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SALEM MEDIA GROUP, INC. /DE/ - Quarter Report: 2008 March (Form 10-Q)

EDGAR Ease+ -- 123104, , Salem Communications Corporation -- Complete View

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


FORM 10-Q

[X]

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

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2008

OR

[   ]

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

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM __________________ TO __________________

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 000-26497

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

[f10qq12008final002.gif]


DELAWARE

(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)

 

77-0121400

(I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)

 

 

 

4880 SANTA ROSA ROAD

CAMARILLO, CALIFORNIA

(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL

EXECUTIVE OFFICES)

 

93012

( ZIP CODE)

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

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

Yes [X ]

No  [   ]

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

Large accelerated filer [   ]

Accelerated filer [X ]

Non-accelerated filer  [   ]

Smaller Reporting Company  [    ]

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

Yes [   ]

No  [ X ]

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


Class A

 

Outstanding at May 5, 2008

Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share

 

18,115,092 shares


Class B

 

Outstanding at May 5, 2008

Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share

 

5,553,696 shares







SALEM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
INDEX

 

 

 

PAGE NO.

COVER PAGE

 

 

INDEX

 

 

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

1

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

Item 1.   Financial Statements

 

2

 

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

               and Results of Operations

 

18

 

Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

29

 

Item 4.   Controls and Procedures

 

29

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

29

 

Item 1.    Legal Proceedings

 

29

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

30

 

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

 

30

 

Item 3.   Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

30

 

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

 

30

 

Item 5.   Other Information

 

30

 

Item 6.   Exhibits

 

30

SIGNATURES

 

31

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

32






FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS


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




1



PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

SALEM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

ITEM 1.      FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)



2



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

 

 

 

December 31, 2007

March 31, 2008

 

 

 

(Note 1)

(Unaudited)

ASSETS

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

447

 

$

1,349

 

 

Trade accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $8,131 in 2007 and $8,763 in 2008)

 

 

30,030

 

 

29,138

 

 

Other receivables

 

 

635

 

 

2,144

 

 

Prepaid expenses

 

 

2,621

 

 

1,411

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

5,567

 

 

5,642

 

 

Assets held for sale

 

 

8,599

 

 

7,011

 

Total current assets

 

 

47,899

 

 

46,695

 

Property, plant and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation of $82,796 in 2007 and $85,460 in 2008)

 

 

131,087

 

 

130,180

 

Broadcast licenses

 

 

464,549

 

 

463,277

 

Goodwill

 

 

18,636

 

 

18,626

 

Other indefinite-lived intangible assets

 

 

      2,892

 

 

2,892

 

Amortizable intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization of $13,882 in 2007 and $14,550 in 2008)

 

 

6,079

 

 

5,458

 

Bond issue costs

 

 

444

 

 

407

 

Bank loan fees

 

 

1,994

 

 

1,741

 

Long-term notes receivable

 

 

1,168

 

 

2,534

 

Other assets

 

 

5,050

 

 

5,083

 

Total assets

 

$

679,798

 

$

676,893

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

1,325

 

$

1,417

 

 

Accrued expenses

 

 

6,134

 

 

5,320

 

 

Accrued compensation and related expenses

 

 

7,297

 

 

7,061

 

 

Accrued interest

 

 

553

 

 

2,667

 

 

Deferred revenue

 

 

4,205

 

 

4,637

 

 

Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations

 

 

6,667

 

 

5,126

 

 

Income tax payable

 

 

109

 

 

      507

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

26,290

 

 

26,735

 

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

 

 

347,617

 

 

334,637

 

Fair value of interest rate swap agreements

 

 

2,489

 

 

6,063

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

61,381

 

 

63,786

 

Deferred revenue

 

 

7,500

 

 

7,596

 

Other liabilities

 

 

1,343

 

 

1,275

 

Total liabilities

 

 

446,620

 

 

440,092

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class A common stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 80,000,000 shares; 20,432,742 issued and 18,115,092 outstanding at December 31, 2007 and at March 31, 2008

 

 

204

 

 

204

 

 

Class B common stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 20,000,000 shares; 5,553,696 issued and outstanding shares at December 31, 2006 and March 31, 2008

 

 

56

 

 

56

 

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

224,878

 

 

225,622

 

 

Retained earnings

 

 

43,538

 

 

48,561

 

 

Treasury stock, at cost (2,317,650 shares at December 31, 2007 and March 31, 2008)

 

 

(34,006)

 

 

(34,006)

 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

 

(1,492)

 

 

(3,636)

 

Total stockholders’ equity

 

 

233,178

 

 

236,801

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$

679,798

 

$

676,893

 

See accompanying notes



3




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

(Unaudited)

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

March 31,

 

2007

 

2008

Net broadcasting revenue

 $                  49,942

 

 $                  48,359

Non-broadcast revenue

5,288

 

6,135

Total revenue

55,230

 

54,494

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

Broadcasting operating expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below (including $310 and $316 for the quarter ended March 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively, paid to related parties)

32,086

 

32,128

 

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

4,958

 

6,239

 

Corporate expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below (including $70 and $37 for the quarter ended March 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively, paid to related parties)

5,814

 

5,277

 

Depreciation (including $139 and $323 for the quarter ended March 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively, for non-broadcast businesses)

3,058

 

3,263

 

Amortization (including $738 and $647 for the quarter ended March 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively, for non-broadcast businesses)

810

 

668

 

Gain on disposal of assets

(3,269)

 

(6,014)

Total operating expenses

43,457

 

41,561

Operating income from continuing operations

11,773

 

12,933

Other income (expense):

 

Interest income

60

 

21

 

Interest expense

(6,454)

 

(6,074)

 

Other expense, net

(35)

 

(51)

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

5,344

 

6,829

Provision for income taxes

2,445

 

3,174

Income from continuing operations

2,899

 

3,655

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

66

 

1,368

Net income

$                    2,965

 

$                     5,023

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

(288)

 

(2,144)

Comprehensive income

$                     2,677

 

$                     2,879

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share data:

 

 

        

Earnings per share from continuing operations

$                       0.12

 

$                       0.15

Income per share from discontinued operations

 

0.06

Basic earnings per share

        0.12

 

        0.21

Diluted earnings per share data:

 

 

 

Earnings per share from continuing operations

$                       0.12

 

$                       0.15

Income per share from discontinued operations

      

 

0.06

Diluted earnings per share

         0.12

 

         0.21

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

23,848,603

 

23,668,788

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

23,853,068

 

23,668,788

See accompanying notes




4



SALEM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2008

 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$                    2,899

 

$                     3,655

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-cash stock-based compensation

 

754

 

746

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

3,868

 

3,931

 

 

Amortization of bond issue costs and bank loan fees

 

292

 

290

 

 

Amortization and accretion of financing items

 

31

 

17

 

 

Provision for bad debts

 

464

 

1,079

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

2,388

 

3,760

 

 

Gain on disposal of assets

 

(3,269)

 

(6,014)

 

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

1,320

 

176

 

 

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

(76)

 

1,210

 

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

816

 

1,927

 

 

 

Deferred revenue

 

620

 

528

 

 

 

Other liabilities

 

(29)

 

(68)

 

 

 

Income tax payable

 

(22)

 

397

 

     Net cash provided by continuing operating activities

 

10,056

 

11,634

 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

  Capital expenditures

 

(4,081)

 

(2,931)

 

  Purchase of non-broadcast properties

 

(300)

 

(47)

 

  Proceeds from disposals of assets

 

7,060

 

4,503

 

  Other

 

13

 

(88)

 

     Net cash provided by investing activities

 

2,692

 

1,437

 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

  Proceeds from borrowings under credit facilities

 

2,500

 

 

  Payments of long-term debt and notes payable

 

(13,924)

 

(12,983)

 

  Net borrowings and repayments of Swingline credit facility

 

(1,241)

 

(1,558)

 

  Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

30

 

 

  Tax benefit related to stock options exercised

 

1

 

 

  Payments on loans and capital lease obligations

 

(13)

 

(28)

 

  Other

 

(312)

 

(555)

 

     Net cash used in financing activities

 

(12,959)

 

(15,124)

 

CASH FLOWS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

 

 

 

 

 

 Operating cash flows

 

99

 

(845)

 

 Investing cash flows

 

 

3,800

 

     Net cash provided by discontinued operations

 

99

 

2,955

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

(112)

 

902

 

  Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

 

710

 

447

 

  Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$                       598

 

$                     1,349

 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest

 

$                    4,863

 

$                     2,114

 

 

 

Income taxes

 

$                       168

 

$                          10

 

Noncash investing and financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets acquired through capital lease obligations

 

$                       800

 

$                          —

 

 

Notes receivable acquired in exchange for radio station

 

 

3,250

 



5



SALEM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

NOTE 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

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

Information with respect to the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 is unaudited.  The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.  In the opinion of management, the unaudited interim financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company.  The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the full year.  For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

The balance sheet at December 31, 2007 included in this report has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date, but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP.

NOTE 2. RECLASSIFICATIONS  

Certain items shown in the 2007 consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.  These reclassifications include the accounting for WRRD-AM, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, WFZH-FM, Milwaukee, Wisconsin and CCM Magazine, as discontinued operations as discussed in Note 3.  The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and Statements of Operations reflect the operating results and net assets of these entities as discontinued operations for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007.  

NOTE 3. SIGNIFICANT TRANSACTIONS

On March 28, 2008, the Company sold radio station KTEK-AM in Houston, Texas to Business Radio Houston Licensee LLC for $7.8 million, including $4.5 million in cash, and $3.3 million in notes receivables.  The notes include a $1.8 million 90 day promissory note due on June 24, 2008 bearing interest at 8% and a $1.5 million seven year promissory note bearing interest at 8% with monthly installments due as of May 1, 2008.  The sale resulted in a pre-tax gain of $6.1 million.  The operating results of KTEK-AM were excluded from the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations beginning on February 1, 2008, the date the Company stopped operating the station pursuant to a Time Brokerage Agreement with the buyer.

On March 28, 2008, the Company sold radio station WRRD-AM in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for $3.8 million resulting in a pre-tax gain of $2.2 million.  The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2008 reflect WRRD-AM as a discontinued operation.  All prior periods have been revised to reflect the operating results of the station as a discontinued operation to conform to the current period presentation.

Other Pending Transactions:

On February 1, 2007, the Company entered into an agreement to purchase selected assets of radio station KTRO-AM, in Portland, Oregon subject to certain conditions, for $4.5 million.   The Company began operating the station under a local marketing agreement (“LMA”) effective the same date.   The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations includes the operating results of this radio station as of the LMA date.  This transaction is subject to FCC approval and is not expected to close during the year ended December 31, 2008.  

On January 10, 2008, the Company entered into an agreement to sell radio station WHKZ-AM in Cleveland (Warren), Ohio, for approximately $0.6 million.   The transaction is subject to approval of the FCC and is expected to close in the third quarter of 2008.

On April 11, 2008 the Company completed the purchase of WMCU-AM in Miami, Florida, for $12.25 million.  The Company began operating the station under an LMA effective on October 18, 2007.  



6



On November 11, 2007 the Company entered into an agreement to purchase selected assets of radio station WAMD-AM in Baltimore, Maryland for approximately $3.0 million.    The transaction is subject to approval of the FCC and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2008.  

On February 22, 2008 the Company entered into an agreement to sell radio station KKMO-AM in Seattle, Washington for approximately $3.7 million.  The transaction is subject to approval of the FCC and is expected to close in the third quarter of 2008.

Discontinued Operations:

During 2007, the Company had a plan in place to sell its radio stations in the Milwaukee market.  As noted above, the Company sold radio station WRRD-AM in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for $3.8 million on March 28, 2008.  On January 16, 2008, the Company entered into an agreement to sell radio station WFZH-FM in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for approximately $8.1 million.  The Company entered into an LMA agreement with the buyer effective as of February 15, 2008, under which the buyer will begin programming the station and pay a majority of operational costs of the station.  The transaction is subject to approval of the FCC and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2008.  The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and Statements of Operations reflect the operating results and net assets of the entity as a discontinued operation for the three months ended March 31, 2008.  All prior periods have been revised to reflect the operating results and net assets of the station as a discontinued operation to conform to the current period presentation.

The Company discontinued publishing the CCM Magazine as of March 2008.   The operating results for CCM Magazine have been reported as a discontinued operation as of the date operations ceased.  The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations reflect the operating results of this entity as a discontinued operation for the three months ended March 31, 2008.  All prior periods have been revised to reflect the operating results of this entity as a discontinued operation to conform to the current period presentation.

The following table sets forth the components of income from discontinued operations, net of tax, for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2008.


 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

2007

 

2008

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

Net Revenue

$           863

 

$                584

Operating expenses

743

 

519

Operating income

           120

 

                  65

Gain on sale of radio station assets

 

2,222

 Income from discontinued operations

$           120

 

$             2,287

Provision for income taxes

 54

 

 919

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

$             66

 

$             1,368

NOTE 4. STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN       

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

The Company adopted SFAS No. 123(R) on January 1, 2006, using the modified-prospective-transition method. Under this transition method, compensation expense recognized subsequent to adoption includes: (a) compensation expense for all share-based awards granted prior to, but not yet vested, as of December 31, 2005 based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the original provisions of SFAS No. 123 and (b) compensation expense for all share-based awards granted subsequent to December 31, 2005, based on the grant-date fair values estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R).



7



The following table reflects the components of stock-based compensation expense recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007:  

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

2007

 

2008

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

Stock option compensation expense included in corporate expenses

$       507

 

$       536

Restricted stock units compensation expense included in corporate expenses

16

 

14

Stock option compensation expense included in broadcast operating expenses

207

 

146

Stock option compensation expense included in non-broadcast operating expenses

24

 

50

 Total stock-based compensation expense, pre-tax

$       754

 

$       746

Tax benefit from stock-based compensation expense

 (345)

 

 (347)

Total stock-based compensation expense, net of tax

$       409

 

$       399

 

Stock option and restricted stock grants

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

The Company uses the Black-Scholes option valuation model to estimate the grant date fair value of stock options. The expected volatility reflects the consideration of the historical volatility of the Company stock as determined by the closing price over a six to nine year term that is generally commensurate with the expected term of the option.  The expected term of the option is based on evaluations of historical and expected future employee exercise behavior.   The risk-free interest rates for periods within the expected term of the option are based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect during the period the options were granted.  Upon adoption of SFAS 123(R), the Company began using historical data to estimate forfeiture rates applied to the gross amount of expense determined using the option valuation model. Prior to adoption of SFAS 123(R), the Company recognized forfeitures as they occurred. There was no material impact upon adoption of SFAS 123(R) between these methods of accounting for forfeitures. The weighted-average assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the stock options using the Black-Scholes option valuation model were as follows for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007:


 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

2007

 

2008

Expected volatility

67.0%

 

44.47% - 45.08%

Expected dividends

0.0%

 

3.68% - 4.91%

Expected term (in years)

5 – 8

 

6 - 12

Risk-free interest rate

4.53%

 

2.76% - 3.86%

Stock option information with respect to the Company’s stock-based compensation plan for the three months ended March 31, 2008 is as follows (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

Options

 

Shares

 

Weighted Average Exercise Price

 

Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value

 

Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term

 

Aggregate Intrinsic Value

 

Outstanding at January 1, 2008

 

2,422,024

 

$      20.73

 

 $        13.98

 

4.3 years

 

$        —

 

Granted

 

55,000

 

5.48

 

1.86

 

 

 

Exercised

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited or expired

 

(61,895)

 

16.39

 

11.77

 

 

 

Outstanding at March 31, 2008

 

2,415,129

 

$      20.49

 

$         12.95

 

4.1 years

 

$         —

 

Exercisable at March 31, 2008

 

1,571,516

 

$      23.42

 

$         14.47

 

2.6 years

 

$         —




8



The fair values of shares of restricted stock are determined based on the closing price of the Company common stock on the grant dates.  Information regarding the Company’s restricted stock grants for the three months ended March 31, 2008 is as follows:  


 

Restricted Stock

 

Shares

 

Weighted Average

Exercise Price

 

Non-Vested at January 1, 2008

 

5,000

 

$      10.15

 

Granted

 

 

 

Vested

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

 

 

Non-Vested at March 31, 2008

 

5,000

 

$    10.15

As of March 31, 2008, there was $3.5 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested awards of stock options and restricted shares.  This cost is to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.2 years.

NOTE 5. OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

Other comprehensive loss reflects changes in the fair value of each of the Company’s three cash flow hedges as follows:

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

2007

 

2008

 

(Dollars in thousands)

Mark-to-market loss

$                480

 

$             3,573

Less tax benefit

(192)

 

(1,429)

Other comprehensive loss

 $                 288

 

$             2,144

NOTE 6. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161

In March 2008, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161, “Disclosure about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS No. 161”), an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133.   SFAS No. 161 changes the disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities. Entities are required to provide enhanced disclosures about (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under Statement 133 and its related interpretations, and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows.  SFAS No. 161 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with early application encouraged.   The adoption of SFAS No. 161 will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 160

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements” (“SFAS No. 160”), an amendment of ARB No. 51. SFAS No.160 will change the accounting and reporting for minority interests which will be recharacterized as noncontrolling interests and classified as a component of equity. SFAS No. 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008. SFAS No. 160 requires retroactive adoption of the presentation and disclosure requirements for existing minority interests. The adoption of SFAS No. 160 will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, including an amendment of FASB Statements No. 115” (“SFAS No. 159”)  SFAS No. 159 permits entities to choose, at specified election dates, to measure eligible items at fair value (the “fair value option”). A business entity shall report unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected in earnings at each subsequent reporting period.  SFAS No. 159 was effective beginning January 1, 2008.  The Company adopted SFAS No. 159 on January 1, 2008 and has elected not to measure qualified financial assets or financial liabilities at fair value.  The adoption of SFAS No. 159 did  not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.



9



Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157

On September 15, 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” which is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007.  This statement defines fair value, specifies the acceptable methods for determining fair value, and expands disclosure requirements regarding fair value measurements.  SFAS No. 157 is effective beginning January 1, 2008.  In February 2008, the FASB deferred the adoption of SFAS No. 157 for one year as it applies to certain items, including assets and liabilities initially measured at fair value in a business combination, reporting units and certain assets and liabilities measured at fair value in connection with goodwill impairment tests in accordance with SFAS No. 142 and long-lived assets measured at fair value for impairment assessments under SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment and Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.  The Company was required to adopt the provisions of SFAS No. 157 in 2008 as it relates to certain other items, including those within the scope of SFAS No. 107, Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments, and financial and nonfinancial derivatives within the scope of SFAS No. 133.  The adoption of SFAS No. 157 did  not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141(R)

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS No. 141 (R)”). SFAS No. 141(R) changes accounting for acquisitions that close beginning in 2009. More transactions and events will qualify as business combinations and will be accounted for at fair value under the new standard. SFAS No. 141(R) promotes greater use of fair values in financial reporting.  Some of the changes will introduce more volatility into earnings. SFAS No. 141 (R) is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008.  The Company is currently assessing the impact that SFAS No. 141 (R) may have on the consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

NOTE 7. EQUITY TRANSACTIONS

The Company’s Board of Directors authorized a $25.0 million share repurchase program in May 2005.   In February 2006, the Board of Directors increased Salem’s existing share repurchase program to permit the repurchase of up to an additional $25.0 million of shares of Salem’s Class A common stock.   This repurchase program terminated December 31, 2007.  

As discussed in Note 4, the Company accounts for stock-based compensation expense in accordance with SFAS No. 123(R).  As a result, $0.7 million of stock-based compensation expense has been recorded to additional paid-in capital for the three months ended March 31, 2008, in comparison to $0.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007.

NOTE 8. NOTES PAYABLE AND LONG-TERM DEBT

On October 24, 2007, the Company amended its credit facilities to ease certain financial covenants.  The amendment became effective upon the closing of the acquisition of WMCU-AM, which occurred on April 11, 2008.  Specifically, the total leverage ratio covenant increased to 6.75 to 1 through March 30, 2009.  Additionally, the senior leverage ratio covenant increased to 5.0 to 1 and the interest coverage ratio remained at 2.0 to 1 through March 30, 2009.

Long-term debt consisted of the following:

 

December 31, 2007

 

March 31, 2008

 

(Dollars in thousands)

Term loans under credit facility

$

234,900

 

$

234,900

Revolving line of credit under credit facility

 

13,000

 

 

-

Swingline credit facility

 

2,952

 

 

1,394

7¾% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2010

 

100,000

 

 

100,000

Seller financed note to acquire Townhall.com

 

2,546

 

 

2,563

Capital leases and other loans

 

886

 

 

906

 

 

354,284

 

 

339,763

Less current portion

 

6,667

 

 

5,126

 

$

347,617

 

$

334,637




10



Maturities of Long-Term Debt

Principal repayment requirements under all long-term debt agreements outstanding at March 31, 2008 for each of the next five years and thereafter are as follows:

Twelve Months Ended March 31,

 

Amount

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

2009

$

5,126

2010

 

74,610

2011

 

259,266

2012

 

42

2013

 

40

Thereafter

 

679

 

$

339,763

 

 

 

NOTE 9. AMORTIZABLE INTANGIBLE ASSETS

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

 

 

As of March 31, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

Cost

 

Amortization

 

Net

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

Customer lists and contracts

 

$

10,437

 

$

(8,079)

 

$

2,358

Domain and brand names

 

 

4,956

 

 

(2,648)

 

 

2,308

Favorable and assigned leases

 

 

1,582

 

 

(1,244)

 

 

338

Other amortizable intangible assets

 

 

3,033

 

 

(2,579)

 

 

454

 

 

$

20,008

 

$

(14,550)

 

$

5,458


 

 

As of December 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

Cost

 

Amortization

 

Net

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

Customer lists and contracts

 

$

10,437

 

$

(7,687)

 

$

2,750

Domain and brand names

 

 

4,910

 

 

(2,458)

 

 

2,452

Favorable and assigned leases

 

 

1,581

 

 

(1,227)

 

 

354

Other amortizable intangible assets

 

 

3,033

 

 

(2,510)

 

 

523

 

 

$

19,961

 

$

(13,882)

 

$

6,079

Based on the amortizable intangible assets as of March 31, 2008, the Company estimates amortization expense for the next five years to be as follows:

Year Ending December 31,

 

Estimated future Amortization Expense

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

2008 (April 1 – December 31)

$

2,010

2009

 

1,429

2010

 

945

2011

 

379

2012

 

129

Thereafter

 

566

Total

$

5,458



11






NOTE 10. BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE

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

Options to purchase 2,394,764 and 2,415,129 shares of Class A common stock and unvested restricted stock shares of 6,000, and 5,000 were outstanding at March 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively. Diluted weighted average shares outstanding exclude outstanding stock options whose exercise price is in excess of the average price of the Company’s stock price.  These options are excluded from the respective computation of diluted net income per share because their effect would be anti-dilutive.   The number of anti-dilutive shares was 4,465 as of March 31, 2007.  There were no dilutive shares on March 31, 2008.

NOTE 11. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

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

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

On April 8, 2005, the Company entered into an interest rate swap arrangement for the notional principal amount of $30.0 million whereby the Company will pay a fixed interest rate of 4.99% as compared to LIBOR on a bank credit facility borrowing.  Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2008, was increased by approximately $20,000 as a result of the difference between the interest rates.  As of March 31, 2008, the Company recorded a liability for the fair value of the interest swap of approximately $2.4 million. This amount, net of income taxes of approximately $0.9 million, is reflected in other comprehensive loss, as the Company has designated the interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge.  The effective date of this interest rate swap was July 1, 2006 and the expiration date is July 1, 2012.

On April 26, 2005, the Company entered into a second interest rate swap arrangement for the notional principal amount of $30.0 million whereby the Company will pay a fixed interest rate of 4.70% as compared to LIBOR on a bank credit facility borrowing.  Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2008, was reduced by approximately $2,000 as a result of the difference between the interest rates.  As of March 31, 2008, the Company recorded a liability for the fair value of the interest swap of approximately $2.0 million.  This amount, net of income taxes of approximately $0.8 million, is reflected in other comprehensive loss, as the Company has designated the interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge. The effective date of this interest rate swap was July 1, 2006 and the expiration date is July 1, 2012.

On May 5, 2005, the Company entered into a third interest rate swap arrangement for the notional principal amount of $30.0 million whereby the Company will pay a fixed interest rate of 4.53% as compared to LIBOR on a bank credit facility borrowing.  Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2008, was reduced by approximately $15,000 as a result of the difference between the interest rates. As of March 31, 2008, the Company recorded a liability for the fair value of the interest swap of approximately $1.7 million.  This amount, net of income taxes of approximately $0.7 million, is reflected in other comprehensive loss, as the Company has designated the interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge. The effective date of this interest rate swap was July 1, 2006 and the expiration date is July 1, 2012.

Interest Rate Caps

On October 18, 2006, the Company purchased two interest rate caps for $0.1 million to mitigate exposure to rising interest rates.  The first interest rate cap covers $50.0 million of borrowings under the credit facilities for a three year period.  The second interest rate cap covers $50.0 million of borrowings under the credit facilities for a four year period.  Both interest rate caps are at 7.25%. The caps do not qualify for hedge accounting and accordingly, all changes in fair value have been included as a component of interest expense.  Interest expense of approximately $24,000 and $7,000 was recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively, related to the interest rate caps.  



12



NOTE 12.  INCOME TAXES

The Company adopted FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN No. 48”) on January 1, 2007 and accrued liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits in accordance with the provisions.   On the date of adoption the Company had $3.0 million in liabilities related to uncertain tax positions, including $0.9 million recognized under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 5 (“SFAS No. 5”) Accounting for Contingencies and carried forward from prior years and $2.1 million recognized upon adoption of FIN 48 as a reduction to retained earnings.  Included in the $2.1 million accrual was $0.1 million related interest, net of federal income tax benefits.  During 2007, the Company recognized a net increase of $0.9 million in liabilities and at December 31, 2007, had $3.9 million in liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits. Included in this liability amount were $0.1 million accrued for the related interest, net of federal income tax benefits, and $0.1 million for the related penalty recorded in income tax expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.  The Company recorded an increase in its unrecognized tax benefits of $0.2 million as of March 31, 2008.  

NOTE 13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

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

NOTE 14. SEGMENT DATA

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

Management uses operating income before depreciation, amortization and gain on disposal of assets as its measure of profitability for purposes of assessing performance and allocating resources.

 

 

 

Radio Broadcasting

 

Non-broadcast

 

Corporate

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenue

 

 $    49,942

 

 $      5,288

 

 $         —     

 

 $    55,230

 

Operating expenses

 

32,086

 

4,958

 

5,814

 

42,858

 

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

 

17,856

 

330

 

(5,814)

 

12,372

 

Depreciation

 

2,632

 

139

 

287

 

3,058

 

Amortization

 

67

 

738

 

5

 

810

 

Operating income (loss) before income taxes

 

$    15,157

 

$       (547)

 

$  (6,106)

 

$      8,504

 


Three Months Ended March 31, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenue

 

 $    48,359

 

 $      6,135

 

 $         —     

 

 $      54,494

 

Operating expenses

 

32,128

 

6,239

 

5,277

 

43,644

 

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

 

16,231

 

(104)

 

(5,277)

 

10,850

 

Depreciation

 

2,615

 

323

 

325

 

3,263

 

Amortization

 

18

 

647

 

3

 

668

 

Operating income (loss) before income taxes

 

$    13,598

 

$   (1,074)

 

$ (5,605)

 

$       6,919

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total property, plant and equipment, net

 

 $    115,025

 

 $      5,524

 

 $        10,538

 

 $      131,087

 

Goodwill

 

4,858

 

13,770

 

8

 

18,636

 

March 31, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total property, plant and equipment, net

 

 $    114,062

 

 $      5,820

 

 $        10,298

 

 $      130,180

 

Goodwill

 

4,848

 

13,770

 

8

 

18,626

 





13






Reconciliation of operating income from continuing operations before depreciation, amortization and gain on disposal of assets to income from continuing operations before income taxes

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2008

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Operating income from continuing operations before depreciation, amortization and gain on disposal of assets

$

12,372

 

$

10,850

 

Depreciation expense

 

(3,058)

 

 

(3,263)

 

Amortization expense

 

(810)

 

 

(668)

 

Interest income

 

60

 

 

21

 

Gain on disposal of assets

 

3,269

 

 

6,014

 

Interest expense

 

(6,454)

 

 

(6,074)

 

Other expense, net

 

(35)

 

 

(51)

 

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

$

5,344

 

$

6,829


NOTE 15. CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The following is the consolidating information of Salem Communications Corporation for purposes of presenting the financial position and operating results of Salem Communications Holding Corporation (“Salem Holding”) as the issuer of the 7¾% senior subordinated notes due 2010 (the “7 ¾ % Notes”) and its guarantor subsidiaries on a consolidated basis and the financial position and operating results of the other guarantors, which are consolidated within the Company.  Separate financial information of Salem Holding on an unconsolidated basis is not presented because Salem Holding has substantially no assets, operations or cash other than its investments in subsidiaries.  Each guarantor has given its full and unconditional guarantee, on a joint and several basis, of indebtedness under the 7¾% Notes.  Salem Holding and Salem Communications Acquisition Corporation (“AcquisitionCo”) are 100% owned by Salem and Salem Holding owns 100% of all of its subsidiaries.  All subsidiaries of Salem Holding are guarantors. OnePlace LLC and CCM Communications, Inc. are aggregated and collectively referred to as “Non-broadcast”.  The net assets of Salem Holding are subject to certain restrictions which, among other things, require Salem Holding to maintain certain financial covenant ratios, and restrict Salem Holding and its subsidiaries from transferring funds in the form of dividends, loans or advances without the consent of the holders of the 7¾% Notes. The restricted net assets of Salem Holding as of March 31, 2008, amounted to $231.2 million. Included in intercompany receivables of Salem Holding presented in the condensed consolidating balance sheet below is $80.7 million of amounts due from Salem and AcquisitionCo as of March 31, 2008.



14



NOTE 15. CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED)

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

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issuer and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guarantor

 

 

 

Guarantors

 

Subsidiaries

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

Salem

 

 

 

Parent

 

AcquisitionCo

 

Media

 

HoldCo

 

Adjustments

 

Consolidated

Current assets:

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 $           —

 

$                 69

 

$    404

 

 $           876   

 

 $             —

 

 $         1,349

 

Trade accounts receivable, net

 

 

3,115

 

273

 

25,750

 

 

29,138

 

Other receivables

 

 

3

 

­­—

 

2,141

 

 

2,144

 

Prepaid expenses

 

 

73

 

286

 

1,052

 

 

1,411

 

Assets of discontinued operations

 

 

52

 

 

6,959

 

 

7,011

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

452

 

181

 

5,009

 

 

5,642

Total current assets

 

 

3,764

 

1,144

 

41,787

 

 

46,695

Investment in subsidiaries

 

230,844

 

 

 

 

(230,844)

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

 

9,101

 

566

 

120,513

 

 

130,180

Broadcast licenses

 

 

93,108

 

 

370,169

 

 

463,277

Goodwill

 

 

10,281

 

712

 

7,633

 

 

18,626

Other indefinite-lived intangible assets

 

 

 

2,892

 

 

 

2,892

Amortizable intangible assets, net

 

 

3,484

 

827

 

1,147

 

 

5,458

Bond issue costs

 

 

 

 

407

 

 

407

Bank loan fees

 

 

 

 

1,741

 

 

1,741

Intercompany receivables

 

103,416

 

15,612

 

 

147,190

 

(266,218)

 

Long-term notes receivables

 

 

 

 

2,534

 

 

2,534

Other assets

 

 

75

 

23

 

4,985

 

 

5,083

Total assets

 

 $  334,260

 

$        135,425

 

$ 6,164

 

 $    698,106

 

$  (497,062)

 

 $     676,893

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

 $           —

 

$              (24)

 

 $   267

 

 $   1,174

 

 $             —

 

 $         1,417

 

Accrued expenses

 

 

745

 

401

 

4,174

 

 

5,320

 

Accrued compensation and related expenses

 

 

815

 

185

 

6,061

 

 

7,061

 

Accrued interest

 

 

 

 

2,667

 

 

2,667

 

Deferred revenue

 

 

405

 

2,222

 

2,010

 

 

4,637

 

Income taxes payable

 

 

(9)

 

9

 

507

 

 

507

 

Current maturities of long-term debt

 

 

1,242

 

 

3,884

 

 

5,126

Total current liabilities

 

 

3,174

 

3,084

 

20,477

 

 

26,735

Intercompany payables

 

96,282

 

114,047

 

17,199

 

38,690

 

(266,218)

 

Long-term debt

 

 

1,356

 

 

333,281

 

 

334,637

Fair value of interest rate swap agreements

 

 

 

 

6,063

 

 

6,063

Deferred income taxes

 

1,177

 

12,170

 

(9,272)

 

59,711

 

 

63,786

Deferred revenue

 

 

166

 

­—

 

7,430

 

 

7,596

Other liabilities

 

 

19

 

 

1,256

 

 

1,275

Total stockholders’ equity

 

236,801

 

4,493

 

(4,847)

 

231,198

 

(230,844)

 

236,801

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

 $  334,260

 

 $       135,425

 

$ 6,614

 

 $    698,106

 

 $ (497,062)

 

 $     676,893

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



15



NOTE 15. CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED)

SALEM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands)


 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issuer and

 

 

 

 

 

Guarantor

 

 

 

Guarantors

 

Subsidiaries

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

Salem

 

 

 

Parent

 

AcquisitionCo

 

Media

 

HoldCo

 

Adjustments

 

Consolidated

Net broadcasting revenue

 

  $    —

 

$  2,534

 

$     —

 

$  46,534

 

$  (709)

 

$  48,359

Non-broadcast revenue

 

 

3,349

 

1,318

 

1,891

 

(423)

 

6,135

Total revenue

 

 

5,883

 

1,318

 

48,425

 

(1,132)

 

54,494

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Broadcasting operating expenses

 

 

1,762

 

 

30,445

 

(79)

 

32,128

 

Non-broadcast operating expenses

 

 

3,685

 

1,833

 

1,548

 

(827)

 

6,239

 

Corporate expenses

 

 

299

 

 

5,204

 

(226)

 

5,277

 

Depreciation

 

 

379

 

63

 

2,821

 

 

3,263

 

Amortization

 

 

418

 

136

 

114

 

 

668

 

Gain on disposal of assets

 

 

 

 

(6,014)

 

 

(6,014)

Total operating expenses

 

 

6,543

 

2,032

 

34,118

 

(1,132)

 

41,561

Operating income (loss)

 

 

(660)

 

(714)

 

14,307

 

 

12,933

Other income (expense):

 

Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries, net

 

5,424

 

 

 

 

(5,424)

 

 

Interest income

 

1,618

 

1

 

 

3,226

 

(4,824)

 

21

 

Interest expense

 

(2,310)

 

(2,116)

 

(325)

 

(6,147)

 

4,824

 

(6,074)

 

Other income (expense)

 

 

 

 

(51)

 

 

(51)

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

4,732

 

(2,775)

 

(1,039)

 

11,335

 

(5,424)

 

6,829

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

(291)

 

(1,126)

 

(441)

 

5,032

 

 

3,174

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

 

1,316

 

61

 

(9)

 

 

1,368

Net income (loss)

 

$­  5,023

 

$  (333)

 

$  (537)

 

$  6,294

 

$  (5,424)

 

$    5,023

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

(2,144)

 

 

 

(2,144)

 

2,144

 

(2,144)

Comprehensive income (loss)

 

$  2,879

 

$  (333)

 

$  (537)

 

$  4,150

 

$  (3,280)

 

$    2,879



16



NOTE 16. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (UNAUDITED)


On April 8, 2008, the Company purchased three tower and antenna sites (the “Transmitter Site Purchases”) from the Principal Stockholders for $5.0 million, detailed as follows:

Market

 

Station Call Letters

 

Facilities Purchased

 

Purchase Price

 

Closing Date

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

Seattle – Tacoma, WA

 

KGNW-AM

 

Antenna / Towner

 

$      3,100

 

April 8, 2008

 

Denver – Boulder, CO

 

KRKS-AM

 

Antenna / Towner

 

1,400

 

April 8, 2008

 

Pittsburgh, PA

 

WORD-FM

 

Antenna / Towner

 

475

 

April 8, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$      4,975

 

 

 

At the same time, the Company entered into new leases with the Principal Stockholders that replace and extend the duration of existing leases.  Additionally, the Company entered into one new lease agreement with the Principal Stockholders.  

On April 11, 2008 the Company completed the purchase of selected assets of radio station WMCU-AM in Miami, Florida, for $12.25 million.  The Company began operating the station under an LMA effective on October 18, 2007.  



17



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

GENERAL

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this report. Our condensed consolidated financial statements are not directly comparable from period to period due to acquisitions and dispositions of selected assets of radio stations and acquisitions of non-broadcast businesses.  See Note 3 of our condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information.

We believe that we are the largest commercial U.S. radio broadcasting company, measured by number of stations and audience coverage, providing programming targeted at audiences interested in Christian and family-themed radio programming. Our core business is the ownership and operation of radio stations in large metropolitan markets. Upon completion of all announced transactions, we will own a national portfolio of 95 radio stations in 38 markets, including 58 stations in 23 of the top 25 markets, which consists of 29 FM stations and 66 AM stations. We are one of only four commercial radio broadcasters with radio stations in all of the top 10 markets. We are the seventh largest operator measured by number of stations overall and the third largest operator measured by number of stations in the top 25 markets.

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

We also own Salem Web Network™ (“SWN”), a provider of online Christian content and streaming, including Townhall.com, a provider of conservative content on-line, and Salem Publishing™, a leading publisher of Christian magazines and Xulon Press, a digital publisher of books targeting the Christian audience.

Our principal business strategy is to improve our national radio platform and to invest in and build non-broadcast businesses to deliver compelling content to audiences interested in Christian and family-themed programming and conservative news talk. Our national presence in broadcasting, Internet and publishing gives advertisers a platform that is a unique and powerful way to reach Christian audiences.  We program 43 of our stations with our Christian Teaching and Talk format, which is talk programming with Christian and family themes. A key programming strategy on our Christian Teaching and Talk radio stations is to sell blocks of time to a variety of charitable organizations that create compelling radio programs.  We also program 26 News Talk and 12 Contemporary Christian Music stations and four of our stations in Spanish-language Christian Teaching and Talk format. SRN supports our strategy by allowing us to reach listeners in markets where we do not own or operate stations.  Additionally, we operate numerous Internet websites and publish periodicals and books that target similar audiences.  

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

OVERVIEW

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

      Historically, our principal sources of revenue have been:

·

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

·

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

·

the sale of advertising time on our national radio network.

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

·

audience share,

·

how well our stations perform for our clients,

·

the size of the market,

·

the general economic conditions in each market, and

·

supply and demand on both a local and national level.



18



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

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

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

Our cash flow has historically been affected by a transitional period experienced by radio stations when, due to the nature of the radio station, our plans for the market and other circumstances, we find it beneficial to change its format. This transitional period is when we develop a radio station’s listener and customer base. During this period, a station may generate negative or insignificant cash flow.

In the broadcasting industry, radio stations often utilize trade or barter agreements to exchange advertising time for goods or services in lieu of cash. In order to preserve the sale of our advertising time for cash, we generally enter into trade agreements only if the goods or services bartered to us will be used in our business. We have minimized our use of trade agreements and have generally sold most of our advertising time for cash.  During 2007, we sold 97% of our advertising time for cash.  It is our general policy not to preempt advertising paid for in cash with advertising paid for in trade.  In addition, we generally do not pay commissions to sales people for advertising paid in trade.  

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

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

SAME STATION DEFINITION

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



19



RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

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

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

 

 

2007

 

2008

 

% Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

Net broadcasting revenue

 

 $             49,942

 

 $       48,359

 

(3.2)%

Non-broadcast  revenue

 

5,288

 

6,135

 

16.0%

Total revenue

 

55,230

 

54,494

 

(1.3)%

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Broadcasting operating expenses

 

32,086

 

32,128

 

0.1%

 

Non-broadcast operating expenses

 

4,958

 

6,239

 

25.8%

 

Corporate expenses

 

5,814

 

5,277

 

(9.2)%

 

Depreciation

 

3,058

 

3,263

 

6.7%

 

Amortization

 

810

 

668

 

(17.5)%

 

Gain on disposal of assets

 

(3,269)

 

(6,014)

 

84.0%

Total operating expenses

 

43,457

 

41,561

 

(4.4)%

Operating income from continuing operations

 

11,773

 

12,933

 

9.9%

Other income (expense):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

60

 

21

 

(65.0)%

 

Interest expense

 

(6,454)

 

(6,074)

 

(5.9)%

 

Other expense, net

 

(35)

 

(51)

 

45.7%

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

 

5,344

 

6,829

 

27.8%

Provision for income taxes

 

2,445

 

3,174

 

29.8%

Income from continuing operations

 

2,899

 

3,655

 

26.1%

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

66

 

1,368

 

1,983.8%

Net income

 

$          2,965

 

$          5,023

 

69.4%



20




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


 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2008

Net broadcasting revenue

 

90

%

 

89

%

Non-broadcast revenue

 

10

%

 

11

  %

Total revenue

 

100

%

 

100

%

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Broadcasting operating expenses

 

58

%

 

59

%

 

Non-broadcast operating expenses

 

9

%

 

11

%

 

Corporate expenses

 

11

%

 

10

%

 

Depreciation

 

6

%

 

6

%

 

Amortization

 

1

%

 

1

%

 

Gain on disposal of assets

 

(6)

%

 

(11)

%

 

Total operating expenses

 

79

%

 

76

%

Operating income from continuing operations

 

21

%

 

24

%

Other income (expense):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

%

 

%

 

Interest expense

 

(12)

%

 

(11)

%

 

Other expense, net

 

%

 

%

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

 

9

%

 

13

%

Provision for income taxes

 

4

%

 

6

%

Income from continuing operations

 

5

%

 

7

%

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

%

 

2

%

Net income

 

5

%

 

9

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 





21



Three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2007

NET BROADCASTING REVENUE.  Net broadcasting revenue decreased $1.5 million or 3.2%, to $48.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008, from $49.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007.  On a same station basis, net broadcasting revenue declined $1.9 million, or 3.9%, to $46.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008, from $48.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007.  This revenue decline is attributable to decreases in local and national advertising revenue across all our revenue formats offset by revenue growth on block programming revenue for Christian Teaching and Talk format.  Revenue from advertising as a percentage of our net broadcasting revenue decreased to 45.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2008, from 48.7% for the same period of the prior year.   Revenue from block program time as a percentage of our net broadcasting revenue increased to 39.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2008, from 37.5% for the same period of the prior year.  

NON-BROADCAST REVENUE.  Non-broadcast revenue increased $0.8 million, or 16.0%, to $6.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008, from $5.3 million for the same period of the prior year.  The increase is primarily due to a $0.3 million increase in revenue on Xulon Press, attributable to cross promotion on our other platforms, and a $0.3 million increase in revenue on Townhall.com and OnePlace.        

BROADCASTING OPERATING EXPENSES.  Broadcast operating expenses remained consistent at $32.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007.  On a same station basis, broadcast operating expense decreased $0.5 million or 1.8% to $30.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008, compared to $30.9 million for same period of the prior year.  

NON-BROADCAST OPERATING EXPENSES.   Non-broadcast operating expenses increased $1.2 million, or 25.8%, to $6.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008, compared to $5.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007.  The increase consists of a $0.3 million increase in printing costs on Xulon Press associated with higher revenue, a $0.2 million increase in marketing and administrative costs on Townhall.com, and a $0.3 million increase in advertising and sale expense on OnePlace.  

CORPORATE EXPENSES.  Corporate expenses decreased $0.5 million, or 9.2%, to $5.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008, compared to $5.8 million for the same period of the prior year.  The decrease is primarily due to reduced accounting fees of $0.2 million and reduced personnel related costs of $0.2 million.   

DEPRECIATION.  Depreciation expense increased $0.2 million, or 6.7%, to $3.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008, compared to $3.1 million for the same period of the prior year.  The increase is due primarily to depreciation associated with an increase in capital expenditures compared to the prior year.  

AMORTIZATION.   Amortization expense decreased $0.1 million, or 17.5%, to $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008, compared to $0.8 million for the same period of the prior year.  The decrease is due to higher amortization recognized in early 2007 on intangibles such as advertising agreements and other business contracts that were acquired in 2006 with an estimated useful life of one year.

GAIN ON DISPOSAL OF ASSETS.   Gain on disposal of assets of $6.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008, was primarily comprised of the sale of radio station KTEK, Houston, Texas for $7.8 million resulting in a pre-tax gain of $6.1 million offset by various fixed assets disposals.   The gain on disposal of assets of $3.3 million for the same period of the prior year was primarily due to the sale of radio station WKNR-AM in Cleveland, Ohio, for $7.0 million resulting in a pre-tax gain of $3.4 million offset by various fixed asset disposals.  

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE).  Interest income of $21,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and $60,000 for the same period of the prior year was interest earned on excess cash.  Interest expense decreased $0.4 million, or 5.9%, to $6.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008, compared to $6.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007 due to a lower outstanding debt balance and lower interest rates.  Other expense, net, increased to $51,000 from $35,000 primarily due to bank commitment fees associated with our credit facilities offset with royalty income from real estate properties.

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES   We adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN No. 48”) as of January 1, 2007.  Provision for income taxes was $3.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to $2.4 million for the same period of the prior year.  Provision for income taxes as a percentage of income before income taxes (that is, the effective tax rate) was 46.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to 45.7% for the same period of the prior year.  The effective tax rate for each period differs from the federal statutory income rate of 35.0% due to the effect of state income taxes, certain expenses that are not deductible for tax purposes, and changes in the valuation allowance from the utilization of certain state net operating loss carryforwards.

INCOME FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, NET OF TAX.       The income from discontinued operations of $1.4 million, net of taxes, for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and $0.1 million, net of taxes for the same period of the prior year, includes the operating



22



results of WRRD-AM, Milwaukee Wisconsin through the date of the sale, and the pre-tax gain on the sale of $2.2 million, as well as the operating results of WFZH-FM, Milwaukee, and CCM Magazine.  

NET INCOME.   We recognized net income of $5.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to net income of $3.0 million for the same period of the prior year.   This increase of $2.1 million is primarily due to an increase in operating income from continuing operations of $1.2 million, income from discontinued operations of $1.3 million and a decrease of interest expense of $0.4 million offset by an increase in the provision for income taxes of $0.8 million.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

The performance of a radio broadcasting company is customarily measured by the ability of its stations to generate station operating income. We define station operating income (“SOI”) as net broadcasting revenue less broadcasting operating expenses.  Accordingly, changes in net broadcasting revenue and broadcasting expenses, as explained above, have a direct impact on changes in SOI.

SOI is not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP; as a result it should be viewed as a supplement to and not a substitute for our results of operations presented on the basis of GAAP. Management believes that SOI is a useful non-GAAP financial measure to investors, when considered in conjunction with operating income, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, because it is generally recognized by the radio broadcasting industry as a tool in measuring performance and in applying valuation methodologies for companies in the media, entertainment and communications industries. This measure is used by investors and analysts who report on the industry to provide comparisons between broadcasting groups. Additionally, our management uses SOI as one of the key measures of operating efficiency and profitability. SOI does not purport to represent cash provided by operating activities. Our statement of cash flows presents our cash flow activity and our income statement presents our historical performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. SOI as defined by and used by our company is not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures employed by other companies.

Three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2007

STATION OPERATING INCOME.   SOI decreased $1.7 million, or 9.1%, to $16.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008, compared to $17.9 million for the same period of the prior year.  As a percentage of net broadcasting revenue, SOI decreased to 33.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2008 from 35.8% for the same period of the prior year.  On a same station basis, SOI decreased $1.3 million, or 7.6%, to $16.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 from $17.5 million for the same period of the prior year.  As a percentage of same station net broadcasting revenue, same station SOI decreased to 34.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to 36.1% for the same period of the prior year.   

The following table provides a reconciliation of SOI (a non-GAAP financial measure) to operating income (as presented in our financial statements) for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007:

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

2007

 

2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

Station operating income

 

$                 17,856

 

$                 16,231

Plus non-broadcast revenue

 

5,288

 

6,135

Less non-broadcast operating expenses

 

(4,958)

 

(6,239)

Less depreciation and amortization

 

(3,868)

 

(3,931)

Less gain on disposal of assets

 

3,269

 

6,014

Less corporate expenses

 

(5,814)

 

(5,277)

Operating income

 

$                 11,773

 

$                 12,933



23



CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES, JUDGMENTS AND ESTIMATES

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

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

Accounting for acquisitions and upgrades of radio station and network assets

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

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

Revenue recognition.

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

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

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

Allowance for doubtful accounts

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




24



Goodwill and Other Intangible assets

In accordance with SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations,” and SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” we no longer amortize goodwill and intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives, but perform annual impairment tests in accordance with these statements. We believe our FCC licenses have indefinite lives and accordingly amortization expense is no longer recorded for our FCC licenses as well as our goodwill. Other intangible assets continue to be amortized over their useful lives.

We perform impairment tests on our FCC licenses and goodwill at least annually or more often if indicators of impairment exist. The annual tests are performed during the fourth quarter of each year and include comparing the recorded values to the appraised values, calculations of discounted cash flows, operating income and other analyses. As of March 31, 2008, no impairment was recognized.  The assessment of the fair values of these assets and the underlying businesses are estimates, which require careful consideration and judgments by our management. If conditions in the markets in which our stations and non-broadcast businesses operate or if the operating results of our stations and non-broadcast businesses change or fail to develop as anticipated, our estimates of the fair values may change in the future and may result in impairment charges.

Uncertain tax positions

We adopted FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN No. 48”) on January 1, 2007 and accrued liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits in accordance with the provisions.   On the date of adoption we had $3.0 million in liabilities related to uncertain tax positions, including $0.9 million recognized under Statement of Accounting Standards No. 5 (“SFAS No. 5”) Accounting for Contingencies and carried forward from prior years and $2.1 million recognized upon adoption of FIN 48 as a reduction to retained earnings.  Included in the $2.1 million accrual was $0.1 million related interest, net of federal income tax benefits.  During 2007, we recognized a net increase of $0.9 million in liabilities and at December 31, 2007, had $3.9 million in liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits. Included in this liability amount were $0.1 million accrued for the related interest, net of federal income tax benefits, and $0.1 million for the related penalty recorded in income tax expense on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.  We recorded an increase in unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $0.2 million as of March 31, 2008.  

Valuation allowance (deferred taxes)

For financial reporting purposes, the company has recorded a valuation allowance of $2.0 million as of March 31, 2008, to offset a portion of the deferred tax assets related to the state net operating loss carryforwards. Management regularly reviews our financial forecasts in an effort to determine our ability to utilize the net operating loss carryforwards for tax purposes. Accordingly, the valuation allowance is adjusted periodically based on management’s estimate of the benefit the company will receive from such carryforwards.

Long-term debt and debt covenant compliance

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

Stock-Based compensation

We have one stock incentive plan, The Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Incentive Plan, (the “Plan”) under which stock options and restricted stock units are granted to employees, directors, officers and advisors of the company.  As of March 31, 2008, a maximum of 3,100,000 shares are authorized under the Plan, of which 2,415,129 are outstanding and 1,571,516 are exercisable.  

Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted SFAS No. 123(R), which requires the measurement at fair value and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards. Total stock based compensation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2008 was $0.7 million compared to $0.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007. Determining the appropriate fair-value model and calculating the fair value of employee stock options and rights to purchase shares under stock purchase plans at the date of grant requires judgment. We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of these share-based awards consistent with the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R). Option pricing models, including the Black-Scholes model, also require the use of input assumptions, including expected volatility, expected life, expected dividend rate, and expected risk-free rate of return.



25



LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

We have historically financed acquisitions through borrowings, including borrowings under credit facilities and, to a lesser extent, from operating cash flow and selected asset dispositions. We expect to fund future acquisitions from cash on hand, proceeds from our debt and equity offerings, borrowings under the credit facilities, operating cash flow and possibly through the sale of income-producing assets. We have historically funded, and will continue to fund, expenditures for operations, administrative expenses, capital expenditures and debt service required by our credit facilities and our senior subordinated notes from operating cash flow, borrowings under our credit facilities and, if necessary, proceeds from the sale of selected assets or radio stations. We believe that cash on hand, cash flow from operations, and borrowings under the credit facilities will be sufficient to permit us to meet our financial obligations, fund pending acquisitions and fund operations for at least the next twelve months.

Cash Flows 

Cash and cash equivalents were $1.3 million on March 31, 2008 compared to $0.4 million as of December 31, 2007.  Working capital was $20.0 million on March 31, 2008 compared to $21.6 million as of December 31, 2007.     

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

During the three months ended March 31, 2008, our cash flows from continuing operations were primarily derived from our earnings from ongoing operations prior to non-cash expenses such as depreciation, amortization, bad debt, and stock-based compensation and changes in our working capital.  Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations was $11.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to $10.1 million for the same period of the prior year.   The increase of $1.6 million was primarily the result of an increase in net income from continuing operations of $0.8 million and changes in operating assets and liabilities, including an increase in deferred income taxes of $1.4 million offset by a change in the gain on disposal of assets of $2.7 million and an increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $1.1 million.  

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Our investing activities primarily relate to capital expenditures, strategic acquisitions or dispositions of radio stations assets and strategic acquisitions of non-broadcast businesses.  Net cash provided by investing activities was $1.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to $2.7 million for the same period of the prior year.  The decrease of $1.3 million was due to a $2.6 million decrease in proceeds from disposal of assets offset by a $1.2 million decrease in capital expenditures.    

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Our financing activities primarily relate to proceeds and repayments under our credit facilities, payments of capital lease obligations, payments of dividends and repurchases of our Class A Common Stock.  Cash flows from financing activities increased $15.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 from $13.0 million for the same period of the prior year.  This increase was due to net repayments of debt of $13.0 million during the period compared to net draws of $11.4 million in the same period of the prior year.   

Credit Facilities

Our wholly-owned subsidiary, Salem Communications Holding Corporation (“Salem Holding”), is the borrower under our credit facilities.  The maximum amount that Salem Holding may borrow under our credit facilities is limited by a ratio of our consolidated existing total adjusted funded debt to pro forma twelve-month cash flow (the “Total Leverage Ratio”). Our credit facilities will allow us to adjust our total debt as used in such calculation by the lesser of (i) 50% of the aggregate purchase price of acquisitions of newly acquired radio stations that we reformat to a religious talk, News Talk or religious music format or (ii) $45.0 million, and the cash flow from such stations will not be considered in the calculation of the ratio during the period in which such acquisition gives rise to an adjustment to total debt. The Total Leverage Ratio allowed under the credit facilities was 6.25 to 1 as of March 31, 2008. The ratio will decline periodically until December 31, 2009, at which point it will remain at 5.5 to 1 through the remaining term of the credit facilities. The Total Leverage Ratio under our credit facilities at March 31, 2008, on a pro forma basis, was 5.98 to 1.

We amended our credit facilities on October 24, 2007 to keep our Total Leverage Ratio covenant ratio at 6.75 to 1 through March 30, 2009.  These covenant changes were effective upon the acquisition of WMCU-AM, which occurred on April 11, 2008.  Specifically, the leverage ratio covenant increased to 6.75 to 1 through March 30, 2009.  Additionally, the senior leverage ratio covenant increased to 5.0 to 1 and the interest coverage ratio remained at 2.0 to 1 through March 30, 2009.

The credit facilities include a $75.0 million senior secured reducing revolving credit facility (“revolving credit facility”), a $75.0 million term loan B facility (“term loan B facility”) and a $165.0 million term loan C facility (“term loan C facility”). As of March 31, 2008, the



26



borrowing capacity and aggregate commitments were $60.0 million under our revolving credit facility, $72.4 million under our term loan B facility and $162.5 million under our term loan C facility. The amount we can borrow, however, is subject to certain restrictions as described below.  As of March 31, 2008, we could borrow $15.9 million under our credit facilities.  

On March 31, 2008, $72.4 million was outstanding under the term loan B facility, $162.5 million was outstanding under the term loan C facility and no balance was outstanding under the revolving credit facility.  The borrowing capacity under the revolving credit facility steps down in three 10% increments on June 30, 2007, December 31, 2007 and June 30, 2008, and matures on March 25, 2009.  The borrowing capacity under the term loan B facility steps down 0.5% each December 31 and June 30.  The term loan B facility matures on the earlier of March 25, 2010, or the date that is six months prior to the maturity of any subordinated indebtedness of Salem or Salem Holding. The borrowing capacity under the term loan C facility steps down 0.5% each December 31 and June 30, commencing December 31, 2008. The term loan C facility matures on the earlier of June 30, 2012, or the date that is six months prior to the maturity of any subordinated indebtedness of Salem or Salem Holding. The credit facilities require us, under certain circumstances, to prepay borrowings under the credit facilities with excess cash flow and the net proceeds from the sale of assets, the issuance of equity interests and the issuance of subordinated notes. If we are required to make these prepayments, our borrowing capacity and the aggregate commitments under the facilities will be reduced, but such reduction shall not, in any event, reduce the borrowing capacity and aggregate commitments under the facilities below $50.0 million.

Amounts outstanding under the credit facilities bear interest at a rate based on, at Salem Holding’s option, the bank’s prime rate or LIBOR, in each case plus a spread. For purposes of determining the interest rate under our revolving credit facility, the prime rate spread ranges from 0.00% to 1.00%, and the LIBOR spread ranges from 1.00% to 2.00%. For both the term loan B facility and the term loan C facility, the prime rate spread ranges from 0.25% to 0.75%, and the LIBOR spread ranges from 1.25% to 1.75%. In each case, the spread is based on the Total Leverage Ratio on the date of determination. If an event of default occurs, the rate may increase by 2.0%. At March 31, 2008, the blended interest rate on amounts outstanding under the credit facilities was 5.36%.

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

As of March 31, 2008, we were and remain in compliance with all of the covenants under our terms of the credit facilities.

Swingline Credit Facility.  On June 1, 2005, we entered into an agreement for a swingline credit facility (“Swingline”) with a borrowing capacity of $5.0 million.  This agreement was amended as of June 1, 2007.  As collateral for the Swingline, we pledged our corporate office building.  Amounts outstanding under the Swingline bear interest at a rate based on 0.25% less than the bank’s prime rate.  As of March 31, 2008, $1.4 million was outstanding under the Swingline.  

As of March 31, 2008, we were and remain in compliance with all of the covenants under the terms of the Swingline.

7¾% Notes. In December 2002, Salem Holding issued $100.0 million principal amount of 7¾% Notes. Salem Holding used the net proceeds to redeem the $100.0 million 9½% Notes on January 22, 2003. The indenture for the 7¾% Notes contains restrictive covenants that, among other things, limit the incurrence of debt by Salem Holding and its subsidiaries, the payment of dividends, the use of proceeds of specified asset sales and transactions with affiliates. Salem Holding is required to pay $7.8 million per year in interest on the 7¾% Notes. We and all of our subsidiaries (other than Salem Holding) are guarantors of the 7¾% Notes.

As of March 31, 2008, we were and remain in compliance with all of the covenants under the indenture for the 7¾% Notes.



27



Summary of long-term obligations

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

 

As of December 31, 2007

 

As of March 31, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

Term loans under credit facility

$                     234,900

 

$                     234,900

Revolving line of credit under credit facility

 13,000

 

Swingline credit facility

2,952

 

1,394

7¾% senior subordinated notes due 2010

100,000

 

100,000

Seller financed note to acquire Townhall.com

2,546

 

2,563

Capital leases and other loans

886

 

906

 

$                   354,284

 

$                    339,763

Less current portion

6,667

 

5,126

 

$                   347,617

 

$                    334,637


In addition to the amounts listed above, we also have interest payments related to our long-term debt as follows as of March 31, 2008:


·

Outstanding borrowings of $234.9 million on term loans with interest payments due at LIBOR plus 1.25% to 1.75% or at prime rate plus 0.25% to 0.75%, depending on our total leverage ratio, and a commitment fee of 0.375% on the unused portion.  

·

Borrowings under a revolving line of credit with interest payments due at the banks prime rate.  

·

$100 million senior subordinated notes with semi-annual interest payments at 7 ¾%.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

At March 31, 2008 and 2007, Salem did not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, which would constitute an off-balance sheet arrangement.  As such, Salem is not materially exposed to any financing, liquidity, market or credit risk that could arise if Salem had engaged in such relationships.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

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

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

On April 8, 2005, we entered into an interest rate swap arrangement for the notional principal amount of $30.0 million whereby we will pay a fixed interest rate of 4.99% as compared to LIBOR on a bank credit facility borrowing.  Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2008, was increased by approximately $20,000 as a result of the difference between the interest rates.  As of March 31, 2008, we recorded a liability for the fair value of the interest rate swap of approximately $2.4 million. This amount, net of income taxes of approximately $0.9 million, is reflected in other comprehensive loss, as we have designated the interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge.  The effective date of this interest rate swap was July 1, 2006 and the expiration date is July 1, 2012.

On April 26, 2005, we entered into a second interest rate swap arrangement for the notional principal amount of $30.0 million whereby we will pay a fixed interest rate of 4.70% as compared to LIBOR on a bank credit facility borrowing.  Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2008, was reduced by approximately $2,000 as a result of the difference between the interest rates.  As of March 31, 2008,



28



we recorded a liability for the fair value of the interest rate swap of approximately $2.0 million.  This amount, net of income taxes of approximately $0.8 million, is reflected in other comprehensive loss, as we have designated the interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge. The effective date of this interest rate swap was July 1, 2006 and the expiration date is July 1, 2012.

On May 5, 2005, we entered into a third interest rate swap arrangement for the notional principal amount of $30.0 million whereby we will pay a fixed interest rate of 4.53% as compared to LIBOR on a bank credit facility borrowing.  Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2008, was reduced by approximately $15,000 as a result of the difference between the interest rates. As of March 31, 2008, we recorded a liability for the fair value of the interest rate swap of approximately $1.7 million.  This amount, net of income taxes of approximately $0.7 million, is reflected in other comprehensive loss, as we have designated the interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge. The effective date of this interest rate swap was July 1, 2006 and the expiration date is July 1, 2012.

Interest Rate Caps

On October 18, 2006, we purchased two interest rate caps for $0.1 million to mitigate exposure to rising interest rates.  The first interest rate cap covers $50.0 million of borrowings under the credit facilities for a three year period.  The second interest rate cap covers $50.0 million of borrowings under the credit facilities for a four year period.  Both interest rate caps are at 7.25%. The caps do not qualify for hedge accounting and accordingly, all changes in fair value have been included as a component of interest expense.  Interest expense of approximately $24,000 and $7,000 was recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2008 related to our interest rate caps.

MARKET RISK

In addition to the interest rate swap agreements discussed above under “Derivative Instruments,” borrowings under the credit facilities are subject to market risk exposure, specifically to changes in LIBOR and in the prime rate in the United States. As of March 31, 2008, we had borrowed $236.3 million under our credit facilities and Swingline.  As of March 31, 2008, we could borrow up to an additional $15.9 million under the credit facilities. Amounts outstanding under the credit facilities bear interest at a rate based on, at Salem Holding’s option, the bank’s prime rate or LIBOR, in each case plus a spread. For purposes of determining the interest rate under our revolving credit facility, the prime rate spread ranges from 0.00% to 1.00%, and the LIBOR spread ranges from 1.00% to 2.00%. For both the term loan B facility and the term loan C facility, the prime rate spread ranges from 0.25% to 0.75%, and the LIBOR spread ranges from 1.25% to 1.75%. In each case, the spread is based on the Total Leverage Ratio on the date of determination. At March 31, 2008, the blended interest rate on amounts outstanding under the credit facilities was 5.36%.  At March 31, 2008, a hypothetical 100 basis point increase in the prime rate or LIBOR, as applicable, would result in additional interest expense of $1.5 million on an annualized basis.

In addition to the variable rate debt disclosed above, we have fixed rate debt with a carrying value of $100.0 million relating to the outstanding 7¾% Notes as of March 31, 2008, with an aggregate fair value of $94.1 million. We are exposed to changes in the fair value of these financial instruments based on changes in the market rate of interest on this debt. The ultimate value of these notes will be determined by actual market prices, as all of these notes are tradable. We estimate that a hypothetical 100 basis point increase in market interest rates would result in a decrease in the aggregate fair value of the notes to approximately $92.0 million and a hypothetical 100 basis point decrease in market interest rates would result in the increase of the fair value of the notes to approximately $96.3 million.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act.  Based upon such evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2008.

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

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

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



29



ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

We have included in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, a description of certain risks and uncertainties that could affect our business, future performance or financial condition (the “Risk Factors”).  The Risk Factors are hereby incorporated in Part II, Item 1A of this Form 10-Q.  Investors should consider the Risk Factors prior to making an investment decision with respect to our stock.  

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

Not applicable

ITEM 3. DEFAULT UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.

Not applicable.

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

None.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION.

Not applicable.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS.



30




SIGNATURES

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

       

 

 

SALEM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

May 9, 2008

 

 

 

 

By: /s/ EDWARD G. ATSINGER III

 

 

Edward G. Atsinger III

 

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 9, 2008

 

 

 

 

By: /s/ EVAN D. MASYR

 

 

Evan D. Masyr

 

 

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

(Principal Financial Officer)



                     




31



EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit

Number

 

Description of Exhibits

 

 

 

31.1

 

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

 

 

 

31.2

 

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

 

 

 

32.1

 

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

 

 

 

32.2

 

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




32



EXHIBIT 31.1

I, Edward G. Atsinger III, certify that:

1.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(c)

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(d)

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date: May 9, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ EDWARD G. ATSINGER III

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Edward G. Atsinger III

 

 

 

Chief Executive Officer

 



33



EXHIBIT 31.2

I, Evan D. Masyr, certify that:

1.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(c)

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(d)

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date: May 9, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ EVAN D. MASYR

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Evan D. Masyr

 

 

 

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 



34




EXHIBIT 32.1

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

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

·

the Quarterly Report of the Company on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2008 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and


·

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


 

Dated: May 9, 2008

 

 

 

 

By: /s/ EDWARD G. ATSINGER III

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edward G. Atsinger III

 

 

 

Chief Executive Officer

 




35




EXHIBIT 32.1

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

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

·

the Quarterly report of the Company on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2008 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and


·

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

 


Dated: May 9, 2008

 

 

 

 

By: /s/ EVAN D. MASYR

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Evan D. Masyr

 

 

 

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 




36