UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
[X]
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
 
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2007
 
OR
 
[   ]
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
 
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM __________________ TO __________________
 
 
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 000-26497
 
SALEM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
 
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
 
 
 

DELAWARE
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)
 
77-0121400
(I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
 
 
 
4880 SANTA ROSA ROAD CAMARILLO, CALIFORNIA
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL
EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
 
93012
( ZIP CODE)
 
REGISTRANT’S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: (805) 987-0400
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
                                       
 Yes [X ]  
   No  [   ]
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.  See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
                                                                                                   
 Large accelerated filer [   ]      
 Accelerated filer  [X ]   
 Non-accelerated filer  [   ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).     Yes [   ]    No  [ X ]
 
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Class A
 
Outstanding at November 5, 2007
Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share
 
18,115,092 shares
 
Class B
 
Outstanding at November 5, 2007
Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share
 
5,553,696 shares
 

 
SALEM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
 
 
INDEX
 
   
PAGE NO.
 
       
COVER PAGE
     
INDEX
     
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
     
Item 1.   Financial Statements
   
2
 
Item 2.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
               and Results of Operations
   
19
 
Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
   
30
 
Item 4.   Controls and Procedures
   
32
 
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
   
32
 
Item 1.    Legal Proceedings
   
32
 
Item 1A. Risk Factors
   
32
 
Item 2.   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
   
33
 
Item 3.   Defaults Upon Senior Securities
   
33
 
Item 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
   
33
 
Item 5.   Other Information
   
33
 
Item 6.   Exhibits
   
33
 
SIGNATURES
   
44
 
EXHIBIT INDEX
   
45
 

 

 
FORWARD–LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
 
      From time to time, in both written reports (such as this report) and oral statements, Salem Communications Corporation (“Salem” or the “company,” including references to Salem by “we,” “us” and “our”) makes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of federal and state securities laws. Disclosures that use words such as the company “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “will,” “may” or “plans” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, as defined under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements reflect the company’s current expectations and are based upon data available to the company at the time the statements are made. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations. These risks, as well as other risks and uncertainties, are detailed in Salem’s reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements made in this report speak as of the date hereof. Except as required by law, the company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements made in this report. Any such forward-looking statements, whether made in this report or elsewhere, should be considered in context with the various disclosures made by Salem about its business. These projections or forward-looking statements fall under the safe harbors of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).

 
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
SALEM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
 
 
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

SALEM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
 
December 31, 2006
 
September 30, 2007
 
 
(Note 1)
(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets:
                 
Cash and cash equivalents
      $
710
      $
673
 
Trade accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $7,606 in 2006 and $7,617 in 2007)
       
31,984
       
31,359
 
Other receivables
       
551
       
380
 
Prepaid expenses
       
2,330
       
2,584
 
Income tax receivable
       
       
38
 
Deferred income taxes
       
5,020
       
5,125
 
Total current assets
       
40,595
       
40,159
 
Property, plant and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation of $74,766 in 2006 and $81,112 in 2007)
       
128,713
       
130,894
 
Broadcast licenses
       
476,544
       
472,463
 
Goodwill
       
20,606
       
20,498
 
Other indefinite-lived intangible assets
       
2,892
       
2,892
 
Amortizable intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization of $10,846 in 2006 and $13,181 in 2007)
       
8,368
       
6,771
 
Bond issue costs
       
593
       
481
 
Bank loan fees
       
2,996
       
2,237
 
Fair value of interest rate swap agreements
       
1,290
       
451
 
Other assets
       
3,667
       
4,545
 
Total assets
      $
686,264
      $
681,391
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
      $
3,421
      $
1,546
 
Accrued expenses
       
6,446
       
5,636
 
Accrued compensation and related expenses
       
7,033
       
7,506
 
Accrued interest
       
4,275
       
3,829
 
Deferred revenue
       
4,050
       
4,732
 
Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations
       
2,048
       
3,696
 
Income taxes payable
       
22
       
 
Total current liabilities
       
27,295
       
26,945
 
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, less current portion
       
358,978
       
350,457
 
Deferred income taxes
       
53,935
       
61,611
 
Deferred revenue
       
7,063
       
7,358
 
Other liabilities
       
1,277
       
1,302
 
Total liabilities
       
448,548
       
447,673
 
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:
Class A common stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 80,000,000 shares; 20,424,242 issued and 18,293,824 outstanding at December 31, 2006 and 20,432,742 issued and 18,115,092 outstanding at September 30, 2007
       
204
       
204
 
Class B common stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 20,000,000 shares; 5,553,696 issued and outstanding shares at December 31, 2006 and September 30, 2007
       
56
       
56
 
Additional paid-in capital
       
221,466
       
224,013
 
Retained earnings
       
47,433
       
43,350
 
Treasury stock, at cost (2,130,418 shares at December 31, 2006 and 2,317,650 at September 30, 2007)
        (32,218 )       (34,006 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income
       
775
       
101
 
Total stockholders’ equity
       
237,716
       
233,718
 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
      $
686,264
      $
681,391
 
See accompanying notes
 

SALEM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
   
2007
 
Net broadcasting revenue
  $
52,509
    $
51,888
    $
154,664
    $
155,978
 
Non-broadcast revenue
   
5,402
     
6,208
     
13,338
     
18,250
 
Total revenue
   
57,911
     
58,096
     
168,002
     
174,228
 
Operating expenses:
                               
Broadcasting operating expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below (including $202 and $311 for the quarter ended September 30, 2006 and 2007, respectively, and $816 and $927 for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2007, respectively, paid to related parties)
   
31,821
     
32,719
     
97,013
     
98,831
 
Non-broadcast operating expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below
   
5,311
     
5,820
     
12,570
     
16,743
 
Corporate expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below (including $47 and $192 for the quarter ended September 30, 2006 and 2007, respectively, and $197 and $337 for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2007, respectively, paid to related parties)
   
5,637
     
5,425
     
18,333
     
16,735
 
Depreciation (including $261 and $181 for the quarter ended September 30 2006 and 2007, respectively, and $486 and $470 for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2007, respectively for non-broadcast businesses)
   
3,198
     
2,973
     
9,056
     
8,987
 
Amortization (including $632 and $721 for the quarter ended September 30 2006 and 2007, respectively, and $1,474 and $2,207 for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2007, respectively for non-broadcast businesses)
   
759
     
748
     
2,062
     
2,334
 
(Gain) loss on disposal of assets
   
167
     
309
      (18,872 )     (2,326 )
Total operating expenses
   
46,893
     
47,994
     
120,162
     
141,304
 
Operating income from continuing operations
   
11,018
     
10,102
     
47,840
     
32,924
 
Other income (expense):
                 
Interest income
   
68
     
52
     
114
     
160
 
Interest expense
    (6,490 )     (6,375 )     (19,857 )     (19,137 )
Loss on early redemption of long-term debt
    (3,625 )    
      (3,625 )    
 
Other income (expense), net
    (120 )    
83
      (466 )    
230
 
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
   
851
     
3,862
     
24,006
     
14,177
 
Provision for income taxes
   
200
     
1,764
     
9,378
     
6,190
 
Income from continuing operations
   
651
     
2,098
     
14,628
     
7,987
 
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
   
802
     
     
1,106
     
 
Net income
  $
1,453
    $
2,098
    $
15,734
    $
7,987
 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
    (1,468 )     (1,498 )    
462
      (674 )
Comprehensive income (loss)
  $ (15 )   $
600
    $
16,196
    $
7,313
 
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations
  $
0.03
    $
0.09
    $
0.60
    $
0.34
 
Income per share from discontinued operations
   
0.03
     
     
0.05
     
 
Basic earnings per share
  $
0.06
    $
0.09
    $
0.65
    $
0.34
 
                                 
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations
  $
0.03
    $
0.09
    $
0.60
    $
0.34
 
Income per share from discontinued operations
   
0.03
     
     
0.05
     
 
Diluted earnings per share
  $
0.06
    $
0.09
    $
0.65
    $
0.34
 
                                 
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
   
23,983,085
     
23,772,647
     
24,338,649
     
23,823,757
 
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
   
23,990,729
     
23,776,449
     
24,347,388
     
23,828,495
 
See accompanying notes
 
 

SALEM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
       
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
       
2006
   
2007
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations
 
$
14,628
   
$
7,987
 
Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-cash stock-based compensation
   
3,546
     
2,515
 
 
Loss on early redemption of debt
   
3,625
     
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
 
11,118
 
 
 
11,321
 
 
Amortization of bond issue costs and bank loan fees
   
1,069
     
871
 
 
Amortization and accretion of financing items
   
(214)
     
82
 
 
Provision for bad debts
 
 
2,572
 
 
 
1,875
 
 
Deferred income taxes
   
9,816
     
5,960
 
 
(Gain) loss on disposal of assets
 
 
(18,872)
 
 
 
(2,326)
 
 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
Accounts receivable
 
 
(2,557)
 
 
 
(1,117)
 
   
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
   
(251)
     
(254)
 
 
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
 
 
4,323
 
 
 
(1,829)
 
   
Deferred revenue
   
378
     
977
 
 
 
Other liabilities
 
 
(174)
 
 
 
127
 
   
Income taxes payable
 
 
   
 
(22)
 
Net cash provided by continuing operating activities
 
 
29,007
 
 
 
26,167
 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Capital expenditures
 
 
(16,129)
 
 
 
(11,959)
 
Purchases of broadcast assets
 
 
(19,229)
 
 
 
 
Purchase of non-broadcast businesses
   
(11,246)
     
(962)
 
Proceeds from the disposal of property, plant and equipment
   
2,208
     
7,963
 
Other
 
 
(1,519)
 
 
 
(747)
 
Net cash used in investing activities of continuing operations
   
(45,915)
     
(5,705)
 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from borrowings under credit facilities
   
153,000
     
20,500
 
Payments of long-term debt and notes payable
 
 
(15,878)
 
 
 
(29,624)
 
Net borrowings and repayment on Swingline credit facility
   
599
     
1,145
 
Repurchase of Class A common stock
   
(20,679)
     
(1,788)
 
Payment of bond premium
   
(4,231)
     
 
Payments to redeem 9% notes
   
(94,031)
     
 
Payment of dividend on common stock
   
(14,609)
     
(10,010)
 
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
   
95
     
30
 
Tax benefit related to stock options exercised
   
1
     
1
 
Payments on capital lease obligations
 
 
(17)
 
 
 
(24)
 
Payments of costs related to bank credit facility and debt financing
   
(273)
     
 
Book overdraft
   
     
(729)
 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
 
 
3,977
   
 
(20,499)
 
CASH FLOWS OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
               
  Operating cash flows
   
(2,336)
     
 
  Investing cash flows
   
11,778
     
 
          Total cash inflow from discontinued operations
   
9,442
     
 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 
 
(3,489)
 
 
 
(37)
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
 
 
3,979
   
 
710
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
490
 
 
$
673
 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
               
 
Cash paid during the period for
 
 
 
 
 
   
Interest
 
$
19,012
   
$
18,691
 
 
 
Income taxes
 
$
199
 
 
$
293
 
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
               
   Assets acquired through capital lease obligations
 
$
   
$
800
 
See accompanying notes

SALEM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
NOTE 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
 The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of Salem Communications Corporation (“Salem” or the “Company”) include the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries.  The Company, excluding its subsidiaries, is herein referred to as Parent.  All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
 
Information with respect to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 is unaudited. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, the unaudited interim financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the full year. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.
 
      The balance sheet at December 31, 2006 included in this report has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date, but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP.     
 
NOTE 2. RECLASSIFICATIONS
 
Certain reclassifications were made to the prior period financial statements to conform to the current period presentation.
 
NOTE 3. ACQUISITIONS AND OTHER SIGNIFICANT TRANSACTIONS
 
On February 2, 2007, the Company purchased ChristianMusicPlanet.com, a leading Christian music Internet portal, for $0.3 million.
 
On September 12, 2007, the Company purchased CMCentral.com, a Christian music Internet site and online community, for $0.4 million.
 
The purchase price was allocated to the total assets acquired as follows:
 
   
Amount
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Asset
     
Property and equipment
  $
130
 
Domain and brand names
   
337
 
Subscriber list
   
151
 
Customer lists and contracts
   
32
 
Goodwill
   
21
 
    $
671
 
 
 
 
On February 7, 2007, the Company sold radio station WKNR-AM in Cleveland, Ohio, to Good Karma Broadcasting for $7.0 million resulting in a pre-tax gain of $3.4 million.  The operating results of WKNR-AM were excluded from our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations beginning on December 1, 2006, the date the Company stopped operating the station pursuant to a local marketing agreement (“LMA”) with Good Karma Broadcasting.
 
   On May 29, 2007, the Company sold radio station WVRY-FM, Nashville, Tennessee to Grace Broadcasting Services, Inc. for $0.9 million resulting in a pre-tax loss of $0.5 million.  The operating results of WVRY-FM were excluded from our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations beginning on March 9, 2007, the date the Company stopped operating the station pursuant to an LMA with Grace Broadcasting Services.
 
Other Pending Transactions:
 
On February 1, 2007, the Company entered into an agreement to purchase selected assets of radio station KKSN-AM, in Portland, Oregon subject to certain conditions, for $4.5 million.   The company began operating the station under an LMA effective the same date.   The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations includes the operating results of this radio station as of the LMA date.  The Company does not expect this transaction to close during 2007.

   Discontinued Operations:
 
The following table sets forth the components of income from discontinued operations, net of tax, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 (dollars in thousands).
   
 
 
 
   
Three Months Ended
 September 30, 2006
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2006 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
Operating loss
  $ (114)     $ (274)
Gain on sale or exchange of radio stations
   
1,387
     
2,043
Gain from discontinued operations before income taxes
   
1,273
     
1,769
Provision for income taxes
   
471
     
663
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
  $
802
    $
1,106
               
 
Details of these transactions are as follows:
 
  On February 10, 2006, the Company exchanged radio stations WTSJ-AM, Cincinnati, Ohio, and WBOB-AM, Cincinnati, Ohio and $6.7 million in cash for selected assets of radio station WLQV-AM, Detroit, Michigan.  The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 reflect the results of WTSJ-AM and WBOB-AM as discontinued operations.  The exchange was accounted for under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 153, “Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets an Amendment of APB Opinion No. 29,” and resulted in a pre-tax gain on the exchange of $0.7 million.
 
   On July 17, 2006, the Company completed the sale of radio station WBTK-AM, Richmond, Virginia, for $1.5 million resulting in a pre-tax gain of $0.6 million.  The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 reflect the results of WBTK-AM as a discontinued operation.
 
On September 18, 2006, the Company completed the sale of radio station WBGB-FM, Jacksonville, Florida for $7.6 million resulting in a pre-tax gain of $0.8 million.  The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 reflect the results of WBGB-FM as a discontinued operation.  
 
On December 1, 2006, the Company completed the sale of radio stations WJGR-AM, Jacksonville, Florida, WZNZ-AM, Jacksonville, Florida and WZAZ-AM, Jacksonville, Florida for $2.8 million resulting in a pre-tax gain of $0.1 million.  The assets were sold to Chesapeake-Portsmouth Broadcasting Corporation (“Chesapeake-Portsmouth”).  Chesapeake-Portsmouth is a company controlled by Nancy Epperson, wife of Salem's Chairman of the Board Stuart W. Epperson and sister of Salem’s CEO Edward G. Atsinger III.  The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 reflect the results of WJGR-AM, Jacksonville, Florida, WZNZ-AM, Jacksonville, Florida and WZAZ-AM, Jacksonville, Florida as discontinued operations.
 
On December 22, 2006, the Company completed the sale of radio station WITH-AM, Baltimore, Maryland for $3.0 million resulting in a pre-tax gain of $2.2 million.  The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 reflect the results of WITH-AM as a discontinued operation.
 
NOTE 4. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
 
  The Company has one stock incentive plan.  The Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) allows the Company to grant stock options and shares of restricted stock to employees, directors, officers and advisors of the Company. A maximum of 3,100,000 shares are authorized under the Plan. Options generally vest over a four year period and have a maximum term of five years from the vesting date. The Plan provides that vesting may be accelerated in certain corporate transactions of the Company. The Plan provides that the Board of Directors, or a committee appointed by the Board, has discretion, subject to certain limits, to modify the terms of outstanding options.   In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS No. 123(R)”), the Company recognizes compensation expense related to the estimated fair value of stock options granted.

   The Company adopted SFAS No. 123(R) on January 1, 2006, using the modified-prospective-transition method. Under this transition method, compensation expense recognized subsequent to adoption includes: (a) compensation expense for all share-based awards granted prior to, but not yet vested, as of December 31, 2005 based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the original provisions of SFAS No. 123 and (b) compensation expense for all share-based awards granted subsequent to December 31, 2005, based on the grant-date fair values estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R). In accordance with the modified-prospective-transition method, the Company’s results of operations for prior periods have not been adjusted to reflect the impact of SFAS 123(R).
 
 
   The following table reflects the components of stock-based compensation expense recognized in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006:
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Stock option compensation expense included in corporate expenses
  $
671
    $
643
    $
2,845
    $
1,741
 
Restricted stock units compensation expense included in corporate expenses
   
22
     
15
     
66
     
47
 
Stock option compensation expense included in broadcast operating expenses
   
211
     
180
     
584
     
617
 
Stock option compensation expense included in non-broadcast operating expenses
   
22
     
43
     
51
     
110
 
 Total stock-based compensation expense
  $
926
    $
881
    $
3,546
    $
2,515
 
Tax benefit from stock-based compensation expense
    (361 )     (385 )     (1,406 )     (1,108 )
Total stock-based compensation expense net of tax benefit
  $
565
    $
496
    $
2,140
    $
1,407
 
 
 
Stock option and restricted stock grants
 
The Plan allows the Company to grant stock options and shares of restricted stock to employees, directors, officers and advisors of the Company. The option exercise price is set at the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant, and the related number of shares granted is fixed at that point in time.  The Plan also provides for grants of restricted units. Eligible employees may receive stock options annually with the number of shares and type of instrument generally determined by the employee’s salary grade and performance level. In addition, certain management and professional level employees typically receive a stock option grant upon commencement of employment.  Non-employee directors of the Company have received restricted stock grants that vest one year from the date of issuance as well as stock options that vest immediately.
 
The Company uses the Black-Scholes option valuation model to estimate the grant date fair value of stock options. The expected volatility calculation reflects the historical volatility of the Company’s stock as determined by the closing price over a six to nine year term that is generally commensurate with the contractual term of the option.  The expected term of the option is based on evaluations of historical and expected future employee exercise behavior.   The risk-free interest rates for periods within the expected life of the option are based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect during the period the options were granted. The weighted-average assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the stock options using the Black-Scholes option valuation model were as follows for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006:
 
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
   
2007
 
Expected volatility
    53.90 %     46.44 %     52.55 %     44.76 %
Expected dividends
    0.0 %     0.0 %     0.0 %     0.0 %
Expected term (in years)
   
6 - 9
     
6 - 9
     
6 – 9
     
6 - 9
 
Risk-free interest rate
    4.80 %     4.16 %     4.93 %     4.48 %
 
 

 
Stock option information with respect to our stock-based compensation plan during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 is as follows:

Options
 
Shares
   
Weighted Average Exercise Price
 
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
 
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
   
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
 
Outstanding at January 1, 2006
   
1,924,269
    $
23.82
            $
 
Granted
   
361,950
     
13.39
      $
7.47
     
 
Exercised
    (8,250 )    
11.58
               
8,605
 
Forfeited or expired
    (118,905 )    
22.20
               
 
Outstanding at September 30, 2006
   
2,159,064
     
22.19
 
4.8 years
           
 
Exercisable at September 30, 2006
   
1,309,337
     
25.25
 
3.3 years
           
 
                                   
Outstanding at January 1, 2007
   
2,146,564
    $
22.30
              $
 
Granted
   
393,900
     
11.79
      $
8.10
     
 
Exercised
    (2,500 )    
11.81
               
4,219
 
Forfeited or expired
    (106,790 )    
19.59
               
 
Outstanding at September 30, 2007
   
2,431,174
    $
20.73
 
4.5 years
           
 
Exercisable at September 30, 2007
   
1,436,762
    $
24.32
 
2.8 years
           
 
 
The fair values of shares of restricted stock are determined based on the closing price of the Company common stock on the grant dates. Information regarding our restricted stock unit grants for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 is as follows:
Restricted Stock Units
 
Shares
   
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
 
Non-Vested at January 1, 2006
   
5,000
    $
17.90
 
Granted
   
6,000
     
11.15
 
Vested
    (5,000 )    
17.90
 
Forfeited
   
     
 
Non-Vested at September 30, 2006
   
6,000
    $
11.15
 
                 
Non-Vested at January 1, 2007
   
6,000
    $
11.15
 
Granted
   
5,000
     
10.15
 
Vested
    (6,000 )    
11.15
 
Forfeited
   
     
 
Non-Vested at September 30, 2007
   
5,000
    $
10.15
 
 
As of September 30, 2007, there was $5.1 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested awards of stock options and restricted shares.  This cost is to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.3 years.
 
NOTE 5. OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
 
       Other comprehensive income (loss) reflects changes in the fair value of each of the Company’s three cash flow hedges as follows:
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Mark-to-market gain (loss)
  $ (2,551 )   $ (2,496 )   $
770
    $ (1,123 )
Less tax provision (benefit)
    (1,083 )     (998 )    
308
      (449 )
Other comprehensive income (loss)
  $ (1,468 )   $ (1,498 )   $
462
    $ (674 )
 

 
NOTE 6. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
 
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157
 
On September 15, 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.”  This statement defines fair value, specifies the acceptable methods for determining fair value, and expands disclosure requirements regarding fair value measurements.  SFAS No. 157 is effective beginning January 1, 2008.  The Company believes that the adoption of SFAS No. 157 will not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows or financial position.
 
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159
 
On February 15, 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, including an amendment of FASB Statements No. 115.” SFAS No. 159 permits entities to choose, at specified election dates, to measure eligible items at fair value (the “fair value option”). A business entity shall report unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected in earnings at each subsequent reporting period.  SFAS No. 159 is effective beginning January 1, 2008.  The Company believes that the adoption of SFAS No. 159 will not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows or financial position.
 
NOTE 7. EQUITY TRANSACTIONS
 
The Company’s Board of Directors authorized a $25.0 million share repurchase program in May 2005.   In February 2006, the Board of Directors increased Salem’s existing share repurchase program to permit the repurchase of up to an additional $25.0 million of shares of Salem’s Class A common stock.   This repurchase program will continue until the earlier of (a) December 31, 2007, (b) all desired shares are repurchased, or (c) the Repurchase Plan is terminated earlier by the Repurchase Plan Committee on behalf of the Company’s Board of Directors.  The amount the Company may repurchase may be limited by certain restrictions under our credit facilities.
 
During the three month period ended September 30, 2007, the Company repurchased 187,232 shares of its Class A common stock for $1.8 million at an average price of $9.55 per share.  As of September 30, 2007, the Company repurchased 2,317,650 shares of stock for $34.0 million at an average price of $14.67 per share.  During the three month period ended September 30, 2006, the Company repurchased 511,250 shares of its Class A common stock for $5.5 million at an average price of $10.82 per share.  For the nine month period ended September 30, 2006, the Company made repurchases of 1,490,625 shares of its Class A common stock for $20.7 million at an average price of $13.87 per share.
 
On August 23, 2007, the Company paid a special cash dividend of $0.42 per share on its Class A and Class B common stock to shareholders of record as of the close of business on August 20, 2007.  The cash payment amounted to approximately $10.0 million.   On July 28, 2006, the Company paid a special cash dividend of $0.60 per share on its Class A and Class B common stock to shareholders of record as of the close of business on July 17, 2006.  The cash payment amounted to approximately $14.6 million.
 
The Company accounts for stock-based compensation expense in accordance with SFAS No. 123(R).  As a result, $0.9 million and $2.5 million of stock-based compensation expense has been recorded to additional paid-in capital for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, respectively, in comparison to $0.9 million and $3.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, respectively.
 
NOTE 8. NOTES PAYABLE AND LONG-TERM DEBT
 
Long-term debt consisted of the following:
 
   
December 31, 2006
   
September 30, 2007
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Term loans under credit facility
  $
238,125
    $
236,100
 
Revolving line of credit under credit facility
   
19,100
     
12,000
 
Swingline credit facility
   
1,241
     
2,387
 
7¾% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2010
   
100,000
     
100,000
 
Fair market value of interest rate swap agreement
   
     
284
 
Seller financed note to acquire Townhall.com
   
2,444
     
2,526
 
Capital leases and other loans
   
116
     
856
 
     
361,026
     
354,153
 
Less current portion
   
2,048
     
3,696
 
    $
358,978
    $
350,457
 
 

Maturities of Long-Term Debt
 
      Principal repayment requirements under all long-term debt agreements outstanding at September 30, 2007 for each of the next five years and thereafter are as follows:
 
Twelve Months Ended September 30,
 
Amount
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2008
  $
3,696
 
2009
   
18,088
 
2010
   
231,335
 
2011
   
100,024
 
2012
   
30
 
Thereafter
   
696
 
     
353,869
 
Fair value of interest rate swap
   
284
 
 
  $
354,153
 
 
 NOTE 9. AMORTIZABLE INTANGIBLE ASSETS
 
      The following tables provide details, by major category, of the significant classes of amortizable intangible assets:
 
   
As of September 30, 2007
 
   
 
   
Accumulated
   
 
 
   
Cost
   
Amortization
   
Net
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
       
Customer lists and contracts
  $
10,588
    $ (7,292 )   $
3,296
 
Domain and brand names
   
4,906
      (2,262 )    
2,644
 
Favorable and assigned leases
   
1,581
      (1,209 )    
372
 
Other amortizable intangible assets
   
2,877
      (2,418 )    
459
 
    $
19,952
    $ (13,181 )   $
6,771
 
 
   
As of December 31, 2006
 
   
 
   
Accumulated
   
 
 
   
Cost
   
Amortization
   
Net
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
       
Customer lists and contracts
  $
10,404
    $ (6,030 )   $
4,374
 
Domain and brand names
   
4,487
      (1,533 )    
2,954
 
Favorable and assigned leases
   
1,581
      (1,144 )    
437
 
Other amortizable intangible assets
   
2,742
      (2,139 )    
603
 
    $
19,214
    $ (10,846 )   $
8,368
 
 
      Based on the amortizable intangible assets as of September 30, 2007, we estimate amortization expense for the next five years to be as follows:
 
Year Ending
   
Amortization Expense
 
     
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2007 (October 1 – December 31)
 
 
$
700
 
2008
     
2,667
 
2009
 
 
 
1,417
 
2010
     
933
 
2011
 
 
 
369
 
Thereafter
     
685
 
Total
   
$
6,771
 

 

 
NOTE 10. BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE
 
      Basic earnings per share has been computed using the weighted average number of Class A and Class B shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of shares of Class A and Class B common stock outstanding during the period plus the dilutive effects of stock options.
 
      Options to purchase 2,159,064 and 2,436,174 shares of Class A common stock were outstanding at September 30, 2006 and 2007, respectively. Diluted weighted average shares outstanding exclude outstanding stock options whose exercise price is in excess of the average price of the Company’s stock price. Those options are excluded due to their antidilutive effect.
 
NOTE 11. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
 
Salem is exposed to fluctuations in interest rates.  The Company actively monitors these fluctuations and uses derivative instruments from time to time to manage the related risk. In accordance with our risk management strategy, Salem uses derivative instruments only for the purpose of managing risk associated with an asset, liability, committed transaction, or probable forecasted transaction that is identified by management. The Company’s use of derivative instruments may result in short-term gains or losses that may increase the volatility of Salem’s earnings.
 
Under SFAS No. 133 “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” as amended, the accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument at each new measurement date is dependent upon its intended use. The change in the fair value of a derivative instrument designated as a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or a firm commitment, referred to as a fair value hedge, is recognized as gain or loss in earnings in the period of the change together with an offsetting gain or loss for the change in fair value of the hedged item attributable to the risk being hedged. The change in the fair value of a derivative instrument designated as a hedge of the exposure of the variability in expected cash flows of recognized assets, liabilities or of unrecognized forecasted transactions, referred to as a cash flow hedge, is recognized as other comprehensive income.  The differential paid or received on the interest rate swaps is recognized in earnings as an adjustment to interest expense.
 
During 2004 and through February 18, 2005, the Company had an interest rate swap agreement with a notional principal amount of $66.0 million.  This agreement related to its $94.4 million 9% senior subordinated notes due 2011 (the “9% Notes.”)  This agreement was scheduled to expire in 2011 when the 9% Notes were to mature, and effectively swapped the 9.0% fixed interest rate on $66.0 million of the 9% Notes for a floating rate equal to the LIBOR rate plus 3.09%. On February 18, 2005, the Company sold its entire interest in this swap and received a payment of approximately $3.7 million, which was amortized as a reduction of interest expense over the remaining life of the 9% Notes.  On July 6, 2006, the Company completed the redemption of the remainder of its outstanding 9% Notes.  As a result of the redemption, the Company wrote off the remaining balance of the buyout premium of approximately $2.7 million as a reduction of the loss on the early redemption of long term debt.  Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, was reduced by approximately $0.3 million related to the amortization of the buyout premium received.
 
During 2004, the Company also had a second interest rate swap agreement with a notional principal amount of $24.0 million. This agreement also related to its 9% Notes. This agreement was to expire in 2011 when the 9% Notes were to mature, and effectively swapped the 9.0% fixed interest rate on $24.0 million of the 9% Notes for a floating rate equal to the LIBOR rate plus 4.86%. On August 20, 2004, the Company sold its interest in $14.0 million of this swap. As a result of this transaction, the Company paid and capitalized $0.3 million in buyout premium, which was to be amortized into interest expense over the remaining life of the 9% Notes. On October 22, 2004, the Company sold its remaining $10.0 million interest in this swap. As a result of this second transaction, the Company paid and capitalized approximately $110,000 in buyout premium, which was to be amortized into interest expense over the remaining life of the 9% Notes.  On July 6, 2006, the Company completed the redemption of the remainder of its outstanding 9% Notes.  As a result of this redemption, the Company recorded a loss on the swap of approximately $0.3 million, which is included in the loss on early redemption of long-term debt.  The Company recognized approximately $32,000 in interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 related to the amortization of capitalized buyout premium. 
 
On April 8, 2005, the Company entered into an interest rate swap arrangement for the notional principal amount of $30.0 million whereby it will pay a fixed interest rate of 4.99% as compared to LIBOR on a bank credit facility borrowing.  Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, was reduced by approximately $82,000 as a result of the difference between the interest rates.  As of September 30, 2007, the Company recorded a liability for the fair value of the interest rate swap of approximately $0.3 million. This amount, net of income taxes of approximately $0.1 million, is reflected in other comprehensive income, as the Company has designated the interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge.  The effective date of this interest rate swap was July 1, 2006 and the expiration date is July 1, 2012.
 

 
On April 26, 2005, the Company entered into a second interest rate swap arrangement for the notional principal amount of $30.0 million whereby it will pay a fixed interest rate of 4.70% as compared to LIBOR on a bank credit facility borrowing.  Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, was reduced by approximately $148,000 as a result of the difference between the interest rates.  As of September 30, 2007, the Company recorded an asset for the fair value of the interest rate swap of approximately $0.1 million.  This amount, net of income taxes of approximately $43,000, is reflected in other comprehensive income, as the Company has designated the interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge. The effective date of this interest rate swap was July 1, 2006 and the expiration date is July 1, 2012.
 
On May 5, 2005, the Company entered into a third interest rate swap arrangement for the notional principal amount of $30.0 million whereby it will pay a fixed interest rate of 4.53% as compared to LIBOR on a bank credit facility borrowing.  Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, was reduced by approximately $188,000 as a result of the difference between the interest rates. As of September 30, 2007, the Company recorded an asset for the fair value of the interest rate swap of approximately $0.3 million.  This amount, net of income taxes of approximately $0.1 million, is reflected in other comprehensive income, as the Company has designated the interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge. The effective date of this interest rate swap was July 1, 2006 and the expiration date is July 1, 2012.
 
Interest Rate Caps
 
On October 18, 2006, the Company purchased two interest rate caps for $0.1 million to mitigate exposure to rising interest rates.  The first interest rate cap covers $50.0 million of borrowings under the credit facilities for a three year period.  The second interest rate cap covers $50.0 million of borrowings under the credit facilities for a four year period.  Both interest rate caps are at 7.25%. The caps do not qualify for hedge accounting and accordingly, all changes in fair value have been included as a component of interest expense.  Interest expense of approximately $15,000 was recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 related to our interest rate caps.
 
NOTE 12. INCOME TAXES
 
In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN No. 48”). FIN No. 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.”  This interpretation prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN No. 48 also provides guidance on derecognition of tax benefits, classification on the balance sheet, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition. The Company adopted FIN No. 48 effective January 1, 2007. In accordance with FIN No. 48, paragraph 19, the Company has decided to classify interest and penalties as a component of tax expense.  As a result of the implementation of FIN No. 48, the Company recognized an additional $2.0 million liability for unrecognized tax benefits, which was accounted for as a reduction to the January 1, 2007 balance of retained earnings.
 
The Company files numerous consolidated and separate income tax returns in the United States Federal jurisdiction and in many state jurisdictions. The Company is no longer subject to US Federal income tax examinations for years before 2003 and is no longer subject to state and local, or income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2002.
 
The Company has unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $4.0 million as of January 1, 2007 and, if recognized, would result in a reduction of the Company's effective tax rate. Interest and penalties are immaterial at the date of adoption and are included in the unrecognized tax benefits.  The Company recorded an increase of its unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $0.5 million as of September 30, 2007.
 
NOTE 13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
The Company and its subsidiaries, incident to its business activities, are parties to a number of legal proceedings, lawsuits, arbitration and other claims.  Such matters are subject to many uncertainties and outcomes that are not predictable with assurance. Also, the Company maintains insurance which may provide coverage for such matters. Consequently, the Company is unable to ascertain the ultimate aggregate amount of monetary liability or the financial impact with respect to these matters. The Company believes, at this time, that the final resolution of these matters, individually and in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect upon the Company’s annual consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
 

 
NOTE 14. SEGMENT DATA
 
            SFAS No. 131, “Disclosures About Segments of An Enterprise and Related Information” requires companies to provide certain information about their operating segments. The Company has one reportable operating segment - radio broadcasting.  The remaining non-reportable segments consist of Salem Web Network™ and Salem Publishing, which do not meet the reportable segment quantitative thresholds and accordingly are aggregated below as non-broadcast.  The radio broadcasting segment also operates various radio networks.
 
            Management uses operating income before depreciation, amortization and (gain) loss on disposal of assets as its measure of profitability for purposes of assessing performance and allocating resources.

   
Radio Broadcasting
   
Non-broadcast
   
Corporate
   
Consolidated
 
                         
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2006
                       
Net revenue
  $
52,509
    $
5,402
    $
    $
57,911
 
Operating expenses
   
31,821
     
5,311
     
5,637
     
42,769
 
Operating income (loss before depreciation, amortization and (gain) loss on disposal of assets
   
20,688
     
91
      (5,637 )    
15,142
 
Depreciation
   
2,640
     
261
     
297
     
3,198
 
Amortization
   
122
     
632
     
5
     
759
 
Operating income (loss) before income taxes
   $
17,926
     $ (802 )    $ (5,939 )    $
11,185
 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2007
                       
Net revenue
  $
51,888
    $
6,208
    $
    $
58,096
 
Operating expenses
   
32,719
     
5,820
     
5,425
     
43,964
 
Operating income (loss) before depreciation, amortization and (gain) loss on disposal of assets
   
19,169
     
388
      (5,425 )    
14,132
 
Depreciation
   
2,511
     
181
     
281
     
2,973
 
Amortization
   
23
     
721
     
4
     
748
 
Operating income (loss) before income taxes
   $
16,635
     $ (514 )    $ (5,710 )    $
10,411
 


   
Radio Broadcasting
   
Non-broadcast
   
Corporate
   
Consolidated
 
                         
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006
                       
Net revenue
  $
154,664
    $
13,338
    $
    $
168,002
 
Operating expenses
   
97,013
     
12,570
     
18,333
     
127,916
 
Operating income (loss) before depreciation, amortization and (gain) loss on disposal of assets
   
57,651
     
768
      (18,333 )    
40,086
 
Depreciation
   
7,690
     
486
     
880
     
9,056
 
Amortization
   
574
     
1,474
     
14
     
2,062
 
Operating income (loss) before income taxes
   $
49,387
     $ (1,192 )    $ (19,227 )    $
28,968
 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007
                       
Net revenue
  $
155,978
    $
18,250
    $
    $
174,228
 
Operating expenses
   
98,831
     
16,743
     
16,735
     
132,309
 
Operating income (loss) before depreciation, amortization and (gain) loss on disposal of assets
   
57,147
     
1,507
      (16,735 )    
41,919
 
Depreciation
   
7,673
     
470
     
844
     
8,987
 
Amortization
   
113
     
2,207
     
14
     
2,334
 
Operating income (loss) before income taxes
   $
49,361
     $ (1,170 )    $ (17,593 )    $
30,598
 
 
 

 
NOTE 14. SEGMENT DATA (CONTINUED)
   
Radio Broadcasting
   
Non-broadcast
   
Corporate
   
Consolidated
 
                         
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
December 31, 2006
                       
Total property, plant and equipment, net
  $
115,604
    $
2,830
    $
10,279
    $
128,713
 
Goodwill
   
5,011
     
15,587
     
8
     
20,606
 
September 30, 2007
                               
Total property, plant and equipment, net
  $
115,875
    $
4,897
    $
10,122
    $
130,894
 
Goodwill
   
4,857
     
15,633
     
8
     
20,498
 

Reconciliation of operating income from continuing operations before depreciation, amortization, and (gain) loss on disposal of assets to income from continuing operations before income taxes:
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Operating income before depreciation, amortization, and gain (loss) on disposal of assets
  $
15,142
    $
14,132
    $
40,086
    $
41,919
 
Depreciation expense
    (3,198 )     (2,973 )     (9,056 )     (8,987 )
Amortization expense
    (759 )     (748 )     (2,062 )     (2,334 )
Interest income
   
68
     
52
     
114
     
160
 
Gain (loss) on disposal of assets
    (167 )     (309 )    
18,872
     
2,326
 
Interest expense
    (6,490 )     (6,375 )     (19,857 )     (19,137 )
Loss on early redemption of long-term debt
    (3,625 )    
      (3,625 )    
 
Other income (expense), net
    (120 )    
83
      (466 )    
230
 
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
  $
851
    $
3,862
    $
24,006
    $
14,177
 
 
NOTE 15. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
            The following is the consolidating information of Salem Communications Corporation for purposes of presenting the financial position and operating results of Salem Communications Holding Corporation (“Salem Holding”) as the issuer of the 7¾% senior subordinated notes due 2010 (the “7 ¾ Notes”) and its guarantor subsidiaries on a consolidated basis and the financial position and operating results of the other guarantors, which are consolidated within the Company. Separate financial information of Salem Holding on an unconsolidated basis is not presented because Salem Holding has substantially no assets, operations or cash other than its investments in its subsidiaries. Each guarantor has given its full and unconditional guarantee, on a joint and several basis, of indebtedness under the 7¾% Notes. Salem Holding and Salem Communications Acquisition Corporation (“AcquisitionCo”) are 100% owned by Salem and Salem Holding owns 100% of all of its subsidiaries. All subsidiaries of Salem Holding are guarantors. OnePlace, LLC and CCM Communications, Inc., are aggregated and collectively referred to as “Non-broadcast.”  The net assets of Salem Holding are subject to certain restrictions which, among other things, require Salem Holding to maintain certain financial covenant ratios, and restrict Salem Holding and its subsidiaries from transferring funds in the form of dividends, loans or advances without the consent of the holders of the 7¾% Notes. The restricted net assets of Salem Holding as of September 30, 2007, amounted to $220.3 million. Included in intercompany receivables of Salem Holding presented in the consolidating balance sheet below is $80.7 million of amounts due from Salem and AcquisitionCo as of September 30, 2007.
 

 
NOTE 15. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
 
SALEM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
 
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
 
   
As of September 30, 2007
                     
Issuer and
                     
Guarantor
   
Guarantors
   
Subsidiaries
   
Parent
   
AcquisitionCo
   
Other Media
   
Salem Holding
   
Adjustments
   
Salem
Consolidated
Current assets:
                                 
Cash and cash equivalents 
  $
    $
95
    $
255
    $
323
    $
    $
673
Trade accounts receivable, net 
   
     
3,002
     
772
     
27,682
      (97 )    
31,359
Other receivables
   
     
8
     
5
     
367
     
     
380
Prepaid expenses 
   
     
83
     
260
     
2,241
     
     
2,584
Income tax receivable
   
     
7
      (3 )    
34
     
     
38
Deferred income taxes 
   
     
362
     
142
     
4,621
     
     
5,125
Total current assets 
   
     
3,557
     
1,431
     
35,268
      (97 )    
40,159
Investment in subsidiaries
   
226,266
     
     
     
      (226,266 )    
Property, plant and equipment, net 
   
     
8,232
     
576
     
122,086
     
     
130,894
Broadcast licenses 
   
     
94,473
     
     
377,990
     
     
472,463
Goodwill 
   
     
10,281
     
2,575
     
7,642
     
     
20,498
Other indefinite-lived intangible assets
   
     
     
2,892
     
     
     
2,892
Amortizable intangible assets, net 
   
     
4,276
     
1,106
     
1,389
     
     
6,771
Bond issue costs 
   
     
     
     
481
     
     
481
Bank loan fees 
   
     
     
     
2,237
     
     
2,237
FV of interest rate swap
   
     
     
     
451
     
     
451
Intercompany receivables 
   
99,944
     
10,845
     
     
114,768
      (225,557 )    
Other assets 
   
     
60
     
30
     
4,455
     
     
4,545
Total assets 
  $
326,210
    $
131,724
    $
8,610
    $
666,767
    $ (451,920 )   $
681,391
 

 
NOTE 15. CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
 
SALEM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
 
   
As of September 30, 2007
 
                     
Issuer and
 
                     
Guarantor
 
   
Guarantors
   
Subsidiaries
 
               
Other
               
Salem
 
   
Parent
   
AcquisitionCo
   
Media
   
Salem Holding
   
Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
Current liabilities: 
                                   
Accounts payable 
  $
    $ (48 )   $
46
    $
1,548
    $
    $
1,546
 
Accrued expenses 
   
     
476
     
410
     
4,914
      (164 )    
5,636
 
Accrued compensation and related expenses 
   
     
895
     
186
     
6,425
     
     
7,506
 
Accrued interest
   
     
     
     
3,829
     
     
3,829
 
Deferred revenue 
   
     
     
4,171
     
561
     
     
4,732
 
Current maturities of long-term debt
   
     
1,242
     
     
2,454
     
     
3,696
 
Total current liabilities 
   
     
2,565
     
4,813
     
19,731
      (164 )    
26,945
 
Intercompany payables 
   
91,413
     
107,685
     
15,728
     
10,664
      (225,490 )    
 
Long-term debt
   
     
1,325
     
     
348,848
     
     
350,173
 
Fair value of interest rate swap
   
     
     
     
284
     
     
284
 
Deferred income taxes 
   
1,079
     
13,134
      (9,876 )    
57,274
     
     
61,611
 
Deferred revenue 
   
     
492
      (1,518 )    
8,384
     
     
7,358
 
Other liabilities 
   
     
19
     
     
1,283
     
     
1,302
 
Stockholders’ equity 
   
233,718
     
6,504
      (537 )    
220,299
      (226,266 )    
233,718
 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity 
  $
326,210
    $
131,724
    $
8,610
    $
666,767
    $ (451,920 )   $
681,391
 
 
 

 
NOTE 15. CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
 
SALEM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
 
   
Nine months Ended September 30, 2007
 
                     
Issuer and
 
                     
Guarantor
 
   
Guarantors
   
Subsidiaries
 
               
Other
               
Salem
 
   
Parent
   
AcquisitionCo
   
Media
   
Salem Holding
   
Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
Net broadcasting revenue 
  $
    $
8,549
    $
    $
149,399
    $ (1,970 )   $
155,978
 
Non-broadcast  revenue 
   
     
9,678
     
5,241
     
4,048
      (717 )    
18,250
 
Total revenue 
   
     
18,227
     
5,241
     
153,447
      (2,687 )    
174,228
 
Operating expenses: 
                                               
Broadcasting operating expenses 
   
     
5,850
     
     
92,892
     
89
     
98,831
 
Non-broadcast  operating expenses 
   
     
9,397
     
6,249
     
3,117
      (2,020 )    
16,743
 
Corporate expenses 
   
     
1,020
     
     
16,471
      (756 )    
16,735
 
Depreciation
   
     
747
     
116
     
8,124
     
     
8,987
 
Amortization
   
     
1,254
     
348
     
732
     
     
2,334
 
Gain (loss) on disposal of assets 
   
     
2
     
      (2,328 )    
      (2,326 )
Total operating expenses 
   
     
18,270
     
6,713
     
119,008
      (2,687 )    
141,304
 
Operating income (loss)
   
      (43 )     (1,472 )    
34,439
   
­—
     
32,924
 
Other income (expense): 
                                               
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries, net
   
8,525
     
     
     
      (8,525 )    
 
Interest income 
   
5,886
     
12
     
     
10,163
      (15,901 )    
160
 
Interest expense 
    (6,812 )     (7,487 )     (1,221 )     (19,518 )    
15,901
      (19,137 )
Other income, net 
   
     
     
     
230
     
     
230
 
Income (loss) before income taxes 
   
7,599
      (7,518 )     (2,693 )    
25,314
      (8,525 )    
14,177
 
Provision (benefit) for income taxes 
    (388 )     (2,318 )     (896 )    
9,792
     
     
6,190
 
Net income (loss)
  $
7,987
    $ (5,200 )   $ (1,797 )   $
15,522
    $ (8,525 )   $
7,987
 
Other comprehensive loss
    (674 )    
     
      (674 )    
674
      (674 )
Comprehensive income (loss)
  $
7,313
    $ (5,200 )   $ (1,797 )   $
14,848
    $ (7,851 )   $
7,313
 
 
NOTE 16. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
 
On October 18, 2007 the Company announced that it will acquire selected assets of radio station WTPS-AM in Miami, Florida for approximately $12.25 million.  This transaction is subject to FCC approval and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2007.  The Company began operating the station under an LMA effective the same date.

On October 24, 2007, the Company amended its credit facilities.  Effective upon the close of the purchase of WTPS-AM, the leverage ratio covenant will remain at 6.75 to 1 through March 30, 2009.  Additionally, the senior leverage ratio covenant will remain at 5.0 to 1 and the interest coverage ratio will remain at 2.0 to 1 through March 30, 2009.

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
GENERAL
 
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this report. Our condensed consolidated financial statements are not directly comparable from period to period due to acquisitions and dispositions of selected assets of radio stations and acquisitions of non-broadcast businesses.  See Note 3 of our condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information.
 
We believe that we are the largest commercial U.S. radio broadcasting company, measured by number of stations and audience coverage, providing programming targeted at audiences interested in Christian and family-themed radio programming. Our core business is the ownership and operation of radio stations in large metropolitan markets. Upon completion of all announced transactions, we will own a national portfolio of 98 radio stations in 38 markets, including 59 stations in 22 of the top 25 markets, which consists of 30 FM stations and 68 AM stations. We are one of only four commercial radio broadcasters with radio stations in all of the top 10 markets. We are the sixth largest operator measured by number of stations overall and the third largest operator measured by number of stations in the top 25 markets.
 
Our radio business is focused on the clustering of three strategic formats: Christian Teaching and Talk, Contemporary Christian Music and conservative News Talk. We also own and operate Salem Radio Network® (“SRN”), a national radio network that syndicates music, news and talk to approximately 2,000 affiliated radio stations, in addition to our owned and operated stations. Salem Radio Representatives® (“SRR”) is a national radio advertising sales firm with offices in 17 U.S. cities.
 
We also own Salem Web Network™ (“SWN”), a provider of online Christian content and streaming, including Townhall.com, a provider of conservative content on-line, and Salem Publishing™, a leading publisher of Christian magazines and Xulon Press, a digital publisher of books targeting the Christian audience.
 
Our principal business strategy is to improve our national radio platform and to invest in and build non-broadcast businesses to deliver compelling content to audiences interested in Christian and family-themed programming and conservative news talk. Our national presence gives advertisers a platform that is a unique and powerful way to reach a Christian audience.  We program 45 of our stations with our Christian Teaching and Talk format, which is talk programming with Christian and family themes. A key programming strategy on our Christian Teaching and Talk radio stations is to sell blocks of time to a variety of charitable organizations that create compelling radio programs.  We also program 30 News Talk and 13 Contemporary Christian Music stations. SRN supports our strategy by allowing us to reach listeners in markets where we do not own or operate stations.  Additionally, we operate numerous Internet websites and publish periodicals and books that target similar audiences.
 
We maintain a website at www.salem.cc. Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports are available free of charge through our website as soon as reasonably practicable after those reports are electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).  Any information found on our website is not a part of, or incorporated by reference into, this or any other report of the Company filed with, or furnished to, the SEC.
 
OVERVIEW
 
      As a radio broadcasting company with a national radio network, we derive our broadcasting revenue primarily from the sale of broadcast time and radio advertising on a national and local basis.
 
      Historically, our principal sources of revenue have been:
 
·  
the sale of block program time, both to national and local program producers,
·  
the sale of advertising time on our radio stations, both to national and local advertisers, and
·  
the sale of advertising time on our national radio network.
 
 The rates we are able to charge for broadcast time and advertising time are dependent upon several factors, including:
 
·  
audience share,
·  
how well our stations perform for our clients,
·  
the size of the market,
·  
the general economic conditions in each market, and
·  
supply and demand on both a local and national level.
 
 

Our sources of revenue and product offerings also increasingly include non-broadcast businesses, including our Internet and publishing businesses.
 
Our broadcasting revenue is affected primarily by the program rates our radio stations charge, the level of broadcast air time sold, and by the advertising rates our radio stations and networks charge. The rates for block programming time are based upon our stations’ ability to attract audiences that will support the program producers through contributions and purchases of their products. Advertising rates are based upon the demand for advertising time, which in turn is based on our stations’ and networks’ ability to produce results for their advertisers. We do not subscribe to traditional audience measuring services for our Christian Teaching and Talk stations. Instead, we have marketed ourselves to advertisers based upon the responsiveness of our audiences. In selected markets, for our Contemporary Christian music and conservative News Talk stations, we subscribe to Arbitron, which develops quarterly reports to measure a radio station’s audience share in the demographic groups targeted by advertisers. Each of our radio stations and our networks has a pre-determined level of time that they make available for block programming and/or advertising, which may vary at different times of the day.
 
As is typical in the radio broadcasting industry, our second and fourth quarter advertising revenue generally exceeds our first and third quarter advertising revenue. This seasonal fluctuation in advertising revenue corresponds with quarterly fluctuations in the retail advertising industry. Quarterly revenue from the sale of block programming time does not tend to vary significantly, however, because program rates are generally set annually and are recognized on a per program basis.
 
Our cash flow is affected by a transitional period experienced by radio stations when, due to the nature of the radio station, our plans for the market and other circumstances, we find it beneficial to change its format. This transitional period is when we develop a radio station’s listener and customer base. During this period, a station may generate negative or insignificant cash flow.  The length of this period is dependent on a number of factors including the format, advertisers and ratings.
 
In the broadcasting industry, radio stations often utilize trade or barter agreements to exchange advertising time for goods or services (such as non-broadcast advertising, travel or lodging) in lieu of cash. In order to preserve the sale of our advertising time for cash, we generally enter into trade agreements only if the goods or services bartered to us will be used in our business. We have minimized our use of trade agreements and have generally sold most of our advertising time for cash.  During 2006, we sold 96% of our advertising time for cash.  It is our general policy not to preempt advertising paid for in cash with advertising paid for in trade. In addition, we generally do not pay commissions to sales people for advertising paid in trade.
 
The primary operating expenses incurred in the ownership and operation of our radio stations include: (i) employee salaries, commissions and related employee benefits and taxes, (ii) facility expenses such as rent and utilities, (iii) marketing and promotional expenses and (iv) music license fees. In addition to these expenses, our network incurs programming costs and lease expenses for satellite communication facilities. We also incur and will continue to incur significant depreciation, amortization and interest expense as a result of completed and future acquisitions of radio stations and existing and future borrowings.
 
Salem Web Network™ and Townhall.com, our Internet businesses, earn their revenues from the sales of streaming services, sales of advertising and, to a lesser extent, sales of software and software support contracts. Salem Publishing™, our publishing business, earns its revenue by selling advertising in and subscriptions to its publications and by selling books. Xulon Press earns its revenues from the publishing of books.  The revenue and related operating expenses of these businesses are reported as “non-broadcast” on our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations.
 

 
SAME STATION DEFINITION
 
      In the discussion of our results of operations below, we compare our results between periods on an as reported basis (that is, the results of operations of all radio stations and network formats owned or operated at any time during either period) and on a “same station” basis. With regard to fiscal quarters, we include in our same station comparisons the results of operations of radio stations or radio station clusters and networks that we own or operate in the same format during the quarter, as well as the corresponding quarter of the prior year. Same station results for a full year are based on the sum of the same station results for the four quarters of that year.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
     The following table sets forth certain statements of operations data for the periods indicated and shows percentage changes:
 
   
Three Months Ended
         
Nine months Ended
       
   
September 30,
         
September 30,
       
   
2006
   
2007
   
% Change
   
2006
   
2007
   
% Change
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Net broadcasting revenue
  $
52,509
    $
51,888
      (1.2 %)   $
154,664
    $
155,978
      0.8 %
Non-broadcast revenue
   
5,402
     
6,208
      14.9 %    
13,338
     
18,250
      36.8 %
Total revenue
   
57,911
     
58,096
      0.3 %    
168,002
     
174,228
      3.7 %
Operating expenses:
                                               
Broadcasting operating expenses
   
31,821
     
32,719
      2.8 %    
97,013
     
98,831
      1.9 %
Non-broadcast operating expenses
   
5,311
     
5,820
      9.6 %    
12,570
     
16,743
      33.2 %
Corporate expenses
   
5,637
     
5,425
      (3.8 %)    
18,333
     
16,735
      (8.7 %)
Depreciation
   
3,198
     
2,973
      (7.0 %)    
9,056
     
8,987
      (0.8 %)
Amortization
   
759
     
748
      (1.4 %)    
2,062
     
2,334
      13.2 %
(Gain) loss on disposal of assets
   
167
     
309
      85.0 %     (18,872 )     (2,326 )     (87.7 %)
Total operating expenses
   
46,893
     
47,994
      2.3 %    
120,162
     
141,304
      17.6 %
Operating income from continuing operations
   
11,018
     
10,102
      (8.3 %)    
47,840
     
32,924
      (31.2 %)
Other income (expense):
                                               
Interest income
   
68
     
52
      (23.5 %)    
114
     
160
      40.4 %
Interest expense
    (6,490 )     (6,375 )     (1.8 %)     (19,857 )     (19,137 )     (3.6 %)
Loss on early redemption of long-term debt
    (3,625 )    
      (100.0 %)     (3,625 )    
      (100.0 %)
Other income (expense), net
    (120 )    
83
      (169.2 %)     (466 )    
230
      (149.4 %)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
   
851
     
3,862
      353.8 %    
24,006
     
14,177
      (40.9 %)
Provision for income taxes
   
200
     
1,764
      782.0 %    
9,378
     
6,190
      (34.0 %)
Income from continuing operations
   
651
     
2,098
      222.3 %    
14,628
     
7,987
      (45.4 %)
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
   
802
     
      (100.0 %)    
1,106
     
      (100.0 %)
Net income
  $
1,453
    $
2,098
      44.4 %   $
15,734
    $
7,987
      (49.2 %)
 
 

 
The following table presents selected financial data for the periods indicated as a percentage of total revenue:
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
   
2007
 
Net broadcasting revenue
    91 %     89 %     92 %     90 %
Non-broadcast revenue
    9 %     11 %     8 %     10 %
Total revenue
    100 %     100 %     100 %     100 %
Operating expenses:
                               
Broadcasting operating expenses
    55 %     56 %     58 %     57 %
Non-broadcast operating expenses
    9 %     10 %     7 %     9 %
Corporate expenses
    10 %     9 %     11 %     10 %
Depreciation
    6 %     5 %     6 %     5 %
Amortization
    1 %     1 %     1 %     1 %
(Gain) loss on disposal of assets
    %     1 %     (11 )%     (1 )%
Total operating expenses
    81 %     82 %     72 %     81 %
Operating income from continuing operations
    19 %     18 %     28 %     19 %
Other income (expense):
                               
Interest income
    %     %     %     %
Interest expense
    (11 )%     (11 )%     (12 )%     (11 )%
Loss on early redemption of long-term debt
    (6 )%     %     (2 )%     %
Other expense, net
    %     %     %     %
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
    2 %     7 %     14 %     8 %
Provision for income taxes
    1 %     3 %     6 %     4 %
Income from continuing operations
    1 %     4 %     8 %     4 %
Discontinued operations, net of tax
    1 %     %     1 %     %
Net income
    2 %     4 %     9 %     4 %
 
Three months ended September 30, 2007 compared to three months ended September 30, 2006
 
      NET BROADCASTING REVENUE.      Net broadcasting revenue decreased $0.6 million or 1.2% to $51.9 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 from $52.5 million for the period of the prior year. On a same station basis, net broadcasting revenue decreased $0.4 million or 0.7% to $50.8 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 from $51.2 million for the same period of the prior year.   The decrease is due to a $1.2 million decrease in local advertising sales on our Christian Teaching and Talk stations and a $0.3 million decrease in national advertising sales on our Contemporary Christian Music stations offset by a $0.9 million increase in national program sales on our Christian Teaching and Talk stations.  Revenue from advertising as a percentage of our net broadcasting revenue decreased to 48.6% for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 from 52.0% for the same period of the prior year. Revenue from block program time as a percentage of our net broadcasting revenue increased to 37.0% for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 from 35.1% for the same period of the prior year.  This change in our revenue mix was primarily due to growth of block programming revenue on our Christian Teaching and Talk stations and is impacted by an overall trend in the radio broadcasting industry of declining advertising revenue.  We anticipate that this trend in the radio broadcasting industry may continue, however we cannot quantify the financial impact on our future operating results.
 
      NON-BROADCAST REVENUE.       Non-broadcast revenue increased $0.8 million or 14.9% to $6.2 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 from $5.4 million for the same period of the prior year. The increase was primarily due to revenue derived from our 2006 acquisitions of Townhall.com, Preaching Magazine and Xulon Press.  For the quarter ended September 30, 2007, revenue generated from these entities was approximately $2.3 million compared to $1.5 million for the same period of the prior year.  
 
      BROADCASTING OPERATING EXPENSES.       Broadcasting operating expenses increased $0.9 million or 2.8% to $32.7million for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 from $31.8 million for the same period of the prior year. On a same station basis, broadcasting operating expenses increased $1.0 million or 3.5% to $31.5 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 from $30.5 million for the same period of the prior year.   The increase is primarily attributable to higher advertising and promotion costs of $0.2 million, higher production and programming costs of $0.2 million on our News Talk and Contemporary Christian Music radio stations, and higher facility related costs of $0.2 million associated with lease renewals.

 
NON-BROADCAST OPERATING EXPENSES.       Non-broadcast operating expenses increased $0.5 million or 9.6% to $5.8 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 from $5.3 million for the same period of the prior year. The increase is attributable primarily to costs associated with the acquisitions of Townhall.com, Preaching Magazine and Xulon Press as well as the development of our magazine Internet websites.  For the quarter ended September 30, 2007, acquisitions accounted for approximately $2.1 million of expenses compared to $1.6 million for the same period of the prior year.
 
      CORPORATE EXPENSES.      Corporate expenses decreased $0.2 million or 3.8% to $5.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 from $5.6 million for the same period of the prior year.  The decrease is due to a reduction in accounting and auditing fees of $0.2 million associated with a reduction in the use of outside tax consultants and our change in audit firms.
 
      DEPRECIATION.       Depreciation expense decreased $0.2 million or 7.0% to $3.0 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 from $3.2 million for the same period of the prior year.  The decrease is due to certain assets becoming fully depreciated during 2007 partially offset by capital expenditures made during the year.
 
      AMORTIZATION.       Amortization expense decreased $0.1 million to $0.7 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 from $0.8 million for the same period of the prior year.  The decrease is due to the full amortization of certain intangibles acquired during 2006 with an estimated life of one year.
 
LOSS ON DISPOSAL OF ASSETS.      Loss on disposal of assets of $0.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 and $0.2 million for the same period of the prior year was primarily due to the write-off of various fixed assets and equipment.
 
      OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE).       Interest income of $52,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 and $68,000 for the same period of the prior year was interest earned on excess cash.  Interest expense decreased $0.1 million, or 1.8%, to $6.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2007, compared to $6.5 million for the same period of the prior year.  The decrease in interest expense is due to a decrease of $16.6 million in our net outstanding debt partially offset by higher interest rates.  Other income of $83,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 consisted primarily of royalty income from real estate properties partially offset with bank commitment fees associated with our credit facilities. Other expense, net, of $120,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2006 related primarily to bank commitment fees associated with our credit facilities.  During the quarter ended September 30, 2006, we recognized a pre-tax loss of approximately $3.6 million on the redemption of our 9% senior subordinated notes due July 2011, which includes the write-off of unamortized bond issue costs and interest rate swap settlement amounts.
 
      PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES.      We adopted FIN No. 48 as of January 1, 2007.  Provision for income taxes was $1.8 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 compared to $0.2 million for the same period of the prior year.  Provision for income taxes as a percentage of income before income taxes (that is, the effective tax rate) was 45.7% for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 compared to 23.5% for the same period of the prior year.  The effective tax rate for each period differs from the federal statutory income rate of 35.0% due to the effect of state income taxes, certain expenses that are not deductible for tax purposes and changes in the valuation allowance from the utilization of certain state net operating loss carryforwards.
 
      INCOME FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, NET OF TAX.      Income from discontinued operations was approximately $0.8 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2006.  This amount includes a pre-tax gain of $0.8 million from the sale of WBGB-FM, Jacksonville, Florida and a pre-tax gain of $0.6 million from the sale of WBTK-AM in Richmond, Virginia, offset with the operating results of these stations through the date of the sale, along with the operating results of WITH-AM, WJGR-AM, WZNZ-AM and WZAZ-AM, which are presented as discontinued operations for the quarter ended September 30, 2006 as discussed in Note 3.
 
      NET INCOME. We recognized net income of $2.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 as compared to $1.5 million for the same period of the prior year. The increase of $0.6 million resulted from an increase in other income of $0.2 million, a decrease in interest expense of $0.1 million, and the decrease in loss on the early redemption of long term debt of $3.6 million offset with a $0.9 million decline in operating income, a $1.6 million increase in the tax provision expense and the decrease in income generated from discontinued operations of $0.8 million.
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to nine months ended September 30, 2006
 
      NET BROADCASTING REVENUE.      Net broadcasting revenue increased $1.3 million or 0.8% to $156.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from $154.7 million for the same period of the prior year. On a same station basis, net broadcasting revenue improved $2.2 million or 1.4% to $153.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from $150.9 million for the same period of the prior year. The increase is primarily attributable to growth in national program revenue on our Christian Teaching
 

 
and Talk stations of $3.5 million and growth in local advertising sales on our Contemporary Christian Music station of $1.4 million, offset by a $3.3 million decline in local advertising revenue on our News Talk and Christian Teaching and Talk stations and a $0.3 million decline in national advertising revenue on our Contemporary Christian Music stations.     Revenue from advertising as a percentage of our net broadcasting revenue decreased to 49.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from 52.2% for the same period of the prior year. Revenue from block program time as a percentage of our net broadcasting revenue increased to 36.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from 34.8% for the same period of the prior year.  This change in our revenue mix was primarily due to growth of block programming revenue on our Christian Teaching and Talk stations and is impacted by an overall trend in the radio broadcasting industry of declining advertising revenue.  We anticipate that this trend in the radio broadcasting industry may continue, however we cannot quantify the financial impact on our future operating results.
 
      NON-BROADCAST REVENUE.       Non-broadcast revenue increased $5.0 million or 36.8% to $18.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from $13.3 million for the same period of the prior year. The increase was primarily due to revenue derived from our 2006 acquisitions Townhall.com, Preaching Magazine and Xulon Press plus organic growth of advertising revenue at Salem Web NetworkTM.   For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, acquisitions accounted for approximately $6.5 million of revenue compared to $2.2 million for the same period of the prior year.  
 
      BROADCASTING OPERATING EXPENSES.       Broadcasting operating expenses increased $1.8 million or 1.9% to $98.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from $97.0 million for the same period of the prior year. On a same station basis, broadcasting operating expenses increased $2.9 million or 3.1% to $95.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from $92.8 million for the same period of the prior year. The increase is primarily due to higher advertising and promotion costs of $0.9 million, higher production and programming costs of $0.2 million and higher rent costs of $0.7 million associated with lease renewals entered during 2007.
 
      NON-BROADCAST OPERATING EXPENSES.       Non-broadcast operating expenses increased $4.1 million or 33.2% to $16.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from $12.6 million for the same period of the prior year. The increase is attributable primarily to costs associated with the acquisitions of Townhall.com, Preaching Magazine and Xulon Press as well as the development of our magazine Internet websites.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, revenue from these acquisitions accounted for approximately $5.7 million of expenses compared to $2.2 million for the same period of the prior year.
 
      CORPORATE EXPENSES.      Corporate expenses decreased $1.6 million or 8.7% to $16.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from $18.3 million for the same period of the prior year.  The decrease is primarily due to a reduction in stock-based compensation expense of $1.2 million, a decrease in accounting service fees of $0.2 million associated with a reduction in the use of outside consultants for tax and internal control testing work and a decrease in legal fees of $0.2 million.
 
      DEPRECIATION.       Depreciation expense decreased $0.1 million or 0.8% to $9.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from $9.1 million for the same period of the prior year.  The decrease is due to certain assets becoming fully depreciated during 2007 partially offset by capital expenditures made during the first nine months of the year.
 
      AMORTIZATION.       Amortization expense increased $0.2 million or 13.2% to $2.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from $2.1 million for the same period of the prior year.  The increase is primarily due to amortizable intangible assets acquired with non-broadcast media entities during 2006 and 2007.
 
      GAIN ON DISPOSAL OF ASSETS.     The gain on disposal of assets of $2.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was comprised of the sale of selected assets of WKNR-AM in Cleveland, Ohio, for $7.0 million resulting in a pre-tax gain of $3.4 million offset by the loss recognized on the sale of radio station WVRY-FM, Nashville, Tennessee for $0.9 million resulting in a pre-tax loss of $0.5 million as well as various fixed asset disposals.  The gain on disposal of assets of $18.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 resulted from gains recognized on various transactions.  Selected assets of KLMG-FM, Sacramento, California, were exchanged for selected assets of radio station KKFS-FM, Sacramento, California, which resulted in a pre-tax gain of $14.6 million.  Additionally, we sold selected assets of WCCD-AM in Cleveland, Ohio, for $2.1 million resulting in a pre-tax gain of $1.6 million, which was partially offset by a sale of selected assets of KBAA-FM, Sacramento, California, for $0.5 million, resulting in a pre-tax loss of $0.6 million.   We also exchanged selected assets of KNIT-AM, Dallas, Texas for selected assets of WORL-AM, Orlando, Florida, resulting in a pre-tax gain on the exchange of $3.5 million.
 

      OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE).       Interest income of approximately $0.2 million and $0.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, was primarily from interest earned on excess cash.  Interest expense decreased $0.8 million or 3.6% to $19.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from $19.9 million for the same period of the prior year.  The decrease is due primarily to the redemption of our 9% Notes in July 2006 that were outstanding for the first six months of 2006 and to a decrease in net outstanding debt.   Other income of $0.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, was primarily due to royalty income from real estate properties partially offset with bank commitment fees associated with our credit facilities.  Other expense, net of $0.3 million for the same period of the prior year includes bank commitment fees associated with our 9% Notes.
 
    PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES.      We adopted FIN No. 48 as of January 1, 2007.  Provision for income taxes was $6.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 as compared to $9.4 million for the same period of the prior year.  Provision for income taxes as a percentage of income before income taxes (that is, the effective tax rate) was 43.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 39.1% for the same period of the prior year. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, the effective tax rate differs from the federal statutory income rate of 35.0% primarily due to the effect of state income taxes, and certain expenses that are not deductible for tax purposes and changes in the valuation allowance from the use of certain state net operating loss carryforwards.
 
      INCOME FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, NET OF TAX.    Income from discontinued operations was approximately $1.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.  The gain includes a pre-tax gain of $0.7 million from the sale of WTSJ-AM, Cincinnati, Ohio and WBOB-AM, Cincinnati, Ohio, a pre-tax gain $0.8 million from the sale of WBGB-FM, Jacksonville, Florida and a pre-tax gain of $0.6 million from the sale of WBTK-AM in Richmond, Virginia, offset with the operating results of these stations through the date of the sale, along with the operating results of WITH-AM, WJGR-AM, WZNZ-AM and WZAZ-AM, which are presented as discontinued operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 as discussed in Note 3.
 
      NET INCOME. We recognized net income of $8.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 as compared to net income of $15.7 million for the same period of the prior year. The decrease of $7.7 million resulted from the change in the gain on the disposal of assets of $16.5 million and an increase in operating expenses exclusive of the gain of $4.6 million, offset by a $6.2 million increase in revenues, a $0.5 million increase in interest and other income, a $3.6 million decrease in the loss on early redemption of debt, and a $3.2 million reduction in the tax provision.
 
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
 
      The performance of a radio broadcasting company is customarily measured by the ability of its stations to generate station operating income (“SOI”). We define SOI as net broadcasting revenue less broadcasting operating expenses.
 
      SOI is not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP; as a result it should be viewed as a supplement to and not a substitute for our results of operations presented on the basis of GAAP. Management believes that SOI is a useful non-GAAP financial measure to investors, when considered in conjunction with operating income, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, because it is generally recognized by the radio broadcasting industry as a tool in measuring performance and in applying valuation methodologies for companies in the media, entertainment and communications industries. This measure is used by investors and analysts who report on the industry to provide comparisons between broadcasting groups. Additionally, our management uses SOI as one of the key measures of operating efficiency and profitability. SOI does not purport to represent cash provided by operating activities. Our statement of cash flows presents our cash flow activity and our income statement presents our historical performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. SOI as defined by and used by our company is not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures employed by other companies.
 
Three months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006
 
      STATION OPERATING INCOME.       SOI decreased $1.5 million or 7.3% to $19.2 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 from $20.7 million for the same period of the prior year. As a percentage of net broadcasting revenue, SOI increased to 36.9% for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 from 39.4% for the same period of the prior year. On a same station basis, SOI decreased $1.4 million or 6.9% to $19.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 from $20.7 million for the same period of the prior year. As a percentage of same station net broadcasting revenue, same station SOI decreased to 37.9% for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 from 40.5% for the same period of the prior year.

Nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006
 
      STATION OPERATING INCOME.       SOI decreased $0.6 million or 0.9% to $57.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from $57.7 million for the same period of the prior year. As a percentage of net broadcasting revenue, SOI decreased to 36.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from 37.3% for the same period of the prior year. On a same station basis, SOI decreased $0.8 million or 1.3% to $57.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from $58.1 million for the same period of the prior year. As a percentage of same station net broadcasting revenue, same station SOI decreased to 37.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from 38.5% for the same period of the prior year.
 
The following table provides a reconciliation of SOI (a non-GAAP financial measure) to operating income (as presented in our financial statements) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2007:
 
   
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Station operating income
  $
20,688
    $
19,169
    $
57,651
    $
57,147
 
Plus non-broadcast  revenue
   
5,402
     
6,208
     
13,338
     
18,250
 
Less non-broadcast  operating expenses
    (5,311 )     (5,820 )     (12,570 )     (16,743 )
Less depreciation and amortization
    (3,957 )     (3,721 )     (11,118 )     (11,321 )
Plus gain (loss) on disposal of assets
    (167 )     (309 )    
18,872
     
2,326
 
Less corporate expenses
    (5,637 )     (5,425 )     (18,333 )     (16,735 )
Operating income
  $
11,018
    $
10,102
    $
47,840
    $
32,924
 
 
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES, JUDGMENTS AND ESTIMATES
 
   The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to allowance for doubtful accounts, acquisitions and upgrades of radio station and network assets, goodwill and other intangible assets, income taxes, long-term debt and debt covenant compliance, stock-based compensation and hedging. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
 
We believe the following accounting policies and the related judgments and estimates are critical accounting policies which affect the preparation of our condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
Accounting for acquisitions and upgrades of radio station and network assets
 
A majority of our radio station acquisitions are acquisitions of selected assets and not acquisitions of businesses. Such asset acquisitions have consisted primarily of the FCC licenses to broadcast in a particular market. We often do not acquire the existing format or we change the format upon acquisition when we find it beneficial. As a result, a substantial portion of the purchase price for the assets of a radio station is allocated to the FCC license. It is our policy generally to retain third-party appraisers to value radio stations, networks or non-broadcast properties. The allocations assigned to acquired FCC licenses and other assets are subjective by their nature and require our careful consideration and judgment. We believe the allocations represent appropriate estimates of the fair value of the assets acquired. As part of the valuation and appraisal process, the third-party appraisers prepare reports which assign values to the various asset categories in our financial statements. Our management reviews these reports and determines the reasonableness of the assigned values used to record the acquisition of the radio station, network or non-broadcast properties at the close of the transaction.
 
We undertake projects from time to time to upgrade our radio station technical facilities and/or FCC licenses. Our policy is to capitalize costs incurred up to the point where the project is complete, at which time we transfer the costs to the appropriate fixed asset and/or intangible asset categories. When the completion of a project is contingent upon FCC or other regulatory approval, we assess the probable future benefit of the asset at the time that it is recorded and monitor it through the FCC or other regulatory approval process. In the event the required approval is not considered probable, we write-off the capitalized costs of the project.
 

 
Allowance for doubtful accounts
 
We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. An analysis is performed by applying various percentages based on the age of the receivable and other subjective and historical analysis. A considerable amount of judgment is required in assessing the likelihood of ultimate realization of these receivables including the current creditworthiness of each customer. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.
 
Intangible assets
 
In accordance with SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations,” and SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” we no longer amortize goodwill and intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives, but perform annual impairment tests in accordance with these statements. We believe our FCC licenses have indefinite lives and accordingly amortization expense is no longer recorded for our FCC licenses as well as our goodwill. Other intangible assets continue to be amortized over their useful lives.
 
We perform impairment tests on our FCC licenses and goodwill at least annually or more often if indicators of impairment exist. The annual tests are performed during the fourth quarter of each year and include comparing the recorded values to the appraised values, calculations of discounted cash flows, operating income and other analyses. As of September 30, 2007, no impairment was recognized.  The assessment of the fair values of these assets and the underlying businesses are estimates, which require careful consideration and judgments by our management. If conditions in the markets in which our stations and non-broadcast businesses operate or if the operating results of our stations and non-broadcast businesses change or fail to develop as anticipated, our estimates of the fair values may change in the future and may result in impairment charges.
 
Income Taxes
 
In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN No. 48”).  FIN No. 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.”  This interpretation prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN No. 48 also provides guidance on derecognition of tax benefits, classification on the balance sheet, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition. The Company adopted FIN No. 48 effective January 1, 2007. In accordance with FIN No. 48, paragraph 19, the Company has decided to classify interest and penalties as a component of tax expense.  As a result of the implementation of FIN No. 48, the Company recognized an additional $2.0 million liability for unrecognized tax benefits, which was accounted for as a reduction to the January 1, 2007 balance of retained earnings.
 
Valuation allowance (deferred taxes)
 
      For financial reporting purposes, the company has recorded a valuation allowance of $5.2 million as of September 30, 2007, to offset a portion of the deferred tax assets related to state net operating loss carryforwards. Management regularly reviews our financial forecasts in an effort to determine our ability to utilize the net operating loss carryforwards for tax purposes. Accordingly, the valuation allowance is adjusted periodically based on management’s estimate of the benefit the company will receive from such carryforwards.
 
Long-term debt and debt covenant compliance
 
Our classification of borrowings under our credit facilities as long-term debt on our balance sheet is based on our assessment that, under the borrowing restrictions and covenants in our credit facilities and after considering our projected operating results and cash flows for the coming year, no principal payments, other than the scheduled principal reductions in our term loan facility, will be required pursuant to the credit agreement. These projections are estimates dependent upon a number of factors including developments in the markets in which we are operating in and economic and political factors. Accordingly, these projections are inherently uncertain and our actual results could differ from these estimates. Should our actual results differ materially from these estimates, payments may become due under our credit facilities or it may become necessary to seek an amendment to our credit facilities. Based on our management’s current assessment, we do not anticipate principal payments becoming due under our credit facilities, or a further amendment of our credit facilities becoming necessary.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
 
We account for derivative and hedging activities in accordance with SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” as amended.  The change in the fair value of a derivative instrument designated as a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or a firm commitment, referred to as a fair value hedge, is recognized as gain or loss in earnings in the period of the change together with an offsetting gain or loss for the change in fair value of the hedged item attributable to the risk being hedged. The change in the fair value of a derivative instrument designated as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows of recognized assets, liabilities or of unrecognized forecasted transactions, referred to as a cash flow hedge, is recognized as other comprehensive income.  The differential paid or received on the interest rate swaps is recognized in earnings as an adjustment to interest expense.
 
Stock-Based Compensation
 
We have one stock incentive plan, The Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Incentive Plan, (the “Plan”) under which stock options and restricted stock units are granted to employees, directors, officers and advisors of the company.  As of September 30, 2007, a maximum of 3,100,000 shares are authorized under the plan, of which 2,431,174 are outstanding and 1,436,762 are exercisable.
 
Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted SFAS No. 123(R), which requires the measurement at fair value and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards. Total stock based compensation expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 was $0.9 million and $2.5 million, respectively. Determining the appropriate fair-value model and calculating the fair value of employee stock options and rights to purchase shares under stock purchase plans at the date of grant requires judgment. We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of these share-based awards consistent with the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R). Option pricing models, including the Black-Scholes model, also require the use of input assumptions, including expected volatility, expected life, expected dividend rate, and expected risk-free rate of return.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 We have historically funded, and will continue to fund, expenditures for operations, administrative expenses, capital expenditures and debt service required by our credit facilities and our senior subordinated notes from operating cash flow, borrowings under our credit facilities and, if necessary, proceeds from the sale of selected assets.   We have historically financed acquisitions through borrowings, including borrowings under credit facilities and, to a lesser extent, from operating cash flow and selected asset sales.  We expect to fund future acquisitions from cash on hand, proceeds from our debt and equity offerings, borrowings under the credit facilities, operating cash flow and possibly through the sale of income-producing assets.   We believe that cash on hand, cash flow from operations, and borrowings under the credit facilities will be sufficient to permit us to meet our financial obligations, fund pending acquisitions and fund operations for at least the next twelve months.
 
Cash Flows 
 
Cash and cash equivalents were $0.7 million on September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006.  Working capital was $13.2 million on September 30, 2007 compared to $13.3 million as of December 31, 2006.
 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
 
Our cash flows from continuing operations are primarily derived from our earnings from ongoing operations before non-cash expenses such as depreciation, amortization, bad debt and stock-based compensation and changes in our working capital.  Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations was $26.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to $29.0 million for the same period of the prior year.   The decrease of $2.8 million was primarily the result of changes in operating assets and liabilities and a decrease in net income of $6.6 million, decrease in deferred income taxes of $3.8 million, a decrease in the gain on disposal of assets of $16.5 million and a decrease in stock-based compensation of $1.0 million.
 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
 
     Our investing activities primarily relate to capital expenditures, strategic acquisitions or dispositions of radio station assets and strategic acquisitions of non-broadcast businesses.  Net cash used in investing activities was $5.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to $45.9 million for the same period of the prior year.  The decrease of $40.2 million was primarily due to a $29.5 million decrease in cash outlays for acquisitions of radio station assets and non-broadcast businesses and secondarily to a $4.2 million decrease in capital expenditures.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, we purchased two Internet businesses for $0.7 million compared to $30.5 million to purchase selected assets of five radio stations, three Internet businesses, and two magazine businesses during same period of the prior year.  Additionally, during the nine months ended September 30, 2007, we sold selected assets of two radio stations for $7.9 million compared to sales of selected assets of eight radio stations for $21.6 million in the same period of the prior year.
 

 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
 
  Our financing activities primarily relate to proceeds and repayments under our credit facilities, payments of capital lease obligations, payments of dividends and repurchases of our Class A Common Stock.  Net cash used in financing activities was $20.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $4.0 million for the same period of the prior year.  The change was primarily due to stock repurchases of $1.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2007, compared to $20.7 million the same period of the prior year, net repayments of debt of $9.1 million during 2007 compared to $137.1 million for the same period of the prior year, increased borrowings of $0.5 million related to our Swingline credit facility and a $10.0 million payment of a special cash dividend.  In addition, during 2006 we used $98.3 million for the redemption of our 9% Notes which included a premium and the payment of a special cash dividend of $14.6 million.
 
Credit Facilities
 
Our wholly-owned subsidiary, Salem Communications Holding Corporation (“Salem Holding”), is the borrower under our credit facilities.  The maximum amount that Salem Holding may borrow under our credit facilities is limited by a ratio of our consolidated existing total adjusted funded debt to pro forma twelve-month cash flow (the “Total Leverage Ratio”). Our credit facilities will allow us to adjust our total debt as used in such calculation by the lesser of (i) 50% of the aggregate purchase price of acquisitions of newly acquired radio stations that we reformat to a religious talk, News Talk or religious music format or (ii) $45.0 million, and the cash flow from such stations will not be considered in the calculation of the ratio during the period in which such acquisition gives rise to an adjustment to total debt. The Total Leverage Ratio allowed under the credit facilities was 6.75 to 1 as of September 30, 2007. The ratio will decline periodically until December 31, 2009, at which point it will remain at 5.5 to 1 through the remaining term of the credit facilities. The Total Leverage Ratio under our credit facilities at September 30, 2007, on a pro forma basis, was 5.83 to 1.
 
We amended our credit facilities on October 24, 2007 to keep our Total Leverage Ratio covenant ratio at 6.75 to 1 through March 30, 2009.  Additionally, the senior leverage ratio covenant will remain at 5.0 to 1 and the interest coverage ratio will remain at 2.0 to 1 through March 30, 2009.  These covenant changes are effective upon the close of the acquisition of WTPS-AM.  If the acquisition of WTPS-AM does not close before December 31, 2007, the Total Leverage Ratio steps down to 6.25 to 1 and the senior leverage ratio steps down to 4.75 to 1 on December 31, 2007.   The credit facilities include a $75.0 million senior secured reducing revolving credit facility (“revolving credit facility”), a $75.0 million term loan B facility (“term loan B facility”) and a $165.0 million term loan C facility (“term loan C facility”). As of September 30, 2007, the borrowing capacity and aggregate commitments were $67.5 million under our revolving credit facility, $72.8 million under our term loan B facility and $163.4 million under our term loan C facility. The amount we can borrow, however, is subject to certain restrictions as described below.  As of September 30, 2007, we could borrow $49.6 million under our credit facilities.
 
On September 30, 2007, $72.8 million was outstanding under the term loan B facility, $163.4 million was outstanding under the term loan C facility and $12.0 million was outstanding under our revolving credit facility.  The borrowing capacity under the revolving credit facility steps down in three 10% increments on June 30, 2007, December 31, 2007 and June 30, 2008, and matures on March 25, 2009.  The borrowing capacity under the term loan B facility steps down 0.5% each December 31 and June 30.  The term loan B facility matures on the earlier of March 25, 2010, or the date that is six months prior to the maturity of any subordinated indebtedness of Salem or Salem Holding. The borrowing capacity under the term loan C facility steps down 0.5% each December 31 and June 30, commencing December 31, 2008. The term loan C facility matures on the earlier of June 30, 2012, or the date that is six months prior to the maturity of any subordinated indebtedness of Salem or Salem Holding. The credit facilities require us, under certain circumstances, to prepay borrowings under the credit facilities with excess cash flow and the net proceeds from the sale of assets, the issuance of equity interests and the issuance of subordinated notes. If we are required to make these prepayments, our borrowing capacity and the aggregate commitments under the facilities will be reduced, but such reduction shall not, in any event, reduce the borrowing capacity and aggregate commitments under the facilities below $50.0 million.
 

 
 Amounts outstanding under the credit facilities bear interest at a rate based on, at Salem Holding’s option, the bank’s prime rate or LIBOR, in each case plus a spread. For purposes of determining the interest rate under our revolving credit facility, the prime rate spread ranges from 0.00% to 1.00%, and the LIBOR spread ranges from 1.00% to 2.00%. For both the term loan B facility and the term loan C facility, the prime rate spread ranges from 0.25% to 0.75%, and the LIBOR spread ranges from 1.25% to 1.75%. In each case, the spread is based on the Total Leverage Ratio on the date of determination. If an event of default occurs, the rate may increase by 2.0%.At September 30, 2007, the blended interest rate on amounts outstanding under the credit facilities was 6.98%.
 
 Our credit facilities contain additional restrictive covenants customary for facilities of their size, type and purpose which, with specified exceptions, limits our ability to incur debt, have liens, enter into affiliate transactions, pay dividends, consolidate, merge or effect certain asset sales, make specified investments, acquisitions and loans and change the nature of our business. Our credit facilities also require us to satisfy specified financial covenants, which covenants require us on a consolidated basis to maintain specified financial ratios and comply with certain financial tests, including ratios for maximum leverage as described above, minimum interest coverage (not less than 2.0 to 1 through March 31, 2009 increasing in increments until June 30, 2009, at which point it will remain at 2.5 to 1 through the remaining term of the credit facilities), minimum debt service coverage (a static ratio of not less than 1.25 to 1), a maximum consolidated senior leverage ratio (currently 5.0 to 1, which will decline periodically until December 31, 2008, at which point it will remain at 4.0 to 1 through the remaining term of the credit facilities), and minimum fixed charge coverage (a static ratio of not less than 1.1 to 1). Salem and all of its subsidiaries, except for Salem Holding, are guarantors of borrowings under the credit facilities. The credit facilities are secured by liens on all of our assets and our subsidiaries’ assets and pledges of all of the capital stock of our subsidiaries.
 
    As of September 30, 2007, we were and remain in compliance with all of the covenants under our terms of the credit facilities.
 
     Swingline Credit Facility.  On June 1, 2005, we entered into an agreement for a swingline credit facility (“Swingline”) with a borrowing capacity of $5.0 million.  This agreement was amended as of June 1, 2007.  As collateral for the Swingline, we pledged our corporate office building.  Amounts outstanding under the Swingline bear interest at a rate based on 0.25% less than the bank’s prime rate.  As of September 30, 2007, $2.4 million was outstanding under the Swingline.
 
      As of September 30, 2007, we were and remain in compliance with all of the covenants under the terms of the Swingline.
 
       7¾% Notes. In December 2002, Salem Holding issued $100.0 million principal amount of 7¾% Notes. Salem Holding used the net proceeds to redeem the $100.0 million 9½% Notes on January 22, 2003. The indenture for the 7¾% Notes contains restrictive covenants that, among other things, limit the incurrence of debt by Salem Holding and its subsidiaries, the payment of dividends, the use of proceeds of specified asset sales and transactions with affiliates. Salem Holding is required to pay $7.8 million per year in interest on the 7¾% Notes. We and all of our subsidiaries (other than Salem Holding) are guarantors of the 7¾% Notes.
 
  As of September 30, 2007, we were and remain in compliance with all of the covenants under the indenture for the 7¾% Notes.
 
Summary of long-term debt obligations
 
      Long-term debt consisted of the following at the balance sheet dates indicated:
 
 
 December 31, 2006
 
 September 30, 2007
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Term loans under credit facility
  $
238,125
    $
236,100
 
Revolving line of credit under credit facility
   
19,100
     
12,000
 
Swingline credit facility
   
1,241
     
2,387
 
7¾% senior subordinated notes due 2010
   
100,000
     
100,000
 
Fair market value of interest rate swap agreement
   
     
284
 
Seller financed note to acquire Townhall.com
   
2,444
     
2,526
 
Capital leases and other loans
   
116
     
856
 
 
   
361,026
     
354,153
 
Less current portion
    (2,048 )     (3,696 )
 
  $
358,978
    $
350,457
 
 

 
In addition to the amounts listed above, we also have interest payments related to our long-term debt as follows as of September 30, 2007:
·  
Outstanding borrowings of $236.1 million on term loans and $12.0 million on our revolver with interest payments due at LIBOR plus 1.25% to 1.75% or at prime rate plus 0.25% to 0.75%, depending on our Total Leverage Ratio;
·  
$100 million senior subordinated notes with semi-annual interest payments at 7 ¾%; and
·  
Commitment fee of 0.375% on the unused portion of our credit facilities.
 
OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
 
  At September 30, 2007 and 2006, Salem did not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, which would constitute an off-balance sheet arrangement.  As such, Salem is not materially exposed to any financing, liquidity, market or credit risk that could arise if Salem had engaged in such relationships.
 
 
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
 
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
 
  We are exposed to fluctuations in interest rates. We actively monitor these fluctuations and use derivative instruments from time to time to manage the related risk. In accordance with our risk management strategy, we use derivative instruments only for the purpose of managing risk associated with an asset, liability, committed transaction, or probable forecasted transaction that is identified by management.  Our use of derivative instruments may result in short-term gains or losses and may increase volatility in Salem’s earnings.
 
  Under SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” as amended, the accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument at each new measurement date is dependent upon its intended use. The change in the fair value of a derivative instrument designated as a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or a firm commitment, referred to as a fair value hedge, is recognized as gain or loss in earnings in the period of the change together with an offsetting gain or loss for the change in fair value of the hedged item attributable to the risk being hedged. The change in the fair value of a derivative instrument designated as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows of recognized assets, liabilities or of unrecognized forecasted transactions, referred to as a cash flow hedge, is recognized as other comprehensive income.  The differential paid or received on the interest rate swaps is recognized in earnings as an adjustment to interest expense.
 
  During 2004 and through February 18, 2005, we had an interest rate swap agreement with a notional principal amount of $66.0 million.  This agreement related to our $94.4 million 9% Notes. This agreement was scheduled to expire in 2011 when the 9% Notes were to mature, and effectively swapped the 9.0% fixed interest rate on $66.0 million of the 9% Notes for a floating rate equal to the LIBOR rate plus 3.09%.  On February 18, 2005, we sold our entire interest in this swap and received a payment of approximately $3.7 million, which was amortized as a reduction of interest expense over the remaining life of the 9% Notes.   Interest expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, was reduced by $0.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively, related to the amortization of the buyout premium received.   On July 6, 2006, we completed the redemption of the remainder of our outstanding 9% senior subordinated notes.  As a result of the redemption, we wrote off the remaining balance of the buyout premium of approximately $2.7 million as a reduction of the loss on the early redemption of long term debt.  Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, was reduced by approximately $0.3 million related to the amortization of the buyout premium received.
 
  During 2004, we also had a second interest rate swap agreement with a notional principal amount of $24.0 million. This agreement also related to our 9% Notes. This agreement was to expire in 2011 when the 9% Notes were to mature, and effectively swapped the 9.0% fixed interest rate on $24.0 million of the 9% Notes for a floating rate equal to the LIBOR rate plus 4.86%. On August 20, 2004, we sold our interest in $14.0 million of this swap. As a result of this transaction, we paid and capitalized $0.3 million in buyout premium, which was to be amortized into interest expense over the remaining life of the 9% Notes. On October 22, 2004, we sold our remaining $10.0 million interest in this swap. As a result of this second transaction, we paid and capitalized approximately $110,000 in buyout premium, which was to be amortized into interest expense over the remaining life of the 9% Notes.  On July 6, 2006, we completed the redemption of the remainder of our outstanding 9% Notes.  As a result of this redemption, the Company recorded a loss on the swap of approximately $0.3 million, which is included in the loss on early redemption of long-term debt.  The Company recognized approximately $32,000 in interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 related to the amortization of capitalized buyout premium.
 

 
On April 8, 2005, we entered into an interest rate swap arrangement for the notional principal amount of $30.0 million whereby we will pay a fixed interest rate of 4.99% as compared to LIBOR on a bank credit facility borrowing.  Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, was reduced by approximately $82,000 as a result of the difference between the interest rates.  As of September 30, 2007, we recorded a liability for the fair value of the interest rate swap of approximately $0.3 million. This amount, net of income taxes of approximately $0.1 million, is reflected in other comprehensive income, as we have designated the interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge.  The effective date of this interest rate swap was July 1, 2006 and the expiration date is July 1, 2012.
 
On April 26, 2005, we entered into a second interest rate swap arrangement for the notional principal amount of $30.0 million whereby we will pay a fixed interest rate of 4.70% as compared to LIBOR on a bank credit facility borrowing.  Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, was reduced by approximately $148,000 as a result of the difference between the interest rates.  As of September 30, 2007, we recorded an asset for the fair value of the interest rate swap of approximately $0.1 million.  This amount, net of income taxes of approximately $0.4 million, is reflected in other comprehensive income, as we have designated the interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge. The effective date of this interest rate swap was July 1, 2006 and the expiration date is July 1, 2012.
 
On May 5, 2005, we entered into a third interest rate swap arrangement for the notional principal amount of $30.0 million whereby we will pay a fixed interest rate of 4.53% as compared to LIBOR on a bank credit facility borrowing.  Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, was reduced by approximately $188,000 as a result of the difference between the interest rates. As of September 30, 2007, we recorded an asset for the fair value of the interest rate swap of approximately $0.1 million.  This amount, net of income taxes of approximately $43,000, is reflected in other comprehensive income, as we have designated the interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge. The effective date of this interest rate swap was July 1, 2006 and the expiration date is July 1, 2012.
 
Interest Rate Caps
 
On October 18, 2006, we purchased two interest rate caps for $0.1 million to mitigate exposure to rising interest rates.  The first interest rate cap covers $50.0 million of borrowings under the credit facilities for a three year period.  The second interest rate cap covers $50.0 million of borrowings under the credit facilities for a four year period.  Both interest rate caps are at 7.25%. The caps do not qualify for hedge accounting and accordingly, all changes in fair value have been included as a component of interest expense.  Interest expense of approximately $15,000 was recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 related to our interest rate caps.
 
 
MARKET RISK
 
In addition to the interest rate swap agreements discussed above under “Derivative Instruments,” borrowings under the credit facilities are subject to market risk exposure, specifically to changes in LIBOR and in the prime rate in the United States. As of September 30, 2007, we had borrowed $245 million under our credit facilities and Swingline.  As of September 30, 2007, we could borrow up to an additional $49.6 million under the credit facilities. Amounts outstanding under the credit facilities bear interest at a rate based on, at Salem Holding’s option, the bank’s prime rate or LIBOR, in each case plus a spread. For purposes of determining the interest rate under our revolving credit facility, the prime rate spread ranges from 0.00% to 1.00%, and the LIBOR spread ranges from 1.00% to 2.00%. For both the term loan B facility and the term loan C facility, the prime rate spread ranges from 0.25% to 0.75%, and the LIBOR spread ranges from 1.25% to 1.75%. In each case, the spread is based on the Total Leverage Ratio on the date of determination. At September 30, 2007, the blended interest rate on amounts outstanding under the credit facilities was 6.98%. At September 30, 2007, a hypothetical 100 basis point increase in the prime rate or LIBOR, as applicable, would result in additional interest expense of $1.6 million on an annualized basis.
 
In addition to the variable rate debt disclosed above, we have fixed rate debt with a carrying value of $100.0 million relating to the outstanding 7¾% Notes as of September 30, 2007, with an aggregate fair value of $100.0 million. We are exposed to changes in the fair value of these financial instruments based on changes in the market rate of interest on this debt. The ultimate value of these notes will be determined by actual market prices, as all of these notes are tradable. We estimate that a hypothetical 100 basis point increase in market interest rates would result in a decrease in the aggregate fair value of the notes to approximately $97.3 million and a hypothetical 100 basis point decrease in market interest rates would result in the increase of the fair value of the notes to approximately $102.8 million.
 

 
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act.  Based upon such evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
 
There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
  We and our subsidiaries, incident to our business activities, are parties to a number of legal proceedings, lawsuits, arbitration and other claims. Such matters are subject to many uncertainties and outcomes that are not predictable with assurance. Also, we maintain insurance which may provide coverage for such matters. Consequently, we are unable to ascertain the ultimate aggregate amount of monetary liability or the financial impact with respect to these matters. We believe, at this time, that the final resolution of these matters, individually and in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect upon our annual consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
 
ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS
 
We have included in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, a description of certain risks and uncertainties that could affect our business, future performance or financial condition (the “Risk Factors”).  The Risk Factors are hereby incorporated in Part II, Item 1A of this Form 10-Q.  Investors should consider the Risk Factors prior to making an investment decision with respect to our stock.
 
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
 
We have made repurchases of our Class A common stock pursuant to a $50.0 million share repurchase program adopted by our Board of Directors in May 2005, revised in February 2006 and further revised in March 2007.  This repurchase program will continue until the earlier of (a) December 31, 2007, (b) all desired shares are repurchased, or (c) the Repurchase Plan is terminated earlier by the Repurchase Plan Committee on behalf of Salem.  The amount we may repurchase may be limited by certain restrictions under our credit facilities as defined in Part I, Item 2 under Credit Facilities.
 
               
Total Number of
   
Maximum Approximate
 
               
Shares Purchased
   
Dollar Value of Shares
 
   
Total Number of
         
as Part of
   
That May Yet Be
 
   
of Shares
   
Average Price
   
Publicly Announced
   
Purchased Under The
 
Period
 
Purchased
   
Paid Per Share
   
Plans or Programs
   
Plans or Programs
 
Jul. 1, 2007 – Jul. 31, 2007
   
    $
     
     $
17,781,997
 
Aug. 1, 2007 – Aug. 31, 2007
   
112,267
     
9.20
     
112,267
     
16,748,750
 
Sept. 1, 2007 – Sept. 30, 2007
   
74,965
     
10.07
     
74,965
     
15,993,903
 
   Total
   
187,232
             
187,232
         
 
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
 
      Not applicable.
 
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
 
      Not applicable.
 
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
 
      Not applicable.
 
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
 

 
 
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
 

       
Incorporated by Reference   
Exhibit Number 
 
 Exhibit Description
 
  Form
   File No.   Date of First Filing     Exhibit Number    Filed Herewith
                         
3.01    Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Salem Communications Corporation, a Delaware corporation.   8-K     333-41733-29   04/14/99    3.1     
3.02.01    Bylaws of Salem Communications Coporation, a Delaware Corporation    8-K    331-41733-29   04/14/99     3.2    
3.02.02    Amended and Restated Bylaws of Salem Communications Corporation, a Delaware Corporation    8-K   000-26497     06/26/07   3.1     
3.03    Certificate of Incorporation of Salem Communications Holding Corporation     8-K   000-26497     09/08/00    2.01    
3.04.01     Bylaws of Salem Communications Holding Corporation    8-K   000-26497     09/08/00    2.02    
3.04.02     Amended and Restated Bylaws of Salem Communications Holding Corporation, a Delaware Corporation    10-Q   000-26497     08/09/07    3.04.01    
3.05     Certificate of Incorporation of Salem Communications Acquisition Corporation    8-K    000-26497    09/08/00    2.03    
3.06     Bylaws of Salem Communications Acquisition Corporation    8-K    000-26497    09/08/00    2.04    
3.07
 
Certificate of Incorporation of SCA License Corporation.
 
 
8-K
 
 
000-26497
 
 
09/08/00
 
 
2.05
   
3.08
 
Bylaws of SCA License Corporation.
 
8-K
 
000-26497
 
09/08/00
 
2.06
   
4.01
 
Specimen of Class A common stock certificate.
 
 
S-1/A
 
 
333-76649
 
 
Declared Effective
06/30/99
 
 
4.09
   
4.02
 
Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of September 25, 2003, by and among Salem Communications Corporation, Salem Communications Holding Corporation, General Electric Capital Corporation, as Syndication Agent, Suntrust Bank, as Syndication Agent, Fleet National Bank, as Documentation Agent, ING (U.S.) Capital, LLC, as Documentation Agent, The Bank of New York, as Administrative Agent, and the Lenders party thereto.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10-Q
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
000-26497
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
11/06/03
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.09
   
4.03
 
Second Amended and Restated Parent Security Agreement dated as of June 15, 2001, by and among Salem Communications Corporation, a Delaware corporation, Salem Communications Holding Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and The Bank of New York, as Administrative Agent.
 
 
 
 
 
10-Q
 
 
 
 
 
000-26497
 
 
 
 
 
08/14/01
 
 
 
 
 
4.24.02
   
4.04
 
Amendment #1, dated as of May 19, 2004, to the Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of September 25, 2003, by and among Salem Communications Corporation, Salem Communications Holding Corporation, General Electric Capital Corporation, as Syndication Agent, Suntrust Bank, as Syndication Agent, Fleet National Bank, as Documentation Agent, ING (U.S.) Capital, LLC, as Documentation Agent, The Bank of New York, as Administrative Agent, and the Lenders party thereto.
 
 
 
 
 
 
10-Q
 
 
 
 
 
 
000-26497
 
 
 
 
 
 
08/06/04
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.11
   
4.05
 
Amendment #2, dated as of July 7, 2005, to the Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of September 25, 2003, by and among Salem Communications Corporation, Salem Communications Holding Corporation, General Electric Capital Corporation, as Syndication Agent, Suntrust Bank, as Syndication Agent, Fleet National Bank, as Documentation Agent, ING (U.S.) Capital, LLC, as Documentation Agent, The Bank of New York, as Administrative Agent, and the Lenders party thereto.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
8-K
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
000-26497
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
07/13/05
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.12
   
4.06
 
Indenture between Salem Communications Holding Corporation, a Delaware corporation, certain named guarantors and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, dated as of June 25, 2001, relating to the 9% Series A and Series B Senior Subordinated Notes due 2011.
 
 
 
 
10-Q
 
 
 
 
 
 
000-26497
 
 
 
 
08/14/01
 
 
 
 
4.10.03
 
   
4.07
 
Form of 9% Senior Subordinated Notes (filed as part of exhibit 4.06).
 
 
10-Q
 
 
000-26497
 
 
08/14/01
       
4.08
 
Form of Note Guarantee (filed as part of exhibit 4.06).
 
 
10-Q
 
 
000-26497
 
 
08/14/01
       
4.09
 
Registration Rights Agreement dated as of June 25, 2001, by and among Salem Communications Holding Corporation, the guarantors and initial purchasers named therein.
 
 
 
10-Q
 
 
 
000-26497
 
 
 
08/14/01
 
 
 
4.28
   
4.10
 
Indenture, dated as of December 23, 2002, relating to the 7¾% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2010 by and among Salem Holding, the Company and The Bank of New York, as trustee, with form of Note incorporated
 
 
 
 
8-K
 
 
 
 
000-26497
 
 
 
 
12/23/02
 
 
 
 
4.1
   
4.11
 
Form of 7¾% Senior Subordinated Notes (filed as part of exhibit 4.10).
 
 
8-K
 
 
000-26497
 
 
12/23/02
       
4.12
 
Form of Note Guarantee (filed as part of exhibit 4.10).
 
 
8-K
 
 
000-26497
 
 
12/23/02
       
4.13
 
Supplemental Indenture No. 1 to the 7¾% Senior Subordinated Notes, dated as of December 23, 2002, between Salem Communications Corporation and its guarantors, and Bank of New York.
 
 
 
10-K
 
 
 
000-26497
 
 
 
03/31/03
 
 
 
4.22
   
4.14
 
Supplemental Indenture No. 1 to the 9% Senior Subordinated Notes, dated as of December 16, 2002, between Salem Communications Corporation and its guarantors, and Bank of New York.
 
 
 
10-K
 
 
 
000-26497
 
 
 
03/31/03
 
 
 
4.23
   
4.15
 
Supplemental Indenture No. 2 to the 7¾% Senior Subordinated Notes, dated as of June 12, 2003, between Salem Communications Corporation and its guarantors, and Bank of New York.
 
 
 
10-Q
 
 
 
000-26497
 
 
 
08/06/03
 
 
 
4.24
   
4.16
 
Supplemental Indenture No. 2 to the 9% Senior Subordinated Notes, dated as of June 12, 2003, between Salem Communications Corporation and its guarantors, and Bank of New York.
 
 
 
10-Q
 
 
 
000-26497
 
 
 
08/06/03
 
 
 
4.25
   
4.17
 
Consent No. 2, dated as of July 23, 2003, under the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement between Salem Communications Corporation and its guarantors, and The Bank of New York.
 
 
 
10-Q
 
 
 
000-26497
 
 
 
08/06/03
 
 
 
4.26
   
4.18
 
Amendment #3, dated as of June 9, 2006, to the Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of September 25, 2003, by and among Salem Communications Corporation, Salem Communications Holding Corporation, General Electric Capital Corporation, as Syndication Agent, Suntrust Bank, as Syndication Agent, Fleet National Bank, as Documentation Agent, ING (U.S.) Capital, LLC, as Documentation Agent, The Bank of New York, as Administrative Agent, and the Lenders party thereto.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
8-K
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
000-26497
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
06/15/06
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.13
   
4.19
 
Amendment #4, dated as of October 24, 2007, to the Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of September 25, 2003, by and among Salem Communications Corporation, Salem Communications Holding Corporation, General Electric Capital Corporation, as Syndication Agent, SunTrust Bank, as Syndication Agent, Fleet National Bank, as Documentation Agent, ING (U.S.) Capital, LLC, as Documentation Agent, The Bank of New York, as Administrative Agent, and the Lenders party thereto.
 
 
8-K
 
000-26497
 
 
10/30/07
 
4.19
   
10.01.01
 
Employment Agreement, dated July 1, 2004, between Salem Communications Holding Corporation and Edward G. Atsinger III.
 
 
 
10-Q
 
 
 
000-26497
 
 
 
08/06/04
 
 
 
10.01.01
   
10.01.02
 
Employment Agreement, dated July 1, 2007, between Salem Communications Holding Corporation and Edward G. Atsinger III.
 
 
 
8-K
 
 
 
000-26497
 
 
 
06/26/07
 
 
 
10.2
   
10.02.01
 
Employment Agreement, dated July 1, 2004, between Salem Communications Holding Corporation and Stuart W. Epperson.
 
 
10-Q
 
 
000-26497
 
 
08/06/04
 
 
10.02.01
   
10.02.02
 
Employment Agreement, dated July 1, 2007, between Salem Communications Holding Corporation and Stuart W. Epperson.
 
 
 
8-K
 
 
 
000-26497
 
 
 
06/26/07
 
 
 
10.1
   
10.03.01
 
Employment Agreement, dated July 1, 2007, between Salem Communications Holding Corporation and Eric H. Halvorson.
 
 
 
8-K
 
 
 
000-26497
 
 
 
06/26/07
 
 
 
10.3
   
10.04.01
 
Employment Agreement, effective as of September 1, 2005, between Salem Communications Holding Corporation and Joe D. Davis
 
 
 
8-K/A
 
 
 
000-26497
 
 
 
05/25/05
 
 
 
99.1
   
10.04.02
 
Employment Agreement, effective as of July 1, 2007, between Salem Communications Holding Corporation and Joe D. Davis
 
 
 
8-K
 
 
 
000-26497
 
 
 
06/26/07
 
 
 
10.4
   
10.05.01
 
Employment Agreement, effective as of September 1, 2005, between Salem Communications Holding Corporation and David A.R. Evans.
 
 
 
8-K
 
 
 
000-26497
 
 
 
09/27/05
 
 
 
99.1
   
10.06.01
 
Antenna/tower/studio lease between Common Ground Broadcasting, Inc. (KKMS-AM/Eagan, Minnesota) and Messrs. Atsinger and Epperson expiring in 2016.
 
 
 
S-4
 
 
 
333-41733-29
 
 
 
01/29/98
 
 
 
10.05.04
       
10.06.03
 
Antenna/tower lease (KFAX-FM/Hayward, California) and Salem Broadcasting Company, a partnership consisting of Messrs. Atsinger and Epperson, expiring in 2013.
 
 
 
S-4
 
 
 
333-41733-29
 
 
 
01/29/98
 
 
 
10.05.06
       
10.06.04
 
Antenna/tower lease between Inspiration Media, Inc. (KGNW-AM/Seattle, Washington) and Messrs. Atsinger and Epperson expiring in 2012.
 
 
 
S-4
 
 
 
333-41733-29
 
 
 
01/29/98
 
 
 
10.05.08
       
10.06.05
 
Antenna/tower lease between Inspiration Media, Inc. (KLFE-AM/Seattle, Washington) and The Atsinger Family Trust and Stuart W. Epperson Revocable Living Trust expiring in 2014.
 
 
 
 
S-4
 
 
 
 
333-41733-29
 
 
 
 
01/29/98
 
 
 
 
10.05.09
       
10.06..06
 
Antenna/tower/studio lease between Pennsylvania Media Associates, Inc. (WNTP-AM/WFIL-AM/Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) and The Atsinger Family Trust and Stuart W. Epperson Revocable Living Trust expiring 2014.
 
 
 
 
S-4
 
 
 
 
333-41733-29
 
 
 
 
01/29/98
 
 
 
 
10.05.11.02
       
10.06.07
 
Antenna/tower lease between New Inspiration Broadcasting Co., Inc.: as successor in interest to Radio 1210, Inc. (KPRZ-AM/San Marcos, California) and The Atsinger Family Trust expiring in 2028.
 
 
 
S-4
 
 
 
 
333-41733-29
 
 
 
01/29/98
 
 
 
10.05.12
       
10.06.08
 
Antenna/tower lease between Salem Media of Texas, Inc. and Atsinger Family Trust/Epperson Family Limited Partnership (KSLR-AM/San Antonio, Texas).
 
 
 
10-K
 
 
 
000-26497
 
 
 
03/30/00
 
 
 
10.05.13
       
10.06.09
 
Antenna/tower lease between Salem Media of Colorado, Inc. (KNUS-AM/Denver-Boulder, Colorado) and Messrs. Atsinger and Epperson expiring 2016.
 
 
 
S-4
 
 
 
333-41733-29
 
 
 
01/29/98
 
 
 
10.05.15
       
10.06.10
 
Antenna/tower lease between Salem Media of Colorado, Inc. and Atsinger Family Trust/Epperson Family Limited Partnership (KRKS-AM/KBJD-AM/Denver, Colorado) expiring 2009.
 
 
 
10-K
 
 
 
000-26497
 
 
 
03/30/00
 
 
 
10.05.16
       
10.06.11
 
Antenna/tower lease between Salem Media of Oregon, Inc. (KPDQ-AM/FM/Portland, Oregon), and Messrs. Atsinger and Epperson expiring 2012.
 
 
 
S-4
 
 
 
333-41733-29
 
 
 
01/29/98
 
 
 
10.05.17.02
       
10.06.12
 
Antenna/tower lease between Salem Media of Pennsylvania, Inc. (WORD-FM/WPIT-AM/Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) and The Atsinger Family Trust and Stuart W. Epperson Revocable Living Trust expiring 2013.
 
 
 
 
S-4
 
 
 
 
333-41733-29
 
 
 
 
01/29/98
 
 
 
 
10.05.18
       
10.06.13
 
Antenna/tower lease between Salem Media of Texas, Inc. (KSLR-AM/San Antonio, Texas) and Epperson-Atsinger 1983 Family Trust expiring 2017.
 
 
 
S-4
 
 
333-41733-29
 
 
 
01/29/98
 
 
 
10.05.19
       
10.06.14
 
Antenna/tower lease between South Texas Broadcasting, Inc. (KNTH-AM/Houston-Galveston, Texas) and Atsinger Family Trust and Stuart W. Epperson Revocable Living Trust expiring 2015.
 
 
 
S-4
 
 
 
333-41733-29
 
 
 
01/29/98
 
 
 
10.05.20
       
10.06.15
 
Antenna/tower lease between New Inspiration Broadcasting Co., Inc. successor in interest to Vista Broadcasting, Inc. (KFIA-AM/Sacramento, California) and The Atsinger Family Trust and Stuart W. Epperson Revocable Living Trust expiring 2016.
 
 
 
 
S-4
 
 
 
 
333-41733-29
 
 
 
 
10/29/98
 
 
 
 
10.05.21
       
10.06.17
 
Antenna/tower lease between Inspiration Media of Texas, Inc. (KTEK-AM/Alvin, Texas) and the Atsinger Family Trust and The Stuart W. Epperson Revocable Living Trust expiring 2018.
 
 
 
10-K 405
 
 
 
000-26497
 
 
 
03/31/99
 
 
 
10.05.23
       
10.06.18
 
Studio building lease between Salem Radio Properties, Inc. and Thomas H. Moffit Jr.
 
 
10-K
 
 
000-26497
 
 
03/31/06
 
 
10.05.24
       
10.06.19
 
Antenna/tower lease between Pennsylvania Media Associates Inc. (WTLN-AM/ Orlando, Florida) and Atsinger Family Trust and Stuart W. Epperson, revocable living trust expiring 2045.
 
 
 
10-K
 
 
 
 
000-26497
 
 
 
3/16/07
 
 
 
10.05.25
       
10.07.01
 
Asset Purchase Agreement, dated August 18, 2006, by and between Caron Broadcasting, Inc. and Chesapeake-Portsmouth Broadcasting Corporation (WJGR-AM, Jacksonville, Florida, and WZNZ-AM, Jacksonville, Florida)
 
 
 
10-Q
 
 
000-26497
 
 
11/09/06
 
 
10.06.02
 
       
10.07.02
 
Asset Purchase Agreement, dated September 14, 2006, by and between Caron Broadcasting, Inc. and Chesapeake-Portsmouth Broadcasting Corporation (WZAZ-AM, Jacksonville, Florida)
 
 
10-Q
 
 
000-26497
 
 
11/09/06
 
 
10.06.03
       
10.07.03
 
Local Programming and Marketing Agreement, dated September 14, 2006, by and between Caron Broadcasting, Inc. and Chesapeake-Portsmouth Broadcasting Corporation (WJGR-AM, Jacksonville, Florida,and WZNZ-AM, Jacksonville, Florida)
 
 
 
10-Q
 
 
000-26497
 
 
11/09/06
 
 
10.06.04
       
10.07.04
 
Local Programming and Marketing Agreement, dated September 14, 2006, by and between Caron Broadcasting, Inc. and Chesapeake-Portsmouth Broadcasting Corporation (WZAZ-AM, Jacksonville, Florida)
 
 
 
10-Q
 
 
000-26497
 
 
11/09/06
 
 
10.06.05
       
10.08.01
 
Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to previously filed Appendix B).
 
 
DEF 14A
 
 
000-26497
 
 
04/29/03
 
 
 
Appendix B
       
10.08.02
 
Form of stock option grant for Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Incentive Plan.
 
 
10-K
 
 
000-26497
 
 
03/16/05
 
 
10.08.02
       
10.08.03
 
Form of restricted stock option grant for Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Incentive Plan.
 
 
10-Q
 
 
000-26497
 
 
11/09/05
 
 
10.01
       
10.08.04
 
Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Incentive Plan as amended and restated through May 18, 2005.
 
 
DEF 14A
 
 
000-26497
 
 
04/18/05
 
 
Proposal No. 2
       
10.09
 
Management Services Agreement by and among Salem and Salem Communications Holding Corporation, dated August 25, 2000 (incorporated by reference to previously filed exhibit 10.11). (7)
 
 
10-Q
 
 
000-26497
 
 
05/15/01
 
 
10.11
       
31.1
 
Certification of Edward G. Atsinger III Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) under the Exchange Act.
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
X
   
31.2
 
Certification of Evan D. Masyr Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) under the Exchange Act.
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
X
   
32.1
 
Certification of Edward G. Atsinger III Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
X
   
32.2
 
Certification of Evan D. Masyr Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
X
   
 
 

 
SIGNATURES
 
      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Salem Communications Corporation has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
      
 
   
SALEM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
   
November 8, 2007
       
   
By: /s/ EDWARD G. ATSINGER III
   
   
Edward G. Atsinger III
   
   
Chief Executive Officer
   
   
(Principal Executive Officer)
   
         
         
November 8, 2007
       
   
By: /s/ EVAN D. MASYR
   
   
Evan D. Masyr
   
   
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
   
(Principal Financial Officer)
   
 
 

 
EXHIBIT INDEX
 
Exhibit
Number
 
Description of Exhibits
     
31.1
 
Certification of Edward G. Atsinger III Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) under the Exchange Act.
     
31.2
 
Certification of Evan D. Masyr Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) under the Exchange Act.
     
32.1
 
Certification of Edward G. Atsinger III Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
     
32.2
 
Certification of  Evan D. Masyr Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

 

 
EXHIBIT 31.1
I, Edward G. Atsinger III, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Salem Communications Corporation;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a)
all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(b)
any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date: November 8, 2007
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
By: /s/ EDWARD G. ATSINGER III
 
 
    Edward G. Atsinger III    
    Chief Executive Officer     
 

 
EXHIBIT 31.2
I, Evan D. Masyr, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Salem Communications Corporation;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a)
all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(b)
any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date: November 8, 2007
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
By: /s/ EVAN D. MASYR
 
 
 
 
Evan D. Masyr
 
 
 
 
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
 


 
 
EXHIBIT 32.1
 
 
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
 
 
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
 
 
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
 
 
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
 
 
The undersigned hereby certifies, in his capacity as Chief Executive Officer of Salem Communications Corporation (the “Company”), for purposes of 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that based on his knowledge:
 
 
·  
the Quarterly Report of the Company on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2007 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
 
 
·  
the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
 
 
Dated: November 8, 2007
 
 
 
 
By: /s/ EDWARD G. ATSINGER III
 
 
 
Edward G. Atsinger III
 
 
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
 

 



 

 
 
EXHIBIT 32.2
 
 
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
 
 
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
 
 
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
 
 
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
 
 
The undersigned hereby certifies, in his capacity as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Salem Communications Corporation (the “Company”), for purposes of 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that based on his knowledge:
 
 
·  
the Quarterly Report of the Company on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2007 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
 
 
·  
the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
 
 
Dated: November 8, 2007
 
 
 
 
By: /s/  EVAN D. MASYR
 
 
 
Evan D. Masyr
 
 
 
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer