Harte Hanks
HHS
#10589
Rank
$32.57 M
Marketcap
$4.37
Share price
-1.80%
Change (1 day)
22.41%
Change (1 year)
Text size:
1
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

----------------

FORM 10-K

(MARK ONE)

[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [FEE REQUIRED]

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996

[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [NO FEE REQUIRED]

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM TO
------------ ------------

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-7120

----------------

HARTE-HANKS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

DELAWARE 74-1677284
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification Number)

200 CONCORD PLAZA DRIVE 78216
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS (ZIP CODE)
(Address of principal executive officers)

REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE -- 210-829-9000

----------------

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:

NAME OF EACH
TITLE OF EACH CLASS EXCHANGE ON WHICH REGISTERED
------------------- ----------------------------
Common Stock New York Stock Exchange

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT:

None
----------------
(Title of class)

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

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filings pursuant to
Item 405 of Regulation S-K (229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein,
and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive
proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this
Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. X
----

Aggregate market value of the Company's voting stock held by
non-affiliates on March 17, 1997, based on the $28.75 per share closing price
for the Company's Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange on such date:
approximately $605,000,000.

SHARES OUTSTANDING AT MARCH 17, 1997:
Common Stock -- 37,217,807 shares

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

The Company's Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended
December 31, 1996 (incorporated in Part II to the extent provided in Items 5,
6, 7 and 8 hereof).

Definitive Proxy Statement for the Company's May 6, 1997 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (incorporated in Part III to the
extent provided in Items 10, 11 and 12 hereof).


================================================================================
2




Harte-Hanks Communications, Inc.
Table of Contents
Form 10-K Report
December 31, 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Part I Page
----
<S> <C> <C>
Item 1. Business 3

Item 2. Properties 3

Item 3. Legal Proceedings 17

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 17


Part II

Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related
Stockholder Matters 17

Item 6. Selected Financial Data 17

Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations 18

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 18

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on
Accounting and Financial Disclosure 18

Part III

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant 18

Item 11. Executive Compensation 18

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
Management 18

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions 18


Part IV

Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on
Form 8-K. 19

Signatures 25
</TABLE>
3
3



ITEM 1. BUSINESS AND ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

INTRODUCTION

Harte-Hanks is a diversified communications company with operations
throughout the United States in four principal businesses -- direct marketing,
shoppers, newspapers and television. The Company's shopper, newspaper and
television businesses operate in local markets, while its direct marketing
business operates nationally and internationally. The Company believes that
marketing is undergoing a transition from traditional mass media to targeted
marketing, or to one-to-one customer relationships. The transition is being
driven by the increasing sophistication and efficiency of computer technology
and a growing need among marketers to customize the product and service choices
they offer to individuals. Direct marketing, which represents 50% of the
Company's revenues, is leading the movement toward highly targeted and
relationship marketing. The Company's shopper, newspaper and television
businesses apply many of the same targeting principles as direct marketing.
Harte-Hanks' strategy is based on five key elements: being a market leader in
each of its businesses; increasing revenues through growing its base
businesses, introducing new products, entering new markets and making
acquisitions; using technology to create competitive advantage; employing
people who can partner effectively with its clients; and creating shareholder
value. Company revenues totaled $665.9 million in 1996.

Harte-Hanks is the successor to a newspaper business begun in Texas in
the early 1920s by Houston Harte and Bernard Hanks. In 1972, the Company went
public and was listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The Company went private
in a leveraged buyout initiated by management in 1984. In 1993, the Company
again went public and listed its common stock on the NYSE.

See Note M of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for certain
financial information by business segment.


DIRECT MARKETING

GENERAL

Harte-Hanks operates a national and international direct marketing
business offering a broad range of specialized, coordinated and integrated
services. The Company utilizes advanced technologies to enable its customers to
identify, target and reach specific consumers or businesses. The Company
believes that developments in computer technology and trends toward more
sophisticated marketing analysis and measurement will continue to result in
increased usage of direct marketing services. Harte- Hanks' direct marketing
customers include many of America's largest retailers, banks, mutual funds
companies, pharmaceutical companies, healthcare organizations, insurance
companies and high technology firms, along with a growing number of
international clients. In 1996, Harte-Hanks Direct Marketing had revenues of
$330.3 million, which accounted for 50% of the Company's revenues.
4
4


In 1996, Harte-Hanks made several acquisitions, all in the direct
marketing business segment. The largest of these was the merger of DiMark, Inc.
("DiMark") with a wholly owned subsidiary of Harte-Hanks. Each outstanding
share of DiMark common stock was converted into .656 of a share of common stock
of Harte-Hanks. As a result, Harte-Hanks issued approximately 6.1 million
shares of its common stock to the shareholders of DiMark, and DiMark's
outstanding stock options were converted into options to acquire approximately
1.5 million shares of Harte-Hanks common stock. The merger was accounted for on
a pooling-of-interests basis. The remainder of the acquisitions made in 1996
are discussed below.

Harte-Hanks Direct Marketing offers a complete range of specialized,
coordinated and integrated direct marketing services from a single source.
These services are organized into three broad sectors -- response
management/teleservices, database marketing and marketing services.

Response Management/Teleservices

Harte-Hanks Response Management manages the inquiries clients receive
from their marketing efforts, whether it be from 1-800 numbers, trade shows,
fax programs or World Wide Web sites. These leads are qualified, tracked and
distributed both to the appropriate sales channels as well as to client
management for analysis and decision making. Many of these leads are processed
and distributed over the Internet, accounting for more than 1.2 million
transactions in 1996. In addition to qualifying and distributing sales leads,
the Internet is being used to register attendees for seminars and training
events and to manage open-ended electronic mail responses traditionally handled
by phone.

Using proprietary software, the Company also builds contact databases for
its clients using the information gained from these response management
activities. These databases help clients measure the return on their marketing
communications and make more informed decisions about future marketing efforts.

Two newly acquired companies in Los Angeles and Framingham,
Massachusetts, enable Harte-Hanks to provide a consistent level of service to
its response management customers nationwide. Another company, PRO Direct,
acquired as part of the DiMark Inc. merger, has added significantly to the
Company's outbound telemarketing capabilities. Altogether, the seven
Harte-Hanks response management/teleservices operations maintain nearly 900
telemarketing workstations across the country. Approximately 60% of the
Company's response management/teleservices business is inbound, with 40%
outbound.

The Company also offers response management services in Europe to its
U.S. clients with international operations through a strategic alliance with a
firm in Hasselt, Belgium, which Harte- Hanks has an option to acquire.

In addition to the newly acquired operations, the Company provides
response management services at its Austin and Boston facilities. The Austin
operation serves primarily high technology customers, while the Boston
operation primarily serves the mutual fund industry.
5
5


Database Marketing

The Company builds customized marketing databases for specific clients
and provides them with easy-to-use tools to target their best customers and
prospects. Using proprietary name and address matching software, the Company
standardizes large numbers of customer records from multiple sources,
integrates them into a single database for each client and, if needed, appends
demographic and lifestyle information.

In most cases, these databases are delivered for use on clients' personal
computers, networks or workstations, where the Company's P/CIS(R) software
applications help clients predict the likely results of marketing promotions
and track recipients' buying behavior. In addition to building a client's
database and installing the software, Harte-Hanks Direct Marketing performs
regular database updates and offers its stand-alone software module Trillium(R)
for clients who want to integrate this capability into their data warehouses.

Building on its longtime expertise in the banking industry, Harte-Hanks
formed a mergers and acquisitions group in 1996 to help banks handle customer
communications before, during and after mergers. It also introduced Market
Advantage, a new line of products for credit unions and community banks.

As a further extension of the client's marketing arm, Harte- Hanks
introduced a marketing planning and analysis service in 1996. Specific
capabilities include tracking and reporting, mailing analysis, modeling,
database profiling, marketing applications consulting and program development.

The Company also specializes in custom research for direct marketers,
providing yet another analytical tool to help clients define their marketing
objectives, develop effective programs, target the right prospect and measure
results. Information gathered through research can be used to enrich the
clients' marketing databases and assess customer satisfaction.

In addition, the Company operates as a service bureau for clients who
need it, preparing list selections, maximizing deliverability and reducing
clients' mailing costs through sophisticated postal coding, hygiene and address
updates through a non-exclusive National Change of Address license with the
U.S. Postal Service.

Database services are marketed to specific industries or markets with
software modifications tailored to each industry or market. Having established
the basic technological foundation, the Company is able to provide database
services to new industries and markets by modifying its existing technology.
The Company currently provides database services to the banking, retail,
insurance, utilities, automotive and business-to-business markets. The Company
also provides database services internationally, and database sales offices
were opened in 1996 in Brazil and Australia, in addition to existing offices in
London and Toronto. In early 1997, the Company expanded its overall production
capacity, especially for European clients, by acquiring Information for
Marketing, Limited, a London-based provider of database marketing services.
6
6


In November, 1996 the Company expanded its marketing services, response
management/teleservices and database capabilities by acquiring Marketing
Communications, Inc. based in Kansas City, which provides marketing services to
the pharmaceutical industry and others.

Marketing Services

Harte-Hanks provides a variety of specialized services to help clients
develop and execute targeted marketing communication programs. These include
such upfront services as strategic development and creative services, along
with back-end services such as print and graphics, personalization of
communication pieces using laser and inkjet printers, targeted mail and
fulfillment, and transportation logistics.

The Company's mail tracking capability and longstanding relationships
with the U.S. Postal Service help ensure that customer mailings reach their
destinations on time. And, by controlling the final stage of the print
distribution process through its transportation logistics operations, the
Company facilitates the delivery of its clients' materials while holding costs
to a minimum.

These capabilities are provided in a specialized, coordinated and
integrated approach through eight primary facilities nationwide. The release of
a new product, MediaSelect, helps clients more effectively distribute their
spending among various print media in specific geographic markets. Another 1996
new product, TOPS4, helps catalogers, printers and retailers save money in
distributing fourth-class bound materials.

Sales and Marketing

Harte-Hanks' national direct marketing sales forces are headquartered in
Cincinnati, Ohio, with additional offices maintained throughout the United
States and in Toronto, London, Sao Paulo, Brazil and Melbourne, Australia. The
overall sales focus is to position Harte-Hanks as a single-source solution for
a client's targeted marketing needs. The sales forces emphasize cross-selling
the range of direct marketing services and are supported by employees in each
sector.

The Company generally charges transaction-related fees each time it
provides direct marketing services. For certain database projects, it charges a
one-time, negotiated fee to build a database, plus an additional fee each time
the database is updated.
7
7



Facilities

Direct marketing services are provided at the following facilities:



RESPONSE MANAGEMENT/TELESERVICES MARKETING SERVICES (CONTINUED)

Austin, Texas Jacksonville, Florida
Brockton, Massachusetts New York, New York
Cherry Hill, New Jersey South Belmar, New Jersey
Clearwater, Florida Westville, New Jersey
Framingham, Massachusetts
Los Angeles, California NATIONAL SALES HEADQUARTERS
River Edge, New Jersey Cincinnati, Ohio

DATABASE MARKETING INTERNATIONAL OFFICES
Billerica, Massachusetts London, England
Langhorne, Pennsylvania Melbourne, Australia
Baltimore, Maryland Sao Paulo, Brazil
Kansas City, Kansas Toronto, Canada
River Edge, New Jersey

MARKETING SERVICES
Baltimore, Maryland
Bloomfield, Connecticut
Cincinnati, Ohio
Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas
Deerfield Beach, Florida
Forty Fort, Pennsylvania
Fullerton, California


Competition

Harte-Hanks' direct marketing business faces competition from other
direct marketing companies in each sector, as well as from print and electronic
media and other forms of advertising. Harte- Hanks believes that its
state-of-the-art database and response management/teleservices capabilities,
combined with its national production capability, industry focus and ability to
offer a full range of integrated services, enable the Company to compete
effectively.
8
8


SHOPPERS

GENERAL

Harte-Hanks is the largest publisher of advertising shoppers in North
America based on weekly circulation and revenues, and the only national media
company that focuses on shoppers as a core business. Shoppers are weekly
advertising publications delivered free by third-class mail to all households
in a particular geographic area. Shoppers offer advertisers a targeted,
cost-effective local advertising system, with virtually 100% penetration in
their area of distribution. Shoppers are particularly effective in large
markets with high media fragmentation in which major metropolitan newspapers
generally have low penetration. As of December 31, 1996, shoppers reached
approximately 6.9 million households in four markets each week -- Southern
California, Northern California, South Florida and Dallas/Fort Worth. The
Company's Southern California shopper, PennySaver, accounted for 63% of these
households.

Harte-Hanks publishes 580 individual shopper editions each week
distributed to zones of approximately 12,000 households each. This allows
single-location, local advertisers to saturate a single geographic zone, while
enabling multiple-location advertisers to saturate multiple zones. This unique
delivery system gives large and small advertisers alike a cost-effective way to
reach their target markets. The Company believes that its zoning capabilities
and production technologies have enabled it to saturate and target geographic
areas allowing its advertisers to effectively target their customers. The
Company's strategy is to increase its share of local advertising in its
existing circulation areas, and, over time, to increase circulation through
internal expansion into contiguous areas and make selective acquisitions. In
1996, Harte- Hanks shoppers had revenues of $185.2 million, accounting for
approximately 28% of the Company's revenues.

During the period 1992 through 1994, 1.1 million households were added to
the Company's shopper circulation through internal expansion, primarily in
Southern California, South Florida and Northern California. In September 1996,
Harte-Hanks added another 33,000 contiguous households to its Southern
California circulation. The Company believes that expansions provide increased
revenues and operating income as the publications in these new areas mature.

Publications

Harte-Hanks shoppers are published in Southern California,
Northern California, South Florida and Dallas/Fort Worth. The Southern
California operation accounted for 70% of all shopper revenues in 1996.
9
9





The following table sets forth certain information with respect to
shopper publications:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31, 1996
------------------------
Number of
Market Publication Name Circulation Zones
- ------------------- ------------------ ----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Southern California PennySaver 4,381,500 375
Northern California Potpourri 1,100,000 79
Miami/Ft. Lauderdale The Flyer 1,042,900 90
Dallas/Ft. Worth The Shopper's Guide 422,500 36
---------- ----

Total 6,946,900 580
</TABLE>

Shopper publications contain classified and display advertising and are
delivered to consumers' homes by third-class saturation mail. The typical
shopper publication contains over 40 pages and is 7 by 9-1/2 inches in size.
Each edition, or zone, is targeted around a natural neighborhood marketing
pattern. Shoppers also serve as a distribution vehicle for multiple ads from
national and regional advertisers; "print and deliver" single-sheet inserts
designed and printed by the Company; coupon books; preprinted inserts from
major retail chains; and a four-color proprietary product, MARQUEE. Harte-Hanks
shopper publications also offer audiotext voice mail in a pay-per-call format.

The Company has acquired, developed and applied innovative technology and
customized equipment in the publication of its shoppers, contributing to
efficiency and growth. A proprietary pagination system, jointly developed by
the Company and a software company, became fully operational for the shoppers
in Southern California and South Florida in 1995. This software has made it
possible for the hundreds of weekly zoned editions to be designed, built and
output to plate-ready negatives in a paperless, digital environment. Automating
the production process saves on labor, newsprint and overweight postage. This
software also allows for better ad tracking, immediate checks on individual
zone and ad status, and more on-time press starts with less manpower.

In another technological innovation, Harte-Hanks has expanded the ways
its advertisers can reach prospective customers by establishing World Wide Web
sites for its Southern California, Northern California and South Florida
shoppers. The websites offer electronic access to ads from that week's printed
publications. Visitors to these sites can search the overall database for
specific types of products or services.

Sales and Marketing

The Company maintains local sales offices throughout its geographic
markets and employs more than 400 commissioned sales representatives who
develop both targeted and saturation advertising programs for customers. The
sales organization provides service to both national and local advertisers
through its telemarketing departments and field sales representatives. Shopper
customers vary from individuals with a single item for sale to local
neighborhood advertisers to large multi-location advertisers. The core
customers continue to be local service businesses and small
10
10


retailers. The Company is increasingly focusing its marketing efforts on larger
national accounts by emphasizing its ability to deliver saturation advertising
in defined zones in combination with advertising in the shopper publication.

Additional focus is being placed on particular industries through the
development of sales specialists. These sales specialists are being used to
drive revenue growth in the automotive, real estate, employment and healthcare
industries.

The Company utilizes a proprietary sales and marketing system (SAMS) to
enter customer orders directly from the field, instantly checking space
availability, ad costs and other pertinent information. A paperless order entry
system on a Unix platform, SAMS has built-in error-reducing safeguards,
minimizing costly sales adjustments. In addition, SAMS facilitates placement of
advertising in multiple zoned editions. The Company has expanded SAMS so that,
in addition to allowing advertising information to be entered for immediate
publication, it will build a relational customer database, enabling sales
personnel to access customer history by designated variables, thereby
identifying similar potential customers and assisting follow-up with existing
customers.

Facilities

Harte-Hanks shoppers are produced at owned or leased facilities in the
markets they serve. The Company has five production facilities -- two in
Southern California and one in each of its other markets -- and 21 sales
offices.

Competition

Harte-Hanks shoppers compete primarily with metropolitan daily
newspapers, shared mail packages and other local advertising media. Shoppers
also compete in varying degrees for advertisers and readers with magazines,
radio, broadcast and cable television, directories, other shoppers and other
communications media that operate in their markets. The Company believes that
its production systems and technology, which enable it to publish separate
editions in narrowly targeted zones, allow it to compete effectively,
particularly in large markets with high media fragmentation.

HARTE-HANKS NEWSPAPERS

GENERAL

Harte-Hanks publishes the only daily newspaper in Abilene, Corpus
Christi, San Angelo and Wichita Falls, Texas and Anderson, South Carolina (the
"five principal newspapers"). The Company also publishes one daily and seven
non-daily newspapers in higher income suburban areas of Dallas. In all of its
daily newspaper markets, the Company realizes additional revenue from niche
publications and specialized services (such as special interest publications
and direct mail programs) aimed at targeted consumer groups. Harte-Hanks'
strategy in its newspaper business is to build upon its strong local
franchises, to offer complementary products and services, and to expand its
market areas and customer base.
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11


The Company's five principal newspapers have achieved high levels of paid
household penetration. For 1996, circulation penetration in the city zones for
the five principal newspapers ranged from 46% to 66% on a daily basis and from
60% to 78% on Sunday, providing advertisers with broad coverage of these local
markets. According to Standard Rate & Data Service's Circulation '96, the daily
editions of the Company's newspapers in Abilene, San Angelo and Wichita Falls
ranked among the top 35 in the United States based on household penetration in
United States Census Bureau metropolitan statistical areas. In addition, these
same newspapers' Sunday editions rank in the top 15 in the United States based
on household penetration. Harte-Hanks community newspapers in suburban Dallas
concentrate on local news and other items of interest to those affluent
communities. Harte-Hanks newspapers are recognized for their editorial
excellence and community leadership, with each newspaper edited locally to
reflect the views and interests of the particular market it serves. In 1996,
Harte-Hanks newspapers had revenues of $124.3 million, accounting for
approximately 19% of the Company's revenues.

Five Principal Newspapers

The Company believes that the high penetration levels of its five
principal newspapers are important to advertisers in their determination of
where to allocate their marketing dollars, as advertisers increasingly require
evidence that their messages are actually reaching consumers. The Company's
five principal newspapers, together with their related niche publications,
accounted for approximately 90% of Harte-Hanks newspaper revenues in 1996.

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the
Company's five principal newspapers for 1996:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average
Average Paid Circulation
Circulation (1) Penetration (2)
------------------ -----------------
Publication Daily Sunday Daily Sunday
- ----------- ----- ------ ----- ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Corpus Christi Caller-Times 68,161 90,312 46% 60%
(Founded 1877)

Abilene Reporter-News 41,572 50,967 56% 69%
(Founded 1881)

Anderson Independent-Mail 41,442 47,834 66% 76%
(Founded 1899)

Wichita Falls Times Record News 38,150 45,211 58% 69%
(Founded 1907)

San Angelo Standard-Times 32,749 38,813 64% 78%
(Founded 1884)
</TABLE>

(1) In 1996, approximately 89% of daily circulation was home-delivered, with
the remaining 11% from single-copy sales.

(2) Penetration is average paid circulation in the city zone divided by the
number of households in the city zone.
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12

The Corpus Christi Caller-Times is a morning newspaper serving Corpus
Christi and seven surrounding counties in South Texas. In 1996, the
Caller-Times was named Best Daily Newspaper under 100,000 circulation in five
Southwestern states, marking the seventh time in eight years it has been
awarded Best Daily Newspaper honors by the Press Club of Dallas. Average Sunday
circulation of the Sunday edition of the Caller-Times increased from 87,745 in
1988 to 90,312 in 1996. The Corpus Christi metropolitan statistical area had an
estimated population of 384,700 as of December 31, 1995. The local economy is
based on tourism, military, shipping, oil and gas production, petrochemicals,
refining, manufacturing, agriculture, higher education, regional health
services and regional retail services. The Port of Corpus Christi is the
nation's sixth largest in terms of shipping tonnage.

The Abilene Reporter-News is a morning newspaper serving Abilene and a
15-county regional trade market in Central West Texas. The Abilene metropolitan
statistical area had an estimated population of 122,200 as of December 31,
1995. The Reporter-News was a finalist in the Press Club of Dallas selections
as Best Daily Newspaper in Texas for its circulation size in 1994 and 1995. The
Sunday Reporter-News ranks second among Texas' Sunday newspapers in household
penetration. The Abilene economy is built around the oil and gas industry,
agriculture, light industry, military, regional health services and higher
education.

The Anderson Independent-Mail is a morning newspaper serving Anderson,
South Carolina and its surrounding area. The Independent-Mail has a record of
product improvement and circulation growth during the 1990's. The newspaper has
won the National Headliner Award for outstanding reporting in its circulation
class in the United States two of the last five years. The newspaper has placed
among the Associated Press top 20 sports sections in the United States in its
circulation class in each of the last eight years. Anderson County had an
estimated population of 154,800 as of December 31, 1995 and is the retail and
manufacturing center for a nine-county area covering the northeast corner of
Georgia and the northwest corner of South Carolina. The market, located in the
Interstate 85 business corridor between Atlanta, Georgia and Charlotte, North
Carolina, includes major industries producing rubber products, textiles and
automotive parts and supplies. Service industries focus on government,
healthcare, recreation and retirement. The market is also home to Clemson
University.

The Wichita Falls Times Record News is a morning newspaper serving Wichita
Falls, Texas and 16 surrounding counties in North Texas and Southern Oklahoma.
The Times Record News is ranked second among all Texas daily newspapers in paid
household penetration in its metropolitan statistical area and third for Sunday
circulation. The Wichita Falls metropolitan statistical area had an estimated
population of 132,100 as of December 31, 1995. Sheppard Air Force Base, one of
the nation's largest training installations and home of NATO fighter pilot
training, is a significant factor in the Wichita Falls economy. Wichita Falls
is home to the 2,800-bed James V. Allred Unit of the Texas Department of
Criminal Justice system. The city also has two major regional hospitals and ten
assisted-living facilities and is home to Midwestern State University.
13
13


The San Angelo Standard-Times is a morning newspaper serving San Angelo,
Texas and its surrounding area. The Standard-Times was the finalist for Best
Daily newspaper honors in five Southwestern states in 1996 in competition
sponsored by the Press Club of Dallas. The San Angelo metropolitan statistical
area had an estimated population of 103,400 as of December 31, 1995. San Angelo
has a diversified economic base consisting of petroleum, military, regional
health services, agriculture, light industry and higher education. SITEL
Corporation, a fast-growing telemarketing services company which located in San
Angelo in 1995, has now exceeded the 1,000-employee mark and will be adding
another 200-400 employees by mid-year 1997. The $16 million Texas Department of
Information Resources Disaster Recovery Center at Angelo State University
opened in late 1996. Ranchers Lamb of Texas, a consortium of local producers,
banks and business interests, broke ground on a $3 million lamb processing
plant that will have 30 jobs initially. Goodfellow Air Force Base, a
significant factor in the San Angelo economy, has had many significant building
projects over the years, including a new civil engineering complex and
upgrading of all communications infrastructure to support further expansions of
missions at the base.

Harte-Hanks Community Newspapers

The Company publishes one daily and seven non-daily newspapers in the
higher income suburban communities of northern Dallas. Harte- Hanks Community
Newspapers concentrate on local news and other items of interest to the
communities they serve and allow advertisers to target consumers in these
communities. The community newspapers compete with daily newspapers published
in the metropolitan Dallas area, as well as zoned editions and other non- daily
publications. The Company's non-daily newspapers are published either once or
twice a week, and many of them are distributed free of charge.

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the
Company's community newspapers for 1996:



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Type of Average
Location Publication Name Publication Circulation
- -------- ---------------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Dallas Area Plano Star Courier Daily 12,467
Sunday 13,885
Mesquite News Non-daily 29,981
Lewisville Leader Non-daily 25,816
The Leader Non-daily 11,795
McKinney Messenger Non-daily 8,000
Frisco Life Non-daily 4,300
Allen American Non-daily 4,146
Coppell Gazette Non-daily 4,091
</TABLE>
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14


Niche Publications and Services

In addition to its primary newspaper products, the Company publishes
numerous niche advertising and special interest publications in all of its
markets to achieve increased market coverage. The specialized publications
include newsstand publications, total market coverage vehicles, guides covering
specialized subjects such as television and real estate, editions zoned to
particular geographic areas, weekly news products and military publications.
The Company's newspapers continue to grow their local direct marketing services
and have expanded this in 1996 with the installation of specialized printing
equipment in each of the principal markets. The Company also offers audiotext
voice mail services to readers and advertisers, and each newspaper now provides
advertising and information services on the World Wide Web.

Sales and Marketing

The Company maintains local sales offices in each of its newspaper
markets. Each office has commissioned sales representatives dedicated
specifically to advertising or circulation sales. In 1995 the Company launched
its Potential Based Marketing strategy which uses databases of information to
support growth by examining the "potential" of its customers, products and
services, markets and people. Harte-Hanks uses marketing techniques including
programs whereby an advertiser purchases a package consisting of multiple
advertisements over a specified period of time for a fixed budget amount.
Harte-Hanks offers a combination of products and services as part of these
advertising programs. The niche publications and services offer customers
increased market coverage or the ability to target specific consumer groups.

Facilities

Harte-Hanks newspaper operations are housed in modern facilities that are
owned by the Company in its five principal newspaper markets and leased
facilities in suburban Dallas. The Company made substantial investments in
prepress systems and equipment in 1996. These investments are expected to
increase productivity and shorten manufacturing time, allowing for later news
and advertising deadlines.

Competition

There are no other daily newspapers published in the markets where the
Company publishes its five principal newspapers. The Company's community
newspapers face increasing competition from the strong metropolitan daily
newspaper in Dallas, including its local editions. Each of the Company's
newspapers competes in varying degrees for advertisers and readers with
newspapers, magazines, radio, broadcast and cable television, shoppers,
directories, direct mail and other communications media that operate in its
markets.
15
15



TELEVISION

GENERAL


The Company owns and operates KENS-TV, a CBS-affiliated VHF station in San
Antonio, Texas, the 38th largest television market in the United States
according to Nielsen Ratings Service. San Antonio is the business and retail
center for South Texas and has a diversified economy based on tourism,
military, healthcare and international trade. In 1996, Harte-Hanks Television
had revenues of $26.1 million, which accounted for approximately 4% of the
Company's revenues.

The Company believes that its market leadership results from strong local
news programming and highly visible community involvement and public affairs
projects. KENS programs 29 hours of live, local news each week. The station
introduced 7:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. newscasts to its daily lineup in 1996 and
added a half-hour live, local sports show on Saturdays.

KENS has been affiliated with CBS since the station's inception. For the
24th straight year, KENS' late night newscast finished 1996 as San Antonio's
top rated newscast, growing its audience share more than 70% over the CBS
weekday prime time averages. The station was one of only two CBS affiliates in
the 33 major metered markets to win its late local news race.

According to the November 1996 Nielsen Ratings Index, KENS broadcasts to a
market of approximately 655,700 households, defined as the designated market
area (the "DMA"). The San Antonio DMA is served by 10 television stations,
including stations affiliated with the other two major national networks, a Fox
affiliate, two stations affiliated with Spanish language networks, three
independent stations and one public broadcasting station. Cable penetration in
the City of San Antonio is approximately 66%. San Antonio historically has
ranked higher in terms of total television advertising dollars spent than its
market ranking. Because of its market ranking and ethnic diversity, San Antonio
has experienced regional and national advertising growth and frequently enjoys
test-market status.

Harte-Hanks' strategy is to maintain its leadership position in order to
continue to increase its television revenues and to capitalize on the station's
reputation and leadership position by providing additional products and
services for advertisers. The Company acquired an AM radio station in San
Antonio, which began broadcasting as KENS-AM on October 15, 1993. KENS-AM's
news and information format features simulcasts of KENS-TV's "Eyewitness News,"
along with call-in talk shows, issues-oriented programming and expanded
advertiser information programs. Harte-Hanks expanded its radio commitment in
1995 by doubling KENS-AM's signal power.

The Company also offers video production services in its full-service
production facility. Video production services are provided for programming,
commercial and industrial applications, and live satellite uplinking worldwide.
16
16


Sales and Marketing

Local advertising spots are sold by KENS sales personnel. National
advertising spots are sold by Katz Communications, an independent advertising
sales agent with offices throughout the United States. Generally, advertising
rates for national spot and local advertising are determined by the individual
station, which receives all of the revenues (less agency commissions). Rates
are influenced both by the demand for advertising time and the popularity of
the station's programming. Most advertising during network programs is sold by
the network, which pays its affiliated stations negotiated fees for
broadcasting such programs. Advertising rates charged by a television station
are based primarily on the size of the market and the station's ability to
attract audiences as reflected in surveys made by national rating services.
Rates are highest during the most desirable viewing hours. Normally a majority
of local affiliate station revenues comes from locally programmed dayparts,
particularly local newscasts.

Sales of advertising for KENS-AM and production services are handled by a
separate sales staff working with KENS' television sales staff.

Facilities

KENS owns a 50,000 square-foot facility constructed in 1982. The facility
includes two video production studios with separate technical control rooms, a
graphics facility and a satellite uplink facility. The offices and studio of
KENS-AM radio are also located at this facility.

Competition

KENS competes with other advertising media such as newspapers and
magazines, and, within its coverage areas, television and radio stations
serving the same or nearby areas. KENS also competes with the local cable
television system, which has 66% penetration in the City of San Antonio,
according to a report published by Nielsen Ratings in November 1996.


Regulation of Television and Radio

The FCC regulates television and radio stations under the Communications
Act of 1934, as amended (the "Communications Act"), which together with FCC
rules and policies thereunder governs the issuance, renewal and assignment of
licenses; technical operation; and, to a limited extent, program, employment
and commercial practices. The recently enacted Telecommunications Act of 1996
("Telecommunications Act") effected significant changes in the Communications
Act. Under the Telecommunications Act, television and radio broadcast station
licenses are issued for a maximum term of eight years and are renewable upon
application for additional eight-year terms. The KENS-TV broadcast station
license was renewed in September 1993 for a term expiring August 1, 1998. The
license of the AM radio station will expire August 1, 1997. Renewal
applications are granted without hearing if the licensee's qualifications are
not materially challenged by either a third party or the FCC. Despite the
relatively short term license period, the broadcast industry has been
17
17


characterized by stability. Harte-Hanks has operated television broadcast
stations since 1962, and to date its renewal applications have been granted
without hearing.

EMPLOYEES

As of December 31, 1996, Harte-Hanks employed 6,015 full-time employees and
1,495 part-time employees, as follows: direct marketing -- 3,229 full-time and
1,089 part-time employees; shoppers-- 1,388 full-time and 187 part-time
employees; newspapers -- 1,260 full-time and 197 part-time employees;
television -- 135 full-time and 22 part-time employees; and corporate office --
26 full-time employees. None of the work force is represented by labor unions.
The Company considers its relations with its employees to be good.

FACILITIES

Harte-Hanks' executive offices are located in San Antonio, Texas and occupy
approximately 17,000 square feet in leased premises. The Company's business is
conducted in facilities nationwide containing aggregate space of approximately
3.2 million square feet. Approximately 2.3 million square feet are held under
leases, which expire at dates through 2010. The balance of the properties,
which are used primarily in the Company's newspaper, television and Southern
California shopper operations, are owned by the Company.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company from time to time becomes involved in various claims and lawsuits
incidental to its businesses, including defamation actions. In the opinion of
management, after consultation with counsel, any ultimate liability arising out
of currently pending claims and lawsuits will not have a material effect on the
financial condition or operations of the Company.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth
quarter of the fiscal year covered by this report.

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

Incorporated herein by reference from the Company's Annual Report to
Stockholders for the year ended December 31, 1996 at page 32.


ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

Incorporated herein by reference from the Company's Annual Report to
Stockholders for the year ended December 31, 1996 at page 30.
18
18



ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Incorporated herein by reference from the Company's Annual Report to
Stockholders for the year ended December 31, 1996 at pages 13 through 18.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

The following information is set forth in the Company's Annual Report to
Stockholders for the year ended December 31, 1996, which is incorporated herein
by reference: All Consolidated Financial Statements (pages 19 through 22); all
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (pages 23 through 29); and the
Independent Auditors' Report (page 31). With the exception of the information
herein expressly incorporated by reference, the Company's Annual Report to
Stockholders for the year ended December 31, 1996 is not deemed filed as part
of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON
ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

ITEM 10. MANAGEMENT

Incorporated herein by reference from the information in the Company's
definitive proxy statement dated March 28, 1997 for the May 6, 1997 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders under the caption "Management -- Directors and
Executive Officers on pages 4 and 5.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Incorporated herein by reference from the information in the Company's
definitive proxy statement dated March 28, 1997 for the May 6, 1997 Annual
Meeting of the Stockholders under the caption, "Executive Compensation and
Other Information" on pages 6 through 9.


ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND
MANAGEMENT

Incorporated herein by reference from the information in the Company's
definitive proxy statement dated March 28, 1997 for the May 6, 1997 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders under the caption "Security Ownership of Management and
Principal Stockholders" on pages 3 and 4.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

None.
19
19



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

(a) (1) The following consolidated financial statements are incorporated by
reference from the Company's Annual Report to Stockholders for the
year ended December 31, 1996 attached hereto:

Consolidated Balance Sheets, December 31, 1996 and 1995

Consolidated Statements of Operations, Years ended December 31, 1996,
1995 and 1994

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, Years ended December 31, 1996,
1995 and 1994

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity, Years ended
December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Independent Auditors' Report

(a) (2) The following accountants' report and financial schedule for years
ending December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 are submitted herewith:

Independent Auditors' Report 10-K Schedule

Schedule VIII -- Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

All other schedules are omitted as the required information is
inapplicable.
20
20


(a) (3) EXHIBITS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
No. Description of Exhibit Page No.
- ------- -------------------------------------------------------------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
2(a) Certificate of Ownership and Merger (filed as Exhibit 2(a)
to the Company's Registration Statement No. 33-69202 and
incorporated by reference herein).

2(b) Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of February 4,
1996 among Harte-Hanks Communications, Inc., HHD
Acquisition Corp. and DiMark, Inc. (filed as Appendix
A to the Company's Registration Statement No. 333-2047
and incorporated by reference herein).

3(a) Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (filed as
Exhibit 3(a) to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1993 and incorporated by reference herein).

3(b) Amended and Restated Bylaws (filed as Exhibit 3(b) to the
Company's Registration Statement No. 33-69202 and
incorporated by reference herein).

3(c) Amendment dated April 30, 1996 to Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation (filed as Exhibit 3(c) to the
Company's Form 10-Q for the six months ended June 30, 1996 and
incorporated by reference herein).

3(d) Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation as
amended through April 30, 1996 (filed as Exhibit 3(d) to the
Company's Form 10-Q for the six months ended June 30, 1996 and
incorporated by reference herein).

4(a) Long term debt instruments are not being filed pursuant to
Section (b)(4)(iii) of Item 601 of Regulation S-K. Copies of
such instruments will be furnished to the Commission upon
request.

10(a) 1984 Stock Option Plan (filed as Exhibit 10(d) to the Company's
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1984 and incorporated
herein by reference).
</TABLE>
21
21


(a) (3) EXHIBITS (continued)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
No. Description of Exhibit Page No.
- ------- ------------------------------------------------------------ ---------
<S> <C> <C>
10(b) Registration Rights Agreement dated as of September 11, 1984
among HHC Holding Inc. and its stockholders (filed as Exhibit
10 b) to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 1993 and incorporated by reference herein).

10(c) HHC Holding Inc. 1991 Stock Option Plan (filed as Exhibit
10(1) to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 1991 and incorporated by reference herein).

10(d) Amendment to HHC Holding Inc 1991 Stock Option Plan
(filed as Exhibit 10(1) to the Company's Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 1992 and incorporated by reference
herein).

10(e) Third Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated
May 19, 1993 among the Company, The Toronto-Dominion
Bank, NationsBank of Texas, N.A., Fleet Bank (formerly
National Westminster Bank USA), Corestates Bank, N.A.,
The Bank of Nova Scotia, CIBC, Inc. and National Bank
of Canada; and Toronto-Dominion (Texas), Inc., as agent
(filed as Exhibit 10(1) to the Company's 10-Q for the quarter
ended June 30, 1993 and incorporated by reference herein).

10(f) Note Purchase Agreement by and between HHC Holding Inc.
and The Goldman Sachs Group, L.P. (filed as Exhibit 10(f) to
the Company's Registration Statement No. 33-69202 and
incorporated by reference herein).

10(g) Severance Agreement between Harte-Hanks Communications,
Inc. and Larry Franklin, dated as of July 23, 1993 (filed
as Exhibit 10(f) to the Company's Registration Statement No.
33-69202 and incorporated by reference herein).

10(h) Form of Severance Agreement between Harte-Hanks
Communications, Inc. and certain Executive Officers of the
Company, dated as of July 23, 1993 (filed as Exhibit 10(h)
to the Company's Registration Statement No. 33-69202 and
incorporated by reference herein).

</TABLE>
22
22


(a) (3) EXHIBITS (continued)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
No. Description of Exhibit Page No.
- ------- ------------------------------------------------------------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
10(i) Amendment No. 2 to HHC Holding Inc. 1991 Stock Option Plan
(filed as Exhibit 10(1) to the Company's Registration
Statement No. 33-69202 and incorporated by reference herein).

10(j) Harte-Hanks Communications, Inc. Pension Restoration Plan
(filed as Exhibit 10(j) to the Company's Registration
Statement No. 33-69202 and incorporated by reference herein).

10(k) First Amendment, dated as of November 3, 1993 to Third
Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated May 19, 1993 among
the Company, The Toronto-Dominion Bank, NationsBank of Texas,
N.A., Fleet Bank (formerly National Westminster Bank USA),
The First National Bank of Boston, Bank of Hawaii,
Corestates Bank, N.A., The Bank of Nova Scotia, CIBC, Inc.,
and National Bank of Canada; and Toronto-Dominion (Texas),
Inc., as agent (filed as Exhibit 10(1) to the Company's Form
10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1993 and
incorporated by reference herein).

10(l) Amendment No. 1, dated as of November 10, 1993 to Note
Purchase Agreement by and between Harte-Hanks Communications,
Inc. and GS Capital Partners, L.P., Stone Street Fund 1992,
L.P. and Bridge Street Fund 1992, L.P. (filed as Exhibit
10(1) to the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
September 30, 1993 and incorporated by reference herein).

10(m) Harte-Hanks Communications, Inc. Incentive Bonus Plan (filed
as Exhibit 10(m) to the Company's Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 1993 and incorporated by reference herein).

10(n) Second Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Loan Agreement
dated as of February 2, 1995 among the Company, NationsBank
of Texas, N.A., Fleet Bank (formerly National Westminster
Bank USA), The Bank of Nova Scotia, The First National Bank
of Boston, Bank of Hawaii, The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, Ltd.,
Dallas Agency, Corestates Bank, N.A. and CIBC, Inc. and
Toronto-Dominion (Texas), Inc. in its Individual Capacity and
as Agent (filed as Exhibit 10(n) to the Company's Form 10-Q
for the quarter ended March 31, 1995 and incorporated by
reference herein).
</TABLE>
23
23



(a) (3) EXHIBITS (continued)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
No. Description of Exhibit Page No.
- ------- ------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------
<S> <C> <C>


10(o) Amendment No. 3 to Harte-Hanks Communications (formerly HHC
Holding Inc.) 1991 Stock Option Plan (filed as Exhibit 10(o) to the
Company's Form 10-Q for the six months ended June 30, 1996 and
incorporated by reference herein).


10(p) Harte-Hanks Communications, Inc. 1996 Incentive Compensation
Plan (filed as Exhibit 10(p) to the Company's Form 10-Q for the six
months ended June 30, 1996 and incorporated by reference herein).


*11 Statement Regarding Computation of Net Income (Loss) Per Common
Share. 28

*13 Annual Report to Securityholders (only those portions incorporated
by reference into the Form 10-K are filed herewith). 29

*21 Subsidiaries of the Company. 49

*23 Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick. 50

24 Power of Attorney (included on the signature page of the
Registration Statement on Form S-2 filed with the Commission on
September 23, 1993).

*27 Financial Data Schedule. 51
</TABLE>

- ------------------

*Filed herewith
24
24



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


14(b) Reports on Form 8-K

No reports on Form 8-K have been filed during the fourth quarter of
1996.

14(c) Exhibits -- The response to this portion of item 14 is submitted as a
separate section of this report on pages 28 to 51.

14(d) Financial Statement Schedule -- The response to this portion of Item
14 is submitted as a separate section of this report on page 27.


The agreements set forth above describe the contents of certain exhibits
thereunto which are not included. However, such exhibits will be furnished to
the Commission upon request.
25
25




SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, Harte-Hanks Communications, Inc. has duly caused this report to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


HARTE-HANKS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

By: /s/ Larry Franklin
-----------------------------------
Larry Franklin
President & Chief Executive Officer

Date: March 24, 1997


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


/s/ Houston H. Harte /s/ Dr. Peter T. Flawn
- --------------------------------- ---------------------------------
Houston H. Harte, Chairman Dr. Peter T. Flawn, Director

/s/ Larry Franklin /s/ Christopher M. Harte
- --------------------------------- ---------------------------------
Larry Franklin, Director Christopher M. Harte, Director

/s/ Edward H. Harte /s/ James L. Johnson
- --------------------------------- ---------------------------------
Edward H. Harte, Director James L. Johnson, Director

/s/ Richard M. Hochhauser /s/ David L. Copeland
- --------------------------------- ---------------------------------
Richard M. Hochhauser, Director David L. Copeland, Director
26
26


INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT 10-K SCHEDULES



The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Harte-Hanks Communications, Inc.:

Under date of January 24, 1997, we reported on the consolidated balance sheets
of Harte-Hanks Communications, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996
and 1995 and the related consolidated statements of operations, cash flows and
stockholders' equity for each of the years in the three-year period ended
December 31, 1996, as contained in the 1996 annual report to stockholders.
These consolidated financial statements and our report thereon are incorporated
by reference in the annual report on Form 10-K for the year 1996. In connection
with our audits of the aforementioned consolidated financial statements, we
also audited the related consolidated financial statement schedule as listed in
Item 14(a)(2). This financial statement schedule is the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on this
financial statement schedule based on our audits.

In our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation
to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present
fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.


/s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

San Antonio, Texas
January 24, 1997
27
27



Harte-Hanks Communications, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Financial Statement Schedules


Schedule VIII
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

(in thousands)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Additions
Balance at Charged to Balance
Beginning Costs and at End
Description of Year Expenses Deductions of Year
- ---------------------------------------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Allowance for doubtful accounts:

Year ended December 31, 1996 ...... $ 2,584 $ 2,748 $ 3,337 $ 1,995
========= ========= ========= =========

Year ended December 31, 1995 ...... $ 3,155 $ 3,416 $ 3,987 $ 2,584
========= ========= ========= =========

Year ended December 31, 1994 ...... $ 2,283 $ 4,863 $ 3,991 $ 3,155
========= ========= ========= =========
</TABLE>
28


EXHIBIT INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
No. Description of Exhibit Page No.
- ------- -------------------------------------------------------------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
2(a) Certificate of Ownership and Merger (filed as Exhibit 2(a)
to the Company's Registration Statement No. 33-69202 and
incorporated by reference herein).

2(b) Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of February 4,
1996 among Harte-Hanks Communications, Inc., HHD
Acquisition Corp. and DiMark, Inc. (filed as Appendix
A to the Company's Registration Statement No. 333-2047
and incorporated by reference herein).

3(a) Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (filed as
Exhibit 3(a) to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1993 and incorporated by reference herein).

3(b) Amended and Restated Bylaws (filed as Exhibit 3(b) to the
Company's Registration Statement No. 33-69202 and
incorporated by reference herein).

3(c) Amendment dated April 30, 1996 to Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation (filed as Exhibit 3(c) to the
Company's Form 10-Q for the six months ended June 30, 1996 and
incorporated by reference herein).

3(d) Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation as
amended through April 30, 1996 (filed as Exhibit 3(d) to the
Company's Form 10-Q for the six months ended June 30, 1996 and
incorporated by reference herein).

4(a) Long term debt instruments are not being filed pursuant to
Section (b)(4)(iii) of Item 601 of Regulation S-K. Copies of
such instruments will be furnished to the Commission upon
request.

10(a) 1984 Stock Option Plan (filed as Exhibit 10(d) to the Company's
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1984 and incorporated
herein by reference).
</TABLE>
29




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
No. Description of Exhibit Page No.
- ------- ------------------------------------------------------------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
10(b) Registration Rights Agreement dated as of September 11, 1984
among HHC Holding Inc. and its stockholders (filed as Exhibit
10 b) to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 1993 and incorporated by reference herein).

10(c) HHC Holding Inc. 1991 Stock Option Plan (filed as Exhibit
10(1) to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 1991 and incorporated by reference herein).

10(d) Amendment to HHC Holding Inc 1991 Stock Option Plan
(filed as Exhibit 10(1) to the Company's Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 1992 and incorporated by reference
herein).

10(e) Third Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated
May 19, 1993 among the Company, The Toronto-Dominion
Bank, NationsBank of Texas, N.A., Fleet Bank (formerly
National Westminster Bank USA), Corestates Bank, N.A.,
The Bank of Nova Scotia, CIBC, Inc. and National Bank
of Canada; and Toronto-Dominion (Texas), Inc., as agent
(filed as Exhibit 10(1) to the Company's 10-Q for the quarter
ended June 30, 1993 and incorporated by reference herein).

10(f) Note Purchase Agreement by and between HHC Holding Inc.
and The Goldman Sachs Group, L.P. (filed as Exhibit 10(f) to
the Company's Registration Statement No. 33-69202 and
incorporated by reference herein).

10(g) Severance Agreement between Harte-Hanks Communications,
Inc. and Larry Franklin, dated as of July 23, 1993 (filed
as Exhibit 10(f) to the Company's Registration Statement No.
33-69202 and incorporated by reference herein).

10(h) Form of Severance Agreement between Harte-Hanks
Communications, Inc. and certain Executive Officers of the
Company, dated as of July 23, 1993 (filed as Exhibit 10(h)
to the Company's Registration Statement No. 33-69202 and
incorporated by reference herein).

</TABLE>
30


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
No. Description of Exhibit Page No.
- ------- ------------------------------------------------------------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
10(i) Amendment No. 2 to HHC Holding Inc. 1991 Stock Option Plan
(filed as Exhibit 10(1) to the Company's Registration
Statement No. 33-69202 and incorporated by reference herein).

10(j) Harte-Hanks Communications, Inc. Pension Restoration Plan
(filed as Exhibit 10(j) to the Company's Registration
Statement No. 33-69202 and incorporated by reference herein).

10(k) First Amendment, dated as of November 3, 1993 to Third
Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated May 19, 1993 among
the Company, The Toronto-Dominion Bank, NationsBank of Texas,
N.A., Fleet Bank (formerly National Westminster Bank USA),
The First National Bank of Boston, Bank of Hawaii,
Corestates Bank, N.A., The Bank of Nova Scotia, CIBC, Inc.,
and National Bank of Canada; and Toronto-Dominion (Texas),
Inc., as agent (filed as Exhibit 10(1) to the Company's Form
10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1993 and
incorporated by reference herein).

10(l) Amendment No. 1, dated as of November 10, 1993 to Note
Purchase Agreement by and between Harte-Hanks Communications,
Inc. and GS Capital Partners, L.P., Stone Street Fund 1992,
L.P. and Bridge Street Fund 1992, L.P. (filed as Exhibit
10(1) to the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
September 30, 1993 and incorporated by reference herein).

10(m) Harte-Hanks Communications, Inc. Incentive Bonus Plan (filed
as Exhibit 10(m) to the Company's Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 1993 and incorporated by reference herein).

10(n) Second Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Loan Agreement
dated as of February 2, 1995 among the Company, NationsBank
of Texas, N.A., Fleet Bank (formerly National Westminster
Bank USA), The Bank of Nova Scotia, The First National Bank
of Boston, Bank of Hawaii, The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, Ltd.,
Dallas Agency, Corestates Bank, N.A. and CIBC, Inc. and
Toronto-Dominion (Texas), Inc. in its Individual Capacity and
as Agent (filed as Exhibit 10(n) to the Company's Form 10-Q
for the quarter ended March 31, 1995 and incorporated by
reference herein).
</TABLE>
31


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
No. Description of Exhibit Page No.
- ------- ------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------
<S> <C> <C>


10(o) Amendment No. 3 to Harte-Hanks Communications (formerly HHC
Holding Inc.) 1991 Stock Option Plan (filed as Exhibit 10(o) to the
Company's Form 10-Q for the six months ended June 30, 1996 and
incorporated by reference herein).


10(p) Harte-Hanks Communications, Inc. 1996 Incentive Compensation
Plan (filed as Exhibit 10(p) to the Company's Form 10-Q for the six
months ended June 30, 1996 and incorporated by reference herein).


*11 Statement Regarding Computation of Net Income (Loss) Per Common
Share. 28

*13 Annual Report to Securityholders (only those portions incorporated
by reference into the Form 10-K are filed herewith). 29

*21 Subsidiaries of the Company. 49

*23 Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick. 50

24 Power of Attorney (included on the signature page of the
Registration Statement on Form S-2 filed with the Commission on
September 23, 1993).

*27 Financial Data Schedule. 51
</TABLE>

- ------------------

*Filed herewith