
<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
Company's condensed consolidated financial statements included in its quarterly
report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 1997 and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-30-1997
<CASH>                                          71,756
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  557,535<F1>
<ALLOWANCES>                                    35,335<F2>
<INVENTORY>                                     55,713
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               716,954
<PP&E>                                       1,824,179
<DEPRECIATION>                                 635,982
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               2,490,966
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          386,758
<BONDS>                                      1,018,551
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                        10,471
<OTHER-SE>                                     880,246
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 2,490,966
<SALES>                                      1,634,219
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             1,640,945
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                1,475,730
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                54,806
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0<F3>
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              44,687
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 65,722
<INCOME-TAX>                                    26,289
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             39,433
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    39,433
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .40
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .38
<FN>
<F1>Excludes $34,632 of long-term notes receivable.
<F2>Excludes $5,674 of allowance for long-term notes receivable.
<F3>Included in Total costs and expenses line.
</FN>
        

</TABLE>
