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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-K

 

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 000-26497

 

 

SALEM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)

 

LOGO

 

DELAWARE   77-0121400

(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF

INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)

 

(I.R.S. EMPLOYER

IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)

4880 SANTA ROSA ROAD

CAMARILLO, CALIFORNIA

 

93012

( ZIP CODE)

(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL

EXECUTIVE OFFICES)

 

REGISTRANT’S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: (805) 987-0400

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Name of the Exchange on which registered

Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share

  The NASDAQ Global Market

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

 

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.    Yes  ¨    No  x

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 has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

  Large accelerated filer    ¨     Accelerated filer   ¨
  Non-accelerated filer    ¨   (Do not check if Smaller Reporting Company)   Smaller Reporting Company   x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

As of June 30, 2012, the aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $26,005,840 based on the closing sale price as reported on the NASDAQ Global Market.

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 February 20, 2013

Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share

  19,004,901 shares

Class B

 

Outstanding at February 20, 2013

Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share

  5,553,696 shares

 

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

Document

  

Parts Into Which Incorporated

Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held May 22, 2013

   Part III, Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14

 

 

 


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          PAGE  
   PART I   
Item 1.    Business      2   
Item 1A.    Risk Factors      16   
Item 1B.    Unresolved Staff Comments      30   
Item 2.    Properties      30   
Item 3.    Legal Proceedings      30   
Item 4.    Mine Safety Disclosures      30   
   PART II   
Item 5.    Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities      31   
Item 6.    Selected Financial Data      31   
Item 7.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations      34   
Item 7A.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk      61   
Item 8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data      62   
Item 9.    Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure      104   
Item 9A.    Controls and Procedures      104   
Item 9B.    Other Information      105   
   PART III   
Item 10.    Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance      105   
Item 11.    Executive Compensation      105   
Item 12.    Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters      105   
Item 13.    Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence      105   
Item 14.    Principal Accounting Fees and Services      105   
   PART IV   
Item 15.    Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules      105   
   Signatures      117   
   Exhibit Index      119   


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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,” “estimates,” “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”).

All metropolitan statistical area (“MSA”) rank information used in this report, excluding information concerning The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, is from the Fall 2012 Radio Market Survey Schedule & Population Rankings published by The Arbitron Company (“Arbitron”). According to the Radio Market Survey, the population estimates used are based upon the 2010 U.S. Bureau Census estimates updated and projected to January 1, 2013 by Nielsen Claritas, Inc.

 

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PART I

 

ITEM 1. BUSINESS.

CORPORATE INFORMATION

Salem Communications Corporation (“Salem”) was formed in 1986 as a California corporation and reincorporated in Delaware in 1999. Salem is a domestic multi-media company with integrated business operations covering radio broadcasting, publishing and the Internet. Our programming is intended for audiences interested in Christian and conservative opinion content. 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”).

BUSINESS STRATEGY

Our principal business strategy is to expand our abilities to produce and deliver compelling content as the interactive marketplace evolves so that we are positioned to be the market leader for audiences interested in Christian and family-themed programming and conservative news talk. We offer traditional radio and emerging media, including web-based offerings, magazine, and book publishing throughout the United States. We continually evaluate opportunities to improve our radio platform, invest in and build our Internet sites, and support our publishing operations. Our national presence in each of these mediums provides advertisers and programmers with a powerful integrated platform to reach our audiences.

We are fundamentally committed to programming and content emphasizing Christian values, conservative family themes and news. Our commitment to these values means that we may choose not to switch to other formats or pursue potentially more profitable business opportunities in response to changes in audience preferences.

Broadcast Programming Strategy

Our foundational business is the ownership and operation of radio stations in large metropolitan markets. We believe that we are the largest commercial U.S. radio broadcasting company delivering Christian and conservative opinion content as measured by our number of radio stations and audience coverage. Upon the close of all announced transactions, we will own and/or operate a national portfolio of 99 radio stations in 38 markets, including 61 stations in 22 of the top 25 markets, which consists of 29 FM stations and 70 AM stations. We are one of only three 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. We also program the Family Talk™ Christian-themed talk format station on SiriusXM Channel 131.

Our broadcast business also includes Salem Radio Network® (“SRN”), a wholly owned national radio network syndicating music, news and talk programs to over approximately 2,400 affiliated radio stations, in addition to those stations that we own and operate. We also own and operate Salem Media Representatives® (“SMR”), a national advertising sales firm with offices in 11 U.S. cities, and SRN News Network (“SNN”), Salem Music Network (“SMN”), Solid Gospel Network (“SGN”), and Vista Media Representatives (“VMR”). Like SRN, SNN, SMN and SGN are radio networks that produce and distribute talk, news and music programming to numerous radio stations in the U.S., including some of our own stations. SMR and VMR sell commercial airtime to national advertisers on our radio stations and our networks, as well as for independent radio station affiliates.

Our broadcast business strategy is to assemble radio station clusters, defined as a group of radio stations operating within the same geographic market. We program our radio stations in formats that we believe target various demographic segments of the audience interested in Christian and family-themed programming and conservative news talk content. Several benefits are achievable when operating multiple radio stations in the same market. First, this clustering and programming strategy allows us to achieve greater access into each segment of our target market, and collectively our stations afford our clients a larger percentage of advertising time in that market. We offer advertisers multiple audiences and can bundle each radio station for advertising sales purposes when advantageous. Second, we realize several cost and operating efficiencies by consolidating sales, technical and administrative support and promotional functions where possible. Finally, the addition of radio stations in our existing markets allows us to leverage our hands-on knowledge of that market to appeal to our listeners and advertisers.

We program our radio stations in five main formats. Through the strength of our Christian Teaching and Talk format, the influence of our News Talk format, the continued popularity of our Contemporary Christian Music format, and the roll-out of our Spanish Language Christian Teaching and Talk and Business formats, we believe that we are well-positioned to continually improve our leadership role in Christian and family-themed and conservative news talk radio.

 

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Christian Teaching and Talk. Christian Teaching and Talk is our foundational format. We currently program 39 of our radio stations in our Christian Teaching and Talk format, which is talk programming emphasizing Christian and family themes. Through this format, a listener can hear Bible teachings and sermons, as well as gain insight to questions related to daily life, such as raising children to religious legal rights in education and the workplace. This format serves as a learning resource and as a source of personal support for listeners nationwide. In response to our daily block programming, listeners often contact our programmers to ask questions, obtain materials on a subject matter or receive study guides based on what they have learned on the radio.

Block Programming. Our national station platform and focused programming strategy provides us with the ability to sell blocks of airtime to a variety of religious and charitable organizations that create compelling radio programs. Historically, more than 95% of our block programming partners renew their annual relationships with us. Based on these renewal rates, we believe that block programming provides a steady and consistent source of revenue and cash flows. Our top ten programmers have remained relatively constant and average nearly 25 years on-air. Over the last five years, block programming revenue has comprised from 38% to 41% of our total net broadcast revenue.

News Talk. We currently program 27 of our radio stations in a News Talk format. Our research shows that our News Talk format is highly complementary to our core Christian Teaching and Talk format. As programmed by Salem, both of these formats express conservative views and family values. Our News Talk format also provides for the opportunity to leverage syndicated talk programming produced by our network, SRN. SRN’s nationally syndicated programs are distributed nationally through approximately 2,400 affiliated radio stations. The syndication of our programs through SRN allows us to reach listeners in markets where we do not own or operate stations.

Contemporary Christian Music- The FISH®. We currently program 11 radio stations in a Contemporary Christian Music (“CCM”) format, branded The FISH® in most markets. Through the CCM format, we are able to bring listeners the words of inspirational recording artists, set to upbeat contemporary music. Our music format, branded “Safe for the Whole Family®”, features sounds that listeners of all ages can enjoy and lyrics that can be appreciated. The CCM genre continues to be popular. We believe that this listener base is underserved in terms of radio coverage, particularly in larger markets, and that our stations fill an otherwise void area in listener choices.

Spanish Language Christian Teaching and Talk. We currently program seven of our radio stations in a Spanish Language Christian Teaching and Talk format. This format is similar to our core Christian Teaching and Talk format in that it broadcasts biblical and family-themed programming for our Spanish-speaking audiences. However, block programming on our Spanish Language Christian Teaching and Talk stations is primarily local rather than national.

Business. We currently program 10 of our radio stations in a business format. We introduced the business format during 2009, with additional markets introduced in 2010 and 2011. Our business format features financial experts, business talk, and nationally recognized Bloomberg programming. The business format operates similar to our Christian Teaching and Talk format in that it features long-form block programming.

SiriusXM Satellite Radio. Our satellite radio station, SiriusXM Channel 131, is the exclusive Christian Teaching and Talk channel on SiriusXM, reaching the entire nation 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Salem Web Network Online Media Strategy

Salem Web Network (“SWN”), our Internet business, includes our websites providing Christian and conservative themed content, audio and video streaming, and other resources on the web. SWN’s Internet web portals include OnePlace.com, Christianity.com, Crosswalk.com, BibleStudyTools.com, GodTube.com, Townhall.com®, HotAir.com, WorshipHouseMedia.com, SermonSpice.com, GodVine.com and Jesus.org. SWN’s content is also accessible through our radio station websites that feature content of interest to local listeners throughout the United States. SWN operates our radio station websites and Salem Consumer Products (“SCP”), a website offering books, DVD’s and editorial content developed by many of our on-air radio personalities that are available for purchase. The revenues generated from this segment are reported as Internet revenue on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Our online business strategy is to build a robust web-based platform designed for audiences interested in Christian and family-themed content and conservative news talk. The Internet continues to change the way in which media is delivered to audiences. Continual advancements with online search engines and social media sites provide consumers with numerous methods to locate specific information and content online. These advancements have also enabled a large number of individuals to create and publish content that may or may not be tailored to that specific consumer. Our talent, including our on-air personalities, provides web-based commentaries, programs, text, audio and video content that we believe to be knowledge-based, credible and

 

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reliable. This highly specific web-based content provides our advertisers a unique and powerful way to reach their targeted audiences. We believe that our content is decidedly relevant and valuable with long-term advantages in providing advertisers a useful tool to match their advertisements with our audiences.

During 2012, we acquired SermonSpice.com, an online provider of church media for local churches and ministries and GodVine.com, an online site with primarily video content shared by users in an interactive environment.

Salem PublishingPrinting Strategy

Our production and distribution of Christian and conservative content extends to print media through Salem Publishing™. Salem Publishing™ produces and distributes the following Christian and conservative opinion print magazines: Homecoming® The Magazine, YouthWorker Journal, Singing News, FaithTalk Magazine, Preaching Magazine™ and Townhall Magazine™. Salem Publishing also includes Xulon Press™, a print-on-demand self-publishing service for Christian authors. The revenues generated from this segment are reported as publishing revenue on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Our publishing strategy mirrors that of our other segments, to build and maintain a distribution network targeting audiences interested in Christian and family-themed content as well as conservative news talk. Content from our print magazines is also available on branded websites for each publication.

Audience Growth

The continued success of our business is dependent upon our ability to reach a growing audience. We continually seek opportunities for growth by increasing the strength and number of our broadcast signals, increasing the number of page-views on our Internet platform and increasing the subscriber base of our magazines. To accomplish this, we produce content that we believe is both compelling and of high commercial value based on our market testing and fine-tuning. We rely on a combination of research, marketing, targeted promotions and live events to create visibility and brand awareness in each of our markets. By maximizing our audience share, we achieve higher ratings and page turns that can be converted into advertising revenues. To maximize results, we cross-promote our content on each of our media platforms to enhance our brand names and reach our targeted audiences. We believe that the growth of our media platform provides advertisers with effective methods to reach an expanding audience.

Technical Improvements

We rely on continued technical improvements to expand our broadcasting, Internet and publication footprint. We focus on identifying ways to improve our radio station broadcast signals so that they can reach as many listeners as possible, both during the day and at night. We have completed numerous enhancements to increase the coverage of our signals. In 2012, we began an upgrade to our radio station traffic and billing system, which is expected to be fully implemented in all markets by the end of 2013 and we continued upgrades and enhancements to our data center storage sites. During 2011, our satellite distribution platform was expanded to include the WEGENER® 6240 store-forward DVB Receiver. We launched numerous iPhone® applications including one for our BibleStudyTools. All of our radio stations, in addition to some of our web portals, have iPhone and android applications.

Advertising Sales Professionals

We have assembled an effective, highly trained sales staff responsible for converting audience share into revenue. We operate with a focused, sales-oriented culture that rewards selling efforts through a commission and bonus compensation structure. We hire sales professionals for each of our markets, as well as for our Internet and publishing divisions that are capable of selling integrated or stand-alone advertisements. We provide our sales professionals with the resources necessary to compete effectively in the marketplace. We utilize various sales strategies to sell and market our platforms as stand-alone products or in combination with other offerings. We tailor our platform to meet each advertiser’s needs, including the geographic coverage area, event sponsorships and special features, Internet promotions, e-mail sponsorships, and-/or print advertisements.

Marketing Platform to National Advertisers

National companies often prefer to advertise across the United States as an efficient and cost effective way to reach all target audiences. Our advertisers can benefit by gaining access to our audiences through our national broadcasts, print magazines and our

 

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Internet portals. We operate a national platform of radio stations that reach more than 3.3 million listeners. Through SMR and VMR, we bundle and sell airtime on this national platform of radio stations, as well as Internet placements and/or print magazine space. We average approximately 120 million page views per month on our websites, produce 1 million print magazines each year and produce over 1 million books and eBooks annually.

Significant Community Involvement

We believe that our ongoing active involvement and our significant relationships within the Christian community provide us with a unique competitive advantage to reach Christian audiences. Our proactive involvement in the Christian community in each of our markets significantly improves the marketability of our advertising space and broadcast airtime to advertisers targeting such communities. We believe that our public image reflects the lifestyle and viewpoints of the target demographic group that we serve. We regularly collaborate with organizations serving the Christian and family-themed audience and we sponsor and support events important to this group. Our sponsored events include listener rallies, speaking tours, pastor appreciation events and concerts such as our Celebrate Freedom® Music Festival and our Fishfest®. Events such as these connect us with our listeners and enable us to create an enhanced awareness and name recognition in our markets. Involvement leads to increased effectiveness in developing and improving our programming formats, leading to greater audience share and higher ratings over the long-term.

Corporate Structure

The management of our operations is decentralized. Our broadcast operations vice presidents are experienced radio broadcasters with expertise in sales, programming, marketing and production. Our broadcast operations vice presidents, some of whom are also station general managers, oversee several markets on a regional basis. We anticipate relying on this strategy of decentralization and encourage broadcast operations vice presidents to apply innovative techniques for improving and growing their operations that may be beneficial in other markets.

Our SWN and publishing operations vice presidents and general managers are located throughout the United States in offices in which our Internet and publishing entities operate. Like broadcasting, these operations are decentralized with each vice president encouraged to apply innovative techniques to the operations that they oversee.

All of our business segments receive executive leadership and oversight from our corporate staff. Corporate staff members have experience and expertise in, among other things, accounting and finance, treasury, risk management, insurance, information technology, human resources, legal, engineering, real estate, strategic direction and other support functions designed to provide resources to local management. Corporate staff oversees placement and rate negotiations for our national block programs. Centralized oversight of our block programming is necessary because our key programming partners purchase time in several of our radio markets.

Recent Events

On February 25, 2013, we launched a tender offer to purchase for cash any and all of the outstanding 95/8% senior secured second lien notes (“95/8% Notes”) and a related consent solicitation (collectively, the “Tender Offer”), to amend the indenture governing the 95/8% Notes (the “Indenture”). In connection with the Tender Offer, we plan to enter into a new senior secured term loan of up to $300 million, which will be used to fund the purchase of any 95/ 8% Notes that are tendered in the Tender Offer. We also plan to enter into a new senior secured revolving credit facility of up to $25 million. If the requisite consents have been obtained from holders of the 95/8% Notes in the Tender Offer, substantially all of the restrictive covenants, certain events of default and other provisions contained in the Indenture governing the 95/8% Notes will be eliminated and the liens on the assets that secure the 95/8% Notes will be released, making any 95/8% Notes that remain outstanding after the consummation of the Tender Offer effectively subordinated to the new term loan and the new revolving credit facility to the extent of the value of the collateral. The proceeds from these facilities will be used to fund the Tender Offer and retire all other outstanding corporate debt. Holders of the 95/8% Notes who tender by the consent payment deadline, which is 5:00 pm, New York City time, on March 8, 2013, will receive a consent payment as part of the Tender Offer consideration. The Tender Offer is anticipated to expire at midnight, New York City time, on March 22, 2013. Regardless of whether we obtain the requisite consents from holders of the 95/ 8% Notes in the Tender Offer, we intend, at our sole discretion and without any obligation to do so, to retire any 95/ 8% Notes that are not tendered in the Tender Offer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture governing the 95/8% Notes, which may include redeeming the 95/8% Notes. Upon entry into the new term loan and the new revolving credit facility, the current revolving credit facility (“Revolver”), First California Bank Loan, and Subordinated Debt due to Related Parties will be terminated.

On December 12, 2012, we redeemed $4.0 million of the 95/8% Notes for $4.1 million, or at a price equal to 103% of the face value. This transaction resulted in a $0.2 million pre-tax loss on the early retirement of debt, including approximately $17,000 of unamortized discount and $0.1 million of bond issue costs associated with the 95/8% Notes.

 

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On December 3, 2012, we began operating radio station WMUU-FM, Greenville, South Carolina under a local marketing agreement (“LMA”) with the owner. We agreed to acquire the radio station for $6.0 million. The $6.0 million purchase price consists of $1.0 million due upon close of the transaction, $2.0 million payable in April 2014, and $3.0 million payable in advertising credits to Bob Jones University, a related party of the station owner. The acquisition of this radio station closed on February 5, 2013. Effective February 11, 2013, we changed the call letters of this station to WGTK-FM.

On November 1, 2012, we began operating radio station WJKR-FM, Columbus, Ohio under an LMA with the owner. The accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations reflect the operating results of this entity as of the LMA date. The acquisition of this radio station closed on February 15, 2013. Effective February 15, 2013, we changed the call letters of this station to WTOH-FM.

On October 1, 2012, we completed the acquisition of Godvine.com for $4.2 million. Godvine is a Christian video website and media platform that increases our online presence and offers significant exposure on Facebook with over 2.8 million Facebook fans. We believe that the addition of Godvine.com makes SWN the largest online destination for Christian content with an average of 5.8 million unique visits per month.

On August 31, 2012, we completed the acquisition of radio station WLCC-AM, Tampa, Florida, for $1.2 million. We began operating the station as of the closing date. The accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Operations reflect the operating results and net assets of this entity as of the acquisition date.

On August 30, 2012, we acquired SermonSpice.com for $3.0 million. SermonSpice.com is an online provider of church media for local churches and ministries. The acquisition resulted in goodwill of $1.2 million representing the excess value of the business attributable to the organizational systems and procedures already in place to ensure effective operations of the business.

On June 1, 2012, we redeemed $17.5 million of the 95/8% Notes for $18.0 million, or at a price equal to 103% of the face value. This transaction resulted in a $0.9 million pre-tax loss on the early retirement of debt, including approximately $80,000 of unamortized discount and $0.3 million of bond issue costs associated with the 95/8% Notes.

On May 29, 2012, we acquired an FM translator and related construction permits for $0.3 million that will be used in our Detroit broadcast market.

On May 21, 2012, we entered into a new business loan agreement, promissory note and related loan documents with First California Bank (the “FCB Loan”). The FCB Loan is an unsecured, $10.0 million fixed-term loan with a maturity date of June 15, 2014. At December 31, 2012, $7.5 million was outstanding on the FCB Loan.

On May 21, 2012, we entered into an additional subordinated line of credit with Roland S. Hinz, a Salem board member. Mr. Hinz committed to provide an unsecured revolving line of credit in a principal amount of up to $6.0 million. On September 12, 2012, we amended and restated the original subordinated line of credit with Mr. Hinz to increase the unsecured revolving line of credit by $6.0 million for a total line of credit of up to $12.0 million. At December 31, 2012, $15.0 million was outstanding on all of our Subordinated Debt due to Related Parties, including amounts due Mr. Epperson.

On May 15, 2012, we purchased Churchangel.com and rchurch.com for $0.2 million. These Internet sites are operated under SWN to enhance and build our relationships with local churches and pastors.

On April 10, 2012, we completed the acquisition of radio station WKDL-AM in Warrenton, Virginia for $30,000. We began operating the station as of the closing date. The accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Operations reflect the operating results and net assets of this entity as of the acquisition date.

On March 16, 2012, we completed the sale of radio station WBZS-AM in Pawtucket, Rhode Island for $0.8 million in cash. The sale resulted in a pre-tax gain of $0.2 million. The accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations reflect the operating results of this entity through the date of the sale.

On March 7, 2012, our Board of Directors authorized and declared a quarterly dividend in the amount of $0.035 per share on Class A and Class B common stock. Quarterly common stock dividends of $0.035 per share, were paid on March 30, 2012, June 29, 2012, September 28, 2012 and December 28, 2012, respectively, to all common stockholders of record. We paid $3.4 million in common stock dividends during 2012. We anticipate paying quarterly common stock dividends in March, June, September and

December of each year. Based on the number of shares currently outstanding, we expect to pay total annual common stock dividends of approximately $3.4 million.

 

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On January 13, 2012, we completed the acquisition of radio station KTNO-AM, Dallas, Texas for $2.2 million. We began programming the station pursuant to a time brokerage agreement (“TBA”) with the previous owner on November 1, 2011. The accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations reflect the operating results of this entity as of the TBA date. The accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets reflect the net assets of this entity as of the closing date.

DEVELOPMENT OF THE BUSINESS

During the year ended December 31, 2012, we completed the following business acquisitions and asset purchases:

 

Acquisition Date

  

Description

   Total Cost  
          (Dollars in thousands)  

October 1, 2012

   Godvine.com (business acquisition)    $ 4,200   

August 31, 2012

   WLCC-AM, Tampa, Florida (business acquisition)      1,150   

August 30, 2012

   Sermonspice.com (business acquisition)      3,000   

May 15, 2012

   Churchangel.com and rchurch.com (asset purchase)      165   

April 10, 2012

   WKDL-AM, Warrenton, Virginia (business acquisition)      30   

January 13, 2012

   KTNO-AM, Dallas, Texas (business acquisition)      2,150   
     

 

 

 
      $ 10,695   
     

 

 

 

Radio Stations

Upon the close of all announced transactions, we will own and/or operate a national portfolio of 99 radio stations in 38 markets, consisting of 29 FM stations and 70 AM stations. The following table sets forth information about each of Salem’s stations, in order of market size:

 

Market(1)

  

MSA

Rank(2)

  

Station

Call Letters

  

Year

Acquired

  

Format

New York, NY

   1, 18(3)    WMCA-AM    1989    Christian Teaching and Talk
      WNYM-AM    1994    News Talk

Los Angeles, CA

   2    KKLA-FM    1985    Christian Teaching and Talk
      KRLA-AM    1998    News Talk
      KFSH-FM    2000    Contemporary Christian Music

Chicago, IL

   3    WYLL-AM    2001    Christian Teaching and Talk
      WIND-AM    2005    News Talk

San Francisco, CA

   4, 33(4)    KFAX-AM    1984    Christian Teaching and Talk
      KDOW-AM    2001    Business

Dallas-Fort Worth, TX

   5    KLTY-FM    1996    Contemporary Christian Music
      KWRD-FM    2000    Christian Teaching and Talk
      KSKY-AM    2000    News Talk
      KVCE-AM    Pending    Business
      KTNO-AM    2012    Spanish Language Christian Teaching and Talk

Houston-Galveston, TX

   6    KNTH-AM    1995    News Talk
      KKHT-FM    2005    Christian Teaching and Talk
      KTEK-AM    2011    Business

Washington, D.C.

   7    WAVA-FM    1992    Christian Teaching and Talk
      WAVA-AM    2000    Christian Teaching and Talk
      WWRC-AM    2010    News Talk

Philadelphia, PA

   8    WFIL-AM    1993    Christian Teaching and Talk
      WNTP-AM    1994    News Talk

Atlanta, GA

   9    WNIV-AM    2000    Christian Teaching and Talk
      WLTA-AM    2000    Christian Teaching and Talk
      WAFS-AM    2000    Business
      WFSH-FM    2000    Contemporary Christian Music
      WGKA-AM    2004    News Talk

Boston, MA

   10    WEZE-AM    1997    Christian Teaching and Talk
      WROL-AM    2001    Christian Teaching and Talk
      WWDJ-AM    2003    Spanish Language Christian Teaching and Talk

Miami, FL

   11    WKAT-AM    2005    Spanish Language Christian Teaching and Talk
      WHIM-AM    2008    Christian Teaching and Talk
      WZAB-AM    2009    Business

 

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Detroit, MI

   12    WDTK-AM    2004    News Talk
      WLQV-AM    2006    Christian Teaching and Talk

Seattle-Tacoma, WA

   13    KGNW-AM    1986    Christian Teaching and Talk
      KLFE-AM (5)    1994    News Talk
      KNTS-AM(5)    1997    Spanish Language Christian Teaching and Talk
      KKOL-AM    1997    Business

Phoenix, AZ

   14    KKNT-AM    1996    News Talk
      KPXQ-AM    1999    Christian Teaching and Talk

Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN

   15    KKMS-AM    1996    Christian Teaching and Talk
      KYCR-AM    1998    Business
      WWTC-AM    2001    News Talk

San Diego, CA

   16    KPRZ-AM    1987    Christian Teaching and Talk
      KCBQ-AM    2000    News Talk

Tampa, FL

   17    WTWD-AM(7)    2000    Christian Teaching and Talk
      WTBN-AM(7)    2001    Christian Teaching and Talk
      WLCC-AM    2012    Spanish Language Christian Teaching and Talk
      WGUL-AM    2005    News Talk

Denver-Boulder, CO

   19    KRKS-FM    1993    Christian Teaching and Talk
      KRKS-AM (6)    1994    Christian Teaching and Talk
      KNUS-AM    1996    News Talk
      KBJD-AM(6)    1999    Spanish Language Christian Teaching and Talk

Portland, OR

   22    KPDQ-FM    1986    Christian Teaching and Talk
      KPDQ-AM    1986    Christian Teaching and Talk
      KFIS-FM    2002    Contemporary Christian Music
      KRYP-FM    2005    Regional Mexican

Pittsburgh, PA

   24    WORD-FM    1993    Christian Teaching and Talk
      WPIT-AM    1993    Christian Teaching and Talk

Riverside-San Bernardino, CA

   25    KTIE-AM    2001    News Talk

Sacramento, CA

   26    KFIA-AM    1995    Christian Teaching and Talk
      KTKZ-AM    1997    News Talk
      KSAC-FM    2002    Business
      KKFS-FM    2006    Contemporary Christian Music

San Antonio, TX

   27    KSLR-AM    1994    Christian Teaching and Talk
      KLUP-AM    2000    News Talk

Cleveland, OH

   29    WHKW-AM    2000    Christian Teaching and Talk
      WFHM-FM    2001    Contemporary Christian Music
      WHK-AM    2005    News Talk

Orlando, FL

   33    WORL-AM    2006    News Talk
      WTLN-AM    2006    Christian Teaching and Talk
      WBZW-AM    2006    Business

Columbus, OH

   34    WRFD-AM    1987    Christian Teaching and Talk
      WTOH-FM (formerly WJKR-FM    2013    News Talk

Nashville, TN

   44    WBOZ-FM    2000    Southern Gospel
      WFFH-FM(8)    2002    Contemporary Christian Music
      WFFI-FM(8)    2002    Contemporary Christian Music

Louisville, KY

   53    WFIA-FM    1999    Christian Teaching and Talk
      WGTK-AM    2000    News Talk
      WFIA-AM    2001    Christian Teaching and Talk

Greenville, SC

   58    WGTK-FM (formerly WMUU-FM)    2013    News Talk

Honolulu, HI

   63    KHNR-AM    2006    News Talk
      KAIM-FM    2000    Contemporary Christian Music
      KGU-AM    2000    Business
      KHCM-FM    2004    Country Music
      KHCM-AM    2000    Chinese
      KGU-FM    2004    Christian Teaching and Talk
      KKOL-FM    2005    Oldies

Omaha, NE

   74    KGBI-FM    2005    Contemporary Christian Music
      KOTK-AM    2005    Spanish Language Christian Teaching and Talk
      KCRO-AM    2005    Christian Teaching and Talk

 

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Sarasota-Bradenton, FL

   75    WLSS-AM    2005    News Talk

Colorado Springs, CO

   90    KGFT-FM    1996    Christian Teaching and Talk
      KBIQ-FM    1996    Contemporary Christian Music
      KZNT-AM    2003    News Talk

Oxnard-Ventura, CA

   116    KDAR-FM    1974    Christian Teaching and Talk

Youngstown-Warren, OH

   128    WHKZ-AM    2001    Christian Teaching and Talk

Warrenton, Virginia

      WKDL-AM    2012    News Talk

 

(1) Actual city of license may differ from metropolitan market served.
(2) “MSA” means metropolitan statistical area per the Fall 2012 Radio Market Survey Schedule and Population Rankings published by Arbitron, excluding the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
(3) This market includes the Nassau-Suffolk, NY Metro market, which independently has a MSA rank of 18.
(4) This market includes the San Jose, CA market, which independently has a MSA rank of 35.
(5) KNTS-AM is an expanded band AM station paired with KLFE-AM. The licenses for these stations include a condition requiring that one or the other be surrendered by July 15, 2009. However, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) is currently permitting these paired expanded band stations to continue to operate beyond the specified surrender date, pursuant to a special temporary authority (“STA”) granted by the FCC and a request for extension of that STA.
(6) KBJD-AM is an expanded band AM station paired with KRKS-AM, which licenses have not been renewed by the FCC. The original license for KBJD-AM includes a condition requiring that one or the other paired license be surrendered by February 20, 2006. However, the FCC is currently permitting these paired expanded band stations to continue to operate beyond their license expirations date pursuant to the pending license renewal applications for those stations, and to continue to operate beyond the specified surrender date pursuant to an STA granted by the FCC and a request for extension of such STA.
(7) WTBN-AM is simulcast with WTWD-AM, Tampa, FL.
(8) WFFH-FM is simulcast with WFFI-FM, Nashville, TN.

PROGRAM REVENUE. For the year ended December 31, 2012, we derived 23.7% and 17.7% of our net broadcast revenue, or $43.5 million and $32.3 million, respectively, from the sale of national and local block program time, respectively. We derive national program revenue from primarily geographically diverse, well-established non-profit religious and educational organizations that purchase time on our stations in a large number of markets in the United States. National program producers typically purchase 13, 26 or 52-minute blocks of time on a Monday through Friday basis and may offer supplemental programming for weekend release. We obtain local program revenue from community organizations and churches that typically purchase blocks for weekend releases and from local speakers who purchase daily releases. We believe that our management team is successful in identifying and assisting quality local programs expand into national syndication.

ADVERTISING REVENUE. For the year ended December 31, 2012, we derived 34.5% of our net broadcast revenue, or $63.2 million, from the sale of local spot advertising and 7.8% of our net broadcast revenue, or $14.2 million, from the sale of national spot advertising.

Salem Radio Network® and Salem Media Representatives

We own and operate SRN as part of our overall business strategy to develop a national network of affiliated radio stations anchored by our owned and operated radio stations in major markets. SRN, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, develops, produces and syndicates a broad range of programming specifically targeted to Christian and family-themed talk and music stations as well as general market News Talk stations. Currently we have rights to several full-time satellite channels to deliver SRN programs to affiliates via satellite.

SRN has approximately 2,400 affiliated radio stations, in addition to our owned and operated radio stations, which broadcast one or more of the offered programming options. These programming options feature talk shows, news and music. The principal source of network revenue is from the sale of advertising time.

We own and operate SMR, a sales representation company specializing in placing national advertising on religious format radio stations. SRN and our radio stations each have relationships with SMR for the sale of available SRN spot advertising. SMR also contracts with individual radio stations to sell airtime to national advertisers desiring to include selected company stations in national buys covering multiple markets. We also operate VMR, a sales representation company specializing in placing national advertising on non-religious radio stations.

 

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We recognize our advertising and commission revenue from radio stations as the spots air. SRN’s net revenue, including commission revenue for SMR and VMR, for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $16.1 million, or 8.8% of net broadcast revenue.

Salem Web Network™

We own and operate the following Christian and Conservative opinion websites:

Christian Content Websites:

BibleStudyTools.com is a free Bible website for verse search and in-depth studies packed with commentaries, reading plans, and hundreds of helpful resources designed as aids to Bible study.

OnePlace.com ™ is a leading provider of on-demand, online audio streaming for nearly 200 radio programs from more than 185 popular Christian broadcast ministries. Oneplace.com serves as both a complement to and an extension of Salem’s block programming radio business.

Crosswalk.com® offers compelling, editorial-driven, biblically based, lifestyle content to Christians who take seriously their relationship with Christ. In addition, Crosswalk provides online devotional content.

GodTube.com is a user-generated video sharing platform for Christian videos with faith-based, family-friendly content.

CrossCards.com™ provides faith-based, inspirational e-greeting cards for all occasions and holidays.

LightSource.com provides on-demand, video streaming for nearly 85 programs from more than 70 ministry partners.

Christianity.com offers engaging articles and video focused on exploring the deeper, theological issues and apologetics of the Christian faith. It is also a leading provider of online Bible trivia.

Jesus.org offers a comprehensive database of biblical answers to the most common questions about the life and work of Jesus Christ.

iBelieve.com creates editorial-driven, lifestyle content, focused on helping Christian women use personal experience to examine the deeper issues of life and faith.

CCMmagazine.com is the interactive version of what once was the Nashville-based CCM Magazine®, which provides information and insight on the Christian music scene.

WorshipHouseMedia.com is an online church media resource, providing creative videos to churches to enhance worship and sermons. In addition, WorshipHouseKids.com provides children’s ministries with products to fulfill their visual needs.

SermonSpice.com is an online provider of church media for local churches and ministries.

GodVine.com is an online platform designed to share inspirational, family-friendly video through Facebook and other social media outlets.

ChurchStaffing.com™ is a source of job search information for churches and ministries offering a platform for personnel and staff relations. This site allows those seeking employment to submit resumes and view job listings.

ChristianJobs.com™ provides services catering to the hiring needs of Christian-based businesses, nonprofit organizations, and ministries. The site connects these organizations with thousands of job seekers through its online presence and partnerships with Salem’s radio stations.

SermonSearch.com a subscription-based resource for preachers and teachers with preparation materials like sermon outlines, illustrations, and preaching ideas from many of America’s top Christian communicators.

ReligionToday.com reports the news of importance to the Christian audience with a headlines blog, persecution updates, Christian worldview commentary, and features on events from the worldwide Christian Church.

Conservative Opinion Websites:

Townhall.com™ is an interactive community that brings users, conservative public policy organizations, congressional staff and political activists together under the broad umbrella of conservative thoughts, ideas and actions.

HotAir.com is a leading news and commentary site with conservative news and opinions.

 

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In addition, we own and operate websites for each of our radio stations and print publications.

Our Internet division also includes Salem Consumer Products, which hosts several websites for our audience to purchase Christian and conservative content from our on-air hosts and contributors. These sites include:

 

   

ConservativeStore.com

 

   

ChristianBookstore.net

 

   

Dennis Prager’s Pragertopia

 

   

Hugh Hewitt’s Hughniverse

 

   

Michael Medved’s Medheads

 

   

Bill Bennett’s Round Table

 

   

Mike Gallagher’s World

Our revenue generating advertising arrangements include cost-per-click performance-based advertising; display advertisements where revenue is dependent upon the number of page views; and lead generating advertisements where revenue is dependent upon users registering for, or purchasing or demonstrating interest in, advertisers’ products or services. Revenues from online product sales are recognized when the products are shipped. We also generate revenue from annual support plans on our CCIS Software, which we recognize pro-ratably over the term. Total Internet revenue, including SWN, for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $33.5 million, or 14.6% of total revenue.

Salem Publishing™ and Xulon Press

Our Publishing segment consists of a book publishing business, Xulon Press, and a magazine publishing business, Salem Publishing.

Magazine Publishing:

We publish several print magazines on a monthly or semi-monthly basis. Our publications include the following Christian or conservative publications:

 

   

Singing News®

 

   

Homecoming® The Magazine

 

   

YouthWorker Journal™

 

   

Preaching Magazine™

 

   

FaithTalk Magazine™

 

   

Townhall Magazine™

Book Publishing:

Xulon Press™ is a print-on-demand self-publishing service for Christian authors.

COMPETITION

We operate in a highly competitive broadcast and media business. We compete for advertisers and customers with other radio broadcasters, as well as with other media sources including broadcast and cable television, newspapers and magazines, national and local digital services, outdoor advertising, direct mail, online marketing and media companies, social media platforms, web-based blogs, and mobile telephony devices.

BROADCASTING. Our broadcast audience ratings and market shares are subject to change, and any change in a particular market could have a material adverse effect on the revenue of our stations located in that market. While we already compete in some of our markets with stations that offer similar formats, if another radio station were to convert its programming to a format similar to one of ours, or if an existing competitor were to strengthen its operations, our stations could suffer reduced ratings and/or reduced revenues. In these circumstances, we could also incur significantly higher promotional and other related expenses. We cannot assure that our stations will maintain or increase their current audience ratings and revenues.

 

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Christian and Family-Themed Radio. The segment of this industry that focuses on Christian and family themes, is also a highly competitive business. The financial success of each of our radio stations that focuses on Christian Teaching and Talk is dependent, to a significant degree, upon its ability to generate revenue from the sale of block program time to national and local religious and educational organizations. We compete for this program revenue with a number of different commercial and non-commercial radio station licensees. While no commercial group owner in the United States specializing in Christian and family-themed programming approaches Salem in size of potential listening audience and presence in major markets, other religious radio stations exist and enjoy varying degrees of prominence and success in all markets.

We also compete for advertising revenue with other commercial religious format and general format radio station licensees. Our competition for advertising dollars includes other radio stations as well as broadcast television, cable television, newspapers, magazines, direct mail, Internet and billboard advertising, some of which may be controlled by horizontally-integrated companies. Several factors can materially affect competitive advantage, including, but not limited to audience ratings, program content, management talent and expertise, sales talent and experience, audience characteristics, signal strength, and the number and characteristics of other radio stations in the same market.

Competition also comes from new media technologies and services. These include delivery of audio programming by cable television and satellite systems, digital audio radio services, mobile telephony including smart phone applications for iPhone®, Blackberry® and Android®, personal communications services and the service of low powered, limited coverage FM radio stations authorized by the FCC. The delivery of live and stored audio programming through the Internet has also created new competition. In addition, satellite delivered digital audio radio, which deliver multiple audio programming formats to national audiences, has created competition. We have attempted to address these existing and potential competitive threats through a more active strategy to acquire and integrate new electronic communications formats including Internet acquisitions made by SWN and our exclusive arrangement to provide Christian and family-themed talk on SiriusXM, a satellite digital audio radio service.

NETWORK. Salem Radio Network competes with other commercial radio networks that offer news and talk programming to religious and general format stations and noncommercial networks that offer Christian music formats. SRN also competes with other radio networks for the services of talk show personalities.

INTERNET. Salem Web Networkcompetes for visitors and advertisers with other companies that deliver on-line audio programming and Christian and conservative Internet content as well as providers of general market Internet sites. The online media and distribution business changes quickly and is highly competitive. We compete to attract and maintain interactions with advertisers, consumers, content creators and web publishers.

PUBLISHING. Our print magazines compete for readers and advertisers with other print publications including those that follow the Christian music industry and those that address themes of interest to church leadership and the Christian audience. Xulon Press™ competes for authors with other on-demand publishers including those focused exclusively on Christian book publishers.

FEDERAL REGULATION OF RADIO BROADCASTING

Introduction. The ownership, operation and sale of broadcast stations, including those licensed to Salem, are subject to the jurisdiction of the FCC, which acts under authority derived from The Communications Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (the “Communications Act”). Among other things, the FCC assigns frequency bands for broadcasting; determines whether to approve certain changes in ownership or control of station licenses; regulates transmission facilities, including power employed, antenna and tower heights, and location of transmission facilities; adopts and implements regulations and policies that directly or indirectly affect the ownership, operation and employment practices of stations; and has the power to impose penalties for violations of its rules under the Communications Act.

The following is a brief summary of certain provisions of the Communications Act and of specific FCC regulations and policies. Failure to observe these or other rules and policies can result in the imposition of various sanctions, including monetary forfeitures, the grant of “short” (less than the maximum) license renewal terms or, for particularly egregious violations, the denial of a license renewal application, the revocation of a license or the denial of FCC consent to acquire additional broadcast properties. For further information concerning the nature and extent of federal regulation of broadcast stations you should refer to the Communications Act, FCC rules and the public notices and rulings of the FCC.

License Grant and Renewal. Radio broadcast licenses are granted for maximum terms of eight years. Licenses must be renewed through an application to the FCC. Under the Communications Act, the FCC will renew a broadcast license if it finds that the station has served the public interest, convenience and necessity, that there have been no serious violations by the licensee of the Communications Act or the rules and regulations of the FCC, and that there have been no other violations by the licensee of the Communications Act or the rules and regulations of the FCC that, when taken together, would constitute a pattern of abuse.

 

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Petitions to deny license renewals can be filed by certain interested parties, including members of the public in a station’s market. Such petitions may raise various issues before the FCC. The FCC is required to hold hearings on renewal applications if the FCC is unable to determine that renewal of a license would serve the public interest, convenience and necessity, or if a petition to deny raises a “substantial and material question of fact” as to whether the grant of the renewal application would be prima facie inconsistent with the public interest, convenience and necessity. In addition, during certain periods when a renewal application is pending, the transferability of the applicant’s license is restricted.

Radio station KNTS-AM is an expanded band station paired with station KLFE-AM in the Seattle, WA market, and station KBJD-AM is an expanded band station paired with KRKS-AM in the Denver, CO market. We are operating these four stations pursuant to FCC licenses or other FCC authority pending resolution by the FCC of the issue of AM expanded band dual operating authority. Depending upon how the FCC resolves that issue, it is possible that we will be required to surrender one station license in each station pair. Except for these stations, we are not currently aware of any facts that would prevent the timely renewal of our licenses to operate our radio stations, although there can be no assurance that our licenses will be renewed.

Ownership Matters. The Communications Act prohibits the assignment of a broadcast license or the transfer of control of a broadcast license without the prior approval of the FCC. In determining whether to assign, transfer, grant or renew a broadcast license, the FCC considers a number of factors pertaining to the licensee, including compliance with various rules limiting common ownership of media properties, the “character” of the licensee and those persons holding “attributable” interests therein, and compliance with the Communications Act’s limitation on alien ownership, as well as compliance with other FCC policies, including equal employment opportunity requirements.

Under the Communications Act, a broadcast license may not be granted to or held by a corporation that has more than one-fifth of its capital stock owned or voted by aliens or their representatives, by foreign governments or their representatives, or by non-U.S. corporations. Under the Communications Act, a broadcast license also may not be granted to or held by any corporation that is controlled, directly or indirectly, by any other corporation more than one-fourth of whose capital stock is owned or voted by aliens or their representatives, by foreign governments or their representatives, or by non-U.S. corporations. These restrictions apply in modified form to other forms of business organizations, including partnerships. We therefore may be restricted from having more than one-fourth of our stock owned or voted by aliens, foreign governments or non-U.S. corporations.

Multiple Ownership: The Communications Act and FCC rules also generally restrict the common ownership, operation or control of radio broadcast stations serving the same local market, of a radio broadcast station and a television broadcast station serving the same local market, and of a radio broadcast station and a daily newspaper serving the same local market. The FCC also restricts the number of television stations an entity may own both in local markets and nationwide.

Our current ownership of radio broadcast stations complies with the FCC’s multiple ownership rules; however, these rules may limit the number of additional stations that we may acquire in the future in certain of our markets and could limit the potential buyers of any stations we may attempt to sell. The FCC is also required by the Communications Act to review its broadcast ownership rules every four years. During 2009, the FCC held a series of hearings designed to evaluate possible changes to its rules. In May 2010, the FCC formally initiated its 2010 review of its media ownership rules with the issuance of a Notice of Inquiry (“NOI”). The NOI is intended to assist the Commission in establishing a framework within which to analyze whether its media ownership rules remain “necessary in the public interest as a result of competition,” due to the dramatic changes occurring in the media marketplace. Numerous parties have filed comments and reply comments in response to the NOI. In June and July 2011, the FCC released to the public eleven economic studies related to its media ownership rules. We believe that the next step will be for the FCC to issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“NPRM”) to seek comment on specific proposed changes to its ownership rules. We can make no determination as to what effect, if any, this proposed rulemaking will have on Salem.

Attribution: Because of these multiple and cross-ownership rules, a purchaser of voting stock of the company that acquires an “attributable” interest in the company may violate the FCC’s rule if it also has an attributable interest in other television or radio stations, or in daily newspapers, depending on the number and location of those radio or television stations or daily newspapers. Such a purchaser also may be restricted in the other companies in which it may invest, to the extent that these investments give rise to an attributable interest. If an attributable stockholder of the company violates any of these ownership rules, the company may be unable to obtain from the FCC one or more authorizations needed to conduct its radio station business and may be unable to obtain FCC consents for certain future acquisitions.

 

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The FCC generally applies its television/radio/newspaper cross-ownership rules and its broadcast multiple ownership rules by considering the “attributable,” or cognizable, interests held by a person or entity. A person or entity can have an interest in a radio station, television station or daily newspaper by being an officer, director, partner, member, or stockholder of a company that owns that station or newspaper. Whether that interest is cognizable under the FCC’s ownership rules is determined by the FCC’s attribution rules. If an interest is attributable, the FCC treats the person or entity who holds that interest as an “owner” of the radio station, television station or daily newspaper in question, and therefore subject to the FCC’s ownership rules.

Any officers and directors of a broadcast licensee, cable system owner, or daily newspaper owner are deemed to hold attributable interests in that entity. Generally, the officers and directors of any parent company that holds an attributable interest are themselves also deemed to hold the same attributable interests as that company. In certain situations where a parent company is involved in businesses other than broadcasting, cable system operation, or newspaper publishing, and an individual officer or director has duties and responsibilities wholly unrelated to the company’s broadcast, cable, or newspaper activities, that officer or director may avoid attribution, but will need to submit a statement to the FCC documenting their lack of involvement in the relevant businesses.

Generally, debt interests held in a broadcast licensee, cable system owner, daily newspaper publisher, or parent company are not deemed attributable. Debt holders will be subject to attribution, however, where the aggregate value of the equity and debt held in the broadcast, cable, or newspaper company exceeds 33% of that company’s total asset value and the debt holder also holds another attributable interest in the relevant market or the debt holder supplies over 15% of the programming, on a weekly basis, for the station in which the interest is held.

Programming and Operation. The Communications Act requires broadcasters to serve the “public interest.” The FCC has gradually relaxed or eliminated many of the more formalized procedures it had developed in the past to promote the broadcast of certain types of programming responsive to the needs of a station’s community of license. Although in recent years proposals have been put forth by the FCC to reinstitute certain formal procedures, none of these proposals have yet been adopted for radio stations. Licensees continue to be required, however, to present programming that is responsive to community problems, needs and interests and to maintain certain records demonstrating such responsiveness. Complaints from listeners concerning a station’s programming will be considered by the FCC when it evaluates the licensee’s renewal application, but such complaints may be filed and considered at any time.

Stations also must pay annual regulatory fees and fees associated with the filing of most applications. Stations also must follow various FCC rules that regulate, among other things, political advertising, advertising for certain products or services (e.g. tobacco advertising), the broadcast of obscene or indecent programming, closed captioning, emergency programming, sponsorship identification and technical operations (including limits on radio frequency radiation) and equal employment opportunity requirements. The broadcast of contests and lotteries is regulated by FCC rules.

Failure to observe these or other rules and policies can result in the imposition of various sanctions, including monetary forfeitures, the grant of “short” (less than the maximum) renewal terms or, for particularly egregious violations, the denial of a license renewal application or the revocation of a license.

Proposed Changes. As noted above, in May 2010, the FCC formally initiated its 2010 review of its media ownership rules with the issuance of a Notice of Inquiry (NOI). The NOI is intended to assist the Commission in establishing a framework within which to analyze whether its media ownership rules remain “necessary in the public interest as a result of competition,” due to the dramatic changes occurring in the media marketplace. Numerous parties have filed comments and reply comments in response to the NOI. In June and July 2011, the FCC released to the public eleven economic studies related to its media ownership rules. We believe that the next step will be for the FCC to issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to seek comment on specific proposed changes to its ownership rules. We can make no determination as to what effect, if any, this proposed rulemaking will have on Salem.

The Congress and the FCC from time to time have under consideration, and may in the future consider and adopt, new laws, regulations and policies regarding a wide variety of matters that could, directly or indirectly, affect the operation, ownership and profitability of the company’s radio stations, result in the loss of audience share and revenue for the company’s radio stations, and affect the ability of the company to acquire additional radio stations or finance such acquisitions. Such matters under consideration include, or may come to include:

 

   

proposals to require broadcast licenses to broadcast specific types and amounts of local programming;

 

   

proposals restricting the location of broadcast studios;

 

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technical and frequency allocation matters, including potential reallocation of broadcast spectrum to other uses;

 

   

changes in multiple ownership and cross-ownership rules;

 

   

changes to broadcast technical requirements; and

 

   

proposals to require broadcasters to pay copyright royalties for over-the-air performance of sound recordings.

The foregoing summary of certain provisions of the Communications Act and of specific FCC rules and policies does not purport to be comprehensive. For further information concerning the nature and extent of federal regulation of radio broadcast stations you should refer to the Communications Act, the FCC’s rules and the public notices and rulings of the FCC.

Federal Antitrust Considerations. The Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) and the Department of Justice (“DOJ”), which evaluate transactions to determine whether those transactions should be challenged under the federal antitrust laws, are also active in their review of radio station acquisitions, particularly where an operator proposes to acquire additional stations in its existing markets.

For an acquisition meeting certain size thresholds, the Hart-Scott-Rodino Improvements Act (“HSR Act”) and the rules promulgated thereunder require the parties to file Notification and Report Forms with the FTC and the DOJ and to observe specified waiting period requirements before consummating the acquisition. At any time before or after the consummation of a proposed acquisition, the FTC or the DOJ could take such action under the antitrust laws as it deems necessary or desirable in the public interest, including seeking to enjoin the acquisition or seeking divestiture of the business acquired or other assets of the company. Acquisitions that are not required to be reported under the HSR Act may be investigated by the FTC or the DOJ under the antitrust laws before or after consummation. In addition, private parties may under certain circumstances bring legal action to challenge an acquisition under the antitrust laws. The DOJ also has stated publicly that it believes that LMAs and other similar agreements customarily entered into in connection with radio station transfers prior to the expiration of the waiting period under the HSR Act could violate the HSR Act.

Although we do not believe our acquisition strategy as a whole will be adversely affected in any material respect by antitrust review, we can provide no assurances as such.

SEGMENTS

We have two reportable segments, radio-broadcasting and Internet. Our radio-broadcasting segment operates radio stations throughout the United States, various radio networks and our National sales group. Due to growth within our Internet operations, including the acquisition of WorshipHouseMedia.com on March 28, 2011, our Internet segment qualified for disclosure as a reportable segment in 2011. Beginning with the first quarter of 2011, we separated our non-broadcast segment into two operating segments, Internet and Publishing. All prior periods presented have been updated to reflect the separation of these non-broadcast segments. Our Internet segment operates all of our websites and our consumer product sales. Our publishing segment operates our print magazines and Xulon Press, a print-on-demand book publisher. Segment operating results are presented in Note 15 to our consolidated financial statements.

EMPLOYEES

As of January 24, 2013, we employed 1,130, employees in radio broadcasting, 137 employees in Internet entities, 87 employees in publishing and 105 employees in corporate functions. Of these employees, 1,124 are full-time and 335 are part-time employees. We consider our relations with our employees to be good and none of our employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements.

We employ on-air personalities and we may enter into employment agreements with these on-air personalities in order to protect our interests in these relationships. However, on-air talent may be lost to competitors for a variety of reasons. While we do not believe that the loss of any one of our on-air personalities would have a material and adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations, the loss of several key on-air personalities combined could have a material and adverse effect on our business.

 

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INTERNET ADDRESS AND INTERNET ACCESS TO SEC REPORTS

Our Internet address is www.salem.cc. You may obtain through our Internet website, free of charge, copies of our annual reports filed on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. These reports are available as soon as reasonably practical after we electronically file them or furnish them to the SEC. Our website and the information contained therein or connected thereto shall not be deemed to be incorporated into this Form 10-K.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

CERTAIN FACTORS AFFECTING SALEM

We may choose not to pursue potentially more profitable business opportunities outside of our Christian, conservative news talk and family-themed formats, or not to broadcast programming that violates our programming standards, either of which may have a material and adverse effect on our business.

We are fundamentally committed to broadcasting, Internet and publishing formats and programming emphasizing Christian values, conservative family themes and news. We may choose not to switch to other formats or pursue potentially more profitable business opportunities due to this commitment, which could result in lower operating revenues and profits than we might otherwise achieve. We also do not intend to pursue business opportunities or broadcast programming that would conflict with our core commitment to Christian and family-themed formats or that would violate our programming standards, even if such opportunities or programming would be more profitable. Our decision not to pursue other formats, business opportunities and/or broadcast programming that is inconsistent with our programming standards may have a material and adverse effect on our business.

RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH BUSINESS OPERATIONS

We may be adversely affected by deteriorating economic conditions including the economic climate failing to improve.

The risks associated with our businesses become more acute in periods of a slowing economy or recession, which are often accompanied by a decrease in advertising. A decline in the level of business activity of our advertisers could have an adverse effect on our revenues and profit margins. During economic slowdowns in the United States, many advertisers have reduced their advertising expenditures. While the precise impact of economic slowdowns on our business is difficult to predict, our exposure to several risks increases with a slowing economy or a recession, including but not limited to:

 

   

Increasing pressure to sell advertising and block programming time at discounted rates;

 

   

Increases in the length of time to collect receivables and higher risks that accounts become uncollectible as our customers face tight credit markets;

 

   

Ministries are experiencing lower levels of donations that could negatively impact their ability to purchase and pay for block programming time;

 

   

We may not be able to find suitable replacements for ministries that can no longer purchase and pay for block programming;

 

   

Limitations on our ability to obtain additional financing to fund working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other corporate requirements;

 

   

Limitations on our ability to pursue projects that could have been beneficial; and

 

   

Impairment losses on the value of our indefinite-lived intangible assets including FCC broadcast licenses, goodwill, and mastheads and impairment losses on other long-lived assets.

We must respond to the rapid changes in technology, services and standards of our industry in order to remain competitive.

The radio broadcast industry is subject to rapid technological change, evolving industry standards and the emergence of competition from new media technologies and services. We cannot make assurances that we will have the resources to acquire new technologies or to introduce new services that could compete with these new technologies. Various new media technologies and services are currently being developed or introduced, including but not limited to:

 

   

Satellite-delivered digital audio radio service, which has resulted in the introduction of new subscriber-based satellite radio services with numerous niche formats;

 

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Audio programming by cable systems, direct-broadcast satellite systems, personal communications systems, content available over the Internet and other digital audio broadcast formats;

 

   

In-band on-channel digital radio, which provides multi-channel, multi-format digital radio services in the same bandwidth currently occupied by traditional AM and FM radio services;

 

   

Low-power FM radio, which could result in additional FM radio broadcast outlets including additional low-power FM radio signals authorized in December 2010 under the Local Community Radio Act;

 

   

Mobile telephony;

 

   

High Definition (“HD”) radio;

 

   

Internet radio and other audio content offerings such as Pandora and iHeart Radio; and

 

   

Personal digital audio devices (e.g., iPods, mp3 players, audio via WiFi, mobile phones, WiMAX, etc.) or other emerging next-generation networks and technologies.

We currently program one channel on SiriusXM. We also offer pod-casts and downloads of portions of our programming; however, we cannot assure you that this arrangement will be successful or enable us to adapt effectively to these new media technologies. We cannot predict the effect, if any, that competition arising from new technologies or regulatory change(s) may have on the radio broadcast industry or on our financial condition and results of operations.

The accounting treatment of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets could cause future losses due to asset impairment.

Under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 350 “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other,” indefinite-lived intangibles, including broadcast licenses, goodwill and mastheads are not amortized but instead are tested for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that there may be an impairment. Impairment is measured as the excess of the carrying value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset over its fair value. Intangible assets that have finite useful lives continue to be amortized over their useful lives and are measured for impairment if events or circumstances indicate that they may be impaired. Impairment losses are recorded as operating expenses. We incurred significant impairment losses in prior years with regard to our indefinite-lived intangible assets. During the current year, we recognized impairment losses of $0.1 million associated with mastheads in our publishing segment. The impairment was driven by a reduction in projected net revenues resulting from ongoing operating results that have not met expectations. The impairment was indicative of trends in the publishing industry as a whole and is not unique to our company or operations.

The valuation of intangible assets is subjective and based on estimates rather than precise calculations. The fair value measurements of our indefinite-lived intangible assets use significant unobservable inputs that reflect our own assumptions about the estimates that market participants would use in measuring fair value including assumptions about risk. If actual future results are less favorable than the assumptions and estimates we used, we are subject to future impairment charges, the amount of which may be material. Given the current economic environment and uncertainties that can negatively impact our business, there can be no assurance that our estimates and assumptions made for the purpose of our indefinite-lived intangible fair value estimates will prove to be accurate.

The impairment charges we have recognized are non-cash in nature and did not violate covenants on our then existing credit facilities or Revolver entered on December 1, 2009. However, the potential for future impairment charges can be viewed as a negative factor with regard to forecasted future performance and cash flows. We believe that we have adequately considered the economic downturn in our valuation models and do not believe that the non-cash impairments in and of themselves are a liquidity risk.

We may be unable to integrate the operations and management of acquired stations or businesses, which could have a material and adverse effect on our business and operating results.

During 2012 and 2011, we spent $10.7 million and $9.2 million, respectively, on the acquisition of radio station and Internet businesses. We expect to make additional acquisitions of radio stations, Internet businesses or publishing entities. There can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully integrate the operations or management of acquired radio stations and businesses and realize anticipated revenue synergies, or the operations or management of stations and businesses that may be acquired in the future. Continued acquisitions will require us to manage a larger and likely more geographically diverse radio station, Internet and publishing portfolio than historically has been the case. Our inability to integrate and manage newly acquired radio stations, Internet businesses or publishing entities successfully could have a material and adverse effect on our business and operating results.

 

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If we are unable to implement our cluster strategy, we may not realize anticipated operating efficiencies.

As part of our operating strategy, we attempt to realize efficiencies in operating costs and cross-selling of advertising by clustering the operations of two or more radio stations in a single market. However, there can be no assurance that this operating strategy will be successful. Furthermore, we cannot make any assurance that the clustering of radio stations in one market will not result in downward pressure on advertising rates at one or more of the existing or new radio stations within the cluster. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that any of our stations will be able to maintain or increase its current listening audiences and operating revenue in circumstances where we implement our clustering strategy.

Additionally, FCC rules and policies allow a broadcaster to own a number of radio stations in a given market and permit, within limits, joint arrangements with other stations in a market relating to programming, advertising sales and station operations. We believe that radio stations that elect to take advantage of these clustering opportunities may have lower operating costs and may be able to offer advertisers more attractive rates and services. The future development of our business in new markets, as well as the maintenance of our business growth in those markets in which we do not currently have radio station clusters, may be negatively impacted by competitors who are taking or may take advantage of these clustering opportunities by operating multiple radio stations within markets.

We base capital allocation decisions primarily on our analysis of the predicted internal rate of return. If the estimates and assumptions we use in calculating the internal rate of return are inaccurate, our capital may be inefficiently allocated. If we fail to appropriately allocate our capital, our growth rate and financial results will be adversely affected.

We continually seek opportunities for growth by increasing the strength and number of our broadcast signals, increasing the number of page views on our web platform and increasing the subscriber base of our magazines. In order to realize these growth opportunities, we must rely on continued technical improvements to expand our broadcasting, Internet and publication footprint. When deciding which opportunities to pursue, we must predict the internal rate of return associated with each project. Our calculations are based on certain estimates and assumptions that may not be realized. Accordingly, the calculation of internal rate of return may not be reflective of our actual returns, and our capital may be inefficiently allocated. If we fail to appropriately allocate our capital, our growth rate and financial results will be adversely affected.

Our business is dependent upon the performance of key employees, on-air talent and program hosts.

Our business is dependent upon the performance and continued efforts of certain key individuals, including Edward G. Atsinger III, our Chief Executive Officer, and Stuart W. Epperson, our Chairman of the Board. The loss of the services of such key individuals could have a material adverse effect upon us. We have entered into employment agreements with such key individuals. Mr. Epperson has radio interests unrelated to Salem’s operations that will continue to impose demands on his time. Mr. Atsinger has an interest in an aviation business unrelated to Salem’s operations that will continue to impose demands on his time.

We also employ or independently contract with several on-air personalities and hosts of syndicated radio programs with significant loyal audiences on both a national level and in their respective local markets. Several of our on-air personalities have a presence that extends beyond our radio platforms into other strategic areas. Although we have entered into long-term agreements with some of our executive officers, key on-air talent and program hosts to protect our interests in those relationships, we can give no assurance that all or any of these key employees will remain with us or will retain their audiences. Competition for these individuals is intense and many of our key employees are at-will employees who are under no legal obligation to remain with us. Our competitors may choose to extend offers to any of these individuals on terms that we may be unable or unwilling to meet. In addition, any or all of our key employees may decide to leave for a variety of personal or other reasons beyond our control. Furthermore, the popularity and audience loyalty of our key on-air talent and program hosts is highly sensitive to rapidly changing public tastes. A loss of such popularity or audience loyalty is beyond our control and could limit our ability to generate revenues.

Our syndicated programming is dependent upon maintenance of our transponder equipment, which is located at various customer sites.

Delivery of our national programs is dependent upon transponder equipment that is located at various customer locations. The quality and durability of this equipment, as well as our ability to protect the equipment from damage, destruction or theft, directly impacts our ability to transmit programming. Losses to this equipment and any business interruption may not be fully insurable.

 

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Our advertising revenues in certain markets are ratings-sensitive and subject to decline based on ratings agency projections.

Arbitron uses its own technology to collect data for its ratings service. The Portable People Meter TM (PPMTM ) is a small device that does not require active manipulation by the end user and is capable of automatically measuring radio, television, Internet, satellite radio and satellite television signals that are encoded for the service by the broadcaster. The PPM offers a number of advantages over the traditional diary ratings collection system including ease of use, more reliable ratings data and shorter time periods between when advertising runs and when audience listening or viewing habits can be reported. In markets where we subscribe to Arbitron under the PPM, our ratings have been less consistent. PPM data can fluctuate when changes are made to the “panel” (a group of individuals holding PPM devices). This makes all stations susceptible to some inconsistencies in ratings that may or may not accurately reflect the actual number of listeners at any given time.

If we cannot attract the anticipated listener, programmer and advertiser base for our newly-acquired radio stations, we may not recoup associated operating costs or achieve profitability for these radio stations.

We frequently acquire selected assets of radio stations that previously broadcasted in formats other than our primary formats. We continue to program some of these stations in non-primary formats and we re-program others to one of our primary formats. During, and for a period after, the conversion of a radio station’s format, the radio station typically generates operating losses. The magnitude and duration of these losses depends on a number of factors, including the promotional and marketing costs associated with attracting listeners and advertisers to our radio station’s new format and the success of these efforts. There is no guarantee that the operation of these newly-acquired stations or our operations in new formats will attract a sufficient listener and advertiser base. If we are not successful in attracting the listener and advertiser base we anticipate, we may not recoup associated operating costs or achieve profitability for these radio stations.

If we do not maintain or increase our block programming revenues, our business and operating results may be materially and adversely affected.

The financial success of each of our radio stations that feature Christian Teaching and Talk programming is significantly dependent upon our ability to generate revenue from the sale of block programming time to national and local religious and educational organizations. Block programming accounted for 41.4% of our net broadcast revenue for the year ended December 31, 2012, and 41.5% of our net broadcast revenue for the same period of the prior year. We compete for this program revenue with a number of commercial and non-commercial radio stations. Due to the significant competition for this block programming, we may not be able to maintain or increase our current block programming revenue, in which case, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.

If we are unable to maintain or grow our advertising revenues, our business and operating results may be adversely affected.

Our radio stations, Internet sites and publications are to varying degrees dependent upon advertising for their respective revenues. In the advertising market, we compete for revenue with other commercial religious format and general format radio stations, as well as with other media outlets including broadcast and cable television, newspapers, magazines, direct mail, Internet and billboard advertising. Due to this significant competition, we may not be able to maintain or increase our current advertising revenue. Any sustained economic downturn could negatively impact our ability to generate revenues. If we are unable to maintain and grow our advertising revenues, our business, financial condition and results of operating may be materially and adversely affected.

We face significant competition, which we expect will continue to intensify, and we may not be able to maintain or improve our competitive position or market share.

We operate in a highly competitive broadcast and media business. We compete for advertisers and customers with other radio broadcasters, as well as with other media sources including broadcast and cable television, newspapers and magazines, national and local digital services, outdoor advertising, direct mail, online marketing and media companies, social media platforms, web-based blogs, and mobile telephony devices. We face intense competition from a wide range of competitors, including online marketing and media companies, integrated social media platforms and other specialist and enthusiast websites.

Our broadcast audience ratings and market shares are subject to change, and any change in a particular market could have a material adverse effect on the revenue of our stations located in that market. Salem Web Network competes for visitors and advertisers with other companies that deliver on-line audio programming and Christian and conservative Internet content as well as providers of general market Internet sites. Our print magazines compete for readers and advertisers with other print publications

 

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including those that follow the Christian music industry and those that address themes of interest to church leadership and the Christian audience. Xulon Press™ competes for authors with other on-demand publishers including those focused exclusively on Christian book publishers.

This competition could make it more difficult for us to provide value to our consumers, our advertisers and our content creators and result in increased pricing pressure, reduced profit margins, increased sales and marketing expenses, decreased website traffic and failure to increase, or the loss of, market share, any of which would likely seriously harm our business, revenue, financial condition and results of operations. There can be no assurance that we will be able to compete successfully against current or future competitors.

Our business generates revenue from the sale of advertising, and the reduction in spending by or loss of advertisers could seriously harm our business.

We derive a substantial part of our total revenues from the sale of advertising. For the years ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, 43.3%, 43.0% and 42.3% of our total revenues, respectively, were generated from the sale of broadcast advertising. We are particularly dependent on revenue from our Los Angeles and Dallas clusters, which generated 15.8% and 18.8%, respectively, of our total net advertising revenues for the year ended December 31, 2010, 15.2 %, and 23.2 %, respectively, of our total net advertising revenues for the year ended December 31, 2011 and 16.2% and 23.6 %, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2012. Because substantial portions of our revenues are derived from local advertisers in these key markets, our ability to generate revenues in those markets could be adversely affected by local or regional economic downturns.

If we are unable to continue to drive and increase visitors to our owned and operated websites and to our customer websites and convert these visitors into repeat users and customers cost-effectively, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

We attract traffic to our owned and operated websites by offering content that is highly specific and that we believe to be relevant to our audiences. How successful we are in these efforts depends, in part, upon our continued ability to create and distribute high-quality, commercially valuable content in a cost-effective manner at scale that connects consumers with content that meets their specific interests and effectively enables them to share and interact with the content and supporting communities. We may not be able to create content in a cost-effective manner or that meets rapidly changing consumer demand in a timely manner, if at all. Any such failure to do so may adversely affect user and customer experiences and reduce traffic driven to our websites that could adversely affect our business, revenue, financial condition and results of operations.

Even if we succeed in driving traffic to our owned and operated websites and to our customer websites, neither we nor our advertisers and customers may be able to monetize this traffic or otherwise retain consumers. Our failure to do so could result in decreases in customers and related advertising revenue, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

New technologies may increase competition with our broadcasting operations.

Our radio broadcasting business faces increasing competition from new technologies, such as broadband wireless, satellite radio and audio broadcasting by cable television systems, as well as new customer products, such as portable digital audio players and smart mobile phones. These new technologies and alternative media platforms compete with our radio stations for audience share and advertising revenues. The FCC also has approved new technologies for use in the radio broadcasting industry, including the terrestrial delivery of digital audio broadcasting, which significantly enhances the sound quality of radio broadcasts. We are unable to predict the effect that such technologies and related services and products will have on our broadcasting operations, but the capital expenditures necessary to implement such technologies could be substantial. We cannot assure that we will continue to have the resources to acquire new technologies or to introduce new services to compete with other new technologies or services, and other companies employing such new technologies or services could increase competition with our businesses.

The company must respond to changes in consumer behavior as a result of new technologies in order to remain competitive.

Technology, particularly digital technology used in the entertainment industry, continues to evolve rapidly, leading to alternative methods for the delivery and storage of digital content. These technological advancements have driven changes in consumer behavior and have empowered consumers to seek more control over when, where and how they consume digital content. Content owners are increasingly delivering their content directly to consumers over the Internet, often without charge, and innovations in distribution platforms have enabled consumers to view such Internet-delivered content on televisions and portable

 

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devices. There is a risk that the company’s responses to these changes and strategies to remain competitive, including distribution of its content on a “pay” basis, may not be adopted by consumers. In publishing, the trending toward digital media may drive down the price consumers are willing to spend on our products disproportionately to the costs associated with generating literary content. The company’s failure to protect and exploit the value of its content, while responding to and developing new technology and business models to take advantage of advancements in technology and the latest consumer preferences, could have a significant material adverse effect on the company’s businesses and results of operations.

The interruption or failure of our information technology and communications systems, or those of third parties that we rely upon, may materially and adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition, and results of operations.

The availability of our products and services depends on the continuing operation of our information technology and communications systems. Any damage to or failure of our systems, or those of third parties that we rely upon (co-location providers for data servers, storage devices, and network access) could result in interruptions in our service, which could reduce our revenue and profits. Our systems are also vulnerable to damage or interruption from earthquakes, terrorist attacks, floods, fires, power loss, telecommunications failures, computer viruses or other attempts to harm our systems.

Furthermore, third-party service providers may experience an interruption in operations or cease operations for any reason. If we are unable to agree on satisfactory terms for continued data center hosting relationships, we would be forced to enter into a relationship with other service providers or assume hosting responsibilities ourselves. If we are forced to switch hosting facilities, we may not be successful in finding an alternative service provider on acceptable terms or in hosting the computer servers ourselves. We may also be limited in our remedies against these providers in the event of a failure of service. We also rely on third-party providers for components of our technology platform, such as hardware and software providers. A failure or limitation of service or available capacity by any of these third-party providers may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We may be unable to increase or maintain our Internet advertising revenues, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition and results of operations.

We generate advertising revenue from the sale of display advertisements on our Internet sites. Our ability to increase or maintain this advertising revenue is largely dependent upon the number of users actively visiting our Internet sites. We also must increase user engagement with our advertisers in order to increase our advertising revenues. In addition, Internet advertising techniques are evolving, and if our technology and advertisement serving techniques do not evolve to meet the needs of advertisers, our advertising revenue could decline. Changes in our business model, advertising inventory or initiatives could also cause a decrease in our advertising revenue.

In addition, Internet advertisements are reportedly becoming a means to distribute viruses over the Internet. If this practice becomes more prevalent, it could result in consumers becoming less inclined to click through online advertisements, which could adversely affect the demand for Internet advertising. Additionally, we do not have long-term agreements with most of our advertisers. Any termination, change or decrease in our advertising relationships could have a material adverse effect on our revenues and profitability. If we do not maintain or increase our advertising revenues, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.

If Internet search engines’ methodologies are modified, traffic to our websites and corresponding consumer origination volumes could decline.

We depend in part on various Internet search engines, such as Google®, Bing®, Yahoo!®, and other search engines to direct a significant amount of traffic to our websites. Our ability to maintain the number of visitors directed to our websites through which we distribute our content by search engines is not entirely within our control. Changes in the methodologies used by search engines to display results could cause our websites to receive less favorable placements, which could reduce the number of unique visitors who link to our websites. Any reduction in the number of users directed to our websites could negatively affect our ability to earn revenue. If traffic on our websites declines, we may need to employ more costly resources to replace lost traffic, and such increased expense could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Wireless devices and mobile phones are used to access the Internet, and our online marketing services may not be as effective when accessed through these devices, which could cause harm to our business.

 

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The number of people who access the Internet through devices other than personal computers has increased substantially in the last few years. Our websites were originally designed for persons accessing the Internet on a desktop or laptop computer. The smaller screens, lower resolution graphics and less convenient typing capabilities of these wireless devices and mobile phones may make it more difficult for visitors to respond to our offerings. In addition, the cost of mobile advertising is relatively high and may not be cost-effective for our services. We must also ensure that our licensing arrangements with third-party content providers allow us to make this content available on these devices. If we cannot effectively make our content, products and services available on these devices, fewer consumers may access and use our content, products and services. In addition, if our services continue to be less effective or less economically attractive for customers seeking to engage in advertising through these devices and this segment of Internet traffic grows at the expense of traditional computer Internet access, we will experience difficulty attracting website visitors and attracting and retaining customers and our business, financial condition and results of operations will be harmed.

As a creator and a distributor of multi-media content, we face potential liability and expenses for legal claims based on the nature and content of the materials that we create and/or distribute, or that are accessible via our owned and operated websites and our network of customer websites. If we are required to pay damages or expenses in connection with these legal claims, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be harmed.

We rely on the work product of various content creators to produce original content for our programs, websites and publications. We face potential liability based on a variety of theories, including defamation, negligence, unlawful practice of a licensed profession, copyright or trademark infringement or other legal theories based on the nature, creation or distribution of this information, and under various laws, including the Lanham Act and the Copyright Act. We may also be exposed to similar liability in connection with content that we do not create but that is posted to our owned and operated websites and to our network of customer websites by users and other third parties through forums, comments, personas and other social media features. In addition, it is also possible that visitors to our owned and operated websites and to our network of customer websites could make claims against us for losses incurred in reliance upon information provided on our owned and operated websites or our network of customer websites. These claims, whether brought in the United States or abroad, could divert management time and attention away from our business and result in significant costs to investigate and defend, regardless of the merit of these claims. If we become subject to these or similar types of claims and are not successful in our defense, we may be forced to pay substantial damages. While we run our content through a rigorous quality control process, including an automated plagiarism program, there is no guarantee that we will avoid future liability and potential expenses for legal claims based on the content of the materials that we create or distribute. Should the content distributed through our owned and operated websites and our network of customer websites violate the intellectual property rights of others or otherwise give rise to claims against us, we could be subject to substantial liability, which could have a negative impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We rely on third parties to provide software and related services necessary for the operation of our business.

We incorporate and include third-party software into and with our applications and service offerings and expect to continue to do so. The operation of our applications and service offerings could be impaired if errors occur in the third-party software that we use. It may be more difficult for us to correct any defects in third-party software because the development and maintenance of the software is not within our control. Accordingly, our business could be adversely affected in the event of any errors in this software. There can be no assurance that any third-party licensors will continue to make their software available to us on acceptable terms, to invest the appropriate levels of resources in their software to maintain and enhance its capabilities, or to remain in business. Any impairment in our relationship with these third-party licensors could harm our ability to maintain and expand the reach of our service, increase listener hours and sell advertising each of which could harm our business, financial conditions and results of operations.

We may have difficulty scaling and adapting our existing technology and network infrastructure to accommodate increased traffic and technology advances or changing business requirements, which could lead to the loss of current and potential customers and advertisers, and cause us to incur expenses to make architectural changes.

To be successful, our network infrastructure has to perform well and be reliable. The greater the user traffic and the greater the complexity of our products and services, the more computing power we will need. In the future, we may spend substantial amounts to purchase or lease data centers and equipment, upgrade our technology and network infrastructure to handle increased traffic on our owned and operated websites and roll out new products and services. This expansion could be expensive and complex and could result in inefficiencies or operational failures. If we do not implement this expansion successfully, or if we experience inefficiencies and operational failures during its implementation, the quality of our products and services and our users’ experience could decline. This could damage our reputation and lead us to lose current and potential customers and advertisers. The costs associated with these adjustments to our architecture could harm our operating results. Cost increases, loss of traffic or failure to accommodate new technologies or changing business requirements could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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Our business is subject to the risks of earthquakes, fires, floods and other natural catastrophic events and to interruption by man-made problems such as computer viruses or terrorism.

Our systems and operations are vulnerable to damage or interruption from earthquakes, fires, floods, power losses, telecommunications failures, terrorist attacks, acts of war, human errors, break-ins or similar events. A significant natural disaster, such as an earthquake, fire or flood, could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Our insurance coverage may be insufficient to compensate us for losses that may occur. In October of 2012, for example, Hurricane Sandy caused significant damage to our radio station facilities located in New Jersey. Additionally, our principal executive offices are located in Southern California, a region known for seismic activity. In addition, acts of terrorism could also cause disruptions in our business or the economy as a whole. Our servers may also be vulnerable to cyber-security risks such as computer viruses, break-ins and similar disruptions from unauthorized tampering with our computer systems, which could lead to interruptions, delays, loss of critical data or the unauthorized disclosure of confidential customer data. We rely heavily on servers, computers, communications systems and the Internet to conduct our business and provide high quality service to our listeners. Disruptions in these services could negatively impact our ability to run our business, result in the loss of existing or potential listeners, the loss of existing or potential advertisers and increase maintenance costs, each of which could materially and adversely affect our operating results and financial condition. Historically, we have not experienced significant disruptions in running our businesses due to cyber-security threats or breaches.

We are controlled by a few controlling stockholders.

As of December 31, 2012, Edward G. Atsinger III (Chief Executive Officer), Stuart W. Epperson (Chairman), Nancy A. Epperson (wife of Chairman) and Edward C. Atsinger (son of Chief Executive Officer) controlled approximately 85.5% in aggregate of the voting power of our capital stock. These four stockholders thus have the ability to control fundamental corporate transactions requiring stockholder approval, including but not limited to, the election of all of our directors, approval of merger transactions involving Salem and the sale of all or substantially all of Salem’s assets. The interests of any of these controlling stockholders may differ from the interests of other stockholders in a material manner.

Our broadcasts often rely on content owned by third parties; obtaining such content could be costly and require us to enter into disadvantageous license or royalty arrangements.

We rely heavily upon content and software owned by third parties in order to provide programming for our broadcasts. The cost of obtaining all necessary licenses and permission to use this third-party content and software continues to increase. Although we attempt to avoid infringing known proprietary rights of third parties in our broadcasting efforts, we expect that we may be subject to legal proceedings and claims for alleged infringement from time to time in the ordinary course of business. Any claims relating to the infringement of third-party proprietary rights, even if not meritorious, could result in costly litigation, divert management’s attention and resources, or require us to enter into royalty or license agreements which are not advantageous to us. In addition, parties making claims may be able to obtain an injunction, which could prevent us from broadcasting all or certain portions of individual radio broadcasts containing content owned by third parties. We also rely on software that we license from third parties, including software that is integrated with internally developed software and used to perform key broadcasting and accounting functions. We could lose the right to use this software or it could be made available to us only on commercially unreasonable terms. Although we believe that alternative software is available from other third-party suppliers or internal developments, the loss of or inability to maintain any of these software licenses or the inability of the third parties to enhance in a timely and cost-effective manner their products in response to changing customer needs, industry standards or technological developments could result in limitations or delays in broadcasting or accounting for programming by us until equivalent software can be developed internally or identified, licensed and integrated, which would harm our business.

Poor perception of our brand, business or industry could harm our reputation and materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our business is dependent upon attracting a large audience to our radio stations, websites and publications. Our brand, business and reputation are vulnerable to poor perception. Any damage to our reputation could harm our ability to attract and retain advertisers, customers and content creators, which could materially and adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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If we are unable to protect our domain names, our reputation and brands could be adversely affected.

We currently hold various domain name registrations relating to our brands. The registration and maintenance of domain names generally are regulated by governmental agencies and their designees. Governing bodies may establish additional top-level domains, appoint additional domain name registrars or modify the requirements for holding domain names. As a result, we may be unable to register or maintain relevant domain names. We may be unable, without significant cost or at all, to prevent third parties from registering domain names that are similar to, infringe upon or otherwise decrease the value of, our trademarks and other proprietary rights. Failure to protect our domain names could adversely affect our reputation and brands, and make it more difficult for users to find our websites and our services.

RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH REGULATIONS

The restrictions on ownership of multiple stations in each market may prevent us from implementing our cluster strategy.

As part of our growth strategy, we seek to acquire additional radio stations in markets in which we already have existing stations. However, our ability to acquire, operate and integrate any such future acquisitions as part of a cluster is limited by antitrust laws, the Communications Act, FCC regulations and other applicable laws and regulations. Changes to any of these laws or regulations may affect our ability to acquire additional stations in radio markets where we already own one (1) or more radio station(s). In 1996, Congress passed legislation that requires the FCC to periodically conduct reviews of its regulations, including those which govern the maximum number of radio stations an entity may own or have joint arrangements with relating to programming, advertising sales and station operations (the “Ownership Limits”). The FCC has adopted radio multiple ownership rules that depend upon the total number of radio stations located in the market in determining the applicable Ownership Limits. In 2003, the FCC modified its definition of the term “market” and its method of determining the number of radio stations located in a “market.” Specifically, in larger markets, the FCC replaced its “signal contour method” of defining a market and determining the number of radio stations located in the market with the use of “geographic markets” delineated by Arbitron, which is a commercial ratings service, as reported in the BIA database. For smaller radio markets for which Arbitron has not delineated a geographic market, the “signal contour method” continues to be the method of defining the market and determining the number of radio stations in the market. The methods the FCC uses to define markets affect the number of radio stations an entity may own or have joint arrangements with relating to programming, advertising sales and station operations in areas adjacent to a delineated Arbitron market. In 2010, the FCC opened a new phase of rulemaking concerning its broadcast ownership rules. The FCC sought public comments on the existing rules, including arguments and factual data on their impact on competition, localism, and diversity and held public meetings around the country on the issue of media ownership rules. The FCC 2010 quadrennial review of broadcast ownership rules is ongoing and a report and order in the proceeding was most recently delayed into 2013.

We cannot predict the impact of possible modifications to the FCC’s local radio multiple ownership rules on our business operations. Likewise, we cannot predict whether there will be a change in the antitrust laws, Communications Act or other laws governing the ownership or operation of radio stations, or whether the FCC, DOJ or FTC will modify their regulations and policies governing or affecting the acquisition of additional radio stations in a market. In addition, we cannot predict whether a private party will challenge acquisitions we propose in the future. These events could adversely affect our ability to implement our cluster acquisition strategy.

Government regulation of the broadcasting industry by the FTC, DOJ and FCC may limit our ability to acquire or dispose of radio stations and enter into certain agreements.

The Communications Act and FCC rules and policies require prior FCC approval for transfers of control of, and assignments of, FCC broadcast licenses. The FTC and the DOJ evaluate transactions to determine whether those transactions should be challenged under federal antitrust laws. As we have gained a presence in a greater number of markets and percentage of the top 50 markets, our future proposed transactions may be subject to more frequent and aggressive review by the FTC and/or the DOJ due to market concentration concerns. This increased level of review may be accentuated in instances where we propose to engage in a transaction with parties who themselves have multiple stations in the relevant market. The FCC might not approve a proposed radio station acquisition or disposition when the DOJ has expressed market concentration concerns with respect to the buy or sell side of a given transaction, even if the proposed transaction would otherwise comply with the FCC’s numerical limits on in-market ownership. We cannot be sure that the DOJ or the FTC will not seek to prohibit or require the restructuring of our future acquisitions or dispositions on these or other bases.

If a complaint was filed against us or other FCC licensees involved in a transaction with us, or an objection to the transaction itself, the FCC could delay the grant of, or refuse to grant, its consent to an assignment or transfer of control of licenses and effectively prohibit a proposed acquisition or disposition.

 

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As noted in the immediately preceding risk factor, the FCC’s local radio multiple ownership rules limit the maximum number of stations we may own or operate in a market. This may limit our ability to make future radio station acquisitions in certain markets. Additionally, this may limit our ability, in certain markets, to enter into agreements whereby we provide programming to or sell advertising on radio stations that we do not own. It could also limit our ability to sell stations to other entities that already own stations in some markets.

We may be adversely affected by statutes dealing with indecency.

The Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act of 2005 enhances the FCC’s enforcement of its rules concerning the broadcast of obscene, indecent, or profane material became law in 2006. This legislation increased the FCC’s authority in this area to impose substantially higher monetary forfeiture penalties, up to $325,000 per violation and a total of $3,000,000 for any one (1) incident. While we do not anticipate these increased penalties to impact us as significantly as some of our competitors given the nature of our programming, we could face increased costs in the form of fines as a result of this legislation.

If we fail to maintain our broadcast licenses with the FCC, we would be prevented from operating affected radio stations.

We operate each of our radio stations pursuant to one or more FCC broadcast licenses, generally of eight years’ duration. As each license expires, we apply for renewal of the license. However, we cannot be sure that any of our licenses will be renewed, and renewal is subject to challenge by third parties or to denial by the FCC. In evaluating a broadcast license renewal application, the FCC must grant the renewal if: (1) the station has served the public interest, convenience and necessity; (2) there have been no serious violations of the Communications Act or the FCC’s rules; and (3) there have been no other violations which, taken together, constitute a pattern of abuse. If, however, the station fails to meet these standards, the FCC may deny the application, after notice and an opportunity for a hearing, or grant the application on terms and conditions that are appropriate, including renewal for less than the maximum term otherwise allowed. The failure to renew any of our licenses would prevent us from operating the affected station and generating revenue from it. If the FCC decides to include conditions or qualifications in any of our licenses, we may be limited in the manner in which we may operate the affected station.

Proposed legislation requires radio broadcasters to pay higher royalties to record labels and recording artists.

We must maintain music programming royalty arrangements with, and pay license fees to, Broadcast Music, Inc. (“BMI”), American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (“ASCAP”), and SESAC, Inc. These organizations negotiate with copyright users, collect royalties and distribute them to songwriters and music publishers. Currently, we pay royalties to song composers and publishers through BMI, ASCAP and SESAC.

On December 18, 2007, legislation was introduced to Congress under the Performance Rights Act that would require terrestrial radio broadcasters to pay a royalty to record labels and performing artists for use of their recorded songs. The proposed legislation would add an additional layer of royalties to be paid directly to the record labels and artists. The bill was reintroduced on February 4, 2009. It is currently unknown what proposed legislation, if any, will become law, and what significance this royalty would have on our results from operations, cash flows or financial position.

Changes in regulations or user concerns regarding privacy and protection of user data, or any failure to comply with such laws, could diminish the value of our services and cause us to lose customers and revenue.

When a user visits our websites or certain pages of our customers’ websites, we use technologies, including “cookies,” to collect information related to the user, such as the user’s Internet Protocol, or IP, address, demographic information, and history of the user’s interactions with advertisements previously delivered by us. The information that we collect about users helps us deliver appropriate content and targeted advertising to the user. A variety of federal, state and international laws and regulations govern the collection, use, retention, sharing and security of data that we receive from and about our users. The existing privacy-related laws and regulations are evolving and subject to potentially differing interpretations. We post privacy policies on all of our owned and operated websites that set forth our policies and practices related to the collection and use of customer data. Any failure, or perceived failure, by us to comply with our posted privacy policies or with industry standards or laws or regulations could result in a loss of customer confidence in us, or result in actions against us by governmental entities or others, all of which could potentially cause us to lose customers and revenues.

In addition, various federal, state and foreign legislative and regulatory bodies may expand current or enact new laws regarding privacy matters. New laws may be enacted, or existing laws may be amended or re-interpreted, in a manner that limits our ability to analyze user data. If our access to user data is limited through legislation or any industry development, we may be unable to provide effective technologies and services to customers and we may lose customers and revenue.

 

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Certain U.S. and foreign laws could subject us to claims or otherwise harm our business.

We are subject to a variety of laws in the U.S. and abroad that may subject us to claims or other remedies. Our failure to comply with applicable laws may subject us to additional liabilities, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Laws and regulations that are particularly relevant to our business address (a) privacy; (b) freedom of expression; (c) information security; (d) content and distribution of content, including liability for user reliance on such content; (e) intellectual property rights, including secondary liability for infringement by others; (f) domain name registration; and (g) online advertising and marketing, including email marketing and unsolicited commercial email.

Many applicable laws were adopted prior to the advent of the Internet and do not contemplate or address the unique issues of the Internet. Moreover, the applicability and scope of the laws that do address the Internet remain uncertain. For example, the laws relating to the liability of providers of online services are evolving. Claims have been either threatened or filed against us under both U.S. and foreign laws for defamation, copyright infringement, cybersquatting and trademark infringement. In the future, claims may also be alleged against us based on tort claims and other theories based on our content, products and services or content generated by our users.

We receive, process and store large amounts of personal user data on our owned and operated websites and from our freelance content creators. Our privacy and data security policies govern the collection, use, sharing, disclosure and protection of this data. The storing, sharing, use, disclosure and protection of personal information and user data are subject to federal, state and international privacy laws, the purpose of which is to protect the privacy of personal information that is collected, processed and transmitted in or from the governing jurisdiction. If requirements regarding the manner in which certain personal information and other user data are processed and stored change significantly, our business may be adversely affected, impacting our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we may be exposed to potential liabilities as a result of differing views on the level of privacy required for customer and other user data we collect. Our failure or the failure of various third-party vendors and service providers to comply with applicable privacy policies or applicable laws and regulations or any compromise of security that results in the unauthorized release of personal information or other user data could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Government regulation of the Internet is evolving, and unfavorable developments could have a material and adverse affect on our operating results.

We are subject to general business regulations and laws, as well as regulations and laws specific to the Internet. Such laws and regulations cover taxation, user privacy, data collection and protection, copyrights, electronic contracts, sales procedures, automatic subscription renewals, credit card processing procedures, customer protections, broadband Internet access and content restrictions. We cannot guarantee that we have been or will be fully compliant in every jurisdiction, as it is not entirely clear how existing laws and regulations governing issues such as privacy, taxation and consumer protection apply to the Internet. Moreover, as Internet commerce continues to evolve, increasing regulation by federal, state and foreign agencies becomes more likely. The adoption of any laws or regulations that adversely affect the popularity or growth in use of the Internet, including laws limiting Internet neutrality, could decrease listener demand for our service offerings and increase our cost of doing business. Future regulations, or changes in laws and regulations or their existing interpretations or applications, could also hinder our operational flexibility, raise compliance costs and result in additional historical or future liabilities for us, resulting in material and adverse impacts on our business and our operating results.

Environmental, health, safety and land use laws and regulations may limit or restrict some of our operations.

We must comply with various federal, state and local environmental, health, safety and land use laws and regulations that have a tendency to affect broadcast facilities differently than other uses. We are subject to such laws and regulations relating to the use, storage, disposal, emission and release of hazardous and non-hazardous substances and employee health and safety, as well as zoning restrictions that may affect, among other things, the ability for us to improve or relocate our radio broadcasting facilities. Historically, we have not incurred significant expenditures to comply with these laws: however, existing laws, and those that may be applied in the future, or a finding of a violation of such laws or liability, could require us to make significant expenditures and otherwise limit or restrict some of our operations.

 

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RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH OUR SUBSTANTIAL INDEBTEDNESS

Capital requirements necessary to implement acquisitions could pose risks.

We face competition from other companies for acquisition opportunities. If the prices sought by sellers of these companies were to rise, we may find fewer acceptable acquisition opportunities. In addition, the purchase price of possible acquisitions could require additional debt or equity financing on our part. Since the terms and availability of this financing depend to a large degree upon general economic conditions and third parties over which we have no control, we can give no assurance that we will obtain the needed financing or that we will obtain such financing on attractive terms. In addition, our ability to obtain financing depends on a number of other factors, many of which are also beyond our control, such as interest rates and national and local business conditions. If the cost of obtaining needed financing is too high or the terms of such financing are otherwise unacceptable in relation to the acquisition opportunity we are presented with, we may decide to forego that opportunity. Additional indebtedness could increase our leverage and make us more vulnerable to economic downturns and may limit our ability to withstand competitive pressures.

If we are unable to execute our acquisition strategy successfully, our business may not continue to grow.

We intend to continue to selectively acquire radio stations, complementary publishing and Internet media businesses. With respect to the acquisition of radio stations, our acquisition strategy has been, and will continue to focus primarily on, the acquisition of stations in the top fifty (50) markets. However, we may not be able to identify and consummate future acquisitions successfully, and stations that we do acquire may not increase our station operating income or yield other anticipated benefits. Acquisitions in markets in which we already own stations may not increase our station operating income due to saturation of audience demand. Acquisitions in smaller markets may have less potential to increase operating revenues. With respect to our acquisition strategy of Internet and publishing businesses, we may not be able to identify and consummate the acquisition of future businesses successfully. Additionally, we may not be able to effectively integrate the operation of newly acquired businesses with our existing businesses that could result in reduced operating income from our businesses. Our failure to execute our acquisition strategy successfully in the future could limit our ability to continue to grow in terms of number of stations or profitability.

If we are not able to obtain financing or generate sufficient cash flows from operations, we may be unable to fund future acquisitions.

We may require significant financing to fund our acquisition strategy which may not be available to us. The availability of funds under our senior credit facility at any time is dependent upon, among other factors, our ability to satisfy financial covenants. Our future operating performance will be subject to financial, economic, business, competitive, regulatory and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. Accordingly, we cannot make any assurances that our future cash flows or borrowing capacity will be sufficient to allow us to complete future acquisitions or implement our business plan, which could have a material negative impact on our business and results of operations.

We have substantial debt and have the ability to incur additional debt. The principal and interest payment obligations of such debt may restrict our future operations and impair our ability to meet our obligations under such debt

At December 31, 2012, we and our subsidiary guarantors have approximately $269.0 million aggregate principal amount of outstanding indebtedness, of which $213.5 million is outstanding on the 95/8% Notes and $15.0 million is outstanding on Subordinated Debt due to Related Parties. On May 21, 2012, we entered into a new Business Loan Agreement, Promissory Note and related loan documents with First California Bank (the “FCB Loan”). The FCB Loan is an unsecured, $10.0 million fixed-term loan with a maturity date of June 15, 2014. The balance outstanding on the FCB Loan as of December 31, 2012, was $7.5 million. The balance outstanding on the Revolver of approximately $33.0 million effectively ranks senior to the outstanding notes to the extent of the assets securing such debt. In addition, the terms of the Revolver and the indenture governing the 95/8% Notes permit us to incur additional indebtedness, including up to approximately $40 million that would be available under our Revolver, subject to our ability to meet certain borrowing conditions.

Our substantial debt may have important consequences. For instance, it could:

 

   

make it more difficult for us to satisfy our financial obligations, including those relating to the 95/8% Notes;

 

   

require us to dedicate a substantial portion of any cash flow from operations to the payment of interest and principal due under our debt, which will reduce funds available for other business purposes, including capital expenditures and acquisitions;

 

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place us at a competitive disadvantage compared with some of our competitors that may have less debt and better access to capital resources; and

 

   

limit our ability to obtain additional financing required to fund working capital and capital expenditures and for other general corporate purposes.

Our ability to satisfy our obligations and to reduce our total debt depends on our future operating performance and on economic, financial, competitive and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. Our business may not generate sufficient cash flow, and future financings may not be available to provide sufficient net proceeds, to meet these obligations or to successfully execute our business strategy.

On February 25, 2013, we launched a tender offer to purchase for cash any and all of the outstanding 95/8% Notes and a related consent solicitation (collectively, the “Tender Offer”) to amend the indenture governing the 95/ 8% Notes (the “Indenture”). In connection with the Tender Offer, we plan to enter into a new senior secured term loan of up to $300 million, which will be used to fund the purchase of any 95/8% Notes that are tendered in the Tender Offer. We also plan to enter into a new senior secured revolving credit facility of up to $25 million. If the requisite consents have been obtained from holders of the 95/8% Notes in the Tender Offer, substantially all of the restrictive covenants, certain events of default and other provisions contained in the Indenture governing the 95/ 8% Notes will be eliminated and the liens on the assets that secure the 95/8% Notes will be released, making any 95/8% Notes that remain outstanding after the consummation of the Tender Offer effectively subordinated to the new term loan and the new revolving credit facility to the extent of the value of the collateral. The proceeds from these facilities will be used to fund the Tender Offer and retire all other outstanding corporate debt. Holders of the 95/8% Notes who tender by the consent payment deadline, which is 5:00 pm, New York City time, on March 8, 2013, will receive a consent payment as part of the Tender Offer consideration. The Tender Offer is anticipated to expire at midnight NewYork City time, on March 22, 2013. Regardless of whether we obtain the requisite consents from holders of the 95/8% Notes in the Tender Offer, we intend, at our sole discretion and without any obligation to do so, to retire any 95/8% Notes that are not tendered in the Tender Offer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture governing the 95/8% Notes, which may include redeeming the 95/8% Notes. Upon entry into the new term loan and the new revolving credit facility, the Revolver, FCB Loan, and Subordinated Debt due to Related Parties will be terminated.

The agreements governing our various debt obligations impose restrictions on our business and adversely affect our ability to undertake certain corporate actions.

The agreements governing our various debt obligations, including the indenture governing the 95/8% Notes, the agreements governing our Revolver, and the agreements governing our subordinated debt agreement with First California Bank, include covenants imposing significant restrictions on our business. These restrictions may affect our ability to operate our business and may limit our ability to take advantage of potential business opportunities as they arise. These covenants place restrictions on our ability to, among other things:

 

   

incur additional debt;

 

   

declare or pay dividends, redeem stock or make other distributions to stockholders;

 

   

make investments;

 

   

create liens or use assets as security in other transactions;

 

   

merge or consolidate, or sell, transfer, lease or dispose of substantially all of our assets;

 

   

engage in transactions with affiliates; and

 

   

sell or transfer assets.

Our Revolver also requires us to comply with a number of financial ratios and covenants and restricts our ability to make certain capital expenditures.

Our ability to comply with these agreements may be affected by events beyond our control, including prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions. These covenants could have an adverse effect on our business by limiting our ability to take advantage of financing, merger and acquisition or other corporate opportunities. The breach of any of these covenants or restrictions could result in a default under the indenture governing the 95/8% Notes or the Revolver. An event of default under any of our debt agreements could permit some of our lenders, including the lenders under the Revolver, to declare all amounts borrowed from them to be immediately due and payable, together with accrued and unpaid interest, which could, in turn, trigger defaults under other debt obligations and the commitments of the lenders to make further extensions of credit under our Revolver could be terminated. If we were unable to repay debt to our lenders, or are otherwise in default under any provision governing our outstanding secured debt obligations, our secured lenders could proceed against us and the subsidiary guarantors and against the collateral securing that debt. In addition, acceleration of our other indebtedness may cause us to be unable to make interest payments on the 95/8% Notes and repay the principal amount of or repurchase the 95/8% Notes or may cause the subsidiary guarantors to be unable to make payments under the guarantees.

 

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On February 25, 2013, we launched a tender offer to purchase for cash any and all of the 95/8% Notes and a related consent solicitation (collectively, the “Tender Offer”) to amend the indenture governing the 95/8% Notes (the “Indenture”). In connection with the Tender Offer, we plan to enter into a new senior secured term loan of up to $300 million, which will be used to fund the purchase of any 95/8% Notes that are tendered in the Tender Offer. We also plan to enter into a new senior secured revolving credit facility of up to $25 million. If the requisite consents have been obtained from holders of the 95/8% Notes in the Tender Offer, substantially all of the restrictive covenants, certain events of default and other provisions contained in the Indenture governing the 95/8% Notes will be eliminated and the liens on the assets that secure the 95/8% Notes will be released, making any 95/8% Notes that remain outstanding after the consummation of the Tender Offer effectively subordinated to the new term loan and the new revolving credit facility to the extent of the value of the collateral. The proceeds from these facilities will be used to fund the Tender Offer and retire all other outstanding corporate debt. Holders of the 95/8% Notes who tender by the consent payment deadline, which is 5:00 pm, New York City time, on March 8, 2013, will receive a consent payment as part of the Tender Offer consideration. The Tender Offer is anticipated to expire at midnight, New York City time, on March 22, 2013. Regardless of whether we obtain the requisite consents from holders of the 95/ 8% Notes in the Tender Offer, we intend, at our sole discretion and without any obligation to do so, to retire any 95/ 8% Notes that are not tendered in the Tender Offer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture governing the 95/8% Notes, which may include redeeming the 95/8% Notes. Upon entry into the new term loan and the new revolving credit facility, the Revolver, First California Bank Loan, and Subordinated Debt due to Related Parties will be terminated.

To service our indebtedness, we will require a significant amount of cash. However, our ability to generate cash depends on many factors beyond our control.

Our ability to make payments on, and to refinance, our indebtedness, and to fund capital expenditures, will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future, which, in turn, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, regulatory and other factors, many of which are beyond our control.

On February 25, 2013, we launched a tender offer to purchase for cash any and all of the outstanding 95/8% Notes and a related consent solicitation (collectively, the “Tender Offer”) to amend the indenture governing the 95/8% Notes (the “Indenture”). In connection with the Tender Offer, we plan to enter into a new senior secured term loan of up to $300 million, which will be used to fund the purchase of any 95/8% Notes that are tendered in the Tender Offer. We also plan to enter into a new senior secured revolving credit facility of up to $25 million. If the requisite consents have been obtained from holders of the 95/8% Notes in the Tender Offer, substantially all of the restrictive covenants, certain events of default and other provisions contained in the Indenture governing the 95/8% Notes will be eliminated and the liens on the assets that secure the 95/8% Notes will be released, making any 95/8% Notes that remain outstanding after the consummation of the Tender Offer effectively subordinated to the new term loan and the new revolving credit facility to the extent of the value of the collateral. The proceeds from these facilities will be used to fund the Tender Offer and retire all other outstanding corporate debt. Holders of the 95/8% Notes who tender by the consent payment deadline, which is 5:00 pm, New York City time, on March 8, 2013, will receive a consent payment as part of the Tender Offer consideration. The Tender Offer is anticipated to expire at midnight, New York City time, on March 22, 2013. Regardless of whether we obtain the requisite consents from holders of the 95/ 8% Notes in the Tender Offer, we intend, at our sole discretion and without any obligation to do so, to retire any 95/ 8% Notes that are not tendered in the Tender Offer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture governing the 95/8% Notes, which may include redeeming the 95/8% Notes. Upon entry into the new term loan and the new revolving credit facility, the Revolver, First California Bank Loan, and Subordinated Debt due to Related Parties will be terminated.

Our business may not generate sufficient cash flow from operations and we may not have available to us future borrowings in an amount sufficient to enable us to pay our indebtedness. In these circumstances, we may need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness on or before maturity. We may not be able to refinance any of our indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. Without this financing, we could be forced to sell assets or secure additional financing to make up for any shortfall in our payment obligations under unfavorable circumstances. In addition, we may not be able to sell assets quickly enough or for sufficient amounts to enable us to meet our obligations.

 

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

Not Applicable.

 

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.

No one physical property is material to our overall operations. We believe that our properties are in good condition and suitable for our operations; however, we continually evaluate opportunities to upgrade our properties. We believe we will be able to renew existing leases when applicable or obtain comparable facilities, as necessary.

Corporate

Our corporate headquarters are located in Camarillo, California where we own an approximately 40,000 square foot office building.

Radio Broadcasting

The types of properties required to support our radio stations include offices, studios, transmitter, antenna and tower sites. A station’s studios are generally located in an office in a downtown or business district. Transmitter, antenna and tower sites are located in areas that provide maximum market coverage. We either own or lease our radio transmitting properties under agreements that generally range from three to twenty-five years. We believe we will be able to renew any such lease that expires or obtain comparable facilities, as necessary. Our SRN and SMR offices and Dallas radio stations are located in an office building in the Dallas, Texas metropolitan area, where we own an approximately 34,000 square foot office building. Our radio network operates from various offices and studios from which the programming originates or is relayed from a remote point of origination. Our network leases satellite transponders used for delivery of its programming. We also own office buildings in Honolulu, Hawaii; Tampa, Florida; Miami, Florida; and Altamonte Springs, Florida.

We lease certain property from our principal stockholders or trusts and partnerships created for the benefit of the principal stockholders and their families. These leases are described in Note 11 of our consolidated financial statements. All such leases have cost of living adjustments. Based upon our management’s assessment and analysis of local market conditions for comparable properties, we believe such leases have terms that are as favorable as, or more favorable, to the company than those that would have been available from unaffiliated parties.

Salem Web Network

Salem Web Network operates from leased office facilities in Richmond, Virginia, Arlington, Virginia and Nashville, Tennessee. The lease agreements range from one to ten years remaining on the lease term. We believe we will be able to renew any such lease that expires or obtain comparable facilities, as necessary.

Salem Publishing

Salem Publishing operates from leased office facilities in Nashville, Tennessee, and Orlando, Florida. The lease agreements range from one to ten years remaining on the lease term. We believe we will be able to renew any such lease that expires or obtain comparable facilities, as necessary.

 

ITEM 3. 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. We maintain insurance that 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 4. MINE AND SAFETY DISCLSOURES.

Not Applicable.

 

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PART II

 

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.

The company’s Class A common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Market® (“NASDAQ-NGM”) under the symbol SALM. On February 20, 2013 the company had approximately 80 stockholders of record (not including the number of persons or entities holding stock in nominee or street name through various brokerage firms) and 19,004,901 outstanding shares of its Class A common stock and two stockholders of record and 5,553,696 outstanding shares of its Class B common stock. The following table sets forth for the fiscal quarters indicated the range of high and low sale price information per share of the Class A common stock of the company as reported on the NASDAQ-NGM.

 

     2011      2012  
      1st Qtr      2nd Qtr      3rd Qtr      4th Qtr      1st Qtr      2nd Qtr      3rd Qtr      4th Qtr  

High (mid-day)

   $ 4.38       $ 3.98       $ 3.96       $ 2.99       $ 4.85       $ 5.70       $ 5.73       $ 6.00   

Low (mid-day)

   $ 2.99       $ 3.08       $ 2.20       $ 2.12       $ 2.35       $ 4.25       $ 4.64       $ 4.62   

There is no established public trading market for the company’s Class B common stock.

DIVIDEND POLICY

After a careful review and consideration of its earnings, financial position, capital requirements, the Revolver and the indenture governing the 95/8% Notes, the company paid a $0.20 per share special cash distribution, or approximately $4.8 million to shareholders of record as of the close of business on December 6, 2010. There were no dividends or distributions paid during the year ended December 31, 2011.

On March 7, 2012, our Board of Directors authorized and declared quarterly dividends of $0.035 per share on Class A and Class B common stock. Quarterly common stock dividends of $0.035 per share, were paid on March 30, 2012, June 29, 2012, September 28, 2012, and December 28, 2012, respectively, to all common stockholders of record. We paid $3.4 million in dividends during 2012. We anticipate paying quarterly common stock dividends in March, June, September and December of each year. Based on the number of shares currently outstanding, we expect to pay total annual common stock dividends of approximately $3.4 million.

The company’s sole source of cash available for making any future dividend payments will be dividends paid to the company or payments made to the company by its subsidiaries. The ability of subsidiaries of the company to make such payments may be restricted by applicable state laws or terms of agreements to which they are or may become a party; the company’s Revolver and the terms of the indenture governing the 95/8% Notes restrict the payment of dividends on its common stock unless certain specified conditions are satisfied.

UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

None.

 

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.

The following table sets forth selected financial data and other operating information of Salem. The selected financial data in the table is derived from the consolidated financial statements of Salem. The selected financial data should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified by reference to our consolidated financial statements, related notes, other financial information included (incorporated by reference) herein, and the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and specifically the disclosure concerning the reconciliation for historical Non-GAAP measures presented in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations–Non-GAAP Financial Measures” included in Item 7 of this report.

Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year financial statements to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications include the separation of our non-broadcast segment into two operating segments, Internet and Publishing. We believe that this information regarding our non-broadcast segments is useful to readers of our financial statements. Additionally, due to growth within our Internet operations, including the acquisition of WorshipHouseMedia as discussed in Note 3, our Internet segment qualified for disclosure as a reportable segment as of 2011. These reclassifications also include the accounting for discontinued operations.

 

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In December 2011, due to operating results that were below expectations, we ceased operations of Samaritan Fundraising. All employees of the entity were terminated as of December 31, 2011. The Statements of Operations Data for all periods presented were updated to reflect the operating results of Samaritan Fundraising as a discontinued operation. The accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets reflect the net assets of this entity as assets of discontinued operations for each applicable period presented.

In January 2010, we collected a $0.2 million termination fee from the buyer of radio station WRFD-AM, Columbus, Ohio pursuant to termination of the asset purchase agreement. The accompanying Statements of Operations Data for all periods presented were updated to reflect the operating results of WRFD-AM, Columbus, Ohio in continuing operations from discontinued operations. The accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets reflect the net assets of this entity within our assets from continuing operations for each period presented. We had entered into an asset purchase agreement on July 31, 2008, to sell this radio station and exit the Columbus market. We accounted for this market as a discontinued operation until being notified in December 2009 that the buyer would not be able to meet the terms of the asset purchase agreement.

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2008     2009     2010     2011     2012  
     (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)        

Statement of Operations Data:

          

Net broadcast revenue

   $ 194,113      $ 172,055      $ 174,933      $ 178,731      $ 183,180   

Net Internet revenue

     16,583        16,232        20,104        27,304        33,474   

Net publishing revenue

     11,794        10,926        11,421        12,131        12,525   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenue

     222,490        199,213        206,458        218,166        229,179   

Operating expenses:

          

Broadcast operating expenses

     124,881        108,106        110,421        115,482        120,772   

Internet operating expenses

     14,050        13,361        16,722        20,889        25,145   

Publishing operating expenses

     11,817        10,237        11,226        11,475        12,288   

Corporate expenses

     20,040        14,005        16,613        17,503        18,892   

Depreciation and amortization

     16,136        15,120        14,588        14,971        14,647   

Cost of denied tower site, abandoned projects and terminated transactions

     1,275        1,111        —          —          —     

Impairment of long-lived assets

     73,010        27,996        —          —          6,896   

(Gain) loss on disposal of assets

     (6,892     1,676        255        (4,153     49   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     254,317        191,612        169,825        176,167        198,689   

Operating income (loss) from continuing operations

     (31,827     7,601        36,633        41,999        30,490   

Other income (expense):

          

Interest income

     247        290        183        344        106   

Interest expense

     (22,381     (20,079     (30,297     (27,665     (24,911

Change in fair value of interest rate swaps

     (4,827     (781     —          —          —     

Gain on bargain purchase

     —          1,634        —          —          —     

Gain (loss) on early retirement of long-term debt

     4,664        (1,050     (1,832     (2,169     (1,088

Other income (expense)

     121        (88     (16     (40     79   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other expense

     (22,176     (20,074     (31,962     (29,530     (25,814

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

     (54,003     (12,473     4,671        12,469        4,676   

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

     (19,151     (4,210     2,695        6,110        153   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

     (34,852     (8,263     1,976        6,359        4,523   

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

     1,766        (83     (44     (741     (95
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

   $ (33,086   $ (8,346   $ 1,932      $ 5,618      $ 4,428   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic earnings (loss) per share data:

          

Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations

   $ (1.47   $ (0.35   $ 0.08      $ 0.26      $ 0.18   

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

     0.07        —          —          (0.03     —     

Net earnings (loss) per share

   $ (1.40   $ (0.35   $ 0.08      $ 0.23      $ 0.18   

Diluted earnings (loss) per share data:

          

Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations

   $ (1.47   $ (0.35   $ 0.08      $ 0.26      $ 0.18   

Earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations

     0.07        —          —          (0.03     —     

Net earnings (loss) per share

   $ (1.40   $ (0.35   $ 0.08      $ 0.23      $ 0.18   

Dividends per share

   $ —        $ —        $ 0.20      $ —        $ 0.14   

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

     23,671,288        23,803,864        24,086,829        24,475,102        24,577,605   

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

     23,671,288        23,803,864        24,653,465        24,683,644        24,986,966   

 

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA (CONTINUED).

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2008     2009     2010     2011     2012  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Balance Sheet Data:

          

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 1,892      $ 8,945      $ 828      $ 67      $ 380   

Broadcast licenses

     398,135        375,317        378,362        371,420        373,720   

Other intangible assets including goodwill, net

     25,574        22,484        25,122        28,522        33,009   

Total assets

     607,718        579,045        574,486        561,310        559,227   

Long-term debt (including current portion)

     325,375        314,047        304,527        274,803        268,980   

Stockholders’ equity

     203,116        197,199        196,404        203,048        206,069   

Cash flows related to:

          

Operating activities

   $ 37,901      $ 39,468      $ 22,817      $ 31,705      $ 30,849   

Investing activities

     (21,817     (2,851     (13,777     (4,511     (19,066

Financing activities

     (25,004     29,481        (16,150     (28,074     (11,469

Other Data:

          

Station operating income (1)

   $ 69,232      $ 63,949      $ 64,512      $ 63,249      $ 62,408   

Station operating income margin (2)

     35.7     37.2     36.9     35.4     34.1

 

(1) We define station operating income as net broadcast revenue less broadcast operating expenses.
(2) Station operating income margin is station operating income as a percentage of net broadcast revenue.

Station operating income (“SOI”) is not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Therefore, SOI should be viewed as a supplement to and not a substitute for results of operations presented on the basis of GAAP. Management believes that station operating income is useful, 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 by analysts who report on the industry to provide comparisons between broadcast groups. Additionally, we use SOI as one of our key measures of operating efficiency and contribution to profitability. Station operating income 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. Our SOI is not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures employed by other companies.

RECONCILIATION OF STATION OPERATING INCOME TO NET INCOME (LOSS)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2008     2009     2010     2011     2012  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Station operating income

   $ 69,232      $ 63,949      $ 64,512      $ 63,249      $ 62,408   

Plus Internet revenue

     16,583        16,232        20,104        27,304        33,474   

Plus publishing revenue

     11,794        10,926        11,421        12,131        12,525   

Less Internet operating expenses

     (14,050     (13,361     (16,722     (20,889     (25,145

Less publishing operating expenses

     (11,817     (10,237     (11,226     (11,475     (12,288

Less corporate expenses

     (20,040     (14,005     (16,613     (17,503     (18,892

Less depreciation and amortization

     (16,136     (15,120     (14,588     (14,971     (14,647

Less cost of denied tower site, abandoned projects and terminated transactions

     (1,275     (1,111     —          —          —     

Less impairment of long-lived assets

     (73,010     (27,996     —          —          (6,896

Less gain (loss) on disposal of assets

     6,892        (1,676     (255     4,153        (49
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income (loss) from continuing operations

   $ (31,827   $ 7,601      $ 36,633      $ 41,999      $ 30,490   

Plus interest income

     247        290        183        344        106   

Less interest expense

     (22,381     (20,079     (30,297     (27,665     (24,911

Less change in fair value of interest rate swaps

     (4,827     (781     —          —          —     

Plus gain on bargain purchase

     —          1,634        —          —          —     

Less gain (loss) on early retirement of long-term debt

     4,664        (1,050     (1,832     (2,169     (1,088

Less other income (expense)

     121        (88     (16     (40     79   

Less provision for (benefit from) income taxes

     19,151        4,210        (2,695     (6,110     (153

Less income (loss) from discontinued operations

     1,766        (83     (44     (741     (95
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

   $ (33,086   $ (8,346   $ 1,932      $ 5,618      $ 4,428   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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ITEM 7. 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 consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this report. Our consolidated financial statements are not directly comparable from period to period due to acquisitions and dispositions of selected radio station assets and Internet and publishing businesses. Refer to Note 3 of our consolidated financial statements under Item 8 for details of each of these transactions.

Salem is a domestic multi-media company with integrated business operations covering radio broadcasting, publishing and the Internet. Our programming is intended for audiences interested in Christian and conservative opinion content. 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 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

Our radio broadcasting segment derives revenue primarily from the sale of broadcast time and radio advertising on a national and local basis.

Our principal sources of broadcast revenue include:

 

   

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.

Our rates for broadcast time and advertising time vary based 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 principal sources of Internet revenue include:

 

   

the sale of Internet advertising;

 

   

the support and promotion to stream third-party content on our websites;

 

   

sales of software and support services; and

 

   

product sales and royalties for on-air host materials.

Our principal sources of publishing revenue include:

 

   

subscription fees for our magazines;

 

   

the sale of print magazine advertising;

 

   

fees from authors for book publishing; and

 

   

the sale of books.

Broadcast Segment

Broadcast revenues are impacted by the program rates our radio stations charge, the level of broadcast airtime 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 most of our radio stations. Instead, we have

 

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marketed ourselves to advertisers based upon the responsiveness of our audiences. In selected markets, we do 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.

Arbitron has developed technology to collect data for its ratings service. The PPM is a small device that does not require active manipulation by the end user and is capable of automatically measuring radio, television, Internet, satellite radio and satellite television signals that are encoded for the service by the broadcaster. The PPM offers a number of advantages over the traditional diary ratings collection system including ease of use, more reliable ratings data and shorter time periods between when advertising runs and when audience listening or viewing habits can be reported. This service is already in a number of our markets and is scheduled to be introduced in more markets in the future. In markets where we subscribe to Arbitron under the PPM, our ratings have been less consistent. PPM data can fluctuate when changes are made to the “panel” (a group of individuals holding PPM devices). This makes all stations susceptible to some inconsistencies in ratings that may or may not accurately reflect the actual number of listeners at any given time.

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. We currently program 39 of our stations with our Christian Teaching and Talk format, which is talk programming with Christian and family themes. We also program 27 News Talk stations, 11 Contemporary Christian Music stations, 10 Business format stations, and seven Spanish-language Christian Teaching and Talk stations. The business format features financial experts, business talk, and nationally recognized Bloomberg programming. The business format operates similar to our Christian Teaching and Talk format as it features long-form block programming.

Our cash flow is historically 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.

In the broadcasting industry, radio stations often utilize trade or barter agreements to exchange advertising time for goods or services 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. In 2012, we sold 97% of our broadcast revenue for cash. In addition, it is our general policy not to preempt advertising paid for in cash with advertising paid for 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 expect to continue to incur significant depreciation, amortization and interest expense as a result of completed and future acquisitions and existing and future borrowings.

Internet Segment

Salem Web Network™ and our Internet business earns revenues from the sales of streaming services, sales of advertising and, to a lesser extent, sales of software, software support contracts and consumer products such as DVD’s and editorial products. The revenues of these businesses are reported as Internet revenue on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The primary operating expense incurred in the ownership and operation of our Internet businesses 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) streaming costs.

Publishing Segment

Our publishing business, Salem Publishing™, earns revenues from advertising in and subscriptions to our magazine publications and from book sales. Xulon Press™ generally earns its revenue from fees paid by authors in association with the publishing of their books. The revenues of these businesses are reported as Publishing on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

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The primary operating expenses incurred by Salem Publishing™ 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) printing and production costs, including paper costs.

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 calculated as the sum of the same station-results for each of the four quarters of that year.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Year ended December 31, 2012 compared to year ended December 31, 2011

The following factors affected our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2012 as compared to the prior year:

Financing

 

   

On December 12, 2012, we redeemed $4.0 million of the 95/8% Notes for $4.1 million, or at a price equal to 103% of the face value. This transaction resulted in a $0.2 million pre-tax loss on the early retirement of debt, including approximately $17,000 of unamortized discount and $0.1 million of bond issue costs associated with the 95/8% Notes.

 

   

On June 1, 2012, we redeemed $17.5 million of the 95/8% Notes for $18.0 million, or at a price equal to 103% of the face value. This transaction resulted in a $0.9 million pre-tax loss on the early retirement of debt, including approximately $80,000 of unamortized discount and $0.3 million of bond issue costs associated with the 95/8% Notes.

 

   

On May 21, 2012, we entered into a new Business Loan Agreement, Promissory Note and related loan documents with First California Bank (the “FCB Loan”). The FCB Loan is an unsecured, $10.0 million fixed-term loan with a maturity date of June 15, 2014. At December 31, 2012, $7.5 million was outstanding on the FCB Loan.

 

   

On May 21, 2012, we entered into an additional subordinated line of credit with Roland S. Hinz, a Salem board member. Mr. Hinz committed to provide an unsecured revolving line of credit in a principal amount of up to $6.0 million. On September 12, 2012, we amended and restated the original subordinated line of credit with Mr. Hinz to increase the unsecured revolving line of credit by $6.0 million for a total line of credit of up to $12.0 million. At December 31, 2012, $15.0 million was outstanding on all of our Subordinated Debt due to Related Parties, including amounts due Mr. Epperson.

 

   

On March 7, 2012, our Board of Directors authorized and declared a quarterly dividend in the amount of $0.035 per share on Class A and Class B common stock. Common stock dividends of $0.9 million, or $0.035 per share, were paid on March 30, 2012, June 29, 2012, September 28, 2012 and December 28, 2012, respectively to all common stockholders of record. We anticipate paying quarterly common stock dividends in March, June, September and December of each year. Based on the number of shares currently outstanding, we expect to pay total annual common stock dividends of approximately $3.4 million.

Acquisitions

 

   

On October 1, 2012, we completed the acquisition of Godvine.com for $4.2 million. Godvine is a Christian video website and media platform that increases our online presence and offers significant exposure on Facebook with now over 3.3 million Facebook fans. We believe that the addition of Godvine.com makes SWN the largest online destination for Christian content with an average of 5.8 million unique visits per month.

 

   

On August 31, 2012, we completed the acquisition of radio station WLCC-AM, Tampa, Florida, for $1.2 million. We began operating the station as of the closing date. The accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Operations reflect the operating results and net assets of this entity as of the acquisition date.

 

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On August 30, 2012, we acquired SermonSpice.com for $3.0 million. SermonSpice.com is an online provider of church media for local churches and ministries. The acquisition resulted in goodwill of $1.2 million representing the excess value of the business attributable to the organizational systems and procedures already in place to ensure effective operations of the business.

 

   

On May 15, 2012, we purchased Churchangel.com and rchurch.com for $0.2 million. These Internet sites are operated under SWN to enhance and build our relationships with local churches and pastors.

 

   

On April 10, 2012, we completed the acquisition of radio station WKDL-AM in Warrenton, Virginia for $30,000. We began operating the station as of the closing date. The accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Operations reflect the operating results and net assets of this entity as of the acquisition date.

 

   

On January 13, 2012, we completed the acquisition of radio station KTNO-AM, Dallas, Texas, for $2.2 million. We began programming the station pursuant to a TBA with the previous owner on November 1, 2011. The accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations reflect the operating results of this entity as of the TBA date. The accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets reflect the net assets of this entity as of the closing date.

Dispositions

 

   

On March 16, 2012, we completed the sale of radio station WBZS-AM in Pawtucket, Rhode Island for $0.8 million in cash. The sale resulted in a pre-tax gain of $0.2 million. The accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations reflect the operating results of this entity through the date of the sale.

Net Broadcasting Revenue

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2011      2012      Change $      Change %     2011     2012  
     (Dollars in thousands)            % of Total Net Revenue  

Net Broadcast Revenue

   $ 178,731      $ 183,180      $ 4,449         2.5     81.9     79.9

Same Station Net Broadcast Revenue

   $ 178,025       $ 182,106       $ 4,081         2.3    

Net broadcast revenues increased due to overall improving economic conditions and a greater demand for radio airtime as compared to the same period of the prior year. Included in these results are a $3.3 million increase in political advertisements and a $1.8 million increase in block programming revenue primarily from our Christian Teaching and Talk formatted stations partially offset by a $0.2 million decline in infomercial revenue and a $0.2 million decline in local spot local advertising. Block programming results reflect annual rate increases while national advertising results reflect higher sales volume due to advertisers purchasing more airtime.

The following table shows the dollar amount and percentage of net broadcast revenue for each broadcast revenue source.

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2011     2012  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Block program time:

          

National

   $ 42,812         24.0   $ 43,468         23.7

Local

     31,227         17.5        32,321         17.7   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
     74,039         41.5        75,789         41.4   

Advertising:

          

National

     13,426         7.5        14,200         7.8   

Local

     63,446         35.5        63,233         34.5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
     76,872         43.0        77,433         42.3   

Infomercials

     6,303         3.5        6,112         3.3   

Network

     14,699         8.2        16,083         8.8   

Other

     6,818         3.8        7,763         4.2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net broadcast revenue

   $ 178,731         100.0   $ 183,180         100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Internet Revenue

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2011      2012      Change $      Change %     2011     2012  
     (Dollars in thousands)            % of Total Net Revenue  

Internet Revenue

   $ 27,304       $ 33,474       $ 6,170         22.6     12.5     14.6

 

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Increases in Internet revenue reflect improving overall economic conditions, a higher demand for Internet advertisements, and growth from our Internet acquisitions that typically generate revenues across all of our web-based platforms. Banner advertisements, including those on our radio station branded websites, increased $4.5 million, including $0.9 million of political revenue, due primarily to higher demand for placement from advertisers and secondarily to rate increases. Video and graphic downloads increased $1.6 million over the prior year due to higher volumes.

Publishing Revenue

 

    Year Ended December 31,  
    2011    2012      Change $      Change %     2011     2012  
    (Dollars in thousands)            % of Total Net Revenue  

Publishing Revenue

  $12,131    $ 12,525       $ 394         3.2     5.6     5.5

Publishing revenue increased due to higher submission fees and book sales from Xulon Press partially offset by declines in subscription revenues from our print magazines. Our print magazines, and the print magazine industry as a whole, have continued to experience declines in the number of subscribers.

Broadcast Operating Expenses

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2011      2012      Change $      Change %     2011     2012  
     (Dollars in thousands)            % of Total Net Revenue  

Broadcast Operating Expenses

   $ 115,482       $ 120,772       $ 5,290        4.6     52.9     52.7

Same Station Net Broadcast Operating Expenses

   $ 114,930       $ 119,745       $ 4,815         4.2    

Broadcast operating expenses increased due to higher variable expenses associated with higher revenues, including a $3.3 million increase in personnel-related costs including commissions and new local talent, a $0.8 million increase in facility related costs, a $0.4 million increase in advertising expenses, a $0.5 million increase in production and programming costs, a $0.1 million increase in LMA fees, and a $0.2 million increase in music license fees partially offset by a reduction in bad debt expense of $0.4 million.

Internet Operating Expenses

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2011      2012      Change $      Change %     2011     2012  
     (Dollars in thousands)            % of Total Net Revenue  

Internet Operating Expenses

   $ 20,889       $ 25,145      $ 4,256        20.4     9.6     11.0

Internet operating expenses increased due to higher variable expenses associated with higher revenues, including a $1.9 million increase in personnel-related costs including commissions, a $0.8 million increase in royalty expense, a $0.7 million increase in advertising expense, a $0.3 million increase in streaming and hosting, a $0.1 million increase in product costs related to SCP, and $0.4 million increase in bad debt expense.

Publishing Operating Expenses

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2011      2012      Change $      Change %     2011     2012  
     (Dollars in thousands)            % of Total Net Revenue  

Publishing Operating Expenses

   $ 11,475       $ 12,288       $ 813         7.1     5.3     5.4

Operating expenses for Xulon Press increased due to higher variable costs associated with revenue growth. These costs include an increase of $0.8 million in personnel-related costs including commissions and a $0.1 million increase in advertising expense. This was offset by a decrease in our publishing printing costs associated with reduced distribution levels of our print magazines.

Corporate Expenses

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2011      2012      Change $      Change %     2011     2012  
     (Dollars in thousands)            % of Total Net Revenue  

Corporate Expenses

   $ 17,503       $ 18,892       $ 1,389         7.9     8.0     8.2

 

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Corporate expenses include shared general and administrative services. Higher costs include a $0.9 million in personnel-related costs primarily due to strategic new-hires, a $0.3 million increase in non-cash stock-based compensation expense and a $0.3 million increase in accounting and public reporting costs partially offset by a $0.1 million decrease in repairs and maintenance.

Depreciation Expense

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2011      2012      Change $     Change %     2011     2012  
     (Dollars in thousands)           % of Total Net Revenue  

Depreciation Expense

   $ 12,520       $ 12,343       $ (177     (1.4 ) %      5.7     5.4

Depreciation expense decreased slightly due to approximately $1.4 million of computer software and website development costs acquired in 2008 that were fully depreciated during the prior year offset by a $0.5 million net increase in capital expenditures placed in service during the current year as well as the composite of current year acquisitions. During 2012 we acquired approximately $0.5 million of buildings and towers with longer estimated useful lives of thirty to thirty five years compared to the prior year in which computer software and website development costs were recorded with useful lives of three years.

Amortization Expense

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2011      2012      Change $     Change %     2011     2012  
     (Dollars in thousands)           % of Total Net Revenue  

Amortization Expense

   $ 2,451       $ 2,304       $ (147     (6.0 )%      1.1     1.0

The decrease in amortization expense reflects the impact of higher amortization recognized during 2011 for intangibles, such as advertising agreements, customer lists and domain names that were acquired during that year and prior years with useful lives ranging from one to five years.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2011      2012      Change $      Change %     2011     2012  
     (Dollars in thousands)            % of Total Net Revenue  

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

   $ —         $ 6,896       $ 6,896         100.0     —       3.0

During June 2012, based on changes in managements’ planned usage, land in Covina, CA was classified as held for sale and evaluated for impairment as of that date. In accordance with the authoritative guidance for impairment of long-lived assets held for sale, we determined the carrying value of the land exceeded the estimated fair value less cost to sell. We recorded an impairment charge of $5.6 million associated with this land based on the estimated sale price. In December 2012, after several purchase offers for the land were terminated, we obtained a third party valuation for the land. Based on this fair value appraisal, we recorded an additional $1.2 million impairment charge associated with the land. We completed our annual impairment testing for goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets during the fourth quarter of 2012. As a result of our annual testing, we recorded a $0.1 million impairment on mastheads in our publishing segment. This impairment was driven by a reduction in publishing revenue specifically from our print magazines and is a trend in the industry as a whole that is not unique to our operations.

(Gain) Loss on disposal of assets

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2011     2012      Change $      Change %     2011     2012  
     (Dollars in thousands)            % of Total Net Revenue  

(Gain) loss on disposal of assets

   $ (4,153   $ 49       $ 4,202         (101.2 ) %      (1.9 )%      —  

The net gain on disposal of assets for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012, includes a $0.2 million pre-tax gain on the sale of WBZS-AM in Pawtucket, Rhode Island and a $0.6 million gain from insurance proceeds for repairs of storm damage in our New York market, partially offset by various fixed asset and equipment disposals including an additional loss associated with the write-off of a receivable from a prior station sale. The net gain on disposal of assets for the same period of the prior year includes a $2.4 million pre-tax gain on the sale of KKMO-AM in Seattle, Washington and a $2.1 million pre-tax gain on the sale of KXMX-AM in Los Angeles, California, partially offset by various fixed asset and equipment disposals.

 

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Other income (expense), net

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2011     2012     Change $     Change %     2011     2012  
     (Dollars in thousands)           % of Total Net Revenue  

Interest Income

   $ 344      $ 106      $ (238     (69.2 )%      0.2     —  

Interest Expense

     (27,665     (24,911     2,754        (10.0 )%      (12.7 )%      (10.9 )% 

Loss on early retirement of long-term debt

     (2,169     (1,088     1,081        (49.8 )%      (0.9 )%      (0.5 )% 

Other Income (Expense)

     (40     79        119        (297.5 )%      —       —  

Interest income represents earnings on excess cash. The decrease in interest expense is due to the lower principal balance outstanding on the 95/ 8% Notes, partially offset by higher interest on amounts outstanding under our Revolver and subordinated debt. Other income and expense, net relates to royalty income from real estate properties.

Loss on early retirement of debt of $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to $2.2 million for the same period of the prior year represents the redemptions at a price equal to 103% of the face value and open market repurchases in each period of principle amounts of the 95/8% Notes.

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2011      2012      Change $     Change %     2011     2012  
     (Dollars in thousands)           % of Total Net Revenue  

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

   $ 6,110       $ 153       $ (5,957     (97.5 )%      2.8     0.1

In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 740 “Income Taxes,” our provision for income taxes was $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to a tax provision of $6.1 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 3.3% for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to 49.0% 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. During the year ended December 31, 2012, we released a portion of the reserve related to state income taxes for which the statute of limitations has expired. In addition, we have re-evaluated our position related to the reasoning for establishing the reserve and determined that additions to the reserve are no longer applicable. Accordingly, as the statute of limitations expires for each tax year, an additional portion of the reserve will be released.

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2011     2012     Change $      Change %     2011     2012  
     (Dollars in thousands)            % of Total Net Revenue  

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

   $ (741   $ (95   $ 646         (87.2 )%      (0.3 )%      —  

The loss from discontinued operations of $0.7 million and $0.1 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 relate to the operating results of Samaritan Fundraising that ceased operations in December 2011.

Net Income (Loss)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2011      2012      Change $     Change %     2011     2012  
     (Dollars in thousands)           % of Total Net Revenue  

Net Income (Loss)

   $ 5,618       $ 4,428       $ (1,190     (21.2 )%      2.6     1.9

Net income decreased $1.2 million from the prior year due to a $6.9 million impairment of long-lived assets, a $5.3 million increase in broadcast operating expenses and a $4.2 million increase in internet operating expenses offset by an $11.0 million increase in net revenues and a $2.8 million reduction in interest expense.

 

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Year ended December 31, 2011 compared to year ended December 31, 2010

The following factors affected our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to the prior year:

Financing

 

   

On December 12, 2011, we redeemed $12.5 million of the 95/8% Notes for $12.9 million, or at a price equal to 103% of the face value. This transaction resulted in a $0.8 million pre-tax loss on the early retirement of debt, including approximately $62,000 of unamortized discount and $0.3 million of bond issue costs associated with the 95/8% Notes.

 

   

On November 17, 2011, Salem entered into subordinated lines of credit with Edward G. Atsinger III, Chief Executive Officer and director of Salem, and Stuart W. Epperson, Chairman of Salem’s board of directors. Pursuant to the agreements, Mr. Epperson has committed to provide an unsecured revolving line of credit to Salem in a principal amount of up to $3 million, and Mr. Atsinger has committed to provide an unsecured revolving line of credit in a principal amount of up to $6 million. The proceeds of the subordinated lines of credit may be used to repurchase a portion of Salem’s outstanding senior secured notes. Amounts outstanding under each subordinated line of credit bear interest at an amount equal to the lesser of (1) 5% per annum and (2) the maximum rate permitted for subordinated debt under the Credit Agreement referred to above plus 2% per annum. The indebtedness under the subordinated lines of credit is subordinated to the indebtedness under the Salem credit facility described above pursuant to a subordination agreement to be entered into among Wells Fargo, Salem and the Affiliate Lenders and the description of terms herein is subject to such subordination agreement. The subordinated lines of credit (together, Subordinated Debt due to Related Parties”) do not contain any covenants. At December 31, 2011, $9.0 million was outstanding under the Subordinated Debt due to Related Parties

 

   

On November 15, 2011, we completed the Second Amendment to our Revolver to among other things: (1) extend the maturity date from December 1, 2012 to December 1, 2014 (2) change the interest rate applicable to LIBOR or the Wells Fargo base rate plus a spread to be determined based on our leverage ratio, (3) allow us to borrow and repay unsecured indebtedness provided certain conditions are met and (4) include step-downs related to our leverage ratio covenant. The applicable interest rate relating to the amended credit agreement is LIBOR plus a spread of 3.0% per annum or the Base Rate plus a spread of 1.25% per annum, which is adjusted based on our leverage ratio. We incurred $0.5 million in fees to complete this amendment, which are being amortized over the remaining term of the credit agreement.

 

   

On September 6, 2011, we repurchased $5.0 million of the 95/8% Notes for $5.1 million, or at a price equal to 1027/8% of the face value. This transaction resulted in a $0.3 million pre-tax loss on the early retirement of debt, including approximately $26,000 of unamortized discount and $0.1 million of bond issue costs associated with the 95/8% Notes.

 

   

On June 1, 2011, we redeemed $17.5 million of the 95/8% Notes for $18.0 million, or at a price equal to 103% of the face value. This transaction resulted in a $1.1 million pre-tax loss on the early retirement of debt, including $0.1 million of unamortized discount and $0.5 million of bond issue costs associated with the 95/8% Notes.

Acquisitions

 

   

On December 21, 2011, we completed the acquisition of KTEK-AM in Houston, Texas for $2.6 million, which includes $1.0 million of cash and $1.6 million netted against the unpaid portion of our note receivable. We began operating the station on March 5, 2010, pursuant to a long-term TBA. The accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations reflect the operating results of this entity as of the TBA date. The accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets reflect the net assets of this entity as of the acquisition date. We previously sold the assets of KTEK-AM on March 28, 2008 for $7.8 million, which included $4.5 million in cash and $3.3 million in notes receivable of which we collected $1.8 million. Our 2011 purchase was partially funded by the unpaid portion of the note of $1.5 million.

 

   

On March 28, 2011, we completed the acquisition of the Internet business, WorshipHouseMedia, an on-line church media and video ministry website, for $6.0 million in cash. The accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Operations reflect the operating results and net assets of this entity as of the acquisition date. The acquisition resulted in goodwill of $2.1 million representing the excess value of the business resulting from the integrated business model and services already established that provide future economic benefits to us.

 

   

On March 14, 2011, we completed the acquisition of radio station WDDZ-AM, Pawtucket, Rhode Island, for $0.6 million in cash. We began operating the station as WBZS-AM upon the close of the transaction. The accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Operations reflect the operating results and net assets of this entity as of the acquisition date. On January 5, 2012, we entered into an asset purchase agreement to sell this radio station for $0.8 million.

 

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On January 3, 2011, we began programming radio station KVCE-AM, Highland Park, Texas pursuant to a long-term TBA.

Dispositions

 

   

On March 1, 2011, we completed the sale of radio station WAMD-AM in Aberdeen, Maryland resulting in a pre-tax loss of $0.2 million. The loss was recognized in September 2010 upon entering the sale agreement.

 

   

On February 25, 2011, we completed the sale of radio station KXMX-AM in Los Angeles, California for $12.0 million, consisting of $11.0 million in cash and a $1.0 million promissory note. The $1.0 million promissory note has a three-year term, bearing interest at 7% compounded annually, due February 25, 2016. We recognized a pre-tax gain of $2.1 million from the sale.

 

   

On January 6, 2011, we completed the sale of radio station KKMO-AM in Seattle, Washington for $2.7 million in cash resulting in a pre-tax gain of $2.4 million.

Net Broadcasting Revenue

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2010      2011      Change $      Change %     2010     2011  
     (Dollars in thousands)            % of Total Net Revenue  

Net Broadcast Revenue

   $ 174,933       $ 178,731      $ 3,798         2.2     84.7     81.9

Same Station Net Broadcast Revenue

   $ 170,908       $ 175,957       $ 5,049         3.0    

Net broadcast revenues increased due to overall improving economic conditions and a greater demand for radio advertising compared to the prior year. Our results reflect higher sales volume in the number of minutes sold with little change in the rates we charge our customers.

The following table shows the dollar amount and percentage of net broadcast revenue for each broadcast revenue source.

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2010     2011  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Block program time:

          

National

   $ 38,736         22.1   $ 42,812         24.0

Local

     31,848         18.2        31,227         17.5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
     70,584         40.3        74,039         41.5   

Advertising:

          

National

     14,200         8.1        13,426         7.5   

Local

     61,494         35.2        63,446         35.5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
     75,694         43.3        76,872         43.0   

Infomercials

     6,661         3.8        6,303         3.5   

Network

     15,657         9.0        14,699         8.2   

Other

     6,337         3.6        6,818         3.8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net broadcast revenue

   $ 174,933         100.0   $ 178,731         100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Internet Revenue

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2010      2011      Change $      Change %     2010     2011  
     (Dollars in thousands)            % of Total Net Revenue  

Internet Revenue

   $ 20,104       $ 27,304       $ 7,200        35.8     9.7     12.5

The increase in Internet revenues reflect improving overall economic conditions and higher demand for banner advertisements as well as growth from acquisitions that generate revenues across all of our web-based platforms. The increases are driven primarily by a higher sales volume and secondarily to higher rates charged to our customers. Banner advertisements, including those on our station websites, increased $4.0 million due to higher demand. WorshipHouseMedia, which we acquired in March 2011, generated revenue of $2.7 million and Salem Consumer Products revenues increased $0.4 million.

 

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Publishing Revenue

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2010      2011      Change $      Change %     2010     2011  
     (Dollars in thousands)            % of Total Net Revenue  

Publishing Revenue

   $ 11,421       $ 12,131       $ 710        6.2     5.5     5.6

Publishing revenue increased $0.9 million based on higher submission fees and book sales from Xulon Press partially offset by a $0.2 million decline in subscription revenues from our print magazines based on a lower number of subscribers.

Broadcast Operating Expenses

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2010      2011      Change $      Change %     2010     2011  
     (Dollars in thousands)            % of Total Net Revenue  

Broadcast Operating Expenses

   $ 110,421       $ 115,482       $ 5,061        4.6     53.5     52.9

Same Station Net Broadcast Operating Expenses

   $ 107,232       $ 113,061       $ 5,829         5.4    

Broadcast operating expenses increased due to higher variable expenses associated with higher revenues, including a $2.3 million increase in personnel-related costs including commissions, a $1.0 million increase in production and programming expenses, a $0.6 million increase in facility related costs, a $0.4 million increase in music license fees, a $0.4 million increase in bad debt expense and a $0.3 million increase in professional services.

Internet Operating Expenses

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2010      2011      Change $      Change %     2010     2011  
     (Dollars in thousands)            % of Total Net Revenue  

Internet Operating Expenses

   $ 16,722       $ 20,889      $ 4,167        24.9     8.1     9.6

Internet operating expenses increased due to higher variable expenses associated with higher revenues, including a $1.8 million increase in personnel-related costs including commissions, a $1.3 million increase in royalty expenses, a $0.3 million increase in advertising expenses incurred to promote our Internet businesses, as well as a $0.8 million increase in streaming, hosting and software expenses.

Publishing Operating Expenses

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2010      2011      Change $      Change %     2010     2011  
     (Dollars in thousands)            % of Total Net Revenue  

Publishing Operating Expenses

   $ 11,226       $ 11,475       $ 249        2.2     5.4     5.3

Publishing operating expenses increased from Xulon Press, our digital book publishing service that incurred higher variable costs associated with revenue growth. These costs include an increase of $0.1 million in personnel-related costs including commissions and a $0.1 million increase in advertising expense partially offset by lower printing costs associated with reduced distribution levels of our print magazines.

Corporate Expenses

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2010      2011      Change $      Change %     2010     2011  
     (Dollars in thousands)            % of Total Net Revenue  

Corporate Expenses

   $ 16,613       $ 17,503      $ 890        5.4     8.0     8.0

Corporate expenses include shared general and administrative services. The increase of $0.9 million includes a $1.5 million increase in personnel-related costs and a $0.1 million increase in professional services, offset by a $0.4 million decrease in non-cash stock-based compensation expense, a $0.2 million decrease in repair and maintenance costs and a $0.2 million decrease in facility-related costs.

Depreciation Expense

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2010      2011      Change $     Change %     2010     2011  
     (Dollars in thousands)           % of Total Net Revenue  

Depreciation Expense

   $ 12,570       $ 12,520      $ (50 )     (0.4 )%      6.1     5.7

 

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Depreciation expense remained flat because of reductions in capital expenditures and acquisition related activity, primarily in our broadcast operating segment.

Amortization Expense

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2010      2011      Change $      Change %     2010     2011  
     (Dollars in thousands)            % of Total Net Revenue  

Amortization Expense

   $ 2,018       $ 2,451      $ 433        21.5     1.0     1.1

Amortization expense increased primarily due to the acquisitions of intangible assets from our 2010 acquisitions of HotAir.com and GodTube.com and our 2011 acquisition of WorshipHouseMedia. These intangible assets include customer lists and domain names with useful lives of between one and five years.

(Gain) Loss on disposal of assets

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2010      2011     Change $     Change %     2010     2011  
     (Dollars in thousands)           % of Total Net Revenue  

(Gain) loss on disposal of assets

   $ 255       $ (4,153   $ (4,408 )     (1,728.6 )%      0.1     (1.9 )% 

The net gain on disposal of assets of $4.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, includes a $2.4 million pre-tax gain on the sale of KKMO-AM in Seattle, Washington and a $2.1 million pre-tax gain on the sale of KXMX-AM in Los Angeles, California, offset by various fixed asset and equipment disposals. The net loss on disposal of assets of $0.3 million for the same period of the prior year is comprised of a $0.2 million pre-tax loss on the sale of WAMD-AM, Aberdeen, Maryland, a $0.2 million pre-tax loss from the sale of Chicago real estate associated with the relocation of our Radio Division President and $0.2 million of losses from various fixed asset and equipment disposals offset by a $0.3 million pre-tax gain from the eminent domain seizure of property by the Dallas County School District.

Other income (expense), net

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2010     2011     Change $     Change %     2010     2011  
     (Dollars in thousands)           % of Total Net Revenue  

Interest Income

   $ 183      $ 344      $ 183        88.0     0.1     0.2

Interest Expense

     (30,297     (27,665     2,632        (8.7 )%      (14.7 )%      (12.7 )% 

Loss on early retirement of long-term debt

     (1,832     (2,169     (337     18.4     (0.1 )%      (0.9 )% 

Other Income (Expense)

     (16     (40     (24     150.0     0.1     —  

Interest income of $0.3 million and $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 represents earnings on excess cash. The decrease in interest expense is due to the lower principal balance outstanding on the 95/8% Notes, partially offset by higher interest on the outstanding balances on our Revolver. Loss on early retirement of debt represents the redemptions and open market repurchases in each period of principle amounts of the 95/8% Notes at a price equal to 103% of the face value.

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2010      2011      Change $      Change %     2010     2011  
     (Dollars in thousands)            % of Total Net Revenue  

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

   $ 2,695       $ 6,110      $ 3,415        126.7     1.3     2.8

In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 740 “Income Taxes,” our provision for income taxes was $6.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to a tax benefit of $2.7 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 49.0% for the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to 57.7% 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.

 

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Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2010     2011     Change $     Change %     2010     2011  
     (Dollars in thousands)           % of Total Net Revenue  

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

   $ (44   $ (741   $ (697 )     1,584.1     —       (0.3 )% 

The loss from discontinued operations of $0.7 million and $44,000, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 relate to the operating results of Samaritan Fundraising that ceased operations in December 2011.

Net Income (Loss)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2010      2011      Change $      Change %     2010     2011  
     (Dollars in thousands)            % of Total Net Revenue  

Net Income (Loss)

   $ 1,932       $ 5,618      $ 3,686         190.7     0.9     2.6

Net income increased $3.7 million from the prior year due to a $5.4 million increase in our net operating income and a $2.6 million decrease in interest expense offset by a $3.4 million increase in our tax provision, a $0.4 million increase in losses associated with the early redemption of $35.0 million of the 95/8% Notes, and a $0.7 million increase in the loss associated with the discontinued operations of Samaritan Fundraising.

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. We define station operating income (“SOI”) as net broadcast revenue less broadcast operating expenses. Accordingly, changes in net broadcast revenue and broadcast operating expenses, as explained above, have a direct impact on changes in SOI.

SOI is not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP. SOI 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 (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, profitability and our internal review associated with our impairment analysis of indefinite-lived intangible assets. 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.

Year ended December 31, 2012 compared to year ended December 31, 2011

STATION OPERATING INCOME. SOI decreased $0.8 million, or 1.3%, to $62.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to $63.2 million for the same period of the prior year as a result of the changes in net broadcast revenue and broadcast operating expense explained above. As a percentage of net broadcast revenue, SOI decreased to 34.1% for the year ended December 31, 2012 from 35.4% for the same period of the prior year. On a same station basis, SOI decreased $0.7 million, or 1.2%, to $62.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $63.1 million for the same period of the prior year. As a percentage of same station net broadcast revenue, same station SOI decreased to 34.2% for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to 35.4% for the same period of the prior year.

 

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The following table provides a reconciliation of SOI (a non-GAAP financial measure) to net income (as presented in our financial statements) for the year ended December 31, 2011 and 2012:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2011     2012  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Station operating income

   $ 63,249      $ 62,408   

Plus Internet revenue

     27,304        33,474   

Plus publishing revenue

     12,131        12,525   

Less Internet operating expenses

     (20,889     (25,145

Less publishing operating expenses

     (11,475     (12,288

Less corporate expenses

     (17,503     (18,892

Less depreciation and amortization

     (14,971     (14,647

Less impairment of long-lived assets

     —          (6,896

Less gain (loss) on disposal of assets

     4,153        (49
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income from continuing operations

   $ 41,999      $ 30,490   

Plus interest income

     344        106   

Less interest expense

     (27,665     (24,911

Less loss on early retirement of long-term debt

     (2,169     (1,088

Less other income (expense)

     (40     79   

Less provision for (benefit from) income taxes

     (6,110     (153

Less income (loss) from discontinued operations

     (741     (95
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 5,618      $ 4,428   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2011 compared to year ended December 31, 2010

STATION OPERATING INCOME. SOI decreased $1.3 million, or 2.0%, to $63.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to $64.5 million for the same period of the prior year as a result of the changes in net broadcast revenue and broadcast operating expense explained above. As a percentage of net broadcast revenue, SOI decreased to 35.4% for the year ended December 31, 2011 from 36.9% for the same period of the prior year. On a same station basis, SOI decreased $0.8 million, or 1.2%, to $62.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $63.7 million for the same period of the prior year. As a percentage of same station net broadcast revenue, same station SOI decreased to 35.7% for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to 37.3% for the same period of the prior year.

The following table provides a reconciliation of SOI (a non-GAAP financial measure) to net income (as presented in our financial statements) for the year ended December 31, 2010 and 2011:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2010     2011  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Station operating income

   $ 64,512      $ 63,249   

Plus Internet revenue

     20,104        27,304   

Plus publishing revenue

     11,421        12,131   

Less Internet operating expenses

     (16,722     (20,889

Less publishing operating expenses

     (11,226     (11,475

Less corporate expenses

     (16,613     (17,503

Less depreciation and amortization

     (14,588     (14,971

Less gain (loss) on disposal of assets

     (255     4,153   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income from continuing operations

   $ 36,633      $ 41,999   

Plus interest income

     183        344   

Less interest expense

     (30,297     (27,665

Less loss on early retirement of long-term debt

     (1,832     (2,169

Less other income (expense)

     (16     (40

Less provision for (benefit from) income taxes

     (2,695     (6,110

Less income (loss) from discontinued operations

     (44     (741
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 1,932      $ 5,618   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES, JUDGMENTS AND ESTIMATES

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our 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 acquisitions and upgrades of radio station and network assets, revenue recognition, allowance for doubtful accounts, goodwill and other non-intangible assets, uncertain tax positions, valuation allowance (deferred taxes), long-term debt and debt covenant compliance, and stock-based compensation. 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 that affect the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. For a more comprehensive list of our accounting policies, see Note 1, Significant Accounting Policies, of the accompanying the consolidated financial statements included in this annual report. Note 1 contains several other policies which are important to the preparation of our consolidated financial statements, but do not meet the SEC’s definition of critical accounting policies because they do not involve subjective or complex judgments.

Accounting for acquisitions and upgrades of radio station and network assets

A majority of our radio station 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 broadcast license. It is our policy generally to retain third-party appraisers to value radio stations, networks, Internet businesses or publishing properties. The allocations assigned to acquired broadcast 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 that 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 these properties at the close of the transaction.

We undertake projects from time to time to upgrade our radio station technical facilities and/or FCC broadcast 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 or the project is abandoned, we write-off the capitalized costs of the project.

Revenue recognition

Revenues are recognized when pervasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or the service has been rendered, the price to the customer is fixed or determinable and collection of the arrangement fee is reasonably assured.

Revenues from radio programs and commercial advertising are recognized when the program or advertisement is broadcast. Revenue is reported net of agency commissions, which are calculated based on a stated percentage applied to gross billing. Our customers principally include not-for-profit charitable organizations and commercial advertisers. Revenue from the sale of products and services are recognized when the products are shipped and the services are rendered. Revenues from the sale of advertising in our magazines are recognized upon publication. Revenue from the sale of subscriptions to our publications is recognized over the life of the subscription. Revenue from book sales is recorded when shipment occurs.

Multiple-Deliverables

We may enter bundled advertising agreements that include spot advertisements on our radio stations, Internet banner placements, print magazine advertisements and booth space at specific events, or some combination thereof. The multiple deliverables contained in each agreement are accounted for separately over their respective delivery period provided that they are separate units of accounting. The selling price used for each deliverable is based on vendor specific objective evidence if available or estimated selling price if vendor specific objective evidence is not available. Objective evidence of fair value includes the price

 

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charged for each element when it is sold separately. The estimated selling price is the price that we would transact if the deliverable was sold regularly on a standalone basis. Arrangement consideration is allocated at the inception of each arrangement to all deliverables using the relative selling price method. The relative selling price method allocates any discount in the arrangement proportionally to each deliverable on the basis of each deliverable’s selling price.

Barter Transactions

We may provide advertising time in exchange for certain products, supplies and services. The terms of the exchanges generally permit for the preemption of such broadcast time in favor of advertisers who purchase time on regular terms. We include the value of such exchanges in both net broadcasting revenues and broadcast operating expenses. The value recorded for barter revenues is based upon management’s estimate of the fair value of the products, supplies and services received.

Advertising time that our radio stations exchange for goods and or services is recorded as barter revenue when the advertisement is broadcast at an amount equal to our estimate fair value of what was received. The value of the goods or services received in such barter transactions is charged to expense as used. Barter advertising revenue included in broadcast revenue for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 was approximately $4.6 million, $5.2 million and $5.3 million, respectively, and barter expenses were approximately the same as barter revenue for each period.

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 was to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.

Accounting for discontinued operations

We regularly review underperforming assets to determine if a sale might be a better way to monetize the assets. When a station, group of stations, or other asset groups are considered for sale, we review the transaction to determine if or when the entity qualifies as a discontinued operation in accordance with the criteria of FASB ASC Topic 205-20 “Discontinued Operations.” This pronouncement specifies that the operations and cash flow of the entity disposed of, or to be sold, have or will be eliminated from the ongoing operations as a result of the disposal and that we will not have significant continuing involvement in the operations after the disposal transaction. For our radio stations, we define a cluster as a group of radio stations operating in the same geographic market, sharing the same building, equipment, and managed by a single general manager. The cluster level is the lowest level for which discrete financial information and cash flows are available and the level reviewed by management to analyze operating results. General Managers are compensated based on the results of their cluster as a whole, not the results of any individual radio stations. We have determined that a radio market qualifies for a discontinued operation when management, having the authority to approve the action, commits to a plan to sell the asset (disposal group), the sale is probable, and the sale will result in the exit of a particular geographic market.

During the 4th quarter of 2011, based on operating results that did not meet expectations, we ceased operating Samaritan Fundraising as of December 31, 2011. Samaritan Fundraising, reported in our Internet operations, was a web-based fundraising products company operating from a single facility in Fairfax, VA, under the control of one general manager. As a result of our decision to close operations, there were no material cash flows associated with this entity and we have no ongoing or further involvement in the operations of this entity. We have reported the operating results and net assets of this entity as a discontinued operation for all periods presented.

 

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Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets

Approximately 71% of our total assets as of December 31, 2012, consist of indefinite-lived intangible assets, such as broadcast licenses, goodwill and mastheads, the value of which depends significantly upon the operating results of our businesses. In the case of our radio stations, we would not be able to operate the properties without the related FCC license for each property. Broadcast licenses are renewed with the FCC every eight years for a nominal cost that is expensed as incurred. We continually monitor our stations’ compliance with the various regulatory requirements. Historically, all of our broadcast licenses are renewed at the end of their respective periods, and we expect that all broadcast licenses will continue to be renewed in the future. Accordingly, we consider our broadcast licenses to be indefinite-lived intangible assets in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 350, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other.” Broadcast licenses account for approximately 94% of our indefinite-lived intangible assets. Goodwill and magazine mastheads account for the remaining 6%. We do not amortize goodwill or other indefinite-lived intangible assets, but rather test for impairment at least annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that an asset may be impaired.

We complete our annual impairment tests in the fourth quarter of each year. We believe that our estimate of the value of our broadcast licenses, mastheads, and goodwill is a critical accounting estimate as the value is significant in relation to our total assets, and our estimates incorporate variables and assumptions that are based on experiences and judgment about future operating performance of our markets and business segments. The fair value measurements for our indefinite-lived intangible assets use significant unobservable inputs that reflect our own assumptions about the estimates that market participants would use in measuring fair value including assumptions about risk. The unobservable inputs are defined in FASB ASC Topic 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” as Level 3 inputs discussed in detail in Note 7 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Broadcast Licenses

The unit of accounting we use to test broadcast licenses is the cluster level, which we define as a group of radio stations operating in the same geographic market, sharing the same building and equipment and managed by a single general manager. The cluster level is the lowest level for which discrete financial information and cash flows are available and the level reviewed by management to analyze operating results.

In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU 2012-02, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350).” Under ASU 2012-02, we have the option to assess whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If it is more likely than not that impairment exists, we are required to perform a quantitative analysis to estimate the fair value of the assets. The qualitative assessment requires significant judgment in considering events and circumstances that may affect the estimated fair value of our broadcast licenses and to weigh the events and circumstances by what we believe to be the strongest to weakest indicator of potential impairment. ASU 2012-02 is effective for annual and interim impairment tests for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012, with early adoption permitted. We adopted the provisions of ASU 2012-02 as of our 2012 annual testing period. During 2011 and prior years, we applied the start-up income approach to estimate the fair value of each of our broadcast licenses.

We reviewed the significant assumptions in our most recent fair value estimates that were completed during our annual testing period ending December 31, 2011. Our review included an assessment to determine if events and circumstances have occurred that could affect the significant inputs used in these fair value estimates. Our 2011 fair value calculations were prepared using the start-up income approach to estimate the fair value of the broadcast license. The start-up-income approach measures the expected future economic benefits that the broadcast licenses provide and discounts these future benefits using a discounted cash flow analysis. The discounted cash flow analysis assumes that the broadcast licenses hypothetical start-up stations and the values yielded by the discounted cash flow analysis represent the portion of the stations value attributable solely to the broadcast license. The discounted cash flow model incorporates variables such as projected revenues, operating profit margins, forecasted growth rates, estimated start-up costs, losses expected to be incurred in the early years, competition within the market, the effective tax rate, future terminal values and the risk-adjusted discount rate. The variables used reflect historical company growth trends, industry projections, and the anticipated performance of the business. The discounted cash flow projection period was determined to be ten years, which is typically the time radio station operators and investors expect to recover their investments as widely used by industry analysts in their forecasts.

The key estimates and assumptions used in the start-up income valuation for all of our broadcast licenses were as follows:

 

Broadcast Licenses

   December 31, 2011

Discount rate

   9.0%

Operating profit margin ranges

   3.8% - 38.0%

Long-term market revenue growth rate ranges

   1.0% - 4.0%

 

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We reviewed each of the key estimates and assumptions and determined that there have been no significant changes that would need to be applied to a hypothetical start-up station in order to estimate the fair value. Projected revenues, operating profit margins, forecasted growth rates, estimated start-up costs, losses expected to be incurred in the early years, competition within the market, the effective tax rate, future terminal values and the risk-adjusted discount rate are consistent with those applied in the 2011 testing period. We also reviewed internal benchmarks and economic performance for each of our markets to conclude that we could reasonably rely upon the 2011 fair value estimates and assumptions as a starting point to our qualitative analysis.

We calculated the amount by which the 2011 estimated fair values exceeded our carrying amounts to calculate the excess of fair value. We concluded that markets with broadcast licenses with a 25% or more excess of the estimated fair value over the carrying value were not likely to be impaired. We believe based on our analysis and review, including the financial performance of each market, that a 25% excess fair value margin is conservative and reasonable in the qualitative analysis.

The tables below present the percentage within a range by which the estimated fair value exceeded the carrying value of our broadcasting licenses for each of our clusters:

 

     Geographic Clusters as of December 31, 2012
Percentage Range By Which Fair Value Exceeds Carrying Value
 
     
     £ 25%      >26-30%      >30% to 75%      > than 75%  

Number of market clusters

     12         2         6         9   

Broadcast license carrying value (in thousands)

   $ 248,939       $ 22,112       $ 26,586$         76,082   

We considered the 12 markets with an excess fair value that was less than 25% of the carrying values to be more likely than not impaired. For these markets, we engaged Bond & Pecaro, an independent third-party appraisal and valuation firm to perform a quantitative appraisal of our broadcast licenses. Bond & Pecaro utilized the start-up income approach to value broadcast licenses. The key estimates and assumptions used in the Bond & Pecaro start-up income valuation for these selected markets were as follows:

 

Broadcast Licenses

   December 31, 2012

Discount rate

   9.0%

Operating profit margin ranges

   5.1% - 35.5%

Long-term market revenue growth rate ranges

   0.3% - 15.0%

The table below presents the results of our quantitative analysis for the annual testing period ending December 31, 2012:

 

Market Cluster

   Excess Fair Value
2011 Estimate
    Excess Fair Value
2012 Estimate
 

Atlanta, GA

     13.34     7.54

Chicago, IL

     11.85     6.38

Cleveland, OH

     9.03     2.23

Dallas, TX

     7.83     10.38

Detroit, MI

     10.17     4.69

Louisville, KY

     24.08     7.21

Miami, FL

     14.93     27.84

Omaha, NE

     14.36     8.82

Orlando, FL

     19.36     38.74

Portland, OR

     19.47     11.00

Sacramento, CA

     10.46     4.87

Tampa, FL

     16.17     44.76

Based on our review and analysis we determined that no impairment charges were necessary to the carrying value of our broadcast licenses as of the annual testing periods ending December 31, 2012. Based on prior tests, we determined that no impairments of our broadcast licenses were necessary for years ending December 31, 2011 or 2010, respectively.

Mastheads

Mastheads consist of the graphic elements that identify our publications to readers and advertisers. These include customized typeset page headers, section headers, and column graphics as well as other name and identity stylized elements within the body of each publication. We test the value of mastheads as a single combined publishing entity as our print magazines operate from one shared facility under one general manager with operating results and cash flows reported on a combined basis for all publications.

 

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Based on actual operating results as of our year end testing period that did not meet or exceed our expectations, we performed a quantitative review of mastheads as of our annual testing period ending December 31, 2012. We had also performed an interim valuation of mastheads as of June 30, 2012 in which our excess fair value was estimated to be only 1.7%. We engaged Bond & Pecaro, an independent third-party appraisal firm, to perform an income-based approach to determine the estimated fair value of our mastheads. The income approach is based upon an estimated royalty stream that measures a cost savings to the business because it does not have to pay a royalty to use the owned trade name and content. The analysis assumes that the assets are employed by a typical market participant in their highest and best use. Under the income approach, we utilize a discounted cash flow method to calculate the estimated fair value of our mastheads, the key estimates and assumptions to which are as follows:

 

Mastheads

   December 31, 2010    December 31, 2011    Interim
June 30, 2012
   December 31, 2012

Discount rate

   8.5%    8.5%    8.5%    8.5%

Projected revenue growth ranges

   2.0% - 2.5%    1.5% - 2.50%    1.5% - 2.50%    1.5% - 3.0%

Royalty growth rate

   3.0%    3.0%    3.0%    3.0%

We recognized an impairment charge of $0.1 million associated with the value of mastheads in our publishing segment as of the annual testing period ending December 31, 2012. The impairment was driven by a reduction in projected net revenues resulting from ongoing operating results that have not met expectations. The impairment was indicative of trends in the publishing industry as a whole and is not unique to our company or operations.

Goodwill—Broadcast

During 2012, we adopted ASU 2011-08, “Testing Goodwill for Impairment.” As a result, beginning in 2012, the first step of the impairment tests for goodwill is a thorough assessment of qualitative factors to determine if events or circumstances indicate that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of these assets is less than their carrying amounts. If the qualitative test indicates it is not more likely than not that the fair value of these assets is less than their carrying amounts, a quantitative assessment is not required. The unit of accounting used to test broadcast licenses is the cluster level, which we define as a group of radio stations operating in the same geographic market, sharing the same building and equipment and managed by a single general manager. Nine of our 31 market clusters and our networks have goodwill associated with them as of our annual testing period ending December 31, 2012.

The first step of our review included an assessment to determine if events and circumstances have occurred that could affect the significant inputs used in our fair value estimates. We estimated fair values using a market and income approach and compared the estimated fair value of each cluster to its carrying value including goodwill. Using a market approach, we applied a multiple of four to each clusters’ station operating income (“SOI”) to calculate the estimated fair value. Radio stations are often sold on the basis of a multiple of projected cash flow, or SOI. Numerous trade organizations and analysts track these radio transactions. Based on reports and analysis of these transactions, we believe industry benchmarks to be in the six to seven times cash flow range. Based our analysis, we determined that an SOI benchmark of four would be a conservative indicator of fair value. Under the income approach, we utilized a discounted cash flow method to calculate the estimated fair value of the accounting unit. The discounted cash flow method incorporates the cumulative present value of the net after-tax cash flows projected for each market assuming that it is a hypothetical start-up station. The key estimates and assumptions used in the start-up income valuation of our broadcast markets for each testing period are as follows:

 

     December 31,

Goodwill –Broadcast Market Clusters

   2010   2011   2012

Discount rate

   9.0%   9.0%   9.0%

Operating profit margin ranges

   3.8% - 36.3%   3.8% - 38.0%   5.1% - 35.5%

Long-term market revenue growth rate ranges

   0.25% - 3.5%   1.0% - 4.0%   0.3% - 15.0%

If the carrying amount, including goodwill, exceeds the estimated fair value of the cluster, an indication exists that the amount of goodwill attributed to that cluster may be impaired. When we have indication of impairment, we perform a second step to determine the amount of any impairment. We engaged Bond & Pecaro, an independent third-party appraisal and valuation firm, to determine the enterprise value of three of our markets in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation. The enterprise valuation assumes that the subject assets are installed as part of an operating business rather than as a hypothetical start-up. The key estimates and assumptions used for our enterprise valuations are as follows:

 

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     December 31,  2012
Broadcast Market Clusters

Enterprise Valuations

  

Discount rate

   9.0%

Operating profit margin ranges

   16.9% - 49.2%

Long-term revenue market growth rate ranges

   1.0% - 3.5%

Based on our review and analysis we determined that no broadcast goodwill impairment charges were necessary as of the annual testing periods ending December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010. The estimated fair value of our networks exceeded the carrying value by 120.0%, 101.6%, and 98.6% for each of the annual testing periods ending December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

The tables below present the percentage within a range by which the enterprise value exceeded the carrying value of each of our clusters, including goodwill:

 

     Broadcast Market Clusters as of December 31, 2012
Percentage Range By Which Enterprise Value Exceeds Carrying Value Including Goodwill
 
     < 10%      >10% to 20%      >20% to 50%      > than 50%  

Number of market clusters

     2         1         1         5   

Enterprise carrying value (in thousands)

   $ 18,836       $ 1,423       $ 10,506       $ 132,645   
     Broadcast Market Clusters as of December 31, 2011  
     Percentage Range By Which Enterprise Value Exceeds Carrying Value Including Goodwill  
     < 10%      >10% to 20%      >20% to 50%      > than 50%  

Number of market clusters

     1         2         3         2   

Enterprise carrying value (in thousands)

   $ 9,877       $ 17,487       $ 68,506       $ 5,178   
     Broadcast Market Clusters as of December 31, 2010  
     Percentage Range By Which Enterprise Value Exceeds Carrying Value Including Goodwill  
     < 10%      >10% to 20%      >20% to 50%      > than 50%  

Number of market clusters

     2         —           2         3   

Enterprise carrying value (in thousands)

   $ 19,502       $ —         $ 66,871       $ 7,295   

Goodwill—Internet & Publishing

During 2012, we adopted ASU 2011-08, “Testing Goodwill for Impairment.” As a result, beginning in 2012, the first step of the impairment tests for goodwill is a thorough assessment of qualitative factors to determine if events or circumstances indicate that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of these assets is less than their carrying amounts. If the qualitative test indicates it is not more likely than not that the fair value of these assets is less than their carrying amounts, a quantitative assessment is not required. The units of accounting we use to test goodwill in our Internet business include Townhall.com and Salem Web Network. The operating results for Salem Web Network reflect the operating results and cash flows for all of our Internet sites exclusive of Townhall.com. We also separate our publishing business into two accounting units. The first publishing accounting unit is the magazine unit, which operates and produces all publications from a stand-alone facility, under one general manager, with operating results and cash flows of all publications reported on a combined basis. The second accounting unit is our book publishing division, Xulon Press, which also operates from a stand-alone facility, under one general manager who is responsible for the separately stated operating results and cash flows. Four of these accounting units have goodwill associated with them as our annual testing period.

We applied a market approach to estimate the fair value of each or our accounting units. Under the market approach, we applied a multiple of four to each accounting units’ operating income to estimate the fair value. We believe that a multiple of four is a conservative benchmark based on actual industry transactions. The first step of our review compared the estimated fair value of each accounting unit to its carrying value including goodwill. If the carrying amount, including goodwill, exceeded the estimated fair value of the unit, an indication exists that the amount of goodwill attributed to that unit may be impaired. When we have indication of impairment, we performed a second step to determine the amount of any impairment. We engaged Bond & Pecaro, an independent third-party appraisal and valuation firm, to determine the enterprise value of one of our accounting units in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation. The enterprise valuation assumes that the subject assets are installed as part of an operating business rather than as a hypothetical start-up. The key estimates and assumptions used for our enterprise valuations are as follows:

 

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     December 31,

Enterprise Valuations

   2010    2011    2012

Discount rate

   8.5%    13.5%    8.5% - 13.5%

Operating profit margin ranges

   2.0% - 8.4%    18.4% - 22.0%    0.5% - 22.0%

Long-term revenue growth rate ranges

   2.0%    3.0%    1.5% - 3.0%

The key assumptions in our third-party enterprise valuation varied from the testing period ending December 31, 2011 to the testing period ending December 31, 2010 due to the accounting units for which the enterprise valuations were performed. Due to the nature of the business, publishing varies greatly from our print magazines to our online print-on demand digital book publisher and our Internet businesses. The key estimates for 2012 include the ranges applicable to both publishing and our Internet businesses.

Based on our review and analysis we determined that no impairment charges were necessary as of the annual testing periods ending December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010. The table below presents the percentage within a range by which the enterprise value exceeded the carrying value of our accounting units, including goodwill.

 

     Internet and Publishing Accounting units as of December 31,  2012
Percentage Range By Which Enterprise Value Exceeds Carrying Value Including Goodwill
 
     < 10%      >10% to 20%      >20% to 50%      > than 50%  

Number of accounting units

     —           —           2         4   

Enterprise carrying value (in thousands)

   $ —         $ —         $ 28,722       $ 2,103   

We believe we have made reasonable estimates and assumptions to calculate the estimated fair value of our indefinite-lived intangible assets, however, these estimates and assumptions could be materially different from actual results. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by the industry or by us, or if events occur or circumstances change that would reduce the estimated fair value of our indefinite-lived intangible assets below the amounts reflected on our balance sheet, we may recognize future impairment charges, the amount of which may be material.

Income taxes and uncertain tax positions

We account for income taxes in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 740 “Income Taxes.” Upon the adoption of the provisions on January 1, 2007, we had $3.0 million in liabilities related to uncertain tax positions, including $0.9 million recognized under FASB ASC Topic 450 “Contingencies” and carried forward from prior years and $2.1 million recognized upon adoption of the tax provision changes as a reduction to retained earnings. Included in the $2.1 million accrual was $0.1 million in related interest, net of federal income tax benefits. During 2011, we recognized a net increase of $0.2 million in liabilities and at December 31, 2011, had $3.8 million in liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits. During 2012, we recognized a net decrease of $2.5 million in liabilities and at December 31, 2012, had $1.3 million in liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits. Included in this liability amount were $0.02 million accrued for the related interest, net of federal income tax benefits and $0.02 million for the related penalties recorded in income tax expense on our Consolidated Statements of Operations. Management expects an additional reduction of $0.4 million in the reserve over the next twelve months due to statute expirations.

A summary of the changes in the gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

 

     December 31, 2012  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Balance at January 1, 2012

   $ 3,852   

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year

     —     

Additions based on tax positions related to prior years

     —     

Reductions related to tax positions of prior years

     —     

Decrease due to statute expirations

     (2,429

Related interest and penalties, net of federal tax benefits

     (98
  

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2012

   $ 1,325   
  

 

 

 

Valuation allowance (deferred taxes)

For financial reporting purposes, we recorded a valuation allowance of $2.9 million as of December 31, 2012 to offset a portion of the deferred tax assets related to the 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.

 

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Fair value accounting

FASB ASC Topic 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” established a single definition of fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expanded disclosure requirements about fair value measurements. The provision applies to other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. We adopted the fair value provisions for financial assets and financial liabilities effective January 1, 2008. The adoption had a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. We adopted fair value provisions for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities effective January 1, 2009. This includes applying the fair value concept to (i) nonfinancial assets and liabilities initially measured at fair value in business combinations; (ii) reporting units or nonfinancial assets and liabilities measured at fair value in conjunction with goodwill impairment testing; (iii) other nonfinancial assets measured at fair value in conjunction with impairment assessments; and (iv) asset retirement obligations initially measured at fair value. The adoption of the fair value provisions of FASB ASC Topic 820 to nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

The fair value provisions include guidance on how to estimate the fair value of assets and liabilities in the current economic environment and reemphasizes that the objective of a fair value measurement remains an exit price. If we were to conclude that there has been a significant decrease in the volume and level of activity of the asset or liability in relation to normal market activities, quoted market values may not be representative of fair value and we may conclude that a change in valuation technique or the use of multiple valuation techniques may be appropriate.

The degree of judgment utilized in measuring the fair value of financial instruments generally correlates to the level of pricing observability. Pricing observability is affected by a number of factors, including the type of financial instrument, whether the financial instrument is new to the market, and the characteristics specific to the transaction. Financial instruments with readily available active quoted prices or for which fair value can be measured from actively quoted prices generally will have a higher degree of pricing observability and a lesser degree of judgment utilized in measuring fair value. Conversely, financial instruments rarely traded or not quoted will generally have less (or no) pricing observability and a higher degree of judgment utilized in measuring fair value.

FASB ASC Topic 820 established a hierarchal disclosure framework associated with the level of pricing observability utilized in measuring fair value. This framework defined three levels of inputs to the fair value measurement process and requires that each fair value measurement be assigned to a level corresponding to the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The three broad levels of inputs defined by the FASB ASC Topic 820 hierarchy are as follows:

 

   

Level 1 Inputs—quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date;

 

   

Level 2 Inputs—inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. If the asset or liability has a specified (contractual) term, a Level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; and

 

   

Level 3 Inputs—unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. These unobservable inputs reflect the entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, and are developed based on the best information available in the circumstances (which might include the reporting entity’s own data).

As of December 31, 2012, the carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivables, accounts payable, accrued expenses and accrued interest approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of such instruments. The carrying value of other long-term liabilities approximates fair value as the related interest rates approximate rates currently available to the company.

Long-term debt and debt covenant compliance

Our classification of borrowings under our Revolver as long-term debt on our balance sheet is based on our assessment that, under the terms of our Credit Agreement and after considering our projected operating results and cash flows for the coming year, no principal payments are required to be made. These projections are estimates dependent upon a number of factors including but not limited to developments in the markets in which we are operating in and varying economic and political factors. Accordingly, these projections are inherently uncertain and our actual results could differ from these estimates.

 

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Stock-Based compensation

We have one stock option plan, The Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Incentive Plan, (the “Plan”) under which equity awards, including stock options and restricted stock may be granted to employees, consultants and non-employee members of the Board of the Directors of the company. At the annual meeting of the company held on June 22, 2012, the company’s stockholders approved a revision to the Plan increasing the number of shares authorized by 1,900,000. As a result, a maximum of 5,000,000 shares are authorized under the Plan, of which 1,927,099 are outstanding and 707,024 are exercisable as of December 31, 2012.

We account for stock-based compensation under the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 718 “Compensation—Stock Compensation.” We record equity awards with stock-based compensation measured at the fair value of the award as of the grant date. We determine the fair value of our options using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model that requires the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected stock price volatility and expected term of the options granted. The exercise price for options is equal to the closing market price of Salem Communications common stock as of the date of grant. We use the straight-line attribution method to recognize share-based compensation costs over the expected service period of the award. Upon exercise, cancellation, forfeiture, or expiration of stock options, or upon vesting or forfeiture of restricted stock awards, deferred tax assets for options and restricted stock awards with multiple vesting dates are eliminated for each vesting period on a first-in, first-out basis as if each vesting period was a separate award.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In October 2012, the FASB issued ASU 2012-04, “Technical Corrections and Improvements.” The amendments in this update cover a wide range of Topics in the Accounting Standards Codification. These amendments include technical corrections and improvements to the Accounting Standards Codification and conforming amendments related to fair value measurements. The amendments in this update will be effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The adoption of ASU 2012-04 is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU 2012-02, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other “Testing Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets for Impairment.” The updated guidance gives companies the option to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not, defined as a likelihood of more than 50%, that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If it is determined that it is more likely than not that an impairment exists, then the company is required to estimate the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible assets and perform the quantitative impairment test in accordance with ASU 350-30. This ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after September 15, 2012. Early adoption is permitted. We adopted ASU 2012-02 as of our 2012 annual impairment testing performed in the fourth quarter of 2012. Adoption of this pronouncement did not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-11, “Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities”. This ASU requires us to disclose both net and gross information about assets and liabilities that have been offset, if any, and the related arrangements. The disclosures under this new guidance are required to be provided retrospectively for all comparative periods presented. We are required to apply the amendments for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and interim periods within those annual periods. The adoption of ASU 2011-11 is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our focus is to continue to deleverage the company. We have historically financed acquisitions through borrowings, including borrowings under credit facilities and, to a lesser extent, from operating cash flow and from proceeds on selected asset dispositions. We expect to fund any future acquisitions from cash on hand, proceeds from debt and equity offerings, borrowings under our credit facilities, operating cash flow and possibly through the sale of income-producing assets. 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 the notes from operating cash flow, borrowings under the Revolver and, if necessary, proceeds from the sale of selected assets or radio stations. We undertake projects from time to time to upgrade our radio station technical facilities and/or FCC broadcast licenses, expand our Internet offerings, improve our facilities and update our computer infrastructures. The nature and timing of these upgrades and expenditures can be delayed or scaled back at the discretion of management. We expect to incur capital expenditures of $8.4 million throughout the twelve months ending December 31, 2013.

 

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Cash Flows

Cash and cash equivalents increased $0.3 million to $0.4 million as of December 31, 2012 compared to $0.1 million as of the same period of the prior year. Working capital decreased $8.6 million to $(3.2) million as of December 31, 2012, compared to $5.4 million for the same period of the prior year due to our short-term Subordinated Debt due to Related Parties.

The following events impacted our liquidity and capital resources during the year ended December 31, 2012:

 

   

Capital expenditures increased $1.0 million to $8.5 million from $7.5 million for the same period of the prior year;

 

   

Our Day’s Sales Outstanding “DSO” improved to 66 days as of December 31, 2012 compared to 67 days for the same period of the prior year;

 

   

Cash paid for acquisitions increased $1.5 million to $10.7 million from $9.2 million for the prior year;

 

   

We redeemed $21.5 million of total principal on the 95/8% Notes at a price equal to 103% of face value, or $22.1 million in cash;

 

   

We increased the balance outstanding on our Revolver by $2.0 million and entered the new FCB Loan that had an outstanding balance of $7.5 million,

 

   

We increased the amount outstanding under our Subordinated Debt due to Related Parties by $6.0 million,

 

   

We paid common stock dividends of $3.4 million cash, or $0.14 per share, during the year ended December 31, 2012; and

 

   

Our income from continuing operations decreased $1.9 million to $4.5 million from $6.4 million for the prior year.

Credit Facilities

The Revolver and the 95/8% Notes have been entered into by Salem Communications Corporation. Our parent company, Salem Communications Corporation, has no independent assets or operations. All of the subsidiaries of Salem Communications Corporation are currently guarantors of the Revolver and the 95/8% Notes. The guarantees are full and unconditional and joint and several, and any subsidiaries of the parent company other than the subsidiary guarantors are minor.

On February 25, 2013, we launched a tender offer to purchase for cash any and all of the outstanding 95/8% Notes and a related consent solicitation (collectively, the “Tender Offer”) to amend the indenture governing the 95/ 8% Notes (the “Indenture”). In connection with the Tender Offer, we plan to enter into a new senior secured term loan of up to $300 million, which will be used to fund the purchase of any 95/8% Notes that are tendered in the Tender Offer. We also plan to enter into a new senior secured revolving credit facility of up to $25 million. If the requisite consents have been obtained from holders of the 95/8% Notes in the Tender Offer, substantially all of the restrictive covenants, certain events of default and other provisions contained in the Indenture governing the 95/ 8% Notes will be eliminated and the liens on the assets that secure the 95/8% Notes will be released, making any 95/8% Notes that remain outstanding after the consummation of the Tender Offer effectively subordinated to the new term loan and the new revolving credit facility to the extent of the value of the collateral. The proceeds from these facilities will be used to fund the Tender Offer and retire all other outstanding corporate debt. Holders of the 95/8% Notes who tender by the consent payment deadline, which is 5:00 pm, New York City time, on March 8, 2013, will receive a consent payment as part of the Tender Offer consideration. The Tender Offer is anticipated to expire at midnight, New York City time, on March 22, 2013. Regardless of whether we obtain the requisite consents from holders of the 95/ 8% Notes in the Tender Offer, we intend, at our sole discretion and without any obligation to do so, to retire any 95/ 8% Notes that are not tendered in the Tender Offer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture governing the 95/8% Notes, which may include redeeming the 95/8% Notes. Upon entry into the new term loan and the new revolving credit facility, the Revolver, FCB Loan, and Subordinated Debt due to Related Parties will be terminated.

Senior Credit Facility

On December 1, 2009, our parent company, Salem Communications Corporation entered into the Revolver. We amended the Revolver on November 1, 2010 to increase the borrowing capacity from $30 million to $40 million. The amendment allows us to use borrowings under the Revolver, subject to the “Available Amount” as defined by the terms of the Credit Agreement, to redeem applicable portions of the 95/8% Notes. The calculation of the “Available Amount” also pertains to the payment of dividends when the leverage ratio is above 5.0 to 1.

 

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On November 15, 2011, we completed the Second Amendment of our Revolver to among other things, (1) extend the maturity date from December 1, 2012 to December 1, 2014, (2) change the interest rate applicable to LIBOR or the Wells Fargo base rate plus a spread to be determined based on our leverage ratio, (3) allow us to borrow and repay unsecured indebtedness provided certain conditions are met and (4) include step-downs related to our leverage ratio covenant. We incurred $0.5 million in fees to complete this amendment, which are being amortized over the remaining term of the agreement. The applicable interest rate relating to the amended credit agreement is LIBOR plus a spread of 3.0% per annum or the Base Rate plus a spread of 1.25% per annum, which is adjusted based on our leverage ratio. If an event of default occurs, the interest rate may increase by 2.0% per annum. Details of the change in our rate based on our leverage ratio are as follows:

 

Consolidated Leverage Ratio

   Base Rate     Eurodollar
Rate Loans
    Applicable Fee
Rate
 

Less than 3.25 to 1.00

     0.75     2.25     0.40

Greater than or equal to 3.25 to 1.00 but less than 4.50 to 1.00

     0.75     2.50     0.50

Greater than or equal to 4.50 to 1.00 but less than 6.00 to 1.00

     1.25     3.00     0.60

Greater than or equal to 6.00 to 1.00

     2.25     3.50     0.75

The Revolver includes a $5 million subfacility for standby letters of credit and a subfacility for swingline loans of up to $5 million, subject to the terms and conditions of the credit agreement relating to the Revolver. In addition to interest charges outlined above, we pay a commitment fee on the unused balance based on the Applicable Fee Rate in the above table. If an event of default occurs, the interest rate may increase by 2.00% per annum. Amounts outstanding under the Revolver may be paid and then reborrowed at the company’s discretion without penalty or premium. We believe the borrowing capacity of the Revolver allows us to meet our ongoing operating requirements, fund capital expenditures, and satisfy our debt service requirements. The Revolver includes a $5 million subfacility for standby letters of credit and a subfacility for swingline loans of up to $5 million, subject to the terms and conditions of the credit agreement relating to the Revolver. Amounts outstanding under the Revolver may be paid and then reborrowed at Salem’s discretion without penalty or premium. At December 31, 2012, the blended interest rate on amounts outstanding under the Revolver was 3.32%.

With respect to financial covenants, the credit agreement includes a maximum leverage ratio of 6.25 to 1.0 and a minimum interest coverage ratio of 1.5 to 1. The maximum leverage ratio declines over time until December 31, 2014, at which point it is 5.50 to 1. The credit agreement also includes other negative covenants that are customary for credit facilities of this type, including covenants that, subject to exceptions described in the Credit Agreement, restrict the ability of Salem and the guarantors: (i) to incur additional indebtedness; (ii) to make investments; (iii) to make distributions, loans or transfers of assets; (iv) to enter into, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any liens; (v) to sell assets; (vi) to enter into transactions with affiliates; (vii) to merge or consolidate with, or dispose of all or substantially all assets to, a third party; (viii) to prepay indebtedness; and (ix) to pay dividends. As of December 31, 2012, our leverage ratio was 4.87 to 1 and our interest coverage ratio was 2.23 to 1. We were in compliance with our debt covenants under the Revolver at December 31, 2012, and we remain in compliance.

Senior Secured Second Lien Notes

On December 1, 2009, we issued $300.0 million principal amount of 95/8% Notes at a discount for $298.1 million resulting in an effective yield of 9.75%. Interest is due and payable on June 15 and December 15 of each year, commencing June 15, 2010 until maturity. We are not required to make principal payments on the 95/8% Notes that are due in full in December 2016. The 95/8% Notes are guaranteed by all of our existing domestic restricted subsidiaries. Upon issuance, we were required to pay $28.9 million per year in interest on the then outstanding 95/ 8% Notes. As of December 31, 2011 and 2012, accrued interest on the 95/8% Notes was $1.0 million and $0.9 million, respectively. The discount is being amortized to interest expense over the term of the 95/8% Notes based on the effective interest method. For each of the twelve months ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, approximately $0.2 million, respectively, of the discount has been recognized as interest expense.

On December 12, 2012, we redeemed $4.0 million of the 95/8% Notes for $4.1 million, or at a price equal to 103% of the face value. This transaction resulted in a $0.2 million pre-tax loss on the early retirement of debt, including approximately $17,000 of unamortized discount and $0.1 million of bond issue costs associated with the 95/8% Notes.

On June 1, 2012, we redeemed $17.5 million of the 95/8% Notes for $18.0 million, or at a price equal to 103% of the face value. This transaction resulted in a $0.9 million pre-tax loss on the early retirement of debt, including approximately $80,000 of unamortized discount and $0.3 million of bond issue costs associated with the 95/8% Notes.

 

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On December 12, 2011, we redeemed $12.5 million of the 95/8% Notes for $12.9 million, or at a price equal to 103% of the face value. This transaction resulted in a $0.8 million pre-tax loss on the early retirement of debt, including approximately $62,000 of unamortized discount and $0.3 million of bond issue costs associated with the 95/8% Notes.

On September 6, 2011, we repurchased $5.0 million of the 95/8% Notes for $5.1 million, or at a price equal to 1027/8% of the face value. This transaction resulted in a $0.3 million pre-tax loss on the early retirement of debt, including approximately $26,000 of unamortized discount and $0.1 million of bond issue costs associated with the 95/8% Notes.

On June 1, 2011, we redeemed $17.5 million of the 95/8% Notes for $18.0 million, or at a price equal to 103% of the face value. This transaction resulted in a $1.1 million pre-tax loss on the early retirement of debt, including $0.1 million of unamortized discount and $0.5 million of bond issue costs associated with the 95/8% Notes.

Information regarding repurchases and redemptions of the 95/8% Notes are as follows:

 

Date

        Principal
Redeemed/Repurchased
     Premium
Paid
     Unamortized
Discount
     Bond Issue
Costs
 
         (Dollars in thousands)  

December 12, 2012

     $ 4,000       $ 120       $ 17       $ 57   

June 1, 2012

       17,500         525         80