UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-Q

[X]

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

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2009

OR

[   ]

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

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM __________________ TO __________________

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 000-26497

SALEM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)

[f10qq22009final002.gif]


DELAWARE

(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)

 

77-0121400

(I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)

 

 

 

4880 SANTA ROSA ROAD

CAMARILLO, CALIFORNIA

(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL

EXECUTIVE OFFICES)

 

93012

( ZIP CODE)

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes [X ]

No  [   ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant 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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files.)  

Yes [   ]

No  [   ]

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   [   ]

Smaller Reporting Company

 [ X  ]

(Do not check if a Smaller Reporting Company)


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes [   ]

No  [ X ]

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.


Class A

 

Outstanding at August 5, 2009

Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share

 

18,120,092 shares


Class B

 

Outstanding at August 5, 2009

Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share

 

5,553,696 shares







SALEM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
INDEX

 

 

 

PAGE NO.

COVER PAGE

 

 

INDEX

 

 

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

1

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

Item 1.   Financial Statements.

 

2

 

Item 2.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition

               and Results of Operations.

 

21

 

Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

 

36

 

Item 4T.   Controls and Procedures.

 

36

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

37

 

Item 1.    Legal Proceedings.

 

37

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

 

37

 

Item 2.   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

 

37

 

Item 3.   Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

 

37

 

Item 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

 

37

 

Item 5.   Other Information.

 

37

 

Item 6.   Exhibits.

 

37

SIGNATURES

 

38

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

39






FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS


      From time to time, in both written reports (such as this report) and oral statements, Salem Communications Corporation (“Salem” or the “Company,” including references to Salem by “we,” “us” and “our”) makes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of federal and state securities laws.  Disclosures that use words such as the company “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “estimates,” “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”).




1



PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

SALEM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

ITEM 1.      FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)



2



SALEM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)

 

 

 

December 31, 2008

June 30, 2009

 

 

 

(Note 1)

(Unaudited)

ASSETS

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

1,892

 

$

20,409

 

 

Trade accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $8,821 in 2008 and $9,194 in 2009)

 

 

28,530

 

 

25,458

 

 

Other receivables

 

 

304

 

 

307

 

 

Prepaid expenses

 

 

2,540

 

 

1,840

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

5,670

 

 

6,158

 

 

Assets of discontinued operations

 

 

204

 

 

204

 

Total current assets

 

 

39,140

 

 

54,376

 

Property, plant and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation of $93,130 in 2008 and $99,332 in 2009)

 

 

133,706

 

 

126,214

 

Broadcast licenses

 

 

398,135

 

 

386,786

 

Goodwill

 

 

18,230

 

 

17,642

 

Other indefinite-lived intangible assets

 

 

2,892

 

 

1,961

 

Amortizable intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization of $16,706 in 2008 and $17,738 in 2009)

 

 

4,452

 

 

3,426

 

Bond issue costs

 

 

268

 

 

197

 

Bank loan fees

 

 

981

 

 

1,683

 

Notes receivable

 

 

2,881

 

 

2,992

 

Other assets

 

 

7,033

 

 

4,105

 

Total assets

 

$

607,718

 

$

599,382

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

919

 

$

2,626

 

 

Accrued expenses

 

 

5,748

 

 

6,298

 

 

Accrued compensation and related expenses

 

 

5,463

 

 

3,916

 

 

Accrued interest

 

 

983

 

 

604

 

 

Deferred revenue

 

 

5,672

 

 

5,574

 

 

Income tax payable

 

 

346

 

 

268

 

 

Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations

 

 

3,766

 

 

72,964

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

22,897

 

 

92,250

 

Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, less current portion

 

 

321,609

 

 

248,931

 

Fair value of interest rate swap agreements

 

 

7,898

 

 

5,522

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

43,106

 

 

42,639

 

Deferred revenue

 

 

7,877

 

 

7,888

 

Other liabilities

 

 

1,215

 

 

671

 

Total liabilities

 

 

404,602

 

 

397,901

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class A common stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 80,000,000 shares; 20,437,742 issued and 18,120,092 outstanding at December 31, 2008 and at June 30, 2009

 

 

204

 

 

204

 

 

Class B common stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 20,000,000 shares; 5,553,696 issued and outstanding shares at December 31, 2008 and June 30, 2009

 

 

56

 

 

56

 

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

228,251

 

 

228,481

 

 

Retained earnings

 

 

10,452

 

 

8,324

 

 

Treasury stock, at cost (2,317,650 shares at December 31, 2008 and June 30, 2009)

 

 

(34,006)

 

 

(34,006)

 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

 

(1,841)

 

 

(1,578)

 

Total stockholders’ equity

 

 

203,116

 

 

201,481

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$

607,718

 

$

599,382

 

See accompanying notes



3




SALEM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

(Unaudited)


 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

June 30,

 

June 30,

 

2008

 

2009

 

2008

 

2009

Net broadcast revenue

$  49,938

 

$  43,570

 

$  97,855

 

$  85,601

Non-broadcast revenue

7,521

 

6,545

 

13,654

 

12,806

Total revenue

57,459

 

50,115

 

111,509

 

98,407

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Broadcast operating expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below (including $316 and $311 for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 and 2009, respectively, and $633 and $622 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2009, respectively, paid to related parties)

31,905

 

27,801

 

63,692

 

54,145

 

Non-broadcast operating expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below

6,847

 

5,439

 

13,087

 

11,237

 

Corporate expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below (including $95 and $44 for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 and 2009, respectively, and $132 and $112 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2009, respectively, paid to related parties)

4,482

 

3,271

 

9,759

 

6,614

 

Depreciation (including $322 and $461 for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 and 2009, respectively, and $645 and $959 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2009, respectively for non-broadcast businesses)

3,230

 

3,365

 

6,477

 

6,739

 

Amortization (including $651 and $404 for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 and 2009, respectively, and $1,298 and $990 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2009, respectively for non-broadcast businesses)

673

 

398

 

1,341

 

1,005

 

Cost of denied tower site and abandoned projects

 

1,111

 

 

1,111

 

Impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived assets

 

13,663

 

 

13,663

 

(Gain) loss on disposal of assets

10

 

1,615

 

(6,004)

 

1,616

Total operating expenses

47,147

 

56,663

 

88,352

 

96,130

Operating income (loss) from continuing operations

10,312

 

(6,548)

 

23,157

 

2,277

Other income (expense):

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

113

 

73

 

134

 

147

 

Interest expense

(5,488)

 

(4,279)

 

(11,562)

 

(8,638)

 

Change in fair value of interest rate swaps

 

2,296

 

 

2,376

 

Gain on early redemption of long-term debt

 

660

 

 

660

 

Other expense, net

(49)

 

(27)

 

(100)

 

(48)

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

4,888

 

(7,825)

 

11,629

 

(3,226)

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

1,996

 

(2,699)

 

5,135

 

(955)

Income (loss) from continuing operations

2,892

 

(5,126)

 

6,494

 

(2,271)

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

632

 

109

 

2,053

 

143

Net income (loss)

$  3,524

 

$ (5,017)

 

$  8,547

 

$ (2,128)

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

1,961

 

 

(183)

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

$  5,485

 

$ (5,017)

 

   $  8,364

 

$ (2,128)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings (loss) per share data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations

$        0.12

 

$        (0.22)

 

$        0.27

 

$        (0.10)

Income per share from discontinued operations

0.03

 

 

0.09

 

0.01

Basic earnings (loss) per share

$        0.15

 

$        (0.21)

 

$        0.36

 

$        (0.09)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings (loss) per share data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per (loss) share from continuing operations

$        0.12

 

$        (0.22)

 

$        0.27

 

$        (0.10)

Income per share from discontinued operations

0.03

 

 

0.09

 

0.01

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

$        0.15

 

$        (0.21)

 

$        0.36

 

$        (0.09)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

23,668,788

 

23,673,788

 

23,668,788

 

23,673,788

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

23,668,788

 

23,673,788

 

23,668,788

 

23,673,788

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes




4



SALEM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

 

 

2008

 

 

2009

 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

 

$

6,494

 

 

$

(2,271)

 

Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-cash stock-based compensation

 

 

1,315

 

 

 

230

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

7,818

 

 

 

7,744

 

 

Amortization of bond issue costs and bank loan fees

 

 

580

 

 

 

654

 

 

Amortization and accretion of financing items

 

 

31

 

 

 

5

 

 

Provision for bad debts

 

 

2,437

 

 

 

2,302

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

6,292

 

 

 

(693)

 

 

Change in fair value of interest rate swaps

 

 

 

 

 

(2,376)

 

 

Cost of denied tower site and abandoned projects

 

 

 

 

 

1,111

 

 

Impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived assets

 

 

 

 

 

13,663

 

 

(Gain) loss on disposal of assets

 

 

(6,004)

 

 

 

1,616

 

 

Gain on early redemption of long-term debt

 

 

 

 

 

(660)

 

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

 

(2,393)

 

 

 

767

 

 

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

15

 

 

 

591

 

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

 

854

 

 

 

323

 

 

 

Deferred revenue

 

 

1,768

 

 

 

(146)

 

 

 

Other liabilities

 

 

64

 

 

 

(286)

 

 

 

Income taxes payable

 

 

(50)

 

 

 

(79)

 

          Net cash provided by continuing operating activities

 

 

19,221

 

 

 

22,495

 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Capital expenditures

 

 

(5,414)

 

 

 

(2,050)

 

Deposits on radio station acquisitions

 

 

 

 

 

2,725

 

Purchase of broadcast assets

 

 

(12,315)

 

 

 

(2,725)

 

Purchase of non-broadcast businesses

 

 

(1,185)

 

 

 

 

Purchase of real estate from principal stockholders

 

 

(5,013)

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from the disposal of assets

 

 

4,503

 

 

 

353

 

Reimbursement of tower relocation costs

 

 

 

 

 

1,742

 

Other

 

 

233

 

 

 

(56)

 

          Net cash used in investing activities of continuing operations

 

 

(19,191)

 

 

 

(11)

 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Payments of costs related to amendment of bank credit facility

 

 

 

 

 

(1,285)

 

Payments to redeem 7 3/4% Notes

 

 

 

 

 

(290)

 

Proceeds from borrowings under credit facilities

 

 

15,000

 

 

 

 

Payments of long-term debt and notes payable

 

 

(22,212)

 

 

 

(2,497)

 

Net borrowings and repayment on swingline credit facility

 

 

(2,060)

 

 

 

 

Tax benefit related to stock options exercised

 

 

(1)

 

 

 

 

Payments on capital lease obligations

 

 

(1,346)

 

 

 

(38)

 

Book overdraft

 

 

(264)

 

 

 

 

          Net cash used in financing activities

 

 

(10,883)

 

 

 

(4,110)

 

CASH FLOWS OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Operating cash flows

 

 

(1,166)

 

 

 

143

 

  Investing cash flows

 

 

11,850

 

 

 

 

          Net cash provided by discontinued operations

 

 

10,684

 

 

 

143

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

(169)

 

 

 

18,517

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

 

 

447

 

 

 

1,892

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

278

 

 

$

20,409

 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid during the period for

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest

 

$

9,295

 

 

$

4,108

 

 

 

Income taxes

 

$

374

 

 

$

280

 

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Notes receivable acquired in exchange for radio station

 

$

3,250

 

 

$

 

See accompanying notes



5



 SALEM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

NOTE 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of Salem Communications Corporation (“Salem” or the “Company,” including references to Salem by “we,” “us” and “our”) include the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries.  The Company, excluding its subsidiaries, is herein referred to as Parent.  All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

Information with respect to the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2009 is unaudited.  The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 8 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.  In the opinion of management, the unaudited interim financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company.  The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the full year.  For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.

The balance sheet at December 31, 2008 included in this report has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date, but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP.

NOTE 2. RECLASSIFICATIONS  

Certain items shown in the 2008 consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

NOTE 3.  IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS  

We account for goodwill and other indefinite lived intangible assets in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.”  Accordingly, 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.  Broadcast licenses account for approximately 95% of our indefinite-lived intangible assets.  Goodwill and magazine mastheads account for the remaining 5%.  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 being managed by a single general manager.  Goodwill and mastheads, attributable primarily to the non-broadcast operating segment, are tested at the business unit level, which we define by publication or website.

We complete our annual impairment tests in the fourth quarter of each year.  However, based on continued deteriorating macro-economic factors, including declining radio industry revenues throughout 2009 to date and a weakening in prevailing radio station transaction multiples, we concluded that, in connection with preparing our financial statements for the period ended June 30, 2009, an interim valuation pursuant to SFAS No. 142 was appropriate.  We reviewed the financial performance of all accounting units against established internal benchmarks.  Based on projected declines in revenues and market analysis from industry experts that indicate a more than remote likelihood that a current fair value determination would be less than the carrying value, we engaged Bond & Pecaro, an independent third-party appraisal and valuation firm, to perform an appraisal of the indefinite-lived asset(s) of accounting units that did not meet our internal benchmarks.  As a result of our interim review and valuation, a pre-tax impairment charge of $12.1 million associated with the value of broadcast licenses in the Dallas and Portland markets was recognized in the second quarter of 2009.

The impairments are driven in part by declining revenue at the industry and market levels, declining radio stations transaction multiples and a higher cost of capital.  The impairments are indicative of a trend in the broadcast industry and are not unique to the Company.  We reviewed the financial performance of all reporting units against established benchmarks to identify potential impairment of goodwill. For reporting units in which internal benchmarks indicated potential impairment of goodwill, we engaged Bond & Pecaro to perform an appraisal of the reporting unit.  We reviewed goodwill for potential impairment by comparing the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill.  For reporting units in which the estimated fair value exceeded the carrying value, no loss was recognized.  For reporting units in which the fair value did not exceed the carrying value, a potential impairment was identified.  The implied value of goodwill for these reporting units was calculated using Bond & Pecaro, an independent third-party appraisal and valuation firm, as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination



6



and the fair value of the reporting unit was the price paid to acquire the reporting unit.  Based on this review, we recorded a pre-tax impairment charge of $0.4 million associated with the value of goodwill in the broadcast segment and a pre-tax impairment charge of $1.2 million associated with the value of goodwill and mastheads in the non-broadcast segment.  

The valuation of intangible assets is subjective and based on estimates rather than precise calculations.  If actual future results are not consistent with the assumptions and estimates used, we may be exposed to impairment charges in the future.  The fair value measurements for both our goodwill and broadcast licenses use significant unobservable inputs which 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 under SFAS No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” as Level 3 inputs discussed in more detail in Note 12 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

As of June 30, 2009, each major category of assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis are categorized as follows:

 

 

Total

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Impairment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of June 30, 2009:

 

(Dollars in thousands)

Non-recurring assets subject to fair value measurement:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Broadcast licenses

 

$    386,786

 

 

 

$    386,786

 

$     (12,146)

Goodwill

 

17,642

 

 

 

17,642

 

(587)

Other indefinite-lived intangible assets

 

1,961

 

 

 

1,961

 

(930)

Total

 

$    406,389

 

 

 

$    406,389

 

$     (13,633)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The key assumptions used to estimate the fair value of each major category of assets in our broadcast segment as of June 30, 2009 are as follows:

 

 

Broadcast Licenses

 

Goodwill

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of June 30, 2009:

 

 

 

 

 

Discount rate

 

9.5%

 

9.5%

 

2009 Market growth rates

 

(13.2%) – (15.2%)

 

(13.2%) – (15.2%)

 

Out-year market growth range

 

(2.0%)

 

(2.0%)

 

Market share range

 

0.7% - 3.4%

 

0.7% - 3.4%

 

Operating profit margin range

 

4.7% - 6.8%

 

4.7% - 6.8%

 


 

 

 

 

 

The key assumptions used to estimate the fair value of each major category of assets in our non-broadcast segment as of June 30, 2009 are as follows:

 

 

Other indefinite-lived intangible assets

 

Goodwill

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of June 30, 2009:

 

 

 

 

 

Discount rate

 

9.0% - 9.5%

 

9.0% - 9.5%

 

Operating cash flow growth rate

 

2.0%

 

2.0%

 

Long-term growth rate

 

2.0%

 

2.0%

 


 

 

 

 

 

NOTE 4. SIGNIFICANT TRANSACTIONS

On February 2, 2009, we received reimbursement from the Port of Seattle of approximately $1.7 million of costs associated with a tower relocation project.  The tower relocation began in 2001 as a result of the City’s use of eminent domain in which the existing tower land was seized.  

On March 31, 2009, we completed the purchase of WAMD-AM in Aberdeen, Maryland for $2.7 million.  The purchase price was paid into an escrow account on July 18, 2008.  The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations includes the operating results of this radio station as of the acquisition date.  In accordance with SFAS No. 141R, Business Combinations, expenses associated with this business combination were expensed as of the January 2009 adoption date.  The business combination does not meet the materiality threshold for pro-forma disclosures.

The purchase price was allocated to the total assets acquired as follows:

 

 

 

Amount

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

Asset

 

 

 

Property and equipment

$

                     213

 

FCC License

 

2,512

 

 

$

                 2,725



7






On June 1, 2009 we completed the sale of radio station KPXI-FM in Tyler-Longview, Texas for $0.4 million which resulted in a pre-tax loss of $1.6 million.  The operating results of KPXI-FM were excluded from the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations as of the date of the sale.  

Other Pending Transactions:

On July 12, 2008, we entered an agreement to purchase radio station WZAB-AM in Miami, Florida for $1.4 million.  We began operating the station under a Local Marketing Agreement (“LMA”) agreement effective October 1, 2008.  On July 20, 2009, we amended the Asset Purchase Agreement to a reduced price of $1.0 million.  The purchase was approved by the FCC and closed on July 24, 2009 as noted in Note 17 – Subsequent Events.  The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations reflect the operating results of the entity as of the LMA date.  

Discontinued Operations:

We entered a plan to sell all radio stations in the Milwaukee market during 2007.  We sold radio station WRRD-AM in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for $3.8 million on March 28, 2008 and sold radio station WFZH-FM in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for $8.1 million on May 30, 2008.  We entered into an LMA with the buyer of WFZH-FM effective as of February 15, 2008, under which the buyer began programming the station and paying a majority of operational costs of the station.  The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and Statements of Operations reflect the operating results and net assets of the Milwaukee stations as a discontinued operation for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008.  

We ceased publishing the CCM Magazine as of March 2008.  The operating results for CCM Magazine have been reported as a discontinued operation as of this date.  The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations reflect the operating results of this entity as a discontinued operation for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008.  

On July 31, 2008, we entered into an agreement to sell radio station WRFD-AM in Columbus, Ohio for $4.0 million.  As a result of the sale, we will exit the Columbus, Ohio market.  The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and Statements of Operations reflect the operating results and net assets of the entity as a discontinued operation for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2009.  The sale is subject to the approval of the FCC and is expected to close in the second half of 2009.  As of December 31, 2008 and June 30, 2009, assets held for sale include the property and equipment to be sold with the Columbus, Ohio station of $0.2 million.

The following table sets forth the components of income from discontinued operations, net of tax, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2009.


 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

2008

 

2009

 

2008

 

2009

 

(Dollars in thousands)

Net revenue

$

644

 

$

         377

 

$

            1,675

 

$

          741

Operating expenses

 

585

 

 

261

 

 

1,463

 

 

571

Operating income

$

59

 

$

         116

 

$

                212

 

$

          170

Gain on sale of radio station assets

 

1,036

 

 

 

 

3,258

 

 

Income from discontinued operations

$

1,095

 

$

        116

 

$

3,470

 

$

          170

Provision for income taxes

 

463

 

 

7

 

 

1,417

 

 

27

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

$

632

 

$

      109

 

$

2,053

 

$

      143


NOTE 5. STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN       

The Company has one stock option plan.  The Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) allows the Company to grant stock options and restricted shares to employees, directors, officers and advisors of the Company.  A maximum of 3,100,000 shares are authorized under the Plan.  Options generally vest over a four year period and have a maximum term of five years from the vesting date. The Plan provides that vesting may be accelerated in certain corporate transactions of the Company.  The Plan provides that the Board of Directors, or a committee appointed by the Board, has discretion, subject to certain limits, to modify the terms of outstanding options.   In accordance with SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS No. 123(R)”), we recognize compensation expense related to the estimated fair value of stock options granted.   



8



The following table reflects the components of stock-based compensation expense recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2009:  

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

June 30,

 

June 30,

 

2008

 

2009

 

2008

 

2009

 

(Dollars in thousands)

Stock option compensation expense included in corporate expenses

$             409

 

$             68

 

$             945

 

$             114

Restricted stock units compensation expense included in corporate expenses

12

 

 

26

 

Stock option compensation expense included in broadcast operating expenses

117

 

67

 

263

 

84

Stock option compensation expense included in non-broadcast operating expenses

31

 

11

 

81

 

32

 Total stock-based compensation expense, pre-tax

$             569

 

$            146

 

$          1,315

 

$             230

Tax benefit from stock-based compensation expense

(251)

 

(50)

 

(598)

 

(82)

Total stock-based compensation expense, net of tax

$            318

 

$              96

 

$              717

 

$            148


 Stock option and restricted stock grants

The Plan allows the Company to grant stock options and shares of restricted stock to employees, directors, officers and advisors of the Company.  The option exercise price is set at the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant, and the related number of shares granted is fixed at that point in time.  The Plan also provides for grants of restricted stock units.  Eligible employees may receive stock options annually with the number of shares and type of instrument generally determined by the employee’s salary grade and performance level.  In addition, certain management and professional level employees typically receive a stock option grant upon commencement of employment.  Non-employee directors of the Company have received restricted stock grants that vest one year from the date of issuance as well as stock options that vest immediately.  The Plan does not allow key employees and directors (restricted persons) to exercise an option during a pre-defined black out period.  Employees may participate in a 10b5-1 Plan available to exercise options according to predefined criteria.  

We use the Black-Scholes option valuation model to estimate the grant date fair value of stock options.  The expected volatility reflects the consideration of the historical volatility of the Company stock as determined by the closing price over a six to twelve year term that is generally commensurate with the expected term of the option.  The expected dividends reflect the Company’s payment of special dividends in 2006 and 2007.  The expected term of the option is based on evaluations of historical and expected future employee exercise behavior.  The risk-free interest rates for periods within the expected term of the option are based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect during the period the options were granted.  Upon adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), we began using historical data to estimate forfeiture rates applied to the gross amount of expense determined using the option valuation model.  Prior to adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), we recognized forfeitures as they occurred.  There was no material impact upon adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) between these methods of accounting for forfeitures.  The weighted-average assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the stock options using the Black-Scholes option valuation model were as follows for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2009:


 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

June 30,

 

June 30,

 

2008

 

2009

 

2008

 

2009

Expected volatility

44.58%

 

82.46%

 

44.58%

 

76.40%

Expected dividends

3.90%

 

%

 

3.90%

 

%

Expected term (in years)

8.5

 

6.2

 

8.5

 

6.1

Risk-free interest rate

3.11%

 

2.42%

 

3.11%

 

2.29%

Stock option information with respect to our stock-based compensation plan for the six months ended June 30, 2009 is as follows (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

Options

 

Shares

 

Weighted Average Exercise Price

 

Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value

 

Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term

 

Aggregate Intrinsic Value

 

Outstanding at January 1, 2009

 

562,175

 

$      14.56

 

 $         9.11

 

4.0 years

 

$        —

 

Granted

 

867,000

 

0.61

 

0.42

 

 

 

300

 

Exercised

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited or expired

 

(59,250)

 

15.31

 

10.70

 

 

 

3

 

Outstanding at June 30, 2009

 

1,369,925

 

5.70

 

3.54

 

5.1 years

 

297

 

Exercisable at June 30, 2009

 

370,738

 

15.50

 

9.44

 

2.8 years

 



9






The fair values of shares of restricted stock are determined based on the closing price of the Company common stock on the grant dates.  Information regarding the Company’s restricted stock grants for the six months ended June 30, 2009 is as follows:  

 

Restricted Stock

 

Shares

 

Weighted Average Exercise Price

 

Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value

 

Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term

 

Aggregate Intrinsic Value

 

Non-Vested at January 1, 2009

 

 

$      —

 

 $         —

 

 

$        —

 

Granted

 

5,000

 

 

0.36

 

 

 

5

 

Vested

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-Vested at June 30, 2009

 

5,000

 

 

0.36

 

0.7 years

 

5

As of June 30, 2009, there was $0.5 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested awards of stock options and restricted shares.  This cost is to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.3 years.

NOTE 6. OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

SFAS No. 130, “Reporting Comprehensive Income” establishes standards for the reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components in a full set of general purpose financial statements.  We accounted for changes in the fair value of our interest rate swaps as a component of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) during the period in which they were effective as defined by SFAS No. 133.  As of October 1, 2008, we elected a one-month reset on our Term Loan C rather than the three month reset period.  As our interest rate swap agreements contain a three month reset period, the swaps are no longer effective and no longer qualify for cash flow hedge accounting.  As a result, changes in the fair value of our swaps are no longer deferred in other comprehensive income, but rather impact current period income.

Other comprehensive income (loss) reflects changes in the fair value of each of our three cash flow hedges for the time that the cash flow hedges qualified as effective as follows:

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

2008

 

2009

 

2008

 

2009

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

Mark-to-market gain (loss)

$

          3,269

 

$

  —

 

$

      (305)

 

$

  —

Less tax provision (benefit)

 

(1,308)

 

 

 

 

122

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

$

          1,961

 

$

  —

 

$

      (183)

 

$

  —


NOTE 7. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 168

In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 168, “The FASB Accounting Standards Codification and Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, a replacement of FASB Statement No. 162” (“SFAS 168”). SFAS 168 establishes the FASB Standards Accounting Codification (“Codification”) as the source of authoritative U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) recognized by the FASB to be applied to nongovernmental entities and rules and interpretive releases of the SEC as authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants.  The Codification will supersede all the existing non-SEC accounting and reporting standards upon its effective date and subsequently, the FASB will not issue new standards in the form of Statements, FASB Staff Positions or Emerging Issues Task Force Abstracts. SFAS 168 also replaces FASB Statement No. 162, “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles” given that once in effect, the Codification will carry the same level of authority.  The Codification is effective for our third-quarter 2009 financial statements.  The Codification is not expected to change GAAP.  We do not expect the adoption of this statement to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 167

In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 167, “Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R)”  SFAS No. 167 amends FASB Interpretation No. 46 (“FIN 46”) (revised December 2003), “Consolidation of Variable Interest entities” (“FIN 46R”) to require an analysis to determine whether a variable interest gives the entity a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity.  This statement requires an ongoing reassessment and eliminates the quantitative approach previously required for determining whether an entity is the primary beneficiary. SFAS No. 167 is effective for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2010.  We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this standard on our consolidated financial statements



10



Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 165

In May 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No.165, “Subsequent Events.”  This pronouncement is effective June 15, 2009.  SFAS 165 sets forth the period after the balance sheet date during which management of a reporting entity should evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements, the circumstances under which an entity should recognize events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial statements, and the disclosures that an entity should make about events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date.  SFAS 165 will be effective for interim or annual periods ending after June 15, 2009 and will be applied prospectively.  The adoption of this statement did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.  

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 162

In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No.162, “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.”  The pronouncement mandates that the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) hierarchy reside in the accounting literature as opposed to in the audit literature.  This has the practical impact of elevating FASB Statements of Financial Accounting Concepts in the GAAP hierarchy.  This pronouncement is effective July 1, 2009.  The adoption of SFAS No. 162 will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Financial Accounting Standards Board Staff Position No. FSP 157-4

In April 2009, the FASB issued three related Staff Positions: (i) FSP 157-4, Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly, or FSP 157-4, (ii) FSP 115-2 and FSP 124-2, Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments, or FSP 115-2 and FSP 124-2, and (iii) FSP 107-1 and APB 28-1, Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments, or FSP 107-1 and APB 28-1, which will be effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009.  FSP 157-4 provides guidance on how to determine the fair value of assets and liabilities under SFAS No. 157 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.  FSP 115-2 and FSP 124-2 modify the requirements for recognizing other-than-temporarily impaired debt securities and revise the existing impairment model for such securities, by modifying the current intent and ability indicator in determining whether a debt security is other-than-temporarily impaired. FSP 107-1 and APB 28-1 enhance the disclosure of instruments under the scope of SFAS No. 157 for both interim and annual periods.  We do not expect the adoption of these Staff Positions to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.  

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141(R)-1

In April 2009, the FASB issued Staff Position No. FSP FAS 141(R)-1, “Accounting for Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed in a Business Combination That Arise from Contingencies” (“FSP FAS 141(R)-1”).  This FSP amends the accounting in FAS 141(R) for assets and liabilities arising from contingencies in a business combination. FSP FAS 141(R)-1 requires that pre-acquisition contingencies be recognized at fair value, if fair value can be reasonably determined.  If fair value cannot be reasonably determined, FSP FAS 141(R)-1 requires measurement based on the best estimate in accordance with SFAS No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies.” FSP FAS 141(R)-1 is effective as of January 1, 2009 in connection with the adoption of FAS 141(R).  The adoption of FSP FAS 141(R) did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

NOTE 8. EQUITY TRANSACTIONS

As discussed in Note 5, we account for stock-based compensation expense in accordance with SFAS No. 123(R).  As a result, $0.6 million and $1.3 million of stock-based compensation expense has been recorded to additional paid-in capital for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively, in comparison to $0.1 million and $0.2 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009.

NOTE 9. NOTES PAYABLE AND LONG-TERM DEBT

We amended our credit facility on March 11, 2009 and paid $1.2 million in amendment fees.  This amendment resulted in the following primary modifications to the credit facility: (a) exclusion of all maturities of debt from the determination of the pro-forma debt service covenant calculation, (b) ability to refinance our 7¾% Senior Subordinated Notes due December 2010 in part or in full, (c) the elimination of Salem’s ability to purchase additional shares of its common stock or to pay a dividend on its common stock unless the Total Leverage Ratio calculated under the credit facility is less than or equal to 4.00:1.00, (d) termination of the revolving



11



line of credit that was scheduled to expire on March 31, 2009, and (e) extension through December 31, 2010, of the Company’s ability to obtain a Term Loan D under the facility, which extension allows the addition of a new Term Loan D subject to the following conditions and restrictions: (1) the use of all proceeds from any such Term Loan D shall be limited to repayment of other term loans under the facility, (2) the aggregate amount of all new and additional Term Loan D commitments shall not exceed Fifty Million Dollars ($50,000,000), and (3) to the extent that applicable interest rates and indices applicable to any new Term Loan D are greater than existing applicable interest rates and indices on the remainder of the amounts outstanding under the facility, the existing applicable interest rates and indices shall be adjusted to match those in effect for the new Term Loan D.

Through the use of Salem Investment Company (“SIC”), a wholly owned unrestricted subsidiary, we repurchased $1.0 million of our 7¾% Notes for $0.3 million in April 2009.  This transaction resulted in a $0.7 million pre-tax gain on the early retirement of debt.  

There is $90.6 million and $89.7 million outstanding on the 7¾% Notes as of December 31, 2008 and June 30, 2009, respectively.  

Long-term debt consisted of the following at the balance sheet date indicated:

 

 

As of December 31, 2008

 

 

As of June 30, 2009

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

Term loans under credit facility

$

                     232,467

 

$

231,267

7¾% senior subordinated notes due 2010

 

90,605

 

 

89,655

Seller financed note to acquire Townhall.com

 

1,295

 

 

Capital leases and other loans

 

1,008

 

 

973

 

$

                    325,375

 

$

321,895

Less current portion

 

3,766

 

 

72,964

 

$

                    321,609

 

$

248,931


Maturities of Long-Term Debt

Principal repayment requirements under all long-term debt agreements outstanding at June 30, 2009 for each of the next five years and thereafter are as follows:

Twelve Months Ended June 30,

 

Amount

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

2010

$

72,964

2011

 

248,109

2012

 

84

2013

 

69

2014

 

41

Thereafter

 

628

 

$

321,895

 

 

 

We have historically financed acquisitions through borrowings, including borrowings under credit facilities and, to a lesser extent, from operating cash flow and selected asset dispositions. We expect to fund future acquisitions from cash on hand, proceeds from debt and equity offerings, 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 facility and our senior subordinated notes from operating cash flow, and, if necessary, proceeds from the sale of selected assets or radio stations.  Based on the current conditions of the economy and the capital markets and the continuing decline in radio revenues, it may be difficult for us to refinance our pending debt maturities in 2010.  If we are unable to do so, we will be in default under our credit facility and 7¾% Notes.  Should we default, we may need to either obtain additional amendments or waivers from lenders or reorganize our capital structure.



12



NOTE 10. AMORTIZABLE INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The following tables provide details, by major category, of the significant classes of amortizable intangible assets:

 

 

As of June 30, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

Cost

 

Amortization

 

Net

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

Customer lists and contracts

 

$

10,938

 

$

(9,699)

 

$

1,239

Domain and brand names

 

 

5,577

 

 

(3,779)

 

 

1,798

Favorable and assigned leases

 

 

1,581

 

 

(1,331)

 

 

250

Other amortizable intangible assets

 

 

3,068

 

 

(2,929)

 

 

139

 

 

$

21,164

 

$

(17,738)

 

$

3,426


 

 

As of December 31, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

Cost

 

Amortization

 

Net

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

Customer lists and contracts

 

$

10,938

 

$

(9,292)

 

$

1,646

Domain and brand names

 

 

5,570

 

 

(3,320)

 

 

2,250

Favorable and assigned leases

 

 

1,581

 

 

(1,296)

 

 

285

Other amortizable intangible assets

 

 

3,069

 

 

(2,798)

 

 

271

 

 

$

21,158

 

$

(16,706)

 

$

4,452


Based on the amortizable intangible assets as of June 30, 2009, we estimate amortization expense for the next five years to be as follows:

Twelve Months Ending December 31,

 

Estimated future Amortization Expense

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

2009 (July 1 – December 31)

$

668

2010

 

1,203

2011

 

611

2012

 

245

2013

 

122

Thereafter

 

577

Total

$

3,426

NOTE 11. BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share has been computed using the weighted average number of Class A and Class B shares of common stock outstanding during the period.  Diluted earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of shares of Class A and Class B common stock outstanding during the period plus the dilutive effects of stock options.

Options to purchase 2,391,279 and 1,369,925 shares of Class A common stock and unvested restricted stock shares of 5,000 were outstanding at June 30, 2008 and 2009, respectively.  Diluted weighted average shares outstanding exclude outstanding stock options whose exercise price is in excess of the average price of the Company’s stock price.  These options are excluded from the respective computation of diluted net income per share because their effect would be anti-dilutive.  There were no dilutive shares on June 30, 2008 and 2009, respectively.

NOTE 12. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

We are exposed to fluctuations in interest rates.  We actively monitor these fluctuations and use derivative instruments from time to time to manage the related risk. In accordance with our risk management strategy, we use derivative instruments only for the purpose of managing risk associated with an asset, liability, committed transaction, or probable forecasted transaction that is identified by management.  Our use of derivative instruments may result in short-term gains or losses that may increase the volatility of our earnings.



13



Under SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” as amended, the accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument at each new measurement date is dependent upon its intended use.  The change in the fair value of a derivative instrument designated as a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or a firm commitment, referred to as a fair value hedge, is recognized as a gain or loss in earnings in the period of the change together with an offsetting gain or loss for the change in fair value of the hedged item attributable to the risk being hedged.  The change in the fair value of a derivative instrument designated as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows of recognized assets, liabilities or of unrecognized forecasted transactions, referred to as a cash flow hedge, is recognized as other comprehensive income (loss).  The differential paid or received on the interest rate swaps is recognized in earnings as an adjustment to interest expense.

On April 8, 2005, we entered into an interest rate swap arrangement for the notional principal amount of $30.0 million whereby we will pay a fixed interest rate of 4.99% as compared to LIBOR on a bank credit facility borrowing.  Interest expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 was approximately $0.3 million and $0.6 million, respectively, as a result of the difference between the interest rates.  Effective on October 1, 2008, we elected a one month reset on our Term Loan C rather than the three month reset period.  As this interest rate swap agreement contains a three month reset period, the swap is no longer effective and no longer qualifies as a cash flow hedge.  As the interest charges to which this hedge relate are still expected to occur, all of the accumulated losses associated with this contract through September 30, 2008 will remain in accumulated other comprehensive income and be recognized pro-ratably over the interest term.  Changes in the fair value of this swap as of October 1, 2008 will no longer be deferred in other comprehensive income, but rather impact current period income.  As of June 30, 2009, we recorded a liability for the fair value of the interest rate swap of approximately $2.0 million.  The ineffective portion of this swap reported in expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 was $0.8 million, respectively.  An additional $0.1 million of accumulated other comprehensive loss was reclassified into earnings in order to recognize the impact over the same periods in which the hedged transaction affects earnings.  As of June 30, 2009, we had $0.3 million of accrued interest expense associated with this interest rate swap.  The effective date of this interest rate swap was July 1, 2006 and the expiration date is July 1, 2012.

On April 26, 2005, we entered into a second interest rate swap arrangement for the notional principal amount of $30.0 million whereby we will pay a fixed interest rate of 4.70% as compared to LIBOR on a bank credit facility borrowing.  Interest expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 was approximately $0.3 million and $0.5 million, respectively, as a result of the difference between the interest rates.  Effective on October 1, 2008, we elected a one month reset on our Term Loan C rather than the three month reset period.  As this interest rate swap agreement contains a three month reset period, the swap is no longer effective and no longer qualifies as a cash flow hedge.  As the interest charges to which this hedge relate are still expected to occur, all of the accumulated losses associated with this contract through September 30, 2008 will remain in accumulated other comprehensive income and be recognized pro-ratably over the interest term.  Changes in the fair value of this swap as of October 1, 2008 will no longer be deferred in other comprehensive income, but rather impact current period income.  As of June 30, 2009, we recorded a liability for the fair value of the interest rate swap of approximately $1.8 million.  The ineffective portion of this swap reported in expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 was $0.7 million and $0.8 million.  An additional $0.1 million of accumulated other comprehensive loss was reclassified into earnings in order to recognize the impact over the same periods in which the hedged transaction affects earnings.  As of June 30, 2009, we had $0.3 million of accrued interest expense associated with this interest rate swap.  The effective date of this interest rate swap was July 1, 2006 and the expiration date is July 1, 2012.

On May 5, 2005, we entered into a third interest rate swap arrangement for the notional principal amount of $30.0 million whereby we will pay a fixed interest rate of 4.53% as compared to LIBOR on a bank credit facility borrowing.  Interest expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 was approximately $0.3 million and $0.5 million, respectively, as a result of the difference between the interest rates.  Effective on October 1, 2008, we elected a one month reset on our Term Loan C rather than the three month reset period.  As this interest rate swap agreement contains a three month reset period, the swap is no longer effective and no longer qualifies as a cash flow hedge.  As the interest charges to which this hedge relate are still expected to occur, all of the accumulated losses associated with this contract through September 30, 2008 will remain in accumulated other comprehensive income and be recognized pro-ratably over the interest term.  Changes in the fair value of this swap as of October 1, 2008 will no longer be deferred in other comprehensive income, but rather impact current period income.  As of June 30, 2009, we recorded a liability for the fair value of the interest rate swap of approximately $1.7 million.  The ineffective portion of this swap reported in expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 was $0.7 million, respectively.  An additional $0.1 million of accumulated other comprehensive loss was reclassified into earnings in order to recognize the impact over the same periods in which the hedged transaction affects earnings.  As of June 30, 2009, we had $0.3 million of accrued interest expense associated with this interest rate swap.  The effective date of this interest rate swap was July 1, 2006 and the expiration date is July 1, 2012.

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157

SFAS No. 157 was issued on September 15, 2006.  In general, fair value measurements and disclosures are made in accordance with the provisions of this Statement and, while not requiring material new fair value measurements, SFAS No. 157 established a single definition of fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expanded disclosures about fair value measurements.  The provisions of this Statement apply to other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements.  



14



On February 12, 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position SFAS No. 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157,” referred to as SFAS No. 157-2 in this report. SFAS  No. 157-2 delayed the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually).  SFAS No. 157-2 was effective as of January 1, 2009, and did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.  

We adopted SFAS No. 157 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 SFAS No. 157 for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities effective January 1, 2009.  This includes applying the provisions of SFAS No. 157 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 SFAS No. 157 to nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

On October 10, 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position SFAS No. 157-3, “Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset Is Not Active,” referred to as SFAS No.157-3 in this report. SFAS No.157-3 provides clarification regarding the application of SFAS No. 157 in inactive markets. The provisions of SFAS No. 157-3 were effective upon issuance.  This Staff Position did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In April 2009, FASB issued three related Staff Positions: (i) FSP 157-4, Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly , or FSP 157-4, (ii) FSP 115-2 and FSP 124-2, Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments, or FSP 115-2 and FSP 124-2, and (iii) FSP 107-1 and APB 28-1, Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments, or FSP 107-1 and APB 28-1, which will be effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009. FSP 157-4 provides guidance on how to determine the fair value of assets and liabilities under SFAS No. 157 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.  FSP 115-2 and FSP 124-2 modify the requirements for recognizing other-than-temporarily impaired debt securities and revise the existing impairment model for such securities, by modifying the current intent and ability indicator in determining whether a debt security is other-than-temporarily impaired. FSP 107-1 and APB 28-1 enhance the disclosure of instruments under the scope of SFAS No. 157 for both interim and annual periods.  We do not expect the adoption of these Staff Positions to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.  

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.

SFAS No. 157 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 SFAS No. 157 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).



15



As a result of the adoption of SFAS No. 157, we modified the assumptions used in measuring the fair value of our derivative positions.  Specifically, we now include the impact of our own credit risk on derivative liabilities measured at fair value under SFAS No. 157.  Counterparty credit-risk adjustments are applied to derivatives, such as over-the-counter derivatives, where the base valuation uses market parameters based on LIBOR interest rate curves.  Not all counterparties have the same credit risk as that implied by the relevant LIBOR curve, so it is necessary to consider the market value of the credit risk of the counterparty in order to estimate the fair value of such an item.  Bilateral or “own” credit risk adjustments are applied to our own credit risk when valuing derivatives measured at fair value.  Credit adjustments consider the estimated future cash flows between the Company and its counterparties under the terms of the instruments and affect the credit risk on the valuation of those cash flows, rather than a point-in-time assessment of the current recognized net asset or liability.  

The fair value of our liabilities was impacted by our credit ratings by the ratings agencies.  The estimated change in the fair value of these liabilities due to such changes as our own credit risk was a benefit of $2.4 million and $2.3 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively.  Changes in fair value resulting from changes in instrument specific credit risk were estimated based on comparable credit default swap spreads and interpolated bond yield spread analysis for selected comparable companies.  

Our financial liabilities reported at fair value in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2009 were as follows:

 

As of June 30, 2009

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total

    Interest rate swap agreements

 

 

5,522

 

 

5,522

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest Rate Caps

On October 18, 2006, we purchased two interest rate caps for $0.1 million to mitigate exposure to rising interest rates based on LIBOR.  The first interest rate cap covers $50.0 million of borrowings under the credit facility for a three year period.  The second interest rate cap covers $50.0 million of borrowings under the credit facility for a four year period.  Both interest rate caps are at 7.25%.  The caps do not qualify for hedge accounting and accordingly, all changes in fair value have been included as a component of interest expense.  Interest expense of approximately $382 and $172 was recognized during the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively, in comparison to $10,000 and $3,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively, related to the interest rate caps

NOTE 13.  INCOME TAXES

We adopted FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN No. 48”) on January 1, 2007 and accrued liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits in accordance with the provisions.  On the date of adoption we had $3.0 million in liabilities related to uncertain tax positions, including $0.9 million recognized under SFAS No. 5 Accounting for Contingencies and carried forward from prior years and $2.1 million recognized upon adoption of FIN 48 as a reduction to retained earnings.  Included in the $2.1 million accrual was $0.1 million related interest, net of federal income tax benefits.  During 2008, we recognized a net decrease of $0.2 million in liabilities and at December 31, 2008, had $3.7 million in liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits.  Included in this liability amount were $0.1 million accrued for the related interest, net of federal income tax benefits, and $0.1 million for the related penalty recorded in income tax expense on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.  We recorded an increase in our unrecognized tax benefits of $0.1 million as of June 30, 2009.

NOTE 14. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The Company and its subsidiaries, incident to its business activities, are parties to a number of legal proceedings, lawsuits, arbitration and other claims.  Such matters are subject to many uncertainties and outcomes that are not predictable with assurance. Also, the Company maintains insurance which may provide coverage for such matters.  Consequently, 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.



16



NOTE 15. SEGMENT DATA

SFAS No. 131, “Disclosures About Segments of An Enterprise and Related Information” requires companies to provide certain information about their operating segments. We have one reportable operating segment - radio broadcast.  The remaining non-reportable segments consist of Salem Web Network TM and Salem Publishing, which do not meet the reportable segment quantitative thresholds and accordingly are aggregated in the following tables as non-broadcast.  The radio broadcast segment also operates various radio networks.

Management uses operating income before depreciation, amortization, (gain) loss on disposal of assets, and costs of denied towers and abandoned projects as its measure of profitability for purposes of assessing performance and allocating resources.

 

 

 

Radio Broadcast

 

 

Non-broadcast

 

 

Corporate

 

 

Consolidated

Three Months Ended June 30, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenue

 

$

49,938

 

$

7,521

 

$

 

$

57,459

Operating expenses

 

 

31,905

 

 

6,847

 

 

4,482

 

 

43,234

Operating income (loss) before depreciation, amortization and gain (loss) on disposal of assets

 

$

18,033

 

$

674

 

$

(4,482)

 

$

14,225

Depreciation

 

 

2,590

 

 

322

 

 

318

 

 

3,230

Amortization

 

 

19

 

 

651

 

 

3

 

 

673

Loss on disposal of assets

 

 

2

 

 

5

 

 

3

 

 

10

Operating income (loss) from continuing operations

 

 $

15,422

 

 $

(304)

 

 $

(4,806)

 

 $

10,312

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenue

 

$

43,570

 

$

6,545

 

$

 

$

50,115

Operating expenses

 

 

27,801

 

 

5,439

 

 

3,271

 

 

36,511

Operating income (loss) before depreciation, amortization, cost of denied tower site and abandoned projects, impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived assets and gain (loss) on disposal of assets

 

$

15,769

 

$

1,106

 

$

(3,271)

 

$

13,604

Depreciation

 

 

2,643

 

 

461

 

 

261

 

 

3,365

Amortization

 

 

(10)

 

 

404

 

 

4

 

 

398

Cost of denied tower site and abandoned projects

 

 

1,111

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,111

Impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived assets

 

 

12,504

 

 

1,159

 

 

 

 

13,663

(Gain) loss on disposal of assets

 

 

1,606

 

 

11

 

 

(2)

 

 

1,615

Operating income (loss) from continuing operations

 

 $

(2,085)

 

(929)

 

(3,534)

 

(6,548)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenue

 

$

97,855

 

$

13,654

 

$

 

$

111,509

Operating expenses

 

 

63,692

 

 

13,087

 

 

9,759

 

 

86,538

Operating income (loss) before depreciation, amortization and gain (loss) on disposal of assets

 

$

34,163

 

$

567

 

$

(9,759)

 

$

24,971

Depreciation

 

 

5,189

 

 

645

 

 

643

 

 

6,477

Amortization

 

 

37

 

 

1,298

 

 

6

 

 

1,341

(Gain) loss on disposal of assets

 

 

(6,010)

 

 

5

 

 

1

 

 

(6,004)

Operating income (loss) from continuing operations

 

 $

34,947

 

 $

(1,381)

 

 $

(10,409)

 

 $

23,157

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenue

 

$

85,601

 

$

12,806

 

$

 

$

98,407

Operating expenses

 

 

54,145

 

 

11,237

 

 

6,614

 

 

71,996

Operating income (loss) before depreciation, amortization, cost of denied tower site and abandoned projects, impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived assets and gain (loss) on disposal of assets

 

$

31,456

 

$

1,569

 

$

(6,614)

 

$

26,411

Depreciation

 

 

5,253

 

 

959

 

 

527

 

 

6,739

Amortization

 

 

8

 

 

990

 

 

7

 

 

1,005

Cost of denied tower site and abandoned projects

 

 

1,111

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,111

Impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived assets

 

 

12,504

 

 

1,159

 

 

 

 

13,663

(Gain) loss on disposal of assets

 

 

1,607

 

 

11

 

 

(2)

 

 

1,616

Operating income (loss) from continuing operations

 

 $

10,973

 

$

(1,550)

 

$

(7,146)

 

$

2,277

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total property, plant and equipment, net

 

$

   117,528

 

$

       6,176

 

$

     10,002

 

$

     133,706

Goodwill

 

 

4,361

 

 

13,861

 

 

8

 

 

18,230

June 30, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total property, plant and equipment, net

 

$

110,341

 

$

5,759

 

$

10,114

 

$

126,214

Goodwill

 

 

4,003

 

 

13,631

 

 

8

 

 

17,642




17



NOTE 16. CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The following is the consolidating information of Salem Communications Corporation for purposes of presenting the financial position and operating results of Salem Communications Holding Corporation (“Salem Holding”) as the issuer of the 7¾% Notes and its guarantor subsidiaries on a consolidated basis and the financial position and operating results of the other guarantors, which are consolidated within the Company.  Separate financial information of Salem Holding on an unconsolidated basis is not presented because Salem Holding has substantially no assets, operations or cash other than its investments in subsidiaries.  Each guarantor has given its full and unconditional guarantee, on a joint and several basis, of indebtedness under the 7¾% Notes.  Salem Holding and CCM Communications, Inc. (“CCM”) are 100% owned by Salem and Salem Holding owns 100% of all of its subsidiaries.  CCM and all subsidiaries of Salem Holding are guarantors.  The net assets of Salem Holding are subject to certain restrictions which, among other things, require Salem Holding to maintain certain financial covenant ratios, and restrict Salem Holding and its subsidiaries from transferring funds in the form of dividends, loans or advances without the consent of the holders of the 7¾% Notes.  The restricted net assets of Salem Holding as of June 30, 2009 amounted to $281.8 million.  Included in intercompany receivables of Salem Holding presented in the consolidating balance sheet below is $19.6 million of amounts due from CCM as of June 30, 2009.  On December 12, 2008, the Company formed SIC, a wholly-owned unrestricted subsidiary of Salem Communications Corporation.  



18



NOTE 16. CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED)

SALEM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
(UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

As of June 30, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issuer and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guarantor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guarantors

 

Subsidiaries

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

Salem

 

 

 

Parent

 

SIC

 

Media

 

Salem Holding

 

Adjustments

 

Consolidated

Current assets:

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$      —

 

 $—

 

$   19

 

$  20,390

 

 $             —

 

 $  20,409

 

Trade accounts receivable, net

 

 

 

94

 

25,364

 

 

25,458

 

Other receivables

 

 

 

­1

 

306

 

 

307

 

Prepaid expenses

 

 

 

241

 

1,599

 

 

1,840

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

 

60

 

6,098

 

 

6,158

 

Assets of discontinued operations

 

 

 

 

204

 

 

204

Total current assets

 

 

 

415

 

53,961

 

 

54,376

Investment in subsidiaries

 

275,929

 

 

 

 

(275,929)

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

 

 

553

 

125,661

 

 

126,214

Broadcast licenses

 

 

 

 

386,786

 

 

386,786

Goodwill

 

 

 

483

 

17,159

 

 

17,642

Other indefinite-lived intangible assets

 

 

 

1,961

 

 

 

1,961

Amortizable intangible assets, net

 

 

 

310

 

3,116

 

 

3,426

Bond issue costs

 

 

 

 

197

 

 

197

Bank loan fees

 

 

 

 

1,683

 

 

1,683

Intercompany receivables

 

30,172

 

5

 

 

112,384

 

(142,561)

 

Notes receivable

 

 

 

 

2,992

 

 

2,992

Other assets

 

 

 

12

 

4,093

 

 

4,105

Total assets

 

$ 306,101

 

$   5

 

$  3,734

 

$ 708,032

 

$ (418,490)

 

$ 599,382

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$  —

 

$ —

 

$  139

 

$  2,487

 

$  —

 

$  2,626

 

Accrued expenses

 

 

 

547

 

5,751

 

 

6,298

 

Accrued compensation and related expenses

 

 

 

88

 

3,828

 

 

3,916

 

Accrued interest

 

 

 

 

604

 

 

604

 

Deferred revenue

 

 

 

2,080

 

3,494

 

 

5,574

 

Income taxes payable

 

 

 

4

 

264

 

 

268

 

Current maturities of long-term debt

 

 

 

 

72,964

 

 

72,964

Total current liabilities

 

 

 

2,858

 

89,392

 

 

92,250

Intercompany payables

 

103,960

 

5

 

19,647

 

18,949

 

(142,561)

 

Long-term debt

 

 

 

 

248,931

 

 

248,931

Fair value of interest rate swap agreements

 

 

 

 

5,522

 

 

5,522

Deferred income taxes

 

660

 

 

(12,924)

 

54,903

 

 

42,639

Deferred revenue

 

 

 

28

 

7,860

 

 

7,888

Other liabilities

 

 

 

 

671

 

 

671

Total stockholders’ equity

 

201,481

 

 

(5,875)

 

281,804

 

(275,929)

 

201,481

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$306,101

 

$  5

 

$  3,734

 

$ 708,032

 

$ (418,490)

 

$ 599,382

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



19



NOTE 16. CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED)

SALEM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands)


 

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issuer and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guarantor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guarantors

 

Subsidiaries

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

Salem

 

 

 

Parent

 

SIC

 

Media

 

Salem Holding

 

Adjustments

 

Consolidated

Net broadcast revenue

 

$  —

 

$  —

 

$  —

 

$  85,855

 

$  (254)

 

$  85,601

Non-broadcast revenue

 

 

 

2,789

 

10,122

 

(105)

 

12,806

Total revenue

 

 

 

2,789

 

95,977

 

(359)

 

98,407

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Broadcast operating expenses

 

 

 

 

54,145

 

 

54,145

 

Non-broadcast operating expenses

 

 

 

3,006

 

8,590

 

(359)

 

11,237

 

Corporate expenses

 

 

 

 

6,614

 

 

6,614

 

Depreciation

 

 

 

96

 

6,643

 

 

6,739

 

Amortization

 

 

 

109

 

896

 

 

1,005

 

Cost of denied tower site and abandoned projects

 

 

 

 

1,111

 

 

1,111

 

Impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived assets

 

 

 

1,159

 

12,504

 

 

13,663

 

(Gain) loss on disposal of assets

 

 

 

 

1,616

 

 

1,616

Total operating expenses

 

 

 

4,370

 

92,119

 

(359)

 

96,130

Operating income (loss)

 

 

 

(1,581)

 

3,858

 

 

2,277

Other income (expense):

 

Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries, net

 

(243)

 

 

 

 

243

 

 

Interest income

 

 

 

 

3,346

 

(3,199)

 

147

 

Interest expense

 

(2,693)

 

 

(507)

 

(8,637)

 

3,199

 

(8,638)

 

Change in fair value of interest rate swaps

 

 

 

 

2,376

 

 

2,376

 

Gain on early redemption of long-term debt

 

 

 

 

660

 

 

660

 

Other income (expense), net

 

 

 

 

(48)

 

 

(48)

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

(2,936)

 

 

(2,088)

 

1,555

 

243

 

(3,226)

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

(808)

 

 

(771)

 

624

 

 

(955)

Income (loss) from continuing operations

 

(2,128)

 

 

(1,317)

 

931

 

243

 

(2,271)

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

 

 

(70)

 

213

 

 

143

Net income (loss)

 

$ (2,128)

 

$  —

 

$ (1,387)

 

$ 1,144

 

$ 243

 

$ (2,128)

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

 

$ (2,128)

 

$  —

 

$ (1,387)

 

$ 1,144

 

$ 243

 

$ (2,128)


NOTE 17.  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On July 24, 2009, we completed the purchase of selected assets of WZAB-AM, Sweetwater, Florida, for $1.0 million.  We began operating the station under a LMA effective on October 1, 2008.  The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations includes the operating results of this station as of the LMA date.  Subsequent events reflect all applicable transactions through August 7, 2009.



20



ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

GENERAL

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this report.  Our condensed consolidated financial statements are not directly comparable from period to period due to acquisitions and dispositions of selected assets of radio stations and acquisitions of non-broadcast businesses.  See Note 4 of our condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information.

We believe that we are the largest commercial U.S. radio broadcasting company, measured by number of stations and audience coverage, providing programming targeted at audiences interested in Christian and family-themed radio programming.  Our core business is the ownership and operation of radio stations in large metropolitan markets.  Upon completion of all announced transactions, we will own a national portfolio of 93 radio stations in 36 markets, including 58 stations in 22 of the top 25 markets, which consists of 27 FM stations and 66 AM stations.  We are one of only four commercial radio broadcasters with radio stations in all of the top 10 markets.  We are the seventh largest operator measured by number of stations overall and the third largest operator measured by number of stations in the top 25 markets.

Our radio business is focused on the clustering of strategic formats: Christian Teaching and Talk, Contemporary Christian Music, conservative News Talk, and Spanish Christian Teaching and Talk.  We also own and operate Salem Radio Network® (“SRN”), a national radio network that syndicates music, news and talk to approximately 2,000 affiliated radio stations, in addition to our owned and operated stations.  Salem Media Representatives®, formerly called Salem Radio Representatives®, a national advertising sales firm with offices in 12 U.S. cities.

In addition to our radio broadcast business, we also own and operate a non-broadcast media division.  This division consists of Salem Web Network™ (“SWN”), a provider of online Christian content and streaming, Salem Publishing™, a publisher of Christian magazines and Xulon Press, a provider of print-on-demand publishing services targeting the Christian audience.  SWN’s content, both in text and audio, can be accessed through our national portals which include OnePlace.com, Crosswalk.com, Christianity.com and Townhall.com®.  SWN’s content can also be accessed through our local radio station websites, which provide content of interest to local listeners.  

Our principal business strategy is to improve our national radio platform and to invest in and build non-broadcast businesses to deliver compelling content to audiences interested in Christian and family-themed programming and conservative news talk. Our national presence in broadcasting, Internet and publishing gives advertisers a platform that is a unique and powerful way to reach Christian audiences.  We program 41 of our stations with our Christian Teaching and Talk format, which is talk programming with Christian and family themes.  A key programming strategy on our Christian Teaching and Talk radio stations is to sell blocks of time to a variety of charitable organizations that create compelling radio programs.  We also program 24 News Talk and 11 Contemporary Christian Music stations and seven of our stations in Spanish-language Christian Teaching and Talk format. SRN supports our strategy by allowing us to reach listeners in markets where we do not own or operate stations.  Additionally, we operate numerous Internet websites and publish periodicals and books that target similar audiences.  

We maintain a website at www.salem.cc.  Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports are available free of charge through our website as soon as reasonably practicable after those reports are electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).  Any information found on our website is not a part of, or incorporated by reference into, this or any other report of the Company filed with, or furnished to, the SEC.

OVERVIEW

      As a radio broadcasting company with a national radio network, we derive our broadcast revenue primarily from the sale of broadcast time and radio advertising on a national and local basis.

      Historically, our principal sources of revenue have been:

·

the sale of block program time, both to national and local program producers,

·

the sale of advertising time on our radio stations, both to national and local advertisers, and

·

the sale of advertising time on our national radio network.

 The rates we are able to charge for broadcast time and advertising time are dependent upon several factors, including:



21



·

audience share,

·

how well our stations perform for our clients,

·

the size of the market,

·

the general economic conditions in each market, and

·

supply and demand on both a local and national level.

Our sources of revenue and product offerings also increasingly include non-broadcast businesses, including our Internet and publishing businesses.

Our broadcast revenue is affected primarily by the program rates our radio stations charge, the level of broadcast air time sold and by the advertising rates our radio stations and networks charge.  The rates for block programming time are based upon our stations’ ability to attract audiences that will support the program producers through contributions and purchases of their products.  Advertising rates are based upon the demand for advertising time, which in turn is based on our stations’ and networks’ ability to produce results for their advertisers. We do not subscribe to traditional audience measuring services for our Christian Teaching and Talk stations. Instead, we have marketed ourselves to advertisers based upon the responsiveness of our audiences. In selected markets, for our Contemporary Christian music and conservative News Talk stations, we subscribe to Arbitron, which develops quarterly reports to measure a radio station’s audience share in the demographic groups targeted by advertisers.  Each of our radio stations and our networks has a pre-determined level of time that they make available for block programming and/or advertising, which may vary at different times of the day.

As is typical in the radio broadcasting industry, our second and fourth quarter advertising revenue generally exceeds our first and third quarter advertising revenue.  This seasonal fluctuation in advertising revenue corresponds with quarterly fluctuations in the retail advertising industry. Quarterly revenue from the sale of block programming time does not tend to vary significantly, however, because program rates are generally set annually and are recognized on a per program basis.

Our cash flow has historically been 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.  During 2008, we sold 97% of our advertising time for cash.  It is our general policy not to preempt advertising paid for in cash with advertising paid for in trade.  In addition, we generally do not pay commissions to sales people for advertising paid in trade.  

The primary operating expenses incurred in the ownership and operation of our radio stations include: (i) employee salaries, commissions and related employee benefits and taxes, (ii) facility expenses such as rent and utilities, (iii) marketing and promotional expenses and (iv) music license fees.  In addition to these expenses, our network incurs programming costs and lease expenses for satellite communication facilities.  We also incur and will continue to incur significant depreciation, amortization and interest expense as a result of completed and future acquisitions and existing and future borrowings.

Salem Web Network™ and Townhall.com®, our Internet businesses, earn revenues from the sales of streaming services, sales of advertising and, to a lesser extent, sales of software and software support contracts. Salem Publishing™, our publishing business, earns its revenue by selling advertising in and subscriptions to its publications and by selling books. Xulon Press generally earns its revenue from the publishing of books.  The revenue and related operating expenses of these businesses are reported as “non-broadcast” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

KNOWN TRENDS AND UNCERTAINTIES

Domestic radio revenues continue to decline.  We believe this is primarily the result of the struggling United States economy and corresponding reductions in discretionary advertising spending by our customers.  Beginning in July 2007, our advertising revenue has been negatively impacted by declining advertising from our customers, particularly in the financial services and auto industries.  The decline in advertising revenue impacts both our broadcasting segment and non-broadcasting segment.  We expect this trend to continue as long as the United States economy is weak; however, we cannot quantify the financial impact on our future operating results.  In response to these economic challenges, we have initiated several cost reduction strategies including (1) reducing headcount, (2) temporarily suspending the Company match on 401(k) contributions as of July 2008, (3) temporarily suspending the management bonus program, (4) limiting capital expenditures, (5) reducing the base salary for all employees by 5% as of February 1,



22



2009 with certain members of executive management reduced by 10%, (6) requiring all employees to use accrued vacation balances by March 31, 2009 and (7) consolidating programming on most of our Contemporary Christian Music stations.  We continue to pursue opportunities to sell assets, particularly stations that are in non-strategic formats or are underperforming, the proceeds of which may be used to pay down debt.  

This period of economic uncertainty increases our exposure to several risks, including but not limited to:

·

Substantially increasing our exposure to interest expense due to some of our indebtedness being at a variable rate of interest and the cost of refinancing our debt if we are unable to meet key financial and liquidity ratios;  

·

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

·

Increasing uncollectible accounts as our customers face tight credit markets;

·

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

·

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

·

Impairment losses on the value of our FCC licenses and other long-lived intangible assets including goodwill.

Based on the current conditions of the economy and the capital markets and the continuing decline in radio revenues, it may be difficult for us to refinance our pending debt maturities in 2010.  If we are unable to do so, we will be in default under our credit facility and 7¾% Notes.  Should we default, we may need to either obtain additional amendments or waivers from lenders or reorganize our capital structure.

SAME STATION DEFINITION

In the discussion of our results of operations below, we compare our results between periods on an as reported basis (that is, the results of operations of all radio stations and network formats owned or operated at any time during either period) and on a “same station” basis.  With regard to fiscal quarters, we include in our same station comparisons the results of operations of radio stations or radio station clusters and networks that we own or operate in the same format during the quarter, as well as the corresponding quarter of the prior year.  Same station results for a full year are based on the sum of the same station results for the four quarters of that year.



23



RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     The following table sets forth certain statements of operations data for the periods indicated and shows percentage changes:


 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

June 30,

 

 

 

June 30,

 

 

 

 

 

2008

 

2009

 

% Change

 

2008

 

2009

 

% Change

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

Net broadcast revenue

 

   $    49,938

 

$      43,570

 

(12.8)%

 

$    97,855

 

$    85,601

 

(12.5)%

Non-broadcast revenue

 

7,521

 

6,545

 

(13.0)%

 

13,654

 

12,806

 

(6.2)%

Total revenue

 

57,459

 

50,115

 

(12.8)%

 

111,509

 

98,407

 

(11.7)%

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Broadcast operating expenses

 

31,905

 

27,801

 

(12.9)%

 

63,692

 

54,145

 

(15.0)%

 

Non-broadcast operating expenses

 

6,847

 

5,439

 

(20.6)%

 

13,087

 

11,237

 

(14.1)%

 

Corporate expenses

 

4,482

 

3,271

 

(27.0)%

 

9,759

 

6,614

 

(32.2)%

 

Depreciation

 

3,230

 

3,365

 

4.2%

 

6,477

 

6,739

 

4.0%

 

Amortization

 

673

 

398

 

(40.9)%

 

1,341

 

1,005

 

(25.1)%

 

Cost of denied tower site and abandoned projects

 

 

1,111

 

100%

 

 

1,111

 

100%

 

Impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived assets

 

 

13,663

 

100%

 

 

13,663

 

100%

 

(Gain) loss on disposal of assets

 

10

 

1,615

 

16,050.0%

 

(6,004)

 

1,616

 

(126.9)%

Total operating expenses

 

47,147

 

55,663

 

20.2%

 

88,352

 

96,130

 

8.8%

Operating income (loss) from continuing operations

 

10,312

 

(6,548)

 

(163.5)%

 

23,157

 

2,277

 

(90.2)%

Other income (expense):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

113

 

73

 

(35.4)%

 

134

 

147

 

9.7%

 

Interest expense

 

(5,488)

 

(4,279)

 

(22.0)%

 

(11,562)

 

(8,638)

 

(25.3)%

 

Change in fair value of interest rate swaps

 

 

2,296

 

100%

 

 

2,376

 

100%

 

Gain on early redemption of long-term debt

 

 

660

 

100%

 

 

660

 

100%

 

Other expense, net

 

(49)

 

(27)

 

(44.9)%

 

(100)

 

(48)

 

(52.0)%

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

 

4,888

 

(7,825)

 

(260.1)%

 

11,629

 

(3,226)

 

(127.7)%

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

 

1,996

 

(2,699)

 

(235.2)%

 

5,135

 

(955)

 

(118.6)%

Income (loss) from continuing operations

 

2,892

 

(5,126)

 

(277.2)%

 

6,494

 

(2,271)

 

(135.0)%

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

632

 

109

 

(82.8)%

 

2,053

 

143

 

(93.0)%

Net income (loss)

 

 $  3,524

 

$     (5,017)

 

(242.4)%

 

 $      8,547

 

$    (2,128)

 

(124.9)%




24



The following table presents selected financial data for the periods indicated as a percentage of total revenue.


 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

June 30,

 

June 30,

 

 

 

2008

 

2009

 

2008

 

2009

Net broadcast revenue

 

87

%

 

87

%

 

88

%

 

87

%

Non-broadcast revenue

 

13

%

 

13

%

 

12

%

 

13

%

Total revenue

 

100

%

 

100

%

 

100

%

 

100

%

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Broadcast operating expenses

 

56

%

 

55

%

 

57

%

 

55

%

 

Non-broadcast operating expenses

 

12

%

 

11

%

 

11

%

 

11

%

 

Corporate expenses

 

8

%

 

7

%

 

9

%

 

7

%

 

Depreciation

 

5

%

 

7

%

 

6

%

 

7

%

 

Amortization

 

1

%

 

1

%

 

1

%

 

1

%

 

Cost of denied tower site and abandoned projects

 

%

 

2

%

 

%

 

1

%

 

Impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived assets

 

%

 

27

%

 

%

 

14

%

 

(Gain) loss on disposal of assets

 

%

 

3

%

 

(5)

%

 

2

%

 

Total operating expenses

 

82

%

 

113

%

 

79

%

 

98

%

Operating income (loss) from continuing operations

 

18

%

 

(13)

%

 

21

%

 

2

%

Other income (expense):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

%

 

%

 

%

 

%

 

Interest expense

 

(10)

%

 

(8)

%

 

(10)

%

 

(9)

%

 

Change in fair value of interest rate swaps

 

%

 

5

%

 

%

 

3

%

 

Gain on early redemption of long-term debt

 

%

 

1

%

 

%

 

1

%

 

Other expense, net

 

%

 

%

 

%

 

%

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

 

8

%

 

(15)

%

 

11

%

 

(3)

%

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

 

3

%

 

(5)

%

 

5

%

 

(1)

%

Income (loss) from continuing operations

 

5

%

 

(10)

%

 

6

%

 

(2)

%

Discontinued operations, net of tax

 

1

%

 

%

 

2

%

 

%

Net income (loss)

 

6

%

 

(10)

%

 

8

%

 

(2)

%

Three months ended June 30, 2009 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2008

NET BROADCAST REVENUE.  Net broadcast revenue decreased $6.3 million, or 12.8%, to $43.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009, from $49.9 million for the same period of the prior year.  On a same station basis, net broadcast revenue declined $6.5 million, or 13.2%, to $42.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009, from $48.7 million for the same period of the prior year.  Revenue from advertising as a percentage of our net broadcast revenue decreased to 44.0% for the three months ended June 30, 2009, from 47.1% for the same period of the prior year.  Revenue from block program time as a percentage of our net broadcast revenue increased to 39.7% for the three months ended June 30, 2009, from 36.6% for the same period of the prior year.  The decline in net broadcast revenue is comprised of a $4.1 million decrease in local advertising revenues across all formats, a $0.9 million decrease in national program revenue primarily on our Christian Teaching and Talk format, a $0.2 million decrease in national spots, a $0.5 million decrease in infomercial revenue primarily on our News Talk and Christian Teaching and Talk formats and a $0.4 million decrease in event revenue associated with our Celebrate Freedom festival.  The trend in the radio broadcasting industry is of declining advertising revenues resulting in the use of block programming or infomercials to offset the declines.  The growth of block programming and infomercial revenue has slowed.  We expect these trends to continue; however, we cannot quantify the financial impact on our future operating results.

NON-BROADCAST REVENUE.  Non-broadcast revenue decreased $1.0 million, or 13.0%, to $6.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009, from $7.5 million for the same period of the prior year.  The decrease is comprised of a $0.4 million decrease in advertising revenues associated with our internet businesses primarily on OnePlace and a $0.6 million decrease in publishing revenue on Salem Publishing.  

BROADCAST OPERATING EXPENSES.  Broadcast operating expenses decreased $4.1 million, or 12.9% to $27.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009, from $31.9 million for the same period of the prior year.  On a same station basis, broadcast operating expense decreased $4.3 million, or 13.9%, to $26.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009, compared to $30.9 million for the same period of the prior year.  The decline in broadcast operating expenses is comprised of a $3.2 million decrease in personnel related costs, a $0.2 million decrease in production and programming, a $0.5 million decrease in advertising expenses, and a $0.1 million decrease in professional services.  The reduction in personnel related costs reflects our overall cost reduction initiative, including a reduction in work force and salary reductions.  We expect our staffing levels to remain at reduced levels given the weakened United States economy.  We also expect increasing levels of bad debt charges that may have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.

NON-BROADCAST OPERATING EXPENSES.   Non-broadcast operating expenses decreased $1.4 million, or 20.6%, to $5.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009, compared to $6.8 million for the same period of the prior year.  The decrease is comprised of a $0.9 million decline in circulation expenses associated with print magazines and books on Salem Publishing, a $0.2 million decrease in streaming expenses and a $0.1 million decrease in advertising expenses on OnePlace and a $0.1 million reduction on Townhall.com, primarily related to personnel costs.   

CORPORATE EXPENSES.   Corporate expenses decreased $1.2 million, or 27.0%, to $3.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009, compared to $4.5 million for the same period of the prior year.  The decrease is attributable to an overall cost reduction initiative, including a reduction in work force and salary reductions, resulting in a $1.0 million reduction in personnel related costs and a $0.3 million decrease in non-cash stock based compensation expenses.   

DEPRECIATION.  Depreciation expense increased $0.2 million, or 4.2%, to $3.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009, compared to $3.2 million for the same period of the prior year.  The increase reflects the impact of recent capital expenditures associated with computer software, data processing and office equipment that have shorter estimated useful lives than towers and broadcast assets.

AMORTIZATION.   Amortization expense decreased $0.3 million, or 40.9%, to $0.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009, compared to $0.7 million for the same period of the prior year.  The decrease is due to higher amortization recognized in early 2008 on intangibles such as advertising agreements and other business contracts that were acquired in 2007 with an estimated useful life of one year.

COST OF DENIED TOWER SITE AND ABANDONED PROJECTS.   Costs associated with a tower relocation project for radio station KDOW-AM, San Francisco, California, which was rejected by the City of Hayward, of $0.9 million were recognized during the three months ended June 30, 2009 along with costs of $0.2 million associated with capital projects that will not be pursued.  

IMPAIRMENT OF GOODWILL AND INDEFINITE-LIVED ASSETS.   In accordance with SFAS No. 142, we review the recorded values of our FCC broadcast licenses, goodwill, and other non-amortizable intangible assets on an annual basis or more frequently if conditions indicate that we may have an impairment.  During the quarter ended June 30, 2009, we recorded an impairment charge of $12.5 million associated with the FCC Licenses and goodwill in the Dallas and Portland markets and an impairment charge of $1.2 million associated with the value of goodwill and Mastheads in the non-broadcast segment.  The impairment charge resulted from weakening radio station valuations as a result of lower revenues and lower growth expectations.  These trends are not specific to any of our individual market clusters, but rather are affecting valuations in the industry as a whole.  We acquired radio stations at various times over the last thirty four years, many of which were amortized prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 142.  As a result, the carrying value of our FCC licenses and goodwill may exceed the fair value in many of our markets.  For the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, the markets for which impairment charges were recorded during 2009 accounted for 16% and 19% of total net revenues.  

GAIN (LOSS) ON DISPOSAL OF ASSETS.   The loss on disposal of assets of $1.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009, was primarily comprised of the sale of radio station KPXI-FM, Tyler-Longview, Texas for $0.4 million resulting in a pre-tax loss of $1.6 million.  The loss on disposal of assets of $10,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2008 was comprised of various fixed assets disposals.   

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE).  Interest income of $73,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2009 and $113,000 for the same period of the prior year was interest earned on excess cash.  Interest expense decreased $1.2 million, or 22.0%, to $4.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009, compared to $5.5 million for the same period of the prior year due to a lower outstanding debt balance and lower interest rates.  Change in fair value of interest rate swaps of $2.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009, represents the change in the fair market value of our swaps.  Other expense, net, decreased to $27,000 from $49,000 primarily due to bank commitment fees associated with our credit facility offset with royalty income from real estate properties.

PROVISION FOR (BENEFIT FROM) INCOME TAXES.  In accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN No. 48”), our benefit from income taxes was $2.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009 compared to a provision of $2.0 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 34.5% for the three months ended June 30, 2009 compared to 40.8% for the same period of the prior year.  The effective tax rate for each period differs from the federal statutory income rate of 35.0% due to the effect of state income taxes, certain expenses that are not deductible for tax purposes, and changes in the valuation allowance from the utilization of certain state net operating loss carryforwards.

INCOME FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, NET OF TAX.   The income from discontinued operations of $0.1 million, net of taxes, for the three months ended June 30, 2009 includes the operating results of WRFD-AM, Columbus, Ohio.  The income from discontinued operations of $0.6 million, net of taxes, for the same period of the prior year includes the operating results of WFZH-FM, Milwaukee, through the date of sale, the operating results of WRFD-AM in Columbus, Ohio, and the pre-tax gain on the sale of WFZH-FM, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, of $1.4 million.   

NET INCOME (LOSS).   We recognized a net loss of $5.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009 compared to net income of $3.5 million for the same period of the prior year.  This decrease of $8.5 million is primarily due to a decrease in operating income from continuing operations of $16.8 million and income from discontinued operations of $0.5 million, partially offset by a decrease of interest expense of $1.2 million, a $2.3 million change in fair value of our interest rate swaps, $0.7 million gain on the early redemption of 7¾% Notes and a decrease in our tax provision of $4.7 million.

Six months ended June 30, 2009 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2008

NET BROADCAST REVENUE.  Net broadcast revenue decreased $12.3 million, or 12.5%, to $85.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009, from $97.9 million for the same period of the prior year.  On a same station basis, net broadcast revenue declined $12.2 million, or 12.9%, to $82.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009, from $94.7 million for the same period of the prior year.  Revenue from advertising as a percentage of our net broadcast revenue decreased to 43.0% for the six months ended June 30, 2009, from 46.3% for the same period of the prior year.  Revenue from block program time as a percentage of our net broadcast revenue increased to 40.8% for the six months ended June 30, 2009, from 37.9% for the same period of the prior year.  The decline in net broadcast revenue is comprised of a $8.1 million decrease in local advertising revenues across all formats, a $0.5 million decrease in national advertising primarily in our Contemporary Christian Music format, a $2.1 million decrease in national program revenue primarily on our Christian Teaching and Talk format stations, a $1.0 million decrease in infomercial revenue primarily on our Christian Teaching and Talk, News Talk and Spanish Christian Teaching and Talk formats, and a $0.3 million decrease in network revenue.  The trend in the radio broadcasting industry is of declining advertising revenues resulting in the use of block programming or infomercials to offset the declines.  The growth of block programming and infomercial revenue has slowed.  We expect these trends to continue; however, we cannot quantify the financial impact on our future operating results.

NON-BROADCAST REVENUE.  Non-broadcast revenue decreased $0.9 million, or 6.2%, to $12.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009, from $13.7 million for the same period of the prior year.  The decrease is comprised of a $0.3 million decrease in advertising revenues associated with our internet businesses primarily on OnePlace and a $0.5 million decrease in publishing revenue on Salem Publishing.  

BROADCAST OPERATING EXPENSES.  Broadcast operating expenses decreased $9.6 million, or 15.0%, to $54.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009, from $63.7 million for the same period of the prior year.  On a same station basis, broadcast operating expense decreased $9.9 million, or 16.1%, to $51.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009, compared to $61.4 million for the same period of the prior year.  The decline in broadcast operating expenses is comprised of a $7.4 million decrease in personnel related costs, a $1.5 million decrease in advertising expenses, a $0.2 million decrease in production and programming and a $0.2 million reduction in professional services.  The reduction in personnel related costs reflects our overall cost reduction initiative, including a reduction in work force, salary reductions and redemption of accrued vacation benefits required by March 31, 2009.  We expect our staffing levels to remain at reduced levels given the weakened United States economy.  We also expect increasing levels of bad debt charges that may have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.

NON-BROADCAST OPERATING EXPENSES.   Non-broadcast operating expenses decreased $1.9 million, or 14.1%, to $11.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009, compared to $13.1 million for the same period of the prior year.  The decrease includes a $0.6 million reduction in advertising, promotion and streaming expenses on OnePlace and a $1.2 million decline in personnel and circulation expenses associated with print magazines and books on Salem Publishing.  

CORPORATE EXPENSES.  Corporate expenses decreased $3.2 million, or 32.2%, to $6.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009, compared to $9.8 million for the same period of the prior year.  The decrease is attributable to an overall cost reduction initiative, including a reduction in work force, salary reductions and redemption of accrued vacation benefits required by June 30, 2009, resulting in a $2.3 million reduction in personnel related costs, and a $0.8 million decrease in non-cash stock based compensation expenses and a $0.2 million decrease in professional services and fees.

DEPRECIATION.  Depreciation expense increased $0.2 million, or 4.0%, to $6.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009, compared to $6.5 million for the same period of the prior year.  The increase reflects the impact of recent capital expenditures associated with computer software, data processing and office equipment that have shorter estimated useful lives than towers and broadcast assets.

AMORTIZATION.   Amortization expense decreased $0.3 million, or 25.1%, to $1.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009, compared to $1.3 million for the same period of the prior year.  The decrease is due to higher amortization recognized in early 2008 on intangibles such as advertising agreements and other business contracts that were acquired in 2007 with an estimated useful life of one year.

COST OF DENIED TOWER SITE AND ABANDONED PROJECTS.   Costs associated with a tower relocation project for radio station KDOW-AM, San Francisco, California, which was rejected by the City of Hayward, of $0.9 million were recognized during the six months ended June 30, 2009 along with costs of $0.2 million associated with capital projects that will not be pursued.  

IMPAIRMENT OF GOODWILL AND INDEFINITE-LIVED ASSETS.   In accordance with SFAS No. 142, we review the recorded values of our FCC broadcast licenses, goodwill, and other non-amortizable intangible assets on an annual basis or more frequently if conditions indicate that we may have an impairment. During the six months ended June 30, 2009, we recorded an impairment charge of $12.5 million associated with the FCC Licenses and goodwill in the Dallas and Portland markets and an impairment charge of $1.2 million associated with the value of goodwill and Mastheads in the non-broadcast segment.  The impairment charge resulted from weakening radio station valuations as a result of lower revenues and lower growth expectations.  These trends are not specific to any of our individual market clusters, but rather are affecting valuations in the industry as a whole.  We acquired radio stations at various times over the last thirty four years, many of which were amortized prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 142.  As a result, the carrying value of our FCC licenses and goodwill may exceed the fair value in many of our markets.  For the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, the markets for which impairment charges were recorded during 2009 accounted for 15% and 18% of total net revenues.  

GAIN (LOSS) ON DISPOSAL OF ASSETS.  The loss on disposal of assets of $1.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009, was primarily comprised of the sale of radio station KPXI-FM, Tyler-Longview, Texas for $0.4 million resulting in a pre-tax loss of $1.6 million.  The gain on disposal of assets of $6.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 was primarily comprised of the sale of radio station KTEK-AM, Houston, Texas for $7.8 million resulting in a pre-tax gain of $6.1 million, partially offset by various fixed assets disposals.

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE).  Interest income of $147,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and $134,000 for the same period of the prior year was interest earned on excess cash.  Interest expense decreased $3.0 million, or 25.3%, to $8.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009, compared to $11.6 million for the same period of the prior year due to a lower outstanding debt balance and lower interest rates.  Change in fair value of interest rate swaps of $2.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009, represents the change in the fair market value of our swaps.  Other expense, net, decreased to $48,000 from $100,000 primarily due to bank commitment fees associated with our credit facility offset with royalty income from real estate properties.  

PROVISION FOR (BENEFIT FROM) INCOME TAXES.  In accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN No. 48”), our benefit from income taxes was $1.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 compared to $5.1 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 29.6% for the six months ended June 30, 2009 compared to 44.2% for the same period of the prior year.  The effective tax rate for each period differs from the federal statutory income rate of 35.0% due to the effect of state income taxes, certain expenses that are not deductible for tax purposes, and changes in the valuation allowance from the utilization of certain state net operating loss carryforwards.

INCOME FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, NET OF TAX.   The income from discontinued operations of $0.1 million, net of taxes, for the six months ended June 30, 2009 includes the operating results of WRFD-AM, Columbus, Ohio.  The income from discontinued operations of $2.1 million, net of taxes, for the six months ended June 30, 2008 includes the pre-tax gain of $2.0 million on the sale of WRRD-AM, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a $1.4 million pre-tax gain on the sale of WFZH-FM, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, operating results of WRFD-AM in Columbus, Ohio, and operating results of CCM Magazine.  

NET INCOME (LOSS).   We recognized a net loss of $2.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 compared to net income of $8.5 million for the same period of the prior year.  This decrease of $10.6 million is primarily due to a decrease in operating income from continuing operations of $20.9 million and income from discontinued operations of $2.0 million, offset by a decrease of interest expense of $3.0 million, a $2.4 million change in fair value of our interest rate swaps, $0.7 million gain on the early redemption of 7¾% Notes and a decrease in our tax provision of $6.1 million.



25



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 broadcasting revenue less broadcasting operating expenses.  Accordingly, changes in net broadcasting revenue and broadcasting expenses, as explained above, have a direct impact on changes in SOI.

SOI is not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP; as a result it should be viewed as a supplement to and not a substitute for our results of operations presented on the basis of GAAP.  Management believes that SOI is a useful non-GAAP financial measure to investors, when considered in conjunction with operating income, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, because it is generally recognized by the radio broadcasting industry as a tool in measuring performance and in applying valuation methodologies for companies in the media, entertainment and communications industries. This measure is used by investors and analysts who report on the industry to provide comparisons between broadcasting groups.  Additionally, our management uses SOI as one of the key measures of operating efficiency, 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.

Three months ended June 30, 2009 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2008

STATION OPERATING INCOME.   SOI decreased $2.2 million, or 12.6%, to $15.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009, compared to $18.0 million for the same period of the prior year.  As a percentage of net broadcast revenue, SOI increased to 36.2% for the three months ended June 30, 2009 from 36.1% for the same period of the prior year.  On a same station basis, SOI decreased $2.1 million, or 12.0%, to $15.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009 from $17.7 million for the same period of the prior year.  As a percentage of same station net broadcast revenue, same station SOI increased to 37.0% for the three months ended June 30, 2009 compared to 36.5% for the same period of the prior year.   

Six months ended June 30, 2009 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2008

STATION OPERATING INCOME.   SOI decreased $2.7 million, or 7.9%, to $31.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009, compared to $34.2 million for the same period of the prior year.  As a percentage of net broadcast revenue, SOI increased to 36.7% for the six months ended June 30, 2009 from 34.9% for the same period of the prior year.  On a same station basis, SOI decreased $2.3 million, or 6.8%, to $31.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 from $33.3 million for the same period of the prior year.  As a percentage of same station net broadcast revenue, same station SOI increased to 37.6% for the six months ended June 30, 2009 compared to 35.2% for the same period of the prior year.   

The following table provides a reconciliation of SOI (a non-GAAP financial measure) to operating income (as presented in our financial statements) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2009:

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

 

2008

 

2009

 

2008

 

2009

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

Station operating income

 

$       18,033

 

$       15,769

 

$       34,163

 

$       31,456

Plus non-broadcast  revenue

 

7,521

 

6,545

 

13,654

 

12,806

Less non-broadcast operating expenses

 

(6,847)

 

(5,439)

 

(13,087)

 

(11,237)

Less corporate expenses

 

(4,482)

 

(3,271)

 

(9,759)

 

(6,614)

Less depreciation and amortization

 

(3,903)

 

(3,763)

 

(7,818)

 

(7,744)

Less cost of denied tower site and abandoned projects

 

 

(1,111)

 

 

(1,111)

Less impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived assets

 

 

(13,663)

 

 

(13,663)

Plus gain (loss) on disposal of assets

 

(10)

 

(1,615)

 

6,004

 

(1,616)

Operating income (loss)

 

$      10,312

 

$      (6,548)

 

$       23,157

 

$       2,277



26



CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES, JUDGMENTS AND ESTIMATES

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP.  The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities.  On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to allowance for doubtful accounts, acquisitions and upgrades of radio station and network assets, goodwill and other intangible assets, income taxes, and long-term debt and debt covenant compliance.  We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.  Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

We believe the following accounting policies and the related judgments and estimates are critical accounting policies which affect the preparation of our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Accounting for acquisitions and upgrades of radio station and network assets

A majority of our radio station acquisitions are acquisitions of selected assets and not acquisitions of businesses. Such asset acquisitions have consisted primarily of the FCC licenses to broadcast in a particular market.  We often do not acquire the existing format, or we change the format upon acquisition when we find it beneficial.  As a result, a substantial portion of the purchase price for the assets of a radio station is allocated to the FCC license.  Generally, it is our policy to retain third-party appraisers to value radio stations, networks or non-broadcast properties. The allocations assigned to acquire FCC licenses and other assets are subjective by their nature and require our careful consideration and judgment.  We believe the allocations represent appropriate estimates of the fair value of the assets acquired. As part of the valuation and appraisal process, the third-party appraisers prepare reports which assign values to the various asset categories in our financial statements.  Our management reviews these reports and determines the reasonableness of the assigned values used to record the acquisition of the radio station, network or non-broadcast properties at the close of the transaction.

We undertake projects from time to time to upgrade our radio station technical facilities and/or FCC licenses. Our policy is to capitalize costs incurred up to the point where the project is complete, at which time we transfer the costs to the appropriate fixed asset and/or intangible asset categories.  When the completion of a project is contingent upon FCC or other regulatory approval, we assess the probable future benefit of the asset at the time that it is recorded and monitor it through the FCC or other regulatory approval process.  In the event the required approval is not considered probable, we write-off the capitalized costs of the project.

Revenue recognition

We recognize revenue 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.

Revenue from radio programs and commercial advertising is recognized when the program or commercial 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.  Revenues from the sale of products and services from our non-broadcast businesses are recognized when the products are shipped and the services are rendered. Revenues from the sale of advertising in our publications are recognized upon publication. Revenues from the sale of subscriptions to our publications are recognized over the life of the subscription.  Revenues from book sales are recorded by when shipment occurs.     

Advertising by the radio stations exchanged for goods and services is recorded as the advertising is broadcast and is valued at the estimated value of goods or services received or to be received.  The value of the goods and services received in such barter transactions is charged to expense when used.  We record broadcast advertising provided in exchange for goods and services as broadcast revenue and the goods or services received in exchange for such advertising as broadcast operating expenses.

Allowance for doubtful accounts

We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments.  An analysis is performed by applying various percentages based on the age of the receivable and other subjective and historical analysis.  A considerable amount of judgment is required in assessing the likelihood of ultimate realization of these receivables including the current creditworthiness of each customer.  If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.

Goodwill and other non-amortizable intangible assets

Approximately 68% of our total assets consist of non-amortizable intangible assets, such as FCC 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.  FCC licenses are renewed 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 FCC licenses have been renewed at the end of their respective periods, and we expect that all FCC licenses will continue to be renewed in the future.  Accordingly, we consider our broadcast licenses to be indefinite-lived intangible assets in accordance with SFAS No.142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.”  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.  The unit of accounting used to test broadcast licenses is the cluster level, which the Company defines as a group of radio stations operating in the same geographic market, sharing the same building and equipment and being managed by a single general manager.  Goodwill and mastheads, attributable primarily to our non-broadcast operating segment, are tested at the business unit level, which the Company defines by publication or website.

We complete our annual impairment tests in the fourth quarter of each year.  However, based on continued deteriorating macro-economic factors, including declining radio industry revenues throughout 2009 to date and a weakening in prevailing radio station transaction multiples, we concluded that, in connection with preparing its financial statements for the period ended June 30, 2009, an interim valuation pursuant to SFAS No. 142 was appropriate.  We reviewed the financial performance of certain accounting units against established internal benchmarks.  For selected accounting units that did not meet the internal benchmarks, Bond & Pecaro, an independent third-party appraisal and valuation firm, was engaged to perform an appraisal of the indefinite-lived asset(s).  The accounting units selected were based on declines in projected market revenues and market analysis from industry experts that indicate a more than remote likelihood that a current fair value determination would be less than the carrying value.  As a result of our interim review and valuation, a pre-tax impairment charge of $12.1 million associated with the value of broadcast licenses in the Dallas and Portland markets was recognized in the second quarter of 2009.

The impairments are driven in part by declining revenue at the industry and market levels, declining radio stations transaction multiples, and a higher cost of capital.  The impairments are indicative of a trend in the broadcast industry and are not unique to the Company.  The Company also reviewed goodwill for potential impairment by comparing the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill.  For reporting units in which the fair value exceeded the carrying value, no loss was recognized.  For reporting units in which the fair value did not exceed the carrying value, a potential impairment was identified.  The implied value of goodwill for these reporting units was calculated using third-party independent appraisals as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination and the fair value of the reporting unit was the price paid to acquire the reporting unit.  Based on this review, the Company recorded a pre-tax impairment charge of $0.4 million associated with the value of goodwill in its broadcast segment and a pre-tax impairment charge of $1.2 million associated with the value of goodwill and mastheads in the non-broadcast segment .

Uncertain tax positions

We adopted FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN No. 48”) on January 1, 2007 and accrued liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits in accordance with the provisions.  On the date of adoption we had $3.0 million in liabilities related to uncertain tax positions, including $0.9 million recognized under SFAS No. 5 Accounting for Contingencies and carried forward from prior years and $2.1 million recognized upon adoption of FIN 48 as a reduction to retained earnings.  Included in the $2.1 million accrual was $0.1 million related interest, net of federal income tax benefits.  During 2008, we recognized a net decrease of $0.2 million in liabilities and at December 31, 2008, had $3.7 million in liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits.  Included in this liability amount were $0.1 million accrued for the related interest, net of federal income tax benefits, and $0.1 million for the related penalty recorded in income tax expense on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.  We recorded an increase in our unrecognized tax benefits of $0.1 million as of June 30, 2009. 

Valuation allowance (deferred taxes)

For financial reporting purposes, we have recorded a valuation allowance of $3.6 million as of June 30, 2009, 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 we will receive from such carryforwards.



27



Derivative Instruments

We are exposed to fluctuations in interest rates. Salem actively monitors these fluctuations and uses derivative instruments from time to time to manage the related risk.  In accordance with its risk management strategy, Salem uses derivative instruments only for the purpose of managing risk associated with an asset, liability, committed transaction, or probable forecasted transaction that is identified by management.  Our use of derivative instruments may result in short-term gains or losses that may increase the volatility of Salem’s earnings.

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157

On September 15, 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.” In general, fair value measurements and disclosures are made in accordance with the provisions of this Statement and, while not requiring material new fair value measurements, SFAS No. 157 established a single definition of fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expanded disclosures about fair value measurements.  The provisions of this Statement apply to other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements; the Financial Accounting Standards Board having previously concluded in those accounting pronouncements that fair value is the relevant measurement attribute.

On February 12, 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position SFAS No. 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157,” referred to as SFAS No. 157-2 in this report.  SFAS No. 157-2 delayed the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually).

We adopted SFAS No. 157 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 SFAS No. 157 for non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities effective January 1, 2009. This includes applying the provisions of SFAS No. 157 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. We are currently assessing the potential effect of the adoption of the remaining provisions of SFAS No. 157 on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows

On October 10, 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position SFAS No. 157-3, “Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset Is Not Active,” referred to as SFAS No. 157-3 in this report.  SFAS 157-3 provides clarification regarding the application of SFAS No. 157 in inactive markets.  The provisions of SFAS No. 157-3 were effective upon issuance.  This Staff Position did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

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.

SFAS No. 157 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 SFAS No. 157 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 a result of the adoption of SFAS No. 157, we have modified the assumptions used in measuring the fair value of derivative positions.  Specifically, we now include the impact of our own credit risk on derivative liabilities measured at fair value under SFAS No. 157.  Counterparty credit-risk adjustments are applied to derivatives, such as over-the-counter derivatives, where the base valuation uses market parameters based on LIBOR interest rate curves.  Not all counterparties have the same credit risk as that implied by the relevant LIBOR curve, so it is necessary to consider the market value of the credit risk of counterparty in order to estimate the fair value of such an item.  Bilateral or “own” credit risk adjustments are applied to our own credit risk when valuing derivatives measured at fair value.  Credit adjustments consider the estimated future cash flows between the Company and its counterparties under the terms of the instrument and affect the credit risk on the valuation of those cash flows, rather than a point-in-time assessment of current recognized net asset or liability.  

The fair value of our liabilities was impacted by the widening of our credit spread.  The estimated change in the fair value of these liabilities due to such changes as our own credit risk was a benefit of $2.4 million and $2.3 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009.  Changes in fair value resulting from changes in instrument specific credit risk were estimated based on comparable credit default swap spreads and interpolated bond yield spread analysis for selected comparable companies.  

Our financial liabilities reported at fair value in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2009 were as follows:

 

As of June 30, 2009

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total

    Interest rate swap agreements

 

 

5,522

 

 

5,522

Long-term debt and debt covenant compliance

Our classification of borrowings under our credit facility as long-term debt on our balance sheet is based on our assessment that, under the borrowing restrictions and covenants in our credit facility and after considering our projected operating results and cash flows for the coming year, no principal payments, other than the scheduled principal reductions in our term loan facility, will be required pursuant to the credit agreement.  These projections are estimates dependent upon a number of factors including developments in the markets in which we are operating in and economic and political factors, among other factors.  Accordingly, these projections are inherently uncertain and our actual results could differ from these estimates.  Should our actual results differ materially from these estimates, payments may become due under our credit facility or it may become necessary to seek an amendment to our credit facility. Based on our management’s current assessment, we do not anticipate principal payments becoming due under our credit facility, or a further amendment of our credit facility becoming necessary.

Stock-Based compensation

We have one stock incentive plan, The Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Incentive Plan, (the “Plan”) under which stock options and restricted shares are granted to employees, directors, officers and advisors of the Company.  As of June 30, 2009, a maximum of 3,100,000 shares are authorized under the Plan, of which 1,369,925 are outstanding and 370,738 are exercisable.  

Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted SFAS No. 123(R), which requires the measurement at fair value and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards. Total stock based compensation expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 was $0.1 million and $0.2 million compared to $0.6 million and $1.3 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008.  Determining the appropriate fair-value model and calculating the fair value of employee stock options and rights to purchase shares under stock purchase plans at the date of grant requires judgment.  We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of these share-based awards consistent with the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R).  Option pricing models, including the Black-Scholes model, also require the use of input assumptions, including expected volatility, expected life, expected dividend rate, and expected risk-free rate of return.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

We have historically financed acquisitions through borrowings, including borrowings under credit facilities and, to a lesser extent, from operating cash flow and selected asset dispositions.  We expect to fund future acquisitions from cash on hand, proceeds from debt and equity offerings, 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 facility and our senior subordinated notes from operating cash flow, and, if necessary, proceeds from the sale of selected assets or radio stations.  Based on the current conditions of the economy and the capital markets and the continuing decline in radio revenues, it may be difficult for us to refinance our pending debt maturities in 2010.  If we are unable to do so, we will be in default under our credit facility and 7¾% Notes.  Should we default, we may need to either obtain additional amendments or waivers from lenders or reorganize our capital structure.

Cash Flows 

Cash and cash equivalents were $20.4 million on June 30, 2009 compared to $1.9 million as of December 31, 2008.  As of June 30, 2009, we had negative working capital of $37.9 million compared to positive working capital of $16.2 million at December 31, 2008.  The negative working capital is due to the classification of our Term Loan B as short-term as of March 31, 2009.  

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Our cash flows from continuing operations are primarily derived from our earnings from ongoing operations prior to non-cash expenses such as depreciation, amortization, bad debt, and stock-based compensation and changes in our working capital.  Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations was $22.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 compared to $19.2 million for the same period of the prior year.  The increase of $3.3 million was primarily the result of changes in operating assets and liabilities, a decrease of $8.8 million in net income (loss) from continuing operations, a $13.7 million impairment charge related to the radio broadcasting licenses of our Dallas and Portland markets and goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets on our Publishing entity, a $1.1 million project cancellation costs and costs associated with a tower relocation project for radio station KDOW-AM in San Francisco, California, which was rejected by the City of Hayward, and a $7.6 million change in the gain on disposal of assets, offset by a $7.0 million decrease in the deferred income taxes and a $2.4 million change in fair value of our interest rate swaps.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Our investing activities primarily relate to capital expenditures, strategic acquisitions or dispositions of radio station’s assets and strategic acquisitions of non-broadcast businesses.  Net cash used in investing activities was $11,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2009 compared to net cash used in investing activities of $19.2 million for the same period of the prior year.  The decrease of $19.2 million was due to a $4.1 million decrease in proceeds from disposal of assets, a $9.6 million decrease in purchases of broadcast assets, a $5.0 million decrease due to the 2008 purchase of real estate from principal shareholders and a $1.2 million non-broadcast business purchases made in the prior year, offset by a $3.4 million decrease in capital expenditures and a $1.7 million reimbursement of tower related costs.    

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Our financing activities primarily relate to proceeds and repayments under our credit facility, payments of capital lease obligations, payments of dividends and repurchases of our Class A Common Stock.  Cash flows from financing activities decreased to $4.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 from $10.9 million for the same period of the prior year.  This decrease was due to net repayments of debt of $2.5 million during the period compared to $9.3 million in the same period of the prior year, a $1.3 million decrease on payments of our capital lease obligations offset by a $1.3 million payment of costs related to the amendment of our bank credit facility.  

Credit facility

Our wholly-owned subsidiary, Salem Communications Holding Corporation (“Salem Holding”), is the borrower under our credit facility.  The maximum amount that Salem Holding may borrow under our credit facility is limited by a ratio of our consolidated existing total adjusted funded debt to pro forma twelve-month cash flow (the “Total Leverage Ratio”).  Our credit facility will allow us to adjust our total debt as used in such calculation by the lesser of (i) 50% of the aggregate purchase price of acquisitions of newly acquired radio stations that we reformat to a religious talk, News Talk or religious music format or (ii) $45.0 million, and the cash flow from such stations will not be considered in the calculation of the ratio during the period in which such acquisition gives rise to an adjustment to total debt.  The Total Leverage Ratio allowed under the credit facility was 5.75 to 1 as of June 30, 2009.  The ratio will decline again on December 31, 2009, at which point it will remain at 5.5 to 1 through the remaining term of the credit facility.  The Total Leverage Ratio under our credit facility at June 30, 2009, on a pro forma basis, was 5.25 to 1.

We amended our credit facility on March 11, 2009.  This amendment resulted in the following primary modifications to the credit facility: (a) exclusion of all maturities of debt from the determination of the pro-forma debt service covenant calculation, (b) ability to refinance the Company’s 7¾% Senior Subordinated Notes due December 2010 in part or in full, (c) the elimination of Salem’s ability to purchase additional shares of its common stock or to pay a dividend on its common stock unless the Total Leverage Ratio calculated under the credit facility is less than or equal to 4.00:1.00, (d) termination of the revolving line of credit that was scheduled to expire on March 31, 2009, and (e) extension through December 31, 2010, of the Company’s ability to obtain a Term Loan D under the facility, which extension allows the addition of a new Term Loan D subject to the following conditions and restrictions: (1) the use of all proceeds from any such Term Loan D shall be limited to repayment of other term loans under the facility, (2) the aggregate amount of all new and additional Term Loan D commitments shall not exceed Fifty Million Dollars ($50,000,000), and (3) to the extent that applicable interest rates and indices applicable to any new Term Loan D are greater than existing applicable interest rates and indices on the remainder of the amounts outstanding under the facility, the existing applicable interest rates and indices shall be adjusted to match those in effect for the new Term Loan D.  Additionally, our revolving credit facility, which was set to mature on March 31, 2009, was terminated upon the effectiveness of this amendment on March 11, 2009.  

The credit facility includes a $75.0 million term loan B facility (“term loan B facility”) and a $165.0 million term loan C facility (“term loan C facility”). As of June 30, 2009, the borrowing capacity and aggregate commitments were $71.2 million under our term loan B facility and $160.0 million under our term loan C facility.

On June 30, 2009, $71.2 million was outstanding under the term loan B facility, $160.0 million was outstanding under the term loan C facility and no balance was outstanding under the revolving credit facility.  The borrowing capacity under the term loan B facility steps down 0.5% each December 31 and June 30.  The term loan B facility matures on the earlier of March 31, 2010, or the date that is six months prior to the maturity of any subordinated indebtedness of Salem or Salem Holding. The borrowing capacity under the term loan C facility steps down 0.5% each December 31 and June 30, commencing December 31, 2008.  The term loan C facility matures on the earlier of June 30, 2012, or the date that is six months prior to the maturity of any subordinated indebtedness of Salem or Salem Holding.  The credit facility require us, under certain circumstances, to prepay borrowings under the credit facility with excess cash flow and the net proceeds from the sale of assets, the issuance of equity interests and the issuance of subordinated notes.  If we are required to make these prepayments, our borrowing capacity and the aggregate commitments under the facilities will be reduced, but such reduction shall not, in any event, reduce the borrowing capacity and aggregate commitments under the facilities below $50.0 million.

Amounts outstanding under the credit facility bears interest at a rate based on, at Salem Holding’s option, the bank’s prime rate or LIBOR, in each case plus a spread.  For both the term loan B facility and the term loan C facility, the prime rate spread ranges from 0.25% to 0.75%, and the LIBOR spread ranges from 1.25% to 1.75%.  In each case, the spread is based on the Total Leverage Ratio on the date of determination.  If an event of default occurs, the rate may increase by 2.0%.  At June 30, 2009, the blended interest rate on amounts outstanding under the credit facility was 3.57%.

Our credit facility contains additional restrictive covenants customary for facilities of their size, type and purpose which, with specified exceptions, limits our ability to incur debt, have liens, enter into affiliate transactions, pay dividends, consolidate, merge or affect certain asset sales, make specified investments, acquisitions and loans and change the nature of our business.  Our credit facility also requires us to satisfy specified financial covenants, which covenants require us on a consolidated basis to maintain specified financial ratios and comply with certain financial tests, including ratios for maximum leverage as described above, minimum interest coverage (not less than 2.0 to 1 through March 31, 2009 increasing in increments until June 30, 2009, at which point it will remain at 2.5 to 1 through the remaining term of the credit facility), minimum debt service coverage (a static ratio of not less than 1.25 to 1), a maximum consolidated senior leverage ratio (currently 5.0 to 1, which will decline periodically until December 31, 2008, at which point it will remain at 4.0 to 1 through the remaining term of the credit facility), and minimum fixed charge coverage (a static ratio of not less than 1.1 to 1). Salem and all of its subsidiaries, except for Salem Holding, are guarantors of borrowings under the credit facility.  The credit facility is secured by liens on all of our assets and our subsidiaries’ assets and pledges of all of the capital stock of our subsidiaries.

As of June 30, 2009, we were and remain in compliance with all of the covenants under our terms of the credit facility.

Swingline Credit Facility.  On June 1, 2005, we entered into an agreement for a swingline credit facility (“Swingline”) with a borrowing capacity of $5.0 million.  This agreement was amended as of June 1, 2007.  As collateral for the Swingline, we pledged our corporate office building.  Amounts outstanding under the Swingline bear interest at a rate based on 0.25% less than the bank’s prime rate.  As of June 30, 2009, there was no outstanding balance under the Swingline.  

As of June 30, 2009, we were and remain in compliance with all of the covenants under the terms of the Swingline.

7¾% Notes.  In December 2002, Salem Holding issued $100.0 million principal amount of 7¾% Notes.  The indenture for the 7¾% Notes contains restrictive covenants that, among other things, limit the incurrence of debt by Salem Holding and its subsidiaries, the payment of dividends, the use of proceeds of specified asset sales and transactions with affiliates.  Through the use of an unrestricted subsidiary, we repurchased $9.4 million of our 7¾% Notes for $4.7 million in December 2008.  This transaction resulted in a $4.7 million pre-tax gain on the early retirement of debt.  As of June 30, 2009, there is $89.7 million of the 7¾% Notes outstanding.  Based on this principal amount, Salem Holding is required to pay $7.0 million per year in interest on the 7¾% Notes.

Through the use of an unrestricted subsidiary, we repurchased $1.0 million of our 7¾% Notes for $0.3 million in April 2009.  This transaction resulted in a $0.7 million pre-tax gain on the early retirement of debt.  

As of June 30, 2009, we were and remain in compliance with all of the covenants under the indenture for the 7¾% Notes.

Summary of long-term obligations

Long-term debt consisted of the following at the balance sheet dated indicated:

 

As of December 31, 2008

 

As of June 30, 2009

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

Term loans under credit facility

$

232,467

 

$

 231,267

7¾% senior subordinated notes due 2010

 

90,605

 

 

89,655

Seller financed note to acquire Townhall.com

 

1,295

 

 

Capital leases and other loans

 

1,008

 

 

973

 

$

325,375

 

$

321,895

Less current portion

 

3,766

 

 

72,964

 

$

321,609

 

$

248,931


In addition to the amounts listed above, we also have interest payments related to our long-term debt as follows as of June 30, 2009:

·

Outstanding borrowings of $231.3 million on term loans with interest payments due at LIBOR plus 1.25% to 1.75% or at prime rate plus 0.25% to 0.75%, depending on our Total Leverage Ratio;

·

Swingline credit facility with interest payments due at 0.25% less than the bank’s prime rate;

·

$89.7 million senior subordinated notes with semi-annual interest payments at 7¾%; and

·

Commitment fee of 0.375% on the unused portion of our credit facility.  

Credit Rating Agencies

On a continuing basis, credit rating agencies such as Moody’s Investor Services (“Moody’s”) and Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) evaluate our debt.  On April 2, 2009, Moody’s downgraded our credit rating.  Currently, our corporate family rating is B3 and our 7¾% Notes are rated Caa1.  The downgrade was prompted by the impact of the downturn in the economy on our performance, possible inadequate cushion under our financial covenants and refinancing risk associated with our pending debt maturities.  On June 15, 2009, S&P placed our B- credit rating as well as our CCC credit rating on our 7¾% Notes on CreditWatch with negative implications.  This action was based on concerns regarding our need for a comprehensive intermediate-term refinancing.  

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

At June 30, 2009, Salem did not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, which would constitute an off-balance sheet arrangement.  As such, Salem is not materially exposed to any financing, liquidity, market or credit risk that could arise if Salem had engaged in such relationships.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

Not Applicable.  

ITEM 4T. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act.  Based upon such evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of June 30, 2009.

There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.



28



PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

We and our subsidiaries, incident to our business activities, are parties to a number of legal proceedings, lawsuits, arbitration and other claims. Such matters are subject to many uncertainties and outcomes that are not predictable with assurance.  Also, we maintain insurance which may provide coverage for such matters.  Consequently, we are unable to ascertain the ultimate aggregate amount of monetary liability or the financial impact with respect to these matters. We believe, at this time, that the final resolution of these matters, individually and in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect upon our annual consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.

Not applicable

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.

None.

ITEM 3. DEFAULT UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.

None.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

At the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company held on June 3, 2009, the following matters were submitted to a vote of stockholders:

A.      Election of the following nominees as directors of the Company:

1.

Stuart W. Epperson was elected by a vote of

71,885,417

for, with

170,960

against, and  

1,959

 abstained;

2.

Edward G. Atsinger III was elected by a vote of

72,019,216

for, with

35,061

against, and

4,059

 abstained;

3.

David Davenport was elected by a vote of

16,338,469

for, with

167,709

against, and

15,198

 abstained;

4.

Roland S. Hinz was elected by a vote of

71,624,326

for, with

431,368

against, and

2,642

 abstained;

5.

Judge Paul Pressler was elected by a vote of

15,967,346

for, with

539,672

against, and

14,358

 abstained;

6.

Richard A. Riddle was elected by a vote of

72,009,333

for, with

32,544

against, and

16,459

 abstained;

7.

Dennis M. Weinberg was elected by a vote of

71,635,975

for, with

405,902

against, and

16,459

 abstained;

B.      To approve an amendment to the Company’s Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) to extend the expiration date of the Plan for a period of ten (10) years from May 25, 2009, through May 25, 2019:

                  69,045,279 for, with 699,249 against, 2,247 abstaining and 2,311,561 broker non votes.

C.      To re-approve the provision in the Plan establishing the maximum number of shares of Class A common stock available under awards to a single participant in any one calendar year at 100,000:

                  69,043,485 for, with 698,549 against, 4,741 abstaining and 2,311,561 broker non votes

The total number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding as of April 9, 2009, the record date for the Annual Meeting, was 18,120,092, the total number of shares of Class B common stock outstanding as of that date was 5,553,696. Each share of Class A common stock is entitled to one vote per share, and each share of Class B common stock is entitled to ten votes per share.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION.

None.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS.



29




SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Salem Communications Corporation has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

       

 

 

SALEM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

August 7, 2009

 

 

 

 

By: /s/ EDWARD G. ATSINGER III

 

 

Edward G. Atsinger III

 

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

August 7, 2009

 

 

 

 

By: /s/ EVAN D. MASYR

 

 

Evan D. Masyr

 

 

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

(Principal Financial Officer)



                     




30




EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit

Number

 

Exhibit Description

 

Form

 

File No.

 

Date of First Filing

 

Exhibit Number

 

Filed Herewith

10.08.04.01

 

Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Incentive Plan as amended and restated through June 3, 2009.

 

8-K

 

000-26497

 

06/09/09

 

10.08.04.01

 

 

23.3

 

Consent of Bond & Pecaro, Inc.

 

10-Q

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

31.1

 

Certification of Edward G. Atsinger III Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) under the Exchange Act.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

31.2

 

Certification of Evan D. Masyr Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) under the Exchange Act.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

32.1

 

Certification of Edward G. Atsinger III Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

32.2

 

Certification of Evan D. Masyr Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X





31



EXHIBIT 23.3


[Bond & Pecaro, Inc. letterhead]


July 31, 2009




VIA E-MAIL:  evanm@salem.cc


Mr. Evan D. Masyr

Vice President of Accounting and Corporate Controller

Salem Communications Corp.

4880 Santa Rosa Road #300

Camarillo, CA  93012


Dear Mr. Masyr:


Bond & Pecaro, Inc. hereby grants permission to Salem Communications Corp. to use the Bond & Pecaro, Inc. name and data from our work product as of June 30, 2009 in public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


I hope that this letter is responsive to your needs at this time.  Please do not hesitate to let us know if you need anything additional.



Sincerely,



/s/ Timothy S. Pecaro


Timothy S. Pecaro


cc.

Jim Brown



32




EXHIBIT 31.1

I, Edward G. Atsinger III, certify that:

1.

I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Salem Communications Corporation;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.

The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15(d)-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(c)

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(d)

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.

The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date: August 7, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ EDWARD G. ATSINGER III

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Edward G. Atsinger III

 

 

 

Chief Executive Officer

 



33



EXHIBIT 31.2

I, Evan D. Masyr, certify that:

1.

I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Salem Communications Corporation;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.

The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15(d)-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(c)

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(d)

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.

The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date: August 7, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ EVAN D. MASYR

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Evan D. Masyr

 

 

 

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 



34




EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

The undersigned hereby certifies, in his capacity as Chief Executive Officer of Salem Communications Corporation (the “Company”), for purposes of 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that based on his knowledge:

·

the Quarterly Report of the Company on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2009 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and


·

the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.


 

Dated: August 7, 2009

 

 

 

 

By: /s/ EDWARD G. ATSINGER III

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edward G. Atsinger III

 

 

 

Chief Executive Officer

 




35




EXHIBIT 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

The undersigned hereby certifies, in his capacity as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Salem Communications Corporation (the “Company”), for purposes of 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that based on his knowledge:

·

the Quarterly report of the Company on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2009 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and


·

the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 


Dated: August 7, 2009

 

 

 

 

By: /s/ EVAN D. MASYR

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Evan D. Masyr

 

 

 

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 


 



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