2024 Annual Report
2024 Annual Letter
To our fellow shareholders:
As we close out another year we are looking forward to a new year. Not only because 2024 was difficult for
the economy and the sector, but because the strategic transformational journey Saga embarked upon the
better part of two years ago is beginning to show meaningful results.
First, I want to thank those who have been so instrumental in the transformational change Saga has been
going through over the past two years:
• Our Corporate Team
• Our Saga Board of Directors
• Our carefully chosen 3rd Party Partners
• Our Shareholders
• Our Leadership Teams in each of Saga’s 28 markets
• Our Saga Media Advisors
• Our nearly 800 Saga employees all over the country, who make this engine go.
• Our clients, those who trust us with their advertising dollars to bring about outcomes. After all, our
revenue comes from these clients.
Transformational change is NOT easy — it takes time, resources, people-training, commitment and a very
strong belief that what you are building will be successful. We chose this path of transformational change both
out of necessity and because we believe we have identified a local digital advertising market ripe for
disruption.
We determined 4 THINGS:
1.
There is a significant increase in digital advertising dollars.
Businesses are pouring more money into digital advertising every year, but the rapid growth of
digital budgets has outpaced the ability of advertisers to use them effectively.
2.
There are frustrated buyers with unmet needs.
Advertisers are fed up with ineffective evergreen “Set it and Forget it” campaigns and empty
promises. They don’t like what they are buying or who they are buying it from. These are the same
local advertisers who say they trust radio salespeople most for market knowledge and advice but
aren’t buying from us.
The RAB recently released a report that in 2024, radio surpassed the $2 billion dollar mark in
digital sales. That is a very pedestrian .067% of all digital dollars spent in 2024. Radio cannot win
celebrating less than 1% of the digital ad pie. We cannot simply compare it to where radio came
from; we need to lift our eyes and look at the macro digital marketplace for what’s available to us.
HERE’S WHY
• According to E-Marketer, in 2024, excluding political, there was approximately $421 billion
dollars spent on advertising in the U.S.
• 73%, or $309 billion dollars, was spent in digital
• In 2025, estimated advertising expenditures in the U.S. will top $456 billion dollars, and 75%, or
$342 billion dollars, will go to digital advertising. That number is expected to climb to 83% by
2029. Radio’s approach to digital ad dollars is broken.
3.
There is a fragmented and confusing marketplace.
Too many providers and too many conflicting solutions. Businesses don’t know who to trust. In
this marketplace, simplicity and clarity win. Just ask the broadcasters I like and respect who have
gone through their own 4th, 5th, and 6th iterations of a digital strategy. It’s frustrating and costly.
4.
There is a shift in consumer behavior.
Advertising strategies haven’t caught up with the journey people take when they buy. There is a
gap where tech meets human behavior. Focusing the influence of ads on REAL consumer journeys
will allow everyone to win vs. the product-focused offerings that currently exist.
As a part of Saga’s Digital Strategy, which we call “Blended Advertising”, we have benefitted from talking
with and observing the 3rd party struggles of our brethren.
There’s an old saying that says “The 2nd mouse gets the cheese.”
“Blended Advertising” focuses on the consumer journey with three simple and effective products:
1. Radio — Leads to a search and gets the advertiser wanted.
2. Search — Gets the advertiser found.
3. Display — Gets the advertiser chosen.
We see it. We cannot unsee it. We believe it.
We have studied it and trained our media advisors with all this data in mind.
The question we had to ask ourselves was…
Do we build upon our already existing radio infrastructure or start anew?
We chose the former.
Infrastructure requires training. Training requires time and expense. This is why we forecasted a rise in
expenses over a year ago. And by investing in infrastructure vs. going brand new, the speed of growth
increases.
Unfortunately, the short term was impacted by the broadcast sector experiencing a significant downdraft.
So why should you continue to invest in Saga or perhaps become a new investor? Because we see a broken local
digital market ripe for disruption. And we are the right media company to take advantage of that
opportunity.
The customers we work with every day already like us and trust us and if we can impact just 5% of the
digital dollars available in our 28 Saga markets over the next 18-24 months, we could significantly increase
our total gross annual revenue (most of it digital), while also protecting, preserving, and growing radio.
For example, in our 28 Saga markets, there is approximately $2.9 billion dollars available in just search and
display. To disrupt 5% of the available dollars would result in more gross revenue than Saga generates in a
calendar year.
Before I share just some of the success blended advertising has helped us create, let me take you back to
earlier, regarding building on an existing infrastructure versus starting anew.
In previous President’s Letters, and on virtually every quarterly earnings call for the past 2 years, I have
asked the question, “Where would Saga be today if we had decided NOT to go down this path and had NOT
added the revenue verticals to our arsenal when we did to help launch Saga’s transformational change?
Here is the answer to that question.
In 2024, we generated a nearly $7.6 million dollar increase in revenue since we began this transformation at
the end of 2022. They consisted of the following revenue verticals:
• Online local news sites
• E-Commerce
• Streaming
• Market-specific “Best of” programs
• Plus, a variety of digital products and services
These strategic additives have served us well in building the infrastructure of transformational change and
will continue to do so as we grow.
Again, at the same time, we forecasted a lift in expenses as we invested in our people, our products, and our
processes. These efforts are increasingly more important as the broadcast sector faces growing headwinds.
Allow me to share several data points from a 5-market snapshot inside Saga which illustrates how blended
advertising has already impacted Saga’s local, direct, and digital revenues… and how they show promise for
Saga, its shareholders, it’s customers, it’s employees, and financial strength in both the short and the
long-term:
Using a combination of Saga’s Marketron traffic system and Saga’s CRM called Rumple, we analyzed
local direct advertisers who purchased a blended product consisting of search, display, O.T.T. or social
media.
We compared January ‘23 through October ‘23 to January ‘24 through October ‘24.
Here is what we found:
• Local direct advertisers who bought a blended product INCREASED their radio spend 9%
YOY, while their overall Radio and Digital spend increased by 27% YOY.
• Conversely, over the same period, local direct advertisers who did NOT buy a blended product
reduced their radio spend by 13% YOY.
• Furthermore, accounts who were never presented blended advertising experienced a 50-55%
decrease in their radio spend. However, when blended advertising WAS pitched but the client
didn’t buy, their radio spend INCREASED by 1 – 2%.
• From November 7, 2024 through March 7, 2025, as a company, we secured $5.7 million dollars
in “Blended” orders with 203 customers. Of that, $2.9 million dollars were digital dollars, and
$2.8 million dollars were radio dollars.
During the same period, blended advertising orders yielded us 4.3 times more than non-blended orders, and
when examining the radio-only dollars and comparing blended and non-blended orders, we found that
those who bought blended spent 96% more on radio than those who did NOT buy blended. Building on
these results, during a 7-day period in early March 2025, in just 3 Saga markets, we generated another
$2 million in BRAND NEW BLENDED advertising dollars! And these wins do not even begin to drain our
pipeline!
It used to be said in our business,
“Control the Creative- Control the Campaign”.
Today it’s,
“Control the Strategy- Control the Campaign”.
With blended advertising, radio has the opportunity to include itself IN THE STRATEGY and we are just
getting started. Radio is the star of Saga’s digital strategy. Radio, with its high consumer trust leads to a
search. Data shows Radio is the very best, most pervasive, and most efficient top-of-the-funnel medium
available.
Radio’s role in this strategy is to move consumers to click — visit — call or search an advertiser’s business.
Radio gets the advertiser wanted. Digital gets the advertiser found and chosen.
In closing, someone once said to me, “If you are exposed to a product or service that can’t tell you the
problem they are solving, you need to be absolutely terrified.”
So what problem is Saga solving for the customer and for radio through blended advertising?
• Advertising, that is easy to buy and understand.
• Advertising focused on the real consumers that click — visit — call and search.
• Attribution that is easy to understand and focused on the actions consumers take that lead to a sale.
• And selfishly, radio gets to do the magic it has always been known for.
• In other words, a strategy that is:
…Easy to understand
…Easy to buy
…Easy to execute
…Easy to measure
…And easy to re-buy
We believe our blended advertising digital strategy, when executed properly, can lead to significant growth
in gross revenue. We are excited about the prospect’s blended advertising has, to leverage, preserve, protect and
grow the magic that is radio!
Respectfully,
Chris Forgy
President / CEO
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark one)
☑ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024
or
☐ 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 1-11588
SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Florida
38-3042953
(State or other jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
Identification No.)
73 Kercheval Avenue
Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan
48236
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
(313) 886-7070
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol
Name of each exchange on which registered
Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value
SGA
NASDAQ Global Market
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes No
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes No
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 the 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 checkmark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its
internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm
that prepared or issued its audit report.
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included
in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements.
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation
received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to § 240.10D-1(b).
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐ No
On June 28, 2024 the aggregate market value of the shares of Class A Common Stock held by nonaffiliates of the registrant, computed on the
basis of the closing stock price of the Class A Common Stock on the NASDAQ was $61,656,352.
The number of shares of the registrant’s Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value outstanding as of March 4, 2025 was 6,441,913.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the Proxy Statement for the 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later
than 120 days after the end of the Company’s fiscal year) are incorporated by reference in Part III hereof.
2
Saga Communications, Inc.
2024 Form 10-K Annual Report
Table of Contents
Page
PART I
Item 1.
Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4
Item 1A.
Risk Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23
Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31
Item 1C.
Cybersecurity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
32
Item 2.
Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
33
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
33
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
33
PART II
Item 5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of
Equity Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
33
Item 6.
[Reserved] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
34
Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations . . . . . . .
35
Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
43
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
43
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure . . . . . . .
43
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
43
Item 9B.
Other Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
45
Item 9C.
Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
45
PART III
Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
45
Item 11.
Executive Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
45
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder
Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
45
Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
45
Item 14.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
45
PART IV
Item 15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
46
Signatures
89
3
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements contained in this Form 10-K that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that are made
pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In addition, words such as
“will,” “may,” “believes,” “intends,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “estimates,” “guidance,” and similar expressions
are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are made as of the date of this report or as
otherwise indicated, based on current expectations. We undertake no obligation to update this information. A number of
important factors could cause our actual results for 2025 and beyond to differ materially from those expressed in any
forward-looking statements made by or on our behalf. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future
performance as they involve a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that may prove to be incorrect and that
may cause our actual results and experiences to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations
expressed in such forward-looking statements. The risks, uncertainties and assumptions that may affect our performance,
which are described in Item 1A of this report, include our financial leverage and debt service requirements, dependence
on key personnel, dependence on key stations and advertising revenue they generate, global, U.S. and local economic
conditions, including the effects of inflation and trade policy, our ability to successfully integrate acquired stations,
regulatory requirements including royalties we pay, new technologies, health epidemics, natural disasters, terrorist
attacks, information technology and cybersecurity failures and data security breaches. We cannot be sure that we will be
able to anticipate or respond timely to changes in any of these factors, which could adversely affect the operating results
in one or more fiscal quarters. Results of operations in any past period should not be considered, in and of itself,
indicative of the results to be expected for future periods. Fluctuations in operating results may also result in fluctuations
in the price of our stock.
4
PART I
Item 1. Business
We are a media company primarily engaged in acquiring, developing and operating broadcast properties including
opportunities complimentary to our core radio business including digital, e-commerce and non-traditional revenue
initiatives. As of February 28, 2025, we owned eighty-two FM, thirty-one AM radio stations and seventy-nine metro
signals serving twenty-eight markets. Our principal executive offices are located at 73 Kercheval, Grosse Pointe Farms,
Michigan 48236. We are a Florida corporation, reorganized in 2020. We were originally organized as a Delaware
corporation in 1986.
During 2022, our founder and former Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), Edward K. Christian passed away. As of
the date of his passing, Mr. Christian held approximately 65% of the combined voting power of the Company’s
Common Stock. His passing resulted in the conversion of his Class B Shares into Class A Shares that were transferred
to an estate planning trust that now owns approximately 14.6% of the common stock outstanding. We were also
required to make certain payments to his estate as outlined in his employment agreement.
Strategy
Our strategy is to operate top billing radio stations, including harnessing opportunities complimentary to our core
radio business including digital, e-commerce, online local news sites and other non-traditional revenue initiatives, in
mid-sized markets, which we define as markets ranked from 20 to 200 out of the markets summarized by Investing in
Radio Market Report.
Local programming and marketing are key components in our strategy to achieve top ratings in our radio operations.
In many of our markets, the three or four most highly rated radio stations receive a disproportionately high share of the
market’s advertising revenues. As a result, a station’s revenue is dependent upon its ability to maximize its number of
listeners within an advertiser’s given demographic parameters. In certain cases we use attributes other than specific
market listener data for sales activities. We also use our strong local presence and community involvement to develop
strong relationships with our listeners, advertising clients and community organizations.
The radio stations that we own and/or operate employ a variety of programming formats, including Classic Hits,
Country, Classic Country, Hot/Soft/Urban Adult Contemporary, Oldies, Classic Rock, Rock and News/Talk. We
regularly perform extensive market research, including music evaluations, focus groups and strategic vulnerability
studies. Our stations also employ audience promotions to further develop and secure a loyal following.
We concentrate on the development of strong decentralized local management, which is responsible for the day-to-
day operations, including local community development, of the stations we own and/or operate. We compensate local
management based on the station’s financial performance, as well as other performance factors that are deemed to affect
the long-term ability of the stations to serve their local communities and to achieve financial performance objectives.
Corporate management is responsible for long-range planning, establishing policies and procedures, resource allocation
and monitoring the activities of the stations.
Under the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (the “Telecommunications Act”), we are permitted to own up to eight
radio stations in a single market. See “Federal Regulation of Radio Broadcasting”. We seek to acquire reasonably priced
broadcast properties with significant growth potential that are located in markets with well-established and relatively
stable economies. We often focus on local economies supported by a strong presence of state or federal government or
one or more major universities. Future acquisitions will be subject to the availability of financing, the terms of our credit
facility, and compliance with the Communications Act of 1934 (the “Communications Act”) and Federal
Communications Commission (“FCC”) rules.
5
Advertising Sales
Our primary source of revenue is from the sale of advertising for broadcast on our stations. Depending on the format
of a particular radio station, there are a predetermined number of advertisements broadcast each hour. We determine the
number of advertisements broadcast hourly that can maximize a station’s available revenue dollars without jeopardizing
listening levels. While there may be shifts from time to time in the number of advertisements broadcast during a
particular time of the day, the total number of advertisements broadcast on a particular station generally does not vary
significantly from year to year. Any change in our revenue, with the exception of those instances where stations are
acquired or sold, is generally the result of pricing adjustments, which are made to ensure that the station efficiently
utilizes available inventory.
Advertising rates charged by radio stations are based primarily on a station’s ability to attract audiences in the
demographic groups targeted by advertisers, the number of stations in the market competing for the same demographic
group, the supply of and demand for radio advertising time, and other qualitative factors including rates charged by
competing radio stations within a given market. Radio rates are generally highest during morning and afternoon drive-
time hours. Most advertising contracts are short-term, generally running for only a few weeks. This allows broadcasters
the ability to modify advertising rates as dictated by changes in station ownership within a market, changes in listener
ratings and changes in the business climate within a particular market.
Approximately $106,302,000 or 88% of our gross revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024 (approximately
$111,240,000 or 90% in fiscal 2023) was generated from the sale of local advertising. Additional revenue is generated
from the sale of national advertising, network compensation payments, barter and other miscellaneous transactions. In all
of our markets, we attempt to maintain a local sales force that is generally larger than our competitors. The principal goal
in our sales efforts is to develop long-standing customer relationships through frequent direct contacts, which we believe
represents a competitive advantage. We also typically provide incentives to our sales staff to seek out new opportunities
resulting in the establishment of new client relationships, as well as new sources of revenue, not directly associated with
the sale of broadcast time.
Each of our stations also engages independent national sales representatives to assist us in obtaining national
advertising revenues. These representatives obtain advertising through national advertising agencies and receive a
commission from us based on our net revenue from the advertising obtained. Total gross revenue resulting from national
advertising in fiscal 2024 was approximately $13,889,000 or 12% of our gross revenue (approximately $11,880,000 or
10% in fiscal 2023). Gross national political revenue is included in these numbers.
Competition
Radio broadcasting is a highly competitive business. Our stations compete for listeners and advertising revenues
directly with other radio stations, as well as other media, within their markets. Our radio stations compete for listeners
primarily on the basis of program content and by employing on-air talent which appeals to a particular demographic
group. By building a strong listener base comprised of a specific demographic group in each of our markets, we are able
to attract advertisers seeking to reach these listeners.
Other media, including broadcast television and/or radio (as applicable), cable television, newspapers, magazines,
direct mail, the Internet, coupons and billboard advertising, also compete with us for advertising revenues.
The radio broadcasting industry is also subject to competition from new media technologies, such as the delivery of
audio programming by cable and satellite television systems, satellite radio systems, direct reception from satellites, and
streaming of audio on the Internet.
6
Seasonality
Our revenue varies throughout the year. Advertising expenditures, our primary source of revenue, is generally
lowest in the first quarter.
Environmental Compliance
As the owner, lessee or operator of various real properties and facilities, we are subject to various federal, state and
local environmental laws and regulations. Historically, compliance with these laws and regulations has not had a
material adverse effect on our business. There can be no assurance, however, that compliance with existing or new
environmental laws and regulations will not require us to make significant expenditures of funds.
Human Capital Resources
Our key human capital management objectives are to attract, develop and retain top industry talent that reflects the
diversity of the communities in which we broadcast. To support this goal, our human resources programs are designed
to develop talent to prepare for key roles and leadership positions for the future; reward employees through competitive
industry pay, benefits and other programs, instill our culture with a focus on ethical behavior and enhance our
employees’ performance through investment in current technology, tools and training to enable our employees to operate
at a high level.
As of December 31, 2024, we had approximately 601 full-time employees and 240 part-time employees, none of
whom are represented by unions. We believe that our relations with our employees are good.
We employ several high-profile personalities with large loyal audiences in their respective markets. We have
entered into employment and non-competition agreements with our President/Chief Executive Officer and with most of
our on-air personalities, as well as non-competition agreements with our commissioned sales representatives.
We are committed to hiring, developing and supporting a diverse and inclusive workplace. Our management teams
are expected to exhibit and promote honest, ethical and respectful conduct in the workplace. All of our employees must
adhere to a code of conduct that sets standards for appropriate ethical behavior.
Available Information
You can find more information about us at our Internet website www.sagacom.com. Our Annual Report on
Form 10-K, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, our Current Reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to those
reports are available free of charge on our Internet website as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file
such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).
Federal Regulation of Radio Broadcasting
Introduction. The ownership, operation and sale of radio stations, including those licensed to us, are subject to the
jurisdiction of the FCC, which acts under authority granted by the Communications Act. Among other things, the FCC
assigns frequency bands for broadcasting; determines the particular frequencies, locations and operating power of
stations; issues, renews, revokes and modifies station licenses; determines whether to approve changes in ownership or
control of station licenses; regulates equipment used by stations; adopts and implements regulations and policies that
directly or indirectly affect the ownership, operation and employment practices of stations; and has the power to impose
penalties for violations of its rules or the Communications Act. For additional information on the impact of FCC
regulations and the introduction of new technologies on our operations, see “Forward Looking Statements” and “Risk
Factors” contained elsewhere in this report.
7
The following is a brief summary of certain provisions of the Communications Act and of specific FCC regulations
and policies (collectively, hereinafter the “Communications Act”). Reference should be made to the Communications
Act, FCC rules (Title 47 Code of Federal Regulation, Chapter I, Subchapters A and C) and the public notices and rulings
of the FCC for further information concerning the nature and extent of federal regulation of broadcast stations.
License Renewal. Radio broadcasting licenses are granted for maximum terms of eight years, and are subject to
renewal upon application to the FCC. Under its “two-step” renewal process, the FCC must grant a renewal application if
it finds that during the preceding term the licensee has served the public interest, convenience and necessity, and there
have been no serious violations of the Communications Act or the FCC’s rules which, taken together, would constitute a
pattern of abuse. If a renewal applicant fails to meet these standards, the FCC may either deny its application or grant the
application on such terms and conditions as are appropriate, including renewal for less than the full 8-year term. In
making the determination of whether to renew the license, the FCC may not consider whether the public interest would
be served by the grant of a license to a person other than the renewal applicant. If the FCC, after notice and opportunity
for a hearing, finds that the licensee has failed to meet the requirements for renewal and no mitigating factors justify the
imposition of lesser sanctions, the FCC may issue an order denying the renewal application, and only thereafter may the
FCC accept applications for a construction permit specifying the broadcasting facilities of the former licensee. Petitions
may be filed to deny the renewal applications of our stations, but any such petitions must raise issues that would cause
the FCC to deny a renewal application under the standards adopted in the “two-step” renewal process. Failure to renew a
license could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business. Radio station licenses generally expire along
with the licenses of all other radio stations in a given state. The FCC accepts renewal applications for various groups of
radio stations every two months. The last cycle having begun in June 2019, concluded for the Company’s stations in
June 2022. All the Company’s renewal applications were routinely granted by the FCC. In January 2018 and again in
February 2022, the FCC designated the renewal applications of radio stations (not the Company’s) for hearing based on
the stations’ records of extended periods of silence during and following their respective license renewal terms. Under
the Communications Act, if a broadcast station fails to transmit signals for any consecutive 12-month period, the FCC
license expires at the end of that period, unless the FCC exercises its discretion to extend or reinstate the license “to
promote equity and fairness.” The FCC, to date, has rarely exercised such discretion. Further, the FCC has revoked the
licenses of broadcast stations that failed to pay regulatory fees. The Company is current in the payment of regulatory
fees to the FCC.
8
The following table sets forth information about our radio stations, including the markets they serve, their format,
and the FCC class of each of the broadcast stations that we own or operate with an attributable interest and the date on
which each such station’s FCC license expires:
Station
FCC Station Expiration Date of
Station
Market (1)
Format
Class (2) FCC Authorization
FM:
WOXL
Asheville, NC
Hot Adult Contemporary
C2
December 1, 2027
WTMT
Asheville, NC
Classic Rock
C2
December 1, 2027
KISM
Bellingham, WA
Classic Rock
C
February 1, 2030
KAFE
Bellingham, WA
Adult Contemporary
C
February 1, 2030
WRSY
Brattleboro, VT
Adult Album Alternative
A
April 1, 2030
WKVT
Brattleboro, VT
Classic Hits
A
April 1, 2030
WQEL
Bucyrus, OH
Classic Rock
A
October 1, 2028
WLRW
Champaign, IL
Hot Adult Contemporary
B
December 1, 2028
WIXY
Champaign, IL
Country
B1
December 1, 2028
WREE
Champaign, IL
Classic Hits
B1
December 1, 2028
WYXY
Champaign, IL
Classic Country
B
December 1, 2028
WAVF
Charleston, SC
Adult Variety Hits
C
December 1, 2027
WCKN
Charleston, SC
Country
C1
December 1, 2027
WMXZ
Charleston, SC
Hot Adult Contemporary
C2
December 1, 2027
WXST
Charleston, SC
Urban Adult Contemporary
C1
December 1, 2027
WWWV
Charlottesville, VA
Classic Rock
B
October 1, 2027
WQMZ
Charlottesville, VA
Adult Contemporary
A
October 1, 2027
WCNR
Charlottesville, VA
Adult Album Alternative
A
October 1, 2027
WCVL
Charlottesville, VA
Country
A
October 1, 2027
WCVQ
Clarksville, TN/Hopkinsville, KY Hot Adult Contemporary
C1
August 1, 2028
WZZP
Clarksville, TN/Hopkinsville, KY Rock
A
August 1, 2028
WVVR
Clarksville, TN/Hopkinsville, KY Country
C0
August 1, 2028
WRND
Clarksville, TN/Hopkinsville, KY Classic Hits
A
August 1, 2028
WSNY
Columbus, OH
Adult Contemporary
B
October 1, 2028
WNNP
Columbus, OH
Classic Hits
A
October 1, 2028
WNND
Columbus, OH
Classic Hits
A
October 1, 2028
WVMX
Columbus, OH
Hot Adult Contemporary
A
October 1, 2028
WLVQ
Columbus, OH
Classic Rock
B
October 1, 2028
KSTZ
Des Moines, IA
Hot Adult Contemporary
C
February 1, 2029
KIOA
Des Moines, IA
Classic Hits
C1
February 1, 2029
KAZR
Des Moines, IA
Rock
C1
February 1, 2029
KOEZ
Des Moines, IA
Soft Adult Contemporary
C1
February 1, 2029
WHAI
Greenfield, MA
Adult Contemporary
A
April 1, 2030
WPVQ
Greenfield, MA
Country
A
April 1, 2030
WMQR
Harrisonburg, VA
Hot Adult Contemporary
B1
October 1, 2027
WQPO
Harrisonburg, VA
Contemporary Hits
B
October 1, 2027
WSIG
Harrisonburg, VA
Classic Country
B1
October 1, 2027
WWRE
Harrisonburg, VA
Classic Hits
A
October 1, 2027
WOEZ
Hilton Head Island, SC
Soft Adult Contemporary
C3
December 1, 2027
WLHH
Hilton Head Island, SC
Classic Hits
C3
December 1, 2027
WVSC
Hilton Head Island, SC
Adult Variety Hits
C3
December 1, 2027
WYXL
Ithaca, NY
Adult Contemporary
B
June 1, 2030
WQNY
Ithaca, NY
Country
B
June 1, 2030
WIII
Ithaca, NY
Classic Rock
B
June 1, 2030
WFIZ
Ithaca, NY
Contemporary Hits
A
June 1, 2030
9
Station
FCC Station Expiration Date of
Station
Market (1)
Format
Class (2) FCC Authorization
KEGI
Jonesboro, AR
Classic Rock
C2
June 1, 2028
KDXY
Jonesboro, AR
Country
C3
June 1, 2028
KJBX
Jonesboro, AR
Adult Contemporary
C3
June 1, 2028
WKNE
Keene, NH
Hot Adult Contemporary
B
April 1, 2030
WSNI
Keene, NH
Adult Contemporary
A
April 1, 2030
WINQ
Keene, NH
Country
A
April 1, 2030
WASK
Lafayette, IN
Classic Hits
A
August 1, 2028
WKHY
Lafayette, IN
Rock
B
August 1, 2028
WKOA
Lafayette, IN
Country
A
August 1, 2028
WXXB
Lafayette, IN
Contemporary Hits
A
August 1, 2028
WZID
Manchester, NH
Adult Contemporary
B
April 1, 2030
WMLL
Manchester, NH
Country
A
April 1, 2030
WKLH
Milwaukee, WI
Classic Rock
B
December 1, 2028
WHQG
Milwaukee, WI
Rock
B
December 1, 2028
WRXS
Milwaukee, WI
Oldies
A
December 1, 2028
WJMR
Milwaukee, WI
Urban Adult Contemporary
A
December 1, 2028
KMIT
Mitchell, SD
Country
C1
April 1, 2029
KUQL
Mitchell, SD
Classic Hits
C1
April 1, 2029
WNOR
Norfolk, VA
Rock
B
October 1, 2027
WAFX
Norfolk, VA
Classic Rock
C
October 1, 2027
WOGK
Ocala, FL
Country
C0
February 1, 2028
WYND
Ocala, FL
Classic Rock
A
February 1, 2028
WNDD
Ocala, FL
Classic Rock
A
February 1, 2028
WRSI
Northampton, MA
Adult Album Alternative
A
April 1, 2030
WPOR
Portland, ME
Country
B
April 1, 2030
WCLZ
Portland, ME
Adult Album Alternative
B
April 1, 2030
WMGX
Portland, ME
Hot Adult Contemporary
B
April 1, 2030
WYNZ
Portland, ME
Classic Hits
B1
April 1, 2030
KICD
Spencer, IA
Country
C1
February 1, 2029
KMRR
Spencer, IA
Adult Contemporary
C3
February 1, 2029
WLZX
Springfield, MA
Rock
A
April 1, 2030
WAQY
Springfield, MA
Classic Rock
B
April 1, 2030
WYMG
Springfield, IL
Classic Rock
B
December 1, 2028
WLFZ
Springfield, IL
Country
B
December 1, 2028
WDBR
Springfield, IL
Contemporary Hits
B
December 1, 2028
WTAX
Springfield, IL
News/Talk
B1
December 1, 2028
WNAX
Yankton, SD
Country
C1
April 1, 2029
AM:
WISE
Asheville, NC
Sports/Talk
B
December 1, 2027
KGMI
Bellingham, WA
News/Talk
B
February 1, 2030
KPUG
Bellingham, WA
Sports/Talk
B
February 1, 2030
WINQ
Brattleboro, VT
Country
C
April 1, 2030
WBCO
Bucyrus, OH
Classic Country
D
October 1, 2028
WSPO
Charleston, SC
Gospel
B
December 1, 2027
WINA
Charlottesville, VA
News/Talk
B
October 1, 2027
WQEZ
Clarksville, TN/Hopkinsville, KY Soft Adult Contemporary
D
August 1, 2028
WKFN
Clarksville, TN/Hopkinsville, KY Sports/Talk
D
August 1, 2028
10
Station
FCC Station
Expiration Date of
Station
Market (1)
Format
Class (2) FCC Authorization
WNZE
Clarksville, TN
News/Talk
C
August 1, 2028
KRNT
Des Moines, IA
Sports/Talk
B
February 1, 2029
KPSZ
Des Moines, IA
Christian
B
February 1, 2029
WIZZ
Greenfield, MA
Oldies
D
April 1, 2030
WSVA
Harrisonburg, VA
News/Talk
B
October 1, 2027
WHBG
Harrisonburg, VA
Sports/Talk
D
October 1, 2027
WHCU
Ithaca, NY
News/Talk
B
June 1, 2030
WNYY
Ithaca, NY
Oldies
B
June 1, 2030
WKBK
Keene, NH
News/Talk
B
April 1, 2030
WZBK
Keene, NH
Classic Hits
D
April 1, 2030
WASK
Lafayette, IN
Sports/Talk
C
August 1, 2028
WFEA
Manchester, NH
News/Talk
B
April 1, 2030
WJOI
Milwaukee, WI
Christian
C
December 1, 2028
WHMP
Northampton, MA
News/Talk
C
April 1, 2030
WGAN
Portland, ME
News/Talk
B
April 1, 2030
WZAN
Portland, ME
Classic Country
B
April 1, 2030
WBAE
Portland, ME
Soft Adult Contemporary
C
April 1, 2030
WVAE
Portland, ME
Soft Adult Contemporary
C
April 1, 2030
KICD
Spencer, IA
News/Talk
C
February 1, 2029
WLZX
Springfield, MA
Rock
D
April 1, 2030
WTAX
Springfield, IL
News/Talk
C
December 1, 2028
WNAX
Yankton, SD
News/Talk
B
April 1, 2029
(1) Some stations are licensed to a different community located within the market that they serve.
(2) In order of increasing power, AM stations are classified as: Class D, C, B or A. (See Title 47 C.F.R. §73.21 for a
definition of AM station class information, including operating power.) In order of increasing power and antenna
height, FM stations are classified as: Class A, B1, C3, B, C2, C1, C0 or C. (See Title 47 C.F.R. §73.210 for a
definition of FM station class information, including effective radiated power [“ERP”] and antenna height.) WISE,
KPSZ, KPUG, KGMI, WNYY, WHCU, WINQ(AM) and WSVA operate with lower power at night than during
daytime. WBCO, WQEZ, WKFN, WHBG, WZBK and WLZX(AM) are “Class D” stations that operate daytime
only or with greatly reduced power at night.
Ownership Matters. The Communications Act prohibits the assignment of a broadcast license or the transfer of
control of a broadcast licensee without the prior approval of the FCC. In determining whether to grant or renew a
broadcast license, the FCC considers a number of factors pertaining to the licensee, including compliance with the
Communications Act’s limitations on alien ownership; compliance with various rules limiting common ownership of
broadcast, cable and newspaper properties; and the “character” and other qualifications of the licensee and those persons
holding “attributable or cognizable” interests therein.
Under the Communications Act (Section 310(b)), broadcast licenses may not be granted to any corporation having
more than one-fifth of its issued and outstanding capital stock owned or voted by aliens (including non-
U.S. corporations), foreign governments or their representatives (collectively, “Aliens”). The Communications Act also
prohibits a corporation, without FCC waiver, from holding a broadcast license if that corporation is controlled, directly
or indirectly, by another corporation in which more than 25% of the issued and outstanding capital stock is owned or
voted by Aliens. The FCC has issued interpretations of existing law under which these restrictions in modified form
apply to other forms of business organizations, including partnerships. We serve as a holding company for our various
radio station subsidiaries (and as such we cannot have more than 25% of our stock owned or voted by Aliens).
The FCC has adopted rules to extend to broadcast licensees the same rules and procedures that common carrier
wireless licensees use to seek approval for foreign ownership, with broadcast-specific modifications.
11
The rules and procedures allow a broadcast licensee to request in a petition for declaratory ruling under Title 47
U.S.C. Section 310(b)(4):
(1) approval of up to and including 100 percent aggregate foreign ownership of its controlling U.S. parent;
(2) approval for a proposed, controlling foreign investor to increase its equity and/or voting interests in the
U.S. parent up to and including 100 percent at some future time without filing a new petition—this applies
where the foreign investor would acquire an initial controlling interest of less than 100 percent; and
(3) approval for a non-controlling foreign investor named in the petition to increase its equity and/or voting
interests in the U.S. parent at some future time, up to and including a non-controlling 49.99 percent equity
and/or voting interest.
The rules require the Company to seek specific approval only of foreign individuals or entities with a greater than 5
percent ownership interest (or, in certain situations, an interest greater than 10 percent).
The rules allow broadcast licensees that have foreign ownership rulings to apply those rulings to all radio and
television broadcast licenses then held or subsequently proposed to be acquired by the same licensee and its covered
subsidiaries and affiliates, regardless of the broadcast service (e.g., AM, FM, or TV) or the geographic area in which the
stations are located.
The methodology provides a framework for a publicly traded licensee or controlling U.S. parent to ascertain its
foreign ownership using information that is “known or reasonably should be known” to the company in the ordinary
course of business.
For publicly traded licensees and U.S. parent companies (like the Company), the rules formalize the current
equitable practice of recognizing a licensee’s good faith efforts to comply with Section 310(b) where the non-
compliance was due solely to circumstances beyond the licensee’s control that were not known or reasonably
foreseeable to the licensee.
We are permitted to own an unlimited number of radio stations on a nationwide basis (subject to the local ownership
restrictions described below).
Under the rules, the number of radio stations one party may own in a local Nielsen Audio-rated radio market is
determined by the number of full-power commercial and noncommercial educational (“NCE”) radio stations in the
market as determined by Nielsen Audio and BIA Advisory Services, LLC d/b/a BIA/Kelsey. Radio markets that are not
Nielsen Audio rated are determined by analysis of the broadcast coverage contours of the radio stations involved.
Under the Communications Act, and the FCC’s “Local Radio Ownership Rule,” we are permitted to own radio
stations (without regard to the audience shares of the stations) based upon the number of full-power commercial and
NCE radio stations in the relevant radio market as follows:
Number of Stations
In Radio Market
Number of Stations We Can Own
14 or Fewer
Total of 5 stations, not more than 3 in the same service (AM or FM),
except the Company cannot own more than 50% of the stations in the
market.
15-29
Total of 6 stations, not more than 4 in the same service (AM or FM).
30-44
Total of 7 stations, not more than 4 in the same service (AM or FM).
45 or More
Total of 8 stations, not more than 5 in the same service (AM or FM).
12
The FCC is required by the Telecommunications Act of 1996 to review its media ownership rules every four years
to determine whether they remain “necessary in the public interest as the result of competition.” The FCC’s 2010/2014
Quadrennial Review Order on Reconsideration, 32 FCC Rcd 9802 (2017), modified the FCC’s media ownership
rules by: (1) eliminating the newspaper/broadcast cross-ownership and radio/television cross-ownership rules;
(2) revising the local television ownership rule by eliminating the “eight voices” test and permitting applicants to seek
the combination of two top-four ranked stations in a given market on a case-by-case basis; and (3) deeming joint sales
agreements between television stations to be non-attributable. In FCC v. Prometheus Radio Project, 141 S. Ct. 1150
(2021), the U. S. Supreme Court reversed a decision of the Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit which had vacated the
FCC’s 2017 order. On December 12, 2018, the FCC adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“NPRM”) to initiate
the 2018 Quadrennial Review proceeding. On June 4, 2021, the FCC released a Public Notice seeking to refresh the
record in the 2018 Quadrennial Review proceeding. (Hereinafter, the acronym “R&O” means an FCC “Report and
Order.”) In its R&O 2018 Quadrennial Regulatory Review—Review of the Commission’s Broadcast Ownership Rules
and Other Rules Adopted Pursuant to Section 202 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, FCC 23-117, released
December 26, 2023, the FCC found that its existing rules, with some minor modifications, remain necessary in the
public interest. The FCC retained the “dual network rule” and the “local radio ownership rule,” the latter of which was
modified only to make permanent the interim contour-overlap methodology long used to determine ownership limits in
areas outside the boundaries of defined Nielsen Audio Metro markets and in Puerto Rico. The FCC retained its local
television ownership rule with adjustments to reflect changes that have occurred in the television marketplace to update
the methodology for determining station ranking within a market to better reflect current industry practices, and
expanded the existing prohibition on use of affiliation to circumvent the restriction on acquiring a second top-four
ranked station in a market. Three parties filed Petitions for Review of the FCC’s R&O in the Fifth, Eighth, and Eleventh
U. S. Circuit Courts of Appeal. Before completing the 2018 Quadrennial Review, on December 22, 2022, the FCC
released a Public Notice (DA 22-1364) commencing the 2022 Quadrennial Review and began accepting comments and
reply comments. The Company cannot predict whatever action the Courts may take with respect to the R&O or the FCC
may take with respect to the 2022 Quadrennial Review.
New rules that could be promulgated under the Communications Act may permit us to own, operate, control or have
a cognizable interest in additional radio broadcast stations if the FCC determines that such ownership, operation, control
or cognizable interest will result in an increase in the number of radio stations in operation. No firm date has been
established for initiation of this rule-making proceeding. New rules could restrict the Company’s ability to acquire
additional radio and television stations in some markets. On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump was inaugurated
and signed numerous Executive Orders, some of which could affect the FCC. Revisions occurring as a result of the
change of Administration, the Courts and FCC proceedings are ongoing and we cannot predict what action, if any,
Administration, the Courts or the FCC may take to further modify the FCC rules. Due to changes in local radio markets,
the ownership of some of our radio stations, in the future, could exceed the current ownership limits imposed by the
Local Radio Ownership Rule. Their current ownership structure is “grandfathered” by the FCC. Absent a waiver, it
might not be possible to sell all of them as currently configured in “clusters” to a single purchaser. The statements herein
are based solely on the FCC’s multiple ownership rules in effect as of the date hereof and do not include any forward-
looking statements concerning compliance with any future multiple ownership rules.
13
All commercial broadcasters were required to file a “biennial” ownership report, by December 1, 2023, describing
the ownership of its stations as of October 1, 2023. The Company timely filed its reports. The next biennial ownership
reports are due by December 1, 2025. The FCC eliminated the prior requirement to file with the FCC paper copies of
certain agreements, corporate organization documents, and the like. Instead, a broadcaster is required to upload copies
of these documents to the station’s online public inspection file (“OPIF”), or provide a list of such documents and make
them available to a requesting party. The FCC generally applies its ownership limits to “attributable” interests held by
an individual, corporation, partnership or other association. In the case of corporations holding broadcast licenses, the
interests of officers, directors and those who, directly or indirectly, have the right to vote 5% or more of the
corporation’s stock (or 20% or more of such stock in the case of certain passive investors that are holding stock for
investment purposes only) are generally attributable, as are positions of an officer or director of a corporate parent of a
broadcast licensee. Currently, one of our directors has an attributable interest or interests in companies applying for or
licensed to operate broadcast stations other than the Company.
The FCC’s ownership attribution rules (a) apply to limited liability companies and registered limited liability
partnerships the same attribution rules that the FCC applies to limited partnerships; and (b) include an equity/debt plus
(“EDP”) rule that attributes the other media interests of an otherwise passive investor if the investor is (1) a “major-
market program supplier” that supplies over 15% of a station’s total weekly broadcast programming hours, or
(2) a same-market media entity subject to the FCC’s multiple ownership rules (including broadcasters, cable operators
and newspapers) so that its interest in a licensee or other media entity in that market will be attributed if that interest,
aggregating both debt and equity holdings, exceeds 33% of the total asset value (equity plus debt) of the licensee or
media entity. We could be prohibited from acquiring a financial interest in stations in markets where application of the
EDP rule would result in us having an attributable interest in the stations.
In addition to the FCC’s multiple ownership rules, the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice
and the Federal Trade Commission and some state governments have the authority to examine proposed transactions for
compliance with antitrust statutes and guidelines. The Antitrust Division has issued “civil investigative demands” and
obtained consent decrees requiring the divestiture of stations in a particular market based on antitrust concerns.
14
Programming and Operation. The Communications Act requires broadcasters to serve the “public interest.”
Licensees are required to present programming that is responsive to community problems, needs and interests and to
maintain certain records demonstrating such responsiveness. Complaints from listeners concerning a station’s
programming often will be considered by the FCC when it evaluates renewal applications of a licensee, although such
complaints may be filed at any time and generally may be considered by the FCC at any time. Stations also must follow
various rules promulgated under the Communications Act that regulate, among other things, political advertising,
sponsorship identification, the advertisement of contests and lotteries, obscene and indecent broadcasts, and technical
operations, including limits on radio frequency radiation. In 2020, the FCC entered into a Consent Decree with Sinclair
Broadcast Group, which agreed to pay a $48 million dollar fine to settle issues related to sponsorship identification
violations, among other matters. The FCC also entered into a Consent Decree with Cumulus Radio to settle violations of
the sponsorship identification requirements in connection with the broadcast of issue ads promoting a construction
project in New Hampshire. In an Order and Consent Decree, Townsquare Media, Inc., DA 24-54, released January 17,
2024, the licensee of AM radio stations in Idaho agreed to pay a civil penalty of $500,000 to resolve an investigation into
violations of the FCC’s rules relating to on-air sponsorship identification and the maintenance of online political files.
“Payola” is the unreported payment to—or acceptance by—employees of broadcast stations, program producers, or
program suppliers of any valuable consideration to achieve airplay for any programming. On February 6, 2025, the
FCC’s Enforcement Bureau released an “Enforcement Advisory,” Covert Manipulation of Radio Airplay Based on Artist
Participation in Promotions or Events Violates FCC Payola Rules, which reminded broadcast licensees that a practice
known as payola is not only a violation of the United States Criminal Code, but may also subject broadcasters to
sanctions under the Communications Act. The “Enforcement Advisory” addresses payola in connection with the covert
manipulation of radio airplay by a broadcast station licensee or broadcast station personnel based on an artist’s
agreement to participate in a broadcast station’s promotion or event, sometimes without receiving any compensation or
expense reimbursement for the appearance. The Company does not engage in such prohibited conduct. The
Communications Act requires those persons who have paid, accepted, or agreed to pay or accept such consideration to
report that fact to the station licensee before the involved matter is broadcast. In turn, the Communications Act requires
the licensee to announce that the matter contained in the program is paid for, and to disclose the identity of the person
furnishing the consideration. The Company complies with these requirements. There are other examples of FCC
enforcement action for violation of the sponsorship identification requirements. A licensee that broadcasts or advertises
information about a contest it conducts must fully and accurately disclose the material terms of the contest, and conduct
the contest substantially as announced or advertised over the air or on the Internet. The disclosure of material terms must
be made by either periodic disclosures broadcast on the station or written disclosures on the station's Internet web site.
Violation of the rule can result in significant fines. In 2020, the FCC fined a broadcaster $5,200 for failing to conduct its
contests as advertised by failing to award prizes in a timely manner. Another licensee entered into a Consent Decree with
the FCC, paying a fine of $125,000 for, among other things, predetermining the outcome of a contest. The FCC requires
the owners of antenna supporting structures (towers) to register them with the FCC. As an owner of such towers, our
subsidiaries are subject to the registration requirements. On January 13, 2020, the FCC released an Order confirming a
Consent Decree whereby the owner of several antenna structures agreed to pay the government a civil penalty of
$1,130,000 and develop a Compliance Plan requiring reports for two years as a result of (1) failing to conduct required
daily inspections of the lighting systems at 10 towers, (2) failing to completely log lighting failures at 7 towers, and
(3) failing to timely notify the FCC of its acquisition of two towers. In 2017, the FCC eliminated the broadcast main
studio rule. The FCC retained the requirement that stations maintain a local or toll-free telephone number to ensure
consumers have ready access to their local stations. The FCC’s rules require cable operators, direct satellite TV
providers, broadcast radio licensees, and satellite radio licensees to post public inspection files to the FCC's online
database (the “OPIF” referred to above) rather than maintaining them in a local public inspection file. The FCC believes
posting these files to the OPIF renders the materials more widely accessible to the public. The Company’s radio stations
post their public inspection files to the FCC’s website. The FCC has warned licensees of possible enforcement action if
these files are found not to be in compliance at the time of license renewal. Because of inadvertent untimely posting to
the OPIF of certain political records at stations owned by one of the Company’s subsidiaries, that subsidiary was obliged
to enter into a Consent Decree with the FCC (FCC Order, DA 20-1263, released October 26, 2020). The Consent
Decree required Company employees responsible for performing, supervising, overseeing, or managing activities related
to the maintenance of online political files to thoroughly understand the Company’s obligation to comply with laws
regulating political broadcasting and to promptly report to the FCC any noncompliance with those laws. The affected
subsidiary filed a report with the FCC on December 8, 2021, regarding its record of compliance with the political laws
and the Company’s obligations under the Consent Decree terminated as of February 7, 2022. The FCC has promulgated
15
rules governing the publication of local notice of the filing of certain broadcast applications. FCC licensees, like the
Company’s subsidiaries, must maintain a tab on their station websites where the public can view the OPIF and a tab
where notices describing pending applications must be posted, rather than printing such notices in local newspapers. In
an NPRM, Priority Application Review for Broadcast Stations that Provide Local Journalism or Other Locally
Originated Programming, FCC 24-1 (MB Docket No. 24-14), released January 17, 2024, the FCC proposed to prioritize
processing review of certain applications filed by broadcast stations that certify that they provide locally originated
programming. The FCC stated that the program would be “voluntary”. If the Company were not to certify that its
stations provide local programming, actions on its applications to acquire new facilities might be deferred until
applications containing such certifications had been earlier processed. However, there is some risk in certifying since
competitors or members of the public might file adverse petitions challenging the accuracy of such certifications. The
FCC is seeking comment on the proposal and the Company cannot predict whether such rules will be adopted and
become effective. In an NPRM, Disclosure and Transparency of Artificial Intelligence-Generated Content in Political
Advertisements, MB Docket No. 24-211, released July 25, 2024, the FCC proposed to require radio stations (among
other FCC licensees and regulatees) to provide an on-air announcement for all political ads that include Artificial
Intelligence (“AI”) generated content disclosing the use of such content in the ad. The FCC also proposes to require
these licensees to include a notice in their OPIFs for all political ads that include AI-generated content disclosing that the
ad contains such content. The Company cannot predict whether the proposed rules will be adopted, and if so, their effect
on the Company.
The Company is required to pay (1) FCC filing fees in connection with its applications and (2) annual regulatory
fees determined by the number and character of the radio stations the Company owns as of October 1 of each prior year.
The Company timely paid its regulatory fees for Fiscal Year 2024.
Equal Employment Opportunity Rules. Equal employment opportunity (EEO) rules and policies for broadcasters
prohibit discrimination by broadcasters and multichannel video programming distributors. They also require
broadcasters to provide notice of job vacancies and to undertake additional outreach measures, such as job fairs and
scholarship programs. The rules mandate a “three prong” outreach program; i.e., Prong 1: widely disseminate
information concerning each full-time (30 hours or more) job vacancy, except for vacancies filled in exigent
circumstances; Prong 2: provide notice of each full-time job vacancy to recruitment organizations that have requested
such notice; and Prong 3: complete two (for broadcast employment units with five to ten full-time employees or that are
located in smaller markets) or four (for employment units with more than ten full-time employees located in larger
markets) longer-term recruitment initiatives within a two-year period. These include, for example, job fairs, scholarship
and internship programs, and other community events designed to inform the public as to employment opportunities in
broadcasting. The rules mandate extensive record keeping and reporting requirements. In 2017, the FCC issued a
Declaratory Ruling permitting broadcast stations to use the internet for job postings as their sole means of recruiting
employees (so long as the postings reach all segments of the station’s community). The EEO rules are enforced through
review at renewal time, and through random audits and targeted investigations resulting from information received as to
possible violations. The FCC has not yet decided on whether and how to apply the EEO rule to part-time positions.
Failure to observe these or other rules and policies can result in the imposition of various sanctions, including monetary
forfeitures, the grant of “short” (less than the full eight-year) renewal terms or, for particularly egregious violations, the
denial of a license renewal application or the revocation of a license. In an NPRM (MB Docket No. 19-177), the FCC
sought comment on its track record on EEO enforcement, whether the agency should make improvements to EEO
compliance and enforcement, and invited comment on its audit program. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit
(MD/DC/DE Broadcasters Association v. FCC, Case No. 1094, 236 F.3d 13 (2001); rehearing denied, 253 F. 3d 732
(2001), cert. denied, 534 U.S. 1113 (2002)) vacated certain aspects of the EEO requirements. While the FCC in 2004
adopted revised regulations regarding the filing of Form 395-B and updated the form, the requirement that broadcasters
once again submit the form to the FCC was suspended until issues were resolved regarding confidentiality of the
employment data. On February 22, 2024, the FCC released its Fourth R&O, Order on Reconsideration, and Second
Further Notice of Rulemaking, FCC 24-18, reinstating the filing of Form 395-B. The requirement to submit the form
remains suspended. On May 9, 2024, the Texas Association of Broadcasters filed a Petition for Review of the Fourth
R&O in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals (Case No. 60226). Petitions for Review have also been filed by the American
Family Association and National Religious Broadcasters. On January 20, 2025, President Trump issued Executive
Orders: (1) Defending Women from Gender Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government and
(2) Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity. On January 24, 2025, Counsel for the
16
Petitioners filed with the Court a “Rule 28(j) Letter” advising the Court of these Executive Orders. Oral argument was
held before the Court. At the argument, the FCC conceded that the inclusion in the form of a “non-binary” gender
category could no longer be defended based on the President’s Executive Order that the federal government will
recognize only two genders. Because the FCC is currently deadlocked with two Republican and two Democrat
Commissioners, the FCC cannot reverse the form’s reinstatement of Form 395-B. The Company cannot predict whether
the requirement to file the form will be made effective or the impact of the reinstated form on the Company or its
operations.
Time Brokerage Agreements. As is common in the industry, we have previously entered into what have
commonly been referred to as Time Brokerage Agreements (“TBAs”) which are sometimes termed “Local Marketing
Agreements.” Such arrangements are an extension of the concept of agreements under which a licensee of a station sells
(or “leases”) blocks of time on its station to an entity or entities which purchase the blocks of time and use the time to
broadcast material the lessee has produced, or which sell their own commercial advertising announcements during the
time periods in question. While these agreements may take varying forms, under a typical TBA, separately owned and
licensed radio or television stations agree to enter into cooperative arrangements of varying sorts, subject to compliance
with the requirements of antitrust laws and with the FCC’s rules and policies. Under these types of arrangements,
separately-owned stations agree to function cooperatively in terms of programming, advertising sales, and other matters,
subject to the licensee of each station maintaining independent control over the financing, programming and station
operations of its own station. One typical type of TBA is a programming agreement between two separately-owned radio
or television stations serving a common service area, whereby the licensee of one station purchases substantial portions
of the broadcast day on the other licensee’s station, subject to ultimate editorial and other controls being exercised by the
latter licensee, and sells advertising time during such program segments. The Company’s stations currently are not
parties to any TBAs.
The FCC’s rules provide that a station purchasing (brokering or leasing) time on another station serving the same
market will be considered to have an attributable ownership interest in the brokered station for purposes of the FCC’s
multiple ownership rules. As a result, under the rules, a broadcast station will not be permitted to enter into a time
brokerage agreement giving it the right to purchase more than 15% of the broadcast time, on a weekly basis, of another
local station that it could not own under the local ownership rules of the FCC’s multiple ownership rules. Effective
October 22, 2020, the FCC eliminated Title 47 C.F.R. § 73.3556, a rule that prohibited the duplication of programming
on co-owned radio stations in the same market. A petition for reconsideration of that action as to FM duplication is
pending. Reports have circulated that some members of the FCC are considering a proposal that would reinstate the rule
in some form. If the non-duplication rule were reinstated, it could require the Company to expend additional funds to
program separately some currently simulcast stations. The Company cannot predict how the FCC may act on the
petition.
The FCC has adopted rules that require the broadcast of a specific disclosure at the time of broadcast if the material
aired pursuant to a “lease” (a discreet block of time, e.g., a time brokerage agreement) has been paid for, or furnished by
a foreign government entity. On June 10, 2024, the FCC released its Second R&O revising its previous requirements
setting forth procedures for exercising reasonable diligence to determine whether such a disclosure is needed. The FCC
addressed a ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit that vacated one of the foreign
sponsorship identification requirements established in a previous R&O. In its Second R&O, the FCC stated that its
foreign sponsorship identification rules apply to leases of time including issue advertisements and paid public service
announcements, but do not apply to sales of advertising for commercial goods and/or political candidate advertisements.
When a lessee and station licensee enter into recurring leases for the same programming, the station licensee will be
required to exercise its reasonable diligence obligations under the rule only once per year with respect to that particular
lessee and that particular programming. The FCC grandfathered lease agreements already in effect but such leases will
need to come into compliance either at the time of renewal or when the parties to the agreement enter into a new lease.
The Second R&O is the subject of a Petition for Review before the U. S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia
Circuit. Unless reversed by the Court, the rules would require the Company to upload the certifications to an affected
station’s OPIF whether or not the lessee has a connection to a foreign government. Before they become effective, the
Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”) must approve the new rules under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The
OMB has not yet acted on the FCC’s request for approval. The Company cannot predict whether such new rules will
become effective, and if so, the form they might take.
17
Other FCC Requirements.
Low Power FM Radio. There exists a “low power radio service” on the FM band (“LPFM”) in which the FCC
authorizes the construction and operation of NCE FM stations with up to 100 watts ERP with antenna height above
average terrain (“HAAT”) at up to 30 meters (100 feet). This combination is calculated to produce a service area radius
of approximately 3.5 miles. The FCC’s rules will not permit any broadcaster or other media entity subject to the FCC’s
ownership rules to control or hold an attributable interest in an LPFM station or enter into related operating agreements
with an LPFM licensee. Thus, absent a waiver, we could not own or program an LPFM station. LPFM stations are
allocated throughout the FM broadcast band, (i.e., 88.1 to 107.9 MHz), although they must operate with an NCE format.
The FCC has established allocation rules that require FM stations to be separated by specified distances to other stations
on the same frequency, and stations on frequencies on the first, second and third channels adjacent to the center
frequency. As required by the Local Community Radio Act of 2010, the FCC in 2012 modified its rules to maintain its
existing minimum distance separation requirements for full-service FM stations, FM translator stations, and FM booster
stations that broadcast radio reading services via an analog subcarrier frequency to avoid potential interference by LPFM
stations; and when licensing new FM translator stations, FM booster stations, and LPFM stations, to ensure that:
(i) licenses are available to FM translator stations, FM booster stations, and LPFM stations; (ii) such decisions are made
based on the needs of the local community; and (iii) FM translator stations, FM booster stations, and LPFM stations
remain equal in status and secondary to existing and modified full-service FM stations. By R&O, released April 23,
2020, the FCC modified the LPFM technical rules in four main ways: (1) expanding the permissible use of directional
antennas; (2) expanding the definition of minor change applications for LPFM stations; (3) allowing LPFM stations to
own FM boosters; and (4) permitting LPFM and Class D FM stations operating on the NCE FM reserved band (channels
201 to 220) to propose facilities short-spaced to television stations operating on channel 6 (TV6) with the consent of the
potentially affected stations. The FCC also took other less significant actions affecting the LPFM service.
On January 5, 2012, the FCC released a Report to Congress on the impact that LPFM stations would have on full-
service commercial FM stations. The FCC “found no statistically reliable evidence that low-power FM stations have a
substantial or consistent economic impact on full-service commercial FM stations,” and that “low-power FM stations
generally do not have, and in the future are unlikely to have, a demonstrable economic impact on full-service
commercial FM radio stations.” Some LPFM stations that broadcast commercial announcements in violation of the law
could have a negative economic impact on the Company’s stations. On July 31, 2023, the FCC’s Media Bureau
announced a filing window for applications for LPFM new station construction permits. The filing window opened on
Wednesday, December 6, 2023, and was extended to close on December 15, 2023. More than 1,000 LPFM applications
were received during the filing window. Although rule-compliant LPFM stations compete for audience with the
Company’s full-power and FM translator stations, the Company cannot predict whether there will be future negative
economic impact on its stations.
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As part of the transition of television stations from analog to digital operations, the FCC sought comment in a 2014
NPRM on whether to allow low power television (“LPTV”) stations (so-called “Franken FM” or “FM6” radio stations)
on digital television channel 6 to continue to operate analog FM radio-type services on an ancillary or supplementary
basis on 87.75 MHz at the lower end of the portion of the FM band reserved for NCE stations. On June 7, 2022 (MB
Docket No. 03-185), the FCC released a Fifth NPRM seeking comment on whether FM6 operations serve the public
interest and should be authorized to continue in any capacity. The FCC limited the scope of FM6 operations to only
those LPTV channel 6 stations with "active" FM6 engineering special temporary authority on the release date of the
Fifth NPRM. In its Fifth R&O, Amendment of Parts 73 & 74 of the Commission's Rules to Establish Rules for Digital
Low Power TV & TV Translator Stations, FCC 23-58, released July 20, 2023, the FCC concluded that the public interest
will be served by allowing the continued operation of existing analog FM6 LPTV radio stations subject to certain
conditions. The FCC declined to adopt a proposal discussed in the Fifth NPRM that would allow new FM radio stations
to be licensed on 82-88 MHz across the United States, for lack of record support. There are only 14 authorized FM6
stations. There is an FM6 station in the Norfolk, Virginia, radio market where the Company operates two commercial
radio stations. Currently, the FM6 station has had no adverse impact, but the Company cannot predict whether the FM6
station in the future will have any adverse impact on the Company’s stations in that market.
As a broadcaster, the Company is required to comply with the FCC rules implementing the Emergency Alert System
(“EAS”). The Company’s stations must transmit Presidential messages during national emergencies and may transmit
local messages, such as severe weather alerts and AMBER (America’s Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response) alerts.
On January 7, 2021, the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau issued an “Enforcement Advisory” which highlighted EAS
participants’ obligations, identified measures to improve the EAS, and warned that failure to comply with the EAS rules
may subject a violator to sanctions including, but not limited to, substantial monetary forfeitures. Our stations are
required periodically to file with the FCC forms reporting on the results of EAS tests. In September, 2022, the FCC
adopted new EAS requirements directing EAS participants to check whether certain types of alerts are available in
common alerting protocol (“CAP”) format and, if so, to transmit the CAP version of the alert rather than the legacy-
formatted version. The FCC also prescribed text that EAS participants must broadcast using plain language terms. In an
NPRM adopted October 27, 2022, the FCC proposed to require EAS participants to report to the FCC compromises of
EAS equipment, communications systems, and services. The FCC proposed to require EAS participants to annually
certify to having a cybersecurity risk management plan in place and to employ sufficient security measures to ensure the
confidentiality, integrity, and availability of their respective alerting systems. On January 8, 2025, the FCC released a
“Notice of Apparent Liability” proposing a penalty of $369,190 against a television broadcaster for apparently violating
the EAS Rules by failing to participate in three nationwide tests of the EAS and for submitting incorrect or misleading
information in FCC filings.
Use of FM Boosters for Geo-Targeting. By NPRM released December 1, 2020, the FCC sought comment on
whether to modify the FCC’s rules governing the operation of FM booster stations by FM radio broadcasters in certain
limited circumstances. Through its NPRM, the FCC sought comment regarding changes to the booster station rules that
could enable FM broadcasters to use FM booster stations to air “geo-targeted” content (e.g., news, weather, and
advertisements) independent of the signals of the booster’s primary station within different portions of the primary
station's protected service contour for a limited period of time during the broadcast hour. On April 2, 2024, the FCC
released an R&O adopting changes to the Commission's rules (effective January 13, 2025 – See 89FR10068) that allow
FM booster stations to originate programming on a limited basis. The Company has no plans at this time to deploy this
technology.
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Digital Audio Radio Satellite Service and Internet Radio. In adopting its rules for the Digital Audio Radio
Satellite Service (“DARS”) in the 2310-2360 MHz frequency band, the FCC stated, “although healthy satellite DARS
systems are likely to have some adverse impact on terrestrial radio audience size, revenues and profits, the record does
not demonstrate that licensing satellite DARS would have such a strong adverse impact that it threatens the provision of
local service.” The FCC granted two nationwide licenses, one to XM Satellite Radio, which began broadcasting in
May 2001, and a second to Sirius Satellite Radio, which began broadcasting in February 2002. The satellite radio
systems provide multiple channels of audio programming in exchange for the payment of a subscription fee. The FCC
approved the application of Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. and XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. to transfer control of the
licenses and authorizations held by the two companies to one company, which is now known as Sirius XM Radio, Inc.
Various companies have introduced devices that permit the reception of audio programming streamed over the Internet
on home computers and on portable receivers such as cell phones, in automobiles, and through so-called “smart
speakers” like Amazon’s Alexa service. A number of digital music providers have developed and are offering their
product through the Internet. Terrestrial radio operators (including the Company) are also making their product available
through the Internet. Due to interference generated by their electric motors, some manufacturers of all-electric vehicles
do not market vehicles that can receive AM broadcasts over the air (although AM broadcasts can be heard over digital
streaming services, such as Tunein Radio). In the U. S. Senate, in the 118th Congress, a Bill, S.1669 bill would have
required the Department of Transportation to issue a rule requiring all new motor vehicles to have devices that can
access AM broadcast stations installed as standard equipment, but Congress adjourned before the Bill could be acted
upon. As noted above, the Company is licensee of AM radio stations. On February 5, 2025, the Senate Committee on
Commerce, Science and Transportation passed S. 315, the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, out of Committee. On the
same date, H.R. 979, a companion bill, was introduced in the house. The bill, if enacted, would ensure that AM radio
receivers remain in new vehicles. The Company cannot predict whether a bill will be enacted into law. To date, the
Company has not perceived negative economic impact from DARS or Internet-streamed audio on the Company’s full-
service stations and FM translators, possibly due, in part, to the possibility of confusion in the digital advertising market,
but the Company cannot predict whether there will be future negative economic impact.
In-Band On-Channel “Hybrid Digital” Radio. The FCC’s rules permit radio stations to broadcast using in-band,
on-channel (IBOC) technology that allows AM and FM stations to operate using the IBOC system developed by iBiquity
Digital Corporation. This technology has become commonly known as “hybrid digital” or HD radio. Stations broadcast
the same main channel program material in both analog and digital modes. HD radio technology permits “hybrid”
operations, the simultaneous transmission of analog and digital signals with a single AM and FM channel. HD radio
technology can provide near CD-quality sound on FM channels and FM quality on AM channels. HD radio technology
also permits the transmission of up to four additional program streams over FM stations and one over AM stations
(which streams do not count as separate radio stations under the multiple ownership rules.) At the present time, we are
configured to broadcast in HD radio on 55 stations. In an Order and NPRM, the FCC proposed changes to its digital
audio broadcasting technical rules that would permit additional FM stations to increase FM HD effective radiated power
beyond the existing levels without the need for individual Commission authorization. In addition, the FCC proposed to
allow digital FM stations to operate with asymmetric power on the digital sidebands. This would allow stations to
operate with different power levels on the upper and lower digital sidebands, as a way to facilitate greater digital FM
radio coverage without interfering with adjacent channel FM stations. A petition for reconsideration of the Order is
pending. The Company cannot predict whether the proposed rules will be adopted. On October 28, 2020, the FCC
released an R&O, in which it adopted rules (effective January 4, 2021) to allow AM radio stations to broadcast an all-
digital signal using the HD Radio IBOC mode termed “MA3.” In adopting the new rules, the FCC said that a voluntary
conversion to all-digital broadcasting will benefit many AM stations and their listeners by improving reception quality
and listenable coverage in stations' service areas. At this time, the Company has not made a decision on whether to
convert any of its AM radio stations to all-digital operation.
20
Use of FM Translators by AM Stations and Digital Program Streams. FM translator stations are relatively low
power radio stations (maximum ERP: 250 Watts) that rebroadcast the programs of full-power AM and FM stations on a
secondary basis, meaning they must terminate or modify their operation if they cause interference to a full-power station.
The FCC permits AM stations to be rebroadcast on FM translator stations in order to improve reception of programs
broadcast by AM stations. The Company intends to continue to use some of its existing FM translators in connection
with some of its AM stations. The Company is using some of its existing FM translators to rebroadcast HD radio
program streams generated by some of its FM stations, which is permitted by the FCC. In a 2015 R&O, Revitalization of
the AM Service, the FCC announced an opportunity, restricted to AM licensees and permittees, to apply for and receive
authorizations to relocate existing FM translator stations within 250 miles for the sole and limited purpose of enhancing
their existing service to the public. To implement this policy, the FCC opened “filing windows,” the last one closing
October 31, 2016. Some of the Company’s subsidiaries that are AM licensees, acquired FM translators during the filing
window, and relocated them to their local markets to pair with some of the Company’s AM broadcast stations. The FM
translators so acquired were obligated to rebroadcast the related AM station for at least four years, not counting any
periods of silence. The FCC later opened two windows for the filing of applications for construction permits for new FM
translators, the final window closing January 31, 2018. In the filing windows, qualifying AM licensees could apply for
one, and only one, new FM translator station, in the non-reserved FM band to be used solely to re-broadcast the
licensee’s AM signal to provide fill-in and/or nighttime service on a permanent basis. The Company filed applications in
both windows and obtained some construction permits as a result. If the Company should decide that a subsidiary should
sell or suspend operations of an AM station with such an FM construction permit or license, the subsidiary would also be
required to concurrently sell or suspend operations of the FM translator. The FCC has adopted rules regarding FM
translator interference (1) allowing FM translators to resolve interference issues by changing channels to any available
same-band frequency using a minor modification application; (2) standardizing the information that must be compiled
and submitted by a station claiming interference from an FM translator, including a required minimum number of
listener complaints; (3) establishing interference complaint resolution procedures; and (4) establishing an outer contour
limit (45 dBμ) for the affected station within which interference complaints will be considered actionable while
providing for a process to waive that limit in special circumstances. Because FM translators are “secondary services,”
they could be displaced by full power stations.
Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976. The Federal Trade Commission and the Department of
Justice, the federal agencies responsible for enforcing the federal antitrust laws, may investigate certain acquisitions.
Under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, an acquisition meeting certain size thresholds
requires the parties to file Notification and Report Forms with the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of
Justice and to observe specified waiting period requirements before consummating the acquisition. Any decision by the
Federal Trade Commission or the Department of Justice to challenge a proposed acquisition could affect our ability to
consummate the acquisition or to consummate it on the proposed terms. We cannot predict whether the FCC will adopt
rules that would restrict our ability to acquire additional stations.
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Changes to Application and Assignment Procedures. FCC rules give Native American tribes a priority to obtain
broadcast radio licenses in tribal communities. The rules provide an opportunity for tribes to establish new service
specifically designed to offer programming that meets the needs of tribal citizens. In addition, the rules modify the
FCC’s radio application and assignment procedures, assisting qualified applicants to more rapidly introduce new radio
service to the public. These modifications (1) prohibit an AM applicant that obtains a construction permit through a
dispositive Section 307(b) preference from downgrading the service level that led to the dispositive preference;
(2) require technical proposals for new or major change AM facilities filed with Form 175 (i.e., FCC “short-form”
Auction) applications to meet certain minimum technical standards to be eligible for further auction processing; and
(3) give FCC operating bureaus authority to cap filing window applications. In 2011, the FCC released its Third R&O
which limits eligibility for authorizations associated with allotments added to the FM Table of Allotments using the
“Tribal Priority” to the tribes whom the Tribal Priority was intended to benefit. In October 2018, the FCC released a
“Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking” as part of its ongoing effort to assist AM broadcast stations in
providing full-time service to their communities. The FCC sought comment on technical proposals to reduce nighttime
interference afforded to wide-area “Class A” AM radio stations to enable more local AM stations to increase their
nighttime service. The Company has no Class A AM radio stations, but has Class B, Class C and Class D AM radio
stations, some of which might benefit if the FCC changes its rules as proposed. In 2018, the FCC issued a Notice of
Inquiry on whether to issue an NPRM that could lead to creation of a new Class C4 FM station that would allow use of
power of up to 12 kW ERP, but the matter remains pending before the FCC.
The Company pays for the use of music broadcast on its stations by obtaining licenses from organizations called
performing rights organizations (“PRO”) (e.g. Broadcast Music, Inc., American Society of Composers, Authors and
Publishers SESAC, LLC, and Global Music Rights LLC), which, in turn pay composers, authors and publishers for their
works. Federal law grants a performance right for sound recordings in favor of recording companies and performing
artists for non-interactive digital transmissions and Internet radio. As a result, users of music, including the Company,
are required to pay royalties for these uses through Sound Exchange, a non-profit performance rights organization.
(Other PROs could be formed, which could increase the royalties we pay.) On January 30, 2025, the American Music
Fairness Act was introduced in the 119th Congress. If signed into law, it would require terrestrial radio broadcasters to
pay royalties (in addition to the royalties paid to the PROs) to American music creators when they play their songs. The
Company cannot predict whether the bill will become law, and if so, what its impact may be on the Company.
In late 2018, Congress passed the “Music Modernization Act” which was signed into law by the President. The law
(1) improves compensation to songwriters and streamlined how their music is licensed; (2) enables legacy artists (who
recorded music before 1972) to be paid royalties when their music is played on digital radio; and (3) provides a
consistent legal process for studio professionals, including record producers and engineers to receive royalties for their
contributions to music that they help to create. The law creates a blanket license for digital music providers to make
permanent downloads, limited downloads, and interactive streams, creates a collective (“Mechanical Rights Collective”)
to administer the blanket license, and makes various changes to royalty rate proceedings. This law could impose an
additional financial burden on the Company, but the extent of the burden depends on how the fee payment requirement
is structured.
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Proposal to Mandate Broadcasters to Participate in the Disaster Information Reporting System (“DIRS”) and
Network Outage Reporting System (“NORS”). In a Second R&O and Second FNPRM released January 26, 2024, the
FCC required cable systems, wireline, wireless, and interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol providers to report their
infrastructure status information in the DIRS. In the Second FNPRM section of the document, the FCC proposed that
broadcasters report in DIRS and the NORS their operational status each day when the FCC activates DIRS in the
geographical areas in which they provide service. Implementation of DIRS and NORS by the Company could result in
significant costs, but the Company cannot predict whether the rules will be adopted and if so, the form they may take.
Proposed Changes. The FCC has under consideration, and may in the future consider and adopt, new laws,
regulations and policies regarding a wide variety of matters that could, directly or indirectly, affect us and the operation
and ownership of our broadcast properties. The advent of the Trump Administration could have an effect on FCC
requirements. Application processing rules adopted by the FCC might require us to apply for facilities modifications to
our standard broadcast stations in future “window” periods for filing applications or result in the stations being “locked
in” with their present facilities. The FCC is authorized to use auctions for the allocation of radio broadcast spectrum
frequencies for commercial use. The implementation of this law could require us to bid for the use of certain frequencies.
Information About Our Executive Officers
Our current executive officers are:
Name
Age
Position
Christopher S. Forgy
64 President, Chief Executive Officer; Director
Samuel D. Bush
67 Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
Catherine A. Bobinski
65 Senior Vice President/Finance, Chief Accounting Officer and Corporate Controller
Wayne Leland
60 Chief Operating Officer
Officers are elected annually by our Board of Directors and serve at the discretion of the Board. Set forth below is
information with respect to our executive officers.
Mr. Forgy has been President and Chief Executive Officer since December 2022. He was previously our Senior
Vice President of Operations from May 2018 until his appointment to President and Chief Executive Officer. He was
President/General Manager of our Columbus, Ohio market from 2010 to 2018 and was Director of Sales of our
Columbus, Ohio market from 1995 to 2006. He has been with Saga for over 20 years.
Mr. Bush was promoted to Executive Vice President in September 2024 and has been Chief Financial Officer and
Treasurer since September 1997. Mr. Bush was Senior Vice President from 2002 to 2024 and he was Vice President
from 1997 to 2002. From 1988 to 1997 he held various positions with the Media Finance Group at AT&T Capital
Corporation, including senior vice president.
Ms. Bobinski has been Senior Vice President/Finance since March 2012 and Chief Accounting Officer and
Corporate Controller since September 1991. She was Vice President from March 1999 to March 2012. Ms. Bobinski is a
certified public accountant.
Mr. Leland was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in September 2024. Mr. Leland was Senior Vice President of
Operations from January 2023 to 2024. He was President/General Manager of our Norfolk, Virginia market from 2011
to 2022. He has been with Saga for 11 years and has been in the broadcasting industry since 1986.
23
Item 1A. Risk Factors
The more prominent risks and uncertainties inherent in our business are described in more detail below. However,
these are not the only risks and uncertainties we face. Our business may also face additional risks and uncertainties that
are unknown to us at this time.
General Risks Related to the Economy
Continued Uncertain Financial and Economic Conditions may have an Adverse Impact on our Business, Results of
Operations or Financial Condition
We derive revenues from the sale of advertising and expenditures by advertisers tend to be cyclical and are
reflective of economic conditions. Periods of a slowing economy, recession or economic uncertainty may be
accompanied by a decrease in advertising. Financial and economic conditions continue to be uncertain over the longer
term and the continuation or worsening of such conditions, including prolonged or increased inflationary developments,
could reduce consumer confidence and have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and/or financial
condition. If consumer confidence were to decline, this decline could negatively affect our advertising customers'
businesses and their advertising budgets. In addition, volatile economic conditions could have a negative impact on our
industry or the industries of our customers who advertise on our stations, resulting in reduced advertising sales.
Furthermore, it may be possible that actions taken by any governmental or regulatory body for the purpose of stabilizing
the economy or financial markets will not achieve their intended effect. In addition to any negative direct consequences
to our business or results of operations arising from these financial and economic developments, some of these actions
may adversely affect financial institutions, capital providers, advertisers or other consumers on whom we rely, including
our access to future capital or financing arrangements necessary to support our business. Our inability to obtain
financing in amounts and at times necessary could make it more difficult or impossible to meet our obligations or
otherwise take actions in our best interests.
We May be Adversely Affected by the Effects of Inflation
Inflation has the potential to adversely affect our liquidity, business, financial condition and results of operations by
increasing our overall cost structure, particularly if we are unable to achieve commensurate increases in the prices we
charge our customers. The existence of inflation in the economy has resulted in, and may continue to result in, higher
interest rates, increased cost of labor and other similar effects. As a result of inflation, we have experienced and may
continue to experience, cost increases. Although we may take measures to mitigate the impact of this inflation, if these
measures are not effective, our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity could be materially
adversely affected. Even if such measures are effective, there could be a difference between the timing of when these
beneficial actions impact our results of operation and when the cost of inflation is incurred.
Our Business and Operations Could be Adversely Affected by Health Epidemics, Pandemics or Similar Outbreaks,
Natural Disasters and Other Catastrophes, Impacting the Markets and Communities in which we and our Partners,
Advertisers, and Users Operate
We face various risks related to health epidemics, pandemics, or similar outbreaks, natural disasters and other
catastrophes that are beyond our control, which have materially and adversely affected our business and may continue to
materially and adversely affect our results of operations, liquidity and financial condition. The extent of the impact of
health epidemics, pandemics or similar outbreaks, natural disasters and other catastrophes in the future, on our business,
including our ability to execute our near-term and long-term business strategies and initiatives in the expected time
frame, will depend on numerous factors that we may not be able to accurately predict or assess, including the negative
impact on the economy and economic activity, changes in advertising customers and consumer behavior, short and
longer-term impact on the levels of consumer confidence; actions governments, businesses and individuals take in
response to such outbreaks, and any resulting macroeconomic conditions; and how quickly economies recover after such
outbreaks or pandemics subside.
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The effects of health epidemics, pandemics or similar outbreaks, natural disasters and other catastrophes in the
future, may also impact financial markets and corporate credit markets which could adversely impact our access to
financing or the terms of any such financing. To the extent pandemics or outbreaks adversely affect our business and
financial results, it may also have the effect of heightening many of the other risks described herein.
The Success of Our Business is Dependent Upon Advertising Revenues, which are Seasonal and Cyclical, and also
Fluctuate as a Result of a Number of Factors, Some of Which are Beyond Our Control.
Our primary source of revenue is the sale of advertising. Our ability to sell advertising depends, among other things,
on:
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economic conditions in the areas where our stations are located and in the nation as a whole;
•
national and local demand for radio and digital advertising;
•
the popularity of our programming;
•
changes in the population demographics in the areas where our stations are located;
•
local and national advertising price fluctuations, which can be affected by the availability of programming,
the popularity of programming, and the relative supply of and demand for commercial advertising;
•
the capability and effectiveness of our sales organization;
•
our competitors' activities, including increased competition from other advertising-based mediums;
•
decisions by advertisers to withdraw or delay planned advertising expenditures for any reason; and
•
other factors beyond our control.
Our operations and revenues also tend to be seasonal in nature, with generally lower revenue generated in the first
quarter of the year and generally higher revenue generated in the second and fourth quarters of the year. This seasonality
causes and will likely continue to cause a variation in our quarterly operating results. Such variations could have a
material effect on the timing of our cash flows. In addition, our revenues tend to fluctuate between years, consistent with,
among other things, increased advertising expenditures in even-numbered years by political candidates, political parties
and special interest groups.
We Depend on Key Stations
Historically our top five markets when combined represented 36% and 37% of our net operating revenue for the
years ended December 31, 2024, and 2023, respectively. Accordingly, we may have greater exposure to adverse events
or conditions that affect the economy in any of these markets, which could have a material adverse effect on our
revenue, results of operations and financial condition.
Local, National and Global Economic Conditions May Affect our Advertising Revenue
Our financial results are dependent primarily on our ability to generate advertising revenue through rates charged to
advertisers. The advertising rates a station is able to charge are affected by many factors, including the general strength
of the local and national economies. Generally, advertising declines during periods of economic recession or downturns
in the economy. Our revenue has been and is likely to be adversely affected during such periods, whether they occur on a
global level, national level or in the geographic markets in which we operate. During such periods we may also be
required to reduce our advertising rates in order to attract available advertisers. Such a decline in advertising rates could
also have a material adverse effect on our revenue, results of operations and financial condition.
The ongoing supply chain and labor shortage issues could result in an adverse impact on our business due to our
customer’s reduction in advertising spending as their businesses are negatively impacted by low inventories, product
delays, and labor shortages resulting in reduced revenue.
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The Russia-Ukraine war and the conflict in Gaza have created not only great devastation but also a worldwide
instability that could impact economies across the globe. While direct impacts to our business are limited, the indirect
impacts to our customers could impact demand for advertising and other indirect impacts could arise. In addition, the
impact of other current macro-economic factors on our business, including inflation, supply chain constraints and
geopolitical events, is uncertain.
The US government has recently indicated its intent to adopt a new approach to trade policy including initiating or
considering the imposition of tariffs on certain foreign goods. Changes in US trade policy could result in one or more of
US trading partners adopting responsive trade policies making it more difficult or costly for US exports to those
countries. These measures could also result in increased inflation and reduced US real gross domestic product and
otherwise adversely impact the US economy. While tariffs have not had a material impact on our business, financial
condition or results of operations to date, we cannot predict future trade policy or the terms of any new tariffs and
retaliatory measures and their impact on our business. The adoption and expansion of trade restrictions, the occurrence
of a trade war, or other governmental action related to tariffs or trade policies has the potential to adversely impact the
US and global economy and our customers’ businesses. This in turn could adversely impact our business, financial
condition and results of operations due to our customer’s reduction in advertising spending as their businesses are
negatively impacted by a decline in the US economy.
Risks Related to Our Financing
We May Have Substantial Indebtedness and Debt Service Requirements
At December 31, 2024, our long-term debt was approximately $5,000,000. We have previously borrowed and may
borrow to finance acquisitions and for other corporate purposes. Because of our indebtedness, a portion of our cash flow
from operations is required for debt service. Our leverage could make us vulnerable to an increase in interest rates,
particularly related to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) as outlined in our new credit facility amendment,
a downturn in our operating performance, or a decline in general economic conditions. Our credit facility is subject to
mandatory prepayment requirements, including but not limited to, certain sales of assets, certain insurance proceeds,
certain debt issuances and certain sales of equity. Any outstanding balance under the credit facility will be due on the
maturity date of December 19, 2027. We believe that cash flows from operations will be sufficient to meet our debt
service requirements for interest and scheduled payments of principal under the credit facility in the future. However, if
such cash flow is not sufficient, we may be required to sell additional equity securities, refinance our obligations or
dispose of one or more of our properties in order to make such scheduled payments. We cannot be sure that we would be
able to affect any such transactions on favorable terms, if at all.
Variable-Rate Indebtedness Exposes us to Interest Rate Risk, which could Cause Our Debt Service Obligations to
Increase Significantly.
Certain of our secured indebtedness, including borrowings under our existing credit facility, is or is expected to be,
as applicable, subject to variable rates of interest and expose us to interest rate risk. If interest rates increase, our debt
service obligations on the variable-rate indebtedness would increase and our net loss would increase, even though the
amount borrowed under the facility remained the same. As of December 31, 2024, we had $5,000,000 outstanding
variable-rate debt. An unfavorable movement in interest rates, primarily SOFR, could result in higher interest expense
and cash payments for us. Although we may enter into interest rate hedges, involving the partial or full (i) exchange of
floating for fixed-rate interest payments or (ii) obtaining an interest rate cap, to reduce interest rate volatility, we cannot
provide assurance that we will enter into such arrangements or that they will successfully mitigate such interest rate
volatility. SOFR is a broad measure of the cost of borrowing cash in the overnight U.S treasury repo market, and the
Federal Reserve Bank of New York has published the daily rate since 2018.
Our Debt Covenants Restrict our Financial and Operational Flexibility
Our credit facility contains a number of financial covenants which, among other things, require us to maintain
specified financial ratios and impose certain limitations on us with respect to investments, additional indebtedness,
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dividends, distributions, guarantees, liens and encumbrances. Our ability to meet these financial ratios can be affected by
operating performance or other events beyond our control, and we cannot assure you that we will meet those ratios.
Certain events of default under our credit facility could allow the lenders to declare all amounts outstanding to be
immediately due and payable and, therefore, could have a material adverse effect on our business. We have pledged
substantially all of our assets (excluding our FCC licenses and certain other assets) in support of the credit facility and
each of our subsidiaries has guaranteed the credit facility and has pledged substantially all of their assets (excluding their
FCC licenses and certain other assets) in support of the credit facility.
Risks Related to the Radio Broadcasting Industry
Our Stations Must Compete for Advertising Revenues in Their Respective Markets
Radio broadcasting is a highly competitive business. Our stations compete for listeners and advertising revenues
within their respective markets directly with other radio stations, as well as with other media, such as broadcast radio (as
applicable), cable television and/or radio, satellite television and/or satellite radio systems, newspapers, magazines,
direct mail, the Internet, coupons and billboard advertising. Audience ratings and market shares are subject to change,
and any change in a particular market could have a material adverse effect on the revenue of our stations located in that
market. While we already compete in some of our markets with other stations with similar programming formats, if
another radio station in a market were to convert its programming format to a format similar to one of our stations, or if a
new station were to adopt a comparable format or if an existing competitor were to strengthen its operations, our stations
could experience a reduction in ratings and/or advertising revenue and could incur increased promotional and other
expenses. Other radio broadcasting companies may enter into the markets in which we operate or may operate in the
future. These companies may be larger and have more financial resources than we have. We cannot assure you that any
of our stations will be able to maintain or increase their current audience ratings and advertising revenues.
We Depend on Key Personnel
Our business is partially dependent upon the performance of certain key individuals, particularly
Christopher S. Forgy, our President and CEO. Although we have entered into employment and non-competition
agreements with Mr. Forgy, which terminate on December 6, 2029, and certain other key personnel, including on-air
personalities, we cannot be sure that such key personnel will remain with us. We can give no assurance that all or any of
these employees will remain with us or will retain their audiences. Many of our key employees are at-will employees
who are under no legal obligation to remain with us. Our competitors may choose to extend offers to any of these
individuals on terms which we may be unwilling to meet. In addition, any or all of our key employees may decide to
leave for a variety of personal or other reasons beyond our control. Furthermore, the popularity and audience loyalty of
our key on-air personalities is highly sensitive to rapidly changing public tastes. A loss of such popularity or audience
loyalty is beyond our control and could limit our ability to generate revenues.
Our Success Depends on our Ability to Identify and Integrate Acquired Stations
As part of our strategy, we have pursued and may continue to pursue acquisitions of additional radio stations,
subject to the terms of our credit facility. Competitors may be able to outbid us for acquisitions. As a result of these and
other factors, our ability to identify and consummate future acquisitions is uncertain.
Our consummation of all future acquisitions is subject to various conditions, including FCC and other regulatory
approvals. The FCC must approve any transfer of control or assignment of broadcast licenses. Such acquisitions could be
delayed by shutdowns of the U.S. Government. In addition, acquisitions may encounter intense scrutiny under federal
and state antitrust laws. Our future acquisitions may be subject to notification under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust
Improvements Act of 1976 and to a waiting period and possible review by the Department of Justice and the Federal
Trade Commission. Any delays, injunctions, conditions or modifications by any of these federal agencies could have a
negative effect on us and result in the abandonment of all or part of otherwise attractive acquisition opportunities. We
cannot predict whether we will be successful in identifying future acquisition opportunities or what the consequences
will be of any acquisitions.
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Certain of our acquisitions may prove unprofitable and fail to generate anticipated cash flows. In addition, the
success of any completed acquisition will depend on our ability to effectively integrate the acquired stations. The process
of integrating acquired stations may involve numerous risks, including difficulties in the assimilation of operations, the
diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns, risk of entering new markets, and the potential loss
of key employees of the acquired stations.
The Royalties We Pay to Copyright Owners Could Increase Significantly, and Proposed Legislation Could Require
Radio Broadcasters to Pay Royalties to Record Labels and Recording Artists
We pay royalties to copyright owners of musical compositions (typically song composers and publishers) whenever
we broadcast or stream musical compositions. These royalties are paid through ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, GMR and
Sound Exchange. The rates at which we pay royalties to copyright owners are privately negotiated or set pursuant to a
regulatory process. Increased royalty rates could significantly increase our expenses, which could adversely affect our
business. There is no guarantee that the licenses and associated royalty rates that currently are available to us will be
available to us in the future. In addition, legislation has been previously introduced in Congress that would require radio
broadcasters to pay a performance royalty to record labels and performing artists for use of their recorded songs. The
proposed legislation would add an additional layer of royalties to be paid directly to the record labels and artists. It is
currently unknown what proposed legislation, if any, will become law, whether industry groups will enter into an
agreement with respect to performance fees, and what significance this royalty would have on our results from
operations, cash flows or financial position.
Risks Related to Regulation of Our Business
Future Impairment of our FCC Broadcasting Licenses Could Affect our Operating Results
As of December 31, 2024, our FCC broadcasting licenses represented 41% of our total assets. We are required to
test our FCC broadcasting licenses for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently if events or changes in
circumstances indicate that our FCC broadcasting licenses might be impaired which may result in future impairment
losses. For further discussion, see Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations – Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates included with this Form 10-K.
Our Business is Subject to Extensive Federal Regulation
The broadcasting industry is subject to extensive federal regulation which, among other things, requires approval by
the FCC of transfers, assignments and renewals of broadcasting licenses, limits the number of broadcasting properties
that may be acquired within a specific market, and regulates programming and operations. For a detailed description of
the material regulations applicable to our business, see “Federal Regulation of Radio Broadcasting” and “Other FCC
Requirements” in Item 1 of this Form 10-K. Failure to comply with these regulations could, under certain circumstances
and among other things, result in the denial of renewal or revocation of FCC licenses, shortened license renewal terms,
monetary forfeitures or other penalties which would adversely affect our profitability. Changes in ownership
requirements could limit our ability to own or acquire stations in certain markets.
New Federal Regulations or Fees Could Affect our Broadcasting Operations
There has been proposed legislation in the past and there could be again in the future that requires radio broadcasters
to pay additional fees such as a spectrum fee for the use of the spectrum or a royalty fee to record labels and performing
artists for use of their recorded music. Currently, we pay royalties to song composers, publishers, and performers
indirectly through third parties. Any proposed legislation that becomes law could add an additional layer of royalties to
be paid directly to the record labels and artists. These proposed royalties have been the subject of considerable debate
and activity by the broadcast industry and other parties affected by the legislation. It is currently unknown what impact
any potential required royalty payments would have on our results of operations, cash flows or financial position.
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The FCC’s Vigorous Enforcement of Indecency Rules Could Affect our Broadcasting Operations
Federal law regulates the broadcast of obscene, indecent or profane material. The FCC has increased its enforcement
efforts relating to the regulation of indecency violations, and Congress has increased the penalties for broadcasting
obscene, indecent or profane programming, and these penalties may potentially subject broadcasters to license
revocation, renewal or qualification proceedings in the event that they broadcast such material. The FCC has expanded
the scope of items considered indecent to include material that could be considered “blasphemy,” “personally reviling
epithets”, “profanity” and vulgar or coarse words, amounting to a nuisance. Effective January 15, 2024, the maximum
forfeiture penalty (after 2024 annual inflation adjustment) for an indecency violation is $508,373 per incident and
$4,692,668 for a continuing violation arising from a single act or failure to act. In March 2015, the FCC issued a Notice
of Apparent Liability for the then maximum forfeiture amount of $325,000 against a television station for violation of
the indecency laws. In addition, the FCC’s heightened focus on the indecency regulations against the broadcast industry
may encourage third parties to oppose our license renewal applications or applications for consent to acquire broadcast
stations. Because the FCC may investigate indecency complaints prior to notifying a licensee of the existence of a
complaint, a licensee may not have knowledge of a complaint unless and until the complaint results in the issuance of a
formal FCC letter of inquiry or notice of apparent liability for forfeiture. We may in the future become subject to
inquiries or proceedings related to our stations’ broadcast of obscene, indecent or profane material. To the extent that
any inquiries or other proceedings result in the imposition of fines, a settlement with the FCC, revocation of any of our
station licenses or denials of license renewal applications, our result of operations and business could be materially
adversely affected.
We are Subject to a Series of Risks Regarding Scrutiny of Environmental, Social and Governance Matters
Companies across industries are facing increasing scrutiny from a variety of stakeholders related to their
environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) practices. For example, various groups produce ESG scores or ratings
based at least in part on a company’s ESG disclosures, and certain market participants, including institutional investors,
use such ratings to assess companies’ ESG profiles. There are also increasing regulatory expectations for ESG matters.
Various policymakers, including the SEC, have adopted (or are considering adopting) requirements to disclose certain
climate-related or other ESG information, which may require additional costs to comply. This and other stakeholder
expectations will likely lead to increased costs as well as scrutiny that could heighten the risk. Additionally, many of our
customers, business partners, and suppliers may be subject to similar expectations, which may augment or create
additional risks, including risks that may not be known to us.
Risks Related to Technology and Cybersecurity
New Technologies May Affect our Broadcasting Operations
The FCC has and is considering ways to introduce new technologies to the broadcasting industry, including satellite
and terrestrial delivery of digital audio broadcasting and the standardization of available technologies which significantly
enhance the sound quality of AM broadcasters. We are unable to predict the effect such technologies may have on our
broadcasting operations. The capital expenditures necessary to implement such technologies could be substantial.
Information Technology and Cybersecurity Failures or Data Security Breaches Could Harm Our Business
Any internal technology error or failure impacting systems hosted internally or externally, or any large-scale
external interruption in technology infrastructure we depend on, such as power, telecommunications or the Internet, may
disrupt our technology network. Any individual, sustained or repeated failure of technology could impact our customer
service and result in increased costs or reduced revenues. Our technology systems and related data also may be
vulnerable to a variety of sources of interruption due to events beyond our control, including natural disasters, terrorist
attacks, telecommunications failures, computer viruses, hackers and other security issues. While we have in place, and
continue to invest in, technology security initiatives and disaster recovery plans, these measures may not be adequate or
implemented properly to prevent a business disruption and its adverse financial impact and consequences to our
business' reputation.
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In addition, as a part of our ordinary business operations, we may collect and store sensitive data, including personal
information of our clients, listeners and employees. The secure operation of the networks and systems on which this type
of information is stored, processed and maintained is critical to our business operations and strategy. Any compromise of
our technology systems resulting from attacks by hackers or breaches due to employee error or malfeasance could result
in the loss, disclosure, misappropriation of or access to clients’, listeners’, employees’ or business partners’ information.
Any such loss, disclosure, misappropriation or access could result in legal claims or proceedings, liability or regulatory
penalties under laws protecting the privacy of personal information, disrupt operations and damage our reputation, any
or all of which could adversely affect our business.
To meet business objectives, the Company relies on both internal information technology (IT) systems and
networks, and those of third parties and their vendors, to process and store sensitive data, including confidential research,
business plans, financial information, intellectual property, and personal data that may be subject to legal protection. The
extensive information security and cybersecurity threats, which affect companies globally, pose a risk to the security and
availability of these IT systems and networks, and the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the Company’s
sensitive data. The Company continually assesses these threats and makes investments to increase internal protection,
detection, and response capabilities, as well as ensure the Company’s third-party providers have required capabilities and
controls, to address this risk.
In September 2021, one of our third-party service providers of a critical application used in our business, was the
victim of a ransomware cyberattack. However, the Company’s data was not breached in connection with this incident
and the incident did not have a material impact on the Company’s business or operations.
To date, the Company has not experienced any material impact to the business or operations resulting from
information or cybersecurity attacks; however, because of the frequently changing attack techniques, along with the
increased volume and sophistication of the attacks, there remains the potential for the Company to be adversely
impacted. This impact could result in reputational, competitive, operational or other business harm as well as financial
costs and regulatory action. The Company currently maintains cybersecurity insurance in the event of an information
security or cyber incident; however, the coverage may not be sufficient to cover all financial losses nor may it be
available in the future.
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Risks Related to the Ownership of Our Stock
The Company is No Longer Controlled by our President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman
Edward K. Christian, our founder and former President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, passed away on
August 19, 2022. Mr. Christian held approximately 65% of the combined voting power of our Common Stock (based on
Class B Common Stock generally being entitled to ten votes per share, with certain exceptions, but not including options
to acquire Class B Common Stock). As a result, Mr. Christian was generally able to control the vote on most matters
submitted to the vote of shareholders and, therefore, was able to direct our management and policies, except with respect
to (i) the election of the two Class A directors, (ii) those matters where the shares of our Class B Common Stock are only
entitled to one vote per share, and (iii) other matters requiring a class vote under the provisions of our certificate of
incorporation, bylaws or applicable law. Upon Mr. Christian’s passing on August 19, 2022, his Class B shares were
transferred into an estate planning trust and that transfer resulted in an automatic conversion of each Class B share he
held into one fully paid and non-assessable Class A Share. Those Class A Shares have the same voting rights as all other
Class A Shares, and the estate has approximately 14.6% voting rights after the conversion of the shares from Class B
Shares to Class A Shares. The Company’s subsidiaries holding FCC licenses timely applied to the FCC for consent to
transfer of control of the subsidiaries from Mr. Christian to the shareholders of the Company, and those applications
were routinely approved by the FCC on December 20, 2023. As a result of the change in voting control, the Company
has entered into a period of significant transition and is potentially more vulnerable to activist investors or hostile
takeover attempts. If the Company is unable to manage this transition effectively, it may have an adverse impact on the
Company and its shareholders.
We May Experience Volatility in the Market Price of our Common Stock
The market price of our common stock has fluctuated in the past and may continue to be volatile. In addition to
stock market fluctuations due to economic or other factors, the volatility of our shares may be influenced by lower
trading volume and concentrated ownership relative to many of our publicly-held competitors. Because several of our
shareholders own significant portions of our outstanding shares, our stock is relatively less liquid and therefore more
susceptible to price fluctuations than many other companies’ shares. If these shareholders were to sell all or a portion of
their holdings of our common stock, then the market price of our common stock could be negatively affected. Investors
should be aware that they could experience short-term volatility in our stock if such shareholders decide to sell all or a
portion of their holdings of our common stock at once or within a short period of time.
Our Management has Identified Certain Internal Control Deficiencies, which Management believes Constitute
Material Weaknesses. Our Failure to Establish and Maintain an Effective System of Internal Controls could Result
in Material Misstatements of our Financial Statements or cause us to Fail to Meet our Reporting Obligations or Fail
to Prevent Fraud in which Case, our Shareholders could Lose Confidence in our Financial Reporting, which would
Harm our Business and could Negatively Impact the Price of our Common Stock.
We review and update our internal controls, disclosure controls and procedures, and corporate governance policies
as our Company continues to evolve. In addition, we are required to comply with the internal control evaluation and
certification requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“SOX”) and management is required to
report annually on our internal control over financial reporting.
Our management’s evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2024 concluded that the Company has the following material weakness in its internal control over
financial reporting: (i) Ineffective Controls over Broadcast Revenue Reconciliations – a lack of effectively designed and
implemented monitoring controls over recorded broadcast revenue combined with a lack of segregation of duties within
the Traffic Management system that did not restrict users’ or monitor access privileges commensurate with their
assigned authority and responsibility; and (ii) Ineffective Controls over Digital Revenue Reconciliations – a lack of
effectively designed and implemented monitoring controls over recorded digital revenue, including procedures over the
retention of documentation to ensure existence, completeness and accuracy of data used to support accounts related to
revenue and accounts receivable in the financial statement close process.
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These ineffective controls, individually or in the aggregate, could result in misstatements of accounts or disclosures
that would results in a material misstatement of the interim or annual Consolidated Financial Statements that would not
be prevented or detected.
Such shortcomings could have an adverse effect on our business and financial results. Any system of internal
controls, however well designed and operated, is based in part on certain assumptions and can provide only reasonable,
not absolute, assurances that the objectives of the system are met. Any failure or circumvention of the controls and
procedures or failure to comply with regulation concerning control and procedures could have a material effect on our
business, results of operations and financial condition. Any of these events could result in an adverse reaction in the
financial marketplace due to a loss of investor confidence in the reliability of our financial statements, which ultimately
could negatively affect the market price of our shares, increase the volatility of our stock price and adversely affect our
ability to raise additional funding. The effect of these events could also make it more difficult for us to attract and retain
qualified persons to serve on our Board and as executive officers.
The Company is planning to take steps to remediate this material weakness. However, we cannot assure you that
any of the measures we implement to remedy any such deficiencies will effectively mitigate or remedy such
deficiencies.
Our business could be negatively affected as a result of shareholder activism.
Shareholder activism, which could take many forms or arise in a variety of situations, including making public
demands that we consider certain strategic alternatives for the Company, engaging in public campaigns to attempt to
influence our corporate governance and/or our management, and commencing proxy contests to attempt to elect the
activists' representatives or others to our Board, has increased in recent years.
While the Company welcomes shareholders' constructive input, the Company could be negatively affected as a
result of shareholder activism, which could cause the Company to incur substantial costs and divert our attention and
resources from our business and our ability to execute our strategic plans. Additionally, such shareholder activism could
give rise to perceived uncertainties as to our future, adversely affect our relationships with our associates, customers,
service providers or other vendors and make it more difficult to attract and retain qualified personnel. Also, we may be
required to incur significant fees and other expenses related to activist shareholder matters, including for third-party
advisors. Our stock price could be subject to significant fluctuation or otherwise be adversely affected by the events,
risks and uncertainties of any shareholder activism.
The Company has been, and may continue to be, the subject of shareholder activism, and it is subject to the risks
associated therewith.
We are a Smaller Reporting Company and Intend to Avail Ourselves of Certain Reduced Disclosure Requirements
Applicable to Smaller Reporting Companies, which could make our Common Stock Less Attractive to Investors.
We are a smaller reporting company, as defined in the Exchange Act, and we intend to take advantage of certain
exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not applicable to
smaller reporting companies, including reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation. We cannot
predict if investors will find our common stock less attractive because we may rely on these exemptions. If some
investors find our common stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our common
stock and our stock price may be more volatile. We intend to take advantage of certain of these reporting exemptions
until we are no longer a smaller reporting company. We will remain a smaller reporting company until the aggregate
market value of our outstanding common stock held by non-affiliates as of the last business day of our most recently
completed second fiscal quarter is $250 million or more.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
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Item 1C. Cybersecurity
Risk Management and Strategy
We have established processes and policies for assessing, identifying and managing material risks posed by
cybersecurity threats. Our processes and policies are based upon the National Institute of Standards and Technology
(NIST) Cybersecurity Framework and include a Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan (“CIRP”). This does not imply
that we meet any particular technical standards, specifications, or requirements, only that we use the NIST as a guide to
help us identify, assess, and manage cybersecurity risks relevant to our business.
Our cybersecurity risk management processes, policies and CIRP are focused on (1) developing organizational
understanding to manage cybersecurity risks, (2) applying safeguards to protect our systems, (3) detecting the occurrence
of a cybersecurity incident, (4) responding to a cybersecurity incident and (5) recovering from a cybersecurity incident.
Where appropriate, these processes and policies are integrated into our overall risk management systems and processes.
For instance, all of our employees with network access are required to complete information security and privacy
training on an annual basis. We are continuously working to improve our information technology systems and provide
employee awareness training around phishing, malware, and other cyber risks to enhance our levels of protection. We
have engaged independent consultants and other third-parties to assist us in establishing and improving our policies. Our
processes and policies include the identification of those third-party relationships which have the greatest potential to
expose us to cybersecurity threats and, upon identification, we conduct additional due diligence as a part of establishing
those relationships. We also maintain insurance coverage for cybersecurity insurance as part of our overall insurance
portfolio. For a description and additional information concerning material cybersecurity risks we face, see Item lA Risk
Factors - Information Technology and Cybersecurity Failures or Data Security Breaches Could Harm Our Business.
Governance
Cybersecurity and risks related to our information technology and other computer resources are an important focus
of our Board of Directors' risk oversight. The Board has created a Cybersecurity Sub Committee of our Audit
Committee for oversight of cybersecurity and other information technology risks. Our Cybersecurity Sub Committee of
our Audit Committee receives materials on a frequent basis to address the identification and status of information
technology cybersecurity risks, and management, including our Chief Technology Officer (CTO), provides periodic
updates to our Cybersecurity Sub Committee. The Sub Committee reports to the full Board regarding its activities. The
full Board also receives briefings from management on our cyber risk management program.
The CTO is responsible for managing our information security team to ensure they are assessing and managing
cybersecurity risks in accordance with our processes and procedures. Our CTO has over 25 years' experience managing
enterprise information technology systems.
Our management team supervises efforts to prevent, detect, mitigate and remediate cybersecurity risks and incidents
through various means, which may include briefings from internal security personnel; threat intelligence and other
information obtained from governmental, public or private sources, including external consultants engaged by us; and
alerts and reports produced by security tools deployed in the IT environment.
Pursuant to our CIRP, when a cybersecurity event has been identified through our detection processes, it is assessed
in order to determine whether the event is a cybersecurity incident. Our CIRP designates the primary manager of a
cybersecurity incident, describes the parties who should be informed about the incident and outlines the processes for
containment, eradication, recovery and resolution of the incident. Depending on the severity and impact of a
cybersecurity threat, members of our senior management team and Board of Directors are notified of an incident and
kept informed of the mitigation and remediation of the incident.
33
Item 2. Properties
Our corporate headquarters is located in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan. The types of properties required to support
each of our stations include offices, studios, and transmitter and antenna sites. A station’s studios are generally housed
with its offices in business districts. The transmitter sites and antenna sites are generally located so as to provide
maximum market coverage for our stations’ broadcast signals.
As of December 31, 2024, the studios and offices of 25 of our 28 operating locations, including our corporate
headquarters in Michigan, are located in facilities we own. The remaining studios and offices are located in leased
facilities with lease terms that expire in 3.7 years to 6.9 years. We own or lease our transmitter and antenna sites, with
lease terms that expire in less than 1 year to 66 years. We do not anticipate any difficulties in renewing those leases that
expire within the next five years or in leasing other space, if required.
No one property is material to our overall operations. We believe that our properties are in good condition and
suitable for our operations.
We own substantially all of the equipment used in our broadcasting business.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
The Company is subject to various outstanding claims which arise in the ordinary course of business, and to other
legal proceedings. Management anticipates that any potential liability of the Company, which may arise out of or with
respect to these matters, will not materially affect the Company’s financial statements.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity
Securities
Our Class A Common Stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Market of the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC under the
ticker symbol SGA.
The closing price for our Class A Common Stock on March 25, 2025 as reported by the NASDAQ was $12.55. As
of March 25, 2025, there were approximately 175 holders of record of our Class A Common Stock. This figure does not
include an estimate of the indeterminate number of beneficial holders whose shares may be held of record by brokerage
firms and clearing agencies.
Dividends
During 2024, the Company’s Board of Directors has declared four quarterly cash dividends and a variable dividend
on its Class A Common Stock. These dividends, totaling $1.60 per share and approximately $10.0 million were paid
during 2024.
During 2023, the Company’s Board of Directors declared four quarterly cash dividends and one special dividend on
its Class A Common Stock. These dividends, totaling $3.00 per share and approximately $18.6 million were accrued or
paid during 2023.
In December 2022, the Board of Directors adopted a new variable dividend policy for the allocation of cash flows
aligned with the Company’s goals of maintaining a strong balance sheet, increasing cash returns to shareholders, and
continuing to grow the Company through strategic acquisitions.
34
The Company currently intends to declare regular quarterly cash dividends as well as variable dividends in
accordance with the terms of its variable dividend policy. As previously reported, our Board adopted a variable dividend
policy for the allocation of available cash aligned with the goals of maintaining a strong balance sheet, increasing cash
returns to shareholders, and continuing to grow the Company through strategic acquisitions. The Company may also
declare special dividends and implement stock buybacks in future periods. The declaration and payment of any future
dividend, whether fixed, special, or based on the variable policy, or the implementation of any stock buyback program
will remain at the full discretion of the Board and will depend on the Company’s financial results, cash requirements,
future expectations, and other pertinent factors.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
Not applicable.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The following table summarizes our repurchases of our Class A Common Stock during the three months ended
December 31, 2024. Shares repurchased during the quarter were from the retention of shares for the payment of
withholding taxes related to the vesting of restricted stock.
Total Number
Approximate
of
Dollar
Shares
Value of
Purchased
Shares
Total
Average
as Part of that May Yet be
Number
Price
Publicly
Purchased
of Shares Paid per
Announced
Under the
Period
Purchased (1) Share
Program
Program (2)
October 1 - October 31, 2024 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
— $
—
— $
17,965,746
November 1 - November 30, 2024 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8,034 $ 13.99
— $
17,853,350
December 1 - December 31, 2024 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13,116 $ 12.73
— $
17,686,383
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21,150 $
—
— $
17,686,383
(1) All shares were purchased other than through a publicly announced plan or program. The shares were forfeited to
the Company for payment of tax withholding obligations related to the vesting of restricted stock.
(2) We have a Stock Buy-Back Program which allows us to purchase our Class A Common Stock. In February 2013,
our Board of Directors authorized an increase in the amount committed to the Buy-Back Program from $60 million
to approximately $75.8 million.
Performance Graph
We are a smaller reporting company as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and are no
longer required to provide a performance graph.
Item 6. [Reserved]
35
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with Item 1. Business and the consolidated financial
statements and notes thereto of Saga Communications, Inc. and its subsidiaries contained elsewhere herein. The
following discussion is presented on a consolidated basis. We serve twenty-eight radio markets (reporting units) that
aggregate into one operating segment (Radio), which also qualifies as a reportable segment. We operate under one
reportable business segment for which segment disclosure is consistent with the management decision-making process
that determines the allocation of resources and the measuring of performance. Corporate general and administrative
expenses, interest expense, interest income, other (income) expense, and income tax provision are managed on a
consolidated basis.
The discussion of our operating performance focuses on station operating income because we manage our stations
primarily on station operating income. Operating performance is evaluated for each individual market.
We use certain financial measures that are not calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles in the United States of America (GAAP) to assess our financial performance. For example, we evaluate the
performance of our markets based on “station operating income” (operating income plus corporate general and
administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization, other operating (income) expenses, and impairment of intangible
assets). Station operating income is generally recognized by the broadcasting industry as a measure of performance, is
used by analysts who report on the performance of the broadcasting industry, and it serves as an indicator of the market
value of a group of stations. In addition, we use it to evaluate individual stations, market-level performance, overall
operations and as a primary measure for incentive based compensation of executives and other members of management.
Station operating income is not necessarily indicative of amounts that may be available to us for debt service
requirements, other commitments, reinvestment or other discretionary uses. Station operating income is not a measure of
liquidity or of performance in accordance with GAAP, and should be viewed as a supplement to, and not a substitute for,
our results of operations presented on a GAAP basis.
General
We are a media company primarily engaged in acquiring, developing and operating broadcast properties including
opportunities complimentary to our core radio business including digital, e-commerce and non-traditional revenue
initiatives. We actively seek and explore opportunities for expansion through the acquisition of additional broadcast
properties. We review acquisition opportunities on an ongoing basis.
Revision of Previously Issued Consolidated Financial Statements
In connection with our review of certain digital expenses, we noted we had previously reported revenue net of
expenses to third-party providers under the agent treatment, when in fact we were operating as the principal and should
have been reporting the gross revenue and the expenses as part of station operating expense. As a result, our revenue and
station operating expense for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were understated by approximately $2.6
million and $2.7 million, respectively with no impact on operating income, the provision for income taxes, net income,
earnings per share, cash flows or retained earnings. In addition, we noted that our quarterly financial data for the first
three quarters of the year ended December 31, 2024 and for each quarter of the year ended December 31, 2023 that our
revenue and station operating expenses were understated. There was no impact on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as
of December 31, 2024 and 2023, to our Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity as of December 31, 2024 and
2023 or to our Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023. In accordance
with Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") No. 99 Materiality, and SAB No. 108, Considering the Effects of Prior Year
Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements, we evaluated the error as part of
our year-end financial reporting process for the year ended December 31, 2024 and took into consideration the impact for the
interim periods of the three months ended March 31, 2024, three and six months ended June 30, 2024, three and nine months
ended September 30, 2024. We determined that the impact was not material to our results of operations or financial position
for any prior annual or interim period. Included in our annual reporting on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2024 the impacts to the net revenue and station operating expenses amounts on the Consolidated Statement of Income
36
previously reported for each of the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 and interim periods ended March 31, 2024
and 2023, June 30, 2024 and 2023 and September 30, 2024 and 2023 were presented.
Adjustments made as a result of and in connection with these revisions are more fully discussed in Note 2, Revisions
of Previously Issued Consolidated Financial Statements. Our discussion and analysis of financial condition and results
of operations have been amended to consider the effects of the revision as it relates to the years ended December 31,
2024 and 2023.
Radio Stations
Our radio stations’ primary source of revenue is from the sale of advertising for broadcast on our stations.
Depending on the format of a particular radio station, there are a predetermined number of advertisements available to be
broadcast each hour.
Most advertising contracts are short-term and generally run for a few weeks only. The majority of our revenue is
generated from local advertising, which is sold primarily by each radio market’s sales staff. For the years ended
December 31, 2024 and 2023, approximately 88% and 90%, respectively, of our radio stations’ gross revenue was from
local advertising. To generate national advertising sales, we engage independent advertising sales representative firms
that specialize in national sales for each of our broadcast markets.
Our revenue varies throughout the year. Advertising expenditures, our primary source of revenue, generally have
been lowest during the winter months, which include the first quarter of each year. Political revenue was significantly
higher in 2024 due to the increased number of national, state, and local elections in most of our markets as compared to
2023. Our gross political revenue for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was $3,263,000 and $944,000,
respectively. We expect political revenue in 2025 to decrease from 2024 levels as a result of less elections in 2025 at the
local, state and national levels.
Our net operating revenue, station operating expense and operating income vary from market to market based upon
the market’s rank or size which is based upon population and the available radio advertising revenue in that particular
market.
The broadcasting industry and advertising in general is influenced by the state of the overall economy, including
unemployment rates, inflation, energy prices and consumer interest rates. Our stations broadcast primarily in small to
midsize markets. Historically, these markets have been more stable than major metropolitan markets during downturns
in advertising spending, but may not experience increases in such spending as significant as those in major metropolitan
markets in periods of economic improvement.
Our financial results are dependent on a number of factors, the most significant of which is our ability to generate
advertising revenue through rates charged to advertisers. The rates a station is able to charge are, in large part, based on a
station’s ability to attract audiences in the demographic groups targeted by its advertisers. In a number of our markets,
this is measured by periodic reports generated by independent national rating services. In the remainder of our markets it
is measured by the results advertisers obtain through the actual running of an advertising schedule. Advertisers measure
these results based on increased demand for their goods or services and/or actual revenues generated from such demand.
Various factors affect the rate a station can charge, including the general strength of the local and national economies,
population growth, ability to provide popular programming, local market competition, target marketing capability of
radio compared to other advertising media, and signal strength.
When we acquire and/or begin to operate a station or group of stations we generally increase programming and
advertising and promotion expenses to increase our share of our target demographic audience. Our strategy sometimes
requires levels of spending commensurate with the revenue levels we plan on achieving in two to five years. During
periods of economic downturns, or when the level of advertising spending is flat or down across the industry, this
strategy may result in the appearance that our cost of operations are increasing at a faster rate than our growth in
revenues, until such time as we achieve our targeted levels of revenue for the acquired station or group of stations.
37
The number of advertisements that can be broadcast without jeopardizing listening levels (and the resulting ratings)
is limited in part by the format of a particular radio station. Our stations strive to maximize revenue by constantly
managing the number of commercials available for sale and by adjusting prices based upon local market conditions and
ratings. While there may be shifts from time to time in the number of advertisements broadcast during a particular time
of the day, the total number of advertisements broadcast on a particular station generally does not vary significantly from
year to year. Any change in our revenue, with the exception of those instances where stations are acquired or sold, is
generally the result of inventory sell out ratios and pricing adjustments, which are made to ensure that the station
efficiently utilizes available inventory.
Our radio stations employ a variety of programming formats. We periodically perform market research, including
music evaluations, focus groups and strategic vulnerability studies. Because reaching a large and demographically
attractive audience is crucial to a station’s financial success, we endeavor to develop strong listener loyalty. Our stations
also employ audience promotions to further develop and secure a loyal following. We believe that the diversification of
formats on our radio stations helps to insulate us from the effects of changes in musical tastes of the public on any
particular format.
The primary operating expenses involved in owning and operating radio stations are employee salaries and related
benefit costs, sales commissions, programming expenses, depreciation, and advertising and promotion expenses.
The radio broadcasting industry is subject to rapid technological change, evolving industry standards and the
emergence of new media technologies and services. These new technologies and media are gaining advertising share
against radio and other traditional media.
We continue to execute Saga’s digital strategy focused on the consumer as opposed to the product oriented, low
margin, high attrition offerings that many third-party providers deliver. There has been a significant increase in digital
ad spending. According to eMarketer 2024, excluding political, there was approximately $421 billion spent on
advertising in the U.S. They estimate digital advertising to be approximately $309 billion of the total spend. The Radio
Advertising Bureau recently released a report that radio surpassed the $2 billion mark in digital sales. This represents
0.67% of eMarketer’s estimated digital advertising spend leaving a lot of room for growth. Saga’s “Blended
Advertising” process focuses on providing our customers with simple digital advertising solutions (SEM, SEO, Targeted
Display among others) that are easy to understand and buy in conjunction with radio. These are the same local
advertisers that studies show say they trust radio account executives the most for market knowledge and advice but
aren’t currently buying digital from us. Our digital strategy focuses on the consumer journey as they Click, Visit, Call
and Search. Our Radio Station’s get the advertiser wanted and our digital platform gets the advertiser found and chosen.
During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, our Charleston, South Carolina; Columbus, Ohio; Des
Moines, Iowa; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Norfolk, Virginia markets, when combined, represented approximately 36%
and 37%, respectively, of our consolidated net operating revenue. An adverse change in any of these radio markets or
relative market position in those markets could have a significant impact on our operating results as a whole.
The following tables describe the percentage of our consolidated net operating revenue represented by each of these
markets:
Percentage of Consolidated
Net Operating Revenue
for the Years
Ended December 31,
2024
2023
Market:
Charleston, South Carolina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 %
6 %
Columbus, Ohio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 %
9 %
Des Moines, Iowa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 %
5 %
Milwaukee, Wisconsin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 %
11 %
Norfolk, Virginia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 %
6 %
38
During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the radio stations in our five largest markets when combined,
represented approximately 37% and 40%, respectively, of our consolidated station operating income. The following
tables describe the percentage of our consolidated station operating income represented by each of these markets:
Percentage of Consolidated
Station Operating Income(*)
for the Years Ended
December 31,
2024
2023
Market:
Charleston, South Carolina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 %
5 %
Columbus, Ohio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 %
10 %
Des Moines, Iowa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 %
4 %
Milwaukee, Wisconsin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 %
12 %
Norfolk, Virginia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 %
9 %
(*) Operating income plus corporate general and administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization, other
operating (income) expenses, and impairment of intangible assets.
Results of Operations
The following tables summarize our results of operations for the two years ended years ended December 31, 2024
and 2023.
Consolidated Results of Operations
2024 vs. 2023
Years Ended December 31,
$ Increase
% Increase
2024
2023
(Decrease) (Decrease)
(In thousands, except %’s and per share information)
Net operating revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
112,919 $
115,504 $
(2,585)
(2.2)%
Station operating expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
96,905
92,930
3,975
4.3 %
Corporate general and administrative . . . . . . . .
12,611
10,966
1,645
15.0 %
Other operating expense (income), net . . . . . . .
1,048
120
928
N/M
Operating income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2,355
11,488
(9,133)
(79.5)%
Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
348
173
175
101.2 %
Interest income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(1,047)
(1,441)
394
N/M
Other income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(1,516)
(119)
(1,397)
N/M
Income before income tax expense . . . . . . . . . .
4,570
12,875
(8,305)
(64.5)%
Income tax provision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1,110
3,375
(2,265)
(67.1)%
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
3,460
$
9,500
$
(6,040)
(63.6)%
Earnings per share (diluted) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
0.55
$
1.55
$
(1.00)
(64.5)%
N/M = Not Meaningful
39
Year Ended December 31, 2024 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2023
For the year ended December 31, 2024, consolidated net operating revenue was $112,919,000 compared with
$115,504,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023, a decrease of $2,585,000 or 2.2%. We had an increase of
approximately $1,760,000 that was attributable to stations that we did not own or operate for the entire comparable
period, offset by a decrease of $4,345,000 generated by stations we owned or operated for the comparable period in 2023
(“same station”). The decrease in same station revenue in 2024 was due to decreases in gross local revenues of
$8,868,000 partially offset by increases in gross political revenue of $2,308,000 and gross interactive or digital revenue
of $1,745,000 and a decrease in agency commission of $439,000 from 2023. The most significant decreases in gross
local revenue occurred in our Clarksville, Tennessee; Columbus, Ohio; Des Moines, Iowa; and Milwaukee, Wisconsin;
markets partially offset by increases at our Asheville, North Carolina and Charlottesville, Virginia. The decrease in our
agency commissions is due to the decrease in local agency revenue. The gross political revenue increased due to an
increase in the number of national, state and local elections. The increase in gross interactive results is primarily due to
an increase in our streaming and website advertising revenue.
Station operating expense was $96,905,000 for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared with $92,930,000 for
the year ended December 31, 2023, an increase of $3,975,000 or 4.3%. We had an increase of approximately
$1,883,000 that was attributable to stations that we did not own or operate for the comparable period combined with an
increase of $2,092,000 generated by stations we owned or operated for the comparable period in 2023. The increase in
same station operating expenses was primarily a result of increases in compensation-related expenses, bad debt
expenses, interactive fulfillment and content expenses, sales rating survey expenses and advertising and promotion
expenses of $1,061,000, $582,000, $283,000, $249,000, and $135,000, respectively, partially offset by decreases in
music licensing expenses and barter expenses of $120,000 and $103,000, respectively from 2023.
We had operating income for the year ended December 31, 2024 of $2,355,000 compared to $11,488,000 for the
year ended December 31, 2023, a decrease of $9,133,000. The decrease was a result of the decrease in net operating
revenue and the increase in station operating expense, described above, combined with an increase in our corporate
general and administrative expenses of $1,645,000 and an increase in other operating expense of $928,000. The increase
in corporate general and administrative expenses was primarily attributable to increases in stock-based compensation,
expense related to the income tax obligation relating to the transfer of a split dollar life insurance policy to our former
CEO, Ed Christian’s estate, computer software and cybersecurity expenses, compensation-related expenses and travel-
related expenses of $835,000, $500,000, $385,000, $334,000, and $79,000, respectively, partially offset by a decrease in
insurance-related expenses of $561,000. In 2024, we recorded a loss on the sale of fixed assets and intangible assets of
$1,048,000 compared to a loss on the sale of fixed assets of $120,000 in 2023. The loss on sales of fixed assets and
intangible assets recorded in other operating expense in 2024 primarily relates to the sale of WYSE-AM, W275CP
translator and W248CM translator located in our Asheville, North Carolina market and the relinquishment of our FCC
license for KBAI-AM located in our Bellingham, Washington market described in footnote 10 (Acquisitions and
Dispositions).
We generated net income of $3,460,000 ($0.55 per share on a fully diluted basis) during the year ended
December 31, 2024, compared to $9,500,000 ($1.55 per share on a fully diluted basis) for the year ended
December 31, 2023, a decrease of $6,040,000. The decrease in net income is due to the decrease of operating income,
described above, an increase in interest expense of $175,000, and a decrease in interest income of $394,000 partially
offset by an increase in other income of $1,397,000 and a decrease in income taxes of $2,265,000. The increase in
interest expense is due to an increase in debt outstanding. The decrease in interest income is related to the decrease in
the amount of short-term investment accounts. The increase in other income is due to the $1,133,000 received related to
the sale of an investment in BMI and $384,000 in insurance proceeds received as a result of weather-related damages.
The gain on sale of investment and gain on insurance claims are recorded in other (income) expense, net in the
Company’s Consolidated Statement of Income. The decrease in our income tax expense is due to lower income before
income tax expense for the comparable period.
40
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Debt Arrangements and Debt Service Requirements
On December 19, 2022, we entered into a Third Amendment to our Credit Facility, (the “Third Amendment”),
which extended the maturity date to December 19, 2027, reduced the lenders to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., and the
Huntington National Bank (collectively, the “Lenders”), established an interest rate equal to the secured overnight
financing rate (“SOFR”) as administered by the SOFR Administrator (currently established as the Federal Reserve Bank
of New York) as the interest base and increased the basis points.
We have pledged substantially all of our assets (excluding our FCC licenses and certain other assets) in support of
the Credit Facility and each of our subsidiaries has guaranteed the Credit Facility and has pledged substantially all of
their assets (excluding their FCC licenses and certain other assets) in support of the Credit Facility.
Approximately $266,000 of debt issuance costs related to the Credit Facility were capitalized and are being
amortized over the life of the Credit Facility. These debt issuance costs are included in other assets, net in the
consolidated balance sheets. As a result of the Second Amendment, the Company incurred an additional $120,000 of
transaction fees related to the Credit Facility that were capitalized. As a result of the Third Amendment, the Company
incurred an additional $161,000 of transaction fees related to the Credit Facility that were capitalized. The cumulative
transaction fees are being amortized over the remaining life of the Credit Facility.
Interest rates under the Credit Facility are payable, at our option, at alternatives equal to SOFR (4.49% at
December 31, 2024), plus 1% to 2% or the base rate plus 0% to 1%. The spread over SOFR and the base rate vary from
time to time, depending upon our financial leverage. Letters of credit issued under the Credit Facility will be subject to a
participation fee (which is equal to the interest rate applicable to Eurocurrency Loans, as defined in the Credit
Agreement) payable to each of the Lenders and a fronting fee equal to 0.25% per annum payable to the issuing bank.
Under the Third Amendment, we now pay quarterly commitment fees of 0.25% per annum on the unused portion of the
Credit Facility. We previously paid quarterly commitment fees of 0.2% to 0.3% per annum on the unused portion of the
Credit Facility.
The Credit Facility contains a number of financial covenants (all of which we were in compliance with at
December 31, 2024) which, among other things, require us to maintain specified financial ratios and impose certain
limitations on us with respect to investments, additional indebtedness, dividends, distributions, guarantees, liens and
encumbrances.
We had $5,000,000 debt outstanding at December 31, 2024 and no debt outstanding at December 31, 2023.
We had approximately $45 million and $50 million unused borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility
at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
41
Sources and Uses of Cash
During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, we had net cash flows from operating activities of
$13,772,000 and $15,379,000, respectively. We believe that cash flow from operations will be sufficient to meet any
quarterly debt service requirements for interest and scheduled payments of principal under the Credit Facility if we
borrow in the future. However, if such cash flow is not sufficient, we may be required to sell additional equity securities,
refinance our obligations or dispose of one or more of our properties in order to make such scheduled payments. There
can be no assurance that we would be able to effect any such transactions on favorable terms, if at all.
In February 2013, our Board of Directors authorized an increase to our Stock Buy-Back Program (the “Buy-Back
Program”) to allow us to purchase up to $75.8 million of our Class A Common Stock. From the Buy-Back Program’s
inception in 1998 through December 31, 2024, we have repurchased 2.2 million shares of our Class A Common Stock
for $58.1 million. During the year ended December 31, 2024, approximately 21,865 shares were retained for payment of
withholding taxes for $290,344 related to the vesting of restricted stock. We halted the directions for any additional
buybacks under our plan in 2020. We continue to monitor economic conditions to determine if and when it makes sense
to make additional buybacks under our plan.
Our capital expenditures, exclusive of acquisitions, for the year ended December 31, 2024 were $3,767,000
($4,356,000 in 2023). We anticipate capital expenditures in 2025 to be approximately $4.0 million to $4.5 million, which
we expect to finance through funds generated from operations.
On February 13, 2024, we entered into an agreement to purchase the assets of WKOA (FM), WKHY (FM),
WASK (FM), WXXB (FM), WASK (AM) and W269DJ from Neuhoff Communications, Inc. serving the Greater
Lafayette, Indiana radio market for $5.3 million, subject to certain purchase price adjustments. The Company closed on
this transaction on May 31, 2024, using funds from operations and borrowings under our credit agreement, of
$5,832,000, which included the purchase price of $5,300,000, the purchase of $499,000 in accounts receivable and
transactional costs of approximately $121,000 offset by $88,000 in certain closing adjustments.
During 2024, the Company’s Board of Directors has declared four quarterly cash dividends and a variable dividend
on its Class A Common Stock. These dividends, totaling $1.60 per share and approximately $10.0 million were paid
during 2024.
During 2023, the Company’s Board of Directors declared four quarterly cash dividends and one special dividend on
its Class A Common Stock. These dividends, totaling $3.00 per share and approximately $18.6 million were accrued or
paid during 2023.
During 2024, we used the proceeds from our U.S. Treasury Bills to purchase additional U.S. Treasury Bills when
they were up for redemption at various times through the year. We redeemed $21.7 million in U.S. Treasury Bills and
purchased an additional $19.7 million in U.S. Treasury Bills. At December 2024, we have recorded $8.9 million of
held-to-maturity U.S. Treasury Bills at amortized cost basis that have a fair market value of $8.9 million. Our held-to-
maturity U.S. Treasury Bills all have original maturity dates ranging from March 2025 to June 2025.
We anticipate that any future acquisitions of radio stations and dividend payments will be financed through funds
generated from operations, borrowings under the Credit Agreement, additional debt or equity financing, or a
combination thereof. However, there can be no assurances that any such financing will be available on acceptable terms,
if at all.
42
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States, which require us to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported
amounts of certain assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and related disclosures and contingencies. We evaluate
estimates used in preparation of our financial statements on a continual basis, including estimates related to the
following:
Purchase Accounting: We account for our acquisitions under the purchase method of accounting. The total cost
of acquisitions is allocated to the underlying net assets, based on their respective estimated fair values as of the
acquisition date. The excess of consideration paid over the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired is recorded as
goodwill. Determining the fair values of the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires management’s judgment
and often involves the use of significant estimates including assumptions with respect to future cash inflows and
outflows, discount rates, asset lives and market multiples, among other items.
Broadcast Licenses and Goodwill: As of December 31, 2024, we have recorded approximately $91,497,000 in
broadcast licenses and $19,229,000 in goodwill, which represents 50% of our total assets. In assessing the recoverability
of these assets, we must conduct impairment testing and charge to operations an impairment expense only in the periods
in which the carrying value of these assets is more than their fair value. We conduct the impairment testing of broadcast
licenses and goodwill annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be
impaired.
There was no impairment of broadcast licenses or goodwill in 2024 or 2023.
We believe our estimate of the value of our broadcast licenses is a critical accounting estimate as the value is
significant in relation to our total assets, and our estimate of the value uses assumptions that incorporate variables based
on past experiences and judgments about future operating performance of our stations. These variables include but are
not limited to: (1) the forecast growth rate of each radio market, including population, household income, retail sales and
other expenditures that would influence advertising expenditures; (2) market share and profit margin of an average
station within a market; (3) estimated capital start-up costs and losses incurred during the early years; (4) risk-adjusted
discount rate; (5) the likely media competition within the market area; and (6) terminal values. Changes in our estimates
of the fair value of these assets could result in material future period write-downs in the carrying value of our broadcast
licenses. For illustrative purposes only, during our 2024 impairment test had the fair values of each of our broadcasting
licenses been lower by 10% we would have recorded an additional broadcast license impairment of approximately
$108,000; had the fair values of each of our broadcasting licenses been lower by 20%, we would have recorded an
additional broadcast license impairment of approximately $335,000; and had the fair value of our broadcasting licenses
been lower by 30%, we would have recorded an additional broadcast license impairment of approximately $714,000.
Additionally, our estimate of the value of our goodwill is a critical accounting estimate and our estimate of the value
uses assumptions that incorporate variables based on past experiences and judgments about future operating
performance. We believe we have made reasonable estimates and assumptions to calculate the estimated fair value of
our goodwill, however, these estimates and assumptions are highly judgmental in nature. Our estimated fair value of our
goodwill exceeds our carrying value by 22%. Actual results can be materially different from estimate and assumptions.
If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by the industry or by us, of if events occur or
circumstances changes that would reduce the estimated fair value of our goodwill below the carrying value, we may
recognize future impairment charges, the amount of which may be material. For illustrative purposes only, if the
discount rate increased by 1.0%, the estimated fair value of our goodwill would only exceed our carrying value by 13%.
Tax Provisions: Our estimates of income taxes and the significant items giving rise to the deferred tax assets and
liabilities are shown in the notes to our consolidated financial statements and reflect our assessment of actual future taxes
to be paid on items reflected in the financial statements, giving consideration to both timing and probability of these
estimates. Actual income taxes could vary from these estimates due to future changes in income tax law or results from
the final review of our tax returns by federal, state or foreign tax authorities. We use our judgment to determine whether
it is more likely than not that our deferred tax assets will be realized. Deferred tax assets are reduced by valuation
43
allowances if the Company believes it is more than likely than not that some portion or the entire asset will not be
realized.
Market Risk and Risk Management Policies
Our earnings are affected by changes in short-term interest rates as a result of our long-term debt arrangements. If
we had borrowings against our long-term debt arrangements, in the event of an adverse change in interest rates,
management may take actions to mitigate our exposure.
Inflation
The impact of inflation on our operations has not been significant to date. We are however, starting to see the
effects of higher inflation starting to impact costs of most goods and services. There can be no assurance that a high rate
of inflation in the future would not have an adverse effect on our operations.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Recent accounting pronouncements are described in Note 1 to the accompanying financial statements.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
Information appearing under the caption “Market Risk and Risk Management Policies” in Item 7 is hereby
incorporated by reference.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
The financial statements attached hereto are filed as part of this annual report.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and
with the participation of the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer,
of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to
Rule 13a-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). The term “disclosures controls and
procedures” as defined and amended by the Exchange Act, means controls and other procedures of a company that are
designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the
Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and
forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that
information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is
accumulated and communicated to the company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial
officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management recognizes that any
controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving
their objectives. Based upon the evaluation performed as of December 31 2024, as a result of the material weakness in
internal control over financial reporting described below in Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial
Reporting, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure
controls and procedures over financial reporting were not effective as of such date.
44
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting,
as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of
management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the
effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework as set forth in Internal Control —
Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission
(COSO).
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.
Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to risk that controls may become
inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may
deteriorate.
Based on our evaluation, management concluded that our Company did not maintain effective internal control over
financial reporting as of December 31, 2024 due to the material weakness described below.
Material Weaknesses in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management has determined that the Company has the following material weakness in its internal control over
financial reporting:
Ineffective Controls over Broadcast Revenue Reconciliations – a lack of effectively designed and implemented
monitoring controls over recorded broadcast revenue combined with a lack of segregation of duties within the Traffic
Management system that did not restrict or monitor users’ access privileges commensurate with their assigned authority
and responsibility.
Ineffective Controls over Digital Revenue Reconciliations – a lack of effectively designed and implemented
monitoring controls over recorded digital revenue, including procedures over the retention of documentation to ensure
existence, completeness and accuracy of data used to support accounts related to revenue and accounts receivable in the
financial statement close process.
These ineffective controls, individually or in the aggregate, could result in misstatements of accounts or disclosures
that would results in a material misstatement of the interim or annual Consolidated Financial Statements that would not
be prevented or detected.
Remediation Plans
Management is actively engaged in the implementation of remediation plans to address the controls contributing to
the material weakness. The remediation actions include, but are not limited to, the following:
Ineffective Controls over Broadcast Revenue Reconciliations – Enhance the monitoring controls over revenue
reconciliation procedures, re-assess user access privileges and ensure that certain users conflict of duties within the
system are appropriately mitigated through such monitoring controls.
Ineffective Controls over Digital Revenue Reconciliations – Evaluate and enhance design and implementation of
digital process-level controls over the existence, completeness and accuracy of data included in various reports provided
from third party providers that support our digital revenue accounts. Ensure retention of revenue reconciliation
documentation and review by management.
We believe these measures will effectively remediate the control deficiencies, but management is assessing the need
for any additional steps to remediate the underlying causes that give rise to this material weakness. The material
weakness will not be considered remediated until the applicable controls operate for a sufficient period of time and
management has concluded, through testing, that these controls are operating effectively. There is no assurance that
45
additional remediation steps will not be necessary. Our internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2024 has been audited by Crowe LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in its
report which appears below.
Notwithstanding the identified material weakness, Management believes the Consolidated Financial Statements
included in this Form 10-K fairly present, in all material respects, our results of operations and cash flows for the year
ended December 31, 2024 and our financial condition as of such date, in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Except as set forth above, there were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the year
ended December 31, 2024 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal
controls over financial reporting.
Item 9B. Other Information
None.
Items 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
Not applicable.
PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the information contained in our Proxy
Statement for the 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed not later than 120 days after the end of the
Company’s fiscal year. See also Item 1. Business — Information About Our Executive Officers.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the information contained in our Proxy
Statement for the 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed not later than 120 days after the end of the
Company’s fiscal year.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the information contained in our Proxy
Statement for the 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed not later than 120 days after the end of the
Company’s fiscal year.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the information contained in our Proxy
Statement for the 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed not later than 120 days after the end of the
Company’s fiscal year.
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the information contained in our Proxy
Statement for the 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed not later than 120 days after the end of the
Company’s fiscal year.
46
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a)
1. Financial Statements
The following consolidated financial statements attached hereto are filed as part of this annual report:
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID 173) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
47
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID 1195) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
50
Consolidated Financial Statements:
— Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
51
— Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
52
— Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 . . . . . .
53
— Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
54
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
55
2. Financial Statement Schedules
Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts is disclosed in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements
attached hereto and filed as part of this annual report. All other schedules for which provision are made in the applicable
accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are
inapplicable and therefore have been omitted.
3. Exhibits
The Exhibits filed in response to Item 601 of Regulation S-K are listed in the Exhibit Index, which is incorporated
herein by reference.
47
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Saga Communications, Inc.
Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan
Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Saga Communications, Inc. (the "Company") as of
December 31, 2024, the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year
ended December 31, 2024, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). We also have
audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in
Internal Control – Integrated Framework: (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission (COSO).
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
the Company as of December 31, 2024, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year ended
December 31, 2024 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also,
in our opinion, because of the effects of the material weakness discussed in the following paragraph, the Company has
not maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024,
based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework: (2013) issued by COSO.
A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such
that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be
prevented or detected on a timely basis. The following material weakness has been identified and included in
management's report.
•
Material weakness in controls over the reconciliation process and review of local market IT access for
broadcasting revenue and certain digital revenue streams prior to invoicing customers and recognizing revenue.
We considered this material weakness identified above in determining the nature, timing, and extent of audit tests
applied in our audit of the 2024 financial statements, and our opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting does
not affect our opinion on the financial statements.
Basis for Opinions
The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over
financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the
accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on the Company’s financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial
reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting
Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in
accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was
maintained in all material respects.
Our audit of the financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the
financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such
procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.
Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as
48
evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting
included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material
weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the
assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the
circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding
the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies
and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the
transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are
recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of
management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely
detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the
financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.
Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become
inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may
deteriorate.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements
that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or
disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or
complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the
financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a
separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Goodwill Impairment Evaluation
As disclosed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s consolidated goodwill balance was $19.2
million as of December 31, 2024. Management performs an annual quantitative impairment test during the fourth quarter
of each year, or more frequently when it is determined that events and circumstances indicate that it is more likely than
not that goodwill is impaired. The Company has one reporting unit for goodwill impairment testing purposes.
Impairment of goodwill is assessed by comparing the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value. Fair
value is estimated by management using an income approach. Management’s cash flow projections for its goodwill
impairment testing included significant judgments and assumptions relating to projected revenues and projected revenue
growth rates, projected operating margins, projected general and administrative expenses and the discount rate.
We considered auditing the evaluation of goodwill for impairment to be a critical audit matter because it involved a high
degree of subjectivity in evaluating management’s estimates, judgments, and significant assumptions, as well as
significant audit effort due to complexity in the aggregation and evaluation of significant amounts of data and the use of
valuation specialists.
Our audit procedures related to the evaluation of goodwill for impairment included the following:
•
Testing the effectiveness of management’s internal controls including controls addressing:
o
Management’s review and approval of the inputs into the valuation model, including the relevance and
reliability of external data used and the completeness and accuracy of internal data used.
49
o
Management’s review and approval of the significant assumptions used within the valuation model
including projected revenues, projected revenue growth rates, projected operating margins, projected
general and administrative expenses and the discount rate.
•
Substantively testing management’s process, including:
o
Evaluated the appropriateness of the valuation model used and recalculated the valuation model.
o
Tested inputs into the valuation model, including the relevance and reliability of external data used and
the completeness and accuracy of internal data used.
o
Evaluated the significant assumptions used by management, including projected revenues and
projected revenue growth rates, projected operating margins, projected general and administrative
expenses and the discount rate. This involved evaluating whether the significant assumptions used by
management were reasonable considering (i) the current and past performance of the Company,
(ii) relevant external market and industry data, and (iii) whether these significant assumptions were
consistent with evidence obtained in other areas of the audit.
o
Utilized valuation specialists to assist in evaluating the methodology of and certain assumptions
applied in the valuation model.
/s/ Crowe LLP
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2024
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
March 31, 2025
50
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of
Saga Communications, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Saga Communications, Inc. (the “Company”) as of
December 31, 2023, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year
ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion,
the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Saga
Communications, Inc. at December 31, 2023, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for the year
ended December 31, 2023, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting
firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to
be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules
and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material
misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material
misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that
respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and
disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used
and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall consolidated financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
We served as the Company’s auditor from 2015 through 2023.
/s/ UHY LLP
Sterling Heights, Michigan
March 15, 2024, except for the effects of the tables reflecting the impact of the revisions for the year ended
December 31, 2023, discussed in Note 2 (not presented herein) to the consolidated financial statements appearing under
Item 8 of the Company’s annual report (Form 10-K) as to which the date is March 31, 2025.
51
Saga Communications, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, except par value)
December 31,
2024
2023
(In thousands)
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
18,860
$
29,582
Short-term investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8,927
10,595
Accounts receivable, less allowance of $1,071 ($618 in 2023) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15,941
17,173
Prepaid expenses and other current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2,606
2,451
Barter transactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
752
843
Total current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
47,086
60,644
Property and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
151,553
148,265
Less accumulated depreciation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
99,646
96,860
Net property and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
51,907
51,405
Other assets:
Broadcast licenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
91,497
90,240
Goodwill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19,229
19,236
Other intangibles, right of use assets, deferred costs and investments, net of
accumulated amortization of $16,257 ($15,984 in 2023) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12,006
10,688
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 221,725
$ 232,213
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
3,080
$
2,802
Accrued expenses:
Accrued payroll and payroll taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5,542
5,318
Dividend payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
12,505
Other accrued expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7,006
6,480
Barter transactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
930
924
Total current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16,558
28,029
Deferred income taxes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26,007
26,122
Long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5,000
—
Other liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8,238
7,513
Total liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
55,803
61,664
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11, 13 and 15) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
—
Shareholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, 1,500 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
—
Common stock:
Class A common stock, $.01 par value, 35,000 shares authorized, 8,183 issued
(8,007 in 2023) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
82
80
Additional paid-in capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
74,334
72,593
Retained earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
128,216
134,771
Treasury stock (1,764 shares in 2024 and 1,754 shares in 2023, at cost) . . . . . . . . . . . .
(36,710)
(36,895)
Total shareholders’ equity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
165,922
170,549
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 221,725
$ 232,213
See accompanying notes.
52
Saga Communications, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income
Years Ended December 31,
2024
2023
(In thousands, except per share data)
Net operating revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
112,919 $
115,504
Operating expenses:
Station operating expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
96,905
92,930
Corporate general and administrative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12,611
10,966
Other operating expense (income), net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1,048
120
110,564
104,016
Operating income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2,355
11,488
Other (income) expenses:
Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
348
173
Interest income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(1,047)
(1,441)
Other income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(1,516)
(119)
Income before income tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4,570
12,875
Income tax (benefit) expense:
Current . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1,225
2,990
Deferred . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(115)
385
1,110
3,375
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
3,460
$
9,500
Earnings per share:
Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
0.55
$
1.55
Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
0.55
$
1.55
Weighted average common shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6,075
6,045
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6,075
6,045
Dividends declared per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
1.60
$
3.00
See accompanying notes.
53
Saga Communications, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
Years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023
Class A
Class B
Additional
Total
Common Stock Common Stock Paid-In Retained Treasury Shareholders’
Shares Amount Shares Amount Capital Earnings Stock
Equity
(In thousands)
Balance at January 1, 2023 . . . . . . . . . . . 7,867 $
78
— $
— $ 71,664 $ 143,896 $ (37,109) $
178,529
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
—
—
—
—
9,500
—
9,500
Issuance of restricted stock . . . . . . . . . . .
140
2
—
—
(2)
—
—
—
Dividends declared per common share . .
—
—
—
—
— (18,625)
—
(18,625)
Compensation expense related to
restricted stock awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
—
—
—
1,116
—
—
1,116
Purchase of shares held in treasury . . . . .
—
—
—
—
—
—
(227)
(227)
401(k) plan contribution . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
—
—
—
(185)
—
441
256
Balance at December 31, 2023 . . . . . . . . 8,007 $
80
— $
— $ 72,593 $ 134,771 $ (36,895) $
170,549
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
—
—
—
—
3,460
—
3,460
Issuance of restricted stock . . . . . . . . . . .
177
2
—
—
(2)
—
—
—
Forfeiture of restricted stock . . . . . . . . . .
(1)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Dividends declared per common share . .
—
—
—
—
— (10,015)
—
(10,015)
Compensation expense related to
restricted stock awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
—
—
—
1,950
—
—
1,950
Purchase of shares held in treasury . . . . .
—
—
—
—
—
—
(290)
(290)
401(k) plan contribution . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
—
—
—
(207)
—
475
268
Balance at December 31, 2024 . . . . . . . . 8,183 $
82
— $
— $ 74,334 $ 128,216 $ (36,710) $
165,922
See accompanying notes.
54
Saga Communications, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years Ended December 31,
2024
2023
(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
3,460
$
9,500
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5,283
5,055
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(115)
385
Amortization of deferred costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
36
36
Compensation expense related to restricted stock awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1,950
1,116
Provision for credit losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
983
—
Loss on sale of assets, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1,048
120
(Gain) on insurance claims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(383)
—
Other (gain), net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(1,133)
(119)
Barter (revenue) expense, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
89
50
Deferred and other compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(230)
(100)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of business acquisition:
Decrease (increase) in receivables and prepaid expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1,263
(1,303)
Increase in accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1,521
639
Total adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10,312
5,879
Net cash provided by operating activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13,772
15,379
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of short-term investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(19,660)
(20,728)
Redemption of short-term investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20,728
20,723
Acquisition of property and equipment (Capital Expenditures) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(3,767)
(4,356)
Acquisition of broadcast properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(5,711)
—
Proceeds from sale and disposal of assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
203
1,747
Proceeds from redemption of investments and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1,526
—
Other investing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(3)
117
Net cash used in investing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(6,684)
(2,497)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5,000
—
Cash dividends paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(22,520)
(19,875)
Purchase of treasury shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(290)
(227)
Net cash used in financing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(17,810)
(20,102)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(10,722)
(7,220)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29,582
36,802
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
18,860
$
29,582
See accompanying notes.
Saga Communications, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
55
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Nature of Business
Saga Communications, Inc. is a media company whose business is devoted to acquiring, developing and operating
broadcast properties including opportunities complimentary to our core radio business including digital, e-commerce and
non-traditional revenue initiatives. We currently own or operated eighty-two FM, thirty-one AM radio stations and
seventy-nine metro signals, serving twenty-eight markets throughout the United States.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Saga Communications, Inc. and our wholly-owned
subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States (GAAP) requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial
statements and accompanying notes. Our accounting estimates require the use of judgment as future events and the
effect of these events cannot be predicted with certainty. The accounting estimates may change as new events occur, as
more experience is acquired and as more information is obtained. We evaluate and update assumptions and estimates on
an ongoing basis and may use outside experts to assist in the our evaluation, as considered necessary. Actual results may
differ from estimates provided and there may be changes to those estimates in the future periods.
Concentration of Risk
Certain cash deposits with financial institutions may at times exceed FDIC insurance limits.
Our top five markets when combined represented 36% and 37% of our net operating revenue for the years ended
years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
We sell advertising to local and national companies throughout the United States. We perform ongoing credit
evaluations of our customers and generally do not require collateral. We maintain an allowance for credit losses at a
level which we believe is sufficient to cover potential credit losses.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and time deposits with original maturities of three months or less.
We did not have any time deposits at December 31, 2024 and 2023.
Financial Instruments
We account for marketable securities in accordance with ASC 320, “Investments – Debt Securities,” which require
that certain debt securities be classified into one of three categories: held-to-maturity, available-for-sale, or trading
securities, and depending upon the classification, value the security at amortized cost or fair market value. At
December 31, 2024 and 2023, we have recorded $8.9 million and $10.6 million, respectively, of held-to-maturity U.S.
Treasury Bills at amortized cost basis that have a fair market value of $8.9 million and $10.6 million respectively. Our
held-to-maturity U.S. Treasury Bills all have original maturity dates ranging from March 2025 to June 2025.
Saga Communications, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
56
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
Our financial instruments are comprised of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable,
accounts payable and long-term debt. The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts
payable approximate fair value due to their short maturities. The carrying value of long-term debt approximates fair
value as it carries interest rates that either fluctuate with the secured overnight financing rate (“SOFR”), prime rate or
have been reset at the prevailing market rate at December 31, 2024.
Allowance for Credit Losses
A provision for credit losses is recorded based on our judgment of the collectability of receivables. Amounts are
written off when determined to be fully uncollectible. Delinquent accounts are based on contractual terms. The activity
in the allowance for credit losses during the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:
Write Off of
Balance
Charged to Allowance
Uncollectible
Balance at
at Beginning Costs and
From
Accounts, Net of
End of
Year Ended
of Period Expenses Acquisitions
Recoveries
Period
(in thousands)
December 31, 2024 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
618 $
983 $
18 $
(548) $
1,071
December 31, 2023 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
519 $
397 $
— $
(298) $
618
Barter Transactions
Our radio stations trade air time for goods and services used principally for promotional, sales and other business
activities. An asset and a liability are recorded at the fair market value of goods or services received. Barter revenue is
recorded when commercials are broadcast, and barter expense is recorded when goods or services received are used.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are carried at cost. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred.
When property and equipment is sold or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation is removed
from the respective accounts and the gain or loss realized on disposition is reflected in earnings. Depreciation is provided
using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful life of the assets. We review our property and equipment for
impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be
recoverable. Recoverability of these assets is measured by comparison of their carrying amounts to future undiscounted
cash flows the assets are expected to generate. If the assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be
recognized equals the amount by which the carrying value of the assets exceeds its fair market value. We did not record
any impairment of property and equipment during 2024 and 2023.
Saga Communications, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
57
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
Property and equipment consisted of the following:
Estimated
December 31,
Useful Life
2024
2023
(In thousands)
Land and land improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
— $ 15,524 $ 15,239
Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31.5 years 41,292 40,460
Towers and antennae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7-15 years 27,969 27,145
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3-15 years 55,647 54,747
Furniture, fixtures and leasehold improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7-20 years
8,314
7,907
Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 years
2,807
2,767
151,553 148,265
Accumulated depreciation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(99,646) (96,860)
Net property and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 51,907 $ 51,405
Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, was $5,013,000 and $5,013,000,
respectively.
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets deemed to have indefinite useful lives, which include broadcast licenses and goodwill, are not
amortized and are subject to impairment tests which are conducted as of October 1 of each year, or more frequently if
impairment indicators arise.
We have 113 broadcast licenses serving 28 markets, which require renewal over the period of 2027-2030. In
determining that the Company’s broadcast licenses qualified as indefinite-lived intangible assets, management
considered a variety of factors including our broadcast licenses may be renewed indefinitely at little cost; our broadcast
licenses are essential to our business and we intend to renew our licenses indefinitely; we have never been denied the
renewal of an FCC broadcast license nor do we believe that there will be any compelling challenge to the renewal of our
broadcast licenses; and we do not believe that the technology used in broadcasting will be replaced by another
technology in the foreseeable future. The weighted-average period before the next renewal of the Company’s FCC
licenses is 4.1 years.
Separable intangible assets that have finite lives are amortized over their useful lives using the straight-line method.
Favorable lease agreements are amortized over the leases length, ranging from one to twenty-six years. Other intangibles
are amortized over one to fifteen years. Customer relationships are amortized over three years.
Deferred Costs
The costs related to the issuance of debt are capitalized and amortized to interest expense over the life of the Credit
Facility. During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, we recognized interest expense related to the
amortization of debt issuance costs of $36,000 and $36,000, respectively.
At December 31, 2024 and 2023 the net book value of debt issuance costs related to our line of credit was $94,000,
and $130,000, respectively, and was presented in other intangibles, deferred costs and investments in our Consolidated
Balance Sheets.
Saga Communications, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
58
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
Leases
We determine whether a contract is or contains a lease at inception. The lease liabilities and right-of-use assets are
recorded on the balance sheet for all leases with an expected term of at least one year, based on the present value of the
lease payments using (1) the rate implicit in the lease or (2) our incremental borrowing rate (“IBR”). Our IBR is defined
as the rate of interest we would have to pay to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term an amount equal to
the lease payments in a similar economic environment. We follow the accounting guidance for leases, which includes the
recognition of lease expense for leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. See Note 13 – Commitments and
Contingencies for more information on Leases.
Common Stock
Our founder and former Chairman, President, and CEO, Edward K. Christian, passed away on August 19, 2022. As
of the date of his passing, Mr. Christian, who was also our principal shareholder, held approximately 65% of the
combined voting power of the Company’s Common Stock based on our Class B Common Stock (together with the Class
A Common Stock, collectively, the “Common Stock”) generally being entitled to ten votes per share. As a result,
Mr. Christian was generally able to control the vote on most matters submitted to the vote of shareholders and, therefore,
was able to direct our management and policies, except with respect to (i) the election of two Class A directors, (ii) those
matters where the shares of our Class B Common Stock were only entitled to one vote per share, and (iii) other matters
requiring a class vote under the provisions of our certificate of incorporation, bylaws or applicable law. Mr. Christian’s
passing resulted in the conversion of his Class B Shares into Class A Shares that were transferred to an estate planning
trust that now owns approximately 14.6% of the common stock outstanding. As a result, we no longer have any shares
of Class B Common Stock issued or outstanding.
Treasury Stock
In March 2013, our Board of Directors authorized an increase in the amount committed to our Stock Buy-Back
Program (the “Buy-Back Program”) from $60 million to $75.8 million. The Buy-Back Program allows us to repurchase
our Class A Common Stock. As of December 31, 2024, we had remaining authorization of $17.7 million for future
repurchases of our Class A Common Stock.
Repurchases of shares of our Common Stock are recorded as Treasury stock and result in a reduction of
Shareholders’ equity. During 2024 and 2023, we acquired 21,865 shares at an average price of $13.28 per share and
11,274 shares at an average price of $20.12 per share, respectively.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue from the sale of commercial broadcast time to advertisers is recognized when commercials are broadcast.
Revenue is reported net of advertising agency commissions. Agency commissions, when applicable are based on a
stated percentage applied to gross billing. All revenue is recognized in accordance with the Securities and Exchange
Commission’s (“SEC”) Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 116, and The Accounting Standards Codification (ASC)
Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers.
Saga Communications, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
59
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
Local Marketing Agreements
We have entered into Time Brokerage Agreements (“TBAs”) or Local Marketing Agreements (“LMAs”) in certain
markets. In a typical TBA/LMA, the FCC licensee of a station makes available, for a fee, blocks of air time on its station
to another party that supplies programming to be broadcast during that air time and sells its own commercial advertising
announcements during the time periods specified. Revenue and expenses related to TBAs/LMAs are included in the
accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. Assets and liabilities related to the TBAs/LMAs are included in the
accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Advertising and Promotion Costs
Advertising and promotion costs are expensed as incurred. Such costs amounted to $1,595,000 and $1,705,000 for
the years ended years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes is calculated using the asset and liability method, under which deferred tax assets
and liabilities are determined based on temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and
liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that are expected to be in effect when the differences are
expected to reverse. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, we consider whether it is more likely than not
that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The realization of deferred tax assets is primarily
dependent upon the generation of future taxable income. Our effective tax rate is higher than the federal statutory rate as
a result of the inclusion of state taxes in the income tax amount offset by a permanent benefit difference primarily
relating to executive compensation and the transfer of a split dollar life insurance policy to the estate of our former CEO
that resulted in a permanent difference between book and taxable income.
Dividends
The Company currently intends to declare regular quarterly cash dividends, we well as variable dividends in
accordance with the terms of our variable dividend policy. The Company may also declare special dividends in future
periods. The declaration and payment of any future dividend, whether fixed, special or based on the variable policy will
remain at the full discretion of the Board and will depend on the Company’s financial results, cash requirements, future
expectations and other pertinent factors.
During 2024, the Company’s Board of Directors has declared four quarterly cash dividends and a variable dividend
on its Class A Common Stock. These dividends totaling $1.60 per share and approximately $10.0 million were paid
during 2024.
During 2023, the Company’s Board of Directors declared four quarterly cash dividends and one special dividend on
its Class A Common Stock. These dividends totaling $3.00 per share and approximately $18.6 million were accrued or
paid during 2023.
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock-based compensation cost for stock option awards is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes
valuation model and is expensed on a straight-line method over the vesting period of the options. Stock-based
compensation expense is recognized net of estimated forfeitures. The fair value of restricted stock awards is determined
based on the closing market price of our Class A Common Stock on the grant date and is adjusted at each reporting date
based on the amount of shares ultimately expected to vest. See Note 8 — Stock-Based Compensation for further details
regarding the expense calculated under the fair value based method.
Saga Communications, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
60
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
Segments
We serve twenty-eight radio markets (reporting units) that aggregate into one operating segment (Radio), which also
qualifies as a reportable segment. We operate under one reportable business segment for which segment disclosure is
consistent with the management decision-making process that determines the allocation of resources and the measuring
of performance. The Company’s Chief Executive Officer is our Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) and
evaluates the results of the radio operating segment and makes operating and capital investment decisions based at the
Company level. Furthermore, technological enhancements and system integration decisions are reached at the Company
level and applied to all markets rather than to specific or individual markets to ensure that each market has the same
tools and opportunities as every other market. Managers at the market level do not report to the CODM and instead
report to other senior management, who are responsible for the operational oversight of radio markets and for
communication of results to the CODM. In 2024, we adopted ASU 2023-07, which requires expanded disclosure of
significant segment expenses and other segment items on an annual and interim basis. The CODM is regularly provided
with financial information consistent with the Consolidated Statement of Income presented within. Specifically, the
CODM utilizes consolidated operating income as profitability measures for purposes of marking operating decisions and
assessing financial performance. Further, the CODM reviews and utilizes station operating expense and corporate
general and administrative expenses at the consolidated level to manage the Company’s operations. As a result of the
adoption of ASU 2023-07, we have expanded our disclosures to include significant expenses within our station operating
expense line on our Consolidated Statement of Income below. Other segment items included in the consolidated net
income are interest expense, interest income, other (income) expenses, net and income tax (benefit) expense, which are
reflected in the Consolidated Statement of Income. We continually review our operating segment classification to align
with operational changes in our business and may make changes as necessary.
Significant departmental expenses included in station operating expense for the years ended December 31, 2024 and
December 31, 2023 are as follows:
Years Ended December 31,
2024
2023
(In thousands, except per share data)
Programming and Technical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
29,926 $
28,301
Station General and Administrative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28,080
27,636
Selling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23,472
23,042
Interactive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6,615
5,483
Other (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8,812
8,468
Station Operating Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
96,905
$
92,930
(1) Other includes production and news departments, advertising and promotional expense and station depreciation and
amortization.
Earnings Per Share
Earnings per share is calculated using the two-class method. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula
that determines earnings per share for each class of common stock and participating security. We have participating
securities related to restricted stock units, granted under our Second Amended and Restated 2005 Incentive
Compensation Plan and our 2023 Incentive Compensation Plan, that earn dividends on an equal basis with common
shares. In applying the two-class method, earnings are allocated to both common shares and participating securities.
Saga Communications, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
61
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
Years Ended December 31,
2024
2023
(In thousands, except per share data)
Numerator:
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
3,460
$
9,500
Less: Income allocated to unvested participating securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
111
149
Net income available to common shareholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
3,349
$
9,351
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings per share — weighted average shares . . . . . .
6,075
6,045
Effect of dilutive securities:
Common stock equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
—
Denominator for diluted earnings per share — adjusted weighted-average
shares and assumed conversions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6,075
6,045
Earnings per share:
Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
0.55
$
1.55
Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
0.55
$
1.55
There were no stock options outstanding that had an antidilutive effect on our earnings per share calculation for
the years ended years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The actual effect of these shares, if any, on the
diluted earnings per share calculation will vary significantly depending on fluctuations in the stock price.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
New Accounting Pronouncements
In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2023-07, “Segment Reporting
(Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures” (“ASU 2023-07”), which requires expanded disclosure
of significant segment expenses and other segment items on an annual and interim basis. ASU 2023-07 is effective for
us for annual periods beginning after January 1, 2024 and interim periods beginning after January 1, 2025. The
Company adopted this standard in the fourth quarter of 2024. The adoption of ASU-2023-07 did not have a significant
impact on the Company’s financial results and operations but did add incremental financial statement disclosures.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax
Disclosures” (“ASU 2023-09”), which requires expanded disclosure of our income rate reconciliation and income taxes
paid. ASU 2023-09 is effective for us for annual periods beginning after January 1, 2025. We are currently evaluating
the impact ASU 2023-09 will have on our financial statement disclosures.
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, “Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income -
Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses (DISE)”
(“ASU 2024-03”), which requires disclosures about specific types of expenses included in the expense captions
presented on the face of the income statement as well as disclosures about selling expenses on an annual and interim
basis. In January 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2025-01 clarifying the effective date for ASU-2024-03. ASU 2024-03 is
effective for us for annual periods beginning January 1, 2027 and interim periods beginning after January 1, 2028. We
are currently evaluating the impact ASU 2024-03 will have on our financial statement disclosures.
Saga Communications, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
62
2. Revision of Previously Issued Consolidated Financial Statements
The Company previously presented certain interactive or digital revenue net of expenses to third-party providers.
After further review of the principal versus agent guidance in ASC 606, the Company determined it was acting as the
principal and therefore should be presenting that digital revenue gross and including the expenses to third-party
providers in station operating expense. Included in the adjustments below is the reclassification of these expenses out of
net revenue and into station operating expense for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 and the quarterly and
year to date information for each quarter in 2023 and for the first three quarters in 2024.
In order to assess materiality with respect to the adjustments, the Company considered Staff Accounting Bulletin
(“SAB”) 99, Materiality and SAB 108, Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying
Misstatements in the Current Year Financial Statements, and determined that the impact of the adjustments on prior
period consolidated financial statements was immaterial. These reclassifications, both individually and in the aggregate,
had no impact to previously reported retained earnings, operating income (loss), income (loss) before income tax
expense, net income (loss), earnings (loss) per share, cash flows from operations, investing or financing activities, or the
timing of cash payments for income taxes.
The impact of the adjustments on our Consolidated Statements of Income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024
and the year ended December 31, 2023 and previously reported interim periods within those periods is as follows:
Three Months Ended March 31, 2024
Three Months Ended March 31, 2023
(Unaudited)
(in thousands)
As Previously
Reported on
Form 10-Q
Digital Expense
Reclassification
As Revised
As Previously
Reported on
Form 10-Q
Digital Expense
Reclassification
As Revised
Net operating revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
24,664
$
630
$
25,294
$
25,304
$
608
$
25,912
Station operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22,981
630
23,611
21,703
608
22,311
Corporate G&A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3,129
—
3,129
2,616
—
2,616
Other operating expense, net . . . . . . . . . . . . .
971
—
971
80
—
80
Operating income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
(2,417)
$
—
$
(2,417)
$
905
$
—
$
905
Three Months Ended June 30, 2024
Three Months Ended June 30, 2023
(Unaudited)
(in thousands)
As Previously
Reported on
Form 10-Q
Digital Expense
Reclassification
As Revised
As Previously
Reported on
Form 10-Q
Digital Expense
Reclassification
As Revised
Net operating revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
28,742
$
974
$
29,716
$
29,175
$
792
$
29,967
Station operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23,544
974
24,518
22,407
792
23,199
Corporate G&A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3,049
—
3,049
2,472
—
2,472
Other operating expense, net . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6
—
6
—
—
—
Operating income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
2,143
$
—
$
2,143
$
4,296
$
—
$
4,296
Six Months Ended June 30, 2024
Six Months Ended June 30, 2023
(Unaudited)
(in thousands)
As Previously
Reported on
Form 10-Q
Digital Expense
Reclassification
As Revised
As Previously
Reported on
Form 10-Q
Digital Expense
Reclassification
As Revised
Net operating revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
53,406
$
1,604
$
55,010
$
54,479
$
1,400
$
55,879
Station operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
46,525
1,604
48,129
44,110
1,400
45,510
Corporate G&A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6,178
—
6,178
5,088
—
5,088
Other operating expense, net . . . . . . . . . . . . .
977
—
977
80
—
80
Operating income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
(274)
$
—
$
(274)
$
5,201
$
—
$
5,201
Saga Communications, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
63
2. Revision of Previously Issued Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2024
Three Months Ended September 30, 2023
(Unaudited)
(in thousands)
As Previously
Reported on
Form 10-Q
Digital Expense
Reclassification
As Revised
As Previously
Reported on
Form 10-Q
Digital Expense
Reclassification
As Revised
Net operating revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
28,118
$
576
$
28,694
$
29,149
$
707
$
29,856
Station operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23,458
576
24,034
22,760
707
23,467
Corporate G&A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2,966
—
2,966
2,852
—
2,852
Other operating expense, net . . . . . . . . . . . . .
49
—
49
45
—
45
Operating income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
1,645
$
—
$
1,645
$
3,492
$
—
$
3,492
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
(Unaudited)
(in thousands)
As Previously
Reported on
Form 10-Q
Digital Expense
Reclassification
As Revised
As Previously
Reported on
Form 10-Q
Digital Expense
Reclassification
As Revised
Net operating revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
81,524
$
2,180
$
83,704
$
83,628
$
2,107
$
85,735
Station operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
69,983
2,180
72,163
66,870
2,107
68,977
Corporate G&A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9,144
—
9,144
7,940
—
7,940
Other operating expense, net . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1,026
—
1,026
125
—
125
Operating income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
1,371
$
—
$
1,371
$
8,693
$
—
$
8,693
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2023
(in thousands)
As Previously
Reported on
Form 10-K
Digital Expense
Reclassification
As Revised
Net operating revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
112,773
$
2,731
$
115,504
Station operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
90,199
2,731
92,930
Corporate G&A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10,966
—
10,966
Other operating expense (income), net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
120
—
120
Operating income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
11,488
$
—
$
11,488
3. Revenue
Nature of goods and services
The following is a description of principal activities from which we generate our revenue:
Broadcast Advertising Revenue
Our primary source of revenue is from the sale of advertising for broadcast on our stations. We recognize revenue
from the sale of advertising as performance obligations are satisfied upon airing of the advertising; therefore, revenue is
recognized at a point in time when each advertising spot is transmitted. Agency commissions are calculated based on a
stated percentage applied to gross billing revenue for our advertising inventory placed by agency and are reported as a
reduction of advertising revenue.
Saga Communications, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
64
3. Revenue (Continued)
Interactive Advertising Revenue
We recognize revenue from our digital initiatives across multiple platforms such as targeted display advertising,
search engine management, search engine optimization, online promotions, advertising on our online news sites and
websites and digital audio streams, mobile messaging, email marketing and other e-commerce. Revenue is recorded
when each specific performance obligation in the digital advertising campaign takes place, typically within a one month
period. Digital audio stream revenue is recognized when the commercial spots have streamed. Third-party products such
as targeted display advertising are recognized over time as digital items are used for advertising content and impression
targets are met each month. The Company assesses each digital order to determine if the Company is operating as the
principal or an agent. The Company currently operates as the principal for interactive revenue.
Other Revenue
Other revenue includes revenue from concerts, promotional events, tower rent and other miscellaneous items.
Revenue is generally recognized when the event is completed, as the promotional events are completed or as each
performance obligation is satisfied.
Disaggregation of Revenue
The following table presents revenues disaggregated by revenue source:
Years Ended
December 31,
2024
2023
(in thousands)
Types of Revenue
Broadcast Advertising Revenue, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
89,740
$
94,228
Digital Advertising Revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14,221
12,354
Other Revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8,958
8,922
Net Revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 112,919
$ 115,504
Contract Liabilities
Payments from our advertisers are generally due within 30 days although certain advertisers are required to pay in
advance. When an advertiser pays for the services in advance of the performance obligations these prepayments are
contract liabilities. Typical contract liabilities relate to prepayments for advertising spots not yet run; prepayments from
sponsors for events that have not yet been held; and gift cards sold on our websites used to finance a broadcast
advertising campaign. Generally all contract liabilities are expected to be recognized within one year and are included in
accounts payable in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and are immaterial.
Transaction Price Allocated to the Remaining Performance Obligations
As the majority of our contracts are one year or less, we have utilized the optional exemption under ASC
606-10-50-14 and will not disclose information about the remaining performance obligations for contracts which have
original expected durations of one year or less.
4. Broadcast Licenses, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
We evaluate our FCC licenses for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances
indicate that the asset might be impaired. We operate our broadcast licenses in each market as a single asset and
determine the fair value by relying on a discounted cash flow approach assuming a start-up scenario in which the only
Saga Communications, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
65
4. Broadcast Licenses, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Continued)
assets held by an investor are broadcast licenses. The fair value calculation contains assumptions incorporating variables
that are based on past experiences and judgments about future operating performance using industry normalized
information for an average station within a market. These variables include, but are not limited to: (1) the forecasted
growth rate of each radio market, including population, household income, retail sales and other expenditures that would
influence advertising expenditures; (2) the estimated available advertising revenue within the market and the related
market share and profit margin of an average station within a market; (3) estimated capital start-up costs and losses
incurred during the early years; (4) risk-adjusted discount rate; (5) the likely media competition within the market area;
and (6) terminal values. If the carrying amount of FCC licenses is greater than their estimated fair value in a given
market, the carrying amount of FCC licenses in that market is reduced to its estimated fair value.
We also evaluate goodwill for impairment annually, or more frequently if certain circumstances are present. The
Company has one reporting unit for purposes of goodwill impairment testing. In 2024, the income approach was used
and it is based upon a discounted cash flow analysis incorporating significant assumptions such as projected revenues
including a projected long-term growth rate, projected operating margins, projected general and administrative expenses,
and a discount rate appropriate for the industry. In 2023, we utilized the market approach. Under each approach, if the
fair value of our reporting unit is less than the carrying amount, the Company will recognize an impairment charge for
the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds our reporting unit’s fair value. The loss recognized will not exceed
the total amount of goodwill allocated to our reporting unit.
We evaluate amortizable intangible assets for recoverability when circumstances indicate impairment may have
occurred, using an undiscounted cash flow methodology. If the future undiscounted cash flows for the intangible asset
are less than net book value, then the net book value is reduced to the estimated fair value. Amortizable intangible assets
are included in other intangibles, deferred costs and investments in the consolidated balance sheets.
Broadcast Licenses
We have recorded the changes to broadcast licenses for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 as follows:
Total
(in thousands)
Balance at January 1, 2023 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
90,307
Disposals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(67)
Balance at December 31, 2023 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
90,240
Acquisitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2,150
Disposals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(893)
Balance at December 31, 2024 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
91,497
2024 Impairment Test
We completed our impairment annual impairment test of broadcast licenses during the fourth quarter of 2024 and
determined that the fair value of the broadcast licenses was greater than the carrying value recorded for each of our
markets and, accordingly, no impairment was recorded.
The following table reflects certain key estimates and assumptions used in the impairment tests during the fourth
quarter ended 2024 and the fourth quarter of 2023. The ranges for operating profit margin and market long-term revenue
growth rates vary by market. In general, when comparing between 2024 and 2023: (1) the market specific operating
profit margin range remained relatively consistent; (2) the market long-term revenue growth rates decreased slightly; (3)
Saga Communications, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
66
4. Broadcast Licenses, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Continued)
the discount rate decreased from 2023; and (4) current year revenue projections decreased with amounts previously
projected for 2024.
Fourth
Fourth
Quarter
Quarter
2024
2023
Discount rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9.0 %
10 %
Operating profit margin ranges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17.8% - 36.4 % 17.8% - 36.4 %
Market long-term revenue growth rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
0.5% - 1.5 %
1.0% - 2.0 %
If actual market conditions are less favorable than those estimated by us or if events occur or circumstances change
that would reduce the fair value of our broadcast licenses below the carrying value, we may be required to recognize
additional impairment charges in future periods. Such a charge could have a material effect on our consolidated financial
statements. We will continue to monitor potential triggering events and perform the appropriate analysis when deemed
necessary.
2023 Impairment Test
During the fourth quarter of 2023, we completed our annual impairment test of broadcast and determined that the
fair value of the broadcast licenses was greater than the carrying value recorded for each of our markets and,
accordingly, no impairment was recorded.
Goodwill
During the fourth quarter of 2024 and 2023, the Company performed its annual impairment test of goodwill in
accordance with ASC 350 and determined that the fair value was in excess of its carrying value and, accordingly, no
impairment was recorded.
The following table reflects certain key estimates and assumptions used in the impairment tests during the fourth
quarter ended 2024:
Discount rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9.0 %
Operating profit margin ranges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19.7% - 27.0 %
Long-term revenue growth rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.2 %
If actual market conditions are less favorable than those estimated by us or if events occur or circumstances change
that would reduce the fair value of our broadcast licenses below the carrying value, we may be required to recognize
additional impairment charges in future periods. Such a charge could have a material effect on our consolidated financial
statements. We will continue to monitor potential triggering events and perform the appropriate analysis when deemed
necessary.
Saga Communications, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
67
4. Broadcast Licenses, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Continued)
We have recorded the changes to goodwill for each of the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 as follows:
Total
(in thousands)
Balance at January 1, 2023 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
19,236
Acquisitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
Balance at December 31, 2023 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
19,236
Acquisitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
76
Disposals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(83)
Balance at December 31, 2024 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
19,229
Other Intangible Assets
We have recorded amortizable intangible assets at December 31, 2024 as follows:
Gross
Carrying Accumulated
Net
Amount Amortization Amount
(In thousands)
Non-competition agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
3,861 $
3,861 $
—
Favorable lease agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5,965
5,679
286
Customer relationships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5,560
4,860
700
Other intangibles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2,001
1,857
144
Total amortizable intangible assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
17,387 $
16,257 $
1,130
We have recorded amortizable intangible assets at December 31, 2023 as follows:
Gross
Carrying Accumulated
Net
Amount Amortization
Amount
(In thousands)
Non-competition agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
3,861 $
3,861 $
—
Favorable lease agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5,965
5,652
313
Customer relationships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4,660
4,660
—
Other intangibles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1,844
1,811
33
Total amortizable intangible assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
16,330 $
15,984 $
346
Aggregate amortization expense for these intangible assets for the years ended years ended December 31, 2024 and
2023, was $270,000 and $42,000, respectively. Our estimated annual amortization expense for the years ending
December 31, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029 is $389,000, $388,000, $133,000, $31,000 and $26,000, respectively.
Saga Communications, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
68
5. Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt consisted of the following:
December 31, December 31,
2024
2023
(In thousands)
Revolving credit facility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
5,000 $
—
Amounts payable within one year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
—
$
5,000 $
—
Future maturities of long-term debt are as follows:
Year Ending
December 31,
Amount
(In thousands)
2025
$
—
2026
—
2027
5,000
2028
—
2029
—
Thereafter
—
$
5,000
On December 19, 2022, we entered into a Third Amendment to our Credit Facility, (the “Third Amendment”),
which extended the maturity date to December 19, 2027, reduced the lenders to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., and the
Huntington National Bank (collectively, the “Lenders”), established an interest rate equal to the secured overnight
financing rate (“SOFR”) as administered by the SOFR Administrator (currently established as the Federal Reserve Bank
of New York) as the interest base and increased the basis points.
We have pledged substantially all of our assets (excluding our FCC licenses and certain other assets) in support of
the Credit Facility and each of our subsidiaries has guaranteed the Credit Facility and has pledged substantially all of
their assets (excluding their FCC licenses and certain other assets) in support of the Credit Facility.
Approximately $266,000 of debt issuance costs related to the Credit Facility were capitalized and are being
amortized over the life of the Credit Facility. These debt issuance costs are included in other assets, net in the
consolidated balance sheets. As a result of the Second Amendment, we incurred an additional $120,000 of transaction
fees related to the Credit Facility that were capitalized. As a result of the Third Amendment, the Company incurred an
additional $161,000 of transaction fees related to the Credit Facility that were capitalized. The cumulative transaction
fees are being amortized over the remaining life of the Credit Facility.
Interest rates under the Credit Facility are payable, at our option, at alternatives equal to SOFR (4.49% at
December 31, 2024), plus 1% to 2% or the base rate plus 0% to 1%. The spread over SOFR and the base rate vary from
time to time, depending upon our financial leverage. Letters of credit issued under the Credit Facility will be subject to a
participation fee (which is equal to the interest rate applicable to Eurocurrency Loans, as defined in the Credit
Agreement) payable to each of the Lenders and a fronting fee equal to 0.25% per annum payable to the issuing bank.
Under the Third Amendment, we now pay quarterly commitment fees of 0.25% per annum on the unused portion of the
Saga Communications, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
69
5. Long-Term Debt (Continued)
Credit Facility. We previously paid quarterly commitment fees of 0.2% to 0.3% per annum on the unused portion of the
Revolving Credit Facility.
The Credit Facility contains a number of financial covenants (all of which we were in compliance with at
December 31, 2024) which, among other things, require us to maintain specified financial ratios and impose certain
limitations on us with respect to investments, additional indebtedness, dividends, distributions, guarantees, liens and
encumbrances.
We had approximately $45 million and $50 million unused borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility
at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
6. Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Years Ended December 31,
2024
2023
(In thousands)
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
315
$
100
Income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
1,608
$
2,790
Non-cash transactions:
Barter revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2,442
$
2,402
Barter expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2,531
$
2,452
Acquisition of property and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
—
$
55
Use of treasury shares for 401(k) match . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
268
$
256
7. Income Taxes
An income tax expense of $1,110,000 was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to income tax
expense of $3,375,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023. The effective tax rate was approximately 24.3% for the
year ended December 31, 2024 compared to 26.2% for the year ended December 31, 2023. The 2024 year to date tax
rate was impacted by the transfer of a split dollar life insurance policy in the fourth quarter valued at $1 million to the
estate of our previous CEO in accordance with his employment agreement that was a permanent benefit difference
between our book and taxable income.
Saga Communications, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
70
7. Income Taxes (Continued)
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets
and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of
the Company’s deferred tax liabilities and assets are as follows:
December 31,
2024
2023
(In thousands)
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
3,852 $
3,976
Intangible assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23,377
23,006
Right of use assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1,803
1,815
Prepaid expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
470
490
Total deferred tax liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29,502
29,287
Deferred tax assets:
Allowance for credit losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
194
81
Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1,259
1,107
Lease liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1,890
1,907
Other accrued liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
152
70
3,495
3,165
Less: valuation allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
—
Total net deferred tax assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3,495
3,165
Net deferred tax liabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
26,007 $
26,122
Current portion of deferred tax assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
628 $
279
Non-current portion of deferred tax liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(26,635)
(26,401)
Net deferred tax liabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
(26,007) $
(26,122)
Deferred tax assets are required to be reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some portion
or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. At December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, we do not have a
valuation allowance for net deferred tax assets.
At December 31, 2024 and 2023, net deferred tax liabilities include a deferred tax asset of $3,495,000 and
$3,165,000, respectively, relating to deferred compensation, stock-based compensation expense, accrued compensation,
lease liabilities, the allowance for credit losses, and other accrued expenses.
The significant components of the provision for income taxes are as follows:
Years Ended December 31,
2024
2023
(In thousands)
Current:
Federal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
940 $
2,240
State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
285
750
Total current . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1,225
2,990
Total deferred . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(115)
385
Total Income Tax Provision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
1,110 $
3,375
Saga Communications, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
71
7. Income Taxes (Continued)
The reconciliation of income tax at the U.S. federal statutory tax rates to income tax expense (benefit) is as follows:
Years Ended December 31,
2024
2023
(In thousands)
Tax expense (benefit) at U.S. statutory rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
951 $
2,694
State tax expense, net of federal benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
270
637
Tax benefit on executive compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(134)
44
Tax expense on deficit from restricted stock vesting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
167
52
Tax benefit from dividends paid on restricted stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(144)
(52)
$
1,110 $
3,375
The 2024 effective tax rate exceeds the federal statutory rate primarily due to the inclusion of state taxes in the
income tax amount offset by a permanent benefit difference primarily relating to executive compensation and the
transfer of a split dollar life insurance policy to the estate of our former CEO that resulted in a permanent difference
between book and taxable income. The 2023 effective tax rates exceed the federal statutory rate primarily due to non-
deductible compensation related expenses and state income taxes.
The Company files income taxes in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and in various state and local jurisdictions. The
Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal examinations by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for years prior to
2021. The Company is subject to examination for income and non-income tax filings in various states and are currently
undergoing an examination of our U.S. Federal Income tax return for 2022.
As of December 31, 2024, and 2023 there were no accrued balances recorded related to uncertain tax positions.
We classify income tax-related interest and penalties that are related to income tax liabilities as a component of
income tax expense. For the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, we had $2,000 and $-, respectively, in tax-related
interest and penalties and had $0 accrued at December 31, 2024 and 2023.
Saga Communications, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
72
8. Stock-Based Compensation
2005 Incentive Compensation Plan
On May 13, 2019 our shareholders approved an amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Saga
Communications, Inc. 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan (as amended, “The Second Restated 2005 Plan”). This plan
was first approved in 2005, and subsequently re-approved in 2010 and 2013. The amendment to the Second Restated
2005 Plan (i) extended the date for making awards to September 6, 2023 and (ii) increased the number of authorized
shares under the Plan by 90,000 shares of Class B Common Stock. The Second Restated 2005 Plan allowed for the
granting of restricted stock, restricted stock units, incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, and performance
awards to eligible employees and non-employee directors.
The number of shares of Common Stock that was allowed to be issued under the Second Restated 2005 Plan may
not exceed 370,000 shares of Class B Common Stock, 990,000 shares of Class A Common Stock of which up to 620,000
shares of Class A Common Stock were to be issued pursuant to incentive stock options and 370,000 Class A Common
Stock were to be issued upon conversion of Class B Common Stock. Awards denominated in Class A Common Stock
were to be granted to any employee or director under the Second Restated 2005 Plan. Upon the passing of
Mr. Christian, we no longer have any holders of Class B Common Stock, as those awards denominated in Class B
Common Stock were only able to be granted to Mr. Christian. Stock options granted under the Second Restated 2005
Plan were to be for terms not exceeding ten years from the date of grant and could not be exercised at a price which was
less than 100% of the fair market value of shares at the date of grant.
2023 Incentive Compensation Plan
On May 8, 2023 our shareholders approved the 2023 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2023 Plan”). The 2023
Plan replaces the Second Restated 2005 Plan. The Board of Directors does not intend to make any further awards under
the Second Restated 2005 Plan. However, each outstanding award under the Second Restated 2005 Plan will remain
outstanding under the Second Restated 2005 Plan and will continue to be governed under its terms and any applicable
award agreement. The 2023 Plan allows for the granting of restricted stock, restricted stock units, incentive stock
options, nonqualified stock options, and performance awards, including cash to eligible employees and non-employee
directors of the Company and its subsidiaries. The number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued under the
2023 Plan may not exceed 600,000 shares of Class A Common Stock.
Stock-Based Compensation
Our stock-based compensation expense is measured and recognized for all stock-based awards to employees using
the estimated fair value of the award. Compensation expense is recognized over the period during which an employee is
required to provide service in exchange for the award. For these awards, we have recognized compensation expense
using a straight-line amortization method. Accounting guidance requires that stock-based compensation expense be
based on awards that are ultimately expected to vest; therefore stock-based compensation has been adjusted for
estimated forfeitures. When estimating forfeitures, we consider voluntary termination behaviors as well as trends of
actual option forfeitures.
All stock options were fully vested and expensed at December 31, 2012, therefore there was no compensation
expense related to stock options for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023. We calculated the fair value of each
option award on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The estimated expected volatility,
expected term of options and estimated annual forfeiture rate were determined based on historical experience of similar
awards, giving consideration to the contractual terms of the stock-based awards, vesting schedules and expectations of
future employee behavior. The risk-free interest rate was based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of
grant.
Saga Communications, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
73
8. Stock-Based Compensation (Continued)
There were no options granted during 2024 and 2023 and there were no stock options outstanding as of
December 31, 2024.
The following summarizes the restricted stock transactions for the year ended December 31:
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Shares Fair Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2023 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
91,120 $
27.15
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
139,633
20.41
Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(37,224)
26.74
Forfeited/canceled/expired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
—
Outstanding at December 31, 2023 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
193,529 $
22.36
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
177,634
11.86
Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(85,321)
22.94
Forfeited/canceled/expired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(1,040)
23.07
Non-vested and outstanding at December 31, 2024 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
284,802 $
15.64
Weighted average remaining contractual life (in years) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.3
The weighted average grant date fair value of restricted stock that granted during 2024 and 2023 was $2,107,000
and $2,850,000, respectively. The net value of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock
awards aggregated $4,264,000 and $4,132,000 at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 we had $1,950,000 and $1,116,000, respectively, of total
compensation expense related to restricted stock-based arrangements. The expense is included in corporate general and
administrative expenses in our results of operations. The associated tax benefit recognized for the years ended
December 31, 2024 and 2023 was $513,000 and $294,000, respectively.
Saga Communications, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
74
9. Employee Benefit Plans
401(k) Plan
We have a defined contribution pension plan (“401(k) Plan”) that covers substantially all employees. Employees can
elect to have a portion of their wages withheld and contributed to the plan. The 401(k) Plan also allows us to make a
discretionary contribution. Total administrative expense under the 401(k) Plan was $1,000 and $0 in 2024 and 2023,
respectively. The Company’s discretionary contribution to the plan was approximately $291,000 and $268,000 for
the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Deferred Compensation Plan
In 1999 we established a Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan which allows officers and certain management
employees to annually elect to defer a portion of their compensation, on a pre-tax basis, until their retirement. The
retirement benefit to be provided is based on the amount of compensation deferred and any earnings thereon. Deferred
compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was $332,000 and $226,000, respectively. We
invest in company-owned life insurance policies to assist in funding these programs. The cash surrender values of these
policies are in a rabbi trust and are recorded as our assets.
Split Dollar Officer Life Insurance
We provide split dollar insurance benefits to certain executive officers and record an asset equal to the cumulative
premiums paid on the related policies, as we will fully recover these premiums under the terms of the plan. We retain a
collateral assignment of the cash surrender values and policy death benefits payable to insure recovery of these
premiums.
10. Acquisitions and Dispositions
The consolidated statements of income include the operating results of the acquired stations from their respective
dates of acquisition. All acquisitions were accounted for as purchases and, accordingly, the total purchase consideration
was allocated to the acquired assets and assumed liabilities based on their estimated fair values as of the acquisition
dates. The excess of the consideration paid over the estimated fair value of net assets acquired have been recorded as
goodwill. The Company accounts for acquisition under the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations.
Management assigned fair values to the acquired property and equipment through a combination of cost and market
approaches based upon each specific asset’s replacement cost, with a provision for depreciation, and to the acquired
intangibles, primarily an FCC license, based on the Greenfield valuation methodology, a discounted cash flow approach.
Saga Communications, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
75
10. Acquisitions and Dispositions (Continued)
2024 Acquisitions and Dispositions
On February 13, 2024, we entered into an agreement to purchase the assets of WKOA (FM), WKHY (FM),
WASK (FM), WXXB (FM), WASK (AM) and W269DJ from Neuhoff Communications, Inc. serving the Greater
Lafayette, Indiana radio market for $5.3 million, subject to certain purchase price adjustments. The Company closed
on this transaction on May 31, 2024, using funds from operations and borrowings under our credit agreement, of
$5,832,000, which included the purchase price of $5,300,000, the purchase of $499,000 in accounts receivable and
transactional costs of approximately $121,000 offset by $88,000 in certain closing adjustments. Management
attributes the goodwill recognized in the acquisition to the power of the existing brands in Lafayette, Indiana as well
as synergies and growth opportunities expected through the combination with the Company’s existing stations. The
$76,000 allocated to goodwill is deductible for tax purposes. The fair value of the property and equipment was
estimated using cost and market approaches. The fair value of the FCC license was estimated using the discounted
cash flow method. Goodwill was equal to the amount the purchase price exceeded the values allocated to the
tangible and identifiable intangible assets. The Company finalized the fair value of the FCC license and goodwill
during the fourth quarter of 2024 from the initial estimated after final determination of key assumptions used in the
discounted cash flow analysis. The key assumptions used in the discounted cash flow analysis for the fair value of
the FCC license were as follows:
Discount rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9.5 %
Operating profit margin ranges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27.5 %
Market long-term revenue growth rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
0.5 %
On May 31, 2024, we closed on an agreement to sell WNDN-FM located in our Ocala-Gainesville, Florida market
to Suncoast Radio, Inc. for $150,000. We recorded a $20,000 loss on the sale in our other operating (income) expense,
net line on our Consolidated Statement of Operations.
On March 29, 2024, we closed on an agreement to sell WYSE-AM, W275CP translator and W248CM translator
located in our Asheville, North Carolina market to EZ Radio LLC for $10,000. We recorded a $147,000 loss on the sale
in our other operating (income) expense, net line item on our Consolidated Statement of Operations.
On March 22, 2024, we submitted a request to the FCC to cancel our FCC license for KBAI-AM located in our
Bellingham, Washington market. We recorded an $800,000 loss on the disposal in our other operating (income) expense,
net line item on our Consolidated Statement of Operations.
2023 Dispositions
On February 28, 2023, we closed on an agreement to sell WPVQ-AM located in our Greenfield, Massachusetts
market to Hampden Communications Corp for $2,000. We recorded a $43,000 loss on the sale in our other operating
(income) expense, net line item on our Consolidated Statement of Operations.
On March 20, 2023, we submitted a request to the FCC to cancel our FCC license for WHMQ-AM located in our
Greenfield, Massachusetts market. We recorded a $22,000 loss on the disposal in our other operating (income) expense,
net line items in our Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Saga Communications, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
76
10. Acquisitions and Dispositions (Continued)
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet of 2024 and 2023 Acquisitions:
The following condensed balance sheets represent the estimated fair value assigned to the related assets and
liabilities of the 2024 and 2023 acquisitions at their respective acquisition dates. The allocation of the purchase price for
the 2024 acquisition is final at December 31, 2024.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet of 2024 and 2023 Acquisitions
Acquisitions in
2024
2023
(In thousands)
Assets Acquired:
Current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
534 $
—
Property and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2,035
—
Other assets:
Broadcast licenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2,150
—
Goodwill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
76
—
Other intangibles, deferred costs and investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1,044
—
Total other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3,270
—
Total assets acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5,839
—
Liabilities Assumed:
Current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
128
—
Total liabilities assumed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
128
—
Net assets acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
5,711 $
—
Saga Communications, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
77
10. Acquisitions and Dispositions (Continued)
Pro Forma Results of Operations for Acquisitions (Unaudited)
The following unaudited pro forma results of our operations for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023
assume the 2024 acquisitions occurred as of January 1, 2023. The pro forma results give effect to certain adjustments,
including depreciation, amortization of intangible assets, increased interest expense on acquisition debt and related
income tax effects. The pro forma results have been prepared for comparative purposes only and do not purport to
indicate the results of operations that would actually have occurred had the combinations been in effect on the dates
indicated or which may occur in the future.
Years Ended December 31,
2024
2023
(In thousands, except per share data)
Pro forma Consolidated Results of Operations
Net operating revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
114,087
$
118,764
Station operating expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
98,049
95,688
Corporate general and administrative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12,611
10,966
Other operating expense (income), net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1,048
120
Operating income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2,379
11,990
Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
479
488
Interest income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(1,047)
(1,441)
Other income, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(1,516)
(119)
Income before income tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4,463
13,062
Income tax expense (benefit)
Current . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1,200
3,015
Deferred . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(119)
389
1,081
3,404
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
3,382
$
9,658
Earnings per share:
Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
0.54
$
1.57
Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
0.54
$
1.57
11. Related Party Transactions
Mr. Christian’s Employment Agreement
On January 25, 2022, we entered into a third amendment (the “2022 Amendment”) to the employment agreement
with Edward K. Christian dated June 1, 2011 (the “2011 employment agreement”), which had previously been amended
on February 12, 2016 (the “2016 amendment”) and on February 26, 2019 (the “2019 amendment”). The 2011
employment agreement, as amended by the 2016 amendment, the 2019 amendment, and the 2022 amendment, is
referred to herein as the “amended 2011 employment agreement.” The 2022 amendment extended Mr. Christian’s
employment with the Company from March 31, 2025 to March 31, 2027 and made certain changes to the 2011
employment agreement to cause it to be compliant with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. Pursuant to the
amended 2011 employment agreement, we paid Mr. Christian a salary at the rate of $860,000 per year, adjusted as
discussed in the next paragraph below. Mr. Christian was permitted to defer any or all of his annual salary. Additionally,
the Company was authorized to pay for Mr. Christian’s tax preparation services on an annual basis, the amount of which
was subject to income tax as additional compensation.
Saga Communications, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
78
11. Related Party Transactions (Continued)
Pursuant to the 2011 employment agreement, commencing on June 1, 2012, and each anniversary thereafter, the
Compensation Committee was required to determine in its discretion the amount of any increase in Mr. Christian’s then
existing annual salary; provided, however, that such increase would not be less than the greater of 3% or a cost of living
increase based on the consumer price index. Pursuant to the 2016 amendment, the amended 2011 employment
agreement provided that such increase in Mr. Christian’s then existing salary would not be less than the greater of 4%
or a cost of living increase based on the consumer price index.
The amended 2011 employment agreement also provided that Mr. Christian was eligible for equity awards under the
2005 Incentive Compensation Plan as shall be approved by the Compensation Committee and bonuses in such amounts
as shall be determined pursuant to the terms of the CEO Plan or as otherwise determined by the Compensation
Committee in its discretion based on the performance of the Company and the accomplishments of objectives
established by the Compensation Committee in consultation with Mr. Christian.
Under the amended 2011 employment agreement, Mr. Christian was eligible to participate, in accordance with their
terms, in all medical and health plans, life insurance, profit sharing, 401(k) Plan, pension, and such other employment
benefits as are maintained by the Company or its affiliates for other key employees performing services. During the term
of the employment agreement, the Company was required to maintain all existing policies of insurance on
Mr. Christian’s life, including the existing split dollar policy. The Company was also required to pay for Mr. Christian to
participate in an executive medical plan and to maintain its existing medical reimbursement policy. Mr. Christian was
also furnished with an automobile and other fringe benefits as have been afforded him in the past or as are consistent
with his position. In addition, the Company agreed to maintain an office for Mr. Christian in Sarasota County, Florida.
The 2016 amendment increased the paid vacation time awarded to Mr. Christian on the anniversary date of the 2011
employment agreement from four weeks to six weeks of paid vacation.
Saga Communications, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
79
11. Related Party Transactions (Continued)
Payments Under the Principal Shareholder Employment Agreement
The amended 2011 employment agreement terminated upon Mr. Christian’s death on August 19, 2022. As a result
of his passing the Company was required to make several payments to his estate as outlined in his employment
agreement, and described above. In accordance with ASC 712-10-25, Nonretirement Postemployment Benefits, we
accrued all necessary expenses as of September 30, 2022. As a result of our contractual obligations under the
Mr. Christian’s agreement, Mr. Christian’s estate was the beneficiary of a gross amount of approximately $5.8 million in
cash, common stock and a life insurance policy of which $3.9 million was recorded upon his passing in the third quarter
of 2022, and $1.9 million had been accrued for in previous periods. The estate was the beneficiary of a lump-sum
payment of his current base salary plus accrued unused vacation time totaling $1.9 million which was paid in
October 2022. Mr. Christian’s estate was also provided with a prorated bonus that Mr. Christian earned of
approximately $633,000 which was paid in March 2023. Mr. Christian had approximately $65,000 withheld as deferred
compensation that was paid to the estate in January 2023. Additionally, under the agreement, any award previously
granted under the Company’s 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan were immediately vested and provided to the estate.
At the date of Mr. Christian’s passing, he had approximately 55,000 shares of unvested restricted stock that immediately
vested at a price of $24.80 for a total of $1.4 million in common stock received by the estate. Mr. Christian’s estate is
now the beneficiary of the Split Dollar life insurance policy that had a cash surrender value of approximately $1,029,000
at the time of transfer. Under the agreement, the Company is responsible to pay the estate’s income tax obligation
relating to the transfer of the life insurance policy and as such, recorded $500,000 in the fourth quarter of 2024 when the
transfer of the policy occurred. Lastly, under the agreement, the Company shall continue to pay for the healthcare
coverage and life insurance premiums for Mr. Christian’s spouse for ten years which totals approximately $800,000.
Mr. Forgy’s Employment Agreement
On November 16, 2022, we entered into an employment agreement with Christopher S. Forgy, who was appointed
as our President and CEO effective December 7, 2022. Mr. Forgy’s employment agreement had an initial term of three
years, and in December 2024, pursuant to the agreement, we and Mr. Forgy mutually agreed to extend the term for the
additional two years (the “renewal period”). Under the agreement, Mr. Forgy’s base salary is set at $670,000 for the first
year and will increase 4% annually.
Mr. Forgy will have the opportunity to earn an annual performance bonus under the CEO Plan. His bonus in any
fiscal year will be in a minimum of 35% and a maximum of 100% of his annual base salary as of January 1 of the fiscal
year, and will be based on his performance and the achievement of performance goals established by the Compensation
Committee within the first 90 days of the fiscal year. The Board may instead grant Mr. Forgy a discretionary bonus in
the case of a financial, national or global occurrence, or a generally difficult year. Mr. Forgy was granted a $245,000
discretionary bonus for the 2023 fiscal year and a $243,950 discretionary bonus for the 2024 fiscal year. Mr. Forgy is
also eligible for equity awards under the 2023 Incentive Compensation Plan, or any successor equity incentive plan, in
accordance with the provisions of that plan that apply to the CEO.
Mr. Forgy will continue to participate in our employee benefit plans, including the medical reimbursement plan,
401(k) plan, deferred compensation plan, and other health and welfare benefit plans. He will be entitled to five weeks of
paid vacation days per calendar year. The Company will furnish him with an automobile, pay the initiation fee and
monthly dues for a non-golf country club membership and provide Mr. Forgy with a split dollar life insurance agreement
with premiums payable by the Company.
Either the Company or Mr. Forgy may terminate the employment term for any reason generally with 30 days
advance notice. If Mr. Forgy’s employment is terminated by us for cause, if he resigns without good reason, or if his
employment terminates by reason of death or disability, he will receive any accrued but unpaid base salary and any
benefits under the Company’s benefit plans (the “accrued amounts.”)
Saga Communications, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
80
11. Related Party Transactions (Continued)
If Mr. Forgy’s employment is terminated by us without cause or if he resigns for good reason, he will receive the
accrued amounts; continuation of his base salary for the longer of 18 months or the remainder of the three year initial
term or the two-year renewal period, as applicable; any awarded but unpaid annual bonus with respect to any completed
fiscal year preceding the termination date; immediate and full vesting of any unvested shares of restricted stock then held
by Mr. Forgy; and payment or reimbursement of COBRA premiums for Mr. Forgy and his spouse for up to 18 months.
Mr. Forgy agreed that, for a period of 12 months after the termination of his employment, he will not (i) solicit
business of the type performed by the Company anywhere in the United States; (ii) solicit from any person who has
purchased services from the Company during the three years preceding his termination for business of the type
performed by the Company in the United States, or in any other location; or (iii) offer employment to any person
employed by the Company, or entice any such person to leave employment with the Company. The employment
agreement also contains customary confidentiality and non-disparagement covenants.
Change in Control Agreements
In December 2007, Samuel D. Bush, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and Catherine Bobinski,
Senior Vice President/Finance, Chief Accounting Officer and Corporate Controller, entered into Change in Control
Agreements. In September 2018, Christopher S. Forgy, Senior Vice President of Operations entered into a Change in
Control Agreement. In July 2020, Eric Christian, Chief Marketing Officer entered into a Change in Control Agreement.
Eric Christian is the son of Edward K. Christian, our former President, CEO and Chairman. A change in control is
defined to mean the occurrence of (a) any person or group becoming the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of more
than 30% of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities and Mr. Christian ceasing to be
Chairman and CEO of the Company; (b) the consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other
corporation, other than a merger or consolidation which results in the voting securities of the Company outstanding
immediately prior thereto continuing to represent more than 50% of the combined voting securities of the Company or
such surviving entity; or (c) the approval of the shareholders of the Company of a plan of complete liquidation of the
Company or an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of its assets.
Saga Communications, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
81
11. Related Party Transactions (Continued)
If there is a change in control, the Company shall pay a lump sum payment within 45 days of 1.5 times the average
of the executive’s last three full calendar years of such executive’s base salary and any annual cash bonus paid. In the
event that such payment constitutes a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G subject to an excise tax
imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code, the Company shall pay the executive an additional amount so
that the executive will receive the entire amount of the lump sum payment before deduction for federal, state and local
income tax and payroll tax. In the event of a change in control (other than the approval of plan of liquidation), the
Company or the surviving entity may require as a condition to receipt of payment that the executive continue in
employment for a period of up to six months after consummation of the change in control. During such six months,
executive will continue to earn his pre-existing salary and benefits. In such case, the executive shall be paid the lump
sum payment upon completion of the continued employment. If, however, the executive fails to remain employed during
this period of continued employment for any reason other than (a) termination without cause by the Company or the
surviving entity, (b) death, (c) disability or (d) breach of the agreement by the Company or the surviving entity, then
executive shall not be paid the lump sum payment. In addition, if the executive’s employment is terminated by the
Company without cause within six months prior to the consummation of a change in control, then the executive shall be
paid the lump sum payment within 45 days of such change in control.
Other Related Party Transactions
Effective June 19, 2019, we employed Eric Christian, son of Edward K. Christian, our President, CEO and
Chairman at the time, as our Director of Solution Architecture. Eric Christian was promoted to Vice President of Digital
Solutions in July 2020 and was subsequently promoted to Chief Marketing Officer in February 2023. The Board of
Directors approved the employment of Eric Christian and subsequent promotions. As previously disclosed,
Edward K. Chrisian passed away in August 2022 which resulted in the conversion of his Class B Shares into Class A
Shares that were transferred to an estate planning trust, of which Edward K. Christian’s surviving spouse, and
Eric Christian’s mother is the trustee of. The estate owns approximately 14.6% of the Common Stock outstanding. We
also employed Sera Christian, granddaughter of the trustee of the Edward K. Christian estate.
12. Common Stock
As previously disclosed, the passing of our founder and former Chairman, President and CEO Edward K. Christian,
and the resultant transfer of his Class B shares into an estate planning trust resulted in an automatic conversion of each
Class B share he held into one fully paid and non-assessable Class A share. We no longer have any shares of Class B
Common Stock issued or outstanding, nor will there be any issued in the future.
Dividends. Shareholders are entitled to receive such dividends as may be declared by our Board of Directors out of
funds legally available for such purpose. However, no dividend may be declared or paid in cash or property on any share
of any class of Common Stock unless simultaneously the same dividend is declared or paid on each share of the other
class of common stock. In the case of any stock dividend, holders of Class A Common Stock are entitled to receive the
same percentage dividend (payable in shares of Class A Common Stock) as the holders of Class B Common Stock
receive (payable in shares of Class B Common Stock).
Voting Rights. Holders of shares of Common Stock vote as a single class on all matters submitted to a vote of the
shareholders, with each share of Class A Common Stock entitled to one vote. Prior to Mr. Christian’s passing, each
share of Class B Common Stock was entitled to ten votes, except (i) in the election for directors, (ii) with respect to any
“going private” transaction between the Company and the Class B shareholder, and (iii) as otherwise provided by law.
Saga Communications, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
82
12. Common Stock (Continued)
Prior to Mr. Christian’s passing, in the election of directors, the holders of Class A Common Stock, voting as a
separate class, were entitled to elect twenty-five percent, or two, of our at the time eight directors. The holders of the
Common Stock, voting as a single class with each share of Class A Common Stock entitled to one vote and each share of
Class B Common Stock entitled to ten votes, were entitled to elect the remaining directors. The Board of Directors
consisted of seven members at December 31, 2024. Currently, our Board of Directors consists of seven members.
Holders of Common Stock are not entitled to cumulative voting in the election of directors.
The holders of the Common Stock vote as a single class with respect to any proposed “going private” transaction
with each share of each class of Common Stock entitled to one vote per share.
Under Florida law, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of any class of
common stock is required to approve, among other things, a change in the designations, preferences and limitations of
the shares of such class of common stock.
Liquidation Rights. Upon our liquidation, dissolution, or winding-up, the holders of Class A Common Stock are
entitled to share ratably in accordance with the number of shares held in all assets available for distribution after
payment in full of creditors.
13. Commitments and Contingencies
Leases
We lease certain land, buildings and equipment for use in our operations. We recognize lease expense for these
leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term and combine lease and non-lease components for all leases. Right-of-
use ("ROU") assets and lease liabilities are recorded on the balance sheet for all leases with an expected term of at least
one year. Some leases include one or more options to renew. The exercise of lease renewal options is generally at our
discretion. The depreciable lives of ROU assets are limited to the expected lease term. Our lease agreements do not
contain any residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. As of December 31, 2024, we do not have any
non-cancellable operating lease commitments that have not yet commenced.
ROU assets are classified within other intangibles, deferred costs and investments, net on the consolidated balance
sheet while current lease liabilities are classified within other accrued expenses and long-term lease liabilities are
classified within other liabilities. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet.
ROU assets were $6.9 million and $7.0 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Lease liabilities were $7.3
million and $7.3 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2024, we
recorded additional ROU assets under operating leases of $1,558,000, which is a non-cash transaction. Payments on
lease liabilities during the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 totaled $1,883,000 and $1,826,000, respectively.
Lease expense includes cost for leases with terms in excess of one year. For the years ended December 31, 2024 and
2023, our total lease expense was $1,915,000 and $1,864,000, respectively. Short-term lease costs are de minimus.
Saga Communications, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
83
13. Commitments and Contingencies (Continued)
We have no financing leases and minimum annual rental commitments under non-cancellable operating leases
consisted of the following at December 31, 2024 (in thousands):
Years Ending December 31,
2025 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
1,892
2026 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1,805
2027 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1,622
2028 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1,200
2029 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
730
Thereafter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1,463
Total lease payments (a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8,712
Less: Interest (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1,444
Present value of lease liabilities (c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
7,268
(a) Lease payments include options to extend lease terms that are reasonably certain of being exercised. There were no
legally binding minimum lease payments for leases signed but not yet commenced at December 31, 2024.
(b) Our leases do not provide a readily determinable implicit rate. Therefore, we must estimate our discount rate for
such leases to determine the present value of lease payments at the lease commencement date.
(c) The weighted average remaining lease term and weighted average discount rate used in calculating our lease
liabilities were 6.2 years and 5.8%, respectively, at December 31, 2024.
Performance Fees and Royalties
We incur fees from performing rights organizations (“PRO”) to license our public performance of the musical works
contained in each PRO’s repertory. The Radio Music Licensing Committee (“RMLC”), of which we are a represented
participant, (1) entered into an Interim License Agreement with American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers
that was effective January 1, 2022 and will remain in effect until the date on which the parties reached agreement as to,
or there is court determination of, new interim or final fees, terms, and conditions of a new license for the five year
period commencing on January 1, 2022 and concluding on December 31, 2026; (2) entered into an Interim License
Agreement with Broadcast Music, Inc. that was effective January 1, 2022 and will remain in effect until the date on
which the parties reached agreement as to, or there is court determination of, new interim or final fees, terms, and
conditions of a new license for the five year period commencing on January 1, 2022 and concluding on December 31,
2026; (3) reached an agreement with the Society of European Stage Authors and Composers after arbitration in
November 2024 that is retroactive to January 2023 for a blanket fee from 2023-26 and (4) in February 2022, RMLC and
Global Music Rights (“GMR”) announced that the conditions of their agreement to settle the GMR-RMLC antitrust
and/or unfair competition litigations had been reached and we have entered into an agreement with GMR.
To secure the rights to stream music content over the Internet, we also must obtain performance rights licenses and
pay public performance royalties to copyright owners of sound recordings (typically, performing artists and record
companies). We pay the applicable royalty rates to SoundExchange, the organization designated by the Copyright
Royalty Board (“CRB”) to collect and distribute royalties under these statutory licenses. From time to time,
SoundExchange notifies us that certain calendar years are subject to routine audits of our royalty payments. The results
of such audits could result in higher royalty payments for the subject years. There is no guarantee that the licenses and
associated royalty rates that currently are available to us will be available to us in the future. In addition, Congress may
consider and adopt legislation that would require us to pay royalties to sound recording copyright owners for
broadcasting those recordings on our terrestrial radio stations.
Saga Communications, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
84
13. Commitments and Contingencies (Continued)
Contingencies
In 2003, in connection with our acquisition of one FM radio station, WJZK-FM serving the Columbus, Ohio market,
we entered into an agreement whereby we would pay the seller up to an additional $1,000,000 if we obtain approval
from the FCC for a city of license change.
14. Fair Value Measurements
As defined in ASC Topic 820, fair value is defined as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid
to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. To increase the
comparability of fair value measures, the following hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation methodologies used to
measure fair value:
Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 — Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities, quoted
prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can
be corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3 — Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data available, which requires management to
develop its own assumptions in pricing the asset or liability.
Our assets and liabilities disclosed at fair value are summarized below ($000’s omitted):
Fair Value
Fair Value December 31, December 31,
Financial Instrument
Hierarchy
2024
2023
Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Level 1
$
18,860 $
29,582
Short-term investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Level 1
$
8,927 $
10,595
Accounts receivable, net of allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Level 1
$
15,941 $
17,173
Revolving Credit Facility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Level 2
$
5,000 $
—
Our financial instruments are comprised of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and long-term debt.
The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and accounts receivable approximate fair value
due to their short maturities. The fair value of cash and cash equivalents, and short-term investments derived from
quoted market prices and are considered a level 1. Interest on the Credit Facility is at a variable rate, and as such the debt
obligation outstanding approximates fair value and is considered a level 2.
Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements
We have certain assets that are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis under the circumstances and events
described in Note 4 — Broadcast Licenses, Goodwill and Other Intangibles, and are adjusted to fair value only when the
carrying values are more than the fair values.
During the fourth quarter of 2024, we reviewed the fair value of the assets that are measured at fair value on a non-
recurring basis and concluded that these assets were not impaired as the fair value of these assets equaled or exceeded
their carrying values.
Saga Communications, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
85
14. Fair Value Measurements (Continued)
During the fourth quarter of 2023, we reviewed the fair value of the assets that are measured at fair value on a non-
recurring basis and concluded that these assets were not impaired as the fair value of these assets equaled or exceeded
their carrying values.
Additionally, we measured Property, Plant and Equipment and Broadcast License at fair value on a non-recurring
basis under the circumstances and events described in Note 10 – Acquisitions and Dispositions for our Lafayette, Indiana
market purchase during 2024.
15. Litigation
The Company is subject to various outstanding claims which arise in the ordinary course of business and to other
legal proceedings. Management anticipates that any potential liability of the Company, which may arise out of or with
respect to these matters, will not materially affect the Company’s financial statements.
16. Other Income
During the third and fourth quarters of 2024, we had weather-related damages. The Company’s insurance policy
provides coverage for repairs and replacements. As a part of the insurance settlement during the third quarter of 2024,
the Company received cash proceeds of $383,000, resulting in a gain of $383,000, which is recorded in other (income)
expense, net, in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.
During the second quarter of 2024, the Company received $1,133,000 related to the sale of an investment in
Broadcast Music, Inc. (“BMI”) and recorded a gain of $1,133,000. The gain on sale of investment is recorded in other
(income) expense, net in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations.
In 2012, Congress mandated that the FCC conduct an incentive auction of broadcast television spectrum as set forth
in the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 ("Spectrum Act"). The Spectrum Act authorized the FCC
to conduct incentive auctions in which licensees could voluntarily relinquish their spectrum usage rights in order to
permit the assignment by auction of new initial licenses subject to flexible use service rules, in exchange for a portion of
the resulting auction proceeds. The Spectrum Act appropriated $1.75 billion to the TV Broadcaster Relocation Fund
("Reimbursement Fund") for costs reasonably incurred by Full Power and Class A broadcast television licensees
reassigned to new channels ("repack"), as well as Multichannel Video Programming Distributors ("MVPDs") that
incurred costs related to continuing to carry the signals of reassigned broadcast stations. The 2018 Reimbursement
Expansion Act appropriated $1 billion in additional funds for the Reimbursement Fund and expanded eligible entities for
reimbursement to include FM stations affected by the repack. During the first quarter of 2023, we received
approximately $115,000 in reimbursement for our FM stations. This reimbursement was recorded in other (income)
expense, net in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations. We do not anticipate receiving any additional
reimbursements related to this.
17. Subsequent Events
On February 5, 2025, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per share on its
Class A Common Stock. This dividend, totaling approximately $1,600,000, was paid on March 7, 2025 to shareholders
of record on February 18, 2025.
86
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No. Location
Description
3.1
22
Articles of Incorporation of Saga Communications Reincorporation, Inc.
3.2
22
Bylaws, as amended April 16, 2020.
4
14
Description of the Company’s Securities
10.1
1
Summary of Executive Insured Medical Reimbursement Plan.
10.2
2
Saga Communications, Inc. 2003 Employee Stock Option Plan.
10.3
5
Chief Executive Officer Annual Incentive Plan.
10.4
3
Second Amended and Restated Saga Communications, Inc. 2005 Incentive Compensation
Plan
10.5
7
Form of Stock Option Agreement under the Second Amended and Restated Saga
Communications, Inc. 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan.
10.6
7
Form of Restricted Stock Option Agreement under the Second Amended and Restated Saga
Communications, Inc. 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan.
10.7
6
Employment Agreement of Edward K. Christian dated as of June 17, 2011.
10.8
4
Change in Control Agreement of Samuel D. Bush dated as of December 28, 2007.
10.9
9
Change in Control Agreement of Catherine A. Bobinski dated as of December 28, 2007.
10.10
8
Amendment to Employment Agreement of Edward K. Christian dated as of February 12,
2016.
10.11
10
Amendment to the Second Amendment and Restated Saga Communications, Inc. 2005
Incentive Compensation Plan as of April 16, 2018.
10.12
11
Letter of Employment for Christopher S. Forgy, Senior Vice President / Operations effective
May 28, 2018.
10.13
12
Change in Control Agreement of Christopher Forgy dated as of September 28, 2018.
10.14
13
Amendment to Employment Agreement of Edward K. Christian dated as of February 26,
2019.
10.15
15
Change in Control Agreement of Eric Christian dated as of July 6, 2020.
10.16
16
Third Amendment to Employment Agreement dated January 25, 2022 between Saga
Communications, Inc, and Edward K. Christian.
10.17
17
Employment Agreement of Christopher Forgy dated as of November 16, 2022.
10.18
17
Letter of Employment of Wayne Leland dated as of November 16, 2022.
10.19
18
Third Amendment to Credit Agreement dated December 19, 2022 between the Company and
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., and The Huntington National Bank.
10.20
19
Saga Communications, Inc. 2023 Incentive Compensation Plan
10.21
20
Form of Restricted Stock Option Agreement for Employees under the Saga Communications,
Inc. 2023 Incentive Compensation Plan
10.22
20
Form of Restricted Stock Option Agreement for Directors under the Saga Communications,
Inc. 2023 Incentive Compensation Plan
10.23
*
Saga Communications, Inc. 2005 Deferred Compensation Plan Effective December 1998
10.24
*
Amendment to the Saga Communications, Inc. 2005 Deferred Compensation Plan Effective
January 2009
10.25
*
Trust for Saga Communications, Inc. 2005 Deferred Compensation Plan April 2007
10.26
*
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan Trust Agreement Effective December 2024
19
*
Saga Communications, Inc. Insider Trading Policy
21
*
Subsidiaries.
23.1
*
Consent of Crowe LLP.
23.2
Consent of UHY LLP.
31.1
*
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002.
31.2
*
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
87
32
*
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C.
Section 1350 and Rule 13-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Adopted Pursuant
to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
97.1
21
Saga Communications, Inc. Policy for Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation
101.INS
*
Inline XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH
*
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL
*
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF
*
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB
*
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE
*
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
104
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL with applicable taxonomy
extension information contained in Exhibits 101)
*
Filed herewith.
1
Exhibit filed with the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-47238) filed on December 10,
1992 and incorporated by reference herein.
2
Exhibit filed with the Company’s Registration Statement on From 8-A (File No. 333-107686) filed on August 5,
2003 and incorporated by reference herein.
3
Exhibit filed as Appendix A to the Company’s Consent Solicitation (Filed No: 001-11588) filed on September 17,
2013 and incorporated by reference herein.
4
Exhibit filed with the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 4, 2008 and incorporated by reference herein.
5
Exhibit filed with the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and incorporated
by reference herein.
6
Exhibit filed with the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2011 and incorporated by reference
herein.
7
Exhibit filed with the Company’s Form 8-K filed on October 16, 2013 and incorporated by reference herein.
8
Exhibit filed with the Company’s Form 8-K/A filed on April 8, 2016 and incorporated by reference herein.
9
Exhibit filed with the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 and incorporated by reference
herein.
10 Exhibit filed as Appendix A to the Corporation’s Definitive Proxy Statement (File No. 001-11588) filed on
April 16, 2018 and incorporated by reference herein.
11 Exhibit filed with the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2018 and incorporated by reference
herein.
12 Exhibit filed with the Company’s Form 8-K filed on September 28, 2018 and incorporated by reference herein.
13 Exhibit filed with the Company’s Form 8-K filed on March 1, 2019 and incorporated by reference herein.
14 Exhibit filed with the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 and incorporated by reference
herein.
88
15 Exhibit filed with the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and incorporated by reference
herein.
16 Exhibit filed with the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 27, 2022 and incorporated by reference herein.
17 Exhibits filed with the Company’s Form 8-K filed on November 16, 2022 and incorporated by reference herein.
18 Exhibit filed with the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 and incorporated by reference
herein.
19 Exhibit filed with the Company’s Form S-8 filed on August 10, 2023 and incorporated by reference herein.
20 Exhibits filed with the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2023 and incorporated by
reference herein.
21 Exhibit filed with the Company’s Form 10-K filed on March 15, 2024 and incorporated by reference herein.
22 Exhibit filed with the Company’s Form 8-K filed on May 20, 2020 and incorporated by reference herein.
89
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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, on March 31, 2025.
SAGA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
By: /s/ Christopher S. Forgy
Christopher S. Forgy
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the
following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on March 31, 2025.
Signatures
/s/ Christopher S. Forgy
President, Chief Executive Officer and
Christopher S. Forgy
Director
/s/ Samuel D. Bush
Executive Vice President,
Samuel D. Bush
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
/s/ Catherine A. Bobinski
Senior Vice President/Finance,
Catherine A. Bobinski
Chief Accounting Officer and
Corporate Controller
/s/ Clarke R. Brown, Jr.
Director
Clarke R. Brown, Jr.
/s/ Timothy J. Clarke
Director
Timothy J. Clarke
/s/ Roy F. Coppedge III
Director
Roy F. Coppedge
/s/ Warren Lada
Chairman of the Board and Director
Warren Lada
/s/ Marcia K. Lobaito
Director
Marcia K. Lobaito
/s/ Michael W. Schechter
Director
Michael W. Schechter
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Shareholder Information
AUDITORS
Crowe LLP, Fort Lauderdale, FL
TRANSFER AGENT
Computershare, Canton, MA
PUBLICATIONS
The Company’s Annual Report Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports to Shareholders are available free of
charge to shareholders. Inquiries are welcome by letter or telephone to Samuel D. Bush, Executive Vice
President, Treasurer and CFO, at the Saga Corporate Office.
Shareholders whose stock is held in street name are encouraged to write to the company to have their names
placed on the financial mailing list, enabling them to receive annual and interim reports without delay.
You may find more information about us at our Internet website located at www.sagacom.com. Our Annual
report on Form 10-K, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, our current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments
to those reports are available free of charge on our Internet website as soon as reasonably practicable after we
electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC.
ANNUAL MEETING
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held virtually on Friday, May 2, 2025 at 11:00 am Eastern
Daylight Time. Please refer to the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders
for access information.
This Annual Report contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that are based upon current expectations and involve certain risks
and uncertainties. Words such as “will,” “may,” “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “guidance,” and
similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The material risks facing our
business are described in the reports Saga periodically files with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission,
including in particular Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K. Readers should note that forward-
looking statements may be impacted by several factors, including global, national and local economic changes
and changes in the radio broadcast industry in general as well as Saga’s actual performance. Actual results
may vary materially from those described herein and Saga undertakes no obligation to update any information
contained herein that constitutes a forward-looking statement.
CORPORATE OFFICERS
Christopher S. Forgy
President and Chief Executive Officer
Samuel D. Bush
Executive Vice President, Treasurer and
Chief Financial Officer
Wayne P. Leland
Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Catherine A. Bobinski
Senior Vice President – Finance, Chief Accounting
Officer and Corporate Controller
Pat Paxton
Senior Vice President/Content
Eric Christian
Chief Marketing Officer
Katherine Semivan
Vice President, Corporate Secretary
Annette Calcaterra
Vice President/Human Resources
Angela Parks
Vice President/Facilities
Tom Atkins
Vice President/Engineering
Tracy Cleeton
Chief Technology Officer
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Warren S. Lada
Chairman of the Board and Former Chief Operating
Officer of Saga Communications, Inc.
Christopher S. Forgy
President and Chief Executive Officer
Clarke R. Brown Jr.
Former President – Radio Division,
Jefferson – Pilot Communications
Timothy J. Clarke
Former President and Owner,
Clarke Advertising & Public Relations, Inc.
Roy F. Coppedge III
Founder & Former Managing Director,
BV Investment Partners
Marcia K. Lobaito
Former SVP/Business Affairs, Corporate Secretary
Saga Communications, Inc.
Michael Schechter
Partner, TowerView, LLC