Salem Communications Stations Win 2004 NRB Awards; Three Stations Win Best in News/Talk, Music and Syndicated Talk Show

John Peroyea, general manager of KLTY-FM (94.9) in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX, accepted the award for best music station. Accepting the award for best talk show was Scott Wilder, host of the acclaimed Scott Wilder Show. The Scott Wilder Show is broadcast on KWRD FM in Dallas- Fort Worth, TX; KKMT 1070 AM in Houston, TX; and KSLR 630 AM in San Antonio, TX. Brian Taylor, KNUS 710 AM in Denver, CO, accepted the NRB honor for best News/Talk station.

Joe D. Davis, executive vice president of radio for Salem Communications, noted that the awards reflected the commitment that Salem has to supporting excellence in quality programming.

"We are extraordinarily honored by the recognition bestowed by our NRB peers. It always is meaningful when colleagues in the industry acknowledge our efforts and hard work. Also, I am pleased and thankful for our professional team, led by senior vice president Rob Adair, who oversees the winning stations that are part of our Midwest region."

Adair commented on the awardees. "I am proud to be working with such an incredible group of professional broadcasters. Each of these individuals brings a single focus on quality and excellence that is a hallmark of the Salem Communications team. We are proud that Salem provides the resources and supports our efforts to strive for the best."

Salem Communications Corporation (Nasdaq:SALM), headquartered in Camarillo, California, is the leading U.S. radio broadcaster focused on religious and family themes programming. The company owns and operates 92 radio stations, mainly comprised of three primary formats: Christian Teaching and Talk; Conservative News/Talk; and Contemporary Christian Music. In addition to its radio properties, Salem owns the Salem Radio Network, which syndicates talk, news and music programming to over 1,600 affiliated radio stations; Salem Radio Representatives, a national sales organization; Salem Web Network, the leading Internet provider of Christian content and online streaming; and Salem Publishing, a Christian magazine publisher. For more information, visit Salem Communications' web site at www.Salem.cc.

Forward Looking Statements

Statements used in this press release that relate to future plans, events, financial results, prospects or performance are forward-looking statements as defined under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to the ability of Salem to close and integrate announced transactions, market acceptance of recently launched music formats, competition in the radio broadcast, Internet and publishing industries and from new technologies, adverse economic conditions, and other risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in Salem's periodic reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K and other filings filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Salem undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward- looking statements to reflect new information, changed circumstances or unanticipated events.

Released February 23, 2004