Townsquare Media, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2023 September (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q


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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2023


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

For the transition period from _______ to ______

Commission file number 001-36558

Townsquare Media, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Delaware		27-1996555
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

One Manhattanville Road
Suite 202
Purchase,	New York	10577
(Address of Principal Executive Offices, including Zip Code)

(203) 861-0900

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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


Title of each class	Trading Symbol(s)	Name of each exchange on which registered
Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share	TSQ	The New York Stock Exchange

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 ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

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

Large accelerated filer

☐

Accelerated filer

☒

Non-accelerated filer

☐

Smaller reporting company

☒

Emerging growth company

☐

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

☐

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

As of November 3, 2023, the registrant had 16,457,340 outstanding shares of common stock consisting of: (i) 13,680,703 shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share; (ii) 815,296 shares of Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share; and (iii) 1,961,341 shares of Class C common stock, par value $0.01 per share.

TOWNSQUARE MEDIA, INC.

INDEX


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.	Financial Statements (Unaudited)
	Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022	2
	Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022	3
	Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022	4
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022	6
	Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements	8
Item 2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	27
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	41

PART II OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	42
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	42
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	42
Item 3.	Defaults upon Senior Securities	42
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	42
Item 5.	Other Information	42
Item 6.	Exhibits	43
	Signatures	44

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

TOWNSQUARE MEDIA, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Data)

(unaudited)


	September 30, 2023		December 31, 2022
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	37,955	$	43,417
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses of $4,544 and $5,946, respectively	63,527		61,234
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	11,860		16,037

Total current assets	113,342		120,688
Property and equipment, net	111,301		113,846
Intangible assets, net	220,755		276,838
Goodwill	158,670		161,385
Investments	4,209		19,106
Operating lease right-of-use assets	47,719		50,962
Other assets	828		1,197
Restricted cash	501		496
Total assets	$	657,325	$	744,518
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	4,844	$	4,127
Deferred revenue	8,845		10,669
Accrued compensation and benefits	11,227		14,831
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	24,326		17,876
Operating lease liabilities, current	9,039		9,008
Accrued interest	5,760		15,203
Total current liabilities	64,041		71,714
Long-term debt, net of deferred finance costs of $4,480 and $6,324, respectively	499,138		524,442
Deferred tax liability	27,565		18,748
Operating lease liability, net of current portion	42,281		45,107

Other long-term liabilities	11,866		15,428
Total liabilities	644,891		675,439

Stockholders’ equity:
Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 300,000,000 shares authorized; 13,864,471 and 12,964,312 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	139		130
Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 50,000,000 shares authorized; 815,296 and 815,296 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	8		8
Class C common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 50,000,000 shares authorized; 1,961,341 and 3,461,341 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	20		35
Total common stock	167		173
Treasury stock, at cost; 183,768 and 0 shares of Class A common stock, respectively	(2,194)		—
Additional paid-in capital	307,498		309,645
Accumulated deficit	(296,573)		(244,298)
Non-controlling interest	3,536		3,559
Total stockholders’ equity	12,434		69,079
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	657,325	$	744,518

See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

TOWNSQUARE MEDIA, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)

(unaudited)


	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2023		2022		2023		2022
Net revenue	$	115,104	$	120,635	$	339,445	$	342,801

Operating costs and expenses:
Direct operating expenses, excluding depreciation, amortization, and stock-based compensation	81,323		83,985		245,301		241,581
Depreciation and amortization	4,717		4,467		14,496		13,546
Corporate expenses	6,604		5,744		18,911		15,892
Stock-based compensation	2,350		722		6,228		2,430
Transaction and business realignment costs	161		1,004		764		2,280

Impairment of intangible assets, investments, goodwill and long-lived assets	30,970		10,300		65,697		20,197

Net gain on sale and retirement of assets	(362)		(119)		(703)		(338)
Total operating costs and expenses	125,763		106,103		350,694		295,588
Operating (loss) income	(10,659)		14,532		(11,249)		47,213
Other expense (income):
Interest expense, net	9,343		9,967		28,215		30,038
Gain on repurchases of debt	(430)		—		(1,249)		(108)
Other (income) expense, net	(547)		(508)		(6,451)		1,886
(Loss) income from operations before tax	(19,025)		5,073		(31,764)		15,397
Income tax provision	17,478		2,275		9,380		4,939


Net (loss) income	$	(36,503)	$	2,798	$	(41,144)	$	10,458

Net (loss) income attributable to:
Controlling interests	$	(36,999)	$	2,260	$	(42,620)	$	8,878
Non-controlling interests	$	496	$	538	$	1,476	$	1,580

Basic (loss) income per share	$	(2.27)	$	0.13	$	(2.52)	$	0.52





Diluted (loss) income per share	$	(2.27)	$	0.13	$	(2.52)	$	0.48


Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic	16,277		17,037		16,897		16,941
Diluted	16,277		17,482		16,897		18,645

Cash dividend declared per share	$	0.1875	$	—	$	0.5625	$	—

See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

TOWNSQUARE MEDIA, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(in Thousands, Except Share Data)

(unaudited)


	Shares of Common Stock			Treasury Stock
	Class A	Class B	Class C	Class A
	Shares	Shares	Shares	Shares	Common Stock		Treasury Stock		Additional Paid-in Capital		Accumulated Deficit		Non- Controlling Interest		Total
Balance at January 1, 2023	12,964,312	815,296	3,461,341	—	$	173	$	—	$	309,645	$	(244,298)	$	3,559	$	69,079
Net (loss) income	—	—	—	—	—		—		—		(2,421)		480		(1,941)
Dividends declared	—	—	—	—	—		—		—		(3,343)		—		(3,343)
Stock-based compensation	—	—	—	—	—		—		1,772		—		—		1,772
Common stock issued under exercise of stock options	5,000	—	—	—	—		—		31		—		—		31
ESPP shares issued	65,732	—	—	—	—		—		430		—		—		430
Issuance of restricted stock (3)	82,263	—	—	—	1		—		(1)		—		—		—


Balance at March 31, 2023	13,117,307	815,296	3,461,341	—	$	174	$	—	$	311,877	$	(250,062)	$	4,039	$	66,028
Net (loss) income	—	—	—	—	—		—		—		(3,200)		500		(2,700)
Repurchase of stock(1)	—	—	(1,500,000)	—	(15)		—		(14,535)		—		—		(14,550)
Dividend declared	—	—	—	—	—		—		—		(3,148)		—		(3,148)
Stock-based compensation	—	—	—	—	—		—		2,106		—		—		2,106
Common stock issued under exercise of stock options	551,121	—	—	—	5		—		4,272		—		—		4,277
Treasury stock acquired at cost (2)	—	—	—	89,568	—		(1,135)		—		—		—		(1,135)
Cash distributions to non-controlling interests	—	—	—	—	—		—		—		—		(1,499)		(1,499)
Balance at June 30, 2023	13,668,428	815,296	1,961,341	89,568	$	164	$	(1,135)	$	303,720	$	(256,410)	$	3,040	$	49,379
Net (loss) income	—	—	—	—	—		—		—		(36,999)		496		(36,503)
Dividend declared	—	—	—	—	—				—		(3,164)		—		(3,164)
Stock-based compensation	—	—	—	—	—		—		2,350		—		—		2,350
Common stock issued under exercise of stock options	132,314	—	—	—	2		—		1,130		—		—		1,132
Issuance of restricted stock (3)	17,752	—	—	—	—		—		—		—		—		—
ESPP shares issued	45,977	—	—	—	1		—		298		—		—		299
Treasury stock acquired at cost (2)	—	—	—	94,200	—		(1,059)		—		—		—		(1,059)

Balance at September 30, 2023	13,864,471	815,296	1,961,341	183,768	$	167	$	(2,194)	$	307,498	$	(296,573)	$	3,536	$	12,434

(1) On June 16, 2023, the Company repurchased 1.5 million shares of the Company’s Class C common stock. For further discussion on the repurchase, see Note 10, Stockholders' Equity, in our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

(2) Represents shares repurchased under the terms of the Company's stock repurchase plan pursuant to which the Company is authorized to repurchase up to $50 million of the Company’s issued and outstanding Class A common stock over a three-year period, the "2021 Stock Repurchase Plan." Refer to Note 10, Stockholders' Equity, in the accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to the stock repurchases.

(3) Refer to Note 10, Stockholders' Equity, in the accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to shares issued.


	Shares of Common Stock			Treasury Stock
	Class A	Class B	Class C	Class A
	Shares	Shares	Shares	Shares	Common Stock		Treasury Stock		Additional Paid-in Capital		Accumulated Deficit		Non- Controlling Interest		Total
Balance at January 1, 2022	12,573,654	815,296	3,461,341	—	$	169	$	—	$	302,724	$	(256,635)	$	3,326	$	49,584
Net income	—	—	—	—	—		—		—		2,224		517		2,741

Stock-based compensation	—	—	—	—	—		—		869		—		—		869
Common stock issued under exercise of stock options	94,422	—	—	—	1		—		646		—		—		647
Issuance of restricted stock (1)	191,456	—	—	—	2		—		1,807		—		—		1,809


Balance at March 31, 2022	12,859,532	815,296	3,461,341	—	$	172	$	—	$	306,046	$	(254,411)	$	3,843	$	55,650
Net income	—	—	—	—	—		—		—		4,394		525		4,919
Stock-based compensation	—	—	—	—	—		—		839		—		—		839
Common stock issued under exercise of stock options	17,179	—	—	—	—		—		112		—		—		112
Treasury stock acquired at cost (2)	—	—	—	25,623	—		(225)		—		—		—		(225)

Cash distributions to non-controlling interests	—	—	—	—	—		—		—		—		(1,820)		(1,820)
Balance at June 30, 2022	12,876,711	815,296	3,461,341	25,623	$	172	$	(225)	$	306,997	$	(250,017)	$	2,548	$	59,475
Net income	—	—	—	—	—		—		—		2,260		538		2,798
Stock-based compensation	—	—	—	—	—		—		722		—		—		722
Common stock issued under exercise of stock options	5,000	—	—	—	—		—		32		—		—		32


Balance at September 30, 2022	12,881,711	815,296	3,461,341	25,623	$	172	$	(225)	$	307,751	$	(247,757)	$	3,086	$	63,027

(1) Includes 150,000 shares issued in the form of stock awards that vested immediately.

(2) Represents shares repurchased under the 2021 Stock Repurchase Plan.

See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

TOWNSQUARE MEDIA, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in Thousands)

(unaudited)


	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2023		2022
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net (loss) income	$	(41,144)	$	10,458


Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	14,496		13,546
Amortization of deferred financing costs	1,567		1,359
Non-cash lease expense (income)	69		(298)
Net deferred taxes and other	8,817		4,413
Provision for doubtful accounts	2,817		1,429
Stock-based compensation expense	6,228		2,430
Gain on repurchases of debt	(1,249)		(108)

Trade activity, net	(1,352)		(3,496)
Impairment of intangible assets, investments, goodwill and long-lived assets	65,697		20,197





Realized gain on sale of digital assets	(839)		—
Gain on sale of investment	(5,210)		—
Unrealized loss on investment	493		1,934
Content rights acquired	—		(19,320)
Amortization of content rights	3,645		3,124
Change in content rights liabilities	(1,819)		17,397
Reimbursement of equipment modification costs	(1,487)		—
Other	(1,276)		(815)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	(3,037)		(4,900)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	5,130		(1,253)
Accounts payable	646		(123)
Accrued expenses	(3,845)		(3,916)
Accrued interest	(9,443)		(9,674)
Other long-term liabilities	60		(278)


Net cash provided by operating activities	38,964		32,106

Cash flows from investing activities:
Payment for acquisition	—		(18,419)
Purchase of property and equipment	(11,373)		(13,100)
Purchase of investments	—		(100)
Purchase of digital assets	—		(4,997)
Proceeds from sale of digital assets	2,975		—
Proceeds from insurance recoveries	721		452
Proceeds from sale of assets and investment related transactions	7,277		810



Net cash used in investing activities	(400)		(35,354)

Cash flows from financing activities:

Repurchases of 2026 Notes	(25,621)		(18,850)









Dividend payments	(6,285)		—
Proceeds from stock options exercised	5,440		790
Withholdings for shares issued under the ESPP	729		—
Repurchases of stock	(16,645)		(225)
Cash distribution to non-controlling interests	(1,499)		(1,820)
Repayments of capitalized obligations	(140)		(105)
Net cash used in financing activities	(44,021)		(20,210)

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash:
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	(5,457)		(23,458)
Beginning of period	43,913		50,999
End of period	$	38,456	$	27,541

See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

TOWNSQUARE MEDIA, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued)

(in Thousands)

(unaudited)


	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2023		2022
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
Cash payments:
Interest	$	37,273	$	38,284
Income taxes	1,122		1,049

Supplemental Disclosure of Non-cash Activities:

Dividends declared, but not paid during the period	$	3,164	$	—
Investments acquired in exchange for advertising (1)	—		2,750
Property and equipment acquired in exchange for advertising (1)	550		726
Accrued capital expenditures	229		45

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information relating to Leases:
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities, included in operating cash flows	$	8,850	$	7,982
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease obligations	4,035		8,923

Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
Cash and cash equivalents	$	37,955	$	27,046
Restricted cash	501		495
	$	38,456	$	27,541

(1) Represents total advertising services provided by the Company in exchange for property and equipment and equity interests acquired during each of the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

TOWNSQUARE MEDIA, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1. Organization and Basis of Presentation

Description of the Business

Townsquare is a community-focused digital media and digital marketing solutions company with market leading local radio stations, principally focused outside the top 50 markets in the U.S. Our integrated and diversified products and solutions enable local, regional and national advertisers to target audiences across multiple platforms, including digital, mobile, social, video, streaming, e-commerce, radio and events. Our assets include a subscription digital marketing services business (“Townsquare Interactive”), providing website design, creation and hosting, search engine optimization, social platforms and online reputation management for approximately 25,750 small to medium sized businesses; a robust digital advertising division (“Townsquare Ignite,” or “Ignite”), a powerful combination of a) an owned and operated portfolio of more than 400 local news and entertainment websites and mobile apps along with a network of leading national music and entertainment brands, collecting valuable first party data and b) a proprietary digital programmatic advertising technology stack with an in-house demand and data management platform; and a portfolio of 354 local terrestrial radio stations in 74 U.S. markets strategically situated outside the Top 50 markets in the United States. Our portfolio includes local media brands such as WYRK.com, WJON.com and NJ101.5.com, and premier national music brands such as XXLmag.com, TasteofCountry.com, UltimateClassicRock.com, and Loudwire.com.

Current economic challenges, including high and sustained inflation, rising interest rates, and supply chain disruptions have caused and could continue to cause economic uncertainty and volatility. These factors could result in advertising and subscription digital marketing solutions cancellations, declines in the purchase of new advertising by our clients, declines in the addition of new digital marketing solutions subscribers, and increases to our operating expenses. We monitor economic conditions closely, and in response to observed or anticipated reductions in revenue, we may institute precautionary measures to address the potential impact to our consolidated financial position, consolidated results of operations, and liquidity, including wage reduction efforts and controlling non-essential capital expenditures.

The extent of the impact of current economic conditions will depend on future actions and outcomes, all of which remain fluid and cannot be predicted with confidence (including effects on advertising activity, consumer discretionary spending and our employees in the markets in which we operate).

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K (the "2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K"). The accompanying unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements include the consolidated accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, with all significant intercompany balances and transactions eliminated in consolidation. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States ("U.S. GAAP") for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. All adjustments (consisting only of normal, recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of results of operations and financial condition as of the end of the interim periods have been included. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, and the Company’s financial condition as of such date are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations or cash flows that can be expected for, or the Company’s financial condition as of, any other interim period or for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023. The Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2022 is derived from the audited Consolidated Financial Statements at that date.

The presentation of immaterial amounts of broadcast and digital advertising revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 have been reclassified to conform with the current period's presentation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its significant estimates, including those related to assumptions used in determining the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in a business combination, impairment testing of intangible assets, valuation and impairment testing of long-lived tangible assets and investments, the present value of leasing arrangements, share-based payment expense and the calculation of allowance for credit losses and income taxes. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the result 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 amounts and results may differ materially from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

There have been no significant changes in the Company’s accounting policies since December 31, 2022. For the Company's detailed accounting policies please refer to the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes thereto included in the Company's 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which adds a new Topic 326 to the Codification and removes the thresholds that companies apply to measure credit losses on financial instruments measured at amortized cost, such as loans, receivables, and held-to-maturity debt securities. The guidance will remove all recognition thresholds and will require companies to recognize an allowance for credit losses for the difference between the amortized cost basis of a financial instrument and the amount of amortized cost that the company expects to collect over the instrument's contractual life. The new guidance became effective for smaller reporting companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years.

The Company adopted the new guidance in the first quarter of 2023. In accordance with the guidance described above, the Company maintains an allowance for credit losses, which represents the portion of accounts receivable that is not expected to be collected over the duration of its contractual life. Credit losses are recorded when the Company believes a customer, or group of customers, may not be able to meet their financial obligations. A considerable amount of judgment is required in determining expected credit losses. Relevant factors include prior collection history with customers, the related aging of past due balances, projections of credit losses based on historical trends or past events, and the consideration of forecasts of future economic conditions. Allowances for credit losses are based on facts available and are re-evaluated and adjusted on a regular basis. Negative macroeconomic trends could result in an increase in credit losses if delays in the payment of outstanding receivables are observed or if future economic conditions differ from those considered in our forecasts. The adoption of this standard did not have a significant impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The change in the allowance for credit losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was as follows (in thousands):


Balance at December 31, 2022	$	5,946
Provision for credit losses	2,817
Amounts written off against allowance, net of recoveries	(4,219)
Balance at September 30, 2023	$	4,544

Recently Issued Standards That Have Not Yet Been Adopted

There were no new accounting pronouncements issued during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 that are expected to have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Note 3. Revenue Recognition

The following tables present a disaggregation of our revenue by reporting segment and revenue from political sources and all other sources (in thousands) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022:


	Three Months Ended September 30, 2023										Three Months Ended September 30, 2022
	Subscription Digital Marketing Solutions		Digital Advertising		Broadcast Advertising		Other		Total		Subscription Digital Marketing Solutions		Digital Advertising		Broadcast Advertising		Other		Total
Net Revenue (ex Political)	$	20,257	$	38,943	$	53,618	$	1,659	$	114,477	$	23,188	$	36,889	$	57,806	$	1,165	$	119,048
Political	—		66		561		—		627		—		100		1,487		—		1,587
Net Revenue	$	20,257	$	39,009	$	54,179	$	1,659	$	115,104	$	23,188	$	36,989	$	59,293	$	1,165	$	120,635


	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023										Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022
	Subscription Digital Marketing Solutions		Digital Advertising		Broadcast Advertising		Other		Total		Subscription Digital Marketing Solutions		Digital Advertising		Broadcast Advertising		Other		Total
Net Revenue (ex Political)	$	63,086	$	113,715	$	152,704	$	8,695	$	338,200	$	68,021	$	103,082	$	161,282	$	6,881	$	339,266
Political	—		127		1,118		—		1,245		—		297		3,238		—		3,535
Net Revenue	$	63,086	$	113,842	$	153,822	$	8,695	$	339,445	$	68,021	$	103,379	$	164,520	$	6,881	$	342,801

Revenue from contracts with customers is recognized as an obligation until the terms of a customer contract are satisfied; generally this occurs with the transfer of control as we satisfy contractual performance obligations over time. Our contractual performance obligations include the performance of digital marketing solutions, placement of internet-based advertising campaigns, broadcast of commercials on our owned and operated radio stations, and the operation of live events. Revenue is measured at contract inception as the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for transferring goods or providing services. Our contracts are at a fixed price at inception and do not include any variable consideration or financing components by normal course of business practice. Sales, value add, and other taxes that are collected concurrently with revenue producing activities, are excluded from revenue.

The primary sources of net revenue are the sale of digital and broadcast advertising solutions on our owned and operated websites, radio stations’ online streams and mobile applications, radio stations, and on third-party websites through our in-house digital programmatic advertising platform. Through our digital programmatic advertising platform, we are able to hyper-target audiences for our local, regional and national advertisers by combining first and third-party audience and geographic location data, providing them the ability to reach a high percentage of their online audience. We deliver these solutions across desktop, mobile, connected TV, email, paid search and social media platforms utilizing display, video and native executions. We also offer subscription digital marketing solutions under the brand name Townsquare Interactive to small and mid-sized local and regional businesses in markets outside the top 50 across the United States, including the markets in which we operate radio stations. Townsquare Interactive offers traditional and mobile-enabled website development and hosting services, e-commerce platforms, search engine and online directory optimization services, online reputation monitoring, social media management, and website retargeting.

Political net revenue includes the sale of advertising for political advertisers. Contracted performance obligations under political contracts consist of the broadcast and placement of digital advertisements. Management views political revenue separately based on the episodic nature of election cycles and local issues calendars.

Net revenue for digital and broadcast advertisements are recognized as the contractual performance obligations for Townsquare services are satisfied. We measure progress towards the satisfaction of our contractual performance obligations in accordance with the contractual arrangement. We recognize the associated contractual revenue as delivery takes place and the right to invoice for services performed is met.

Our advertising contracts are short-term (less than one year) and payment terms are generally net 30-60 days for traditional customer contracts and net 60-90 days for national agency customer contracts. Our billing practice is to invoice customers on a monthly basis for services delivered to date (representing the right to invoice). Our contractual arrangements do not include rights of return and do not include any significant judgments by nature of the products and services.

Net revenue from digital subscription-based contractual performance obligations is recognized ratably over time as our performance obligations are satisfied. Subscription-based service fees are typically billed in advance of the month of service at a fixed monthly fee that is contractually agreed upon at contract inception. The measure of progress in such arrangements is the number of days of successful delivery of the contracted service.

For all customer contracts, we evaluate whether we are the principal (i.e., report revenue on a gross basis) or the agent (i.e., report revenue on a net basis). Generally, we report revenue for advertising placed on Townsquare properties on a gross basis (the amount billed to our customers is recorded as revenue, and the amount paid to our publishers is recorded as a cost of revenue). We are the principal because we control the advertising inventory before it is transferred to our customers. Our control is evidenced by our sole ability to monetize the advertising inventory, being primarily responsible to our customers, having discretion in establishing pricing, or a combination of these factors. We also generate revenue through agency relationships in which revenue is reported net of agency commissions. Agency commissions are calculated based on a stated percentage applied to gross billing revenue for advertisers that use agencies.

The following tables provides information about receivables, contract assets and contract liabilities from contracts with customers (in thousands):


	September 30, 2023		December 31, 2022
Accounts Receivable	$	63,527	$	61,234
Short-term contract liabilities (deferred revenue)	$	8,845	$	10,669
Contract Acquisition Costs	$	5,930	$	6,348

We receive payments from customers based upon contractual billing schedules; contract receivables are recognized in the period the Company provides services when the Company’s right to consideration is unconditional. Payment terms vary by the type and location of our customer and the products or services offered. Payment terms for amounts invoiced are typically net 30-60 days.

Our contract liabilities include cash payments received or due in advance of satisfying our performance obligations and digital subscriptions in which payment is received in advance of the service and month. These contract liabilities are recognized as revenue as the related performance obligations are satisfied. As of September 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, the balance in the contract liabilities was $8.8 million and $10.7 million, respectively. The decrease in the contract liabilities balance at September 30, 2023 is primarily driven by $0.6 million and $9.1 million of recognized revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, offset by cash payments received or due in advance of satisfying our performance obligations. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, we recognized $0.6 million and $8.2 million of revenue that was previously included in our deferred revenue balance. No significant changes in the time frame of the satisfaction of contract liabilities have occurred during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023.

Our capitalized contract acquisition costs include amounts related to sales commissions paid for signed contracts with perceived durations exceeding one year. We defer the related sales commission costs and amortize such costs to expense in a manner that is consistent with how the related revenue is recognized over the duration of the related contracts. We have evaluated the average customer contract duration (initial term and any renewals) to determine the appropriate amortization period for these contractual arrangements. Capitalized contract acquisition costs are recognized in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, we had a balance of $5.9 million and $6.3 million, respectively, in capitalized contract acquisition costs and recognized $1.8 million and $5.1 million of amortization for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, we recognized $1.3 million and $3.7 million of amortization, respectively. No impairment losses have been recognized or changes made to the time frame for performance of the obligations related to deferred contract assets during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022.

Arrangements with Multiple Performance Obligations

In contracts with multiple performance obligations, we identify each performance obligation and evaluate whether the performance obligations are distinct within the context of the contract at contract inception. When multiple performance obligations are identified, we identify how control transfers to the customer for each distinct contract obligation and

determine the period when the obligations are satisfied. If obligations are satisfied in the same period, no allocation of revenue is deemed to be necessary. In the event performance obligations within a bundled contract do not run concurrently, we allocate revenue to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price. We generally determine standalone selling prices based on the prices charged to customers. Performance obligations that are not distinct at contract inception are combined.

Performance Obligations

We do not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for (i) contracts with an original expected length of one year or less and (ii) contracts for which we recognize revenue at the amount to which we have the right to invoice for services performed. Amounts related to performance obligations with expected durations of greater than one year are at a fixed price per unit and do not include any upfront or minimum payments requiring any estimation or allocation of revenue.

Note 4. Acquisitions and Divestitures

Acquisitions and Divestitures

On June 17, 2022, the Company acquired Cherry Creek Broadcasting LLC (“Cherry Creek”) for a cash purchase price of $18.5 million, net of closing adjustments. The purchase price was in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired, resulting in the recognition of goodwill. The Company finalized the allocation of the purchase price for Cherry Creek during the three months ended March 31, 2023. The table below summarizes the Cherry Creek purchase price allocation. The measurement period adjustments below reflect changes from the preliminary purchase acquisition date fair values of major classes of net assets acquired (in thousands):


	Amounts recognized at June 17, 2022 (Provisional)		Measurement Period Adjustments		Amounts recognized at March 31, 2023 (Adjusted)
Net tangible assets acquired	$	1,366	$	4,694	$	6,060
Intangible assets, net	8,676		187		8,863
Goodwill	8,377		(4,843)		3,534
Total Purchase Price	$	18,419	$	38	$	18,457

The intangible assets acquired based on the estimate of the fair values of the identifiable intangible assets are as follows:


	Amounts recognized at March 31, 2023		Remaining Useful Life at June 17, 2022 (in years)
Customer relationships	$	5,007	10
FCC licenses	2,889		Indefinite
Content Rights	642		7
Other intangibles	325		3
Total Acquired Intangible Assets	$	8,863

The estimate of the fair value of the customer relationships acquired in the Cherry Creek acquisition were determined using a risk-adjusted discounted cash flow model, specifically, the excess earnings method which considers the use of other assets in the generation of the projected cash flows of a specific asset to isolate the economic benefit generated by the customer relationships. The contribution of other assets, such as fixed assets, working capital and workforce, to overall cash flows was estimated through contributory asset capital charges. Therefore, the value of the acquired customer relationship is the present value of the attributed post-tax cash flows, net of the return on fair value attributed to tangible and other intangible assets.

The estimate of the fair value of the FCC licenses acquired in the Cherry Creek acquisition were determined utilizing observable market based transactions of similar broadcast licenses and their estimated replacement values.

Goodwill totaling $3.5 million represents the excess of the Cherry Creek purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired, representing future economic benefits that are expected to be achieved as a result of the acquisition, and is included in the Broadcast Advertising and Digital Advertising segments. The Company believes the acquisition of Cherry Creek, which includes a portfolio of local media brands, will further its goal of becoming the number one local media company in markets outside of the Top 50 in the United States. In addition, the acquisition provides an opportunity to bring our digital assets and solutions to the Cherry Creek markets and accelerate their digital growth with our Digital First strategy.

Goodwill generated from the Cherry Creek acquisition is deductible for income tax purposes.

The results of Cherry Creek's operations have been included in our Consolidated Financial Statements, following the closing of the acquisition on June 17, 2022. Pro forma information has not been presented because the effect of the acquisition is not material.

Simultaneously, due to FCC ownership limitations, the Company sold six radio stations in Missoula, MT for an immaterial amount and placed one radio station in Tri-Cities, WA in a divestiture trust. On July 19, 2022, the Company acquired a radio station in Tri-Cities, WA for an immaterial amount.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company sold assets associated with radio broadcast stations in Texarkana, TX and Bozeman, MT for an immaterial amount, and returned the license associated with a broadcast station in Binghamton, NY.

Note 5. Property and Equipment, net

Property and equipment, net consisted of the following (in thousands):


	September 30, 2023		December 31, 2022
Land and improvements	$	19,331	$	19,966
Buildings and leasehold improvements	58,649		57,386
Broadcast equipment	111,381		108,057
Computer and office equipment	24,884		24,211
Furniture and fixtures	22,882		22,968
Transportation equipment	20,297		20,703
Software development costs	43,833		39,489
Total property and equipment, gross	301,257		292,780
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(189,956)		(178,934)
Total property and equipment, net	$	111,301	$	113,846

Depreciation and amortization expense for property and equipment was $4.1 million and $4.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and $12.7 million and $12.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company recognized a total of $0.7 million in gains on the sale of buildings and land in the Bozeman, MT, and Yakima, WA, markets respectively.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the company recognized $0.4 million in impairment charges related to the sale of land and building in Battle Creek, MI and a total of $0.4 million in impairment charges to right of use assets associated with the abandonment of leased office space in Purchase and Binghamton, NY.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, the Company sold land and a building in Quincy-Hannibal, IL. The Company recognized $0.8 million in impairment charges related to the sale.

The Company had no material right of use assets related to its finance leases as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022.

Note 6. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Indefinite-lived intangible assets

Indefinite-lived assets consist of FCC broadcast licenses, goodwill and investment in digital assets.

FCC Broadcast Licenses

FCC licenses represent a substantial portion of the Company’s total assets. The FCC licenses are renewable in the ordinary course of business, generally for a maximum of eight years. The fair value of FCC licenses is primarily dependent on the future cash flows of the radio markets and other assumptions, including, but not limited to, forecasted revenue growth rates, profit margins and a risk-adjusted discount rate. The Company has selected December 31st as the annual testing date.

The Company evaluates its FCC licenses for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired. Due to increases in the weighted average cost of capital and changes in forecasted traditional broadcast revenue in the markets in which we operate, the Company quantitatively evaluated the fair value of its FCC licenses at September 30, June 30, and March 31, 2023.

The key assumptions used in applying the direct valuation method are summarized as follows:


	September 30, 2023
Discount Rate	14.1%
Long-term Revenue Growth Rate	0.0%
	Low	High
Mature Market Share*	20.6%	75.0%
Operating Profit Margin	20.0%	47.0%


	June 30, 2023
Discount Rate	13.5%
Long-term Revenue Growth Rate	0.0%
	Low	High
Mature Market Share*	20.8%	75.0%
Operating Profit Margin	20.0%	47.0%


	March 31, 2023
Discount Rate	12.2%
Long-term Revenue Growth Rate	0.0%
	Low	High
Mature Market Share*	21.7%	75.0%
Operating Profit Margin	20.0%	47.0%

* Market share assumption used when reliable third-party data is available. Otherwise, Company results and forecasts are utilized.

Based on the results of interim impairment assessments of our FCC licenses, as of September 30, 2023 we incurred impairment charges of $23.6 million and $48.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively, for FCC licenses in 24 and 32 of our 74 local markets, respectively. The impairment charges were primarily driven by increases in the discount rate applied in the valuation of our FCC licenses due to an increase in the weighted average cost of capital, decreases in third-party forecasts of broadcast revenues and an increase in the estimate of initial capital costs due to rising prices. The Company recorded an impairment charge of $10.3 million and $15.5 million for FCC licenses in 8 of our 74 local markets for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022.

Unfavorable changes in key assumptions utilized in the impairment assessment of our FCC licenses may affect future testing results. For example, keeping all other assumptions constant, a 50-basis point increase in the weighted average cost of capital as of the date of our last quantitative assessment would cause the estimated fair values of our FCC licenses to decrease by $14.0 million which would have resulted in an additional impairment charge of $9.7 million as of September 30, 2023. Further, a 100-basis point decline in the long-term revenue growth rate would cause the estimated fair values of our FCC licenses to further decrease by $17.3 million which would have resulted in a further impairment charge of $13.4 million as of September 30, 2023. Assumptions used to estimate the fair value of our FCC licenses are also dependent upon the expected performance and growth of our traditional broadcast radio operations. In the event broadcast radio revenue experiences actual or anticipated declines, such declines will have a negative impact on the estimated fair value of our FCC licenses, and the Company could recognize additional impairment charges, which could be material.

Goodwill

For goodwill impairment testing, the Company has selected December 31st as the annual testing date. In addition to the annual impairment test, the Company regularly assesses whether a triggering event has occurred, which would require interim impairment testing. As of December 31, 2022, the fair values of our Local Advertising, National Digital, Townsquare Ignite, Analytical Services, Townsquare Interactive and Live Events reporting units were in excess of their respective carrying values by approximately 18%, 243%, 90%, 211%, 252%, and 19%, respectively. The Amped reporting unit had no goodwill as of December 31, 2022.

The Company considered whether any events have occurred or circumstances have changed from the last quantitative analysis performed as of December 31, 2022 that would indicate that the fair value of the Company's reporting units may be below their carrying amounts. During the third quarter of 2023, the Company concluded that the carrying amount of the Local Advertising reporting unit exceeded its fair value, resulting in the recognition of a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $2.8 million. An interim impairment assessment was considered necessary as a result of declines in traditional broadcast revenue and the increase in the weighted average cost of capital. The Company did not identify indicators of impairment related to any other reporting unit that would have required an interim impairment assessment during the nine months ended September 30, 2023.

The fair value of the Local Advertising reporting unit was determined using an income approach whereby the fair value was calculated utilizing discounted estimated future cash flows. The income approach requires several assumptions including future sales growth, EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) margins, and capital expenditures and discount rates which are the basis for the information used in the discounted cash flow model. The weighted-average cost of capital used in testing the reporting unit for impairment was 12.1% with a perpetual growth rate of (1.7%). Following the non-cash goodwill impairment charge recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2023, the Local Advertising reporting unit had no goodwill as of September 30, 2023.

The following table presents changes in goodwill by segment during the nine months ended September 30, 2023:


	Subscription Digital Marketing Solutions		Digital Advertising		Broadcast Advertising		Other		Total



Balance at December 31, 2022	$	77,000	$	77,687	$	2,715	$	3,983	$	161,385
Cherry Creek measurement period adjustment	—		—		96		—		96
Balance at June 30, 2023	$	77,000	$	77,687	$	2,811	$	3,983	$	161,481
Impairment					(2,811)				(2,811)
Balance at September 30, 2023	$	77,000	$	77,687	$	—	$	3,983	$	158,670

Digital Assets

During the first quarter of 2022, the Company invested an aggregate of $5.0 million in digital assets. They were accounted for as indefinite-lived intangible assets in accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other, included as a component of intangible assets, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Any decrease in the digital assets' fair values below our carrying values at any time subsequent to acquisition was recognized as an impairment charge. No upward revisions for any market price increases were recognized.

In early March 2023, the Company sold its digital assets with a carrying value of $2.1 million, recognizing a gain on the sale of $0.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, included as a component of Other (income) expense, net on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, the Company recorded $2.6 million in impairment losses due to changes in the fair value of the Company's digital assets observed during the period.

Definite-lived intangible assets

The Company’s definite-lived intangible assets were acquired primarily in various acquisitions as well as in connection with the acquisition of software and music licenses.

The following tables present details of our intangible assets as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively (in thousands):


	September 30, 2023
	Weighted Average Useful Life (in Years)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount
Intangible Assets:
FCC licenses	Indefinite	$	203,661	$	—	$	203,661

Content rights and other intangible assets	1 - 9	34,827		(17,733)		17,094







Total		$	238,488	$	(17,733)	$	220,755


	December 31, 2022
	Weighted Average Useful Life (in Years)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount
Intangible Assets:
FCC licenses	Indefinite	$	252,110	$	—	$	252,110
Digital assets	Indefinite	2,136		—		2,136
Content rights and other intangible assets	1 - 10	37,092		(14,500)		22,592






Total		$	291,338	$	(14,500)	$	276,838

Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets was $1.8 million and $1.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively and $5.4 million and $4.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Estimated future amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years and thereafter as of September 30, 2023 is as follows (in thousands):


2023 (remainder)	$	1,697
2024	6,017
2025	2,304
2026	2,108
2027	1,978
Thereafter	2,990
	$	17,094

Note 7. Investments

Long-term investments consist of minority holdings in various companies. As management does not exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies of the investees, the investments are not consolidated or accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The initial valuation of equity securities is based upon an estimate of market value at the time of investment, or upon a combination of valuation analyses using both observable and unobservable inputs categorized as Level 2 and Level 3 within the ASC 820 framework.

In accordance with ASC 321, Investments - Equity Securities, the Company measures its equity securities at cost minus impairment, as their fair values are not readily determinable and the investments do not qualify for the net asset value per share practical expedient. The Company monitors its investments for any subsequent observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same investee, at which time the Company would adjust the then current carrying values of the related investment. Additionally, the Company evaluates its investments for any indicators of impairment.

Equity securities measured at cost minus impairment

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company recorded $4.4 million and $13.6 million of impairment charges, respectively, for existing investments based on the implied fair value of the investees, as the Company became aware of objective evidence to indicate that the fair value of the investments were below their carrying amounts.

On April 12, 2023, one of the Company's investees was acquired as a result of a private transaction. The Company recognized a $5.2 million gain on the transaction during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, based on total consideration received in the amount of $6.0 million.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, the Company recorded a $1.2 million impairment charge for an existing investee based on the implied fair value of the investee as a result of a private transaction.

Equity securities measured at fair value

On July 2, 2021, one of the Company's investees completed its registration with the SEC and became a publicly traded company. Based on the market price of the investee's common stock as of September 30, 2023, the fair value of the Company's investment in the common stock of the investee was approximately $0.7 million. As a result, the Company recorded an unrealized loss of $0.6 million and a total net unrealized loss of $0.5 million, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, the Company recorded an unrealized gain of $0.2 million and a total net unrealized loss of $1.9 million, respectively, as a result of changes in the fair value of the investee's common stock.

Unrealized gains and losses are included as a component of other expense (income) on the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements. The market price of the investee's common stock is categorized as Level 1 within the ASC 820 framework.

Note 8. Long-Term Debt

Total debt outstanding is summarized as follows (in thousands):


	September 30, 2023		December 31, 2022
2026 Notes	$	503,618	$	530,766



Deferred financing costs	(4,480)		(6,324)


Total long-term debt	$	499,138	$	524,442

During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company voluntarily repurchased an aggregate $27.1 million principal amount of its 2026 Notes below par, plus accrued interest. The Company wrote-off approximately $0.3 million of unamortized deferred financing costs, recognizing a $0.4 million and $1.2 million net gain for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively. The repurchased notes were canceled by the Company.

The 2026 Notes indenture contains certain covenants that may limit, among other things, our ability to; incur additional indebtedness, declare or pay dividends, redeem stock, transfer or sell assets, make investments or agree to certain restrictions on the ability of restricted subsidiaries to make payments to the Company. Certain of these covenants will be

suspended if the 2026 Notes are assigned an investment grade rating by Standard & Poor’s Investors Ratings Services, Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or Fitch Ratings, Inc. and no event of default has occurred and is continuing.

The Company was in compliance with its covenants under the 2026 Notes indenture as of September 30, 2023.

As of September 30, 2023, based on available market information, the estimated fair value of the 2026 Notes was $478.4 million. The Company used Level 2 measurements under the fair value measurement hierarchy established under Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820).

Annual maturities of the Company's long-term debt as of September 30, 2023 are as follows (in thousands):


2023 (remainder)	$	—
2024	—
2025	—
2026	503,618
2027	—
Thereafter	—
	$	503,618

Note 9. Income Taxes

The Company's effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 was approximately (91.9)% and 44.8%, respectively. The Company's effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 was approximately (29.5)% and 32.1%, respectively.

The effective tax rate and income tax provision for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively, is primarily the result of the non-cash impairment charges recorded for each period and the corresponding increase in the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets.

The effective tax rate may vary significantly from period to period, and can be influenced by many factors. These factors include, but are not limited to, changes to the statutory rates in the jurisdictions where the Company has operations and changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities. The difference between the effective tax rate and the federal statutory rate of 21% primarily relates to certain non-deductible items, state and local income taxes and the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets.

Note 10. Stockholders' Equity

Stock Options

During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company granted 217,547 and 750,000 options with grant date fair values of $2.47 to $3.07 and $2.05 to $2.14, respectively. The options contain market conditions whereby the options will vest and become exercisable subject to the achievement of a specified volume weighted average trading price ("VWAP") over a specified period and continued employment through the performance period each as observed and summarized below, respectively:


VWAP over the last 20 trading days of the three-year performance period		VWAP over 30 consecutive trading days of the seven-year performance period
VWAP	Number of Shares that Vest	VWAP	Number of Shares that Vest
$8.74	65,147	$11.00	250,000
$10.75	71,429	$14.00	250,000
$13.05	80,971	$17.00	250,000
	217,547		750,000

No portion of the grants will vest unless the VWAP targets are achieved during the respective performance periods.

The Company also granted 168,067 and 1,343,000 options with grant date fair values of $3.99 and $3.97, respectively. The options have three-year and four-year vesting periods, respectively, each with ten-year terms.

The grant date fair value of stock options with market conditions is estimated using the Monte Carlo option pricing model, while stock options containing only service conditions is estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Each model requires an estimate of the expected term of the option, the expected volatility of the Company’s common stock price, dividend yield and the risk-free interest rate. The below table summarizes the assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the equity options granted:


	Monte Carlo Model		Black-Scholes Model

Expected volatility	50.0	%	51% - 52%
Expected term	5 - 7 years		6.01 - 6.38 years
Risk free interest rate	3.43% - 3.74%		3.42% - 4.02%
Expected dividend yield	0% - 9.15%		0.0	%

For options only containing service conditions, the expected term was calculated using the simplified method, defined as the midpoint between the vesting period and the contractual term of each award, due to the lack of sufficient and meaningful historical exercise data. For options with market-based conditions, the expected term was estimated based on when the options are expected to be exercised. The expected volatility was based on market conditions of the Company. The risk-free interest rate was based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect on the date of grant which most closely corresponds to the expected term of the option. On March 6, 2023, the board of directors approved a quarterly dividend of $0.1875 per share for holders of record as of March 27, 2023. Thus, for options with grant dates prior to March 6, 2023, the expected dividend yield was 0%.

The following table summarizes all option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2023:


	Options	Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)




Outstanding at December 31, 2022	9,478,698	$	7.80	4.62	$	2,798
Granted - service conditions	1,516,067	7.31
Granted - market conditions	967,547	7.93
Exercised	(688,435)	7.90			1,862
Forfeited and expired	(54,257)	7.41
Outstanding at September 30, 2023	11,219,620	$	7.74	5.03	$	11,508

Exercisable at September 30, 2023	7,001,299	$	8.01	3.00	$	5,455

The maximum contractual term of stock options is 10 years.

Restricted Stock Awards

During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company granted 68,876 shares to non-employee directors with a vesting period of one year, 26,067 shares with a vesting period of three years and 5,072 shares that vested immediately. The fair value of the restricted stock awards is equal to the closing share price on the date of grant.

The following table summarizes restricted stock activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2023:


	Number of Shares	Weighted Average Fair Value








Non-vested balance at January 1, 2023	93,181	$	9.63
Shares granted	100,015	8.30
Shares vested	(68,051)	9.68

Non-vested balance at September 30, 2023	125,145	$	8.54

Restricted Stock Units

The following table summarizes restricted stock unit activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2023:


	Number of Shares	Weighted Average Fair Value








Non-vested balance at January 1, 2023	—	$	—
Shares granted - service conditions	218,543	7.55
Shares granted - market conditions	218,543	4.21
Shares vested	—	—

Non-vested balance at September 30, 2023	437,086	$	5.88

During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company granted 218,543 stock units with a vesting period of three years and a grant date fair value of $7.55 per share. The fair value of the restricted stock awards is equal to the closing share price on the date of grant.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company granted 218,543 restricted stock units with a vesting period of three years and grant date fair values of $3.51 to $4.91. The stock units contain market conditions whereby the stock units will vest subject to the achievement of a specified VWAP, subject to continued employment or service through the end of the performance period as observed and summarized below:


VWAP over the last 20 trading days of the three-year performance period
	VWAP	Number of Shares that Vest
	$8.74	72,840
	$10.75	72,840
	$13.05	72,863

The grant date fair value of the restricted stock units with market conditions is estimated using the Monte Carlo option pricing model. The below table summarizes the assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the restricted stock units granted:


			Monte Carlo Model

Expected volatility			50.0%
Risk free interest rate			3.72%
Expected dividend yield			0.0%

The expected volatility was based on market conditions of the Company. The risk-free interest rate was based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect on the date of grant which most closely corresponds to the vesting period of the restricted stock units.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, a total of 111,709 shares of Class A common stock were issued under the 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "ESPP").

For the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, the Company recognized approximately $2.4 million and $0.7 million, respectively, of stock-based compensation expense with respect to options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and the ESPP. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, the Company recognized approximately $6.2 million and $2.4 million, respectively, of stock-based compensation expense with respect to options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and the ESPP.

As of September 30, 2023, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to our stock options and restricted stock was $10.3 million and $2.4 million, respectively, and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.4 years and 2.2 years, respectively.

Dividends Declared

On November 6, 2023 the board of directors approved a dividend of $0.1875 per share. The dividend will be paid to holders of record as of January 2, 2024 on February 1, 2024.

On August 7, 2023 the board of directors approved a dividend of $0.1875 per share. The dividend was payable to holders of record as of October 2, 2023. The dividend of $3.1 million was paid on November 1, 2023.

Stock Repurchase Agreement

On June 16, 2023, the Company entered into a stock repurchase agreement with MSG National Properties, LLC (“MSG”) to repurchase 1.5 million shares of the Company’s Class C common stock. Total consideration paid in the aggregate amount of $14.6 million, or $9.70 per share, are reflected as a reduction in capital during the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The shares were retired upon repurchase. Following this transaction, MSG owned 1,708,139 shares of Common Stock in the Company (comprising 583,139 shares of Class A Common Stock and 1,125,000 shares of Class C Common Stock).

Stock Repurchase Plan

On December 16, 2021, the board of directors approved a stock repurchase plan, pursuant to which the Company is authorized to repurchase up to $50 million of the Company’s issued and outstanding Class A common stock over a thirty-six month period (the "2021 Stock Repurchase Plan"). Repurchases of common stock under the repurchase plan may be made, from time to time, in amounts and at prices the Company deems appropriate, subject to market conditions, applicable legal requirements, debt covenants and other considerations. Any such repurchases may be executed using open market purchases, privately negotiated agreements or other transactions, and may be funded from cash on hand, available borrowings or proceeds from potential debt or other capital markets sources.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2023 a total of 183,768 shares were repurchased. As of September 30, 2023, a total of 209,391 shares were repurchased under the 2021 Stock Repurchase Plan.

Note 11. Net (Loss) Income Per Share

Basic earnings per common share (“EPS”) is generally calculated as income available to common shareholders divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted EPS is generally calculated as income available to common shareholders divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the dilutive effect of common share equivalents. Stock-based compensation awards that are out-of-the-money and stock options and restricted stock units in which the market-based performance criteria have not been met as of the end of the respective reporting period are omitted from the calculation of Diluted EPS.

The following table sets forth the computations of basic and diluted net (loss) income per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands, except per share data):


	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2023		2022		2023		2022

Numerator:
Net (loss) income	$	(36,503)	$	2,798	$	(41,144)	$	10,458
Net income from non-controlling interest	496		538		1,476		1,580
Net (loss) income attributable to controlling interest	$	(36,999)	$	2,260	$	(42,620)	$	8,878






Denominator:
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding	16,277		17,037		16,897		16,941
Effect of dilutive common stock equivalents	—		445		—		1,704
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding	16,277		17,482		16,897		18,645

Basic (loss) income per share	$	(2.27)	$	0.13	$	(2.52)	$	0.52




Diluted (loss) income per share	$	(2.27)	$	0.13	$	(2.52)	$	0.48

The Company had the following dilutive securities that were not included in the computation of diluted net (loss) income per share as they were considered anti-dilutive (in thousands):


	Three Months Ended September 30,		Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2023	2022	2023	2022
Stock options	10,135	5,036	10,226	45
Stock options with unsatisfied market conditions	1,126	—	981	—
Restricted stock units	219	—	205	—
Restricted stock units with unsatisfied market conditions	219	—	205	—
Restricted stock awards	122	8	118	8
Shares expected to be issued under the 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan	51	—	61	—

Note 12. Segment Reporting

Operating segments are organized internally by type of products and services provided. Based on the information reviewed by the Company's CEO in his capacity as Chief Operating Decision Maker ("CODM"), the Company has identified three segments: Subscription Digital Marketing Solutions, Digital Advertising and Broadcast Advertising. The remainder of our business is reported in the Other category.

The Company operates in one geographic area. The Company's assets and liabilities are managed within markets outside the top 50 across the United States where the Company conducts its business and are reported internally in the same manner as the Consolidated Financial Statements; thus, no additional information regarding assets and liabilities of the Company’s reportable segments is produced for the Company's CEO or included in these Consolidated Financial Statements. Intangible assets consist principally of FCC broadcast licenses and other definite-lived intangible assets and primarily support the Company’s Broadcast Advertising segment. For further information see Note 6, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. The Company does not have any material inter-segment sales.

The Company's management evaluates segment operating income (loss), which excludes unallocated corporate expenses and the impact of certain items that are not directly attributable to the reportable segments' underlying operating performance, and primarily includes expenses related to corporate stewardship and administration activities, transaction related costs and non-cash impairment charges.

The following tables present the Company's reportable segment results for the three months ended September 30, 2023 (in thousands):


	Subscription Digital Marketing Solutions		Digital Advertising		Broadcast Advertising		Other		Corporate and Other Reconciling Items		Total
Net revenue	$	20,257	$	39,009	$	54,179	$	1,659	$	—	$	115,104
Direct operating expenses, excluding depreciation, amortization and stock-based compensation	14,498		27,271		37,510		2,044		—		81,323
Depreciation and amortization	325		147		3,263		35		947		4,717
Corporate expenses	—		—		—		—		6,604		6,604
Stock-based compensation	152		143		240		4		1,811		2,350
Transaction and business realignment costs	—		—		6		3		152		161

Impairment of intangible assets, investments, goodwill and long-lived assets	—		—		26,603		—		4,367		30,970

Net gain on sale and retirement of assets	—		—		(362)		—		—		(362)
Operating income (loss)	$	5,282	$	11,448	$	(13,081)	$	(427)	$	(13,881)	$	(10,659)

The following table presents the Company's reportable segment results for the three months ended September 30, 2022 (in thousands):


	Subscription Digital Marketing Solutions		Digital Advertising		Broadcast Advertising		Other		Corporate and Other Reconciling Items		Total
Net revenue	$	23,188	$	36,989	$	59,293	$	1,165	$	—	$	120,635
Direct operating expenses, excluding depreciation, amortization and stock-based compensation	16,744		25,949		39,889		1,403		—		83,985
Depreciation and amortization	321		150		3,301		26		669		4,467
Corporate expenses	—		—		—		—		5,744		5,744
Stock-based compensation	137		20		109		2		454		722
Transaction and business realignment costs (1)	—		—		—		6		998		1,004

Impairment of intangible assets, investments and long-lived assets	—		—		10,300		—		—		10,300
Net gain on sale and retirement of assets	—		—		(99)		—		(20)		(119)
Operating income (loss)	$	5,986	$	10,870	$	5,793	$	(272)	$	(7,845)	$	14,532

(1) Includes integration costs of $0.9 million related to the acquisition of Cherry Creek. These costs were predominantly for travel and compensation.

The following tables present the Company's reportable segment results for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 (in thousands):


	Subscription Digital Marketing Solutions		Digital Advertising		Broadcast Advertising		Other		Corporate and Other Reconciling Items		Total
Net revenue	$	63,086	$	113,842	$	153,822	$	8,695	$	—	$	339,445
Direct operating expenses, excluding depreciation, amortization and stock-based compensation	45,703		77,666		113,858		8,074		—		245,301
Depreciation and amortization	980		479		10,245		104		2,688		14,496
Corporate expenses	—		—		—		—		18,911		18,911
Stock-based compensation	431		258		622		10		4,907		6,228
Transaction and business realignment costs	—		—		366		14		384		764

Impairment of intangible assets, investments, goodwill and long-lived assets	—		—		51,833		—		13,864		65,697

Net gain on sale and retirement of assets	—		—		(703)		—		—		(703)
Operating income (loss)	$	15,972	$	35,439	$	(22,399)	$	493	$	(40,754)	$	(11,249)

The following tables present the Company's reportable segment results for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 (in thousands):


	Subscription Digital Marketing Solutions		Digital Advertising		Broadcast Advertising		Other		Corporate and Other Reconciling Items		Total
Net revenue	$	68,021	$	103,379	$	164,520	$	6,881	$	—	$	342,801
Direct operating expenses, excluding depreciation, amortization and stock-based compensation	48,513		73,058		113,875		6,135		—		241,581
Depreciation and amortization	911		360		9,603		113		2,559		13,546
Corporate expenses	—		—		—		—		15,892		15,892
Stock-based compensation	402		50		280		8		1,690		2,430
Transaction and business realignment costs(1)	—		—		—		18		2,262		2,280

Impairment of intangible assets, investments and long-lived assets	—		—		16,258		120		3,819		20,197
Net gain on sale and retirement of assets	—		—		(282)		—		(56)		(338)
Operating income (loss)	$	18,195	$	29,911	$	24,786	$	487	$	(26,166)	$	47,213

(1) Includes integration costs of $1.2 million related to the acquisition of Cherry Creek. These costs were predominantly for travel and compensation.

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

The following management’s discussion and analysis is intended to provide the reader with an overall understanding of our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and sources and uses of cash. This section also includes general information about our business and a discussion of our management’s analysis of certain trends, risks and opportunities in our industry. In addition, we also provide a discussion of accounting policies that require critical judgments and estimates. This discussion should be read in conjunction with our Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this quarterly report.

Note About Forward-Looking Statements

This report includes estimates, projections, statements relating to our business plans, objectives and expected operating results that are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). Forward-looking statements often discuss our current expectations and projections relating to our financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business. You can identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements may include words such as “aim,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “outlook,” “potential,” “project,” “projection,” “plan,” “intend,” “seek,” “believe,” “may,” “could,” “would,” “will,” “should,” “can,” “can have,” “likely,” the negatives thereof and other words and terms. Actual events or results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors. While it is impossible to identify all such factors, factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those estimated by us include the impact of general economic conditions in the United States, or in the specific markets in which we currently do business including supply chain disruptions, inflation, labor shortages and the effect on advertising activity, industry conditions, including existing competition and future competitive technologies, the popularity of radio as a broadcasting and advertising medium, cancellations, disruptions or postponements of advertising schedules in response to national or world events, our ability to develop and maintain digital technologies and hire and retain technical and sales talent, our dependence on key personnel, our capital expenditure requirements, our continued ability to identify suitable acquisition targets, and consummate and integrate any future acquisitions, legislative or regulatory requirements, risks and uncertainties relating to our leverage and changes in interest rates, our ability to obtain financing at times, in amounts and at rates considered appropriate by us, our ability to access the capital markets as and when needed and on terms that we consider favorable to us and other factors discussed in this section entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this report and under “Risk Factors” in our 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as other risks discussed from time to time in our filings with the SEC. Many of these factors are beyond our ability to predict or control. In addition, as a result of these and other factors, our past financial performance should not be relied on as an indication of future performance. The cautionary statements referred to in this section also should be considered in connection with any subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements that may be issued by us or persons acting on our behalf. The forward-looking statements included in this report are made only as of the date hereof or as of the date specified herein. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Format of Presentation

Townsquare is a community-focused digital media and digital marketing solutions company with market leading local radio stations, principally focused outside the top 50 markets in the United States. Our integrated and diversified products and solutions enable local, regional and national advertisers to target audiences across multiple platforms, including digital, mobile, social, video, streaming, e-commerce, radio and events. Our assets include a subscription digital marketing services business (“Townsquare Interactive”), providing website design, creation and hosting, search engine optimization, social platforms and online reputation management as well as other monthly digital services for approximately 25,750 small to medium sized businesses; a robust digital advertising division (“Townsquare Ignite,” or “Ignite”), a powerful combination of a) an owned and operated portfolio of more than 400 local news and entertainment websites and mobile apps along with a network of leading national music and entertainment brands, collecting valuable first party data and b) a proprietary digital programmatic advertising technology stack with an in-house demand and data management platform; and a portfolio of 354 local terrestrial radio stations in 74 U.S. markets strategically situated outside the Top 50 markets in the United States. Our portfolio includes local media brands such as WYRK.com, WJON.com and NJ101.5.com, and premier national music brands such as XXLmag.com, TasteofCountry.com, UltimateClassicRock.com, and Loudwire.com.

We believe that our diversified product offering substantially differentiates us from our competition. This diversification allows us to provide superior solutions to our advertisers and engaging experiences for our audience, underpins our growth strategy and, we believe, helps to mitigate the risks associated with advertising revenue dependency.

The Company has identified three operating segments, which are Subscription Digital Marketing Solutions, Digital Advertising and Broadcast Advertising. The remainder of our business is reported in the Other category.

Subscription Digital Marketing Solutions

Our Subscription Digital Marketing Solutions segment encompasses Townsquare Interactive, our subscription digital marketing solutions business. Townsquare Interactive offers digital marketing solutions, on a subscription basis, to small and medium-sized business (“SMBs”) in markets outside the top 50 across the United States, including but importantly not limited to the markets in which we operate radio stations. We offer a variety of digital marketing solutions, which enables SMBs to choose the optimal features for their specific business.

Digital Advertising

Our Digital Advertising segment, marketed externally as Townsquare Ignite, is a combination of our owned and operated digital properties, our proprietary digital programmatic advertising platform, and an in-house demand and data management platform collecting valuable first party data.

Broadcast Advertising

Our Broadcast Advertising segment includes our portfolio of 354 local terrestrial radio stations. Our primary source of Broadcast Advertising net revenue is the sale of advertising on our local radio stations primarily to local and regional spot advertisers and also national spot and national network advertisers. We believe we are the largest and best-capitalized owner and operator of radio stations focused solely on markets outside the top 50 markets in the United States. Given the stability of radio’s audience, its broad reach and its relatively low cost as compared to competing advertising media such as television, we believe radio continues to offer an attractive value proposition to advertisers. The price point for radio advertising on a cost per thousand basis is lower than most other local media that deliver similar scale. This makes radio more affordable and accessible for the type of small and mid-sized businesses typically found in our local markets outside the top 50 markets in the U.S.

Other

We report the remainder of our revenue in the Other category, and it includes revenue from our live events. Our primary source of live events net revenue is ticket sales. Our live events also generate substantial revenue through the sale of sponsorships, food and other concessions, merchandise and other ancillary products and services.

Overall

We generate a majority of our advertising revenue by selling directly to local advertisers, as well as to local and regional advertising agencies which affords us the opportunity to better present our products, cross-sell products and more directly influence their advertising and marketing expenditure decisions. A significant percentage of our advertising revenue is generated from the sale of advertising to the automotive, financial services, health services, entertainment, and retail industries.

Our most significant expenses are sales personnel, programming, digital, marketing and promotional, engineering, and general and administrative expenses. We strive to control these expenses by closely monitoring and managing each of our local markets and through efficiencies gained from the centralization of finance, accounting, legal and human resources functions and management information systems. We also use our scale and diversified geographic portfolio to negotiate favorable rates with vendors where feasible.

A portion of our expenses are variable. These variable expenses primarily relate to sales costs, such as commissions and inventory costs, as well as certain programming costs, such as music license fees, and certain costs related to production. Other programming, digital, engineering and general and administrative expenses are primarily fixed costs.

Seasonality

Our revenue varies throughout the year. Typically, we expect that our first calendar quarter will produce the lowest net revenue for the year, as advertising expenditures generally decline following the winter holidays. During even-numbered years, net revenue generally includes increased advertising expenditures by political candidates, political parties and special interest groups. Political spending is typically highest during the fourth quarter. Our operating results in any period may be affected by the incurrence of advertising and promotion expenses that typically do not have an effect on net revenue generation until future periods, if at all.

Macroeconomic Indicators

OVERVIEW OF OUR PERFORMANCE

Highlights of Our Financial Performance

Certain key financial developments in our business for the three months ended September 30, 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022 are summarized below:

•Net revenue decreased $5.5 million, or 4.6%, primarily driven by a $5.1 million decrease in our Broadcast Advertising net revenue and a $2.9 million decrease in our Subscription Digital Marketing Solutions net revenue, partially offset by a $2.0 million increase in our Digital Advertising net revenue.

•Operating income decreased $25.2 million, or 173.3%, for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The decrease was primarily due to a $20.7 million increase in non-cash impairment charges and the $5.5 million decrease in net revenue, partially offset by $2.7 million decrease in direct operating expenses, due in part to lower compensation.

•Broadcast Advertising reported an operating loss of $13.1 million, as compared to operating income of $5.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022. The decrease of $18.9 million is primarily due to an increase in non-cash impairment charges to our FCC licenses of $13.3 million, a decrease in net revenue of $5.1 million and a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $2.8 million, partially offset by a decrease in direct operating expenses of $2.4 million. The Digital Advertising segment reported operating income of $11.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023, which represents an increase of $0.6 million, as compared to operating income of $10.9 million for the same period in 2022. The increase is primarily due to an increase in net revenue of $2.0 million, partially offset by an increase of $1.3 million in direct operating expenses. Subscription Digital Marketing Solutions reported operating income of $5.3 million, a decrease of $0.7 million from the three months ended September 30, 2022.

Certain key financial developments in our business for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, as compared to the same period in 2022 are summarized below:

•Net revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022, decreased $3.4 million, or 1.0%, primarily driven by a decrease of $10.7 million in our Broadcast Advertising net revenue and a $4.9 million decrease in our Subscription Digital Marketing Solutions net revenue. These decreases were partially

offset by a $10.5 million increase in our Digital Advertising net revenue and a $1.8 million increase in Other net revenue.

•Operating income decreased $58.5 million, or 123.8%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Operating income decreased primarily due to a $45.5 million increase in non-cash impairment charges, a $3.7 million increase in direct operating expenses and a decrease in net revenue of $3.4 million.

Consolidated Results of Operations

Three months ended September 30, 2023 compared to three months ended September 30, 2022

The following table summarizes our historical consolidated results of operations:


($ in thousands)	Three Months Ended September 30,
Statement of Operations Data:	2023		2022		$ Change		% Change
Net revenue	$	115,104	$	120,635	$	(5,531)	(4.6)	%

Operating costs and expenses:
Direct operating expenses, excluding depreciation, amortization, and stock-based compensation	81,323		83,985		(2,662)		(3.2)	%
Depreciation and amortization	4,717		4,467		250		5.6	%
Corporate expenses	6,604		5,744		860		15.0	%
Stock-based compensation	2,350		722		1,628		225.5	%
Transaction and business realignment costs	161		1,004		(843)		(84.0)	%

Impairment of intangible assets, investments, goodwill and long-lived assets	30,970		10,300		20,670		200.7	%

Net gain on sale and retirement of assets	(362)		(119)		(243)		204.2	%
Total operating costs and expenses	125,763		106,103		19,660		18.5	%
Operating (loss) income	(10,659)		14,532		(25,191)		(173.3)	%
Other expense (income):
Interest expense, net	9,343		9,967		(624)		(6.3)	%
Gain on repurchases of debt	(430)		—		(430)		**
Other income, net	(547)		(508)		(39)		7.7	%
(Loss) income from operations before tax	(19,025)		5,073		(24,098)		(475.0)	%
Income tax provision	17,478		2,275		15,203		668.3	%


Net (loss) income	$	(36,503)	$	2,798	$	(39,301)	(1,404.6)	%

** not meaningful

Segment Results

The following table presents the Company's reportable segment net revenue and direct operating expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands):


	Net Revenue								Direct Operating Expenses
	Three Months Ended September 30,								Three Months Ended September 30,
	2023		2022		$ Change		% Change		2023		2022		$ Change		% Change
Subscription Digital Marketing Solutions	$	20,257	$	23,188	$	(2,931)	(12.6)	%	$	14,498	$	16,744	$	(2,246)	(13.4)	%
Digital Advertising	39,009		36,989		2,020		5.5	%	27,271		25,949		1,322		5.1	%
Broadcast Advertising	54,179		59,293		(5,114)		(8.6)	%	37,510		39,889		(2,379)		(6.0)	%
Other	1,659		1,165		494		42.4	%	2,044		1,403		641		45.7	%
Total	$	115,104	$	120,635	$	(5,531)	(4.6)	%	$	81,323	$	83,985	$	(2,662)	(3.2)	%

Net Revenue

Net revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2023 decreased $5.5 million, or 4.6%, as compared to the same period in 2022. Our Broadcast Advertising net revenue decreased $5.1 million, or 8.6%, as compared to the same period in 2022, due to decreases in the purchase of advertising by our clients. Our Subscription Digital Marketing Solutions net revenue decreased $2.9 million, or 12.6%, as compared to the same period in 2022 due to a reduction of net subscribers. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in our Digital Advertising net revenue of $2.0 million, or 5.5%, due to purchases of new advertising, and an increase in our Other net revenue of $0.5 million, or 42.4%.

Direct Operating Expenses

Direct operating expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2023 decreased by $2.7 million, or 3.2%, as compared to the same period in 2022. Our Broadcast Advertising direct operating expenses decreased $2.4 million, or 6.0%, driven by lower compensation. Our Subscription Digital Marketing Solutions direct operating expenses decreased by $2.2 million, or 13.4% as compared to the same period in 2022 due to lower compensation and promotional costs. These decreases were partially offset by a $1.3 million, or 5.1%, increase in our Digital Advertising direct operating expenses as compared to the same period in 2022 primarily driven by higher inventory costs and headcount related expenses to support revenue growth, and a $0.6 million, or 45.7% increase in our Other operating expenses due to an increase in live events held during 2023.

Corporate Expenses

Corporate expenses are of a general corporate nature or managed on a corporate basis. These costs (net of allocations to the business segments) primarily represent corporate stewardship and administration activities. Corporate expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2023 increased $0.9 million, or 15.0%, as compared to the same period in 2022 primarily due to higher compensation.

Stock-based Compensation

Stock-based compensation expense for three months ended September 30, 2023 increased $1.6 million, or 225.5%, as compared to the same period in 2022, due to grants during the fourth quarter of 2022 and the first quarter of 2023. For further discussion, see Note 10, Stockholders' Equity, in the Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

Transaction and Business Realignment Costs

Transaction and business realignment costs for the three months ended September 30, 2023 decreased $0.8 million as compared to the same period in 2022, primarily due to the Cherry Creek acquisition during 2022.

Impairment of Intangible Assets, Investments, Goodwill and Long-Lived Assets

The Company recorded total impairment charges of $23.6 million related to FCC licenses in 24 of our 74 local markets during the three months ended September 30, 2023, as compared to impairment charges of $10.3 million to FCC licenses in eight of our 74 local markets in the same period a year ago. The impairment charges were primarily driven by an increase in the discount rate applied in the valuation of our FCC licenses due to an increase in the weighted average cost of capital, decreases in third-party forecasts of broadcast revenues and an increase in the estimate of initial capital costs due to rising prices. During the three months ended September 30, 2023, the Company concluded that the carrying amount of the Local Advertising reporting unit exceeded its fair value, resulting in the recognition of a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $2.8 million. An interim impairment assessment was considered necessary as a result of declines in traditional broadcast revenue and the increase in the weighted average cost of capital. Following the non-cash goodwill impairment charge recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2023, the Local Advertising reporting unit had no goodwill as of September 30, 2023.

Unfavorable changes in key assumptions utilized in the impairment assessment of our FCC licenses may affect future testing results. For example, keeping all other assumptions constant, a 50-basis point increase in the weighted average cost of capital as of the date of our last quantitative assessment would cause the estimated fair values of our FCC licenses to decrease by $14.0 million which would have resulted in an additional impairment charge of $9.7 million as of September 30, 2023. Further, a 100-basis point decline in the long-term revenue growth rate would cause the estimated fair values of our FCC licenses to further decrease by $17.3 million which would have resulted in a further impairment charge of $13.4 million as of September 30, 2023. Assumptions used to estimate the fair value of our FCC licenses are also dependent upon the expected performance and growth of our traditional broadcast operations. In the event broadcast revenue experiences actual or anticipated declines, such declines will have a negative impact on the estimated fair value of our FCC licenses, and the Company could recognize additional impairment charges, which could be material.

For further discussion, see Note 6, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, in the Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

During the three months ended September 30, 2023, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $4.4 million related to certain of its equity securities, which are measured at cost minus impairment. There were no impairment charges recorded for the three months ended September 30, 2022. For further discussion, see Note 7, Investments, in the Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

Interest Expense, net

The following table illustrates the components of our interest expense, net for the periods indicated (in thousands):


	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2023		2022

2026 Notes	$	8,849	$	9,127



Capital leases and other	311		337
Deferred financing costs	619		504
Interest income	(436)		(1)
Interest expense, net	$	9,343	$	9,967

Gain on repurchase of debt

During the three months ended September 30, 2023, the Company voluntarily repurchased an aggregate $14.2 million principal amount of its 2026 Notes below par plus accrued interest. The Company wrote-off approximately $0.1 million of unamortized deferred financing costs, recognizing a total net gain of $0.4 million in connection with the voluntary repurchases of its 2026 Notes.

Provision for income taxes

We recognized a provision for income taxes of $17.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023, as compared to $2.3 million for the same period in 2022. Our effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 was approximately (91.9)% and 44.8%, respectively. The effective tax rate and income tax provision for the three months ended September 30, 2023 is primarily the result of the non-cash impairment charges recorded for the period and the corresponding increase in the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets.

Our effective tax rate may vary significantly from period to period and can be influenced by many factors. These factors include, but are not limited to, changes to statutory rates in the jurisdictions where we have operations and changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities. The difference between the effective tax rate and the federal statutory rate of 21%, primarily relates to certain non-deductible items, state and local income taxes and the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets.

Consolidated Results of Operations

Nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to nine months ended September 30, 2022

The following table summarizes our historical consolidated results of operations:


($ in thousands)	Nine Months Ended September 30,
Statement of Operations Data:	2023		2022		$ Change		% Change
Net revenue	$	339,445	$	342,801	$	(3,356)	(1.0)	%

Direct operating expenses, excluding depreciation, amortization, and stock-based compensation	245,301		241,581		3,720		1.5	%
Depreciation and amortization	14,496		13,546		950		7.0	%
Corporate expenses	18,911		15,892		3,019		19.0	%
Stock-based compensation	6,228		2,430		3,798		156.3	%
Transaction and business realignment costs	764		2,280		(1,516)		(66.5)	%

Impairment of intangible assets, investments, goodwill and long-lived assets	65,697		20,197		45,500		225.3	%

Net gain on sale and retirement of assets	(703)		(338)		(365)		108.0	%
Total operating costs and expenses	350,694		295,588		55,106		18.6	%
Operating (loss) income	(11,249)		47,213		(58,462)		(123.8)	%
Other expense (income):
Interest expense, net	28,215		30,038		(1,823)		(6.1)	%
Gain on repurchases of debt	(1,249)		(108)		(1,141)		**
Other (income) expense, net	(6,451)		1,886		(8,337)		**
(Loss) income from operations before income taxes	(31,764)		15,397		(47,161)		(306.3)	%
Income tax provision	9,380		4,939		4,441		89.9	%


Net (loss) income	$	(41,144)	$	10,458	$	(51,602)	(493.4)	%

** not meaningful

Segment Results

The following table presents the Company's reportable segment net revenue and direct operating expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands):


	Net Revenue								Direct Operating Expenses
	Nine Months Ended September 30,								Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2023		2022		$ Change		% Change		2023		2022		$ Change		% Change
Subscription Digital Marketing Solutions	$	63,086	$	68,021	$	(4,935)	(7.3)	%	$	45,703	$	48,513	$	(2,810)	(5.8)	%
Digital Advertising	113,842		103,379		10,463		10.1	%	77,666		73,058		4,608		6.3	%
Broadcast Advertising	153,822		164,520		(10,698)		(6.5)	%	113,858		113,875		(17)		**
Other	8,695		6,881		1,814		26.4	%	8,074		6,135		1,939		31.6	%
Total	$	339,445	$	342,801	$	(3,356)	(1.0)	%	$	245,301	$	241,581	$	3,720	1.5	%

Net Revenue

Net revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, decreased $3.4 million, or 1.0%, as compared to the same period in 2022. Our Digital Advertising net revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, increased $10.5 million, or 10.1%, due to purchases of new advertising and our Other net revenue increased $1.8 million, or 26.4%, due to an increase in live events held during the period, as compared to the same period a year ago.

Our Broadcast Advertising net revenue decreased $10.7 million, or 6.5%, due to decreases in the purchase of new advertising by our clients. Our Subscription Digital Marketing Solutions net revenue for nine months ended September 30, 2023 decreased $4.9 million, or 7.3% as compared to the same period in 2022 due in part to a reduction of net subscribers.

Direct Operating Expenses

Direct operating expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, increased by $3.7 million, or 1.5%, as compared to the same period in 2022. Our Digital Advertising direct operating expenses for nine months ended September 30, 2023 increased $4.6 million, or 6.3%, due to higher inventory and compensation costs due to the increase in revenue, and our Other direct operating expenses increased $1.9 million, or 31.6%, due to an increase in live events during the period, as compared to the same period a year ago.

These increases were offset by a decrease of $2.8 million, or 5.8% in our Subscription Digital Marketing Solutions direct operating expenses for nine months ended September 30, 2023, as compared to the same period in 2022. The decrease was primarily driven by decreases in promotional expenses and lower compensation. Our Broadcast Advertising direct operating expenses were essentially flat, driven by higher medical expenses and music license fees offset by lower compensation.

Corporate Expenses

Corporate expenses are of a general corporate nature or managed on a corporate basis. These costs (net of allocations to the business segments) primarily represent corporate stewardship and administration activities. Corporate expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 increased $3.0 million, or 19.0%, as compared to the same period in 2022 primarily due to higher compensation.

Stock-based Compensation

Stock-based compensation expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, increased $3.8 million, or 156.3%, as compared to the same period in 2022 due to grants during the fourth quarter of 2022 and the first quarter of 2023. For further discussion, see Note 10, Stockholders' Equity, in the Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

Transaction and Business Realignment Costs

Transaction and business realignment costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 decreased $1.5 million as compared to the same period in 2022, primarily due to the Cherry Creek acquisition during 2022.

Impairment of Intangible Assets, Investments, Goodwill and Long-Lived Assets

The Company recorded total impairment charges of $48.4 million related to FCC licenses in 32 of our 74 local markets during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, as compared to impairment charges of $15.5 million to FCC licenses in eight of our 74 local markets in the same period a year ago. The impairment charges were primarily driven by increases in the discount rate applied in the valuation of our FCC licenses due to an increase in the weighted average cost of capital, decreases in third-party forecasts of broadcast revenues and an increase in the estimate of initial capital costs due to rising prices. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company concluded that the carrying amount of the Local Advertising reporting unit exceeded its fair value, resulting in the recognition of a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $2.8 million. An interim impairment assessment was considered necessary as a result of declines in traditional broadcast revenue and the increase in the weighted average cost of capital. Following the non-cash goodwill impairment charge recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2023, the Local Advertising reporting unit had no goodwill as of September 30, 2023. For further discussion, see Note 6, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, in the Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $13.6 million related to certain of its equity securities, which are measured at cost minus impairment. The Company recorded an impairment charge of $1.2 million related to one of our investments during nine months ended September 30, 2022. For further discussion, see Note 7, Investments, in the Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements. During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, we recorded a $2.6 million impairment charge resulting from changes in the fair value of the Company's digital assets. For further discussion, see Note 6, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, in the Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

Interest Expense, net

The following table illustrates the components of our interest expense, net for the periods indicated (in thousands):


	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2023		2022

2026 Notes	$	26,874	$	27,877



Capital leases and other	1,010		803
Deferred financing costs	1,567		1,359
Interest income	(1,236)		(1)
Interest expense, net	$	28,215	$	30,038

Gain on repurchase of debt

During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company voluntarily repurchased an aggregate $27.1 million principal amount of its 2026 Notes below par plus accrued interest. The Company wrote-off approximately $0.3 million of unamortized deferred financing costs, recognizing a total net gain of $1.2 million in connection with the voluntary repurchases of its 2026 Notes.

Other expense (income), net

Realized Gain on Investment

During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, one of the Company's investments was acquired in a private transaction. The Company recognized a $5.2 million gain on the transaction, based on total consideration received in the amount of $6.0 million. See Note 7, Investments, in our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion related to this investment.

Sale of Digital Assets

During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company sold its digital assets with a carrying value of $2.1 million, recognizing a gain on the sale of $0.8 million. For further discussion, see Note 6, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, in the Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

Insurance Recoveries

During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company recorded total insurance recoveries of $0.7 million related to hurricane damages incurred in the Shreveport, LA market.

Unrealized Loss on Investment

Other expense (income), net includes unrealized losses related to measuring the fair value of one of the Company's investees. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023 the Company recorded an unrealized net loss of $0.5 million, as

compared $1.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022. See Note 7, Investments, in our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion related to this investment.

Other

During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company received approval for the reimbursement of $1.5 million for satellite dish equipment modifications required by the FCC related to the use of the 3.7-4.2 GHz band (C-band) spectrum.

Provision for income taxes

We recognized a provision for income taxes of $9.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, as compared to $4.9 million for the same period in 2022. Our effective tax rate for the period was approximately (29.5)% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 as compared to 32.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The effective tax rate and income tax provision for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 is primarily the result of the non-cash impairment charges recorded for the period and the corresponding increase in the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets.

Our effective tax rate may vary significantly from period to period and can be influenced by many factors. These factors include, but are not limited to, changes to statutory rates in the jurisdictions where we have operations and changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities. The difference between the effective tax rate and the federal statutory rate of 21.0%, primarily relates to certain non-deductible items, state and local income taxes and the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The following table summarizes our change in cash and cash equivalents (in thousands):


	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2023		2022
Cash and cash equivalents	$	37,955	$	27,046
Restricted cash	501		495

Cash provided by operating activities	38,964		32,106
Cash used in investing activities	(400)		(35,354)
Cash used in financing activities	(44,021)		(20,210)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash	$	(5,457)	$	(23,458)

Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities was $39.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, as compared to $32.1 million for the same period in 2022. This increase was primarily due to lower prepaid expenses.

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities was $0.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 as compared to $35.4 million for the same period in 2022. The decrease in net cash used in investing activities was primarily due to the purchase of digital assets of $5.0 million and payment for the Cherry Creek acquisition of $18.4 million during 2022 that did not reoccur in the same period in 2023. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company received cash proceeds of $7.3 million and $3.0 million related to sales of assets and investment related transactions and digital assets, respectively.

Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities was $44.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, as compared to $20.2 million for the same period in 2022. The increase in net cash used in financing activities was primarily due to $14.6 million paid for the repurchase of 1.5 million shares of Class C common stock from MSG National Properties, LLC, higher repurchases of 2026 Notes and dividend payments of $6.3 million in 2023, partially offset by an increase in proceeds from stock options exercised.

Sources of Liquidity and Anticipated Cash Requirements

We fund our working capital requirements through a combination of cash flows from our operating, investing, and financing activities. Based on current and anticipated levels of operations and conditions in our markets and industry, we believe that our cash on hand and cash flows from our operating, investing, and financing activities will enable us to meet our working capital, capital expenditures, debt service, and other funding requirements for at least one year from the date of this report. Future capital requirements may be materially different than those currently planned in our budgeting and forecasting activities and depend on many factors, some of which are beyond our control. We have focused on and will continue to monitor our liquidity in response to current and future economic challenges and uncertainty.

As of September 30, 2023, we had $499.1 million of outstanding indebtedness, net of deferred financing costs of $4.5 million.

Based on the terms of our 2026 Notes, as of September 30, 2023, we expect our debt service requirements to be approximately $34.6 million over the next twelve months. See Note 8, Long-Term Debt, in our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to our 2026 Notes.

As of September 30, 2023 we had $38.0 million of cash and cash equivalents, and $63.5 million of receivables from customers, which historically have had an average collection cycle of approximately 55 days. We had restricted cash of $0.5 million at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, that was held as collateral in connection with certain agreements. From time to time, such restricted funds could be returned to us or we could be required to pledge additional cash.

On August 7, 2023, the board of directors approved a dividend of $0.1875 per share. The $3.1 million dividend was paid on November 1, 2023. On November 6, 2023, the board of directors approved a dividend of $0.1875 per share. The dividend will be paid to holders of record as of January 2, 2024 on February 1, 2024.

During the first half of 2023, the Company voluntarily repurchased an aggregate $27.1 million in principal amount of its 2026 Notes, below par.

On June 16, 2023, the Company repurchased 1.5 million shares of the Company’s Class C common stock in the aggregate amount of $14.6 million from MSG Entertainment Group, LLC ("MSG"). The shares were retired upon repurchase. Additionally, the Company repurchased approximately 0.2 million shares of Class A common stock for approximately $2.1 million, during the nine months ended September 30, 2023.

Our anticipated uses of cash in the near term include working capital needs, interest payments, dividend payments, other obligations, and capital expenditures. The Company believes that the cash generated by its operations should be sufficient to meet its liquidity needs for at least the next 12 months. However, our ability to fund our working capital needs, debt payments, dividend payments, other obligations, capital expenditures, and to comply with financial covenants under our debt agreements, depends on our future operating performance and cash flow, which are in turn subject to prevailing economic conditions, increases or decreases in advertising spending, changes in the highly competitive industry in which we operate, which may be rapid, and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. To the extent that current and anticipated future sources of liquidity are insufficient to fund our future business activities and requirements, we may be required to seek additional equity or debt financing. The sale of additional equity would result in additional dilution to our stockholders, while the incurrence of debt financing would result in debt service obligations. Such debt instruments also could introduce covenants that might restrict our operations. We cannot assure you that we could obtain additional financing on favorable terms or at all.

Additionally, on a continuing basis, we evaluate and consider strategic acquisitions and divestitures to enhance our strategic and competitive position as well as our financial performance. Any future acquisitions, joint ventures or other similar transactions may require additional capital, which may not be available to us on acceptable terms, if at all.

We closely monitor the impact of capital and credit market conditions on our liquidity as it relates to our debt. We also routinely monitor the changes in the financial condition of our customers and the potential impact on our results of operations.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have no material off-balance sheet arrangements or transactions.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our significant estimates, including those related to determining the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in a business combination, impairment testing of intangible assets, valuation and impairment testing of long-lived tangible assets, the present value of leasing arrangements, share-based payment expense and the calculation of allowance for doubtful accounts and income taxes. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the result of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Our estimates may change, however, as new events occur and additional information is obtained, and any such changes will be recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Actual results could differ from such estimates, and any such differences may be material to our financial statements.

We believe the accounting policies and estimates discussed within “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K reflects our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements. There have been no material changes to the critical accounting policies and estimates as filed in such report.

Recent Accounting Standards

For a discussion of accounting standards updates that have been adopted or will be adopted in the future, please refer to Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 1.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), with the assistance of other members of management, have reviewed the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Our disclosure controls and procedures are intended to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and (2) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on this review, our CEO and CFO have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2023.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect every misstatement. An evaluation of effectiveness is subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with policies or procedures may decrease over time.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended September 30, 2023 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Inherent Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls

There are inherent limitations in the effectiveness of any control system, including the potential for human error and the possible circumvention or overriding of controls and procedures. Additionally, judgments in decision-making can be faulty and breakdowns can occur because of a simple error or mistake. An effective control system can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control objectives of the system are adequately met. Accordingly, the management of the Company, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that the control system can prevent or detect all error or fraud. Finally, projections of any evaluation or assessment of effectiveness of a control system to future periods are subject to the risks that, over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in an entity’s operating environment or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

There is no current material pending litigation to which we are a party and no material legal proceedings were terminated, settled or otherwise resolved during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023. In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to various regulatory proceedings, lawsuits, claims and other matters related to intellectual property, personal injury, employee, or other matters. These matters are subject to many uncertainties and outcomes are not predictable with assurance. However, we do not believe that the ultimate resolution of these matters will have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Please refer to Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in our 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K for information regarding known material risks that could affect our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity. In addition to these risks, other risks that we presently do not consider material, or other unknown risks, could materially adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations in a future period.

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

2021 Share Repurchase Program

In December 2021, our Board of Directors approved a 3-year share repurchase program for up to $50 million. The following table provides certain information with respect to the Company's purchases of its common shares during the three months ended September 30, 2023:


Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased(1)	Average Price Paid per Share		Approximate dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the plan (in thousands)
July 1, 2023 through July 31, 2023	69,800	$	11.72	$	47,938
August 1, 2023 through August 31, 2023	—	$	—	$	47,938
September 1, 2023 through September 30, 2023	24,400	$	10.33	$	47,686
Total	94,200	$	11.36	$	47,686

(1) This column represents the total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans.

Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

None.

Item 5. Other Information

None.

Item 6. Exhibits

See Exhibit Index.

EXHIBIT INDEX


Exhibit						Description

31.1*						Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended

31.2*						Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended

32.1**						Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350

32.2**						Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350













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101.SCH						XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL						XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF						XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

101.LAB						XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

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104						Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

* Filed herewith

** Furnished herewith

SIGNATURES

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



			TOWNSQUARE MEDIA, INC.
Date: November 9, 2023
By:			/s/ Stuart Rosenstein
			Name: Stuart Rosenstein
			Title: Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

By:			/s/ Robert Worshek
			Name: Robert Worshek
			Title: Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer