E. IVERSON (AGE 60). Mr. Iverson is the Assistant Secretary of
Northland Communications Corporation and has served on the Board of Directors
since December 1984. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Northland
Telecommunications Corporation and each of its subsidiaries. He is currently a
partner in the law firm of Ryan, Swanson & Cleveland, Northland's general
counsel. He is a member of the Washington State Bar Association and American Bar
Association and has been practicing law for more than 34 years. Mr. Iverson is
the past president and a Trustee of the Pacific Northwest Ballet Association.
Mr. Iverson has a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Washington.

      ARLEN I. PRENTICE (AGE 59). Since July 1985, Mr. Prentice has served on
the Board of Directors of Northland Telecommunications Corporation, and he
served on the Board of Directors of Northland Communications Corporation between
March 1982 and July 1985. Since 1969, Mr. Prentice has been Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of Kibble & Prentice, a diversified financial services firm.
Kibble & Prentice has four divisions, which include Estate Planning and Business
Insurance, Financial Planning and Investments, Employee Benefit Services, and
Property and Casualty Insurance. Mr. Prentice is a Chartered Life Underwriter,
Chartered Financial Consultant, past President of the Million Dollar Round Table
and a registered representative of Investment Management and Research. Mr.
Prentice has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Washington.

      MILTON A. BARRETT, JR. (AGE 62). Since April 1986, Mr. Barrett has served
on the Board of Directors of Northland Telecommunications Corporation. In 1995,
he retired from the Weyerhaeuser Company after thirty-four years of service with
that company. At the time of his retirement he was a Vice President of Sales and
Marketing as well as chairman of Weyerhaeuser's business ethics committee. Mr.
Barrett is a graduate of Princeton University magna cum laude and of the Harvard
University Graduate School of Business Administration.

      RICHARD I. CLARK (AGE 39). Mr. Clark has served as Vice President of
Northland since March 1982. He has served on the Board of Directors of both
Northland Communications Corporation and Northland Telecommunications
Corporation since July 1985. He also serves as Vice President and Director of
all subsidiaries of Northland
<PAGE>   18
Telecommunications Corporation. Mr. Clark was elected Treasurer in April 1987,
prior to which he served as Secretary from March 1982. Mr. Clark was an original
incorporator of Northland and is responsible for the administration and investor
relations activities of Northland, including financial planning and corporate
development. From July 1979 to February 1982, Mr. Clark was employed by Ernst &
Whinney in the area of providing cable television consultation services and has
been involved with the cable television industry for nearly 18 years. He has
directed cable television feasibility studies and on-site market surveys. Mr.
Clark has assisted in the design and maintenance of financial and budget
computer programs, and he has prepared documents for major cable television
companies in franchising and budgeting projects through the application of these
programs. In 1979, Mr. Clark graduated cum laude from Pacific Lutheran
University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in accounting.

      ARTHUR H. MAZZOLA (AGE 74). Mr. Mazzola was elected to the Board of
Directors of Northland Telecommunications Corporation in April 1987. From 1985
to 1990, he was Senior Vice President of Benjamin Franklin Leasing Company,
Inc., an equipment lease financing company. Currently, Mr. Mazzola is serving as
Business Development Coordinator for the Bank of California. Prior to his
association with Benjamin Franklin Leasing Company, Mr. Mazzola served as
President of Federal Capital Corporation and Trans Pacific Lease Company. Both
of these companies also engaged exclusively in equipment lease financing. Mr.
Mazzola is a past Board Chairman and current Trustee of the Pacific Northwest
Ballet Association and current Board Member of the Dante Alighieri Society. Mr.
Mazzola attended Boston University School of Business in 1943 where he studied
economics.

      TRAVIS H. KEELER (AGE 56). Mr. Keeler was elected to the Board of
Directors of Northland Telecommunications Corporation in April 1987. Since May
1985, he has served as President of Overall Laundry Services, Inc., an
industrial laundry and garment rental firm. Mr. Keeler received a Bachelor of
Arts degree from the University of Washington in 1962.

      JAMES E. HANLON (AGE 63). Since June 1985, Mr. Hanlon has been a
Divisional Vice President for Northland's Tyler, Texas regional office and is
currently responsible for the management of systems serving approximately 90,400
basic subscribers in Texas, Alabama and Mississippi. Prior to his association
with Northland, he served as Chief Executive of M.C.T. Communications, a cable
television company, from 1981 to June 1985. His responsibilities included
supervision of the franchise, construction and operation of a cable television
system located near Tyler, Texas. From 1979 to 1981, Mr. Hanlon was President of
the CATV Division of Buford Television, Inc., and from 1973 to 1979, he served
as President and General Manager of Suffolk Cablevision in Suffolk County, New
York. Mr. Hanlon has also served as Vice President and Corporate Controller of
Viacom International, Inc. and Division Controller of New York Yankees, Inc. Mr.
Hanlon has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from St.
Johns University.

      JAMES A. PENNEY (AGE 42). Mr. Penney is Vice President and General Counsel
for Northland Telecommunications Corporation and each of its subsidiaries and
has served in this role since September 1985. He was elected Secretary in April
1987. Mr. Penney is responsible for advising all Northland systems with regard
to legal and regulatory matters, and also is involved in the acquisition and
financing of new cable systems. From 1983 until 1985 he was associated with the
law firm of Ryan, Swanson & Cleveland, Northland's general counsel. Mr. Penney
holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Florida and a Juris
Doctor from The College of William and Mary, where he was a member of The
William and Mary Law Review.

      GARY S. JONES (AGE 39). Mr. Jones is Vice President for Northland. Mr.
Jones joined Northland in March 1986 as Controller and has been Vice President
of Northland Telecommunications Corporation and each of its subsidiaries since
October 1986. Mr. Jones is responsible for cash management, financial reporting
and banking relations for Northland and is involved in the acquisition and
financing of new cable systems. Prior to joining Northland, Mr. Jones was
employed as a Certified Public Accountant with Laventhol & Horwath from 1980 to
1986. Mr. Jones received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration
with a major in accounting from the University of Washington in 1979.
<PAGE>   19
      RICHARD J. DYSTE (AGE 51). Mr. Dyste has served as Vice
President-Technical Services of Northland Telecommunications Corporation and
each of its subsidiaries since April 1987. Mr. Dyste is responsible for planning
and advising all Northland cable systems with regard to technical performances
as well as system upgrades and rebuilds. He is a past president and current
member of the Mount Rainier Chapter of the Society of Cable Television
Engineers, Inc. Mr. Dyste joined Northland in 1986 as an engineer and served as
Operations Consultant to Northland Communications Corporation from August 1986
until April 1987. From 1977 to 1985, Mr. Dyste owned and operated Bainbridge TV
Cable. He is a graduate of Washington Technology Institute.

      H. LEE JOHNSON (AGE 53). Mr. Johnson has served as Divisional Vice
President for Northland's Statesboro, Georgia regional office since March 1994.
He is responsible for the management of systems serving approximately 62,000
basic subscribers in Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina and South Carolina.
Prior to his association with Northland he served as Regional Manager for Warner
Communications, managing four cable systems in Georgia from 1968 to 1973. Mr.
Johnson has also served as President of Sunbelt Finance Corporation and was
employed as a System Manager for Statesboro CATV when Northland purchased the
system in 1986. Mr. Johnson has been involved in the cable television industry
for nearly 28 years and is a current member of the Society of Cable Television
Engineers. He is a graduate of Swainsboro Technical Institute and has attended
numerous training seminars, including courses sponsored by Jerrold Electronics,
Scientific Atlanta, The Society of Cable Television Engineers and CATA.

      JOHN T. WAECHTER (AGE 34). Mr. Waechter was promoted to Divisional Vice
President for Western operations on January 1, 1997. He is responsible for the
management of systems serving over 60,400 basic subscribers in California,
Oregon, Idaho and Washington. Mr. Waechter also serves as the Director of
Marketing and manages programming efforts for Northland. Prior to joining
Northland in July 1995, Mr. Waechter was employed with GTE, Northwest from 1987
to 1993 as Marketing and Sales Manager. Prior to his employment with GTE, Mr.
Waechter worked as Marketing Executive for the Xerox Corporation. He received a
Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Economics from Whitman College
in 1984, and also attended the London School of Economics in 1983. Mr. Waechter
received his MBA from the University of Washington in 1995.

      A certain information regarding the officers and directors of FN Equities
Joint Venture is set forth below:

      A. MILES Z. GORDON (AGE 49). Mr. Gordon, President and Chief Executive
Officer of Financial Network Investment Corporation (FNIC), has a comprehensive
background in both the securities industry and securities law and regulation. In
1972, he joined the Los Angeles office of the Securities and Exchange Commission
(SEC), and in 1974 he was appointed Branch Chief of the Investment Company and
Investment Advisors Examination Division. Mr. Gordon left the SEC in 1978 to
practice law. Within one year, he accepted a position as Vice President of a
major national securities broker/dealer firm headquartered in Long Beach,
California. He subsequently accepted the presidency of this firm in early 1980.
In 1983, he helped form and became President and Chief Executive Officer of
FNIC. This leading firm is now one of the largest independent broker/dealers in
the United States. A graduate of Michigan State University (and current board
member of the Visitors for the College of Social Science for MSU), Mr. Gordon
received his Juris Doctorate from the University of California at Los Angeles
School of Law. He presently serves as Chairman of the Securities Industry
Association Independent Contractor Firms Committee. Mr. Gordon was also Chairman
and a member of the NASD District Business Conduct Committee and a former member
of the NASD Board of Governors. He is past president of the California
Syndication Forum and has also served on several committees for the Securities
Industry Association. Mr. Gordon has appeared on television and radio programs,
been featured in numerous magazine and newspaper articles as an industry
spokesperson, and is a frequent speaker at many industry seminars and
conventions.

      JOHN S. SIMMERS (AGE 46). Mr. Simmers, Executive Vice President and Chief
Operating Officer of Financial Network Investment Corporation (FNIC), has an
extensive background in the securities industry. He began his career as a
reporter for Dunn and Bradstreet, then joined the National Association of
Securities Dealers (NASD) in 1974. Knowledgeable in
<PAGE>   20
all aspects of broker/dealer regulations, operations, and products, Mr. Simmers
was responsible for reviewing the activities of member firms in twelve states.
Mr. Simmers left the NASD seven years later to accept a position as Vice
President of the securities broker/dealer, retail, wholesale and investment
advisory subsidiaries of a publicly held investment company headquartered in
Long Beach, California. He left this firm in 1983 to help form and become
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of FNIC. This full service
broker/dealer firm has offices located across the United States. Mr. Simmers is
a graduate of Ohio State University. He served on the Board of Directors of the
California Association of Independent Broker/Dealers and was a member of the
Real Estate Securities and Syndication Institute, the NASD District Business
Conduct Committee (District 2 South), and the International Association for
Financial Planning Due Diligence Steering Committee, which was organized to work
toward improving the quality and consistency of due diligence in the securities
industry. Mr. Simmers currently serves as a member of the NASD Direct
Participation Programs Committee, and has spoken at numerous seminars and
conventions.

      HARRY M. KITTER (AGE 41). Mr. Kitter has served as Controller for
Financial Network Investment Corporation since 1983. Prior to this association
from 1981 to 1983 he was employed as the Los Angeles Internal Audit Manager at
the Pacific Stock Exchange. From 1978 to 1981, he was Senior Accountant at
Arthur Young & Co., C.P.A. He holds an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh and
a bachelor's degree in economics from Lafayette College, Easton, Pennsylvania.

ITEM 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

      The Partnership does not have executive officers. However, compensation
was paid to the Managing General Partner during 1996 as indicated in Note 3 of
the Notes to Financial Statements--December 31, 1996 (see Items 13(a) and
14(a)(1) below). In addition, cash distributions were made to the Managing
General Partner in 1996 (see Item 5(c) above).

ITEM 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

      (a) CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT. Security ownership of
management as of December 31, 1996 is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         AMOUNT AND NATURE
                            NAME AND ADDRESS               OF BENEFICIAL        PERCENT OF
    TITLE OF CLASS        OF BENEFICIAL OWNER                OWNERSHIP            CLASS
  ------------------    -----------------------          -----------------      ----------

<S>                     <C>                                 <C>                <C>
  General Partner's     Northland Communications            (See Note A)       (See Note A)
      Interest             Corporation
                           1201 Third Avenue
                           Suite 3600
                           Seattle, Washington  98101

  General Partner's     FN Equities Joint Venture           (See Note B)       (See Note B)
      Interest             2780 Skypark Dr.
                           Suite 300
                           Torrance, California  90505
</TABLE>

            Note A: Northland has a 1% interest in the Partnership, which
increases to 20% interest in the Partnership at such time as the limited
partners have received 100% of their aggregate cash contributions. Northland
also owns 20 units of limited partnership interest in the Partnership. The
natural person who exercises voting and/or investment control over these
interests is John S. Whetzell.

            Note B: FN Equities Joint Venture has no interest (0%) in the
Partnership until such time as the limited partners have received 100% of their
aggregate cash contributions, at which time FN Equities Joint Venture will have
a 5% interest in the Partnership. The natural person who exercises voting and/or
investment control over these interests in John S. Simmers.
<PAGE>   21
ITEM 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

      (a) TRANSACTIONS WITH MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS. The Managing General Partner
receives a management fee equal to 6% of the gross revenues of the Partnership,
not including revenues from any sale or refinancing of the Partnership's
Systems. The Managing General Partner also receives reimbursement of normal
operating and general and administrative expenses incurred on behalf of the
Partnership.

      The Partnership had an agreement with Northland Cable Properties Two
Limited Partnership ("NCP-Two") and Northland Cable Properties Five Limited
Partnership ("NCP-Five"), affiliated partnerships owned and managed by
Northland. Under the terms of these agreements, the Partnership provided certain
programming services to Mexia, TX and Cedar Creek, TX systems and was reimbursed
for its costs. During 1994, the Partnership discontinued providing programming
services to these affiliates because it is now provided by Northland Cable News,
Inc. ("NCN").

      The Partnership has agreements with Northland Cable Properties Seven
Limited Partnership ("NCP-Seven") and Northland Cable Television, Inc. ("NCTV"),
affiliates of the Partnership organized and managed by Northland. Under the
terms of these agreements, NCP-Seven and NCTV provide certain operating,
administrative and programming services to the New Caney, Waterwood and Prairie
View, TX systems and is reimbursed for its costs.

      Cable Television Billing, Inc. ("CTB"), an affiliate of Northland,
provides software installation and billing services to the Partnership's
Systems.

      NCN, an affiliate of Northland, provides programming to the Partnership's
systems.

      Cable Ad-Concepts, Inc. ("CAC"), an affiliate of Northland, provides the
production and development of video commercial advertisements and advertising
sales support.

      See Note 3 of the Notes to Financial Statements--December 31, 1996 for
disclosures regarding transactions with the General Partners or affiliates.

      The following schedule summarizes these transactions:




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                       1996        1995        1994
                                    ----------  ----------  -------

<S>                                 <C>         <C>         <C>
Partnership management fees         $525,995    $396,408    $339,457
Operating expense reimbursements     457,156     324,511     270,988
Software installation and
  billing service fees to CTB         67,309      42,444      37,481
Programming fees to NCN               69,383      24,619      40,002
Reimbursements to CAC for
  services                            26,459      14,296      11,950
Reimbursements from NCP-Two
  and NCP-Five                            --          --      23,272
Reimbursements to NCP-Seven
  and NCTV                            77,888      29,856      20,590
Amounts due to General Partner
  and affiliates at year end         612,957     116,345      58,851
</TABLE>

      Management believes that all of the above transactions are on terms as
favorable to the Partnership as could be obtained from unaffiliated third
parties for comparable goods or services.

      As disclosed in the Partnership's Prospectus (which has been incorporated
by reference), certain conflicts of interest may arise between the Partnership
and the General Partners and their Affiliates. Certain conflicts may arise due
to the allocation
<PAGE>   22
of management time, services and functions between the Partnership and existing
and future partnerships as well as other business ventures. The General Partners
have sought to minimize these conflicts by allocating costs between systems on a
reasonable basis. Each limited partner may have access to the books and
non-confidential records of the Partnership. A review of the books will allow a
limited partner to assess the reasonableness of these allocations. The Agreement
of Limited Partnership provides that any limited partner owning 10% or more of
the Partnership units may call a special meeting of the Limited Partners, by
giving written notice to the General Partners specifying in general terms the
subjects to be considered. In the event of a dispute between the General
Partners and Limited Partners which cannot be otherwise resolved, the Agreement
of Limited Partnership provides steps for the removal of a General Partner by
the Limited Partners.

            (b) CERTAIN BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS. John E. Iverson, a Director and
Assistant Secretary of the Managing General Partner, is a partner of the law
firm of Ryan, Swanson & Cleveland, which has rendered legal services to the
Managing General Partner and the Partnership.

            (c)  INDEBTEDNESS OF MANAGEMENT.  None.
<PAGE>   23
                                     PART IV

ITEM 14.   EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

      (a)  DOCUMENTS FILED AS A PART OF THIS REPORT:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       SEQUENTIALLY
                                                                                          NUMBERED
                                                                                            PAGE
                                                                                       -------------
<S>                                                                                       <C>
            (1).............................................FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:

                  Report of Independent Public Accountants..............
                                                                                          -----

                  Balance Sheets--December 31, 1996 and 1995............
                                                                                          -----

                  Statements of Operations for the years
                  ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994................
                                                                                          -----

                  Statements of Changes in Partners' Deficit
                  for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995
                  and 1994..............................................
                                                                                          -----

                  Statements of Cash Flows for the years
                  ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994................
                                                                                          -----

                  Notes to Financial Statements--December 31,
                  1996..................................................
                                                                                          -----
</TABLE>

            (2)   EXHIBITS:

                   4.1  Amended and Restated Certificate and Agreement of
                        Limited Partnership Dated April 19, 1985(1)

                   4.2  Amendment to Agreement of Limited Partnership Dated June
                        28, 1990(6)

                  10.1  Management Agreement dated as of December 15, 1984(2)

                  10.2  Merced Franchise(2)

                  10.3  Madera Franchise(2)

                  10.4  Fresno Franchise(2)

                  10.5  Chowchilla Franchise(2)

                  10.6  Whitewright Franchise(7)

                  10.7  Van Alstyne Franchise(7)

                  10.8  Trenton Franchise(2)

                  10.9  Tom Bean Franchise(7)

                  10.10 Savoy Franchise(7)

                  10.11 Howe Franchise(2)

                  10.12 Bells Franchise(7)

                  10.13 Frankston Franchise(2)
<PAGE>   24
                  10.14 Bullard Franchise(2)

                  10.15 Stoneridge Addition Development Franchise(2)

                  10.16 Chandler Franchise(2)

                  10.17 Tyler Franchise(2)

                  10.18 Woodard Place Development Franchise(2)

                  10.19 Berryville Franchise(2)

                  10.20 Hide Away Bay Franchise(2)

                  10.21 Emerald Bay Franchise(2)

                  10.22 Chapel Hill Franchise(7)

                  10.23 Patton Village Franchise(3)

                  10.24 Roman Forest Franchise(3)

                  10.25 Splendora Franchise(3)

                  10.26 Woodbranch Franchise(3)

                  10.27 Brownsboro Franchise(4)

                  10.28 Noonday Franchise(4)

                  10.29 Buddy Perkins Franchise(4)

                  10.30 Pinecrest Subdivision Franchise(4)

                  10.32 Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement with U.S. Bank
                        of Washington dated July 5, 1990(5)

                  10.33 Amendment to Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement
                        with U.S. Bank of Washington dated February 15, 1991(6)

                  10.34 Second Amendment to the Loan Agreement with U.S. Bank of
                        Washington dated October 22, 1992(8)

                  10.35 Subordination Agreement dated as of July 25, 1991(9)

                  10.36 Franchise Agreement with the City of Noonday, TX,
                        effective as of August 24, 1992(9)

                  10.37 Asset Purchase Agreement between Northland
                        Telecommunications Corporation and SLT Cable TV, Inc.,
                        dated April 10, 1995(10)

                  10.38 Credit Agreement between Northland Cable Properties Four
                        Limited Partnership and the First National Bank of
                        Chicago dated August 31, 1995(11)

                  10.39 Franchise Agreement with City of Hillsboro, TX -
                        Assignment and Assumption dated August 15, 1995(11)

                  10.40 Franchise Agreement with City of Kaufman, TX -
                        Assignment and Assumption dated September 15, 1995(11)

                  10.41 Asset Purchase Agreement between Northland Cable
                        Properties Four Limited Partnership and Brookridge Cable
                        Special Purpose
<PAGE>   25
                        Partnership; Brookridge Cable Special Purpose
                        Partnership II; Brookshire Cable TV, Limited
                        Partnership; Carthage Cable TV, Limited Partnership; and
                        Hillsboro Cable TV, Limited Partnership dated September
                        13, 1995(12)

                  10.42 Franchise Agreement with City of Oak Grove, TX -
                        Assignment and Assumption dated September 15, 1995(11)

                  10.43 Franchise Agreement with City of New Waverly, TX -
                        Assignment and Assumption dated September 15, 1995(11)

                  10.44 Asset Purchase Agreement between Northland Cable
                        Properties Four Limited Partnership and UACC Midwest,
                        Inc. dated November 17, 1995(12)

                  10.45 Notice of Special Meeting and Proxy Statement to the
                        Limited Partners of the Partnership dated November 1,
                        1996(13)


                (1) Incorporated by reference from the Partnership's Form 8-A
                    Registration Statement filed July 24, 1987.

                (2) Incorporated by reference from the Partnership's Form 10-K
                    Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1986.

                (3) Incorporated by reference from the Partnership's Form 10-K
                    Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1987.

                (4) Incorporated by reference from the Partnership's Form 10-K
                    Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1988.

                (5) Incorporated by reference from the Partnership's Form 10-Q
                    Quarterly Report for the period ended June 30, 1990.

                (6) Incorporated by reference from the Partnership's Form 10-K
                    Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1990.

                (7) Incorporated by reference from the Partnership's Form 10-K
                    Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1991.

                (8) Incorporated by reference from the Partnership's Form 10-Q
                    Quarterly Report for the period ended September 30, 1992.

                (9) Incorporated by reference from the Partnership's Form 10-K
                    Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1992.

               (10) Incorporated by reference from the Partnership's Form 10-Q
                    Quarterly Report for the period ended June 30, 1995.

               (11) Incorporated by reference from the Partnership's Form 8-K
                    dated September 15, 1995.

               (12) Incorporated by reference from the Partnership's Form 10-K
                    annual report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995.

               (13) Incorporated by reference from the Partnership's Form 8-K
                    dated January 31, 1997.

      (b) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K. No reports on Form 8-K have been filed during the
quarter ended December 31, 1996. Form 8-K was filed on January 31, 1997
reporting the sale of the Limited Partners' and Administrative General Partner's
collective interests in Partnership's assets to affiliates of the Partnership.
<PAGE>   26

                                   SIGNATURES


      Pursuant to the requirements of section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.



               NORTHLAND CABLE PROPERTIES FOUR LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

                    By: NORTHLAND COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
                           (Managing General Partner)


                    By /s/  John S. Whetzell               Date:
                       ---------------------------              --------------
                       John S. Whetzell, President




      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      SIGNATURES                    CAPACITIES                             DATE



<S>                          <C>                                           <C>
/s/ John S. Whetzell          Chief executive officer, principal
--------------------------    financial officer, and principal
John S. Whetzell              accounting officer or registrant;
                              chief executive officer, principal
                              financial officer and chairman of
                              the board of directors of Northland
                              Communications Corporation


/s/ Richard I. Clark          Director of Northland Communications
--------------------------    Corporation
Richard I. Clark


/s/ John E. Iverson           Director of Northland Communications
--------------------------    Corporation
John E. Iverson


/s/ Gary S. Jones             Vice President and principal accounting
--------------------------    officer of Northland Communications
Gary S. Jones                 Corporation

</TABLE>
<PAGE>   27
                     NORTHLAND CABLE PROPERTIES FOUR LIMITED
                     PARTNERSHIP

                     FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                     AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
                     TOGETHER WITH AUDITORS' REPORT
<PAGE>   28





                          [ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP LOGO]



                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS




To the Partners of
Northland Cable Properties Four Limited Partnership:

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Northland Cable Properties
Four Limited Partnership (a Washington limited partnership) as of December 31,
1996 and 1995, and the related statements of operations, changes in partners'
deficit and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December
31, 1996. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Partnership's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of Northland Cable Properties Four
Limited Partnership as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the results of its
operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

/s/ Arthur Anderson LLP

Seattle, Washington,
  February 24, 1997
<PAGE>   29
               NORTHLAND CABLE PROPERTIES FOUR LIMITED PARTNERSHIP


                  BALANCE SHEETS -- DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995



                                     ASSETS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    1996                1995
                                               ------------        ------------
<S>                                            <C>                 <C>
CASH                                           $    509,722        $    384,304

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE                                 289,741             378,621

PREPAID EXPENSES                                    211,811              86,313

INVESTMENT IN CABLE TELEVISION
   PROPERTIES:
     Property and equipment, at cost             26,246,468          24,772,312
     Less- Accumulated depreciation             (14,565,441)        (13,265,067)
                                               ------------        ------------
                                                 11,681,027          11,507,245

     Franchise agreements (net of
       accumulated amortization of
       $1,127,467 in 1996 and $899,053
       in 1995)                                   1,447,216           1,801,801
     Other intangibles (net of
       accumulated amortization of
       $643,686 in 1996 and $496,982 in
       1995)                                        875,918             915,850
                                               ------------        ------------
          Total investment in cable
            television properties                14,004,161          14,224,896
                                               ------------        ------------
          Total assets                         $ 15,015,435        $ 15,074,134
                                               ============        ============
</TABLE>

                        LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' DEFICIT

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   1996                1995
                                                ------------        ------------
<S>                                             <C>                 <C>
LIABILITIES:
   Accounts payable and accrued expenses        $  1,193,640        $    801,634
   Due to General Partner and affiliates             612,957             116,345
   Deposits                                           40,925              44,184
   Subscriber prepayments                            184,075             185,835
   Notes payable                                  19,606,737          19,789,175
                                                ------------        ------------
          Total liabilities                       21,638,334          20,937,173
                                                ------------        ------------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 8)

PARTNERS' DEFICIT:
   General partners-
     Contributed capital, net                        (51,616)            (50,875)
     Accumulated deficit                             (76,575)            (69,717)
                                                ------------        ------------
                                                    (128,191)           (120,592)
                                                ------------        ------------
   Limited partners-
     Contributed capital, net - 14,663
       units in 1996 and 1995                      1,086,099           1,159,414
     Accumulated deficit                          (7,580,807)         (6,901,861)
                                                ------------        ------------
                                                  (6,494,708)         (5,742,447)
                                                ------------        ------------
          Total liabilities and partners'
            deficit                             $ 15,015,435        $ 15,074,134
                                                ============        ============
</TABLE>

      The accompanying notes are an integral part of these balance sheets.
<PAGE>   30
               NORTHLAND CABLE PROPERTIES FOUR LIMITED PARTNERSHIP


                            STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    1996            1995            1994
                                                -----------     -----------     -----------
<S>                                             <C>             <C>             <C>
REVENUE                                         $ 8,766,578     $ 6,617,205     $ 5,657,619
                                                -----------     -----------     -----------
EXPENSES:
   Operating (including $78,498, $52,395 and
     $32,848 paid to affiliates in 1996,
     1995 and 1994, respectively)                 1,100,469         838,545         848,919
   General and administrative (including
     $975,347, $681,345 and $570,155 paid to
     affiliates in 1996, 1995 and 1994,
     respectively)                                2,375,748       1,740,021       1,486,927
   Programming (including $108,859, $38,915       2,004,467       1,394,806       1,101,474
     and $51,952 paid to affiliates in 1996,
     1995 and 1994, respectively)
   Depreciation and amortization                  1,981,883       1,381,435       1,653,369
                                                -----------     -----------     -----------
                                                  7,462,567       5,354,807       5,090,689
                                                -----------     -----------     -----------
          Operating income                        1,304,011       1,262,398         566,930

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
   Interest income                                    6,582           5,601           3,827
   Interest expense                              (1,761,791)     (1,005,691)       (601,948)
   Other expense                                         --         (15,467)        (25,000)
   Loss on disposal of assets                      (234,606)        (55,299)        (13,087)
                                                -----------     -----------     -----------
          Net (loss) income                     $  (685,804)    $   191,542     $   (69,278)
                                                ===========     ===========     ===========
ALLOCATION OF NET (LOSS) INCOME:
   General partners                             $    (6,858)    $     1,915     $      (693)
                                                ===========     ===========     ===========

   Limited partners                             $  (678,946)    $   189,627     $   (68,585)
                                                ===========     ===========     ===========
NET (LOSS) INCOME PER LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
   UNIT                                         $       (46)    $        13     $        (5)
                                                ===========     ===========     ===========
</TABLE>

        The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
<PAGE>   31
               NORTHLAND CABLE PROPERTIES FOUR LIMITED PARTNERSHIP


                   STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN PARTNERS' DEFICIT

              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               General        Limited
                                               Partners       Partners         Total
                                              ---------     -----------     -----------
<S>                                           <C>           <C>             <C>
BALANCE, December 31, 1993                    $(115,866)    $(5,233,607)    $(5,349,473)

   Repurchase of limited partnership units           --         (41,000)        (41,000)

   Cash distributions ($20 per limited
     partnership unit)                           (2,978)       (294,830)       (297,808)

   Net loss                                        (693)        (68,585)        (69,278)
                                              ---------     -----------     -----------
BALANCE, December 31, 1994                     (119,537)     (5,638,022)     (5,757,559)

   Cash distributions ($20 per limited
     partnership unit)                           (2,970)       (294,052)       (297,022)

   Net income                                     1,915         189,627         191,542
                                              ---------     -----------     -----------
BALANCE, December 31, 1995                     (120,592)     (5,742,447)     (5,863,039)

   Cash distributions ($5 per limited
     partnership unit)                             (741)        (73,315)        (74,056)

   Net loss                                      (6,858)       (678,946)       (685,804)
                                              ---------     -----------     -----------
BALANCE, December 31, 1996                    $(128,191)    $(6,494,708)    $(6,622,899)
                                              =========     ===========     ===========
</TABLE>

        The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
<PAGE>   32
               NORTHLAND CABLE PROPERTIES FOUR LIMITED PARTNERSHIP


                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    1996             1995            1994
                                                                 -----------     ------------     -----------
<S>                                                              <C>             <C>              <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
   Net (loss) income                                             $  (685,804)    $    191,542     $   (69,278)
   Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income
       to net cash provided by operating activities-
     Depreciation and amortization expense                         1,981,883        1,381,435       1,653,369
     Loss on disposal of assets                                      234,606           55,299          13,087
     Decrease (increase) in operating assets:
       Accounts receivable                                            88,880         (193,261)         10,199
       Prepaid expenses                                             (125,498)         (30,103)         12,571
     Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:
       Accounts payable and accrued expenses                         392,006          311,840         134,928
       Due to General Partner and affiliates                         496,612           57,494          37,529
       Deposits                                                       (3,259)          12,189          (1,035)
       Subscriber prepayments                                         (1,760)          47,639          17,969
                                                                 -----------     ------------     -----------
          Net cash provided by operating activities                2,377,666        1,834,074       1,809,339
                                                                 -----------     ------------     -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
   Purchases of property and equipment, net                       (1,869,130)        (769,176)       (509,415)
   Purchases of cable television systems                            (268,750)     (10,229,571)             --
   (Payments on) proceeds from hold-back note payable               (213,796)         455,769              --
   Purchase of other intangibles                                     (89,847)              --              --
                                                                 -----------     ------------     -----------
          Net cash used in investing activities                   (2,441,523)     (10,542,978)       (509,415)
                                                                 -----------     ------------     -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
   Proceeds from borrowings                                          950,000       19,333,406              --
   Principal payments on notes payable                              (676,669)      (9,784,068)       (824,866)
   Distributions to partners                                         (74,056)        (297,022)       (297,808)
   Loan fees                                                         (10,000)        (510,000)             --
   Repurchase of limited partnership units                                --               --         (41,000)
                                                                 -----------     ------------     -----------
          Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities        189,275        8,742,316      (1,163,674)
                                                                 -----------     ------------     -----------

INCREASE IN CASH                                                     125,418           33,412         136,250

CASH, beginning of year                                              384,304          350,892         214,642
                                                                 -----------     ------------     -----------
CASH, end of year                                                $   509,722     $    384,304     $   350,892
                                                                 ===========     ============     ===========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
   Cash paid during the year for interest                        $ 1,833,296     $    978,220     $   601,973
                                                                 ===========     ============     ===========
</TABLE>

        The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
<PAGE>   33
               NORTHLAND CABLE PROPERTIES FOUR LIMITED PARTNERSHIP


                          NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                DECEMBER 31, 1996



1.  ORGANIZATION AND PARTNERS' INTERESTS:

Formation and Business

Northland Cable Properties Four Limited Partnership (the Partnership), a
Washington limited partnership, was formed on January 2, 1985. The Partnership
was formed to acquire, develop and operate cable television systems. The
Partnership began operations on April 19, 1985, by acquiring cable television
systems in the city of Sherman, Texas. Additional systems were acquired in San
Joaquin, California, and Tyler, Texas. In September 1995, the Partnership
acquired cable television systems serving the areas of Hillsboro, Kaufman, New
Waverly, Waterwood and Oak Grove, Texas. In October 1995, the Partnership
acquired cable television systems serving the areas of Huffman, Prairie View,
Cut and Shoot, Brookshire, Tarkenton, Ace, Simonton and Fulshear, Texas. In
February 1996, the Partnership acquired the cable television systems serving
LeGrand, California. The Partnership has 40 nonexclusive franchises to operate
the cable systems for periods which will expire at various dates through the
year 2012.

Northland Communications Corporation (Northland) is the Managing General Partner
(the General Partner) of the Partnership. The General Partner and its affiliates
also own and operate cable television systems. In addition, the General Partner
manages cable television systems for other limited partnerships for which it is
the General Partner.

FN Equities Joint Venture is the Administrative General Partner of the
Partnership.

On January 31, 1997, the Partnership sold the undivided portion of the cable
systems that was attributable to the limited partners' and Administrative
General Partner's collective interests in the Partnership. These assets were
purchased by affiliates of Northland, based on an aggregate valuation of
$32,000,000 for the cable systems. At closing the Partnership received
approximately $25,400,000 of cash from the buyers and an unsecured, subordinated
promissory note in the amount of approximately $4,600,000, together representing
the value of the limited partners' and administrative general partner's
undivided portion of the cable systems. The note obligation has been assumed by
Northland and will be payable, subject to adjustment for unknown liabilities
existing as of the closing date, in two equal annual installments beginning
January 31, 1998 with interest at 6%.

Contributed Capital, Commissions and Offering Costs

The capitalization of the Partnership is set forth in the accompanying
statements of changes in partners' deficit. No limited partner is obligated to
make any additional contribution to partnership capital.

The general partners purchased their 1% interest in the Partnership by
contributing $1,000 to partnership capital.
<PAGE>   34
                                      -2-


Pursuant to the Partnership Agreement, brokerage fees paid to an affiliate of
the Administrative General Partner and other offering costs were recorded as a
reduction of limited partners' capital.

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

Depreciation

Depreciation of property and equipment is provided using the straight-line
method over the following estimated service lives:

          Buildings                                 20 years
          Distribution plant                        10 years
          Other equipment                         5-10 years

Allocation of Cost of Purchased Cable Television Systems

The Partnership allocates the total contract purchase price of cable television
systems acquired as follows: first, to the estimated fair value of net tangible
assets acquired; then, to the franchise and other determinable intangible costs;
then, any excess would have been allocated to goodwill.

Intangible Assets

Costs assigned to franchise agreements and other intangibles are being amortized
using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:

          Franchise agreements                   12-23 years
          Other intangibles                       5-15 years

Revenue Recognition

The Partnership recognizes revenue in the month service is provided to customers
and accounts for advance payments on services to be rendered as subscriber
prepayments.

Estimates Used in Financial Statement Presentation

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.

3.  TRANSACTIONS WITH THE GENERAL PARTNER AND AFFILIATES:

Management Fees

The General Partner manages the Partnership and receives a fee for its services
equal to 6% of the gross revenues of the Partnership, excluding revenues from
the sale of cable television systems or franchises. The amount of management
fees charged by the General Partner was $525,995, $396,408 and $339,457 during
1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
<PAGE>   35
                                      -3-


Income Allocation

All items of income, loss, deduction and credit are allocated 99% to the limited
partners and 1% to the general partners until the limited partners have received
aggregate cash distributions in an amount equal to aggregate capital
contributions. Thereafter, the general partners receive 25% and the limited
partners are allocated 75% of partnership income, losses and distributions. In
any year after the limited partners have received cumulative cash distributions
equal to 100% of their contributions, the limited partners will receive cash
distributions equal to at least 50% of the net taxable income allocated to them
prior to any cash distribution to the general partners. Any distributions other
than from cash flow, such as from the sale or refinancing of a system or upon
dissolution of the Partnership, will be determined according to contractual
stipulations in the Partnership Agreement.

The limited partners' total initial contributions to capital were $7,500,000
($500 per limited partnership unit). As of December 31, 1996, $5,223,574 ($356
per limited partnership unit) has been distributed to the limited partners and
the Partnership has repurchased $154,500 of limited partnership units (267 units
at $500 per unit and 70 units at $300 per unit).

Reimbursements

The General Partner provides certain centralized services to the Partnership and
other affiliated entities. As set forth in the Partnership Agreement, the
Partnership reimburses the General Partner for the cost of those services
provided by the General Partner to the Partnership. These services include
engineering, marketing, management services, accounting, bookkeeping, legal,
copying, office rent and computer services.

The amounts billed to the Partnership for these services are based on the
General Partner's cost. The cost of certain services is charged directly to the
Partnership, based upon actual time spent by employees of the General Partner.
The cost of other services is allocated to the Partnership, and other affiliated
entities, based upon their relative size, revenue and other factors. Amounts
charged to the Partnership by the General Partner for these services were
$457,156, $324,511 and $270,988 for 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

In 1996, 1995 and 1994, the Partnership paid installation and billing service
fees to an affiliate, amounting to $67,309, $42,444 and $37,481, respectively.

The Partnership has entered into operating management agreements with affiliates
managed by the General Partner. Under the terms of these agreements, the
affiliate serves as the managing agent for one of the Partnership's cable
television systems and is reimbursed for certain operating, administrative and
programming expenses. The Partnership was billed $77,888, $29,856 and $20,590
under the terms of these agreements during 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

During 1994, the Partnership served as the managing agent for an affiliate's
cable television system and was reimbursed for certain operating and programming
expenses. The Partnership received $23,272 under the terms of this agreement.

In September 1994, the Partnership began paying monthly program license fees to
Northland Cable News, Inc. (NCN), an affiliate of the General Partner, for the
rights to distribute programming developed and produced by NCN. Total license
fees billed by NCN during 1996, 1995 and 1994 were $69,383, $24,619 and $40,002,
respectively.
<PAGE>   36
                                      -4-


Cable Ad Concepts, Inc. (CAC), an affiliate of the General Partner, was formed
in 1993 and began operations in 1994. CAC was organized to assist in the
development of local advertising markets and management and training of local
sales staff. CAC billed the Partnership $26,459, $14,296 and $11,950 in 1996,
1995 and 1994, respectively, for these services.

Due to General Partner and Affiliates

The liability to the General Partner and affiliates consists of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             December 31,
                                          ------------------
                                            1996       1995
                                          --------   --------
<S>                                       <C>        <C>
Management fees                           $307,338   $ 40,574
Reimbursable operating costs
   and other                               262,138     39,016
Due to affiliates                           43,481     36,755
                                          --------   --------
                                          $612,957   $116,345
                                          ========   ========
</TABLE>

4. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:

Property and equipment consists of the following:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           December 31,
                                     ------------------------
                                         1996         1995
                                     -----------  -----------
<S>                                  <C>          <C>
Land and buildings                   $   349,392  $   346,392
Distribution plant                    24,348,705   23,009,700
Other equipment                        1,476,039    1,382,604
Construction in progress                  72,332       33,616
                                     -----------  -----------
                                      26,246,468   24,772,312

Less- Accumulated depreciation        14,565,441   13,265,067
                                     -----------  -----------
                                     $11,681,027  $11,507,245
                                     ===========  ===========
</TABLE>

Replacements, renewals and improvements are capitalized. Maintenance and repairs
are charged to expense as incurred.
<PAGE>   37
                                      -5-


5. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES:

Accounts payable and accrued expenses consists of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              December 31,
                                          --------------------
                                             1996      1995
                                          ----------  --------
<S>                                       <C>         <C>
Programmer license fees                   $  259,075  $147,134
Accrued franchise fees                       118,258    67,414
Accrued pole rental                          149,219    46,469
Other                                        667,088   540,617
                                          ----------  --------
                                          $1,193,640  $801,634
                                          ==========  ========
</TABLE>

6. NOTES PAYABLE:

Notes payable consists of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   December 31,
                                                            -------------------------
                                                                1996          1995
                                                            -----------   -----------
<S>                                                         <C>           <C>
Revolving credit and term loan agreement; interest rates
   vary based on certain financial covenants, currently
   8.61% (weighted average). Paid in full January 31,
   1997.                                                    $19,606,737   $19,333,406

Unsecured, subordinated hold-back note, bearing interest
   at the prime rate, settled in 1996.                               --       237,658

Unsecured, subordinated, noninterest-bearing hold-back
   note, settled in 1996.                                            --       218,111
                                                            -----------   -----------
                                                            $19,606,737   $19,789,175
                                                            ===========   ===========
</TABLE>

The Partnership has entered into interest rate swap agreements to reduce the
impact of changes in interest rates. Interest rate swap transactions generally
involve the exchange of fixed and floating interest payment obligations without
the exchange of the underlying principal amounts. At December 31, 1996, the
Partnership had outstanding two interest rate swap agreements with its creditor,
having a notional principal amount of $13,300,000. These agreements effectively
change the Partnership's interest rate exposure to a fixed rate of 5.96%
(weighted average), plus an applicable margin based on certain financial
covenants (the margin at December 31, 1996 was 2.75%). Both interest rate swap
agreements expire in September of 1997. At December 31, 1996, the Partnership
would have been required to pay approximately $32,181 to settle these
agreements, based on the fair value estimated by the counterparty.

7. INCOME TAXES:

Income taxes have not been recorded in the accompanying financial statements
because they are obligations of the partners. The federal and state income tax
returns of the Partnership are prepared and filed by the General Partner.
<PAGE>   38
                                      -6-


The tax returns, the qualification of the Partnership as such for tax purposes
and the amount of distributable partnership income or loss are subject to
examination by federal and state taxing authorities. If such examinations result
in changes with respect to the Partnership's qualification or in changes with
respect to the income or loss, the tax liability of the partners would likely be
changed accordingly.

Taxable (loss) income to the limited partners was approximately $(1,853,744),
$321,000 and $846,000 for the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996,
and is different from that reported in the statements of operations due to the
difference in depreciation expense allowed for tax purposes and that amount
recognized under generally accepted accounting principles. There were no other
significant differences between taxable (loss) income and the net (loss) income
reported in the statements of operations.

In general, under current federal income tax laws, a limited partner's allocated
share of tax losses from a partnership is allowed as a deduction on his
individual income tax return only to the extent of the partner's adjusted basis
in his partnership interest at the end of the tax year. Any excess losses over
adjusted basis may be carried forward to future tax years, and are allowed as a
deduction to the extent the partner has an increase in his adjusted basis in the
partnership through either an allocation of partnership income or additional
capital contributions to the partnership.

In addition, the current tax law does not allow a taxpayer to use losses from a
business activity in which he does not materially participate (a "passive
activity," e.g., a limited partner in a limited partnership) to offset other
income such as salary, active business income, dividends, interest, royalties
and capital gains. However, such losses can be used to offset other income from
passive activities. Disallowed losses can be carried forward indefinitely to
offset future income from passive activities. Disallowed losses can be used in
full when the taxpayer recognizes gain or loss upon the disposition of his
entire interest in the passive activity.

8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:

Lease Arrangements

The Partnership rents tower sites, office facilities and pole attachments under
leases accounted for as operating leases. Rental expense included in operations
was $226,897, $169,945 and $190,215 in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
Minimum lease payments through the end of the lease terms are as follows:

<TABLE>
            <S>                                           <C>
            1997                                          $ 38,305
            1998                                            34,134
            1999                                            30,620
            2000                                            29,870
            2001                                            22,370
            Thereafter                                      45,680
                                                          --------
                                                          $200,979
                                                          ========
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   39
                                      -7-


Effects of Regulation

On February 8, 1996, the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (the 1996 Act) was
enacted. This act dramatically changed federal telecommunications laws and the
future competitiveness of the industry. Many of the changes called for by the
1996 Act will not take effect until the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
issues new regulations which, in some cases, may not be completed for a few
years. Because of this, the full impact of the 1996 Act on the Partnership's
operations cannot be determined at this time. A summary of the provisions
affecting the cable television industry, more specifically those affecting the
Partnership's operations, follows.

Cable Programming Service Tier Regulation. FCC regulation of rates for cable
programming service tiers has been eliminated for small cable systems owned by
small companies. Small cable systems are those having 50,000 or fewer
subscribers which are owned by companies with fewer than 1% of national cable
subscribers (approximately 600,000). The Partnership qualifies as a small cable
company and all of the Partnership's cable systems qualify as small cable
systems. Basic tier rates remain subject to regulations by the local franchising
authority under most circumstances until effective competition exists. The 1996
Act expands the definition of effective competition to include the offering of
video programming services directly to subscribers in a franchised area served
by a local telephone exchange carrier, its affiliates or any multichannel video
programming distributor which uses the facilities of the local exchange carrier.
The FCC has not yet determined the penetration criteria that will trigger the
presence of effective competition under these circumstances.

Telephone Companies. The 1996 Act allows telephone companies to offer video
programming services directly to customers in their service areas immediately
upon enactment. They may provide video programming as a cable operator fully
subject to any provision of the 1996 Act; a radio-based multichannel programming
distributor not subject to any provisions of the 1996 Act; or through
nonfranchised "open video systems" offering nondiscriminatory capacity to
unaffiliated programmers, subject to select provisions of the 1996 Act. Although
management's opinion is that the probability of competition from telephone
companies in rural areas is unlikely in the near future, there are no assurances
that such competition will not materialize.

The 1996 Act encompasses many other aspects of providing cable television
service including prices for equipment, discounting rates to multiple dwelling
units, lifting of anti-trafficking restrictions, cable-telephone cross ownership
provisions, pole attachment rate formulas, rate uniformity, program access,
scrambling and censoring of Public Educational and Governmental and leased
access channels.
<PAGE>   40
                                      -8-


9. CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEM ACQUISITION:

On September 15, 1995, the Partnership acquired substantially all of the
operating assets and franchise rights of cable systems serving subscribers in or
around the communities of Kaufman, Oak Grove, Hillsboro, New Waverly and
Waterwood, all in the state of Texas. The purchase price for these systems was
$4,492,254, of which $4,226,896 was paid at the closing date. The balance was
paid in June 1996, net of any purchase price adjustments, under the terms of an
unsecured, subordinated hold-back note.

On October 31, 1995, the Partnership acquired substantially all operating assets
and franchise rights of the cable television systems in or around Huffman,
Prairie View, Waller, Cut and Shoot, Brookshire, Tarkenton, Ace, Simonton and
Fulshear, all in the state of Texas. The purchase price of $5,306,510 was paid
at the closing date. The purchase was financed by borrowings under the
Partnership's revolving credit and term loan facility.

Pro forma operating results of the Partnership for 1995, assuming the
acquisitions of the systems described above had been made at the beginning of
year, follow:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              For the year ended
                                                                  December 31,
                                                                      1995
                                                              ------------------
                                                                  (unaudited)
<S>                                                           <C>
Revenue                                                           $ 8,799,777
                                                                  ===========
Net loss                                                          $(1,101,967)
                                                                  ===========
Net loss per limited partnership unit                             $       (74)
                                                                  ===========
</TABLE>

On February 16, 1996, the Partnership acquired substantially all operating
assets and franchise rights of the cable television system serving approximately
220 subscribers in or around LeGrand, California. The purchase price was
$268,750, of which $255,250 was paid at the closing date and the balance of
$13,500 was paid, net of any post-closing adjustments in 1996. The impact of
this purchase is not material to the operations of the Partnership.
<PAGE>   41
                                   SIGNATURES


      Pursuant to the requirements of section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.



              NORTHLAND CABLE PROPERTIES FOUR LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

               By:   NORTHLAND COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
                           (Managing General Partner)


                      By /s/ John S. Whetzell         Date:
                         -----------------------------     ---------------
                           John S. Whetzell, President




      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.


     SIGNATURES                          CAPACITIES                      DATE



/s/ John S. Whetzell          Chief executive officer, principal
--------------------          financial officer, and principal        ----------
John S. Whetzell              accounting officer of registrant;
                              chief executive officer, principal
                              financial officer and chairman of
                              the board of directors of Northland
                              Communications Corporation

/s/ Richard I. Clark          Director of Northland Communications
--------------------          Corporation                             ----------
Richard I. Clark

/s/ John E. Iverson           Director of Northland Communications    ----------
--------------------          Corporation
John E. Iverson

/s/ Gary S. Jones             Vice President and principal accounting
--------------------          officer of Northland Communications     ----------
Gary S. Jones                 Corporation

<PAGE>   42
                                 EXHIBITS INDEX


                                                                    Sequentially
Exhibit                                                               Numbered
Number                           Description                            Page
------      ----------------------------------------------------    ------------

27.0        Financial Data Schedule.