SAGA COMMUNICATIONS INC - Annual Report: 2017 (Form 10-K)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-K

Commission file number 1-11588

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:

(313) 886-7070

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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

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

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

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 þ     No ¨

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

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

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 the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

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

Aggregate market value of the Class A Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock (assuming conversion thereof into Class A Common Stock) held by nonaffiliates of the registrant, computed on the basis of the closing price of the Class A Common Stock on June 30, 2017 on the NYSE American: $229,017,827.

The number of shares of the registrant’s Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value, and Class B Common Stock, $.01 par value, outstanding as of March 2, 2018 was 5,042,709 and 898,633, respectively.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Proxy Statement for the 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after the end of the Company’s fiscal year) are incorporated by reference in Part III hereof.

Saga Communications, Inc.

2017 Form 10-K Annual Report

Table of Contents

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained in this Form 10-K that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In addition, words such as “believes,” “expects”, “anticipates,” “guidance,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are made as of the date of this report or as otherwise indicated, based on current expectations. We undertake no obligation to update this information. A number of important factors could cause our actual results for 2018 and beyond to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on our behalf. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance as they involve a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that may prove to be incorrect and that may cause our actual results and experiences to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements. The risks, uncertainties and assumptions that may affect our performance, which are described in Item 1A of this report, include our financial leverage and debt service requirements, dependence on key personnel, dependence on key stations, global, U.S. and local economic conditions, our ability to successfully integrate acquired stations, regulatory requirements, new technologies, natural disasters, terrorist attacks, information technology and cybersecurity failures and data security breaches. We cannot be sure that we will be able to anticipate or respond timely to changes in any of these factors, which could adversely affect the operating results in one or more fiscal quarters. Results of operations in any past period should not be considered, in and of itself, indicative of the results to be expected for future periods. Fluctuations in operating results may also result in fluctuations in the price of our stock.

PART I

Item 1.    Business

We are a broadcast company primarily engaged in acquiring, developing and operating broadcast properties. On May 9, 2017 we entered into an agreement to sell our Joplin, Missouri and Victoria, Texas television stations and subsequently closed on this transaction on September 1, 2017. The television stations that were sold constituted our entire television segment. The historical results of operations for the television stations are presented as discontinued operations for all periods presented (see Note 3). As a result of the sale of our television stations and those stations being reported as discontinued operations we only have one reportable segment at December 31, 2017. Unless indicated otherwise, the information in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements relates to our continuing operations. As of February 28, 2018, we owned seventy-five FM and thirty-three AM radio stations serving twenty-six markets, including Bellingham, Washington; Columbus, Ohio; Norfolk, Virginia; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Manchester, New Hampshire; and Des Moines, Iowa.

The following table sets forth information about our radio stations and the markets they serve as of February 28, 2018:

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Strategy

Our strategy is to operate top billing radio stations in mid-sized markets, which we define as markets ranked from 20 to 200 out of the markets summarized by Investing in Radio Market Report.

Programming and marketing are key components in our strategy to achieve top ratings in our radio operations. In many of our markets, the three or four most highly rated radio stations receive a disproportionately high share of the market’s advertising revenues. As a result, a station’s revenue is dependent upon its ability to maximize its number of listeners/viewers within an advertiser’s given demographic parameters. In certain cases we use attributes other than specific market listener data for sales activities. In those markets where sufficient alternative data is available, we do not subscribe to an independent listener rating service.

The radio stations that we own and/or operate employ a variety of programming formats, including Classic Hits, Adult Hits, Top 40, Country, Country Legends, Mainstream/Hot/Soft Adult Contemporary, Pure Oldies, Classic Rock, and News/Talk. We regularly perform extensive market research, including music evaluations, focus groups and strategic vulnerability studies. Our stations also employ audience promotions to further develop and secure a loyal following.

The television stations that we owned and/or operated, prior to their sale, during 2017 were comprised of two CBS affiliates, one ABC affiliate, two Fox affiliates, one Univision affiliate, one NBC affiliate, one Telemundo affiliate and one Cozi TV affiliate. In addition to securing network programming, we carefully selected available syndicated programming to maximize viewership. We also developed local programming, including a strong local news franchise in each of our television markets.

We concentrate on the development of strong decentralized local management, which is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the stations we own and/or operate. We compensate local management based on the station’s financial performance, as well as other performance factors that are deemed to affect the long-term ability of the stations to achieve financial performance objectives. Corporate management is responsible for long-range planning, establishing policies and procedures, resource allocation and monitoring the activities of the stations.

Under the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (the “Telecommunications Act”), we are permitted to own as many as eight radio stations in a single market. See “Federal Regulation of Radio and Television Broadcasting”. We seek to acquire reasonably priced broadcast properties with significant growth potential that are located in markets with well-established and relatively stable economies. We often focus on local economies supported by a strong presence of state or federal government or one or more major universities. Future acquisitions will be subject to the availability of financing, the terms of our credit facility, and compliance with the Communications Act of 1934 (the “Communications Act”) and Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) rules.  

Advertising Sales  

Our primary source of revenue is from the sale of advertising for broadcast on our stations. Depending on the format of a particular radio station, there are a predetermined number of advertisements broadcast each hour. The number of advertisements broadcast on our television stations were limited by certain network affiliation and syndication agreements and, with respect to children’s programs, federal regulation. We determine the number of advertisements broadcast hourly that can maximize a station’s available revenue dollars without jeopardizing listening/viewing levels. While there may be shifts from time to time in the number of advertisements broadcast during a particular time of the day, the total number of advertisements broadcast on a particular station generally does not vary significantly from year to year. Any change in our revenue, with the exception of those instances where stations are acquired or sold, is generally the result of pricing adjustments, which are made to ensure that the station efficiently utilizes available inventory.

Advertising rates charged by radio and television stations are based primarily on a station’s ability to attract audiences in the demographic groups targeted by advertisers, the number of stations in the market competing for the same demographic group, the supply of and demand for radio and television advertising time, and other qualitative factors including rates charged by competing radio and television stations within a given market. Radio rates are generally highest during morning and afternoon drive-time hours, while television advertising rates are generally higher during prime time evening viewing periods. Most advertising contracts are short-term, generally running for only a few weeks. This allows broadcasters the ability to modify advertising rates as dictated by changes in station ownership within a market, changes in listener/viewer ratings and changes in the business climate within a particular market.

Approximately $124,809,000 or 87% of our gross revenue for the year ended December 31, 2017 (approximately $131,233,000 or 85% in fiscal 2016 and approximately $125,558,000 or 87% in fiscal 2015) was generated from the sale of local advertising for both continuing operations and discontinued operations. Additional revenue is generated from the sale of national advertising, network compensation payments, barter and other miscellaneous transactions. In all of our markets, we attempt to maintain a local sales force that is generally larger than our competitors. The principal goal in our sales efforts is to develop long-standing customer relationships through frequent direct contacts, which we believe represents a competitive advantage. We also typically provide incentives to our sales staff to seek out new opportunities resulting in the establishment of new client relationships, as well as new sources of revenue, not directly associated with the sale of broadcast time.

Each of our stations also engages independent national sales representatives to assist us in obtaining national advertising revenues. These representatives obtain advertising through national advertising agencies and receive a commission from us based on our net revenue from the advertising obtained. Total gross revenue resulting from national advertising for both continuing operations and discontinued operations in fiscal 2017 was approximately $18,151,000 or 13% of our gross revenue (approximately $23,545,000 or 15% in fiscal 2016 which includes $5,183,000 in national political sales or 3% of gross revenue and approximately $18,368,000 or 13% in fiscal 2015).

Competition

Both radio and television broadcasting are highly competitive businesses. Our stations compete for listeners/viewers and advertising revenues directly with other radio and/or television stations, as well as other media, within their markets. Our radio and television stations compete for listeners/viewers primarily on the basis of program content and by employing on-air talent which appeals to a particular demographic group. By building a strong listener/viewer base comprised of a specific demographic group in each of our markets, we are able to attract advertisers seeking to reach these listeners/viewers.

Other media, including broadcast television and/or radio (as applicable), cable television, newspapers, magazines, direct mail, the Internet, coupons and billboard advertising, also compete with us for advertising revenues.

The radio and television broadcasting industries are also subject to competition from new media technologies, such as the delivery of audio programming by cable and satellite television systems, satellite radio systems, direct reception from satellites, and streaming of audio on the Internet.

Seasonality  

Our revenue varies throughout the year. Advertising expenditures, our primary source of revenue, is generally lowest in the first quarter.

Environmental Compliance  

As the owner, lessee or operator of various real properties and facilities, we are subject to various federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations. Historically, compliance with these laws and regulations has not had a material adverse effect on our business. There can be no assurance, however, that compliance with existing or new environmental laws and regulations will not require us to make significant expenditures of funds.

Employees  

As of December 31, 2017, we had approximately 683 full-time employees and 347 part-time employees, none of whom are represented by unions. We believe that our relations with our employees are good.

We employ several high-profile personalities with large loyal audiences in their respective markets. We have entered into employment and non-competition agreements with our President and with most of our on-air personalities, as well as non-competition agreements with our commissioned sales representatives.

Available Information  

You can find more information about us at our Internet website www.sagacommunications.com. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, our Current Reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to those reports are available free of charge on our Internet website as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

Federal Regulation of Radio and Television Broadcasting  

Introduction.   The ownership, operation and sale of radio and television stations, including those licensed to us, are subject to the jurisdiction of the FCC, which acts under authority granted by the Communications Act. Among other things, the FCC assigns frequency bands for broadcasting; determines the particular frequencies, locations and operating power of stations; issues, renews, revokes and modifies station licenses; determines whether to approve changes in ownership or control of station licenses; regulates equipment used by stations; adopts and implements regulations and policies that directly or indirectly affect the ownership, operation and employment practices of stations; and has the power to impose penalties for violations of its rules or the Communications Act. For additional information on the impact of FCC regulations and the introduction of new technologies on our operations, see “Forward Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” contained elsewhere herein.

The following is a brief summary of certain provisions of the Communications Act and of specific FCC regulations and policies. Reference should be made to the Communications Act, FCC rules and the public notices and rulings of the FCC for further information concerning the nature and extent of federal regulation of broadcast stations.

License Renewal.   Radio and television broadcasting licenses are granted for maximum terms of eight years, and are subject to renewal upon application to the FCC. Under its “two-step” renewal process, the FCC must grant a renewal application if it finds that during the preceding term the licensee has served the public interest, convenience and necessity, and there have been no serious violations of the Communications Act or the FCC’s rules which, taken together, would constitute a pattern of abuse. If a renewal applicant fails to meet these standards, the FCC may either deny its application or grant the application on such terms and conditions as are appropriate, including renewal for less than the full 8-year term. In making the determination of whether to renew the license, the FCC may not consider whether the public interest would be served by the grant of a license to a person other than the renewal applicant. If the FCC, after notice and opportunity for a hearing, finds that the licensee has failed to meet the requirements for renewal and no mitigating factors justify the imposition of lesser sanctions, the FCC may issue an order denying the renewal application, and only thereafter may the FCC accept applications for a construction permit specifying the broadcasting facilities of the former licensee. Petitions may be filed to deny the renewal applications of our stations, but any such petitions must raise issues that would cause the FCC to deny a renewal application under the standards adopted in the “two-step” renewal process. All the Company’s licenses have been renewed for their regular terms. In the future, we intend to timely file renewal applications, as required for the Company’s stations. In January 2018, the FCC designated the renewal applications of two AM radio stations for hearing based on the stations’ records of extended periods of silence during and following their respective license renewal terms. Under the Communications Act, if a broadcast station fails to transmit signals for any consecutive 12-month period, the FCC license expires at the end of that period, unless the FCC exercises its discretion to extend or reinstate the license “to promote equity and fairness.” The FCC, to date, has rarely exercised such discretion. 

The following table sets forth the market and broadcast power of each of the broadcast stations that we own or operate with an attributable interest and the date on which each such station’s FCC license expires:

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(As previously described herein the following television stations were sold on September 1, 2017)

TV/Channel:

Ownership Matters.   The Communications Act prohibits the assignment of a broadcast license or the transfer of control of a broadcast licensee without the prior approval of the FCC. In determining whether to grant or renew a broadcast license, the FCC considers a number of factors pertaining to the licensee, including compliance with the Communications Act’s limitations on alien ownership; compliance with various rules limiting common ownership of broadcast, cable and newspaper properties; and the “character” and other qualifications of the licensee and those persons holding “attributable or cognizable” interests therein.

Under the Communications Act, broadcast licenses may not be granted to any corporation having more than one-fifth of its issued and outstanding capital stock owned or voted by aliens (including non-U.S. corporations), foreign governments or their representatives (collectively, “Aliens”). The Communications Act also prohibits a corporation, without FCC waiver, from holding a broadcast license if that corporation is controlled, directly or indirectly, by another corporation in which more than 25% of the issued and outstanding capital stock is owned or voted by Aliens. The FCC has issued interpretations of existing law under which these restrictions in modified form apply to other forms of business organizations, including partnerships. Although we serve as a holding company for most of our various radio station subsidiaries (where we could not have more than 25% of our stock owned or voted by Aliens), we directly own two radio stations and two FM translators so that we cannot have more than 20% of our stock owned by Aliens.

On September 29, 2016, the FCC adopted rules to extend to broadcast licensees the same rules and procedures that common carrier wireless licensees use to seek approval for foreign ownership, with broadcast-specific modifications.

The new rules and procedures allow a broadcast licensee to request in a petition for declaratory ruling under Title 47 U.S.C. Section 310(b)(4):

The new rules would require the Company to seek specific approval only of foreign individuals or entities with a greater than 5 percent ownership interest (or, in certain situations, an interest greater than 10 percent).

The new rules allow broadcast licensees that have foreign ownership rulings to apply those rulings to all radio and television broadcast licenses then held or subsequently proposed to be acquired by the same licensee and its covered subsidiaries and affiliates, regardless of the broadcast service (e.g., AM, FM, or TV) or the geographic area in which the stations are located.

The new methodology provides a framework for a publicly traded licensee or controlling U.S. parent to ascertain its foreign ownership using information that is “known or reasonably should be known” to the company in the ordinary course of business.

For publicly traded licensees and U.S. parent companies (like the Company), the new rules formalize the current equitable practice of recognizing a licensee’s good faith efforts to comply with Section 310(b) where the non-compliance was due solely to circumstances beyond the licensee’s control that were not known or reasonably foreseeable to the licensee.

The Communications Act and FCC rules also generally prohibit or restrict the common ownership, operation or control of a radio broadcast station and a television broadcast station serving the same geographic market. In its 2006 Quadrennial Regulatory Review , released February 4, 2008, the FCC adopted a presumption, in the top 20 Nielsen Designated Market Areas (“DMAs”), that it is not inconsistent with the public interest for one entity to own a daily newspaper and a radio station or, under the following limited circumstances, a daily newspaper and a television station, if (1) the television station is not ranked among the top four stations in the DMA and (2) at least eight independent “major media voices” remain in the DMA. In all other instances, the FCC adopted a presumption that a newspaper/broadcast station combination would not be in the public interest, with two limited exceptions, and emphasized that the FCC is unlikely to approve such transactions. Taking into account these respective presumptions, in determining whether the grant of a transaction that would result in newspaper/broadcast cross-ownership is in the public interest, the FCC will consider the following factors: (1) whether the cross-ownership will increase the amount of local news disseminated through the affected media outlets in the combination; (2) whether each affected media outlet in the combination will exercise its own independent news judgment; (3) the level of concentration in the DMA; and (4) the financial condition of the newspaper or broadcast outlet, and if the newspaper or broadcast station is in financial distress, the proposed owner’s commitment to invest significantly in newsroom operations.

The FCC established criteria for obtaining a waiver of the rules to permit the ownership of two television stations in the same DMA that would not otherwise comply with the FCC’s rules. Under certain circumstances, a television station may merge with a “failed” or “failing” station or an “unbuilt” station if strict criteria are satisfied. Additionally, the FCC now permits a party to own up to two television stations (if permitted under the modified TV duopoly rule) and up to six radio stations (if permitted under the local radio ownership rules), or one television station and up to seven radio stations, in any market (“Qualifying Market”) where at least 20 independently owned media voices remain in the market after the combination is affected. The FCC will permit the common ownership of up to two television stations and four radio stations in any market where at least 10 independently owned media voices remain after the combination is affected. The FCC will permit the common ownership of up to two television stations (if permitted under the FCC’s local television multiple ownership rule) and one radio station notwithstanding the number of voices in the market. The FCC also adopted rules that make television time brokerage agreements or TBA’s count as if the brokered station were owned by the brokering station in making a determination of compliance with the FCC’s multiple ownership rules. TBA’s entered into before November 5, 1996, are grandfathered until the FCC announces a required termination date. As a result of the FCC’s rules, we would not be permitted to acquire a television broadcast station (other than LPTV) in a non-Qualifying Market in which we owned television properties. The FCC revised its rules to permit a television station to affiliate with two or more major networks of television broadcast stations under certain conditions. (Major existing networks are still subject to the FCC’s dual network ban). For more detailed information, see the discussion of recent FCC action under “Time Brokerage Agreements.”

We are permitted to own an unlimited number of radio stations on a nationwide basis (subject to the local ownership restrictions described below). We are permitted to own an unlimited number of television stations on a nationwide basis so long as the ownership of the stations would not result in an aggregate national audience reach (i.e., the total number of television households in the DMAs in which the relevant stations are located divided by the total national television households as measured by DMA data at the time of a grant, transfer or assignment of a license with UHF television stations are attributed with 50 percent of the television households in their DMA market for purposes of making this calculation) of 39%. In September 2016, the FCC voted to eliminate this so-called “UHF discount,” but the decision is subject to petitions for reconsideration. The multiple ownership rules now permit opportunities for newspaper-broadcast combinations, as follows:

In markets with three or fewer TV stations, no cross-ownership is permitted among TV, radio and newspapers. A company may obtain a waiver of that ban if it can show that the television station does not serve the area served by the cross-owned property ( i.e., the radio station or the newspaper).

In markets with between 4 and 8 TV stations, combinations are limited to one of the following:

In markets with nine or more TV stations, the FCC has eliminated the newspaper-broadcast cross-ownership ban and the television-radio cross-ownership ban.

Under the rules, the number of radio stations one party may own in a local Nielsen Audio-rated radio market is determined by the number of full-power commercial and noncommercial radio stations in the market as determined by Nielsen Audio and BIA/Kelsey. Radio markets that are not Nielsen Audio rated are determined by analysis of the broadcast coverage contours of the radio stations involved. Numerous parties, including the Company, have sought reconsideration of the multiple ownership rules. In Prometheus Radio v. FCC , Case No. 03-3388 (U.S. Court of Appeals D.C. Circuit), on June 24, 2004, the court remanded the case to the FCC for the FCC to justify or modify its approach to setting numerical limits and for the FCC to reconsider or better explain its decision to repeal the failed station solicitation rule, and lifted a previously-imposed stay on the effect of the revised radio multiple ownership rules. By Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making (2006 Quadrennial Regulatory Review), released July 24, 2006, the FCC solicited comments. The rules adopted in the 2006 Quadrennial Regulatory Review were vacated in part by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals in Prometheus Radio Project v. FCC (652 F. 3d 432 (2011)) because the FCC’s procedures in the rule making proceeding did not satisfy the Administrative Procedure Act. The newspaper-broadcast cross-ownership rule was vacated, but the media ownership rules were affirmed. The FCC had created special benefits for so-called “eligible entities.” Because there was no data attempting to show a connection between the FCC’s eligible entity definition and the goal of increasing ownership of minorities and women under §309(j) of the Telecommunication Act of 1996, the “eligible entity” definition adopted was vacated as arbitrary and capricious. On April 15, 2014, the FCC released its 2014 Quadrennial Regulatory Review which consists of a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“FNPRM”) and Report and Order(“R&O”) incorporating the record of its 2010 Quadrennial Regulatory Review into the FNPRM. (In the 2010 Quadrennial Regulatory Review, the FCC also sought comment on whether television local news service (“LNS”) agreements and shared service agreements (“SSA”) are substantively equivalent to agreements that are already subject to the FCC’s attribution rules, and are therefore attributable now or should be in the future.) The FNPRM sought comment on whether to eliminate restrictions on newspaper/radio combinations and the radio/television cross-ownership rule in favor of reliance on the local radio rule and the local television rule. The FCC proposed to retain the current local television ownership rule with a minor modification to update the previous analog contour provision in light of the digital transition. The FCC sought comment on whether to retain the prohibition on the cross-ownership of newspapers and television stations, and if so, whether the FCC should reform the restriction to consider waivers for newspaper/television combinations. The FCC proposed to retain the current local radio ownership rule and the dual network rule without modification. In addition, in the R&O , the FCC attributed to the brokering station same-market television joint sales agreements (“JSAs”) that cover more than 15 percent of the weekly advertising time for the brokered station, but this rule was vacated by the U. S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in Prometheus Radio Project v. FCC et al., 824 F 3d 33 (2016). 

Under the Communications Act, we are permitted to own radio stations (without regard to the audience shares of the stations) based upon the number of full-power radio stations in the relevant radio market as follows:

In its 2014 Quadrennial Review, FCC 17-156, released November 20, 2017, the FCC adopted a new policy effective February 7, 2018, on radio “embedded markets,” i.e., smaller markets, as defined by Nielsen Audio, that are included in a larger parent market. Pending the outcome of a review of the policy, the FCC adopted a presumption that a waiver of the local radio ownership rule as to stations in these markets serves the public interest if the transaction at issue satisfies the two-prong test: (1) a station owner would be required to comply with the numerical ownership limits using the Nielsen Audio Metro methodology in each embedded market; and (2) the station owner would be required to comply with the ownership limits using a contour-overlap methodology in lieu of the Commission’s current parent market analysis.

New rules to be promulgated under the Communications Act may permit us to own, operate, control or have a cognizable interest in additional radio broadcast stations if the FCC determines that such ownership, operation, control or cognizable interest will result in an increase in the number of radio stations in operation. No firm date has been established for initiation of this rule-making proceeding. New rules could restrict the Company’s ability to acquire additional radio and television stations in some markets and could have required the Company to terminate its arrangements with Surtsey. The Court and FCC proceedings are ongoing and we cannot predict what action, if any, the Court or the FCC may take to further modify its rules. The statements herein are based solely on the FCC’s multiple ownership rules in effect as of the date hereof and do not include any forward-looking statements concerning compliance with any future multiple ownership rules.

The FCC generally applies its ownership limits to “attributable” interests held by an individual, corporation, partnership or other association. In the case of corporations holding broadcast licenses, the interests of officers, directors and those who, directly or indirectly, have the right to vote 5% or more of the corporation’s stock (or 20% or more of such stock in the case of certain passive investors that are holding stock for investment purposes only) are generally attributable, as are positions of an officer or director of a corporate parent of a broadcast licensee. Currently, none of our directors has an attributable interest or interests in companies applying for or licensed to operate broadcast stations other than us.

The FCC’s ownership attribution rules (a) apply to limited liability companies and registered limited liability partnerships the same attribution rules that the FCC applies to limited partnerships; and (b) include an equity/debt plus (“EDP”) rule that attributes the other media interests of an otherwise passive investor if the investor is (1) a “major-market program supplier” that supplies over 15% of a station’s total weekly broadcast programming hours, or (2) a same-market media entity subject to the FCC’s multiple ownership rules (including broadcasters, cable operators and newspapers) so that its interest in a licensee or other media entity in that market will be attributed if that interest, aggregating both debt and equity holdings, exceeds 33% of the total asset value (equity plus debt) of the licensee or media entity. We could be prohibited from acquiring a financial interest in stations in markets where application of the EDP rule would result in us having an attributable interest in the stations. In reconsidering its rules, the FCC also eliminated the “single majority shareholder exemption” which provides that minority voting shares in a corporation where one shareholder controls a majority of the voting stock are not attributable; however, in December 2001 the FCC “suspended” the elimination of this exemption until the FCC resolved issues concerning cable television ownership.

Proposals are before the FCC whereby the government would take back part of the spectrum allotted for over-the-air television in favor of wireless broadband. The FCC is conducting a proceeding whereby broadcasters could voluntarily participate in a “reverse auction” of their over-the-air broadcast spectrum, otherwise agree to modifications in the spectrum available to them, move from the UHF to the VHF band (with or without compensations), or become subject to restrictions on their usage of the spectrum. The Company filed an application with the FCC seeking to participate in the reverse auction; however, the Company was not a winning bidder in the reverse auction. Therefore, it did not be relinquish any of its spectrum. However, one of the Company’s former television stations will be required to change its operating channel. Some or all of the Company’s costs for that change will be reimbursed by the FCC.

In addition to the FCC’s multiple ownership rules, the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission and some state governments have the authority to examine proposed transactions for compliance with antitrust statutes and guidelines. The Antitrust Division has issued “civil investigative demands” and obtained consent decrees requiring the divestiture of stations in a particular market based on antitrust concerns.

Programming and Operation.   The Communications Act requires broadcasters to serve the “public interest.” Licensees are required to present programming that is responsive to community problems, needs and interests and to maintain certain records demonstrating such responsiveness. Complaints from listeners concerning a station’s programming often will be considered by the FCC when it evaluates renewal applications of a licensee, although such complaints may be filed at any time and generally may be considered by the FCC at any time. Stations also must follow various rules promulgated under the Communications Act that regulate, among other things, political advertising, sponsorship identification, the advertisement of contests and lotteries, obscene and indecent broadcasts, and technical operations, including limits on radio frequency radiation. The FCC now requires the owners of antenna supporting structures (towers) to register them with the FCC. As an owner of such towers, we are subject to the registration requirements. The Children’s Television Act of 1990 and the FCC’s rules promulgated thereunder require television broadcasters to limit the amount of commercial matter which may be aired in children’s programming to 10.5 minutes per hour on weekends and 12 minutes per hour on weekdays. The Children’s Television Act and the FCC’s rules also require each television licensee to serve, over the term of its license, the educational and informational needs of children through the licensee’s programming (and to present at least three hours per week of “core” educational programming specifically designed to serve such needs). Licensees are required to publicize the availability of this programming and to file quarterly a report with the FCC on these programs and related matters. On April 27, 2012, the FCC released a Second Report and Order that requires television stations to post their public files online in a central, FCC-hosted database, rather than maintaining the files locally at their main studios. It did not impose any new reporting obligation on the Company. The FCC did not adopt new disclosure obligations for sponsorship identification and shared services agreements as had been proposed (But see the discussion in “Time Brokerage Agreements” concerning the disclosure of JSAs). On January 29, 2016, the FCC released a Report and Order which expanded to cable operators, direct satellite TV providers, broadcast radio licensees, and satellite radio licensees the requirement that public inspection files be posted to the FCC's online database. The Company’s radio stations are in compliance with these rules.

Equal Employment Opportunity Rules.   Equal employment opportunity (EEO) rules and policies for broadcasters prohibit discrimination by broadcasters and multichannel video programming distributors (“MVPDs”). They also require broadcasters to provide notice of job vacancies and to undertake additional outreach measures, such as job fairs and scholarship programs. The rules mandate a “three prong” outreach program; i.e., Prong 1: widely disseminate information concerning each full-time (30 hours or more) job vacancy, except for vacancies filled in exigent circumstances; Prong 2: provide notice of each full-time job vacancy to recruitment organizations that have requested such notice; and Prong 3: complete two (for broadcast employment units with five to ten full-time employees or that are located in smaller markets) or four (for employment units with more than ten full-time employees located in larger markets) longer-term recruitment initiatives within a two-year period. These include, for example, job fairs, scholarship and internship programs, and other community events designed to inform the public as to employment opportunities in broadcasting. The rules mandate extensive record keeping and reporting requirements. The EEO rules are enforced through review at renewal time, at mid-term for larger broadcasters, and through random audits and targeted investigations resulting from information received as to possible violations. The FCC has not yet decided on whether and how to apply the EEO rule to part-time positions. Failure to observe these or other rules and policies can result in the imposition of various sanctions, including monetary forfeitures, the grant of “short” (less than the full eight-year) renewal terms or, for particularly egregious violations, the denial of a license renewal application or the revocation of a license.

Time Brokerage Agreements.   As is common in the industry, we have entered into what have commonly been referred to as Time Brokerage Agreements (“TBAs”). Such arrangements are an extension of the concept of agreements under which a licensee of a station sells blocks of time on its station to an entity or entities which purchase the blocks of time and which sell their own commercial advertising announcements during the time periods in question. While these agreements may take varying forms, under a typical TBA, separately owned and licensed radio or television stations agree to enter into cooperative arrangements of varying sorts, subject to compliance with the requirements of antitrust laws and with the FCC’s rules and policies. Under these types of arrangements, separately-owned stations agree to function cooperatively in terms of programming, advertising sales, and other matters, subject to the licensee of each station maintaining independent control over the financing, programming and station operations of its own station. One typical type of TBA is a programming agreement between two separately-owned radio or television stations serving a common service area, whereby the licensee of one station purchases substantial portions of the broadcast day on the other licensee’s station, subject to ultimate editorial and other controls being exercised by the latter licensee, and sells advertising time during such program segments.

The FCC’s rules provide that a station purchasing (brokering) time on another station serving the same market will be considered to have an attributable ownership interest in the brokered station for purposes of the FCC’s multiple ownership rules. As a result, under the rules, a broadcast station will not be permitted to enter into a time brokerage agreement giving it the right to purchase more than 15% of the broadcast time, on a weekly basis, of another local station that it could not own under the local ownership rules of the FCC’s multiple ownership rules. The FCC’s rules also prohibit a broadcast licensee from simulcasting more than 25% of its programming on another station in the same broadcast service (i.e., AM-AM or FM-FM) whether it owns the stations or through a TBA arrangement, where the brokered and brokering stations serve substantially the same geographic area.

The FCC’s multiple ownership rules count stations brokered under a JSA toward the brokering station’s permissible ownership totals, as long as (1) the brokering entity owns or has an attributable interest in one or more stations in the local market, and (2) the joint advertising sales amount to more than 15% of the brokered station’s advertising time per week. In December, 2014, the FCC adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Report and Order in connection with its 2014 Quadrennial Regulatory Review – Review of the Commission’s Broadcast Ownership Rules and Other Rules Adopted Pursuant to Section 202 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (“Report and Order ”). The FCC adopted a new attribution rule for JSAs that applies when: (1) both broadcast television stations are licensed to the same DMA; and (2) the brokering station is authorized to sell more than 15 percent of the weekly advertising time of the brokered station. In these circumstances, the brokering station will have an attributable interest in the brokered station. The rule became effective on June 19, 2014. However, as a result of action by the U. S. Congress in 2015, stations that have a television JSA signed before the release of the Report and Order will have until October 1, 2025, to ensure that the agreement complies with the FCC’s media ownership rules or to come into compliance with the media ownership rules by another means. For example, if the local television ownership rule (47 C.F.R. § 73.3555(b)) prohibits the brokering station from having an attributable interest in more than one broadcast television station in the same DMA, the licensees of the affected stations would either have to terminate the agreement or modify the agreement to ensure that the brokering station is authorized to sell no more than 15 percent of the brokered station’s weekly advertising time, or the licensee of the brokering station would have to take other steps to avoid having an attributable interest in more than one broadcast television station in the market. Licensees that believe application of the attribution rule to their particular circumstances would not serve the public interest may seek a waiver of this rule. Likewise, licensees that believe application of the local television ownership rule would adversely affect competition, diversity, or localism may seek a waiver of that rule. Television JSAs entered into after the release of the Report and Order must comply with the FCC’s media ownership rules at the time they are executed; the compliance period does not apply to any television JSA entered into after the release of the Report and Order. The Report and Order requires that all attributable television JSAs be filed with the FCC, and we have complied with this deadline.

Prior to the sale of our television stations, we had a television TBA in the Victoria, Texas, market with Surtsey. On January 31, 2012, we amended the TBA which included an extension of the grandfathered TBA for KVCT-TV and an assignable option with Surtsey for KVCT-TV. Even though the Victoria market is not a Qualifying Market such that the duopoly would otherwise be permissible, as discussed above, we believed that the TBA was “grandfathered” under the FCC’s rules and did not need to be terminated earlier than the date to be established in the ownership review proceeding. See “Ownership Matters” above. This TBA was terminated when we sold our television stations on September 1, 2017.

On March 7, 2003 we entered into an agreement of understanding with Surtsey, whereby we have guaranteed up to $1,250,000 of the debt incurred by Surtsey in closing on the acquisition of a construction permit for KFJX-TV, a television station in Pittsburg, Kansas, serving the Joplin, Missouri television market. In consideration for our guarantee, Surtsey entered into various agreements with us relating to the station, including a Shared Services Agreement, Agreement for Use of Ancillary Digital Spectrum and Agreement for the Sale of Commercial Time, which is considered by the FCC to be a JSA. On January 31, 2012, the Company and Surtsey amended these agreements and entered into an agreement which included an assignable option with Surtsey for KFJX-TV. When we sold our television stations on September 1, 2017, the debt we had guaranteed was paid off and the related agreements that we had entered into with Surtsey were terminated.

Other FCC Requirements  

The “V-Chip.”   The FCC adopted rules requiring every television receiver, 13 inches or larger, sold in the United States since January 2000 to contain a “V-chip” which allows parents to block programs on a standardized rating system. The FCC also adopted the TV Parental Guidelines, developed by the Industry Ratings Implementation Group, which apply to all broadcast television programming except for news and sports. As a part of the legislation, television station licensees are required to attach as an exhibit to their applications for license renewal a summary of written comments and suggestions received from the public and maintained by the licensee that comment on the licensee’s programming characterized as violent.

Digital Television.   Under the FCC’s rules all U.S. television broadcasters have been required to convert their operations from NTSC (analog) to digital television (“DTV”). DTV licensees may use their DTV channels for a multiplicity of services such as high-definition television broadcasts, multiple standard definition television broadcasts, data, audio, and other services so long as the licensee provides at least one free video channel equal in quality to the previous NTSC technical standard. Our full-service television stations and Low Power Television (“LPTV”) stations provided DTV service and terminated NTSC operations. We held licenses that authorized KOAM-TV to operate on Channel 7 for DTV and KAVU-TV to operate on Channel 15 for DTV. The FCC’s rules require broadcasters to include Program and System Information Protocol (“PSIP”) information in their digital broadcast signals.

Formerly brokered Station KVCT provided DTV service on Channel 11. KFJX-TV, with which KOAM-TV shared certain services, provided DTV services on Channel 13.

In October 2003, the FCC adopted rules requiring “plug and play” cable compatibility which would allow consumers to plug their cable directly into their digital TV set without the need for a set-top box. In January 2013, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit vacated the rules. The Company cannot predict whether the FCC will adopt other proposals to address this matter. The FCC has adopted rules whereby television licensees are charged a fee of 5% of gross revenue derived from the offering of ancillary or supplementary services on DTV spectrum for which a subscription fee is charged. Licensees and “permittees” of DTV stations were required to file with the FCC a report by December 1 of each year describing such services. None of the Company’s stations offered ancillary or supplementary services on their DTV channels.

White Spaces.   On September 23, 2010, the FCC adopted a Second Memorandum Opinion and Order in ET Docket No. 04-186 that updated the rules for unlicensed wireless devices that can operate in broadcast television spectrum at locations where that spectrum is unused by licensed services. This unused TV spectrum is commonly referred to as television "white spaces." The rules allow for the use of unlicensed TV bands devices in the unused spectrum to provide broadband data and other services for consumers and businesses. It is possible that such operations have the potential for causing interference to broadcast operation, but we cannot yet judge whether such operations will have an adverse impact on the Company’s operations.

“Must-Carry” Rules.   The Cable Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act of 1992, among other matters, requires cable television system operators to carry the signals of local commercial and non-commercial television stations and certain LPTV stations. Cable television operators and other MVPDs may not carry broadcast signals without, in certain circumstances, obtaining the transmitting station’s consent. A local television broadcaster must make a choice every three years whether to proceed under the “must-carry” rules or waive the right to mandatory-uncompensated coverage and negotiate a grant of retransmission consent in exchange for consideration from the MVPD. Such must-carry rights extend to the DTV signals broadcast by our stations. For the three-year period commencing on January 1, 2015, we generally elected “retransmission consent” in notifying MVPDs that carry our television programming in our television markets.

LPTV and Class A Television Stations.   Currently, the service areas of LPTV stations are not protected. LPTV stations can be required to terminate their operations if they cause interference to full power stations. LPTV stations meeting certain criteria were permitted to certify to the FCC their eligibility to be reclassified as “Class A Television Stations” whose signal contours would be protected against interference from other stations. Stations deemed “Class A Stations” by the FCC would thus be protected from interference. Until September 1, 2017, we owned five LPTV stations, KUNU-LD, KVTX-LP, KXTS-LD, KMOL-LD, and KQZY-LD, Victoria, Texas, all of which operate in the digital mode. None of the stations qualifies under the FCC’s established criteria for Class A status.

Low Power FM Radio.   The FCC has created a “low power radio service” on the FM band (“LPFM”) in which the FCC authorizes the construction and operation of noncommercial educational FM stations with up to 100 watts effective radiated power (“ERP”) with antenna height above average terrain (“HAAT”) at up to 30 meters (100 feet). This combination is calculated to produce a service area radius of approximately 3.5 miles. The FCC’s rules will not permit any broadcaster or other media entity subject to the FCC’s ownership rules to control or hold an attributable interest in an LPFM station or enter into related operating agreements with an LPFM licensee. Thus, absent a waiver, we could not own or program an LPFM station. LPFM stations are allocated throughout the FM broadcast band, (i.e., 88.1 to 107.9 MHz), although they must operate with a noncommercial format. The FCC has established allocation rules that require FM stations to be separated by specified distances to other stations on the same frequency, and stations on frequencies on the first, second and third channels adjacent to the center frequency. The FCC has granted construction permits and licenses for LPFM stations. On January 4, 2011, the President signed into law the Local Community Radio Act of 2010 which required the FCC to modify the rules authorizing the operation of LPFM, as proposed in MM Docket No. 99-25.  In an order released December 4, 2012, the FCC modified its rules to implement the new law. The law requires the FCC to comply with its existing minimum distance separation requirements for full-service FM stations, FM translator stations, and FM booster stations that broadcast radio reading services via an analog subcarrier frequency to avoid potential interference by LPFM stations; and when licensing new FM translator stations, FM booster stations, and LPFM stations, to ensure that: (i) licenses are available to FM translator stations, FM booster stations, and LPFM stations; (ii) such decisions are made based on the needs of the local community; and (iii) FM translator stations, FM booster stations, and LPFM stations remain equal in status and secondary to existing and modified full-service FM stations.

On January 5, 2012, the FCC released a Report to Congress on the impact that LPFM stations will have on full-service commercial FM stations. The FCC “found no statistically reliable evidence that low-power FM stations have a substantial or consistent economic impact on full-service commercial FM stations,” and that “low-power FM stations generally do not have, and in the future are unlikely to have, a demonstrable economic impact on full-service commercial FM radio stations.” We cannot predict what, if any, impact the new LPFM stations will have on the Company’s full-service stations and FM translators.

Digital Audio Radio Satellite Service and Internet Radio.   In adopting its rules for the Digital Audio Radio Satellite Service (“DARS”) in the 2310-2360 MHz frequency band, the FCC stated, “although healthy satellite DARS systems are likely to have some adverse impact on terrestrial radio audience size, revenues and profits, the record does not demonstrate that licensing satellite DARS would have such a strong adverse impact that it threatens the provision of local service.” The FCC granted two nationwide licenses, one to XM Satellite Radio, which began broadcasting in May 2001, and a second to Sirius Satellite Radio, which began broadcasting in February 2002. The satellite radio systems provide multiple channels of audio programming in exchange for the payment of a subscription fee. The FCC approved the application of Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. and XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. to transfer control of the licenses and authorizations held by the two companies to one company, which is now known as Sirius XM Radio, Inc. Various companies have introduced devices that permit the reception of audio programming streamed over the Internet on home computers, on portable receivers, such as cell phones, and in automobiles. A number of digital music providers have developed and are offering their product through the Internet. Terrestrial radio operators (including the Company) are also making their product available through the Internet. We cannot predict whether, or the extent to which, such competing reception devices and DARS will have an adverse impact on our business.

Satellite Carriage of Local TV Stations.   The Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act (“SHVIA”), a copyright law, prevents direct-to-home satellite television carriers from retransmitting broadcast network television signals to consumers unless those consumers (1) are “unserved” by the over-the-air signals of their local network affiliate stations, and (2) have not received cable service in the preceding 90 days. According to the SHVIA, “unserved” means that a consumer cannot receive, using a conventional outdoor rooftop antenna, a television signal that is strong enough to provide an adequate television picture. In December 2001 the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia upheld the FCC’s rules for satellite carriage of local television stations which require satellite carriers to carry upon request all local TV broadcast stations in local markets in which the satellite carriers carry at least one TV broadcast station, also known as the “carry one, carry all” rule. In December 2004, Congress passed and the President signed the Satellite Home Viewer Extension and Reauthorization Act of 2004 (“SHVERA”), which again amends the copyright laws and the Communications Act. The SHVIA governs the manner in which satellite carriers offer local broadcast programming to subscribers, but the SHVIA copyright license for satellite carriers was more limited than the statutory copyright license for cable operators. Specifically, for satellite purposes, “local,” though out-of-market (i.e., “significantly viewed”) signals were treated the same as truly “distant” (e.g., hundreds of miles away) signals for purposes of the SHVIA’s statutory copyright licenses. The SHVERA is intended to address this inconsistency by giving satellite carriers the option to offer FCC-determined “significantly viewed” signals to subscribers. In November 2005, the FCC adopted a Report and Order to implement SHVERA to enable satellite carriers to offer FCC-determined “significantly viewed” signals of out-of-market broadcast stations to subscribers subject to certain constraints set forth in SHVERA. The Order includes an updated list of stations currently deemed significantly viewed. On November 23, 2010, the FCC released three orders that implemented the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act of 2010 (“STELA”). The FCC modified its Significantly Viewed (“SV”) rules to implement Section 203 of the STELA which amends Section 340 of the Communications Act to give satellite carriers the authority to offer out-of-market but SV broadcast television stations as part of their local service to subscribers. Section 203 of the STELA changes the restrictions on subscriber eligibility to receive SV network stations from satellite carriers. The STELA Reauthorization Act of 2014 (“STELAR”) added satellite television carriage to the FCC’s market modification authority, which previously applied only to cable television carriage. STELAR also extended until December 31, 2019, the exemption from retransmission consent requirements. STELAR permits the FCC to add communities to, or delete communities from, a station's local television market for purposes of satellite carriage, following a written request. In the FCC’s 2015 STELAR Market Modification Report and Order implementing Section 102 of the STELAR, the FCC adopted satellite television market modification rules that provide a process for broadcasters, satellite carriers, and county governments to request changes to the boundaries of a particular commercial broadcast television station's local television market to include a new community located in a neighboring local market. The rules enable a broadcast television station to be carried by a satellite carrier in such a new community if the station is shown to have a local relationship to that community.

In-Band On-Channel “Hybrid Digital” Radio.   The FCC has adopted rules permitting radio stations to broadcast using in-band, on-channel (IBOC) as the technology that allows AM and FM stations to operate using the IBOC systems developed by iBiquity Digital Corporation. This technology has become commonly known as “hybrid digital” or HD radio. Stations broadcast the same main channel program material in both analog and digital modes. HD radio technology permits “hybrid” operations, the simultaneous transmission of analog and digital signals with a single AM and FM channel. HD radio technology can provide near CD-quality sound on FM channels and FM quality on AM channels. HD radio technology also permits the transmission of up to three additional program streams over the radio stations. At the present time, we are configured to broadcast in HD radio on 57 stations and we continue to convert stations to HD radio on an ongoing basis.

Use of FM Translators by AM Stations and Digital Program Streams.   FM translator stations are relatively low power radio stations (maximum ERP: 250 Watts) that rebroadcast the programs of full-power FM stations on a secondary basis, meaning they must terminate or modify their operation if they cause interference to a full-power station. The FCC permits AM stations to be rebroadcast on FM translator stations in order to improve reception of programs broadcast by AM stations. The Company intends to continue to use some of its existing FM translators in connection with some of its AM stations. The Company is using some of its existing FM translators to rebroadcast HD radio program streams generated by some of its FM stations, which is permitted by the FCC. In a Report and Order released October 23, 2015, Revitalization of the AM Service, the FCC announced an opportunity, restricted to AM licensees and permittees, to apply for and receive authorizations to relocate existing FM translator stations within 250 miles for the sole and limited purpose of enhancing their existing service to the public. On January 29, 2016, the FCC opened a one-time only filing window during which only Class C and Class D AM broadcast stations could participate. That window closed on July 28, 2016, and a second window (open to all classes of stations) opened on July 29, 2016, and closed on October 31, 2016. The FM translators so acquired must rebroadcast the related AM station for at least four years, not counting any periods of silence. Some of the Company’s subsidiaries that are AM licensees, acquired FM translators and relocated them to their local markets to pair with its some of their AM broadcast stations. The FCC opened two windows for the filing of applications for construction permits for new FM translators. The first window (limited to Class D and D AM broadcast stations), was open from July 21 to August 2, 2017, and the second window (open to all classes of AM broadcast stations), was open from January 25 to 31, 2018, and have now closed. In the filing windows, qualifying AM licensees could apply for one, and only one, new FM translator station, in the non-reserved FM band to be used solely to re-broadcast the AM licensee’s AM signal to provide fill-in and/or nighttime service on a permanent basis. The Company has filed applications in both windows and has obtained some construction permits as a result. If the Company’s subsidiaries should decide to sell or suspend operations of an AM station with such an FM construction permit or license, the Company would also be required to sell or suspend operations of the FM translator. Where an application for a “new” construction permit is clear of spectrum so it can be granted, the FCC sets a deadline by which a “long-form” application must be filed to acquire the permit. Where an application is mutually exclusive (“MX”) with another proposal, the FCC general affords the applicants an opportunity to resolve the MX situation and obtain a construction permit. Where the parties cannot resolve the MX situation, the FCC makes the application subject to an auction where the highest bidder obtains the permit.

Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976.   The Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice, the federal agencies responsible for enforcing the federal antitrust laws, may investigate certain acquisitions. Under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, an acquisition meeting certain size thresholds requires the parties to file Notification and Report Forms with the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice and to observe specified waiting period requirements before consummating the acquisition. Any decision by the Federal Trade Commission or the Department of Justice to challenge a proposed acquisition could affect our ability to consummate the acquisition or to consummate it on the proposed terms. We cannot predict whether the FCC will adopt rules that would restrict our ability to acquire additional stations.

Changes to Application and Assignment Procedures.   In January 2010, the FCC adopted a First Report and Order that gives Native American tribes a priority to obtain broadcast radio licenses in tribal communities. The Order provides an opportunity for tribes to establish new service specifically designed to offer programming that meets the needs of tribal citizens. In addition, the First Report and Order modified the FCC’s radio application and assignment procedures, assisting qualified applicants to more rapidly introduce new radio service to the public. These modifications (1) Prohibit an AM applicant that obtains a construction permit through a dispositive Section 307(b) preference from downgrading the service level that led to the dispositive preference; (2) Requires technical proposals for new or major change AM facilities filed with Form 175 ( i.e ., FCC “short-form” Auction) applications to meet certain minimum technical standards to be eligible for further auction processing; and (3) Gives FCC operating bureaus authority to cap filing window applications. On December 29, 2011, the FCC released its Third Report and Order which limits eligibility for authorizations associated with allotments added to the FM Table of Allotments using the “Tribal Priority” to the tribes whom the Tribal Priority was intended to benefit. In a Public Notice released December 2, 2010 (GN Docket No. 10-244) the FCC sought comment on how it could design, adopt, and implement an additional new preference program in its competitive bidding process for persons or entities that have overcome substantial disadvantage and would be eligible for a bidding credit. In a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, released October 10, 2014, and in the Quadrennial Regulatory Review NPRM, the FCC also sought comment on a proposal for applicants to be accorded licensing preferences if they could demonstrate that they have overcome “significant social and economic disadvantages.” In its Report and Order; Order on Reconsideration of the First Report and Order; Third Order on Reconsideration of the Second Report and Order; Third Report and Order, released July 21, 2015, the FCC declined to adopt at that time specific bidding preferences for other types of entities, including those that serve unserved/underserved areas or areas with persistent poverty, as well as those that have overcome disadvantages. The FCC further declined to consider any modification of the tribal lands bidding credit because the record did not support revisions to its current policies for the award of this benefit. 

Spectrum Auctions and Channel Sharing. Congress passed and the President signed into law the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012, (codified at 47 U.S.C. § 309(j)(8)(G) 47 U.S.C. § 1452) (2012) (“Spectrum Act”). In a Report and Order, released June 2, 2014, in GN Docket 12-268, the FCC adopted rules to implement the Spectrum Act, including rules to implement the auction of broadcast television spectrum for use by other services. The FCC stated its mandate to protect full power and Class A television facilities that already were operating pursuant to a license (or a pending application for a license to cover a construction permit) on February 22, 2012, and to protect facilities in addition to those the statute requires the FCC to protect, based on consideration of the potential impact on the FCC’s flexibility in the repacking process and its auction goals. The FCC concluded that protecting other categories of facilities, including stations and television translator stations, would unduly constrain the FCC’s flexibility in the repacking process and undermine the likelihood of meeting its objectives for the incentive auction. To help preserve the services provided by LPTV and TV translator stations, the FCC will open a special filing window for such stations that are displaced to select a new channel and will amend its rules to expedite the process for displaced stations to relocate. The reverse and forward spectrum auctions were integrated in a series of stages.  Each stage consisted of a reverse auction and a forward auction bidding process, and additional stages as were necessary.  Broadcasters indicated through the pre-auction application process their willingness to relinquish spectrum usage rights at the opening prices.  Based on broadcasters’ collective willingness, the initial spectrum clearing target was set. Then the reverse auction bidding process was run to determine the total amount of incentive payments to broadcasters required to clear that amount of spectrum. The forward auction bidding process followed the reverse auction bidding process.  Full power and Class A station licensees were eligible to participate in the reverse auction. They could bid to voluntarily relinquish the spectrum usage rights associated with station facilities that are eligible for protection in the repacking process. Bidders had the three bid options specified by the Spectrum Act: (1) license relinquishment; (2) reassignment from a UHF to a VHF channel; and (3) channel sharing. UHF-to-VHF bidders could limit their bids to a high (channels 7 to 13) or low (channels 2 to 6) VHF channel. Bidders had the additional option to bid for reassignment from a high VHF channel to a low VHF channel. Potential bidders had to submit certified applications. Between the short-form application filing deadline and the announcement of the results of the reverse auction and the repacking process, all full power and Class A licensees were prohibited from communicating directly or indirectly any reverse or forward auction applicant’s bids or bidding strategies to any other full power or Class A licensee or forward auction applicant. The FCC shares forward auction proceeds with licensees that relinquish rights in the reverse auction as soon as practicable following the successful conclusion of the incentive auction. The FCC will reimburse costs reasonably incurred by television stations that are reassigned to new channels in the repacking process. The FCC will grandfather existing broadcast station combinations that otherwise would no longer comply with the media ownership rules as a result of the reverse auction. The Company timely filed an application to participate in the reverse auction; however, the Company was not a winning bidder in the reverse auction.  Therefore, it did not relinquish any of its spectrum.  However, one of the Company’s former television stations will be required to change its operating channel. Some or all of the Company’s costs for that change will be reimbursed by the FCC. 

The Company pays for the use of music broadcast on its stations by obtaining licenses from organizations called performing rights societies, e.g. Broadcast Music, Inc. (“BMI”), which, in turn pay composers, authors and publishers for their works. A new organization, Global Music Rights, has recently began issuing licenses for the composers, authors and publishers that it represents. Federal law grants a performance right for sound recordings in favor of recording companies and performing artists for non-interactive digital transmissions and Internet radio. As a result, users of music, including the Company, are required to pay royalties for these uses through Sound Exchange, a non-profit performance rights organization. Periodically, bills have been introduced in Congress, that if passed, would have required the Company to pay additional fees to an organization called MusicFirst which would distribute the money to other entities. Efforts continue by certain organizations to persuade Congress to enact a law that would require such payments. We cannot predict whether such a law might be enacted. Should such a law be enacted, it would impose an additional financial burden on the Company, but the extent of the burden would depend on how the fee payment requirement was structured. Periodically, bills have been introduced in Congress that, if adopted, would require the Company to pay additional fees to one or more organizations that would distribute the money to performers or other entities.

On January 3, 2013, the FCC released the Sixth Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, which sought comment on the requirement that persons with attributable interests in broadcast licensees and other entities filing an FCC Ownership Report provide an “FCC Registration Number” (“FRN”) linked to their social security numbers. Questions had been raised about the security of the FCC’s Registration System where this data would be stored. On January 20, 2016, the FCC released its Report and Order, Second Report and Order and Order on Reconsideration that implemented a Restricted Use FRN (RUFRN) that individuals may use solely for the purpose of broadcast ownership report filings. The FCC stated its belief that the RUFRN would allow for sufficient unique identification of individuals listed on broadcast ownership reports without necessitating the disclosure to the FCC of individuals’ full Social Security Numbers (SSNs). The FCC eliminated the availability of the Special Use FRN (SUFRN) for broadcast station ownership reports, except in very limited circumstances. On January 4, 2017, the FCC’s Media Bureau issued an Order or Reconsideration denying petitions for reconsideration of the requirement. On February 2, 2017, the FCC set aside the Order on Reconsideration and returned the petitions for reconsideration to pending status to be considered by the full FCC. The FCC is also seeking comment on whether to expand the biennial ownership reporting requirement to include interests, entities and individuals that are not attributable because of (a) the single majority shareholder exemption and (b) the exemption for interests held in eligible entities pursuant to the higher EDP threshold. The Company has utilized the single majority shareholder exemption in reporting ownership interests in the Company. The Company cannot predict whether these proposals will be adopted, and if so, whether information provided by those persons with a reportable attributable interest in the Company will be secure.  

Proposed Changes.   The FCC has under consideration, and may in the future consider and adopt, new laws, regulations and policies regarding a wide variety of matters that could, directly or indirectly, affect us and the operation and ownership of our broadcast properties. Application processing rules adopted by the FCC might require us to apply for facilities modifications to our standard broadcast stations in future “window” periods for filing applications or result in the stations being “locked in” with their present facilities. The FCC is authorized to use auctions for the allocation of radio broadcast spectrum frequencies for commercial use. The implementation of this law could require us to bid for the use of certain frequencies.

Executive Officers

Our current executive officers are:

Officers are elected annually by our Board of Directors and serve at the discretion of the Board. Set forth below is information with respect to our executive officers.

Mr. Christian has been President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman since our inception in 1986.

Mr. Lada has been Chief Operating Officer since March 2016. He was Executive Vice President, Operations from 2012 to 2016. He was Senior Vice President, Operations from 2000 to 2012 and Vice President, Operations from 1997 to 2000. From 1992 to 1997 he was Regional Vice President of our subsidiary, Saga Communications of New England, Inc.

Mr. Bush has been Senior Vice President since 2002 and Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer since September 1997. He was Vice President from 1997 to 2002. From 1988 to 1997 he held various positions with the Media Finance Group at AT&T Capital Corporation, including senior vice president.

Ms. Lobaito has been Senior Vice President since 2005, Director of Business Affairs and Corporate Secretary since our inception in 1986 and Vice President from 1996 to 2005.

Ms. Bobinski has been Senior Vice President/Finance since March 2012 and Chief Accounting Officer and Corporate Controller since September 1991. She was Vice President from March 1999 to March 2012. Ms. Bobinski is a certified public accountant.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

The more prominent risks and uncertainties inherent in our business are described in more detail below. However, these are not the only risks and uncertainties we face. Our business may face additional risks and uncertainties that are unknown to us at this time.

Global Economic Conditions and Uncertainties May Continue to Affect our Business

We derive revenues from the sale of advertising and expenditures by advertisers tend to be cyclical and are reflective of economic conditions. Periods of a slowing economy, recession or economic uncertainty may be accompanied by a decrease in advertising. The global economic downturn that began in 2008 caused a decline in advertising and marketing by our customers, which had an adverse effect on our revenue, profit margins and cash flows. Global economic conditions have been slow to recover and remain uncertain. There can be no assurance that any of the recent economic improvements will be broad based and sustainable, or that they will enhance conditions in markets relevant to us. If economic conditions do not continue to improve, economic uncertainty increases or economic conditions deteriorate again; global economic conditions may once again adversely impact our business. Due to the continued uncertain pace of economic growth, we cannot predict future revenue trends. Further, there can be no assurance that we will not experience future adverse effects that may be material to our cash flows, competitive position, financial condition, results of operations, or our ability to access capital.

The volatility in global financial markets may also limit our ability to access the capital markets at a time when we would like, or need, to do so, which could have an impact on our flexibility to react to changing economic and business conditions. Accordingly, if the economy does not fully recover or worsens, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.

We Have Substantial Indebtedness and Debt Service Requirements

At December 31, 2017 our long-term debt was approximately $25,000,000. We have borrowed and expect to continue to borrow to finance acquisitions and for other corporate purposes. Because of our indebtedness, a portion of our cash flow from operations is required for debt service. Our leverage could make us vulnerable to an increase in interest rates, a downturn in our operating performance, or a decline in general economic conditions. The credit facility is subject to mandatory prepayment requirements, including but not limited to, certain sales of assets, certain insurance proceeds, certain debt issuances and certain sales of equity. Any outstanding balance under the credit facility will be due on the maturity date of August 18, 2020. We believe that cash flows from operations will be sufficient to meet our debt service requirements for interest and scheduled payments of principal under the credit facility. However, if such cash flow is not sufficient, we may be required to sell additional equity securities, refinance our obligations or dispose of one or more of our properties in order to make such scheduled payments. We cannot be sure that we would be able to affect any such transactions on favorable terms, if at all.

Our Debt Covenants Restrict our Financial and Operational Flexibility

Our credit facility contains a number of financial covenants which, among other things, require us to maintain specified financial ratios and impose certain limitations on us with respect to investments, additional indebtedness, dividends, distributions, guarantees, liens and encumbrances. Our ability to meet these financial ratios can be affected by operating performance or other events beyond our control, and we cannot assure you that we will meet those ratios. Certain events of default under our credit facility could allow the lenders to declare all amounts outstanding to be immediately due and payable and, therefore, could have a material adverse effect on our business. We have pledged substantially all of our assets (excluding our FCC licenses and certain other assets) in support of the credit facility and each of our subsidiaries has guaranteed the credit facility and has pledged substantially all of their assets (excluding their FCC licenses and certain other assets) in support of the credit facility.

We Depend on Key Personnel

Our business is partially dependent upon the performance of certain key individuals, particularly Edward K. Christian, our President and CEO. Although we have entered into employment and non-competition agreements with Mr. Christian, which terminate on March 31, 2021, and certain other key personnel, including on-air personalities, we cannot be sure that such key personnel will remain with us. We can give no assurance that all or any of these employees will remain with us or will retain their audiences. Many of our key employees are at-will employees who are under no legal obligation to remain with us. Our competitors may choose to extend offers to any of these individuals on terms which we may be unwilling to meet. In addition, any or all of our key employees may decide to leave for a variety of personal or other reasons beyond our control. Furthermore, the popularity and audience loyalty of our key on-air personalities is highly sensitive to rapidly changing public tastes. A loss of such popularity or audience loyalty is beyond our control and could limit our ability to generate revenues.

We Depend on Key Stations

Historically our top six markets when combined represented 46%, 48% and 46% of our net operating revenue for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Accordingly, we may have greater exposure to adverse events or conditions that affect the economy in any of these markets, which could have a material adverse effect on our revenue, results of operations and financial condition.

Local and National Economic Conditions May Affect our Advertising Revenue

Our financial results are dependent primarily on our ability to generate advertising revenue through rates charged to advertisers. The advertising rates a station is able to charge are affected by many factors, including the general strength of the local and national economies. Generally, advertising declines during periods of economic recession or downturns in the economy. Our revenue has been and is likely to be adversely affected during such periods, whether they occur on a national level or in the geographic markets in which we operate. During such periods we may also be required to reduce our advertising rates in order to attract available advertisers. Such a decline in advertising rates could also have a material adverse effect on our revenue, results of operations and financial condition.

Our Stations Must Compete for Advertising Revenues in Their Respective Markets

Radio broadcasting is a highly competitive business. Our stations compete for listeners/viewers and advertising revenues within their respective markets directly with other radio stations, as well as with other media, such as broadcast radio (as applicable), cable television and/or radio, satellite television and/or satellite radio systems, newspapers, magazines, direct mail, the Internet, coupons and billboard advertising. Audience ratings and market shares are subject to change, and any change in a particular market could have a material adverse effect on the revenue of our stations located in that market. While we already compete in some of our markets with other stations with similar programming formats, if another radio station in a market were to convert its programming format to a format similar to one of our stations, if a new station were to adopt a comparable format or if an existing competitor were to strengthen its operations, our stations could experience a reduction in ratings and/or advertising revenue and could incur increased promotional and other expenses. Other radio broadcasting companies may enter into the markets in which we operate or may operate in the future. These companies may be larger and have more financial resources than we have. We cannot assure you that any of our stations will be able to maintain or increase their current audience ratings and advertising revenues.  

Our Success Depends on our Ability to Identify, Consummate and Integrate Acquired Stations

As part of our strategy, we have pursued and may continue to pursue acquisitions of additional radio stations, subject to the terms of our credit facility. Broadcasting is a rapidly consolidating industry, with many companies seeking to consummate acquisitions and increase their market share. In this environment, we compete and will continue to compete with many other buyers for the acquisition of radio stations. Some of those competitors may be able to outbid us for acquisitions because they have greater financial resources. As a result of these and other factors, our ability to identify and consummate future acquisitions is uncertain.

Our consummation of all future acquisitions is subject to various conditions, including FCC and other regulatory approvals. The FCC must approve any transfer of control or assignment of broadcast licenses. In addition, acquisitions may encounter intense scrutiny under federal and state antitrust laws. Our future acquisitions may be subject to notification under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 and to a waiting period and possible review by the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission. Any delays, injunctions, conditions or modifications by any of these federal agencies could have a negative effect on us and result in the abandonment of all or part of attractive acquisition opportunities. We cannot predict whether we will be successful in identifying future acquisition opportunities or what the consequences will be of any acquisitions.

Certain of our acquisitions may prove unprofitable and fail to generate anticipated cash flows. In addition, the success of any completed acquisition will depend on our ability to effectively integrate the acquired stations. The process of integrating acquired stations may involve numerous risks, including difficulties in the assimilation of operations, the diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns, risk of entering new markets, and the potential loss of key employees of the acquired stations.

Future Impairment of our FCC Broadcasting Licenses Could Affect our Operating Results

As of December 31, 2017, our FCC broadcasting licenses represented 37.5% of our total assets. We are required to test our FCC broadcasting licenses for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that our FCC broadcasting licenses might be impaired which may result in future impairment losses. For further discussion, see Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates included with this Form 10-K.

Our Business is Subject to Extensive Federal Regulation

The broadcasting industry is subject to extensive federal regulation which, among other things, requires approval by the FCC of transfers, assignments and renewals of broadcasting licenses, limits the number of broadcasting properties that may be acquired within a specific market, and regulates programming and operations. For a detailed description of the material regulations applicable to our business, see “Federal Regulation of Radio and Television Broadcasting” and “Other FCC Requirements” in Item 1 of this Form 10-K. Failure to comply with these regulations could, under certain circumstances and among other things, result in the denial or revocation of FCC licenses, shortened license renewal terms, monetary forfeitures or other penalties which would adversely affect our profitability. Changes in ownership requirements could limit our ability to own or acquire stations in certain markets.  

New Federal Regulations or Fees Could Affect our Broadcasting Operations

There has been proposed legislation in the past and there could be again in the future that requires radio broadcasters to pay additional fees such as a spectrum fee for the use of the spectrum or a royalty fee to record labels and performing artists for use of their recorded music. Currently, we pay royalties to song composers, publishers, and performers indirectly through third parties. Any proposed legislation that is adopted into law could add an additional layer of royalties to be paid directly to the record labels and artists. While this proposed legislation did not become law, it has been the subject of considerable debate and activity by the broadcast industry and other parties affected by the legislation. It is currently unknown what impact any potential required royalty payments would have on our results of operations, cash flows or financial position.

The FCC’s Vigorous Enforcement of Indecency Rules Could Affect our Broadcasting Operations

Federal law regulates the broadcast of obscene, indecent or profane material. The FCC has increased its enforcement efforts relating to the regulation of indecency violations, and Congress has increased the penalties for broadcasting obscene, indecent or profane programming, and these penalties may potentially subject broadcasters to license revocation, renewal or qualification proceedings in the event that they broadcast such material. In addition, the FCC’s heightened focus on the indecency regulations against the broadcast industry may encourage third parties to oppose our license renewal applications or applications for consent to acquire broadcast stations. Because the FCC may investigate indecency complaints prior to notifying a licensee of the existence of a complaint, a licensee may not have knowledge of a complaint unless and until the complaint results in the issuance of a formal FCC letter of inquiry or notice of apparent liability for forfeiture. We may in the future become subject to inquiries or proceedings related to our stations’ broadcast of obscene, indecent or profane material. To the extent that any inquiries or other proceedings result in the imposition of fines, a settlement with the FCC, revocation of any of our station licenses or denials of license renewal applications, our result of operations and business could be materially adversely affected.

New Technologies May Affect our Broadcasting Operations

The FCC has and is considering ways to introduce new technologies to the broadcasting industry, including satellite and terrestrial delivery of digital audio broadcasting and the standardization of available technologies which significantly enhance the sound quality of AM broadcasters. We are unable to predict the effect such technologies may have on our broadcasting operations. The capital expenditures necessary to implement such technologies could be substantial. Moreover, the FCC may impose additional public service obligations on television broadcasters in return for their use of the digital television spectrum. This could add to our operational costs. One issue yet to be resolved is the extent to which cable systems will be required to carry broadcasters’ new digital channels. Our television stations are highly dependent on their carriage by cable systems in the areas they served. FCC rules that impose no or limited obligations on cable systems to carry the digital television signals of television broadcast stations in their local markets could adversely affected our television operations.  

The Company is Controlled by our President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman

As of March 2, 2018, Edward K. Christian, our President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, holds approximately 64% of the combined voting power of our Common Stock (not including options to acquire Class B Common Stock and based on Class B shares generally entitled to ten votes per share). As a result, Mr. Christian generally is able to control the vote on most matters submitted to the vote of stockholders and, therefore, is able to direct our management and policies, except with respect to (i) the election of the two Class A directors, (ii) those matters where the shares of our Class B Common Stock are only entitled to one vote per share, and (iii) other matters requiring a class vote under the provisions of our certificate of incorporation, bylaws or applicable law. For a description of the voting rights of our Common Stock, see Note 10 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included with this Form 10-K. Without the approval of Mr. Christian, we will be unable to consummate transactions involving an actual or potential change of control, including transactions in which stockholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares over then-current market prices.

We May Experience Volatility in the Market Price of our Common Stock

The market price of our common stock has fluctuated in the past and may continue to be volatile. In addition to stock market fluctuations due to economic or other factors, the volatility of our shares may be influenced by lower trading volume and concentrated ownership relative to many of our publicly-held competitors. Because several of our shareholders own significant portions of our outstanding shares, our stock is relatively less liquid and therefore more susceptible to price fluctuations than many other companies’ shares. If these shareholders were to sell all or a portion of their holdings of our common stock, then the market price of our common stock could be negatively affected. Investors should be aware that they could experience short-term volatility in our stock if such shareholders decide to sell all or a portion of their holdings of our common stock at once or within a short period of time.

Information technology and cybersecurity failures or data security breaches could harm our business

Any internal technology error or failure impacting systems hosted internally or externally, or any large scale external interruption in technology infrastructure we depend on, such as power, telecommunications or the Internet, may disrupt our technology network. Any individual, sustained or repeated failure of technology could impact our customer service and result in increased costs or reduced revenues. Our technology systems and related data also may be vulnerable to a variety of sources of interruption due to events beyond our control, including natural disasters, terrorist attacks, telecommunications failures, computer viruses, hackers and other security issues. While we have in place, and continue to invest in, technology security initiatives and disaster recovery plans, these measures may not be adequate or implemented properly to prevent a business disruption and its adverse financial and consequences to our business' reputation.

In addition, as a part of our ordinary business operations, we may collect and store sensitive data, including personal information of our clients, listeners and employees. The secure operation of the networks and systems on which this type of information is stored, processed and maintained is critical to our business operations and strategy. Any compromise of our technology systems resulting from attacks by hackers or breaches due to employee error or malfeasance could result in the loss, disclosure, misappropriation of or access to clients’, listeners’, employees’ or business partners’ information. Any such loss, disclosure, misappropriation or access could result in legal claims or proceedings, liability or regulatory penalties under laws protecting the privacy of personal information, disrupt operations and damage our reputation, any or all of which could adversely affect our business.

Item 1B.   Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

Item 2.    Properties

Our corporate headquarters is located in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan. The types of properties required to support each of our stations include offices, studios, and transmitter and antenna sites. A station’s studios are generally housed with its offices in business districts. The transmitter sites and antenna sites are generally located so as to provide maximum market coverage for our stations’ broadcast signals.

As of December 31, 2017, the studios and offices of 24 of our 27 operating locations, including our corporate headquarters in Michigan, are located in facilities we own. The remaining studios and offices are located in leased facilities with lease terms that expire in less than 1 month to 7 years. We own or lease our transmitter and antenna sites, with lease terms that expire in 3 months to 72 years. We do not anticipate any difficulties in renewing those leases that expire within the next five years or in leasing other space, if required.

No one property is material to our overall operations. We believe that our properties are in good condition and suitable for our operations.

We own substantially all of the equipment used in our broadcasting business.

Item 3.    Legal Proceedings

The Company is subject to various outstanding claims which arise in the ordinary course of business and to other legal proceedings. Management anticipates that any potential liability of the Company, which may arise out of or with respect to these matters, will not materially affect the Company’s financial statements.

Item 4.    Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

PART II

Item 5.     Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The Company’s Class A Common Stock trades on the NYSE American under the ticker symbol SGA. There is no public trading market for the Company’s Class B Common Stock. The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices of the Class A Common Stock as reported by the NYSE American for the calendar quarters indicated (prices for periods prior to the four-for-three stock split are adjusted for such split):

The closing price for the Company’s Class A Common Stock on March 2, 2018 as reported by the NYSE American was $38.90. As of March 2, 2018, there were approximately 170 holders of record of the Company’s Class A Common Stock, and one holder of the Company’s Class B Common Stock.

Dividends

During 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors declared four quarterly cash dividends and a special cash dividend totaling $2.00 per share on its Classes A and B shares. These dividends totaling approximately $11.8 million were paid during 2017. See Note 1 of the financial statements for specific details on the dividends.

During 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors declared four quarterly cash dividends and a special cash dividend totaling $1.30 per share on its Classes A and B shares. These dividends totaling approximately $7.6 million were paid during 2016. See Note 1 of the financial statements for specific details on the dividends.

During 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors declared four quarterly cash dividends and a special cash dividend totaling $1.10 per share on its Classes A and B shares. These dividends totaling approximately $6.4 million were paid during 2015. See Note 1 of the financial statements for specific details on the dividends.

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table sets forth as of December 31, 2017, the number of securities outstanding under our equity compensation plans, the weighted average exercise price of such securities and the number of securities available for grant under these plans:

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities  

Not applicable.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities  

The following table summarizes our repurchases of our Class A Common Stock during the three months ended December 31, 2017. All shares repurchased during the quarter were from the retention of shares for the payment of withholding taxes related to the vesting of restricted stock.

Performance Graph

COMMON STOCK PERFORMANCE

Set forth below is a line graph comparing the cumulative total stockholder return for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 of our Class A Common Stock against the cumulative total return of the NYSE American Stock Market (US Companies) and a Peer Group selected by us consisting of the following radio and/or television broadcast companies: Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc., CBS Corp., CC Media Holdings, Inc., Cumulus Media Inc., Emmis Communications Corp., Entercom Communications Corp., Entravision Communications Corp., The E.W. Scripps Company, The Nielsen Company, Radio One Inc., Saga Communications, Inc., Salem Communications Corp., Sirius XM Radio Inc., Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc., and Townsquare Media, Inc. The graph and table assume that $100 was invested on December 31, 2012, in each of our Class A Common Stock, the NYSE American Stock Market (US Companies) and the Peer Group and that all dividends were reinvested.   The information contained in this graph shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or “filed” with the SEC or subject to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate it by reference into a document filed under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.

Legend
Symbol		Total Return For:		12/12				12/13				12/14				12/15				12/16				12/17
		Saga Communications Inc.			100.00				149.24				134.85				122.61				165.28				139.00
		NYSE American Stock Market (US Companies)			100.00				110.23				115.85				90.09				101.31				111.43
		Peer Group			100.00				154.00				143.64				140.76				160.74				162.75

The comparisons in the above table are required by the SEC. This table is not intended to forecast or to be indicative of any future return of our Class A Common Stock.

Item 6.    Selected Financial Data

(footnotes on following page)

Item 7.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with Item 1. Business, Item 6. Selected Financial Data and the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of Saga Communications, Inc. and its subsidiaries contained elsewhere herein. The following discussion is presented on both a consolidated and segment basis. Corporate general and administrative expenses, interest expense, write-off debt issuance costs, other (income) expense, and income tax provision are managed on a consolidated basis and are reflected only in our discussion of consolidated results.

On May 9, 2017 the Company entered into an agreement to sell its Joplin, Missouri and Victoria, Texas television stations and subsequently closed on this transaction on September 1, 2017. The historical results of operations for the television stations are presented in the discontinued operations for all periods presented (see Note 3). As a result of the Company’s television stations being reported as discontinued operations the Company only has one reportable segment at December 31, 2017. Unless indicated otherwise, the information in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements relates to the Company’s continuing operations. The discussion of our operating performance focuses on operating income because we manage our stations primarily on operating income. Operating performance is evaluated for each individual market.

We use certain financial measures that are not calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (GAAP) to assess our financial performance. For example, we evaluate the performance of our markets based on “station operating income” (operating income plus corporate general and administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization, other operating (income) expenses, and impairment of intangible assets). Station operating income is generally recognized by the broadcasting industry as a measure of performance, is used by analysts who report on the performance of the broadcasting industry and it serves as an indicator of the market value of a group of stations. In addition, we use it to evaluate individual stations, market-level performance, overall operations and as a primary measure for incentive based compensation of executives and other members of management. Station operating income is not necessarily indicative of amounts that may be available to us for debt service requirements, other commitments, reinvestment or other discretionary uses. Station operating income is not a measure of liquidity or of performance in accordance with GAAP, and should be viewed as a supplement to, and not a substitute for our results of operations presented on a GAAP basis.

General

We are a broadcast company primarily engaged in acquiring, developing and operating broadcast properties. We actively seek and explore opportunities for expansion through the acquisition of additional broadcast properties. We review acquisition opportunities on an ongoing basis.

Continuing Operations - Radio Stations

Our radio station’s primary source of revenue is from the sale of advertising for broadcast on our stations. Depending on the format of a particular radio station, there are a predetermined number of advertisements available to be broadcast each hour.

Most advertising contracts are short-term and generally run for a few weeks only. The majority of our revenue is generated from local advertising, which is sold primarily by each radio markets’ sales staff. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, approximately 88%, 86% and 88%, respectively, of our radio station’s gross revenue was from local advertising. To generate national advertising sales, we engage independent advertising sales representative firms that specialize in national sales for each of our broadcast markets.

Our revenue varies throughout the year. Advertising expenditures, our primary source of revenue, generally have been lowest during the winter months, which include the first quarter of each year. Political revenue significantly increased in 2016 due to the increased number of national, state, and local elections in most of our markets as compared to 2015 and 2017.

Our net operating revenue, station operating expense and operating income vary from market to market based upon the market’s rank or size which is based upon population and the available radio advertising revenue in that particular market.

The broadcasting industry and advertising in general, is influenced by the state of the overall economy, including unemployment rates, inflation, energy prices and consumer interest rates. Our stations broadcast primarily in small to midsize markets. Historically, these markets have been more stable than major metropolitan markets during downturns in advertising spending, but may not experience increases in such spending as significant as those in major metropolitan markets in periods of economic improvement.

Our financial results are dependent on a number of factors, the most significant of which is our ability to generate advertising revenue through rates charged to advertisers. The rates a station is able to charge are, in large part, based on a station’s ability to attract audiences in the demographic groups targeted by its advertisers. In a number of our markets, this is measured by periodic reports generated by independent national rating services. In the remainder of our markets it is measured by the results advertisers obtain through the actual running of an advertising schedule. Advertisers measure these results based on increased demand for their goods or services and/or actual revenues generated from such demand. Various factors affect the rate a station can charge, including the general strength of the local and national economies, population growth, ability to provide popular programming, local market competition, target marketing capability of radio compared to other advertising media, and signal strength.

When we acquire and/or begin to operate a station or group of stations we generally increase programming and advertising and promotion expenses to increase our share of our target demographic audience. Our strategy sometimes requires levels of spending commensurate with the revenue levels we plan on achieving in two to five years. During periods of economic downturns, or when the level of advertising spending is flat or down across the industry, this strategy may result in the appearance that our cost of operations are increasing at a faster rate than our growth in revenues, until such time as we achieve our targeted levels of revenue for the acquired station or group of stations.

The number of advertisements that can be broadcast without jeopardizing listening levels (and the resulting ratings) is limited in part by the format of a particular radio station. Our stations strive to maximize revenue by constantly managing the number of commercials available for sale and by adjusting prices based upon local market conditions and ratings. While there may be shifts from time to time in the number of advertisements broadcast during a particular time of the day, the total number of advertisements broadcast on a particular station generally does not vary significantly from year to year. Any change in our revenue, with the exception of those instances where stations are acquired or sold, is generally the result of inventory sell out ratios and pricing adjustments, which are made to ensure that the station efficiently utilizes available inventory.

Our radio stations employ a variety of programming formats. We periodically perform market research, including music evaluations, focus groups and strategic vulnerability studies. Because reaching a large and demographically attractive audience is crucial to a station’s financial success, we endeavor to develop strong listener loyalty. Our stations also employ audience promotions to further develop and secure a loyal following. We believe that the diversification of formats on our radio stations helps to insulate us from the effects of changes in musical tastes of the public on any particular format.

The primary operating expenses involved in owning and operating radio stations are employee salaries, sales commissions, programming expenses, depreciation, and advertising and promotion expenses.

The radio broadcasting industry is subject to rapid technological change, evolving industry standards and the emergence of new media technologies and services. These new technologies and media are gaining advertising share against radio and other traditional media.

We are continuing to expand our digital initiative to provide a seamless experience across multiple platforms. Our goal is to allow our listeners to connect with our brands on demand wherever, however, and whenever they choose. We continue to create opportunities through targeted digital advertising and an array of digital services that include online promotions, mobile messaging, and email marketing. In 2017, we also made a concentrated effort to ensure our stations were available via smart speakers such as Amazon Echo, Google Home, etc.

During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, our Columbus, Ohio; Des Moines, Iowa; Manchester, New Hampshire; Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Norfolk, Virginia markets, when combined, represented approximately 41%, 42%, and 41%, respectively, of our consolidated net operating revenue. An adverse change in any of these radio markets or relative market position in those markets could have a significant impact on our operating results as a whole.

The following tables describe the percentage of our consolidated net operating revenue represented by each of these markets:

During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the radio stations in our five largest markets when combined, represented approximately 48%, 49% and 44%, respectively, of our consolidated station operating income. The following tables describe the percentage of our consolidated station operating income represented by each of these markets:

Discontinued Operations - Television Stations

Our television station’s primary source of revenue was from the sale of advertising for broadcast on our stations. The number of advertisements available for broadcast on our television stations were limited by network affiliation and syndicated programming agreements and, with respect to children’s programs, federal regulation. Our television stations’ local market managers determined the number of advertisements to be broadcast in locally produced programs only, which were primarily news programming and occasionally local sports or information shows.

Our net operating revenue, station operating expense and operating income vary from market to market based upon the market’s rank or size, which was based upon population, available television advertising revenue in that particular market, and the popularity of programming being broadcast.

Our financial results were dependent on a number of factors, the most significant of which was our ability to generate advertising revenue through rates charged to advertisers. The rates a station was able to charge were, in large part, based on a station’s ability to attract audiences in the demographic groups targeted by its advertisers, as measured principally by periodic reports by independent national rating services. Various factors affect the rate a station can charge, including the general strength of the local and national economies, population growth, ability to provide popular programming through locally produced news, sports and weather and as a result of syndication and network affiliation agreements, local market competition, the ability of television broadcasting to reach a mass appeal market compared to other advertising media, and signal strength including cable/satellite coverage, and government regulation and policies.

Our stations strived to maximize revenue by constantly adjusting prices for our commercial spots based upon local market conditions, advertising demands and ratings. While there may have been shifts from time to time in the number of advertisements broadcast during a particular time of day, the total number of advertisements broadcast on a station generally does not vary significantly from year to year. Any change in our revenue, with the exception of those instances where stations are acquired or sold, was generally the result of pricing adjustments, which were made to ensure that the station efficiently utilizes available inventory.

Because audience ratings in the local market are crucial to a station’s financial success, we endeavor to develop strong viewer loyalty by providing locally produced news, weather and sports programming. We believe that this emphasis on the local market provided us with the viewer loyalty we were trying to achieve.

Most of our revenue was generated from local advertising, which was sold primarily by each television markets’ sales staff. For the 8 months ended August 31, 2017 and for the years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015, approximately 83%, 77%, and 85% respectively, of our television segment’s gross revenue was from local advertising. To generate national advertising sales, we engaged independent advertising sales representatives that specialize in national sales for each of our television markets.

Our revenue varies throughout the year. Advertising expenditures, our primary source of revenue, generally have been lowest during the winter months, which include the first quarter of each year. Political revenue significantly increased in 2016 due to the increased number of national, state, and local elections in most of our markets as compared to 2017 and 2015.

The primary operating expenses involved in owning and operating television stations were employee salaries, sales commissions, programming expenses, including news production and the cost of acquiring certain syndicated programming, depreciation, and advertising and promotion expenses.

Results of Operations

The following tables summarize our results of operations for the three years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.

Consolidated Results of Operations