SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

(Rule 14a-101)

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Filed by the Registrant    x

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant    ¨

Check the appropriate box:

SALEM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

4880 Santa Rosa Road

Camarillo, CA 93012

(805) 987-0400

April 28, 2003

Dear Stockholder:

You are cordially invited to attend the 2003 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of Salem Communications Corporation (“Salem”), scheduled to be held on Wednesday, June 11, 2003, at the Westlake Village Inn, 31943 Agoura Road, Westlake Village, California, at 10:00 a.m. local time. As described in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement, the agenda for the Annual Meeting includes the annual election of directors, a proposal to increase the number of shares authorized for issuance under our 1999 Stock Incentive Plan, a proposal to reapprove the maximum number of shares of Class A common stock available under awards to a single participant under that plan and a proposal to ratify the appointment of our independent auditors. The board of directors recommends that you vote FOR the election of the slate of director nominees, FOR the amendment to the plan, FOR the proposal to reapprove the maximum number of shares of Class A common stock available under awards to a single participant under that plan, and FOR ratification of appointment of the independent auditors. Please refer to the Proxy Statement for detailed information on each of the proposals. Directors and executive officers of Salem will be present at the Annual Meeting to respond to questions that our stockholders may have regarding the business to be transacted.

We urge you to vote your proxy as soon as possible. Your vote is very important, regardless of the number of shares you own. Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting in person, we urge you to sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card promptly in the accompanying postage prepaid envelope. You may, of course, attend the Annual Meeting and vote in person even if you have previously returned your proxy card.

On behalf of the board of directors and all of the employees of Salem, we wish to thank you for your support.

Sincerely yours,

STUART W. EPPERSON

Chairman of the Board

EDWARD G. ATSINGER III

President and Chief Executive Officer

If you have any questions concerning the Proxy Statement or the accompanying proxy card or if you need any help in voting your shares, please telephone Jonathan L. Block of Salem at (805) 987-0400.

PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN

THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD TODAY.

4880 Santa Rosa Road

Camarillo, CA 93012

(805) 987-0400

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

To Be Held on June 11, 2003

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the 2003 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of Salem Communications Corporation (“Salem”) will be held on Wednesday, June 11, 2003, at the Westlake Village Inn, 31943 Agoura Road, Westlake Village, California, at 10:00 a.m. local time, subject to adjournment or postponement by the board of directors, for the following purposes:

Only holders of record of Salem’s Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share, on April 18, 2003, will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting and any adjournments or postponements thereof.

Prior to the voting thereof, a proxy may be revoked by the person executing such proxy by (i) filing with the Corporate Secretary of Salem, prior to the commencement of the Annual Meeting, either a duly executed written notice dated subsequent to such proxy revoking the same or a duly executed proxy bearing a later date or (ii) attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person.

If you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, we would appreciate your response by indicating so at the appropriate box on the proxy card enclosed.

By order of the board of directors

JONATHAN L. BLOCK

Corporate Secretary

Camarillo, California

April 28, 2003

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT

TO VOTE YOUR SHARES, PLEASE SIGN AND DATE THE ENCLOSED PROXY

CARD AND MAIL IT PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED RETURN ENVELOPE.

SALEM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

4880 Santa Rosa Road

Camarillo, CA 93012

(805) 987-0400

PROXY STATEMENT

ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

To Be Held on June 11, 2003

INTRODUCTION

This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation by the board of directors (the “board” or the “board of directors”) of Salem Communications Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“Salem” or the “company”), of proxies for use at the 2003 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the company (the “Annual Meeting”) scheduled to be held at the time and place and for the purposes set forth in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The approximate date on which this Proxy Statement and the enclosed proxy card are first being sent to stockholders is April 29, 2003.

INFORMATION REGARDING VOTING AT THE ANNUAL MEETING

General

At the Annual Meeting, the stockholders of the company are being asked to consider and to vote upon the following proposals:

For information regarding these proposals, see the sections of this Proxy Statement entitled “PROPOSAL 1—ELECTION OF DIRECTORS,” “PROPOSAL 2—AMENDMENT TO THE 1999 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN,” “PROPOSAL 3—AMENDMENT TO THE 1999 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN,” and “PROPOSAL 4—RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS.” Shares represented by properly executed proxies received by the company will be voted at the Annual Meeting in the manner specified therein or, if no instructions are marked on the enclosed proxy card, FOR each of the director nominees identified on such proxy card for such directors, FOR the amendment to the plan, FOR the proposal to reapprove the maximum number of shares of Class A common stock available under awards to a single participant under that plan, and FOR ratification of appointment of the independent auditors, as the holder of such shares is entitled to vote. Although management does not know of any matter other than the election of directors to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting, unless contrary instructions are given, shares represented by valid proxies will be voted by the persons named on the accompanying proxy card in accordance with their respective best judgment with respect to any other matters that may properly come before the Annual Meeting.

Execution of a proxy will not in any way affect a stockholder’s right to attend the Annual Meeting and vote in person, and any person giving a proxy has the right to revoke it at any time before it is exercised by (i) filing with the Corporate Secretary of Salem, prior to the commencement of the Annual Meeting, either a duly executed written notice dated subsequent to such proxy revoking the same or a duly executed proxy bearing a later date or (ii) attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person.

The mailing address of the principal executive offices of the company is 4880 Santa Rosa Road, Camarillo, California 93012, and its telephone number is (805) 987-0400.

Record Date and Voting

Only stockholders of record on April 18, 2003 (the “Record Date”), will be entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. There were outstanding on the Record Date 17,910,567 shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Class A common stock”), and 5,553,696 shares of Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Class B common stock”), of the company (the Class A common stock and the Class B common stock are collectively referred to as the “common stock”). Each share of outstanding Class A common stock is entitled to one vote on each matter to be voted on at the Annual Meeting and each share of outstanding Class B common stock is entitled to ten votes on each matter to be voted on at the Annual Meeting, except that, as provided in the company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the holders of Class A common stock shall be entitled to vote as a class, exclusive of the holders of the Class B common stock, to elect two “Independent Directors.” The two Independent Directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes of the shares of Class A common stock present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote on the election of the Independent Directors; the remaining six directors will be elected by a plurality of the votes of the shares of Class A and Class B common stock present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote on the election of such directors. For information regarding the election of the Independent Directors, see the section of this Proxy Statement entitled “PROPOSAL 1—ELECTION OF DIRECTORS.”

The presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of the stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote is necessary to constitute a quorum at the Annual Meeting. In the event there are not sufficient votes for a quorum at the time of the Annual Meeting, the Annual Meeting may be adjourned in order to permit the further solicitation of proxies.

Abstentions and broker non-votes are counted for the purpose of determining the presence or absence of a quorum for the transaction of business. With regard to the election of directors, the proposal to increase the number of shares authorized for issuance under our 1999 Stock Incentive Plan, the proposal to reapprove the maximum number of shares of Class A common stock available under awards to a single participant under that plan and the proposal to ratify the appointment of our independent auditors, votes may be cast in favor or withheld; votes that are withheld will be excluded entirely from the vote and will have no effect. Abstentions are counted in tabulations of the votes cast on proposals presented to stockholders other than the election of directors, thus having the effect of a negative vote, whereas broker non-votes are not counted for purposes of determining whether a proposal has been approved. Any stockholder proposals that properly come before the Annual Meeting require, in general, the affirmative vote of a majority of the voting power of the shares of Class A and Class B common stock present, in person or represented by proxy, at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote on the subject matter.

Solicitation

The cost of preparing, assembling and mailing the Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders, this Proxy Statement and the enclosed proxy card will be paid by the company. Following the mailing of this Proxy Statement, directors, officers and other employees of the company may solicit proxies by mail, telephone, facsimile or other electronic means or by personal interview. Such persons will receive no additional

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compensation for such services. Brokerage houses and other nominees, fiduciaries and custodians nominally holding shares of Class A common stock of record will be requested to forward proxy soliciting material to the beneficial owners of such shares, and will be reimbursed by the company for their reasonable charges and expenses in connection therewith.

Householding

With regard to the delivery of Annual Reports and Proxy Statements, under certain circumstances the Securities and Exchange Commission permits a single set of such documents to be sent to any household at which two or more stockholders reside if they appear to be members of the same family. Each stockholder, however, still receives a separate proxy card. This procedure, known as “householding,” reduces the amount of duplicate information received at a household and reduces mailing and printing costs as well. A number of banks, brokers and other firms have instituted householding and have previously sent a notice to that effect to certain of the company’s stockholders whose shares are registered in the name of the bank, broker or other firm. As a result, unless the stockholders receiving such notice gave contrary instructions, only one Annual Report and one Proxy Statement will be mailed to an address at which two or more stockholders reside. If any stockholder residing at such an address wishes to receive a separate Annual Report or Proxy Statement in the future, such stockholder should telephone toll-free 1-800-542-1061. In addition, if any stockholder who previously consented to householding desires to receive a separate copy of the Proxy Statement or Annual Report for each stockholder at his or her same address, such stockholder should contact his or her bank, broker or other firm in whose name the shares are registered or contact the company at the address or telephone number listed on page 32 of this Proxy Statement.

DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Directors

The following table sets forth certain information as of March 17, 2003 except where otherwise indicated, with respect to the directors of the company.

Each of the directors of the company serves a one-year term and all directors are subject to re-election at each annual meeting of stockholders.

Set forth below is certain information concerning the principal occupation and business experience of each of the directors during the past five years.

Mr. Epperson has been Chairman of Salem since its inception. Mr. Epperson has been engaged in the ownership and operation of radio stations since 1961. In addition, he is a member of the board of directors of the National Religious Broadcasters. Mr. Epperson is married to Nancy A. Epperson who is Mr. Atsinger’s sister.

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Mr. Atsinger has been President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of Salem since its inception. He has been engaged in the ownership and operation of radio stations since 1969 and is a member of the board of directors of the National Religious Broadcasters. Mr. Atsinger is the brother-in-law of Mr. Epperson.

Mr. Davenport has been a director of Salem since November 2001. Mr. Davenport is a research fellow at the Hoover Institution and has served in that position since August 2001. Mr. Davenport was the Chief Executive Officer of Starwire Corporation, a software service company formerly known as Christianity.com, from June 2000 to June 2001. Mr. Davenport served as President of Pepperdine University from 1985 to 2000 and from 1980 through 1985; he also served as a Professor of Law, General Counsel, and Executive Vice President of the university. Mr. Davenport currently serves on the governing and advisory boards of Pepperdine University, Pepperdine University School of Public Policy, Hope Network Ministries, Forest Lawn Memorial Parks Association and National Legal Center for the Public Interest. He also serves on advisory boards of Clark/Bardes, Inc. and Starwire Corporation. Mr. Davenport also serves on the board of directors of Ameron International Corporation.

Mr. Halvorson has been a director of Salem since 1988. Mr. Halvorson is currently a Visiting Professor at Pepperdine University. Mr. Halvorson was Chief Operating Officer of Salem from 1995 to 2000 and Executive Vice President of the company from 1991 to 2000. From 1991 to 2000, Mr. Halvorson also served as General Counsel to the company. Mr. Halvorson was the managing partner of the law firm of Godfrey & Kahn, S.C.-Green Bay from 1988 until 1991. From 1985 to 1988, he was Vice President and General Counsel of Salem. From 1976 until 1985, he was an associate and then a partner of Godfrey & Kahn, S.C.-Milwaukee. Mr. Halvorson was a Certified Public Accountant with Arthur Andersen & Co. from 1971 to 1973. Mr. Halvorson is a member of the board of directors of Media Arts Group, Inc. and Computer Motion, Inc.

Mr. Hinz has been a director of Salem since September 1997. Mr. Hinz has been the owner, President and Editor-in-Chief of Hi-Torque Publishing Company, a publisher of magazines covering the motorcycling and biking industries, since 1982. Mr. Hinz is also the managing member of Hi-Favor Broadcasting, LLC, the licensee of radio station KLTX-AM, Long Beach, California, and KEZY-AM, San Bernardino, California which were acquired from Salem in August 2000 and December 2001, respectively, as described in the section entitled “RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS—Radio Stations Owned by Mr. Hinz.” He is active in a number of non-profit organizations and serves as Chairman of the Fund Development Committee of English Language Institute China. Mr. Hinz also serves on the board of directors of the Association of Community Education, Inc. a not-for-profit corporation operating radio station KLTX-AM, Long Beach, California, and KEZY-AM, San Bernardino, California. Mr. Hinz also serves on the boards of directors of Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, Truth for Life, and Lake Avenue Congregational Church.

Mr. Hodel has been a director of Salem since May 1999. Mr. Hodel is a founder and has been the Managing Director of Summit Group International, Ltd., an energy and natural resources consulting firm, since 1989. He has served as Vice Chairman of Texon Corporation, an oil and natural gas marketing company, since 1994. Effective May 15, 2003, Mr. Hodel will become President and Chief Executive Officer of Focus on the Family, a non-profit organization that is a customer of the company. Mr. Hodel has served on the board of directors of Focus on the Family intermittently since 1995. Previously, Mr. Hodel served as Executive Vice President of Focus on the Family from January 1996 to August 1996. For more information on the company’s relationship with Focus on the Family, see “RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS—Focus on the Family and Mr. Hodel.” In addition to serving as a director of Focus on the Family, Mr. Hodel currently serves on the boards of directors of Integrated Electrical Services, Inc. and Eagle Publishing, Inc. and has previously served on the boards of a number of public companies. Mr. Hodel served as President of the Christian Coalition from June 1997 to January 1999. During the Reagan Administration, Mr. Hodel served as Secretary of Energy and Secretary of the Interior.

Mr. Riddle has been a director of Salem since September 1997. Mr. Riddle is an independent businessman specializing in providing financial assistance and consulting to manufacturing companies. Since 1991 he has

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been the President of Richray Industries, a holding company for various manufacturing companies. He was President and majority stockholder of I. L. Walker Company from 1988 to 1997 when that company was sold. He also was Chief Operating Officer and majority stockholder of Richter Manufacturing Corp. from 1970 to 1987.

Judge Pressler has been a director of Salem since March 2002, and is also a board member of the Free Market Foundation and KHCB Network, a non-profit corporation which owns Christian radio stations in Texas and Louisiana, and a board member of National Religious Broadcasters. He has been an active leader in the Southern Baptist Convention. Additionally, he is a member of the Texas Philosophical Society, the General Counsel of the Baptist World Alliance, and the State Republican Executive Committee of Texas. Since 2000, Judge Pressler has been a partner in the law firm of Woodfill & Pressler, a director of Revelation, Inc., and has been in private mediation practice for several years as well. A retired justice of the Texas Court of Appeals, Judge Pressler was appointed Justice of the Texas Court of Appeals in 1978, serving until 1992. Judge Pressler also served as District Judge from 1970 to 1978. From 1958 to 1970, he was associated with the law firm of Vinson & Elkins.

Committees of the Board of Directors

The company’s board of directors has a standing Audit Committee and Compensation Committee. The company does not have a separate nominating committee because such functions are performed by the entire board of directors.

The Audit Committee met once each quarter in 2002. The Audit Committee currently consists of Messrs. Riddle (Chairman), Halvorson and Hodel. The Audit Committee’s responsibilities are generally to assist the board in fulfilling its legal and fiduciary responsibilities relating to accounting, audit and reporting policies and practices of the company and its subsidiaries. The Audit Committee also, among other things, oversees the company’s financial reporting process, recommends to the board of directors the engagement of the company’s independent auditors, monitors and reviews the quality, activities and functions of its independent auditors, and monitors the adequacy of the company’s operating and internal controls as reported by management and internal auditors. The board of directors has adopted a written charter for the Audit Committee. This charter is attached as Appendix A to this Proxy Statement.

All members of the Audit Committee are independent directors as defined under the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (“NASD”) listing standards, except Eric H. Halvorson. The company’s board of directors determined that the addition of Mr. Halvorson to the Audit Committee as of November 15, 2001 was required in the best interests of the company and its stockholders because of his extensive industry and professional expertise. Mr. Halvorson formerly served with the company in several offices, culminating in his service as its Chief Operating Officer for five years, resigning from the position in 2000. He currently serves as a consultant to the company for which services he was paid approximately $58,000 in 2002 (for further information regarding his consulting agreement with the company, see “RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS—Agreement with Mr. Halvorson”). Mr. Halvorson was also a Certified Public Accountant with a public accounting firm earlier in his career. The board of directors determined that the appointment of Mr. Halvorson to the Audit Committee complies with the requirements of NASD Rule 4350(d)(2)(B) regarding the appointment of one non-independent director to the Audit Committee in exceptional and limited circumstances.

The Compensation Committee held two meetings in 2002. In the future, the Compensation Committee expects to meet at least twice annually and additional times as are necessary or advisable to achieve the purposes of the committee. The Compensation Committee currently consists of Messrs. Hinz (Chairman), Davenport and Riddle. The Compensation Committee is authorized to review and approve compensation, including non-cash benefits, and severance arrangements for the company’s senior officers and employees and to recommend to the board salaries, remuneration and other forms of additional compensation and benefits as it deems necessary. The Compensation Committee also administers the company’s 1999 Stock Incentive Plan.

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None of the directors serving on the Audit Committee or the Compensation Committee are employees of the company.

Meetings of the Board of Directors

There were four meetings of the board of directors in 2002. During 2002, each of the company’s incumbent directors attended all of the meetings of the board of directors and committees of the board of directors on which they served during such period.

Compensation of Directors

Directors’ Fees.    Officers of Salem who also serve as directors do not receive compensation for their services as directors other than the compensation they receive as officers of Salem. Directors of Salem who are not also officers or employees of Salem received $3,750 for attending each regular or special meeting of the board of directors and $500 for attending each regular or special meeting of any committee of the board of directors in 2002. Directors of Salem are entitled to reimbursement of their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with their travel to and attendance at board and board committee meetings.

Stock Option Grants.    Directors of Salem who are not also officers or employees of Salem were granted 2,500 options each on September 11, 2002 to purchase shares of Salem’s Class A common stock. All of these options vest after one year.

Employment and Consulting Agreements.    Messrs. Atsinger and Epperson are employed as officers of Salem pursuant to Employment Agreements. Mr. Halvorson is employed by Salem as a consultant pursuant to a Consulting Agreement. For more information regarding the Employment Agreements, see “EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND OTHER INFORMATION—Employment Agreements”; for more information regarding the Consulting Agreement, see “RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS—Agreement with Mr. Halvorson.”

Executive Officers

Set forth below are the executive officers of the company, together with the positions currently held by those persons, as of March 22, 2003. The executive officers are elected annually and serve at the pleasure of the company’s board of directors; however, the company has entered into employment agreements with Messrs. Atsinger, Epperson, which agreements are described under “EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND OTHER INFORMATION” below.

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Set forth below is certain information concerning the business experience during the past five years of each of the individuals named above (excluding Messrs. Atsinger and Epperson, see “—Directors” above).

Mr. Davis has been Executive Vice President of Operations of Salem since October 2001. Prior to that time Mr. Davis was Senior Vice President of Salem since 2000, Vice President, Operations of Salem since 1996 and General Manager of WMCA-AM since 1989. He was also the General Manager of WWDJ-AM since 1994. He has previously served as Vice President and Executive Director of Christian Fund for the Disabled as well as President of Practice Resources, Inc., Davis Eaton Corporation and Vintage Specialty Advertising company.

Mr. Evans has been Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Salem since September 2000. From 1997 to 2000 Mr. Evans served as Senior Vice President and Managing Director—Europe, Middle East, Africa of Warner Bros. Consumer Products in London, England. He also served at Warner Bros. Consumer Products in Los Angeles, California, as Senior Vice President—Latin America, International Marketing, Business Development from 1996 to 1997 and Vice President—Worldwide Finance, Operations, Business Development from 1992 to 1996. From 1990 to 1992 he served as Regional Financial Controller—Europe of Warner Bros. Consumer Products in London, England. Prior to 1990, Mr. Evans was an audit manager with Ernst & Young LLP in Los Angeles and worked as a U.K. Chartered Accountant for Ernst & Young LLP in London.

Mr. Adair has been Senior Vice President, Operations for Salem since June 2002, and Regional Vice President for Salem since August 2000. Prior to working for Salem, Mr. Adair was Senior Vice President at Renda Broadcasting for ten years. Prior to that time, Mr. Adair held sales and management positions in Oklahoma City with WKY Radio, KTOK Radio and the Oklahoma State University Sports Network.

Mr. Hauth has been Senior Vice President, Administration and Public Affairs of Salem since May 2001. From January 1998 to May 2001, Mr. Hauth was Vice President for Public Affairs of Salem. Prior to 1998, Mr. Hauth was President of Hauth Associates, a consulting firm which has served us since 1985 in executive selection and business planning. Concurrently, Mr. Hauth has served as Executive Director of the National Religious Broadcasters’ Music License Committee since 1987.

Mr. Block has been General Counsel of Salem since May 2000, Vice President since 1999 and Secretary since 1997. From 1995 to 2000 Mr. Block served as Associate General Counsel of Salem. Prior to 1995, Mr. Block was an associate at the law firm of Bothel, Long & McKisson in San Francisco, California.

Ms. Hill has been Vice President, Finance and Accounting of Salem since February 2000. From 1997 to 2000 she served as Vice President Accounting and Taxation. She was Controller of Salem from 1996 to 1997. Ms. Hill joined Salem in 1994 as Accounting/Tax Manager. Prior to 1994, Ms. Hill was a Certified Public Accountant for the tax department of Ernst & Young LLP.

Mr. Masyr has been Vice President and Corporate Controller since January 2003. From February 2000 to December 2002, he served as Controller. From 1997 to February 2000, Mr. Masyr worked as a manager for the Transaction Services department of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. Mr. Masyr has been a Certified Public Accountant since 1995.

Mr. Kemp has been Vice President, National Program Development and Ministry Relations of Salem since August 1998. From 1991 to August 1998, Mr. Kemp was Senior Vice President at Insight for Living in Anaheim, California. From 1979 to 1991 Mr. Kemp was Creative Director for Ambassador Advertising Agency. Concurrently, Mr. Kemp has served on the board of directors of the National Religious Broadcasters in Manassas, Virginia since 1997.

Mr. Armstrong has been Vice President, Operations of Salem since 1996 and General Manager of KKLA-FM since 1994. He has also supervised the operations of KRLA-AM since 1998, KFSH-FM since 2000, KXMX-AM since 2000, and KRLH-AM since 2000. Mr. Armstrong has 29 years of radio broadcast experience and has been general manager of stations in Santa Ana and Orange, California.

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Mr. Dengler has been a Vice President, Operations of Salem since April 2003 and General Manager of our Cleveland radio stations since October 2000. Prior to joining Salem, Mr. Dengler was Vice President and General Manager for AMFM Inc. from 1998 to 2000. Mr. Dengler was Vice President of Sales and Marketing for OmniAmerica Tower, Inc. from 1997 to 1998, Director of Sales for Chancellor Broadcasting from 1996 to 1997, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for OmniAmerica Broadcasting, Inc. from 1992 to 1996, and President of PinnAcle Media, a division of Wyse Advertising, from 1985 to 1992.

Mr. Gaines has been Vice President, Operations of Salem since 1994. Prior to that time, he served as General Manager of KKLA-FM from 1992 to 1994 and General Manager of WYLL-FM from 1990 to 1992. Mr. Gaines has been involved in the management of radio stations since 1964. He served as Executive Vice President of Commonwealth Communications from 1988 to 1990, Vice President of Penn Communications from 1985 to 1988, Executive Vice President of Broadstreet Communications from 1974 to 1985 and Vice President and General Manager of Metromedia Broadcasting, Inc. from 1964 to 1974.

Mr. Malievsky has been a Vice President, Operations of Salem since April 2003 and General Manager of our Hawaii radio stations since June 2002. Prior to joining Salem, Mr. Malievsky was a radio and television broadcast consultant through his sole proprietorship, Zoe International, from 2000 to 2002. In addition, Mr. Malievsky was the Chief Operating Officer for All American TV Network in Santa Ana, California from 1997 to 2000. He also served as a Sales Consultant and Vice President for CBN Radio and Vice President Marketing and Programming for Middle East TV from 1990 to 1997. Mr. Malievsky’s management career in radio began as Vice President and General Manager for KPOI Radio in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Mr. Power has been Vice President, Operations of Salem and Salem Holding since November 2002 and General Manager of WFSH-FM, WGKA-AM and WNIV-AM since March 2000. Mr. Power was Vice President of Broadcasting Company of the Carolinas from 1990 to 1995. Mr. Power was General Manager for radio broadcast companies Clear Channel Communications from 1998 to 2000, Capstar Communications from 1997 to 1998, Benchmark Communications from 1995 to 1997 and Broadcasting Company of the Carolinas from 1990 to 1995.

Mr. Ruleman has been Vice President, Operations of Salem since 1999 and General Manager of WAVA-FM since 1992, WITH-AM since 1997 and WABS-AM since 2000. Mr. Ruleman has also been General Manager of Salem Satellite Media since 2000. He was General Manager of KPRZ-AM from 1986 to 1992. From 1973 to 1986, Mr. Ruleman served as Vice President of Palomar Broadcasting Corporation, a group owner of radio stations in Southern California.

Mr. Anderson has been President of Salem Radio Network^®since 1996. From 1993 to 1994, Mr. Anderson was the Vice President-General Manager of the network. Mr. Anderson was employed by Multimedia, Inc. from 1980 to 1993. After serving as general manager at Multimedia stations in Greenville, South Carolina, Shreveport, Louisiana and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he was named Vice President, Operations, of the Multimedia radio division in 1987 and was subsequently appointed as Executive Vice President and group head of Multimedia’s radio division.

Mr. Cumbee has been the President of Non-Broadcast Media of Salem since January 2000. He was the President of Reach Satellite Network, Inc. in Nashville, Tennessee from 1996 through 1999. Salem purchased all of the shares of stock of Reach Satellite Network, Inc. in March 2000. From 1994 to 1996 he served as Vice President of Disney Vacation Development Company.

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND OTHER INFORMATION

Summary Compensation Table

The following table sets forth all compensation paid by the company for 2002, 2001 and 2000 to the company’s Chief Executive Officer and the four highest paid executive officers of the company serving as of December 31, 2002 (the “Named Executive Officers”).

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Stock Option Grants

The following table sets forth information regarding grants of stock options under the 1999 Stock Incentive Plan by the company during 2002 to the Named Executive Officers.

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

The following table provides information as of December 31, 2002 with respect to shares of our Class A common stock that may be issued under the 1999 Stock Incentive Plan, our only existing equity compensation plan. The 1999 Stock Incentive Plan was adopted by our board of directors and approved by our stockholders on May 25, 1999. On March 20, 2003, the board of directors approved an amendment to the 1999 Stock Incentive Plan to reserve an additional 600,000 shares of the company’s Class A common stock for issuance under the plan. The amendment is subject to stockholder approval of Proposals 2 and 3 described elsewhere in this Proxy Statement.

Employment Agreements

Edward G. Atsinger III and Stuart W. Epperson entered into separate employment agreements with Salem effective as of July 1, 2001, pursuant to which Mr. Atsinger serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Salem and Mr. Epperson serves as Chairman of Salem. The initial employment term under each agreement expires June 30, 2004. Pursuant to the employment agreements, each of Messrs. Atsinger and Epperson will be

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paid an annual base salary and an annual bonus determined at the discretion of the board of directors. In addition, on July 1, 2001, Messrs. Atsinger and Epperson received signing bonuses of $300,000 and $200,000, respectively, pursuant to their respective employment agreements. Each executive is required to repay a pro rata portion of the signing bonus if his employment is terminated at any time during the initial three-year term of his employment agreement. Effective as of January 1, 2002, the annual base salary payable under their respective employment agreements is $700,000 for Mr. Atsinger and $600,000 for Mr. Epperson. The employment agreements each provide that, in the event of a termination of employment by Salem without cause (or a constructive termination by Salem) during the initial term of employment, Salem will pay a severance benefit in the form of salary continuation payments for the longer of six months or the remainder of the initial term, plus accrued bonus through the date of termination. Following the initial term of employment, a termination of employment by Salem without cause (or a constructive termination by Salem) or a failure by Salem to renew the initial or any subsequent term of employment for an additional annual term would entitle Messrs. Atsinger and Epperson to three months of severance plus accrued bonus through the date of termination.

Additionally, the employment agreements with Messrs. Atsinger and Epperson provide Salem with a right of first refusal on corporate opportunities, which includes acquisitions of radio stations in any market in which Salem is interested, and includes a noncompete provision for a period of two years from the cessation of employment with Salem and a nondisclosure provision which is effective for the term of the employment agreements and indefinitely thereafter.

David A.R. Evans entered into an employment agreement with Salem pursuant to which he serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Salem. Effective as of September 15, 2002 his annual salary is $290,000. His employment agreement expires on September 15, 2003.

401(k) Plan

The company adopted a 401(k) savings plan in 1993 for the purpose of providing, at the option of the employee, retirement benefits to full-time employees of the company and its subsidiaries. Participants are allowed to make nonforfeitable contributions to the savings plan of up to 15% of their annual salary, but may not exceed the annual maximum contribution limitations established by the Internal Revenue Service. The company currently matches 25% of the amounts contributed by each participant but does not match participants’ contributions in excess of 6% of their compensation per pay-period. The company made a contribution of $551,000 to the 401(k) savings plan during 2002.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

The company’s Compensation Committee consists of Messrs. Hinz (Chairman), Davenport and Riddle. No member is, or formerly was, an officer or employee of the company or any of its subsidiaries and none had any relationship with the company requiring disclosure herein under applicable rules. In addition, to the company’s knowledge, no executive officer or director of Salem has served as a director or a member of the compensation committee of another entity that requires disclosure herein under applicable rules.

Audit Committee Report

The Audit Committee reviews the company’s financial reporting process on behalf of the board of directors. Management has the primary responsibility for the financial statements and the financial reporting process. The company’s independent auditors are responsible for performing an independent audit of the company’s consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and for expressing an opinion on the conformity of the audited financial statements to generally accepted accounting principles. The Audit Committee’s responsibility is to monitor and oversee these processes.

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In connection with these responsibilities, the Audit Committee met with management and the independent auditors to review and discuss the audited December 31, 2002 financial statements. The Audit Committee also discussed with the independent auditors the matters required by the Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61 (Communication with Audit Committees). The Audit Committee also received written disclosures and the letter from the independent auditors required by Independent Standards Board Standard No. 1 (Independence Discussion with Audit Committees), and the Audit Committee discussed with the independent auditors that firm’s independence from the company and its management. The Audit Committee has also considered whether the independent auditors provision of non-audit services to the company is compatible with the auditor’s independence.

Based upon the Audit Committee’s discussions with management and the independent auditors, the Audit Committee’s review of the representations of management and the independent auditors, the Audit Committee recommended that the board of directors include the audited consolidated financial statements in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

AUDIT COMMITTEE

Richard A. Riddle (Chairman)

Eric H. Halvorson

Donald P. Hodel

The preceding “Audit Committee Report” shall not be deemed soliciting material or to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, nor shall any information in this report be incorporated by reference into any past or future filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), except to the extent the company specifically incorporates it by reference into such filing.

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COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The company’s compensation program is administered by the Compensation Committee of the board of directors, which is comprised of three outside, non-employee directors. Following review and approval by the Compensation Committee, issues pertaining to compensation benefits and severance arrangements for the company’s executive officers and other key employees are submitted to the full board of directors for approval.

The following is the Compensation Committee report addressing the compensation of the company’s executive officers and other key employees for the 2002 fiscal year.

Report of the Compensation Committee

The primary function of the Compensation Committee is to oversee Salem’s policies relating to executive compensation. The Compensation Committee’s primary objectives are to attract and retain qualified individuals by providing competitive compensation and to encourage key management employees to conduct the affairs of the company in a manner that will directly benefit the company and its stockholders.

The Compensation Committee’s policy is to establish fair and competitive base salaries for the company’s executive officers and other key employees. In fulfilling this role, the Compensation Committee compares the salaries of Salem’s executive officers and other key employees with those with similar responsibilities at companies that are considered to be comparable in term of assets, market capitalization, revenue and operating cash flow. The Compensation Committee also analyzes the impact of an executive officer’s and other key employee’s individual performance with respect to matters important to the interests of Salem and believes that outstanding performance merits increases in base salary, bonus consideration and stock-based incentives. The Compensation Committee believes that a direct relationship between an executive officer’s and other key employee’s compensation and that individual’s contribution to the company’s interests best serves the company’s stockholders.

Accordingly, the following principles are inherent in all of the Compensation Committee’s considerations regarding compensation for executive officers and other key employees:

In 2002, the two primary forms of compensation paid or awarded to Salem’s executive officers and key employees were salary and stock options. The base salaries for the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer in 2002 were provided for in their respective employment agreements with Salem. The Chairman’s base salary for 2002 was $600,000. The Chief Executive Officer’s base salary in 2002 was $700,000. Salary for all other executive officers and key employees is reviewed periodically and adjusted as warranted in accordance with the company’s principles regarding executive compensation outlined above.

In 2001, the Compensation Committee renewed the employment agreements with the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer following the principles set above. Effective January 1, 2002, through June 30, 2004, the annual compensation of the Chairman is $600,000 and the annual compensation of the Chief Executive Officer is $700,000. In addition, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer were paid signing bonuses of $200,000 and $300,000, respectively, upon the signing of their employment agreements. The signing bonuses are refundable to the company on a pro rata basis should the Chairman or CEO terminate their employment prior to July 2004.

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All additional cash compensation paid to executive officers (other than our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer) and other key employees in 2002 was tied to the performance of the individual, the business unit for which they were responsible and the company. The employment agreements for the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer each provide for additional cash bonuses that may be paid to such executive officers at the sole discretion of the board of directors. Salem’s executive officers and other key employees will not be paid a cash bonus for 2002 performance.

The Compensation Committee believes that ownership of the company’s stock by key management more closely aligns the interest of key management to that of stockholders. In 2002, with the hiring of additional executive officers of the company and to further incentivize key employees, stock options were granted.

The stock options granted to the executives and other key employees in 2002 generally vest over four years and have an exercise price at an amount equal to or exceeding the fair market price of Salem’s stock at the time of the grant. This approach is designed to increase stockholder value over a long term, since the full benefit of the compensation package cannot be realized unless the stock price appreciation occurs over a number of years.

The Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) contains a provision that limits the tax deductibility of certain compensation paid to certain executive officers and disallows the deductibility of certain compensation in excess of $1,000,000 per year unless the compensation is considered “performance-based” pursuant to the rules established in the IRC. Salem’s policies and practices generally ensure the maximum deduction possible under the IRC; however, the company reserves the right to forego any and all of the tax deduction if it is believed to be in the best overall interest of Salem and its stockholders.

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

Roland S. Hinz (Chairman)

David Davenport

Richard A. Riddle

The preceding “Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation” addresses the company’s practices for fiscal year 2002 as they affected the company’s Chief Executive Officer and its other executive officers, including the named executive officers in this Proxy Statement. This report shall not be deemed soliciting material or to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, nor shall any information in this report be incorporated by reference into any past or future filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except to the extent the company specifically incorporates it by reference into such filing.

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STOCK PRICE PERFORMANCE GRAPH

The graph below compares the cumulative total stockholder return of the company’s Class A common stock with the cumulative total return of the NASDAQ—NMS equity index and the Paul Kagan Associates, Inc. Radio Station Average index since July 1, 1999, when the company’s Class A common stock was first registered under the Exchange Act, through December 31, 2002. The company’s Class B common stock is not publicly traded and is not registered. The graph assumes that the value of an investment in the company’s Class A common stock and each index was $100 on July 1, 1999 and that any dividends were reinvested. No cash dividends have been declared on the company’s Class A common stock since the initial public offering. Stockholder returns over the indicated period should not be considered indicative of future stockholder returns.

The stock price performance graph above shall not be deemed incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating by reference this Proxy Statement into any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the company specifically incorporates this information by reference and shall not otherwise be deemed filed under such Acts.

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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of the company’s Class A and Class B common stock as of March 26, 2003 by (i) each person believed by the company to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of either class of the outstanding Class A or Class B common stock, (ii) each director, (iii) each of the Named Executive Officers and (iv) all directors and executive officers as a group.

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RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Leases with Principal Stockholders

As of March 2003, the company leases the studios and tower and antenna sites described in the table below from Messrs. Atsinger and Epperson or trusts and partnerships created for the benefit of Messrs. Atsinger and Epperson and their families. All such leases have cost of living adjustments. Based upon management’s assessment and analysis of local market conditions for comparable properties, the company believes that such leases do not have terms that vary materially from those that would have been available from unaffiliated parties.

Rental expense paid by the company to Messrs. Atsinger and Epperson or trusts or partnerships created for the benefit of their families for 2002 amounted to approximately $1.1 million. Rental expense paid by the company to Mr. Atsinger or trusts created for the benefit of his family for 2002 amounted to approximately $52,000.

Loan to Mr. Atsinger

On December 31, 2000 the company loaned Edward G. Atsinger III $450,000. Such loan is repayable on demand and will accrue interest at the rate of 8% per annum on the unpaid principal. On July 1, 2001,

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Mr. Atsinger applied his signing bonus of $300,000, against this loan. During 2002, Mr. Atsinger paid the remaining loan balance. As of December 31, 2002, Mr. Atsinger does not have any outstanding loans with the company.

Radio Stations Owned by the Eppersons

Nancy Epperson, the wife of the Chairman of the Board, Stuart W. Epperson, has personally acquired four radio stations in the Norfolk-Virginia Beach-Newport News, Virginia market. Additionally, Mr. Epperson’s son, Stuart W. Epperson, Jr., has acquired certain radio stations in the Greensboro-Winston-Salem, North Carolina market. These Virginia and North Carolina markets are not currently served by stations owned and operated by the company. Acquisitions in such markets are not part of the company’s current business and acquisition strategies. Under his employment agreement, Mr. Epperson is required to offer the company a right of first refusal of opportunities related to the company’s business.

Radio Stations Owned by Mr. Hinz

Mr. Hinz, a director, through companies or entities controlled by him, has acquired a radio station in Los Angeles, California and San Bernardino, California. Additionally, he is operating and has contracted to acquire a radio station in San Diego, California. These radio stations are formatted by Christian teaching and talk programming in Spanish language. Operating radio stations with such programming in the markets reached by such stations is not part of the company’s current business strategy.

Professional Services

Salem provides professional and consulting services to, and receives cash consideration from, Salem Broadcasting Company (“SBC”) for these services. SBC is owned directly by Stuart W. Epperson and Edward G. Atsinger III. In 2002, the company billed SBC approximately $128,000.

Focus on the Family and Mr. Hodel

Effective May 15, 2003, Mr. Hodel, a director of the company, will become President and Chief Executive Officer of Focus on the Family, a non-profit organization that is a substantial customer of the company. During 2002, the company was paid approximately $3.1 million by Focus on the Family for airtime.

Land Exchange

On December 18, 2001, the company exchanged land and a building located in Phoenix, Arizona with SBC for land and a building located in Cleveland, Ohio. The land and building acquired by Salem was already sold as part of the sale of WHK-AM on July 2, 2001.

Transportation Services Supplied by Atsinger Aviation

From time to time, Salem rents an airplane and a helicopter from Atsinger Aviation LLC, which is owned by Edward G. Atsinger III. As approved by the independent members of Salem’s board of directors, Salem rents these aircraft on an hourly basis at below-market rates and uses them for general corporate needs. In 2002, the company paid $307,000 to Atsinger Aviation for airplane and helicopter rental.

Employment Agreements with Messrs. Atsinger and Epperson

Messrs. Atsinger and Epperson are employed as officers of Salem pursuant to Employment Agreements. For more information regarding the Employment Agreements, see “EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND OTHER INFORMATION—Employment Agreements.”

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Split-Dollar Life Insurance

In 1997, the company purchased split-dollar life insurance policies for its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. The premiums were $208,000, $204,000 and $226,000 for the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002, respectively. The amounts paid by the company, which will be repaid by the beneficiaries of the insurance policies, have been reserved completely.

Agreement with Mr. Halvorson

Eric H. Halvorson entered into a consulting agreement on July 1, 2001 with Salem whereby he provides legal and other consulting services to Salem and is compensated on an hourly basis. The agreement has no expiration date but can be terminated by either party upon two weeks prior written notice. In 2002, the company paid Mr. Halvorson approximately $58,000 for such services.

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PROPOSAL 1

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

At the Annual Meeting, stockholders of the company will be asked to vote on the election of eight directors. Two nominees are nominated as “Independent Directors” and shall be elected by the holders of Class A common stock as a class, exclusive of all of the holders of Class B common stock. Donald P. Hodel and David Davenport have been nominated as the Independent Directors. The nominees receiving the highest number of votes of shares entitled to vote for such directors at the Annual Meeting will be elected directors of the company. To fill these board positions, unless indicated to the contrary, the enclosed proxy will be voted FOR the nominees listed below, and listed on the enclosed proxy card for whom the stockholder is entitled to vote. All directors elected at the Annual Meeting will be elected to one-year terms and will serve until the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in the year 2003 and until their successors have been duly elected and qualified.

Set forth below are the names of persons nominated by the company’s board of directors for election as directors at the Annual Meeting. Your proxy, unless otherwise indicated, will be voted FOR each of the directors for whom you are entitled to vote, that is, as a Class A common stock holder FOR Messrs. Epperson, Atsinger, Davenport, Halvorson, Hinz, Hodel, Pressler and Riddle; and as a Class B common stock holder FOR Messrs. Epperson, Atsinger, Halvorson, Hinz, Pressler and Riddle. For a description of the nominees’ principal occupation and business experience during the last five years and present directorships, please see “DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS—Directors,” above.

The company has been advised by each nominee named in this Proxy Statement that he is willing to be named as such herein and is willing to serve as a director if elected. However, if any of the nominees should be unable to serve as a director, the enclosed proxy will be voted in favor of the remainder of those nominees not opposed by the stockholder on such proxy and may be voted for a substitute nominee selected by the board of directors.

PROPOSAL 2

AMENDMENT TO THE 1999 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

General

The company adopted the 1999 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended in 2001 (the “Plan”), to promote the interests of the company and its stockholders by using investment interests in the company to attract, retain and motivate its employees and other persons, to encourage and reward their contributions to the performance of the company, and to align their interests with the interests of the company’s stockholders.

The maximum number of shares of Class A common stock (for purposes of Proposals 2 and 3, the “Class A Common Stock”) that may be issued pursuant to awards granted under the Plan is currently 1,000,000 (subject to adjustment as set forth in the Plan). As of March 31, 2003, awards covering a total of 625,090 shares were outstanding or had been exercised under the Plan. Accordingly, only 374,910 shares remained available for future awards. The company relies heavily upon the Plan to recruit, retain and reward qualified employees, officers, consultants, advisors and directors, and the board has approved, subject to approval by the company’s stockholders, an amendment of the Plan to make available an additional 600,000 shares of Class A Common Stock for awards under the Plan (subject to adjustments as set forth in the Plan).

Summary of the 1999 Stock Incentive Plan

The following is a summary of the principal features of the Plan as in effect and as proposed to be amended by Proposals 2 and 3. The summary is qualified in its entirety by Proposals 2 and 3 and the Plan, a copy of which, as proposed to be amended, is attached as Appendix B to this Proxy Statement.

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The Plan is administered by the board or a committee of directors appointed by the board, such committee members meeting the requirement of committee membership required by the Plan (the “Administering Body”). Subject to the express provisions of the Plan, the Administering Body is authorized to interpret and construe the Plan and any documents defining the rights and obligations of the company and recipients thereunder, to determine all questions arising thereunder, to adopt and amend such rules and regulations for the administration thereof as it may deem desirable, and otherwise to carry out the terms of the Plan and such other documents. The interpretation and construction by the Administering Body of any provisions of the Plan or of any award thereunder will be conclusive and binding. Any action taken by, or inaction of, the Administering Body relating to the Plan or any awards thereunder will be within the absolute discretion of the Administering Body and will be conclusive and binding upon all persons.

The Administering Body may from time to time in its discretion select the eligible persons to whom, and the times at which, awards will be granted or sold, the nature of each award, the number of shares of Class A Common Stock or the number of rights that make up or underlie each award, the period for the exercise of each award, and such other terms and conditions applicable to each award as the Administering Body will determine. The Administering Body may grant awards singly, in combination or in tandem with other awards, as it determines in its discretion. The purchase price, exercise price, initial value and any and all other terms and conditions of the awards may be established by the Administering Body without regard to existing awards or other grants.

Persons Eligible to Participate in the Plan

The persons eligible to receive awards under the Plan include directors, officers, employees, consultants, and advisors of the company and its affiliated entities; provided, however, that Incentive Stock Options (defined below) may be granted only to eligible persons meeting the employment requirements of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “IRC”). For purposes of the Plan, the term “affiliated entities” means any parent corporation or subsidiary corporation of the company, as defined in Sections 424(e) and 424(f), respectively, of the IRC.

Awards

Subject to certain limitations specified in the Plan, the Administering Body may, in its discretion, grant to eligible persons any one or more of the following awards under the Plan: stock options, performance awards, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights, stock payments, dividend equivalents, stock bonuses, stock sales, phantom stock, and other stock-based benefits. Each award granted under the Plan will be evidenced by an agreement duly executed on behalf of the company and by the recipient or, in the Administering Body’s discretion, a confirming memorandum issued by the company to the recipient, setting forth such terms and conditions applicable to the award as the Administering Body may in its discretion determine. Payment of the exercise price or other payment for an award shall be payable upon the exercise of a stock option or upon other purchase of shares pursuant to an award granted under the Plan and may be made by (i) legal tender of the United States, (ii) shares of Class A Common Stock (if either the underlying agreement or the Administering Body so permit and if the company is not prohibited from acquiring its shares), or (iii) such other lawful consideration the Administering Body may deem acceptable in any particular instance.

Stock Options.    The Administering Body may grant to eligible persons stock options that either qualify as incentive stock options under Section 422 of the IRC (“Incentive Stock Options”) or do not qualify as Incentive Stock Options (“Nonqualified Stock Options”). The exercise price for each stock option will be determined by the Administering Body as of the date such stock option is granted; provided, however, that the exercise price may be no less than (A) the fair market value of the Class A Common Stock subject to the option as of the date the Incentive Stock Option is granted, and (B) in the case of a grant to a Significant Stockholder (defined below), 110% of the fair market value of the Class A Common Stock subject to the option as of the date the Incentive Stock Option is granted. Each stock option and all rights or obligations thereunder will expire on a date

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determined by the Administering Body, but not later than 10 years after the date the stock option is granted (or five years from the date of grant in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to a Significant Stockholder, or for Nonqualified Stock Options, such date later than 10 years after the Stock Option is granted as shall be determined in the discretion of the Administering Body), and will be subject to earlier termination as provided in the Plan or the award document. Except as otherwise provided in the Plan, a stock option will become exercisable, as a whole or in part, on the date or dates specified by the Administering Body and thereafter will remain exercisable until the expiration or earlier termination of the stock option.

Stock options will be exercisable only in whole shares, and fractional share interests will be disregarded. A stock option will be deemed to be exercised when the Secretary or other designated official of the company receives written notice of such exercise from the recipient, together with payment of the exercise price made in accordance with the provisions of the Plan. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, the Administering Body may impose such conditions upon the exercise of stock options (including, without limitation, conditions limiting the time of exercise to specified periods) as may be required to satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, including without limitation Rule 16b-3 and Rule 10b-5 under the Exchange Act, and any amounts required to satisfy any federal, state and local withholding tax requirements prior to issuance of such shares.

For purposes of the Plan, a “Significant Stockholder” shall mean a stockholder who, at the time a stock option is granted to such individual under the Plan, owns more than 10% of the combined voting power of all classes of stock of the company or of any parent corporation or subsidiary corporation (after application of the attribution rules set forth in Section 424(d) of the IRC).

Performance Awards.    The Administering Body may grant to eligible persons awards, payable in Class A Common Stock that vest and become payable over a period of time upon attainment of performance criteria established by the Administering Body in connection with the grant of the awards (“Performance Awards”). Each Performance Award and all rights or obligations thereunder will expire on a date determined by the Administering Body, and will be subject to earlier termination as provided in the Plan or the award document.

Restricted Stock.    The Administering Body may authorize the grant or sale to eligible persons of Class A Common Stock that is nontransferable and subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture until specific conditions are met (“Restricted Stock”). The Administering Body will determine the purchase price (if any) to be paid for the Restricted Stock, the terms of payment, the restrictions upon the Restricted Stock, and when such restrictions will lapse; provided, however, that all shares of Restricted Stock will be subject to the following conditions: (a) the shares may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged, hypothecated or otherwise disposed of, alienated or encumbered until the restrictions are removed or expire; (b) the Administering Body may require that the certificates representing Restricted Stock remain in the physical custody of an escrow holder or the company until all restrictions are removed or expire; (c) each certificate representing Restricted Stock will bear such legend or legends making reference to the restrictions imposed upon such Restricted Stock as the Administering Body deems necessary or appropriate to enforce such restrictions; and (d) the Administering Body may impose such other conditions on Restricted Stock as it deems advisable. Subject to any restrictions imposed upon the Restricted Stock, the recipient thereof will have all rights of a stockholder with respect to the Restricted Stock granted or sold to such recipient, including, without limitation, the right to vote the shares and receive all dividends and other distributions paid or made with respect thereto. Unless the Administering Body determines otherwise, upon a recipient’s termination of employment for any reason, all of the recipient’s Restricted Stock remaining subject to restrictions on the date of such termination will be repurchased by the company at the purchase price paid by the recipient (if any).

Stock Appreciation Rights.    The Administering Body may grant to eligible persons Stock appreciation rights; that is, rights to receive payments measured with reference to the amount by which the fair market value of a specified number of shares of Class A Common Stock appreciates from a specified date (such as the date of grant of the stock appreciation rights) to the date of exercise. The Administering Body has full discretion to determine the form in which payment of a stock appreciation rights will be made and to consent to or disapprove the election of a recipient to receive cash in full or partial settlement of a stock appreciation rights. Further, the

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Administering Body may, at the time a stock appreciation rights is granted, impose such conditions on the exercise of the stock appreciation rights as may be required to satisfy the requirements of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act (or any other comparable provisions in effect at the time or times in question).

Stock appreciation rights granted under the Plan may be related or unrelated to stock options. A stock appreciation rights related to a stock option will entitle the holder of the related stock option, upon exercise of the stock appreciation rights, to surrender such stock option, or any portion thereof to the extent previously vested but unexercised, with respect to the number of shares as to which such stock appreciation rights is exercised, and to receive payment of an amount determined by multiplying (a) the difference obtained by subtracting the exercise price of a share of Class A Common Stock specified in the related stock option from the fair market value of a share of Class A Common Stock on the date of exercise of such stock appreciation rights (or as of such other date specified in the instrument evidencing the stock appreciation rights), by (b) the number of shares as to which such stock appreciation rights is exercised. Such stock option will, to the extent surrendered, then cease to be exercisable. A stock appreciation rights granted in connection with a stock option will be exercisable at such time or times, and only to the extent that, the related stock option is exercisable, and will not be transferable except to the extent that such related stock option may be transferable.

The amount payable upon exercise of a stock appreciation rights that is unrelated to a stock option will be determined in accordance with the formula described in the preceding paragraph, except that in lieu of the option exercise price specified in the related stock option, the initial base amount specified in the award will be used.

Stock Payments.    The Administering Body may grant stock payments of the company’s Class A Common Stock to any eligible person for all or any portion of the compensation (other than base salary) or other payment that would otherwise become payable by the company to the eligible person in cash.

Dividend Equivalents.    The Administering Body may grant dividend equivalents to any recipient under the Plan who has received a stock option, stock appreciation rights or other award denominated in shares of Class A Common Stock. Such dividend equivalents will entitle the holders thereof to receive from the company during the applicable dividend period (as defined in the Plan) payments equivalent to the amount of dividends payable to holders of the number of shares of Class A Common Stock underlying such stock option, stock appreciation rights or other award. Dividend equivalents may be paid in cash, Class A Common Stock or other awards; and the amount of dividend equivalents paid other than in cash will be determined by the Administering Body by application of such formula as the Administering Body may deem appropriate to translate the cash value of dividends paid to the alternative form of payment of the dividend equivalent. Dividend equivalents will be computed as of each dividend record date and will be payable to recipients thereof at such time as the Administering Body may determine.

Stock Bonuses.    The Administering Body may issue shares of Class A Common Stock to eligible persons as bonuses for services rendered or for any other valid consideration on such terms and conditions as the Administering Body may determine.

Stock Sales.    The Administering Body may sell to eligible persons shares of Class A Common Stock on such terms and conditions as the Administering Body may determine.

Phantom Stock.    The Administering Body may grant to eligible persons awards of phantom stock; that is, a cash bonus granted under the Plan measured by the fair market value of a specified number of shares of Class A Common Stock on a specified date, or measured by the excess of such fair market value over a specified minimum, which may but need not include a dividend equivalent.

Other Stock-Based Benefits.    The Administering Body may grant to eligible persons other stock-based benefits not otherwise described above that (a) by their terms might involve the issuance or sale of Class A Common Stock or (b) involve a benefit that is measured, as a whole or in part, by the value, appreciation, dividend yield or other features attributable to a specified number of shares of Class A Common Stock.

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Award Limits

In order for the compensation attributable to awards granted under the Plan to qualify as performance-based compensation (as defined in the Plan), no one eligible person will be granted any awards with respect to more than 100,000 shares of Class A Common Stock in any one calendar year. This limitation is subject to adjustment as set forth in the Plan, but only to the extent such adjustment would not affect the status of compensation attributable to awards as performance-based compensation. Further, the aggregate fair market value (determined as of the date of grant) of the Class A Common Stock for which one or more Incentive Stock Options granted to any one eligible person under the Plan (or any other option plan of the company or any of its affiliated entities) may for the first time become exercisable during any one calendar year will not exceed $100,000.

Plan Effectiveness and Duration

The Plan became effective as of May 25, 1999 (the “Effective Date”), and will continue in effect until the 10th anniversary of the Effective Date (the “Plan Term”), at which time the Plan will automatically terminate. Notwithstanding the foregoing, each award properly granted under the Plan during the Plan Term will remain in effect after termination of the Plan until such award has been exercised, terminated or expired in accordance with its terms and the terms of the Plan.

Amendment and Termination

The Administering Body may, insofar as permitted by applicable law, rule or regulation, from time to time suspend or discontinue the Plan or revise or amend it in any respect whatsoever, and the Plan as so revised or amended will govern all awards thereunder, including those granted before such revision or amendment; provided, however, that no such revision or amendment will alter, impair or diminish any rights or obligations under any award previously granted under the Plan without the written consent of the recipient to whom such award was granted. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administering Body is authorized to amend the Plan to comply with or take advantage of amendments to applicable laws, rules or regulations, including amendments to the Securities Act, Exchange Act, the IRC (or any rules or regulations promulgated thereunder) or the rules of any exchange or inter-dealer quotation system upon which the Class A Common Stock is listed or traded. No stockholder approval of any amendment or revision shall be required unless (a) such approval is required by the Plan or by applicable law, rule or regulation, or (b) an amendment or revision to the Plan would materially increase the number of shares subject to the Plan (as adjusted under the Plan), materially modify the requirements as to eligibility for participation in the Plan, extend the final date upon which awards may be granted under the Plan, or otherwise materially increase the benefits accruing to recipients in a manner not specifically contemplated herein, or affect the Plan’s compliance with Rule 16b-3 or applicable provisions of or regulations under the IRC, and stockholder approval of the amendment or revision is required to comply with Rule 16b-3 or applicable provisions of or rules under the IRC.

Restrictions on Transferability

No award granted under the Plan will be assignable or transferable except (a) by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, (b) subject to the final sentence of this paragraph, upon dissolution of marriage pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order, or (c) in the discretion of the Administering Body and under circumstances that would not adversely affect the interests of the company, pursuant to a nominal transfer that does not result in a change in beneficial ownership. During the lifetime of a recipient, an award granted to such person will be exercisable only by the recipient (or the recipient’s permitted transferee) or such person’s guardian or legal representative. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) no award owned by a recipient subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act may be assigned or transferred in any manner inconsistent with Rule 16b-3, and (ii) Incentive Stock Options (or other awards subject to transfer restrictions under the IRC) may not be assigned, transferred or exercisable in violation of Section 422(b)(5) of the IRC (or any comparable or successor provision) or the regulations thereunder, and nothing herein is intended to allow such assignment or transfer.

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Governing Law

The Plan is governed by and interpreted in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to the principles of the conflicts of laws thereof.

Federal Income Tax Consequences

General.    The following summary of certain federal income tax consequences of the receipt and exercise of awards granted by the company is based on the laws and regulations in effect as of the date of this Proxy Statement and does not purport to be a complete statement of the law in this area. Furthermore, the discussion below does not address the tax consequences of the receipt and exercise of stock options under foreign, state and/or local tax laws, and such tax laws may not correspond to the federal tax treatment described herein. The exact federal income tax treatment of transactions under the Plan will vary depending on the specific facts and circumstances involved. Accordingly, individuals eligible to receive or exercise awards should consult their personal tax advisors with regard to all consequences arising from the grant or exercise of awards and the disposition of any acquired shares prior to engaging in any transaction related to any award.

Stock options granted under the Plan are not subject to the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and are not qualified under Section 401(a) of the IRC.

Incentive Stock Options.    Stock options granted under the Plan may qualify as Incentive Stock Options within the meaning of Section 422 of the IRC. If an optionee exercises an Incentive Stock Option in accordance with its terms and does not dispose of the shares acquired within two years from the date of the grant of the Incentive Stock Option nor within one year from the date of exercise (the “Required Holding Periods”), an optionee generally will not be subject to regular federal income tax, and the company will not be entitled to any deduction, on either the grant or the exercise of an Incentive Stock Option. An optionee’s basis in the shares acquired upon exercise will be the amount paid upon exercise. Provided an optionee holds the shares as a capital asset at the time of sale or other disposition of the shares, an optionee’s gain or loss, if any, recognized on the sale or other disposition will be capital gain or loss. The amount of an optionee’s gain or loss will be the difference between the amount realized on the disposition of the shares and the optionee’s basis in the shares.

If, however, an optionee disposes of the acquired shares at any time prior to the expiration of the Required Holding Periods, then (subject to certain exceptions), the optionee will recognize ordinary income at the time of such disposition which will equal the excess, if any, of the lesser of (a) the amount realized on such disposition or (b) the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise, over the optionee’s basis in the shares. The company generally will be entitled to a deduction in an amount equal to the amount of ordinary income recognized by an optionee. Any gain in excess of such ordinary income amount will be a short-term or long-term capital gain, depending on the optionee’s holding period. If an optionee disposes of such shares for less than the optionee’s basis in the shares, the difference between the amount realized and the optionee’s basis will be short-term or long-term capital loss, depending upon the holding period of the shares.

The excess of the fair market value of the shares acquired on the exercise date of an Incentive Stock Option over the exercise price of such option generally is required to be included in the optionee’s alternative minimum taxable income for the year in which the option is exercised and, accordingly, may subject an optionee to the alternative minimum tax. See “Special Rules for Insiders,” below.

Nonqualified Stock Options.    In general, there are no tax consequences to the optionee or to the company on the grant of a stock option which does not qualify as an incentive stock option (a “Nonqualified Stock Option”). On exercise, however, the optionee generally will recognize ordinary income equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares as of the exercise date over the purchase price paid for such shares, and the company will be entitled to a deduction equal to the amount of ordinary income recognized by the optionee. See “Special Rules for Insiders,” below. Upon a subsequent disposition of the shares received under a nonqualified stock option, the difference between the amount realized on such disposition and the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise generally will be treated as a capital gain or loss.

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Special Rules for Insiders.    If an optionee is a director, officer or stockholder subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act (an “Insider”) and exercises an option within six months of the date of grant, the timing of the recognition of any ordinary income should be deferred until (and the amount of ordinary income should be determined based on the fair market value (or sales price in the case of a disposition) of the Class A Common Stock upon) the earlier of the following two dates: (i) six months after the date of grant or (ii) a disposition of the Class A Common Stock, unless the Insider makes an election under Section 83(b) of the IRC (an “83(b) Election”) within 30 days after exercise to recognize ordinary income based on the value of the Class A Common Stock on the date of exercise. In addition, special rules apply to an Insider who exercises an option having an exercise price greater than the fair market value of the underlying Class A Common Stock on the date of exercise.

Performance Awards and Stock Appreciation Rights.    Generally, the recipient of a Performance Award or a holder of a stock appreciation rights will recognize ordinary income equal to the amount paid by the company under either arrangement on the date the recipient or holder receives payment from the company. If the company places a limit on the amount that will be payable under an stock appreciation rights, the holder may recognize ordinary income equal to the value of the holder’s right under the stock appreciation rights at the time the value of such right equals such limit and the stock appreciation rights is exercisable. The company will generally be entitled to a deduction in an amount equal to the ordinary income recognized by the recipient or holder.

Restricted Stock.    Unless the recipient makes an 83(b) Election within 30 days after the receipt of the restricted stock, the recipient is not taxed and the company is not entitled to a deduction until the restriction lapses, and at that time the recipient will recognize ordinary income equal to the difference between the then fair market value of the Class A Common Stock and the amount, if any, paid by the recipient for the Class A Common Stock, and the recipient’s tax basis in the Class A Common Stock will equal the then fair market value of the Class A Common Stock. If the recipient makes a timely 83(b) Election, the recipient will recognize ordinary income at the time of the election equal to the difference between the fair market value of the restricted stock on the date of grant and the amount, if any, paid by the recipient for the Class A Common Stock, and the recipient’s tax basis in the Class A Common Stock will equal the fair market value of the Class A Common Stock on the grant date. Any subsequent sale of the Class A Common Stock by the recipient generally will, depending upon the length of the holding period beginning just after the date the restriction on the Class A Common Stock lapses or where an 83(b) Election is made just after the grant date, be treated as long or short term capital gain (loss) equal to the difference between the sale price (the recipient’s tax basis) and the recipient’s tax basis (sale price). The company generally will be entitled to a deduction in an amount equal to the ordinary income recognized by the recipient.

Miscellaneous Tax Issues.    An award may be granted under the Plan that does not fall clearly into one of the categories described above. The federal income tax treatment of such an award will depend upon the specific terms of such award. In such case, the recipient should consult his or her tax advisor regarding the tax treatment applicable to such award.

Generally, the company will be required to make arrangements for withholding applicable taxes with respect to any ordinary income recognized by a participant in connection with an award made under the Plan.

With certain exceptions, an individual may not deduct investment-related interest to the extent such interest exceeds the individual’s net investment income for the year. Investment interest generally includes interest paid on indebtedness incurred to purchase shares of Class A Common Stock. Interest disallowed under this rule may be carried forward to and deducted in later years, subject to the same limitations.

Special rules will apply in cases where a recipient of an award pays the exercise or purchase price of the award or applicable withholding tax obligations under the Plan by delivering previously owned shares of Class A Common Stock or by reducing the amount of shares otherwise issuable pursuant to the award. The surrender or withholding of such shares will in certain circumstances result in the recognition of income with respect to such

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shares or a carryover basis in the shares acquired. A recipient should consult his or her tax advisor regarding the tax consequences associated with using previously owned shares of Class A Common Stock or reducing the amount of shares issuable pursuant to the award for the foregoing purposes.

The terms of the agreements pursuant to which specific awards are made to employees under the Plan may provide for accelerated vesting or payment of an award in connection with a change in ownership or control of the company. In that event and depending upon the individual circumstances of the recipient, certain amounts with respect to such awards may constitute “excess parachute payments” under the “golden parachute” provisions of the IRC. Pursuant to these provisions, a recipient will be subject to a 20% excise tax on any “excess parachute payments” and the company will be denied any deduction with respect to such payment. A recipient of an award should consult his or her tax advisor as to whether accelerated vesting of an award in connection with a change of ownership or control of the company would give rise to an excess parachute payment.

Company Withholdings and Information Reports

If an award recipient is an employee of the company, withholdings required to be made by the company with respect to ordinary compensation income recognized under stock options ordinarily will be accomplished by withholding the required amount from other cash compensation due from the company to the employee, by having the employee pay to the company the required withholding amount, or by such other permissible methods as the company may deem appropriate. Whether or not such withholdings are required, the company will make such information reports to the Internal Revenue Service as may be required with respect to any income (whether or not that of an employee) attributable to transactions involving stock options.

Interest of Certain Persons in Matters to be Acted Upon

Pursuant to the Plan, each of the directors and executive officers, among others, is eligible to receive awards under the Plan. Participation in the Plan is at the discretion of the Board or its appointed committee and, accordingly, future participation by directors, executive officers and other employees under this Plan is not determinable. However, if this proposal is approved, the maximum number of shares available under this Plan will be increased by 600,000 shares.

Plan Benefits

Future participation in the Plan by executive officers and other employees is not determinable.

Vote Required and Board of Directors’ Recommendation

The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting, at which a quorum representing a majority of all outstanding shares of Class A and Class B common stock is present and entitled to vote, is required to approve Proposal 2. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR PROPOSAL 2.

PROPOSAL 3

AMENDMENT TO THE 1999 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

If an award under the Plan is intended to qualify as performance-based compensation for purposes of Section 162(m) of the IRC, then under the terms of the Plan, the annual amount of shares available under awards granted to a participant cannot exceed 100,000 shares. Section 162(m) of the IRC imposes a $1 million limit on the amount of compensation that may be deducted by the company in any year with respect to each of the Chief Executive Officer of the company and its other four most highly compensated officers, including deductions attributable to awards under the Plan. The $1 million deduction limit of Section 162(m) of the IRC, however,

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does not apply to “performance-based compensation.” For awards under the Plan to constitute “performance-based compensation,” one requirement is that at least every five years the stockholders approve the maximum number of shares for which grants may be made to any participant during a specified period.

The current annual limit, which was previously approved by the company’s stockholders in 1999, is 100,000 shares. In order to preserve the deductibility of compensation expense relating to awards granted under the Plan, the board is seeking the favorable approval of the company’s stockholders to reapprove the Plan in this regard.

Interest of Certain Persons in Matters to be Acted upon

Pursuant to the Plan, each of the directors and executive officers, among others, is eligible to receive awards under the Plan. Participation in the Plan is at the discretion of the board or its appointed committee and, accordingly, future participation by directors, executive officers and other employees under the Plan is not determinable. However, if this proposal is approved, the maximum number of shares available under awards granted to any single participant, including directors and executive officers, in any one calendar year would continue to be 100,000.

Vote Required and Board of Directors’ Recommendation

The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the meeting, at which a quorum representing a majority of all outstanding shares of Class A and Class B common stock is present and entitled to vote, is required to approve Proposal 3. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR PROPOSAL 3.

PROPOSAL 4

RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

The company’s board of directors has selected Ernst & Young LLP to serve as its independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2003. Ernst & Young has served as the company’s independent auditor since 1991. A representative of Ernst & Young is expected to attend the Annual Meeting, and the representative will have an opportunity to make a statement if he or she so desires. The representative will also be available to respond to appropriate questions from stockholders.

Reasons for the Proposal

Selection of the company’s independent auditors is not required to be submitted for stockholder approval. Nonetheless, the board of directors is seeking ratification of its selection of Ernst & Young as a matter of further involving the company’s stockholders in its corporate affairs. If the stockholders do not ratify this selection, management and the board of directors will reconsider its selection of Ernst & Young and will either continue to retain this firm or appoint new auditors upon recommendation of the Audit Committee. Even if the selection is ratified, the Audit Committee and/or our board of directors, in their discretion, may direct the appointment of different independent auditors at any time during the year if they determine that such a change would be in the best interests of the company and its stockholders.

The Company’s Relationship with Independent Public Accountants

Audit Fees

Fees billed by Ernst & Young for audit services totaled approximately $347,000 in 2002 and approximately $446,000 in 2001, including fees associated with the annual audit, the reviews of the company’s quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and professional services associated with the company’s registration statements and responding to comment letters from the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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Financial Information Systems Design and Implementation Fees

Ernst & Young did not bill the company for any Financial Information Systems Design and Implementation services for fiscal year 2002 or 2001.

All Other Fees

Audit-Related Fees.    Ernst & Young billed the company approximately $3,000 for audit related fees primarily consisting of professional services rendered in conjunction with the company’s interest rate swap agreement.

Tax Services.    Ernst & Young billed the company approximately $11,000 and approximately $67,000 for various tax consulting projects during fiscal year 2002 and 2001, respectively.

The Audit Committee considered the provision by Ernst & Young of the services described under “All Other Fees,” above, and determined that the provision of such services was compatible with maintaining the independence of Ernst & Young as the company’s accountants.

Vote Required and Board of Directors’ Recommendation

The affirmative vote of a majority of the voting power of the shares of Class A and Class B common stock, present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting at which a quorum is present, is required to approve Proposal 4. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR PROPOSAL 4.

STOCKHOLDERS’ PROPOSALS FOR 2004 PROXY STATEMENT

Any stockholder of the company wishing to have a proposal considered for inclusion in the company’s proxy solicitation materials relating to the company’s 2004 annual meeting of stockholders must, in addition to other applicable requirements, give notice of such proposal in writing to the Corporate Secretary of the company at its principal executive offices and such notice must be received on or before December 31, 2003. The proposal may be included in next year’s Proxy Statement if it complies with certain rules and regulations promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The board of directors will review proposals from eligible stockholders which it receives by December 31, 2003 and will determine whether any such proposal will be included in its 2004 proxy solicitation materials.

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OTHER MATTERS

At the time of preparation of this Proxy Statement, the board of directors of the company was not aware of any other matters to be brought before the Annual Meeting. No eligible stockholder had submitted notice of any proposal 90 days before the date of the Annual Meeting. However, if any other matters are properly presented for action, in the absence of instructions to the contrary, it is the intention of the persons named in the enclosed form of proxy to vote, or refrain from voting, in accordance with their respective best judgment on such matters.

Pursuant to the Bylaws of Salem, only such business shall be conducted, and only such proposals shall be acted upon at an annual meeting of stockholders as are properly brought before the meeting. For business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder, in addition to any other applicable requirements, timely notice of the matter must first be given to the Corporate Secretary. To be timely, a stockholder’s written notice must be delivered to the Corporate Secretary at the company’s principal executive offices not later than the 90th day nor earlier than the 120th day prior to the first anniversary of the preceding annual meeting; provided, however, that in the event the date of the annual meeting is more than 30 days before or more than 60 days after such anniversary date, then notice of the stockholder proposal must be delivered to the Corporate Secretary not earlier than the 120th day nor later than the 90th day prior to such annual meeting or the 10th day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such annual meeting is first made. If such proposal is for a nominee for director, such stockholder’s notice must set forth with respect to such director nominee all of the information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations for elections of directors under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission; for any stockholder proposal, the notice must comply with Section 2.2 of Article II of the company’s Bylaws (a copy of which is available upon request to the Corporate Secretary of the company), which section requires that the notice contain a brief description of such proposal and the reasons for conducting such business at the annual meeting, the name and address, as they appear on the company’s books, of the stockholder making such proposal, the number of shares of Class A and Class B common stock beneficially owned by such stockholder and any material interest of such stockholder in such proposal.

SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

Pursuant to Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act and the rules promulgated thereunder and requirements of the NASD, officers and directors of the company and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of the common stock of the company are required to (i) file with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the NASD; and (ii) furnish to the company reports of ownership and change in ownership with respect to all equity securities of the company.

Based solely on its review of the copies of such reports received by it during or with respect to the year ended December 31, 2002 and/or written representations from such reporting persons, the company believes that its officers, directors and ten-percent stockholders complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to such individuals.

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ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

The company’s Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2002, including audited financial statements, is being mailed to stockholders along with these proxy materials, but such Annual Report is not incorporated herein and is not deemed to be a part of this Proxy Statement. The company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (without exhibits) is available to stockholders without charge upon written request to the company. Exhibits to the Annual Report on Form 10-K may be obtained from the company upon payment of the company’s reasonable expenses to furnish such exhibits. To obtain any of these materials, contact Jonathan L. Block, Salem Communications Corporation, 4880 Santa Rosa Road, Camarillo, California 93012.

By order of the board of directors

JONATHAN L. BLOCK

Corporate Secretary

Camarillo, California

April 28, 2003

PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD PROMPTLY.

NO POSTAGE IS REQUIRED IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES.

If you have any questions, or have any difficulty voting your shares, please telephone Jonathan L. Block of Salem at (805) 987-0400.

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APPENDIX A

SALEM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER

1.  Organization

1.1.  This charter governs the operations of the audit committee (the “Committee”).

1.2.  Each member of the Committee shall be appointed by the board of directors and may be removed by the board in its discretion. The board of directors shall designate one member of the Committee to serve as chair of the Committee, or delegate the authority to designate a chair to the Committee. The Committee shall be comprised of at least three directors.

1.2.1.  Each member of the Committee shall be independent of management and the Company and, at the time of his or her appointment to the Committee, shall be able to read and understand financial statements, including the Company’s balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement.

1.2.2.  For purposes hereof, “independent” shall mean a director who (i) meets the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (“NASD”) definition of independence; (ii) meets the criteria for independence set forth in Section 301 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“Sarbanes-Oxley”); and (iii) does not directly or indirectly own or control 10% or more of the Company’s voting securities.

1.2.3.  At least one member of the Committee shall meet the requirements of a “financial expert,” as defined under Section 407 of Sarbanes-Oxley, or, if not, the Company shall disclose why not in its annual report on Form 10-K.

1.3.  Notwithstanding Sections 1.2.1 and 1.2.2, above, one director who is not “independent” as defined in the NASD rules but meets the independence requirements of Section 301 of Sarbanes-Oxley, and who is not a current employee of the Company or an immediate family member of a current employee, may be appointed to the Committee, if the board, under exceptional and limited circumstances, determines in accordance with applicable provisions of NASD rules that membership on the Committee by such director is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.

1.4.  The Committee shall review and reassess this charter at least annually, and once it has been approved by the board of directors, the Committee shall obtain the board’s approval of any revisions.

2.  Statement of Purposes

2.1.  The primary purpose of the Committee is to oversee the accounting, reporting and financial practices of the Company and its subsidiaries.

2.2.  The Committee’s purposes also include assisting the board of directors in fulfilling their oversight responsibility relating to: (i) surveillance of internal accounting and financial controls; (ii) review of the independent auditors’ qualifications and independence; (iii) performance of the Company’s internal audit function; (iv) performance of the independent auditors; and (v) compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

2.3.  The Committee shall prepare the report required by the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission to be included in the Company’s annual proxy statement.

3.  Duties and Responsibilities

3.1.  Management is responsible for preparing the Company’s financial statements, and the independent auditors are responsible for auditing those financial statements.

3.2.  The Committee is not responsible for preparation of financial statements or for the performance of audits and its members are not auditors of the Company’s financial statements.

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3.3.  The Committee will undertake actions appropriate to set the overall corporate “tone” for quality financial reporting, sound business risk practices and ethical behavior.

3.4.  The following shall be the principal recurring duties and responsibilities of the Committee in performing its oversight function, and the Committee shall carry out the following duties and responsibilities consistent with and subject to applicable law and rules and regulations promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, NASD or other applicable regulatory authorities.

3.4.1.  The Committee is directly responsible, in its capacity as a committee of the board, for the appointment, compensation and oversight of the independent auditors. In this regard, the Committee shall have the sole authority to appoint, retain, determine funding for, and, when appropriate, terminate the independent auditors.

3.4.2.  The Committee shall review and approve in advance all audit services to be provided by the independent auditors and establish policies and procedures with respect to prior approval of permissible non-audit services to be provided by the independent auditors.

3.4.3.  The Committee shall periodically review, at least annually, the independence of the independent auditors. In this regard, the Committee shall: (i) review and discuss with the independent auditors the matters included in the written disclosures required by professional independence standards applicable to the independent auditors, including reviewing and discussing any relationships between the auditors and the Company or any other relationships that may adversely affect the independence of the auditors; (ii) consider whether the independent auditors’ performance of permissible non-audit services is compatible with the auditors’ independence; (iii) present to the board the Committee’s conclusions with respect to the independence of the auditors.

3.4.4.  The Committee shall review and discuss with the independent auditors the overall scope and plans for their respective audits including the adequacy of staffing and compensation.

3.4.5.  The Committee shall periodically review and discuss the adequacy and effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls, any significant deficiencies in internal controls and significant changes in such controls, and review and discuss with the principal internal auditor of the Company and such others as the Committee deems appropriate, the scope and results of the internal audit program and the Company’s risk assessment and risk management policies.

3.4.6.  The Committee shall meet with the independent auditors, with and without management present, to discuss the results of their audits.

3.4.7.  The Committee shall review the interim financial statements with management and the independent auditors prior to the filing of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The Committee shall discuss the results of the quarterly review and any other matters required to be communicated to the Committee by the independent auditors under generally accepted auditing standards. The chair of the Committee may represent the entire Committee for the purposes of this review.

3.4.8.  The Committee shall review with management and the independent auditors the financial statements to be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (or the annual report to stockholders if distributed prior to the filing of Form 10-K), including their judgment about the quality, not just the acceptability, of accounting principles, the reasonableness of significant judgments, and the clarity and completeness of the annual audit and any other matters required to be communicated to the Committee by the independent auditors under generally accepted auditing standards. The Committee shall recommend to the board whether the financial statements should be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.

3.4.9. The Committee shall review and discuss with management and the independent auditors:

(a)  any material financial or non-financial arrangements of the Company which do not appear on the financial statements of the Company; and

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(b)  any transactions or courses of dealings, with related parties which transactions are significant in size or involve terms or other aspects that differ from those that would likely be negotiated with independent parties, and which arrangements or transactions are relevant to an understanding of the Company’s financial statements.

3.4.10. The Committee shall review and discuss with management and the independent auditors the accounting policies which may be viewed as critical, and review and discuss any significant changes in the accounting policies of the Company and accounting and financial reporting proposals that may have a significant impact on the Company’s financial reports.

3.4.11. The Committee shall periodically review and discuss the adequacy and effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures and management reports thereon.

3.4.12. The Committee shall review and discuss with management and the independent auditors any material financial or non-financial arrangements of the Company, which do not appear on the financial statements of the Company.

3.4.13. The Committee shall review any related party transactions involving directors or executive officers of the Company.

3.4.14. The Committee shall review material pending legal proceedings involving the Company and other contingent liabilities.

3.4.15. The Committee shall establish procedures for receiving and handling complaints regarding accounting, internal accounting controls and auditing matters, including procedures for confidential, anonymous submission of concerns by employees regarding accounting and auditing matters.

3.4.16. The Committee shall establish policies and the parameters for hiring of employees and former employees of the independent auditors.

4.  Meetings

4.1.  The Committee shall meet as often as may be deemed necessary or appropriate in its judgment, generally four times each year, either in person or telephonically.

4.2.  The Committee shall periodically meet separately in executive session with each of the independent auditors, management and the Chief Accounting Officer of the Company.

4.3.  The Committee shall regularly report to the full board of directors with respect to its meetings and activities.

4.4.  A majority of the members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum.

5.  Outside Advisors

The Committee shall have the authority to retain and determine funding for such outside legal counsel, accountants, experts and other advisors as it determines appropriate to assist it in the full performance of its functions. The Committee shall have sole authority to approve the fees and retention terms for its advisors.

6.  Investigations

The Committee shall have the authority to conduct or authorize investigations into any matter within its scope of responsibility with full access to all books, records, facilities and personnel of the Company and shall have the authority to retain outside advisors to assist it in the conduct of any such investigation.

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APPENDIX B

AMENDED AND RESTATED

SALEM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

1999 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

(AS AMENDED AND RESTATED

THROUGH JUNE 11, 2003)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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