EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 886136
Filing Year: 2023
Filename: 886136_10-K_2023_0001558370-23-004013.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Item 1. Business
We are a broadcast company primarily engaged in acquiring, developing and operating broadcast properties. As of February 28, 2023, we owned seventy-nine FM, thirty-four AM radio stations and eighty metro signals serving twenty-seven 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 a Delaware corporation that was organized in 1986. During 2022, our founder and 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 16% 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 in mid-sized markets, which we define as markets ranked from 20 to 200 out of the markets summarized by Investing in Radio Market Report.
Programming and marketing are key components in our strategy to achieve top ratings in our radio operations. In many of our markets, the three or four most highly rated radio stations receive a disproportionately high share of the market’s advertising revenues. As a result, a station’s revenue is dependent upon its ability to maximize its number of listeners/viewers within an advertiser’s given demographic parameters. In certain cases we use attributes other than specific market listener data for sales activities. In those markets where sufficient alternative data is available, we do not subscribe to an independent listener rating service.
The radio stations that we own and/or operate employ a variety of programming formats, including Classic Hits, Adult Hits, Top 40, Country, Country Legends, Mainstream/Hot/Soft Adult Contemporary, Pure Oldies, Classic Rock, and News/Talk. We regularly perform extensive market research, including music evaluations, focus groups and strategic vulnerability studies. Our stations also employ audience promotions to further develop and secure a loyal following.
We concentrate on the development of strong decentralized local management, which is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the stations we own and/or operate. We compensate local management based on the station’s financial performance, as well as other performance factors that are deemed to affect the long-term ability of the stations to achieve financial performance objectives. Corporate management is responsible for long-range planning, establishing policies and procedures, resource allocation and monitoring the activities of the stations.
Under the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (the “Telecommunications Act”), we are permitted to own 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.
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/viewing levels. While there may be shifts from time to time in the number of advertisements broadcast during a particular time of the day, the total number of advertisements broadcast on a particular station generally does not vary significantly from year to year. Any change in our revenue, with the exception of those instances where stations are acquired or sold, is generally the result of pricing adjustments, which are made to ensure that the station efficiently utilizes available inventory.
Advertising rates charged by radio 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/viewer ratings and changes in the business climate within a particular market.
Approximately $108,999,000 or 89% of our gross revenue for the year ended December 31, 2022 (approximately $102,367,000 or 89% in fiscal 2021 and approximately $86,562,000 or 84% in fiscal 2020) 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 2022 was approximately $13,657,000 or 11% of our gross revenue (approximately $13,138,000 or 11% in fiscal 2021 and approximately $16,361,000 or 16% in fiscal 2020). 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.
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, 2022, we had approximately 585 full-time employees and 225 part-time employees, none of whom are represented by unions. We believe that our relations with our employees are good.
We employ several high-profile personalities with large loyal audiences in their respective markets. We have entered into employment and non-competition agreements with our President and with most of our on-air personalities, as well as non-competition agreements with our commissioned sales representatives.
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.
The following is a brief summary of certain provisions of the Communications Act and of specific FCC regulations and policies. Reference should be made to the Communications Act, FCC rules (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.
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
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
Adult Contemporary
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
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
Hot 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
WZID
Manchester, NH
Adult Contemporary
B
April 1, 2030
WMLL
Manchester, NH
Classic Rock
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
WNDN
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
WYSE
Asheville, NC
Sports/Talk
D
December 1, 2027
KGMI
Bellingham, WA
News/Talk
B
February 1, 2030
KPUG
Bellingham, WA
Sports/Talk
B
February 1, 2030
KBAI
Bellingham, WA
Classic Hits
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
WVAX
Charlottesville, VA
Sports/Talk
C
October 1, 2027
WQEZ
Clarksville, TN/Hopkinsville, KY
Soft Adult Contemporary
D
August 1, 2028
WKFN
Clarksville, TN
Sports/Talk
D
August 1, 2028
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
Station
FCC Station
Expiration Date of
Station
Market (1)
Format
Class (2)
FCC Authorization
WHMQ
Greenfield, MA
News/Talk
C
April 1, 2030
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
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, KBAI, WNYY, WHCU, WINQ(AM) and WSVA operate with lower power at night than during daytime. WYSE, 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.
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).
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. 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.” 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. That proceeding remains pending. On December 22, 2022, the FCC’s Media Bureau released a Public Notice commencing the 2022 Quadrennial Review of the FCC’s media ownership rules. Although they remain subject to the ongoing 2018 Quadrennial Review proceeding, the three rules currently in place and subject to the 2022 review are the Local Radio Ownership Rule and the Local Television Ownership Rule-which limit ownership by a single entity of broadcast radio or television stations in local markets respectively-and the Dual Network Rule, which effectively prohibits mergers among the “Big Four” broadcast television networks (ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC). In the context of these three rules, as with prior reviews, the FCC is seeking information regarding the media marketplace, including ongoing trends or developments (e.g., consolidation, technological innovation, or the emergence of new video or audio options for consumers). The Company cannot predict whether the FCC will adopt new or revise existing media ownership rules.
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. The Court and FCC proceedings are ongoing and we cannot predict what action, if any, the Court or the FCC may take to further modify its rules. 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.
All commercial broadcasters are required to file a “biennial” ownership report, the next report due by December 1, 2023, describing the ownership of their stations as of October 1, 2023. 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, none 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.
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. 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 2 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 in 2020 revised its 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.
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.
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. As announced in an NPRM released June 21, 2019 (MB Docket No. 19-177), the FCC is reviewing the EEO rules. In the NPRM, the FCC seeks comment on its track record on EEO enforcement, whether the agency should make improvements to EEO compliance and enforcement, and invites comment on its audit program. In a Further NPRM (MB Docket No. 98-204), released July 23, 2021, the FCC sought to refresh the existing record regarding the statutorily mandated collection of data on the FCC Form 395-B, as contemplated by the Act. This employment report form is intended to gather workforce composition data from broadcasters on an annual basis but the form and data have not been collected for many years. The filing of the form was suspended in 2001 in the wake of a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit (D.C. Circuit) vacating certain aspects of the FCC's Equal Employment Opportunity (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. To date, those issues remain unresolved, and the filing of Form 395-B remains suspended. The FCC is seeking “to refresh the record” regarding the collection of broadcaster workforce composition data and obtain further input on the legal, logistical, and technical issues surrounding FCC Form 395-B. On February 3, 2023, the FCC released a Public Notice, “Expanding Digital and Media Ownership Opportunities for Women and Minorities,”
announcing a symposium to explore the challenges as well as possible creative solutions to increasing ownership opportunities for women and people of color to achieve success and viewpoint diversity in all facets of media - TV, radio, cable, and streaming.The Company cannot predict whether, or if changes may be made as a result of these NPRMs and the symposium.
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 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. The Company cannot predict how the FCC may act on that petition.
The FCC has adopted rules that require the broadcast of a specific disclosure at the time of broadcast if material aired pursuant to a lease of time on a station has been sponsored, paid for, or furnished by a foreign governmental entity. Consistent with the Communications Act and the FCC’s sponsorship identification rules, the Company’s stations are required to disclose political programming or programming involving the discussion of a controversial issue if such programming is provided by a foreign governmental entity for free, or for nominal compensation, as an inducement to air. The rule requires the Company to exercise reasonable diligence (and obtain certifications from lessees) to ascertain whether the foreign sponsorship disclosure requirements apply at the time of the lease agreement and at any renewal thereof. A station must place in its OPIF on a quarterly basis certain information if the station broadcasts such foreign-sponsored programming. On October 6, 2022, the FCC released a Second NPRM, seeking comment on establishing a requirement that licensees require a lessee to use a specific certification form to disclose whether a lessee is or is not a foreign governmental entity and whether it knows of any entity or individual further back in the programming production or distribution chain that qualifies as a foreign governmental entity. If adopted, the proposed rules would require the Company to upload the certifications to the OPIF whether or not the lessee has a connection to a foreign government. The Company cannot predict whether such new rules will be adopted, and if so, the form they might take.
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 a 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 Report and Order, 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. 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.
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 these analog FM radio-type services on an ancillary or supplementary basis. 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. This could result in eliminating or authorizing FM6 stations. The Company cannot predict whether Franken FM stations will become licensed radio services.
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.
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. The FCC has solicited public comment on tests of the proposed system. The Company cannot predict whether the FCC will adopt the proposed rules, and if adopted, whether the Company would use FM booster stations in this manner. The Company currently has no FM booster stations.
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). 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 52 stations. On November 28, 2022, the FCC issued a Public Notice seeking comment on a petition for rulemaking requesting the Commission to adopt an updated formula to determine and increase FM digital sideband power levels for stations transmitting digital FM. On October 28, 2020, the FCC released a Report and Order, in which it adopted rules (effective January 4, 2021) to allow AM radio stations to broadcast an all-digital signal using the HD Radio in-band on-channel (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.
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 Report and Order, 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 dBm) 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.
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 modified the FCC’s radio application and assignment procedures, assisting qualified applicants to more rapidly introduce new radio service to the public. These modifications (1) prohibit an AM applicant that obtains a construction permit through a dispositive Section 307(b) preference from downgrading the service level that led to the dispositive preference; (2) 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 Report and Order which limits eligibility for authorizations associated with allotments added to the FM Table of Allotments using the “Tribal Priority” to the tribes whom the Tribal Priority was intended to benefit. In 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.) Periodically, bills have been introduced in Congress, that if passed, would have required the Company to pay additional fees to an organization called MusicFirst which would distribute the money to other entities. Efforts continue by certain organizations to persuade Congress to enact a law that would require such payments. Periodically, bills have been introduced in Congress that, if adopted, would require the Company to pay additional fees to one or more organizations that would distribute the money to performers or other entities. The American Music Fairness Act was introduced on February 2, 2023, in both the Senate and House of Representatives (118th Congress). (A similar Bill died in the 117th Congress.) The Act would require radio stations to have an additional license to publicly perform certain sound recordings. The Copyright Royalty Board would periodically determine the royalty rates for such a license. Terrestrial broadcast stations, and the owners of such stations, that fall below certain revenue thresholds would pay certain flat fees, instead of the board-established rate, for a license.
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 to administer the blanket license, and makes various improvements 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.
Proposed Changes. The FCC has under consideration, and may in the future consider and adopt, new laws, regulations and policies regarding a wide variety of matters that could, directly or indirectly, affect us and the operation and ownership of our broadcast properties. Application processing rules adopted by the FCC might require us to apply for facilities modifications to our standard broadcast stations in future “window” periods for filing applications or result in the stations being “locked in” with their present facilities. The FCC is authorized to use auctions for the allocation of radio broadcast spectrum frequencies for commercial use. The implementation of this law could require us to bid for the use of certain frequencies.
Information About Our Executive Officers
Our current executive officers are:
Name
Age
Position
Christopher S. Forgy
President, Chief Executive Officer; Director
Samuel D. Bush
Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
Marcia K. Lobaito
Corporate Secretary
Catherine A. Bobinski
Senior Vice President/Finance, Chief Accounting Officer and Corporate Controller
Wayne Leland
Senior Vice President of Operations
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 Executice 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 has been Senior Vice President since 2002 and Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer since September 1997. He was Vice President from 1997 to 2002. From 1988 to 1997 he held various positions with the Media Finance Group at AT&T Capital Corporation, including senior vice president.
Ms. Lobaito was the Director of Business Affairs and Corporate Secretary since our inception in 1986, Vice President from 1996 to 2005 and Senior Vice President from 2005 to 2020. Effective March 13, 2020, Ms. Lobaito retired from Senior Vice President and Director of Business Affairs. At our request, Ms. Lobaito continues to serve as Corporate Secretary. On September 28, 2021, Ms. Lobaito was appointed to our Board of Directors.
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 Senior Vice President of Operations effective January 2023. 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.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
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, including Inflation, 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.
Our Business and Operations Could be Adversley Affected by Health Epidemics, such as the COVID-19 Pandemic, Impacting the Markets and Communities in which we and our Partners, Advertisers, and Users Operate
We face various risks related to health epidemics, pandemics and similar outbreaks, such as the global outbreak of COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the economy, disrupted consumer spending and created significant volatility and disruption of financial markets. We expect the COVID-19 global pandemic may continue to have an adverse impact on our business including our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity. The extent of the impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic, or other health epidemics, pandemics and similar outbreaks 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.
The effects of COVID-19, or other health epidemics, pandemics and similar outbreaks 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:
● 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 38%, 39%, and 40% of our net operating revenue for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, 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.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has 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.
Risks Related to Our Financing
We May Have Substantial Indebtedness and Debt Service Requirements
While we currently have no debt outstanding at December 31, 2022 we have previously borrowed and may borrow to finance acquisitions and for other corporate purposes. If we borrow in the future, 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 any 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, 2022, we had no outstanding variable-rate debt. However, if and to the extent we borrow in the future, 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, 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 7, 2025, 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. Broadcasting is a rapidly consolidating industry, with many companies seeking to consummate acquisitions and increase their market share. In this environment, we compete and will continue to compete with many other buyers for the acquisition of radio stations. Some of those competitors may be able to outbid us for acquisitions because they have greater financial resources or for other reasons. 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.
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.
Risks Related to Regulation of Our Business
Future Impairment of our FCC Broadcasting Licenses Could Affect our Operating Results
As of December 31, 2022, our FCC broadcasting licenses represented 38% 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. On January 24, 2020, the President signed into law the “PIRATE” Act which authorizes the FCC to fine illegal broadcasters up to $2 million. The current administration has included funding for PIRATE enforcement in the FCC’s budget for the current fiscal year.
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.
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 coud be considered “blasphemy,” “personally reviling epithets,” “profanity” and vulgar or coarse words, amounting to a nuisance. The maximum forfeiture penalty (after 2022 annual inflation adjustment) for an indecency violation is $479,945 per incident and $4,430,255 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.
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.
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.
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 16% voting rights after the conversion of the shares from Class B Shares to Class A Shares. 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.
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.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
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, 2022, 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 1.9 years to 5.8 years. We own or lease our transmitter and antenna sites, with lease terms that expire in less than 1 year to 68 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.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
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.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
PART II

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
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 3, 2023 as reported by the NASDAQ was $24.05. As of March 3, 2023, there were approximately 174 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 2022, our Board of Directors declared four quarterly cash dividends and two special dividends totaling $4.86 per share on our Classes A and B shares. These dividends totaling approximately $29.6 million were accrued or paid during 2022. 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. Under the new policy, in addition to any quarterly and special dividends paid, the Company will declare an additional dividend in the second quarter of each year of 70% of the preceding year’s annual Free Cash Flow, as reported in the Company’s fourth quarter earnings release, net of acquisitions, special and quarterly dividends, debt paydowns and debt issuance costs, and stock buybacks. See Note 1 of the financial statements for specific details on the dividends.
During 2021, our Board of Directors declared three quarterly cash dividends and a special dividend totaling $0.98 per share on our Classes A and B shares. These dividends totaling approximately $5.9 million were accrued or paid during 2021. See Note 1 of the financial statements for specific details on the dividends.
During 2020, our Board of Directors declared one quarterly cash dividends totaling $0.32 per share on our Classes A and B shares. These dividends totaling approximately $1.9 million were paid during 2020. In the second quarter of 2020, our Board of Directors announced that it was temporarily suspending the quarterly cash dividend in response to the continued uncertainty of the ongoing impact of COVID-19. See Note 1 of the financial statements for specific details on the dividends.
The Company currently intends to declare regular quarterly cash dividends, special dividends, variable dividends, and stock buybacks in the future consistent with its goals as previously stated. The declaration and payment of any future dividend, whether fixed, special, or based upon the variable policy, will remain at the full discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors and will depend upon the Company’s financial results, cash requirements, future expectations, and other factors that the Company’s Board of Directors finds relevant at the time of considering any potential dividend declaration.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table sets forth as of December 31, 2022, the number of securities outstanding under our equity compensation plans, the weighted average exercise price of such securities and the number of securities available for grant under these plans:
(a)
(b)
(c)
Number of
Securities
Number of
Remaining
Shares to be
Available for
Issued Upon
Future Issuance
Exercise of
Weighted-Average
Under Equity
Outstanding
Exercise Price of
Compensation
Options
Outstanding Options,
Plans
Warrants, and
Warrants
(Excluding
Plan Category
Rights
and Rights
Column (a))
Equity Compensation Plans Approved by Shareholders:
Employees’ 401(k) Savings and Investment Plan
-
$
-
520,665
2005 Incentive Compensation Plan
91,120
(1)
$
-
(2)
125,295
Equity Compensation Plans Not Approved by Shareholders:
None
-
-
Total
91,120
645,960
(1) All 91,120 shares are restricted stock.
(2) Weighted-Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options is $0.00 as they are all restricted stock.
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, 2022. 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, 2022
-
$
-
-
$
18,343,398
November 1 - November 30, 2022
5,771
$
24.24
-
$
18,203,509
December 1 - December 31, 2022
-
$
-
-
$
18,203,509
Total
5,771
$
24.24
-
$
18,203,509
(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.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Item 6. [Reserved]

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
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-seven radio markets (reporting units) that aggregate into one operating segment (Radio), which also qualifies as a reportable segment. We operate under one reportable busines 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, write-off debt issuance costs, 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 broadcast company primarily engaged in acquiring, developing and operating broadcast properties. We actively seek and explore opportunities for expansion through the acquisition of additional broadcast properties. We review acquisition opportunities on an ongoing basis.
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, 2022, 2021 and 2020, approximately 89%, 89% and 84%, 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 2022 and 2020 due to the increased number of national, state, and local elections in most of our markets as compared to 2021. Our gross political revenue for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 was $3,625,000, $1,780,000 and $6,890,000, respectively. We expect political revenue in 2023 to decrease from 2022 levels as a result of less elections in 2023 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.
The number of advertisements that can be broadcast without jeopardizing listening levels (and the resulting ratings) is limited in part by the format of a particular radio station. Our stations strive to maximize revenue by constantly managing the number of commercials available for sale and by adjusting prices based upon local market conditions and ratings. While there may be shifts from time to time in the number of advertisements broadcast during a particular time of the day, the total number of advertisements broadcast on a particular station generally does not vary significantly from year to year. Any change in our revenue, with the exception of those instances where stations are acquired or sold, is generally the result of inventory sell out ratios and pricing adjustments, which are made to ensure that the station efficiently utilizes available inventory.
Our radio stations employ a variety of programming formats. We periodically perform market research, including music evaluations, focus groups and strategic vulnerability studies. Because reaching a large and demographically attractive audience is crucial to a station’s financial success, we endeavor to develop strong listener loyalty. Our stations also employ audience promotions to further develop and secure a loyal following. We believe that the diversification of formats on our radio stations helps to insulate us from the effects of changes in musical tastes of the public on any particular format.
The primary operating expenses involved in owning and operating radio stations are employee salaries, sales commissions, programming expenses, depreciation, and advertising and promotion expenses.
The radio broadcasting industry is subject to rapid technological change, evolving industry standards and the emergence of new media technologies and services. These new technologies and media are gaining advertising share against radio and other traditional media.
We are continuing to expand our digital initiative to provide a seamless experience across multiple platforms. Our goal is to allow our listeners to connect with our brands on demand wherever, however, and whenever they choose. We continue to create opportunities through targeted digital advertising and an array of digital services that include online promotions, mobile messaging, and email marketing.
During the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, our Columbus, Ohio; Des Moines, Iowa; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Norfolk, Virginia and Portland, Maine markets, when combined, represented approximately 38%, 39%, and 40%, 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,
Market:
Columbus, Ohio
%
%
%
Des Moines, Iowa
%
%
%
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
%
%
%
Norfolk, Virginia
%
%
%
Portland, Maine
%
%
%
During the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, the radio stations in our five largest markets when combined, represented approximately 44%, 43% and 52%, respectively, of our consolidated station operating income. We note that the percent of consolidated station operating income at December 31, 2020 is higher than normal due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our markets. As the pandemic is resolved, we would anticipate results by market to continue to be back to normalized amounts in future years. 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,
Market:
Columbus, Ohio
%
%
%
Des Moines, Iowa
%
%
%
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
%
%
%
Norfolk, Virginia
%
%
%
Portland, Maine
%
%
%
(*)
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 three years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020.
Consolidated Results of Operations
2022 vs. 2021
2021 vs. 2020
Years Ended December 31,
$ Increase
% Increase
$ Increase
% Increase
(Decrease)
(Decrease)
(Decrease)
(Decrease)
(In thousands, except %’s and per share information)
Net operating revenue
$
114,893
$
108,343
$
95,813
$
6,550
6.0
%
$
12,530
13.1
%
Station operating expense
87,537
83,245
81,586
4,292
5.2
%
1,659
2.0
%
Corporate general and administrative
14,300
10,040
11,574
4,260
42.4
%
(1,534)
(13.3)
%
Other operating (income) expense, net
(14)
(1,247)
(21)
N/M
1,254
N/M
Impairment of intangible assets
-
-
5,149
-
-
(5,149)
N/M
Operating income (loss)
13,070
15,051
(1,249)
(1,981)
N/M
16,300
N/M
Interest expense
(154)
(54.2)
%
(56)
(16.5)
%
Interest income
(410)
(16)
(148)
(394)
N/M
N/M
Other income
(652)
(634)
(233)
(18)
%
(401)
N/M
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)
14,002
15,417
(1,208)
(1,415)
(9.2)
%
16,625
N/M
Income tax provision
4,800
4,260
12.7
%
3,555
N/M
Net income (loss)
$
9,202
$
11,157
$
(1,913)
$
(1,955)
N/M
$
13,070
N/M
Earnings (loss) per share (diluted)
$
1.52
$
1.85
$
(0.32)
$
(0.33)
(17.8)
%
$
2.17
N/M
N/M = Not Meaningful
Year Ended December 31, 2022 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2021
For the year ended December 31, 2022, consolidated net operating revenue was $114,893,000 compared with $108,343,000 for the year ended December 31, 2021, an increase of $6,550,000 or 6.0%. The increase in revenue in 2022 was due to increases in gross local revenue of $2,284,000, gross political revenue of $1,846,000, non-spot revenue of $1,689,000, gross interactive revenue of $1,577,000, and gross barter revenue of $302,000 partially offset by a decrease in gross national revenue of $697,000 and an increase in agency commissions of $598,000 from 2021. The most significant increases in gross local revenue and in agency commissions occurred in our Asheville, North Carolina; Charleston, South Carolina; Ithaca, New York; and Manchester, New Hampshire markets. The gross political revenue increased due to an increase in the number of national, state and local elections. The increase in non-spot revenue is primarily due to us hosting more events again in 2022. The markets with the most significant increases in 2022 in non-spot events were Charleston, South Carolina; Clarksville, Tennessee; Hilton Head, South Carolina; Jonesboro, Arkansas; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Portland, Maine and Yankton, South Dakota. The increase in gross interactive results is primarily due to an increase in our streaming and website content revenue. The decrease in gross national revenue was attributable to decreases at the majority of markets due to the focus on local market advertisers offset by increases at our Columbus, Ohio; Manchester, New Hampshire; and Portland, Maine markets.
Station operating expense was $87,537,000 for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared with $83,245,000 for the year ended December 31, 2021, an increase of $4,292,000 or 5.2%. The increase in operating expenses was primarily a result of increases in sales survey expenses, compensation related expenses, commission expense, bad debt expenses, barter expenses, music licensing fees, utilities, merchant account fees, and promotional expenses of $1,407,000, $965,000, $840,000, $352,000, $346,000, $311,000, $286,000, $153,000 and $113,000, respectively, partially offset by decreases in healthcare costs of $530,000 from 2021.
We had operating income for the year ended December 31, 2022 of $13,070,000 compared to $15,051,000 for the year ended December 31, 2021, a decrease of $1,981,000. The decrease was a result of the increase in net operating revenue partially offset by the increase in station operating expense, described above, a decrease in other operating (income) expense of $21,000 offset by an increase in our corporate general and administrative expenses of $4,260,000 or 42.4%. The increase in corporate general and administrative expenses was primarily attributable to expenses under the employment agreement we had with our founder and CEO, Mr. Christian upon his death of which $3,900,000 was recorded in the third quarter of 2022. In addition, we had an increase in legal expenses, and transportation related costs of $207,000, and $156,000, respectively, from 2021. For our other operating (income) expense, net in 2022 we recorded a gain on the sale of fixed assets of $14,000 compared to a loss on the sale of fixed assets of $7,000 in 2021.
We generated net income of $9,202,000 ($1.52 per share on a fully diluted basis) during the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to $11,157,000 ($1.85 per share on a fully diluted basis) for the year ended December 31, 2021, a decrease of $1,955,000. The decrease in net income is due to the decrease of operating income, described above, an increase income taxes of $540,000, offset by a decrease in interest expense of $154,000, an increase in interest income of $394,000 and an increase in other income of $18,000. The decrease in interest expense is due to no longer having any debt outstanding, after paying off the remaining balance in the fourth quarter of 2021. The increase in interest income is related to our short-term investments as described in footnote 1 (Summary of Significant Accounting Policies). The increase in other income is primarily due to insurance proceeds for weather-related damages of $535,000 and reimbursements from the FCC related to their spectrum auction of $116,000 in 2022 versus insurance proceeds in 2021 of $589,000 and other gains of $45,000 in 2021 as described in footnote 16 (Other Income). The increase in our income tax expense is due to the permanent difference between book and taxable income related to the compensation paid to our founder and CEO as described above and in footnote 6 (Income Taxes).
Year Ended December 31, 2021 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2020
For the year ended December 31, 2021, consolidated net operating revenue was $108,343,000 compared with $95,813,000 for the year ended December 31, 2020, an increase of $12,530,000 or 13.1%. The increase in revenue in 2021 was attributable to lower-than-normal revenue in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We had increases in gross local revenue of $12,209,000, gross interactive revenue of $2,921,000, non-spot gross revenue of $1,484,000, gross national revenue (excluding national political revenue) of $819,000, and gross barter revenue of $236,000 partially offset by a decrease in gross political revenue of $5,104,000 from 2020. The increase in gross local, gross national and gross barter revenue occurred in the majority of our markets as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the disruption to our advertiser’s businesses in 2020, in contrast with the economic recovery that had begun to take place in 2021. The increase in gross interactive revenue was primarily due to an increase in our streaming and website content revenue. The increase in non-spot gross revenue was primarily due to us starting to host events again in 2021, whereas the number of events being held in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic was relatively very few. The decrease in gross political revenue was due to fewer national, state and local elections in 2021 versus 2020 in the majority of our markets.
Station operating expense was $83,245,000 for the year ended December 31, 2021, compared with $81,586,000 for the year ended December 31, 2020, an increase of $1,659,000 or 2.0%. The increase in operating expenses was primarily a result of increases in sales rating survey expenses, commission expense, barter expenses, interactive services expenses, healthcare costs and promotional expenses of $1,836,000, $1,035,000, $362,000, $331,000, $210,000, and $173,000, respectively, partially offset by decreases in compensation related expenses, depreciation and amortization expenses, and bad debt expense of $1,698,000, $754,000 and $364,000, respectively, from 2020.
We had operating income for the year ended December 31, 2021 of $15,051,000 compared to an operating loss of $1,249,000 for the year ended December 31, 2020, an increase of $16,300,000. The increase was a result of the increase in net operating revenue partially offset by the increase in station operating expense, described above, a non-cash impairment charge of $5,149,000 in 2020 versus no impairment charge in 2021, and a decrease in our corporate general and administrative expenses of $1,534,000 or 13.3%, offset by a decrease in other operating income of $1,254,000 due to a gain on the sale of land and a building at one of our tower sites in Bellingham, Washington for $1,400,000 in 2020. The decrease in corporate general and administrative expenses was primarily attributable to decreases in non-cash compensation related expenses, legal expenses, and contribution expenses of $886,000, $323,000, and $158,000 respectively.
We generated net income of $11,157,000 ($1.85 per share on a fully diluted basis) during the year ended
December 31, 2021, compared to a net loss of $1,913,000 ($ (0.32) per share on a fully diluted basis) for the year ended December 31, 2020, an increase of $13,070,000. The increase in net income was due to the increase of operating income, described above, a decrease in interest expense of $56,000 and an increase in other income of $401,000, partially offset by an increase in income taxes of $3,555,000, and a decrease in interest income of $132,000. The decrease in interest expense was due to the decrease in our debt outstanding partially offset by an increase in our interest rates. The increase in other income was primarily due to insurance proceeds for weather-related damages. The increase in our income tax expense was due to the increase in income before income taxes.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Debt Arrangements and Debt Service Requirements
On August 18, 2015, we entered into a credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., The Huntington National Bank, Citizens Bank, National Association and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (collectively, the “Lenders”). The Credit Facility consisted of a $100 million five-year revolving facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) and originally matured on August 18, 2020. On June 27, 2018, the Company entered into a Second Amendment to its Credit Facility, (the “Second Amendment”), which had first been amended on September 1, 2017, extending the revolving credit maturity date under the Credit Agreement for five years after the date of the amendment to June 27, 2023. On July 1, 2019, we elected to reduce our Revolving Credit Facility to $70 million. On May 11, 2020, as part of our reincorporation as a Florida corporation, we entered into an assumption agreement and amendment of loan documents. The amendment also included an alternative benchmark rate as a replacement to LIBOR. On November 1, 2021, we elected to further reduce our Revolving Credit Facility to $50 million. 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, 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 (4.3% at December 31, 2022), 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 used 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, 2022) 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.
On October 27, 2021, we used $10 million from funds generated by operations to voluntarily pay down the remaining amount on our Revolving Credit Facility.
After we paid down our debt and reduced our Revolving Credit Facility as noted above, we had approximately $50 million of unused borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility at December 31, 2022.
Sources and Uses of Cash
During the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, we had net cash flows from operating activities of $17,125,000, $19,104,000 and $12,088,000, 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 March 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 its inception in 1998 through December 31, 2022, we have repurchased 2.2 million shares of our Class A Common Stock for $57.6 million. During the year ended December 31, 2022, approximately 6,000 shares were retained for payment of withholding taxes for $147,000 related to the vesting of restricted stock. Given the unprecedented uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 virus and the resulting economic issues 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, 2022 were $5,994,000 ($3,969,000 in 2021). We anticipate capital expenditures in 2023 to be approximately $5.0 million to $5.5 million, which we expect to finance through funds generated from operations.
On July 12, 2021, we entered into an agreement to acquire WIZZ-AM and a translator from P. & M. Radio for $61,800 of which $5,000 was paid in 2021 and the remainder was paid on April 6, 2022 when we closed on the transaction. Management attributes the goodwill recognized in the acquisition to the power of the existing brands in the Greenfield, Massachusetts market as well as synergies and growth opportunities expected through the combination with the Company’s existing stations. The translators are start-up stations and therefore, have no pro forma revenue and expenses.
On January 8, 2021, we closed on an agreement to purchase WBQL and W288DQ from Consolidated Media, LLC, for an aggregate purchase price of $175,000, of which $25,000 was paid in 2020 and the remaining $150,000 paid in 2021. Management attributes the goodwill recognized in the acquisition to the power of the existing brands in the Clarksville, Tennessee market as well as synergies and growth opportunities expected through the combination with the Company’s existing stations.
On January 2, 2020, we closed on an agreement to purchase W295BL from Basic Holdings, LLC, for an aggregate purchase price of $200,000, of which $10,000 was paid in 2019 and the remaining $190,000 paid in 2020. Management attributes the goodwill recognized in the acquisition to the power of the existing brands in the Manchester, New Hampshire market as well as synergies and growth opportunities expected through the combination with the Company’s existing stations.
On March 31, 2020, we sold land and a building in our Bellingham, Washington market for approximately $1,700,000 to Talbot Real Estate, LLC resulting in a $1,400,000 gain on the sale of assets. The gain is recorded in the other operating (income) expense, net in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.
On December 7, 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per share and a special cash dividend of $2.00 per share on its Classes A Common Stock. This dividend, totaling approximately $13,800,000, was paid on January 13, 2023 to shareholders of record on December 21, 2022 and is recorded in dividends payable in our Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2022.
On September 20, 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per share and a special cash dividend of $2.00 per share on its Classes A Common Stock. This dividend, totaling approximately $13,600,000, was paid on October 21, 2022 to shareholders of record on October 3, 2022.
On June 6, 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per share on its Classes A and B Common Stock. This dividend, totaling approximately $1,200,000, was paid to our transfer agent on June 29, 2022. The dividend was paid by our transfer agent on July 1, 2022 to shareholders of record on June 13, 2022.
On March 1, 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.16 per share on its Classes A and B Common Stock. This dividend, totaling approximately $970,000, was paid on April 8, 2022 to shareholders of record on March 21, 2022.
On December 14, 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.16 per share and special cash dividend of $0.50 per share on its Classes A and B Common Stock. This dividend, totaling approximately $3,988,000, was paid on January 14, 2022 to shareholders of record on December 27, 2021 and was recorded in dividends payable on the Company’s Consolidated Balance sheet at December 31, 2021.
On September 28, 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.16 per share on its Classes A and B Common Stock. This dividend, totaling approximately $960,000, was paid on October 22, 2021 to shareholders of record on October 8, 2021.
On June 18, 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.16 per share on its Classes A and B Common Stock. This dividend, totaling approximately $960,000, was paid on July 16, 2021 to shareholders of record on June 30, 2021 and was recorded in dividends payable on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance sheet at June 30, 2021. The Company had previously temporarily suspended the quarterly cash dividend in response to the uncertainty of the ongoing impact of COVID-19 as of June 18, 2020.
On March 4, 2020, our Board of Directors declared a regular cash dividend of $0.32 per share on its Classes A and B Common Stock. This dividend, totaling approximately $1.9 million, was paid on April 10, 2020 to shareholders of record on March 16, 2020 and funded by cash on the Company’s balance sheet.
On December 11, 2019, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.30 per share on its Classes A and B Common Stock. This dividend totaling approximately $1.8 million was paid on January 17, 2020 to shareholders of record on December 27, 2019 and funded by cash on the Company’s balance sheet.
On October 27, 2021, we used $10 million from funds generated by operations to voluntarily pay down the remaining amount on our Revolving Credit Facility.
On May 3, 2022, we used $10 million in cash to purchase U.S. Treasury Bills to be held to maturity with maturity dates between July 2022 and February 2023. During the year $8 million of those $10 million were redeemed and we used the proceeds to purchase an additional $8 million of U.S. Treasury Bills to be held to maturity. At December 31, 2022, we have recorded $10.1 million of held-to-maturity U.S. Treasury Bills at amortized cost basis that have a fair market value of $10 million. Our held-to-maturity U.S. Treasury Bills all have original maturity dates ranging from February 2023 to June 2023.
We continue to actively seek and explore opportunities for expansion through the acquisitions of additional broadcast properties.
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.
Summary Disclosures About Contractual Obligations
We have future cash obligations under various types of contracts, including the terms of our Credit Facility, operating leases, programming contracts, employment agreements, and other operating contracts. The following table reflects a summary of our contractual cash obligations and other commercial commitments as of December 31, 2022:
Payments Due By Period
Less Than
More Than
Contractual Obligations:
Total
1 Year
1 to 3 Years
4 to 5 Years
5 Years
(In thousands)
Interest Payments on Long-Term Debt(1)
$
$
$
$
$
-
Operating Leases
7,993
1,829
2,998
1,941
1,225
Purchase Obligations(2)
32,085
13,116
15,000
2,802
1,167
Total Contractual Cash Obligations
$
40,746
$
15,080
$
18,267
$
5,007
$
2,392
(1) Interest payments on our Credit Facility are based on unused commitment of the credit facility and scheduled debt maturities, if we were to borrow in the future and the interest rates are held constant over the remaining terms.
(2) Includes $15,317,000 in obligations under employment agreements and contracts with on-air personalities, other employees, and our President, and CEO, Christopher S. Forgy.
We anticipate that the above contractual cash obligations will be financed through funds generated from operations or additional borrowings under our Credit Facility, or a combination thereof.
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:
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. 104, Topic 13, Revenue Recognition Revised and Updated and the Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers.
Carrying Value of Accounts Receivable and Related Allowance for Doubtful Accounts: We evaluate the collectability of our accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. In circumstances where we are aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations to us (e.g., bankruptcy filings, credit history, COVID-19 potential impact on our customers’ business, etc.), we record a specific reserve for bad debts against amounts due to reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount we reasonably believe will be collected. For all other customers, we recognize reserves for bad debts based on past loss history and the length of time the receivables are past due, ranging from 50% for amounts 90 days outstanding to 100% for amounts over 120 days outstanding. If our evaluations of the collectability of our accounts receivable differ from actual results, additional bad debt expense and allowances may be required. Our historical estimates have been a reliable method to estimate future allowances and our reserves have averaged approximately 2-5% of our outstanding receivables. The effect of an increase in our allowance of 1% of our outstanding receivables as of December 31, 2022, from 3.4% to 4.4% or from $519,000 to $671,000 would result in a decrease in net income of $100,000, net of taxes for the year ended December 31, 2022. In the event we recover amounts previously written off, we will reduce the specific allowance for credit loss.
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, 2022, we have recorded approximately $90,307,000 in broadcast licenses and $19,236,000 in goodwill, which represents 46% 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 in 2021 or 2022.
During 2020, we recognized a $5,149,000 impairment charge ($1,392,000 in the third quarter of 2020 and $3,757,000 in the second quarter of 2020) for broadcast license due to a decrease in projected revenue in the markets listed below due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, an increase in the discount rate used in the discounted cash flow analyses to estimate the fair value of our FCC licenses due to certain risks specifically associated with the Company and the radio broadcasting industry, and a decrease in mature operating margins in small markets due to the cost of operations in a small market. We were starting to see increased revenue from our low point in the second quarter of 2020, however, they were not at the previously expected recovery rate. Our third quarter 2020 impairment charge related to our Bellingham, Washington; Champaign, Illinois; Charleston, South Carolina; Columbus, Ohio; Harrisonburg, Virginia; Mitchell, North Dakota; Spencer, Iowa and Springfield, Illinois markets. Our second quarter 2020 impairment charge related to our Bucyrus, Ohio; Champaign, Illinois; Charleston, South Carolina; Columbus, Ohio; Harrisonburg, Virginia; Hilton Head, South Carolina; Mitchell, South Dakota; and Ocala, Florida markets. We also reviewed our value of goodwill and other long-lived assets as of June 30, 2020 and September 30, 2020, noting no impairment in goodwill or other long-lived assets. Please refer to Note 3 - Broadcast Licenses, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of several key assumptions used in the fair value estimate of our broadcast licenses during 2020 impairment tests.
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 2022 impairment test had the fair values of each of our broadcasting licenses been lower by 10%-30%, we would not have had to record any additional broadcast license impairment.
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 allowances if the Company believes it is more than likely than not that some portion or the entire asset will not be realized.
Litigation and Contingencies: On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our exposure related to litigation and contingencies and record a liability when available information indicates that a liability is probable and estimable. We also disclose significant matters that are reasonably possible to result in a loss or are probable but not estimable.
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.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
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.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
The financial statements attached hereto are filed as part of this annual report.

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
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”). Based upon that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures over financial reporting were effective to ensure that material information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act will be recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the year ended December 31, 2022 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.
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 internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2022. Our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022 has been audited by UHY LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in its report which appears below.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors Saga Communications, Inc.
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited Saga Communications, Inc.’s (the Company’s) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, 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 Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of Saga Communications, Inc. as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2022 and the related notes and financial statement schedule, and our report dated March 16, 2023 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible 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 internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the 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 effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. 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 opinion.
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.
/s/ UHY LLP
Sterling Heights, Michigan
March 16, 2023

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 9B. Other Information
None.
PART III

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
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 2023 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.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the information contained in our Proxy Statement for the 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed not later than 120 days after the end of the Company’s fiscal year.

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
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 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed not later than 120 days after the end of the Company’s fiscal year. In addition, the information contained in the “Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plan Information” subheading under Item 5 of this report is incorporated by reference herein.

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
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 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed not later than 120 days after the end of the Company’s fiscal year.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
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 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed not later than 120 days after the end of the Company’s fiscal year.
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
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 1195)
Consolidated Financial Statements:
- Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2022 and 2021
- Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020
- Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020
- Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
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.
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 sheets of Saga Communications, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2022, and the related notes and financial statement Schedule II, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts, listed in the index at item 15(a)(2) (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, 2022 and 2021, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period December 31, 2022, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), and our report dated March 16, 2023 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
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 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 audits 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 audits 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 audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
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 an account or disclosure that is material to the financial statements and (2) involved 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.
Critical Audit Matter - Broadcast License Impairment Analysis
As disclosed in Notes 1 and 3 to the financial statements, the Company evaluates Federal Communications Commission licenses (or “broadcast licenses”) for impairment on an annual basis as of October 1st or, more frequently, if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the Company’s broadcast licenses may not be recoverable. The broadcast license balance as of December 31, 2022 was $90.3 million. The Company considers potential impairment by comparing the fair value of a market’s broadcast license to its carrying value. Fair value is estimated by management using the Greenfield method at the market level, which is a discounted cash flow approach assuming a start-up scenario in which the only assets held by an investor are broadcasting licenses. Management’s cash flow projections include significant judgments and assumptions related to market growth rates and market profit margin, estimated available market revenue including market share, terminal values and discount rates.
We identified broadcast license impairment as a critical audit matter because of the significant judgments made by management to estimate the fair value of the Company’s broadcast licenses. This required a high degree of auditor judgment and an increased extent of effort when performing audit procedures to evaluate the reasonableness of inputs into the discounted cash flow model driven by management’s estimates.
How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
Our audit procedures performed to evaluate the reasonableness of management’s estimates and assumptions included assessing the methodologies used by the Company and testing the significant assumptions used in the quantitative models. We tested the effectiveness of the control over management’s evaluation and determination of estimates and assumptions used as the inputs in the impairment models. We compared the cash flow models prepared by management to historical revenues and profit margins as well as third-party market data to evaluate the reasonableness of the assumptions. We evaluated historical trends in assessing the reasonableness of growth rate assumptions and performed sensitivity analysis of certain significant assumptions to evaluate the changes in the fair value of the reporting units that would result from changes in these assumptions. We performed procedures to verify the mathematical accuracy of the calculations of broadcast license impairment used by management. We involved our valuation specialists to assist us in identifying the significant assumptions underlying the models, assessing the rationale and supporting documents related to these assumptions and determining the appropriateness and reasonableness of the methodologies employed. Furthermore, we assessed the appropriateness of the disclosures in the consolidated financial statements.
/s/ UHY LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2015.
Sterling Heights, Michigan
March 16, 2023
Saga Communications, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, except par value)
December 31,
(In thousands)
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
36,802
$
54,760
Short-term investments
10,123
-
Accounts receivable, less allowance of $519 ($469 in 2021)
17,440
16,269
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
2,479
2,449
Barter transactions
1,015
Total current assets
67,859
74,449
Property and equipment
146,054
144,719
Less accumulated depreciation
92,856
91,375
Net property and equipment
53,198
53,344
Other assets:
Broadcast licenses, net
90,307
90,277
Goodwill
19,236
19,209
Other intangibles, right of use assets, deferred costs and investments, net of accumulated amortization of $15,944 ($15,906 in 2021)
10,153
10,653
Total assets
$
240,753
$
247,932
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
$
2,654
$
2,347
Accrued payroll and payroll taxes
5,623
6,202
Dividend payable
13,754
3,988
Other accrued expenses
6,359
5,758
Barter transactions
Total current liabilities
29,377
19,196
Deferred income taxes
25,737
24,802
Other liabilities
7,110
7,015
Total liabilities
62,224
51,013
Commitments and contingencies
-
-
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, 7,866 issued (6,835 in 2021)
Class B common stock, $.01 par value, 3,500 shares authorized, 0 issued (965 in 2021)
-
Additional paid-in capital
71,664
70,035
Retained earnings
143,896
164,246
Treasury stock (1,753 shares in 2022 and 1,758 shares in 2021, at cost)
(37,109)
(37,439)
Total shareholders’ equity
178,529
196,919
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$
240,753
$
247,932
See accompanying notes.
Saga Communications, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income
Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands, except per share data)
Net operating revenue
$
114,893
$
108,343
$
95,813
Operating expenses:
Station operating expense
87,537
83,245
81,586
Corporate general and administrative
14,300
10,040
11,574
Other operating (income) expense, net
(14)
(1,247)
Impairment of intangible assets
-
-
5,149
101,823
93,292
97,062
Operating income (loss)
13,070
15,051
(1,249)
Other (income) expenses:
Interest expense
Interest income
(410)
(16)
(148)
Other income
(652)
(634)
(233)
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)
14,002
15,417
(1,208)
Income tax provision (benefit):
Current
3,865
4,065
1,250
Deferred
(545)
4,800
4,260
Net income (loss)
$
9,202
$
11,157
$
(1,913)
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic
$
1.52
$
1.85
$
(0.32)
Diluted
$
1.52
$
1.85
$
(0.32)
Weighted average common shares
5,973
5,917
5,871
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares
5,973
5,917
5,871
Dividends declared per share
$
4.86
$
0.98
$
0.32
See accompanying notes.
Saga Communications, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
Years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020
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, 2020
6,771
$
$
$
66,811
$
162,822
$
(37,358)
192,352
Net loss
-
-
-
-
-
(1,913)
-
(1,913)
Conversion of shares from Class B to Class A
-
(16)
-
-
-
-
-
Forfeiture of restricted stock
(2)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Dividends declared per common share
-
-
-
-
-
(1,919)
-
(1,919)
Compensation expense related to restricted stock awards
-
-
-
-
2,221
-
-
2,221
Purchase of shares held in treasury
-
-
-
-
-
-
(449)
(449)
401(k) plan contribution
-
-
-
-
(132)
-
Balance at December 31, 2020
6,785
$
$
$
68,900
$
158,990
$
(37,425)
$
190,542
Net income
-
-
-
-
-
11,157
-
11,157
Conversion of shares from Class B to Class A
-
(12)
-
-
-
-
-
Issuance of restricted stock
-
-
-
-
-
-
Dividends declared per common share
-
-
-
-
-
(5,901)
-
(5,901)
Compensation expense related to restricted stock awards
-
-
-
-
1,335
-
-
1,335
Purchase of shares held in treasury
-
-
-
-
-
-
(435)
(435)
401(k) plan contribution
-
-
-
-
(200)
-
Balance at December 31, 2021
6,835
$
$
$
70,035
$
164,246
$
(37,439)
$
196,919
Net income
-
-
-
-
-
9,202
-
9,202
Conversion of shares from Class B to Class A
(965)
(9)
-
-
-
-
Issuance of restricted stock
-
-
(1)
-
-
-
Dividends declared per common share
-
-
-
-
-
(29,552)
-
(29,552)
Compensation expense related to restricted stock awards
-
-
-
-
1,858
-
-
1,858
Purchase of shares held in treasury
-
-
-
-
-
-
(147)
(147)
401(k) plan contribution
-
-
-
-
(228)
-
Balance at December 31, 2022
7,867
$
-
$
-
$
71,664
$
143,896
$
(37,109)
$
178,529
See accompanying notes.
Saga Communications, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)
$
9,202
$
11,157
$
(1,913)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
5,171
5,749
6,524
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
(545)
Impairment of intangible assets
-
-
5,149
Amortization of deferred costs
Compensation expense related to restricted stock awards
1,858
1,335
2,221
(Gain) loss on sale of assets, net
(14)
(1,247)
(Gain) on insurance claims
(534)
(589)
(233)
Other (gain) loss, net
(118)
(45)
-
Barter (revenue) expense, net
(2)
(133)
Deferred and other compensation
1,425
(215)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease in receivables and prepaid expenses
(1,135)
3,016
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other liabilities
(1,254)
Total adjustments
7,923
7,947
14,001
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
17,125
$
19,104
$
12,088
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of Short-term investments
(18,000)
-
-
Redemption of Short-term investments
8,000
-
-
Acquisition of property and equipment
(5,994)
(3,969)
(2,314)
Acquisition of broadcast properties
(57)
(150)
(190)
Proceeds from sale and disposal of assets
1,691
Proceeds from insurance claims
Other investing activities
(24)
Net cash used in investing activities
(14,990)
(3,348)
(604)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments on long-term debt
-
(10,000)
-
Cash dividends paid
(19,785)
(1,914)
(3,716)
Payments for debt issuance costs
(161)
-
-
Purchase of treasury shares
(147)
(435)
(449)
Net cash used in financing activities
(20,093)
(12,349)
(4,165)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
(17,958)
3,407
7,319
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
54,760
51,353
44,034
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
36,802
$
54,760
$
51,353
See accompanying notes.
Saga Communications, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Nature of Business
Saga Communications, Inc. is a broadcasting company whose business is devoted to acquiring, developing and operating broadcast properties. We currently own or operated seventy-nine FM, thirty-four AM radio stations and eighty metro signals, serving twenty-seven 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 38%, 39% and 40% of our net operating revenue for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, 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 doubtful accounts 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, 2022 and 2021.
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, 2022, we have recorded $10.1 million of held-to-maturity U.S. Treasury Bills at amortized cost basis that have a fair market value of $10 million. Our held-to-maturity U.S. Treasury Bills all have original maturity dates ranging from February 2023 to June 2023. We had no marketable securities at December 31, 2021.
Saga Communications, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (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, 2022.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
A provision for doubtful accounts 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 doubtful accounts during the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 was 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, 2022
$
$
$
-
$
(358)
$
December 31, 2021
$
$
$
-
$
(235)
$
December 31, 2020
$
$
$
-
$
(443)
$
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 2022, 2021 and 2020.
Saga Communications, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
Property and equipment consisted of the following:
Estimated
December 31,
Useful Life
(In thousands)
Land and land improvements
-
$
15,259
$
14,638
Buildings
31.5 years
40,823
38,225
Towers and antennae
7-15 years
26,992
25,918
Equipment
3-15 years
52,459
55,955
Furniture, fixtures and leasehold improvements
7-20 years
7,741
7,129
Vehicles
5 years
2,780
2,854
146,054
144,719
Accumulated depreciation
(92,856)
(91,375)
Net property and equipment
$
53,198
$
53,344
Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, was $5,133,000, $5,362,000 and $5,711,000, 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 27 markets, which require renewal over the period of 2023-2030. 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.
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, 2022, 2021 and 2020, we recognized interest expense related to the amortization of debt issuance costs of $10,000, $37,000 and $40,000, respectively.
At December 31, 2022 and 2021 the net book value of debt issuance costs related to our line of credit was $166,000, and $17,000, respectively, and was presented in other intangibles, deferred costs and investments in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Saga Communications, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (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 12 - Commitments and Contingencies for more information on Leases.
Common Stock
Our founder, Chairman, President, and former 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 16% 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, 2022, we had remaining authorization of $18.2 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 2022, 2021 and 2020, we acquired 6,044 shares at an average price of $24.27 per share, 16,577 shares at an average price of $26.25 per share and 24,255 shares at an average price of $18.51 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. 104, Topic 13, Revenue Recognition Revised and Updated and The Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers.
Saga Communications, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (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 $1,646,000, $1,396,000 and $985,000 for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, 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 and permanent differences primarily relating to executive compensation.
Dividends
On December 7, 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per share and a special cash dividend of $2.00 per share on its Classes A Common Stock. This dividend, totaling approximately $13,800,000, was paid on January 13, 2023 to shareholders of record on December 21, 2022 and is recorded in dividends payable in our Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2022.
On September 20, 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per share and a special cash dividend of $2.00 per share on its Classes A Common Stock. This dividend, totaling approximately $13,600,000, was paid on October 21, 2022 to shareholders of record on October 3, 2022.
On June 6, 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per share on its Classes A and B Common Stock. This dividend, totaling approximately $1,200,000, was paid to our transfer agent on June 29, 2022. The dividend was paid by our transfer agent on July 1, 2022 to shareholders of record on June 13, 2022.
On March 1, 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.16 per share on its Classes A and B Common Stock. This dividend, totaling approximately $970,000, was paid on April 8, 2022 to shareholders of record on March 21, 2022.
On December 14, 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.16 per share and special cash dividend of $0.50 per share on its Classes A and B Common Stock. This dividend, totaling approximately $3,990,000, was paid on January 14, 2022 to shareholders of record on December 27, 2021 and was recorded in dividends payable on the Company’s Consolidated Balance sheet at December 31, 2021.
Saga Communications, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
On September 28, 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.16 per share on its Classes A and B Common Stock. This dividend, totaling approximately $960,000, was paid on October 22, 2021 to shareholders of record on October 8, 2021.
On June 18, 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.16 per share on its Classes A and B Common Stock. This dividend, totaling approximately $960,000, was paid on July 16, 2021 to shareholders of record on June 30, 2021 and was recorded in dividends payable on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance sheet at June 30, 2021. The Company had previously temporarily suspended the quarterly cash dividend in response to the uncertainty of the ongoing impact of COVID-19 as of June 18, 2020.
On June 18, 2020, our Board of Directors announced that it was temporarily suspending the quarterly cash dividend in response to the continued uncertainty of the ongoing impact of COVID-19.
On March 4, 2020, our Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.32 per share on its Classes A and B Common Stock. This dividend, totaling approximately $1.9 million, was paid on April 10, 2020 to shareholders of record on March 16, 2020 and funded by cash on the Company’s balance sheet.
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 7 - Stock-Based Compensation for further details regarding the expense calculated under the fair value based method.
Segments
We serve twenty-seven radio markets (reporting units) that aggregate into one operating segment (Radio), which also qualifies as a reportable segment. We operate under one reportable busines 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 Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) 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. We continually review our operating segment classification to align with operational changes in our business and may make changes as necessary.
Saga Communications, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
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, 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.
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands, except per share data)
Numerator:
Net income
$
9,202
$
11,157
$
(1,913)
Less: Income allocated to unvested participating securities
(21)
Net income available to common shareholders
$
9,062
$
10,967
$
(1,892)
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings per share - weighted average shares
5,973
5,917
5,871
Effect of dilutive securities:
Common stock equivalents
-
-
-
Denominator for diluted earnings per share - adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversions
5,973
5,917
5,871
Earnings per share:
Basic
$
1.52
$
1.85
$
(0.32)
Diluted
$
1.52
$
1.85
$
(0.32)
There were no stock options outstanding that had an antidilutive effect on our earnings per share calculation for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, 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
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
Management has considered all recent accounting pronouncements issued. The Company’s management believes that these recent pronouncements will not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.
Saga Communications, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
2. 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.
Digital Advertising Revenue
We recognize revenue from our digital initiatives across multiple platforms such as targeted digital advertising, online promotions, advertising on our 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.
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,
(in thousands)
Types of Revenue
Broadcast Advertising Revenue, net
$
98,709
$
95,573
$
87,481
Digital Advertising Revenue
7,912
6,337
3,416
Other Revenue
8,272
6,433
4,916
Net Revenue
$
114,893
$
108,343
$
95,813
Saga Communications, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
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.
3. 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 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. If the carrying amount of goodwill in a reporting unit is greater than the implied value of goodwill determined by completing a hypothetical purchase price allocation using estimated fair value of the reporting unit, the carrying amount of goodwill in that reporting unit is reduced to its implied value.
Saga Communications, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
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, 2022 and 2021 as follows:
Total
(in thousands)
Balance at January 1, 2021
$
90,208
Acquisitions
Balance at December 31, 2021
$
90,277
Acquisitions
Balance at December 31, 2022
$
90,307
2022 Impairment Test
We completed our impairment annual impairment test of broadcast licenses during the fourth quarter of 2022 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 2022, the fourth quarter of 2021 and the year ended 2020. The ranges for operating profit margin and market long-term revenue growth rates vary by market. In general, when comparing between 2022, 2021 and 2020: (1) the market specific operating profit margin range remained relatively consistent; (2) the market long-term revenue growth rates were relatively consistent with some stabilization of rates in 2022; (3) the discount rate decreased; and (4) current year revenue projections increased with amounts previously projected for 2022.
Fourth
Fourth
Year
Quarter
Quarter
Ended
Discount rates
9.5
%
12.3% - 12.6
%
12.6% - 13.0
%
Operating profit margin ranges
17.8% - 36.4
%
17.8% - 36.4
%
17.8% - 36.4
%
Market long-term revenue growth rates
1.0% - 2.0
%
0.2% - 2.6
%
0.2% - 2.9
%
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 - (Continued)
2021 Impairment Test
During the fourth quarter of 2021, 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.
2020 Impairment Test
Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the U.S. economy and the related significant negative impact on our revenue for the second, third and fourth quarter of 2020 (excluding political advertising) in the majority of our markets, the Company tested its FCC License for impairment during the second quarter and again in the third quarter of 2020. Our broadcast revenue was significantly negatively impacted in the majority of the states where we operate, due to economic shutdowns and the related decline in advertising spending nationwide as most companies were making massive payroll cuts out of a necessity to survive with their revenues also significantly impacted. We experienced a significant number of cancellations of advertising on our stations, with the greatest decreases in the following industries/categories: Automotive, Entertainment, Home Improvement, Professional Services, Restaurants, and Retail. The only category where we saw an increase over the prior quarters and year to date in 2020 were political advertising and government/public service/issue advertising. We also saw significant declines in our revenue related to events, venues, travel and sports as these types of businesses have been virtually shut down. We started to see increased revenues from our low point in Q2 2020, however, throughout 2020 they were not at the previously expected recovery rate. Based on the trends we were seeing at our markets we believe that our analysis and estimates used during the third quarter 2020 analysis remained our best estimate and we did not believe any further triggering events occurred during the fourth quarter of 2020 since the date of the previous analysis that would require any additional impairment testing for broadcast licenses.
As a result of the quantitative impairment test performed as of June 30, 2020, the Company determined that the fair value of the broadcast licenses were less than the carrying amount on the balance sheet and recorded non-cash impairment charges totaling $3.8 million related to the FCC licenses in our Bucyrus, Ohio; Champaign, Illinois; Charleston, South Carolina; Columbus, Ohio; Harrisonburg, Virginia; Hilton Head, South Carolina; Mitchell, South Dakota; and Ocala, Florida markets. The impairment charges were primarily due to a decrease in projected revenue in these markets due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, an increase in the discount rate used in the discounted cash flow analyses to estimate the fair value of our FCC licenses due to certain risks specifically associated with the Company and the radio broadcasting industry, and a decrease in mature operating margins in small markets due to the cost of operations in a small market.
As a result of the quantitative impairment test performed as of September 30, 2020, the Company determined that the fair value of the broadcast licenses were less than the carrying amount on the balance sheet and recorded non-cash impairment charges totaling $1.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 related to the FCC licenses in our Bellingham, Washington; Champaign, Illinois; Charleston, South Carolina; Columbus, Ohio; Harrisonburg, Virginia; Mitchell, South Dakota; Spencer, Iowa and Springfield, Illinois. The impairment charges were primarily due to a decrease in projected revenue in these markets due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, an increase in the discount rate used in 2019 but slightly less than in the second quarter of 2020, in the discounted cash flow analyses to estimate the fair value of our FCC licenses due to certain risks specifically associated with the Company and the radio broadcasting industry, and a decrease in mature operating margins in small markets due to the cost of operations in a small market.
Saga Communications, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
Goodwill
During the fourth quarter of 2022, 2021 and 2020, 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.
We have recorded the changes to goodwill for each of the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 as follows:
Total
(in thousands)
Balance at January 1, 2021
$
19,106
Acquisitions
Balance at December 31, 2021
$
19,209
Acquisitions
Balance at December 31, 2022
$
19,236
Other Intangible Assets
We have recorded amortizable intangible assets at December 31, 2022 as follows:
Gross
Carrying
Accumulated
Net
Amount
Amortization
Amount
(In thousands)
Non-competition agreements
$
3,861
$
3,861
$
-
Favorable lease agreements
5,965
5,624
Customer relationships
4,660
4,660
-
Other intangibles
1,829
1,799
Total amortizable intangible assets
$
16,315
$
15,944
$
We have recorded amortizable intangible assets at December 31, 2021 as follows:
Gross
Carrying
Accumulated
Net
Amount
Amortization
Amount
(In thousands)
Non-competition agreements
$
3,861
$
3,861
$
-
Favorable lease agreements
5,965
5,597
Customer relationships
4,660
4,660
-
Other intangibles
1,829
1,788
Total amortizable intangible assets
$
16,315
$
15,906
$
Aggregate amortization expense for these intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, was $48,000, $387,000 and $813,000, respectively. Our estimated annual amortization expense for the years ending December 31, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026 and 2027 is $71,000, $69,000, $66,000, $65,000 and $60,000, respectively.
Saga Communications, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
4. Long-Term Debt
On October 27, 2021, we used $10 million from funds generated by operations to voluntarily pay down the remaining amount on our Revolving Credit Facility and as such, have no debt outstanding at December 31, 2021 or 2022.
On August 18, 2015, we entered into a credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., The Huntington National Bank, Citizens Bank, National Association and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC. The Credit Facility consisted of a $100 million five-year revolving facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) and originally matured on August 18, 2020. On June 27, 2018, the Company entered into a Second Amendment to its Credit Facility, (the “Second Amendment”), which had first been amended on September 1, 2017, extending the revolving credit maturity date under the Credit Agreement for five years after the date of the amendment to June 27, 2023. On July 1, 2019, we elected to reduce our Revolving Credit Facility to $70 million. On May 11, 2020, as part of our reincorporation as a Florida corporation, we entered into an assumption agreement and amendment of loan documents. The amendment also included an alternative benchmark rate as a replacement to LIBOR. On November 1, 2021, we elected to further reduce our Revolving Credit Facility to $50 million. 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, 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 (4.3% at December 31, 2022), 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 used 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 Revolving Credit Facility.
The Credit Facility contains a number of financial covenants (all of which we were in compliance with at December 31, 2022) 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.
After we paid down our debt and reduced our Revolving Credit Facility as noted above, we had approximately $50 million of unused borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility at December 31, 2022.
Saga Communications, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
5. Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands)
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest
$
$
$
Income taxes
$
4,160
$
3,450
$
1,099
Non-cash transactions:
Barter revenue
$
2,431
$
2,125
$
2,014
Barter expense
$
2,477
$
2,124
$
1,881
Acquisition of property and equipment
$
$
-
$
Use of treasury shares for 401(k) match
$
$
$
6. Income Taxes
On March 18, 2020, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act ("FFCR Act"), and on March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act ("CARES Act") were each enacted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The FFCR Act and the CARES Act contain numerous tax provisions, such as deferring payroll payments, establishing a credit for the retention of certain employees, relaxing limitations on the deductibility of interest, and updating the definition of qualified improvement property. This legislation currently has no material impact to the Company’s financial statements.
An income tax expense of $4,800,000 was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to income tax expense of $4,260,000 for the year ended December 31, 2021. The effective tax rate was approximately 34.3% for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to 27.6% for the year ended December 31, 2021. The 2022 year to date tax rate was impacted by $3.8 million in expenses in the third quarter related to the compensation of our CEO upon his death, in accordance with his employment agreement that are permanent differences between our book and taxable income.
Saga Communications, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (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,
(In thousands)
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment
$
4,218
$
4,242
Intangible assets
22,355
21,425
Prepaid expenses
Total deferred tax liabilities
27,050
26,072
Deferred tax assets:
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Compensation
1,134
1,093
Other accrued liabilities
1,313
1,270
Less: valuation allowance
-
-
Total net deferred tax assets
1,313
1,270
Net deferred tax liabilities
$
25,737
$
24,802
Current portion of deferred tax assets
$
$
Non-current portion of deferred tax liabilities
(26,078)
(25,163)
Net deferred tax liabilities
$
(25,737)
$
(24,802)
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, 2022 and December 31, 2021, we do not have a valuation allowance for net deferred tax assets.
At December 31, 2022 and 2021, net deferred tax liabilities include a deferred tax asset of $1,313,000 and $1,270,000, respectively, relating to deferred compensation, stock-based compensation expense, accrued compensation, the allowance for doubtful accounts, and other accrued expenses.
The significant components of the provision for income taxes are as follows:
Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands)
Current:
Federal
$
2,800
$
3,080
$
State
1,065
Total current
3,865
4,065
1,250
Total deferred
(545)
Total Income Tax Provision
$
4,800
$
4,260
$
Saga Communications, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (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,
(In thousands)
Tax expense (benefit) at U.S. statutory rates
$
2,927
$
3,209
$
(290)
State tax expense, net of federal benefit
Other, net
$
4,800
$
4,260
$
The 2022 and 2021 effective tax rates exceed the federal statutory rate primarily due to non-deductible compensation related expenses and state income taxes. The 2020 effective tax rate exceeded the federal statutory rate primarily due to non-deductible compensation related expenses, book tax differences in impairment charges 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 2019. The Company is subject to examination for income and non-income tax filings in various states.
As of December 31, 2022, and 2021 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 years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, we had $-, $-, and $600, respectively, tax-related interest and penalties and had $0 accrued at December 31, 2022 and 2021.
7. 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 allows 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 may 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 may be issued pursuant to incentive stock options and 370,000 Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion of Class B Common Stock. Awards denominated in Class A Common Stock may 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 may be for terms not exceeding ten years from the date of grant and may not be exercised at a price which is less than 100% of the fair market value of shares at the date of grant.
On March, 1, 2023, our Board of Directors approved the 2023 Incentive Compensation Plan to be approved by our shareholders at our Annual Meeting in May 2023.
Saga Communications, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
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, 2022, 2021 and 2020. 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.
There were no options granted during 2022, 2021 and 2020 and there were no stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2022.
The following summarizes the restricted stock transactions for the year ended December 31:
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Shares
Fair Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2020
128,224
$
34.66
Granted
-
-
Vested
(62,137)
36.50
Forfeited/canceled/expired
(2,332)
33.65
Outstanding at December 31, 2020
63,755
$
32.90
Granted
77,913
23.00
Vested
(41,059)
33.85
Forfeited/canceled/expired
-
-
Outstanding at December 31, 2021
100,609
$
24.85
Granted
66,274
28.70
Vested
(75,763)
25.45
Forfeited/canceled/expired
-
-
Non-vested and outstanding at December 31, 2022
91,120
$
27.15
Weighted average remaining contractual life (in years)
2.6
The weighted average grant date fair value of restricted stock that granted during 2022 and 2021 was $1,902,000 and $1,792,000, respectively. There were no restricted stock grants awarded in 2020. The net value of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock awards aggregated $2,397,000, $2,354,000 and $1,896,000 at December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Saga Communications, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 we had $1,858,000, $1,335,000 and $2,221,000, 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, 2022, 2021 and 2020 was $149,000, $121,000 and $235,000, respectively.
8. 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 $3,500, $1,550 and $2,900 in 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The Company’s discretionary contribution to the plan was approximately $256,000, $250,000 and $225,000 for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, 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, 2022, 2021 and 2020 was $135,000, $100,000 and $105,000, 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.
9. Acquisitions and Dispositions
We actively seek and explore opportunities for expansion through the acquisition of additional broadcast properties. 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 - (Continued)
2022 Acquisitions
On July 12, 2021, we entered into an agreement to acquire WIZZ-AM and a translator from P. & M. Radio for $61,800 of which $5,000 was paid in 2021 and the remainder was paid on April 6, 2022 when we closed on the transaction. Management attributes the goodwill recognized in the acquisition to the power of the existing brands in the Greenfield, Massachusetts market as well as synergies and growth opportunities expected through the combination with the Company’s existing stations. The translators are start-up stations and therefore, have no pro forma revenue and expenses.
2021 Acquisitions
On January 8, 2021, the Company closed on an agreement to purchase WBQL and W288DQ from Consolidated Media, LLC, for an aggregate purchase price of $175,000, of which $25,000 was paid in 2020 and the remaining $150,000 paid in 2021. Management attributes the goodwill recognized in the acquisition to the power of the existing brands in the Clarksville, Tennessee market as well as synergies and growth opportunities expected through the combination with the Company’s existing stations. The translators are start-up stations and therefore, have no pro forma revenue and expenses.
2020 Acquisitions
On January 2, 2020, we closed on an agreement to purchase W295BL from Basic Holdings, LLC, for an aggregate purchase price of $200 thousand, of which $10 thousand was paid in 2019 and the remaining $190 thousand paid in 2020. Management attributes the goodwill recognized in the acquisition to the power of the existing brands in the Manchester, New Hampshire market as well as synergies and growth opportunities expected through the combination with our existing stations. The translators are start-up stations and therefore, have no pro forma revenue and expenses.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet of 2022 and 2021 Acquisitions:
The following condensed balance sheets represent the estimated fair value assigned to the related assets and liabilities of the 2022 and 2021 acquisitions at their respective acquisition dates.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet of 2022 and 2021 Acquisitions
Acquisitions in
(In thousands)
Assets Acquired:
Property and equipment
$
$
Other assets:
Broadcast licenses
Goodwill
Total other assets
Total assets acquired
Liabilities Assumed:
Current liabilities
-
-
Total liabilities assumed
-
-
Net assets acquired
$
$
Saga Communications, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
10. 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.
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 - (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 is 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 have 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 is 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 will also be provided with a prorated bonus that Mr. Christian earned of approximately $633,000 to be paid in March 2023. Mr. Christian had approximately $65,000 withheld as deferred compensation that will be 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 has a cash surrender value of approximately $971,000. Under the agreement, the Company will be responsible to pay the estate’s income tax obligation relating to the payout of the life insurance policy. The estimate of the possible loss related to that tax obligation cannot be made at this time due to uncertainties related to the timing of the transfer. 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. Lada’s Letter Agreement
On August 21, 2022, we entered into a letter employment agreement with Warren S. Lada, a member of our Board, to serve as our Interim President and CEO following the death of Mr. Christian, to serve in this capacity while the Company conducted a formal search for a permanent successor to Mr. Christian. Under the terms of the letter agreement we paid Mr. Lada an annualized base salary of $750,000 during his service as Interim President and CEO; provided local transportation to the Company offices for up to three days a week and he was eligible to participate in the Company’s benefit plans, including the 401(k) plan, as an employee, upon completion of the eligibility requirements.
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 has an initial term of three years, and we and Mr. Forgy may mutually agree to extend the term for an additional two years. Either party may provide written notice of its intent not to extend the initial term at least one year prior to the end of the initial term.
Under the agreement, Mr. Forgy’s base salary is set at $670,000 for the first year and will increase 4% annually. If the Company and Mr. Forgy mutually agree to renew the term of Mr. Forgy’s employment for an additional two years, Mr. Forgy’s base salary would increase in the fourth and fifth year by 4% as well.
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 $50,000 discretionary bonus for the 2022 fiscal year. Mr. Forgy is also eligible for equity awards under the 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan, or any successor equity incentive plan, in accordance with the provisions of that plan that apply to the CEO.
Saga Communications, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
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.”)
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 term, 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.
If Mr. Forgy consents to the renewal term and the Company does not consent, Mr. Forgy will be entitled to the accrued amounts; an amount equal to 150% of the sum of (i) Mr. Forgy’s base salary paid in the prior calendar year plus (ii) his annual bonus earned for the previous fiscal year, 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, Marcia K. Lobaito, at the time, Senior Vice President, Corporate Secretary and Director of Business Affairs, 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 - (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 was 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 and resulted in the converstion 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 16% of the Common Stock outstanding.
11. Common Stock
As previously disclosed, as a result of the passing of our founder, 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 principal shareholder, and (iii) as otherwise provided by law.
Saga Communications, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (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 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 eight members at December 31, 2022. Currently, our Board of Directors consists of eight 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 the principal shareholder or an affiliate of the principal shareholder, 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.
12. 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, 2022, 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 condensed 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 $6.5 million and $6.1 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Lease liabilities were $6.8 million and $6.4 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2022, we recorded additional ROU assets under operating leases of $2,279,000, which is a non-cash transaction. Payments on lease liabilities during the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 totaled $1,797,000 and $1,777,000,respectively.
Lease expense includes cost for leases with terms in excess of one year. For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, our total lease expense was $1,807,000, $1,765,000 and $1,752,000, respectively. Short-term lease costs are de minimus.
Saga Communications, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
We have no financing leases and minimum annual rental commitments under non-cancellable operating leases consisted of the following at December 31, 2022 (in thousands):
Years Ending December 31,
$
1,829
1,696
1,302
1,071
Thereafter
1,225
Total lease payments (a)
7,993
Less: Interest (b)
1,165
Present value of lease liabilities (c)
$
6,828
(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, 2022.
(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 6.3 years and 4.8%, respectively, at December 31, 2022.
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) is negotiating and will enter into, on behalf of the participating members, an Interim License Agreement with Broadcast Music, Inc.; (3) reached an agreement with the Society of European Stage Authors and Composers that is retroactive to January 1, 2016; and (4) in January 2022, RMLC and Global Music Rights (“GMR”) reach a conditional settlement of the GMR-RMLC antitrust and/or unfair competition litigations 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 - (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.
13. 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
Cash and cash equivalents
Level 1
$
36,802
$
54,760
Short-term investments
Level 1
10,090
-
Revolving Credit Facility
Level 2
-
-
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 approximate fair value due to their short maturities. The fair value of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments are 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 3 - Broadcast Licenses, Goodwill and Other Intangibles, and are adjusted to fair value only when the carrying values are more than the fair values.
Saga Communications, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
During the fourth quarter of 2022, 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.
During the fourth quarter of 2021, 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.
During 2020, as a result of our interim impairment tests, we wrote down broadcast licenses with a carrying value of $51,448,000 to their fair value of $46,299,000, resulting in a non-cash impairment charge of $5,149,000, which is included in net income for the year ended December 31, 2020. The categorization of the framework used to price the assets is considered a level 3, due to the subjective nature of the unobservable inputs used to determine the fair value. (See Note 3 for the disclosure of certain key assumptions used to develop the unobservable inputs.)
14. Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)
March 31,
June 30,
September 30,
December 31,
(in thousands, except per share data)
Net operating revenue
$
24,967
$
22,301
$
29,821
$
28,046
$
29,980
$
28,845
$
30,125
$
29,151
Station operating expenses
20,568
18,923
21,786
21,017
22,295
21,690
22,888
21,615
Corporate G&A
2,694
2,438
2,609
2,494
6,667
2,538
2,330
2,570
Other operating expense (income), net
(5)
(80)
(37)
(2)
(17)
Operating income (loss)
1,710
5,381
4,615
1,055
4,619
4,924
4,934
Other (income) expenses:
Interest expense
Interest (income)
(4)
(6)
(49)
(4)
(134)
(4)
(223)
(2)
Other (income) expense
(2)
(272)
-
(31)
(34)
(279)
(616)
(52)
Income before income taxes
1,684
1,088
5,398
4,578
1,191
4,829
5,729
4,922
Income tax provision (benefit)
1,575
1,325
1,295
1,375
1,450
1,230
Net income (loss)
$
1,204
$
$
3,823
$
3,253
$
(104)
$
3,454
$
4,279
$
3,692
Basic earnings(loss) per share
$
0.20
$
0.13
$
0.63
$
0.54
$
(0.01)
$
0.58
$
0.70
$
0.60
Weighted average common shares
5,948
5,913
5,952
5,917
5,961
5,917
6,013
5,922
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
$
0.20
$
0.13
$
0.63
$
0.54
$
(0.01)
$
0.58
$
0.70
$
0.60
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares
5,948
5,913
5,952
5,917
5,961
5,917
6,013
5,922
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.
Saga Communications, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
16. Other Income
During the first quarter of 2022, there was fire damage to a transmission line in our Des Moines, Iowa market. The Company’s insurance policy provided coverage for removal and replacement of the transmission line and related equipment. As part of the insurance settlement during the fourth quarter of 2022, the Company received cash proceeds of $445,000, resuling in a gain of $445,000 which is recorded in the other (income) expense, net, in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.
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. As part of the FCC’s 2018 Reimbursement Expansion Act, which appropriated $1 billon in additional funds for the Reimbursement Fund and expanded eliglibe entities for reimbursement to include FM stations affected by the repack. During 2022, the Company received approximately $116,000 in reimbursement for our FM stations, which is recorded in the other (income), expense, net, in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income. We may receive additional reimbursements and will record in other (income), expense, net, if we receive anything additional.
During the first quarter of 2021, there was weather-related damage to an antenna in our Des Moines, Iowa market. The Company’s insurance policy provided coverage for removal and replacement of the antenna and related equipment. As part of the initial insurance settlement during the first quarter of 2021, the Company received cash proceeds of $250,000, resulting in a gain of $250,000. We received additional cash proceeds of $290,000 in the third quarter, resulting in a gain of $290,000. The total gain of $540,000 is recorded in other (income) expense, net, in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.
During the first quarter of 2020, we sold land and a building on one of our tower sites in our Bellingham, Washington market for approximately $1,700,000 to Talbot Real Estate, LLC resulting in a $1,400,000 gain on the sale of assets. The gain is recorded in the other operating (income) expense, net in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.
During the first quarter of 2020, there was weather related damage to an antenna in our Keene, New Hampshire market. The Company’s insurance policy provided coverage for removal and replacement of the antenna and related equipment. The insurance settlement was finalized during the first quarter and we received cash proceeds of $208,000, resulting in a gain of $208,000. The gain is recorded in other (income) expense, net in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.
17. Subsequent Events
On March 1, 2023, 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 $1,500,000, will be paid on April 7, 2023 to shareholders of record on March 20, 2023.
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No.
Location
Description
3.1
Articles of Incorporation of Saga Communications Reincorporation, Inc.
3.2
Bylaws, as amended April 16, 2020.
Description of the Company’s Securities
10.1
Summary of Executive Insured Medical Reimbursement Plan.
10.2
Saga Communications, Inc. 2003 Employee Stock Option Plan.
10.3
Chief Executive Officer Annual Incentive Plan.
10.4
Second Amended and Restated Saga Communications, Inc. 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan
10.5
Form of Stock Option Agreement under the Second Amended and Restated Saga Communications, Inc. 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan.
10.6
Form of Restricted Stock Option Agreement under the Second Amended and Restated Saga Communications, Inc. 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan.
10.7
Employment Agreement of Edward K. Christian dated as of June 17, 2011.
10.8
Change in Control Agreement of Samuel D. Bush dated as of December 28, 2007.
10.9
Change in Control Agreement of Marcia K. Lobaito dated as of December 28, 2007.
10.10
Change in Control Agreement of Catherine A. Bobinski dated as of December 28, 2007.
10.11
Amendment to Employment Agreement of Edward K. Christian dated as of February 12, 2016.
10.12
Amendment to the Second Amendment and Restated Saga Communications, Inc. 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan as of April 16, 2018.
10.13
Letter of Employment for Christopher S. Forgy, Senior Vice President / Operations effective May 28, 2018.
10.14
Change in Control Agreement of Christopher Forgy dated as of September 28, 2018.
10.15
Amendment to Employment Agreement of Edward K. Christian dated as of February 26, 2019.
10.16
Change in Control Agreement of Eric Christian dated as of July 6, 2020.
10.17
Third Amendment to Employment Agreement dated January 25, 2022 between Saga Communications, Inc, and Edward K. Christian.
10.18
Letter of Agreement regarding employment of Warren S. Lada as Interim President and CEO dated August 21, 2022.
10.19
Employment Agreement of Christopher Forgy dated as of November 16, 2022.
10.20
Letter of Employment of Wayne Leland dated as of November 16, 2022.
10.21
*
Third Amendment to Credit Agreement dated December 19, 2022 between the Company and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., and The Huntington National Bank.
*
Subsidiaries.
*
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.
*
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.
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
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL with applicable taxonomy extension information contained in Exhibits 101)
*
Filed herewith.
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.
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.
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.
Exhibit filed with the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 4, 2008 and incorporated by reference herein.
Exhibit filed with the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and incorporated by reference herein.
Exhibit filed with the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2011 and incorporated by reference herein.
Exhibit filed with the Company’s Form 8-K filed on October 16, 2013 and incorporated by reference herein.
Exhibit filed with the Company’s Form 8-K/A filed on April 8, 2016 and incorporated by reference herein.
Exhibit filed with the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein.
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.
Exhibit filed with the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2018 and incorporated by reference herein.
Exhibit filed with the Company’s Form 8-K filed on September 28, 2018 and incorporated by reference herein.
Exhibit filed with the Company’s Form 8-K filed on March 1, 2019 and incorporated by reference herein.
Exhibit filed with the Company’s Form 10-K filed on March 13, 2020 and incorporated by reference herein.
Exhibit filed with the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and incorporated by reference herein.
Exhibit filed with the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 27, 2022 and incorporated by reference herein.
Exhibit filed with the Company’s Form 8-K filed on August 25, 2022 and incorporated by reference herein.
Exhibits filed with the Company’s Form 8-K filed on November 16, 2022 and incorporate by reference herein.