<PAGE>
 
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                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
                               ----------------
 
                                   Form 10-K
                       FOR ANNUAL AND TRANSITION REPORTS
                    PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
                        SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
(Mark One)
 
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
   ACT OF 1934
   For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998
 
                                      or
 
[  ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
   EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
   For the transition period from       to
 
                         Commission file number 0-2700
 
                        HEARST-ARGYLE TELEVISION, INC.
 
            (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  Delaware                               74-2717523
<S>                                    <C>
       (State or other jurisdiction of                (I.R.S. Employer
        incorporation or organization)              Identification No.)
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             888 Seventh Avenue                                 10106
                New York, NY                                  (Zip code)
<S>                                         <C>
  (Address of principal executive Offices)
</TABLE>
      Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (212) 887-6800
          SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                            <C>
             Title of Each Class                 Name of Each Exchange On Which Registered
             -------------------                 -----------------------------------------
      Series A Common Stock, par value                    New York Stock Exchange
                $.01 per share
</TABLE>
 
          SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT:
                                     None
 
  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   X   No
 
  Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to
the best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. [  ]
 
  The aggregate market value of the Registrant's voting stock held by
nonaffiliates on March 22, 1999, based on the closing price for the
Registrant's Series A Common Stock on such date as reported on the New York
Stock Exchange (the "NYSE"), was approximately $859,000,000.
 
  Shares of Common Stock outstanding at March 22, 1999: 89,147,879 shares
(consisting of 47,849,231 shares of Series A Common Stock and 41,298,648
shares of Series B Common Stock).
 
  DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE: Portions of the Company's Proxy
Statement relating to the 1999 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated
by reference into Part III (Items 10, 11, 12 and 13).
 
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<PAGE>
 
                          FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
  THE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS CONTAINED IN THIS REPORT, CONCERNING, AMONG
OTHER THINGS, INCREASES IN NET REVENUES AND BROADCAST CASH FLOW (AS DEFINED
HEREIN) AND REDUCTIONS IN OPERATING EXPENSES, INVOLVE RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES,
AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE BASED ON VARIOUS IMPORTANT FACTORS, INCLUDING THE
IMPACT OF CHANGES IN NATIONAL AND REGIONAL ECONOMIES, SUCCESSFUL INTEGRATION
OF ACQUIRED TELEVISION STATIONS (INCLUDING ACHIEVEMENT OF SYNERGIES AND COST
REDUCTIONS), PRICING FLUCTUATIONS IN LOCAL AND NATIONAL ADVERTISING AND
VOLATILITY IN PROGRAMMING COSTS.
 
                                    PART I
 
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
 
  As of March 22, 1999, Hearst-Argyle Television, Inc. (the "Company") owns or
manages 26 network-affiliated television stations that reach approximately
17.5% of U.S. television households, and seven radio stations. The Company is
one of the country's largest independent, or non-network-owned, TV station
groups. The Company is also the largest ABC affiliate group and the second
largest NBC affiliate group.
 
  The Company was formed in 1994 as a Delaware corporation under the name
Argyle Television, Inc. ("Argyle"), and its business operations began in
January 1995 with the consummation of its acquisition of three television
stations. Pursuant to a merger transaction that was consummated on August 29,
1997 and effective September 1, 1997 (the "Hearst Transaction"), The Hearst
Corporation ("Hearst") contributed its television broadcast group and related
broadcast operations (the "Hearst Broadcast Group") to Argyle and merged a
wholly owned subsidiary of Hearst with and into Argyle, with Argyle as the
surviving corporation (renamed "Hearst-Argyle Television, Inc.").
 
  Effective June 1, 1998, the Company completed a tax-deferred exchange (the
"STC Swap") with STC Broadcasting, Inc. and certain related entities
(collectively, "STC") whereby the Company exchanged its television stations
WNAC-TV, Providence, Rhode Island, and WDTN-TV, Dayton, Ohio, for STC's
television stations KSBW-TV, Monterey-Salinas, California, and WPTZ-TV/WNNE-
TV, Burlington, Vermont--Plattsburgh, New York. Divestiture of WNAC and WDTN
was required under the order of the Federal Communications Commission (the
"FCC") approving the Hearst Transaction.
 
  On January 5, 1999 (effective January 1, 1999 for accounting purposes) the
Company acquired, through a merger transaction (the "Kelly Transaction") with
Kelly Broadcasting Co., a California limited partnership ("Kelly
Broadcasting"), television broadcast station KCRA-TV, Sacramento, California
and the programming rights under an existing Time Brokerage Agreement with
Channel 58, Inc., a California corporation, with respect to KQCA-TV,
Sacramento, California. In addition, the Company acquired substantially all of
the assets and certain of the liabilities of Kelleproductions, Inc., a
California corporation ("Kelleproductions").
 
  Further, on March 18, 1999, the Company acquired, through a merger
transaction (the "Pulitzer Transaction") with Pulitzer Publishing Company, a
Delaware corporation ("Pulitzer"), television stations WESH-TV, Orlando,
Florida, WYFF-TV, Greenville, South Carolina, WDSU-TV, New Orleans, Louisiana,
WGAL-TV, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, WXII-TV, Greensboro, North Carolina, WLKY-
TV, Louisville, Kentucky, KOAT-TV, Albuquerque, New Mexico, KCCI-TV, Des
Moines, Iowa, and KETV-TV, Omaha, Nebraska; and radio stations KTAR-AM, KMVP-
AM and KKLT-FM, Phoenix, Arizona, WXII-AM, Greensboro, North Carolina, and
WLKY-AM, Louisville, Kentucky.
 
  As of March 22, 1999, Hearst owned through its wholly owned subsidiary,
Hearst Broadcasting, Inc. ("Hearst Broadcasting"), 100% of the issued and
outstanding shares of Series B Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, of the
Company (the "Series B Common Stock," and together with the Series A Common
Stock, par
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
value $.01 per share, of the Company ("Series A Common Stock"), the "Common
Stock") and approximately 10.5% of the issued and outstanding shares of the
Series A Common Stock, representing in the aggregate approximately 51.9% of
the outstanding voting power of the Common Stock. Through its ownership of the
Series B Common Stock, Hearst Broadcasting is entitled to elect as a class all
but two members of the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board").
Holders of the Series A Common Stock, together with the Company's Series A
Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share, and Series B Preferred Stock, par
value $.01 per share, are entitled to elect the remaining two members of the
Company Board. In connection with Hearst's contribution of its broadcast group
to Argyle on August 29, 1997, Hearst agreed that, for as long as it held any
shares of Series B Common Stock and to the extent that Hearst during such time
also held any shares of Series A Common Stock, it would vote its shares of
Series A Common Stock with respect to the election of directors only in the
same proportion as the shares of Series A Common Stock not held by Hearst are
so voted. The Series A Common Stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol
"HTV."
 
  The Company is organized under the laws of the State of Delaware and its
principal executive offices are located at 888 Seventh Avenue, New York, New
York 10106, (212) 887-6800.
 
The Stations
 
  Of the 26 television stations the Company owns or manages, 19 are in the top
50 of the 211 generally recognized geographic designated market areas ("DMAs")
according to A.C. Nielsen Co. ("Nielsen") estimates for the 1998-1999
television broadcasting season. The Company owns 22 television stations and
five radio stations. In addition, the Company manages two television stations
(WWWB-TV in Tampa, Florida and WPBF-TV in West Palm Beach, Florida) and two
radio stations (WBAL(AM) and WIYY(FM) in Baltimore, Maryland), that are owned
by Hearst. The Company also provides management services to Hearst in order to
allow Hearst to fulfill its obligations under a program service and Time
Brokerage Agreement between Hearst and the permittee of KCWE-TV in Kansas
City, Missouri (the "Missouri LMA"). The Company also programs and sells a
portion of the air time on KQCA (Sacramento, CA) under a Time Brokerage
Agreement with the FCC licensee of KQCA (the "California LMA"). For the year
ended December 31, 1998, on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the
consummation of the Kelly Transaction and the Pulitzer Transaction, the
Company's total revenues and broadcast cash flow were $731.0 million and
$346.3 million, respectively.
 
  Under current FCC rules, the Company will not be able to own both the WBAL-
TV (Baltimore, Maryland) television station and the WGAL-TV (Lancaster,
Pennsylvania) television station and therefore the FCC, as part of its consent
to the Pulitzer Transaction required the Company to file an application to
divest either WBAL-TV or WGAL-TV (or propose such other action that would
result in compliance with such FCC rules) within six months following
consummation of the Pulitzer Transaction, or by September 18, 1999.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
  The following table sets forth certain information for each of the Company's
owned and managed television stations:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 Percentage of
                                                                     U.S.
                          Market  Television   Network            Television
         Market           Rank(1)  Station   Affiliation Channel Households(2)
------------------------- ------- ---------- ----------- ------- -------------
<S>                       <C>     <C>        <C>         <C>     <C>
Boston, MA...............     6      WCVB        ABC          5       2.20%
Tampa, FL(3).............    14      WWWB        WB          32       1.47%
Pittsburgh, PA...........    19      WTAE        ABC          4       1.14%
Sacramento, CA...........    20      KCRA        NBC          3       1.14%
Sacramento, CA(4)........    20      KQCA        WB          58         --
Orlando, FL..............    22      WESH        NBC          2       1.08%
Baltimore, MD(5).........    24      WBAL        NBC         11       1.00%
Milwaukee, WI............    31      WISN        ABC         12       0.81%
Cincinnati, OH...........    32      WLWT        NBC          5       0.81%
Kansas City, MO..........    33      KMBC        ABC          9       0.81%
Kansas City, MO(3).......    33      KCWE        UPN         29         --
Greenville, SC...........    35      WYFF        NBC          4       0.74%
New Orleans, LA..........    41      WDSU        NBC          6       0.63%
West Palm Beach, FL(3)...    44      WPBF        ABC         25       0.61%
Oklahoma City, OK........    45      KOCO        ABC          5       0.60%
Lancaster, PA(5).........    46      WGAL        NBC          8       0.60%
Greensboro, NC...........    47      WXII        NBC         12       0.59%
Louisville, KY...........    48      WLKY        CBS         32       0.57%
Albuquerque, NM..........    49      KOAT        ABC          7       0.57%
Des Moines, IA...........    70      KCCI        CBS          8       0.39%
Honolulu, HI.............    71      KITV        ABC          4       0.38%
Omaha, NE................    73      KETV        ABC          7       0.38%
Jackson, MS..............    89      WAPT        ABC         16       0.30%
Burlington, VT...........    91   WPTZ/WNNE      NBC       5/31       0.29%
Ft. Smith/Fayetteville,
 AR......................   117   KHBS/KHOG    ABC/ABC    40/29       0.22%
Monterey-Salinas, CA.....   119      KSBW        NBC          8       0.22%
                                                                     -----
    Total................                                            17.55%
                                                                     =====
</TABLE>
--------
(1) Market rank is based on the relative size of the DMAs (defined by Nielsen
    as geographic markets for the sale of national "spot" and local
    advertising time) among the 211 generally recognized DMAs in the U.S.,
    based on Nielsen estimates for the 1998-99 season.
(2)  Based on Nielsen estimates for the 1998-99 season.
(3)  WWWB-TV and WPBF-TV television stations are managed by the Company under
     a management agreement with Hearst. In addition, the Company provides
     certain management services to Hearst in order to allow Hearst to fulfill
     its obligations under a program services and time brokerage agreement
     between Hearst and the permittee of KCWE in Kansas City, Missouri.
(4)  Provides programming and other services under a time brokerage agreement
     with Channel 58, Inc., the FCC licensee of KQCA.
(5)  Under current FCC rules, the Company is not able to continue to own both
     the WBAL-TV (Baltimore, Maryland), and the WGAL-TV (Lancaster,
     Pennsylvania) television stations. The FCC, as part of its order granting
     consent to the transfer of control of Pulitzer, has granted to the
     Company a temporary, six-month waiver (from the date of consummation of
     the Pulitzer Transaction) of the applicable rule in order to enable it to
     divest one of the stations in order to achieve compliance with the rules.
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
  The following table sets forth certain information for each of the Company's
owned and managed radio stations:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             Market   Radio
                   Market                    Rank(1) Station       Format
-------------------------------------------- ------- -------       ------
<S>                                          <C>     <C>     <C>
Phoenix, AR.................................    17   KTAR-AM        News
                                                     KMVP-AM       Sports
                                                     KKLT-FM     Light Rock
Baltimore, MD(2)............................    19   WBAL-AM        News
                                                     WIYY-FM Album Oriented Rock
Greensboro, NC0057..........................    40   WXII-AM        News
Louisville, KY..............................    52   WLKY-AM        News
</TABLE>
--------
(1) Market rank is based on BIA Research, Inc.'s Investing in Radio 1998
    Market Report.
(2) WBAL-AM and WIYY-FM radio stations are managed by the Company under a
    management agreement with Hearst.
 
  The Company has an option to acquire WWWB-TV and Hearst's interests and
option with respect to KCWE-TV (together with WWWB-TV, the "Option
Properties"), as well as a right of first refusal until approximately August
2000 with respect to WPBF-TV (if such station is proposed by Hearst to be sold
to a third party). The option period for each Option Property commenced in
February 1999 and terminates in August 2000 and the purchase price is the fair
market value of the station as determined by the parties, or an independent
third-party appraisal, subject to certain specified parameters. If Hearst
elects to sell an Option Property prior to the commencement of, or during, the
option period, the Company will have a right of first refusal to acquire such
Option Property. The exercise of the option and the right of first refusal
will be by action of the independent directors of the Company, and any option
exercise may be withdrawn by the Company after receipt of the third-party
appraisal.
 
Network Affiliation Agreements and Relationship
 
  General. Each of the Company's owned or managed television stations
(collectively, the "Stations") is affiliated with one of the following major
networks pursuant to a network affiliation agreement: ABC, NBC, CBS, UPN and
WB (each, a "Network"). Each affiliation agreement provides the affiliated
Station with the right to rebroadcast all programs transmitted by the Network
with which the Station is affiliated. In return, the Network has the right to
sell a substantial majority of the advertising time during such broadcasts.
Generally, in exchange for every hour that a Station broadcasts network
programming, the Network pays the Station a specified network compensation
payment, which varies with the time of day. Typically, prime-time programming
generates the highest hourly network compensation payments. Eleven of the
Stations have network affiliation agreements with ABC, 10 of the Stations have
agreements with NBC, two of the Stations have agreements with CBS, two of the
Stations have agreements with WB and one of the Stations has an agreement with
UPN. In addition, three of the Company's radio stations have affiliation
agreements with networks that provide certain content (i.e., news, sports,
etc.) for such stations. The Company's radio stations are less dependent on
their affiliation agreements for programming. Although the Company does not
expect that its network affiliation agreements will be terminated and expects
to continue to be able to renew its network affiliation agreements (other than
for WWWB), no assurance can be given that such agreements will not be
terminated or that renewals will be obtained on as favorable terms or at all.
 
  ABC. Generally, the term of each affiliation agreement with ABC is two
years, renewable for successive two-year periods, and each affiliation
agreement is subject to cancellation by either party upon six months notice to
the other party. In the case of WTAE, the affiliation agreement is not subject
to cancellation on six months notice, and the term of the affiliation
agreement will be successively renewed unless either party gives the other
notice of non-renewal six months prior to the end of the then current term. In
the case of KITV, the affiliation agreement is not expressly renewable but is
effective through January 2005. In the case of WAPT, the affiliation agreement
is for a term of 10 years (through March 5, 2005). In the case of WPBF, the
affiliation agreement is
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
not subject to successive renewal periods. In the case of KETV and KOAT, the
affiliation agreements are each for a term of 10 years (through November 1,
2004). In 1994 negotiations commenced to renew the ABC affiliation agreements
relating to the ABC affiliates acquired in the Hearst Transaction to provide
for, among other things, 10-year terms and increased compensation. Such
agreements are still in the process of negotiation and documentation has not
yet been finalized, although the Company is receiving its increased
compensation.
 
  NBC. The term of the NBC affiliation agreement with WBAL is a period of
seven years and is subject to successive three-year renewals unless either
party gives the other notice of non-renewal 12 months prior to the end of the
then current term. The NBC affiliation agreement for WLWT is for an initial
term of six years (through August 28, 2000) and is renewable for successive
four-year terms unless either party gives notice of intent not to renew at
least six months prior to the end of the initial or any successive term. The
NBC affiliation agreements for WDSU, WYFF, WXII, WGAL and WESH are for an
initial term of 10 years (commencing January 1, 1995) and are subject to
successive five year renewals unless either party gives notice of intent not
to renew at least 12 months prior to the end of the initial or any successive
term. The NBC affiliation agreement with KCRA is for an initial term of six
years (through January 1, 2001) and is subject to successive five year
renewals unless either party gives notice of intent not to renew at least 12
months prior to the end of the initial or any successive term. The NBC
affiliation agreements with WPTZ and WNNE are for an initial term of seven
years (commencing January 1, 1995) and are subject to successive three year
renewals unless either party gives notice of intent not to renew at least 12
months prior to the end of the initial or any successive term. The term of the
NBC affiliation agreement with KSBW is from January 17, 1996 to December 31,
2005 and is subject to successive five year renewals unless either party gives
notice of intent not to renew at least 12 months prior to the end of the
initial or any successive term.
 
  CBS. The term of the CBS affiliation agreements with KCCI and WLKY are for
an initial term of 10 years (through June 30, 2005) and are subject to
successive five year renewals unless either party gives notice of intent not
to renew at least six months prior to the end of the initial or any successive
term.
 
  UPN and WB. The UPN affiliation agreement with KCWE is for an initial 10
year term (through August 31, 2008). The WB affiliation agreement with WWWB
expires on September 30, 1999, and WB has given notice that the affiliation
with WWWB will not be renewed. The WB affiliation agreement with KQCA is for a
term of two years (through January 3, 2000). Unlike affiliates of ABC or NBC,
WB affiliates may be required to pay the network compensation based upon
ratings generated by the station in return for the broadcast rights to the
network's programming. Both UPN and WB have the right to terminate their
affiliation agreements in the event of a material breach of such agreement by
a station and in certain other circumstances.
 
Recent Developments
 
  Following is a brief description of the developments of the Company's
business since January 1, 1998:
 
  Pulitzer Transaction. On March 18, 1999 in the Pulitzer Transaction, the
Company consummated a merger transaction with Pulitzer pursuant to which: (i)
Pulitzer contributed to Pulitzer Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned
subsidiary of Pulitzer ("New Pulitzer"), all of its assets (other than its
broadcasting assets) and the net proceeds of $700 million of new debt after
the satisfaction of certain liabilities (the "New Debt"), subject to all
liabilities of Pulitzer (other than broadcasting liabilities, the New Debt and
certain other obligations) and distributed shares of capital stock of New
Pulitzer to Pulitzer's stockholders and (ii) Pulitzer with its remaining
television and radio broadcast assets and liabilities, the New Debt and
certain other obligations was merged with and into the Company with the
Company being the surviving corporation in the merger, in exchange for the
issuance to Pulitzer stockholders of 37,096,774 shares of Series A Common
Stock. Immediately after the merger, the Company repaid the New Debt through
borrowings under its existing credit facility. In a related transaction after
the merger, the Company acquired Pulitzer Sports, Inc., which holds a minority
equity interest in the Arizona Diamondbacks baseball team, for a $5 million
cash payment to New Pulitzer.
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
  Kelly Transaction. On January 5, 1999 (effective January 1, 1999 for
accounting purposes) in the Kelly Transaction, the Company acquired through a
merger transaction all of the partnership interests in Kelly Broadcasting in
exchange for approximately $520 million in cash, subject to a working capital
adjustment. As a result of the Kelly Transaction, the Company acquired
television broadcast station KCRA-TV, Sacramento, California and the
programming rights under an existing Time Brokerage Agreement with Channel 58,
Inc., a California corporation, with respect to KQCA-TV, Sacramento,
California. In addition, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets
and certain of the liabilities of Kelleproductions, Inc., a California
corporation, for approximately $10 million in cash.
 
  Private Placement Debt. In late December 1998 and early January 1999, the
Company issued $450 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes to
institutional investors. The notes have a maturity of 12 years, with an
average life of 10 years, and bear interest at 7.18% per annum.
 
  Market Share Repurchase.  Simultaneously with the public announcement of the
Pulitzer Transaction on May 26, 1998, the Company's Board authorized a market
repurchase program (the "Repurchase Program") pursuant to which the Company
may purchase, at such times and on such terms as it determines appropriate, up
to $300 million of the Series A Common Stock. The Company's Board authorized
the Repurchase Program in order to adjust the capital structure of the Company
in respect of the debt to equity ratio in light of the significant amount of
equity to be issued in the Pulitzer Transaction. As of March 22, 1999, the
Company had, pursuant to the Repurchase Program, purchased 1,835,727 shares of
Series A Common Stock for aggregate consideration of $54.0 million. In
addition, at the time of the public announcement of the Pulitzer Transaction,
Hearst Broadcasting notified the Company of its intention of purchase up to 10
million shares of Series A Common Stock from time to time in the open market,
in private transactions or otherwise. As of March 22, 1999, Hearst
Broadcasting had purchased 5,012,125 shares of the Series A Common Stock for
aggregate consideration of $154.8 million.
 
  NYSE Listing. On July 22, 1998, the Series A Common Stock was listed on the
NYSE under the symbol "HTV." Prior to listing on NYSE, Series A Common Stock
was quoted on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol "HATV."
 
The Commercial Television Broadcasting Industry
 
  General. Commercial television broadcasting began in the United States on a
regular basis in the 1940s. Currently, a limited number of channels are
available for broadcasting in any one geographic area, and a license to
operate a television station must be granted by the FCC. Television stations
that broadcast over the VHF band (channels 2-13) of the spectrum generally
have some competitive advantage over television stations that broadcast over
the UHF band (channels above 13) of the spectrum because the former usually
have better signal coverage and operate at a lower transmission cost. The
improvement of UHF transmitters and receivers, the complete elimination from
the marketplace of VHF-only receivers and the expansion of cable television
systems, however, have reduced to some extent the VHF signal advantage.
 
  All television stations in the country are grouped by Nielsen, a national
audience measuring service, into 211 generally recognized television markets
that are ranked in size according to various formulae based upon actual or
potential audience. Each market is designated as an exclusive geographic area
consisting of all counties in which the home-market commercial stations
receive the greatest percentage of total viewing hours. These specific
geographic markets are referred to by Nielsen as "designated market areas"
("DMAs"). Nielsen periodically publishes data on estimated audiences for the
television stations in the various markets throughout the country. The
estimates are expressed in terms of the percentage of the total potential
audience in the market viewing a station (the station's "rating") and of the
percentage of households using television actually viewing the station (the
station's "share"). Nielsen provides such data on the basis of total
television households and selected demographic grouping in the market. Nielsen
uses two methods of determining a station's ability to attract viewers. In
larger geographic markets, ratings are determined by a combination of meters
connected directly to selected television sets and weekly diaries of
television viewing, while in smaller markets only weekly diaries are utilized.
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
  Historically, three major broadcast networks--ABC, NBC and CBS--dominated
broadcast television. In recent years, however, Fox effectively has evolved
into the fourth major network, even though it produces seven hours less of
prime time programming than the other major networks. In addition, UPN, The WB
and, more recently, PaxTV have been launched as television networks. Stations
that operate without network affiliations are referred to as "independent"
stations. All of the Stations are affiliated with networks, although one of
the Stations, WWWB, will become an independent station as of October 1, 1999.
 
  The affiliation by a station with one of the four major networks has a
significant impact on the composition of the station's programming, revenues,
expenses and operations. A typical affiliate of a major network receives the
majority of each day's programming from the network. This programming, along
with cash payments ("Network Compensation"), is provided to the affiliate by
the network in exchange for a substantial majority of the advertising time
sold during the airing of network programs. The network then sells this
advertising time for its own account. The affiliate retains the revenues from
time sold during breaks in and between network programs and during programs
produced by the affiliate or purchased from non-network sources. In acquiring
programming to supplement programming supplied by the affiliated network,
network affiliates compete primarily with other affiliates and independent
stations in their markets. Cable systems generally do not compete with local
stations for programming, although various national cable networks from time
to time have acquired programs that otherwise would have been offered to local
television stations. In addition, a television station may acquire programming
though barter arrangements. Under barter arrangements, a national program
distributor may receive advertising time in exchange for the programming it
supplies, with the station paying either a reduced fee or no fee for such
programming.
 
  A fully independent station, unlike a network-affiliated station, purchases
or produces all of the programming that it broadcasts, resulting in generally
higher programming costs. The independent station, however, may retain its
entire inventory of advertising time and all of the revenues obtained
therefrom.
 
  Television station revenues are derived primarily from local, regional and
national advertising and, to a much lesser extent, from network compensation
and revenues from studio or tower rental and commercial production activities.
Advertising rates are set based upon a variety of factors, including a
program's popularity among the viewers an advertiser wishes to attract, the
number of advertisers competing for the available time, the size and
demographic makeup of the market served by the station and the availability of
alternative advertising media in the market area. Rates also are determined by
a station's overall ratings and share in its market, as well as the station's
ratings and share among particular demographic groups that an advertiser may
be targeting. Because broadcast television stations rely on advertising
revenues, they are sensitive to cyclical changes in the economy. The size of
advertisers' budgets, which are affected by broad economic trends, affect the
broadcast industry in general and the revenues of individual broadcast
television stations. The advertising revenues of the stations are generally
highest in the second and fourth quarters of each year, due in part to
increases in consumer advertising in the spring and retail advertising in the
period leading up to and including the holiday season. Additionally,
advertising revenues in even-numbered years benefit from advertising placed by
candidates for political offices, and demand for advertising time in Olympic
broadcasts. From time to time, proposals have been advanced in the U.S.
Congress and at the FCC to require television broadcast stations to provide
advertising time to political candidates at no or reduced charge, which would
eliminate in whole or in part advertising revenues from political candidates.
 
  Through the 1970s, network television broadcasting enjoyed virtual dominance
in viewership and television advertising revenues, because network-affiliated
stations competed only with each other in local markets. Beginning in the
1980s, this level of dominance began to change, as the FCC authorized more
local stations and marketplace choices expanded with the growth of independent
stations and cable television services. Cable television systems were first
installed in significant numbers in the 1970s and were initially used
primarily to retransmit broadcast television programming to paying subscribers
in areas with poor broadcast signal reception. In the aggregate, cable-
originated programming has emerged as a significant competitor for viewers of
broadcast television programming, although no single cable programming network
regularly attains audience levels equivalent to any of the major broadcast
networks and, collectively, the broadcast originated signals still
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
constitute the majority of viewing in most cable homes. The advertising share
of cable networks has increased during the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s as a result
of the growth in cable penetration (the percentage of television households
that are connected to a cable system). Notwithstanding such increases in cable
viewership and advertising, over-the-air broadcasting remains the dominant
distribution system for mass market television advertising.
 
  Competition. The television broadcast industry is highly competitive. Some
of the stations that compete with the Stations are owned and operated by large
national or regional companies that may have greater resources, including
financial resources, than the Company. Competition in the television industry
takes place on several levels: competition for audience, competition for
programming (including news) and competition for advertisers. Additional
factors material to a television station's competitive position include signal
coverage and assigned frequency.
 
  Further advances in technology may increase competition for household
audiences and advertisers. Video compression techniques, now in use with
direct broadcast satellites and in development for cable and wireless cable,
are expected to permit greater numbers of channels to be carried within
existing bandwidth. These compression techniques, as well as other
technological developments, are applicable to all video delivery systems,
including over-the-air broadcasting, and have the potential to provide vastly
expanded programming to highly targeted audiences. Reduction in the cost of
creating additional channel capacity could lower entry barriers for new
channels and encourage the development of increasingly specialized niche
programming. This ability to reach very narrowly defined audiences is expected
to alter the competitive dynamics for advertising expenditures. The Company is
unable to predict the effect that technological changes will have on the
broadcast television industry or the future results of the Stations.
 
  The television broadcasting industry continually is faced with such
technological change and innovation, the possible rise in popularity of
competing entertainment and communications media and governmental restrictions
or actions of federal regulatory bodies, including the FCC and the Federal
Trade Commission, any of which could have a material effect on the Stations.
Technological innovation, and the resulting proliferation of programming
alternatives such as cable, direct satellite-to-home services, pay-per-view
and home video and entertainment systems have fractionalized television
viewing audiences and subjected television broadcast stations to new types of
competition. Over the past decade, cable television has captured an increasing
market share, while the aggregate viewership of the major television networks
has declined. In addition, the expansion of cable television and other
industry changes have increased, and may continue to increase, competitive
demand for programming. Such increased demand, together with rising production
costs, may in the future increase the Company's programming costs or impair
its ability to acquire programming. In addition, new television networks such
as UPN and The WB Network have created additional competition.
 
  The Stations compete for audience on the basis of program popularity, which
has a direct effect on advertising rates. A majority of the daily programming
on the Stations is supplied by the network with which each such station is
affiliated. In time periods in which the network provides programming, the
Stations are primarily dependent upon the performance of the network programs
in attracting viewers. Each Station competes in non-network time periods based
on the performance of its programming during such time periods, using a
combination of self-produced news, public affairs and other entertainment
programming, including news and syndicated programs, that such station
believes will be attractive to viewers.
 
  The Stations compete for television viewership share against local network-
affiliated and independent stations, as well as against cable and alternate
methods of television transmission. These other transmission methods can
increase competition for a station by bringing into its market distant
broadcasting signals not otherwise available to the station's audience and
also by serving as a distribution system for non-broadcast programming
originated on the cable system.
 
  Other sources of competition for the Stations include home entertainment
systems (including video cassette recorder and playback systems, videodiscs
and television game devices), the Internet, multipoint distribution
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
systems, multichannel multipoint distribution systems, wireless cable,
satellite master antenna television systems and some low power, in-home
satellite services. The Stations also face competition from high-powered
direct broadcast satellite services, such as EchoStar and DIRECTV, which
transmit programming directly to homes equipped with special receiving
antennas. The Stations compete with these services both on the basis of
service and product performance (quality of reception and number of channels
that may be offered) and price (the relative cost to utilize these systems
compared to broadcast television viewing).
 
  Programming is a significant factor in determining the overall profitability
of any television broadcast station. Competition for non-network programming
involves negotiating with national program distributors or syndicators that
sell first-run and off-network packages of programming. The Stations compete
against in-market broadcast stations for exclusive access to off-network
reruns (such as Home Improvement) and first-run product (such as the Oprah
Winfrey Show). Cable systems generally do not compete with local stations for
programming, although various national cable networks from time to time have
acquired programs that otherwise would have been offered to local television
stations.
 
  Advertising rates are based upon the size of the market in which a station
operates, a program's popularity among the viewers an advertiser wishes to
attract, the number of advertisers competing for the available time, the
demographic makeup of the market served by the station, the availability of
alternative advertising media in the market area, the aggressiveness and
knowledgeability of sales forces and the development of projects, features and
programs that tie advertiser messages to programming. Advertising rates also
are determined by a station's overall ability to attract viewers in its
market, as well as the station's ability to attract viewers among particular
demographic groups that an advertiser may be targeting. Broadcast television
stations compete for advertising revenues with other broadcast television
stations and with the print media, radio stations and cable system operators
serving the same market. Additional competitors for advertising revenues
include a variety of other media, including direct marketing. Since greater
amounts of advertising time are available for sale by independent stations,
independent stations typically achieve a greater proportion of television
market advertising revenues relative to their share of the market's audience.
Public broadcasting outlets in most communities compete with commercial
broadcasters for viewers but not for advertising dollars.
 
Federal Regulation of Television Broadcasting
 
  General. Broadcasting is subject to the jurisdiction of the FCC under the
Communications Act of 1934, as amended (the "Communications Act"), most
recently amended further by the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (the
"Telecommunications Act"). The Communications Act prohibits the operation of
television broadcasting stations except under a license issued by the FCC and
empowers the FCC, among other actions, to issue, renew, revoke and modify
broadcasting licenses; assign frequency bands; determine stations'
frequencies, locations and power; regulate the equipment used by stations;
adopt other regulations to carry out the provisions of the Communications Act;
impose penalties for violation of such regulations; and, impose fees for
processing applications and other administrative functions. The Communications
Act prohibits the assignment of a license or the transfer of control of a
licensee without prior approval of the FCC. Under the Communications Act, the
FCC also regulates certain aspects of the operation of cable television
systems and other electronic media that compete with broadcast stations.
 
  Pulitzer Transaction. On March 18, 1999, pursuant to authority granted to it
by the FCC, the Company consummated its acquisition of the Pulitzer Stations.
Because the Company's acquisition of certain of the Pulitzer Stations is not
in compliance with the FCC's existing television duopoly rule, which prohibits
the common ownership of television broadcast stations with overlapping Grade B
contours, the FCC's consent to the Pulitzer Transaction was subject to certain
conditions.
 
  Because WGAL-TV, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and WBAL-TV, Baltimore, Maryland
have overlapping Grade A contours (and thus are not eligible for the
conditional waiver discussed below), the FCC granted the Company a six-month
waiver of the television duopoly rule to allow for the temporary common
ownership of
 
                                      10
<PAGE>
 
those stations. Accordingly, absent a modification of the rule to permit the
common ownership of those stations or an extension of the temporary waiver
period, the Company will be required to file an application with the FCC by
September 18, 1999 to divest either WBAL-TV or WGAL-TV.
 
  Certain of the other stations acquired pursuant to the Pulitzer transaction
have Grade B, but not Grade A, overlap with other of the Company's stations.
The FCC currently has pending a rulemaking proceeding which, among other
things, contemplates changes to the television duopoly rule to allow common
ownership of television stations with overlapping Grade B contours as long as
there is no overlap of the stations' Grade A contours and the stations are
located in separate DMAs. The FCC has stated that it will grant conditional
waivers of the television duopoly rule in circumstances in which these
criteria are met. Such waivers will be conditioned on the outcome of the
rulemaking. The FCC may require licensees subject to duopoly waivers
conditioned on the outcome of the pending rulemaking proceeding to come into
compliance with the duopoly rule if the rule is not changed to allow permanent
common ownership of the stations. Some commentators, including the Company,
have urged the FCC to eliminate the rule entirely, or to allow common
ownership of stations licensed to communities in separate DMAs regardless of
the amount of signal overlap. If the FCC's television duopoly rule is changed
to allow common ownership of stations licensed to communities in separate
DMAs, regardless of the amount of signal overlap, the Company would be
permitted to continue to own both WBAL-TV and WGAL-TV.
 
  Pursuant to the policy adopted in the rulemaking proceeding, the FCC granted
the Company conditional waivers allowing the common ownership of: (a) WWWB-TV,
Lakeland, Florida, and WESH-TV, Daytona Beach, Florida; and (b) WLWT-TV,
Cincinnati, Ohio, and WLKY-TV, Louisville, Kentucky. In each of those
circumstances, the stations have no Grade A overlap and are located in
separate DMAs. Absent the contemplated modification of the Commission's
television duopoly rule to permit the common ownership of television stations
in separate DMAs with overlapping Grade B (but not Grade A) signal contours,
however, the Company likely will be required to come into compliance with the
television duopoly rule within six months of completion of the rulemaking
proceeding.
 
  Kelly Transaction. The Company consummated its acquisition of KCRA-TV, and
the rights under the KQCA Time Brokerage Agreement, from Kelly on January 5,
1999. Currently, the Grade A contour of KCRA-TV overlaps with the Grade A
contour of the Company's KSBW-TV, Salinas, California. An application seeking
the modification of the facilities of KSBW-TV in a manner that would eliminate
the Grade A (but not the Grade B) contour overlap between KSBW-TV and KCRA-TV
was granted on October 13, 1998.
 
  Because of the signal contour overlap between KCRA and KSBW-TV, the FCC's
consent to the acquisition of KCRA-TV was conditioned on (i) the Company
completing the modification of the KSBW facilities that will eliminate the
Grade A signal contour overlap between the stations by October 5, 1999; and
(ii) the outcome of the pending FCC rulemaking considering changes to the
duopoly rule that would, if adopted, allow the common ownership of KCRA and
the modified KSBW. As noted above, the FCC may require licensees subject to
duopoly waivers conditioned on the outcome of the pending rulemaking
proceeding to come into compliance with the duopoly rule if the rule is not
changed to allow permanent common ownership of the stations.
 
  License Renewals. The process for renewal of broadcast station licenses as
set forth under the Communications Act has undergone significant change as a
result of the Telecommunications Act. Prior to the passage of the
Telecommunications Act, television broadcasting licenses generally were
granted or renewed for a period of five years upon a finding by the FCC that
the "public interest, convenience and necessity" would be served thereby.
Under the Telecommunications Act, the statutory restriction on the length of
broadcast licenses has been amended to allow the FCC to grant broadcast
licenses for terms of up to eight years. The Telecommunications Act requires
renewal of a broadcast license if the FCC finds that (i) the station has
served the public interest, convenience and necessity; (ii) there have been no
serious violations of either the Communications Act or the FCC's rules and
regulations by the licensee; and (iii) there have been no other serious
violations that taken together constitute a pattern of abuse. In making its
determination, the FCC may
 
                                      11
<PAGE>
 
consider petitions to deny but cannot consider whether the public interest
would be better served by a person other than the renewal applicant. Under the
Telecommunications Act, competing applications for the same frequency may be
accepted only after the FCC has denied an incumbent's application for renewal
of license.
 
  The following table provides the expiration dates for the main station
licenses of the Company's television stations:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            Expiration of
       Station                               FCC License
       -------                              -------------
       <S>                               <C>
       KMBC                              February 1, 2006
       KCWE                              *
       WISN                              December 1, 2005
       WLWT                              October 1, 2005
       KHBS                              June 1, 2005
       KHOG (satellite station of KHBS)  June 1, 2005
       WAPT                              June 1, 2005
       WPBF                              February 1, 2005
       WWWB                              February 1, 2005
       WBAL                              October 1, 2004
       WTAE                              August 1, 1999**
       WPTZ                              June 1, 1999**
       WCVB                              April 1, 1999**
       WNNE                              April 1, 1999**
       KITV                              February 1, 2007
       KHVO (satellite station of KITV)  February 1, 2007
       KMAU (satellite station of KITV)  February 1, 1999**
       KSBW                              December 1, 1998**
       KOCO                              June 1, 2006
       KCRA                              December 1, 2006
       KQCA                              December 1, 2006***
       WESH                              February 1, 2005
       WYFF                              December 1, 2004
       WDSU                              June 1, 2005
       WGAL                              August 1, 1999*
       WXII                              December 1, 2004
       WLKY                              August 1, 2005
       KOAT                              October 1, 2006
       KOCT (satellite station of KOAT)  October 1, 2006
       KOVT (satellite station of KOAT)  October 1, 2006
       KCCI                              February 1, 2006
       KETV                              June 1, 2006
</TABLE>
--------
  * The Company provides certain management services to Hearst pursuant to a
    Management Agreement which allows Hearst to fulfill its obligations under
    a certain Programming Services and Time Brokerage Agreement between Hearst
    and KCWE-TV, Inc., the permittee of KCWE. KCWE, which has not yet been
    licensed by the FCC, is operated pursuant to Special Temporary
    Authorization ("STA"), which may, in the discretion of the FCC, be renewed
    at six-month intervals. An application for extension of the STA is pending
    at the FCC. The Company is not aware of any facts or circumstances that
    would prevent the renewal of KCWE's STA.
 ** Applications for renewal of these licenses are pending at the FCC.
       Petitions to deny the renewal applications will be due on or before July
    1, 1999 for WGAL and WTAE and May 1, 1999 for WPTZ. The deadline for
    submission of petitions to deny the WCVB and WNNE renewal application was
    March 1, 1999. The deadline for submission of petitions to deny the KSBW
    renewal application was November 1, 1998. The
 
                                      12
<PAGE>
 
   Company is not aware of any facts or circumstances that would prevent the
   renewal of the licenses or authorizations for these stations.
*** The Company provides substantially all of the programming of, and provides
    other services to, KQCA pursuant to a Time Brokerage Agreement with the
    station's licensee.
 
  Ownership Regulation. The Communications Act, FCC rules and regulations and
the Telecommunications Act also regulate broadcast ownership. The FCC has
promulgated rules that, among other matters, limit the ability of individuals
and entities to own or have an official position or ownership interest above a
certain level (an "attributable" interest) in broadcast stations as well as
other specified mass media entities. On a local basis, FCC rules currently
allow an individual entity to have an attributable interest in only one
television station in a market. Furthermore, FCC rules, the Communications Act
or both generally restrict or prohibit the ability of an individual or entity
to have an attributable interest, or cross-ownership, in a television station
and in a radio station, daily newspaper or cable television system that is
located in the same local market area served by the television station. Hearst
has an attributable interest in the Company's broadcast stations and owns
daily newspapers in various local markets which, under current FCC rules,
restrict the Company's ability to acquire television stations in those
markets. The FCC has instituted proceedings for the possible relaxation of
certain of its rules regulating television station ownership, certain types of
cross-ownership and the standards used to determine what types of interests
are considered to be attributable under its rules. Among the proposals under
consideration is whether to deem as attributable certain television local
marketing agreements and, if deemed attributable, the extent to which
currently effective agreements of this type should be exempted from any new
FCC rules. Such attribution could implicate local television ownership rules
that currently prohibit an entity from having an attributable interest in two
stations serving the same market and could have a material effect on the
arrangements between the Company and the licensee of KCWE and between the
Company and licensee of KQCA. If the FCC's ultimate regulatory decision were
to disfavor the continued validity of such joint operation agreements or Local
Marketing Agreements (LMAs), then these agreements, in the worst case
scenario, might be required to be terminated.
 
  The Telecommunications Act did not alter the FCC's newspaper/broadcast
cross-ownership restrictions, but required the Commission to review this and
all other cross-ownership rules biennially, beginning in 1998, to determine if
they remain necessary. Elimination of the newspaper/television cross-ownership
rule could enable the Company to acquire television stations in markets in
which Hearst owns daily newspapers. There can be no assurances that the
biennial review process will result in elimination of the rule. However, the
FCC is presently considering whether to change the policy pursuant to which it
considers waivers of the radio/newspaper cross-ownership rule.
 
  Alien Ownership. The Communications Act restricts the ability of foreign
entities or individuals to own or hold certain interests in broadcast
licenses. The Telecommunications Act, however, eliminated the restrictions on
aliens serving as directors or officers of broadcast licensees or as directors
or officers of entities holding interests in broadcast licensees.
 
Other Regulations, Legislation and Recent Developments Affecting Broadcast
Stations
 
  General. The FCC has reduced significantly its past regulation of broadcast
stations, including elimination of formal ascertainment requirements and
guidelines concerning amounts of certain types of programming and commercial
matter that may be broadcast. There are, however, FCC rules and policies, and
rules and policies of other federal agencies, that regulate matters such as
network-affiliate relations, cable systems' carriage of syndicated and network
programming on distant stations, political advertising practices, obscene and
indecent programming, application procedures and other areas affecting the
business or operations of broadcast stations.
 
  Children's Television Programming. The FCC has also adopted rules to
implement the Children's Television Act of 1990, which, among other matters,
limits the permissible amount of commercial matter in children's programs and
requires each television station to present "educational and informational"
children's
 
                                      13
<PAGE>
 
programming. The FCC also has adopted renewal processing guidelines that
effectively require television stations to broadcast an average of three hours
per week of children's educational programming.
 
  Closed Captioning. The FCC has adopted rules requiring closed captioning of
all broadcast television programming. The rules require generally that (i) 95%
of all new programming first published or exhibited on or after January 1,
1998 must be closed captioned within eight years, and (ii) 75% of "old"
programming which first aired prior to January 1, 1998 must be closed
captioned within 10 years, subject to certain exemptions.
 
  Television Violence. The Telecommunications Act contains a number of
provisions relating to television violence. First, pursuant to the
Telecommunications Act, the television industry has developed a ratings system
which the FCC has approved. Furthermore, also pursuant to the
Telecommunications Act, the FCC has adopted rules requiring certain television
sets to include the so-called "V-chip," a computer chip that allows blocking
of rated programming. Under these rules, half of all television receiver
models with picture screens 13 inches or greater will be required to have the
"V-chip" by July 1, 1999, and all such models will be required to have the "V-
chip" by January 1, 2000. In addition, the Telecommunications Act requires
that all television license renewal applications filed after May 1, 1995
contain summaries of written comments and suggestions received by the station
from the public regarding violent programming.
 
  Equal Employment Opportunity. In April 1998, the U.S. Court of Appeals for
the D.C. Circuit struck down the FCC's Equal Employment Opportunity
regulations as unconstitutional. Recently, the FCC commenced a proceeding in
which it proposed new rules that it suggests would not share the
constitutional flaws of the former rules. It has invited public comment on its
proposals. The Company cannot predict whether new rules will be adopted, the
form of any such rules, or the impact of the rules on our operations.
 
  Distribution of Video Services by Telephone Companies. Recent actions by
Congress, the FCC and the courts all presage significant future involvement in
the provision of video services by telephone companies. The Company cannot
predict either the timing or the extent of such involvement. These
developments all relate to a former provision of the Communications Act that
prohibited a local telephone company from providing video programming directly
to subscribers within the company's telephone service areas. As applied by
government regulators historically, the former provision prevented telephone
companies from providing cable service over either the telephone network or a
separate cable system located within the telephone service area. That
provision has now been superseded by the Telecommunications Act, which
provides for telephone company entry into the distribution of video services
either under the laws and rules applicable to cable systems as operators of
so-called "wireless cable systems", as common carriers or under new rules
devised by the FCC for "open video systems" subject to certain common carrier
requirements.
 
  The 1992 Cable Act. On October 5, 1992, Congress enacted the Cable
Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act of 1992, which, among other
matters, includes provisions respecting the carriage of television stations'
signals by cable television systems. The signal carriage, or "must carry,"
provisions of the 1992 Cable Act generally require cable operators to devote
up to one-third of their activated channel capacity to the carriage of local
commercial television stations. The 1992 Cable Act also included a
retransmission consent provision that prohibits cable operators and other
multi-channel video programming distributors from carrying broadcast signals
without obtaining the station's consent in certain circumstances. The "must
carry" and retransmission consent provisions are related in that a local
television broadcaster, on a cable system-by-cable system basis, must make a
choice once every three years whether to proceed under the "must carry" rules
or to waive the right to mandatory but uncompensated carriage and negotiate a
grant of retransmission consent to permit the cable system to carry the
station's signal, in most cases in exchange for some form of consideration
from the cable operator. Cable systems and other multi-channel video
programming distributors must obtain retransmission consent to carry all
distant commercial stations other than "super stations" delivered via
satellite.
 
  In March 1997, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the
must-carry provisions of the 1992 Cable Act. As a result, the regulatory
scheme promulgated by the FCC to implement the must-carry provisions
 
                                      14
<PAGE>
 
of the 1992 Cable Act remains in effect. Whether and to what extent such must-
carry rights will extend to the new digital television signals (see below) to
be broadcast by licensed television stations, including those owned by us,
over the next several years is still a matter to be determined in an ongoing
rulemaking proceeding initiated by the FCC in July 1998. The Company's
television stations are highly dependent on their carriage by cable systems in
the areas they serve. Thus, FCC rules that impose no or limited obligations on
cable systems and other multi-channel video programming distributors to carry
the digital signals of television broadcast stations in their local markets
could adversely affect the Company's operations.
 
  Advanced Television Service. The FCC has taken a number of steps to
implement digital television broadcasting service in the United States. The
FCC has adopted a digital television table of allotments that provides all
authorized television stations with a second channel on which to broadcast a
digital television signal. The FCC has attempted to provide digital television
coverage areas that are comparable to stations' existing service areas. The
FCC has ruled that television broadcast licensees may use their digital
channels for a wide variety of services such as high-definition television,
multiple standard definition television programming, audio, data, and other
types of communications, subject to the requirement that each broadcaster
provide at least one free video channel equal in quality to the current
technical standard.
 
  Digital television channels will generally be located in the range of
channels from channel 2 through channel 51. The FCC is requiring that
affiliates of ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC in the top 10 television markets begin
digital broadcasting by May 1, 1999. Many stations, including several of the
Company's stations, have already begun digital broadcasting. Affiliates of the
four major networks in the top 30 markets must begin digital broadcasting by
November 1, 1999, and all other broadcasters must follow suit by May 1, 2002.
 
                                      15
<PAGE>
 
  The Company's digital television implementation schedule is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    FCC Mandated
                                                                     Timetable
                                                                        For
                                                                    Construction
                                            Market  Analog    DTV      of DTV
           Station (Affiliation)            Rank(1) Channel Channel  Facilities
------------------------------------------- ------- ------- ------- ------------
<S>                                         <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
WCVB, Boston, MA (ABC).....................     6       5      20    May 1, 1999
WWWB, Tampa, FL (WB)(2)....................    15      32      19    May 1, 2002
WTAE, Pittsburgh, PA (ABC).................    19       4      51   Nov. 1, 1999
KCRA, Sacramento, CA (NBC).................    20       3      35   Nov. 1, 1999
KQCA, Sacramento, CA (WB)..................    20      58      46    May 1, 2002
WESH, Daytona Beach, FL (NBC)..............    22       2      11   Nov. 1, 1999
WBAL, Baltimore, MD (NBC)..................    23      11      59   Nov. 1, 1999
WLWT, Cincinnati, OH (NBC).................    30       5      35   Nov. 1, 1999
WISN, Milwaukee, WI (ABC)..................    32      12      34    May 1, 2002
KMBC, Kansas City, MO (ABC)................    31       9      14    May 1, 2002
KCWE, Kansas City, MO (WB)(2)..............    31      29      31    May 1, 2002
WYFF, Greenville, SC (NBC).................    35       4      59    May 1, 2002
WDSU, New Orleans, LA (NBC)................    41       6      43    May 1, 2002
KOCO, Oklahoma City, OK (ABC)..............    43       5      16    May 1, 2002
WPBF, W. Palm Bch, FL (ABC)(2).............    44      25      16    May 1, 2002
WGAL, Lancaster, PA (NBC)..................    45       8      58    May 1, 2002
WXII, Winston-Salem, NC (NBC)..............    46      12      31    May 1, 2002
KOAT, Albuquerque, NM (ABC)................    48       7      21    May 1, 2002
KOCT, Carlsbad, NM (ABC)...................    48       6      19    May 1, 2002
KOVT, Silver City, NM (ABC)................    48      10      12    May 1, 2002
KOFT, Farmington, NM (ABC).................    48       3       8    May 1, 2002
WLKY, Louisville, KY (CBS).................    50      32      26    May 1, 2002
KCCI, Des Moines, IA (CBS).................    69       8      31    May 1, 2002
KITV, Honolulu, HI (ABC)...................    71       4      40    May 1, 2002
KMAU, Wailuku, HI (ABC)....................    71      12      29    May 1, 2002
KHVO, Hilo, HI (ABC).......................    71      13      18    May 1, 2002
KETV, Omaha, NE (ABC)......................    74       7      20    May 1, 2002
WAPT, Jackson, MS (ABC)....................    90      16      21    May 1, 2002
WPTZ, Plattsburgh, NY (NBC)................    91       5      14    May 1, 2002
WNNE, Hartford, VT (NBC)...................    91      31      25    May 1, 2002
KHBS, Fort Smith, AR (ABC).................   116      40      21    May 1, 2002
KHOG, Fayetteville, AR (ABC)...............   116      29      15    May 1, 2002
KSBW, Monterey, CA (NBC)...................   122       8      43    May 1, 2002
</TABLE>
--------
(1) Market rank is based on the relative size of the DMA among the 211
    generally recognized DMAs in the U.S., based on Nielsen estimates for the
    1997-98 season.
(2) WWWB-TV and WPBF-TV are managed by the Company under the Management
    Agreement with Hearst. In addition, the Company provides certain
    management services to Hearst in order to allow Hearst to fulfill its
    obligations under Program Services and Time Brokerage Agreement with KCWE-
    TV, Inc. the permittee of KCWE.
 
  The FCC's plan calls for the digital television transition period to end in
the year 2006, at which time the FCC expects that television broadcasters will
cease non-digital broadcasting and return one of their two channels to the
government, allowing that spectrum to be recovered for other uses. Under the
Balanced Budget Act, however, the FCC is authorized to extend the December 31,
2006 deadline for reclamation of a television station's non-digital channel
if, in any given case:
 
                                      16
<PAGE>
 
  .  one or more television stations affiliated with ABC, CBS, NBC or Fox in
     a market is not broadcasting digitally, and the FCC determines that such
     stations have "exercised due diligence" in attempting to convert to
     digital broadcasting; or
 
  .  less than 85% of the television households in the station's market
     subscribe to a multichannel video service that carries at least one
     digital channel from each of the local stations in that market, and less
     than 85% of the television households in the market can receive digital
     signals off the air using either a set-top converter box for an analog
     television set or a new digital television set.
 
  The FCC is currently considering whether cable television system operators
should be required to carry stations' digital television signals in addition
to the currently required carriage of stations' analog signals. In July 1998,
the FCC issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking posing several different
options for the carriage of digital signals and solicited comments from all
interested parties. The FCC has yet to issue a decision on this matter.
 
  Implementation of digital television will improve the technical quality of
television signals received by viewers. However, the implementation of digital
television will also impose substantial additional costs on television
stations because of the need to replace equipment and because some stations
will need to operate at higher utility cost. There can be no assurance that
our television stations will be able to increase revenue to offset such costs.
The cost to enable a television station to provide a "pass through" DTV signal
is approximately two to three million dollars, and can be higher if new tower
facilities are required. The FCC is also considering imposing new public
interest requirements on television licensees in exchange for their receipt of
digital television channels. In addition, the Telecommunications Act allows
the FCC to charge a spectrum fee to broadcasters who use the digital spectrum
to offer subscription-based services. The FCC has adopted rules that require
broadcasters to pay a fee of 5% of gross revenues received from ancillary or
supplementary uses of the digital spectrum for which they charge subscription
fees. The Company cannot predict what future actions the FCC might take with
respect to digital television, nor can we predict the effect of the FCC's
present digital television implementation plan or such future actions on the
Company's business. The Company will incur considerable expense in the
conversion of digital television and is unable to predict the extent or timing
of consumer demand for any such digital television services.
 
  Direct Broadcast Satellite Systems. There are currently in operation several
direct broadcast satellite systems that serve the United States. Direct
broadcast satellite systems provide programming on a subscription basis to
those who have purchased and installed a satellite signal receiving dish and
associated decoder equipment. Direct broadcast satellite systems claim to
provide visual picture quality comparable to that found in movie theaters and
aural quality comparable to digital audio compact disks. The Company cannot
predict the impact of direct broadcast satellite systems on the Company's
business.
 
  In 1988, Congress passed the Satellite Home Viewer Act ("SHVA"), which
grants DBS operators the right to provide, for a fee established by the
Copyright Office, network television signals to "unserved households." To be
an unserved household with respect to a particular network, the household must
not be able to receive, using a conventional rooftop antenna, the television
signal of the network's local affiliate at a specified intensity. Recently,
litigation has arisen in several federal district courts concerning the
delivery of network programming to subscribers by satellite pursuant to SHVA.
Two district courts have determined that certain satellite providers were
providing service in violation of the unserved household restrictions and have
ordered the satellite providers to comply with the restriction. In addition,
legislation has been introduced in Congress to amend the SHVA in a manner that
would affect the right of DBS providers to transmit network signals. The
Company cannot predict what the results of any judicial, regulatory, and
legislative efforts will be, or what effect they will have on the Company's
television broadcasting business.
 
  The foregoing does not purport to be a complete summary of all of the
provisions of the Communications Act, the Telecommunications Act, the 1992
Cable Act or the related regulations and policies of the FCC. Proposals for
additional or revised regulations and requirements are pending before and are
being considered by Congress and federal regulatory agencies from time to
time. Also, various of the foregoing matters are now, or may become, the
subject of court litigation, and the Company cannot predict the outcome of any
such litigation or the impact on its business.
 
                                      17
<PAGE>
 
Employees
 
  As of December 31, 1998, the Company had approximately 1,569 full-time
employees and 209 part-time employees. A total of approximately 545 employees
are represented by four unions (the American Federation of Television and
Radio Artists, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the
International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, and the Directors Guild
of America). The Company has not experienced any significant labor problems,
and it believes that its relations with its employees are satisfactory.
 
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
 
  The Company's principal executive offices are located at 888 Seventh Avenue,
New York, New York 10106. Each Station's real properties generally include
owned or leased offices, studios, transmitter sites and antenna sites.
Typically, offices and main studios are located together, while transmitters
and antenna sites are in a separate location that is more suitable for
optimizing signal strength and coverage. Set forth below are the Stations'
principal facilities as of December 31, 1998. In addition to the property
listed below, the Company and the Stations also lease other property primarily
for communications equipment.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     Owned or    Approximate
Station/Property Location             Use             Leased         Size
---------------------------- ---------------------- ----------- --------------
<S>                          <C>                    <C>         <C>
Corporate                    Washington D.C. Office   Leased    3,191 sq. ft.
                             New York Office          Leased    18,075 sq. ft.
                             San Antonio Office       Leased    3,674 sq. ft.
 
WLWT                         Office and studio        Leased    60,000 sq. ft.
 Cincinnati, OH              Tower and transmitter     Owned      4.2 acres
                             Office and studio         Owned    54,000 sq. ft.
                             Office and studio         Owned    12,585 sq. ft.
 
KOCO                         Office and studio         Owned    28,000 sq. ft.
 Oklahoma City, OK           Tower and transmitter     Owned       85 acres
 
KITV                         Office and studio         Owned    35,000 sq. ft.
 Honolulu, HI                Tower and transmitter    Leased     130 sq. ft.
                             Tower and transmitter    Leased     300 sq. ft.
                             Tower and transmitter    Leased        1 acre
 
WAPT                         Office and studio         Owned    8,600 sq. ft.
 Jackson, MS                 Tower and transmitter     Owned       25 acres
 
KHBS                         Office and studio         Owned    46,031 sq. ft.
 Fort Smith/Fayetteville, AR Office and studio        Leased    1,110 sq. ft.
                             Tower and transmitter    Leased      2.5 acres
                             Tower and transmitter     Owned      26.7 acres
 
WCVB                         Office and studio        Leased    90,002 sq. ft.
 Boston, MA                  Office and studio        Leased    5,337 sq. ft.
                             Office and studio        Leased    8,628 sq. ft.
 
WTAE                         Office and studio         Owned    68,033 sq. ft.
 Pittsburgh, PA              Tower and transmitter     Owned       37 acres
 
WBAL                         Office and studio         Owned    65,000 sq. ft.
Baltimore, MD                Tower and transmitter  Partnership   3.5 acres
 
WISN                         Office and studio         Owned    88,000 sq. ft.
 Milwaukee, WI               Tower and transmitter     Owned      5.5 acres
 
KMBC                         Office and studio        Leased    58,514 sq. ft.
 Kansas City, MO             Tower and transmitter     Owned      11.6 acres
 
WNNE                         Office and studio        Leased    5,600 sq. ft.
 Burlington, VT              Tower and transmitter    Leased          --
 
WPTZ                         Office and studio         Owned    12,800 sq. ft.
 Plattsburgh, NY             Office and studio        Leased    3,900 sq. ft.
                             Tower and transmitter     Owned     13.25 acres
 
KSBW                         Office and studio         Owned    85,726 sq. ft.
 Monterey-Salinas, CA        Tower and transmitter     Owned     160.2 acres
 
</TABLE>
 
                                      18
<PAGE>
 
  In addition the Company acquired the following properties as a result of the
Kelly Transaction and the Pulitzer Transaction:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Station/Property                                    Owned or       Approximate
Location                        Use                  Leased            Size
------------------   --------------------------     ---------     --------------
<S>                  <C>                            <C>           <C>
KCRA/KQCA            Office, studio, tower          Owned and     82,500 sq. ft.
 Sacramento, CA      and transmitter                 Leased       6,000 sq. ft.
 
KOAT                 Studio                           Owned       39,700 sq. ft.
 Albuquerque, NM     Tower and transmitter           Leased       9,200 sq. ft.
 
KETV                 Studio and transmitter           Owned       38,000 sq. ft.
 Omaha, NE           Studio and transmitter          Leased        600 sq. ft.
 
WGAL                 Studio and tower                 Owned       58,900 sq. ft.
 Lancaster, PA       Office                          Leased       2,400 sq. ft.
 
WXII                 Office, studio, tower          Owned and     41,100 sq. ft.
 Winston-Salem, NC   and transmitter                 Leased        600 sq. ft.
 
WYFF                 Office, studio and             Owned and     53,600 sq. ft.
 Greenville, SC      transmitter                     Leased       2,300 sq. ft.
 
WDSU                 Studio and transmitter           Owned       50,500 sq. ft.
  New Orleans, LA
 
WLKY                 Office, studio and               Owned       41,342 sq. ft.
 Louisville, KY      transmitter
 
WESH                 Studio, transmitter, tower       Owned       61,300 sq. ft.
 Orlando, FL         Office                          Leased        1,300 sq. ft.
 Daytona Beach, FL   Studio and office                Owned       28,100 sq. ft.
 
KCCI                 Studio, tower and                Owned       53,350 sq. ft.
 Des Moines, IO      transmitter
 
KTAR-AM/KMVP-AM/     Studio and transmitter           Owned       23,530 sq. ft.
 KKLT-FM
</TABLE>
 
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
  From time to time, the Company becomes involved in various claims and
lawsuits that are incidental to its business. In the opinion of the Company,
there are no legal proceedings pending against the Company or any of its
subsidiaries that are likely to have a material adverse effect on the
Company's consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
 
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
 
  Not applicable.
 
                                    PART II
 
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
 
  As of July 22, 1998, the Series A Common Stock has been listed on the NYSE
under the symbol "HTV." Prior to listing on NYSE the Series A Common Stock was
quoted on the Nasdaq National Market under the Symbol "HATV." Prior to the
consummation of the Hearst Transaction, shares of Series A Common Stock of
Argyle were traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the Symbol "ARGL."
 
 
                                      19
<PAGE>
 
  The table below sets forth, for the calendar quarters indicated, the
reported high and low sales prices of the Common Stock of Argyle prior to the
consummation of the Hearst Transaction on August 29, 1997 and of the Series A
Common Stock subsequent to the consummation of the Hearst Transaction, on the
Nasdaq National Market or the NYSE, as the case may be.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    High   Low
                                                                   ------ ------
      <S>                                                          <C>    <C>
      1997
        First Quarter............................................. 29 1/8 23 7/8
        Second Quarter............................................ 25 1/2 22 1/2
        Third Quarter............................................. 30 5/8 24 7/8
        Fourth Quarter............................................ 32 5/8 26 1/4
      1998
        First Quarter............................................. 38     27 1/4
        Second Quarter............................................ 41 1/4 32 5/8
        Third Quarter............................................. 40 1/4 31 5/8
        Fourth Quarter............................................ 33 1/4   24
</TABLE>
 
  On March 22, 1999, the closing price for the Series A Common Stock on the
NYSE was $24.375, and the approximate number of shareholders of record of the
Series A Common Stock at the close of business on such date was 525.
 
  The Company has not paid any dividends on the Series A Common Stock or the
Series B Common Stock since inception and does not expect to pay any dividends
on either class in the immediate future. The Company's Credit Facility with
The Chase Manhattan Bank limits the ability of the Company to pay dividends
under certain conditions.
 
  The Company issued 100% of the Series B Common Stock to Hearst as part of
the Hearst Transaction and related transactions. Of the shares of the Series B
Common Stock, the Company issued 38,611,002 on August 29, 1997 and 2,687,646
shares on December 30, 1997. The Company issued the Series B Common Stock
pursuant to the exemption from registration contained in Section 4(2) of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Company issued the Series B Common
Stock to Hearst as consideration for the contribution of the assets and
properties of Hearst's broadcast group and the assumption of $275 million of
Hearst's long-term debt. Each share of Series B Common Stock is immediately
convertible into one share of Series A Common Stock.
 
  All of the outstanding shares of the Series B Common Stock are required to
be held by Hearst or a Permitted Transferee (as defined below). All such
shares are currently held by Hearst Broadcasting, a wholly owned subsidiary of
Hearst. No holder of shares of the Series B Common Stock may transfer any such
shares to any person other than to (i) Hearst; (ii) any corporation into which
Hearst is merged or consolidated or to which all or substantially all of
Hearst's assets are transferred; or, (iii) any entity controlled by Hearst
(each a "Permitted Transferee"). The Series B Common Stock, however, may be
converted at any time into Series A Common Stock and freely transferred,
subject to the terms and conditions of the Company's Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation and to applicable securities laws limitations. If
at any time the Permitted Transferees first hold in the aggregate less than
20% of all shares of the Common Stock that are then issued and outstanding,
then each issued and outstanding share of the Series B Common Stock
automatically will be converted into one fully paid and nonassessable share of
Series A Common Stock, and the Company will not be authorized to issue any
additional shares of Series B Common Stock. Notwithstanding any other
provision to the contrary, no holder of Series B Common Stock shall (i)
transfer any shares of Series B Common Stock; (ii) convert Series B Common
Stock; or, (iii) be entitled to receive any cash, stock, other securities or
other property with respect to or in exchange for any shares of Series B
Common Stock in connection with any merger or consolidation or sale or
conveyance of all or substantially all of the property or business of the
Company as an entity, unless all necessary approvals of the FCC as required by
the Communications Act, and the rules and regulations thereunder have been
obtained or waived.
 
                                      20
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
  The selected financial data should be read in conjunction with the
historical financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere herein
and in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations." As discussed herein and in the notes to the
accompanying consolidated financial statements, on August 29, 1997, effective
September 1, 1997 for accounting purposes, The Hearst Corporation ("Hearst")
contributed its television broadcast group and related broadcast operations,
Hearst Broadcast Group, to Argyle Television, Inc. ("Argyle") and merged the
wholly-owned subsidiary of Hearst with and into Argyle, with Argyle as the
surviving corporation (renamed Hearst-Argyle Television, Inc., "Hearst-Argyle"
or the "Company") (the "Hearst Transaction"). The merger was accounted for as
a purchase of Argyle by Hearst in a reverse acquisition. The presentation of
the historical consolidated financial statements prior to September 1, 1997
reflects the combined financial statements of the Hearst Broadcast Group, the
accounting acquiror. Effective June 1, 1998, the Company exchanged its WDTN
and WNAC stations with STC Broadcasting, Inc. and certain related entities
(collectively "STC") for KSBW, the NBC affiliate serving the Monterey--
Salinas, CA, television market, and WPTZ/WNNE, the NBC affiliates serving the
Plattsburgh, NY--Burlington, VT, television market (the "STC Swap") (see Note
3 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements). On January 5, 1999,
effective January 1, 1999 for accounting purposes, the Company acquired,
through a merger transaction, all of the partnership interests in Kelly
Broadcasting Co. and Kelleproductions, Inc. (the "Kelly Transaction") (see
Note 18 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements). On March 18,
1999, the Company acquired the nine television and five radio stations
("Pulitzer Broadcasting Company") of Pulitzer Publishing Company (the
"Pulitzer Merger") (see Note 18 of the notes to the consolidated financial
statements). The pro forma consolidated financial data for the year ended
December 31, 1998 has been prepared as if the STC Swap, the Kelly Transaction,
the Pulitzer Merger and the financings (the Credit Facility and the Offerings
(see Notes 6 and 9 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements)) had
been completed as of January 1, 1998. Such pro forma data is not necessarily
indicative of the actual results that would have occurred nor of results that
may occur.
 
                                      21
<PAGE>
 
                         HEARST-ARGYLE TELEVISION, INC.
                     (In thousands, except per share data)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        Years Ended December 31,
                          -------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           Pro
                                           Historical                     Forma
                          ---------------------------------------------  --------
                            1994     1995     1996    1997(a)   1998(b)  1998(c)
                          -------- -------- -------- --------  --------  --------
<S>                       <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>
Statement of income
 data:
Total revenues..........  $259,459 $279,340 $283,971 $333,661  $407,313  $731,029
Station operating
 expenses...............   106,281  117,535  121,501  142,096   173,880   323,610
Amortization of program
 rights.................    40,266   38,619   40,297   40,129    42,344    63,930
Depreciation and
 amortization...........    23,071   22,134   16,971   22,924    36,420   127,688
                          -------- -------- -------- --------  --------  --------
Station operating
 income.................    89,841  101,052  105,202  128,512   154,669   215,801
Corporate expenses......     8,007    7,857    7,658    9,527    12,635    15,800
                          -------- -------- -------- --------  --------  --------
Operating income........    81,834   93,195   97,544  118,985   142,034   200,001
Interest expense, net...    22,678   22,218   21,235   32,484    39,555   124,138
                          -------- -------- -------- --------  --------  --------
Income before income
 taxes and extraordinary
 item...................    59,156   70,977   76,309   86,501   102,479    75,863
Income taxes............    25,265   30,182   31,907   35,363    42,796    36,414
                          -------- -------- -------- --------  --------  --------
Income before
 extraordinary item.....    33,891   40,795   44,402   51,138    59,683    39,449
Extraordinary item (d)..       --       --       --   (16,212)  (10,826)      --
                          -------- -------- -------- --------  --------  --------
Net income..............    33,891   40,795   44,402   34,926    48,857    39,449
Less preferred stock
 dividends (e)..........       --       --       --      (711)   (1,422)   (1,422)
                          -------- -------- -------- --------  --------  --------
Income applicable to
 common stockholders....  $ 33,891 $ 40,795 $ 44,402 $ 34,215  $ 47,435  $ 38,027
                          ======== ======== ======== ========  ========  ========
Income per common
 share--basic:
Income before
 extraordinary item.....  $   0.82 $   0.99 $   1.08 $   1.13  $   1.09  $   0.42
                          ======== ======== ======== ========  ========  ========
Net income..............  $   0.82 $   0.99 $   1.08 $   0.77  $   0.89  $   0.42
                          ======== ======== ======== ========  ========  ========
Number of shares used in
 the calculation (f)....    41,299   41,299   41,299   44,632    53,483    90,580
                          ======== ======== ======== ========  ========  ========
Income per common
 share--diluted:
Income before
 extraordinary item.....  $   0.82 $   0.99 $   1.08 $   1.13  $   1.08  $   0.42
                          ======== ======== ======== ========  ========  ========
Net income..............  $   0.82 $   0.99 $   1.08 $   0.77  $   0.88  $   0.42
                          ======== ======== ======== ========  ========  ========
Number of shares used in
 the calculation (f)....    41,299   41,299   41,299   44,674    53,699    90,796
                          ======== ======== ======== ========  ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
See notes on the following pages.
 
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
 
                         HEARST-ARGYLE TELEVISION, INC.
 
                     (In thousands, except per share data)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            Years Ended December 31,
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Historical                          Pro Forma
                          -----------------------------------------------------  ----------
                            1994       1995      1996      1997(a)     1998(b)     1998(c)
                          ---------  --------  --------  ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                       <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>         <C>         <C>
Other data:
Broadcast cash flow
 (g)....................  $ 113,999  $123,038  $117,947  $  150,972  $  190,486  $  346,271
Broadcast cash flow
 margin (h).............       43.9%     44.0%     41.5%       45.2%       46.8%       47.4%
Operating cash flow
 (i)....................  $ 108,749  $117,087  $109,457  $  141,445  $  177,851  $  330,471
Operating cash flow
 margin (j).............       41.9%     41.9%     38.5%       42.4%       43.7%       45.2%
After-tax cash flow
 (k)....................  $  56,962  $ 62,929  $ 61,373  $   74,062  $   96,103  $  167,137
Cash flow provided by
 operating activities...  $  44,460  $ 61,185  $ 65,801  $   67,689  $  133,638  $  208,675
Cash flow used in
 investing activities...  $  (8,430) $ (8,621) $ (7,764) $ (131,973) $  (47,531)    (m)
Cash flow provided by
 (used in) financing
 activities.............  $ (33,584) $(52,020) $(58,145) $   74,161  $  282,114     (m)
Capital expenditures....  $   8,430  $  8,621  $  7,764  $   21,897  $   22,722         N/A
Program payments........  $  39,179  $ 38,767  $ 44,523  $   40,593  $   42,947  $   61,148
Balance sheet data (at
 year end):
Cash and cash
 equivalents............  $   2,446  $  2,990  $  2,882  $   12,759  $  380,980  $    8,215
Total assets............  $ 387,984  $385,406  $366,956  $1,044,482  $1,421,140  $3,920,002
Total debt (including
 current portion).......        N/A       N/A       N/A  $  490,000  $  842,596  $1,712,596
Divisional/Stockholders'
 equity (l).............  $ 283,988  $272,762  $259,020  $  326,654  $  324,390  $1,291,132
</TABLE>
 
See notes on the following pages.
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
 
                       NOTES TO SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
(a) The Hearst Transaction was consummated on August 29, 1997. The selected
    financial data includes results from (i) WCVB, WTAE, WBAL, WISN, KMBC and
    WDTN for the entire period presented; (ii) WAPT, KITV, KHBS/KHOG, WLWT,
    KOCO and the Company's share of the 1996 Joint Marketing and Programming
    Agreement relating to the television station WNAC/WPRI with the owner of
    another television station in the same market (the "Clear Channel
    Venture") from September 1 through December 31, 1997; and, (iii)
    management fees derived by the Company from WWWB, WPBF, KCWE and WBAL-AM
    and WIYY-FM (the "Managed Stations") from September 1 through December 31,
    1997.
(b) Includes results from (i) WAPT, KITV, KHBS/KHOG, WLWT, KOCO, WCVB, WTAE,
    WBAL, WISN and KMBC for the entire period presented; (ii) fees derived by
    the Company from the Managed Stations for the entire period presented;
    and, (iii) WDTN and the Company's share of the Clear Channel Venture
    (WNAC/WPRI) from January 1, through May 31, 1998 and KSBW and WPTZ/WNNE
    from June 1 through December 31, 1998.
(c) Includes the results of operations of Argyle, the Hearst Broadcast Group,
    the management fees derived by the Company from the Managed Stations,
    Kelly Broadcasting Co., Kelleproductions, Inc. and Pulitzer Broadcasting
    Company on a combined pro forma basis as if the STC Swap, the Kelly
    Transaction and the Pulitzer Merger had occurred at the beginning of the
    period presented.
(d) Represents the write-off of unamortized financing costs and premiums paid
    upon early extinguishment of Hearst-Argyle debt.
(e) Gives effect to dividends on the Preferred Stock issued in connection with
    the acquisition of KHBS/KHOG.
(f) The number of shares used in the per share calculation reflects
    retroactively approximately 41.3 million shares received by Hearst in the
    Hearst Transaction for all periods prior to September 1, 1997.
(g) Broadcast cash flow is defined as station operating income, plus
    depreciation and amortization and write-down of intangible assets plus
    amortization of program rights, minus program payments. The Company has
    included broadcast cash flow data because management utilizes and believes
    that such data are commonly used as a measure of performance among
    companies in the broadcast industry. Broadcast cash flow is also
    frequently used by investors, analysts, valuation firms and lenders as one
    of the important determinants of underlying asset value. Broadcast cash
    flow should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to
    operating income (as determined in accordance with generally accepted
    accounting principles) as an indicator of the entity's operating
    performance, or to cash flow from operating activities (as determined in
    accordance with generally accepted accounting principles) as a measure of
    liquidity. This measure is believed to be, but may not be, comparable to
    similarly titled measures used by other companies.
(h) Broadcast cash flow margin is broadcast cash flow divided by total
    revenues, expressed as a percentage. This measure may not be comparable to
    similarly titled measures used by other companies.
(i) Operating cash flow is defined as operating income, plus depreciation and
    amortization, write-down of intangible assets and amortization of program
    rights, minus program payments, plus non-cash compensation. The Company
    has included operating cash flow data, also known as EBITDA, because
    management utilizes and believes that such data are commonly used as a
    measure of performance among companies in the broadcast industry.
    Operating cash flow is also used by investors, analysts, rating agencies
    and lenders to measure a company's ability to service debt. Operating cash
    flow should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to
    operating income (as determined in accordance with generally accepted
    accounting principles) as an indicator of the entity's operating
    performance, or to cash flow from operating activities (as determined in
    accordance with generally accepted accounting principles) as a measure of
    liquidity. This measure is believed to be, but may not be, comparable to
    similarly titled measures used by other companies.
(j) Operating cash flow margin is operating cash flow divided by total
    revenues, expressed as a percentage. This measure may not be comparable to
    similarly titled measures used by other companies.
(k) After-tax cash flow is defined as income before extraordinary item plus
    depreciation and amortization. The Company has included after-tax cash
    flow data because management utilizes and believes that such data are
    commonly used by investors, analysts, rating agencies and lenders to
    measure a company's ability to service debt and as an alternative
    determinant of enterprise value. After-tax cash flow should not be
    considered in isolation or as an alternative to operating income (as
    determined in accordance with generally accepted
 
                                      24
<PAGE>
 
    accounting principles) as an indicator of the entity's operating
    performance, or to cash flow from operating activities (as determined in
    accordance with generally accepted accounting principles) as a measure of
    liquidity. This measure is believed to be, but may not be, comparable to
    similarly titled measures used by other companies.
(l) Divisional/Stockholders' equity includes net amounts due to Hearst and
    affiliates for the periods prior to September 1, 1997. Hearst-Argyle has
    not paid any dividends on its common stock since inception.
(m) The cash flow data for investing activities and financing activities is
    not determinable for pro forma purposes.
 
                                      25
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
        RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Results of Operations
 
  On August 29, 1997, effective September 1, 1997 for accounting purposes, The
Hearst Corporation ("Hearst") contributed its television broadcast group and
related broadcast operations (the "Hearst Broadcast Group") to Argyle
Television, Inc. ("Argyle") and merged a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hearst
with and into Argyle, with Argyle as the surviving corporation (renamed
"Hearst-Argyle Television, Inc.") (the "Company"). The merger transaction is
referred to as the "Hearst Transaction". The merger was accounted for as a
purchase of Argyle by Hearst in a reverse acquisition. In a reverse
acquisition, the accounting treatment differs from the legal form of the
transaction, as the continuing legal parent company (Argyle), is not assumed
to be the acquiror and the historical financial statements of the entity
become those of the accounting acquiror (Hearst Broadcast Group).
Consequently, the presentation of the Company's consolidated financial
statements prior to September 1, 1997 reflects the combined financial
statements of the Hearst Broadcast Group. In addition, the Company agreed to
provide management services with respect to WWWB, WPBF, KCWE and WBAL-AM and
WIYY-FM (the "Managed Stations"), three of which stations are owned by Hearst
and the other of which Hearst provides certain services to under a local
marketing agreement, in exchange for a management fee. See Note 13 of the
notes to the consolidated financial statements.
 
  Effective June 1, 1998, the Company exchanged its WDTN and WNAC stations
with STC Broadcasting, Inc. and certain related entities (collectively "STC")
for KSBW, the NBC affiliate serving the Monterey--Salinas, CA, television
market, and WPTZ/WNNE, the NBC affiliates serving the Plattsburgh, NY--
Burlington, VT, television market (the "STC Swap"). See Note 3 of the notes to
the consolidated financial statements.
 
  The following discussion of results of operations does not include the full-
year pro forma effects of the Hearst Transaction (for 1996 and 1997) or the
STC Swap (for 1996, 1997 and 1998).
 
  Results of operations for the year ended December 31, 1998 include: (i)
WCVB, WTAE, WBAL, WISN, KMBC, WAPT, KITV, KHBS/KHOG, WLWT, KOCO and management
fees derived by the Company from the Managed Stations for the entire period;
(ii) WDTN and the Company's share of the Clear Channel Venture (WNAC/WPRI)
from January 1 through May 31; and, (iii) KSBW and WPTZ/WNNE from June 1
through December 31. Results of operations for the year ended December 31,
1997 include: (i) the Hearst Broadcast Group for the entire period presented;
and, (ii) WAPT, KITV, KHBS/KHOG, WLWT, KOCO; the Company's share of the Clear
Channel Venture and management fees derived by the Company from the Managed
Stations from September 1 through December 31. Results of operations for the
year ended December 31, 1996 include the Hearst Broadcast Group for the entire
period.
 
 Year Ended December 31, 1998
 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 1997
 
  Total revenues. Total revenues in the year ended December 31, 1998 were
$407.3 million, as compared to $333.7 million in the year ended December 31,
1997, an increase of $73.6 million or 22.1%. The increase was primarily
attributable to (i) the Hearst Transaction and the net effect of the STC Swap,
which added $56.6 million and $3.1 million, respectively, to 1998 total
revenues and (ii) an increase in political advertising revenues of $15.6
million, which was offset by a decrease in national advertising revenues of
$3.7 million.
 
  Station operating expenses. Station operating expenses in the year ended
December 31, 1998 were $173.9 million, as compared to $142.1 million in the
year ended December 31, 1997, an increase of $31.8 million or 22.4%. The
increase was primarily attributable to the Hearst Transaction and to the net
effect of the STC Swap, which added $28.4 million and $1.2 million,
respectively, to 1998 station operating expenses.
 
  Amortization of program rights. Amortization of program rights in the year
ended December 31, 1998 was $42.3 million, as compared to $40.1 million in the
year ended December 31, 1997, an increase of $2.2 million or 5.5%. The
increase is primarily attributable to (i) the Hearst Transaction and (ii) new
programs purchased for
 
                                      26
<PAGE>
 
favorable time-slots (late fringe time periods) in certain central time zone
markets which added $3.3 million and $ 0.4 million, respectively, to
amortization of program rights during 1998. This increase was offset by a
decrease in amortization of program rights of (i) $0.7 million due to the net
effect of the STC Swap and (ii) $1 million due to lower cost replacement
programming in several markets.
 
  Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization of intangible
assets was $36.4 million in the year ended December 31, 1998, as compared to
$22.9 million in the year ended December 31, 1997, an increase of
approximately $13.5 million or 59%. This increase is primarily attributable to
the Hearst Transaction which added $12.8 million to 1998 depreciation and
amortization expense.
 
  Station operating income. Station operating income in the year ended
December 31, 1998 was $154.7 million, compared to $128.5 million in the year
ended December 31, 1997, an increase of $26.2 million or 20.4%, due to the
items discussed above.
 
  Corporate general and administrative expenses. Corporate general and
administrative expenses were $12.6 million in the year ended December 31,
1998, compared to $9.5 million in the year ended December 31, 1997, an
increase of $3.1 million or 32.6%. The increase was attributable to the
increase in corporate staff following the Hearst Transaction and other costs
associated with the Hearst Transaction.
 
  Interest expense, net. Interest expense, net was $39.6 in the year ended
December 31, 1998, as compared to $32.5 million in the year ended December 31,
1997, an increase of $7.1 million or 21.8%. This increase in interest expense,
net was attributable to a larger outstanding debt balance in 1998 than in
1997, which was the result of the Hearst Transaction. In addition, interest
expense, net was decreased in the year ended December 31, 1998 due to
approximately $0.9 million in interest income recorded relating to the note
receivable from the STC Swap. See Note 3 of the notes to the consolidated
financial statements.
 
  Income taxes. Income tax expense was $42.8 million for the year ended
December 31, 1998, as compared to $35.4 million for the year ended December
31, 1997, an increase of $7.4 million of 20.9%. The effective rate was 41.8%
for the year ended December 31, 1998 as compared to 40.9% for the year ended
December 31, 1997. This represents federal and state income taxes as
calculated on the Company's income before income taxes and extraordinary item
for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997. The increase in the effective
rate relates primarily to the non-tax-deductible goodwill amortization related
to the Hearst Transaction and the increase in the state and local income tax
provision.
 
  Extraordinary item. The Company recorded an extraordinary item of $10.8
million net of the related income tax benefit, in 1998. This extraordinary
item resulted from an early repayment of $102.4 million of the Company's
Senior Subordinated Notes. The extraordinary item includes the write-off of
unamortized deferred financing costs associated with the Senior Subordinated
Notes, the payment of a premium for the early repayment and the related
expenses incurred.
 
  Net income. Net income totaled $48.9 million in the year ended December 31,
1998 compared to $34.9 million in the year ended December 31, 1997 an increase
of $14 million or 40.1%, due to the items discussed above.
 
  Broadcast Cash Flow. Broadcast cash flow totaled $190.5 million in the year
ended December 31, 1998 as compared to $151 million in the year ended December
31, 1997, an increase of $39.5 million or 26.2%. The increase in broadcast
cash flow resulted primarily from (i) the Hearst Transaction and the STC Swap
which added $24.7 million and $2.6 million, respectively, to broadcast cash
flow during 1998 and (ii) an increase in political advertising revenues of
$15.6 million period to period which was partially offset by a decrease in
national advertising of $3.7 million period to period. Broadcast cash flow
margin increased to 46.8% in 1998 from 45.2% in 1997. Broadcast cash flow is
defined as station operating income, plus depreciation and amortization and
write-down of intangible assets plus amortization of program rights, and minus
program payments. The Company has included broadcast cash flow data because
management utilizes and believes that such data are commonly
 
                                      27
<PAGE>
 
used as a measure of performance among companies in the broadcast industry.
Broadcast cash flow is also frequently used by investors, analysts, valuation
firms and lenders as one of the important determinants of underlying asset
value. Broadcast cash flow should not be considered in isolation or as an
alternative to operating income (as determined in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles) as an indicator of the entity's operating
performance, or to cash flow from operating activities (as determined in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles) as a measure of
liquidity. This measure is believed to be, but may not be, comparable to
similarly titled measures used by other companies.
 
  Year Ended December 31, 1997
  Compared to Year Ended December 31, 1996
 
  Total revenues. Total revenues in the year ended December 31, 1997 were
$333.7 million, as compared to $284 million in the year ended December 31,
1996, an increase of $49.7 million or 17.5%. The increase was primarily
attributable to the Hearst Transaction which added $33.5 million to 1997 total
revenues. In addition, certain Hearst Broadcast Group stations experienced:
(i) an increase in local and to a lesser degree national advertising which
added $13.9 million to the 1997 period and (ii) an increase in trade and
barter revenues, which added $2.4 million to the 1997 period.
 
  Station operating expenses. Station operating expenses in the year ended
December 31, 1997 were $142.1 million, as compared to $121.5 million in the
year ended December 31, 1996, an increase of $20.6 million or 17%. The
increase was primarily attributable to the Hearst Transaction, which added
$17.2 million to station operating expenses during 1997. In addition, the
Hearst Broadcast Group experienced an increase in trade and barter expenses,
which added $2.4 million to the 1997 period.
 
  Amortization of program rights. Amortization of program rights in the year
ended December 31, 1997 was $40.1 million, as compared to $40.3 million in the
year ended December 31, 1996, a decrease of $0.2 million or 0.5%. The decrease
was primarily attributable to a decrease of $1.4 million in Hearst Broadcast
Group amortization of program rights due to: (i) the replacement of certain
programming at lower costs in multiple Hearst Broadcast Group markets and (ii)
the renegotiations of a certain programming contract at a lower rate. This was
offset by the Hearst Transaction, which added $1.3 million to amortization of
program rights during 1997.
 
  Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization of intangible
assets was $22.9 million in the year ended December 31, 1997, as compared to
$17 million in the year ended December 31, 1996, an increase of $5.9 million
or 34.7%. The increase was primarily attributable to the Hearst Transaction,
which added $7.3 million to depreciation and amortization of intangibles
during 1997. This was offset by a decrease in amortization of $1.3 million due
to a portion of the intangible assets that became fully amortized during 1996.
 
  Station operating income. Station operating income in the year ended
December 31, 1997 was $128.5 million, as compared to $105.2 million in the
year ended December 31, 1996, an increase of $23.3 million or 22.1%. The
station operating income increase was due to the items discussed above.
 
  Corporate general and administrative expenses. Corporate general and
administrative expenses were $9.5 million in the year ended December 31, 1997,
as compared to $7.7 million in the year ended December 31, 1996, an increase
of $1.8 million or 23.4%. The increase was attributable to the increase in
corporate staff following the Hearst Transaction and other costs associated
with the Hearst Transaction.
 
  Interest expense, net. Interest expense, net was $32.5 million in the year
ended December 31, 1997, as compared to $21.2 million in the year ended
December 31, 1996, an increase of $11.3 million or 53.3%. This increase in
interest expense was primarily attributable to a larger outstanding debt
balance in 1997 than in 1996, which was the result of the Hearst Transaction.
 
  Income taxes. Income tax expense was $35.4 million in the year ended
December 31, 1997, as compared to $31.9 million in the year ended December 31,
1996, an increase of $3.5 million or 11%. The effective rate
 
                                      28
<PAGE>
 
was 40.9% in the year ended December 31, 1997 as compared to 41.8% in the year
ended December 31, 1996. This represents federal and state income taxes as
calculated on the Company's income before income taxes and extraordinary item
in the year ended December 31, 1997 and 1996. The decrease in the effective
rate relates primarily to the decrease in non-deductible amortization of
intangible assets described above.
 
  Extraordinary item. The Company recorded an extraordinary item of $16.2
million, net of the related income tax benefit, in 1997. This extraordinary
item resulted from a refinancing of the Company's $275 million private
placement debt (assumed in connection with the Hearst Transaction) and $45
million of the Company's Senior Subordinated Notes in December 1997. The
extraordinary item includes the write-off of the pro rata portion of the
unamortized financing costs associated with the Senior Subordinated Notes and
the payment of a premium for both refinancings.
 
  Net income. Net income was $34.9 million in the year ended December 31,
1997, as compared to $44.4 million in the year ended December 31, 1996, a
decrease of $9.5 million or 21.4%. This decrease was attributable primarily to
the extraordinary item, without which net income would have been $51.1
million, an increase of $6.7 million or 15.1%. This increase was attributable
to the items discussed above.
 
  Broadcast Cash Flow. Broadcast cash flow was $151 million in the year ended
December 31, 1997, as compared to $117.9 million in the year ended December
31, 1996, an increase of $33.1 million or 28.1%. The broadcast cash flow
increase resulted primarily from the Hearst Transaction, which added $14.5
million to broadcast cash flow during 1997. In addition, the increase was due
to an increase, at certain Hearst Broadcast Group stations, in local and to a
lesser degree national advertising. Broadcast cash flow margin increased to
45.2% in 1997 from 41.5% in 1996. Broadcast cash flow is defined as station
operating income, plus depreciation and amortization and write-down of
intangible assets plus amortization of program rights, and minus program
payments. The Company has included broadcast cash flow data because management
utilizes and believes such data are commonly used as a measure of performance
among companies in the broadcast industry. Broadcast cash flow is also
frequently used by investors, analysts, valuation firms and lenders as one of
the important determinants of underlying asset value. Broadcast cash flow
should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to operating income
(as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles) as
an indicator of the entity's operating performance, or to cash flow from
operating activities (as determined in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles) as a measure of liquidity. This measure is believed to
be, but may not be, comparable to similarly titled measures used by other
companies.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
  Upon completion of the Hearst Transaction on August 29, 1997, the Company
entered into a $1 billion syndicated credit facility with Chase Manhattan Bank
(the "Credit Facility"). As of December 31, 1998, there was no amount
outstanding under the Credit Facility. The Company may borrow amounts under
the Credit Facility from time to time for additional acquisitions, capital
expenditures and working capital, subject to the satisfaction of certain
conditions on the date of borrowing.
 
  On January 5, 1999, effective January 1, 1999 for accounting purposes, the
Company acquired through a merger transaction all of the partnership interests
in Kelly Broadcasting Co. ("Kelly Broadcasting") for approximately $520
million and substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of
Kelleproductions, Inc. for approximately $10 million. See Note 18 of the notes
to the consolidated financial statements. In connection with this transaction,
the Company issued $340 million and $110 million in senior notes (the "Private
Placement Debt") in December 1998 and January 1999, respectively. The
remainder of the purchase price was funded using a combination of borrowings
under the existing Credit Facility and available cash. See Notes 6 and 18 of
the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
 
  On March 18, 1999, the Company acquired the nine television and five radio
stations ("Pulitzer Broadcasting Company") of Pulitzer Publishing Co.
("Pulitzer") in a merger transaction. In connection with this transaction, the
Company issued 37,096,774 shares of Series A Common Stock to Pulitzer
shareholders and
 
                                      29
<PAGE>
 
assumed $700 million in debt. The Company borrowed approximately $715 million
under the Credit Facility to refinance the assumed debt and pay related
transaction expenses. See Note 18 of the notes to the consolidated financial
statements.
 
  These borrowings will increase the Company's interest expense by
approximately $85 million per year. The Company anticipates that, based upon
1998 earnings levels of Pulitzer Broadcasting Company and Kelly Broadcasting,
the increase in interest expense and amortization of intangible assets will
result in a decrease in the combined income before extraordinary item of the
Company, Pulitzer Broadcasting Company and Kelly Broadcasting of approximately
$20 million. However, such increase in interest expense will be funded from
the increase in cash flow from operations due to the Pulitzer and Kelly
Broadcasting transactions.
 
  The Company will implement an employee stock purchase plan (the "Stock
Purchase Plan") during the second quarter of 1999. The Stock Purchase Plan
will allow employees to purchase shares of the Company's Series A Common Stock
through after-tax payroll deductions. The Company reserved and made available
for issuance and purchase under the Stock Purchase Plan 5,000,000 shares of
Series A Common Stock. The Stock Purchase Plan is intended to comply with the
provisions of Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
 
  The Company anticipates it will issue shares of the Company's common stock
to Hearst for $100 million prior to July 1, 1999 to avail itself of certain
more favorable leverage covenants contained in the Company's Private Placement
Debt agreements, more favorable interest rates under the Credit Facility and
to position the Company for growth. The fair market value of any shares to be
issued to Hearst pursuant to this equity issuance would be the value per share
on the date of each issuance as determined by the Company's Board of Directors
and by a committee of the Company's independent directors. If completed, the
Company would apply the proceeds of this equity issuance to the repayment of a
portion of the outstanding balance under its Credit Facility. The equity
issuance is not required by the terms of the Private Placement Debt or the
Credit Facility and there can be no assurance that such issuance will occur.
 
  Capital expenditures were $21.9 million and $22.7 million in 1997 and 1998,
respectively. The Company invested approximately $8.8 million in special
projects/buildings including its new station facility at WLWT, approximately
$3.9 million in digital conversion projects at various stations and $10
million in maintenance projects, during 1998.
 
  The Company anticipates that its primary sources of cash, those being,
current cash balances, operating cash flow and amounts available under the
Credit Facility, will be sufficient to finance the operating and working
capital requirements of its stations, the Company's debt service requirements
and anticipated capital expenditures of the Company for both the next 12
months and the foreseeable future thereafter.
 
Impact of Inflation
 
  The impact of inflation on the Company's operations has not been significant
to date. There can be no assurance, however, that a high rate of inflation in
the future would not have an adverse impact on the Company's operating
results.
 
Forward-Looking Statements
 
  This report contains certain forward-looking statements concerning the
Company's operations, economic performance and financial condition. These
statements are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates which are
inherently subject to uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are
beyond the control of the Company, and reflect future business decisions which
are subject to change. Some of the assumptions may not materialize and
unanticipated events may occur which can affect the Company's results.
 
 
                                      30
<PAGE>
 
Year 2000 Readiness Disclosure
 
 State Of Readiness
 
  The Company has undertaken various initiatives intended to ensure that its
information assets ("IT Assets") and non-IT Assets with embedded
microprocessors will function properly with respect to dates in the Year 2000
and thereafter. The Company has implemented a comprehensive plan (the "Plan")
including the following phases: (i) the identification of mission-critical
operating systems and applications and the inventory of all hardware and
software at risk of being date sensitive to Year 2000 related problems
(collectively, "Year 2000 problems"); (ii) assessment and evaluation of these
systems including prioritization; (iii) modification, upgrading and
replacement of the affected systems; and, (iv) compliance testing of the
systems. The Plan's goal is either to certify systems as Year 2000 compliant
or to determine and fund the correction of the affected systems. To achieve
this goal, the Company has established Year 2000 teams that are responsible
for analyzing the Year 2000 impact on operations and for formulating
appropriate strategies to overcome and resolve the Year 2000 problems.
 
  To date, significant progress on each of the four phases of the Plan has
been made. The status of the Plan's completion is as follows:
 
    (i) The Company has identified all mission-critical operating systems. As
  of March 22, 1999, approximately 85% of the inventory phase of the Plan has
  been completed and the Company expects to complete this phase by early
  April 1999.
 
    (ii) As of March 22, 1999, the Company has completed approximately 80% of
  the assessment and evaluation phase of the systems inventoried. The Company
  expects to complete this phase of the Plan by the end of April 1999. This
  phase includes inquiring formally into the Year 2000 readiness of the
  Company's third-party vendors, suppliers and service providers to determine
  the impact of the Year 2000 on the technology they have supplied and their
  plans to address any potential Year 2000 problems. The Company has received
  responses from approximately 70% of the companies identified.
 
    (iii) As of March 22, 1999, the Company has completed approximately 70%
  of the phase which entails modification, upgrade and replacement of
  affected systems. The Company continues to identify systems that require
  remediation and replacement and will schedule the repair or replacement of
  non-compliant systems as they are identified. Completion of this phase
  which entails modification, upgrade and replacement to affected systems is
  expected to occur by the end of the third quarter in 1999.
 
    (iv) As of March 22, 1999, the Company has completed approximately 90% of
  the compliance-testing for systems modified, upgraded or replaced. The
  compliance testing phase of the Plan is expected to be completed by the end
  of the third quarter in 1999.
 
 Year 2000 Costs
 
  The majority of costs associated with the Company's Year 2000 problems have
been and are expected to be for fully depreciated and obsolete systems that
were scheduled for replacement prior to the Year 2000. These replacement
systems were installed to provide users with enhanced capabilities and
functionality, not solely to bring systems into Year 2000 compliance. The
Company has spent approximately $1.8 million on these replacement systems.
Through December 31, 1998, the Company has spent approximately $0.3 million
for systems with accelerated replacement schedules due to Year 2000 problems
and approximately $0.1 million for remediation of equipment and systems with
Year 2000 problems.
 
  The Company expects to spend approximately $2.5 million for scheduled
replacement systems, approximately $0.9 million for systems with accelerated
replacement schedules due to Year 2000 problems and approximately $0.8 million
for remediation of equipment and systems with Year 2000 problems. This
estimate assumes that third-party suppliers have accurately assessed the
compliance of their products and that they will successfully correct the issue
in non-compliant products. Because of the complexity of correcting Year 2000
problems, actual costs may vary from these estimates.
 
 
                                      31
<PAGE>
 
 Contingency Plans
 
  The Company is developing Year 2000 contingency plans. These contingency
plans include specific instructions to enable stations to continue operations
should mission-critical systems become inoperable as a result of Year 2000
problems. The framework of the contingency plans have been circulated to all
stations and are being modified by each station to reflect internal
procedures. Various simulated exercises will be conducted to verify the
contingency plan's effectiveness. The contingency plans include performing
certain processes, as well as developing alternative procedures should third
party services be unavailable. The Company believes that due to the pervasive
nature of potential Year 2000 problems, the contingency planning process is an
ongoing one that will require further modification as the Company obtains
additional information regarding (i) the Company's internal systems and
equipment during the remediation and testing phases of its Year 2000 program
and (ii) the status of third-party Year 2000 readiness.
 
 Acquisitions
 
  The Company has inquired into the Year 2000 readiness of the Pulitzer and
Kelly Broadcasting stations (See Note 18 of the notes to the consolidated
financial statements). An assessment has been made of the Pulitzer
Broadcasting Company and Kelly Broadcasting systems, and systems potentially
affected by Year 2000 problems have been identified. Included are systems
which were fully depreciated, obsolete and scheduled for replacement. The
Company expects to spend approximately $0.6 million for systems whose
replacement schedule was accelerated and approximately $0.2 million for
remediation of equipment and systems with Year 2000 problems. However, because
of the complexity of correcting Year 2000 problems, actual costs may vary from
this estimate. The Company is prepared to fund remediation projects for the
Pulitzer Broadcasting Company and Kelly Broadcasting stations. The evaluation
of all systems and third-party dependencies is ongoing.
 
 Possible Consequences of Year 2000 Problems
 
  The Company believes that completed and planned modifications and
conversions of its internal systems and equipment will allow it to be Year
2000 compliant in a timely manner. There can be no assurance, however, that
the Company's internal systems or equipment or those of third parties on which
the Company relies will be Year 2000 compliant or that the Company's or third
parties contingency plans will mitigate the effect of any noncompliance. The
failure of the systems or equipment of the Company or third parties (which the
Company believes is the most reasonable likely worst case scenario) could
effect the broadcast of advertisements and programming and could have a
material effect on the Company's business or consolidated financial
statements.
 
New Accounting Pronouncements
 
  In April 1998, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
("AICPA") issued Statement of Position ("SOP") No. 98-5, Reporting on the
Costs of Start-Up Activities ("SOP 98-5"). SOP 98-5 requires that entities
expense start-up costs and organization costs as they are incurred. In March
1998, the AICPA issued SOP No. 98-1, Accounting for the costs of computer
software developed or obtained for internal use ("SOP 98-1"). SOP 98-1 was
issued to remedy the diversity in the approaches to accounting for internal-
use software by providing guidance on expensing versus capitalization of
costs, accounting for the costs incurred in the upgrading and amortization of
capitalized software costs. These statements are effective for fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 1998. The Company's accounting practices are in
compliance with these statements.
 
  In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 133,
"Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" ("SFAS 133"),
which becomes effective for the Company's consolidated financial statements
for the year ending December 31, 2000. SFAS 133 requires that derivative
instruments be measured at fair value and recognized as assets or liabilities
in a company's statement of financial position. Based on the Company's current
use of derivative instruments and hedging activities, the adoption of this
statement will not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated
financial statements.
 
                                      32
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 7a. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
  The Company has long-term debt obligations and interest-rate swap agreements
at December 31, 1998 that are sensitive to changes in interest rates. See Notes
2 and 6 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
 
  For long-term debt obligations, the following table presents cash flows and
weighted average interest rates by expected maturity dates.
 
                  Expected Maturities as of December 31, 1998
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        Fair
                                        1999-2003 Thereafter  Total    Value
                                        --------- ---------- -------- --------
                                                    (In thousands)
     <S>                                <C>       <C>        <C>      <C>
     Long-term debt:
      Fixed rate
       Senior Notes....................     --     $500,000  $500,000 $516,842
       Senior Subordinated Notes.......     --     $  2,596  $  2,596 $  2,939
       Private Placement Debt..........     --     $340,000  $340,000 $350,531
       Annualized weighted average
        interest rate..................                 7.7%
</TABLE>
 
  The Company has entered into two interest-rate swap agreements to modify the
interest characteristics of its outstanding debt. These agreements involve the
exchange of amounts based on a fixed interest rate for amounts based on
variable interest rates over the life of the agreement without an exchange of
the notional amount upon which the payments are based and will terminate in
June 1999. The notional amounts used to calculate the contractual payments to
be exchanged under the interest-rate swap agreements are $20 million and $15
million. The weighted average payment rate is 7% and the average receive rate
is LIBOR. The estimated fair value of these interest-rate swap agreements at
December 31, 1998 is $321,170.
 
ITEM 8. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
 
                    INDEX TO HISTORICAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          Page
                                                                          ----
<S>                                                                       <C>
Hearst-Argyle Television, Inc.
Report of Deloitte & Touche LLP..........................................  34
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1997 and 1998.............  35
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 1996,
 1997 and 1998...........................................................  36
Consolidated Statements of Divisional/Stockholders' Equity for the Years
 Ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998..................................  37
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31,
 1996, 1997 and 1998.....................................................  38
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements...............................  40
</TABLE>
 
                                       33
<PAGE>
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
 
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of
Hearst-Argyle Television, Inc.
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Hearst-Argyle
Television, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 1998 and
1997, and the related consolidated statements of income,
divisional/stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended December 31, 1998. Our audits also included the financial
statement schedule listed in Item 14. These consolidated financial statements
and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated
financial statements and financial statement schedule 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, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 1998
and 1997, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 1998 in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement
schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial
statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the
information set forth therein.
 
Deloitte & Touche LLP
 
New York, New York
February 19, 1999
(March 18, 1999 as to Note 18)
 
                                      34
<PAGE>
 
                         HEARST-ARGYLE TELEVISION, INC.
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       December 31, December 31,
                                                           1997         1998
                                                       ------------ ------------
                                                            (In thousands,
                                                          except share data)
<S>                                                    <C>          <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
 Cash and cash equivalents...........................   $   12,759   $  380,980
 Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful
  accounts of $2,204 and $2,026 in 1997
  and 1998, respectively.............................       89,988       91,608
 Program and barter rights...........................       35,737       35,408
 Deferred income taxes...............................        5,975        2,166
 Related party receivable............................        3,695          --
 Other...............................................        5,396        5,087
 Net assets held for sale............................       72,019          --
                                                        ----------   ----------
   Total current assets..............................      225,569      515,249
                                                        ----------   ----------
Property, plant and equipment:
 Land, building and improvements.....................       31,901       43,325
 Broadcasting equipment..............................      120,747      154,013
 Office furniture, equipment and other...............       19,233       18,177
 Construction in progress............................       16,128       17,594
                                                        ----------   ----------
                                                           188,009      233,109
 Less accumulated depreciation.......................      (90,205)    (103,496)
                                                        ----------   ----------
Property, plant and equipment, net...................       97,804      129,613
                                                        ----------   ----------
Intangible assets, net...............................      661,326      711,409
                                                        ----------   ----------
Other assets:
 Deferred acquisition and financing costs, net of
  accumulated amortization of $2,952 and $2,843
  in 1997 and 1998, respectively.....................       28,693       31,302
 Program and barter rights, noncurrent...............        3,511        3,584
 Other...............................................       27,579       29,983
                                                        ----------   ----------
   Total other assets................................       59,783       64,869
                                                        ----------   ----------
   Total assets......................................   $1,044,482   $1,421,140
                                                        ==========   ==========
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
 Accounts payable....................................   $    4,469   $    5,094
 Accrued liabilities.................................       31,952       36,053
 Program and barter rights payable...................       35,769       35,411
 Related party payable...............................          --        12,218
 Other...............................................           51        1,692
                                                        ----------   ----------
   Total current liabilities.........................       72,241       90,468
                                                        ----------   ----------
 
Program and barter rights payable....................        4,923        3,752
Long-term debt.......................................      490,000      842,596
Deferred income taxes................................      150,274      158,449
Other liabilities....................................          390        1,485
                                                        ----------   ----------
   Total noncurrent liabilities......................      645,587    1,006,282
                                                        ----------   ----------
 
Commitments and contingencies
 
Stockholders' equity:
Series A preferred stock, 10,938 shares issued and
 outstanding in 1997 and 1998........................            1            1
Series B preferred stock, 10,938 shares issued and
 outstanding in 1997 and 1998........................            1            1
Series A common stock, par value $.01 per share,
 100,000,000 shares authorized in 1997 and 1998
 and 12,529,154 issued and outstanding in 1997 and
 12,574,872 shares issued in 1998....................          125          126
Series B common stock, par value $.01 per share,
 100,000,000 shares authorized in 1997 and 1998
 and 41,298,648 shares issued and outstanding in 1997
 and 1998............................................          413          413
Additional paid-in capital...........................      202,152      203,105
Retained earnings....................................      123,962      171,397
Treasury stock, at cost, 1,736,515 shares of Series A
 common stock in 1998................................          --       (50,653)
                                                        ----------   ----------
   Total stockholders' equity........................      326,654      324,390
                                                        ----------   ----------
   Total liabilities and stockholders' equity........   $1,044,482   $1,421,140
                                                        ==========   ==========
</TABLE>
 
                See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                       35
<PAGE>
 
                         HEARST-ARGYLE TELEVISION, INC.
 
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    Years Ended December 31,
                                                   ---------------------------
                                                     1996     1997      1998
                                                   -------- --------  --------
                                                   (In thousands, except per
                                                          share data)
<S>                                                <C>      <C>       <C>
Total revenues.................................... $283,971 $333,661  $407,313
Station operating expenses........................  121,501  142,096   173,880
Amortization of program rights....................   40,297   40,129    42,344
Depreciation and amortization.....................   16,971   22,924    36,420
                                                   -------- --------  --------
Station operating income..........................  105,202  128,512   154,669
Corporate general and administrative expenses.....    7,658    9,527    12,635
                                                   -------- --------  --------
Operating income..................................   97,544  118,985   142,034
Interest expense, net.............................   21,235   32,484    39,555
                                                   -------- --------  --------
Income before income taxes and extraordinary
 item.............................................   76,309   86,501   102,479
Income taxes......................................   31,907   35,363    42,796
                                                   -------- --------  --------
Income before extraordinary item..................   44,402   51,138    59,683
Extraordinary item, loss on early retirement of
 debt, net of income tax benefit of $10,372 and
 $6,448 in 1997 and 1998, respectively............      --   (16,212)  (10,826)
                                                   -------- --------  --------
Net income........................................   44,402   34,926    48,857
Less preferred stock dividends....................      --      (711)   (1,422)
                                                   -------- --------  --------
Income applicable to common stockholders.......... $ 44,402 $ 34,215  $ 47,435
                                                   ======== ========  ========
Income per common share--basic:
  Before extraordinary item....................... $   1.08 $   1.13  $   1.09
  Extraordinary item..............................      --     (0.36)    (0.20)
                                                   -------- --------  --------
  Net income...................................... $   1.08 $   0.77  $   0.89
                                                   ======== ========  ========
  Number of common shares used in the
   calculation....................................   41,299   44,632    53,483
                                                   ======== ========  ========
Income per common share--diluted:
  Before extraordinary item....................... $   1.08 $   1.13  $   1.08
  Extraordinary item..............................      --     (0.36)    (0.20)
                                                   -------- --------  --------
  Net income...................................... $   1.08 $   0.77  $   0.88
                                                   ======== ========  ========
  Number of common shares used in the
   calculation....................................   41,299   44,674    53,699
                                                   ======== ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
 
 
                See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                       36
<PAGE>
 
                         HEARST-ARGYLE TELEVISION, INC.
 
           Consolidated Statements of Divisional/Stockholders' Equity
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          Common Stock                        Retained
                          -------------           Additional Earnings/
                          Series Series Preferred  Paid-In   Divisional Treasury
                            A      B      Stock    Capital     Equity    Stock     Total
                          ------ ------ --------- ---------- ---------- --------  --------
                                         (In thousands, except share data)
<S>                       <C>    <C>    <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>       <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balances at January 1,
 1996...................   $--    $413    $--      $    --    $272,349  $    --   $272,762
Transfers to Hearst and
 affiliated companies,
 net....................    --     --      --           --     (58,144)      --    (58,144)
Net income..............    --     --      --           --      44,402       --     44,402
                           ----   ----    ----     --------   --------  --------  --------
Balances at December 31,
 1996...................    --     413     --           --     258,607       --    259,020
Transfers to Hearst and
 affiliated
 companies, net.........    --     --      --           --    (168,860)      --   (168,860)
Net income                  --     --      --           --      34,926       --     34,926
Shares issued in
 connection with the
 Hearst Transaction.....     82    --        2       93,971        --        --     94,055
Issuance of 4,252,100
 shares of Series A
 Common Stock for cash..     43    --      --       108,181        --        --    108,224
Dividends paid on
 preferred stock........    --     --      --           --        (711)      --       (711)
                           ----   ----    ----     --------   --------  --------  --------
Balances at December 31,
 1997...................    125    413       2      202,152    123,962       --    326,654
Net income..............    --     --      --           --      48,857       --     48,857
Dividends paid on
 preferred stock........    --     --      --           --      (1,422)      --     (1,422)
Stock options
 exercised..............      1    --      --           897        --        --        898
Treasury stock purchased
 of Series A
 Common Stock (1,736,515
 shares)................    --     --      --           --         --    (50,653)  (50,653)
Other...................    --     --      --            56        --        --         56
                           ----   ----    ----     --------   --------  --------  --------
Balances at December 31,
 1998...................   $126   $413    $  2     $203,105   $171,397  $(50,653) $324,390
                           ====   ====    ====     ========   ========  ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
 
 
                See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                       37
<PAGE>
 
                         HEARST-ARGYLE TELEVISION, INC.
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    Years Ended December 31,
                                                    --------------------------
                                                     1996      1997     1998
                                                    -------  --------  -------
                                                         (In thousands)
<S>                                                 <C>      <C>       <C>
Operating Activities
Net income......................................... $44,402  $ 34,926  $48,857
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
 provided by operating activities:
  Extraordinary item, loss on early retirement of
   debt............................................      --    26,584   17,274
  Depreciation.....................................   6,677     8,405   14,317
  Amortization of intangible assets................  10,294    14,519   22,103
  Amortization of deferred financing costs.........      --       635    2,416
  Amortization of program rights...................  40,297    40,129   42,344
  Program payments................................. (44,523)  (40,593) (42,947)
  Other............................................     331        --       --
  Deferred income taxes............................     372    17,765    8,225
  Provision for doubtful accounts..................     989     1,316    1,119
  Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
    Accounts receivable............................   4,920   (15,250)    (149)
    Other assets...................................      76   (13,173)   2,164
    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities.......   3,197    (7,574)   6,092
    Other liabilities..............................  (1,231)       --   11,823
                                                    -------  --------  -------
Net cash provided by operating activities..........  65,801    67,689  133,638
                                                    -------  --------  -------
Investing Activities
Payment relating to the Hearst Transaction.........      --  (110,076)      --
Payment relating to the STC Swap...................      --        --  (22,084)
Acquisition costs..................................      --        --   (3,115)
Issuance of STC note receivable....................      --        --  (70,500)
Repayment of STC note receivable...................      --        --   70,500
Proceeds from sale of equipment....................      --        --      390
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment:
  Special projects / buildings.....................      --   (16,816)  (8,831)
  Digital..........................................      --        --   (3,892)
  Maintenance......................................  (7,764)   (5,081)  (9,999)
                                                    -------  --------  -------
Net cash used in investing activities..............  (7,764) (131,973) (47,531)
                                                    -------  --------  -------
</TABLE>
 
 
                See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                       38
<PAGE>
 
                         HEARST-ARGYLE TELEVISION, INC.
 
               CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              Years Ended December 31,
                                            ------------------------------
                                              1996      1997       1998
                                            --------  ---------  ---------
                                                   (In thousands)
<S>                                         <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>
Financing Activities
Financing costs and other.................. $    --   $ (19,868) $  (5,004)
Issuance of common stock, net..............      --     108,935         --
Issuance of Senior Notes...................      --     300,000    200,000
Repayment of Hearst Private Placement
 Debt......................................      --    (295,895)        --
Repayment of Senior Subordinated Notes.....      --     (49,388)  (116,705)
Dividends paid on preferred stock..........      --        (711)    (1,422)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt...      --     185,000     42,000
Repayment of long-term debt................      --    (155,000)  (127,000)
Issuance of Private Placement Debt.........      --         --     340,000
Exercise of stock options..................      --         --         898
Payment to acquire treasury stock..........      --         --     (50,653)
Due to Hearst..............................  (58,145)     1,088        --
                                            --------  ---------  ---------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing
 activities................................  (58,145)    74,161    282,114
                                            --------  ---------  ---------
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash
 equivalents...............................     (108)     9,877    368,221
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
 period....................................    2,990      2,882     12,759
                                            --------  ---------  ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of
 period.................................... $  2,882  $  12,759  $ 380,980
                                            ========  =========  =========
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
Business acquired in purchase transaction:
  Fair market value of assets acquired.....           $ 610,762  $  83,131
  Liabilities assumed......................            (333,903)      (735)
  Issuance of common stock.................            (166,783)        --
  Net carrying value of assets exchanged...                 --     (60,312)
                                                      ---------  ---------
  Net cash paid for acquisition............            $110,076  $  22,084
                                                      =========  =========
Non-cash investing and financing
 activities:
  Purchase of pension fund assets for
   stock...................................           $  25,101
                                                      =========
  Assumption of Hearst Private Placement
   Debt....................................           $ 275,000
                                                      =========
  Net purchase price valuation adjustment
   affecting equipment, intangible assets,
   deferred income taxes and working
   capital.................................                      $  12,736
                                                                 =========
Cash paid during the year for:
  Interest................................. $ 21,235  $  27,813  $  33,848
                                            ========  =========  =========
</TABLE>
 
 
                See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                       39
<PAGE>
 
                        HEARST-ARGYLE TELEVISION, INC.
 
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1. Nature of Operations
 
  Hearst-Argyle Television, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") owns and
operates twelve network-affiliated television stations in geographically
diverse markets in the United States, and provides management services to
three network-affiliated television stations and two radio stations (the
"Managed Stations"). Eight of the stations are affiliates of the American
Broadcasting Companies (ABC) and four stations are affiliates of the National
Broadcasting Company, Inc. (NBC). Based upon regular assessments of the
Company's operations performed by key management, the Company has determined
that its reportable segment is commercial television broadcasting. The
economic characteristics, services, production process, customer type and
distribution methods for the Company's twelve stations are substantially
similar and have therefore been aggregated as one reportable segment. See
Notes 2, 3 and 18.
 
2. Summary of Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates
 
Basis of Presentation
 
  On August 29, 1997, effective September 1, 1997 for accounting purposes, The
Hearst Corporation ("Hearst") contributed its television broadcast group and
related broadcast operations (the "Hearst Broadcast Group") to Argyle
Television, Inc. ("Argyle") and merged a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hearst
with and into Argyle, with Argyle as the surviving corporation (renamed
"Hearst-Argyle Television, Inc."). The merger transaction is referred to as
the "Hearst Transaction". As a result of the Hearst Transaction, Hearst owned
approximately 41.3 million shares of the Company's Series B Common Stock,
comprising approximately 77% of the total outstanding common stock of the
Company as of December 31, 1997. During 1998, Hearst purchased approximately
3.7 million shares of the Company's Series A Common Stock (see Note 9),
increasing its ownership to approximately 86% as of December 31, 1998.
 
  The merger was accounted for as a purchase of Argyle by Hearst in a reverse
acquisition. The assets and liabilities of Argyle have been adjusted to the
extent acquired by Hearst to their estimated fair values based upon purchase
price allocations. The net assets of the Hearst Broadcast Group have been
reflected at their historical cost basis. In a reverse acquisition, the
accounting treatment differs from the legal form of the transaction, as the
continuing legal parent company (Argyle), is not assumed to be the acquiror
and the historical financial statements of the entity become those of the
accounting acquiror (Hearst Broadcast Group). Consequently, the presentation
of the Company's consolidated financial statements prior to September 1, 1997
reflects the combined financial statements of the Hearst Broadcast Group. In
addition, the divisional equity of the Hearst Broadcast Group, which includes
net amounts due to Hearst and affiliates, has been reclassified retroactively
to reflect the par value of approximately 41.3 million shares received by
Hearst in the Hearst Transaction in the accompanying consolidated financial
statements for periods ending prior to September 1, 1997. See Note 3.
 
General
 
  The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company
and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts have
been eliminated in consolidation.
 
Cash Equivalents
 
  All highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less when
purchased are considered to be cash equivalents.
 
Accounts Receivable
 
  Concentration of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable is limited
due to the large number of geographically diverse customers, individually
small balances and short payment terms.
 
                                      40
<PAGE>
 
                        HEARST-ARGYLE TELEVISION, INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
 
Program Rights
 
  Program rights and the corresponding contractual obligations are recorded
when the license period begins and the programs are available for use. Program
rights are carried at the lower of unamortized cost or estimated net
realizable value on a program by program basis and such amounts are not
discounted. Any reduction in unamortized costs to net realizable value is
included in amortization of program rights in the accompanying consolidated
statements of income. Such reductions in unamortized costs for the years ended
1996, 1997 and 1998 were not material. Costs of off-network syndicated
product, first run programming, feature films and cartoons are amortized on
the future number of showings on an accelerated basis contemplating the
estimated revenue to be earned per showing, but generally not exceeding five
years. Program rights and the corresponding contractual obligations are
classified as current or long-term based on estimated usage and payment terms,
respectively.
 
Barter and Trade Transactions
 
  Barter transactions represent the exchange of commercial air time for
programming. Trade transactions represent the exchange of commercial air time
for merchandise or services. Barter transactions are generally recorded at the
fair market value of the commercial air time relinquished. Trade transactions
are generally recorded at the fair market value of the merchandise or services
received. Barter program rights and payables are recorded for barter
transactions based upon the availability of the broadcast property. Revenue is
recognized on barter and trade transactions when the commercials are
broadcast; expenses are recorded when the merchandise or service received is
utilized. Barter and trade revenues for the years ended December 31, 1996,
1997 and 1998, were approximately $4,185,000, $10,382,000, and $13,559,000
respectively, and are included in total revenues. Barter and trade expenses
for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998, were $4,143,000,
$10,315,000 and $13,267,000 respectively, and are included in station
operating expenses.
 
Property, Plant and Equipment
 
  Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is
calculated on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives as
follows: buildings--25 to 39 years; broadcasting equipment--five to seven
years; office furniture, equipment and other three to five years. Leasehold
improvements are amortized on the straight-line method over the shorter of the
lease term or the estimated useful life of the asset.
 
Intangible Assets
 
  Intangible assets are recorded at cost. Amortization is calculated on the
straight-line method over the estimated lives as follows: FCC licenses,
network affiliation agreements, and goodwill--40 years; other intangible
assets 3-40 years. The recoverability of the carrying values of the excess of
the purchase price over the net assets acquired and intangible assets is
evaluated quarterly to determine if an impairment in value has occurred. An
impairment in value will be considered to have occurred when it is determined
that the undiscounted future operating cash flows generated by the acquired
businesses are not sufficient to recover the carrying values of such
intangible assets. If it has been determined that an impairment in value has
occurred, the excess of the purchase price over the net assets acquired and
intangible assets would be written down to an amount which will be equivalent
to the present value of the estimated future operating cash flows to be
generated by the acquired businesses. At December 31, 1998, it has been
determined that there has been no impairment of intangible assets.
 
Deferred Acquisition and Financing Costs
 
  Acquisition costs are capitalized and will be included in the purchase price
of the acquired stations. Financing costs are deferred and are amortized using
the interest method over the term of the related debt when funded.
 
                                      41
<PAGE>
 
                        HEARST-ARGYLE TELEVISION, INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
 
Revenue Recognition
 
  Advertising revenues, net of agency and national representatives'
commissions, are recognized in the period during which the time spots are
aired.
 
Income Taxes
 
  The Company is included in the consolidated federal income tax return of
Hearst. The Company files separate income tax returns in states where a
consolidated return is not permitted. Pursuant to the regulations under the
Internal Revenue Code, the Company's pro rata share of the consolidated
federal income tax liability of Hearst is allocated to the Company on a
separate return basis. Federal income taxes currently payable are paid
directly to Hearst. The provision for income taxes in the accompanying
financial statements has been determined on a stand alone basis. In accordance
with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, "Accounting for
Income Taxes", deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured based
upon the difference between the financial accounting and tax basis of assets
and liabilities.
 
Earnings Per Share ("EPS")
 
  Basic EPS is calculated by dividing net income less preferred stock
dividends by the weighted average common shares outstanding. Diluted EPS is
calculated similarly, except that it includes the dilutive effect of shares
issuable under the Company's stock option plan (see Note 11). The weighted
average common shares outstanding for basic EPS and diluted EPS for all
periods prior to September 1, 1997 represent the shares received by Hearst in
the Hearst Transaction, approximately 41.3 millions shares. All per share
amounts included in the notes are the same for basic and diluted earnings per
share unless otherwise noted.
 
Interest Rate Agreements
 
  The Company enters into interest-rate swap agreements to modify the interest
characteristics of its outstanding debt. These agreements involve the exchange
of amounts based on a fixed interest rate for amounts based on variable
interest rates over the life of the agreement without an exchange of the
notional amount upon which the payments are based. The differential to be paid
or received as interest rates change is accrued and recognized as an
adjustment to interest expense related to the debt. The related amount payable
to or receivable from counterparties is included in other liabilities or
assets. Gains and losses on terminations of interest-rate swap agreements are
deferred as an adjustment to the carrying amount of the outstanding debt and
amortized as an adjustment to interest expense related to the debt over the
remaining term of the original contract life of the terminated swap agreement.
In the event of the early extinguishment of a designated debt obligation, any
realized or unrealized gain or loss from the swap would be recognized in
income coincident with the extinguishment. Any swap agreements that are not
designated with outstanding debt or notional amounts of interest-rate swap
agreements in excess of the principal amounts of the underlying debt
obligations are recorded as an asset or liability at fair value, with changes
in fair value recorded as an adjustment to interest expense. See Note 6.
 
Stock-Based Compensation
 
  The Company accounts for employee stock-based compensation under APB No. 25
and related interpretations. Under APB No. 25, because the exercise price of
the Company's employee stock options equals the market price of the underlying
stock on the date of grant, no compensation expense is recognized.
 
Use of Estimates
 
  The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the consolidated financial
statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.
 
                                      42
<PAGE>
 
                        HEARST-ARGYLE TELEVISION, INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
 
New Accounting Pronouncements
 
  In 1998, the Company adopted SFAS No. 132, "Employers' Disclosures About
Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits" ("SFAS 132"). SFAS 132
standardizes the disclosure requirements for pensions and other postretirement
benefits to the extent practicable, requires additional information on changes
in the benefit obligations and fair values of plan assets that will facilitate
financial analysis, and eliminates certain previously required disclosures.
The adoption of SFAS 132 did not have a material effect on the Company's
consolidated financial statements.
 
  In April 1998, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
("AICPA") issued Statement of Position ("SOP") No. 98-5, "Reporting on the
Costs of Start-Up Activities" ("SOP 98-5"). SOP 98-5 requires that entities
expense start-up costs and organization costs as they are incurred. In March
1998, the AICPA issued SOP No. 98-1, "Accounting for the costs of computer
software developed or obtained for internal use" ("SOP 98-1"). SOP 98-1 was
issued to remedy the diversity in the approaches to accounting for internal-
use software by providing guidance on expensing versus capitalization of
costs, accounting for the costs incurred in the upgrading and amortization of
capitalized software costs. These statements are effective for fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 1998. The Company's accounting practices are in
compliance with these statements.
 
  In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 133,
"Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" ("SFAS 133"),
which becomes effective for the Company's consolidated financial statements
for the year ending December 31, 2000. SFAS 133 requires that derivative
instruments be measured at fair value and recognized as assets or liabilities
in a company's statement of financial position. Based on the Company's current
use of derivative instruments and hedging activities, the adoption of this
statement will not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated
financial statements.
 
Prior Year Reclassifications
 
  Certain reclassifications have been made to conform to current year
presentation.
 
3. Acquisitions
 
  The acquisition of Argyle was accounted for as a purchase and, accordingly,
the purchase price and related acquisition costs have been allocated to the
acquired assets and liabilities based upon their fair market values. The
excess of the purchase price over the net fair market value of the tangible
assets acquired and the liabilities assumed was allocated to identifiable
intangible assets, including FCC licenses and network affiliation agreements,
and goodwill. The consolidated financial statements include the results of
operations of Argyle since the date of the acquisition.
 
  On April 24, 1998, the Company loaned STC Broadcasting, Inc. ("STC") $70.5
million ("STC Note Receivable"). The loan bore interest at 7.75% per year and
was collateralized by the stock of the STC subsidiary that owned the assets
comprising WPTZ/WNNE. On July 2, 1998, STC repaid this $70.5 million loan
along with accrued interest.
 
  Effective June 1, 1998, the Company exchanged its WDTN and WNAC stations
(the "Exchanged Stations") with STC for KSBW, the NBC affiliate serving the
Monterey--Salinas, CA, television market, and
 
                                      43
<PAGE>

                        HEARST-ARGYLE TELEVISION, INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
WPTZ/WNNE, the NBC affiliates serving the Plattsburgh, NY--Burlington, VT,
television market (the "Acquired Stations") and cash of approximately $20.5
million (the "STC Swap"), net of a working capital adjustment which totaled
approximately $1.4 million. The STC Swap was accounted for under the purchase
method of accounting and, accordingly, the purchase consideration and related
acquisition costs of approximately $1.6 million have been allocated to the
acquired assets and liabilities based upon their fair market values. The
excess of the cash and the Company's carrying value of the Exchanged Stations
over the net fair market value of the tangible assets acquired and liabilities
assumed of the Acquired Stations was allocated to identifiable intangible
assets, including FCC licenses and network affiliation agreements, and
goodwill.
 
  Giving effect to the Hearst Transaction and the STC Swap discussed above,
unaudited pro forma results of operations reflect combined historical results
for WCVB, WTAE, WBAL, KMBC, WISN, WAPT, KITV, WLWT, KOCO, KHBS/KHOG, KSBW,
WPTZ/WNNE and fees for providing management services to the Managed Stations
(WWWB, WPBF, KCWE, WBAL-AM and WIYY-FM) pursuant to a management agreement
(see Note 13) as if the Hearst Transaction, the STC Swap and financings (the
Credit Facility and the Offerings) occurred as of January 1, 1997, are as
follows. The unaudited pro forma results of operations do not reflect Kelly
Broadcasting Co. or Pulitzer Broadcasting Company. See Note 18.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     Years Ended December 31,
                                                     ------------------------
                                                         1997         1998
                                                     ------------ ------------
                                                       (In thousands, except
                                                          per share data)
                                                            (Unaudited)
     <S>                                             <C>          <C>
     Total revenues................................. $    388,397 $    407,364
     Income before extraordinary item............... $     50,828 $     59,518
     Income applicable to common stockholders....... $     49,406 $     58,096
     Net income per common share--basic............. $       0.92 $       1.09
                                                     ============ ============
                                --diluted........... $       0.92 $       1.08
                                                     ============ ============
     Pro forma number of shares used in
      calculations--basic ..........................       53,483       53,483
                                                     ============ ============
                  --diluted.........................       53,699       53,699
                                                     ============ ============
</TABLE>
 
The above unaudited pro forma results are presented in response to applicable
accounting rules relating to business acquisitions and are not necessarily
indicative of the actual results that would be achieved had each of the
stations been acquired at the beginning of the periods presented, nor are they
indicative of future results of operations.
 
4. Intangible Assets
 
  Intangible assets at December 31, 1997 and 1998 consist of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        1997        1998
                                                     ----------  ----------
                                                        (In thousands)
     <S>                                             <C>         <C>       
     FCC Licenses................................... $  384,084  $  403,463
     Cost in excess of net assets acquired..........    156,284     167,578
     Network affiliation agreement..................     55,253      95,301
     Advertiser client base asset...................    122,828     122,828
     Favorable studio and office space..............     23,638      23,638
     Other..........................................     24,088      24,088
                                                     ----------  ----------
                                                        766,175     836,896
     Accumulated amortization.......................   (104,849)   (125,487)
                                                     ----------  ----------
     Intangible assets, net......................... $  661,326  $  711,409
                                                     ==========  ========== 
</TABLE>
 
 
                                      44
<PAGE>
 
                        HEARST-ARGYLE TELEVISION, INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
5. Accrued Liabilities
 
  Accrued liabilities at December 31, 1997 and 1998 consist of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1997    1998
                                                                ------- -------
                                                                (In thousands)
     <S>                                                        <C>     <C>
     Payroll, benefits and related costs....................... $ 7,217 $ 8,534
     Accrued payables..........................................   2,389   1,452
     Accrued interest..........................................   4,671  10,378
     Other taxes payable.......................................   5,623   2,149
     Other accrued liabilities.................................  12,052  13,540
                                                                ------- -------
     Accrued liabilities....................................... $31,952 $36,053
                                                                ======= =======
</TABLE>
 
6. Long-Term Debt
 
  Long-term debt at December 31, consists of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                1997     1998
                                                              -------- --------
                                                               (In thousands)
     <S>                                                      <C>      <C>
     Credit Facility dated August 29, 1997:
      Revolving Credit Facility.............................. $ 85,000 $     --
     Senior Notes............................................  300,000  500,000
     Senior Subordinated Notes...............................  105,000    2,596
     Private Placement Debt..................................       --  340,000
                                                              -------- --------
     Long-term debt.......................................... $490,000 $842,596
                                                              ======== ========
</TABLE>
 
  There are no scheduled maturities of outstanding long-term debt prior to the
year 2004.
 
Credit Facility
 
  Upon consummation of the Hearst Transaction, the Company entered into a $1
billion credit facility (the "Credit Facility") with the Chase Manhattan Bank
("Chase"). The Credit Facility will mature on December 31, 2004 (the "Maturity
Date"). On December 31, 1999 (the "Conversion Date"), outstanding principal
indebtedness under the Credit Facility up to $750 million will be converted
into a five-year term loan (the "Term Loan"). The outstanding principal
balance of the Term Loan on the Conversion Date (the "Initial Term Loan
Balance") is to be repaid in quarterly installments on the following schedule
for the years indicated: 2000-2.5% of the Initial Term Loan Balance per
quarter; 2001-3.75% of the Initial Term Loan Balance per quarter; 2002-5% of
the Initial Term Loan Balance per quarter; 2003-6.25% of the Initial Term Loan
Balance per quarter; and, 2004-7.5% of the Initial Term Loan Balance per
quarter. On the Conversion Date and through the Maturity Date, Chase will also
provide a $250 million revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Facility") to
the Company. For the year ended December 31, 1997 and 1998 the effective
interest rate on borrowings outstanding during the year was 6.2% and 6.9%,
respectively. As of December 31, 1998, the Company had no outstanding
borrowings under the Credit Facility.
 
  The Credit Facility is unsecured, but the Company provided a negative pledge
that it will not grant to any third party a security interest in its assets
and the stock of its subsidiaries.
 
                                      45
<PAGE>
 
                        HEARST-ARGYLE TELEVISION, INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
 
  Outstanding principal balances under the Credit Facility (including, after
the Conversion Date, borrowings under the Term Loan and the Revolving
Facility) will bear interest at the "applicable margin" plus either, at the
Company's option, LIBOR or the "alternate base rate." The "applicable margin"
will vary between 0.625% and 0.325% depending on the ratio of the Company's
total debt to operating cash flow ("leverage ratio"). The "alternate base
rate" is the higher of (i) Chase's prime rate; (ii) 1% plus the secondary
market rate for three month certificates of deposit; or, (iii) 0.5% plus the
rates on overnight federal funds transactions with members of the Federal
Reserve System. The Company will also be required to pay an annual commitment
fee based on the unused portion of the Credit Facility and the applicable
margin ranging from 0.1875% to 0.1250% (but after the Conversion Date, only on
the unused portion of the Revolving Facility).
 
  The Credit Facility contains certain financial and other covenants and
restrictions on the Company that, among other things, (i) limit the Company's
ratio of total debt to operating cash flow to not greater than 5.5 through
December 30, 1999; 5.0 from December 31, 1999 through December 30, 2000; 4.5
from December 31, 2000 through December 30, 2001; and 4.0 from December 31,
2001 through the Maturity Date; (ii) require the Company to maintain a ratio
of operating cash flow to interest expense of not less than 2.0 through
December 31, 1999, and not less than 2.5 thereafter; (iii) require the Company
to maintain a ratio of operating cash flow to "fixed charges" (generally,
interest expense, scheduled repayments of principal, taxes and capital
expenditures) of not less than 1.15; (iv) restrict the amount of operating
cash flow from businesses other than the broadcast business to 25% or less of
the Company's total operating cash flow; (v) at such times when the ratio of
total debt to operating cash flow is greater than or equal to 4.0, restrict
the payment of dividends and the repurchase of stock to the sum of (x) $100
million; (y) proceeds from future stock issuances; and, (z) one-third of cash
provided by operations in excess of fixed charges; and, (vi) require the
Company to maintain a consolidated net worth of at least $249,259,000.
 
  The Credit Facility also provides that all outstanding balances will become
due and payable at such time as Hearst's (and certain of its affiliates')
equity ownership in the Company becomes less than 35% of the total equity of
the Company and Hearst and such affiliates no longer have the right to elect a
majority of the members of the Company's Board.
 
Private Placement Debt
 
  As part of the Hearst Transaction, the Company assumed $275 million of debt
(the "Hearst Private Placement Debt"). The Company repaid the Hearst Private
Placement Debt and a related "make-whole" premium of approximately $20.9
million during December 1997.
 
  On December 15, 1998, the Company issued $340 million principal amount of
senior notes to institutional investors (the "Private Placement Debt"). The
Private Placement Debt has a maturity of 12 years, with an average life of 10
years and bears interest at 7.18% per annum. The Company will use proceeds
from the Private Placement Debt to partially fund the acquisition of Kelly
Broadcasting Company and Kelleproductions, Inc. See Note 18.
 
Senior Subordinated Notes
 
  In October 1995, Argyle issued $150,000,000 of senior subordinated notes
(the "Notes"). The Notes are due in 2005 and bear interest at 9.75% payable
semi-annually. The Notes are general unsecured obligations of the Company. In
addition, the indenture governing the Notes imposes various conditions,
restrictions and limitations on the Company and its subsidiaries. During
December 1997, the Company repaid $45 million of the Notes at a premium of
approximately $4.4 million using proceeds from the Senior Notes Offering. In
addition, the Company wrote-off the pro-rata share of deferred financing fees
related to the Notes which were repaid.
 
                                      46
<PAGE>
 
                        HEARST-ARGYLE TELEVISION, INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
 
  The write-off of deferred financing fees relating to the Notes and the make-
whole premium relating to the Hearst Private Placement Debt and the premium
relating to the Notes, aggregated approximately $26.6 million before income
tax benefit, were classified as an extraordinary item in the accompanying
consolidated statement of income for the period ended December 31, 1997.
 
  During February 1998, the Company repaid $102.4 million of the Notes at a
premium of approximately $13.9 million. In addition, the Company wrote-off the
remaining deferred financing fees related to the Notes and incurred expenses
related to the repayment of the Notes. The premium paid, the deferred
financing fees relating to the Notes and the expenses incurred, aggregated
approximately $17.3 million before income tax benefit, were classified as an
extraordinary item in the accompanying consolidated statement of income for
the year ended December 31, 1998.
 
Senior Notes
 
  The Company issued $125 million principal amount of 7.0% senior notes due
2007, priced at 99.616% of par, and $175 million principal amount of 7.5%
debentures due 2027, priced at 98.823% of par, on November 7, 1997 and $200
million principal amount of 7.0% senior notes due 2018, priced at 98.887% of
par, on January 13, 1998 (collectively, the "Senior Notes"). The Senior Notes
are senior and unsecured obligations of the Company. In addition, the
indenture governing the Senior Notes imposes various conditions, restrictions
and limitations on the Company and its subsidiaries.
 
  Proceeds from the Senior Notes offerings were used to repay existing
indebtedness of the Company. See Private Placement Debt and Senior
Subordinated Notes, above.
 
Interest Rate Risk Management
 
  Under the terms of a credit agreement no longer in existence, Argyle was
required to enter into interest-rate protection agreements to modify the
interest characteristics of a portion (approximately 50%) of its outstanding
borrowings thereunder from a floating rate to a fixed rate.
 
  Argyle wrote two options that gave the option holder the right to enter into
two interest-rate swap agreements with the Company during May and June 1996.
The option holder exercised these options in May and June 1996, effectively
fixing Argyle's interest rate at approximately 7% on $35 million of its
borrowings until the second quarter of 1999.
 
  Additional information regarding these interest-rate protection agreements
in effect at December 31, 1997 and 1998 follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               Estimated Fair Value
                              Notional     Average    Average  --------------------
                               Amount    Receive Rate Pay Rate    1997      1998
                             ----------- ------------ -------- ---------- ---------
   <S>                       <C>         <C>          <C>      <C>        <C>
   Interest-rate swap
    agreements:
     Fixed rate agreement..  $20,000,000    LIBOR       7.01%  $(339,135) $(187,620)
     Fixed rate agreement..  $15,000,000    LIBOR       6.98%  $(254,122) $(133,550)
</TABLE>
 
  The Company is exposed to credit risk in the event of nonperformance by
counterparties to its interest-rate swap agreements. Credit risk is limited by
entering into such agreements with primary dealers only; therefore, the
Company does not anticipate that nonperformance by counterparties will occur.
Notwithstanding this, the Company's treasury department monitors counterparty
credit ratings at least quarterly through reviewing independent credit agency
reports. Both current and potential exposure are evaluated, as necessary, by
obtaining replacement cost information from alternative dealers. Potential
loss to the Company from credit risk on these
 
                                      47
<PAGE>
 
                        HEARST-ARGYLE TELEVISION, INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
agreements is limited to amounts receivable, if any. The Company enters into
these agreements solely to hedge its interest rate risk.
 
  The Company entered into various forward treasury lock agreements ("Treasury
Lock Agreements") during August 1997 in connection with the offering of $300
million Senior Notes. The Treasury Lock Agreements were settled simultaneous
with the closing of the Senior Notes on November 12, 1997. The average coupon
rate and treasury yield was 6.375% and 6.648%, respectively. The Company paid
the related institutions approximately $13.0 million, which was capitalized in
Deferred Acquisition and Financing Costs in the consolidated balance sheet,
and is being amortized over the life of the Senior Notes.
 
Interest expense, net for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998
consists of the following:
 
<TABLE>
     <S>                                                <C>     <C>     <C>
                                                         1996    1997    1998
                                                        ------- ------- -------
     Interest on borrowings:
       Bank credit agreements.......................... $   --  $ 2,089 $ 2,262
       Senior Subordinated Notes.......................     --    4,851   2,250
       Private Placement Debt..........................     --    7,325   1,084
       Senior Notes....................................     --    2,917  35,409
       Amortization of deferred financings costs and
        other..........................................     --      635   2,416
                                                        ------- ------- -------
                                                            --   17,817  43,421
     Due to Hearst (See Note 13).......................  21,235  16,654     --
     Interest-rate swap agreements:
       Changes in fair value for agreements with
        optional amounts in excess of outstanding
        borrowings.....................................     --      176     778
                                                        ------- ------- -------
         Total interest expense........................  21,235  34,647  44,199
     Interest income...................................      --   2,163   4,644
                                                        ------- ------- -------
     Total interest expense, net....................... $21,235 $32,484 $39,555
                                                        ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
 
7. Earnings Per Share
 
  The following tables set forth a reconciliation between basic EPS and
diluted EPS in accordance with SFAS 128. See Note 2.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               Year Ended December 31, 1996
                                            -----------------------------------
                                              Income       Shares     Per Share
                                            (Numerator) (Denominator)  Amount
                                            ----------- ------------  ---------
                                             (In thousands, except per share
                                                          data)
     <S>                                    <C>         <C>           <C>
     Basic EPS
     Income applicable to common
      stockholders........................    $44,402      41,299       $1.08
                                                                        =====
     Effect of Dilutive Securities
     Assumed exercise of stock options....         --          --
                                              -------      ------
     Diluted EPS
     Income applicable to common
      stockholders plus
      assumed conversions.................    $44,402      41,299       $1.08
                                              =======      ======       =====
</TABLE>
 
 
                                      48
<PAGE>
 
                        HEARST-ARGYLE TELEVISION, INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               Year Ended December 31, 1997
                                            -----------------------------------
                                              Income       Shares     Per Share
                                            (Numerator) (Denominator)  Amount
                                            ----------- ------------  ---------
                                             (In thousands, except per share
                                                          data)
     <S>                                    <C>         <C>           <C>
     Income before extraordinary item......   $51,138
     Less: preferred stock dividends.......      (711)
                                              -------
     Basic EPS
     Income before extraordinary item
      applicable to common stockholders....   $50,427      44,632       $1.13
                                                                        =====
     Effect of Dilutive Securities
     Assumed exercise of stock options.....        --          42
                                              -------      ------
     Diluted EPS
     Income before extraordinary item
      applicable to common stockholders
      plus assumed conversions ............   $50,427      44,674       $1.13
                                              =======      ======       =====
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               Year Ended December 31, 1998
                                            -----------------------------------
                                              Income       Shares     Per Share
                                            (Numerator) (Denominator)  Amount
                                            ----------- ------------  ---------
                                             (In thousands, except per share
                                                          data)
     <S>                                    <C>         <C>           <C>
     Income before extraordinary item......   $59,683
     Less: Preferred stock dividends.......    (1,422)
                                              -------
     Basic EPS
     Income before extraordinary item
      applicable to common stockholders....   $58,261      53,483       $1.09
                                                                        =====
     Effect of Dilutive Securities
     Assumed exercise of stock options.....       --          216
                                              -------      ------
     Diluted EPS
     Income before extraordinary item
      applicable to common stockholders
      plus assumed conversions.............   $58,261      53,699       $1.08
                                              =======      ======       =====
</TABLE>
 
  The (i) 10,938 shares of Series A Preferred Stock, outstanding at December
31, 1997 and 1998 and convertible into Series A Common Stock at a conversion
price of $35 per share, and (ii) common stock options for 205,615 and 224,976
shares of Series A Common Stock, outstanding at December 31, 1997 and 1998,
respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because the
conversion price or exercise price was greater than the average market price
of the common shares during the calculation period. The shares for the common
stock options are before the application of the treasury stock method.
 
                                      49
<PAGE>
 
                        HEARST-ARGYLE TELEVISION, INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
 
8. Income Taxes
 
  The provision for income taxes relating to income before extraordinary item
for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998, consists of the
following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         Years Ended December
                                                                  31,
                                                        -----------------------
                                                         1996    1997    1998
                                                        ------- ------- -------
                                                            (In thousands)
     <S>                                                <C>     <C>     <C>
     Current:
       State and local................................. $ 5,821 $ 5,924 $ 8,034
       Federal.........................................  25,714  11,674  26,537
                                                        ------- ------- -------
                                                         31,535  17,598  34,571
                                                        ------- ------- -------
     Deferred:
       State and local.................................      69     --     (869)
       Federal.........................................     303  17,765   9,094
                                                        ------- ------- -------
                                                            372  17,765   8,225
                                                        ------- ------- -------
       Provision for income taxes...................... $31,907 $35,363 $42,796
                                                        ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
 
  The effective income tax rate for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1997
and 1998 varied from the statutory U.S. Federal income tax rate due to the
following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               1996  1997  1998
                                                               ----  ----  ----
     <S>                                                       <C>   <C>   <C>
     Statutory U.S. Federal income tax........................ 35.0% 35.0% 35.0%
     State income taxes, net of Federal tax benefit...........  5.0   4.5   4.6
     Other non-deductible business expenses...................  1.8   1.4   2.2
                                                               ----  ----  ----
     Effective income tax rate................................ 41.8% 40.9% 41.8%
                                                               ====  ====  ====
</TABLE>
 
  Deferred income tax liabilities and assets at December 31, 1997 and 1998
consist of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              1997      1998
                                                            --------  --------
                                                             (In thousands)
     <S>                                                    <C>       <C>
     Deferred income tax liabilities:
       Accelerated depreciation...........................  $  8,937  $ 10,624
       Accelerated funding of pension benefit obligation..    10,578     9,585
       Difference between book and tax basis of intangible
        assets............................................   142,812   138,240
                                                            --------  --------
         Total deferred income tax liabilities............   162,327   158,449
                                                            --------  --------
     Deferred income tax assets:
       Accrued expenses and other.........................    10,770     1,871
       Operating loss carryforwards.......................    12,080     5,957
                                                            --------  --------
                                                              22,850     7,828
       Less: valuation allowance..........................    (4,822)   (5,662)
                                                            --------  --------
         Total deferred income tax assets.................    18,028     2,166
                                                            --------  --------
     Net deferred income tax liabilities..................  $144,299  $156,283
                                                            ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
The valuation allowance has increased by approximately $840,000 from 1997 to
1998.
 
  The Company has net operating loss carryforwards for state income tax
purposes of approximately $81.6 million which expire between 1999 and 2012.
 
 
                                      50
<PAGE>
 
                        HEARST-ARGYLE TELEVISION, INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
9. Common Stock
 
  In connection with the Hearst Transaction, the Company's Certificate of
Incorporation was amended and restated pursuant to which, among other things,
(i) the Company's authorized common stock was increased from 50 million to 200
million shares; (ii) Series B Common Stock was authorized and thereafter
issued to Hearst in connection with the transaction; (iii) the Series B Common
Stock issued to Hearst was reclassified retroactively to represent the
divisional equity of Hearst Broadcast Group (see Note 2); and, (iv) the
Company's existing Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock
received voting rights.
 
  The Company has 200 million shares of authorized common stock, par value
$.01 per shares, with 100 million shares designated as Series A Common Stock
and 100 million shares designated Series B Common Stock (see Note 18). Except
as otherwise described below, the issued and outstanding shares of Series A
Common Stock and Series B Common Stock vote together as a single class on all
matters submitted to a vote of stockholders, with each issued and outstanding
share of Series A Common Stock and Series B Common Stock entitling the holder
thereof to one vote on all such matters. With respect to any election of
directors, (i) the holders of the shares of Series A Common Stock are entitled
to vote separately as a class to elect two members of the Company's Board of
Directors (the Series A Directors) and (ii) the holders of the shares of the
Company's Series B Common Stock are entitled to vote separately as a class to
elect the balance of the Company's Board of Directors (the Series B
Directors); provided, however, that the number of Series B Directors shall not
constitute less than a majority of the Company's Board of Directors.
 
  All of the outstanding shares of Series B Common Stock are held by a
subsidiary of Hearst. No holder of shares of Series B Common Stock may
transfer any such shares to any person other than to (i) Hearst; (ii) any
corporation into which Hearst is merged or consolidated or to which all or
substantially all of Hearst's assets are transferred; or, (iii) any entity
controlled or consolidated or to which all or substantially all of Hearst's
assets are transferred; or, (iv) any entity controlled by Hearst (each a
"Permitted transferee"). Series B Common Stock, however, may be converted at
any time into Series A Common Stock and freely transferred, subject to the
terms and conditions of the Company's Certificate of Incorporation and to
applicable securities laws limitations.
 
  On November 12, 1997, the Company sold an aggregate of 4 million shares of
Series A Common Stock, par value $.01 per share at $27 per share. In
connection with the offering, the underwriters exercised an over-allotment
option and were sold another 232,000 shares at $27 per share. The aggregate
proceeds from the offering net of expenses was $108.0 million.
 
  On December 29, 1997, the Company issued approximately 2.7 million shares of
Series B Common Stock to Hearst (the "Adjustment Shares") in connection with
the Hearst Transaction relating to net working capital at the date of
acquisition (in excess of $30 million for the Hearst Broadcast Group) and the
purchase of surplus pension fund assets. See Note 16.
 
  During the second quarter of 1998, the Company's Board of Directors
authorized the repurchase of up to $300 million of its outstanding Series A
Common Stock. The Company expects such repurchases to be effected from time to
time in the open market or in private transactions, subject to market
conditions. During the year ended December 31, 1998, the Company spent
approximately $50.7 million to repurchase approximately 1.7 million shares, of
Series A Common Stock at an average price of $29.17. Hearst has also notified
the Company and the Securities and Exchange Commission of its intention to
purchase up to 10 million shares of the Company's Series A Common Stock from
time to time in the open market, in private transactions or otherwise. See
Note 2.
 
                                      51
<PAGE>
 
                        HEARST-ARGYLE TELEVISION, INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
 
10. Preferred Stock
 
  The Company has one million shares of authorized preferred stock, par value
$.01 per share. Under the Company's Certificate of Incorporation, the Company
has two issued and outstanding series of preferred stock, Series A Preferred
Stock and Series B Preferred Stock (collectively, the "Preferred Stock"). Each
series of Preferred Stock has 10,938 shares issued and outstanding at December
31, 1997 and 1998. The Preferred Stock has a cash dividend feature whereby
each share accrues $65 per share annually, to be paid quarterly. The Series A
Preferred Stock is convertible at the option of the holders, at any time, into
Series A Common Stock at a conversion price of (i) on or before December 31,
2000, $35; (ii) during the calendar year ended December 31, 2001, the product
of 1.1 times $35; and, (iii) during each calendar year after December 31,
2001, the product of 1.1 times the preceding year's conversion price. The
Company has the option to redeem all or a portion of the Series A Preferred
Stock at any time after June 11, 2001 at a price equal to $1,000 per share
plus any accrued and unpaid dividends.
 
  The holders of Series B Preferred Stock have the option to convert such
Series B Preferred Stock into shares of Series A Common Stock at any time
after June 11, 2001 at the average of the closing prices for the Series A
Common Stock for each of the 10 trading days prior to such conversion date.
The Company has the option to redeem all or a portion of the Series B
Preferred Stock at any time on or after June 11, 2001, at a price equal to
$1,000 per share plus any accrued and unpaid dividends.
 
11. Stock Options
 
1997 Stock Option Plan
 
  The Company's Board of Directors approved the amendment and restatement of
the Company's second amended and restated 1994 Stock Option Plan and adopted
such plan as the resulting 1997 Stock Option Plan (the "Option Plan"). The
amendment increases the number of shares reserved for issuance under the
Option Plan to 3 million shares of Series A Common Stock. The stock options
are granted with exercise prices at quoted market value at time of issuance.
Options cliff-vest after three years commencing on the effective date of the
grant and a portion of the options vest either after nine years or in one-
third increments upon attainment of certain market price goals of the
Company's stock. All options granted pursuant to the Option Plan will expire
no later than ten years from the date of grant.
 
  A summary of the status of the Company's Option Plan as of December 31, 1997
and 1998, and changes for the period September 1 to December 31, 1997 and for
the year ended December 31, 1998 is presented below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        Weighted
                                                                        Average
                                                                        Exercise
                                                             Options     Price
                                                            ----------  --------
      <S>                                                   <C>         <C>
      Outstanding at September 1, 1997.....................  1,341,172   $12.77
        Granted............................................  1,843,215   $26.75
        Exercised..........................................    (20,150)  $10.45
        Cancelled.......................................... (1,168,247)  $12.35
        Forfeited..........................................     (2,250)  $10.00
                                                            ----------   ------
      Outstanding at December 31, 1997.....................  1,993,740   $25.85
        Granted............................................    178,190   $27.22
        Exercised..........................................    (45,668)  $19.65
        Forfeited..........................................     (4,520)  $30.25
                                                            ----------   ------
      Outstanding at December 31, 1998.....................  2,121,742   $26.09
                                                            ==========   ======
      Exercisable at December 31, 1997.....................    210,125   $17.89
                                                            ==========   ======
      Exercisable at December 31, 1998.....................    696,137   $24.39
                                                            ==========   ======
</TABLE>
 
                                      52
<PAGE>
 
                        HEARST-ARGYLE TELEVISION, INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
  The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding
and exercisable at December 31, 1998:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
               Options Outstanding                       Options Exercisable
-----------------------------------------------------   -----------------------
                                Weighted
                                 Average     Weighted                 Weighted
   Range of        Number       Remaining    Average      Number      Average
   Exercise      Outstanding   Contractual   Exercise   Exercisable   Exercise
    Prices       at 12/31/98      Life        Price     at 12/31/98    Price
   --------      -----------   -----------   --------   -----------   --------
<S>              <C>           <C>           <C>        <C>           <C>
$10.00--$17.63       93,025     6.4 years     $11.63       93,025      $11.63
$22.75--$25.94      198,975     9.4 years     $25.51       43,000      $23.94
$26.50--$29.00    1,808,432     8.5 years     $26.78      560,112      $26.55
$35.25--$36.44       21,310     9.5 years     $36.25          --          --
                  ---------                               -------
                  2,121,742                               696,137
                  =========                               =======
</TABLE>
 
  The Company accounts for employee stock-based compensation under APB No. 25
and related interpretations. Under APB No. 25, because the exercise price of
the Company's employee stock options equals the market price of the underlying
stock on the date of grant, no compensation expense is recognized.
 
  Pro forma information regarding net income and earnings per share is
required by SFAS No. 123, and has been determined as if the Company had
accounted for its employee stock options under the fair value method of SFAS
No. 123. The fair value of these options was estimated at the date of grant
using the Black-Scholes option pricing model for options granted in 1997 and
1998. The weighted average fair value of options granted was $9.55 in 1997 and
1998. The following assumptions were used for the period from September 1,
1997 to December 31, 1997 and the year ended December 31, 1998:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         1997          1998
                                                         ----          ----
      <S>                                            <C>           <C>
      Risk-free interest rate.......................      5.5%          5.2%
      Dividend yield................................      0.0%          0.0%
      Volatility factor.............................     27.0%         30.0%
      Expected life................................. 5 and 7 years 4 and 6 years
</TABLE>
 
  The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating
the fair value of traded options which have no vesting restrictions and are
fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of
highly subjective assumptions including the expected stock price volatility.
Because the Company's employee stock options have characteristics
significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes in
the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value
estimate, in management's opinion, the existing models do not necessarily
provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of its employee stock
options.
 
  For purposes of SFAS No. 123 pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value
of the options is amortized to expense over the option's vesting period. The
Company's pro forma information is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1997    1998
                                                                ------- -------
                                                                (In thousands,
                                                                  except per
                                                                  share data)
      <S>                                                       <C>     <C>
      Pro forma net income....................................  $33,862 $43,014
      Pro forma income applicable to common stockholders......  $33,151 $41,592
      Pro forma basic income per common share.................  $  0.74 $  0.78
      Pro forma diluted income per common share...............  $  0.74 $  0.77
</TABLE>
 
 
                                      53
<PAGE>
 
                        HEARST-ARGYLE TELEVISION, INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
  The Company has reserved 3.3 million shares of common stock for future
issuances in connection with the Option Plan at December 31, 1998.
 
12. Net Assets Held for Sale
 
  Upon completion of the Hearst Transaction, the Company owned television
stations in two areas (Boston and Providence, and Dayton and Cincinnati) with
overlapping service contours in violation of the FCC's local ownership rules.
The FCC's rules prohibit the ownership of two stations in the same geographic
area whose service contours overlap. To comply with these rules, the Company
was required to divest one station in each of the aforementioned areas.
Included in the caption Net Assets Held for Sale on the accompanying audited
consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 1997, are the net assets of the
stations located in Providence and Dayton at their carrying values. The
Company exchanged these assets during the second quarter of 1998, for two
television stations in markets without overlapping service contours. See Note
3.
 
13. Related Party Transactions
 
  Prior to September 1, 1997, Hearst provided certain management services to
the Company. Such services include data processing, legal, tax, treasury,
internal audit, risk management, and other support services. The Company was
allocated expenses for years ended December 31, 1996 and for the period
January 1 to August 31, 1997 of $1,875,000, and $1,331,000 respectively,
related to these services. In addition, Hearst allocated interest expense to
the Company which was based on the average balance of divisional equity at an
interest rate of 8% per annum. Allocated expenses were based on Hearst's
estimate of expenses related to the services provided to the Company in
relation to those provided to other divisions or subsidiaries of Hearst.
Management believes that these allocations were made on a reasonable basis.
However, the allocations were not necessarily indicative of the level of
expenses that might have been incurred had the Company contracted directly
with third parties. In addition, certain costs (principally salaries, fringe
benefits and incentive compensation) were incurred by the Company, paid by
Hearst and charged to the Company for the years ended December 31, 1996 and
for the period January 1 to August 31, 1997 in the amounts of $6,203,000, and
$5,219,000, respectively.
 
  Subsequent to September 1, 1997, the Company has entered into a series of
agreements with Hearst including a Management Agreement (whereby the Company
provides certain management services, such as sales, news, programming and
financial and accounting management services, with respect to certain Hearst
owned or operated television and radio stations); an Option Agreement (whereby
Hearst has granted the Company an option to acquire certain Hearst owned or
operated television stations, as well as a right of first refusal with respect
to another television station if Hearst proposes to sell such station within
36 months of its acquisition); a Studio Lease Agreement (whereby Hearst leases
from the Company certain premises for Hearst's radio broadcast stations); a
Tax Sharing Agreement (whereby Hearst and the Company have established the
sharing of federal, state and local income taxes after the Company became part
of the consolidated income tax return of Hearst); a Name License Agreement
(whereby Hearst permits the Company to use the Hearst name in connection with
the Hearst-Argyle name and operation of its business); and a Services
Agreement (whereby Hearst provides the Company certain administrative services
such as accounting, financial, legal, tax, insurance, data processing and
employee benefits). For the period September 1 to December 31, 1997 and the
year ended December 31, 1998, the Company recorded revenues of approximately
$700,000 and $3,273,000, respectively, relating to the Management Agreement
and expenses of approximately $900,000 and $2,144,000, respectively, relating
to the Services Agreement. The Company believes that the terms of all these
agreements are reasonable to both sides; there can be no assurance, however,
that more favorable terms would not be available from third parties.
 
 
                                      54
<PAGE>
 
                        HEARST-ARGYLE TELEVISION, INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
14. Commitments and Contingencies
 
  The Company has obligations to various program syndicators and distributors
in accordance with current contracts for the rights to broadcast programs.
Future payments and barter obligations as of December 31, 1998, scheduled
under contracts for programs available are as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
           <S>                                        <C>
           1999...................................... $35,411
           2000......................................   2,912
           2001......................................     705
           2002......................................     135
                                                      -------
                                                      $39,163
                                                      =======
</TABLE>
 
  The Company has various agreements relating to non-cancelable operating
leases with an initial term of one year or more (some of which contain renewal
options), future barter and program rights not available for broadcast at
December 31, 1998, and employment contracts for key employees. Future minimum
payments and barter obligations under terms of these agreements as of December
31, 1998 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           Barter and Employment
                                                 Operating  Program   and Talent
                                                  Leases     Rights   Contracts
                                                 --------- ---------- ----------
                                                         (In thousands)
      <S>                                        <C>       <C>        <C>
      1999.....................................   $ 2,715   $15,208    $26,284
      2000.....................................     2,587    38,342     16,910
      2001.....................................     2,275    24,770      6,428
      2002.....................................     2,143    14,451      2,925
      2003.....................................     2,006     3,283        895
      Thereafter...............................    10,970     3,834        --
                                                  -------   -------    -------
                                                  $22,696   $99,888    $53,442
                                                  =======   =======    =======
</TABLE>
 
  Rent expense for operating leases was approximately $2,975,000, $3,461,000
and $4,239,000 for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998,
respectively.
 
  From time to time, the Company becomes involved in various claims and
lawsuits that are incidental to its business. In the opinion of the Company,
there are no legal proceedings pending against the Company or any of its
subsidiaries that are likely to have a material adverse effect on the
Company's consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
 
15. Incentive Compensation Plans
 
  Hearst has a long-term incentive compensation plan that covered 13 employees
of the Hearst Broadcast Group who were considered by management to be making
substantial contributions to the growth and profitability of the Hearst
Broadcast Group and Hearst. Grants awarded under this plan cover three-year
operating cycles, with cash payouts made after the close of each three-year
cycle based upon growth in operating performance. The annual amount charged to
expense, which amounted to approximately $2,965,000 in 1996 and $2,528,000,
for the period January 1 to August 31, 1997, is determined by estimating the
aggregate expense for each open three-year cycle; actual cash payouts related
to the 1993--1995 cycle (paid in 1996), to the 1994--1996 cycle (paid in 1997)
and to the 1995-1997 cycle (paid in 1998) resulted in disbursements (pretax)
of $3,796,530, $4,621,437 and $3,315,390, respectively.
 
                                      55
<PAGE>
 
                        HEARST-ARGYLE TELEVISION, INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
 
  Hearst also has a short-term incentive compensation plan that covered the
most senior key executives of the Hearst Broadcast Group who had the most
impact on overall corporate policy, and are therefore those executives largely
responsible for the growth and profitability of the Hearst Broadcast Group and
Hearst's achieving specified financial performance objectives. Annual expense
for the Hearst Broadcast Group amounted to approximately $389,000 in 1996 and
$259,000 for the period January 1 to August 31, 1997.
 
  Effective August 29, 1997, the Company's employees (formerly Hearst
Broadcast Group employees) are no longer participants in such plans.
 
16. Pension and Employee Savings Plans
 
  Prior to September 1, 1997, the Hearst Broadcast Group had certain non-union
employees that were eligible for participation in Hearst's noncontributory
defined benefit plan and Hearst's nonqualified retirement plan. Hearst also
had defined benefit plans for eligible employees covered by collective
bargaining agreements. The costs of this plan were generally accrued and paid
in accordance with the related agreements. These plans are collectively
referred to as the "Pension Plans". In addition, the Hearst Broadcast Group
contributed to a multiemployer union pension plan, for which no information
for each contributing employer is available. The Hearst Broadcast Group's
pension costs for these plans were allocated to the Company through divisional
equity. The cost for such plans were approximately $2,479,000 in 1996 and
$1,583,000 for the period January 1 to August 31, 1997.
 
  Subsequent to September 1, 1997, the Company assumed the obligations of the
Pension Plans of the non-union and certain union employees of the Hearst
Broadcast Group and purchased the excess of the fair value of the plan's
assets over the pension benefit obligation for shares of the Company's Series
B common stock (see Note 9). Benefits under the Pension Plans are generally
based on years of credited service, age at retirement and average of the
highest five consecutive year's compensation. The cost of the Pension Plans is
computed on the basis of the Project Unit Credit Actuarial Cost Method. Past
service cost is amortized over the expected future service periods of the
employees. Beginning January 1, 1998, the Company began to provide the
noncontributory defined benefit plans to the Company's remaining non-union
employees who were not included in the Pension Plans at December 31, 1997.
 
  The net pension benefit for the Company's Pension Plans for the period
September 1 to December 31, 1997 and the year ended December 31, 1998 in which
the Company's employees participate are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  Pension
                                                                 Benefits
                                                              ----------------
                                                               1997     1998
                                                              -------  -------
                                                              (In thousands)
      <S>                                                     <C>      <C>
      Service cost..........................................  $   735  $ 3,376
      Interest cost.........................................      862    2,751
      Expected return on plan assets........................   (1,937)  (6,455)
      Amortization of prior service cost....................      113      338
      Amortization of transitional asset....................      (38)    (113)
      Recognized actuarial gain.............................     (183)    (432)
                                                              -------  -------
        Net pension benefit.................................  $  (448) $  (535)
                                                              =======  =======
</TABLE>
 
                                      56
<PAGE>
 
                        HEARST-ARGYLE TELEVISION, INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
 
  The following schedule presents the change in benefit obligation, change in
plan assets and a reconciliation of the funded status at December 31, 1997 and
1998:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  Pension
                                                                 Benefits
                                                              ----------------
                                                               1997     1998
                                                              -------  -------
                                                              (In thousands)
     <S>                                                      <C>      <C>
     Change in benefit obligation:
       Benefit obligation at beginning of period............  $   --   $40,104
         Service cost.......................................      735    3,376
         Interest cost......................................      862    2,751
         Participant contributions..........................        4       13
         Plan amendments....................................    3,199      --
         Acquisitions/divestitures..........................   32,983        8
         Benefits paid......................................     (317)    (853)
         Actuarial loss.....................................    2,638    2,081
                                                              -------  -------
       Benefit obligation at end of period..................   40,104   47,480
                                                              -------  -------
     Change in plan assets:
       Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period.....      --    72,551
         Actual return on plan assets, net..................    3,166    8,651
         Acquisitions/divestitures..........................   69,504        3
         Employer contributions.............................      194      927
         Participant contributions..........................        4       13
         Benefits paid......................................     (317)    (853)
                                                              -------  -------
     Fair value of plan assets end of period................   72,551   81,292
                                                              -------  -------
     Reconciliation of funded status:
       Funded status........................................  $32,447  $33,812
       Unrecognized actuarial gain..........................   (9,479)  (9,162)
       Unrecognized transition asset........................     (766)    (653)
       Unrecognized prior service cost......................    3,615    3,276
                                                              -------  -------
         Net amount recognized at end of period.............  $25,817  $27,273
                                                              =======  =======
     Amounts recognized in the statement of financial
      position:
       Other assets.........................................  $26,452  $28,895
       Accrued liabilities..................................     (635)  (1,622)
                                                              -------  -------
         Net amount recognized at end of period.............  $25,817  $27,273
                                                              =======  =======
     Additional year-end information for pension plans with
      accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan
      assets:
       Projected benefit obligation.........................  $ 3,879  $ 6,022
       Accumulated benefit obligation.......................  $   213  $ 1,380
       Fair value of plan assets............................  $    20  $   421
</TABLE>
 
                                      57
<PAGE>
 
                        HEARST-ARGYLE TELEVISION, INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
 
  The weighted-average assumptions used for computing the projected benefit
obligation at December 31, 1997 and 1998 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             Pension Benefits
                                                             ------------------
                                                               1997      1998
                                                             --------  --------
      <S>                                                    <C>       <C>
      Discount rate.........................................     7.00%     6.75%
      Long-term rate of return on plan assets...............     9.00      9.00
      Rate of compensation increase.........................     5.50      5.50
</TABLE>
 
  The Pension Plans' assets consist primarily of stocks, bonds and cash
equivalents.
 
  The Company's contributions to the multiemployer union pension plan for the
period from September 1 to December 31, 1997 and the year ended December 31,
1998 is $149,877 and $466,337, respectively.
 
  The Company's qualified employees may contribute from 2% to 16% of their
compensation up to certain dollar limits to a 401(k) savings plan. The Company
matches one-half of the employee contribution up to 6% of the employee's
compensation. The Company contributions to this plan for the years ended
December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998 were approximately $648,000, $807,000 and
$1,185,000, respectively.
 
17. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
  The carrying amounts and the estimated fair values of the Company's
financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate fair value are
as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               December 31, 1997         December 31, 1998
                           ------------------------- -------------------------
                           Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value
                           -------------- ---------- -------------- ----------
<S>                        <C>            <C>        <C>            <C>
Credit Facility dated
 August 29, 1997:
  Revolving Credit
   Facility...............    $ 85,000     $ 83,557     $     --     $     --
Senior Subordinated
 Notes....................     105,000      126,475        2,596        2,939
Senior Notes..............     300,000      311,551      500,000      516,842
Private Placement Debt....          --           --      340,000      350,531
Interest-rate swaps.......         --           593          321          321
</TABLE>
 
  The fair value of the Senior Notes was determined based on the quoted market
prices. The fair values of the Private Placement Debt and the interest-rate
swap agreements were determined using discounted cash flow models.
 
  For instruments including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and
accounts payable the carrying amount approximates fair value because of the
short maturity of these instruments. In accordance with the requirements of
SFAS No. 107, "Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments" the
Company believes it is not practicable to estimate the current fair value of
the related party receivables and related party payables because of the
related party nature of the transactions.
 
18. Subsequent Events
 
Acquisitions
 
  On January 5, 1999, effective January 1, 1999 for accounting purposes, the
Company acquired through a merger transaction all of the partnership interests
in Kelly Broadcasting Co., in exchange for approximately $520 million in cash,
subject to a working capital adjustment (the "Kelly Transaction"). As a result
of the Kelly Transaction, the Company acquired television broadcast station
KCRA-TV, Sacramento, California and the programming rights under an existing
Time Brokerage Agreement, with respect to KQCA-TV, Sacramento,
 
                                      58
<PAGE>
 
                        HEARST-ARGYLE TELEVISION, INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
California. In addition, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets
and certain of the liabilities of Kelleproductions, Inc., for approximately
$10 million in cash.
 
  On March 18, 1999, the Company acquired the nine television and five radio
stations ("Pulitzer Broadcasting Company") of Pulitzer Publishing Company
("Pulitzer") in a merger transaction (the "Pulitzer Merger"). In connection
with the transaction, the Company issued 37,096,774 shares of Series A Common
Stock to Pulitzer shareholders and assumed $700 million in debt. In addition,
the transaction was subject to an adjustment which guaranteed the Company $41
million in working capital.
 
Financing Arrangements
 
  On January 14, 1999, the Company issued an additional $110 million aggregate
principal amount of senior notes to institutional investors. The senior notes
have a maturity of 12 years, with an average life of 10 years, and bear
interest at 7.18% per annum. These senior notes along with the Private
Placement Debt (see Note 6) were used to fund the Kelly Transaction described
above.
 
Common Stock
 
  On March 17, 1999, the Company amended and restated the certificate of
incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Series A Common
Stock from 100 million to 200 million. This increases the Company's total
authorized shares of common stock to 300 million.
 
                                      59
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
        FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
 
  Not applicable.
 
                                   PART III
 
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
 
  Information called for by Item 10 is set forth under the headings "Executive
Officers of the Company" and "Directors Election Proposal" in the Company's
Proxy Statement relating to the 1999 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "1999
Proxy Statement"), which is incorporated herein by reference.
 
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
  Information called for by Item 11 is set forth under the heading "Executive
Compensation and Other Matters" in the 1999 Proxy Statement, which is
incorporated herein by reference.
 
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
 
  Information called for by Item 12 is set forth under the heading "Principal
Stockholders" in the 1999 Proxy Statement, which is incorporated herein by
reference.
 
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
 
  Information called for by Item 13 is set forth under the heading "Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions" in the 1999 Proxy Statement, which is
incorporated herein by reference.
 
                                    PART IV
 
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
 
  (a) Financial Statements, Schedules and Exhibits
 
    (1) The financial statements listed in the Index for Item 8 hereof are
        filed as part of this report.
    (2)  The financial statement schedules required by Regulation S-X are
         included as part of this report or are included in the information
         provided in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, which
         are filed as part of this report.
 
                 SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
                        HEARST-ARGYLE TELEVISION, INC.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      Additions   Deductions
                                      ---------- ------------
                          Balance at  Charged to               Balance at
                         Beginning of Costs and   Deductions     End of
      Description           Period     Expenses    Describe      Period
-----------------------  ------------ ---------- ------------  ----------
<S>                      <C>          <C>        <C>           <C>        <C>
Year Ended December 31,
   1996:
   Allowance for
   uncollectable                                          (1)
   accounts............   $1,626,000  $  989,000 $  (922,000)  $1,693,000
Year Ended December 31,
   1997:
   Allowance for
   uncollectable                                          (1)
   accounts............   $1,693,000  $1,316,000 $   (805,000) $2,204,000
Year Ended December 31,
   1998:
   Allowance for
   uncollectable                                          (1)
   accounts............   $2,204,000  $1,119,000 $(1,297,000)  $2,026,000
</TABLE>
--------
(1)Net write-off of accounts receivable.
 
                                      60
<PAGE>
 
    (3)  The following exhibits are filed as a part of this report:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
  No.                                                Description
-------                                              -----------
<S>      <C>
3.3      Amendment No. 1 to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company.
4.11     Specimen of the stock certificate for the Company's Series A Common Stock, $.01 par value per share.
10.34    Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
21.1     List of Subsidiaries of the Company.
23.1     Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
24.1     Powers of Attorney (contained on signature page hereto).
27.1     Financial Data Schedule.
27.2     Financial Data Schedule.
</TABLE>
 
  (b) Reports on Form 8-K
 
    (1) Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 16, 1998, filing the
  consolidated financial statements of Pulitzer Broadcasting Company and
  Subsidiaries as of September 30, 1998 and December 31, 1997 and for the
  three and nine months ended September 30, 1998 and 1997, and filing the
  Company's unaudited pro forma combined condensed financial statements
  giving effect to the Pulitzer Transaction both including and excluding the
  Kelly Transaction.
 
    (2) Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed on December 16, 1998, amending
  Form 8-K filed on September 29, 1998, replacing the Pulitzer Broadcasting
  Company and Subsidiaries consolidated financial statements as of December
  31, 1997 and 1996 and for each of the three years in the period ended
  December 31, 1997 and as of June 30, 1998 and for the six months ended June
  30, 1998 and 1997, and filing the unaudited pro forma combined condensed
  financial statements of the Company (giving effect to the Pulitzer
  Transaction both including and excluding the Kelly Transaction).
 
    (3) Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed on December 7, 1998, replacing the
  financial statements of Kelly Broadcasting filed on September 17, 1998 and
  filing financial statements for Kelly Broadcasting for the nine-month
  periods ended September 30, 1998 and 1997.
 
  (c) Exhibits
 
  The following documents are filed or incorporated by reference as exhibits
to this report.
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 Exhibit
   No.                                 Description
 -------                               -----------
 <C>     <S>
 2.1     Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of March
         26, 1997, among The Hearst Corporation, HAT Merger Sub, Inc., HAT
         Contribution Sub, Inc. and Argyle (incorporated by reference to
         Exhibit 2.1 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File
         No. 333-32487)).
 2.2     Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of May 25,
         1998, by and among Pulitzer Publishing Company, Pulitzer Inc. and the
         Company (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Company's
         Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-72207)).
 3.1     Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company
         (incorporated by reference to Appendix C of The Company's Registration
         Statement on Form S-4 (file No. 333-32487)).
 3.2     Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (incorporated by reference
         to Exhibit 3.2 of the Company's Form S-4 (File No. 333-72207)).
 3.3     Amendment No. 1 to the Amended and Restated Certificate of
         Incorporation of the Company.
 4.1     Form of Indenture relating to the Senior Subordinated Notes due 2005
         (including form of security) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1
         of Argyle's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1996).
 4.2     First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 1, 1996, among KHBS
         Argyle Television, Inc, Arkansas Argyle Television, Inc. and United
         States Trust Company of New York (incorporated by reference to
         Argyle's Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 11, 1996).
</TABLE>
 
                                      61
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 Exhibit
   No.                                 Description
 -------                               -----------
 <C>     <S>
 4.3     Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of August 29, 1997 among KMBC
         Hearst-Argyle Company Television, Inc., WBAL Hearst-Argyle Television,
         Inc., WCVB Hearst-Argyle Television, Inc., WISN Hearst-Argyle
         Television, Inc., WTAE Hearst-Argyle Television, Inc. and United
         States Trust Company of New York (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
         4.8 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-
         32487)).
 4.4     Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 26, 1998, among the
         Company, Hearst-Argyle Television Stations, Inc., KMBC Hearst-Argyle
         Television, Inc., WBAL Hearst-Argyle Television, Inc., WCVB Hearst-
         Argyle Television, Inc., WISN Hearst-Argyle Television, Inc., WTAE
         Hearst-Argyle Television, Inc., WAPT Hearst-Argyle Television, Inc.,
         KITV Hearst-Argyle Television, Inc., KHBS Hearst-Argyle Television,
         Inc., Ohio/Oklahoma Hearst-Argyle Television, Inc., Jackson Hearst-
         Argyle Television, Inc., Hawaii Hearst-Argyle Television, Inc.,
         Arkansas Hearst-Argyle Television, Inc. and United States Trust
         Company of New York (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of the
         Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1997).
 4.5     Form of Note for Senior Subordinated Notes due 2005 (incorporated by
         reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Argyle's Form 10-K for the fiscal year
         ending December 31, 1996).
 4.6     Indenture, dated as of November 13, 1997, between the Company and Bank
         of Montreal Trust Company, as trustee (incorporated by reference to
         Exhibit 4.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated November
         13, 1997).
 4.7     First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 13, 1997, between
         the Company and Bank of Montreal Trust Company, as trustee
         (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company's Current
         Report on Form 8-K dated November 13, 1997).
 4.8     Global Note representing $125,000,000 of 7% Senior Notes Due November
         15, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of the Company's
         Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 13, 1997).
 4.9     Global Note representing $175,000,000 of 7 1/2% Debentures Due
         November 15, 2027 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of the
         Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 13, 1998).
 4.10    Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 13, 1998, between
         the Company and Bank of Montreal Trust Company, as trustee
         (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of the Company's Current
         Report on Form 8-K dated January 13, 1998).
 4.11    Specimen of the stock certificate for the Company's Series A Common
         Stock, $.01 par value per share.
 4.12    Form of Registration Rights Agreement among the Company and the
         Holders (incorporated by reference to Exhibit B to Exhibit 2.1 of the
         Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-32487)).
 4.13    Form of Note Purchase Agreement, dated December 1, 1998, by and among
         the Company, as issuer of the notes to be purchased thereunder and the
         note purchasers named therein (including issuer of the notes to be
         purchased thereunder and the note purchasers named therein (including
         form of note attached as an exhibit thereto) (incorporated by
         reference to Exhibit 4.13 of the Company's Form S-4 (File
         No. 33372207)).
 10.1    Amended and Restated Employment Agreement of Ibra Morales
         (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3(c) of the Company's
         Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-96029)).
 10.2    Amended and Restated Employment Agreement of Harry T. Hawks
         (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3(d) of Argyle's Registration
         Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-96029)).
 10.3    1997 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix E of the
         Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-22487)).
 10.4    Affiliation Agreement among Multimedia, Inc., Multimedia
         Entertainment, Inc. (re: WLWT) and NBC (incorporated by reference to
         Exhibit 10.8(a) of the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending
         December 31, 1996).
</TABLE>
 
                                       62
<PAGE>
 
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 Exhibit
   No.                                 Description
 -------                               -----------
 <C>     <S>
 10.5    Affiliation Agreement between combined Communications Corporation of
         Oklahoma, Inc. (re: KOCO) and ABC (incorporated by reference to
         Exhibit 10.8(b) of the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending
         December 31, 1996).
 10.6    Affiliation Agreement between Tak Communications, Inc. (re: KITV) and
         ABC, dated November 4, 1994 and Satellite Television Affiliation
         Agreements, dated November 9, 1994 (incorporated by reference to
         Exhibit 10.5(d) of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1
         (File No. 33-96029)).
 10.7    Form of Affiliation Agreement between Jackson Argyle Television, Inc.
         (re: WAPT) and ABC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5(e) of
         the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-96029)).
 10.8    Affiliation Agreements between Sigma Broadcasting, Inc. (re: KHBS and
         KHOG) and ABC (incorporated by reference to the Company's Current
         Report on Form 8-K dated June 11, 1996).
 10.9    Primary Television Affiliation Agreement for television Station KMBC,
         dated April 26, 1988, by and between Capital Cities/ABC, Inc. and The
         Hearst Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the
         Company's Quarterly Report for the quarter ended September 30, 1997).
 10.10   Primary Television Affiliation Agreement for television Station WCVB,
         dated November 21, 1989, by and between Capital Cities/ABC, Inc. and
         The Hearst Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of
         the Company's Quarterly Report for the quarter ended September 30,
         1997).
 10.11   Primary Television Affiliation Agreement for television Station WISN,
         dated November 2, 1990, by and between Capital Cities/ABC, Inc. and
         The Hearst Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of
         the Company's Quarterly Report for the quarter ended September 30,
         1997).
 10.12   Primary Television Affiliation Agreement for television Station WTAE,
         dated July 14, 1989, by and between Capital Cities/ABC, Inc. and The
         Hearst Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the
         Company's Quarterly Report for the quarter ended September 30, 1997).
 10.13   Television Affiliation Agreement for Television Broadcasting Station
         WBAL-TV, dated January 2, 1995, by and between National Broadcasting
         Company, Inc. and The Hearst Corporation (incorporated by reference to
         Exhibit 10.5 of the Company's Quarterly Report for the quarter ended
         September 30, 1997).
 10.14   Amendment to the Television Affiliation Agreement for Television
         Broadcasting Station WBAL-TV, dated January 2, 1995, by and between
         National Broadcasting Company, Inc. and The Hearst Corporation
         (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the Company's Quarterly
         Report for the quarter ended September 30, 1997).
 10.15   Form of Amended and Restated Tax Sharing Agreement (incorporated by
         reference to Exhibit 10.10 of the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal
         year ending December 31, 1996).
 10.16   Change of Control Agreement between the Company and Dean H. Blythe
         (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 of the Company's Form 10-K
         for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1996).
 10.17   Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement of Ibra
         Morales, dated July 31, 1996 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
         10.25 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No.
         333-32487)).
 10.18   Employment Agreement, dated as of August 12, 1997, between the Company
         Television, Inc. and Bob Marbut (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
         10.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 17,
         1997).
 10.19   Management Services Agreement, dated as of August 29, 1997, between
         The Hearst Corporation and the Company (incorporated by reference to
         Exhibit 10.2 of Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 17,
         1997).
</TABLE>
 
                                       63
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 Exhibit
   No.                                 Description
 -------                               -----------
 <C>     <S>
 10.20   Option Agreement, dated as of August 29, 1997, between The Hearst
         Corporation and the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3
         of Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 17, 1997).
 10.21   Studio Lease Agreement, dated as of August 29, 1997, between The
         Hearst Corporation and the Company (incorporated by reference to
         Exhibit 10.4 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed October
         17, 1997).
 10.22   Services Agreement, dated as of August 29, 1997, between The Hearst
         Corporation and the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5
         of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 17, 1997).
 10.23   Credit Agreement between the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors party
         thereto and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as administrative agent, dated
         August 29, 1997 (the "Credit Agreement") (incorporated by reference to
         Exhibit 10.24 of the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending
         December 31, 1997).
 10.24   Amendment No. 1 to the Credit Agreement, dated as of October 31, 1997
         (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 of the Company's Form 10-K
         for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1997).
 10.25   Amendment No. 2 to the Credit Agreement, dated as of January 30, 1998
         (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 of the Company's Form 10-K
         for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1997).
 10.26   Asset Exchange Agreement between Hearst-Argyle Stations, Inc., STC
         Broadcasting, Inc., STC Broadcasting of Vermont, Inc., STC License
         Company and STC Broadcasting of Vermont Subsidiary, Inc., dated
         February 18, 1998 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 of the
         Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1997).
 10.27   Guaranty, given as of February 18, 1998 by the Company to STC
         Broadcasting of Vermont, Inc., STC License Company and STC
         Broadcasting of Vermont Subsidiary, Inc. (incorporated by reference to
         Exhibit 10.28 of the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending
         December 31, 1997).
 10.28   Board Representation Agreement, dated as of May 25, 1998, by and among
         the Company, Hearst Broadcasting, Inc. and Emily Raugh Pulitzer,
         Michael E. Pulitzer and David E. Moore (incorporated by reference to
         Exhibit 10.4 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 26,
         1998).
 10.29   Affiliation Agreement between Smith Television of Salinas Monterey
         License, L.P. (re: KSBW) and the National Broadcasting Company, Inc.,
         dated March 20, 1996 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the
         Company's Quarterly Report for the quarter ended June 30, 1998).
 10.30   Affiliation Agreement between Heritage Media Corp. (re: WPTZ) and the
         National Broadcasting Company, Inc., dated August 28, 1995
         (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company's Quarterly
         Report for the quarter ended June 30, 1998).
 10.31   Amendment to Affiliation Agreement between Heritage Media Corp. (re:
         WPTZ) and the National Broadcasting Company, Inc., dated January 1,
         1996 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company's
         Quarterly Report for the quarter ended June 30, 1998).
 10.32   Affiliation Agreement between Heritage Media Corp. (re: WNNE) and the
         National Broadcasting Company, Inc., dated August 28, 1995
         (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company's Quarterly
         Report for the quarter ended June 30, 1998).
 10.33   Amendment to Affiliation Agreement between Heritage Media Corp. (re:
         WNNE) and the National Broadcasting Company, Inc., dated January 1,
         1996 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Company's
         Quarterly Report for the quarter ended June 30, 1998).
 10.34   Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
</TABLE>
 
                                       64
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 Exhibit
   No.                               Description
 -------                             -----------
 <C>     <S>
 16.1    Letter from Ernst & Young LLP to the Securities and Exchange
         Commission pursuant to Item 304(a)(3) of Reg. S-K (incorporated by
         reference to Exhibit 16.1 of the Company's Current Report on 8-K/A,
         dated October 20, 1997).
 21.1    List of Subsidiaries of the Company.
 23.1    Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
 24.1    Powers of Attorney (contained on signature page hereto).
 27.1    Financial Data Schedule.
 27.2    Financial Data Schedule.
</TABLE>
 
 
                                       65
<PAGE>
 
                                  SIGNATURES
 
  Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this Report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
                                          HEARST-ARGYLE TELEVISION, INC.
 
                                              /s/ Dean H. Blythe
                                          By: _________________________________
                                            Name:Dean H. Blythe
                                            Title:Senior Vice President,
                                            Secretary and
                                                 General Counsel
 
                                                March 31, 1999
                                          Dated: ______________________________
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
  KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that each of the undersigned directors and
officers of Hearst-Argyle Television, Inc. hereby constitutes and appoints Bob
Marbut, John G. Conomikes and Dean H. Blythe, or any of them, his or her true
and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, for him or her and in his or her name,
place and stead, in any and all capacities, with full power to act alone, to
sign any and all amendments to this Report, and to file each such amendment to
this Report, with all exhibits thereto, and any and all other documents in
connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby
granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do
and perform any and all acts and things requisite and necessary to be done in
and about the premises as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might
or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-
in-fact and agent may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
 
  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 Company
in the capacities indicated on March 31, 1999.
 
             Signatures                        Title                 Date
 
/s/ Bob Marbut                         Co-Chief Executive       March 31, 1999
-------------------------------------   Officer and
Bob Marbut                              Chairman of the
                                        Board (Principal
                                        Executive Officer)
 
/s/ John G. Conomikes                  President, Co-Chief      March 31, 1999
-------------------------------------   Executive Officer
John G. Conomikes                       and Director
                                        (Principal
                                        Executive Officer)
 
/s/ David J. Barrett                   Executive Vice           March 31, 1999
-------------------------------------   President, Chief
David J. Barrett                        Operating Officer
                                        and Director
 
/s/ Harry T. Hawks                     Senior Vice              March 31, 1999
-------------------------------------   President and Chief
Harry T. Hawks                          Financial Officer
                                        (Principal
                                        Financial Officer)
 
                                      66
<PAGE>
 
             Signatures                         Title                Date
 
/s/ Teresa Lopez                        Vice President and      March 31, 1999
-------------------------------------    Controller
Teresa Lopez                             (Principal
                                         Accounting Officer)
 
/s/ Frank A. Bennack, Jr.               Director                March 31, 1999
-------------------------------------
Frank A. Bennack, Jr.
 
/s/ Ken J. Elkins                       Director                March 31, 1999
-------------------------------------
Ken J. Elkins
 
/s/ Victor F. Ganzi                     Director                March 31, 1999
-------------------------------------
Victor F. Ganzi
 
/s/ George R. Hearst                    Director                March 31, 1999
-------------------------------------
George R. Hearst
 
/s/ William R. Hearst III               Director                March 31, 1999
-------------------------------------
William R. Hearst III
 
/s/ Gilbert C. Maurer                   Director                March 31, 1999
-------------------------------------
Gilbert C. Maurer
 
/s/ Michael E. Pulitzer                 Director                March 31, 1999
-------------------------------------
Michael E. Pulitzer
 
/s/ David Pulver                        Director                March 31, 1999
-------------------------------------
David Pulver
 
/s/ Virginia H. Randt                   Director                March 31, 1999
-------------------------------------
Virginia H. Randt
 
/s/ Caroline L. Williams                Director                March 31, 1999
-------------------------------------
Caroline L. Williams
 
                                       67
<PAGE>
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 Exhibit
   No.                                 Description
 -------                               -----------
 <C>     <S>
 2.1     Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of March
         26, 1997, among The Hearst Corporation, HAT Merger Sub, Inc., HAT
         Contribution Sub, Inc. and Argyle (incorporated by reference to
         Exhibit 2.1 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File
         No. 333-32487)).
 2.2     Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of May 25,
         1998, by and among Pulitzer Publishing Company, Pulitzer Inc. and the
         Company (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Company's
         Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-72207)).
 3.1     Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company
         (incorporated by reference to Appendix C of The Company's Registration
         Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-32487)).
 3.2     Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (incorporated by reference
         to Exhibit 3.2 of the Company's Form S-4 (File No. 333-72207)).
 3.3     Amendment No. 1 to the Amended and Restated Certificate of
         Incorporation of the Company.
 4.1     Form of Indenture relating to the Senior Subordinated Notes due 2005
         (including form of security) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1
         of Argyle's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1996).
 4.2     First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 1, 1996, among KHBS
         Argyle Television, Inc, Arkansas Argyle Television, Inc. and United
         States Trust Company of New York (incorporated by reference to
         Argyle's Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 11, 1996).
 4.3     Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of August 29, 1997 among KMBC
         Hearst-Argyle Company Television, Inc., WBAL Hearst-Argyle Television,
         Inc., WCVB Hearst-Argyle Television, Inc., WISN Hearst-Argyle
         Television, Inc., WTAE Hearst-Argyle Television, Inc. and United
         States Trust Company of New York (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
         4.8 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-
         32487)).
 4.4     Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 26, 1998, among the
         Company, Hearst-Argyle Television Stations, Inc., KMBC Hearst-Argyle
         Television, Inc., WBAL Hearst-Argyle Television, Inc., WCVB Hearst-
         Argyle Television, Inc., WISN Hearst-Argyle Television, Inc., WTAE
         Hearst-Argyle Television, Inc., WAPT Hearst-Argyle Television, Inc.,
         KITV Hearst-Argyle Television, Inc., KHBS Hearst-Argyle Television,
         Inc., Ohio/Oklahoma Hearst-Argyle Television, Inc., Jackson Hearst-
         Argyle Television, Inc., Hawaii Hearst-Argyle Television, Inc.,
         Arkansas Hearst-Argyle Television, Inc. and United States Trust
         Company of New York (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of the
         Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1997).
 4.5     Form of Note for Senior Subordinated Notes due 2005 (incorporated by
         reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Argyle's Form 10-K for the fiscal year
         ending December 31, 1996).
 4.6     Indenture, dated as of November 13, 1997, between the Company and Bank
         of Montreal Trust Company, as trustee (incorporated by reference to
         Exhibit 4.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated November
         13, 1997).
 4.7     First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 13, 1997, between
         the Company and Bank of Montreal Trust Company, as trustee
         (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company's Current
         Report on Form 8-K dated November 13, 1997).
 4.8     Global Note representing $125,000,000 of 7% Senior Notes Due November
         15, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of the Company's
         Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 13, 1997).
 4.9     Global Note representing $175,000,000 of 7 1/2% Debentures Due
         November 15, 2027 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of the
         Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 13, 1998).
 4.10    Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 13, 1998, between
         the Company and Bank of Montreal Trust Company, as trustee
         (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of the Company's Current
         Report on Form 8-K dated January 13, 1998).
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 Exhibit
   No.                                 Description
 -------                               -----------
 <C>     <S>
  4.11   Specimen of the stock certificate for the Company's Series A Common
         Stock, $.01 par value per share.
  4.12   Form of Registration Rights Agreement among the Company and the
         Holders (incorporated by reference to Exhibit B to Exhibit 2.1 of the
         Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-32487)).
  4.13   Form of Note Purchase Agreement, dated December 1, 1998, by and among
         the Company, as issuer of the notes to be purchased thereunder and the
         note purchasers named therein (including issuer of the notes to be
         purchased thereunder and the note purchasers named therein (including
         form of note attached as an exhibit thereto) (incorporated by
         reference to Exhibit 4.13 of the Company's Form S-4 (File No.
         33372207)).
 10.1    Amended and Restated Employment Agreement of Ibra Morales
         (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3(c) of the Company's
         Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-96029)).
 10.2    Amended and Restated Employment Agreement of Harry T. Hawks
         (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3(d) of Argyle's Registration
         Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-96029)).
 10.2    Amended and Restated Employment Agreement of Harry T. Hawks
         (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3(d) of Argyle's Registration
         Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-96029)).
 10.3    1997 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix E of the
         Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-22487)).
 10.4    Affiliation Agreement among Multimedia, Inc., Multimedia
         Entertainment, Inc. (re: WLWT) and NBC (incorporated by reference to
         Exhibit 10.8(a) of the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending
         December 31, 1996).
 10.5    Affiliation Agreement between combined Communications Corporation of
         Oklahoma, Inc. (re: KOCO) and ABC (incorporated by reference to
         Exhibit 10.8(b) of the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending
         December 31, 1996).
 10.6    Affiliation Agreement between Tak Communications, Inc. (re: KITV) and
         ABC, dated November 4, 1994 and Satellite Television Affiliation
         Agreements, dated November 9, 1994 (incorporated by reference to
         Exhibit 10.5(d) of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1
         (File No. 33-96029)).
 10.7    Form of Affiliation Agreement between Jackson Argyle Television, Inc.
         (re: WAPT) and ABC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5(e) of
         the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-96029)).
 10.8    Affiliation Agreements between Sigma Broadcasting, Inc. (re: KHBS and
         KHOG) and ABC (incorporated by reference to the Company's Current
         Report on Form 8-K dated June 11, 1996).
 10.9    Primary Television Affiliation Agreement for television Station KMBC,
         dated April 26, 1988, by and between Capital Cities/ABC, Inc. and The
         Hearst Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the
         Company's Quarterly Report for the quarter ended September 30, 1997).
 10.10   Primary Television Affiliation Agreement for television Station WCVB,
         dated November 21, 1989, by and between Capital Cities/ABC, Inc. and
         The Hearst Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of
         the Company's Quarterly Report for the quarter ended September 30,
         1997).
 10.11   Primary Television Affiliation Agreement for television Station WISN,
         dated November 2, 1990, by and between Capital Cities/ABC, Inc. and
         The Hearst Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of
         the Company's Quarterly Report for the quarter ended September 30,
         1997).
 10.12   Primary Television Affiliation Agreement for television Station WTAE,
         dated July 14, 1989, by and between Capital Cities/ABC, Inc. and The
         Hearst Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the
         Company's Quarterly Report for the quarter ended September 30, 1997).
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 Exhibit
   No.                                 Description
 -------                               -----------
 <C>     <S>
 10.13   Television Affiliation Agreement for Television Broadcasting Station
         WBAL-TV, dated January 2, 1995, by and between National Broadcasting
         Company, Inc. and The Hearst Corporation (incorporated by reference to
         Exhibit 10.5 of the Company's Quarterly Report for the quarter ended
         September 30, 1997).
 10.14   Amendment to the Television Affiliation Agreement for Television
         Broadcasting Station WBAL-TV, dated January 2, 1995, by and between
         National Broadcasting Company, Inc. and The Hearst Corporation
         (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the Company's Quarterly
         Report for the quarter ended September 30, 1997).
 10.15   Form of Amended and Restated Tax Sharing Agreement (incorporated by
         reference to Exhibit 10.10 of the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal
         year ending December 31, 1996).
 10.16   Change of Control Agreement between the Company and Dean H. Blythe
         (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 of the Company's Form 10-K
         for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1996).
 10.17   Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement of Ibra
         Morales, dated July 31, 1996 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
         10.25 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No.
         333-32487)).
 10.18   Employment Agreement, dated as of August 12, 1997, between the Company
         Television, Inc. and Bob Marbut (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
         10.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 17,
         1997).
 10.19   Management Services Agreement, dated as of August 29, 1997, between
         The Hearst Corporation and the Company (incorporated by reference to
         Exhibit 10.2 of Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 17,
         1997).
 10.20   Option Agreement, dated as of August 29, 1997, between The Hearst
         Corporation and the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3
         of Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 17, 1997).
 10.21   Studio Lease Agreement, dated as of August 29, 1997, between The
         Hearst Corporation and the Company (incorporated by reference to
         Exhibit 10.4 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed October
         17, 1997).
 10.22   Services Agreement, dated as of August 29, 1997, between The Hearst
         Corporation and the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5
         of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 17, 1997).
 10.23   Credit Agreement between the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors party
         thereto and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as administrative agent, dated
         August 29, 1997 (the "Credit Agreement")
         (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 of the Company's Form 10-K
         for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1997).
 10.24   Amendment No. 1 to the Credit Agreement, dated as of October 31, 1997
         (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 of the Company's Form 10-K
         for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1997).
 10.25   Amendment No. 2 to the Credit Agreement, dated as of January 30, 1998
         (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 of the Company's Form 10-K
         for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1997).
 10.26   Asset Exchange Agreement between Hearst-Argyle Stations, Inc., STC
         Broadcasting, Inc., STC Broadcasting of Vermont, Inc., STC License
         Company and STC Broadcasting of Vermont Subsidiary, Inc., dated
         February 18, 1998 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 of the
         Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1997).
 10.27   Guaranty, given as of February 18, 1998 by the Company to STC
         Broadcasting of Vermont, Inc., STC License Company and STC
         Broadcasting of Vermont Subsidiary, Inc. (incorporated by reference to
         Exhibit 10.28 of the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending
         December 31, 1997).
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 Exhibit
   No.                                 Description
 -------                               -----------
 <C>     <S>
 10.28   Board Representation Agreement, dated as of May 25, 1998, by and among
         the Company, Hearst Broadcasting, Inc. and Emily Raugh Pulitzer,
         Michael E. Pulitzer and David E. Moore (incorporated by reference to
         Exhibit 10.4 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 26,
         1998).
 10.29   Affiliation Agreement between Smith Television of Salinas Monterey
         License, L.P. (re: KSBW) and the National Broadcasting Company, Inc.,
         dated March 20, 1996 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the
         Company's Quarterly Report for the quarter ended June 30, 1998).
 10.30   Affiliation Agreement between Heritage Media Corp. (re: WPTZ) and the
         National Broadcasting Company, Inc., dated August 28, 1995
         (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company's Quarterly
         Report for the quarter ended June 30, 1998).
 10.31   Amendment to Affiliation Agreement between Heritage Media Corp. (re:
         WPTZ) and the National Broadcasting Company, Inc., dated January 1,
         1996 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company's
         Quarterly Report for the quarter ended June 30, 1998).
 10.32   Affiliation Agreement between Heritage Media Corp. (re: WNNE) and the
         National Broadcasting Company, Inc., dated August 28, 1995
         (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company's Quarterly
         Report for the quarter ended June 30, 1998).
 10.33   Amendment to Affiliation Agreement between Heritage Media Corp. (re:
         WNNE)
         and the National Broadcasting Company, Inc., dated January 1, 1996
         (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Company's Quarterly
         Report for the quarter ended June 30, 1998).
 10.34   Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
 16.1    Letter from Ernst & Young LLP to the Securities and Exchange
         Commission pursuant to Item 304(a)(3)
         of Reg. S-K (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 16.1 of the
         Company's Current Report on 8-K/A, dated October 20, 1997).
 21.1    List of Subsidiaries of the Company.
 23.1    Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
 24.1    Powers of Attorney (contained on signature page hereto).
 27.1    Financial Data Schedule.
 27.2    Financial Data Schedule.
</TABLE>